Author's notes: Before we begin, I would personally like to thank my DA friend, atsf, for making this series possible. I am posting the edited versions of our stories on DA on this site by getting rid of any spelling or punctuation errors in the writing, as well as any parts that I don't think fit too well. With that said, let's jump into our 1st saga, "How It All Began".

Dear Rachel,

Wow, who would have known they existed? To think that a simple campout would change our lives forever. That very night, we met 6 little ponies: Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. And I'm glad that the engines have become friends with them… for the most part. Let's hope that the B12s have learned their lesson.

Your friend forever, William James Holden.

The Portal

Female voice (Narration) : Many years ago, there was a railway line. Not a commercial line, nor an industrial line or common carrier line. The railway's purpose served as a vital link between 2 different dimensions. Connecting them together to unite them as one, this was known as a the magic railway. However, before the age of railways, one pony discovered the great potential in the of power of the teleportation spell. Star Swril the bearded made a portal to which it could link their world with another. This was to be used to explore and research new world and new civilizations. When he and his pupil Clover The Clever tried it out, they landed in the northern most outskirts of Harwick on an island called Sodor during the King Godred era. Fortunately, since it was after the many wars that Godred had fought, the island was in peace time. But all the same, Clover The Clever and Star Swirl were aware that because this island was inhabited by humans, it would wise not converse with them…. However they were unfortunately discovered wondering in the village. At first the human's feared them, but after much persuading and convincing that they meant no harm, they soon won the friendship of the Harwick villagers and eventually became friends with King Godred himself. Upon returning, the two of them returned to the Canterlot magic academy and taught many students of all breeds of ponies all about the magic portal, which had been passed down since the Celestia and Luna reign of Equestria. Eventually during the age of railways, the Equstrian Railway Company was planning to expanded northward to what they believed to be a crystal mine in the frozen north. Upon reaching the sight, the ponies accidentally fell into the portal and landed in an semi complete Harwick line. Again, the locals were scared but were eventually convinced otherwise to make peace and become friends with them. And so, the ponies helped them to complete the harwick line from the port to the eastern end to a quarry. They eventually built tracks through the portal and the magic railway was born. As a token of the their friendship, the humans and ponies each built an engine to run on the magic railway. The Ponies built a 4-4-0T steam locomotive named Iron Mare, whilst the humans built an 0-4-0T called Lady. Both engines were given magic energy by the ponies, so that they would help to energize the magic railway and keep the two united, this also prevented the ponies from ageing. Eventually, the lost ancestors decided that instead of going back to Equestria, they continued to work for different railway companies such as the S&M and working with a very young Skarloey and Rheanes. Sadly, eventually the ancestors vanished completely once the Harwick line and the S&M closed down. The magic portal was forgotten, and because of the magic becoming wreaking due to the ponies not giving Lady and Iron Mare magic, the ponies past away of old age.

Narrator: A light purple unicorn with a deep blue and purple and pink streaked mane and tail, deep pink star with 5 white stars cutie mark and purple eyes put her book in her pack as she and 5 other ponies stood shivering the in frozen cold weather. Her name is Twilight Sparkle, or Twilight for short. A regal while unicorn with a blueish-purple mane and tail, 3 blue diamonds cutie mark and blue eyes with matching eye shadow spoke next. This is Rarity.

Rairty: Brrrr! This weather is causing my mane to freeze. Are you sure this is the right place Twilight.

Twilight Sparkle: According to the book, this is where the spell was cast by Star Swirl the bearded, so the coordinates should be corrected.

Narrator: A 3rd pony with a blue coat, rainbow mane and tail, rainbow lighting bolt with a cloud cutie mark and pink eyes piped up. She is a pegasus and her name is Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash: But it's just a rock face.

Twilight Sparkle: You guys have to trust me on this one.

Narrator: The 4th pony, this time an orange pony with blonde hair tied back with red hair ties, a cowgirl hat on, 3 red apples for her cutie mark and green eyes spoke up. Her name is Applejack.

Applejack: Don't worry. I trust all the way, Twilight.

Narrator: A 5th pony, yellow coat with pale pink mane and tail, 3 butterflies for her cutie mark, teal eyes and another pegasus, wasn't too sure. This was Fluttershy.

Fluttershy: I don't know Twilight, it doesn't seem safe...

Applejack: It'll be fine Fluttershy. We just have ta stick together.

Fluttershy: Ok Applejack. If your sure.

Twilight Sparkle: Okay, on the count of three we charge through. 1, 2, 3 ..

Twilight Sparkle: Okay, on the count of three we charge through…. Ready…. 1… 2… 3 ….GO!

Narrator: All 6 charged toward the stone rock face. Most of the 6 ponies, baring Twilight, all shut their eyes anticipating a painful crash. One minute they were charging at the rock face, the next they disappeared into the the rock face. Meanwhile, back on Sodor in the high hills of Harwick, a young 14 year old boy and soon to be the greatest Sodor historian named William James Holden and a young 13 year old girl named Rachel Marie Raven whom was writer; were out camping near the now closed, abandoned and forgotten Harwick railway line. The two were sitting by a camp fire whilst Rachel's older friend was telling about the area's history.

William: Did you know Rachel that back in the old days, there was a myth that vikings once planned to plunder Harwick during the sixth century, but were converted by St. Machan in awe of his fearlessness. However, this is most likely false since vikings did not begin raiding Sodor until the eighth century.

Narrator: Rachel stares in amazement.

Rachel: How extraordinary. And I thought King Godred was the only good military strategist on this island. Anything else?

Narrator: William smiles.

William: Well according to our reverend friend Wilbert, he told me that on some maps of Sodor, a strange line has been shown running towards Loey Machan from Harwick's east. Right here on the only remainder of an earlier railway proposals to connect Harwick with Cronk via Peel Godred. The line, however, had only reached the village of Cregwir before funds ran out. The line was used solely as a horse-drawn goods line between Cregwir's quarries and the port at Harwick.

Narrator: Rachel stared gaping in amazement.

Rachel: How incredible.

William: That's not even the half it. I heard tell that there were once ponies here.

Rachel: That's it?

William: Not just any kind of pony. They're were talking ponies of different types. Earth pony are the ones we're used to seeing. Unicorns are most commonly found in fairy tale books, and Pegasi, the flying horses from Greek mythology. They originally helped to build this line along the with humans .

Narrator: Rachel stared gaping in wonderment.

Rachel: Amazing. So what became of the ponies?

Narrator: William yawned.

William: Well no one knows and it wasn't well documented in those days. By the time the line closed down, they just vanished.

Rachel: (Sighs) If only we could have met them.

William: Me too Rachel. So, um, would care for another roasted marshmallow?

Rachel: Oh no thank you. I thinks it time we went hush now quiet n….

Narrator: She got no further as their was a sudden boom coming from the west that made both Rachel Ravens and William Holden jump, startled.

William: WHAT THE DEVIL?!

Rachel: WHAT ON EARTH WAS THAT?!

Narrator: The two decided to investigate. They grabbed their lanterns and headed towards where they heard the sound. When they reached the area they saw nothing at first. Then a pink mare with darker pink mane and tail, 3 balloons for a cutie mark and blue eyes just jumped out of nowhere. This was Pinkie Pie, and the 6th and final of the ponies.

Pinkie Pie : HI!

Will/Rachel: AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!

Narrator: The two friends were so startled that they hastily backed away and were so frightened that forgot to watch where they were going. They tripped over a branch, resulting a jolt and clumsy fall which knocked Williams glasses off. He frantically knelt on his knees trying to find them, he couldn't see a single thing.

William: Ah my glasses! My astigmatism. I can't see a thing without them.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle picked up his glasses using her magic and put them back on him.

Twilight: Here's your glasses Mister.

William: Ahh that's better. Thank you Rachel…..

Twilight Sparkle: Um, my name is Twilight Sparkle, not Rachel.

Rainbow Dash: And Rainbow Dash!

Fluttershy: And I'm Fluttershy. S-sorry we scared you, mister... um...

Narrator: William blinked and hesitated.

William: Um... it's William.. Rachel Marie Ravens.

Applejack: Well, pleasure to meet you two sugar-cubes. I'm Applejack

Pinkie Pie: I'm Pinkie Pie.

Rarity: And I'm Rarity.

Narrator: The two humans blinked and looked at each other, then looked back at the 6 talking multi colored ponies standing in front of them.

To be continued...

Yeah, I put in little descriptions of each of the main 6. That is solely for those who are just getting into the show and know next to nothing about our main characters. Look out for part 2.

Author's notes: Alrighty, let's see how our humans bond with our pony characters. Just a heads up, William James Holden and Rachel Marie Ravens are me and atsf respectively.

Humans Meet Ponies

Narrator: There was a long silence between two species. At last, Rachel broke the silence.

Rachel: Are you ponies for real?

Narrator: Rainbow Dash was a bit offended and she advanced on them crossly. William and Rachel back away slowly, anticipating pain.

Rainbow Dash: Well we wouldn't be standing here talking to you if we wer… nah

Narrator: Applejack grabbed Rainbow Dash's tail with her mouth.

Applejack: (With Rainbow Dash's tail in her mouth) Whoa Nelly! (Spits out Rainbow's tail) Just calm down R.D. I think these creatures don't mean any harm.

Rainbow Dash: (Sigh) why is it always the tail everypony…. (Sigh) Sorry 'bout that you two. I didn't know.

Rachel: ...Em, no problem. Wait a minute, you can speak English?

Rainbow Dash: Well duh, kid. It's the basic language in Equestria.

William: So you guys... erm, I'm mean ponies, are from a different world right?

Twilight Sparkle: That's right. We were just investigating some ancient artifacts from our worlds history. It was teleportation spell that sent us from our dimension to this one.

William: I see.

Narrator: William and Rachel then noticed the ponies shivering. They looked at each other, concerned. It was now dark. The sudrian cold weather was starting to roll in from the sea.

Rachel: Twilight, how about you and your companions come with us back to our campsite. It's not much, but the tent should provide enough room for all of us.

Rarity: Ah, that's quite generous of you Rachel darling. So long as it's not too musty or damp I'll be…

Fluttershy: Um Rarity, I don't think you should be thinking of that right now. I think we should just be happy that somepon—emm I mean somebody is offering us shelter.

Narrator: Rarity blushed and looked at her hooves.

William: Oh no hard feelings Rarity, we all make mistakes.

Narrator: William smiled reassuringly causing Rarity to feel better. So the 8 friends ventured back towards the campsite. When they arrived, it wasn't long before the ponies soon started to converse with the two humans.

Rachel: So what do for a living Fluttershy?

Fluttershy: I mostly attend animals (A little timidly) and sometimes weather patrol with Rainbow Dash.

William: How about you Rainbow Dash?

Rainbow Dash: Well, like Fluttershy said, I work on weather patrol in that line of work I am suppose to keep the weather under control. On the side I am very athletic and aerobatic pony that is training for the wonderbolt academy. That's an elite pegasus flying group.

Rachel: And what do you do Pinkie Pie?

Pinkie Pie: I used work on a rock farm.

William: Don't you mean a rock quarry?

Narrator: Rachel and William were confused.

Pinkie pie: No you silly filly. Unlike a quarry, a rock farm has all the rocks already laid out for you, and you had to harvest them all into one area ready for harvest. Pretty boring job though. But thanks to a sonic rainbow from a young Rainbow Dash I finally found calling in life. When I got old enough, I moved to Ponyville and now work as a party planner and baker for Mr. and Mrs Cake's bakery Sugar Cube Corner.

Rachel: I see.

William: What about you Applejack?

Applejack: Well, I work on one of the biggest and oldest apple farms in all of Equestria, Sweet Apple Acres. (Tips her hat.)

Narrator: Rachel smiled and giggled.

Rachel: Boy. I guess you'd probably make friends easily with the Reverend Charles Laxey. He's a vicar down in Wellsworth and he has an apple orchard as well.

Applejack: Aw shucks. Now that's good to hear.

Rachel: So anyway, what do you do for a living Rarity?

Narrator: Rarity cleared her throat and began.

Rarity: Well, I'm mostly am a fashion designer making marvellous outfits, but I also have knack for finding gems too. Put both together and you get the best of both worlds.

Rachel: I see.

Narrator: William looked over at Twilight Sparkle. He noticed a history book inside her pack. He wanted to look at it himself, but thought it would be rude to grab without permission.

William: So um, Twilight, what do you like to do?

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle smiled broadly. She was ready to answer that.

Twilight Sparkle: Well, I am a major in magic and research and that involves my favorite hobby: reading. I had recently heard about a magic railway line that connected Equestria to another world, I take this is Sodor then?

William: You would be right their Twilight.

Twilight Sparkle: Then, this used to be the place where the lost ancestors used to work to unite the two worlds into one.

Narrator: William's jaw dropped.

William: Great Scot! Then the rumors were true.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle looked puzzled.

Twilight Sparkle: Uh rumors?

Narrator: Rachel, whom was also surprised by the discovery, explained.

Rachel: My friend here is a history major in secondary school with me and he excels extremely well in that subject. He had been on the search for clues that could related to what you said.

Twilight Sparkle: I see. How incredible that humans could manage to discover ancient pony history without even traveling to Equestria. So if this is the Island of Sodor, then is there really...

William: Talking trains? Correct again.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle was delighted.

Twilight Sparkle: YES! I the rumors about talking trains were true. I would definitely like to meet them.

William: (Wink) I can arrange for all of you to meet them.

Twilight Sparkle: Whoa! Wait a minute. If people take notice us we might get into to trouble.

Rachel: Don't worry. The director of the railway, Sir Topham Hatt has also researched the rumors too.

William: And I actually work as a full time engine driver for his railway, and me and him had researched the rumor together as well. I guarantee you that Sir Topham Hatt will see to it that no harm comes to any of you. Besides, he may even let you work on some of his engines for him to while on your visit here. Then, you'll get to meet our engines.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle shook his hand so hard that William felt she was going to rip his arm off like a dog shaking a rag doll.

William: Uh, Twilight, I was wondering if it would be alright with you, if perhaps you could tell us more about your worlds history.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle showed him her history book with a smile on her face.

Twilight Sparkle: Here, how 'bout you hold on to this for me. Perhaps it might come in handy in your studies. I already marked the page for you to look up on the connection.

Narrator: William's heart glowed.

William: Oh thank you Twilight. I really appreciate that.

Twilight: So Rachel, what do you do for a living?

Rachel: Well I am currently a writer for a book series and literature major.

Narrator: Twilight gazed at her in wonderment.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh, you have to let me read some of your work one of these days. I'm a fan of literature myself.

Rachel: (Giggle) Sure. Maybe someday.

Narrator: With that, the ponies got into the tent. Whilst Rachel and the ponies were fast asleep in the tent, William read Twilight Sparkle's book a little bit and then fell asleep due to exhaustion. As he slept, his mind kept was lost in thought about the strange events of that night. He had visions of the railway line the heyday with horse drawn carts ponies working together and he then saw a two locomotives rushing back and forward through a set magic buffers, then disappear. And I'm sure that more or less, deep down Rachel and the ponies were lost in their thoughts too as they drifted fast asleep in the beautiful Sudrian night.

To be continued again.

And so a busy evening comes to a close, but the adventures of Twilight and her friends: Humans and ponies alike, have barely begun. Keep your eyes peeled for part 3.

Author's notes: Right, here's part 3. And the main 6 meet up with the fat director for the 1st time.

Acceptance

Narrator: The next morning, Pinkie Pie was the first one awake. She was going to make breakfast for everyone and everypony in the campsite, when she found a strange little shiny flute thingy hanging on the wall.

Pinkie Pie: Oooh, shiny. I wonder what this mini flute sounds like.

Narrator: She took a deep breath and blew.
PPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPP! Went the shiny mini flute thingy, making everyone jump awake in startle.

Rarity: AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!

Applejack: YYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

Fluttershy: DAAHH!

Twilight Sparkle: YAAAHH! I'm still awake Celestia! Don't worry. I'm not slacking off!

Rainbow Dash: SSSSSDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! I SURRENDER SERGEANT MAJOR SPITFIRE MAM!

William: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! SIR! I SURRENDER SERGEANT MAJOR SIR!

Rachel: AAAAAAAAHHHHH! I WAS PAYING ATTENTION MISS SEYMOUR DON'T ACCUSE ME!

Narrator: Pinkie looked at everyone and everypony still wearing pyjamas, messy manes and hair, and startled and bewildered expressions on their faces.

Pinkie Pie: Good morning everybody! What's with all the screaming?

William: What the devil?

Applejack: What in tar-nation? Pinkie Pie, what the hay was that?

Narrator: Pinkie Pie pulled out the shiny thing.

Pinkie: All I wanted to do was play this shiny flute thingy.

Narrator: William stormed up and snatched the whistle out Pinkie's hooves and scolded her crossly.

William: Don't ever do that again Pinkie Pie! That's not a flute. It's a railway guards whistle. Well it was my grandfathers, but it's used to signal train crews in and out of the stations. It's a really big safety measure, and no one should play with these you silly filly.

Narrator: Pinkie Pie then gave a look like a sad little puppy and whimpered too, making William feel bad and sorry for her.

William: Oh. I just can't stay mad at you. I'm sorry I yelled at you Pinkie, you didn't know better. At least now you know, so we'll say no more about it. Uh, just don't do that again please. (Chuckle) I think you almost woke the forest up with that blast.

Rainbow Dash (Clearing her ears) Man I think you broke the sound barrier of my sonic rainbooms with that blast. Uuughh!

Narrator: William chuckled.

William: Oh that's nothing Rainbow Dash. You should here some the whistle that our engines make. They're louder than a marching band.

Narrator: Pinkie Pie just grinned.

Pinkie: Thank you for your apology, and I'm sorry too. I Pinkie promise it won't happen again. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.

Narrator: Everyone soon a good laugh afterwards. Later, after breakfast, the cavalcade soon packed up and all piled into Williams ancient 1915 7 seater pierce arrow model 48 7 passenger touring car, which was a gift from his father. And headed down the dusty road towards Vicarstowns. Rainbow Dash didn't mind flying alongside, as there was no room for her in the car. The six ponies stared in admiration, as the cavalcade traveled over mountains through foothills, along the coast, across estuary's and through the towns. Some people stared at them but William just drove on.

Rachel: Just take no notice of those squatters. They just never met any unique ponies like you.

Narrator: The ponies felt reassured.

Rachel: So you 6 are from Equestria. What is it like there?

Narrator: Applejack told Rachel and William all about the east, the south and south west sides of equestria including Baltimare, Fillydelphia and Manehatten. Rarity told them about some her favorite places in both west and north west sides and some bits about Canterlot. Rainbow Dash told them about Los Pegasus,and Cloudsdale and about that time she won the best young flyers award. Pinkie Pie told the Will and Rachel about the rock farm she used to work in and about Ponyville and where everyone lived. Fluttershy told them all about her favourite forests, and Twilight told them more about Canterlot and about the Princesses, Celestia and Luna.

Rachel: Wow. It sounds like a paradise over there.

Twilight Sparkle: Indeed it is, though we may have had some set backs in the past like we mentioned. But none the less, it is a paradise.

Rachel: (Sighs wistfully) Oh I'd love to visit your world one of these days.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle looked thoughtful. Then she smiled.

Twilight Sparkle: Maybe you and William will someday.

Narrator: Finally, they reached Vicarstown.

William: Alright, here we are, Vicarstown Station. Now then, I'll need to have all of 7 of you to come with me.

Rarity: Whatever for?

William: Sir Topham Hatt along with myself and many great sudrian historians have been researching this trans dimensional phenomenon.

Narrator: The ponies were apprehensive.

Twilight: But what if we all get into trouble? I'm sure the Princesses would never approve of this, and if Sir Topham Hatt finds out you'll probably get fired.

Narrator: William and Rachel smiled.

Rachel: Look, if this dimension has talking machines in here than I'm sure Sir Topham Hatt will be more than reasonable.

William: Come on, trust me. Sir Topham hatt has researched this island since his days at knapford university.

Narrator: Reluctantly, the ponies agreed and went with William and Rachel. A stout director was sitting in the office reading what looked like a history book about Sodor when someone knocked on the door. A secretary came in.

Secretary: Excuse me sir, but Mister Holden and a young girl wish to have a meeting with you Sir.

Fat Director: Sure. Send them in.

Narrator: The secretary walked out to fetch the two of them. In the waiting room, William and Rachel were explaining to the ponies on how to introduce themselves to Fat Director.

William: Okay now listen carefully. Twilight, I've arranged this with Mrs. Nobs. And she agrees to allow to introduce yourselves along with us to Sir Topham Hatt, the director of the railway.

Rachel: So when the door opens you come in and we and you introduce yourselves to him. Then, explain that you girls mean no harm to the railway or to anyone, you got it?

Mane 6: Yes Rachel, we will.

Narrator: The secretary walked up to them.

Secretary: Okay Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens, Sir Topham Hatt will see you now.

Narrator: She winked at Twilight and strode away as William and Rachel walked in.

William & Rachel: Greetings Sir.

Fat Director: Ah yes Good afternoon young William Holden. Once again I congratulate you on your promotion to driver, so what is that you want to speak to me about.

William: Well you remember my friend Rachel, Sir.

Narrator: The Fat Director stood up and shook her hand.

Fat Director: Ah yes the famous university writer. How do you do Miss Ravens?

Rachel: Very well Sir. Thank you Sir. Anyway, do you recall the famous tale about that old Harwick line in the northern most section of Sodor?

Fat Director: Ah yes. The old line that used horses to run the line, and I did hear a myth about some special ponies working there via through a magic portal. I also heard that they helped to build the line and then worked for many other pre grouping railways until they vanished completely. I take it you made a discovery up there?

William: You'd be surprised Sir at what… or who we discovered.

Narrator: The Fat Director looked confused.

Fat Director: Whatever do you mean young William?

Narrator: William took a deep breath and the explained.

William: Well Sir, try to not be too startled. But we'd like to introduce our new discovery to you.

Narrator: Outside the office, the ponies were all waiting in a little suspense when the door open and William poked his head out.

William: We're ready for you now.

Narrator: The ponies took a deep breath then a little neverous the trotted inside.

Twilight: Here we go girls.

Narrator: In the office, the fat director to his surprise and bewilderment heard the sound of horse hooves clip clopping into the office. The next moment, his eyes widened with wonderment..

Fat Director: Bless my soul, so the myths were true.

Twilight Sparkle: Greetings your lordship.

Narrator: The Fat Director was in awe of what the purple mare just said. This was the first time he had heard a pony talk.

Fat Director: Great Scot! And I thought that engines were the only ones who could talk on this world. Now I know for a fact that the rumors are true. I am most honored to meet you all. Miss... um.

Twilight Sparkle: Twilight Sparkle, Sir.

Rainbow Dash: Rainbow Dash, Sir.

Applejack: Name's Applejack, Sir.

Fluttershy: Umm... I'm Fluttershy, Sir.

Fat Director: Pardon?

William: It's alright. He's not going to hurt you.

Fluttershy: I'm Fluttershy, Sir.

Pinkie pie: I am Pinkie Pie!

Narrator: Pinkie Pie blew a party horn, causing William to panic.

William: Pinkie not now!

Narrator: The Fat Director laughed.

Fat Director: Ho Ho! It's alright there young William. She's quite an excitable little mare isn't she?

Rarity: I am Rarity. A pleasure making your acquaintance, your lordship.

Fat Director : Ho ho ho, there there miss Rarity. Nobody calls me anything that formal. So where did you all come from, and how did you all wind up here?

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle told him everything from the buffers to rock face and the history book. The fat director, William Holden, and Rachel Ravens were all amazed.

Twilight Sparkle: And that's pretty much it sir. We've come to experience what this island has to offer. Your driver friend here Mr. Holden and Miss. Ravens said that you can get us a job on the railway.

Fat Director : Wow. Well I'll be. And yes. I will see that these young beautiful mares will have a job on my railway.

Twilight Sparkle: Thank you sir. Um, just one thing. I'm just little concerned about people seeing us in public.

Narrator: The Fat controller smiled.

Fat Director: Don't worry Twilight. I will speak will speak to the Duke of Sodor and inform him and my staff here of the matter immediately. You 6 shouldn't worry. If the people of this world are used to seeing talking trains, then you have nothing to worry about.

Narrator: With that, the 6 ponies along with William and Rachel, respectfully left while the Fat Director went to take care of the matter.

Ok guys, we are on a role. Look out for the final part of the "How It All Began" saga.

Author's notes: Ok. I've now got myself with the ponies while being introduced to the engines of Sodor. I will go back and update 'Edward's Day Out' and 'Old Iron' right away in order to be consistent.

A Life Changing Experience

Narrator: The Fat Director was as good as his word. He spoke to the Duke and explained the situation, he then informed the island about the Ponies and informed them that they were friendly and meant no harm. The staff were also informed that the ponies and were going into job training on the north western railway, much to the delight of William James Holden and Rachel Marie Ravens. Early the following morning, the ponies were still asleep at Vicarstown hotel when William and Rachel rushed in excited startling the ponies.

William: WE'VE WON! WE'VE WON!

Applejack: Ok! We're up! What in tarnation is happenin'?

Rachel: The people of Sodor do not condole you being here and they say that you and your kind are more than welcome to visit here.

Narrator: Everypony jumped up joyful and hugged each other.

Twilight: Oh thank you William, Rachel. I don't know what we would have done if not for you kind deed.

William: Oh think nothing of it. We're just glad we could help now 6 come with me we've got to get work to. (wink)

Rarity: Did you say 'work', darling?

William: Indeed did Rarity.

Narrator: Pinkie Pie was so excited she lit up like a firework and shot into the sky in her excitement.

Pinkie Pie: OH YAY! We're going to work on the railway with you.

William: That's right Sir Topham Hatt has arranged for all you to go into job training. We're heading for Vicarstown sheds right now. So let's get down to the car we need to get down there too pick an engine out for the day.

Twilight: Alright I'm eager to work.

Applejack: Same here I'm With you.

Pinkie: Alright I'm so excited.

Fluttershy: Um, yeah I go too. If you want me to.

William: Of course come Fluttershy.

(Fluttershy lets out a squee)

Rainbow Dash: I'm with you too Will.

Rarity: I am honored to joined you in this new line of work.

Rachel: Oh goodie. Same here. Thank you so much for taking me here.

William: No problem Rachel. Well then we best off to Vicarstown sheds together

Narrator: So the friends went to Williams car and off they went to vicarstown sheds. At last they pulled into at the railway shed's car park where William took Rachel and the ponies over towards the engine crew facility. All engine drivers have special room each station facility to where they can get ready for a day's work on the railway, this is called an engine drivers locker room. but sometimes other staff use it too. Before William Holden got dressed for work he made lunch for everyone including himself, a Sodor cheese sandwich on fresh Sodor wheat bread and some apples from the Vicar of Wellsworth along with some tea for himself and he made some peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwiches and apples as wells some tea for his equestrian friends and Rachel whom were most grateful.

Rachel: Oh thank you William. That was very kind of you.

Fluttershy: Wow. William has such nice manners.

Rarity: It is really pleasure to be going out with him.

Twilight: That was so nice of you Mr. Holden. I must say, we all think it's really wonderful of you to take us with you to work.

William: (Kindly) Well then I guess that makes 8 of us.

Rachel: Heheheh, you got that right.

Mane 6: (Happy giggles)

Narrator: At around 9:15, William had just finished getting ready for work when another man wearing a coat and scarf came in with some brown paper grocer bags, William and Rachel smiled they knew who he was.

William: Ah. Morning Mr. Arkwright.

Arkwright: Oh Hullo young William and to you too young Rachel, I didn't see you there. Glad to hear about your promotion to driver William, excellent work. I can't wait to see you young Rachel earn you're railway driver's stripes as well.

Rachel: Oh thank you Mr. Arkwright. I'm going to be learning the ropes with William next year I believe. But, I was lucky enough that I have the day off from Kanphod University today.

William: Yep, and I just know she's going to do very well.

Mr. Arkwright: Oh how wonderful. So how are you two today?

William: Oh I feel great there's tea in the pot so help yourself.

Arkwright: Oh thank you William I can do with a cupper myself.

William: Um Arkwright, I'd like you to meet some of our new pony friends.

Arkwright: Ah yes I heard that from Sir Topham Hatt. So, where are they?

Narrator: William turned and pointed.

William: Right here, Girls this one of our engine drivers Mr. Neville Arkwright.

Twilight Sparkle: pleasure to meet you Mister Arkwright. I'm Twilight sparkle

Pinkie Pie: Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie. Nice to make a new friend.

Applejack: Howdy Mr. Arkwright. I'm Applejack. Where we all come from, we just love making new friends.

Rainbow Dash: Names Rainbow Dash, Sir.

Rarity: Hullo there Mister Arkwright, I am Rarity.

Narrator: Fluttershy hesitated for a moment, then Rachel patted her reassuringly on her mane.

Rachel: (kindly) It's alright Fluttershy. Mr. Arkwright isn't going to bite you.

Narrator: Fluttershy felt much better for that.

Fluttershy: Um, I'm Fluttershy, Sir.

Narrator: Mr. Arkwright smiled.

Arkwright: Oh it's wonderful to make your acquaintances. Well like William here said, I'm Mr. Arkwright and like our new driver William here. I drive the Engines of the North western Railway here on the Island of Sodor.

Rainbow Dash: Well you don't look like an engine driver to me.

Arkwight: Hmm. Well no I don't quite look like an engine driver, do I? Well at least not yet. You see, I just arrived with Ross Kimball aboard the Flyer of Vicarstown.

William: (Confused) Huh? You mean you came all this way aboard that fish train from Tidmouth?

Arkwight: (Chuckles) Oh no no no. That's the Flying Kipper young William, remember, the Flyer of Vicarstown is the stopping passenger train.

William: Oh that's right sorry about that.

Arkwright: That's alright, it was honest mistake. Anyway I better get ready I have to take the slow goods over to Wellsworth with our new green engine, Henry. Mr Perkins is taking that red midland railway 3f Simmons to collect some slates from that little narrow gauge railway over at Crovan's Gate to take over to Knapford for the new shed roofs, Mr Bennett is on stopping passenger train duties with B-12 #98462 whilst Mr. Clyde is working with B-12 #87546 on a goods. Oh, I'd be careful.

William: Oh yeah. Those B-12's give me the shivers. Girls, take my tip: watch out for the 2 B-12's #98462 and #87546. They are very devious engines.

Rachel/Main 6: Got it.

Narrator: But then William looked confused.

William: But sir, who is going to take the WildNorWester and without an engine?

Arkwright: I'm glad you asked. You're to take it with a brand new engine from Gresley Works. A great northern experimental prototype 4-6-2 pacific locomotive called an A-0. Sir Topham Hatt has named him Gordon and you will be driving him on his maiden voyage.

William: Wow… I can't wait to meet him. Say I' have to get all these ponies acquainted with the railway network.

Narrator: So they all went to engine sheds, William asked the ponies to wait by the side of the shed, cause he wanted to surprise them so he and Rachel went to see the engines.

William: Good Morning engines.

Engines: Morning Young William and to you too Rachel.

Narrator: William turned to a green 4-6-2 locomotive with letters LNER on his tender.

William: Ah you must be the new comer Gordon am I'm right?

Gordon: That is correct. I was built by Sir Nigel Greseley himself. I take it your'e going to put me through my paces then young William?

William: Indeed I am Gordon, but first engines, I'd like you to meet my some very special friends of mine.

Narrator: William snapped his fingers and the ponies wisely took it as the signal to meet the engines. The ponies walked out of the side of the shed in front of the engines, both the ponies and the engines couldn't believe their eyes. None of the ponies ever seen trains with a face on their smokebox. And the engines had never seen ponies of such interesting species.

William: Now Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, Simmons, 98462 and 87546, I'd like to meet my friends.

Rachel: Hullo there. I'm Rachel Marie Ravens and I'm a new driver in training.

Thomas: Rachel! Hadn't seen you in a dog's age. How are you?

Rachel: Ah, Thomas. Good to see you again.

Twilight Sparkle: You 2 know each other?

Rachel: Yeah. Thomas here was the 1st engine on the NWR, and my mother got to drive him. Mum even allowed me to come on the footplate with her.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you Thomas. Name's Twilight Sparkle.

Thomas: Hullo there Miss Twilight Sparkle. Welcome to Sodor.

Twilight Sparkle: A real pleasure to meet your acquaintance too Thomas.

Fluttershy: (Quiet and timid) Um… hello. I'm Fluttershy.

98462: OH COME ON! SPEAK UP YOU COWARD!

Fluttershy: (Whimpers like a sad puppy)

Narrator: William and the other engines were furious at 98462's rude remark.

Edward: STOW IT 98462! CAN'T YOU SEE YOUR SCARING POOR DEAR!

98462: Oh yeah?! Coming from old clapped out out of date shed ridden K-2 Larger seagull…..

William: THAT'S ENOUGH 98462! IF YOU ARE RUDE TO MY FRIENDS AGAIN YOU CAN KISS YOUR PASSENGER WORKINGS GOOD BYE PERMANENTLY! I will not tolerate rudeness to my friends. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!

Narrator: 98462 Just rolled eyes and just sulked quietly.

Edward: I'm very sorry about him, my dear. Anyway my name is Edward. What was your name again, please?

Fluttershy: (Feeling better) I'm Fluttershy. Pleased to meet you Edward. Thank you for standing up to that engine.

Edward: Oh think nothing of my dear Fluttershy.

Fluttershy: (Giggle)

Applejack: Name's Applejack it's quite a pleasure to meet you all.

87546: Oh great. Now we get a Yankee Pony to help with the railway, this railways definitely going downhill!

Applejack: What in tarnation!?

Henry: Oh put piece coal in it 87546! Geeze, your as bad as 98462

William: WATCH YOUR MOUTH 87546! IF YOU CALL MY FRIENDS MORE BAD NAMES I SWEAR I'M GOING TO WASH YOUR MOUTH OUT WITH A SOAPY SCRUB BRUSH!

Henry: Sorry 'bout these two Applejack, they 're on trial you see and don't seem to know how to be polite. (Henry shoots an angry glare at the 2 B-12s whilst they just sit and sulk).. Ahem, anyway my name is Henry it's really pleasure to meet you Applejack.

Applejack: That's alright Henry. I feel very good that someone stood up for me and my friends.

Rarity: My name is Rarity.

Simmons: Pleasure to meet you Rarity, my word you are quite a good looker.

Rarity: Oh thank you darling Simmons. You, Henry, Edward are really well mannered. Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance Simmons.

Rainbow dash: Hello everyengine. Name's Rainbow Dash! I'm probably one the fast's flyers in my home of equestria.

98462 and 87546: That's what she thinks. She'll never match the speed of us B-12s.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash was very cross.

Rainbow Dash: Oh, you 2 clowns want to do this the hard way, will do this the hard way….

B-12's: Clowns are we… mighty big words from multi coloured Circus pony.

Rainbow dash: Oh that does it. I am so gonna…..

Narrator: but before she could finish William Holden finally snapped.

William: THAT DOES IT! Pardon, Rainbow Dash, but could you fetch those buckets of soapy water please, whilst I get theses scrub brushes? I think it's time we give these to fowl mouth B-12s a good tongue scrubbing.

Rainbow Dash: Oh with pleasure Will. With pleasure.

Narrator: So William and Rainbow Dash worked together to discipline the two naughty engines.

William: Yeah. That's it's it Rainbow. Hold his mouth open whilst I get the brush into his mouth.

Rainbow dash: SAY AH! YOU RUDE LITTLE JERKS!

B-12's: (Panic stricken) NO! NO! NO! NO! NNNNNNOOOOOOOOO

(William scrubbed the B12's tongues with the soapy water. )

B-12s: (Cough) Blagh! Ugh!

Narrator: When William and Rainbow Dash finished um... "cleaning" 98462 and 87546's mouth's out, all the ponies and other engines laughed at loud.

William: Thank you Rainbow Dash. Now then as for 2, I did warn you 98462 and you too 87546 but you never listen, do you? You two wonder why you don't have names.

Narrators: The 2 B12s didn't answer. They were feeling too violated

William: Well at least we washed their rude mouths up.

Rachel: My goodness. Those B12's are very mean. I hope I never have to work on them.

William: I'm very sorry about those two engines. They've been like this ever since they came on trial, but don't worry, I wont let you work on them.

Rainbow Dash: It's all good. At least we got them to shut up finally.

Gordon: I apologise too. These two engines give my old railway, The Great Northern Railway, a very bad name. Anyway, its really nice to meet you Rainbow Dash. I'm Gordon, one the experimental high speed express passenger steam locomotives.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash smiled broadly. Now she could have someone like her to hang out with on the island.

Rainbow dash: Ah yeah! That is so Awesome! I really think we're going to get along very well.

Gordon: Well then I guess that makes two of us.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash then squealed like fangirl. Just then, a party cannon went off.

Engines (Minus B12s whom were still in a violated fetal state): Cinders and ashes!

William/Rachel: Whoa! Where'd that come from?

Pinkie: HI engines! I am… Drum roll please. (pulls out a drum set surprisingly) Pinkie Pie!

Thomas: Wow hullo Pinkie. I really wasn't expecting such a great surprise like that. I really like you already.

Narrator: Upon hearing that compliment, she started to vibrate up and down a big grin on her face then as if she was a rocket she shot up into the sky.

Pinkie Pie: (Full power glee) WWWWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHOOOOOOOO! THIS IS JUST FANTASTIC!

Narrator: Thomas stared in amazement,

Thomas: Oh yeah. We are so going to be such good friends you and I.

Pinkie Pie: Yippy skippy! Adding you and the others onto my long list of friends now!

William: Anyway, now that you are all acquainted, It's time to get to work. Gordon, you and I will be taking our railway's main express train over to Knapford so you can get acquainted with the line.

Gordon: Yes Sir.

Narrator: He turned to the ponies.

William: Now then Twilight, will you and you're friends head to the station. I'll give you each a 5 shillings for tickets and Rachel, will you accompany me in the cab? I'll show you how how to run a train so you'll be ready and know what to do when we start our student trips.

Rachel: Righto William.

Narrator: So when veteran fireman Bruce arrived to lite the fire, William showed Rachel and the ponies which parts to lubricate then they all came in and the fireman showed them how to lite a fire and how to keep a train going, whilst William should them all the levers and controls. When everything was ready, the ponies headed for the station, William pulled the lever and Gordon puffed out the sheds, to water tower, then to the coal hopper to fill up with coal. Rachel was excited. She hadn't been inside a moving locomotive in a long time. They went to Vicarstown station where Thomas had already shunted the coaches for the Wild Nor Wester. The shunter fastened the coupling and the ponies went into their respective carriages. The clock struck the hour, the guard blew his whistle and waved his green flag. William eased open the regulator and Gordon pulled out slowly at first then gradually faster and faster until they were flying along the line.

(Montage of Gordon flying along the line )

Fireman: Oy. Will. Who were those Ponies in here earlier.

William: They are very special friends of ours young Bruce.

Rachel: Yeah. Found them somewhere in Harwick.

Bruce: Oh I see that makes perfect sense. Oh by the way congratulations again on your promotion to driver William and I wish you luck on you're student driver training Rachel.

William/ Rachel : Thanks Bruce.

Rachel: (Amazed) Wow! I never knew how wonderful it could be to driving an engine, let alone a brand new engine. Your doing great Gordon!

Gordon: Thank you Driver!

Narrator: Meanwhile in the, carriages the ponies were all gazing out the windows, amazed by the beautiful scenery.

Applejack: Well I'll be…. Well I'll be.

Twilight: I've never seen anything so beautiful in my life. And on such a comfortable ride. William, Rachel and Gordon are really out doing themselves.

Rainbow Dash: Boy I've never traveled this fast it's so awesome.

Narrator: Meanwhile, Gordon was going well. They thundered through tunnels, across bridges and through stations. And they arrived at Knapford with 10 minutes to spare.

William: Wow that was so accelerating, well done Gordon.

Gordon: Wow Thank you William.

Rachel: Indeed you did Gordon. We am so proud of you.

Narrator: The mane 6 were standing on the platform and all congratulating Gordon, William, Rachel and even Bruce for their outstanding performance.

Twilight: That was very well done on your first trial run Gordon. I calculated the speed and it was at 100 miles per hour.

Narrator: Needless to say Gordon felt very proud.

Rainbow Dash: I know I never knew you could go so fast, it was so awesome!

Gordon: Well thank you Rainbow Dash. That means a lot to me.

Fluttershy: I never saw such a beautiful place like this before in my life.

Bruce: I'm glad you liked it. You'll be seeing a lot more of it.

Pinkie Pie: I had a wonderful time it was so amazing like my parties. I think you broke the land speed record.

Applejack: Boy Gordon you really out did yourself and so did you Will and Rach.

William, Gordon and Rachel: Well thank you Applejack.

Rarity: I had a delightful time as well. The scenery was beautiful as crystal, and the accommodations absolutely fantastic, the plush velvet seats very comfortable.

William: Thank's Rarity. I'm glad you like it.

Rarity: Like? I love it that was the most prestige trip I've ever taken by rail Thank you William, Gordon and you too Bruce.

Gordon: Oh think nothing of it I came from a railway that's famous for its prestige.

Fat Director: And I'm proud of you too Gordon. For such an outstanding performance I hereby announce that you as a permanent member of my railway.

Gordon: Oh thank you Sir.

Fat Director: As a reward, you shall be repainted into the NWR's standard blue livery and you 6 mares shall go into driver training.

Mane 6: ALRIGHT!

Narrator: The A-0 was very proud. But none so proud as William and Bruce.

Later, the proud, apple green, A-0 Pacific was simmering happily as Bruce and William oiled and greased him. The ponies and Rachel watched and learned how they maintained the big express engine.

Gordon: Excuse me Mr. William, but may I request that you allow that blue pegasus over there to accompany us into the cab.

Narrator: William Smiled.

William: Of course. Oy, Rainbow Dash, here's your big chance. On request of Gordon, we are glad to invite you to ride with us in the cab. I'll even let you drive him if you'd like.

Rainbow Dash: Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Lead me to the regulator!

Narrator: She then flew right into Gordon's cab followed by William and Bruce. The ponies now felt very proud of Rainbow Dash. In the cab, William Holden should her all the levers needed to drive Gordon and she listened carefully.

William: And that's how it works. Good luck Rainbow Dash, me and Bruce will be cheering you on all the way.

Rainbow Dash: Thank you so much Will. This is gonna be so awesome.

Narrator: William smiled. Rachel and the ponies piled into train. The guard blew the whistle, the clock struck the 6:20, the green flag waved.

William: Alright Rainbow Dash, lets show everyone what a pony can do at the regulator.

Rainbow Dash: You don't have to tell me twice.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash opened the regulator, and like the journey from Vicarstown, they pulled out of the station, slowly at first then gradually faster, until they reached the top speed of 100 hundred miles per hour. They were going very well like last time and the night time atmosphere made the journey even more pleasant. They sped a cross viaducts, flashed through stations stormed up hills, and whooshed through tunnels. Rainbow Dash had never felt so alive before, she was doing as well as William. They charged through Ballahoo, and at last made to vicars town with 10 minutes to spare. The passengers and ponies all cheered for William and Gordon, and when William told them about Rainbow Dash's exploit, they cheered even louder for her. The Fat Director was most impressed.

Fat Director: Well William, Gordon, and Rainbow Dash. I've heard all about the 6:20 trip and I must say for a pony whom has never driven an engine before, I am must say you handled it very well. You've proven that humans are not the only ones whom can drive trains. As a token of gratitude, I will allow you and your friends the chance to drive trains on my railway when you are able too.

Narrator: Needless to say, Rainbow Dash though she felt tired, she was indeed very proud of her accomplishment

Rainbow Dash: (Proudly) YES!

Twilight: Well Done Rainbow Dash We're all very proud of you.

Rachel: I'm very impressed with you too.

Narrator: The mane 6 all and the two humans gave group hug and so it was arranged. The following day, Gordon was repainted and from dome to wheels in the new NWR blue livery and he now feels part of the family. The 6 ponies often visit to Island of Sodor whenever they have the chance for a holiday. Celestia heard about this from Twilight report on friendship, and allow though she was hesitant at first she allowed them to visit Sodor when they had time off to study the magic of friendship on Sodor. They all were well known to begin with and so everyone was friendly to them, thanks to the kind deeds of their brand new friends, Rachel Marie Raven and William James Holden.

Right. Check that. Now to update 2 more, and then I'll get back on track with 'Gordon, The High Speed Engine'.

Author's notes: Ready for saga number 2? I sure am. It's called, "Trials And Tests". Also, Rachel becomes an apprentice driver this time around.

Dear Rachel,
You remember how Gordon and Rainbow Dash aced that trial run back in 1920? Well, a year later, 2 other engines managed to ace their tests and are now apart of the Fat Directors railway too. However, I am sorry to say that Gordon and Rainbow Dash got a little bit carried away. Anyway, these are the stories and I will tell you all about it.
Your friend, William James Holden.

PS: Your doing well as an apprentice driver. Maybe one day you will become a full time driver like me.

Henry and Applejack

Narrator: Back in 1920, a greseley A-0 prototype pacific from GNR called Gordon had passed his trial runs on the NWR and was now a part of the NWR family. At that same-time 6 special talking ponies had just discovered the island via a magic portal through a magic railway. It was also because of this, that two friendly teenage humans named Rachel Marie Ravens, and William James Holden helped them to get acquainted with the sudrian way of life. They soon became friends with everybody... For the most part. It was now 1921 and the ponies and engines were now well acquainted with each other. William even asked the Fat Director if Rachel Ravens could be put into training as an engine driver for the NWR as an apprentice driver under William's guidance. One morning, all the engines were sleeping soundly when Twilight Sparkle and the other ponies woke them up.

Twilight Sparkle: Good morning engines! I have the now gotten the check list of what needs to be done today.

98462: (Grouchy) Oh for heaven's sakes. It's 6:00am in the bloody morning you dumb pack mule.

87546: (Grouchy) Good grief. Don't you know when to let engines sleep you darn….

Narrator: Just at the moment, William and Rainbow Dash both stepped into view, each wielding a soapy foamed brush.

William: Ahem…. Oh dear 98462, is that the plack of bad manners I see in your teeth? (Grinning grimly) what do you think Rainbow Dash?

Rainbow Dash: Ah. He's not only one, looks like 87546 has been shirking his dental hygiene too. (Grinning grimly two as she and William exchange winks) Mwah Hahahaha.

Narrator: Even Twilight Sparkle joined in too as she levitated a soap foamed brush too.

Twilight Sparkle: Mind if I join in too? That looks like fun and I can reach in between the gum lines.

William: The more the merrier Twilight. The more the merrier.

Narrator: Then William burst into a quiet but psychotic laugh. 98462's and 87546's eyes widened with horror, they glanced nervously from side to side.

98462: (Nervous) Uh I mean…. Nice pretty pony. Very smart and so intelligent…Aheheh thank you for w-w-waking us up, for work today.

87546: (Nervous) Uh yeah, what my brother said…. Um… so uh... um... how 'bout we get onto that chores list, huh, Twilight?

Narrator: After successfully hiding there laughters', William Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle went back to normal.

Twilight Sparkle: Well now, that's more like it. Lets see... hmmm. Rarity, you will be working with Mr. Bennett on Simmons, taking a stopping passenger train to Knapford.

Simmons: Yes ma'm.

Rarity: No problem, Twilight dear.

Twilight Sparkle: Applejack will work with Rachel Ravens and William Holden on Henry today. You'll be taking a slow goods train to Killdane Junction, then return.

Applejack: No problem Twi.

Henry: Sure thing.

Twilight Sparkle: I'll be working in the yards with Pinkie Pie and Mr. Perkins on Thomas.

Thomas: No problem. I was hoping you would chose me.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle grinned.

Twilight Sparkle: And Fluttershy, you will work with Mr. Awkright on 98462 taking a passenger train to Wellsworth.

Narrator: 98462 glanced devilishly at her making the poor pegasus winch. William noticed and felt worried.

Wiilaim: (In his mind.) Oh dear. I can't let Futtershy suffer at the regulator of that wretched B-12. He'll tear her apart.

Narrator: William then quickly stepped in.

William: Um, Twilight, can't someone else take 98462's job.

Narrator: Twilight then looked puzzled as 98462's face fell.

Twilight Sparkle: Well alright. Mister Arkwright was suppose to take 98462's passenger to Wellsworth Station, but I guess I could find someone else to do it.

Narrator: Fluttershy quickly stepped in.

Fluttershy: Oh that's okay, I can just um... clean the sheds and get some tea ready .

Narrator: And she gave a nervous squee.

Twilight Sparkle: Right, I'll just assign Mr. Arnold with 87546's goods train to Tidmouth. (To self with her quill, ink and checklist in her magic) Just make some changes here, cross that, and... There. (Outloud) Ok, got someone else to work with 98462 and I'll inform the drivers on the change. Fluttershy, you get to cleaning up.

Fluttershy: Right Twi. (Flutters off to get the cleaning supplies)

Twilight Sparkle: That leaves you with Gordon and the Wild Nor Wester for Rainbow Dash with Mr. Conrad.

Gordon: Yes ma'm!

Rainbow dash: Alright! I was hoping you'd let me work with him.

Narrator: So everyone set off to work. At that time, Henry's class was an enigma to everyone. Henry was built in 1919 using plans stolen from Sir Nigel Gresley around the same time. Ironically, that was the same design used for Gordon until Gresley revamped the design after the theft. The thieves however, stole a prototype which turned out to be something of a cross between a GNR/LNER Class A1 and a GNR C1 Atlantic and complete failure due to having a shorter firebox the locomotive was a shy steamer. Although the design was a failure, Henry was sold to the Fat Director, whom at the time was so desperate that he would take anything. However, these problems had gone unnoticed even by Henry. Meanwhile, Applejack, Rachel Ravens, William Holden and the old green engine were working hard.

Applejack: So Henry, what kinda locomotive are yah?

Henry: Hmmm… Well don't know to be quite honest. Let's see, old Edward is a K-2 Larger Seagull from the Furness Railway. Gordon came from the GNR and is an A-0 prototype engine, Simmons is a Midland Railway 3f locomotive, of course those two troublemakers are B-12's from GNR too, little Thomas is a LB&SCR E-2 tank engine… and as for me, I really wasn't given a class when I was built, I don't know why.

Applejack: I see. Hmmm…. I feel kinda sorry for ya Henry.

Narrator: Henry tried to lighten the mood.

Henry: Ah well. At least I'm working here.

Applejack: (Smile) That'a boy Henry.

Rachel: Good on you Henry. As long as you try your best, you'll do fine.

William: Yeah, and Rachel here is new to this job so I think you both are going to be alright.

Henry: Aw. Thank you guys.

Narrator: By the time Henry exited the Ballahoo tunnel, Applejack looked concerned. Henry's water gauge was gradually dropping.

Applejack: What in tarnation? I thought we filled you up back at Vicarstown. How did the gauge drop that low?

Rachel: Oh dear. That doesn't sound good at all.

William: Your right Rachel. Without water, Henry's boiler might burst. Listen, take the controls whilst I keep an eye on the water gauge. I know you can do this Rachel, just try not too use much steam.

Rachel: (Nervously) Yes William.

(William and Rachel swap duties.)

Applejack: Henry! How are you holding up there partner?

Henry: (Panting) Whew… I don't know… Applejack… (Panting) but I think we'd better fill up at Crovans Gate. I'm starting to feel very thirsty…. (Panting).

Rachel: Alright, we're almost there Henry… Just hang in there.

Narrator: They soon reached Crovans Gate and filled up with water. Applejack made sure he was filled to the brim and his coal load was piled high. Soon, they started off again. The extra water stop helped, but Henry's water gauge soon began to dwindle again.

Applejack: What in they hay? (Taps the water gauge to make sure it's not going haywire, to which nothing was wrong with it) That can't be right. Henry! Are you doing alright?

Narrator: Henry was by now feeling even more thirsty than before.

Henry: (Panting)…. I…. Don't know…. but we'll make it Killdane.

Narrator: Applejack, William and Rachel all felt even nervous more than Fluttershy would have felt.

William : All the same, we'd better stop at Kellsthorpe Road. Once we top you off again, we'll check to see if there is any leak in the pipes.

Narrator: When they arrived, Applejack was shocked to see the water in Henry's tender was nearly at the bottom.

Applejack: What in tarnation?! How did you manage to use up that much water already?

Narrator: William and Rachel then inspected Henry with Applejack. All three gave a bewildered sigh when they had finished.

William: It beats me Henry. We've checked you all over, and found nothing wrong with you.

Applejack: And strangely enough, the water in his tender was almost bone dry. There was no leak in the tender either.

Narrator: Henry felt even more worried.

Henry: But what about this goods train to Killdane junction? We can't just leave it standing. Let me try again, I'm sure I can do it.

Rachel: Alright Henry. We'll be with every wheel turn of the way. Just do your best.

Narrator: Henry then set off again, this time to with much determination. He was careful not to puff too hard so not to waste any water.

Henry: I can do it! I can do it! I can do it!

Narrator: He made one more brave effort. At last exhausted, thirsty, but unbeaten, Henry made it to Killdane junction and another engine took his train. Once Henry had been uncoupled and ran round via the Peel Godred crossings, he was then serviced and watered to the brim again. The station master ran up looking worried.

Station Master: One of the midland engines pulling a stopping train has failed at kellsthorpe road. Applejack, William and Rachel, I'll need you three and Henry to pull it to Vicarstown. Another engine from the other railway will take it from there.

Narrator: William, Applejack and Rachel were just about to decline, when Henry interrupted.

Henry: Yes Sir. We cannot allow our passengers to be stranded.

Narrator: Applejack, Rachel and William were gobsmacked with both amazement and worry.

William : What the Devil?

Rachel : What in thunderation?

Applejack: Huh?! What in tarnation? Henry, you can't be serious.

Henry: I'm dead serious. Emergency you know. Trains must keep going.

Applejack: Suit yourself. I'll be with you all the way.

Narrator: Rachel, William and Applejack all climbed aboard. They soon set off to the rescue. Fortunately, Kellsthorpe wasn't too far away, so Henry didn't waste that much water. All the same, once Henry arrived to the stranded train, Rachel backed Henry down and William coupled Henry to the train. Applejack immediately refilled Henry's tender with water it was low but not at a dangerous rate though, much to her bewilderment. Then when guard blew the whistle and waved the green flag, they set off again.

Applejack: Do your best Henry. That's all we can ask for you.

Henry: Right. We need to go as quickly as possible.

Rachel: (Nervous) Alright... here we go...

Narrator: But pulling passengers is very different then pulling a goods train. Henry wanted to stop for water at Crovans Gate, but the guard objected.

Guard: We need keep to schedule.

Applejack: Why you two legged toadded…..

Henry: Don't worry Applejack. I'll manage. I heard from Gordon that passenger trains are fairly easier than goods trains.

Narrator: So they carried on. Henry water gauge was dropping again, but he soldiered bravely on.

Henry: I must do it! I must! I must!

Narrator: Henry made one more effort. Then at last, terribly tired, nearly dry, but unbeaten, Henry clanked into the vicarstown yard right under the water column. Applejack quickly refilled Henry and ran him back to sheds as the other railway engine took the train on.

Applejack: Yeehaww! We made it back Henry! I'm proud of ya ol boy.

Fat Director: And so am I.

Narrator: The Fat Director, whom was on the failed train, came to sheds to congratulate Henry, William, Applejack and Rachel.

Fat Director: I am so proud of all of you indeed and especially Henry. I must admit, at first I thought you're teething troubles would cause me nothing but grief, but after your bravery in both your work and rescuing a stranded train, I shall have you remain as member of my railway fleet.

Narrator: Needless to say, Henry felt very proud of this acclamation. However I am sorry to say that this eventually made him puffed up in the smoke box. And I'm afraid for you and me that that's another story for another saga.

And that saga will be the next one after these next few stories. Keep a good look out for the next part of the saga. It's about Gordon and Rainbow Dash.

Author's notes: Ok, this story has a bit of a different feel to it. It's more about the drivers and ponies then the engines.

Gordon, Rainbow Dash And The Skyer.

Narrator: One summer day in 1921, Rachel and William were playing Cricket in William's backyard.

Wiliam: Alright, ready Rachel?

Rachel: Give me your best shot.

Narrator: William threw the ball and Rachel successfully nailed it, scoring a century.

William: Wow. Nice century there. You win Rachel. (Wipes his brow) Whew, what a game. How bout some cool lemonade?

Narrator: Rachel smiled.

Rachel: Ah, the perfect drink on a hot day such as this.

Narrator: The two friends soon sat down and had nearly finished when Rainbow Dash flew in.

Rainbow Dash: Heya guys. Oooh! Lemonade. Mind if I have some?

Rachel: No not at all. Help yourself Rainbow Dash. It's a family recipe.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash took a sip and immediately loved it.

Rainbow Dash: Wow! This is so awesome.

Narrator: Rachel smiled.

Rachel: I'm glad you like it.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash then noticed the cricket gear.

Rainbow Dash: Now what's all that for?

William: It's our Cricket gear.

Rainbow: (Confused) Huh? Why do need such big stuff for a little bug?

Narrator: William laughed.

William: No. Cricket is a type English sport. Would you like to play?

Rainbow Dash: Ah yeah. Sports are my specialty.

Narrator: So after laying down the rules and how to play, William played as bowler as Rainbow Dash was the batter. Rachel was a fielder.

William: Ready Rainbow Dash? Give me everything you got!

Rainbow Dash: You know it.

Narrator: William through the ball and Rainbow Dash gave a mighty swing, but the ball accidentally went straight instead of up. Then, the ball hit poor William right in the eye.

William: (As he falls backwards.) UGH! OW! Oh my gosh.

Narrator: Rachel and Rainbow Dash ran over to see if was alright.

Rainbow Dash: Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry.

Rachel: Oh my! Are you alrigh…

Narrator: They got no further as William picked himself up revealing a black eye. Rachel and Rainbow Dash stared. Rainbow Dash tried hard not to laugh but failed miserably. And eventually, Rachel caught her laugh and the two of them had a laugh riot as tears of laughter streamed from their eyes.

Rainbow Dash: Oh Will, this is just too funny. You should see the look on your face.

Rachel: You can say that again Rainbow.

Narrator: Rachel pulled out a mirror to show William his black eye.

William: Oh good grief, not a black eye. Oh! This just had to happen, didn't it?

Narrator: Rachel could help but feel a little sorry for him.

Rachel: Hey Will, I'm sorry I laughed. It just looked so funny. You reminded me of Charlie Chaplin. (To self) Hmm, I wonder how he's doing in America? (Outloud) Anyway, come Will, let's put some ice on that eye.

Will: Thanks Rachel, oooh… blimey that really hurt, I just hope I this doesn't become a joke at yards.

Narrator: Although he tried to cover it up with eye patch, it didn't work entirely. The following day, he arrived to work and to his dismay everyone, everyengine and everypony was there.

Twilight: Good morning Willam…. Oh dear, what happened to you, here let me check it out.

William: Uh, no thank you. It's fine, I….

Narrator: But before he could stop her, Twilight levitated the patch off his eye revealing his black eye.

Fluttershy: Oh my. What happened to your eye.

William: (Sigh) I was playing cricket when I got hit the eye by the cricket ball by accident.

Narrator: Everypony and engine barring Edward and Fluttershy all stared and then began to laugh. Fluttershy was still greatful for William for letting someone else take her place on 98462 and Edward knew better then to start laughing. Twilight and Applejack felt sorry for him and tried hard not to laugh, but Gordon, Henry, Simmons, Thomas, 98462, 87546, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie didn't even made effort while William just rolled his eyes.

Rainbow Dash: Oh I bet next time before you play, you might want to stretch your eye muscles, hahahahaha! Get it? Eye muscles?

Rarity: Hahahahahaha! Too rich! Hahahahahahaha!

Pinkie Pie: Hahahahahahaha! You know you look like a cute little panda bear.

William: (Sarcastic) AHA! AHAHA! You're all as funny as Arthur Askey…. Sheesh.

Narrator: The teasing went on and on until Edward told them to stop.

Edward: Come on boys and girls, just leave the poor man alone. Can't you all see he's had a rough day.

Applejack: Sorry bout that Will, me and Twi didn't mean too….

William: Say no more, at least you tried not to laugh.

Narrator: To add more insult to injury, Gordon laughed too as William, Rainbow Dash and Rachel took him to pull the Wild Nor Wester.

Gordon: Hit by a skyer did you young William? HAHAHA! What a Lark!

William: (Groan) Oh just put a piece of coal will ya Gordon!

Rachel: Oh Gordon, quit making things worse and leave William alone!

Narrator: William seethed angrily, but was grateful for Rachel standing up for him. The guard gave the all clear and they started off sharply. They were making good time, the coaches ran nicely, still Rainbow Dash and Gordon would stop teasing William, and every minute he grew more and more frustrated.

Rachel: Just ignore them William. They will get their comeuppance.

William: (Sighs) I suppose your right Rach.

Narrator: All railways have special area where road vehicles can use to crossover to another section safely. There are gates on each side that can be closed by switch in a signal box to ensure that Automobile driver will be able to cross over the railway safely and then it is opened so that trains can cross over. This is a called a level crossing. At Maron, the Fat Director was feeling flustered his brand new blue rolls Royce 1921. It was having teething troubles.

Fat Director: Oh botheration! I thought that these new fangled rolls Royce were the more superior automobiles in the world.

Narrator: As he was crossing over the level crossing, the car's exhaust pipe made aloud bang as it backfired, the motor spluttered, and stopped with the radiator steaming.

Fat Director: Oh bother! That's the last time I buy a rolls Royce.

Narrator: He had just gotten out and had just told a brand new signalman what had happened. They went to push the car, but unluckily for them, the new signalman forgot to switch the signal to danger. Meanwhile, Gordon was thundering along the rails with time spare, whilst unfortunately Rainbow Dash was still teasing William.

William: You know the way play cricket, they should call you "Rainbow Danger Prone".

Rainbow dash: What was that!?

William: Oh nothing at all except that (sneezing insult) Ah..AH…AH you suck at play cricket!

Narrator: Now Rainbow Dash got cross.

William: Ha! Now, we're even…

Rainbow Dash: Oh mighty big words for a bowler who thinks he's a duck target!

William: Okay I've heard a lot of bad insults in my day but this just takes the cake.

Narrator: The two of them were so busy insulting each other, they failed to notice the danger lying ahead but Gordon and Rachel did.

Gordon: Uh Guys…

Rainbow Dash: Why, the way you play cricket, you couldn't even make an entry into the iron pony contest!

Rachel: Uh guys…. (Tries to figure out the controls on her own, but doesn't know too much at this stage.) William, do you know which control is the break?

William: Well for crying out loud! At least I can play cricket without injuring anyone.

Rainbow Dash: OH YOU WANT TO DO THIS THE HARD WAY?! WILL DO THIS THE HARD WAY!

Narrator: They soon approached the level crossing, and to Gordon and Rachel's horror they saw the Fat Director and his new car broken on the crossing.

Gordon/Rachel: GUYS!

Rainbow Dash/William: WHAT!

Gordon/Rachel: STOP! THERE'S A CAR ON THE CROSSING!

Rainbow Dash and William: HUH?!

(Both looked out the cab windows.)

Rainbow Dash: (In alarm) SSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTOOOOPPPPPPPP!

William: HORRORS! BRAKE! BBBBBBBBBBRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAKKKKKKEEEEEEE!

Narrator: William blasted Gordon's whistle desperately! He pulled the reverser hard over full steam, and brakes hard on. But the train was too heavy and they were going much to fast to avoid disaster. They hit the car with a loud crash! Luckily, no one was hurt and Gordon was still on the rails and Gordon was not damaged. But the car sailed into their and landed into field, the crossing gate was damaged. William put detonators along the line to protect the train, and then he, Rainbow Dash and Rachel went to inspect the damage.

Rainbow Dash: Oh my goodness! Do you think he was in there?

Rachel: Uh, Dash...

The Fat Director: Ahem!

William: Does that answer your question?

The Fat Director: I will talk with you later.

Narrator: The Fat Director turned on his heel and climbed into the train.

William: Oh good grief. We are in trouble now.

Narrator: When they reached the end of the line, The Fat Director spoke severely to them.

Fat Director: My railway is not cricket field. I am very disappointed in all of you…

Narrator: The three friends looked ashamed, but then Gordon spoke up.

Gordon: Sir, it was not their fault as we came into maron. The signal was down as we approached so we couldn't have known that the line was blocked sir. We are sorry for the damage the to car, but I must say that the accident is not Rainbow Dash's fault nor is it Williams' or Rachel's. Plus, Rachel is still only just learning about how to operate us and forgot which controls to use to stop me, and she was trying to stop the arguing, sir.

Narrator: The Fat Director Stared.

Fat Director: Oh I see. Well then, with this evidence I am going to let you off the hook for this... um... skyer. But just let me just remind you to be a little more careful next time in future.

Rainbow Dash, William and Rachel: Yes Sir we understand Sir.

Fat Director: Good now let's get this train home.

Narrator: At the end of the day, Rainbow Dash and William soon made up for their quarrel.

Rainbow Dash: I'm sorry hit you in the eye in that game cricket and I'm sorry I teased you about your black eye, it was very uncool of me. Just for the record though, I didn't mean to hit you the eye, you do realize that don't you.

Narrator: William smiled.

William: Of course Rainbow Dash, and I'm sorry I was rude to you too. I'm just glad we can be friends again.

Rainbow Dash: Heheheh: I'll second to that.

Narrator: And in no time the two of them were laughing like old friends as they both drank their tea. Rachel smiled happily and drank her tea too.

Yeah. I updated the one on DA by getting me into the story a bit more. What did you think?

Author's notes: This is one of my favourites of the original stories written for the series. It's simple, yet effective at the same time.

Rarity and Simmons

Narrator: With so many prestige passenger trains on The Fat Director's railway, one might think that the railway has always made a living on this income alone. But such has never been the case. Since the beginning before the NWR's grouping act in 1915, there has always been goods trains. Many industries and business often rely on the railway to move their goods to and from where ever they are need. Foreign Ships from the Mainland of England, Wales, Scotland and even the Isle Of Man have always transported their goods of all varieties and the railway would transport them to where they are needed. However, if you had heard Rarity talking a short while ago, you would have thought that goods trains were made for quite another reason.

Rarity: It's not fair Simmons!

Narrator: Simmons looked puzzled.

Simmons: What isn't fair?

Rarity: Ever since that enigma of engine called Henry rescued that foreign engine's train, he's been getting the passenger runs more than we have, while we've been getting nothing but filthy goods trains. I don't see the point of taking those disgusting, scruffy, horrid, rickety goods wagons, they'll mess up my mane. Worst still, you and I have been stuck pulling them more regularly this week.

Simmons: Rarity, look. Goods trains are just as important as passengers. They bring in materials that are essential.

Rarity: Hmph! How can something so frivols be that important.

Simmons: Well with these construction trains they help to maintain and update our railway network, express goods such as milk trains, and fish trains are need to transport food and raw materials such as stone, slate and china clay are used to help create foundations.

Rarity: Hmph! I still don't understand why we can't just take passengers instead of these goods trains. Passengers are our job.

Simmons: Rarity. It's not our job, its teamwork. So come on. We've got to take a train from Kirk Ronan.

Narrator: When Rachel and William arrived Rarity stopped complaining and reluctantly started work with them. When they arrived, Rarity found to her dismay that it was a fish train.

Rarity: Oh you have got to be kidding me. A smelly disgusting fish train?

Rachel : Ugh! Not again Rarity please…

Rarity: I'm just stating a fact, Miss Ravens.

Rachel: Oh put a sock in it Rarity. I didn't come here early to listen to be fusspot.

Rarity: Fusspot am I? I am not anywhere near as close to a fusspot. I am a lady.

William: Would you rather I assign you to B-12's?

Rarity: (Hesitates) Um... oh, alright. I'll stop complaining. I suppose this work is better than working with those rude arrogant tyrants.

Narrator: Finally, the guards whistle blew and the green flag waved and Simmons started off. Simmons was running good and the trucks behaved themselves and they reached their first station stop at rolfs castle. The fish was soon off loaded and then they started off again. And this time delievering more and more fish at each station bound for Arlesburgh. Rarity behaved well at 1st as they made their way to Tidmouth, when they got to the end of the line Arlesburgh, as they were unloading the last crate a workman accidently dropped it and the fish accidently fell all over Rarity.

Rarity: Ugh! I Look awful! (Growls angrily) I'm so sick and tired of pulling these disgusting, filthy, fish trains and dusty good for nothing goods trains. I wish they were all outlawed!

?: WHAT DID I JUST HEAR SAY YOUNG HOOLIGAN!

Narrator: Rarity, taken aback, jumped, startled.

Rarity: Who dare just called me a hooligan!

?: (Angrily) I did! You're complaining shall never suit his grace!

Narrator: Rarity blinked standing there right next to her was very old narrow gauge engine his eyes full of rough wisdom, he was painted a dark brown color with red lining and spoke with elegance and grace, but unlike rarity or the B-12 brothers he had no sign of snootiness.

Simmons: Oh thank goodness. Am I glad to see you again Duke.

Rachel: Oh same here.

William: Hey Duke. Good to see you here.

Duke: Good to see you too young Simmons, and to you too Miss Ravens and you as well Mr. Holden. Now, who is this trouble making horse here?

Simmons: This is Rarity. And I'm sorry Duke. She's new here and doesn't quite grasp the concept of goods work yet.

Duke: I see Simmons.

Narrator: He turned to a now disheveled Rarity.

Duke: This won't do youngin… Let tell you. I remember a time when I used to work alongside shire horses in my younger years, and they too had to pull wagons of goods through woods, across high bridges, up and down steep mountains and in those days me and my 3 brothers and sister were the only engines, on the line so we had to work with them regardless. In those days, the villagers were depending on us to deliver raw materials, food and supplies to them. Eventually the horses were soon discharged as more locomotives came to this railway. Consider yourself lucky, but don't forget that goods are also a vital link in an economy. And if those fade into oblivion, industry will grind to halt and business's will be shut down, but worst of all, people might starve and be without shelter, and eventually fade into oblivion as well.

Narrator: Rarity stood there frozen in the twilight of her own doubt, as tears ran down her cheeks.

Rarity: Oh dear. I had never thought of it like that. I'm sorry Simmons, William, Rachel, and you too Duke.

Narrator: Rarity then quickly used her unicorn magic to clean up the fish mess on narrow gauge wharf. Then, the unbelievable happened.

Rarity: Excuse me Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens, do we have any more goods work.

Narrator: William and Rachel smiled.

William: As a matter of fact, we do Rarity. We need take some slate from this railway to each station to help keep a roof over people and em... ponies heads.

Rachel: I hear it's a very important job too.

William & Rachel: (Giggle.)

Rarity: You can count on me. I'll see to it that no one will be left unroofed.

Simmons: That's the spirit Rarity.

Narrator: So they coupled up to the slate wagons.

Simmons: Thank you Duke. I don't how I can repay you.

Duke: Oh, no rewards are necessary Simmons, my dear friend. I'm just glad I could help. Take care, young Simmons.

Simmons: (Winks) You too Duke, you too.

Narrator: Duke smiled happily as he watched Simmons and Rarity pull out with their goods train.

Well, did you expect to see Duke in there? If you didn't, was it a pleasant surprise? Anyway, next one is an Edward and Fluttershy one, be on the lookout for that.

Author's notes: Part 4 of "Trials And Tests". This is quite a short but sweet one. Hope you like it.

A Friend In Need.

Narrator: Out of all the 7 engines of the Fat Director's railway, Edward was the lines oldest engine. Edward had worked on the Fat Director's railway longer than any of the other engines on the north western railway, (barring Thomas whom had arrived in 1915 a month before Edward). Edward had also helped out with the war effort during the first world war. After the completion of the railway, the Fat Director thought that Edward had worn himself out after so many years good and reliable work. So he had given Edward a good rest. However, ever since the arrival of the newer engines, Edward hadn't been used at all. At that time, the 6 ponies had made their way to Sodor and had befriended the Sudrian locals thanks to the kind deeds of a writer and soon to be engine driver named Rachel Marie Raven and an engine driver and a freelance historian named William James Holden. The ponies often work on the N.W.R when ever they have a chance and soon made friends with the engines... err, barring the rude B-12 Brothers. But I am sorry to say, that through some of their trials 4 of the engines and 2 of the ponies had gotten rather cocky. And often boast about how good they were. Edward sighed.

Edward: I wonder when I'll get a turn to go back out again .

Gordon: Pah, your just too old little Edward. The Director needs new stronger and more modern engines.

Rainbow Dash: You got that right Gordon. I mean seriously old timer. I don't even know why your still here.

Henry: I second that. I mean, we can pull trains better than you can.

Rarity: I couldn't agree more Henry. Besides, look at you Edward, covered in cobwebs and dust. I bet you couldn't even match the prestige of our modern engines here.

98462: Gordon's right. If the Fat Director knows better, he should roll you on the scrap line.

Narrator: Although Edward tried not to listen to them, he couldn't help wondering how long he been in the shed without being maintained. He soon began to feel very sad. Fluttershy was also in the sheds too, doing cleanup work, mostly due to the fact that she was scared of going out with an engine she was schedule to work with, 98462. William and Rachel noticed this and wanted to protect Fluttershy from that rude engine and his brother. One night, Fluttershy was on late night cleaning duties at the sheds with William, when they noticed Edward looking very furlong. Fluttershy was worried and so was William, so they went over to see what was wrong. Meanwhile at Vicarstown Hotel, Rachel, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash noticed that Fluttershy was missing and so was William.

Rachel: Oh dear. Where's Fluttershy and William? They should have been here by now.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh, I hope they're okay out there.

Applejack: Me too Twi.

Pinkie Pie: Me three.

Rachel: Well I'm going out on my bicycle to go and look for them. They're most likely at Vicarstown Station, still working.

Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie: We're coming too. Fluttershy is our friend.

Rachel: Alright then. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, stay here in case Fluttershy and William turn up.

Rainbow Dash: Got it.

Rarity: Right darling.

Narrator: And they set off. When they arrived, they found them all talking to Edward.

Rachel: William, there you are. Me, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie were all worried about... Who's this?

Fluttershy: Girls, I'd like you to meet Edward.

Narrator: While Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle all met the engines on their 1st day on the job, they didn't really notice Edward too much. Rachel was very surprised to see Edward again.

Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle: Hello Edward.

Rachel: Edward! I haven't seen you in ages. I didn't know you were still here.

Edward: Oh hullo again Rachel. Hello girls. (sad sigh).

Rachel: Are you alright? You look unhappy.

Twilight: Yeah, what's matter Edward?

Edward: Oh, it's just ever since the line was finished, I haven't been used in ages. I long for a run again on the line.

Applejack: I see Edward. But you shouldn't worry about this. Maybe you will get a job again someday.

Narrator: Poor Edward was still glum.

Pinkie Pie: What did you do?

Narrator: Edward brightened up a bit. He was ready to answer that.

Edward: Well, I was built by Sharp Stewart and Company in Manchester, England in 1896 and worked on the Furness Railway before coming to Sodor in 1915 around the same time as Thomas. The Fat Director purchased me to not only finish the construction of the North Western Railway but also to help out with the war efforts during the 1st world war. After my work was completed and the war ended, I was then kept in a shed because I was considered too worn out and need to have a rest. That's pretty much it.

Narrator: Everyone all stared in amazement.

William: Well I'll be.

Pinkie Pie: How cool.

Twilight Sparkle: How incredible.

Rachel: How Extraordinary.

Applejack: Holy sweet Celestia.

Fluttershy: I wish there was something I could do to help you.

Narrator: Whenever Fluttershy ever felt bad from the rude B-12s, she often talked with Edward whom soothed her ruffled feelings.

Applejack: Don't worry, will think of something to help you Edward. No pal of ours is gonna be left to rust and fall apart.

Pinkie Pie: This calls for extreme measures, Pinkie Pie style.

Rachel: Applejack and Pinkie Pie are right. We're not giving up hope on you Edward.

William: I'll go have a meeting with the Fat Director and see if we can sort things out.

Edward: Oh thank you everyone. I do appericate this from all of you.

Narrator: William, Rachel and the ponies soon had to leave. Edward tried to remain hopeful, but secretly he sadly thought never that his wish would never come true. But I must say no more, or I might spoil the next story for you.

The End...

...For now. Ok, can you guess what is coming up next? Well, find out in the next saga. Stay in harmony everyone.

Author's notes: Right, we are onto canon stories now. Let's jump right into, "Three Railway Engines".

Dear Rachel.
Do remember that time when we spoke to Edward and promised to help get his job back on the railway? Well, we finally accomplished that. Now, he is back in revenue service. Not only that, Fluttershy even made a new friend. It's a shame that Gordon, Rainbow Dash, Henry and Applejack's trips didn't go too well. Oh well, at least they came out good in the end, unlike the 2 B12s. These stories will tell you what happened.
Your friend, William James Holden.
PS: Congrates on becoming a full-time driver.

Edward's Day Out

Narrator: It was 1922, and Edward still hadn't heard back from the Fat Director. On this particular day, the other engines and the ponies were all discussing on whom would be going out first.

Gordon: Well, we all know they'll be choosing me. I'm the biggest and strongest engine after all.

Rainbow Dash: And the one and only fastest engine on the island.

Simmons: (Jokingly) Pah. They won't choose you, not after last year.

Rarity: Yeah, don't you two remember? You + Rainbow Dash and William arguing + Rachel's lack of experience of driving at the time + the director's Rolls Royce = hitting the Director's rolls royce.

Gordon: Hey! That accident was not my fault. That pegasus obviously has never heard of something called a break.

Rainbow Dash: (Crossly) Oh for the love of pete! I wasn't driving him that day.

Simmons: Don't worry Rainbow Dash. I'm only joking, and so is Rarity.

Rarity: Quite right Simmors. Perhaps they will choose you to go out on the stopping passenger.

Simmors: Oh, I don't know Rarity. I wouldn't mind with any train I'm given. But a passenger run would be nice.

Henry: Never the less, I'm sure they'll choose me instead.

Gordon: Oh please! You couldn't even pull the skin of a rice pudding, let alone pull a train without stopping for water all the time.

Rainbow Dash: Let alone pull half the trains that we take.

Applejack: Oh for pete sake. It's only 8 coaches Gordon and Rainbow Dash.

98462: Yeah! 8 coaches too many Applejack.

87546: Second to that brother. They will pick us for sure.

Pinkie Pie: Like they would pick you! Thomas would make more sense then you stuck up B-12s.

98462: Hold the phone, how did you get in here? You should be out with the purple unicorn and blue tank engine shunting... (He looks down, and Pinkie was gone.) Wait! Where'd she go?!

87546: And she called us "Stuck up!" How rude of that mare!

Edward: Um...You know, it's been ages since they last used me. Um... perhaps they'd like to choose me for a change.

Fluttershy: Um... Perhaps maybe the fat Director would like to choose Edward instead. Um, I mean, if he wants to.

87546: Hahahaha! Oh that's a good one Edward! That's rich .

Fluttershy: Um, I think Edward's serious here.

Gordon: Pah! Nonsense Fluttershy. Edward's too old and clapped out.

Rainbow Dash: No offence Fluttershy, but the Fat Director would never use that old timer. He wants bigger and stronger engines, like Gordon, Henry and Simmons, and I hate to admit but also those B-12 brothers.

Narrator: Meanwhile, in the engine drivers locker room, William had arrived with his best friend and training for promotion to driver, Rachel.

William: Morning young Rachel!

Rachel: Morning Will.

William: I just made a pot of tea on the house.

Rachel : Ah that's smashin. I could do with a cupper myself. So who do we have for the day then?

William: Well then lets checked the roster. What do you think Rachel?

Rachel: How bout Gordon?

William: Nah. I'm kinda still scared about last year, with the crossing gate incident. Besides, Arkwight is taking him with Rainbow Dash. What about Henry?

Rachel: No way. Don't get me wrong, Henry is a good sort, but you, me and Applejack had to refill Henry's tender at every station. Besides, Perkins is taking him along with Applejack,

William: Your right Rachel, how bout Simmons?

Rachel: Already taken by Mr. Bennett and Rarity! Well on the bright side we don't have to take either 98462, or 87546.

William: Heheheheh got that right Rachel. And we're not going to operate them. Not after how rude they've been to our friends, especially Fluttershy. Besides Ted and Ned are with them today.

Rachel: Speaking of the other engines, has Thomas been bothered by the B-12s lately?

William: He's fine today. Jeff is working with him and Twilight and Pinkie in the yards. Now, let's see... (Winks). How about we take Edward out?

Rachel: Oh yes let's do it! He hasn't been used in a long time. Boy will he be pleased and, oh! How bout we bring Fluttershy with us? She'd love that.

William: My thoughts exactly Rachel. Let's go get him steamed up.

(Back at sheds.)

Edward: (Sighs whiskfully) Oh. I do hope they choose me today.

Fluttershy: Me too Edward. I hope they choose you too.

Gordon: Oh dream on, little Edward.

Rainbow Dash: We've told you before Edward, the drivers will never choose you again, they need bigger and stronger engines.

Edward: (A lone tear drips from his eye). But I haven't out in years, (Sighing sadly) Still, I shouldn't complain.

Narrator: It was too much for Fluttershy to handle. She flew up and gave Edward patted Edward on the smokebox.

Fluttershy: There there Edward. I'm sure the Director will let you pull a train one day.

Narrator: Little did Edward or Fluttershy know that day would be today. At that moment, William and Rachel came out to start work. They noticed Edward and Fluttershy and how furlong they looked.

Rachel: Why are you so sad Edward?

William: Don't you want to come out today? (Wink)

Narrator: Edward's smile lit up like a Christmas tree.

Edward: Oh yes please Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens. Oh thank you. I am forever ever in your debt Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens.

Other engines (Barring Simmors): WHAT! You'd rather take that old relic out instead of us modern up to date engines?

Rachel: Indeed we are.

Rainbow Dash: Are you sure he's still useful? He's been in that shed for who knows how long.

William: As Applejack always says, "don't count your chickens before they hatch". Besides I checked him over and he surprisingly seemed to be in good working order.

Narrator: Fluttershy blushed and confessed.

Fluttershy: I helped to repair him, clean him up and repaint him good as new. I hope you're not mad.

Narrator: William and Rachel beamed a bright smile and were anything but mad at Edward and Fluttershy.

Rachel: Well that explains why he looked so shiny and new.

Fluttershy: (giggles)

William: So to express our gratitude, we'd like to invite you to come along with us on this run Fluttershy.

Rachel: Would you like to come along?

Narrator: Fluttershy was delighted. She had waited 2 years for this moment.

Fluttershy: Oh thank you my friends, I feel much safer inside Edwards cab.

Edwards: Oh, I am honored to have you come with me on my return to steam voyage.

Narrator: Fluttershy blushed with admiration. Soon Rachel lit the fire and made lots of steam. Then William pulled the lever and Edward puffed out of the sheds for the first time in a long time to fetch some coaches.

Edward: Look at me now! Not so useless after all eh engines and ponies?

98462: Pah! Crews today no taste in engines at all.

Rarity: I hate to admit it, but I couldn't agree with you more.

Simmors: Rarity, you should know better!

Applejack: And you, (points at 98462) aren't better off!

Narrator: Meanwhile at Vicarstown, 8 coaches were waiting at the pickup siding.

Coach 1: Hmmm. I wonder who will be taking us out today?

Coach 2: Hopefully not 98462. He would know how to treat a coach if it came and bit him on the back of the smokebox.

Coach 3: And don't forget his dreaded brother too.

Coach 4: I hope it's not Gordon or Rainbow Dash, they didn't handle us well last year.

Coach 5: I'll second that motion. Maybe it's Henry.

Coach 6: I hope not. He might stop at stations we don't need to in order to fill up on water and coal.

Coach 7: Perhaps it's Simmors. He's rather kind, wouldn't mind seeing him again.

Coach 8: I think I'd better off be on a branchline to be honest. You know number 7, that blue tank engine seems to treat us like ladies.

Coach 7: Your right. I think he really wants to take us out on the line one day...

Narrator: Soon Edward arrived, and whistled cheerfully to coaches.

Edward: Good morning ladies.

Coaches: (Happy) Edward!

Coach 1: We've haven't seen you years.

Coach 2: Now be careful Edward, don't bump and bang us like those other engines do.

Coach 3: Simmors and Thomas wouldn't...

Coach 2: You know who I mean.

Edward: Hmhmhm! You know I won't my dears.

Fluttershy: Can I help Edward?

Edward: Of course.

Narrator: So Fluttershy took over the controls and back Edward carefully down on the coaches. Rachel coupled them up as William changed the head code lamps.

Coach 4: Thank you Edward and Fluttershy. That was very kind.

Fluttershy: (Blushes, giggles) Oh it's nothing ladies, Kindness is one of my specialties.

Coach 5: we must admit we are glad you two are taking us out today.

Edward: Well that makes 9 of us.

Coaches/Fluttershy: (Giggles)

Narrator: Edward and Fluttershy took the coaches to the platform where the passengers were waiting.

Edward: Ladies and gentlemen, get in quickly please.

William: Calm down Edward old boy, remember. We need to wait for the guard's permission to start.

Edward: Oops, sorry about that. I almost forgot.

Narrator: All trains must have special person whom travels at the last carriage or wagon of a train to signal when to stop and start by blowing a whistle and waving a green flag to go or red flag to stop. This person is called a guard. Edward, Fluttershy, William and Rachel waited and waited, but there was no whistle or a green flag.

Edward: Hmm. Where is that guard? It's not like them to take this long.

Fluttershy: I hope he's alright.

So William, Rachel and Fluttershy went to ask if anyone has seen the guard.

William: Hey stationmaster?

Stationmaster: Yes?

William: Have you seen the Guard?

Stationmaster: No. Sorry William.

Fluttershy: Excuse me Mrs. Ticket clerk. Have seen the guard.

Ticket clerk: Oh sorry Fluttershy dear, I haven't.

Rachel : Hey porter. Have you seen the Guard?

Porter: Oh yeah. I've seen him.

Narrator: Fluttershy's and William's and Rachel's faces lit up.

Porter: Though I only saw him at the Vicarstown pub last night.

Rachel/William: (Face-palm selves) Doh!

(Pinkie Pie comes out of nowhere, plays trombone fail and gallops back to Thomas.)

Narrator: There faces fell. Edward began to feel anxious.

Edward: Are ever going to start? My 1st trip in years and…

Little boy: Here he comes.

Narrator: There the guard was, running down the hill with his flags and whistle in one hand and sandwich in the other. He ran onto the platform, blew his whistle and waved his green flag. He clambered into the brake coach, and Edward puffed happily away.

William: At last. About time he showed up. Come on Edward, let's make up for lost time.

Edward: Righto Mr Holden.

Narrator: Edward happily sped along the country side.

Edward: (Breathing fresh air.) Ah… It's so wonderful to be out and about again, and what wonderful day it is. Oh look there's Skarloey and Rheneas.

Skarloey: Hullo Edward. What a nice surprise to see you.

Rheneas: Good to see you again Edward.

Edward: Good to see you too my friends.

Narrator: The children near Wellsworth waved as they went by, and soon they rushed along through Wellsworth.

Edward: Hey it's my old friend Reverend Charles Laxey, the vicar of wellsworth.

Reverend Laxey: Hullo Edward. Great to see you again.

Edward: Good to see you again too Sir. Morning, Mrs. Seymour.

Mrs. Seymour: Oh morning Edward dear.

Edward: Mr. Hackenson, Mr. Wimbleton. All my old friends. Ah its just so great to be out again.

Narrator: They were going better than ever before and arrived at Brendam station with 25 minutes to spare, breaking Gordon and Rainbow Dash's record.

Edward: Oh thank you William, Rachel and Fluttershy. I've had a wonderful day out.

Fluttershy: (Blush) Oh um, it was nothing Edward. Your'e like a father figure to me, so kind and wise um I mean if you want to be.

Narrator: Fluttershy looked at Edward who smiling at her, Edward was also smiling, just like her.

William: Hey, Rachel, Fluttershy, how bout you two take over the return journey?

Fluttershy: Oh you really want me to drive Edward? But I haven't driven an engine at all.

Edward: Don't worry Fluttershy, I know you'll do just fine. Beside's William here will take care of you.

Rachel: That's right. I'm fairly new too and I think we'll be alright.

Narrator: Fluttershy giggled and blushed.

Fluttershy: Oh thank you Edward and you too William and Rachel.

Narrator: So Fluttershy ran Edward round and back him onto the train ready for the homeward rush.

William: Just do your best Fluttershy.

Narrator: Fluttershy eased open the regulator and slowly and gradually picking up speed Edward steamed out of Brendam, and like the last journey they were going very well. Fluttershy felt very happy,

Fluttershy: So this what feels like to drive engines.

Rachel: Do you like it?

Fluttershy: I love it Rachel, especially since I'm driving Edward.

William: Yeah I'm glad you feel comfortable with Edward, I have treat for both you and Edward.

Edward: What's that?

William: Well me and Rachel spoke to the Sir Topham Hatt. And he has decided to put you back into revenue service Edward, and Fluttershy you will be working with Edward regularly since your more acquainted with him.

Rachel: And to top of that, we'll be taking Edward out tomorrow.

Edward: Oh thank you William and Rachel. That's just so grand of you.

Fluttershy: Oh that is wonderful. Oh thank you so much William and Rachel. Me and Edward will really work well together.

William: I'm glad your happy Fluttershy.

Narrator: And they sped off into the sunset. Soon they arrived back at vicarstown where the fat director was waiting.

Fat Director: Well Edward, I've heard all about your run and I'm glad to have you back in service. You're a truly really useful engine indeed and no mistake, I'm pleased to have you back in revenue service again.

Edward: Oh thank you Sir. It's better than being cooped up in that shed.

Narrator: And everyone laughed, even the Fat director. William, Rachel, and Fluttershy took Edward back to sheds, when suddenly William remembered.

William: Hey, I just remembered something that I forgot!

Fluttershy: (Gasp) Oh my! Did you forget something at brendam?

Wiliam: Oh no no no. I just forgot it was my birthday today. Ah well, this was enough of birthday for me,

Narrator: Fluttershy and William smiled as they walked back to Vicarstown Hotel not noticing Rachel grinning as she raced ahead of them. As William and Fluttershy opened the door, a big surprise awaited them.

Rachel, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Applejack: SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAM!

Pinkie Pie: SURPRISE! (Realises that she's too late.) Shoot!

Narrator: Fluttershy startled jumped into Williams arms. William laughed.

William: Oh its surprise party. How wonderful. (Notices Fluttershy in his arms) It's alright Fluttershy. It's only a surprise party.

Fluttershy: I know but while being surprised can be nice. Sometimes, being startled can be very startling.

William: I see what you mean. I didn't know there was a party waiting for me.

Pinkie Pie: Of course. This party is for you, you silly filly.

Rachel: You didn't think I'd forget about your 16th birthday did you?

Twilight Sparkle: And thanks to Pinkie Pie, we got things ready super quick.

William: Well, I see you didn't forget my birthday. Thank you very much.

Pinkie Pie: Anytime Will. Parties are my speciality. So how'd it go with Edward?

William: It was wonderful. The best birthday present ever.

Rachel: And he's going back into revenue service working with Fluttershy.

Twilight: Yes! I'm so happy, I knew our plan would work.

William: Thank you some much girls and you too Rachel. I hadn't felt this happy since my father took me out on Edward's footplate.

Rachel: Oh anytime William. I feel the same way when my mother took me out on Thomas' footplate.

Applejack: I'm glad to have reconnected a piece of your… (Record Scratch) Wait a minute!

Narrator: Applejack's eyes widened with wonderment.

Applejack: Your father and Rachel's mother?

William: That's right, Applejack. my father and Rachel's mother used to work on this railway many years ago. I'd say about 1880 on first on some Scottish tank engine named Neil when they were children. Then in 1915, they worked on Edward's and Thomas' footplates before my father was drafted in to the royal army air corp.

Applejack: Well, I'll be William and Rachel, you continue to amaze us everyday.

Rachel: You too girls.

William: Me and Fluttershy were very surprised by this party.

Narrator: The mane 6 smiled and the party began. Meanwhile, back at Vicarstown Sheds.

Edward: And that's why the guard was late this morning. I admit I was kinda scared that we'd be late for the rest of the day, but we arrived back at Vicarstown with 25 minutes to spare. And the best part is, I'm going back into revenue service tomorrow. (yawn) What do you think of that?...zzzzzzzzz

Narrator: But he didn't hear what they thought for he was so tired and happy that he fell asleep at once. Thomas and Simmors were well content, and Gordon, Henry and the B-12s were respectfully silent.

Ok. I added in some more dialogue for the coaches. Notice anything special about coaches 7 and 8? ;) Well, next story is actually not going to be "Edward And Gordon". I actually have something special planned for that.

Author's notes: And this is the story I had planned. It reveals what happened to the B-12 brothers. Warning, this is darker then most of the stories, so if you don't like that kind of thing, please skip ahead to the next one.

Foul Play

Narrator: The engines on the Fat Director's railway are always proud of working on the north western railway. Although sometimes barring Edward, the engines pride can go their smokeboxes, they are always willing to make up for it in the end. However I am sorry to say that there are sometimes engines that never learn sense. And the two B-12s on trail, 98462 and 87546 were the worst engines of all. They were horrid and rude, and even spiteful and malicious. And since the arrival, the 6 ponies they would often bullied by the, them along with the rest of the engines and the crew relentlessly. And sadly, Fluttershy was their favourite target. One day, Fluttershy was humming a little tune when she reached the sheds.

98462/87546: BOOOO!

Narrator: Poor Fluttershy was so startled, she jumped and hid inside Edward's cab whilst the B-12's just laughed rudely.

98462: Can you believe this pony? I bet she's so afraid that she's scared of her own shadow.

87546: How pathetic of the Fat Director. Letting such a feeble weakling work on railway.

98462: Useless, that what she is utterly useless.

Narrator: Poor Fluttershy felt smaller than ever, she made a whimper like sad puppy. Like Simmons, Gordon, and Henry, Edward did not like them bullying his new friends and was another engine whom stood up to them.

Edward: That is enough you 2! Engines and ponies should work with each other, not against each other. One of these days, you're actions are going to comeback and nip you in the tender. Mark my words.

98462: Pah! Your just as bad as they are old-timer.

87546: I mean seriously Edward! She's even afraid to come with us.

Edward: Oh, the way you two act, I don't blame her. You've petrified anyone that works with you.

98462: Pooh! It's because these stupid people and horses are too scared and stubborned to ride on modern engines like us.

Narrator: Just then William, Rachel and the ponies arrived for work.

William: WHAT WAS THAT I HEARD! R.D., get the scrub brushes.

Narrator: 98462 and 87546 just rolled their eyes.

William: And lets attach the cheese graders on the brushes too.

Rainbow Dash: Oh yeah! It's time to clean some fowl mouths.

Narrator: The B-12's screamed like little girls... Uh, no offence to the little girls reading this. Uh, anyway, as William and Rainbow Dash wash their mouth's out again, this time not only with the soap brushes but with cheese graders attached to them. The engines and ponies all laughed.

William: There. Nice and clean.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash looked closer.

Rainbow Dash: Oops. Missed a spot on 98462.

98462: (0_0 '') Not again.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash placed the cheese grader brush on 98462's tongue and gave a mighty pull.

98462: AHHHHHHOHOHHOY!

Rainbow Dash: All clean. (Big grin)

William: Thanks again Rainbow Dash. Ahem, anyway I just got the new work order from Sir Topham hatt. Thomas, your working this time with Pinkie Pie and Bob in the yards.

Thomas: Alright!

Pinkie Pie: We're going to have a lot of fun you and I, Thomas.

William: Simmons, your with Mr. Bennett and Rarity on stopping passenger train to Kirk Ronan.

Rarity: Sounds lovely darling.

Simmors: Ok. That does sound very relaxing.

William: Gordon, you're with Rainbow Dash and Perkins on the Wild Nor Wester.

Rainbow Dash: Awesome! Love that job.

Gordon: Took the words right out of my mouth Dash. Let's see if we can go full speed again.

William: Henry, you and Mr. Dwyar are on a milk train to Normmandy with Applejack.

Henry: I'll do my best William.

Applejack: And I'll be right with ya Henry.

William: Twilight Sparkle, your with me and Edward on a passenger train to Brendam.

Edward: Ok Twilight. It will be nice to get to work with you for a day.

Twilight Sparkle: Same here Edward.

William: And lets see, Rachel, Fluttershy your working with Arkwright on a double headed goods train with…. Oh no! Great scot! Not those two. I can't.

Rachel: Oh dear. What is it? Did I do something wrong?

William: No Rachel. You didn't. But I'm afraid they paired you and Fluttershy with 98462 and 87546, on the double header today.

Fluttershy: (Whimpered)

98462: Hahahaha! What's wrong Fluttercrybaby? Don't you want to take a ride you'll never forget on me or my brother.

87456: Hahahaha! We're going to give you the time of your life, sorry excuse for a life, Cowardshy.

Narrator: The two B-12's laughed devilishly as Fluttershy whimpered again nearly on edge of tears when suddenly not 1 but 2 loud angry shouted out making her jump.

Wiiliam: NO YOU ARE NOT 87546 AND 98462!

98462: (smugly) And how pray tell, do you plan to do that?

Narrator: William picked up more courage.

William: I'll be driving you 98462!

87546: Pah! That still leaves me with her and Rachel.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash then stepped in.

Rainbow Dash: WRONG AGAIN! I'll be driving you 87546! I'm sure Arkwright wouldn't mind working with Gordon for a day, nor would Rachel and Fluttershy mind working with Edward and Twilight.

Narrator: And with that, all the engines and ponies went to work.

Edward: (As he left.) Don't worry Fluttershy. You're safe with me.

Fluttershy: (Feeling better after a hug from Rachel) Thank you Edward, and for you too Rachel for that hug, and to William and Rainbow Dash too.

Rachel: I'll be sure they get the message.

Twilight Sparkle: Let's find the coaches.

Edward: Those dears will be happy to see us again.

(The 3 girls and Edward giggle.)

Narrator: 98462 and 87546 were furious.

98462: I can't believe it! That William guy is always getting in our way to do away with that pathetic Fluttercry.

87546: Well its time for plan B my brother,

98462: Yes. You're right 87546, we'll just have to kill him. Oh, and that blue pegasus while we are at it!

Narrator: The B-12's put their plan to action. They backed down onto their trucks with rude bump to anger them.

William: Watch it 98462!

98462: Sorry mate, misjudged the distance. (snickered quietly)

William: Oy! (To Rainbow Dash, calming down.) Rainbow Dash, are your sure you don't want to be with Gordon?

Rainbow dash: Nah, I'm fine. I'm not going to let these B-12's bully Fluttershy or Rachel either.

Narrator: Finally everything was ready. 98462 lead, with William as his driver. And 87546 coupled to the train behind 98462 with Rainbow Dash driving. The all clear was given, and the 2 B-12's lunged furiously forward angering the trucks even more so as part of their plan to Kill William and Rainbow Dash. Thomas and Pinkie Pie overheard them.

Pinkie pie: Oh no no no no! Not good! Not good! Not good!

Thomas: We must tell The Fat Director at once.

Narrator: They rushed towards vicarstown station and spoke to the Fat Director, who was now more worried than ever.

The fat director: I will see to the matter immediately. You'd better get back to the yard and tell the other engines, ponies and humans when they come in.

Thomas: You got it sir!

Pinkie Pie: Right away sir!

(They head off quickly)

Narrator: Meanwhile, out on rails, William and Rainbow Dash were worried. They didn't exactly have the regulator wide open, but they were accelerating rapidly.

William: Hey Rainbow Dash, how are things going?

Rainbow Dash: I don't know. I'm not giving that much speed but I'm still accelerating pretty dangerously.

William: Same here. I'm going to try closing my regulator.

Rainbow Dash: Ditto.

Narrator: However when William tried to close 98462's regulator, the regulator didn't move. A pin holding the regulator had jammed itself, making it useless to close or open the regulator. Rainbow Dash tried to do the same with 87546's, but he too had jammed his regulator.

William: Hey! What's going on here!? What you are you playing at? (Trying to unjam the pin.)

(As they crest the hill.)

98462: Now 87546!

Narrator: Suddenly, the pin in 87546's regulator snapped and he surged into 98462, forcing William to smash his head into the regulator, breaking the pin as well and knocking William out cold. And before Rainbow Dash could stop them, they were hurtling down the hill. Rainbow Dash immediately slammed the breaks hard on!

Rainbow dash: WIIL PUT THE BRAKES ON! WILL! WILL!

Narrator: She then flew from her cab after setting the breaks on 87546 and into 98462's cab what she saw made her heart pound fast. There, Will slumped to one side unconscious.

Rainbow dash: Oh my gosh! Will!

Narrator: As she slammed the brakes on 98462, she then heard a shattering noise followed by a crack! As 87546's iron brakes shattered, then followed by 98462's brakes. Now they were out of control without any way of braking. Rainbow Dash was horrified.

Rainbow Dash: SSSSSSSSSTTTTTAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!

98462 & 87546: DEATH TO HOLDEN! DEATH TO HOLDEN!

Narrator: The B-12 brothers screamed while laughing like maniacs. Rainbow Dash whistled a warning as they raced through Wellsworth, passing a very horrorfied Fluttershy, Rachel, Edward and Twilight.

Edward: WHY, THEY'LL HAVE AN ACCIDENT AT THAT PACE!

Rachel : OH MY! William's in that engine's cab.

Rainbow Dash: HELP US! WILLIAM'S UNCONSCIOUS! THESE B-12S ARE TRYING TO KILL HIM!

Fluttershy: NO! THEY WON'T!

Narrator: Fluttershy flew after them, much to the bewilderment of Rachel, Twilight Sparkle and Edward who quickly left the coaches at the station and took off after her.

Edward: Rachel, Twilight, give me as much speed as you can.

Narrator: Still a little shaken, Twilight used her magic to open the regulator as much as she dared. The B-12's were still laughing maniacally as they raced uncontrollably down the line. Rainbow dash kept her hoof on the whistle chain whistling warning's as they flashed through Crosby. The trouble was right up ahead. There was a curve close to the sea before the Crosby tunnel. Rainbow Dash knew there was no way to save the train, so she grabbed a hold of William and tried to get him out, but a human was too heavy for one pegasus to do on her own.

Rainbow dash: Come on! Come on!

Narrator: Fluttershy arrived just in time and with her help she grab a hold of holden a the two pegasus ponies pulled with all their might. The B-12's tried to rock-n-roll to knock out the 2 pegasi.

98462: We'll kill you too if we have too fluttercrybaby! (Maniaclly laughing.)

Narrator: But Fluttershy took no notice. The coast line came closer and closer but at last with a mighty effort, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash pulled an unconscious William out of the cab just in time and landed safely by the lineside.

87546: WHAT!? NOOOO! GET BACK HERE YOU COWARD!

98462: YOU'VE HAVEN'T HEARD THE LAST OF US!

Rainbow Dash: END OF THE LINE YOU SARDINE CANS!

98462 & 87546: CURSE YOU FLUTTERSHY! CURSE YOU RAINBOW DASH! CURSE YOU ALL!

Fluttershy: YOU BIG DUMB MEANIES!

Narrator: Rainbow Dash watched in awe as Fluttershy finally stood up to the B-12's, as the two murderous engines and the goods train flung right off the rails. With a loud bang and even louder splash, the two B-12s and the goods train fell into the sea. 98462 had smashed into a jagged rock face and his boiler exploded, miraculously the 2 engines survived their sinking and the blast as they had landed into a shallower end close to the coast but the damage was done. Fluttershy and Rainbow dash grabbed poor William and flew him to Edward, who had brought a special medical coach which Twilight had made from one of the coaches in a nearby siding. While the spell was difficult, she would do anything for a friend. They quickly got William inside and headed to the hospital. Meanwhile, at the scene of the accident, the Fat Director whom had been informed by Wellsworth of what had happened, immediately drove to the scene of the wreck and borrowed a small boat.

Fat Director: You two are the most disgraceful engines on my line. I have never seen or heard of 2 engines that would want to kill their own crew. And the damage you caused won't be easy to repair.

87546: Uh, we're sorry sir…

98462: We don't it again...

Fat Director: Indeed you won't. For you will no longer be mended.

98462 & 87546: (Horrified). WHAT!?

Fat Director: DON'T SAY ANOTHER WORD YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING PILES OF JUNK! YOU HAVE BEEN A TROUBLESOME TO EVERYONE! NO CAN STAND YOU ANYMORE! NOT THE ENGINES, NOT THE PONIES, NOT THE MEN, NOT THE WOMEN, NOT THE COACHES! NOT THE TRUCKS!, AND NEITHER DO I KNOWING YOU 2 YOU'D GO ON TRYING TO KILL PEOPLE AND PONIES IF WE FIX YOU 2! BUT YOUR ACTIONS WILL TEACH THE OTHERS WHAT HAPPENS TO ENGINES WHOM ATTEMPT FOUL PLAY. YOU WILL BE DUMPED IN THE SUDRIAN SEA, WHERE YOU CAN BE A HOME FOR KIPPERS. GOOD DAY TO YOU 87546 AND 98462!

Narrator: Later, at the hospital, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie had gotten the call from Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Twilight and Rachel and about what had happened. The remainder of the main 6 then rushed over to Wellsworth Hospital, tears streaming down Rachel's face followed by the other ponies with worried with tears as well.

Rarity: (Starting to tear up) What happened to him darlings?

Rachel: (Crying) Will he be alright….?

Doctor: Misses, please calm down. William's got a concussion.

Rainbow Dash: Well Rarity, we were taking a double head goods train with those 2 B-12's 98462 and 87546 cause we didn't want Fluttershy to be at the regulator of those engines. A cotter pin got stuck in our engines regulators and we tried to unjam them, but they just broke off altogether by the look of it. William then hit his head pretty hard, cause as I flew in to see why he hadn't put the brakes on, saw him lying lumped by the cab window unconscious.

Fluttershy: I saw them barreling down the hill and noticed that William was unconscious so I flew over to rescue them.

Narrator: Rachel was now flooding with tears. The ponies all hugged her tightly.

Twilight Sparkle: It's alright Rachel, and if wasn't for Thomas and Pinkie, William would most likely have been killed.

Fluttershy: And you 2 and Edward were a big help too, getting the medical coach to get William here.

Narrator: The Fat Director was a good as his word. The next day, 98462 and 87546 were lift by cranes and the disposed never to return again into the deeper ends of sudrian sea. A few days passed and the ponies and Rachel continued to visit William at wellsworth hospital, courtesy of Edward's train, praying for the best. Then, one day they visited the hospital, and were startled to see he was not there.

Fluttershy: Oh my! Do you think he's... dead?

Narrator: Before anyone could reply or shed a tear a familiar voice sounded out and turned to see a man they all knew.

William: Hullo everyone.

Rachel: Oh lord! William! IT really is you!

Narrator: Rachel ran up and hugged her friend tightly.

Fluttershy: Oh William Your alive! I am glad to see you.

Narrator: Fluttershy then embraced the hug. Then everyone joined in.

Rainbow Dash: Man its so good to have you back on your feet.

William: I'm glad that I can continue working for Sir Topham Hatt. But hopefully not with those b-12's.

Twilight Sparkle: No need to worry about them anymore. Last we heard, they became home for the fish at the bottom of the sea after they tried to murder you.

Fluttershy: That's right. And you don't have to swap duties to protect me anymore, um... unless you want to.

Rachel: Too right Fluttershy.

Rarity: Anyway, we've all pitched in to make you this.

Narrator: William's eyes showed tears of joy. It was a blue knitted sweater with the words "To Our Favourite Driver And Best Friend".

William: It's beautiful. I'm feeling better already.

Applejack: And me and your friend the Vicar of wellsworth picked you some apples, here you are.

William: Oh thank you Applejack and god Bless Reverend Laxey.

Narrator: Twilight gave him a book on historic railway lines and locomotives of Sodor and Equestria, Pinkie Pie gave him some cupcakes, Fluttershy, gave her a vegetable basket, Rainbow Dash gave him a new cricket ball to replace the one he lost the previous year, and Rachel gave him a photo album of their adventures together. At last they left the hospital together where Edward took William back home to Vicarstown with his new friend Fluttershy happily at the footplate her close friends by her side, Rachel Marie Ravens and William James Holden.

Yeah, you didn't see that coming. Thought that they would try to get rid of Henry or have a fraud with Gordon, didn't you? Anyway, next up is "Edward, Fluttershy, Gordon and Rainbow Dash".

Author's notes: Yeah, without the ponies it would be just "Edward and Gordon", but me and my friend wanted to add a new spice to the title. And not the spices used to create the Powerpuff Girls. (Laughs) Huh? Oh, right. Just jump into the story.

Edward, Fluttershy, Gordon and Rainbow Dash.

Narrator: Since 98462 and 87546's rein of terror had been subdued in at the bottom the sea, life on The NWR had become more uplifted. Fluttershy now often works with Edward, and the two of them have been handling the work load better than 3 B-12s put together. Passengers and goods trains were dispatched day and night as the economy grew more and soon more trains were scheduled and the engines and ponies felt proud. However, I certain A-0 prototype and a certain cyan colored pony with a rainbow mane and tail had gotten a little too proud. One day, Edward and Gordon were getting ready for the days work, when Rainbow Dash and Gordon started boast.

Gordon: Now then you watch me this afternoon little Edward and Fluttershy, as me and Rainbow dash come rushing through with express.

Rainbow dash: That will the most superultraextremawesomazing sight for the two of you.

Henry: Heheheh oh like that time you played cricket with The Fat Directors' Rolls Royce.

Applejack: Heheheh! Good one Henry.

Gordon: Hey! That incident wasn't my fault was apparently some, ahem, crew members of mine who forgot to apply something called a brake thus hit the skyer!

Rainbow Dash: Hey I told you before Gordon that wasn't my fault, so don't blame me!

Simmons: (Laugh hiding cough) I've heard that one before.

Gordon: And that goes for you too Simmons.

Narrator: Just then Gordon's driver arrived and Gordon and Rainbow dash went on their way.

Gordon: Good bye Little Edward and little fluttershy. Lookout for me and Rainbow Dash this afternoon.

William: (Snickering) Boy are they in for a nasty shock.

Fluttershy: What do you mean?

Rachel: Oh don't worry, he'll soon find out.

Narrrator: And then Rachel and William whispered something to Fluttershy that made her giggle.

Fluttershy: Well don't think Rainbow Dash will be to displeased, but I don't know about Gordon.

William: Right, well its off to work for us Fluttershy. We'll be working with Edward today, shunting at Wellsworth.

Edward: Oh wonderful. That will be fun.

Narrator: And so Edward, Fluttershy, Rachel and William went off to Wellsworth. Edward loves shunting. It was lots fun playing with trucks he came up quietly and gave them a pull.

Trucks: OH! Oh! oh! Whatever is happening?

Edward: Heheheh. Don't worry its only me, no need to be afraid just mind your manners.

Trucks: Pah typical. Just when we're enjoying the sunshine it's also spoiled by an engine bumping us about.

Narrator: Then Edward stopped and the silly trucks bumped into each other.

Trucks: Oh! OH! OH! OH!

Edward: Heheheh! Now whose bumping who?

Trucks: OH! OH! OH! Not again!

Narrator: Edward, William, Rachel and Fluttershy played until there were no more trucks and then they stopped for a rest.

Edward: Ah. what a great morning this has been.

Fluttershy: Indeed I never knew how fun shunting could be.

Edward: Oh I know and not to mention how important it can be, cause without the shunting how will the trains get prepared?

Fluttershy: Oh yes I see that it's very important.

Narrator: Presently, Rachel, William and Fluttershy were having peanut butter sandwiches, a whistle sounded in the distance making Fluttershy jump and hide behind Edward as William dive bombed and caught Fluttershy's sandwich before it hit the ground.

Edward: Easy Fluttershy it's only a whistle.

Fluttershy: Oh that's right, aheheheh, sorry.

Rachel: It's alright Fluttershy.

Narrator: Then what they saw next made them burst into laughter. Out from under the road bridge Gordon puffed in very slowly and very cross, instead nice shiny coaches he was pulling a long line of dirty coal trucks.

Gordon: A goods train! A goods train! A goods train! The shame of it! The shame of it! Oh the same of it!

Rainbow Dash: Ah put a piece of coal in it will yah! You don't see me complaining!

Narrator: They puffed slowly in with the coal trucks clattering and banging behind Gordon.

Edward: Hohoho! So that's what you get for hitting the Directors car. Well not suprising really.

Fluttershy: (giggles)

William: Well to be fair, truth be told I was driving him on that day too with Rainbow Dash.

Rachel: Yeah... I was on the train as well.

William: To be fair Rach, you didn't know too much about engines at the time and it was understandable that you forgot which control was the brake.

Rachel: Ah yes that's right. And also, Rainbow Dash was teasing you, so it wasn't entirely your fault.

Fluttershy: Oh that's right that's when you got that black eye. I am glad that it is gone.

William: That makes three of us. Oh Fluttershy, I saved your sandwich.

Narrator: William handed Fluttershy her sandwich.

Fluttershy: Oh why thank you very much Mr. Holden

William: Nevermind Fluttershy. Just called me William or Will if you like

Narrator: All 4 had a good laugh and then went back to work. Meanwhile Gordon and Rainbow Dash began to climb the hill before Maron. Gordon was not trying hard enough and the weight of the trucks made him go slower and slower until he stopped on the hill. Meanwhile, back at Wellsworth, a porter ran up to Edward and his crew.

Porter: Gordon and Rainbow Dash are stuck on Maron Hill. William, we'll need you Rachel and Fluttershy to take Edward and push them up the hill.

Edward: No problem.

Narrator: And they puffed away. They found Gordon half way up and very cross Rainbow Dash and his driver were talking to him severely.

Ross: Oh come on Gordon. We need to get this train going right now.

Gordon: I can't do it.

Rainbow Dash: Come on! Your not even trying at all, you did one hundred miles an hour on our first trip and now you can't even climb a hill.

Gordon: That was because I was pulling coaches, not trucks, these noise trucks hold an engine back so. If they were coaches however, clean sensible things that come quietly, that would be different.

Rainbow Dash: Oh for the love of pete.

Narrator: William came up.

William: Don't worry Ross and Rainbow Dash, me, Fluttershy, Edward and apprentice driver Rachel have come to push.

Gordon: Pah, like any use that would be.

William: You just wait and see you pompous hypocrite and to think I drove you and helped you pass your trial run.

Narrator: So after much ranting raving they brought the train back to the bottom of the hill, Fluttershy drove Edward up behind the brake van ready to push.

Edward: I'm ready.

Rachel: All set.

Fluttershy: We're ok!

Gordon: No good.

Rainbow Dash: Stow it Gordon!

Narrator: Slowly but surely, they forged up the hill.

Gordon: I can't do it! I can't do it! I can't do it!

Rainbow dash: Oh put piece of coal in it Gordon!

Fluttershy: Easy Edward, easy.

Edward: I will do it! I will do it!

William: That ah boy Edward, your doing great.

Rachel: Keep up the good work Edward.

Narrator: Edward pushed and puffed and puffed and pushed as hard as ever he could. And almost before he realised it, Gordon found himself at the top of the hill.

Gordon: I'VE DONE IT ! I've done it! Hahah!

Rainbow Dash: Of for the love of pete!

Edward: Wait! You forgot us!

Fluttershy: Oh my, how rude, he didn't even say 'thank you'.

Rachel: The nerve of that engine!

Edward: Don't worry about it Fluttershy and Rachel, I'm just glad I could ….help, gratitude or not.

Narrator: At the next station Edward found that William, Rachel and Fluttershy were very pleased with him. Rachel gave Edward a nice long drink of water.

William: Well done Edward. I knew you could do it.

Edward: (panting) …. Thanks…William…. Just glad …. I could help…. Whew….

Fluttershy: Your were marvellous.

Rachel : Tell you what, me, William and Fluttershy will get some paints out tomorrow and give you a beautiful coat of blue and red stripes.

Fluttershy: Then you be the sharpest looking engine in the shed.

Edward: Oh thank you everyone, that does sound nice.

And that was part 2 of "Three Railway Engines" (Or, part 3 if you count "Foul Play"). Next is "The Sad Story Of Henry". Look out for it.

Author's notes: Ok, more common ground. This time taking on "The Sad Story Of Henry". Here we go.

The Sad Story Of Henry

Narrator: Once an engine attached to a train, was afraid a few drops of rain.

Henry: Oh great, not now! I've just been repainted too. And now it's going to get ruined.

Applejack: Oh good gravy Henry, put apple in it.

William: Come on now. We've got to get this train to Knapford. I don't want to hear you moan.

Henry: (too himself) Hmph… I'll show them. The Ballahoo tunnel's coming up. I'll teach them.

Narrator: He went into a tunnel and squeaked from his funnel and never came again.

(Henry's brakes screeched on giving Applejack, William and Rachel a jolt)

William: What the devil?

Applejack: What in tarnation?

Rachel: Oy! What's going on!

Narrator: The engine responsible for this was of course, Henry. Applejack, William and Rachel argued with him, but he would not move.

William: Henry, what the devil are you playing at? Don't you remember that we have passenger to take Knapford?

Rachel : That's right. We can't stay here for all hours and we certainly can't delay the Flyer Of Vicarstown!

Henry: Hmph… I'll tell you what I'm playing at. The rain is going to spoil my lovely green paint with red stripes, that's what.

Applejack: What in the hay is that suppose to mean?

Henry: Just like I said, my paint's going to get ruined in this rain.

Applejack: Oh come on Henry. It's dry enough.

Henry: What are you talking about girl? Look out there. It's raining cats and dogs out there.

Applejack: I'm not talking about the rain you silly-filly, I'm talkin about your paint. Me, Rachel and Will here painted it on two weeks ago.

Rachel: She's right. Now stop moaning, and come on.

Henry: No.

Applejack: Henry!

Henry: NO!

Rachel : HENRY!

Henry : NO!

William: HENRY!

Henry: No!

Narrator: The guard came up.

Guard: Ahem! I say William, Rachel and Applejack. What is going on here? Our passengers are becoming concerned by this delay.

William: Sorry, but Henry has decided to stop moving.

Henry: I DECIDED TO NOT SPOIL MY PAINT!

Applejack: HENRY! SHUT UP!

Guard: Leave it to me.

Applejack: Uh... Will? What does he have in mind?

William: (Sigh) Trust me. You don't want to know.

Narrator: The guard blew his whistle till he had no more breath.

Guard: (Pant) … I still have one… more tricks …..Up my sleeve…

Narrator: Then, he waved his green flag till his arms ached, but Henry stayed in the tunnel and blew steam at William, Rachel, Applejack, and the guard.

Applejack: What in the hey was that for?

William: What in zam hill Henry.

Rachel: HEY! THAT WASN'T NICE AT ALL!

Guard: What in the name of Sodor was that for Henry!

Henry: I'm not going to spoil my lovely green paint and red stripes for you.

Narrator: Soon the passengers began to argue with Henry but he wouldn't listen to reason and refused to exit the tunnel.

Passenger 1: Hey come on. I paid good money for this trip, either you get going or I demand a refund.

Passenger 2: I say you big green engine! Would get a move on?! I have very important business meeting at Knapford.

Henry: Well, that's your problem not mine!

Applejack: Oh Henry, how vain can you possibly be?

Narrator: Soon, the Fat Director came up and told Applejack to fetch a rope when she returned with her lasso.

Fat Director: We are all going to pull you out!

Passenger: WHHHHHAAAAAAAAATTTTTT!

Guard: WHAT THE HECK!

Applejack: WHAT IN TARNATION!

William: WHAT THE DEVIL!

Rachel: ARE YOU SERIOUS?!

Fat controller: That's right!

Henry: Yeah. Good luck with that.

Narrator: Applejack attached the lasso on to Henry's front buffer and they all pulled... expect the Fat Director because... Uh... (Pausing action)

Applejack: Beg pardon sir, but why aint you pullin'?

Director: Ahem…. Um my doctor has forbidden me to pull.

(Action unpaused)

Narrator: They pulled and pulled an pulled but still Henry stayed in the tunnel.

Henry: Heheh, well it doesn't making any difference cause I'm still in here.

William: Okay. Your really pushing your luck Henry!

Rachel: Hey, there's an idea. Why don't we try pushing from behind?

Applejack: Not a bad idea Rach.

Narrator: Then they tried push from the other end. The fat Director said.

Fat Director: ONE! TWO! THREE! PUSH!

Narrator: But he didn't help again, because... Um... (Action paused)

William: Sir, forgive me for asking but why are not helping again?

Fat Director: Well you see um uh… Ahem… My doctor has forbidden me to push you see…

Rachel/William/Applejack: (Unconvinced) Right...

(Action unpaused)

Narrator: They pushed and pushed and pushed, but still, Henry stayed in the tunnel. At last Simmons and Rarity came along. The guard waved his red flag and a stopped them.

Simmons: You gotta be kidding me. Seriously, a tunnel? Of all places, it had to be this tunnel?

Rarity: I feel dreadfully bad for the coaches, having to sit in that dark musty tunnel.

Narrator: Soon, Rarity came up to argue too.

William: (Groan) Come on Henry. Please stop playing around! I wanna go home!

Rachel: Same here. It's getting dark and cold.

Applejack: Come now, how could you be afraid of a little water? You drink more gallons than the rain provides.

Rarity: Henry, get out of the tunnel now!

Henry: No, I won't ruin my green paint and red stripes for you, little miss pony!

Narrator: He wheeshed steam at her and made her wet and violated.

Rarity: (Whimpering) Oh my I look hideous, You beast!

Rachel: Come Henry. Look, it's stopped raining.

Henry: Yes, but it will begin again soon, and what will become of my green paint and red stripes then?

Rarity: Now you better move please, or I'll get Fluttershy to give you the stare.

Narrator: Henry still refused to come out. Rarity then went to the nearest phone and called Fluttershy over from Wellsworth yards. She then tried to stare Henry down, to no prevail, so Rarity used Simmons. He pushed and puffed and puffed and pushed as hard as he could. But still, Henry stayed in the tunnel. So they all gave it up.

Fat Director: Very well then. You can stay there. We shall take away your rails and leave you in there for always and always and always!

Henry: No no no please don't! I'll come out! I'll come out!

Narrator: But the Fat Director didn't take anymore chances. And that's what they did. They the levered the old rails away, cut a new tunnel and built a wall in front of Henry. Simmons took the passengers on with his train and took the tired ponies and William and Rachel home, Fluttershy headed back to Wellsworth on her wings to continue shunting with Edward. Now Henry can't get out and we watches the trains rushing through the new tunnel. He was very sad because he thought no one would ever see his green paint and red stripes again, but I think he deserved it, don't you?

Poor Henry. You really feel sorry for him here, even though he is in the wrong. Well, let's hope things clear up next story. See you there.

Author's notes: Ok. Let's get to the final chapter.

Edward, Gordon, and Henry.

Narrator: As time went on Edward & Fluttershy, Gordon & Rainbow Dash and Simmors, Rarity & Applejack would often pass by the tunnel in which Henry was shut up in.

(Passing by montage one.)

Edward: Peep-peep. Hullo Henry.

Fluttershy: I'm sorry about your predicament Henry.

(They go through with the Thunderbolt Of Tidmouth.)

(Passing by montage two)

Simmors: Peep-peep. Sorry your stuck there Henry.

Rarity: At least now the passengers won't be late.

Applejack: Ya should have listened Henry.

(They come through with The Flyer Of Vickerstown)

(Passing by montage three)

Gordon: Poop-poop! HAHAHAHA! Serves you right.

Rainbow Dash: (Laughing as tears poured from her eyes) Bah hahahahahaha!

(They pass by with the Wild-Nor-Wester)

Narrator: Poor Henry had no steam to answer. His fire had been put out, and soot and dirt from the tunnel roof had spoiled his lovely green paint and red stripes. He was very sad and cold and wanted to come out and pull trains too.

Henry: Oh dear. Why did I have to worry about the rain spoiling my green paint?

Narrator: One day William was working with Edward, Fluttershy and Rachel. The Fat Director could see much potential in young Rachel and had her work along side William to learn the route since 1921. One day they were practicing shunting at Wellsworth with Edward and Fluttershy.

William: Alright Rachel open the regulator slowly.

Rachel: So like this?

Narrator: She opened the regulator very gently and Edward eased forward smoothly.

Fluttershy: Oh how wonderful Rachel. That was very smooth indeed.

Rachel: Oh, thank you Fluttershy.

Edward: I must say, you could defiantly give the men here a run for the pounds.

Rachel: (Blush, giggle). Oh Edward. You are just the most kindest engine ever.

Narrator: The four friends shunted until there were no more trucks. And then they stopped for a lunch break. Now then, Gordon and Rainbow Dash always pulled the North Western Railway's claim to fame prestige Express passenger train called the Wild Nor Wester. Since the departure of the spiteful B-12 brothers, Gordon was very proud of now being the only engine strong enough to pull it, and Rainbow Dash felt over 20% more cooler to be one of the ponies to drive Gordon. The train was full of important people like the Fat Director, whom had punished Henry. Today, Gordon was testing how fast he could go.

Rainbow Dash: Ready Gordon?

Gordon: Ready when you are Rainbow Dash!

Narrator: With a blast on the whistle and a pull of the regulator, Rainbow Dash set Gordon and the Wild-Nor-Wester into motion, slowly at first, then faster and faster until they reached the maximum speed of 100 miles per hour.

Gordon: HURRY! Hurry! Hurry!

Rainbow Dash: Yeah, come on, no slacking coaches!

Coach 1: (Sigh) I told you before. Those two do not know how to treat a coach.

Coach 2: At least they aren't as bad as the B-12 brothers.

Narrator: And the other coaches could only agree. In the distance, Gordon saw the tunnel where Henry was bricked up in.

Rainbow Dash: You thinking what I'm thinking?

Gordon: Oh yeah! In a minute, we'll whistle at Henry, then give the old 'serves your right' one liner, then laugh in his face, then rush through and out into the open.

Narrator: Closer and closer they came, they were almost there when….

(CRACK)

Rainbow Dash: What the hay is going….

(WWWWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSHhHHHHHHHH!)

Narrator: And there was proud Gordon, going slower and slower in a of cloud steam.

Rainbow Dash: STTTTTTTTTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

Narrator: After nearly panicking, Rainbow Dash quickly stopped the train.

Gordon: What in the name of Sir Nigel Greseley has happened to me?! I feel so (cough) weak.

Rainbow Dash: Oh for the love pete. You've burst your safety valve, you can't pull the train anymore.

Gordon: Oh dear. We were going so nicely too.

Rainbow dash: I know, and we nearly passed one hundred miles an hour. I hate losing.

Gordon: Just look at that. Henry laughing at us.

Henry: HAHAHAHAHA! First the Directors car, then getting stuck on a hill, and now this.

Rainbow Dash: Oh shut up Henry!

Narrator: Everyone came to see Gordon.

Fat Director: Humph! I never liked these big engines. Always going wrong. After you drive Gordon onto a siding out of the way, find another engine at once.

Narrator: After setting Gordon onto a siding out of the way, Rainbow Dash went to find one. Meanwhile, Fluttershy, Rachel, and William were just finishing their lunch when Rainbow Dash flew in and told them what happened.

Edward: I'll come and try.

Rainbow Dash: I doubt that.

William: Oh you just you wait and see Rainbow Dash.

Narrator: Gordon saw them coming.

Gordon: Pah! That's no use. Edward can't pull the train.

Narrator: Edward puffed and pulled and pulled and puffed, but he couldn't move the heavy express coaches.

Gordon: I told you so.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah! I knew that old timer couldn't do it on his own.

Edward: (Panting sadly) …I'm…. So….. Sorry…. My… Friends.

Fluttershy: That's alright Edward.

William: At least you gave it everything you had. If only we had another engine.

Narrator: This gave Rachel a very good idea.

Rachel: Excuse me Sir Topham Hatt? How about we let Henry and Edward take the train together?

Fat Director: Great idea Rachel. I'll have it arranged at once.

Narrator: He turned to Henry.

Fat Director: Will you help Edward pull this train?

Henry: Oh yes please Sir.

Narrator: Some platelayers knocked down the wall and put back the rails. When Henry got enough steam, Rachel drove him out. He was dirty, his paint was dusty and covered with cobwebs.

Henry: Oh! I'm so stiff. I'm so stiff.

Rachel: I think we'd better give you quick run to ease your joints, then find a turntable.

Narrator: When Henry came back, he felt much better. Then they coupled him up.

William: Are you sure you'd don't need any help driving Henry.

Rachel: No thank you William. I'm going to give it a try on my own.

William: Alright, me, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash will be rooting for you in Edward. Good luck Rachel.

Edward: Peep-peep-peep. I'm ready.

Henry: Peep-peep-peep. So am I.

Edward and Henry: Pull hard! We'll do it! Pull hard. We'll do it.

Narrator: The heavy express coaches jerked and began to move, slowly at first, then faster and faster.

Edward and Henry: We've done it together! We've done it together! We've done it together!

Coaches: YOU'VE DONE IT HORRAY! YOU'VE DONE IT HORRAY!

Fluttershy: SHE DROVE A STEAM ENGINE ON HER OWN! SHE DID IT! SHE DID IT! YAAAAAYYY!

Rainbow Dash: That a girl Rachel. Keep it up.

William: Well done Rachel! You're doing great.

Narrator: Everyone was excited. The fat director leaned out of the window to wave at Edward, Henry, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rachel and William. But the train was going so fast that his hat blew of into a field where a goat ate it for it's tea. They didn't stop until they reached Knapford station. The passengers cheered and thanked the engines, ponies, William and Rachel. And the Fat Director promised Henry a new coat of paint.

Fat Director: Would you like blue and red stripes?

Henry: Yes please sir. Then I'll be just like Edward, Gordon and Rainbow Dash.

Narrator: He then turned to Rachel.

Fat Director: And as for you Miss Ravens, I would be honored to have you as the first female engine driver on this island in a long time. You are the railway's finest.

Rachel: Oh thank you sir. Thank you so much. I'll see to it that you'll never regret this.

Narrator: The Fat Director laughed.

Fat Director: Ho Ho! I know you won't. You've been taught by the best.

Narrator: Rachel and William hugged each other tightly.

Fluttershy & R.D: AWWWWW.

Narrator: On their way home, the friends helped Gordon back to the sheds. All three are now great friends. Henry was happy to have his new coat of paint. He is very proud of it and he doesn't mind the rain now, for he knows that the best way to keep his paint nice is not to run into tunnels, but ask his driver to rub him down when the days work is over. Upon hearing about Rachel's excellent exploit, Pinkie Pie through another party back at Vicarstown Sheds, this time to congratulate Rachel Marie Ravens on her promotion to engine driver. All the engines and ponies were very proud, but William James Holden was the proudest of the lot. So it just go to show you, that dreams do come true.

The end...

Alright! Now my humansona is a full time driver. Yay! Can't wait for the next saga. "Thomas The Tank Engine" is up next. And you'll be seeing a bit of both Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie throughout. Look out for that guys.

Author's notes: Ok, here's part 1 of "Thomas The Tank Engine". And yes, I have added myself into the story too.

Dear Rachel,

I hope you are enjoying your new job. Boy, 1923 has been a very good year. Our Reverend friend from England, Wilbert, has gotten his book published and has just finished another one for his son Christopher and it is due to published. Anyway, remember how Thomas was tired of being cooped up as a station pilot and wanted to see the world? Well, with the team effort of me, Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle and of course Thomas and you too, his wish has finally been granted. These stories tell you of how we did it. I hope you like them as much as your new job cause you helped me to write them.
Your friend, William James Holden.

Thomas and Gordon

Narrator: Thomas was a tank engine who lived at big station called Vicarstown where he worked as the station pilot engine. He had six small wheels, a short stumpy funnel, a short stumpy boiler and short stumpy dome. He also had 2 very special friends, two ponies called Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie. He was a fussy little engine, always sorting coaches about. He'd would sort them to their proper trains and pull them to the station ready for bigger engines to take on long journeys. And when trains came in and the people had gotten out, he'd always pull the empty coaches away so that the bigger engines could go and have a rest.

Thomas: And that's basically how it works, Miss Twilight.

Twilight Sparkle: Wow Thomas. You have the most wonderful job in the world. Sorting trains out kinda reminds me of re organising my bookshelves back home.

Thomas: I see. Boy, you sure like to keep things organize.

Twilight Sparkle: Heheh. Organised is my middle name. Twilight Organised Sparkle, hahahaha.

Thomas: Hahahaha. That's a good one Twilight.

Pinkie Pie: Hahahahaha. Yeah! You could give me a run for my money in jokes.

William: You got that right Pinkie Pie.

Thomas: Oh, here comes Henry with the Flyer Of Vicarstown. We'd better go and sort out that train.

Twilight Sparkle: Right on it, Thomas.

Narrator: And they went back to work. Thomas is a cheeky engine too. He thought that no engine worked as hard as he did, so he used to play tricks on the other engines and ponies. He liked best of all, to come up quietly to a big engine and a pony dozing in the sun and make them jump.

Thomas: (Whisper Snickering) Oy Pinkie Pie, there's Henry, Applejack, Rarity and Simmors.

Pinkie Pie. (Whisper) Alright. Got the confetti cannon ready.

Narrator: They inched forward slowly.

William: Uh, Thomas, Pinkie, what are you 2 doing?

Thomas: (Snickering) Ready? 3.

Pinkie Pie: (Snickering) 2.

Thomas: (Snickering) 1.

Narrator: Pinkie Pie fired her confetti cannon whistle and Thomas whistled loudly.

Henry: AAAHHHHH! WHAT IN THE WORLD!?

Applejack: WHAT IN TARNATION!?

Simmors: WHAT THE DEVIL?!

Rarity: OH MY STARS!

Pinkie Pie/Thomas: WAKE UP LAZY BONES! Why don't you work hard like us.

Narrator: Thomas and Pinkie Pie laughed out loud.

Henry: Thomas! Come on! I just had busy morning today.

Simmors: Yeah. Can't an engine get some sleep round here?

Rarity: Pinkie Pie, you aren't better off!

Applejack: Oh! Thomas, Pinkie Pie, you scared the apples out of me.

Thomas: Calm down Applejack. We're only joking. Don't worry. I'll get your coaches ready for your next trains.

William: That better be the last trick of the day, Thomas and Pinkie.

Twilight Sparkle: Yeah, don't stretch it too far.

Narrator: They went off to find the coaches. One day, Gordon, Rainbow Dash and Rachel were resting in the siding. They were very tired. Not only did Henry and Applejack break Gordon and Rainbow Dash's record again and got their train to Knapford early, but the Wild Nor Wester had been running late and had they had had to run as fast as they could to make up for lost time. They were just going to sleep again, when Thomas came up in his cheeky way with Pinkie Pie.

Twilight Sparkle: Your not thinking about…

Narrator: Thomas whistled and Pinkie Pie blasted the party canon so loudly that Gordon and Rainbow Dash jumped.

Gordon: AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! I SURRENEDER SARGENT MAJOR!

Rainbow Dash: SSSSSDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! I SURRENEDER SARGENT SPITFIRE!

Rachel: DAHHH! I'M LISTENING MISS MARGARET! I'M AWAKE!

Thomas/Pinkie Pie: Waking up lazy bones! Do some hard work for change!

Rainbow Dash: Oh that. Is so it little Tommy and Pinkie Pie?

Thomas: Uh uh uh! No chasing around the yards. That's against regulations. HAHAHAHA! YOU CAN'T CATCH ME!

Narrator: And Thomas ran off laughing.

Pinkie Pie: Best prank yet Thomas!

Thomas: Sure was Pinkie.

Twilight Sparkle: Was that necessary you 2?!

Thomas: I thought it was. I hardly have any fun just being in this yard.

Pinkie Pie: Yeah Twilight, cut in some slack.

William: One of these days Thomas, all those pranks are gonna backfire at you.

Thomas: I doubt.

Narrator: Meanwhile instead of going to sleep again, Gordon and Rainbow Dash were thinking how to get back at Thomas. However, Rachel didn't think that it was a good idea. One morning, Thomas wouldn't wake up. William, Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie couldn't make him start. His fire was out and there was not enough steam. It was nearly time for Gordon's morning Wild Nor Wester. The people were waiting, but the coaches weren't ready.

Twilight Sparkle: Come on Thomas. Sober up.

Pinkie Pie: Yeah, wakey wakey!

Thomas: (Groan) Alright! Alright already.

Narrator: At last, Thomas started.

Thomas: (Yawn) Oh dear! Oh dear!

Coaches: Come on you! Hurry up!

Thomas: Ah shut up!

Narrator: Thomas gave them a rude bump and made his way to the station.

William: Thomas, calm down will yah?

Thomas: (Graugy) Don't stop dawdling don't stop dawdling.

Pinkie Pie: Don't you mean don't start dawdling Thomas?

Thomas: (sleepy) Whatever.

Coaches (Barring 7 and 8): Where have you been?! Where have you been?!

Thomas: Listen you, one more sass out of you lot and this trip will be your last.

Coaches (Barring 7 and 8): How rude.

Twilight Sparkle: I couldn't agree more. Thomas, what's gotten into you.

Thomas: Well, I've been kept up all night listening to these these engines boasting about how great their journeys are.

Twilight Sparkle: Alright just calm down, we're nearing the station.

Coach 6: You were saying numbers 7 and 8?

Coach 7: He's just tired number 6.

Coach 8: Yeah, he had to listen to the big engines boasting, which could make anyone miserable.

Coach 7: He really needs some more engines his own size, the poor thing.

Narrator: They fused into the station where Gordon, Rainbow Dash and Rachel were waiting.

Rainbow Dash: Well, you took your sweet time.

William: Sorry Rainbow Dash, Thomas was slow to start today.

Gordon: Well hurry up you!

Thomas: Ah! Hurry yourself.

Narrator: Gordon and Rainbow Dash began making their plan.

Gordon: Oh yes we will, won't we Rainbow dash?

Rainbow Dash: Oh yeah.

Rachel: Uh, Gordon, Rainbow, what are you 2 thinking?

Rainbow Dash: Oh, uh, nothing! Come on G, let's get you coupled on.

Gordon: Oh! Right!

Narrator: Almost before the coaches stopped moving, Gordon reversed quickly and was coupled to the train.

Gordon: Get in quickly please.

Narrator: The people got in quickly. The clock struck the hour, the guard blew the whistle, and Gordon was ready to start. Thomas always pushed behind the big trains to help them start. But William always uncoupled him first. That way, when the train was running nicely, he could stop and go back, but this time he was late, and Gordon had started so quickly they forgot to uncouple Thomas. Slowly, the train pulled out of the station.

Gordon: Come on! Come on! Come on!

Rainbow Dash: That's right coaches get a move on we're not going to wait till next spring.

Rachel: Ok, I think we are good.

Thomas: Um Twilight, Pinkie Pie, William! Why aren't we moving back?

Narrator: William looked through the cab window and gasped.

William: Uh oh!

Twilight Sparkle: What do you mean, 'uh oh'? Whats going on?

William: Well um, considering the fact that I forgot to uncouple Thomas from the train, we have no way of communicating to Rainbow Dash, the train is now accelerating at top speed and we just happen to be attached to the back of the Wild Nor Wester which just happens to be the fastest train on the railway... We're in for a wild ride.

Narrator: And William was right. The train was accelerating faster and faster, too fast for Thomas, Twilight and Pinkie Pie's likings. They wanted to stop, but they couldn't.

Thomas: STOP! STOP!

Pinkie: AHAHAHAH! MAKE IT STOP! OH! MAKE IT STOP!

Gordon: HAHAHA! I'M ONLY CRUSING RAINBOW DASH! OPEN THE REGULATOR WIDE OPEN! MWAH HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Rainbow Dash: You got it! Gordon. Mwah hahahahahahaha!

Narrator: She opened the regulator wide open. They accelerated to 101 miles per hour.

Thomas/ Twilight Sparkle/William/Pinkie Pie: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Coaches (Barring 7 and 8): you can't get away! You can't get away! HAHAHAHAHA!

Coach 7: You lot be quiet! Poor Thomas has been going through enough pain as it is.

Coach 8: If only there was a way to cheer him up dear sister.

(In Gordon's cab.)

Rachel: Uh, Gordon, Rainbow Dash, what's with the 'evil laughter'?

Gordon: Oh um... You know, because... The B-12s are no longer here, and I'm the only engine strong enough to pull the express on my own.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah, and... I'm driving Gordon. So, that's why.

Rachel: Hmm. There is something your not telling me.

Narrator: Poor Thomas was going faster than he had ever gone before. He was out of breath and his wheels hurt him but he had to go on.

Thomas: (Sobbing) I'll shall never be the same engine again. My wheels will be quite worn out.

William: And who's fault do you think that was, hhhhhmmmm!?

Narrator: At last, they stopped at Ballahoo station. Thomas was uncoupled and he felt very silly and exhausted. Then William, Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie ran him on to a turntable as everyone laughed at him. Then he ran onto a siding out of the way. Rainbow Dash laughed so hard tears streamed out of her eyes.

Rainbow Dash: Bwahahahah!

Gordon: Well now little Thomas. Now you know what hard work means, don't you?

Rachel: OH! So that explains the evil laughter. You 2 are in so much trouble! I'll see too it that Sir Topham puts you on goods duties for a week Gordon. As for you Dash, maybe Sir Topham will put you with someone else.

Gordon/Rainbow Dash: Uh oh...

Narrator: Poor Thomas couldn't answer. He had no breath. He just puffed slowly away to rest and had long long drink of water.

William: Oh good grief. Now you see what happens when you play tricks on the big engines Thomas…. (Gulp) …Oh horrors. I think I'm gonna be sick.

Thomas: me too… (Gulp)…

Pinkie Pie: me….Three… (Gulp)…

Twilight: me….four…(Gulp)…

Narrator: They went slowly home, and in future, Thomas was careful not to be cheeky to Gordon again.

Right. What did you think of that? Next up is "Thomas' Train". Keep a lookout for that.

Righty ho. Let's get this story started.

Thomas' train

Narrator: Thomas would often grumble because he was not allowed to pull passenger trains.

Thomas: I spend all my time shunting coaches about ready for you bigger engines to take on long journeys.

Narrator: The other engines, Barring Simmors (Edward was absent), and the ponies, barring Twilight Sparkle and Applejack (Fluttershy was also absent), just laughed.

Thomas: Why can't I pull trains like you guys?

Henry: Your just too impatient little Thomas.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah! Besides, you'd probably leave something behind.

Thomas: Rubbish, Rainbow Dash, and you too Henry! You all just wait! I'll show you lot!

Twilight Sparkle: Calm down Thomas, just be happy that you have something to do. Now come on, we need take Henry's Flyer of Vicarstown from platform 4 to platform 2 to be ready for the next journey.

Thomas: (Sigh) Alright.

Narrator: One night, he and Henry were alone. Henry was ill. The men worked hard but he didn't get better. He felt just as bad next morning even with the aid of Fluttershy, who had been called from Wellsworth to check on him. To make matters worse, Henry always pulled out with the first train, the Flyer Of Vicarstown, and Thomas had to get his coaches ready.

Thomas: If Henry is ill Twilight, then perhaps I shall pull his train.

Twilight Sparkle: I don't know about this. I've heard from Mr. Holden that some E2s tried and failed at passenger workings.

Thomas: Remember, desperate hours call for desperate measures. Besides, those were the first batch that failed at passengers.

Twilight Sparkle: What do you mean?

Thomas: My class was built with two different varieties. The first batch were built and delivered to the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, that's my old railway, between 1913 and 1914. The first batch had short side tanks which limited water supplies making it a little difficult for long distance travels, so eventually in June of 1915 and October 1916, the second batch was created with extended water tanks make it easier for us to work. And as you can see by my side tanks, I am member of the second batch of E2s.

Twilight Sparkle: Wow! how extrodinary!

Rachel: Indeed. Well lets go those coaches to platform 2 for the west bound Flyer Of Vicarstown.

Narrator: Rachel and Pinkie Pie had just arrived for work on Thomas and soon they were off.

Thomas: Come along girls! Come along!

Coaches: There's plenty of time!

Twilight Sparkle: Henry is ill today and I don't know how long it will take to get him ready.

Narrator: The coaches came quietly then. Thomas took them to the platform and wanted to run round to the front at once. But Rachel and Twilight wouldn't let him.

Twilight: Don't be impatient Thomas. Remember, good things come to those who wait.

Narrator: Thomas waited and waited. The people got in the coaches. Rachel and Pinkie Pie and the guard walked up and down, the porter banged the doors, and still Henry didn't come. Thomas grew more and more excited, so much so that Twilight Sparkle had to keep him in check. The Fat Director came out of the office to see what was the matter. William, Pinkie and the station master told him about Henry.

Fat Director: Find another engine.

Pinkie Pie: Well sir that's just it. Edward's on the Wellsworth branchline with William and Fluttershy, Gordon's on the goods train with Applejack, Simmors has the Wild-Nor-Wester with Rainbow Dash and Rarity, and the only engine left is Thomas.

Fat Director: You'll have to do it then. Thomas, be quick now.

Thomas: (Excited) YES SIR!

Narrator: So Thomas ran round and back down on the coaches, ready to start.

Thomas: Oh my goodness, my wish has come true. Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Rachel, my first passenger train!

Pinkie Pie: (Excited) Oh I'm so excited and proud for you Thomas.

Rachel: Now, don't be impatient Thomas.

Twilight Sparkle: Rachel is right, wait till everything is ready. You too Pinkie Pie, passenger trains need to be handled very carefully.

Narrator: But of course, Thomas and Pinkie Pie were too excited to listen. What happened next, no one knows. Perhaps they forgot to couple Thomas to the train, or perhaps Thomas was too impatient, or perhaps Pinkie Pie pulled the lever by mistake. Anyway, Thomas started.

Coach 1: Oh great!

Coach 2: Look what he's gone and done now.

Coach 3: He's left us behind.

Coach 7: Now, calm down you 3. He's just excited.

Coach 8: He'll come back for us, don't worry.

Narrator: As they passed the first signal box, signalman waved and shouted, but he didn't stop.

Twilight Sparkle: I wonder what that signallman was trying to say.

Thomas: They're waving because I am splendid engine.

Pinkie Pie: And because your fun.

Thomas: So true Pinkie Pie.

Narrator: Thomas found it strangely easy to pull the train.

Thomas: Pah! Henry said it was hard to pull trains but I think it's easy. (Imitating Gordon) Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!

Narrator: As they passed more signal boxes more signalman waved, making Twilight Sparkle and Rachel a little bit concerned.

Twilight Sparkle: I wonder why they are waving at us.

Rachel: Maybe something happened.

Thomas: Nah, it's because no one has ever seen me pull a train before. It's quite nice that they wave to us. (Whistle) Thank you kindly.

Narrator: But soon they came to a signal at danger.

Thomas: Bother! I must stop, and I was going so nicely too. What a nuisance signals are.

Narrator: And Thomas whistled angrily.

Twilight Sparkle: Calm down. Remember what I've told you. "Good things come to those who wait."

Narrator: Then a signalman ran up.

Signalman: Hullo Thomas, William, Twilight and Pinkie Pie. What are you four doing here?

Thomas: We're pulling the westbound Flyer of Vicarstown.

Pinkie Pie: Yeah! Can't you see silly filly?

Signalman: (Inquisitive) Well then, where are the coaches then?

Narrator: They all looked back.

Pinkie Pie: That's easy their right back her…..(GASP)!

Thomas: WHY BLESS ME! IF WE HAVEN'T LEFT THEM BEHIND!

Rachel: GREAT SCOT!

Twilight Sparkle: Uh…BUT I! WHAT!

Signalman: Yes. Unless the Flyer is using invisible coaches today, you'd better go back to collect them.

Narrator: Pinkie Pie was about to get out a trombone, when Rachel and Twilight Sparkle stopped her.

Rachel: Pinkie, not right now.

Pinkie Pie: (muffled voice) Why not?

Twilight Sparkle: Look at poor Thomas.

Narrator: Poor Thomas was so sad, he nearly burst into tears.

Twilight Sparkle: Now now. There there Thomas. We all make mistakes .

Rachel: She's right. Cheer up Thomas, lets just go back and try again.

Narrator: So they went back. At the station everyone was talking at once. They were telling the fat Director and the staff what a bad railway it was. But when Thomas came back and they saw how sad he was, they just couldn't stay cross and apologized. He was coupled to the train, and this time he really pulled it.

Coach 4: Huh! I say girls, this engine should really be more responsible with his trains.

Coach 7: He's still young and he is trying hard.

Coach 8: Yeah, don't be so hard on him number 4.

Narrator: To cheer Thomas up, Pinkie Pie told him about her "Party Of One" incident, and Twilight Sparkle told him about her "Lesson Zero" incident. That of course made Thomas feel better, but for sometime afterwards the other engines and ponies would laugh at him saying.

Henry/Gordon/Rarity/Rainbow Dash: Look! There's Thomas, the engine who wanted to pull a train but forgot about the coaches.

(Pinkie Pie Play trombone fail song)

Thomas: (Sarcastic) Gee Thanks Pinkie pie for the moral support. Sheesh!

Rachel: (Grumbling) Seriously Twilight. I wonder if William is fairing any better with Edward today.

Twilight: I seriously hope so.

Ok, part 2 is done. Look out for part 3.

Author's notes: Alrighty, here we go on part 3.

Thomas And The Trucks

Narrator: Thomas the tank engine would not stop being a nusciance. Night after night he kept the other engines and even the ponies awake.

Thomas: You know what guys, I'm sick and tired of shunting coaches. I want to see the world.

Rainbow Dash: OH FOR PETE SAKE! WILL YOU PUT A SOCK IN IT THOMAS!?

Rarity: OH HONESTLY! Your whining is getting really annoying.

Thomas: For the record Rarity. I'm not whining I'm complaining!

Rarity: Your are not complaining, you are whining, and incase you don't know the difference between them.

(Rainbow Dash quickly put ear plugs on.)

Rainbow Dash: TAKE COVER!

Gordon: What do you mean?

Rainbow Dash: Trust me on this Gordon, just brace yourself!

Rarity: Thiiis iiis whiiining! Oooh, this harness is too tiiight! It's going to chafe. Can't you loosen it? Oooh, it hurts and it's sooo ruuusty! Why didn't you clean it first? It's gonna leave a staaain! And the wagon's getting heeeavy, why do I have to pull it?

Thomas: Oh good grief! Please stop I know what whining is!

Rarity: But I thought you wanted to know the differences between complaining and whiiining!

Narrator: Even in the yards, the coaches would poke fun at him when he was shunting.

Coaches: Come on!

Coach 1: We need to be on the WildNorWester, and we can't be late.

Coach 2: You must hurry up.

Thomas: Ok, ok, yes, I know that!

Twilight Sparkle: Thomas, please calm down.

Coach 3: And you won't be going anywhere today.

Other coaches: (Laughing.)

Pinkie Pie: Hey! Leave him alone!

Rachel: That wasn't very nice.

Coach 7: Cut the giggles you lot!

Coach 8: Yeah, Thomas has been put through enough stress already.

(Thomas leaves them at the station for Gordon to pick up, then leaves with tears in his eyes, but he was thankful for the 2 coaches who stood up for him.)

Narrator: But one night, Edward came into the sheds with William and Fluttershy. Edward was a very kind engine and felt sorry for Thomas.

Edward: Hullo Rachel and Thomas. Why the long faces?

Thomas: Oh, hello Edward. To cut to the chase, it's just, the other engines and ponies get to see the whole railway every day, whilst I'm just stuck here with coaches, morning, noon and night, and save for coaches 7 and 8, the coaches tease me as well. I just wish I could be able to go out and see the railway too.

Edward: I know how you feel Thomas.

Fluttershy: Oh you poor engine. Don't worry. It's like Twilight Sparkle always says, "Good things come to those who wait."

Thomas: (Sigh unhappily) I know. Your right Fluttershy, but when I've waited since the first world war had ended in 1919 to see the world, barring that one mishap with the Flyer Of Vicarstown. I just wish to be really useful engine outside of shunting, like you Edward.

Rachel: I know what you mean Thomas. It isn't easy to wait for something that you really want.

William: Not necessarily.

Rachel: What do you mean William?

Edward: Me, William and Fluttershy have trucks to take home tomorrow, and if you take them instead of us, we'll shunt coaches in the yards for you.

Thomas: Thank you Edward, Fluttershy and William that will be a nice change.

Rachel: I think I'll work with Edward tomorrow. That ok William?

William: Sure Rach. Go for it.

Narrator: The next morning, the engines asked Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie. Twilight Sparkle always trusted Edward's wisdom, so she agreed. Rachel and William decided to swap duties for the day too. Thomas, Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle and William ran off to find the trucks, whilst Rachel, Fluttershy and Edward went to shunt coaches. Now, trucks are silly and noisy. They talk a lot and don't attend to what they are doing. They never listen to there engine and I'm sorry to say that they play tricks on engines who are not used to them. Edward, Fluttershy and Rachel knew all about trucks. They warned Thomas to be careful, but Thomas was too excited to listen. The shunter fastend the coupling, and when the signal dropped, Thomas was ready. The guard blew his whistle, and waved his green flag.

Twilight Sparkle: Alright. Ready Thomas?

Thomas: Ready! How bout you Pinkie Pie?

Pinkie Pie: Ready for anything Tommy! How bout you Willy?

William: All ready to go.

Narrator: William blew Thomas' whistle, and they started off but the trucks weren't ready.

Trucks: OH! OH! OH! OH! WAIT THOMAS! WAIT!

Thomas: Come on! Come on!

Trucks: Alright, don't fuss! Alright, don't fuss!

Narrator: Grumbling, the trucks left the station and on to the mainline. Thomas felt very happy they clattered through stations and rumbled over viaducts. Thomas whistled and they rushed through the tunnel that Henry was shut up in.

Thomas: Boy, this is great. I never felt so alive in my life.

Pinkie Pie: I know. Isn't this great? I've never seen so many beautiful sights on Sodor.

Twilight: Well I have to admit, this is nice change from the yards.

Thomas: Your telling me Twilight.

Narrator: William looked at his pocket watch.

William: Wow. We're making great time. Well done Thomas. We'll make it to Wellsworth before tea time.

Narrator: At last, they slowed down when they came to Gordon's Hill. The hill was steep, but Thomas soldiered on with all his might.

Twilight Sparkle: Steady Thomas, steady. We're almost at the top.

Narrator: Soon they reached the top and William began to shut off steam and apply the brakes.

Thomas: We're stopping! We're stopping!

William: Well done Thomas. Now lets go check the…..

Trucks: NO! NO! NO! GO ON! GO ON!

Narrator: Everyone was taken off guard as the trucks surged forward. And before either William, Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle could stop them, the trucks pushed them down the hill and were rattling and laughing maniacally. Poor Thomas tried hard to stop them from making him go to fast.

Thomas: STOP PUSHING! STOP PUSHING!

TRUCKS: GO ON! GO ON! GO ON!

Twilight Sparkle: AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHEEEEEELPPP!

Pinkie Pie: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! STOP THOMAS! STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP!

Thomas: I'M TRYING! I'M TRYING!

William: Oh glory! We heading for Wellsworth!

Thomas: OH DEAR WHAT SHALL I DO !

Narrator: They rattled through the station and swerved into the goods yard.

William: MMMMMMOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHERRRRRRR!

Twilight Sparkle: AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH

Pinkie Pie: Oh no no no no! not good ! not good! Not good!

Narrator: Everyone shut their eyes.

Thomas: I must stop!

Narrator: When they all opened there eyes, Thomas had stopped just in front of the buffers.

William: Whew! Thank goodness… That was a close one.

Twilight Sparkle: Yeah…. Too Close if you ask me.

Pinkie Pie: Yeah too… close for comfort.

Thomas: You... Said it.

Fat Director: Ahem!

Narrator: All 4 jumped as they saw the Fat Director standing and watching them.

Thomas and his crew and ponies: Ummmm…..uheheheheh…. Hullo Sir…. Heheh lovely day we're having….Heheheh.

Fat Director: What in the name of Sodor are you doing here Thomas? You are suppose to be shunting at Vicarstown instead of Edward.

Thomas: Me and Edward did a duty swap and so I brought Edward's trucks for him whilst he did the shunting.

Fat Director: Why did you come in so fast?

Twilight Sparkle: We didn't mean too. Those trucks pushed us.

Fat Director: Haven't ever pulled trucks before on the LB&SCR Thomas?

Thomas: No Sir.

Fat Director: Well then, you have a lot to learn about trucks little Thomas. They are silly things that must be kept in their place, so after pushing them around here in wellsworth for a few days with Miss Ravens again. You'll know almost as much about them as Edward, then you will be a really useful engine.

Narrator: The Fat Director watched as Thomas, Twilight Sparkle, William and Pinkie Pie moved sadly away. He really could see lots of potential in Thomas for being a really useful engine outside of shunting.

Fat Director: (Sigh) Poor Thomas. He really does need change from being station pilot.

Narrator: But I must say no more, or I will spoil the next story.

Well, what did you think of that one. Look out for part 4. "Thomas And The Breakdown Train".

Story number 4. This one is one of my favourites from canon material.

Thomas and the Breakdown Train

Narrator: Nearly a week passed since Thomas's mishap with the trucks. Although the Fat Director was stern with, Thomas he understood that Thomas was in need of a change in scenery from his job at Vicarstown Station. He allowed Thomas to stay at Wellsworth to learn how to become a really useful engine. At that time, William was called away to Vicarstown for special job. So Rachel was enlisted to help Thomas learn the ways of the really useful engine. Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie helped out and so did Edward and Fluttershy. Everyday, The Fat Director came to the station to catch his train. He always said, "Hullo" to Thomas and asked him how he was getting on. One of the jobs that Thomas had to do was shunt trucks. There were lots of trucks in the yard. Different ones came in every day and Thomas had to push and pull them into their right places.

Twilight Sparkle: And... perfect.

Rachel: Well done Thomas. You really have made a lot progress these past few weeks.

Twilight Sparkle: Heheheheh this definitely reminds me of organizing my bookshelves.

Pinkie pie: Wow we made it. Just in time for lunchtime.

Thomas: I know, and to think I've been shunting trains for years. But once you understand the techniques of trucks, It really helps to sharpen your shunting skills.

Narrator: Thomas was right. He worked very hard. He knew now that he wasn't as clever as he thought. Besides, the Fat Director had been kind to him, and he wanted to learn all about trucks so as to be a really useful engine. Meanwhile, at Vicarstown station, William and Rarity were waiting for the fat director when heard an unusual whistle. Then, a black tender engine puffed into the station. The Fat Director climbed down and introduced the newcomer.

Fat Director: Here is our new engine. We've just purchased him from the Lancashire and Yorkshire railway. He is a modified class 27 steam locomotive with leading wheels added.

William: So, what's your name?

?: I don't have name just yet. But I'm willing to prove myself.

William: I see. That's good. I'll call you by my middle name, James. How does that sound?

James: I like that, thank you driver.

Fat Director: Good. James it is then.

Narrator: Rarity then inspected James.

Rarity: Well he seems in order, but the black paint is kind to bland and a bit of a bore, but don't worry after your trial run, I'm sure you'll get new coat. I don't fancy these wooden brake blocks though . They make him look a little off in design.

James: I was made with these as an experiment. The other engines just laughed at me.

Rarity: I'm terribly sorry about that darling. They shouldn't do things like that.

Narrator: At that moment a horrifying realisation hit William.

William: WAIT A MINUTE! WOODEN BRAKE BLOCKS!? THAT'S VERY DANGEROUS! Sir, shouldn't we have him refitted with iron brake blocks?

Sir Topham hatt: Your right. We should….

Narrator: But before they do anything else, Henry puffed in from Alresburgh with a passenger train. He looked very poor.

Applejack: Sir, Henry's tubes are a leaking. We need to take the slow goods train to Kanpford.

Fat Director: I see. Well, William, as Simmors, Gordon and Edward are busy elsewhere, I'm afraid we'll have to use James right now. I'm sorry about this. We'll refit him tomorrow.

Narrator: He then walked away, concerned. William and Rarity each got a fire extinguisher and reluctantly, they coupled James up to goods train once Applejack took Henry off.

William: We'll just have to take it slowly. If we go too fast, the brakes may catch on fire.

Rarity: Oh dear. Perish the thought.

Narrator: The guard gave all clear, William took a deep breath and soon they set off.

William: Here we go Rarity.

Rarity: Ready James?

James: (Uncertain) Em, ready Rarity.

Narrator: The trucks overheard about James's wooden brake blocks and decided to used this as advantage for tomfoolery.

Trucks: We'll get that engine on the hill. He won't be able to stop us. (snickering)

Narrator: Unfortunately, Rarity, William and James hadn't heard them as they went along the line. Meanwhile, back at Wellsworth, Thomas was shunting with Twilight Sparkle, Rachel, and Pinkie Pie.

Rachel: There you go. That's right. Those trucks go into that goods siding.

Twilight Sparkle: I must say, your doing even better than what I can do in my library.

Pinkie Pie: Or how I plan parties.

Thomas: Well thank you.

Narrator: Thomas then saw so a strange line of trucks .

Thomas: Hhhmmm. What are those over there? I've never seen trucks like them before.

Twilight: I don't think you should touch those trucks.

Narrator: They consisted of a small coach, a couple of flat trucks, two tool vans, and two strange things that Rachel called cranes.

Rachel: That's the breakdown train. When there's an accident, the workmen get into the coach and the engine takes them quickly to help the hurt people and to clear and mend the line. The tool vans carry the the workmen's tools. The cranes are for lifting heavy things like engines, coaches and trucks.

Pinkie Pie: Or even the Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness?

Rachel: The what?

Pinkie Pie: Oh it was a giant cake that my friends Mr. and Mrs. Cake made for a national dessert contest.

Narrator: And she told Rachel and Thomas all about it.

Rachel: Oh that does sound delicious. I'm glad you and Twilight found the culprits and found out whom ate the other desserts.

Narrator: A few hours later, the 4 friends were just shunting some more trucks around Wellsworth yard, when suddenly they heard a engine whistling.

James: HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPP!

Narrator: And a goods train was rushing through much too fast. The engine of course was James. He, along with Rarity and William were frightened out of their wits.

William: RACHEL! HELP US!

Rachel: WILLIAM, RARITY! PUT THE BRAKES ON!

William: WE DID! BUT THEY CAUGHT ON FIRE!

Narrator: And he was right. James's wooden brake blocks were on fire. Smoke, sparks and flames streamed out on each side.

Rarity: OH SOMEONE OR SOMEPONY HELP US!

JAMES: THEIR PUSHING ME! THEIR PUSHING ME!

Trucks: ON! ON! ON! ON! (Maniacally laughter)

William: SOMEONE CALL AN AMBULANCE!

Rarity: CALL THE ROYAL ARMY!

William and Rarity: CALL MY MOTHER!

James: HHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPP!

Narrator: Still whistling and screaming frantically, poor James, Rarity and William disappeared under the road bridge. Thomas, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie and Rachel stared in horror.

Thomas: I'd like to teach those trucks some manners.

Twilight Sparkle: Your not the only one Thomas. Those trucks are pain.

Rachel: Not to mention completely danger mad.

Pinkie: Your right Rachel. William and Rarity were working with him too, so they're in trouble too.

Narrator: In the signalbox, the signalman got a very distressing call.

Signalman: HE WHAT!? BRAKE FAILURE?! ! A COW PASTURE! OH GOOD LORD!

Narrator: He pressed a button and a bell rang out the alarm!

Signalman: THOMAS! GET THE MAINTAINENCE CREW AND THE BREAKDOWN TRAIN ON THE DOUBLE! JAMES' HAS BEEN THROWN OFF THE LINE AND INTO A COW PASTURE AT CROSBY! HURRY! THERES NO TIME TO LOSE!

Narrator: The four friends were horrified!

Rachel: GREAT SCOT! William!

PINKIE PIE: Oh no no no no! Not good! Not good! Not Good!

Twilight Sparkle: Calm down girls! Lets just go. There's no time to lose.

Thomas: Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rachel, into my cab, now!

Narrator: So Thomas was coupled on, the workmen piled into their coach and off they went. Thomas worked his hardest. His wheels pounding the rail.

Thomas: HURRY! HURRY! HURRY!

Narrator: And this time he was not pretending to be like Gordon. This time he really meant it.

Thomas: Bother those trucks and their stupid tricks. I hope poor James isn't hurt.

Twilight Sparkle: Or Rarity.

Rachel: Or William.

Pinkie Pie: Yeah me too. I hope no is hurt.

Narrator: James and the derailed goods train were at a bend in the line. Fortunately, William and Rarity weren't hurt at all, just shaken a bit, the brake van and the last few trucks were on the rails. Rarity and William had used the fire extinguishers to put out the fire on James's brake blocks, but the front trucks were piled in smashed heap and the damage was done. James was in a field leaking steam in all directions as a cow was staring at him inquisitively. William and Rarity checked to see if James was hurt.

Rarity: Oh are you alright James darling?

James: Oooohhh I don't know, I'm so sorry about this. Ooooh I suppose there goes my trails.

William: Nevermind James, it wasn't your fault. It just those wooden brakes they gave you. We said that they were no good.

Rarity: Anyway, I'm sure The Fat Director will give you another chance. He knew about your wooden brakes too.

Narrator: Just then Thomas, Rachel, Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle arrived.

Rarity: Oh look here comes Thomas, Rachel, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie: We're here.

Rachel: Oh thank goodness you and Rarity are alright William.

Twilight: Don't worry. We'll have this mess sorted out before you know it.

Narrator: Thomas pushed the breakdown train alongside, then he took the unhurt trucks out of the way.

Trucks: Ooooh Dear….. Ohoohhh Dear….

Thomas: Serves you right! Serves you right!

Twilight: I hope you all learnt your lessons.

Pinkie Pie: Yeah so do I.

Rachel: That makes three of us.

Narrator: When the men put other trucks on the line Thomas pulled them away too. He was hard at work puffing backwards and forwards all the afternoon.

Thomas: This will teach you a lesson! This will teach a lesson,

Narrator: And gave them a hard bump!

Pinkie: Yeah!

Twilight: Got it?!

Trucks: (In a sad creeky voice) Yes it will! Yes it will!

Narrator: They left the broken trucks and mended the line. Then with two cranes, William and Rachel put James back on the rails.

Rarity: Oh thank goodness that's over.

Pinkie Pie: I don't know about that.

Twilight Sparkle: What do you mean?

Narrator: James tried to move but he couldn't .

Pinkie Pie: That. It was scripted.

Twilight Sparkle: (Sigh) Typical Pinkie.

Rachel: Say, Rarity and William would you two care for a lift home in Thomas?

William: Sure thing.

Rarity: If Thomas will let me of course.

Thomas: Of course. You more than welcome to come aboard.

William: Well then much obliged.

Narrator: So Thomas helped Rarity, William and James back to the sheds. The Fat Director was waiting anxiously for them.

Twilight: Thomas has been outstanding today Sir. He has just helped that new engine James out of a nasty accident.

Pinkie Pie: Yeah we're all very proud of him.

Rarity: I know indeed. That is very good work Thomas.

Rachel: Definitely, you've really proven yourself really useful in my... (Pulls out a book that she and William have been working on.) ...books.

Pinkie Pie: (Comedy drums)

(Everyone laughed at the joke.)

Thomas: Ok Rach, that's a good one.

William: Anyway, in all seriousness though, you have done very, very well.

Thomas: You really mean it?

William: Yes I do Thomas. You were quick, smart and diligent in an emergency. You've made me and Rachel both proud to be your drivers.

Fat Director: Well Thomas I've heard all about the rescue too in a phone call from Cronk station, and I am pleased with you as well. You are now a really useful engine outside of your shunting duties. James shall go to the works to have proper brakes and a new coat of paint, and you Thomas, shall have a branchline all to yourself.

Thomas: Oh thank you sir! Can I pick my coaches from the yard tomorrow? I have 2 in mind.

Fat Director: Go for it.

Narrator: Now Thomas is as happy as can be. He has a branch line all to himself and puffs proudly backwards and and forwards with two coaches all day.

Pinkie Pie: See Thomas? Twilight was right.

Thomas: She is. All good things come to those who wait.

Twilight Sparkle: And that's a lesson well learned. Thomas, you've made me feel so proud.

William: That's right Thomas you truly are a really useful engine.

Narrator: They are never lonely, because there is always somengine or somepony to talk to at the junction. Edward & Fluttershy and Henry & Applejack stop quite often to tell him the news.

Applejack: Woohee! You must be mighty proud of that there branchline of yours, huh Thomas?

Thomas: Indeed I am Applejack.

Henry: I couldn't be more proud of you Thomas. We all knew you could do it.

Narrator: Gordon and Rainbow Dash are always in hurry and do not stop,but they never forget to give him the good word.

Rainbow dash: Hey guys. Later guys. Congrats on your new branchline Thomas!

Gordon: Congratulations Little Thomas.

Thomas: Thanks Rainbow Dash! You too Gordon!

Narrator: Eventually, William James Holden and Rachel Marie Raven moved over to Ffarquhar because it was close enough to Knapford university where they went to school at and also because the main headquarters was eventually reallocated to Knapford station. Soon the ponies eventually started staying at Knapford Hotel so that it would be easy access to get to work and to make it easier to see their number one really useful friend, Thomas the tank engine.

The End...

...Of this saga. Yes, the coaches that Thomas has now are coaches 7 and 8 from previous stories. I'll probably get into that story another time. For now, let's jump into "James The Red Engine" next. I'm not sure why the Rev Awdry has it as his least favourite of the books he's written, because it's by no means bad or anything. Anyway, stay in harmony everyone.

Ok guys. Ready for "James The Red Engine"? I am. Also, this is the 1st time that Pinkie Pie interrupts the "letter" segment written by Atsf's humansona, William James Holden.

Dear Rachel
Do you remember when that new engine... uh what's his name again... Ah yes, James, that's right, when James crashed into that cow pasture?

(flashback)

William: CALL AN AMBULANCE!

Rarity: CALL THE ROYAL ARMY!

William and Rarity: CALL MY MOTHER!

James: HHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLPPPPPPP!

(Record scratch)

William: What the… Pinkie Pie!? What are you doing at my desk and what the devil are you doing with my pen!?

Pinkie: I was writing the usual letter to Rachel before the book….

(William picks up the letter and his jaw drops.)

William: How?

Pinkie Pie: Simple. You just break the fourth wall. It also helps if you're me... or a looney tune…. Or even the A…..

William: Okay yes I get it Pinkie… can I please have my pen back please.

Pinkie: But I haven't finished writing the letter.

William: (Lying) Yeah, but the uh... Knapford Bakery needs some new recipes. They need you for a couple of minutes to help them. Then you can come back and help out on the railway.

(Pinkie's face lights up and she rushes over to the bakery)

William: Whew…..

( William holden takes over the letter)

Sorry about that Rachel. Apparently, Pinkie Pie just so happened to have discovered my new study office and well she was just trying to be friendly and write the letter to you for me, aheheheh, how kind. Anyway heres the lowdown from where our cheery pink little friend left off. As you may know already, the Fat Director has now been premoted to chairman and he is now known as the Fat Controller. It is now 1926 James has now come back from the works and is now a different engine. I'm sorry to say he got a little carried away with himself, but thanks to Rarity, whom I still can't thank enough for shutting the Joblings guy up, we have finally made James a really useful engine too. These stories tell you how me and Rarity taught James the art of the really engine. Plus, I even got all 7 us a treat for you all at the end of the story.

Your friend, William James Holden. (Sigh) and Pinkie Pie too.

P.S
Sir Topham Hatt did find out about our nickname for him, and he actually took to it very well. Says that he has "glad that the engines respected him for taking good care of them".

James And The Tophat

Narrator: James was a new engine who lived at a station at the other end of the line. He had two small wheels in front and six driving wheels behind. They weren't as big as Gordon's, and they weren't as small as Thomas's. He was still fairly new and still had a lot to learn.

Fat Controller: You're a special mixed traffic engine. You'll be able to pull coaches or trucks quite easily.

Narrator: But trucks are not easy things to manage. On his first day they had pushed him, Rarity and William down a hill and into field. He had been very ill after the accident, but now he had new brakes and a shining coat of red paint.

The Fat Controller: The red paint will cheer you up after your accident.

Narrator: Rarity marveled at James' new paint job.

Rarity: I must say, not only will you cheer up but it makes you look as handsome as a fire ruby. No inclusions pristine fast, it's, the works. (Dramatically faints.)

James: Is she ok?

Fluttershy: Well, um... Yes. This happens a lot.

James: Well, I really like my red paint too.

Fat controller: Ahem. Anyway, James, you will be working with Rarity and William. You are to pull coaches today and Edward, Fluttershy and Rachel here shall help you.

James: Yes Sir.

Rarity: You can count on me.

William: No problem. We'll teach him the ways of the railway before you can say Wild Nor Wester.

Fat Controller: Wild-Nor-Wester.

(The others started laughing and William quickly found his voice.)

William: Ok, maybe not that quickly, but still, we can help James learn our ways.

Edward: I ready to help teach our new friend ropes of passenger trains.

Fluttershy: Um yes Sir. We'll do our best.

Rachel: Yes sir. You can count on us sir.

Narrator: They went together to find the coaches.

Edward: Now be very careful with the coaches James. They don't like to be bumped. Trucks are a different matter.

Rachel: You see, trucks are silly, noisy and naughty and if they are misbehaving they need to be bumped and taught a lesson. But coaches get cross and will pay you out.

Fluttershy: That's right. Not mention that coaches are bit more timid to like new born bouncing baby bunnies and need to be handled with care, so please, be very careful with the coaches.

James: Don't worry Fluttershy. I am being careful.

Narrator: They took the coaches to the platform, and were coupled up in front. The Fat Controller, the stationmaster, and some little boys all came to admire James's shining rods and red paint. James was pleased.

Rarity: My word. You must be the toast of the island James darling. You do look marvelous.

James: Wow your right Rarity. I am really useful engine.

Rarity: Darling, watch out for...…

Narrator: But it was too late. James was so excited that he accidently let off steam. The Fat Controller, the stationmaster, Fluttershy, and the guard all jumped and a shower of water fell onto The Fat Controller's nice new top hat.

Rarity: ...For Sir Topham Hatt's new expensive 2 pounds 9 shillings top hat.

James: Oh dear. This is not good.

Narrator: At that moment the whistle blew and in a panic James thought they had better go, so they went.

James: Go on! Make tracks! Go on! Make tracks!

William: Easy James Easy! Your starting too quick. You're going to jar your passengers if you start like this.

Edward: Don't push! Don't push!

Fluttershy: Gently James, Gently!

Rachel: Slow down James, and calm yourself.

Rarity: Remember, gently darling.

Narrator: Edward and Fluttershy didn't like starting quickly. The coaches grumbled too.

Coaches: Don't go so fast! Don't go so fast!

Coach 1: (Sighs) Why didn't we get picked for Thomas' branchline instead of 7 and 8?

Coach 2: No clue number 1.

Narrator: But James did not listen. He wanted to run away before The Fat Controller could call him back. He didn't even want to stop at the first station.

William: Ok, (Applies breaks but they don't stop.) What the? Come on James. I'm applying brake so stop will ya?

Narrator: Rachel, Fluttershy and Edward tried hard to stop.

Rachel: Come on Edward brake!

Fluttershy: Come on Edward. We've got to stop the train.

Edward: I'm trying! I'm trying!

Narrator: But it was no use. They all over shot the station and the two coaches in front were beyond the platform before they stopped. They had go back and let the passengers get out.

James: Oops.

Rarity: Never mind James. Just back up please, darling.

Narrator: Lots of people came to look at James and as no one seemed to know about The Fat Controller's top hat. James felt happier. Presently, they came to the station where Thomas was waiting with his two coaches.

Rarity: Oh look, there's Thomas.

Fluttershy: Yes and Twilight & Pinkie Pie.

Thomas: Hullo James old chap you feeling better? That right. And hey there Edward, Rachel, William, Rarity and Fluttershy.

Twilight: Hullo guys. Good to see you all. How's James coming along?

William: Pretty good actually. We're just taking a stopping passenger train today with Edward.

Rachel: That's right. I'm working with Edward and Fluttershy. Rarity is working with James and William.

Rarity: Indeed and despite overshooting the first station, things are still going smoothly.

Pinkie pie: Well, that's a good start.

Coach 2: (Whispers to coaches 7 & 8) Be lucky your on the branchline. James had bumped us on the way out.

Coach 8: Oh calm down number 2. He is trying, unlike the B-12s.

Coach 3: Oh, don't remind us of those 2, please!

Coach 7: After you've been rude to Thomas, you really needed that.

Coaches on James and Edward's train: Hump!

(Whistle rings out.)

Thomas: Ah. That's my guards whistle. Sorry I can't chat, I don't know what The Fat Controller would do without me to run this branch line.

Twilight Sparkle/Pinkie Pie/Thomas' coaches: Bye everyone.

Narrator: Both trains set off importantly. James and Edward left the junction, then passed the field where James had had his 1st accident on the island. The fence was mended and the cows were back again. James whistled, but they paid no attention.

Fluttershy: Hullo cows.

Cows: Moo! (Translation) Hello Fluttershy.

Narrator: They clattered through Edward's station yard and started to climb the hill beyond.

James: Whew! This hill ever so steep!

Edward: Don't worry. I've tackled this hill before.

Narrator: And with a great effort from both engines and crew, they reached top and sailed down the other end. They rested at the next station. Then Edward, Fluttershy, William and Rachel told Rarity and James about Gordon and Rainbow Dash's incident on the hill.

Rarity: Hahahahahaha! Too rich! HAHAHAHAHHA!

Narrator: James laughed so much that he got hiccoughs and surprised and old lady in a black bonnet. She dropped all her parcels and three porters, the stationmaster, William, Rachel, Rarity, Fluttershy and the guard had to run after her picking them up.

Fluttershy: Wait… You forgot your parcels madam…

Old Lady: Oh, thank you dear.

Narrator: After that incident, William and Rachel changed cabs with Edward and James for the return trip which went without any mishap. James was quite in the shed that night. He had enjoyed his day, but he was little afraid of what the Fat Controller would say about the top hat. Back at knapford hotel. William Holden and Rachel Raven were with the ponies at lounging room. The mane 6 ponies and William and Rachel were all playing Billards together, which ended with Rainbow Dash nearly winning with Applejack as runner up but Twilight Sparkle used her mathematics skills to judge her aims just right.

William: Hey Rachel, Fluttershy….

Rachel: Yes William?

William: I want to apologize for causing us to overshoot the platform. I tried to stop him, but he was just very scared about the top hat incident and so distracted, his brakes wouldn't respond.

Fluttershy: It's alright William. You didn't mean to cause any trouble.

Rachel: Besides, it's only his first real trial anyway. No need to worry.

William: (Yawn) Oh well. I guess you're right there Rachel.

Narrator: They all had a good laugh about it and then retired to bed in their respected rooms.

What did you think of that? And Thomas coaches' names won't be mentioned until "Thomas The Tank Engine Again" to be consistent with the Railway Series. Next is "James And The Bootlace".

Author's notes: This one is a bit of a fun episode. Good to see that it's not just the engines and ponies that make mistakes, but the humans do too.

James and the Bootlace

Narrator: The next morning, things went from bad to worse for poor James. The Fat Controller spoke severely to James.

Fat Controller: Listen to me James! Your shenanigans yesterday cannot be tolerated on my railway. If you cannot behave yourself today, I will take away your red coat and have you painted in the NWR standard blue livery.

Narrator: Needless to say, James did not like that at all. When Rachel and Rarity arrived to start him up, he had descended into a flaming temper.

Rachel : Morning James. 'ello, you look pretty flamed about something.

Rarity: I agree. What's the matter darling?

James: (Angry sigh) Nothing.

Narrator: Rachel and Rarity weren't convinced.

Rachel: Are you sure about that?

James: (Sharply) I SAID IT WAS NOTHING!

Narrator: Rachel and Rarity were taken aback and just decided to get to work. He was very rough with the coaches as he brought them to platform 1 for the east bound trip to Vicarstown.

James: Come along! Come along!

Coaches: All in good time.

James: DON'T TALK! LOOK SHARP! AND COME ON!

Narrator: And with the coaches squealing and grumbling, James snorted into platform 1. Rachel and Rarity were even more worried.

Rachel: I wonder what's bitten him?

Rarity: Search me Rachel. It's not like James to get to get so rough with these coaches.

Narrator: James was incandescent with rage that morning. The Fat Controller had scolded him, the coaches dawdled, and worst of all, he had had to fetch his own coaches and shunt them into platform 1.

Rarity: Calm down darling. If you keep up with this, you might get into trouble.

James: Pah, Gordon and Rainbow Dash never have to fetch they're own coaches, and Gordon's painted blue. A splendid red engine like myself should never have to shunt my own trains.

Narrator: And he ran round to the front on platform 1 and backed down onto the coaches with very rough bump.

Coaches: OOOOFFH! How Rude!

James: I TOLD YOU LOT TO STOW IT!

Coach 1: If you ask me, he is as bad as those B-12 brothers today.

Coaches 2-6: Agreed.

Rachel : Be careful James. Hit the coaches like that and your likely to break something!

Narrator: But James took no notice.

Rarity: Tisk tisk tisk…I don't fancy where this is going.

Rachel: Too right Rarity.

Narrator: To make James even more furious, he had to take the coaches over to platform 3 where no one came near him. James felt lonely and crosser than ever before.

James: (To himself) I'll show those idiots! They think that Rainbow Dash and Gordon are the only ones who can pull coaches.

Narrator: Soon the guards whistle blew and James started off with a tremendous jerk.

Rarity: Easy darling! Easy!

James: COME ON! COME ON! COME ON!

Narrator: And the coaches squealing and groaning in protest clattered over the points and on to the mainline. All modern passenger trains are fitted with a special pipe which is connect to the engine. This called a brake pipe. Its worked in conjunction with an engine's vacuum brake. The brakes along the whole train are charged and controlled by air pressure transmitted from the engine's vacuum brake. However, if there is a leak in the brake pipe, the outside air penetrates into the brake pipe causing the brakes to turn on via the penetrating air pressure which can cause the train to gradually stall to a complete stop. Anyway, James was hurrying along the line and trying to make up for the time he had lost.

James: HURRY! HURRY! HURRY!

Coaches: Your going too fast! Your going to fast!

Narrator: The coaches swayed from side to side .

Rachel : You are really pushing your luck James. Your tender is writing bills that you can't pay.

Rarity: Rachel is right James darling so just watch your speed and calm yourself.

Narrator: James just laughed.

James: PAHAHAHA! I'm only cruising Rarity. Just watch this.

Narrator: James then tried to go faster but the coaches wouldn't let him.

Coaches: We're going to stop! We're going to stop! We're going to stop!

Narrator: And they were. James soon found himself going slower and slower until they came to complete stop in the middle of nowhere.

James: Now what's the matter?

Rarity: Indeed. What in the name of Celestia just happened?

Rachel: The brakes are hard on, leak in the pipe most likely. Hmph… wouldn't surprise me. You've banged the coaches enough to make a leak in anything you big red klutz.

Narrator: James remained silent as Rachel, Rarity, and the guard all checked the train to find the root of the problem.

Rachel: Ah ha! There's our culprit. See right there?

Narrator: She pointed to the obvious hole in the pipe.

Rachel : See? Thanks to James's rough treatment earlier at Knapford, the connecting joint between these two front coaches has broken off. The outside air is penetrating into the brake pipes, causing the brakes to come on.

Rarity: Oh goodness gracious me! How should we mend this little problem?

Rachel: Oh don't worry Rarity. It's an easy fix. We'll just use some old newspaper and a leather bootlace.

Guard: Oh well that's great idea, Rachel. But where the heck are we going to find a leather bootlace?

Rachel: Well duh. We'll, asked the passengers.

Guard: Oooh! That's right. I forgot!

Narrator: So they made everyone get out.

Guard: Has anyone got a leather bootlace.

Narrator: Everyone said no. Then Rarity saw a man in a bowler hat. His name was Jeremiah Joblings, whom tried to hide his feet.

Rarity: Over there. Right there mister guard. That man in bowler hat. I saw he had leather bootlaces as he was trying to hide his feet.

Guard: Excuse me, my pony friend here tells me that you've got a leather bootlace Sir and I see she is right, could you please lend them to me?

Jeremiah: What… What a cheek! How disgraceful. I will do nothing of the sort.

Rachel: Listen here Mister Jobling. Our train has a hole in the brake pipe. We need your bootlace in order to mend the hole please.

Jeremiah: Well that's your own problem! Not mine.

Rachel: LOUSY CHEEK….

Rarity: Whoa okay. Just aheheheh… Just calm down Rachel darling. The last thing we need is a railway staff member hurting one of our passengers.

Rachel: (Sigh) Your right Rarity.

Rarity: That's a good girl. Now just leave it to me. Now excuse me Mr. Jobblings, if you will so kind, hand your bootlaces over. We will give them back to you once we've reached Crovans Gate where we can get a new brake pipe fitted.

Jeremiah: You've heard my answer. I will not give you my bootlace!

Guard: Well fine. But then I'm afraid the train is just going to have to stop where it is.

Rarity: Why you horrible man, you won't even allow us to fix the brake pipe to get our train moving. How could you? Hmph!

Narrator: The passengers were all saying what a bad railway it was, and then Rarity, Rachel, the guard and the passengers all told Jeremiah Joblings how bad he was. At last, he reluctantly gave the his bootlace. Rachel tied a patch of newspaper tightly around the hole in the brake pipe and at last, James was able to pull train again.

James: Thanks Rarity and Rachel. I owe you one.

Rarity: No need James darling. I'm just glad I could help. So let's going.

Rachel: I can only hope that you've learned your lesson after this affair.

Narrator: James remained quiet, but he was a sadder and wiser James now and took care never to bump coaches again. That night back at Knapford Hotel, Rarity and Rachel arrived back, mentally knackered and exhausted.

Rachel & Rarity: Hullo William.

William : Hullo Rachel, Rarity. Are you two alright? You look a little drained.

Rachel: Well. James grumbled about fetching his own coaches and grumbled about shunting them to platform 1.

Rarity: Then he bumped them, puncturing one of the brake pipes on one of the coaches.

Rachel: Then we had to re shunt the entire train to platform 3.

Rarity: Then, the brakes came on through the hole in the brake pipe.

Rachel: And on top of that.

Rarity and Rachel: We all got into an argument with arrogant pig of passenger whom wouldn't give us his bootlace to help us mend the brake pipe.

William: Oh dear. It sounds like you two had pretty rough day. Here, I just made a spot of tea, would you two care for some?

Rachel: Oh yes please William. Thank you very much.

Rarity: That goes double for me. We could use a good cup of british tea.

Narrator: Rachel and Rarity sighed heavily. And then Rachel poured herself and Rarity a cup of tea.

Rarity: Excuse me, could you pass me one lump of sugar please?

Rachel: (Sigh) No problem Rarity.

Narrator: She handed her the sugar and then two of them of them, tired and weary, drank their tea with their friend William Holden.

Ok. Part 2 is done. Let's go onto the next one. See you there.

Authors notes: Only real change I made was adding me with Fluttershy and Edward. Ok, enjoy the chapter.

Troublesome trucks

Narrator: As a punishment, James was left alone in the shed In disgrace. He had not seen the Fat Controller, anypony or even Rachel or William for several days and he wasn't even allowed out of his shed to shunt coaches or trucks in the yard.

James: (Sadly) Oh dear, I'll never be allowed out anymore. I shall have to stay in the shed for always and no one, not even Rarity will ever see my red paint again. Oh dear oh dear…

Narrator: And poor James began to cry. But at last, the Fat controller arrived.

Fat Controller: I can see that you are sorry James. I hope now that you will be a better engine, you have given me a lot of trouble. People are laughing at my railway and I do not like that at all.

James: I am very sorry sir. I will try hard to behave.

Fat Controller : That's a good engine. There's nothing like determination. Now I want you to pull some trucks to Wellsworth for me. William and Rarity will be here to help you.

Narrator: The Fat Controller was as good his word. Rarity and William holden stepped out of their hiding spot.

William: Hullo James. Longtime no see my old friend.

Rarity: It's so good to be reunited with my favorite fire ruby red engine. Now lets get those trucks.

Narrator: James was so delighted and puffed away eagerly to collect his trucks. At that moment, another tank engine, who's name was Charlie, had already shunted his train for him onto the goods platform at Vicarstown .

Charlie: Here are your trucks James. Have you got any bootlaces ready?

Narrator: And he ran off, laughing rudely.

James: What a cheeky little engine.

Rarity: How rude!

William: Just pay no attention to that rude little engine. Hopefully he is only here for a trial or something.

Narrator: And soon, James backed down onto his trucks.

Trucks: OH! OH! OH! WE WANT A PROPER ENGINE, NOT SOME RED MONSTER!

Narrator: James remember what Edward had told him about trucks, and bumped them to teach them a lesson. When he was ready, the guard blew his whistle.

William: Alright James. Here we go.

Rarity: We'll be with you every wheel turn of the way.

Narrator: They started off.

James: Come along horrid lot! Come along!

Trucks: WE WON'T! WE WON'T!

Narrator: But James took no nonsense as he pulled the screeching trucks out of the goods yard. The trucks tried hard to defeat them but they still kept on going. Some times they're brakes would slip on accidentally on purpose.

Rarity: Oh you got to be kidding me! Another slipped brake?!

William: I'll deal with it.

Narrator: Sometimes their axels would run hot.

Rarity: (Sniff) excuse me William, there is funny smell.

William: (Sniff) You know your right. There is a funny…. Oh good grief.

Rarity: (Groan) What now.

William: We've run a hotbox.

Rarity: (Groan) I don't believe it.

Narrator: Each time the trouble had to be put right, and each time James started off again, determined not to be defeated.

Trucks: Give up! Give up! You can't pull us! You can't! You can't!

James: I can and I will! I can and I will!

William: That's the spirit James!

Rarity: Indeed, good show James darling!

Narrator: Slowly but surely, they pulled the trucks along the line. At last they neared Gordon's Hill.

Rarity: Watch out trouble James darling.

William: She's right. We'll charge the hill and get them up before they know it.

Rarity: Don't let those ruffians beat you darling.

Narrator: So William opened the regulator, sanded the rails and James accelerated faster and faster and soon they halfway up.

James: I'm doing it! I'm doing it!

Narrator: But it was hard work.

James: Whew! Will the top never come?

Narrator: Then with a sudden jerk, it all became easier.

James: I've done it! I've done it! Hurray! It's easy now!

Narrator: But William and Rarity looked back and William slapped his face in disbelief. He shut off steam and applied the brakes.

William: I don't believe it!

James: What's going on?

Rarity: Those ruffians have done it again. We've left our tail behind. Look!

Narrator: The last ten trucks were running backwards down the hill. A coupling had snapped, but the guard was brave. Very carefully and cleverly he safely stopped trucks, got out and ran down the line with his red flag to warn approaching engines. Then James backed the other trucks carefully down the hill.

James: That's why it was easy. What a nuisance trucks are. They're might have been an accident.

Rarity: Not mention someone or somepony or engine could have been hurt.

Narrator: By the time James reached the bottom, the guard had flagged Edward down whom was pulling 3 coaches with Fluttershy and Rachel. Fluttershy was scolding the trucks severely.

Fluttershy: Just who do you think you are trucks! Breaking away from other engines trains down steep hills. You troublesome trucks should be ashamed of yourself! I have half a mind to find your mothers and tell them what you've been up to, trucks! Um... Well, you don't have mothers, but I will tell Sir Topham Hatt!

Trucks: (quivering in fear) Y.Y…Yes miss Fluttershy… W.w..we won't do it again!

Fluttershy: Good and don't ever let me catch you doing this again! Do you understand me trucks?

Trucks: No..No..No..no.. W.w..we won't do it again.

Edward: How beautifully you handled that Fluttershy. I'd love to learn how to stare down trucks like you did.

Fluttershy: (Blush) Oh it's nothing really. I've done it all the time to keep animals from being naughty.

Edward: Well I must say, you must be a really good expert with animals.

Rachel: That's our Fluttershy alright Edward.

Fluttershy: (Blushing, giggles)

Narrator: Soon, James arrived and was recoupled to remnants.

Edward: Shall I help you James?

James: Uh no thank you Edward, I'd like to try and get them up myself.

Fluttershy: That's spirit James.

Rachel: Don't let them beat you.

Narrator: Soon James was ready and with a shrill whistle he started off!

William: You can do it James!

Rarity: What a valiant effort darling.

Narrator: A whistle of encouragement came from Edward.

Edward: Your doing well James!

Fluttershy: Keep it up James!

Rachel: That's it James. Go it!

Narrator: James slowly struggled up the hill. It was hard going, but now felt fueled with determination.

James: I can do it! I can do it! I can do it!

Narrator: He pulled and puffed and puffed and pulled as hard as he ever could with clouds of smoke and steam pouring from his funnel. Till at last...

James: I've done it! I've done It!

William: Well done James! You got them! You got them!

Rarity: Bravo darling! Bravo!

Narrator: They coasted safely down the otherside. They reached Wellsworth safely. James was resting in the yard when Edward pulled up. He whistled a greating, and then out stepped the Fat Controller.

James: Oh dear. What will he say?

Narrator: James began to panic. After all, he did lose part of his train and got delayed several times due to the trucks' tricks. But he needn't have worried. The Fat Controller was smiling at him.

Fat Controller: I was Edward's train and saw everything. Thanks to your valiant effort, you've made the most troublesome trucks on the line behave. And after that, you deserve to keep your red coat. Well done James.

James: Oh, thank you Sir.

Narrator: James felt happier than ever. That night back at knapford Hotel, Applejack was talking to Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash about how she did working with Henry.

Twilight Sparkle: I never thought Henry could drink that much water and consume so much coal in one trip.

Applejack: I agree, and this has been happening since 1920 when he first arrived.

Pinkie Pie: That could lead to some big problems in future. I say we have to get that looked at soon.

Rachel: Nevermind, at least you got the goods train over to Vicarstown, Applejack Here, let me make you guys some tea.

William & Rarity: (Proudly) Speaking of goods trains.

Narrator: Rachel, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie jumped and turned to see William and Rarity beaming from ear to ear.

William: Me and Rarity just tackled the most troublesome trucks on the railway with James today.

Rarity: Well, of course he had some difficulties, but we just took it in our stride.

William: We even made it up Gordon's Hill without a banker.

Narrator: Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie stood there root to the spot in disbelief.

Applejack: What in tarnation? Did I just here you correctly you tackled Gordon's Hill with 24 trucks, including a brakevan, all by yourselves?

Twilight Sparkle: Your joking me right William?

Rainbow Dash: What in Couldsdale? Is this a joke?!

Pinkie Pie: Holy rock candy! You did?!

Fluttershy: Um sorry Twilight, but he is not joking. I know this because I saw them with Edward and Rachel, they made right over the hill all by themselves. Great job you two. Yay!.

Narrator: At that moment Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie stood there, staring then they both mubble something. Then with stagger and stumble, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie fainted dramatically.

Fluttershy: Um... Too loud?

Narrator: A few minutes later Rachel came in with the tea when she saw Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash pick themselves up.

Rachel: Are you four alright? What just happened?

Applejack: Don't ask, just please…

William: It's alright Applejack. At least Henry didn't leave you stranded in that tunnel.

Narrator: Then Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash laughed too.

Pinkie Pie: Yeah, good one William. Anyway, good job with James today.

Applejack: Yeah, and at least yah all didn't need any bootlace to fix that breakaway.

Rainbow Dash: Great job Will and Rarity.

William: And same with you Applejack with Henry.

Applejack: Thanks.

Rachel: (Annoyed) Yeah, thanks for the reminder Applejack! Just what I need!

Applejack: Now look, I didn't mean...

Rachel: (Sighs) I don't seem to have any luck with James at all. Maybe I should just quit as a driver. (Gets close to tears.)

Narrator: Rachel felt a bit sad, but William wanted to help.

William: Hey, that was just one time. Besides, Edward says you're a very good driver. He can tell by working with you.

Fluttershy: Same here and you are a very good driver.

William: Just remember Rachel, throughout you're career, things aren't all gonna be perfect. There will be a day when you'll make a mistake, but that does not mean you should give up the ghost.

Rarity: That's absolutely right. If you just learn from them like James did and keep on trying, you'll be alright.

Narrator: After that, Rachel felt better.

Rachel: You're right. We all make mistakes. I know I'm still fairly new to the job, but I'm not gonna let one incident get me down.

Narrator: William hugged his childhood friend.

William: That's the spirit. I'll let you operate James tomorrow morning if you'd like.

Rachel: Thanks William, that's very kind of you.

Narrator: And they all happily drank their evening tea.

Ok. I also added a small edit to the last part. Also, the tank engine is Charlie. I might expand on him another time with a story that takes place at the same time as this story. So, onto part 4. See you there.

Ok. This one has some changes to the original. I just wanted to have a story where I was driving James without him having an accident. Anyway, here we go.

James And The Express

Narrator: Sometimes, Henry and Gordon often slept at Knapford Sheds with James. Although the Fat Controller was beginning to think well of him, whenever they had a chance, Henry and Gordon sometimes would talk about nothing but bootlaces.

Gordon: Remember the time when you learned to tie a bootlace to mend the brake pipe on your coaches? Hahaha!

Henry: I thought only people could tie bootlaces, not engines.

Narrator: James tried to get his own back by talking about engines who were shut up in tunnels and get stuck on hills, but they never listened. He wasn't the only one getting teased though. At Knapford Hotel, Rainbow Dash would often tease Rachel about the bootlace blunder too, as well as tease William for other things he did wrong.

Rainbow Dash: BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh my I can't believe you let that happen to James! Heheheheh! First you land him into cow pasture, then soak the Fat Controller's Tophat. Now Rachel had to mend a broke brake pipe with a bootlace! Hahahahahaha! I must admit, you may have done some pretty silly things in past you 2, but this, this has to be greatest masterpiece yet! HAHAHAAHA! What did you read the engine drivers guide to bootlace tying? Did you double knot your laces? Hahahaha! Get it? Double knot!

Narrator: Rainbow Dash, though she meant well, sometimes didn't know if she was taking jokes too far. Rachel felt rather hurt, but William was furious!

William: (Angry) HEY LEAVE HER ALONE! At least she was able to finish a passenger run without bursting an engines safety valve. Unlike somebody I know back in 1922.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash perked up angrily.

Rainbow Dash: Excuse me!? At least me and Gordon have never had embarrassing accidents!

William: You mean besides hitting me in the eye with cricket ball in 1921, being co-responsible for hitting the Fat Controller's car in the same year, getting stuck on Gordon's hill with a goods train, having to be helped up said hill by Edward, and freaking out when Gordon burst his safety valve all in 1922? (Smug smile) Shall I go on, or do you feel dumb enough?

Rainbow Dash: Oh, mighty big words for someone whom was also co-responsible for hitting the Fat Controller's car in 1921, got stranded in tunnel because a certain ten wheeler was scared of the rain in 1922, Went out of control on Gordon's hill with Thomas, crashed into a cow pasture with James and Rarity, all of which happened in 1923 and gave the Fat Controller's hat a shower in 1924.

Narrator: William's jaw dropped. Rainbow Dash just smiled smugly.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah. I guess the joke is really on you William.

Narrator: William was furious.

William:Hhmph I bet I could make perfect Journey with the wild nor wester all the way to vicarstown without bursting a safety valve and break your record again.

Rainbow dash: What you do you mean again!?

William: Oh didn't I tell you I made it to Brendam from Vicarstown with 25 minutes to spare and that was with Edward, Fluttershy and Rachel back in 1922.

Rainbow dash: Oh you want to do this the hard way? Will do this the hard way.

William: Yeah! Lets bet on it! I bet you my 40 pounds that I could bet your record of 20 minutes to spare on a perfect trip on the Wild Nor Wester from Vickorstown, plus a water stop at Crovans Gate to Knaphord.

Rainbow Dash: And I'll bet 50 pounds that I can break my record of 20 minutes to spare on a perfect trip on the Wild Nor Wester from Knapford plus a water stop at crovans gate to Vickorstown.

William: Your on Dash, I'll let you drive him tomorrow morning.

Narrator: And the two friends shook hands and hooves. Rainbow Dash then left to practice her flying tricks.

Rachel: Thank you for standing up to her.

William: Of course. I'm not going to let anyone bully my childhood friend.

Narrator: Meanwhile, back at Knapford Sheds...

James: Oh coming from some engine whom was scared of the rain and hides in tunnels, and some engine whom get stuck on hills because they don't want to pull trains.

Gordon: Ah, you talk too much little James. A fine strong engine like myself has something to talk about. I am the only engine whom can pull the express. When I am not there, they need 2 engines, think of that. I've pulled express trains for years on the GNR railway, and have never once lost my way. I seem to know the right way by instinct.

Narrator: Being the boastful engine he was, Gordon often never told the truth. He was actually a prototype A-0 pacific and was only used for one demonstration train before coming to Sodor in 1920. Every wise engine knows that Signalmen (Or Signalwomen) works the points to make engines run on the right line. But Gordon had been so proud that he had forgotten. The next morning, William, Rarity, Rachel and Rainbow Dash arrived for work.

Gordon: Wake up little James. It's nearly time for the east bound Wild Nor Wester. What are you doing today? Odd jobs? Ah well, we all have to begin somewhere don't we? Run along now and fetch my express coaches. Don't be late.

Rainbow Dash: (Teasing) Yeah don't be late.

Rachel: Don't get cocky Dash. Come on James. Let's do it.

Narrator: So she and Rarity lit James' fire. Rachel pulled the lever, and James went to fetch the coaches.

Rarity: My word. These coaches look simply fabulous. So modern and up to date, the paint work absolutely breath taking too. I should try making some fabric to match these darlings' paint work.

Narrator: And indeed Rarity was right. They were all shining with lovely new coats of paint. James was careful not to bump and they followed him smoothly into the station, singing happily as the entered platform 1.

Coaches: We're going away! We're going away.

James: (Sigh) I wish I was going with you. I should love to pull the express and go flying along the line.

Rarity: (Sigh) So do I James darling. You'd look smashing with these beautiful express passenger carriages.

Narrator: James left the coaches at platform 1. He went back to the yards just as Gordon,with much noise and blowing of steam, backed onto the train with Rainbow dash and William on board.

Rarity: Oh my word, these coaches even look good with Gordon. They make him look as beautiful as baby blue sapphire .

Narrator: Rainbow Dash was driving him that day as a part of their bet and she was ready to break her record again. The Fat Controller was the train with other important people and as soon as the guard blew his whistle, Gordon started.

Gordon: Look at me now! Just look at me now.

Narrator: And the coaches glided after him, he whistled to James.

Gordon: Good bye little James. See you tomorrow.

Rainbow Dash: (Snickering) Hey William, better have my 40 pounds ready by tomorrow.

Rarity: What was that all about?

Rachel: Oh, he and Rainbow Dash made a little bet to see whom can make perfect trip from here to Vicarstown or Vicarstown to here on the Wild-Nor-Wester.

Rarity: Oh. I see.

Narrator: The three friends watched as Gordon, Rainbow Dash and William disappeared and then went back to work. James pushed some trucks into their proper sidings and then went collect some coaches for another train on platform 1. Rarity, Rachel and James had just brought the coaches to the platform when they heard an astronomical racket. There was Gordon trying to sidle into the station on platform 2 without being noticed as Rainbow Dash tried to hide in his cab.

James: Hullo Gordon. Is it tomorrow already?

Narrator: Gordon said nothing. He just blew steam feebly. At that moment, Rachel saw a rainbow colored tail poking out from Gordon's cab.

Rachel : Hullo Dash.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash startled perked her head up in embarrassed terror.

Rachel: Well is just me, or does tomorrow seem to come faster than usual?

Rainbow Dash: (Sighing in defeat) Ah who am I kidding?

James, Rarity & Rachel: Did you three lose your way?

Rainbow Dash: (sigh and groan) No. It was lost for us.

William: We were switched off the mainline onto the loop at Peel Godred.

Gordon: Yes, and we had to go all the way around and back again.

James: Hmmmm. Perhaps it was instinct?

Rarity: Ahahahahahaha! Too rich James. Ahahahahaha!

Rachel: (Laughs) Good one James.

Narrator: Meanwhile, all the passengers hurried to the booking office.

Passengers: WE WANT OUR MONEY BACK!

Narrator: But the Fat Controller climbed onto a trolley and blew the guards whistle so loudly that they all stopped to look at him. Then he promised them a new train at once.

Fat Controller: Gordon can't do it. James, will you help pull the Wild Nor Wester for us?

James: Yes Sir. I'll have a jolly good try.

Rarity: That a boy James.

Rachel: Alright! Let's give it a go you 2.

Narrator: So James was coupled on and everyone got in again.

Fat Controller: Do your best James.

Narrator: The whistle blew and the Fat Controller scrambled into the train.

James: Come along! Come along girls! There we go. Gently does it.

Coaches: Your pulling us well, your pulling us well.

James: Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!

Rachel: Now for sprint. Ready James?

James: Ready when you are Rachel.

Rarity: Oh I am so proud of you James.

Narrator: Rachel opened the regulator and James was now at his top speed, his wheels and side rods were like blurs. Bridges and stations flashed by, the passengers leaned out of the coaches and cheered. They reached the terminus with 50 minutes to spare, breaking Rainbow Dash and Gordon's record. Everyone congratulated James, Rarity and Rachel.

Fat Controller: Well done James, Rachel and Rarity. Would you three like to take the Wild Nor Wester sometimes?

Narrator: All three's faces lit up like Christmas Trees.

Rarity, Rarity and James: Oh yes please sir!

Narrator: Next day, when James, Rarity and Rachel came back, Gordon was busy pushing trucks in the yard with Rainbow Dash and William.

Rainbow Dash: Well, looks like we have to try again. I'll win this time!

Narrator: But to her surprise, William shook his head.

William: Nah Rainbow Dash, I'm calling the bet off. We both lost. That run with the express just showed me how stupid betting on petty things can be. Plus, I've got a surprise for all of you at the hotel.

Rainbow Dash: Really? Can't wait to see it.

Rarity: My goodness. How very generous of you William.

Rachel: Ooh. I'm excited to know William.

James: So what are you up to Gordon?

Gordon: Ah. Just pushing trucks. Ah well. I like quiet work for change. I'm teaching these trucks some manners and I heard you did well with Wild Nor Wester yesterday.

James: Good. We'll show them.

Narrator: And he gave his trucks a furious bump. Gordon and James are now great friends. James sometimes takes the Wild Nor Wester to give Gordon a rest. Gordon never talks about bootlaces anymore, and they are both quite agreed on the subject of trucks.

Narrator: That night, William, Rachel, Rarity and Rainbow Dash returned to the sheds excited. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle all came down too because William called the reminder of the ponies to meet them down at lobby for a surprise.

Twilight Sparkle: Rachel, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and William. How nice to see you again.

Rarity: What wonderful day this has been.

Rachel: Indeed Rarity. Not only did we get to take the Wild Nor Wester with James and do a perfect run, but we even managed to break Rainbow Dash's and Gordon's record. No offence Rainbow.

Rainbow Dash: (Sigh) None taken. I had it coming. I'm sorry I teased you and William. It was very uncool of me. Thanks for getting the Wild-Nor-Wester to Vicarstown and back Rachel.

Rachel: Oh that's alright Rainbow Dash. But at least now, James has finally become a really useful engine now.

Applejack : That's… cool but...

Pinkie Pie: What's the surprise that William promised?

Twilight Sparkle: Pinkie Pie, manners.

William: These.

Narrator: And he pulled out 8 tickets.

William: A cross country tour around the islands railways. We'll be visiting the Mid Sodor Railway, then the Culdee Fell Railway, and then the Skarloey Railway, curtsey of the Fat Controller for both Rarity and Rachel's great efforts with James. We'll be leaving tomorrow aboard Edward.

Fluttershy: Oh, how wonderful.

Twilight Sparkle: Wow, that sounds great.

Rainbow Dash: Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! That's going to be so awesome!

Applejack: YEEEHAWW! That's sounds quite neat!

Rarity: Oh that is the most wonderful idea. A trip around the Island Of Sodor would be wonderful.

Pinkie Pie: Oh! That sounds so exciting! I'll get packing for the trip.

Twilight : Oh Rachel, Rarity, William, that is so wonderful! I'm so proud of all three of you.

William: Well consider this a little holiday gift from me to all of you.

Narrator: Applejack then poured some apple cider into 8 mugs and passed them down to everyone.

Applejack: Well on that note, heres some Sweet Apple Acres Cider on the house. Now I propose a toast. To James the red engine!

Everyone: To James the red engine!

Narrator: All 8 smiled happily. Tomorrow was going to be a very good day.

Next is "Sodor Rail Tours", which is actually going to feature the other railways of Sodor, (Minus the Arlesdale Railway because it doesn't exist yet). Look out for those stories.

Author's Notes: I really loved this story. It's the 1st of a long line of fan stories to be based around the Mid Sodor Line. I also threw in another little joke in there. See if you can find it.

Dear Rachel

Remember when we all went on those railtours 3 years ago back in 1925, 1926, and 1927? Needless to say, I think we all had the time of our lives. Well anyway, I recorded all our adventures on those railtours. These particular stories well tell you all about our adventures on the Mid Sodor Railway, The Culdee Fell Railway and the Skarloey Railway. I am so glad you enjoyed it.

Your friend, William James Holden. December 31st 1928.

A Mid Sodor Picnic

Narrator: It was 1925, and William, Rachel and the Mane 6 ponies were waiting excitedly at knapford station for Edward to take them to their first excursion for the year.

Rachel: I'm so excited. I can't wait to see the Mid Sodor Railway again.

Pinkie Pie: Oh thank you so much, William, Rarity and Rachel.

Rarity: Why it's no problem at all darling. After all, generosity is also my specialty.

William: Indeed, I'm actually quite surprised about this whole rail tour myself.

Rachel: Quite alright everyone.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh. I can't wait. This should be very educational.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah! I know it's gonna to be so awesome! I've never had a real holiday here before.

Pinkie Pie: I can't wait to see where we're going.

Applejack: I bet the scenery will be mighty pretty.

Fluttershy: Um... I wonder what kind of trains there will be.

Rachel: Oh you girls are just going to love it.

Narrator: Just then, Edward arrived. He was being driven by newly made driver, Charlie Sands.

Edward: Ladies, Gentlemen and ponies. (Wink) Get in quickly please.

Fluttershy: (Giggle)

Narrator: Everyone got in. The guard's whistle blew and Edward steamed out. Slowly, Edward's train moved out of the station, picking up speed as he headed west. The ponies each looked out the compartment window, amazed at stunning scenery. They passed through white sandy beaches, through quaint fishing villages and seaside towns. The ponies couldn't believe their eyes. Compared to what they normally saw on both Sodor and in Equestria, this looked like paradise.

Rarity: (Sigh) It so beautiful William.

William: I know. We traveled this line many times with Edward.

Twilight Sparkle: It's amazing. I've never seen anything like it.

Rainbow Dash: It's so awesome!

Pinkie: Why it's as colorful as rainbow. Eh, just don't eat a rainbow. I know what I'm talking about.

Fluttershy: Oh, it looks so peaceful around here.

Narrator: As William opened the carriage window, all 8 were treated to wonderful smell of the sea breeze

Applejack: Well I'll be. This here's a mighty pretty view here Willy boy.

Rarity: (Smelling the sea breeze) Oooh, the aroma of the sea air is just to die for. The beautiful white sandy beaches are as bedazzling as a diamond, mixed with the sparkling blue sudrian sea which itself looks as sparkling as a baby blue sapphire. Oh and these quaint little seaside towns just complete the ensemble. (Sigh) I am simply delighted to have decided to wear organdie for this trip along the coast.

Narrator: They soon arrived at the top station called Arlesburgh where they disembarked at a small wharf station. There was a small bit a track which was smaller than the mainline, and on it was a little passenger train with a brown tender engine attached to it.

?: Ah hullo again Miss Rarity. I haven't seen you in 5 years, good to see you again you young William and Rachel.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash gaped with wonderment. But Rarity, Rachel, and William smiled. They knew who he was.

Rarity: Ah, good to see you again your grace. Ahem, Twilight.

William: Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash.

Rachel : Fluttershy, Applejack.

William, Rarity and Rachel: This is Duke.

Mane 6 (barring Rarity): You three know him?

Rarity: Why certainly I do. We met back in 1921 when I was still working with Simmons and he was the one whom taught me that goods trains do have their uses.

Twilight Sparkle: Good for you Rarity.

William: And Rachel and I have Known him since we were children during the great war of 1915 to 1919. Our grandparents and Rachel's mother used to take us to this railway for a fortnight at Arlesburgh Inn.

Rachel: Them, we went on an excursion on Duke or the other engines' trains either up to the summit of Peel Godred. Sometimes, we'd ride a special excursion that stopped at each station or even a beautiful picnic spot.

Duke: I call it 'The Picnic'. It's one my special excursion trains that I take full of visitors both from Sodor and from the help of boat steamers from the isle of man.

Manager: Quite right Duke.

Narrator: Rachel, William and the ponies turned to see the manager of the Mid Sodor Railway.

Manager: Ah there you are William and Rachel. Longtime, no see old friends.

William: Too long Sir.

Rachel: Good to see you too Sir

Manager: Heheheh definitely. It seems only yesterday that you're grandfather Angus Holden and you're grandmother Elizabeth Ravens along with your mother Marie Ravens took you two here for a fortnight when you were just children.

Narrator: So William and Rachel introduce the manager to the mane 6.

Manager: Ah a pleasure to meet you all. Now, before we start our excursion, would like to meet our current fleet of engines since all already know Duke?

All: Sure Sir. Thank you Sir.

Narrator: So the manager took them to the sheds at Arlesburgh to meet the engines. At that time, there were only 9 engines on the railway.

Manager: Morning engines! We have some rail enthusiast here visiting today and they here to meet you all.

Narrator: William, Rachel and their pony friends walked in and the engines introduced themselves to the ponies.

Falcon: Greetings younglings. My name is Falcon. I'm MSR's #3 locomotive and I came here with 3 my brothers, Proteus and another engine that was scrapped a long time ago. His name was Albert, and I never knew him that well since I mostly used to work in the mines for most of my working life, but soon I was promoted to work the line after my brother Albert disappeared for some strange reason. Well, anyway, I do odd jobs, but my favourite job is to pull our express train no stop to Peel Godred from Arlesburgh.

William: Ah yes I remember that one. 'The Flying Falcon' right?

Falcon: That's right.

Rainbow dash: "The Flying Falcon" eh? That sounds so awesome.

Falcon: Thanks. I thinks pretty awesome too.

Proteus: I'm Proteus, The MSR's 4th Number 2 engine.

Twilight: What do you mean by that Proteus?

Proteus: Well before I came to this railway, me and my brothers were sent to work at the Arlesdale Tramway Quarry Line to replace some old privately owned tramway locomotives. We never saw them, but Duke told me that they were old vertical boiler engines in those days. Now, as Falcon had mentioned, we were originally used for quarry work at Arlesdale, but as time went on, so many engines came and went along the railway that the Manager allowed us all to work on mainline. And thus, we got to pulling goods trains at first, then shifting duties to passengers. (To himself) at least two of us.

Applejack: Beg your pardon?

Proteus: Oh nothing Applejack. Sorry about that.

Fredrick: Greatings there whippersnappers. My really name is Fredrick, but you can call me Freddie. Everyone does.

Pinkie Pie: wow your quite a little stumpy engine.

William, Rachel and rest of Mane 6: Shooosh!

Twilight Sparkle: Your going to offend him.

Pinkie Pie: (blushing) Oopsie. Sorry Freddie.

Freddie: Heheheh, its alright youngin'. I'm not offended. I was actually rebuilt this way.

Twilight Sparkle: Why's that?

Narrator: Freddie smiled.

Freddie: Well, originally I had taller funnel when I came to this railway and taller cab. I was mainly used for goods trains and the railway's slow goods train. We call it, 'The Horse And Cart'.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash took offense to that .

Rainbow Dash: (Angered) WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT! ARE YOU SAYING I'M SLOW?! ARE YOU SAYING THAT WE'RE ALL SLOW POKE OLD TIMERS THAT MOVE AS FAST AS SNAIL?! IS THAT WHAT YOUR SAYING!? (Pause) THAT'S IT!

Narrator: Freddie and the other engines coward quickly. Rainbow Dash was about to beat the metal out of them when William and Rachel both grabbed her tail to stop her but they were lifted into the air. Luckily, Applejack saved them by grabbing her tail too.

Applejack: (Rainbow Dash's tail in her mouth) Simmer down sally.

Rachel: Easy Rainbow Dash, easy!

William: They didn't mean to offend any of you. Besides, that train was created long ago with no intention of insult, so just simmer down and calm yourself.

Rainbow Dash: (Sigh heavily) Sorry about that you guys. I tend to get a little carried away sometimes.

William: (Panicking) Oh okay Rainbow. It's all good. All is forgiven now.

Rachel: (Panicking) Yeah. That's right. All's well that ends well.

William and Rachel: (Panicking) Okay. Um, Rainbow Dash? Could you please let us down now?

Rainbow Dash: (Blushing) Uh oops. I guess I over did it.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash then let the two humans down safely and the introductions continued.

Tim: Um. H-h-hullo there. My name is Tim. Your not here to buy us are you… I don't want leave my home. Please. I like my railway line. Please, I beg you.

Miney: Oh for petty sake Timothy! If you can't speak to people without freaking out then put a piece coal in it.

Narrator: Everyone stared as a little cabless engine scolded Tim.

Miney: Sorry about him felllas. Young Tim here means well. He can be a little timid and pessimistic. But he's good sort really.

Narrator: Fluttershy came up closer to a now even more timid Tim and patted him on the boiler making him calm down. (Author's note: Tim's boiler was cool by the way.)

Fluttershy: It's alright Tim. We're not going to take you away from your home. We just came to visit your railway line. That's all.

Narrator: Tim felt better after that.

Tim: Whew! Thank goodness. Well… um... anyway, my job on the railway is to work on the Roadside Tramways that head towards the mines at Cas-ny-Hawin, taking miners to and from the mine and um... taking trucks to and from the port here at Alresburgh and um... over to uh Cas-ny-Hawin.

Atlas: Bonjour there. My name is Atlas. Me and my sister Miney and my brother Alfred were brought here from France to work in the mines. Originally, we were fitted with cabs, but because due to terrible accident with our brother, our cabs were removed to help us negotiate the mines better without hitting any support beams.

Fluttershy: Oh my. How awful. I am sorry for the loss of your brother Atlas.

Atlas: It was a sad day for everyone. May he rest in peace.

Miney: Bonjour youngin's. Although I don't have name, you can just call me Miney. I pretty much do the same thing as my sister Atlas here.

Narrator: Just then Rachel noticed a little green 0-4-2 saddle tank engine sitting quietly. She immediately went over to see the engine followed closely by the others. She beamed brightly as she recognised him.

Rachel: Why hullo there Stuart. I almost didn't see there.

Narrator: The little green engine looked up.

Stuart: Hm… Oh Hullo there Rachel. I didn't see from this corner of the shed. And good to see you too William. (To the ponies) Anyway, my name is Stuart. I just do odd jobs along the railway. Goods trains, passengers, shunting, holiday trains once in while. It's quite honor and a pleasure to meet you. Um... What are your names?

Narrator: The ponies were so intrigued by the MSR engines that something had slipped their minds.

Ponies: Oh dear. Please forgive us. We've forgot to properly introduces ourselves.

Twilight Sparkle: l'm Twilight Sparkle.

Applejack: My name is Applejack.

Rainbow Dash: Rainbow Dash is the name.

Rarity: I am Rarity.

Fluttershy: I'm, um... Fluttershy.

Pinkie: I'm Pinkie Pie!

Stuart: Oh well, it's a really pleasure to meet you all. I hope I can see you again soon.

Twilight Sparkle: Of course. Me and friends here are staying a fortnight.

Narrator: This made Stuart and the others feel very happy. The friends soon decided to ride the picnic all the way over to Peel Godred to find a perfect picnic spot. A couple of hours later William, Rachel and the ponies were all seated inside the boogie carriages of 'the picnic'. At 10:00am, the guard blew the whistle and Duke soon started off. Slowly, the picnic soon gathered speed and head to the outskirts of Peel Godred. The ponies, Rachel and William gazed out the windows. As Duke and 'The Picnic' puffed along the line, they stopping at each station. By the time they left Ffarquhar Roads, they village scenery soon changed to a beautiful dense forest. Fluttershy loved this portion a lot.

Fluttershy: (Sigh) This reminds me of my cottage at home with so many lush green trees and cute little animals. This looks like a good spot.

Rachel: I know what you mean Fluttershy. If there is one thing I love, it's the cute little bunnies, ducks, birds, every little critter in the forest.

(Rachel and Fluttershy both giggle.)

Narrator: By the time they departed Arlesdale Green, the landscape changed to rolling foothills as they stopped at the works station to refill on coal and water.

Applejack: This area looks mighty pretty for a picnic. It reminds me of the rollin' plains of appleoosa.

Twilight Sparkle: Well, we haven't seen every spot yet.

Narrator: Soon they were off again, this time the landscape changed to the rugged mountains. Twilight Sparkle favoured Cas-ny-Hawin.

Twilight Sparkle: Oooh. That would look nice for a picnic. Plus, we could visit the research centre.

William: That's great idea Twilight….

Narrator: But they soon saw everyone giving them inquisitive looks, making Twilight Sparkle and William both blush.

William: Ehh, well we should continue searching. There might be other picnic spots up the summit.

Narrator: Soon they began to climb the mountain road. Rainbow Dash gazed admiringly down below as they came into Ulfstead Road.

Rainbow Dash: This place is going to be so awesome for a picnic. It's like you're on top of the world.

Narrator: After stopping at Ballomoddey, they soon rolled into the outskirts of Peel Godred at the end of the line. As the ponies and Rachel and William rested at the station, Twilight Sparkle noticed that both William and Rachel were writing something in their journals. Curious to what they were writing, Twilight Sparkle walked over.

Twilight Sparkle: Excuse me Rachel and William, but I was wondering, if you don't mind me asking, what your writing about?

Narrator: William and Rachel smiled kindly.

William: Oh me, I'm just writing some notes down for historical facts.

Rachel: And I'm just writing some ideas down for some books I plan to write. I sometimes work alongside William.

Twilight Sparkle: What do you mean? I always thought authors do writing alone.

Rachel: Well, not always Twilight. You see, me and William here always work together to write them.

William: I go out to different locations around the island, sometimes alone or with Rachel. I locate the history of set area, and I research the information of the area's landscape, culture and history through my notes, sketches and photographs.

Rachel: And then he shares all his findings and research to me so that I can write the stories out.

Twilight Sparkle: But I'm still a little puzzled. I thought book writers always worked alone.

William: Lots of writer's work together with someone.

Rachel: Me and William have a Reverend friend in England called Wilbert Awdry, whom works alongside another close friend of his Revrend Edwin Boston. He likes to be referred to as Ted for short. Anyway, they do the same thing.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle was now intrigued.

Twilight Sparkle: Fascinating. I never knew writers could work together.

Narrator: At half past 3, the ponies all piled back into the train, all except Rachel and William, whom took to the footplate of Duke.

Duke: Just like old times William and Rachel. Ready?

William: Sure thing Duke.

Narrator: And with a blast of the whistle and pull of the regulator, Duke soon started off tender first back to the port. They made stops along the way to pick up passengers. They were making excellent time and soon arrived back at the port at ten past five. As the ponies piled out of the train, they saw William and Rachel talking to Duke. Though they couldn't hear what they were saying.

Duke: Well done William and Rachel. You make your parents very proud.

Rachel: Thanks Duke. That really means a lot coming from you.

Narrator: Then Duke whispered something to William and Rachel that made them smile.

William: Oh thank you Duke. That will make their day.

Rachel: Indeed it will.

Duke: Thank you all for traveling along the MSR. I hope you do find your picnic spot soon.

William: I hope so too Duke.

Narrator: They all walked backed to Arlesburgh Hotel for High-Tea. Rarity spoke first.

Rarity: So, has anyone decided on where to go?

Narrator: They all gave their ideas, but sadly no one could agree on anything. The next morning, whilst the ponies accompanied by William went to get their tickets, Rachel whom was already waiting on the platform with her ticket was looking glum, when Stuart bustled in with a train of granite trucks near Marthwaite. He saw Rachel and was worried.

Stuart: Excuse me, Rachel. Why the long face, if you forgive me for asking?

Narrator: Rachel looked up and sighed.

Rachel: Oh. It's just that me and my friends can't decide on which place on the line would be good for a picnic.

Narrator: Stuart pondered the problem, and then it struck him.

Stuart: (Excited) That's it! I'll ask the engines in the shed on their opinions and then we'll see what they think is the best spot.

Rachel: Hhmmmm. That could work.

Stuart: You never know unless you try.

Narrator: Soon Stuart consulted with to the other engines about their friends' situation and they all voted. Then he asked Duke.

Stuart: Excuse me Granpuff. I hope don't mind me asking, but I was wondering could I take this picnic train today.

Narrator: Duke smiled kindly.

Duke: Of course young Stuart. For such an act of kindness, I would be honored to have you pull todays picnic.

Narrator: That made Stuart even more excited.

Falcon: Lucky you Stuart.

Duke: Hey, you took it once before too, remember Falcon?

Falcon: Oh, right.

Duke: But, if your good, I might give you another chance to take it too.

Falcon: I will be. I promise.

Freddie: Where have I heard that one before?

Falcon: (Sighs) Uncle Freddie.

Narrator: Soon, William and the ponies came out of the booking office when Stuart puffed in with the picnic and the manager and another driver in his cab. Everyone was surprised.

William: That's strange. I thought Duke would be taking the picnic instead of Stuart?

Narrator: The manager smiled.

Manager: Not today. Duke told me that this time Stuart should have chance to take it.

Narrator: And he turned to Rachel.

Manager: And as for you Rachel, I would be honored if you were to manage the footplate of young Stuart here up to your first picnic spot to Arlesdale Green.

Rachel: Yes Sir. Thank you sir. Me and Stuart will manage wonderfully.

Manager: I know you'll do great.

Narrator: Rachel climbed into Stuart's cab ready for the journey. The last passenger got in, the guard waved his green flag and the picnic was ready to go.

Stuart: Oh I'm so excited. My first picnic excursion ever.

Narrator: Rachel smiled broadly. She was excited too. Secretly though, Stuart was a bit nervous.

Rachel: Don't worry. I know you're going to do great.

Narrator: Stuart blushed modestly.

Stuart: Golly, why thank you Rachel.

Narrator: They soon started off. They had a wonderful time. Stuart felt more confident, cheerful and determined to do his best. They stopped at all the right stations on schedule, they were making very good time and they reached Arlesdale Green in record time.

Rachel: Well done Stuart. You did absolutely wonderful.

Stuart: Oh thank Rachel. I had wonderful time working with you.

Narrator: Both blushed bright red. The manager even congratulated her too.

Manager: Well done Rachel. For such a great job driving Stuart, would you and friends like to drive some of our engines during your stay.

All: Oh yes please Sir!

Manager: Very well, I shall go make the arrangements.

Narrator: And he boarded the train and Stuart puffed away happily. All 8 friends had wonderful picnic at the green and soon Stuart arrived back to pick them up as Rachel took the footplate and drove them safely home. The manager was as good as his word. The ponies and the two humans all got drive the engines. William took Duke with the picnic, Rarity accompanied Proteus on mineral trains, Rainbow Dash took Falcon with his express, Twilight Sparkle took Freddie with local goods and the horse cart, Pinkie Pie and Applejack worked at the mines with Miney and Atlas, Tim worked with Fluttershy and surprisingly he felt very calm working with her. As for Rachel, she was happily working alongside her friend Stuart, taking passengers and goods and even the picnic once in a while with duke's permission. No ever felt happier than the mane 6 ponies, William James Holden and Rachel Marie Ravens.

Ok. What did you think of that? Next up is a Culdee Fell railway story. Be on the lookout for that.

Author's notes: I added some small details in here. Thought I'd include my family in the legacy of great engine drivers. With that said, let's jump into part 2 of "Sodor Rail Tours"

Mountain Rescue

It was November of 1926. William, Rachel and mane 6 ponies: Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were riding on board Edward's train for an eastbound journey to the one and only rack railway on Sodor, the Culdee Fell Railway.

Pinkie Pie: So what kind of railway will we be visiting?

Rachel: The Culdee Fell Railway. Named after one of the mountains too.

Narrator: Fluttershy looked worried.

Fluttershy: Oh my. Did the railway fall to the ground? I hope It didn't.

Narrator: William and Rachel explained to Fluttershy what fell meant.

William: Heheh. No Fluttershy. The railway didn't fall to the ground. Its just the name of the type of mountain railway. A fell railway is type of mountain that uses a third-rail system for climbing steep grade railways that are too steep to be worked by a locomotives' adhesion on the two main running rails alone.

Rachel: It uses a raised centre rail between the two running rails to provide extra traction and braking, or braking alone. Trains are propelled by wheels or braked by shoes pressed horizontally onto the centre rail, as well as by means of the normal running wheels.

Narrator: Fluttershy mopped her brow relieved.

Fluttershy: Whew! Thank goodness. I thought it meant that the railway fell down.

Twilight Sparkle: (Amazed) How extraordinary!

William: Some of the men whom built this jokingly said that that railway could reach the moon.

Narrator: Everyone laughed. Pinkie Pie laughed so hard she rolled on the carriage floor laughing.

Pinkie Pie: Oh my William. That is too funny…

Narrator: Soon they arrived at Killdane, the station leading up to the Peel Godred electric branchline. Edward whistled goodbye and then went back to work. After taking a ride on Janna's train, they got off at Loey Machan, the bottom station for the Culdee Fell Railway. After Janna left, the ponies gazed up at the mountain in amazement. They had never seen such a tall mountain before.

Rainbow Dash: Wow! I can barely see the top through the clouds.

Narrator: Just then the Manager walked up.

Owner: Ah. Welcome William, Rachel, you made it. I see you brought some friends.

William: Good to see you too Sir.

Rachel: The pleasure is all ours.

Narrator: The ponies were surprised.

Twilight Sparkle: William, Rachel, you also know the Culdee fell manager?

Owner: Indeed. I've known them since they were 8 and 9 years old, their family legacy is well known around the island. Every bank holiday, they, William's grandfather and Rachel's grandmother, whom used work alongside William's father and Rachel's mother on the NWR, have always had great railway reputations. Anyway. I'm Lord Harry Barrane. First Chairman of the CFR.

Narrator: Soon the mane 6 introduced themselves.

Owner: A pleasure to meet you, girls. Now follow me please to booking office.

Narrator: So William, Rachel and the ponies went in to booking office and purchased their tickets for the ride up to the summit. Then the owner introduce them to the manager.

Owner: Well this here is our new general manager, Mr. Walter Richards.

Manager: Pleasure to meet you all, we've heard a lot about from Sir Topham hatt.

Applejack: Wow I guess news here travels fast.

Manager: (Chuckle) Indeed it does my little pony. Anyway would you career to meet our four mountain engines?

Mane 6: Yes please Sir.

Manager: Very well follow me.

Narrator: So they went with the manager to the engine shed where the four remaining mountain engines resided. Like at the Mid Sodor Railway last year, the engines introduced themselves.

Ernest: Hullo there, my name is Ernest. I'm one of the oldest mountain engines on this railway. If any of my friends here need any advice, I am always happy to lend a wheel to them, (wink) if you get my meaning. I know a lot about the history of this railway too.

Twilight Sparkle: Wow. That is amazing. I'd sure would like some lessons from you sometime.

Culdee: I am Culdee, CFR's #4 mountain engine. Ironically, I am named after the mountain that we climb.

Rarity: Wow. That must be a real honor for you Culdee.

Culdee: (Blushing) Oh thank you miss um…

Rarity: Oh just call me Rarity.

Culdee: Well then um… Thank you Miss Rarity.

Rarity: (Giggles)

Shane Dooniey: I'm Shane Dooniey, and like Culdee, I too am named after a Sudrian mountain myself.

Twilight Sparkle: How fascinating, I didn't know you and Culdee were both named after mountains.

Applejack: That's a new one ta add to the records.

Wilfred: And I am Wilfred, the #3 engine of CFR. I was built around the same time as Culdee and Ernest. Now, as you all probably are wondering, this is mostly a tourist railway. Most the traffic here is consists of passengers, but we often take a supply train, a store train, and works train along the line with a single truck, they help to supply the some of the shops along the mountain with supplies.

Rarity: How astounding. I had no idea that rack railways could make revenue with goods trains.

Pinkie Pie: Wow. You guys must pretty strong to tackle a hill this tall.

Wilfred: Indeed, it's very hard work because of how steep the line is. It's not too much trouble for us. Besides, it's very good exercise.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash was impressed.

Rainbow Dash: Ah yeah. Boy I can't wait start racing you guys.

Narrator: But Wilfred gave stern look.

Wilfred: Well now listen to me Miss... Um... What are your names?

Twilight Sparkle: My name is Twilight Sparkle.

Rarity: My name is Rarity.

Applejack: Names Applejack.

Pinkie Pie: (Blows a party whistle making everyone jump ) I'm Pinkie Pie!

Rainbow dash: And I'm the one and only Rainbow Dash!

Fluttershy: Um... I'm Fluttershy. Um was it something I said Wilfred?

Wilfred: Oh no. You're okay Fluttershy. But Rainbow Dash, racing up a steep and difficult mountain is not only very foolish, it can be very dangerous.

Rainbow Dash: Pah, and how can climbing a mountain be dangerous?

Wilfred: Well, the lines are very steep and can often be very dangerous if you don't take care, plus there are many mountain and nature walkers that often climb the line adjacent to our line, not to mention there are many mountain goats. So we often have to whistle frequently to warn people we are coming.

Fluttershy: Oh my. I very glad that you all take safety very seriously.

Rainbow Dash: Pshha! Safety, shamefty. I bet you I could climb that mountain faster than any of you, tomorrow!

Applejack: No you don't Rainbow Dash.

Rarity: Be more sensible. We're here as William's guests.

Rachel: Your right Rarity. Rainbow Dash, you need to show William here some respect.

Twilight Sparkle: I agree. He got us these holidays for us to all enjoy. The last thing he needs is to be embarrassed in front these mountain engines.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash said no more, but she was feeling sulky. The next morning, the ponies, Rachel and William all woke up early. They caught the up train being pushed by Culdee in his coach, Catherine. Soon, the guard blew the whistle and Culdee started up. The first 3 miles towards Skarloey Road were fairly smooth, and they managed to negotiated that making good time, even Rainbow Dash behaved while starting. When they reached Skarloey Road, a telephone rang and the station master came up looking worried.

Station master: There's been accident. A man climbing the mountain has hurt his leg really bad. A doctor and recue team rescue lorry are coming up at once via Skarloey Road in an ambulance, but the mountain terrain is too rough for the ambulance to negotiate.

Pinkie: Oh no no no no no! Not good not good Not good!

Rainbow Dash: Don't worry. I'll go up and see if I can help him down.

Narrator: But before anyone could stop her, Rainbow Dash flew out of Catharine and up to the summit.

William: Wait Rainbow Dash! It could be to dangerous.

Narrator: But it was too late. She was gone faster then you can say "Sonic Rainboom".

Twilight Sparkle: (Groan) Rainbow Dash, why do you have to pick today to be cocky?

Rachel: I hope she and that climber will be alright.

William: So do I Rachel.

Applejack: But how are we going to get the rescue team up there. It looks like it's also snowing.

Driver: Well that's torn it. We can't go up there in that snow storm. It would be too dangerous.

Narrator: William was furious with that drivers remark!

William: TOO DANGEROUS!? LISTEN NUBEY! If you think it's too dangerous to go up there in train, how do you think those climbers are fairing?

Narrator: Obviously the driver was new, and was still protesting in fear.

Driver: But sir. The temperature is plummeting rapidly.

Rachel: That's right, and our friend and an injured climber our out there in the summit!

Driver: The train will derail before you guys even reach the summit!

William: Fine then. If won't you go up, I will. But get us some sand bags and water, and put them in the coach.

Narrator: Reluctantly, the driver did so, much to the ponies surprise.

Rarity: What's all this for.

William: Ponies, were going up to the summit and taking the doctor and rescue team with us.

Twilight: Uh…But..I….What!? What, are you crazy?

William: No I'm not Twilight. Our line is the only way to make up there.

Rarity: My mane will get frost bite though.

Rachel: STOW IT RARITY! This is no time to be thinking of yourself! This is an emergency!

Narrator: Rarity, ashamed, remained respectfully quiet.

Fluttershy: But those winter winds will surely knock us off the rails!

Rachel: No they won't Fluttershy. The sandbags and water inside the coach will help to keep us stabilized.

Applejack: Rachel's right Fluttershy. We're the only ones that can get them down safely.

Rachel: Now, we need to get going. Whose all with me and William?

Fluttershy: Um I…I…I … I am with you.

Applejack: You can count on me!

Rarity: Well since this is an emergency, I'll join you.

Pinkie Pie: Count me in!

Twilight Sparkle: I'm with you too.

Narrator: The driver, fireman, and guard were all speechless.

Guard: Fine then. It's your funeral!

Narrator: Fluttershy whimpered like hurt puppy. But Rachel patted her reassuringly.

Rachel: Don't worry, the water and sandbags will keep us on the rails.

Narrator: Fluttershy felt a little bit better. Soon, the rescue team and the doctor arrived and boarded the train. William took over as driver, as Rachel took fireman, or should I say, 'firewoman' duties, with Twilight Sparkle as the guard. As soon as the rescue team and the doctor were on board, Twilight blew the whistle waved the green flag, William opened Culdee's regulator and Rachel fed Culdee with coal and water.

William: You ready Culdee?

Culdee: I sure am William, we'll get those climbers down safely.

Rachel: That's the spirit Culdee. Just do you best.

Narrator: Soon the rescue train lurched forward, out of Skarloey Road station.

Culdee: I'll do it! I'll do it!

Narrator: They reached Devils Back and left it with good time, but then the full force of the winter winds hit them like an artillery cannon from World War One!

Culdee: Ooer!

Rachel: Culdee, are you alright?

Culdee: I'm alright! Just got taken by surprise by the high winds.

Catherine: Culdee! I'm Scared.

Culdee: I know Catherine my dear, so am I, but we must make it through.

Narrator: Another blow from the highwind struck them nearly derailing Catherine.

5 Ponies: WHOA!

Narrator: But thankfully, Rachel was right about the sandbags and water. They kept her from derailing.

William: You doing alright Rachel!?

Rachel: Yeah I'm alright! How bout you William!?

William: Same here. I'm hanging in there.

Rachel: I just wish Rainbow Dash didn't run off like that!

William: I know what you mean! But don't weaken. We're almost there.

Narrator: So they bravely forged ahead. Meanwhile at the summit, things went from bad to worse. A climber had gotten his leg stuck on rock and Rainbow Dash did manage to move it out the way but unluckily it landed on her wing. She tried in vain to free herself but the wait of the rock and power of the winds made it very difficult. The injured climber couldn't do anything either.

Rainbow dash: I 'm doomed! Doomed I tell you!

Narrator: And she soon was starting to cry. But the injured climber, whom just had enough strength, crawled over to her and patted her reassuringly.

Injured Climber: Don't worry Rainbow Dash. I'm sure that help will be here soon.

Narrtor: Rainbow Dash was greatful for the climber's optimistic look on the situation. She still couldn't help crying though. Then, from far away she heard a whistle, followed by the sound of steam pistons pumping, the noise gradually got louder and louder. At last, Culdee and the rescue train made it to the summit.

Rainbow Dash: WAHOO! My prayers have been answered.

Narrator: William, Rachel and the ponies all joined in the rescue. They carefully placed the injured climber on board the train and then with the aid of Twilight Sparkle's magic and strong metal poles, they carefully levered the rock off Rainbow Dash's wing and placed it safely out of the way. Soon, they came down safely into Skarloey Road and the ambulance whisked Rainbow Dash and the climber to hospital. The driver, fireman and guard were speechless. Soon they went back down to the bottom station at Kirk Machan where the manager was waiting.

Manager: Well Done Culdee! I very proud of you! You truly are a really useful engine.

Narrator: He turned to William, Rachel, and the ponies whom were all as winded as Culdee and Catherine.

Manager: I too am very proud of you all, you went all went up their to rescue a climber and one of your friends in trouble, regardless of the danger. For such a heroic deed, I hereby grant you all life long passes to ride and operate on my railway. There's one for each of you and even one for Rainbow Dash.

William, Rachel, and 5 ponies: Oh thank you Sir.

William: Wait till Dash hears this. She will be pleased.

Narrator: The manager was not impressed with the guard, fireman and driver whom chickened out, and fired them in disgrace. Rainbow Dash had recovered from hospital with very light injuries, and is now flying better than before. She told them that the man's leg was put into a cast but he would heel up within a week. Although the manager thank Catharine for her assistance in the rescue, he was still concerned that she was too light for rescues, even with sand bags and water. He decide to invent a special utility truck for maintence trains, supply trains, and rescue trains. Later on, Rainbow Dash apologized to Wilfred and the other mountain engines.

Rainbow Dash: Hey guys, I'm sorry for being so rude earlier. Culdee, you and my friends really saved my wings out there on the summit. I only left because I thought it would take to long to reach the climber in time. But I realize now that that wasn't the case, thank you for rescuing me.

Narrator: Culdee smiled.

Culdee: That's alright. Even the best of ponies, engines and people can sometimes make mistakes. We just live and learn. Friends?

Rainbow Dash: Friends.

Narrator: William, Rachel, Twilight Sparkle and Wilfred looked over smiling.

William: Well… Rachel, do you think she's learned her lesson?

Rachel: I thinks so. How 'bout you Twilight?

Twilight Sparkle: I definitely think so

Narrator: They all turned to Wilfred, whom just smiling happily.

Wilfred: Well, I think it's safe to assume that the lesson has been learned.

Narrator: All they could do was just grin.

Ok. Janna is the electric engine on the Peel Godred branchline. BTW, that name was the 1st thing that came to mind at complete random, and is subject to change when I consult my collab partner about it. What did you think of the story guys? Well, look out for the final part of the "Sodor Rail Tours" saga. It's going to be about the Skarloey Railway.

Author's notes: I added in the fact that William and I are adoptive brother and sister since William's mother's passing. I hope you don't mind this atsf. Just thought it would be a nice touch.

A Little Help From My Friends

Narrator: The year was 1928 and Edward had taken William, Rachel, and the mane 6 to their next stop at Crovans Gate, then went back to work. The cavalcade looked around, near them they saw some really ancient old railway equipment and rolling stock, when a man walked up to them.

William: Ah. Sir Handel Brown. Great to see you again.

Rachel: Greetings Sir Handel Brown.

Narrator: They reached over and shook hands.

Owner: Ah. Good to see you again young William and Rachel. I haven't seen you since you were children. By George time does fly.

Narrator: The girls giggled. They knew that William's and Rachel's family lineages was very well known around Sodor.

Owner: Oh hullo there. You didn't tell me you were bring friends?

William: Ah yes, that's right. I forgot.

Rachel: Ponies, this the Skarloey Railway's current owner, Sir Handel Brown.

Narrator: The ponies introduce themselves. The owner smiled and tipped his hat.

Owner: Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Now then, follow me. I would like to get you all acquainted with our engines.

Narrator: So they went to the sheds to visit the engines. To the ponies' surprise, there were only two.

Skarkloey: Ah, hullo again William and Rachel. Good job on getting Edward back in service.

Rheneas: Indeed youngin's. We haven't seen him in years.

William: Heh. It's our pleasure.

Rachel: Happy to help a friend in need.

Skarloey: Ahem. Anyway, my name is Skarloey. I'm one the first engines to run on this. I ran it line solely at first.

Rheneas: And then I came along and helped him out. Name's Rheneas. We deliver slates from the quarries at the top station and then bring them down here for the NWR railway to take.

Skarloey: Indeed, and we also are starting passenger services and tourist services as well.

Applejack: Well, that there is mighty fine livin' your there sugar cubes. Anyway, my name is Applejack. I run a little family business similar to yours, but only with apples, not slate.

Rarity: My name is Rarity. I make fine outfits and often find gems.

Rainbow Dash: The name's Rainbow Dash. I don't mean to brag or anything, but I am one of the best flyers in all of Equestria.

Skarloey: Equestria. Hmmm. That sounds familiar, doesn't it Rheneas?

Rheneas: Indeed. I know I've heard that name somewhere before.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash was confused.

Rainbow Dash: Uuhhh? What you guys talking about?

Narrator: Rheneas and Skarloey then returned back to the ponies.

Skarloey: Oh. Nothing Rainbow Dash.

Rheneas: Yes. Please continue.

Narrator: At that moment, a party cannon went off, making the two old Skarloey Railway engines jump in surprise.

Skarloey/Rheneas: Great Glennlock! What was that!?

Pinkie Pie: HIYA SKARLOEY AND RHENEAS! I am Pinkie Pie!

Skarloey: Wow! I see you're quite the party girl there Pinkie Pie.

Rheneas: Indeed. We've never had a surprising introduction like that before.

Pinkie Pie: Well that's my speciality: Parties! Along with baking too for my friends back home, Mr. and Mrs. Cake at Sugarcube Corner.

Skarloey: Oh. I see you must be very popular around your friends.

Pinkie Pie: (Blush, giggle)

Narrator: Then the two narrow gauge engines noticed Fluttershy.

Skarloey: Excuse me miss? You look absolutely familiar.

Fluttershy: Oh… um… I'm Fluttershy. I take care of animals, and I'm a little shy. When I work here, I sometimes share duties with Applejack on Henry, but for the most part I work with Edward.

Rheneas: Edward! Now I remember where I saw from. You were working with Edward when came out of his shed in 1922. I must say you did cracking good job driving him.

William: Indeed she did.

Rachel: I'll say. She got the passenger train to Brendam with 25 minutes to spare.

Fluttershy: (Blushes) Aww.. How sweet of you, (giggle) you adorable little engines.

Narrator: Rheneas and Skarloey both blushed as red as their paint work.

Rheneas: Well.. um….uheheheh… Think… um I mean.. um Thank you miss Fluttershy.

Skarloey: Um eh yes. Heheh, I must say your quite adorable yourself too.

Narrator: Skarloey felt embarrassed inside at acknowledgement he gave her and blushed even brighter and looked at his buffers. But he didn't feel embarrassed for long, as Fluttershy blushed and giggled too.

Fluttershy: (Giggle) Oh you two are so sweet. Just like those Mid Sodor engines.

Twilight Sparkle: Well it's a pleasure to meet you too Skarloey and Rheneas. I'm Twilight Sparkle. I'm a unicorn student of magic at the Canterlot Academy of magic. I was sent to Ponyville to research the magic of friendship. And thanks to my friends here, I'm making great progress.

Skarloey: Interesting Twilight…

Rheneas: Extraordinary…

Narrator: It seemed the two little engines were lost in thought for a while. William, Twilight Sparkle, Rachel and Fluttershy were worried.

Rheneas: It's quite an extraordinary that these mares have discovered Sodor again….

Skarloey: Indeed Rheneas…. It's like history repeating itself.

Twilight Sparkle: What you two talking about?

Skarloey: Well you see young Twilight, a long time ago a group of horses came to work here for several railway networks such as the Sodor and Mainland Railway where your grandfather and grandmother worked William and Rachel. Some even worked here. They were multicoloured, unlike our shire horses that frequently worked on our island. And they could not only operate machinery but they could speak too.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle grinned broadly.

Twilight Sparkle: The lost Ancestors! I knew used to work on this island. I never knew they be this spread out.

William: Halleujah! I knew the facts were right after all.

Narrator: Twilight and William were so happy they jumped and hugged each other in the air and then let go blushing. So after some happy gossip, the 8 friends went to find the booking office at the station, but it was nowhere to be seen.

Rarity: Hmph. You would at least expect to find a booking office somewhere in this little station, but where on earth is it?

Thin Controller: It's right here.

Narrator: The Rachel, William and the ponies all turned around and a thin man was standing and pointing to the guards van.

William: Ah that's right. How could I forget about Beatrice?

Rachel: We should have known.

Rarity: (Puzzled) Whatever do you mean?

Thin Controller: Beatrice is the name of our guards van. She is used to help trains along the line when needed to. She has a little window to which we can sell tickets from.

Twilight Sparkle: How enterprising. That way people can just easily board the train without missing it.

Thin Controller: Quite right miss… Um…

Twilight Sparkle: Oh my name is Twilight Sparkle.

William: I'm William Holden. I'm Angus Holden's grandson and James Holden's son.

Rachel: Name's Rachel Ravens. I'm Elisabeth Raven's granddaughter and Marie Raven's daughter.

Thin Controller: Ah. That's right. I remember now. Glad to see you're here.

Narrator: The rest of the mane 6 then introduced themselves.

Thin Controller: Ah. Pleasure to meet you all. Anyway, I am called Mr. Peter Sam. I mostly act as guard for the railway.

Narrator: Just then, Skarloey backed down onto the coaches and another man walked up.

Mr. Hugh: Ah hullo Peter. I see we have guests to day.

Thin Controller: Indeed Ivo.

Narrator: The ponies introduce themselves and so did Rachel and William.

Mr Hugh: Well hullo there. My name is Ivo Hugh, but I prefer Mr. Hugh if you don't mind. You know Rachel and William I hear that you two are quite the writers.

Rachel: Indeed we are Mr Hugh.

William: We even work together to help write our books.

Twilight Sparkle: I'm also fond of writing myself.

Mr. Hugh: Ah, that's just smashing. You know, I'm actually quite the writer myself.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle, William and Rachel gaped in wonderment.

Rachel: Really, you don't say.

William: How extraordinary! I had no idea that you wrote books too.

Twilight Sparkle: Interesting. So what's your next novel about?

Mr. Hugh: Well, it's going to be about this railway.

Narrator: He then turned to William.

Mr. Hugh: Hey William. Did you know I knew father way back before you were born? And same with your mother Rachel?

William/Rachel: (Surprised) Really?

Mr. Hugh: Indeed I have. They used to work for Sir Topham Hatt's railway, and whenever they had time off, they'd always come down here to help out occasionally. I also went to school with them. They were very good people, just like William's grandfather Angus, and Rachel's grandmother Elizabeth.

William: Indeed they were.

Rachel: Their teachings have always rubbed off onto us.

Mr. Hugh: That's good. I'm sure your mother is proud of you for following her footsteps Rachel.

Rachel: Well, thank you sir.

Narrator: Mr. Hugh then patted William on the back.

Mr. Hugh: Your father would be very proud of you too William. I'm sorry about you're loss though.

Narrator: Secretly, William felt strangely very lonely inside.

William: Um… It's alright Mr. Hugh. Well, we'd better go and get our tickets, kay girls?

Narrator: Although he kept his feelings inside, Rachel and Fluttershy could see that something was bothering him.

Rachel: Um, is something wrong William? You look as if you've just seen a ghost.

William: Hmmm… Oh it's okay? I'm… Um… We'd better get aboard.

Narrator: Skarloey's train that day consisted of 3 third class coaches and 1 first class coach. Behind the brake van were a string of slate trucks. Rachel and the ponies were just about to get into the first class coach when they noticed William just walking solemnly into one of the slate trucks very sluggishly. This made the girls feel even more concerned than ever.

Fluttershy: Oh my. William is really bothered by something.

Applejack: Boy. You ain't kiddin' Fluttershy. Somethin's really burstin' his bubble and no mistake.

Narrator: Pinkie Pie were also concerned too.

Pinkie Pie: Oh dear. He looks worser than me when I had that moment when I thought no one liked my parties anymore, but thank goodness he's not going crazy.

Rainbow Dash: I know what you mean. Whatever it is, it must have been something really painful.

Twilight: I know. It's like him to feel upset about something in front of us, but to see him separate himself from the rest of us is definitely out of his character.

Rarity: If only we could help the poor darling.

Rachel: I know, we'll all ride in the slate wagons with him.

Narrator: Everypony agreed on the plan… All except Rarity.

Rarity: What are you insane?! Me, ride in a filthy truck?!

Rachel: Oh Rarity, please don't uptight. We're doing this for William.

Rarity: But surely it can't be safe. I'm sorry, but I staying in the first class coach. Hmph.

Rachel: (Groaning crossly) I don't understand it. That mare has split personality. One minute she can be fine, dandy and always glad to help out, then the next she's fussier than James.

Twilight Sparkle: (Sigh) I wouldn't dwell on it Rachel. We'd better get on board the trucks. Its nearly time for the train to depart.

Narrator: Soon, the Thin Controller blew the whistle and waved the green flag. Mr. Hugh drove Skarloey out of the station. They were going greatly. They past through fields of sheep grazing and through woodlands and past a beautiful waterfall. But still, William looked furlong. Whenever the others asked him what was bothering him, he would just brush it off say he was fine and just getting some fresh air. Finally, they stopped at the last station and got out. Then they all followed William to the beach. Rachel sat next to him. He was staring out towards the lake and she noticed a lone tear drop running down his cheek. Now she felt even more worried than ever and so were the ponies.

Rachel: William, are you alright? Your mood right now is starting to worry all of us.

Twilight Sparkle: Indeed. We've never seen you like this before. You can always tell us if anything is bothering you.

Narrator: Fluttershy placed her hoof gently on top his hand.

Fluttershy: There there William. It sometimes helps to talk to friends.

Narrator: With that, William took a deep breath and confessed his feelings.

William: I'm sorry girls. It's just, when Mr. Hugh mentioned my father, don't worry, he meant no harm by mentioning him. It's just that, when Mr. Hugh apologised for my loss, he was talking about my father. He was killed during the great war.

Narrator: The ponies were silent for a moment. William explained what happened. Rachel knew this story well, and placed her hand on William's for comfort.

William narrator: I didn't hear about father's death until 1918. When I found the note of his death, it was written by one the squadron leaders he flew with. In those days he flew Sopwith Camel's, that's a type of aeroplane made by Great Britain. Anyway, an air raid siren sounded, a German zeppelin loaded with bombs, had broken through the anti air defence batteries. My father's squadron was the only flying group close enough to make the intercept, so they went up and tracked the zeppelin over nearing Verdun. The zeppelin was of course being escorted by German fighters called Albatros's and Fokker D7's. Well anyway, while they were attacking, 4 out 10 in my father's squadron were shot down and or killed. But my dad and the rest of the squadron men got out ok. Then, a group of 3 winged German triplanes of almost every colour of the rainbow swooped out from out the sun and attacked the remaining 6 sopwiths, Including my fathers. During the aerial struggle, my father had got into a scrap with blood red triplane. He fought valiantly, but as they made the last charge towards each other, the red triplane hit my father's oil tank and the Sopwith engine causing his plane to burn. Screaming in agony, my father had no choice but to fight for control of the plane and barrel rolling violently, he charged his plane into the zeppelin. The result was a crash that destroyed the zeppelin before it could do any damage. My father never made out in time. Then we had received the squad leaders note back in late 1918. My mother saw the note first and although she cried, she hugged me and told me what had happened.

Narrator: The ponies stood there frozen in horror.

Fluttershy: Oh my. How awful.

Rainbow Dash: you can say that again. Dude, I'm so sorry about that.

Rarity: Of all the worst possible things that could happen, this is THE! WORST! POSSIBLE! THING!

Narrator: This time, she really meant it.

Applejack: Oh shucks there. Sorry about your dad partner. Ah know what that's like. (Sighs) Both ma parents died too. And ma grandfather.

Pinkie Pie: Oh dear. I'm so sorry to hear that.

Twilight Sparkle: Holy Celestia. I'm so sorry to hear that. Well at least your mother was there to raise you still.

Narrator: When the mention of his mother came up, although he tried very hard not to, cried a stream of tears came down his face like raindrops. A horrifying realisation struck the ponies and poor William confirmed it.

William: (Tearing up) Well… yes. She did take care of me very well. But that was only until…. 1919. She had gotten influenza and had died right after I had turned thirteen…

Narrator: With that William began to cry. The ponies all stood frozen in absolute shock. They had now realised that their friend, William James Holden, was actually an orphan.

Rarity: Oh my goodness, you poor man. How on earth did you survive?

William: Long story short. Rachel's family heard about it and adopted me as one of their own. As time went on, I managed to get a job on Sir Topham Hatt's railway. Rach, I can't thank you enough for the blessing you and your family did for me, and Sir Topham Hatt too.

Rachel: Anything for my childhood friend William.

William: And I'd do the same, Rachel. You know this area here is actually one of mine and Rachel's families' favourite spots to visit. We'd used to go out here every bank holiday and have little picnic down here by the beach.

Narrator: Everyone was anticipating William to get upset again. But to their surprise and delight, William started to smile.

William: (Sighing happily) It's just so peaceful around here. The beautiful crystal blue lake, the beautiful surrounding lush green forests and the beautiful warm sunshine. Always helps to throw you worries out the door. Now, Rachel and I have you all here to share it with, for with that I feel even more closer to my family than ever. I want to know, I am so grateful to have made friends with all of you.

Narrator: The girls all smiled, ran up and almost tackled William as they all gave him a group hug.

Mane 6 and Rachel: Awwww…

Pinkie Pie: I love you guys.

William: Thank you so much. This is everything I've ever wished for, even in my darker days. But now, thanks to all of you, that beautiful radiant sunlight of hope is shining once again.

Narrator: They all hugged each other warmly and then made their way back to the train. To their surprise, Rheneas was waiting for them with a goods train.

William: Wait a minute! I thought the down passenger train would be here.

Rheneas: I'm sorry chaps, but I'm afraid that you missed Skarloey's connection. But don't worry, you can ride with me in my goods train.

Narrator: Rarity was going to start protesting, but then she remember William's story and decide to ride along. The driver then invited William into the cab of Rheneas and allowed him to drive the train home.

Rheneas: Feeling better William?

William: Actually, I feel very great, thank you Rheneas. Say, how did you know about this?

Rheneas: (Chuckle) Oh you could say that a little engine told me you were feeling upset.

Narrator: William chuckled. He knew what Rheneas meant.

William: (Chuckle) Ah. I've said before when I was little, and I'll say it again. You and Skarloey do know how to cheer people up.

Narrator: Since the ponies and Rachel were in the slate trucks nearest to Rheneas, they overheard what he said, and they just giggled. Now William no longer has any secrets to hide and now knows that he is never alone.

Yes. There were a few innuendoes in here between Pinkie Pie's and Fluttershy's introductions to Skarloey and Rheanes. And no, they aren't shippings! Just thought I'd get that through to you. For those completely new to MLP, Pinkie Pie is very giggly and sometimes she can't help laughing. Fluttershy is shy, bashful and sometimes calls ponies, or in this case engines, cute and sweet. Also, Rarity can be flirtatious at times, but in most cases she is just trying to be friendly. Right, look out for 'Thomas The Tank Engine Again'. See you there.

Author's notes: Ok! Now we are onto 'Thomas The Tank Engine Again'. This should be a fun experience.

Dear Rachel

Boy, did we sure have fun working with Thomas that year, especially the fishing, the snow cones, the race that we had… And….

(William enters the study)

William: (groan) Oh where's my pen at…. Oh no… Pinkie Pie… again?!

Pinkie Pie: Oh. Hi William! I was just starting to write a letter to Rachel.

William: Please give me my pen back!

Pinkie Pie: But I haven't even started the letter.

William: Oh, but Pinkie… I almost forgot. I need your help in the kitchen. I was to bake some… emm… cookies today for our little tea party down at Knapford but forgot completely. I need your help to make them.

Pinkie Pie: (Gasp) Don't worry William. PINKIE PIE TO THE RESCUE! TO THE KITCHEN!

(Pinkie Pie dashed out.)

William: Whew. How does she manage to get a hold of my pen, let alone break into my study?

(William takes over the letter.)

Sorry about that Rachel. Pinkie was once again trying to be friendly. Anyway, like she said earlier, I sure had quite the time with Thomas this week. Boy, those were quite eventful weren't they. Anyway, I've just written down the stories all about our adventures with Thomas. These stories will tell all about them.

Your friends, William James Holden, and of course Pinkie Pie, again. 1931

Thomas And The Guard

Narrator: Thomas the tank engine is very proud of his branch line. He thinks it's the most important part of the whole railway network. He has two coaches. Both are old and need new paint, but he loves them very much. He has called them Annie and Clarabel. Annie can only take passengers, but Clarabel can take passengers, luggage, and the guard. Thomas also works with two ponies, Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie. Both ponies are very fond of Thomas and enjoy the branchline as well. They rumble backwards and forwards along the line. Thomas sings them little songs and they sing along too, and the ponies catch the tune and sing along as well. When Thomas starts from a station, Thomas's sings the intro, Annie and Clarabel sings the chord, Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie sing the bridge along with William and Rachel, and they all sing the outro.

Thomas: (Singing) Oh come along we're rather late. Oh come along we're rather late. Fit as a fiddle and ready for fun.

Annie: (Singing) Have no worry we're coming along.

Clarabel : (Singing) Have no worry we're coming along .

Annie and Clarabel: (Singing) Fit as a fiddle and ready for fun.

Twilight Sparkle: (Singing) Not long or far now Thomas.

William: (Singing) Will reach the station at 12 o'clock.

Rachel: (Singing) We'll all make it at 12 o'clock.

Pinkie Pie: (Singing) In time for some tea and good old talk.

All: (Singing) We haven't a worry will make on time. We haven't a worry we'll make it on time. Fit as fiddle and ready for fun.

Narrator: They don't mind what Thomas says to them, for they know that he is trying to please the Fat Controller and they know too that if Thomas is cross he is not cross with them. He is cross at the mainline engines that make him late. One day, he was waiting for Henry's 4 o'clock train. It was late and Thomas grew crosser and crosser.

Thomas: Oh for pitty's sake. 4:06 already. Sheesh. How can I run my line properly if Henry is always late with Flyer of Vicarstown? He doesn't seem to know that fat controller depends on me.

William: Calm down Thomas. There's probably a good explanation for this delay.

Rachel: Don't forget, we're a guaranteed connection. So don't be so impatient.

Thomas: (Groan) I know that Rachel. It's just that Gordon and James manage to keep to time and so does Edward. But its always to Henry and the Flyer Of Vickorstown.

Twilight Sparkle: William and Rachel are right Thomas. Don't be so impatient remember. Good things come to those who wait…

Pinkie Pie: That's right. Don't you remember in 1923 when you pulled out without the coaches?

Thomas: (Groan) Don't remind me.

Narrator: Thomas whistled impatiently. He wanted to leave, but he had to wait for Henry and the Flyer of Vicarstown. There was a feeble whistle in the distance, and at last, clanking noisily and wheezing badly, Henry rolled sadly into Knapford.

Thomas: Hmph! Well, you took your sweet time. Where have been you lazy bones? Do you realise that your now ten minutes late?!

Annie: Calm down now Thomas.

Clarabel: It's alright. The passengers are here now.

Narrator: Applejack had gotten out of the cab and examined Henry. William and Rachel walked over to them.

Rachel: Hey Applejack. You guys okay? What happened?

Applejack: We're fine. It's just that, Henry had trouble steamin' up here.

Henry: (Moaning) Oh dear. My system's out of order again. Don't get me wrong, I'm am doing my best and so is Applejack. But still, nobody understands my case. Nobody knows what I suffer.

Applejack: It's okay Henry. You did your best, and that's all that matters.

Thomas: Pah! Your too fat and slow, you need exercise.

William/Rachel/Twilight Sparkle/Pinkie Pie: THOMAS! JUST SHUT UP!

Annie/Clarabel: Thomas! Don't be rude!

Narrator: Lots of people with luggage piled out of Henry's train and into Thomas'. At last, the guard blew his whistle and Thomas started at once. The guard turned round to get into Clarabel, but tripped over an old lady's umbrella and fell flat on his face.

Guard: DOH!

Narrator: By the time he had picked himself up, Thomas, Annie and Clarabel were already steaming out of the station.

Thomas: Come along! Come along!

Narrator: But poor Clarabel didn't want to come.

Clarabel: I've lost my nice guard! I've lost my nice guard!

Narrator: Annie tried to tell Thomas what had happened.

Annie: We haven't a guard! We haven't a guard!

Narrator: But he was hurrying and wouldn't listen.

Thomas: Oh come along! Oh come along!

Narrator: Annie and Clarabel tried to put on their brakes but they couldn't without the guard.

Annie & Clarabel: Where is our guard!? Where is our guard!?

Narrator: Thomas did not stop until they came to a signal.

Thomas: Oh bother that signal! What's the matter now?

William: You telling me Thomas. I don't know.

Rachel: It beats me.

Pinkie Pie: Search me.

Twilight Sparkle: Well, never the less, I'm sure that the guard will tell us in minute.

Narrator: They waited and waited, but the guard didn't come.

Thomas: (Groaning) Where is that guard?

Annie and Clarabel: (sobbing) We've left him behind.

(record scratch)

Narrator: The two ponies, the two humans, and Thomas's face all fell with their eyes widened with disbelief.

William: (Nearly speechless) Come again?

Annie and Clarabel: We left him behind at Knapford..

Twilight Sparkle: Huh? But I… WHAT!?

Rachel: I…I… Don't believe it!

Thomas:… Well….There goes my reputation.

Pinkie Pie: (Trombone fail.)

Rachel: Give me that! (Takes her trombone.)

Thomas: (Annoyed) Yeah, thanks a lot Pinkie Pie!

Narrator: Then, everyone looked back and there the guard was, running as fast as he could along the line with his flags in one hand and his whistle in the other. Everyone cheered as he reached the train. He was very hot and tired so he sat down and had drink of cool lemonade which Rachel made. He told everyone what had happened.

Thomas: I'm very sorry Mr. Guard.

Guard: Never mind Thomas. It wasn't your fault. It was that old lady's umbrella.

Narrator: At that moment, the guard noticed the signal drop.

Guard: There see. The signal is now down. Let's go make up for lost time.

Thomas: Righto sir.

Narrator: Annie and Clarabel were so pleased to have their guard again that they started to sing.

Annie and Clarabel: As fast as you like, As fast as you like.

Narrator: They reached the end of the line at Ffarquhar quicker than ever before with 3 minutes to spare.

If you thought that was good, wait till the next one. 'Thomas Goes Fishing' is up next.

Ok, I added in some more dialogue between Annie and Clarabel to make them more involved in the story. I think Clarabel sometimes panics but Annie is more calm.

Thomas Goes Fishing

Narrator: Thomas's branchline has a station by the river called Elesbridge. As Thomas rumbled over the bridge, he would see people fishing. Sometimes they stood quietly by their lines, while at other times they were actually jerking fish out of the water. Thomas often wanted to stay and watch, but William, Rachel, Twilight Sparkle, and Pinkie Pie wouldn't let him.

William: Sorry Thomas, we can't stop and watch. It's against the the rules to stop in the middle of the line.

Rachel: Besides, what would the Fat Controller say if we were late.

Narrator: Thomas thought that it would be wonderful to stop by the river. Everytime he met another engine or pony, he would say.

Thomas: I want to go fishing.

Narrator: But they all had the same answer.

Henry, Gordon, James, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity: ENGINES DON'T GO FISHING!

Thomas: Silly stick in the muds.

Pinkie Pie: Uh oh. I think Thomas is starting to day dream again.

Twilight Sparkle: Yeah your right there Pinkie Pie. And I think Thomas day dreaming is getting a little too big for his smoke box.

Narrator: Thomas generally had to make a stop at Elesbridge Station to take on water. One day they stopped as usual and William put the pipe into Thomas's tank. Rachel turned the tap, but nothing happened.

William: Hmmm. Now that's weird. Ah well, me and Twilight can fix this little bother up, can't we? (Winks at her.) I'll just grab my fire poker.

(A few seconds later)

William: Okay Twilight, levitate that pipe right there so I can try to shift the blockage out.

Twilight Sparkle: Alright, got it. Heh, nothing a little magic can't fix.

Pinkie Pie: Uh, Twilight…

William: Definitely. I'd like to learn magic someday. If only there is a way for humans to learn it.

Rachel: Um… William… I think you and Twilight better…

Twilight: Well I'm afraid I can't just yet, unless Princess Celestia allows for…

Rachel: Pinkie… I think we better get some towels.

Pinkie Pie: I've already nipped that in the bud Rachel.

Narrator: Just as expected, as William poked the blockage free, the water from the pipe shot out from the other end a drenched Twilight and William from head to toe and horn to hoof.

William & Twilight Sparkle: (Gurgling sounds) GGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! MAKE IT STOP MAKE IT STOP!

Narrator: And their soaking did not stop until the water column was empty. Annie, Clarabel, Rachel, Pinkie Pie and Thomas looked worried but couldn't help laughing.

Pinkie Pie: (Snickering) Um, William, Twilight, I think you two forgot to turn the tap off.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle and William's faces fell.

William/Twilight Sparkle: Uh…But I…..WHAT!?

Rachel: You forgot to turn the tap off!

Narrator: At that moment Pinkie pulled out her trombone and played the fail song, prompting Rachel, Pinkie and Thomas then to burst into laughter. Annie and Clarabel tried to hold it back, but it didn't work.

Twilight Sparkle: Why did it have to be us William? Why?

William: Don't ask.

Narrator: So after finding some black paint, some brushes, a hammer and nails a 2x4 plank of wood, and 4x4 board of wood, they placed a sign onto the water saying, ' Out of order'.

Thomas: Bother! I am thirsty.

Twilight: We know Thomas.

William: But never mind. We'll just gets some water from the river.

Annie: Cheer up Thomas. It's an easy fix.

Clarabel: You'll be fine.

Thomas: Thanks you lot. Especially you Annie and Clarabel. What would I do without you?

Narrator: So they found a bucket and some rope and went on to the bridge. Then William let the bucket down to water. The bucket was old and had five holes, so they had fill, lift up, and empty it into Thomas's tanks several times over.

Rachel: (Singing) There's a hole in my bucket dear Liza, dear Liza. Theres a hole in my bucket, dear Liza.

(Rachel accidentally spills water all over Twilight Sparkle and William.)

Twilight Sparkle/William: Hey! Oy! Rachel!

William: Never you mind about Liza. You empty that bucket before you spill water over me and Twilight again.

Twilight: Agreed. I don't want to catch a cold here.

Rachel: Oops, heheheh. Sorry guys. How's the gauge Pinkie?

Pinkie Pie: Not much now. Just a few more and we'll be set.

Narrator: They finished at last.

Thomas: Ah….That's better. Now, lets get going.

Annie: Let's make up for lost time.

Clarabel: 2nd to that motion dear sister.

Thomas: Of course ladies.

Narrator: And they started off. Annie and Clarabel trailed happily behind them. They puffed along the valley and in the tunnel when Thomas began to feel a pain in his boiler as steam began to his from his safety valve in an alarming way.

William: (Coughing) ….Their …theirs…. too.. m…uch …steam. Rachel, get some water into the boiler quickly!

Narrator: Rachel turned the feed pipe to allow water into the boiler, but nothing happened.

Thomas: (wheezing) Oh dear….. I'm going to burst!… I'm going to burst!

Pinkie Pie: Oh No NO NO NO NO! Not good! Not good! Not good!

Twilight Sparkle: Calm down Pinkie. We need to work as a team on this or….

William: (Eyes widening with horror) Explosion…

Narrator: So Twilight Sparkle damped down his fire and struggled on.

Thomas: I've got such a pain! I've got such a pain!

Clarabel: Oh my word! This could be disastrous.

Annie: Now, calm down little sister. I'm sure the others can figure something out.

Narrator: They soon stopped outside Ffarquhar, uncoupled an anxious Annie and Clarabel, and ran Thomas, whom was still hissing fit to burst, on a siding out of the way. While the guard went to telephone for an engine inspector and William and Twilight began to put out the fire, Pinkie Pie and Rachel wrote notices in large letters which they hung on Thomas in front and behind which read, 'DANGER KEEP AWAY'. Soon, the inspector and the Fat Controller arrived.

Inspector: Cheer up Thomas. We'll soon put you right.

Narrator: And so the ponies, Rachel and William told them what had happened.

Inspector: Hmmm. So the feed pipe is block is it? I'll just look in the tanks.

Narrator: He clambered up and peered in, and then he climbed down.

Inspector: Excuse me sir. Please look in the tank and tell me what you see.

Fat controller: Certainly inspector.

Narrator: He clambered up looked in and nearly fell off in surprise,

Fat Controller: (Whisper) Inspector… Can you see….Fish?

Thomas: WHAT!?

Twilight Sparkle: Huh?! But I… WHAT!?

Fat Controller: Graces goodness me. How did the fish get in there, William?

Narrator: William scratched his head.

William: (GASP) Egad! We must have accidentally fished them from the river into our bucket when the water column failed.

Narrator: The Fat Controller laughed.

Fat Controller: Well Thomas. So, you and your crew have been fishing I see. But fish don't suit you and must get them out.

Narrator: So Rachel and William got rods and nets, and both took turns fishing in Thomas's tank, while the Fat Controller told them how to do it. Twilight helped too by using her unicorn magic. When they had caught all the fish, the station master gave them a bag of potato's. William got a frying pan, and Rachel made a fire beside the line and did the cooking. And they all had a lovely supper of fish and chips with Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie, whom just ate the chips. They were surprisingly comfortable with it.

Fat controller: Mmmmmm. That was good Rachel… I must say you are an excellent cook.

Rachel: Oh, why thank you Sir.

Fat Controller: But fish don't suit you Thomas. You mustn't do it again.

Thomas: No sir I won't sir. Engines don't go fishing. It's too uncomfortable.

(Thomas heads back to his coaches, Clarabel had now been calmed down by Annie.)

Clarabel: Glad your alright Thomas.

Annie: Ready for the return journey?

Thomas: Yeah. Let's make up for lost time.

Narrator: And with that, they sped away when the passengers got on borad.

Yeah. That's as far as we are going to go with the 'red/white meat/seafood' jokes. Next one is 'Thomas and the Snow' (Or, is it 'Thomas and Terence')? I'll have to double back. It's the same storyline of course, no worries.

Author's notes: I threw in some more dialogue with the coaches. Goodness knows Annie and Clarabel need more attention.

Thomas, Terrence And The Snow

Narrator: Autumn had come to the Island of Sodor. The leaves were change from lush green to brown, yellow, orange and red. The fields were changing too, from yellow stubble to brown earth. As Thomas puffed along, he heard the chug chug chug of a tractor hard at work. One day stopping at a signal, Thomas saw the tractor close by.

Terrence: Hullo there. I'm Terrence. I'm plowing.

Twilight Sparkle: Hullo there Terrence. I am Twilight Sparkle.

Pinkie Pie: Hi there Terrence. I'm Pinkie Pie.

Terrence: Ah. I thought I heard rumours about talking ponies. So they are true. This is smashing.

Rachel: Hello Terrence. Name's Rachel Ravens.

William: I'm William Holden.

Terrence: Ah, so you 2 are the drivers Sir Topham hired back in the late 1910's/early 1920's. You also help Wilbert write the books, don't you?

Rachel: We sure as well do.

William: Correct. Working on another one right now.

Annie: Hello Terrence. Name's Annie.

Clarabel: And I'm Clarabel.

Annie & Clarabel: We're sisters.

Terrence: I can tell. Not too often do coaches receive names. You 2 must be very lucky to be with your friend there.

Annie: Indeed we are.

Clarabel: It's a real honour to be working on the branchline.

Thomas: Yeah and I'm Thomas. We're just pulling our afternoon passenger train. And (Snickering) What ugly wheels you got! Bahahahahahaha!

Annie & Clarabel: Thomas! That wasn't very nice.

Terrence: Oy! Their not ugly! They're caterpillars.

Pinkie Pie: (Confused) Eh..? So your wheels are made of bugs?

Terrence: What? Oh no no no… That's just a brand name of the type of wheel tracks I have. Now if take a closer look at them, you'll see that the large surface area of the caterpillar tracks have distributes my weight ratio to help me traverse soft ground like sand, soil, mud, snow etc. With them, I am less likely of becoming stuck due to sinking. In others words, I can go anywhere and I don't need rails like you Thomas.

Thomas: Hmph! I don't won't to go anywhere. I like my rails thank you very much.

Narrator: And he steamed crossly away, the others were annoyed at the little blue tank engine. Thomas, William, Rachel, the coaches and the ponies often saw Terrence working. Although Thomas whistled, Terrence didn't answer most of the time. Soon it was January of 1930, and of course that meant winter had come, and with it, came dark clouds full of snow.

Rachel: Oh dear… That doesn't look good. (She points to the sky)

William: Ooh. I don't like the look of it. It looks like a heavy fall's on it's way. I just hope it doesn't stop us.

Twilight: Me too William. Me too.

Pinkie: I agree. It looks pretty threatening.

Thomas: Oh come on. Look, its melts as soon as it hits rails. It's soft stuff. Nothing to it.

Narrator: They went to fetch Annie and Clarabel, feeling cold but confident. They finished their passenger run safely, but by now, the rails were now two dark lines standing out in the white snow.

William: You'll need your snowplough for your next two journeys Thomas.

Thomas: Poh! Snow is silly soft stuff. It won't stop me.

Twilight Sparkle: Now you listen here Thomas! We're getting your snow plough on and that's final!

Rachel: That's right so don't argue!

Narrator: The snowplough was heavy, uncomfortable and it made Thomas cross. He shook it and he banged it, and when they got back it was so damaged that William and Twilight Sparkle had to take it off.

William: You are very naughty engine!

Narrator: and he slammed the shed door into Thomas's face. Next morning, Pinkie Pie, William, Twilight Sparkle and Rachel came early and tried in vain to mend the snow plough but they couldn't make it fit properly, even with the aid of Twilight Sparkle's magic.

(Cue comical repairing of snow plough scene)

William: Okay, just a bit more Twilight, then we'll be right.

Twilight Sparkle: Got it!

Rachel: Easy! Easy! Easy! No wait! Darn it!

(William smacks the bent piece back into place with a sludge hammer)

William: Okay. Just a bit more.

Pinkie: Wait, stop! your hitting it too….

(Too late. William smack his leg)

William: YYYYYYYYEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!

Pinkie: Hard….

(William jumps up and down in pain clutching his leg as Twilight Sparkle levitates some snow to keep his leg from swelling )

Twilight Sparkle: Okay. Just take it easy. This will help the swelling go down.

Rachel: Whew… thank goodness. Your absolutely lucky you didn't break your leg.

Pinkie Pie: You guys might want to look at the time.

(Twilight Sparkle, William and Rachel looked at the clock.)

(TONIK!)

Rachel: It's time for the first passenger train!

William: Let's get go… (Tries to move quickly, but his leg hurt him.) AHH! OHH!

Rachel: Relax William, I got this. (Pulls out a special whistle and blows into it. Only Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie could hear it) Strawberry!

(A rose coloured horse comes up.)

Twilight Sparkle: Whoa!

Rachel: Calm down Twi. Strawberry may not be able to talk like you and Pinkie Pie, but she is very friendly.

Pinkie Pie: How did you do that? The farm is far away.

Rachel: Working with horses is a speciality of mine, plus the whistle is a special one that only ponies and horses can hear.

Pinkie Pie: Apparently it works on me and Twilight too.

Rachel: (To self) Huh, didn't know it could work on magical ponies too. Got to make a note of that. (Outloud) Here William, let me help you on Strawberry.

William: (Smiles) Thanks sister. What would I do without you?

Narrator: So Rachel, Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle walked over to get Thomas ready and William came with them on Strawberry, his leg still hurting.

Thomas: Heya crew… Say what happened to you William? Did you fall off your bike? And why is a horse here?

William: (Seething in anger as he dismounts Strawberry with Rachel's help) Don't ask.

(Rachel then pats Strawberry on the nose as a way of parsing her, and she gallops back to the paddock.)

Narrator: As Thomas went to get the coaches, he saw the snowplough still broken. He was pleased.

Thomas: I shan't have to wear it! I shan't have to wear it!

Annie: I hope it will be alright.

Clarabel: So do I, my sister.

Narrator: The coaches weren't the only ones worried.

Rachel: It's not bad here at Ffarquhar. But it's going to be deep in the valley.

Twilight Sparkle: Hopefully we'll manage.

Pinkie Pie: I Hope so too.

Narrator: It was snowing again when Thomas set off. But the rails were not covered.

Thomas: Silly soft stuff. I didn't need that stupid old thing yesterday and I shan't today. Snow never stops me.

Narrator: Thomas rushed through the tunnel, thinking how clever he was, but little did Thomas know that he was heading for trouble. At the other end, he saw a heap of snow fallen from the side of the cutting.

Thomas: Silly old snow.

William: Oh cripes! You're not thinking what I'm thinking…

Rachel: Oh no Thomas, have you gone mad?! Don't you even dare think about charging that drift like a cavalry charge!

Twilight: Thomas you better not char...

Thomas: Oh yep. I am going to charge.

Annie: Thomas, bad idea.

Clarabel: You could hurt yourself, your crew, your passengers and us!

Narrator: He charged towards the drift.

Pinkie Pie: Oh no no no no no! Not good not good not good!

Narrator: As predicted, he charged into the snow drift and stopped.

Thomas: CINDERS AND ASHES! I'M STUCK!

Narrator: And he was.

William: Back Thomas! Back!

Narrator: Thomas tried, but it was no use. He was stuck fast. His wheels spun helplessly and he couldn't move. The guard went back for help. Everyone else tried to dig the snow drift away. As fast as they dug, and even with the aid of Twilight Sparkle's magic, more snow just slipped down until Thomas, the ponies, Rachel and William were completely buried

William/Rachel/Pinkie Pie/Twilight Sparkle: GAHHHh! (Their heads pluck out of the snow)

William: (Cough) There you see what happens when you forget your snow ploughs in this weather?! I hope your darn happily with yourself young engine!

Rachel: Perhaps you should just stay there and become the world's first snow engine.

Twilight Sparkle: Honestly. Good grief. It's going take a Ponyville style winter wrap up to get you clear.

Pinkie Pie: No kidding Twi.

Thomas: Oh my wheels and coupling rods. I shall have to stay here till I'm frozen. What silly engine I'm am.

Narrator: And Thomas began to cry. The 4 friends saw how sad he was and just couldn't stay cross.

William: (Sigh) it's alright Thomas. I've done some stupid things in my life too.

Rachel: There there Thomas, we've all made mistakes. We just need to learn from them.

Twilight Sparkle: Heheh yeah. I remember I had trouble with snow too.

Narrator: At last, a tooting in the distance told them that a bus had come to rescue the passengers.

Bus: Now then, I'll get you to the station in no time.

Passenger: Oh thank you.

Passenger 2: Much obliged.

Narrator: Out the tunnel came Terrence to rescue Thomas. He pulled the empty coaches away.

Annie: Thank you very much Terrence.

Clarabel: We are most grateful for you.

Terrence: Anytime my friends.

Narrator: He then came back for Thomas. Thomas's wheels were now clear but they still spun when he tried to move. Terrence tugged and slipped and slipped and tugged, and at last, dragged Thomas clear of the snow drift ready for the journey home.

Thomas: Thanks Terrence. I'm terribly sorry I was rude.

Terrence: That's alright. Now you know not to judge a tractor by it's wheels.

Thomas/Terrence/William/Rachel/Twilight Sparkle/Annie/Clarabel: (Laughs)

Thomas: I promise I will never judge anyone by their appearance again. Thank you Terrence for your kindness.

Terrence: Quite alright Thomas. Now, I've got more fields to plant. See you later. Oh, and Rachel, I'll check on Strawberry for you.

Rachel: Ah, thanks Terrence. That would be great.

Narrator: With that, the tractor left. Just as Thomas was about to enter the tunnel…

Twilight Sparkle: Wait a minute, where's Pinkie Pie?

William: Your right. Where is she?

Rachel: Oh my goodness. You don't think she's still buried under that…

Narrator: Just then, Pinkie Pie dashed up with a giant king size shovel and scooped the whole drift out of the way. She quickly built a stand and got some fruit juices. She then shouted from the top her lungs in a giant mega phone.

Pinkie pie: GET YOUR FREE SNOW CONES!

Narrator: Thomas, Twilight Sparkle, William, Rachel, Annie and Clarabel stood there rooted to the spot, eyes wide and jaws dropped.

Thomas/William/Rachel/Twilight Sparkle/Annie/Clarabel: But.. But…. But ..but…

Pinkie Pie: I knew this drift could be cleared. I just need the right gear.

William: But why didn't you do that earlier?

Rachel: You know, when we stuck in the drift.

Pinkie Pie: Well it would have been hard to make snow cones with Thomas in the way. Anyway, I got snow cones to give away. I'll catch up with you later.

Narrator: And Pinkie bounced away. (Cue Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy theme) leaving Thomas, Twilight Sparkle, William, Rachel, Annie and Clarabel speechless.

Twilight Sparkle: Don't say anything guys … Let's just… quietly… go back to Ffarqhuar….. and all go home.

Rachel: Right…um back to Ffarquhar.

William: …. Um yes… I'm with you on that bombshell Twilight…

Thomas: You don't have to tell me twice, Twilight.

Annie: Yes… let's go back.

Clarabel: With you there… dear sister.

Narrator: And still shocked in disbelief, they puffed slowly home.

Yeah. I decided that instead of William having to walk to the sheds on a hurt leg, I gave him a lift on my horse, Strawberry. And this won't be the last time that Rachel's passion and talent for horses will be brought up. Also, look out for 'Thomas and Bertie' next. See you there.

Author's notes: I really love this one. Nice to see what happens when you create a friendly rivalry in an early friendship.

Thomas and Bertie

Narrator: One day, Thomas, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rachel, William, Annie and Clarabel were waiting at the junction when a bus came into the yard.

Thomas: Hullo, who are you?

Bertie: I'm Bertie, who are you?

Twilight Sparkle: Well, I'm twilight sparkle

Pinkie Pie: I'm Pinkie Pie!

Bertie: Ah, the talking ponies. I heard that from Terrence a while ago.

William: I am William James Holden.

Rachel: Rachel Marie Ravens. Pleasure to meet you Bertie.

Bertie: So you 2 are Wilbert's writing partners. You must be proud to have some books out.

William: Indeed we are.

Annie: Name's Annie.

Clarabel: I'm Clarabel.

Bertie: Pleasure to meet you girls. You're the 1st 2 coaches I have met with names so far.

Annie: We were originally just coaches with numbers, but thanks to the kindness of the once station pilot, we have been given names too.

Bertie: You 2 must be very grateful for that.

Clarabel: Indeed we are Bertie.

Thomas: And I'm Thomas. I run this branchline with Annie and Clarabel.

Bertie : So you're Thomas. Aye. I remember now. You got stuck in the snow back in January. I rescued your passengers and Terrence pulled you and your coaches out. On my way back I saw, you Pinkie Pie giving away those snow cones. Boy, and I thought Summer was the only time for snow cones… I've come to help you with your passengers today.

Narrator: Thomas wheeshed crossly and went than redder than James' paint.

Thomas: HELP ME!? I don't need any help. I can go faster than you!

Bertie: You can't!

Thomas: I can!

Bertie: Very well then. I'll race you.

Thomas: Your on Bertie.

Narrator: William, Rachel, the ponies and Bertie's driver agreed to the race going ahead.

William: Alright Thomas. We're with you all the way.

Twilight Sparkle: We'll do our best in this race.

Pinkie Pie: And just remember that its all for fun, but never forget that…

(She launches into a song.)

Pinkie Pie: (Singing) A lesson that's worth learning

One you never should forget.

Is the art of friendly rivalry,

It's not always about winning.

You must learn that from the start,

Enjoy yourself, remember,

What counts is taking part,

Let's have a race, have a race, have a race

Let's see who is the quickest

Who can be the fastest

On your marks, now get set, go

Let's set a pace, set a pace, set a pace

Let's see if you can catch me

Let's see if you can match me so

Let's have a race, have a race

Rachel: Okay. Thank you Pinkie Pie, but we better get ready for the race.

Narrator: Soon the stationmaster came out.

Stationmaster: Okay here's ground rules. First one to make it to Ffarquhar, wins. So are you ready?

Thomas: Ready!

Bertie: Ready!

Stationmaster: Steady! ….GO!

Narrator: And they were off. Thomas never could go fast at first, and Bertie drew in front. Thomas ran well, but he wasn't hurrying.

Annie: Why don't you go fast?

Clarabel: Why don't you go fast?

Thomas: Wait and see. Just wait and see my dear coaches.

Twilight Sparkle: But he's a long way ahead.

Pinkie Pie: If we keep at this pace, we'll never catch him.

William: Hmhmhmh. That's where your wrong, girls.

Rachel: They're right. He's got a plan. Wait till we're at the level crossing.

Narrator: And they all smiled. Sure enough, there was Bertie fuming at the gate, while they sailed gaily through.

Thomas: Goodbye Bertie. See you at Ffarquhar.

Narrator: Afterwards, the road left the railway and went through a village. They couldn't see Bertie after that. Then they had to stop at station to pick up and let off passengers. Thomas whistled impatiently.

Thomas: Quickly please. Get in and out quickly please.

Pinkie Pie: Yes, hurry passengers. Because…

(Pinkie Pie launches into song again.)

Pinkie Pie: (Singing) Thomas challenged Bertie

To a friendly race one day

The drivers said get ready

But be careful on the way

The friends lined up together

Enjoying the fun

The stationmaster called out

Are you ready to begin?

Twilight: (Impatiently) Yes, we all know that.

Pinkie: But the passengers getting on don't know.

Rachel: Never mind. Let's get going.

Narrator: The passengers quickly got in and out, the guard waved the green flag and blew the whistle and they started off as quickly as they could.

Thomas:Come along everyone! Come along!

Annie & Clarabel: We're come along Thomas! We're coming along!

Thomas: Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!

Twilight Sparkle: Go it Thomas!

Rachel: That a boy.

Thomas: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Bertie's passed us!

Pinkie: (Gasp!)

Twilight: Holy sweet Celestia! William! FLOOR IT! FLOOR IT!

Narrator: There to Thomas's and his team's horror was Bertie crossing the road bridge over the railway tooting triumphantly.

Thomas: Oh deary me! Oh deary me!

Annie: He's now along way in front.

Clarabel: No kidding there sister.

Rachel: Steady now Thomas. We'll beat Bertie yet.

Annie: We'll beat Bertie yet!

Clarabel: Faster Thomas. We can do this.

Thomas: Oh bother! There's Troyreck station!

Narrator: As Thomas stopped, they heard a toot.

Bertie: Goodbye Thomas. You must be tired. Sorry I can't stop. We bus have to work you know. Tata!

Narrator: They reached the next station at Elsbridge quickly, but unluckily, the signal was up.

Thomas: (Groaning in defeat) Oh dear. We've lost.

William: Oh no. Don't worry Thomas! We can do it and we will do it!

Narrator: And Twilight, William, Rachel, Pinkie Pie, Annie, Clarabel and the passengers all chanted out!

All: Thomas! Thomas! Thomas!

Narrator: And Thomas felt much better and more confident than ever when he had a drink of water, this time from the newly fixed water column. Then James and Rarity passed by with a goods train and they too cheered Thomas on too.

James and Rarity: You can do it Thomas!

Thomas: Thanks guys.

Twilight Sparkle: How did they know about the race?

Pinkie Pie: I sent a letter to them.

Narrator: The others shrugged it off quickly. It was Pinkie Pie logic. Thomas's confidence was now at one hundred percent as the signal dropped.

Thomas: HURRAH! WE'RE OFF! HURRAH! WE'RE OFF!

William: That a boy, Thomas.

Narrator: As they crossed over the river of els, they heard an impatient.

Bertie: TOOT! TOOOOT!

Narrator: There was Bertie waiting furiously at the traffic light while cars and lorries crossed over the narrow bridge on the other side. Road and railway ran up the valley side by side with only a stream in between them. Thomas had not yet crossed the bridge when Bertie started with a roar and soon shot on ahead. Excited passengers from train and bus shouted across the valley, Rachel, Twilight Sparkle and William worked like War heroes. Pinkie Pie sang.

Pinkie: (Singing) Oh Let's have a race, have a race, have a race

Let's see who is the quickest

Who can be the fastest

On your marks, now get set, go

Let's set a pace, set a pace, set a pace

Let's see if you can catch me

Let's see if you can match me so

Let's have a race, have a race

Narrator: At last, with everyone's support, Thomas had now reached his maximum speed. And foot by foot, yard by yard, he caught up with Bertie until they were running level. Bertie tried hard, but Thomas was too fast. Then, whistling triumphantly, they plunged into the tunnel leaving Bertie toiling far behind in the dust.

Thomas: I've done it! I've done it!

Annie and Clarabel: We've done it hurray! We've done it hurray!

Narrator: And whistling proudly, Thomas whooshed out of the tunnel into Ffarquhar station. The passengers gave him three cheers and told the station staff about the race. They cheered too.

William: THAT'S IT! WE DID IT!

Rachel: WE DID IT!

Twilight Sparkle: GREAT CANTERLOT! WE'VE DONE IT! HAHA

Pinkie Pie: YIPPY SKIPPY! WE DID IT! YAAAAAAY!

Narrator: And William, Rachel, Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie all jumped up and gave each other a hug in excitement and triumph! When Bertie came in, they gave him three cheers too.

Bertie: Whew! Well done Thomas. That was fun, but to beat you over those hills, I'll shall have to grow wings and be an aeroplane.

Narrator: Thomas and Bertie now keep each other very busy. Bertie finds people in the villages that want to go by train, and takes them to Thomas, while Thomas brings them to the station for Bertie to take home. They often talk about their race but Bertie's passengers don't like being bounced like peas in a frying pan and the Fat Controller has warned Thomas about what happens to engines who race at dangerous speeds. So although between you and me, they would like to have another race. Personally I don't think they ever will. But do you?

(The evening after.)

Narrator: Back at Knapford hotel, William, Rachel, Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie told the other ponies all about the race.

Rainbow Dash: Ah yeah. Nice one Twilight! I wish I was racing with you guys.

Applejack: So, how did it feel?

Narrator: William smiled.

William: Well, I think we can all tell you together.

Narrator: They walked over to the rec room. William sat down in front of a piano and he, Rachel, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight Sparkle all sang.

Twilight Sparkle: (singing) A lesson that's worth learning

One you never should forget

Is the art of friendly rivalry.

Pinkie Pie: (singing) But It's not always about winning

You must learn that from the start.

Rachel: (Singing) Enjoy yourself

William: (Singing) remember

Rachel/William/Twilight Sparkle/Pinkie Pie: (Singing) What counts is taking part. So Let's have a race, have a race, have a race

Let's see who is the quickest

Who can be the fastest

On your marks, now get set, go

Let's set a pace, set a pace, set a pace

Let's see if you can catch me

Let's see if you can match me so

Let's have a race, have a race

(William plays piano solo)

Pinkie Pie: (Singing) Thomas challenged Bertie

To a friendly race one day

Twilight Sparkle: (Singing) The drivers said get ready

But be careful on the way

Rachel: (Singing) The friends lined up together

Enjoying the fun

William: (Singing) The stationmaster called out

Are you ready to begin,

All (Including the remainder of the main 6): (Singing) Let's have a race, have a race, have a race

Let's see who is the quickest

Who can be the fastest

On your marks, now get set, go

Let's set a pace, set a pace, set a pace

Let's see if you can catch me

Let's see if you can match me so

Let's have a race, have a race.

(William plays the piano solo)

William: (Singing) Now Bertie bus was winning

He sped along the way

Twilight Sparkle: (Singing) And Thomas tried so hard

To catch up on the way

Rachel: (Singing) But eventually he passed him

And Bertie had to say

Pinkie: (Singing) To pass you on that hill Thomas

I'd need wings like an airplane.

Rainbow Dash/Fluttershy: (Spoken) Or maybe a pegasus.

All: (Singing) Let's have a race, have a race, have a race

Let's see who is the quickest

Who can be the fastest

On your marks, now get set, go

Let's set a pace, set a pace, set a pace

Let's see if you can catch me

Let's see if you can match me so

Let's have a race, have a race

Let's have a race, have a race, have a race

Let's see who is the quickest

Who can be the fastest

Ready, set go

Let's set a pace, set a pace, set a pace

Let's see if you can catch me

Let's see if you can match me so

Let's have a race, have a race

Let's have a race

Let's have a race

Right now .

Narrator: And they all fell to the floor laughing in revealing in the victory.

The End...

...Of this saga. Atsf had a nice touch in the story with the song. Next up, is 'Troublesome Engines'. And yes, you will see Percy in this lot. Guess who is working with him. See you there.

Authors notes: Decided to give Simmors a little bit of a role and Fluttershy do double duties on him and Edward. He may not be much of a character in the actual books, but he sure is one in our series.

Dear Rachel.

I cannot stress how thankful I am to you, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Fluttershy Edward, Thomas and our new friend Percy for helping me, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack out of that awful back log we had in 1937. I mean seriously, Gordon and Henry had the terrible feud about being copy cats of each Since 1930 to 1931, then we had to subdue the problem by repainting Henry back to green in 1932. Gordon had to make a trip to crewe back in 1933 not only because his stupid Greseley tender couldn't fit on our turntables at Tidmouth and we had to give him a Fowler so he can fit. Then we also had to get rid of that ruddy gresley valve gear that kept jamming (sigh). But seriously, who'd ever thought that all those big engines would rebel against us. Thanks to you, Simmors, Fluttershy, Edward, Percy, Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle and Thomas, things have now settled down. Thank you so much. Anyway, here's what happened.

Your friend, William James Holden, 1938.

Henry And The Elephant

Narrator: Henry and Gordon were lonely when Thomas left the yards to run his branchline. They missed him very much. They had more work to do, they couldn't wait in the shed until it was time and find the coaches at the platform. They had to fetch them themselves.

Applejack: Come on Henry. We have no time today!

Henry: (Groaning) Fine! We're going.

(Puffs out of the sheds into the yards)

Applejack: And quit your boiler achin.

Rainbow Dash: You too Gordon. Shake a 've just been overhauled to run faster.

Gordon: Ah, put a piece of coal in it will yah! I'm going, I'm going!

(Puff out of the shed into the yards)

Rainbow Dash: Hey! Don't you snap at me Gordon.

Gordon: (Groan) Alright… just don't get your feathers in a knot.

Narrator: Edward often did odd jobs with Fluttershy and so did James and Simmors with Rarity. Edward and Simmors found it to be relaxing as did James for a while. But soon, James began to grumble too.

Fluttershy: That's the way Edward you're doing great Edward.

Edward: Oh thank you Fluttershy. I couldn't have done this without you or William and Rachel.

Fluttershy: (Giggle)

Rarity: Come along James darling. We've got shunting to do.

James: Oh for Yorkshire's sake! Shunting again!?

Rarity: Look, I don't like it as much as you do James, but the work has to be done.

James: Oh Blimey! Fine! Lets just get this horrid lot shunted and out of the way.

Simmors: Calm down brother. It's not that bad.

James: Easy for you to say. (Puffs off with Rarity.)

Edward: He'll learn Simmors. I'm sure of it.

Simmors: I hope so. It is a little quiet without Rarity working with me like she did before James arrived.

Fluttershy: I could work with you for a bit.

Simmors: But what about Edward?

Fluttershy: I'll fly backwards and forwards between you.

Simmors: Gee, thanks Fluttershy. That's very kind of you.

Fluttershy: (Giggle)

Narrator: The fat controller had kindly gave Gordon and Henry new coats of paint. Gordon naturally chose blue, and Henry chose green to stop people confusing him for Gordon. But, they still grumbled as they clanked about the yard.

Henry: We get no rest!

Gordon: We get no rest!

James: We get no rest!

Narrator: But the ponies and coaches just laughed.

Coaches: Your lazy and slack!

Applejack: Your lazy and slack Henry!

Rainbow dash: Your lazy and slack Gordon!

Rarity: You're lazy and slack James!

Coach 1: I wonder if Annie and Clarabel are fairing better with Thomas on the branchline.

Coach 2: Or those other coaches with Edward and Simmors.

Narrator: All together, the engines were causing the Fat Controller a great deal of trouble. That was until a circus came. The engines soon forgot to be cross. They all wanted to shunt the colorful coaches and trucks. Gordon, Henry, and Rainbow Dash were dreadfully jealous of James and Rarity when the fat Controller told them to pull the train when the circus went away, but Rainbow Dash managed to calm down a bit.

James: Oh boy. This is the best day ever. We're going up in the world Rarity.

Rarity: Well I must say this, is quite an honour to be pulling a very popular show train.

James: Later guys. See you tomorrow.

Narrator: And they puffed away.

Gordon: (Groans) Why did it have to be James?

Henry: That's not fair.

Rainbow Dash/Applejack: Oh, put a piece of coal in it you 2.

Simmors: We should be happy for them my friends.

Fluttershy: Simmors is right. It isn't right to get jealous.

Narrator: Eventually, the engines soon forgot about the animals as they had more work to do long after James and Rarity returned from London with the circus train. One morning, the Fat Controller told Henry to take some workmen to blocked tunnel at Ballahoo.

Henry: (Groaning) Oh why is it always me and that ruddy tunnel.

William: Oh come on Henry! You know as well as I do that we need to clear the up line. We can't have up trains running on to the down line. It would be dangerous.

Henry: Hmph. It's only a tunnel.

Applejack: Oh put an apple in it. Come on Henry. Sir Topham Hatt's orders.

Henry: (Sigh) I guess.

Narrator: And he grumbled away to find two trucks and the workmen and their tools.

Henry: (Grumbling) Pushing trucks! Pushing trucks!

Applejack: Cheer up Henry. It's not that bad.

Henry: (PPFF) Say's you farm Girl.

William: Oh cry me a stinking river Henry and build me a narrow boat. Surely you can push two zippidy doodah trucks.

Henry: (Groan) Fine!

Narrator: Soon they stopped outside the tunnel mouth. They all tried to look through it but no day light shone from the other end.

Applejack: Hmm. I wonder what could be in there there Will.

William: Search me. I hope we can clear it out.

Narrator: The workmen grabbed their tools and went in. It was dark and quiet. But not for long.

?: ewaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Workmen: Oh my… LLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!RRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNN FFFFFFFOOOOOORR IIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTT! HHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPP!

Narrator: Suddenly with a shout, they all ran out screaming like little girls and looking frightened… um, again, no offence to little girls that are reading this. Uh… back to the story.

Applejack: Oh good gravy! What's in there guys?

Workmen: (Panting frighten) W.w..ww.w. We went to the block…..And s.s.s. start to ddd dig. But it grunted… and moved.

Foreman: Oh rubbish!

Workmen: No it is not rubbish! It's big! And alive! And probably very cross! (beginning to cry like a sissy) And we're not going in there again and that is absolutely final!

Narrator: The foreman slapped his face in frustration.

Foreman: (Sigh) Fine you cowardly lot, I'll ride in a truck and Henry shall push it out.

Narrator: Henry wheeshed unhappily. He hated tunnels. He had been shut up in this particular tunnel once for being afraid of the rain, but this was worse. Something big and alive was inside.

Henry: I don't want go in.

William: Well neither do I Henry. But we must clear the up line.

Applejack: Come on Henry lets go. We'll just tackle this very slowly we'll be with you every wheel turn of the way.

Henry: Oh dear! Oh dear!

Narrator: William and Applejack took a deep breath.

William: Well, here goes nothing.

Narrator: William took hold of the regulator and ever so carefully eased Henry slowly into the darkness. It was pitch black inside. Henry slowly inched along the line.

Applejack: What's in this tunnel?

William: I can't tell. It's too dark to see. (chill of nervousness) I wonder if there really is something alive inside.

Applejack: Don't be so farfetched William.

William: But what if the workmen were right. If that's the case, we're in for a load of trouble.

Narrator: BUMP! With a loud clang and clashing of buffers. William quickly shut off steam and stopped the train. Then everything happened at once. One moment they were sitting still, next thing they were reversing all by themselves.

Henry: HELP! HELP! WE'RE GOING BACK! WE'RE GOING BACK!

William: GREAT SCOT!

Applejack: YAAAAAAAAAAHHHH! WHOA NELLY!

Narrator: Then coming out of the daylight came Henry, then the trucks. And last of all, pushing hard and very crossly, was a large elephant!

Applejack: Well I'll be an apples auntie, where'd that elephant come from?

Foreman: Well I never did! It's Henri! The elephant from the circus.

William: Well that solves that mystery Applejack.

Applejack: Sure does Will.

Narrator: William set the brakes hard on, a workmen telephoned for Henri's keeper and Fluttershy to calm the elephant down. The elephant came towards the men just as Fluttershy arrived just in time on Simmors with Rachel to sooth Herni's ruffled feelings.

Fluttershy: Il ya Henri, c'est bien, permettez-moi de prendre soin de votre blessure au pied, là vous allez tous mieux que c'est une bonne éléphant.

Narrator: And she put a bandage on Henri's brused foot. Soon the elephant began to calm down and licked Fluttershy lovingly.

Fluttershy: (Giggle)

William: Gee Fluttershy. I didn't know you could speak French. What did you tell him?

Fluttershy: I told him. "There there Henri, it's all right, let me just take care of your hurt foot. There you go. All better. That's a good elephant."

Applejack: Well I'll be. That's impressive Fluttershy.

Simmors: No kidding. That's a new one on me.

Rachel: Wow! I thought I was the only one of us who worked on this railway that could speak a bit of French.

Narrator: William, Rachel and the workmen gave Henri some sandwiches and cake, while Applejack brought Henri some apples. So he forgot he was cross and remembered he was hungry. Henri drank 3 buckets of water without stopping and was just about to drink another when Henry suddenly let off steam. The elephant jumped and Hooshed! Henri Squirted the water all over Henry by mistake. Poor Henry.

William: Hahahahaha! Looks like you you got an elephant bath.

Applejack: heheheheh! Oh Henry! Whatever next?

Rachel: Hahahaha! I'll have to take a note of this.

Simmors: Hehehehe! Oh dear. What a crack up.

Narrator: When the keeper of Henri came, the workmen piled into the trucks and they rode away laughing at their adventure. But Henry was furious.

Henry: An elephant pushed me! An elephant hooshed me!

Narrator: Henry was sulky all day and his coaches had a very unpleasant time, so much so that Simmors was called to take his train from the 1st station they stopped at. That night, Henry told Gordon and James about the elephant and I'm sorry to say that instead of laughing and telling him not to be so silly, they looked very sad.

Gordon: Oh you poor engine.

James: You have been badly treated.

Yep. Added myself, again. What do you think? Next is 'Tenders and Turntables'. Look out for that.

Authors notes: Not much to say here, except that I was working with James when he had trouble on the turntable. Hope you like this chapter.

Tenders and turntables.

Narrator: The big stations at both ends of the line each have turntable. The Fat Controller had them made them so that Edward, Henry, Gordon, James and Simmors could be turned round, for it is dangerous for tender engines to go at high speeds backwards.

(Henry puffs into to shed yards just as Gordon is finished being turned.)

William/Rainbow Dash: Hey Applejack

Applejack: Howdy R.D, hey William. How's Gordon?

Rainbow dash: Not so good. Heck he's been grumbling about shunting his own coaches for the WildNorWester for three months solid.

Applejack: Tell me about it. Henry's the same way. That incident with that elephant has only made things worse.

Narrator: Tank engines like Thomas however, don't need turntables, unless they need to be turned round to go into the sheds. They can go just as well backwards as forwards. But if you had heard Gordon talking a short while ago, you would have thought that the Fat Controller had given Gordon a new tender just to show how important he was.

(At Knapford junction)

Gordon: You don't understand little Thomas. We tender engines have position to keep up. You haven't tender so that makes it different. It doesn't matter where you go. But we are important, prestige tender engines. And for the Fat controller to make us shunt trucks, fetch coaches and go onto those filthy, hideous, dirty sidings, It's, It's, well it's not the proper thing.

Rainbow dash: Gordon! Be nice! (Sigh) Sorry about that Twilight, Rachel, Pinkie Pie, Thomas, Annie and Clarabel.

William: Yeah sorry about that. Me and Rainbow Dash had no idea he was going to be like this.

Thomas: Oh no problems Rainbow Dash. Heheh. He's been like this ever since I got the branchline.

Twilight Sparkle: That's alright Rainbow Dash. It's not your fault.

Rachel: It's alright William. I understand completely.

Annie: Oh, don't blame yourselves. You 2 are doing fine.

Clarabel: Just make sure Gordon doesn't go too out of line.

Pinkie pie: Yeah, not your fault at all. Oh it's time for me, Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, Rachel and Twilight to go.

Rainbow Dash: And we'd better the wild nor wester over to Tidmouth.

Willam: Well, Tata.

Narrator: Gordon puffed away in a dignified manner. Whilst Thomas chuckled and went off with Annie, Clarabel, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie and Rachel as Thomas began singing a song.

Thomas: (Singing) Oh come along, we're running on time. Oh come along we're running on time…

Narrator: Yes, so, back to it. (Clears throat) When they arrived at the Tidmouth Terminus on platform one, Gordon waited till all of the passengers had gotten out. Then groaning and grumbling, he shunted the coaches onto platform two for the return journey. Then, hissing furiously he back onto the turntable to be turned round.

Gordon: (Furious) Disgraceful! Disgraceful!

William/Rainbow Dash: Oh Gordon! SHUT UP!

Narrator: The turntable at Tidmouth was located at a windy location close to the sea and was only just big enough for Gordon. If he was not on it just right, he'd put it out of balance and made it difficult to turn. Today, Gordon was in a bad temper and the wind was blowing fiercely. William and Rainbow Dash tried to make Gordon stop on the right place. Backwards and forwards they went, but Gordon wasn't trying.

William: Okay. Just back a little bit.

(Gordon mistimes stopping.)

Rainbow Dash: No no no, wait. Forward!

William: Doh!

(Gordon mistimes stopping again)

Rainbow Dash: Okay lets go back a little bit.

(Gordon mistimes stopping again.)

Rainbow Dash: Oh come on!

William: You know what? Forget it. He's not trying. Lets just hope we can turn him.

Narrator: At last, William and Rainbow Dash gave up. William got out and tried to turn the handle but Gordon's weight and the strong winds prevented it. William, Rainbow Dash, and some plate layers tried all tried together.

William: NNNNNUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH COMMMME….. ON!

Rainbow Dash: (straining) Just got to put a little hoof grease…. on it….. (Fails to turn it. Sighing in frustration) Gordon! Perfect just, perfect. It's no use! Your tender upsets the balance. If you were a tank engine, then you'd be alright!

William: Now you'll have to pull the next train backwards.

Gordon: You can't be that serious!

Narrator: Some boys were on the platform.

Boy1: LOOK! Here's a new tank engine!

Boy2: Oh what swiss! It's only Gordon back to front.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash and William laughed so hard that they just rolled over on the platform floor tears streaming from their eyes.

Rainbow dash: Bah Hahahahahahaha! Oh Gordon this is just too funny! You're a laugh Gordon.

William: AHAHHAHAHAHAAHA! Oh I say Gordon… You done some pretty stupid things on this island, but this just takes the tea and biscuits!

Narrator: Thomas was on the other platform at and saw everything with Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Annie and Clarabel.

Thomas: Why hullo their Gordon! I didn't know that was you at first. Playing tank engines are you? Ah. Sensible engine, but take my tip. Scrap your tender and have nice bunker.

Annie: (Can't contain herself) Hahahahah! Oh, this is hilarious!

Clarabel: (Also laughing) No kidding dear sister. Hahahahaha!

Narrator: Pinkie Pie pulled out a drum set from Clarabel (comedy drum) and Twilight and Pinkie Pie all joined William and Rainbow dash in uncontrollable laughter.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh my. This is funny isn't it Pinkie Pie?

Narrator: Pinkie Pie was laughing so hard she started to snort.

Pinkie Pie: Hahahahahahahaha! Oh yes. This pure gold Twilight.

Narrator: Gordon said nothing. Even James, Rarity and Rachel laughed too as they flashed by with the 1:05 to Tidmouth.

Rachel: (To passengers through intercom) And on your right you can see our main express engine acting like a tank engine. (Turns it off) Oh hhahahahahahahah! Oh Gordon you could give Arthur askey a run for his money.

Rarity: Hahahahaha! With you there Rachel! Hahahahaha!

Gordon: Take care James.

(Thomas, his coaches and Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie depart, still in giggles.)

Gordon: You might stick too.

James: Hahahahaha! No fears! I'm not so fat as you!

Narrator: James arrived at tidmouth on platform 2 and shunted his coaches on to platform 5 for the return trip, then puffed onto to turntable.

James: I mustn't stick.

Rarity: That's it James, and… there. Perfect darling.

Narrator: James stopped exactly at just the right place to balance the table. It could now swing easily. Gordon, William and Rainbow Dash arrived back and saw everything.

Rainbow Dash: Heya guys. What's going on?

Rarity: Oh nothing much. Just waiting for James on the turntable but he seems to be taking a long time.

Narrator: Rachel turned the handle and James turned much too easily. The window was puffing him around like a top. He couldn't stop. Rachel tried stop it but the handle was moving much to fast for her to grab it.

Rachel: AHHH! Get back here little handle!

Rarity: Oh goodness! (Tries to use her magic to grab the handle, but it's too quick for her.)

James:AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! LET ME OFF! LET ME OFF! LET ME OFF! HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPP! SOMEONE STOP THIS CRAZY TURNTABLE! SSSSSAAAAAAAAAAAAVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEE MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Narrator: At last, the wind died down and James stopped turning.

James: (Sigh) Oh thank goodness. I'm.. glad that…. terror ride….. is over now. (Gulp) Oh blimey…I…I think I'm gonna be sick.

Gordon: Well, well, well little James. Are you playing Roundabouts?

Narrator: William, Rarity and Rainbow Dash all burst into laughter.

William: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, little kids will definitely pay money to ride James red roundabout.

Rachel: AHAHAHAHA! I wish we were kids so we could ride it William.

Rainbow Dash: BAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh Scootaloo would definitely love to ride that!

Rarity: Sweetie Belle would love a good roundabout ride too. Hahahahahaha! Too rich! Hahahahahaha!

Narrator: Poor James feeling quite giddy, rolled off to the sheds without a word when Rachel and Rarity climbed back into his cab. That evening, the big engines had an indignation meeting in the sheds.

Gordon: It's shameful to treat tender engines like this!

James: First, Henry gets soaked by an elephant!

Henry: Gordon has to go backwards and everyone thinks he's a tank engine!

Gordon: James spins around like a top and everyone laughs at us. And on top of that…

All 3 engines: …The Fat Controller makes us shunt on those dirty sidings. Ugh!

Gordon: (whisper) Listen! Here I've got a plan to get our own back! ….Will do it tomorrow! The Fat Controller will look silly!

Narrator: Simmors had overheard the meeting and was worried.

Simmors: (To self) Oh my. Sir Topham won't like this.

Narrator: The three engines had decided to go on strike.

Yeah, Simmors overheard the conversation. Decided to throw him in here too. Next we finally meet Percy. Can't wait for that to take effect. See you later.

Author's notes: Not much has changed, except that Simmors is helping out with Thomas, Percy and Edward. Couldn't leave him out, could we?

Trouble in the shed.

Narrator: The Fat Controller was in his office listening to the noise outside he frowned.

Fat Controller: (Groan) What a nuisance passengers are. How can I possibly work with that racket out there?

Narrator: The station master knocked and came in looking worried.

Station Master: There's trouble in the shed sir. Henry is sulking, there is no train for The Flyer Of Vicarstown. Everyone is saying that this is a bad railway.

Fat Controller: Indeed! We'll see about that! Will you please calm the passengers down Harry. I'll shall go and speak to Henry.

Narrator: He found Henry, Gordon and James looking sulky and very cross.

Fat Controller: Come along Henry, it's time your Flyer of Vicarstown was ready.

Applejack: Yeah. Come on Henry. I'm ready to go.

Henry: Well Applejack, TOO BAD!

Applejack: What in tarnation!?

Gordon: Henry is not going! And neither are me and James! We three are on strike! We will not shunt like common tank engines! That was little Thomas' job, as with that other tank engine that was here in 1924! We are important tender engines. You fetch our coaches and we shall pull them, but we won't shunt!

All three: Tender engines don't shunt!

Narrator: All three engines hissed in a cheeky sort of way.

Rainbow Dash: (Groaning) Ah no! Not this again Gordon!

Rarity: Come out at once, James.

Applejack: Oh for corns sake Henry! Come on out.

Gordon: You what we said. Tender engines don't shunt.

Fat controller: Oh indeed. We'll see about that. Engines on my railway do as they are told. No engines on my railway are too important for small jobs.

Narrator: And he hurried away, climbed into his new Bentley car and drove to find Edward, William, Rachel and Fluttersy,

Fat controller: (Sad sigh) The yards have never been the same since Thomas left.

Narrator: Edward was shunting trucks at Wellsworth Station with William, Rachel and Fluttershy

William: That's right. Those china clay trucks go to siding 1.

Rachel: Cattle trucks are in siding 2.

Fluttershy: Excellent job Edward, and the milk vans are on the dairy siding.

Edward: We make a good team, you 3 and me.

Fluttershy: (Giggle)

Fat controller: Leaves those trucks please Edward. I want you to push coaches for me in the yard at Tidmouth. I'll get Simmors to look after things here.

Edward: Thank you sir. That will be a nice change.

William: Yes Sir.

Rachel: Righto sir.

Fluttershy: Right away sir.

Fat controller: That's a good engine. Off you go then.

Narrator: So Edward found the coaches and that day the trains ran as usual.

William: Lets see, the WildNorWester to platform one, check.

Rachel: The Flyer Of Vicarstown to platform 3, check.

Edward: And here we are, the Thunderbird Of Tidmouth to platform 2, check.

William: Well, that's all the trains for the day.

Fluttershy Nice job Edward.

Rachel: Golly. How did you learn to be so organized?

Edward: Oh why thank you ladies and William. You could say a certain unicorn taught me the fundamentals of being organised.

Narrator: The 4 friends laughed. They knew he had learned from Twilight Sparkle. And the three trains moved off at their respected times. But when The Fat Controller, Rachel and Fluttershy came next morning to check up on Edward and William's work in the yards, Edward looked depressed and very unhappy.

Rachel: Oh dear Edward. What happened?

Narrator: Her answer came sooner than expected. Gordon came clanking past.

Edward: Oh no. Not again, please Gordon.

Rainbow Dash: Gordon, don't!...

Narrator: But too late. As he passed Edward, he hissed a cloud of steam poor Edward rudely.

Rainbow Dash: (Sigh) Do that…. sorry Edward!

Edward: Oh no! (Cough) (Cough) Not again! (Cough) (Cough)

Fluttershy: Oh my…

Fat Controller: Bless my soul! What a noise!

Fluttershy: What happened to you Edward?

Edward: (Sigh) They all hiss me sir. They say 'tender engines don't shunt'. And last night, they told me that I've disgraced both your's and Fluttershy's good names Sir, and that I have grey wheels. I haven't…Have I sir and Fluttershy?

Fat controller: Heavens no Edward. You have nice blue wheels and I am proud of you.

Rachel: How rude. I can't believe they would paint you out like that Edward.

Fluttershy : Oh bless you no Edward. You haven't disgraced me at all. Your my number one favourite engine? Those big engines have gone too far. They shouldn't do that to you Edward. They should be much kinder to you. You're a really useful engine and always will be.

Fat controller: Exactly Fluttershy. Tender engines do shunt. But all the same, you'd be happier in your own yard. We need another tank engine here to calm things down in the Tidmouth. While Simmors is a good sort, I think Pinkie Pie needs an engine closer to her personality.

Narrator: The next morning, the Fat controller went to an engine workshop where they showed him all sorts of tank engines. There were big ones and little ones, some looked happy, some sad & some looked at him anxiously hoping they would chose them.

Chief mechanic: Ah. Welcome Sir Topham Hatt. It's an honour to have you as a costumer. Might I say sir, that hat definitely goes with your dapper suit sir.

Narrator: The Fat Controller was getting anxious. He just wanted to look for an engine.

Fat controller: Ah yes thank you very kindly for your flattery. But if don't mind, I'd like to see the tank engines.

Chief mechanic: Ah yes of course. Just right this way Sir.

Narrator: So chief mechanic showed him the engines.

Chief mechanic: As you can see. We have some of the finest tank engines ever built here. Like this one right here. A Great Western 45xx 2-6-2t. Great for branchline passenger trains.

Fat controller: Hmm. Sorry. It's a nice engine, but it's not what I'm looking for.

GWR 45XX: Darn it. Ah well. I wish you the best of Luck Sir Topham Hatt.

GWR 72XX: How about me Sir I am the biggest engine after all.

Chief mechanic: Ah yes. The 72XX class 2-8-2T is great puller and excels greatly in Heavy Mainline Mineral traffic.

Fat Controller: Hhhmmm. Sorry. It's nice locomotive but I'm not looking for a mainliner tank engine.

GWR: 72XX: Pah! Controllers these days no taste for engines at all.

GWR 56XX: What about me Sir?

Mechanic: Oooh. Perhaps you'd like a nice GWR 56XX 0-6-2T. Great for mix traffic.

Fat Controller: I'm sorry. It is nice engine, but I already have 4 mix traffic engines.

GWR 56XX: Oh bother. I knew I wasn't going to be chosen.

Chief Mechanic: Ah, heres a suitable candidate. A great western 61XX 2-6-2t. Great tractive effort. Wonderful for suburban trains.

Fat Controller: No. I'm sorry. It's a nice engine but I'm not looking for a suburban locomotive.

GWR 61XX: Oh Botheration! I thought for sure he was going to buy me.

Fat controller: Look. I'm just looking for a Shunter.

?: What about me Sir?

Narrator: The Fat controller turned around and at last he saw a smart little green engine saddle tank with 4 wheels.

Fat controller: Ah ha! That's the one!

Chief Mechanic: Oh. So you'd like to purchase this GWR 0-4-0ST hybrid locomotive?

Fat Controller: Yes indeed, I'd like to purchase him. Tell me about the design.

Chief mechanic: Well this one is an experimental hybrid cross between two different shunters. The body and wheel configuration of GWR 1340 class 0-4-0st and an elongated coal bunker of a GWR 1361 class. He's great for dockside shunting.

Narrator: The Fat controller then turned to the engine.

Fat controller: If I choose you, will you work hard?

?: Oh Sir. Yes Sir!

Fat controller: That's a good engine. I'll call you, Percy.

Percy: Oh yes sir. Thank you sir.

Narrator: The purchase was made and the Fat Controller drove Percy back to the yard.

Fat Controller: Everyone, I'd like to meet our new engine and friend Percy. He shall be working with Rachel and Pinkie Pie.

Narrator: Pinkie beamed a big grin across her face.

Pinkie Pie: Yippy skippy! Another new friend to add to my list of friends. Welcome to the crew Percy. I'm Pinkie Pie!

Rachel: Indeed. Welcome to the North Western Railway. Name's Rachel.

William: Likewise. Glad to have you with us Percy. I'm William.

Edward: My name is Edward. Nice to meet you Percy.

Percy: Why thank you Pinkie Pie, Rachel, William and Edward. I must say, I have never met multicoloured, talking ponies your size before.

Pinkie Pie: Oh, everyone says that when they 1st see us.

Percy: Say, whose that other pony?

Fluttershy: Um… I'm Fluttershy. It's a pleasure to meet you Percy.

Narrator: Percy soon learned what he had to do and they all had a happy afternoon.

Percy: Ah there we go. Coaches to Platform 3 for the Thunderbird of Tidmouth.

Edward: That's it Percy. My, you learn fast.

Pinkie Pie: Well done Percy. You've done that quickly.

Fluttershy: And not a single scratch. Well done Percy.

Rachel: Good job Percy.

William: You've done well.

Percy: Thanks guys.

Narrator: Then Henry came by, hissing as usual.

Edward: (Sigh) Oh no. Not again. Brace yourself Fluttershy.

Narrator: But Henry did not reach Edward as Rachel opened the steam release accidentally on purpose.

Rachel: (Sarcastic) Oops!

Percy: WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHH!

Henry: GREAT SCOT!

Narrator: Henry jumped and ran back to the sheds, as Edward, William, Percy, Pinkie Pie and Rachel all balled with laughter. Pinkie Pie laughed so hard she was snorting and rolling on the floor.

William: Hahahahahaha! Oh good one Rachel!

Rachel: Hehehehehahahahaha! Oh! I've always wanted to do that.

Pinkie: Hehhahahahahhahahahahahehehehehehehahahahaa!

Edward: Hohohoahahaha! How beautifully you wheeshed him. I'm can't wheesh like that!

Percy: Hahahahahaheheheheh! Oh that's nothing. You should hear them in the workshop. You had to wheesh loudly to make yourself heard.

Fluttershy: Oh dear. I hope Henry wasn't offended.

Pinkie Pie: Don't worry your pretty little head Fluttershy. He'll be over it in ten seconds flat, jus trust your auntie Pinkie Pie.

Fluttershy: I'm a year older than you. But I see what you mean.

Pinkie Pie: Oh! Right.

Narrator: The Fat Controller, William, Rachel, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash walked sternly over to the 3 big engines sulking in the shed.

Gordon: Listen hear. You heard our case, and we're not changing it.

Fat controller: You three are naughty engines you were rude to Edward, behaved like spoiled children and you caused a disturbance on the railway.

Henry: Do we even look like we care.

Fluttershy: (Giving all 3 the stare) HOW DARE YOU! YOU LISTEN HERE BIG SHOTS! YOU MAYBE PRESTIGE MAINLINE ENGINES AND PULL FAST TRAINS! BUT THAT DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO BE BULLIES! YOU MAYBE FAST POWERFUL AND HIGH SPRUNG! BUT YOU DO NOT! I REPEAT, YOU DO NOT! HURT! MY! FRIENDS! You got that?

James: Pah! And what, pray tell, are you going to do about it?

Fat Controller: Oh she's not doing anything. They are.

Narrator: He pointed to William and Rainbow Dash, both carrying the same buckets of soapy water with the names 98462 and 87546 crossed out and replaced with Gordon and Henry and wearing devilish smiles.

William: (Sigh) we haven't used these buckets and scrub brushes in years.

Rainbow Dash: (Sigh) Yep. Not since the sinking of 98462 and 87546.

William and RD: Ain't nostalgia grand (Evil laugh) Mawhahahahahahaha!

Narrator: Gordon and Henry stared in horror.

Gordon: (Panicking) Oh no your not planning on…..

Henry: (Panicking) No you can't possibly….

James: Ha! No soap for me, huh!

William: Oh don't worry James!

Rainbow Dash: Yeah we haven't forgotten you.

William/Rainbow Dash: Oh Rachel!

Narrator: Rachel came in carrying another bucket of soapy with James' name on it! She too was carrying a scrub brush and a devilish smile as well.

Rachel: Don't worry we'll make sure all those bad manners are brushed away. (Evil laugh) HEHEAHAHAHAHA!

James: (Panicking) WHAT! NO PLEASE! YOU CAN'T I BEG YOU PLEASE DON'T!

Narrator: But too late. Rachel, William and Rainbow Dash started scrubbing the big engines mouths laughing like maniacs!

Gordon: NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! RAINBOW DASH PLEASE NOOOOOO! SAVE ME ! SAVE ME GGGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!

Rainbow Dash: GOT TA GET IN BACK TOO GORDON! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Henry: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH! WHY! WILLIAM! WHY! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH MAAAKEE IT STOP!

William: CAN'T FORGET THOSE TOP TEETH TOO! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

James: NO PLEASE! IT TASTES NASTY! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! STOP IT! STOP IT ! STOP IT! PLEASE I BEG YOU RACHEL! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Rachel: And that tongue of yours has to be squeaky clean James. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Narrator: Simmors was in the shed too and couldn't help himself.

Simmors: Hahahhaha! Goodness knows you 3 needed that after this fiasco!

Narrator: After soaping up the big engines tongues, the big engines feeling violated and rather scared remained quiet.

Fat controller: As punishment for your work shirking shenanigans, you will stay in the shed until you are wanted again.

Narrator: After punishing the big engines, Simmors, William, Rachel, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Applejack went to join Percy, Pinkie Pie, Thomas, Twilight Sparkle and Edward in the yards. Thomas had just arrived with Twilight Sparkle onboard.

Thomas: Hey guys. Ah so you're the new tank engine I've heard about.

Percy: Indeed. I'm Percy.

Thomas: And I'm Thomas. It's a pleasure to meet you and so nice to finally have another tank engine to talk to. This is one of my best pony friends, Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight Sparkle: Pleasure to meet you Percy.

Percy: Like wise.

Thomas: Anyway, the Fat controller sent for me and Twilight. I expect he wants help.

Edward: Shooshh! Here he comes now with Simmors, Fluttershy, William, Rachel, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack.

Fat Controller: Well done Thomas and Twilight Sparkle, you've been quick. Now listen, Henry, Gordon and James are sulking. They say they won't shunt like common tank engines. So me, William, Rachel and Rainbow Dash shut them up and want the both of you and Simmors to run the line for a while.

Thomas: Common tank engines indeed! We'll show them.

Fat controller: That's good engine Thomas. Percy will help too.

Percy: Oh Sir! Yes Sir! Thank you Sir!

Fat controller: Good, now then you will all be put into groups. Edward your with Fluttershy, William, and Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash: Got it Sir!

Fat controller: Rarity your with Thomas and Twilight Sparkle and Arkwright. Also, I want you to work with Simmors and Mr Bernett again.

Rarity: Yes Sir. It will be a real pleasure to work with Simmors again.

Simmors: Just like old times, eh Rarity?

Rarity: Just like old times.

Fat controller: And Applejack, your with Percy, Rachel and Pinkie Pie.

Applejack: No sweat sir.

Narrator: So with that, Edward, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, William, Thomas, Twilight Sparkle, Mr. Arkwright and Rarity all worked the mainline from opposite ends, whistling greetings as they passed. Simmors went on Edward's branchline with Mr Bernett and Rarity, who was shifting between him and Thomas. Percy ran along Thomas' branchline with Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rachel. Thomas was at first anxious about leaving Annie and Clarabel, but Rachel and the two ponies promised to take good care of the coaches. There were fewer trains, but the passengers didn't mind. They new that the three other engines were having a lesson. Henry Gordon and James stayed shut up in the shed. They were cold, lonely and miserable. They wished now that they hadn't been so silly.

Bit of nostalgia from the early chapters eh? Don't worry, that's as far as we'll go with the big engine trio. Just to give a quick spoiler, there will be a bit of trauma with 2 of the other engines further up in another saga, but it won't be William's and Rachel's doings. Look out for 'Percy Runs Away' next. See you there.

Author's notes: Ok, here's our 1st proper story with Percy and Pinkie Pie. This should be fun. Let's go.

Percy Runs Away

Narrator: Henry, Gordon and James were shut up for several days, and longed to be let out again. At last, The Fat Controller accompanied by Rainbow dash, Applejack and Rarity arrived.

Fat Controller: I hope you are sorry and understand that you are not so important after all. Thomas, Edward, Simmors and our new tank engine Percy have worked the line nicely and they need a change. I will let you out if you promise to be good.

All three engines: Yes Sir! We will!

Fat Controller: That's good, but please remember that this no shunting nonsense must stop. Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Applejack I entrust you that you can keep this in check.

Applejack: You can count on me sir.

Rarity: Certainly Sir.

Rainbow dash: No problem. They didn't give me the element of loyalty for nothing.

Narrator: He then told Percy, Pinkie Pie, Edward, Fluttershy, Thomas, Twilight Sparkle, Rachel and William that they could work on Ffarqhuar branchline for a few days and they ran off happily. Simmors was also allowed to have his old trains back. Annie and Clarabel were so pleased to see Thomas again that he Twilight and William took them for a run at once on the morning passenger train to Ffarquhar.

William: Alright Thomas, Annie and Clarabel. Let's go take our morning train to Ffarquhar.

Thomas: Righto William. Tata my friends!

Twilight Sparkle: See you later guys.

Annie: Bye everyone.

Clarabel: See you later. Thanks for taking care of us Rachel, Pinkie Pie and Percy. Thank Applejack for us too.

Pinkie Pie/Rachel/Percy/Edward/Fluttershy: See you later!

Narrator: Percy, Rachel, Pinkie Pie, Edward and Fluttershy were play with trucks.

Trucks: STOP! STOP! STOP!

Narrator: But the two engines, ponies and Rachel laughed and continued shunting until the trucks were tidily arranged.

Edward: And there we go.

Fluttershy: (Giggle)

Pinkie Pie: ( Giggle) This is fun. WEEE!

Narrator: Next, Edward and Fluttershy took some empty trucks up to quarry. Percy, Rachel and Pinkie Pie were left alone. Percy didn't mind it a bit. He liked watching trains and being cheeky to the other engines.

Percy: Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!

Pinkie Pie: Hurry along now Henry!

Henry: (Sarcastic) Ha ha ha! Very funny.

Applejack: Heh, you have ta admit, it is a little funny.

Narrator: And the big engines got very cross, the ponies driving them… not so much. After awhile, they took two fruit vans across the mainline and on to another siding.

Pinkie Pie: There. That's the last of them.

Rachel: Right now. Let's get back to the yard.

Narrator: Percy then crossed over back to mainline and waited for the signalman to switch him back to yards. He was eager to work, but he was being rather careless and not paying attention. Edward had warned Percy.

(Flashback)

Edward: Be careful on the mainline young Percy. Whistle to the signalman or signalwoman to let you know that you are there.

(Flashback end)

Narrator: But Percy didn't remember to whistle and the signalman was so busy and forgot Percy. Bells rang in the signal box. The man answered saying that the line was clear and set the signals for the next train. Percy waited…

Pinkie: Hmmm… I wonder what's taking that signalman so long to set the points.

Rachel: Search me. But he's got to set them soon.

Narrator: And waited…..

Pinkie Pie: (Yawn) Boy I'm starting to get feel tired. Percy, when's that signal guy going to switch us back to yards?

Percy: I don't know, but he's taking a while isn't he? He's been up their for at least 12 minutes.

Narrator: The points were still against him so he couldn't move.

Rachel: 25 minutes already. He hasn't even changed on switch.

Pinkie Pie: Geez! What's up with the signalman.

Narrator: Suddenly, Pinkie began to shudder violently.

Percy: WHOA! Pinkie, are you alright?

Rachel: What happened?

Pinkie: Oh don't worry. I'm okay. This is normal. I get these strange twitches that I call my pinkie sense.

Narrator: Pinkie then began to shudder violently again.

Percy: So what does that twitch mean?

Rachel: Uhhh Guys…

Pinkie Pie: Don't know! I have gotten something like that before, but that was a long time ago.

Rachel: …Guys…

Percy: Well, whatever it is, it must be a doozy.

Rachel: …Guys…

Pinkie Pie: Hey, that was what I was about to say.

Rachel: GUYS!

Percy/Pinkie Pie: WHAT ?

Rachel: WE'VE GOT TO GET OFF THE MAINLINE, QUICK!

Narrator: She pointed forward, and they looked along the mainline. Percy whistled in horror, for rushing straight towards them, was Gordon and Rainbow Dash with the express. Gordon whistled in horror too. Gordon's driver Ross, and Rainbow Dash shut off steam and applied the brakes. Rachel turned on full steam and reverser hard over in reverse.

Rachel: BACK PERCY! BACK!

Narrator: But Percy's wheels wouldn't turn quickly enough. Gordon was coming at him so fast that it seemed he couldn't stop. With shut eyes, Percy waited for the crash. Rachel jumped clear but Pinkie Pie crouched in his cab.

Rachel: PINKIE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! GET OUT OF THERE!

Narrator: But Pinkie Pie was too surprised with fear to hear her.

Gordon: OOOOEERRRR!

Pinkie: Oh no no no no! Not good! Not good! Not good!

Rainbow Dash: SSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Gordon: Get out of my way!

Narrator: Percy opened his eyes. Gordon had stopped with his buffers of just a few inches from Percy's.

Rainbow dash: Phew! That was a close. Are you guys alright?

Pinkie: I dunno Dashie.

Rainbow Dash: Why's that.

Narrator: But before anyone could answer, Percy had begun to move.

Pinkie Pie: Hey Percy, are you pinkie sensing too?

Percy: No I'm not, Pinkie! I won't stay here. I'll run away!

Narrator: And Percy darted away in terror.

Pinkie Pie: Uh… Percy!

Percy: Yes Pinkie?

Pinkie Pie: You forgot Rachel!

Percy: Oh, oops!

Rainbow Dash: (Sigh) I Should have known that was going to happen. (She flies off to find the signalman.)

Narrator: Just then, Rachel finally calmed down after her panic.

Rachel: (To self) Oh good, Gordon stopped just in time. (She turns to him) Hey Gordon, where's Pinkie Pie and Percy?

Narrator: Before the express engine could reply, Rainbow Dash returned and did it for him.

Rainbow Dash: (Flies back to Rachel) That way… (She pointed to the little green engine running bunker first down the mainline uncontrollably.)

Narrator: Rachel stared in horror.

Rachel: (GASP) HE'S ROLLING DOWN THE MAINLINE!

Rainbow Dash: Calm down Rachel. I talked to the signalman and me and Gordon are going to go rescue Percy. Jump in the cab.

Narrator: Rachel jumped frantically into the cab, Rainbow Dash opened the regulator and they went to the rescue. Meanwhile, Percy was now clear of the signalbox. He went through Edward's station whistling loudly and was so frightened that ran right up Gordon's hill without stopping.

Pinkie Pie: Percy… STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP!

Percy: I'M TRYIN! I'M TRYIN!

Narrator: They then passed a lonely manor.

Pinkie Pie: Hey, I wonder who lives there.

Percy: Hmmm…. Good question Pinkie…WWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAA!

Narrator: Percy shrieked loudly as he and Pinkie swerved violently along the downward slope almost derailing them. After that, he was tired. He couldn't stop though. He had no driver to shut off steam or apply the brakes, and Pinkie Pie was still new to the job, having Twilight, Rachel and William being the ones usually handling the controls on Thomas.

Percy: (Sobbing) I'll shall have to keep going till my wheels wear out. Oh dear! Oh dear! I… Want… To.. Stop! I… Want… To… Stop!

Narrator: The man in the signalbox heard that Percy was in trouble.

Signalbox: Don't worry, I know just what you want little Percy.

Narrator: And so he kindly set the points. Percy puffed wearily on to nice empty siding ending in big bank of earth.

(Record scratch)

Pinkie Pie: Um… I think that's, dirt Mr. Narrator.

Narrator: Well, it's a scientifically proven that Earth is also another word that describes the land surface of our planet earth and… HEY! Who said you could tell the story.

Pinkie Pie: Uh… oopsie.

Narrator: Yes, now please could you get back into Percy's cab and the story

Pinkie Pie: Okie doki loki. (Jumps back into the 'Percy Running Away' page).

Narrator: Anyway, Percy was too tired to care where he went as Percy's bunker buried itself into the bank.

Percy: I want to stop! I want to stop!… Oh. I have stopped.

Pinkie Pie: Phew! I'm glad that's over with. You alright Percy?

Percy: Yeah. Just a little winded, but I'm glad we stopped. Thanks for asking Pinkie Pie.

Workmen: Nevermind little Percy. You shall have a drink and some coal and then you'll feel as right as rain.

Pinkie Pie: Oh and look who's here to save us.

Narrator: Presently, Gordon arrived. He had also left the coaches at the nearest station so that the passengers could get out.

Rachel: Percy. Oh thank goodness your okay.

Gordon: Well done Percy. Your started so quickly that you stopped a nasty accident.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah that's true Gordon. Who'd have thought that a little green shorty like you could do something like that.

Percy: I'm sorry I was cheeky earlier.

Rainbow Dash: No worries sport. We're just glad that you and Pinkie are all alright.

Gordon: Sorry for giving you a scare back there.

Pinkie Pie: Oh it's alright Gordon. We should have whistled to the signalman.

Percy: You were clever to stop.

Narrator: Then Pinkie Pie shuttered again.

Pinkie Pie: Hey! That was it! That's the doozey!

Percy: What do you mean Pinkie Pie?

Pinkie: Us running into Gordon, crashing into a pile of dir… um I mean Earth… and him helping us out. I never expected that to happen! That was the doozy! And, oh what doozy of doozy it was. La la la la la la.

Narrator: And Pinkie Pie trotted over to help Rainbow Dash and Rachel attach a cable to Gordon to get Percy out. Percy chuckled.

Percy: I may be new here and am just getting to know everyone, but I think I like Pinkie Pie already.

Narrator: And they all laughed. Then, Gordon helped Percy out of the bank. Percy and Gordon are now good friends. Percy is still cheeky because he is that kind of engine, but he is most careful when he goes on the main line.

Percy: Hey Pinkie. There's one more thing I'd like to know.

Pinkie Pie: What's that?

Percy: Who does live in that manor along Gordon's Hill?

Pinkie Pie: I haven't a single clue.

Narrator: And the two friends laughed and laughed.

Yeah, there was a random joke about the manor there. And we also see Pinkie Pie break into the Narrator's studio for the 1st time. She has done this in the letter segments before, but I love this a tiny bit more. Next up, Henry tries to overcome an illness. See you there.

Author's Notes: I had to make some quick changes to the timeline due to the fact that Simmors (Or, the red engine) cameos in 'Henry's Sneeze'. This particular story happens in 1939, which explains why Simmors is still on Sodor.

Dear Rachel

Well it look like we've now entered into another world war and against the Germans again. But aside from that, here's what's new on the NWR As you may have notice, all of our engines are now numbered. Thomas naturally is No.1, Edward No.2 Henry, No.3 Gordon is No.4, James is No.5 and Percy No.6. I am sorry to say also that Simmors is gone. He had left in the autumn of 1944 to aid England in the war effort after some of their engines have been bombed. Anyway, do you remember how Henry had steaming trouble? Well our detective skills have finally paid off and now he has had rebuild and is now in good working order. These stories tell you how we did it.

Your friend, William James Holden. 1944.

Coal

Narrator: Henry the green engine was bigger than James and smaller than Gordon. Henry was also known for being a problematic steamer. Sometimes he could pull trains very nicely, but at other times he felt that he had no strength at all.

Henry: (Sad sigh) I suffer dreadfully and no one cares…

Narrator: The other engines and some of the ponies, mostly Rarity and Rainbow Dash were less sympathetic.

James: Pah! Rubbish Henry! You just don't work hard enough!

Rarity: I couldn't agree with you more James darling. So quit sulking Henry and work hard you lazy good for nothing hypochondriac!

Applejack: Goodness Rarity. Henry can't help it. Why don't ya just accept that?

Rarity: I simply can't. In truth, Henry has been nothing but an absolute pathetic hypochondriac since he came to the railway. I don't know why the Fat Controller won't send him to scrapyards and be rid of that worthless whining hypochondriac once and for all. Hmph!

Simmors: Just be quiet! You have a goods train to take anyway.

James: Again?! Oh come on!

Rarity: (Sighs) Right. Better go.

(James and Rarity set out to take it.)

Narrator: It was bad enough that the other engines and Rarity and Rainbow Dash spoke rudely to him. But to make matters worse, the Fat Controller was becoming impatient with him too.

Fat Controller: Your too expensive Henry! You've had lots of new parts and new paint but they've done you no good I'm afraid. Henry, if we cannot make you better, we must get an engine to replace you.

Narrator: This made Henry, Fluttershy, William, Rachel, Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie very sad. Pinkie Pie's cotton candy mane had deflated upon hearing this.

Pinkie: Oh no. If they can't make him feel better, than the Fat controller will send Henry away and then we'll never see him ever again.

Narrator: The news hit Fluttershy even harder than Henry and Pinkie Pie as the poor yellow pegasus burst into tears. Rachel wanted to cry too.

Rachel: What are we going to do? We can't have Henry be scrapped.

Narrator: William and Twilight Sparkle looked at each other. They knew what they had to do.

William: No we're not going to lose our green engine friend. I've got a plan. Meet back at Knapford hotel at 5:30pm. Don't be late.

Narrator: Rachel and the ponies all agreed on the plan. Later at 5:30 P.M everyone made it on time. Fortunately, the hotel was empty. William took out some plans for an engine just like Henry.

Twilight Sparkle: Where did you get those plans? I've been looking for them everywhere!

William: (Whisper) Sssh! Keep your voices down! I borrowed them from crovans gate workshops.

Rachel: You what!

William: (Whisper) Rachel, for goodness sake, whisper! We need to keep this a hush now quiet now meeting.

Fluttershy: (Whisper) So um, what is your plan?

William: (Whispering) Okay here's the plan. I checked the plans for this type of engine. They appear to be a cross breed between an Ivatt C-1 atlantic and an A3/A1 pacific with 4-6-0 wheel arrangement. I checked the label and the plans originated from Sir Nigel Greseley. I called him up and asked him if he had ever built or sold this engine.

Pinkie Pie: And what did you find out!

Twilight Sparkle: (Whisper) SHH! Pinkie Pie! Keep it down. Continue William.

William: (Whisper) Well, I made the call and Mr. Greseley said that he had never built an engine of that sort. So that's why Henry's class was such a mystery. So anyway, I also found out that these plans were actually a failed prototype of Greseley's which in fact were stolen by a rival company. The original plan of the theft was to get plans of what they thought would be an innovation of Gresley's so that they could use it against him, but they accidentally got the rejected plans.

Narrator: All faces barring William's were shock.

Twilight: What?! So that means Henry was stolen engine!? Oh my goodness. If Princess Celestia finds out I've been working alongside a stolen engine I… (William covers her mouth) mmmmmmmm.

William: (Whisper) For pete sake Twilight Sparkle! Keep it down. I don't want anyone to hear this. Anyway, I have however a plan to fix this.

Rachel: So what do you plan to do?

William: I've contacted a friend of mine whom worked at Swindon workshops. And…

Narrator: He whispered something to girls.

William: And that's what me and Fluttershy will do, when we take the next Flyer of Vicarstown.

Twilight Sparkle: Are you sure this will work?

Fluttershy: She's right, it sounds pretty costly.

William: Well we don't know unless we try.

Applejack: While ya work with Henry, Fluttershy, I'll work with Edward.

Fluttershy: Ok. Be sure to say hi to him from me.

Applejack: Course.

Narrator: The next morning, William and Fluttershy went to get henry ready for his passenger run with the flyer of vicarstown. The Fat Controller was on the platform too he had taken off his hat and coat, and put on overalls. He climbed up to the footplate and Fluttershy drove Henry out the station. Henry managed to start, but William was not satisfied.

William: (Sigh) Henry's a bad steamer Sir. I've built his fire but It doesn't give enough heat.

Narrator: Henry tried very hard, but it was no good. He didn't have enough steam and grounded to halt outside Edward's station. Henry burst into tears.

Henry: Oh dear… I shall have to go away… Oh dear. Oh dear.

Fluttershy: (Trying hard not cry) There there Henry. You gave it all you had (whisper) And besides, me and William have a plan to save you.

Narrator: All he could do was be shunted onto siding whilst Edward and Applejack took charge of the train.

Applejack: (Whisper) Don't worry Henry. We have this plan under control.

Edward: What plan?

Narrator: Applejack knew she could trust Edward enough to tell him what happened.

Applejack: Tell ya later. Let's get the passenger train to the next station.

(They depart.)

Fat controller: What do you think is wrong with him, Mr. Holden.

Fluttershy: Um, excuse me sir but um… We've analysed Henry's plans and the fact is that the coal is wrong.

Narrator: The two of them told The Fat Controller all about Henry's mystery.

William: And since the start of this Second World War, we've had very poor lot of this coal and today's lot has been worse. This coal caused more dust build up in the fire boxes. Now, the other engines are alright cause they have big enough fireboxes but sadly Henry's is small and unable to make heat. We have a solution though. I've telephoned one of my friends who works at Swindon. They told me that in Henry's case, he will need to use welsh coal just like the Great Western Railway. That coal burns better than the normal slack coal or any other provider and has very good reputation.

Fluttershy: So what were saying, is that with welsh coal, Henry will be a better steamer.

Narrator: The Fat Controller looked thoughtfully.

Fat controller: Hmm. It's expensive, even without the wartime shortages. But Henry must have a fair chance. James and Rarity shall go and fetch a shipment from burrow in furness.

William: YYYYYYYYYEEESSSSS!

Fluttershy: (taking deep breath) Yay! You rock! Whoohoo!

Narrator: When the welsh coal did come, Henry, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, William, Pinkie Pie and Rachel were all excited. They were ready for this day.

William: Now we'll show them Henry old fellow.

Rachel: That's right, now that we've got you what you need.

Pinkie Pie: That's right. Lets do this.

Narrator: Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle and Applejack had arrived early to work with Percy, Thomas and Edward and decide to help prep Henry. For the first time in weeks, Henry give a small smile. So Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, William and Rachel carefully oiled Henry's moving parts and polished his brass until it shone like gold. Fluttershy had already lit his fire, so William made it carefully. He put large lumps of coal like a wall around the outside and then filled the glowing middle part with smaller lumps.

Henry: (Annoyed) Hey! Your spoiling my fire!

William: No I'm not Henry. Just wait and see. We'll have a roaring fire just when we want it.

FLuttershy: Just do your best Henry.

Narrator: William was right. As Henry Entered the platform, the water was boiling nicely. He had to let off steam to show how happy he felt. He made such a noise that the Fat Controller came out.

Fat controller: How are you Henry?

Henry: Oh Sir. I feel fine.

Fat controller: Have you a good run up here Fluttershy?

Fluttershy: Never better Sir and plenty of steam.

Fat controller: No record braking. Don't push him too hard.

William: (Giggle) Henry won't need pushing. I'll have to hold him back.

Narrator: And soon they took the Flyer of Vicarstown out of Tidmouth. Henry had lovely day. He had never felt so well in his life. He wanted to go fast but William wouldn't let him.

William: Heheheh! Steady old fellow. Theres plenty of time.

Narrator: They arrived early at the the junction at Knapford. Thomas soon arrived with Twilight Sparkle in his cab.

Henry: Where have you been lazy bones? Oh I can't be kept waiting for dawdling tank engines like you. Goodbye.

Narrator: And soon he took off like a rocket.

Thomas: Whoosh! Have you ever seen anything like it!?

Annie: No Thomas. We haven't seen anything like that before.

Clarabel: I agree. I'm glad that Henry has got his strength back.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle didn't say anything. She just grinned.

Ok. So Applejack is now with Edward and Fluttershy with Henry. This is an occasional change to the series, as it doesn't happen too much. I'll see you for 'The Flying Kipper'. I know it's one of the fan favourites so I will do my real best on this one.

Authors notes: After seeing WildNorWester's special 'Winds Of Change', I have decided to get the engines in wartime black and for them to use the 'Black Out' approach during this time period. IE, no signals are on.

The Flying Kipper

Narrator: Lots of ships use the Harbour at the big station at Tidmouth which is close to the sea. The big passenger ocean liners have spotless paint and shining brass, whilst other ships though smaller and dirtier are important as well. Cargo ships and tramp steamers take coal, machinery, and other things abroad and bring back food, timber and other things we need. Fishing boats are also frequent here. They unload their fish on the quay. Some of it is transported by lorry to shops in the town and some goes on special express goods train to other places far away. The railway men call this train "The Flying Kipper". One winter evening, Henry the green engine rolled back into Tidmouth sheds. He had been working with Rachel, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Normally, Rainbow Dash would work with Gordon. But after a near accident with his breaks recently, he had to be sent to the works for mild repairs. Then, Rachel climbed down from the cab and spoke to Henry and the ponies.

Rachel : We'll all be out early tomorrow morning. We'll be taking the flying kipper. We need to be at the docks at 5am so we'll all need a goodnight sleep.

Rainbow Dash: Well guys, see you tomorrow.

Narrator: She flew back to Knapford Hotel.

Fluttershy: Goodnight Henry. Sweet dreams.

Henry: You too Fluttershy.

Narrator: Rachel was the last to leave, but before she did, she whispered to Henry.

Rachel: Hey, don't tell Gordon but I think if we pull the kipper nicely, the fat controller will let you pull the express. Besides, that welsh coal we gave you is working well.

Henry: The express? Oh hurrah! That will be lovely.

Narrator: With that Rachel, piled into her 1940 Ford Anglia 8HP car and drove home whilst Henry yawned and went happily to sleep. The next morning, Henry was woken gently up by Fluttershy.

Fluttershy: Wakey wakey sleepy head. It's time to get ready.

Narrator: Then, Rainbow Dash flew into Henry's cab and began to make his fire. Rachel and the ponies then climbed onto the footplate and Rachel drove Henry out of the sheds and into the cold Sudrian winter air. Though being a very athletic pony herself, Rainbow Dash was a little bit tired.

Rainbow Dash: (Sleepy groan) Why must the Flying Kipper be taken so early?

Fluttershy: I don't know Dashie. But I think it's a very important load.

Rachel: Indeed it is. The reason why we're taking it so early is so that the shops can have the can have fresh produce to distribute to their consumers. Milk trains use the same principle too, along with other produce trains.

Fluttershy: I see. That makes perfect sense. So that the supplies are there for the people just when they need them.

Rachel: Exactly Fluttershy.

Narrator: At 5am, Henry reached the docks where a very strong smell of fish hung in the air. There was snow and frost. Men hustled and shouted loading the vans with crates of fish.

Rainbow Dash: Phew! Thank goodness Rarity isn't with us. She would probably never let us hear the end of this smell.

Rachel: Don't worry… once you've been working here as long as me and William have, trust me, you'll get used to it quick. But you do have point Rainbow Dash.

Narrator: And they both giggled. As Rachel backed Henry down onto the train, Rainbow Dash coupled Henry up whilst Fluttershy changed Henry's lamp codes. Soon, everything was ready. The last door closed with a bang, the guard waved his green flag and the flying kipper was ready to go.

Rainbow Dash: Ready Henry?

Henry: Sure am Rainbow dash. Take us away Fluttershy.

Narrator: Fluttershy opened the regulator and Henry steamed off. Henry slipped on the icy frosty rails and was cross with the vans.

Henry: Come on! Don't be silly! Don't be silly!

Narrator: Fluttershy Flew up and gave the vans the stare.

Fluttershy: You vans better get move on!

Narrator: The vans shuddered and groaned.

Vans: Trock trick! Trock trick! Alright! Alright!

Narrator: And Henry felt happy as the train began to pick up speed.

Henry: That is better! That is better!

Narrator: Thick clouds of smoke and steam poured from his funnel into the cold air and when Rainbow Dash shovelled in more coal into his firebox, the fire's light shone brightly on the snow around.

Henry: Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!

Narrator: Rachel noticed that Fluttershy looked a little tired and offered to take over to give her a little break. They were going well. They hooshed under bridges and clattered through stations, flags showing green as they passed. Fluttershy was very impressed as she looked out the cab window from Rachel's side.

Fluttershy: Oh! I'm so excited. Maybe if Henry does this job well, he'll get to pull the WildNorWester.

Rainbow dash: Yeah right. No offence Fluttershy, but Henry would never be as good as Gordon.

Fluttershy: Dashie, don't be like that. Don't forget the safety valve incident where me and Edward had to help rescue the train.

Rainbow Dash: Oh yeah, and remember, it took two engines to pull the express. Sorry Fluttershy. But Gordon is the only one who can pull the express.

Rachel: How do you explain when James pulled it then?

Rainbow Dash: Uh… he was just lucky to get it on 1st try.

Rachel: Yeah, sure he was 'lucky'.

Narrator: They were just about to reach Kildane junction when a guard with a yellow flag appeared ahead in the distance.

Henry: There's a distant yellow flag up ahead, take caution!

Narrator: Rachel shut off steam and prepared to stop the train. The two ponies looked out the window.

Rainbow Dash: Looks clear to me Henry, and the flag is green.

Fluttershy: All clear Henry. Away we go.

Narrator: However, they didn't know that the points from the mainline to a siding were frozen and that that the flag should have been red. But a lazy guard forgot to check this. A goods train was waiting in the siding to let the flying kipper pass and the driver and fireman were drinking hot cocoa in the brake van. The guard pulled out his watch.

Goods train Guard: Hmmm… You know guys the kipper's due to pass any second now.

Goods train fireman: Ah who cares about the kipper, Rodger? This is good cocoa.

Narrator: The driver got up.

Goods train driver: Oh come on young Charlie. Lets get back to Simmors.

Goods train fireman: (Grumbling) Oy! But I haven't finished my cocoa yet Jasper!

Narrator: Then it all happened at once. Henry saw to his horror the goods train setting right in front of their line.

Henry: SSSTTTTTTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPPP! THERES ANOTHER TRAIN IN FRONT OF OUR PATH

Narrator: Sure enough to all of their horrors, Rainbow Dash, Rachel, and Fluttershy saw the goods train right in front of them.

Fluttershy: (Gasp) Oh my! He's right!

Rainbow Dash: STOP THE TRAIN! STOP THE TRAIN!

Rachel : GREAT SCOT! Brake! BBBBRRRRRAAAAAAKKKKKKEEEEEEEEEE!

Narrator: Rachel reached for the brake handle, braked hard, set the reverser hard over full steam in reverse and pulled the whistle chain frantically. The rails were much too icy for them to stop in time. Henry went into a screeching slide, sparks flew from his wheels showering the rails! They came closer and closer to brake van of the goods train. Fluttershy covered her eyes.

Fluttershy: HHHHHHNNNNNGGGGG! I can't look!

Rainbow dash: SSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Rachel: JJJJJJJUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMPPPPPPPPPP!

Narrator: Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy grabbed Rachel, and the 2 pegasus ponies flew Rachel from the cab, as poor Henry sped on. Then there was sudden terrible ear piercing crash. The brake van broke, the three men shot in the air like jacks in a box. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash rushed over and caught the flying driver and fireman, the guard landed safely in the snow and whilst poor Rachel had been placed too deep in the snow.

Rachel: Get me out of hear! Come on! Help me out!

Narrator: Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy quickly dug their friend out of the snow.

Rachel: (Gasp) Thanks! I thought I was going to turn into a snow woma… aa… AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHCCCCCCCCCCCCCOOO!

Narrator: Henry had sprawled onto his side looking dazed and surprised as the front fish vans we're piled in a smashed heap. The goods train fireman angrily waved his broken empty mug.

Goods train fireman: YOU CLUMSY GREAT OAF! THE BEST CUP OF COCOA I'VE EVER HAD AND YOU BUMPED INTO ME AND MADE ME SPILL IT ALL!

Goods train driver: Never mind your stupid cocoa! Just phone the breakdown gang.

Simmors: You guys alright?

Henry: Far from it my friend… ow!

Narrator: James and Rarity cleared away the remnants of the goods train, whilst Edward, Applejack and William helped Rainbow Dash Fluttershy and Rachel clear the remnants of the kipper. The Fat Controller came to see them.

Henry: Oh Sir! Please don't scrap me sir. The flag was green, sir.

Fluttershy: Please sir. It wasn't Henry's fault.

Rainbow Dash: Calm down Fluttershy.

Fat controller: Cheer Henry and Fluttershy it wasn't Henry's fault. Ice and snow caused the accident, as for that signalman with the green flag, I gave him a warning this morning. I'm sending Henry to crewe, a fine places for sick engines. They'll give you a new shape and a larger firebox. You'll be a different engine Henry and won't need welsh coal anymore, won't that be nice?

Henry: (Doubtfully) Yes Sir.

Narrator: 4 years later, Rachel and Fluttershy were waiting at Vicarstown to work with Simmors, when they heard a whistle that made them jump.

Henry: Hullo Rachel and Fluttershy.

Rachel : Bless my soul! Henry!

Fluttershy: HENRY! OH YOUR BACK!

Henry: They've overhauled me as good a new. And they rebuilt me into a Stanier Black 5. Or when the war ends, should I say a standard green 5? Heheheheh.

Narrator: And Rachel and Fluttershy laughed. The fat controller climbed out of the cab.

Fat controller: Welcome back Henry. You look marvellous. To celebrate your return, I'd like you to take the Wild Nor Wester. Fluttershy, you and Rachel will be driving Henry on his return train. You all think you can do it?

All three: Yes Sir!

Narrator: Henry enjoyed being at crew, but all the same he was glad to be home. He pulled out for the first time with the WildNorWester. As Henry sped along the line, a crowd of people waited to see him arrive in his new shape. He looked so splendid and strong that they gave him three cheers. Henry whistled happily.

Henry: Thank you very much.

Narrator: Heheh I'm sorry to say that a lot of little boys and girls are often late to school, for they can't wait to see Henry come by. They often see him pulling the WildNorWester. He does it so well that both Gordon and Rainbow Dash were jealous. But that, is another story.

Yep. Not much else has changed here. This takes place in 1939 and early 1943. Look out for the next one.

Author's Notes: Not much changed with this one, but I did add a slight edit in here.

Gordon's Whistle

Narrator: Nearly 5 months had passed since Henry's return from the crewe and everyone was happy to see him. All except Gordon and Rainbow Dash.

Gordon: Why should Henry have a new shape?! A shape good enough for me is good enough for him. He goes gallivanting off to crewe, leaving us to do his work, then comes back telling us how happy he feels. It's disgraceful!

Rainbow Dash: Not only that, he's been pulling the WildNorWester now too.

Gordon: And there's another thing. Henry whistles too much! No respectable engine ever whistles loudly in stations. It isn't wrong, but we just don't do it.

Applejack: Oh put an apple it you 2. Henry had to have that rebuild at crewe in order to run properly. You should be more grateful that Jenry is back to help out with the work load.

Narrator: Poor Henry didn't feel happy anymore.

Percy: Never mind. I'm glad your home again, and I like your happy whistle.

Pinkie Pie: I like your happy whistle too Henry.

Henry: Oh thanks at least someone and somepony are happy to have me home.

Gordon: Goodbye Henry! We are glad to have you back, but remember what I said about whistling

Applejack: Don't pay any attention to them. They're just jealous, that's all

Henry: Your right. Well we'd better get our stopping train.

Narrator: Later that day, Henry, Rachel, and Applejack stopped by at Wellsworth where Edward Fluttershy and William were waiting.

Edward: Why Hullo Henry. You do look splendid. I was pleased to hear your happy whistle yesterday.

Fluttershy: So did I. I'm so glad that your feeling better then ever.

William: Indeed Fluttershy. We are glad to have you back. And Thomas, Simmors, James, Rarity and Twilight Sparkle are too.

Henry: Why thank you Fluttershy, William, and everyone else as well.

Narrator: At that moment, they heard an ear piercing racket from the downline.

William: Shoosh! Guys do you hear that?

Narrator: Far away but getting louder and closer they heard an engine's whistle.

Rachel: Hmmm… If I'm not mistaken that whistle belongs to Gordon.

Edward: Your right Rachel. It's sounds like Gordon, and ought'a be Gordon, But I've never heard Gordon whistle like that.

Narrator: It was Gordon with Rainbow Dash driving him. He was thundering down the line at a tremendous pace and they didn't look at Henry, Rachel or Applejack, and they didn't look at Edward, William or Fluttershy. Gordon was purple in the boiler and whistling fit to burst whilst Rainbow Dash was covering her ears. He screamed loudly through Wellsworth and disappeared. Rachel had gotten ear plugs for her, William, Applejack and Fluttershy.

Edward: Well I must say. In all my years I've never heard a racket like that. Um… you can take those ear plugs out now.

Rachel: (Can't hear Edward properly) What?! There is rain coming now? We've got to get our umbrellas then.

Henry: No Rachel! Edward said 'you can take those ear plugs out now'!

Applejack: (Can't hear Henry properly) You see a cow? Where is it?

Guard: No Applejack. (Pretends to pull out ear plugs.)

William: Oh! We can take the ear plugs out now.

(The 2 ponies and the humans do so.)

Rachel: Heh, sorry you 2.

Edward: Yeah. Without hands, it's kind of hard to show what we mean.

Fluttershy: That's ok Edward.

Narrator: Applejack and Henry winked at each other and chuckled.

Applejack: Well Henry, It ain't wrong.

Henry: But we just don't do it.

Fluttershy: What do you mean by that?

Narrator: And so Applejack and Henry told Edward, Rachel, William and Fluttershy what Gordon and Rainbow Dash had said and they all laughed loudly. Meanwhile Gordon was still screeching along the line. People came out of their house's, air raid sirens rang out, five fire brigades were dispatched, shire horses upset their carts, and old ladies dropped their parcels. At Knapford station, the noise was awful. Porters and passengers held the ears, the fat controller held his ears too. He gave lots of orders but no one could hear him. Gordon went on whistling. The Fat Controller then climbed into the footplate and spoke to Rainbow Dash.

Fat Controller: ?

Rainbow Dash: What?! I can't hear you… Can you speak up?

Fat controller: ?

Rainbow Dash: Louder!

Fat controller : ?

Rainbow Dash: Louder!

Fat Controller: ?

Rainbow Dash: (At the top of her lungs) LLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUDDDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRR!

Fat controller: I SAID TAKE HIM AWAY AND STOP THAT NOSIE!

Narrator: Still whistling, Gordon puffed sadly away. He whistled as he crossed points, he was whistling when he reached the siding, and he was still whistling as the last deafened passenger left the station. At last, two fitters climbed up and knocked his whistle back into place. There was absolute beautiful silence. That evening, Gordon slunk into the sheds. He was glad it was empty, the engines arrived back later.

Henry: It isn't wrong, but we just don't do it.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash went back to Knapford hotel and she was glad it was empty, but soon everyone came in and heard about the whole thing from Rachel.

Rachel: Hullo Rainbow Dash, I saw you and Gordon were quite musical.

William: But take our tip. Teach Gordon to stay in tune.

Applejack: Or maybe give him organ pipes.

Rainbow dash: Ha ha ha… Very funny guys.

Narrator: No one from the sheds or from the hotel mentioned whistles.

So, what did you think? Next up is a story that should have been in a book about Percy. I honestly don't know why it was thrown in here, but whatever.

Author's Notes: This story is a fun one on it's own, but it feels really out of place in a book about Henry. On the bright side, we do see Rarity's element of harmony in action, like we saw Fluttershy's element in action in 'Edward's Day Out'.

Percy And The Trousers

Narrator: On cold days, people always wear wool or knitted pullovers and gloves to keep themselves warm. And they also wear a colourful cotton or wool piece of fabric around their necks. These are called scarfs. It was a cold February, Sunday, winter of 1944. The winds were bitter, ice cold and the ground was coated in frost and snow. Thomas and Percy were freezing in their sheds. Thomas was being serviced at Knapford Sheds before taking his branchline train.

Percy: All I want is a warm boiler. The fire lighter should know that. He's late.

Thomas: He's not late Percy. The cold weather just us up early.

Narrator: Gusts of cold wind swirled snowflakes towards Thomas and Percy making them even more colder and crosser still.

Thomas: Why don't we think of something else?

Percy: (Joking sarcastically) Yeah like how silly we'll look when our funnels turn into icicles.

Thomas: (Sarcastically) Hahahaha! Very funny Percy. (Not sarcastic) Anyway, maybe we'll stop feeling cold if we talk about warmer things, like… Sunshine. And steam.

Percy: (Mutters) And fire lighters… or…

Narrator: Then Percy remember seeing some of the workmen a few days ago wearing scarfs.

Percy: That's it! Scarfs!

Thomas: Heheheh. Scarfs? Heheh. That's what you need Percy. A nice wooly scarf around your funnel.

Narrator: Thomas was only teasing, but Percy thought happily about scarfs until the firelighter arrived. Meanwhile, the mane six, William and Rachel were just getting going to work, when rarity came in. She was wearing a white knitted scarf with purple tassels at the end of it. The scarf also had her cutie mark embedded at the end of the main fabric. She also brought her friends homemade scarfs.

Rarity: Hold it right there. I can't let you darlings go out like that. You'll need these. They'll keep you extra warm, and make you look dapper too. I made them all myself for all of you.

Narrator: She handed the 2 humans and the ponies the scarfs. She gave Twilight Sparkle a light purple scarf with a mixture of dark purple, violet and pink tassels on the end. Her cutie mark embedded on the fabric as well as a print of Star Swirl the Bearded.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh wow. Thank you Rarity. That was very generous of you.

Rarity: Oh your quite welcome Twilight.

Narrator: Next she gave Applejack an orange scarf with yellow trim tassels on the end and like her own scarf and Twilight's scarf, Applejack's cutie mark was embedded in the scarf. Also on the scarf, was a print of some apple cider.

Applejack: Aww shucks Rarity. Thank you kindly.

Rarity: Think nothing of it Applejack my dear.

Narrator: Then she gave Rainbow Dash a cyan blue scarf with 2 wonderbolts stripes with a dark blue piece of fabric in between the yellow lines, with a rainbow assortment of tassels at the end. Of course, it also had her cutie mark embedded.

Rainbow Dash: Ah yeah! Rarity, you went all out this one. Thanks.

Rarity: Oh why Rainbow darling, you look smashing.

Narrator: Then she gave Pinkie Pie a pink scarf with cotton candy pink tassels at the end, her cutie mark on it and a picture of a cake.

Pinkie Pie: Wow thank you Rarity. This scarf looks just like me!

Rarity: Of course darling Pinkie Pie. I made them all to resemble your personalities.

Narrator: Fluttershy got a cream yellow scarf with light pink tassels and her cutie mark too. Also on it was a family of cute little bunnies.

Fluttershy: Oh how wonderful of you Rarity. Thank you very much.

Rarity: Oh think nothing of it darling.

Narrator: And then she gave Rachel a pink ,purple and and light blue striped scarf with the same colour tassels and a picture of a horse embedded on it.

Rachel: Wow! Thank you Rarity. I never knew you could really make fine scarfs.

Rarity: Oh darling. I've done it for years.

Narrator: And finally she gave William a red and dark blue striped scarf with dark blue tassels and an engine print on it.

William: Wow. Thank you Rarity. Heheheh, now I see why they call you the element of generosity.

Rarity: (Blush and giggle) Oh your quite a gentlemen. However did you know about the element of generosity?

William. Well you could say a certain friend of mine taught me and Rachel Equestrian history in our spare time.

Narrator: Twilight Sparkle bushed and smiled. Soon they went off to work. Meanwhile, The Fat Controller was enjoying nice hot porridge for breakfast. He was looking forward to attending the Vicar of Wellsworth's annual Sunday congregation and had ironed his Sunday trousers.

Fat Controller: I shall put them in my trunk and then change into them just before Henry's train leaves Knapford my dear.

Jane Hatt: Of course.

Narrator: At half past eight, The Fat controller picked up his trunk, grabbed his yellow and black striped scarf, kissed Lady Hatt on the cheek and then went to catch his train. Meanwhile, back at Knapford yards Percy was working hard with Rachel and Pinkie pie, his fire was now glowing nicely and he had plenty of steam, but was still thinking about scarfs. He saw them everywhere he went.

Percy: My funnel is cold. My funnel is cold. I want a scarf. I want a scarf!

Pinkie: Heheheheh! Don't be a silly filly Percy. Engines can't wear scarfs.

Narrator: But Percy took no notice. Meanwhile Henry was being serviced by William and Applejack when Percy came clanking in.

Applejack: Howdy Percy! Howdy Pinkie Pie! Howdy Rachel.

William: Morning Rachel, Pinkie Pie, Percy. How's it going ?

Rachel: Brrr. Pretty chilly out this morning William. But don't worry, Percy's got a good fire and plenty of steam.

Pinkie Pie: And I made cocoa!

William: Thanks Pinkie Pie. Nothing that beats the cold like a good cup of cocoa.

Rachel: Heheheheh…. I'll drink to that.

Applejack: Ah, thanks Pinkie. Good thinking.

Narrator: And the four friends drank cocoa happily.

Applejack: Ah! Now that hit spot Pinkie Pie!

Pinkie Pie: Thanks Applejack.

Narrator: Then Applejack notice Percy looking fussy.

Applejack: Say Percy, what's bitten your apple?

Percy: Oh my funnel is cold and I want a scarf.

Henry: Oh rubbish Percy. Engines don't wear scarfs.

Percy: Pah! Engines with proper funnels do!

Applejack: What in the hay is that suppose to mean?

Percy: You've only got a small one Henry!

Applejack: What in tarnation!?

Narrator: But before Henry could reply, a train arrived and Percy puffed away to sort it out. Henry snorted. He was proud of his short neat funnel. Now, Pinkie Pie always shut off steam just outside the station. Percy would try to surprise the coaches by coming in as quietly as he could. Two porters were carrying some luggage across the line. They had a big load and were walking backwards to see that none fell of the trolley. Percy came in so quietly that the porters didn't hear him until the trolley was on their line.

Rachel: Oh Great Scott! Brake Pinkie Pie! BRAKE! There's a baggage trolley on the line!

Pinkie Pie: OH NO NO NO NO! NOT GOOD! NOT GOOD! NOT GOOD!

Narrator: Pinkie Pie applied the brakes as quickly as she could, but it was too late as the porters jumped clear. With a loud crunch of broken wood and metal, the trolley disappeared under Percy's wheels. Boxes and bags burst in all directions as Percy came to an abrupt stop.

Percy: OOOOOEEERRRRRR!

Narrator: Sticky streams of red and yellow jam trickled down Percy's, Pinkie Pie's and Rachel's face's but Pinkie licked her's off.

Pinkie Pie: MMMMM! Razzle berry!

Rachel: (Tastes some of her own.) Actually, I think it's strawberry. Speaking of which, I wonder how my horse is doing.

Narrator: A dented top hat hung on Percy's lamp iron. Clothes, hats boots, shoes, skirts and blouses stuck to his front. But worst of all, a pair of grey and black striped trousers coiled lovingly around his funnel, but they weren't grey anymore. Angry passengers examined the broken trunks the Fat Controller angrily seized the top hat.

Fat Controller: Mine! Percy! LOOK AT THIS!

Percy: Yes Sir… I Am Sir.

Fat controller: MY BEST SUNDAY TROUSERS TOO!

Percy: Dah! Yes Sir! Please sir!

Fat Controller: I'm am very cross with you Percy. We must now pay the passengers for their spoiled clothes, my hat is dented and my Sunday trousers are ruined. All because you will come into the station as if you were playing grandmother steps with the coaches.

Narrator: Rachel unwound the trousers but the Fat Controller waved them away.

Fat Controller: Uh uh! Oh no! Rachel! Percy wanted a scarf, he shall have my Sunday trousers for a scarf. They'll keep him nice and warm.

Rachel: Sorry Percy. This is for your own good you know.

Percy: (Sigh) Why me?

Narrator: Percy went back to the yards. He felt very silly and hoped desperately that it was empty. It wasn't his lucky day. James and Rarity were in the yard preparing to take a goods train. Rarity tried in vain to keep a straight face and look dignified. But James didn't even try.

James: Pah hahahahahaha! Oh Hullo Percy! So I see you finally found your scarf eh? But I always thought that legs go into trousers not funnels.

Rarity: My word Percy you are a perfect fashion mess, you could definitely use (try's to hide laughter) some fashion tips. From… me… (Can't contain herself) Ahahahahaha! Too Rich! Ahahahahahaha!

Narrator: Soon, even Pinkie Pie and Rachel caught the laughter. James then went off and told everyengine and pony the story. The story spread and the big engines all laughed at him, and so did the ponies and William too.

Gordon: Hahahahaha! I see you got a two legged scarf their Percy. Is that custom made?

Rainbow dash: Bahahahahahahahahaha! Oh Gordon that was too funny good one good one!

Henry: Haahahahaha, My word. Nice trousers Percy! Heheheheh but I think your wearing them the wrong way.

Applejack: Hehehehehehehheh! But Percy, the idea is to wear your pants on your legs not your head. Heheheh.

Simmors: Hahahahah! Are you sure that an alien didn't make those. Hahahahaha!

William: Hahahahahaha! Oh Percy is that the new scarf you've been looking for, heheheheh! Were they on sale at Crombie?

Rachel: Hahahaha! Oh that was rich William. Or maybe he got them exclusively at Reebok hahahahaha!

Pinkie: Hahahahaehehehehehe! Oh good one Rachel.

Percy: (Sarcastic) Hahaha very funny guys.

Narrator: Everyone thought it was a great joke but Percy was furious. He doesn't like scarfs now. That evening, Thomas and Percy along with Edward were resting in the shed. Rachel had taken away the Sunday trousers. And Rachel, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Twilight Sparkle, soon gave Percy a good rub down.

Rachel: We're sorry we laughed at you Percy. It's just, you looked so funny that we just couldn't help it.

Narrator: Percy understood.

Percy: That's alright Rachel. I probably would have laughed too if saw myself.

Thomas: Besides, we all make mistakes Percy.

Percy: Heheheheh! Your right there.

Edward: I've got word the Fat Controller and he says that fire lighters well be here early from now on.

Narrator: Soon Henry, Gordon, James and Simmors came into the sheds, accompanied by Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and William. They had good run with their trains, and now Henry, Gordon, James, Simmors, William, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Applejack felt sorry for teasing Percy too.

Applejack: Howdy Percy. We're all very sorry we laughed at you,

Percy: No need to apologise. I had it coming

Twilight: That a boy Percy, I think that you're on the right way to become a really useful engine by learning from you're mistakes.

Rainbow Dash: Oh by the way, March is nearly here so the weather will be warmer tomorrow.

Henry: So you won't need a scarf Percy.

Percy: Certainly not. Engines don't want scarfs. Engines want warm boilers. Everyengine, everypony and everyone knows that!

Narrator: And everyone laughed. Even Percy.

I had a bit of fun adding in my own touches. But, I'm not sure what type of picture William would like on his scarf. I'll ask atsf about it when I see him online later. Anyway, last part of 'Henry The Green Engine' should be up very soon. Look out for it guys.

Right. Short one this time, but I still like it.

Henry's Sneeze

Narrator: One lovely April Spring Saturday morning, Henry was puffing along with the WildNorWester. The sun shone, the fields were green and the birds were chirping. Henry had plenty of steam in his boiler and he felt very happy. He began to sing a tune with Applejack, Rachel Ravens and William Holden.

Henry: (Breathing in fresh spring air) Why I feel so well that. (Singing) I'm so happy! AHA! Happy go lucky me!

I just come my way, living everyday!

Rachel: (Singing) I don't worry! Worrying don't agree.

Applejack: (Singing) Things that bother you.

William: (Singing) Never bother me!

Henry: (Singing) Things that bother you, never bother me. I feel happy and fine! AHA!

Applejack: (Singing) Living in the sunlight,

Henry: (Singing) Loving in the moonlight

Henry and Applejack: (Singing) having a wonderful time

William: (Singing) Haven't got a lot,

I don't need a lot

Coffee's only a dime

Living in the sunlight,

Rachel: (Singing) Loving in the moonlight,

Rachel and William: (Singing) Having a wonderful time!

Henry: (singing) Just take it from me,

I'm just as free as any daughter.

William: (Spoken) Or son.

Applejack: (Singing) I do what I like,
just what I like,
and how I love it!

Rachel: (singing) I'm right here to stay

When I'm old and gray,

I'll be right in my prime!

Living in the sunlight,

William: (singing) Loving in the moonlight,

William and Rachel: (singing) Having a wonderful time!

All+ Coaches: (Hummming)

Applejack: (Singing) Just take it from me,
I'm just as free as any daughter.

William: (Spoken) Or son.

Henry: (Singing) I do what I like,
just what I like,
and how I love it!

Both Rachel and William: (singing) I'm right here to stay,
When I'm old and gray,
I'll be right in my prime,

Henry: (Singing) Living in the sunlight,

Applejack: (Singing) Loving in the moonlight,

All: (singing) Having a wonderful time!

Narrator: In the distance, Henry saw some boys standing on a bridge above the railway line. Henry whistled Cheerfully.

Henry: Hullo!

Narrator: Henry whistled cheerfully again. Then, it happened.

Henry: OW! OH! OW! OH! OH! OW! OUCH!

Rachel: What the heck!?

William: What the devil!?

Applejack: What in tarnation!?

Narrator: The boys didn't wave or take his number. They dropped stones on Henry instead. They were silly stupid boys who thought it would be funny to drop stones down his funnel. Some hit Henry's boiler and spoiled his paint. One hit poor William on the head as he was shovelling coal whilst others shattered the carriage windows.

William: (stone hits Williams head he falls down into coal pile yelping in pain) Youch! AARRRGGHHHHH! Oh my head argh!

Henry: Well that was a shame! What rude little boys.

Coaches: (sobbing) Oh those horrid little boys! They've broken our glass.

Narrator: Rachel and Applejack turned and saw William picking himself up clutching his bleeding forhead.

Rachel: Oh my goodness William! What happened? Your head is bleeding.

William: Urgh! I got hit in the head by those stupid boy's stones!

Rachel: How dare they!

Narrator: Applejack immediately ran to the first aid box and bandaged William's head as a very cross Rachel planned what she was going to do to pay those boys out. They stopped the train at a signalbox and the guard asked if any of the passengers were hurt. Fortunately, none were hurt but they were extremely cross. They saw Williams bumped and bleeding head and a passenger whom was a doctor treated William's injury. Then the passengers all looked at Henry's spoiled paint.

Passengers: (Angrily) Call the constables!

Rachel: No please! Just leave it to Applejack, William, Henry and me. We'll teach those rotten lads a lesson.

Passengers: And what pray tell are you going to do about it?

Rachel: Can you keep a secret?

Passengers: Yes. Most certainly.

Rachel: Well then. Henry is going to sneeze at those boys.

Passengers: WHAT?!

William: WHAT THE DEVIL?!

Applejack: WHAT IN TARNATION?!

Narrator: Rachel laughed and explained.

Rachel: Heheheh. Like all steam engines, Henry draws his fire from his smokebox, and puffs it out with smoke and steam. When Henry is working hard, the air blows all the cinders and ashes into the firebox and these ashes sometimes prevent him from puffing properly. And to fix that problem, we have to use a blower to blow down to get all the excess soot and ashes through his funnel and out his smokebox. I mean, when your nose is blocked, you sometimes have to sneeze. If Henry's smoke box is blocked I can make the air and steam push the ashes out through the funnel, we'll do it at the bridge.

Narrator: Henry then puffed onto the terminus where he had a rest. Then he took the train back, lots of people were waiting at the station near the bridge. They wanted to see what would happen.

Applejack: Attention y'all! Henry has plenty of ashes in his firebox, Please keep all windows shut until we've passed the bridge.

Rachel: Henry is as excited as we are, aren't you old fellow?

Narrator: And she patted Henry's smoke box. Henry didn't answer he was feeling stuffed up but he winked at his driver. Finally, the guard's flag waved and the whistle blew and they were off. Soon, they were near the bridge and sure enough there were same boys, and they were all ready with stones.

Rachel: Are you ready Henry? Sneeze hard when I tell you too. We're almost there. Get ready… NOW!

Narrator: And she turned the steam release handle.

Henry: AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHCCCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Narrator: Smoke and steam and ashes spouted out of his funnel. They went all over the bridge and all over the boys who ran away as black as soot.

Rachel: Hahahahaha! Well done Henry. They won't drop stones on engines again.

Applejack: Hahaheheheheh. That'll show them rascals!

William: Heheheh. Your paint's all sooty, but don't worry. We'll rub you down and paint your scratches out then you'll be as good as new tomorrow. Hahahaha. Oh good show Henry! Good show!

Narrator: Henry has never again sneezed under bridges. The fat controller doesn't like it. His smoke box is always cleaned in the yards when he is resting. He has now gone under more bridges than he has counted. But thanks to Henry the Green Engine, from that sneeze, days since then, there have been no more boys (or girls for that matter) dropping stones.

And that was 'Henry, The Green Engine'. Next we come to one of the books in my top 5 of the Railway Series 'Toby The Tram Engine'. Look out for that guys.

Author's Notes: You really feel for Toby in this story. But, I would like to see the downward spiral that the line took to get to where it was at the point at the end of this story, as well as how Toby got here in the 1st place. Anyway, enjoy.

Dear Rachel.

It is now 1950, and it looks like British Rails are nationalized now. And things have now settled down here, now that we have Toby to operate the tramway now. But still, can you believe that ruddy new constable? I'm mean seriously, you, Twilight, Thomas and I have been going down that tramway for years now and we've never had problems, even with Pinkie Pie before she left to work with Percy, and heck even those vertical boiler coffeepot 0-4-0t's that Sir Topham Hatt made long before Thomas got his branchline were no problem with the law. Ah well, I'm just glad me and Twilight didn't get arrested for going down the tramway without the sideplates or cowcatchers. Especially Twilight, I think she really was more scared than me and Thomas. But all's well that ends well. Oh by the way, I talked to our new steam tram friend and he told me how he came here. These stories tell you how he came to be here. I hope like them.

Your friend, William James Holden.

P.S

I'll Write to Mr. and Mrs. Kindley and tell them that we all send them their best regards.

Toby And The Stout Gentleman

Narrator: Toby is a London & North Eastern railway J70 0-6-0t Steam tram engine. He is short and sturdy, he has cowcatchers and side plates and does not look like a steam engine at all. He takes trucks from farms and factories to the mainline and the big engines take them to London and elsewhere. His tramline runs along roads and through fields and villages. He rings his bell cheerfully to everyone he meets. He has a 4 wheel balcony coach called Henrietta whom have seen better days. She complains because she has few passengers. But Toby is… 'attached' to Henrietta, (Pinkie Pie comes in with her comedy drums, then she goes back to Percy on Sodor) and always takes her with him, much to the bewilderment of the crew.

Driver: I don't know why do you always want to take that coach when we rarely get passengers.

Toby: Well you never know. She might be useful one day.

Narrator: But Henrietta was never happy, as buses and cars roar passed them.

Henrietta: Oh it's not fair at all. Just look at all those new fangled buses and cars, all full of passengers and I've got none.

Narrator: She remembered the days when she used to be full and nine trucks would rattle behind her. But now there are only three or four, for the farms and factories send their goods mostly by lorry. Toby is always careful on the road. The cars, buses and lorries often have accidents. But Toby hasn't had an accident in years. Despite his spotless record, the buses are crowded and poor Henrietta is empty.

Toby: (Sighing) I can't understand it.

Narrator: People come to see Toby, but they come by bus. They stare at him and laugh rudely at him.

Person: Hahahaha! Oh isn't he a quaint and old fashioned! Hahmhmhm. These wooden barn on wheels just make me laugh ahmhmhm….

Toby: (Seething in rage) Ooooh those people really are testing my patients

Person 2: Oh and isn't that quaint. The barn on wheels has little hen house with a balcony too dear. Ahmhmhm.

Henrietta: OOOH! THE NERVE OF HER!

Narrator: They make Toby and Henrietta very cross. One morning, a blue car stopped close by and young boy and girl scrambled out.

Stephen: Come along Bridget!

Narrator: And they both ran over to Toby with two ladies and a stout gentleman. The gentleman looked important, but nice. The children ran up and nearly dragged the gentleman over to see the tram engine.

Stephen: Come on Grandfather! Do look at this engine.

Stout gentleman: That is a GER J70 0-6-0t Wishbech and Upwell tram engine, Stephen.

Toby: (Looks down at his buffers modestly) Uh, well. He does know his engines I must say.

Bridget: Oh a tram engine… Is it electric grandfather?

Toby: FIDDLE STICKS!

Narrator: And Toby wheeshed angrily!

Stephen: Sh! Sh! Bridget! I think you've offended him.

Bridget: What? What did I say? All I asked was if it was an electrmmmmm..

Narrator: Stephen hastily covered Bridget's mouth with his hand.

Stephen: (Whispering) Shoosh! Bridget you and your big mouth! Your making him angry.

Narrator: Bridget pulled Stephen's hand off her mouth and spoke out.

Bridget: But I thought trams are electric… Or are they?

Narrator: The stout gentleman laughed.

Stout gentlemen: Ho ho! Well they are mostly in urban areas of England Bridget. But this here is a steam tram.

Stephen/Bridget: Oh may we go in him grandfather? Oh please!

Narrator: The guard was about ready to blow his whistle.

Guard: (Sigh sadly) Once again not a single passenger as usual. I just hope that ruddy station master doesn't go through with his idea of making poor Henrietta into hen house.

Stout gentlemen: STOP! (Raising his hand)

Guard: Huh! What the devil?! OH my whistle!

Narrator: The guard taken by surprise opened his mouth and the whistle fell out and the family all scrambled into Henrietta. The guard picked up the whistle and dusted it off. Then they started off.

Henrietta: Oh hip hip horray! Oh happy day! I'm finally full Toby! Isn't it wonderful? It's like the good old days again! Oh happy day!

Narrator: But Toby was didn't sing. He snorted crossly.

Toby: Oooh! The nerve of some children! Electric indeed! Ooh electric indeed!

Narrator: Toby felt very hurt and insulted. The stout gentlemen and the family all got out at the junction. They waited for Toby to take them back to his car.

Stout Gentlemen: Oh by the way, what is your name? And does your coach have a name too?

Toby: Oh um… Toby sir. And my coach's name is Henrietta.

Stout Gentlemen: Thank you very much Toby and Henrietta for a very nice ride.

Narrator: Toby felt much better now.

Toby: Oh thank you very Sir. (To self) Hmm. Now this gentleman is gentleman that knows how to speak to engines.

Narrator: The children came every day for a fortnight. Some days, they would ride with the guard in Henrietta, and sometimes they road in an empty truck. On their last day of their holiday, the driver and fireman invited them into Toby's cab. They were all sorry when they had to go away. Steven and Bridget thanked Toby and the crew. The Stout Gentlemen gave them each a present.

Toby: (Clanging his bell and blowing his whistle) Thank you very much for visiting us. (Starts off) Come again soon!

Bridget and Stephen: Oh We will! We will!

Narrator: And the all waved until Toby was out of sight. The months passed and things went from bad to worse for Toby's tramway. Toby had fewer trucks to pull and even fewer passengers travelled along the tramway. At last, the Driver and Fireman walked glumly over to Toby as tear trickled down their faces. Toby immediately knew what that meant.

Driver: (Sigh sadly) It's all over. This is our last day Toby old boy. The manager say's we must close the line tomorrow.

Narrator: That very day, everyone came for the chance of one last ride on Toby's tramway. Toby was decorated with a reef on his front end under his head lantern, Henrietta had more passengers than she could manage. Some passengers rode in the trucks whilst others crowded in the brake van and the Guard hadn't enough tickets to go around. As they traveled along the tramway the passengers joked, laughed and sang. But Toby, Henrietta, the driver and fireman wished they wouldn't. Soon, too soon for Toby, his coach and his crew, the last run was finally over.

Passengers: Goodbye Toby. We are all sorry your line is closing down.

Narrator: A small tear trickled down Toby's face.

Toby: (Sad sigh) So am I.

Narrator: The last passenger left the station. Toby puffed very slowly and very sadly to his shed.

Toby: (Sad sigh) Oh dear. Nobody wants me now.

Narrator: The driver and fireman said their goodbyes, the shed doors closed and Toby went unhappily to sleep. But the next morning, the shed doors were flung open and Toby woke with a start to find his driver and fireman dancing a jig outside. The driver was so excited and waving a piece of paper at him.

Driver: WAKE UP TOBY ME BOY! WAKE UP AND LISTEN TO THIS! IT'S A LETTER FROM THE STOUT GENTLEMEN!

Fireman: MAYBE IT'S GOOD NEWS!

Narrator: The driver read on. Toby listened and…. But I mustn't tell you anymore or I'll spoil the next story.

And if you know the series like the back of your hand, you will know what's next. Look out for 'Thomas In Trouble'. See you there.

Author's notes: I really like this story. Again, just gave Annie and Clarabel some more dialogue. Not much, but I think it's a nice touch.

Thomas In Trouble

Narrator: There is a line to a quarry at the end of Thomas's branchline. It goes for some distance from Ffarquhar along a road and eventually ending at the Anopha Quarry also sometimes called Ffarquhar quarry. Thomas is always very careful here incase anyone was coming. Thomas would whistle and the people would get out of the way and he'd puff slowly along with his stone trucks and Annie and Clarabel rumbling behind him, whilst he, his crew and coaches would sing a little song.

Thomas: (Singing) I'm sitting on top of the world, Just rolling along Just rolling along

Twilight Sparkle: (Singing) And I'm quitting the blues of the world Just singing a song Just singing a song

William: (Singing) Glory hallelujah, I just phoned the parson Hey, par, get ready to call Just like humpty dumpty, I'm going to fall

Annie: (signing) I'm sitting on top of the world Just rolling along Just rolling along

Clarabel: (singing) Some people have diamonds And beautiful pearls

Twilight Sparkle: (joking) Like rarity (singing) While others have children Just kiddies with curls

Thomas: (singing) Keep all of your fortunes Keep all of your fame I just found a sweetie Who's changing her name (singing) I'm sitting on top of the world just rolling along just rolling along

Annie: (singing) and we're quitting the blues of the world Just singing a song Just singing a song

Clarabel: (singing) Glory hallelujah, I just phoned the parson

Hey, par, get ready to call

Just like humpty dumpty,

I'm going to fall

Thomas: (singing) I'm sitting on top of the world

just rolling along

just rolling along

William (singing) Don't want any millions

I'm getting my share

I've only got one suit (just one)

That's all I can wear

Twilight: (singing) A bundle of money won't make you feel gay

Thomas: (singing) A sweet little honey is making me say

Annie: (singing) that we're sitting sitting on top top of the world

William: (singing) just rolling along

Twilight: (singing) just rolling along

Clarabel: (singing) and We're quitting quitting the blues of the world

William: (singing) Just singing a song

Thomas: (singing) Just singing a song

William: (singing) Glory hallelujah, I just phoned the parson

Hey, par, get ready to call

Just like humpty dumpty,

I'm going to fall

All 5: (singing) And We're sitting, sitting on top, top of the world

just rolling along

just rolling along

Narrator: Early one morning, there was no one on the road but a large policemen constable was sitting on the grass close to the line. He was shaking a stone from his boot. Thomas, Twilight Sparkle, William, Annie and Clarabel liked policemen constables. They had been great friends of the constable who used to live in the village but he had just retired. Thomas, Twilight Sparkle, William, Annie and Clarabel expected that the new constable would be friendly too. Thomas whistled a friendly greeting and William, Twilight Sparkle, Annie and Clarabel followed up.

Thomas: Good morning to you Mr. Constable!

Constable: JUMPING CREAM AND ICED BUNS WITH COFFEE!

Narrator: He scrambled up and hopped round on one leg until he was facing Thomas. Thomas, William, Twilight Sparkle, Annie and Clarabel were very sorry to see that the constable didn't look friendly at all. He was absolutely red in the face and very, very cross. The constable wobbled about trying to maintain his balance.

Constable: DISGRACEFUL! I didn't sleep a wink last night, it was so quiet! AND NOW BLINKING ENGINES COME WHISTLING AND SINGING SUDDENLY BEHIND ME! My first day in the country too! Hmph! Wish I've never been transferred.

Narrator: The Constable picked up his boot and hopped over to Thomas, Twilight and William. Annie and Clarabel quivered at the back of the train.

William: Um, I'm sorry Sir.

Twilight: Our apologize Mr. Constable Sir.

Thomas: We only said good morning to you, Mr. Constable Sir.

Constable: (Angrily) Hmph! Comfoundit! Stupid things! I've heard that record one time too many already last night with the ruddy Mrs.

Narrator: And leaning against Thomas' buffer, he put his boot on. Then he drew himself up and pointed accusingly at Thomas.

Constable: And where are your cow catchers then?!

Thomas: (Confused) Huh? Uh… Um…. Sorry Constable… but I don't catch cows, Sir?...

Twilight: (confused) Pardon me for asking but what exactly is this thing called a cowcatcher?

Constable: (furious) OY! DON'T YOU TRIED BE FUNNY WITH ME YOUNG FELLOW ME!

Twilight: AH! Yyyy Yes Sir Mmm Mr. Ccc constable.. Ssss Sir,

Narrator: Poor Twilight jumped in fright. She had great respect for the law and was shaking violently! Then the Constable looked at Thomas' wheels.

Constable: AHA! No side plates either. No side plates and no cowcatcher.

Narrator: And he wrote in his notebook.

Constable: Engines going down tramways along public roads must have their wheels covered by sideplates on both sides of the wheels and a cowcatcher in the front and back. It's to protect people and animals from being dragged under the wheels if they stray onto the line. You have neither so you are dangerous to the public, so their!

Twilight Sparkle: (To self) Oh no! Not dangerous to the public. What if Princess Celestia finds out? I couldn't bear the thought….

Narrator: That made William cross. The constable just been rude to Thomas, frightened Twilight Sparkle and now he had had enough! He walked over and hotly argued with him too.

William: Oh! For corns sake! That's rubbish constable! I'll have you know we've traveled here a hundred times before and never had a single accident. Why even before Thomas worked here, the old coffee pot engines never had any accidents like that and they didn't have cowcatchers either.

Narrator: The constable looked angrily at William.

Constable: OH HAVE YOU NOW!?

William: Your darn right we have!

Constable: Well then that just makes it worse then. I'll just write all three of you up for that.

Narrator; and then he wrote 'REGULAR LAW BREAKERS' in his notebook as Twilight began to cry frantically.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh no no no! Please, anything but a ticket please!

Constable: (Writing the tickets) You 3 are regular law breakers and for you too Mr. Holden, for sassing a constable of the law. I shall be reporting this to the Ffarquhar police quarters. NOW GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!

Narrator: Thomas puffed sadly away with William, Twilight, Annie and Clarabel feeling as sad as Thomas.

Annie: It's shameful to treat engines and their crew like this.

Clarabel: Something must be done to put this to an end.

Narrator: Meanwhile, The Fat Controller was having breakfast. He was eating toast. He had the newspaper open in front of him and his wife had just given him more coffee. The butler knocked and came in.

Butler: Excuse me Sir. You are wanted on the telephone.

Fat Controller: Oh bother that telephone! I'll be back in a minute. Oh deary me.

Fat controller: Hullo. Topham Manor, this is Sir Topham Hatt speaking…What? What's that you say… In trouble with the law? I'll be right there right away.

Narrator: He hung up.

Ft controller: Oh botheration!

Narrator: Then he explained to his wife.

Fat controller: I'm sorry Jane my dear. But I'm afraid Thomas, Twilight Sparkle and William had a spot of bother with the police constables. I must go and sort things out at once.

Narrator: He gulped down his coffee and hurried to Knapford. At the station, William and Twilight Sparkle explained what had happen. The Fat Controller was furious!

Fat controller: WHAT! Dangerous to the public indeed! Oooh! We'll just see about that!

Narrator: He climbed into Annie and Thomas took them to Ffarquharr to where the constable was waiting. The Fat Controller spoke to him at once. A crowd gathered to listen. Other constables came to break up the ruckus and the Fat controller argued with them too. However, as much as he argued with them, it was no good.

Constables: The law is the law! And we can't change it! And that's that. Good Day Sir Topham Hatt!

Narrator: The Fat controller felt exhausted. He mopped his brow in defeat. And William paid his find, Twilight Sparkle's find, and Thomas's find.

Fat controller: I'm sorry Miss Twilight Sparkle, Mr. Holden. Oh deary me. I'm afraid it's no use arguing with police constables. We'll just have to make those cowcatcher things for Thomas I suppose.

Narrator: Thomas was horrified.

Thomas: What! But everyone will laugh sir! They'll all say I look like…. Like a tram.

Narrator: The Fat Controller stared then he laughed.

Fat controller: Uh….Like a tram… Ho Ho ho! Why yes… Well done Thomas! Why didn't think of that before?! We want a tram engine!

Twilight, William, Thomas: uh? But I don't understand Sir?

Fat Controller: When I was on holiday in east Anglia, I met a nice little engine called Toby. He sadly hasn't enough work left on his tramway in England so he needs a change. He has both cowcatchers and sideplates. Oh good boy Thomas, I'll write to his controller at once. I think I'll even call in Applejack and Miss Ravens.

Narrator: A few days later, The Fat Controller and William were waiting on the platform at elsbridge along with a very bewildered Rachel and Applejack.

Applejack: Now what in the hay are we here waitin' for Rachel.

Narrator: Rachel shrugged.

Rachel: Search me.

William: It's a surprise Girls.

Fat controller: So wait and see.

Narrator: The fat controller and William looked at each other and winked. Then at last with a puffing of pistons and the clanging of brass bell, Toby arrived.

Fat Controller: Ah that's a good engine Toby. Heheheh… I see you also brought your trusty coach Henrietta too.

Narrator: Toby blushed a little.

Toby: You don't mind do you sir? You see, when our tramway closed, the old station master wanted to use her for a hen house at his family's farm and that could never do.

Fat controller: Ho ho ho! Certainly not Toby. We definitely could never allow that.

Henrietta: Oh thank you for giving me and Toby a chance sir.

Fat Controller: Quite alright, both of you.

Narrator: He pointed to Applejack William and Rachel.

Fat controller: Now Toby, these will be new crew members. William James Holden, Rachel Marie Ravens, and over their is Applejack.

Applejack: Howdy Toby. Pleasure to meet you.

Toby: Oh wow! A talking pony. We never had those in England before.

Applejack: Well that makes sense right now. There are only 6 of us on this island. And if engines, coaches, trucks, buses and tractors can talk in this world, why not ponies?

Toby: I see. Oh, I can't wait to meet them.

Fat controller: Miss Raven's, Applejack I am proud to announce that will now have double duties with both Henry, Percy and Pinkie Pie, as you will now also work with William and Toby along the tramway. He'll teach you everything.

Narrator: Rachel and Applejack were delighted.

Rachel: Oh yes Please sir!

Applejack: Oh thank you mighty kindly sir.

Fat controller: Very good. Now your first job will be to take the workmen up to the quarry and take the loaded trucks down to Ffarquhar station for Thomas to take.

AJ/Toby/Rachel/William: YES SIR!

Narrator: And they started work. William taught Rachel and Applejack everything they need to know about running along tramways. Toby made the trucks behave even better than Thomas did.

Constable: (Riding his bicycle) Ah much better. No more dangerous engines without sideplates or cowcatchers and finally no more stupid engines whistling loudly behind me to…

(Toby clangs his bell loudly at the crossing)

Constable: JUMPING CREAM AND ICED BUNS WITH COFFEE! (Loses control of his bicycle) Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! (Crashes into a shrubbery) Doh ow! ouch! (Constable scrambles up furious and covered with brambles) OY! YOU! (Constable begins to pluck the brambles off) Oooh! Ooch! Ouch!

William: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh good show Toby my boy! Oh good show. You just made my day.

Rachel: Hehhehehahahahahs! Oh that was too funny!

Applejack: Oh haheheheh Oh good Toby!

Toby: HEHEHEHEH! I've never heard of constables jumping at the sound engines on the old line. (Breathing fresh air) You know, I think I'm going to enjoy living here.

William: Well Toby, we're glad to have as part of the NWR family.

Narrator: At first, Thomas and Twilight Sparkle were jealous but they were so pleased and happy when Toby rang his bell and made the same constable jump and crash into a shrubbery on his bicycle, that they have been firm friends ever since.

And that was 'Thomas In Trouble'. It was hilarious to see the constable jump and crash into a shrub. Next is 'Dirty Objects'. Again, it feels a bit more like a James story then Toby's. But, I can live with that.

Author's notes: This was another fun story for me to add on. Not much has changed, but I have added some extra things in here.

Dirty Objects.

Narrator: Nearly 7 weeks have passed since Toby and Henrietta arrived on Sodor. Soon they were now busier than ever, taking workmen to the quarry at Anopha every morning, then takes stone trucks down to Ffarquhar in the afternoon for Thomas to take to the junction at Knapford, then Toby and Henrietta would take the workmen home in the evening. Applejack and Rachel often work with Toby as well. At the junction, they often met James and Rarity. In those days, Toby and Henrietta were shabby and needed new paint.

(Toby puffs into Elsbridge)

Rachel: And here we are Kanpford station.

Applejack: Well this looks like one of our stops for today.

Toby: That's right Applejack. So how do you like the tramway girls?

Rachel: Oh, it's lovely.

Applejack: Sure is nice change from what me, William and Rachel see on Henry. I do hope we both work well together Toby.

Toby: Don't worry Applejack. I think we'll work fine together.

Rachel: Same here. You've done wonders with Toby since he arrived.

Applejack: Well that's mighty kind of y'all.

Rachel: Oh here comes James with his stopping train. Rarity should be working with him alongside William.

(James puffed into the station. Both he and Rarity started sneering at Toby and Henrietta)

James: UGH! What dirty objects!

William: Hey come on James! That's no way to talk to our new friends.

Rarity: I couldn't agree with more James. Who is that rusty old barn on wheels and hen house you're working with you girls?

Henrietta: (Gasps) Hey! I had just escaped my old railway from that awful fate! How dare you call me that!

William: (Groan) Oh no! Not you too Rarity!

Applejack: Hey! This here's Toby, Rarity. You know, that new engine I told about and he is not barn he's a steam tram. I told you 10 times already.

Rachel: As for the 'hen house' as you so crudely called her, that is Henrietta, Toby's faithful and loyal coach.

Rarity: Well no offence, But the scruffy tram and coach, whatever it was you said, could use a good dusting if you get what I mean!

Rachel: (Angry) How rude. Rarity, you have no right to call my new friends names.

Applejack: Don't pay any attention to them Rachel! They're just being their usual conceited selves.

William: (Sighing) I'm so sorry about this Girls, and Toby, I had nothing to do with this rudeness from them.

Applejack: Nevermind sugar cube. We know.

Rachel: Don't worry William. It's not your fault.

Henrietta: At least some people and ponies respect us.

Narrator: This went on and on until at last, Toby lost patience.

Toby: (Sigh) James… Why are you red?

James: (Loftily) I am a splendid red engine. Always ready for anything. You never see my paint dirty.

Toby: (Smiles innocently) Ah, so that's why you need bootlaces to be ready. (Winks at Applejack and Rachel and William.) I suppose.

William: Hahahahahahaha! That's was gold Toby! I Remember that and it took Rarity 5 attempts to get that Joblings guy to surrender the bootlaces.

Rarity: What a cheek! I'll have know that we nearly got stuck for 5 hours. Not to mention that Rachel was co-responsible.

Rachel: HEY! Shut your mouth Rarity!

William: You know how sensitive my adoptive sister is, Rarity.

Rarity: WELL! I…

Toby: Oh, I didn't mean to object you Rachel. Really sorry about that.

Rachel: Your ok Toby. I forgot to tell you that I was involved. Oh, and did I mention that when James went on strike with the big engines and we scrubbed his tongue out?

James: OY! That's not funny!

William: Ah come on. Take a joke James. Besides, be happy that we've abandoned that disciplinary action you big red pillick!

James: Ooooohhhhhh! What a cheek! Coming from my own driver.

Applejack: Ahahaheheheheh! Oh, and did we ever tell you Toby and Henrietta, about the time that James crashed into a cow pasture?Heheheh! One would think he was trying to become a cow engine!

Rarity: Hey, I'll have you know I was on that goods train with William as well. That was the most dreadful accident ever.

William: Well I hate to admit it, but she does have bit of point their.

Applejack: Oh lighten up Will and Rarity, I'm only joking.

William: (wink) Oh don't worry applejack, I knew you were joking about that cow pasture incident, and how James tried to become the worlds first ever cow engine! Hahahahahaha!

Narrator: James went redder than ever and snorted off his wheels slipping angrily.

James: LOUSY CHEEKY LITTLE BARN ON! ( Wheel slip)

Rarity: Now James calm down. Remember your boiler pressure.

James: (Seething angrily as he leaves station) Gah… One of these days!

Narrator: It was such an insult to James and Rarity to be reminded about the time that a bootlace had to be used to mend a punctured brake pipe on his coaches along with the other accidents he had had.

Applejack: Oh don't worry about them sugarcubes. They're nice really and both mean well, but their boastin' takes some getting used to.

Rachel: Heheheheh. Indeed. William, Twilight and I seem to be the only ones can control them from time to time.

Toby: Ah. Don't worry about me girls. I'm not going to let James and Rarity get me down. I know everyone has good side in them.

Henrietta: I guess you have a point Toby.

Applejack: YEEHAWW! That's the spirit you 2.

Narrator: Soon the guard's whistle blew and they started off for the quarry. At the end of the line, Rarity uncoupled James from the coaches to get him ready for his train whilst William change his head lamp code to one lamp on the far left of the running board.

Rarity: So, I take it we're going to take the elegant WildNorWester?

William: Nope. Check the head lamp code.

Rarity: (Walking to the front of James) Very well lets just have a look at… (Her mane twisted painfully) Oh no! Not one head lamp on the left side. That can only mean…

William: Oh yes. That's right. We're take the slow goods to Tidmouth.

James and Rarity: Oh botheration!

Narrator: William was right. One head lamp on the left side of an engines running board signifies a slow goods train stopping at every single station to pickup or set down trucks. James and Rarity hated slow goods trains.

Rarity: Oh no! Not these filthy, scruffy terrible trucks again.

William: Oh Rarity, stow it! Don't forget what Duke and Simmons told you.

Rarity: (Reluctant sigh) Oh well. I suppose it has to be done.

Narrator: Even so, Rarity and James hated slow goods trains. James marshalled the trucks furiously as he shunted them into position.

William: Easy James! You nearly derailed a truck on the point frog.

James: (Crossly) Dirty trucks!

Rarity: (Crossly) From Dirty sidings!

James and Rarity: (Crossly) BLAAH!

William: Oh come on now. It's not as bad as it looks.

James: Pah! easy for you to say.

Rarity: Well lets hope these ruffians will behave themselves this time.

James: Same here.

Narrator: Starting with only a few, James picked up more and more trucks from each station till he had a long train.

Rarity: Hhhmmm… So far so good. Not one spell of trouble at all.

Narrator: At first the trucks behaved well, but James had bumped them so crossly that they were determined to pay him out. Presently, rumbling over the viaduct, they approached the top of Gordon's Hill. Heavy goods trains halt here to pin down their brakes. James had had an accident with trucks before and should have remembered this. They began to cress the hill and William tried to reduce speed, but James didn't respond. William and Rarity became very worried.

William: Hey wait James! Wait! We haven't pinned the wagon brakes yet!

Rarity: Yes, William is right darling. You don't want to have another accident like you did on your first day, Remember?

Narrator: But James didn't wait, and James didn't remember. He was too busy thinking what he would say to Toby, Henrietta, Applejack and Rachel when they next met. All too late, James saw where he was and tried to stop. The trucks saw their chance and took it.

Trucks: (Maniacally laughing) HURRAH! HURRAH!

Narrator: And banging and clashing their buffers, they pushed James down the hill. The guard applied the van brakes until they screamed as a very frightened James, William and Rarity rocketed down the hill.

Rarity: (Screams) WHAT'S HAPPENING?!

William: WE DIDN'T PIN THE WAGON BRAKES AND NOW WE'VE LOST CONTROL OF THE TRAIN!

James: HHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPP!

Trucks: (Maniacally laughing) ON! ON! ON! ON!

James: I'VE GOT TO STOP! I'VE GOT TO STOP!

Rarity: SOMEPONY! GET ME OFF THIS ROLLER COASTER!

Narrator: William applied James's brake and managed to check the trucks mad rush, but they were still going much too fast to stop in time. Through Maron station they thundered and lurched violently into the yards just barely staying on the rails. Disaster lay ahead as James shut his eyes.

Rarity: Oh no! no! Not my mane! NOT MY MANE!

James and William: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Narrator: There was bursting crash and something sticky splashed all over James, William and Rarity. James had smashed into 2 tar wagons and he, Rarity, and William were black from head to toe, from mane to hoof, and from smoke box to cab. The three of them were moredirty than hurt much to Rarity's dismay. The Tar wagons and some trucks were all smashed to pieces.

Rarity: (Wincing) Ehhh,... Oh… I look awful.

Narrator: Luckily, the breakdown train was in the yard. Edward pushed it into position with Fluttershy, and they soon tided up the mess. William ran to get more help and he came back bringing Percy and Pinkie Pie.

James: Oh no! Here comes Percy and Pinkie Pie. They're sure to say how silly we look, Rarity.

Rarity: Oh deary me darling and they're not alone. Toby, Applejack, and Rachel are here too. Oh this is worst of all!

Narrator: And much to Rarity's and James' dismay, she was right.

Applejack: Haheheheheh! Well I'll be a red and golden delicious apple fritter. Look over here guys.

Toby: Look here Percy. Whatever are these dirty objects.

Percy: That's James the red engine, didn't you know?

Pinkie Pie: Yeah and isn't that Rarity with him.

Toby: (Jokingly) Oh no no no no no. It's James' and Rarity's shape. But James is a splendid red engine and you never see his paint dirty. (Winks)

William: Heheheheh… Or maybe that same engine that tried to be the world's first cow engine.

Rachel: Hahahahaha! Oh that was too rich!

Applejack: Yeah. Rarity hates being dirty too, so how could that be her? (Winks)

Pinkie Pie: (Rolls on the floor laughing) Oh, good one Applejack! Your giving me a run for my money!

Narrator: James and Rarity blushed with embarrassment, shut their eyes and pretended they hadn't heard. Percy and Toby cleared away the unhurt trucks and then helped James home. The Fat controller met them.

Fat controller: Well done Percy, Toby, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rachel and William.

Applejack: Aw shucks Sir. T'weren't no problem.

Pinkie: Yeah. We're always glad to help a fellow friend in need.

Rachel: Think nothing of it. I'm just glad that William and Rarity weren't hurt.

William: Yeah thank you Rachel, I owe you girls, and Percy and Toby one.

Rarity: Indeed I am so Sorry Rachel darling and you too Applejack and I am dreadfully sorry Toby.

Narrator: The Fat controller then turned to James and Rarity.

Fat controller: Tisk tisk tisk tisk. Fancy letting your trucks runaway like that, I am surprised, after what happened back in 1924. You're not fit to be seen. You both must be cleaned at once. Toby shall have a new coat of paint. Hmmm… Chocolate brown and blue I think, just like the old Great Eastern.

Toby: Thank you sir. Um please Sir, can Henrietta have a new coat too?

Narrator: The Fat Controller smiled.

Fat Controller: Certainly Toby. She shall be brown like Thomas' coaches Annie and Clarabel.

Toby: Oh thank you so much Sir. She will be pleased.

Narrator: But the Fat Controller wasn't done yet.

Fat Controller: Mr. Holden, Miss Ravens, and Applejack, since you all worked well together I shall promote you all to run the tramway with Toby along with the other engines on my railway on a regular basis.

Applejack: Oh thanks Sir. That's great news for both of us.

Rachel: Oh thank you so much. I love going down the tramway.

William: Indeed, thank you so much sir. We'll work great together.

Narrator: And with that, Toby ran back to Thomas' branchline with the great news.

It was really satisfying to see James and Rarity get their comeuppance. Next is... a Christmas story? Yeah, a Christmas story in the middle of March. This should be interesting.

Author's Notes: Not much altered here. I really do like this story. Yeah, I know I'm releasing it in the middle of March, so deal with it.

Mrs. Kindley's Christmas

Narrator: It was nearly Christmas. Annie and Clarabel we're packed full of people and parcels. Thomas was very working very hard as the coaches grumbled behind.

Thomas: Come on along girls.

Annie: We're feeling so full.

Clarabel: So many passengers. But I'm glad Henrietta arrived earlier this year to help us with them.

Narrator: Soon, Thomas looked at the hill ahead and was feeling anxious.

Thomas: Can I do it? Can I do it?

Narrator: Suddenly, he saw a hankerchief waving from a cottage window. And Thomas felt brave and better now.

Thomas: Yes I can! Yes I can!

William: That'a boy Thomas.

Twilight: That's the Christmas spirit.

Rachel: Alright! Way to go Thomas.

Annie: Keep it up Thomas.

Clarabel: That's it! Your doing well.

Narrator: Thomas pulled his hardest and was soon through the tunnel and resting in the station.

Twilight: Excuse me William and Rachel.

Rachel: Yes Twilight, what is it?

Twilight: When we were climbing the hill before Ffarquhar, I notice a lady waving a hankerchief as we passed by the cottage.

William: Oh. That was Mrs Kindley who waved at us. She and her husband live on the outskirts of Ffarquhar. She and her husband are the most sweetest most wonderful people in the world.

Twilight Oh, that's wonderful.

Narrator:Then Rachel gave sad look.

Rachel: But I'm sorry to say that she has come down with a terrible illness and she has to stay in bed all day.

Thomas: (Sadly) Oh poor lady. I am sorry for her.

Twilight: So am I Thomas. I wish I could make her feel better but sadly my unicorn magic is not yet powerful to treat illness.

William: Well don't worry. We'll all go to the Reverend of Ffarquhar's Congregation's together and pray for her.

Rachel: That's a wonderful idea William.

Narrator: So every Sunday, the mane 6 accompanied by Rachel and William went to the Ffarquhar church for the vicars congregation and pray meetings for Mrs Kindley's health. During the holiday rush, engines have heavy loads during Christmas time. But Thomas, William, Twilight Sparkle, Toby, Rachel, and Applejack didn't mind the hard work when Mrs kindley waved to them. But then it began to rain. It rained for days and days. Thomas's didn't like the rain, nor did Twilight, William, Rachel or Toby.

Thomas: Oh bother! This rain is really make it very difficult.

Twilight: Nevermind Thomas. Just pull hard and will get home.

Rachel: Mrs Kindley won't wave today in this down pour.

Annie: You'll still have us Thomas.

Clarabel: Annie is right. We'll always be with you on passenger runs.

Thomas: Heh, your right Annie and Clarabel.

Narrator: Thomas understood. And whether or not she waved, Thomas and Toby would always whistled (And in Toby's case, rang his bell) when they passed the little lonely cottage. It's white walls stood out against the dark background against the hills. One day, William, Rachel and Twilight Sparkle were working with Thomas, Annie and Clarabel on a passenger run from Knapford to Ffarquhar. They were climbing the hill when Rachel noticed something that made her worried.

Rachel: Hullo? Oy Twilight, William look at that.

Narrator: Twilight and William came across the cab and what they saw made their hearts pound fast.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh dear. Something's wrong there!

Narrator: Hanging, flapping and bedraggled from a window of the cottage was something that looked like a large red flag.

William: Oh my lord! Mrs Kindley needs help!

Narrator: And William put on the brakes and Thomas gently stopped.

Annie: Thomas, are you alright?

Clarabel: Are your breaks sticking?

Thomas: No girls. It's…

Narrator: Before he could explain, the guard came squelching through the rain up to Thomas' cab.

Guard: Excuse me William, but what is the meaning of this stop? We do need to keep to sched….

William: Nevermind that. Mrs Kindley is in trouble! (and he pointed to the flag.)

Twilight: See if a doctor is on the train and tell them to go the cottage.

Rachel: And then walk back to Elsbridge and inform them that we've stopped.

Narrator: Rachel and Twilight Sparkle went ahead to make sure that the line was clear in front.

Rachel: Hmmm. That's odd. I wonder why she would want us to stop…

Twilight Sparkle: Search me Rach.

Narrator: Two passenger left the train and climbed to the cottage. Then, Rachel came running back looking worried.

William: Good. Your back Rachel and Twilight. We'll back down towards Elsbridge station. That way, Thomas will have better charge up the hill.

Narrator: But Rachel and Twilight Sparkle shook their heads.

Twilight Sparkle: We shan't get up the hill.

William: What! What happened.

Rachel: Follow us and come see what happened.

Narrator: The three friends walked along the line round a bend. What they saw made William all gasp in shock.

William: JIMMINIE CHRISTMAS!

Narrator: There, blocking the line in front of them was a large landslide.

William: TWILIGHT! Go back to the train and tell everyone what had happened. Me and Rachel are going to the cottage to see if Mrs. Kindley is alright. And then join us if you can.

Twilight: Yes Sir William.

Narrator: Twilight had already mastered the teleportation spell so it didn't take her long to inform the passengers. Then she galloped over to join William and Rachel at the cottage. They found the Doctor with Mrs. Kindley.

Doctor: Don't worry Mr Holden, and Miss Ravens. She's going to be alright she just light headed but she's alright now.

Mrs. Kindley: Silly of me to faint. You saw the red dressing gown. Are you all safe?

William: (smiles) Yes. Everyone is alright. We've come to thank you.

Rachel: There was landslide at the cutting near the tunnel, doctor. Mrs. Kindley saw it from her window and stopped us, preventing a nasty accident.

Twilight: Yes indeed Mr. Doctor. She saved all of our lives. Celestia, bless you Mrs Kindley.

William and Rachel: And God bless you mam.

Narrator: And they all tip toed from the room. They cleared the line by Christmas Day and the sun shone as a special train puffed up from the junction. First came Toby with Rachel, Applejack, Then Thomas with William, Twilight Sparkle, Annie and Clarabel with Rainbow dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity and other important passengers. And last of all but very pleased to come along was Henrietta, also with passengers in here. The Fat Controller was also there with other people whom wanted to thank Mrs. Kindly. When they reached the cottage the two engines all gave a special whistle.

Toby and Thomas: Happy Christmas!

Annie/Clarabel/Henrietta: Merry Christmas.

Narrator: The people got out and climbed into the cottage. Thomas, Toby, Annie, Clarabel and Henrietta wished they could go too. Mrs. Kindley's husband met them at the door. The Fat Controller, William, Rachel, the guard and the mane 6 ponies all went upstairs while everyone else basked in the sunlight. William gave her a new dressing gown to replace the one that was spoiled by the rain. The guard gave her some grapes, Applejack gave her a basket of Sweetapple acres apples, Fluttershy gave her bunny to keep her company, Rarity gave her a new Dress t wear out in town when she got better, Rainbow Dash gave her a Christmas card, Pinkie Pie gave her some cakes, Twilight Sparkle gave her some books to read and Rachel gave her some wooly slippers and promised to bring some coal as a present from Thomas and Toby next time they met. Mrs. Kindley was very pleased with her presents.

Mrs. Kindley: Oh your very good to me dears.

Fat Controller: The passengers and I hope you and your husband will accept these tickets for the south coast. And get really well in the sunshine. We cannot thank you enough for preventing the terrible accident. I hope we haven't tired you out Mrs. Kindley. Goodbye and a Happy Christmas.

Rainbow Dash/Applejack/Rarity/Fluttershy/Pinkie Pie/Twilight Sparkle/Guard/Rachel/William: Happy Christmas.

Narrator: Then going quietly down stairs they joined the group outside and sang some carols before returning to the train.

Everyone and everypony: (singing) Hark! The herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled

Joyful all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With angelic host proclaim

Christ is born in Bethlehem

Hark! The herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

Christ by highest heaven adored

Christ, the everlasting Lord

Late in time behold Him come

Offspring of a Virgin's womb

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate deity

Pleased as man with man to dwell

Jesus, our Emmanuel

Hark! The herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

Hail, the heaven born Prince of Peace

Hail, the Son of Righteousness

Light and life to all He brings

Risen with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King.

Narrator: Later back at Knapford Hotel, Rachel and the ponies happily strolled through the lobby and into the rec room.

Twilight: (sigh happily) That was beautiful, the decors even remind me of hearth warming eve and day. Absolutely wonderful.

Rachel: I'm glad you like it.

Rarity: Wait a minute, where's William?

Narrator: Rachel gave a sad frown.

Rachel: He's placing a Christmas reef on his parents grave site just to reassure them that he hasn't forgotten about him.

Rainbow Dash: Gosh. it's amazing he can still be cheerful and bright spirited even after becoming an orphaned.

Fluttershy: It makes me want to cry seeing someone without a family to celebrate the holidays.

Pinkie Pie: But what about Rachel's family adopting him?

Rachel: I guess it's not the same for him. But…

Narrator: Then Rachel had wonderful Idea. She whispered something to the ponies and they all agreed on the plan. Sure enough, William walked into the rec room and then the lights went on and every jumped out.

Everyone: HAPPY CHRISTMAS WILLIAM!

William: (Happily surprised) Goodness! Heheheh. What's all this here?

Rachel: The ponies and I have decided that we should throw you a Christmas party to let you know that no matter what happens, we'll always be your family even if we aren't blood or species related.

Narrator: A tear trickled down William's face but he was smiling it was tear of joy.

William: Oh girls, thank you so much. You are the best additions to ever come into my family. Oh thank you so much Rachel, you're the best adoptive sister I've ever known.

Narrator: And for the first time in years, Rachel and William hugged each other in happiness and ponies embraced the hug too.

Ponies: Awww!

Pinkie: I love you guys!

Rachel: Oh same here Pinkie.

William: Same goes for me. Happy Christmas Rachel. Happy Christmas to everyone and everypony.

Narrator: William Rachel and the ponies had celebrated Christmas and had just visited Equestria to learn about and celebrate hearths warming eve and day with Celestia's permission. And, now Rachel and William embraced a new holiday to celebrate with their pony friends. Mrs. Kindley is now at Bournemouth and is getting better every day. The engines, ponies and humans are looking forward to the time when they can welcome her home.

The end...

... Of this saga. Next lot is about Gordon, The Big Engine. Keep your eyes open for that.

Author's notes: Not much edited here, but it is a good episode.

Dear Rachel

It appears that Gordon had been very naughty and was demoted to a goods engine and even Thomas got a stern punishment too from the fat controller. But thank's to Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Edward, Fluttershy and you we have now helped Gordon and Thomas back into the fat controller's good graces and just in time for Queen Elizabeth the 2nd's coronation ceremony. Who would have thought she and Princess Celestia would get along so well at first sight? Anyway, here's what happened to 'Gordon, The Big Engine'.

Your friend

William James Holden

November 30th 1953

Off The Rails

Narrator: It was a lovely warm summer of 1952. Gordon was resting in a siding beneath the warm Sudrian sun at Knapford station as Rainbow Dash oiled his moving parts. Sometimes, when he was resting, he would think about how important he was to the railway.

Gordon: (sigh) It's nice to be a very prestige, yet sometimes it's can be very tiring to be such a large and splendid engine such as myself, yet one must keep up appearances so.

Rainbow dash: (rolling her eyes sigh) I guess.

Narrator: At that moment Henry, William and Applejack arrived with the Flyer of Vicarstown. Henry whistled loudly and made Gordon jump.

Gordon: AAAAHHHHH! I SURRENDER! Huh?

Henry: Hullo Fat face. Hehehehehehheh...

William: Oh good one Henry.

Narrator: Gordon was furious.

Gordon: OOOH! What a cheek! How very disrespectful! That Henry is getting to big for his wheels.

Applejack: Heheheheh Oh don't worry your pretty little head. We were only kiddin.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah come on Gordon. Can't you take a joke?

Narrator: But Gordon didn't listen and went on ranting, letting off steam crossly as Henry departed chuckling at his own wit.

Gordon: Ooh fancy him speaking to me like that. Meee! The NWR 's finest express passenger locomotive. Meee! LNER'S greatest industrial marvels of the 1920's. Meee! Who has never had an accident. The nerve of that engine.

Narrator: Percy, Rachel and pinkie pie heard Gordon's last remark and both knew that it wasn't true and hiding their giggles. They innocently asked.

Pinkie Pie: Wait? What about those other accidents you had before in 1922 and 1944 big G?

Percy: Yeah Pinkie's right. Aren't jammed whistles and bursting safety valves accidents too, Gordon?

Rachel: Shattering valve gears. Don't forget that.

Narrator: Gordon was fuming. The safety valve incident of 1922, the valve gear incident of 1933 and the jammed whistle incident of 1944 was incidents that Gordon didn't want to be reminded of but he managed to keep his poise.

Gordon: No indeed little Percy, Pinkie Pie & Rachel. High spirits could happen to any engine, but to come off the rails in like Henry did when he was pulling the flying kipper in 1939. Well I must ask, is right? Is it even decent?

Rainbow dash: Heh. Doubt that.

Narrator: A few days later, it was Henry's turn to take the WildNor Wester. As William and Rainbow Dash service him, Gordon watched Henry and Applejack back down onto the train.

Gordon: Now, you better be very careful Henry. You're not pulling the flying kipper now. You're pulling a prestige passenger train, and I don't want my coaches to have single scratch on them. So mind you keep on the rails today.

Henry: (Annoyed) Oh put a piece of coal in it will you!

Applejack: (Annoyed) Oh put an apple fritter in it Gordon!

Narrator: Henry snorted and went off in huff, as Gordon continued to criticise Henry and Applejack.

Gordon: OH FOR GRESLEY'S SAKE APPLEJACK! If you and Henry keep starting like that, you're going to snap a coupling soon.

William/Rainbow Dash: (Annoyed) Gordon... JUST SHUT UP!

Narrator: Henry was going at full speed and was so furious that ran right up to the top of Gordon's hill without stopping. Back at Knapford, Gordon yawned and went to sleep. But not for long. William came up to him.

William: Wake up Gordon. A special train is here and we're to pull it.

Gordon: Is it coaches or trucks?

William: Trucks.

Gordon: TRUCKS?! PAH! Do I Look anything like a Holden B-12 mix traffic engine?! I am…

William and Rainbow Dash: FOR THE HUNDREDTH GORDON! AN EXPERIMENTAL GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY GRESLEY PROTOTYPE A-0 PACIFIC EXPRESS ENGINE!

Gordon: That's right.

Rainbow Dash: (Sigh) Oh for the love of pete Gordon. You really need to be more flexible with goods work.

Gordon: Hey! I am a flexible engine Rainbow dash. I just don't like pulling trucks that much! Either you tow get me some coaches and I'll pull them, otherwise I'm going back to sleep.

William: Oh come on Gordon! It's not as bad you think!

Gordon: I am not pulling the goods train and that is final.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash and William slap their faces. They oiled him up and lit his fire ready for the goods run. However, Gordon's fire was sulky and wouldn't burn properly. Rainbow Dash and William got crosser and crosser.

William/Rainbow Dash: OH FOR PETE SAKE!

Narrator: At last they lost patience and couldn't wait any long. They called over Edward, Fluttershy and Rachel to help get him started.

William: (Grimly) Okay Gordon! This is your last chance. Either pull the goods train or pay the consequences!

Gordon: Pah! You heard my case! I am not pulling the train and that is absolutely final!

Narratior: Rainbow Dash and William were so cross that they began gnashing their teeth.

Rainbow Dash: (Furiously) Oooh! You are seriously testing our patience Gordon!

William: (Furiously) You are so so lucky that me and Rainbow Dash have abandoned the mouth wash punishment! Besides, Fluttershy's stare is punishment enough!

Rainbow Dash/William: OH FLUTTERSHY!

Narrator: Fluttershy flew over.

Fluttershy: Um yes Rainbow Dash and William?

William: I hope this isn't too much to ask of you, but would you please be a dear and give this naughty engine a good stare down?

Fluttershy: Certainly we can't have troublemakers.

Narrator: Fluttershy came up to Gordon and began to give him the stare.

Fluttershy: Now you listen here Gordon, you might be an express passenger train but on this railway you are to follow the Fat controllers orders.

Narrator: But Gordon anticipated this and closed his eyes.

Fluttershy: (Sigh) Oh dear. He anticipated it I'm sorry.

William: It's not your fault, Fluttershy.

Rachel: Don't worry. We'll have Edward push Gordon to the turntable so you'll face in the right direction.

Narrator: So Edward buffered up behind Gordon and he pushed him to the turntable. Gordon grumbled like anything all the way.

Gordon: I won't go! I won't go!

Rainbow dash: Oh come on big G! You know it's for your own good.

Edward: Come on! Don't be silly! Don't be silly!

Narrator: Gordon tried hard to stop Edward from pushing him but it was no use.

Gordon: (Complaining) Edward leave me alone please!

Edward: Oh come along Gordon. You know as well as I do that it's the right thing to do.

Gordon: Hmph!

William: Need I remind you about certain blue pacific like you got stuck up a certain named hill, because he didn't want to pull a coal train, and had to be rescued by an old K-2 larger seagull like him. (William points to Edward) Not to mention that same engine forgot to thank the old K-2 larger seagull.

(Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Edward and Rachel had to hide their giggles.)

Narrator: Gordon grunted crossly. At last he was on the turntable.

William: Thank you Edward, Fluttershy, Rachel

Rainbow Dash: Yeah. We owe you one.

Edward: Heheheh. No need

Rachel: That's right. We're just happy to help fellow friends in need.

Fluttershy: Oh yes. So true.

Narrator: Then Rachel and Fluttershy uncoupled Edward climbed back into his cab. The old blue engine puffed away. Then, Rainbow Dash and William got out began to turn him round. The movement had shaken Gordon's fire and it was now burning nicely. Gordon was furious and didn't care what he did. He waited until the turntable was halfway round. He then saw his chance and took it. This was a big mistake.

Gordon: I'll show them! I'll show those idiots!

Narrator: He moved slowly forward. He only meant to go a little way, just far enough to jam the turntable and stop it from turning as he had done before in 1937. But his plan was going wrong, for he couldn't stop himself. He crashed through the side of the turntable, plowed through a wooden fence, and slithered and slipped helplessly off the rails, down an embankment and settle wheels deep in a dirty muddy ditch.

Gordon: OOOOssshh! GET ME OUT! GET ME OUT!

Narrator: William and Rainbow Dash, who had jumped clear, ran over to see Gordon. They took one looked at Gordon, coughed, giggled and began to laugh out loud both laughed so hard they were rolling around the ground tears of laughter flying from their eyes.

William: Hahahaha! Well! Well! Well! Gordon so much for never having an accident. Eh Rainbow Dash? HAHAHAHAHOHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Rainbow Dash: BAH HAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh Gordon! That was too funny! Hahahahahaha!

William: Oh Rainbow Dash hahahaha! I wish I had my camera right now.

Narrator: Both of them thought it a great joke. But Gordon didn't.

Gordon: (Whimper) Hey it's not funny you guys. I'm really stuck here. Now get me out please!

William: Nope… Not a hope Gordon. Your stuck in there you silly great engine. Don't you understand that?

Narrator Rainbow Dash then telephoned the Fat controller.

Fat Controller: Hullo. Tidmouth station office. Sir Topham Hatt speaking.

Rainbow Dash: (Through the Phone) Yes Sir. It's me, Rainbow Dash.

Fat controller: Yes Rainbow Dash?

Rainbow Dash: (Through the phone) Um… we have a little hiccup with Gordon, sir.

Fat controller: Oh? Whatever happened?

Narrator: And Rainbow Dash told him what had happened.

Fat controller: So Gordon didn't want to take the special goods train and ran into a ditch?!

Narrator: The fat controller looked out of his office window and saw the scene of disaster.

Fat controller: What's that you say? The special is waiting? (Sigh) Tell Edward to take it please, then you and Mr. Holden will work with him, Fluttershy and Miss Raven.

Rainbow Dash: (Through phone) Okay got it! Oh. But what about Gordon?

Fat controller: Oh and Gordon? Oh just leave him where he is. We haven't time to bother with him now. We won't be able to get the cranes over there until this evening.

Rainbow Dash: (Through phone) On it Sir!

Narrator: She hangs up and to let William know what to do. Whilst William and Rainbow dash went to let Fluttershy know about the change of plans, a family of toads croaked crossly at Gordon as he lay the mud. On the other side of the ditch three little boys were chattering cheekily. Pinkie Pie, whom was on her lunch break joined in.

Boys: Coo doesn't he look silly they'll never get him out.

Narrator: and soon the boys and Pinkie Pie all began to sing.

Pinkie Pie and the boys: (Singing) Oh Silly old Gordon fell in a ditch! Fell in a ditch! Fell in a ditch! Silly old Gordon fell in a ditch! All on a Monday morning!

Narrator: Pinkie Pie and the boys laughed, until the school bell rang and the boys still laughing at their wit walked back to school. Pinkie Pie went back to work with Percy. Gordon hooshed a little steam and blew away 3 tadpoles and and an inquisitive newt. At last, William and Rainbow Dash arrived back and told him about the plan. Gordon began to sulk.

Rainbow dash: Oh come on Big G! Don't look so mopey now!

Gordon: Well what in the name of Sir Nigel Greseley am I suppose to do? Incase you haven't noticed, I'm stuck in here until help arrives.

Rainbow Dash: Why wait for something to happen when you can make it happen?

Gordon: (Eye brows raised in confusion) And what pray tell do you mean, Dash?

Rainbow Dash: Well why don't you try pulling yourself out?

(Record scratch Gordon and Williams eyes widen)

Gordon & William: Your joking right.?

Rainbow Dash: Nope. I mean, look, you're a big strong train! I bet you can pull yourself out of that ditch in ten seconds flat. It can only result in success.

Gordon: Okay 3 problems with that. 1. No one is inside my cab to operate me. And even if you guys were in my cab operating me it would do no good because… 2. I have no steam left and my fire is out. Even if I was in steam, that too wouldn't help either because… 3. I am stuck, wheels deep in mud and if try to move I'll only churn the mud and only make things worse.

William: (Sigh) I hate to admit it Rainbow Dash, but I'm afraid Gordon's right. Come on. We can't keep Edward, Rachel and Fluttershy waiting.

Rainbow Dash: Ugh! Fine! See ya later alligator.

Narrator: And she and William went over to Edward. Gordon lay in the ditch all day long.

Gordon: (Sigh sadly) Oh dear. Those boys and Pinkie Pie were right. I shall never get out of here.

Narrator: But that evening, workmen brought floodlights. Then with powerful jacks they lifted Gordon and made a road of sleepers to keep his wheels from the mud. Strong wire ropes and certain ponies lasso were fastened to his back end and James, Henry, Rarity and Applejack pulling hard, managed to pull him back onto the rails. Late that night, Gordon crawled home as a sadder and wiser engine.

Ok. What did you think? Look out for the next story

Author's notes: The story is relatively unchanged, but I did add in a minor change.

Leaves

Narrator: The following morning after Gordon's accident, James and Gordon were resting on siding. Gordon was being cleaned up by Rarity and two cleaners. Needless to say, Gordon did not enjoy that one bit.

Gordon: (Grumbling) Oy Stop that… OW! Ow! Ow! You got the hose spraying in my eyes! Oh ouch! Ouch! Hey! Mind my eyes!

Alf: Oh. Shut up you Great Northern pain in the neck! Let us work in piece. By the way, did ever you see so much mud on such a big oaf before Bert?

Bert: I Haven't Alf. How bout you Rarity.

Rarity: Indeed I have not! I have never seen such filthy a engine in all my life. I thought that goods wagons were dirty enough. You ought to be really ashamed of yourself Gordon to let yourself get all filthy like that!

Bert: And giving us extra work to do.

Narrator: At last the, hosing and scrubbing stopped. Gordon opened one eye then closed it quickly. The Fat controller was walking sternly towards him.

Fat controller: Wake up Gordon! Listen to me! You will pull no more coaches until you are a really useful engine again!

Gordon: (Sadly) Yes sir I'm sorry Sir.

Narrator: With that Gordon was demoted from passenger service and placed in charge of goods trains working with Rainbow Dash. Whilst James, Rarity Henry and Applejack took it turns to take the stopping passenger trains and WildNorWester. Gordon felt his position deeply and grumbled bitterly as he bumped his trucks.

Gordon: Goods trains! Goods trains! (Bumps trucks) THAT'S FOR YOU! AND YOU! AND YOU!

Rainbow Dash: Ugh! Now careful Gordon! You don't want to dig a deeper ditch than you're already in.

Gordon: I can't stand it anymore! I want back to my WildNorWester I'm the only one that can pull the express better than anyone here!

William: Oh Gordon. Will you take it easy, please? We're fortunate enough to still be on the rails.

Narrator: James, whom was working with Rarity and Rachel was waiting at the Tidmouth Station platform one with the WildNorWester, saw the situation too.

James: You know it's no good going on like that Gordon. Trucks will trucks you know.

William: James. That has to be the most wise word of wisdom I've ever heard you say. Bravo James.

Rainbow Dash: Ah yeah. You go red engine!

Rachel: Indeed well done on that good word James.

Rarity: Oh I couldn't agree with you more darling. Masterfully done James bravo.

Narrator: And the 4 friends gave James a round of applause which unfortunately made him rather conceited. Gordon snorted.

Gordon: humph! They won't be with me! I'll show them! GO ON YOU MISERABLE LOT! LOOK SHARP!

Narrator: William went to transfer over to the WildNorWester duties with Rachel and Rarity.

William: I'm sorry about him. He's been very grumpy about his punishment, but I've never seen him in such a flaming temper.

Rachel: What happened?

William: Well we were charging Gordon's hill this morning. The rails were very damp. We made it safely to the top and then the trucks just started to push us down the hill.

Gordon: He's right. So take care little James. The hill is very slippery. You'll probably need help with the WildNorWester.

James: Pah! No fears. I don't need help climbing hills. I've pulled some of the worst truck up that hill all by myself once.

Narrator: Gordon just laughed and then he and Rainbow Dash got ready for their next train. A very furious James snorted out of the station with the WildNorWester.

James: Pah! Slippery hills indeed! Gordon thinks he's the only one who can pull express trains! I'm better than that blow heart Gordon! I'll show him! Come you coaches get lead out of your bogies and get moving!

Coaches: All in good time!

Coach 1: My word. He seems to be in a flaming temper today.

Coach 2: I thought he would be proud of taking the WildNorWester.

Coach 3: (Sighs) I hope Annie, Clarabel and Henrietta are fairing better with Thomas and Toby.

William: Sheesh. What's bitten James now?

Rachel: I don't know. He was fine earlier. Maybe it was some insult Gordon made…

Rarity: It certainly beats me.

Narrator: The express was running nicely. Soon a distant signal checked them at Gordon's hill. In the old days, Gordon's hill used to be bleak and bare. Strong winds from the sea made the hill difficult to climb. But thanks to Applejack and some workmen, some trees were planted to give shelter. In Spring and Summer, the engines would travel through a leafy avenue. It was Autumn now. Dead leaves fell, the wind usually puffed them away, but today rain made them heavy and they didn't move. The home signal showed that the line was clear. William opened the regulator and James began to pickup speed and soon they started to climb the hill. He started off confidently.

James: I'll do it! I'll do it!

Narrator: But halfway up, he wasn't so sure.

James: (Panting) I must do it! I must do it!

Narrator: But try as he could, his wheels slipped furiously on the wet leaves and he couldn't pull the train at all.

Rachel: William! Something wrong. James' is in trouble. We're slowing down!

William: We're losing traction!

Rarity: What do you mean?

William: James' wheels are slipping.

James: What's the matter? What's the matter?

Rarity: Easy darling! Easy!

William: Only one way to fix this. Rachel, give us some sand.

Rachel: You got it William!

Narrator: Rachel soon put sand on the rails.

Rachel: (confidently) There we go. Nothing to it.

Rarity: But why aren't we gaining traction yet?

Narrator: Then something muddy splattered into Rarity's face.

Rarity: Oooh! My mane! (Whimpering) Where in the name of Celestia did that come from?

Narrator: William handed her a hanker chief to wipe her face and then looked.

William: OH Crumbs! JAMES CALM DOWN AND SLOW DOWN! YOUR CHURNING THE SAND INTO MUD!

Rachel: WHAT?!

William: RACHEL! JAMES' IS CHURN THE SAND AND LEAVES INTO MUD! WE'RE LOSING MORE TRACTION!

Rachel: OH NO WAY! YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!

William: JUST TURN THE SANDER OFF! RACHEL TURN IT OFF! TURN IT OFF! TURN IT OFF! TURN IT OFF! TUNR IT OFF!

Rachel: OH LORD! OH LORD! OH LORD! (frantically turning the sander off)

Narrator: William was right. James' wheels were spinning so fast that it only ground the sand and leaves into slippery mud making thing worse than ever. And despite everyones best efforts, the train stopped… or did it?

Rarity: (Worried) Um pardon me William and Rachel, but is it just me, or is the sky supposes to be moving backwards?

William: What do you mean by tha…

James: HHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPP! I'M SLIPPING

Narrator: Rachel's, William's and Rarity's eyes all widen with horror.

William: Oh good lord! You've got to be joking me!

Narrator: They looked back and they all got the terrifying answer. True to form James' wheels were moving forward, but his heavy coaches were dragging him backwards and the whole train began to slipping down the hill.

William/Rachel/Rarity/James: AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Narrator: Rarity held on to William in sheer fright around his neck nearly suffocating him to death as well!

Rarity: WELL DON'T JUST STAND THERE MR. HOLDEN! SAVE US!

William: (gasping through Rarity's suffocating hug) Okay… everyone …brace yourselves for… an emergency stop.

Narrator: Still gagging under Rarity's very, very tight squeeze, William managed to quickly shut off steam, carefully applied the brakes and skilfully stopped the train. Rarity had shut her eyes even when they reached the bottom.

William: (Gagging) UM… Rarity…You can let go now…

Narrator: Rarity opened her eyes and saw she was grabbing a very blue faced and nearly choked to death William, she immediately let go blushing with embarrassment.

William: (Gasping for fresh air) AH… (panting)… Fresh… Air…

Rarity: Oh my my my my. I'm so terribly sorry Mr. Holden. Here let me go to the buffet coach and see if there is any water.

Narrator: She dashed into carriage returned with a tall mug of water. William drank it down greatfully. She even gave a very badly shaken Rachel a hot cup of raw coffee to calm her nerves all three mopped there eye brows.

Rachel: Whew! I never known that to happened before.

Rarity: Neither have I, Rachel darling…

William: (Clears throat) I have….

Rachel/Rarity: (surprised) You have? Where?

William: (Clearing throat) In… Bincombe tunnel… Southern region…British rail… former… Southern railway. Whew… Thanks again for the water,

Rarity: Oh. Anytime at all Mr. Holden.

Narrator: The guard came up.

Guard: Now what do we do.

Narrator: Since William was too hoarse to speak at the moment, Rachel took charge.

Rachel: We'll go back down to the station and send for a banker.

Rarity: What? I don't know how money can help us in this situation?

(Pinkie Pie appears out of nowhere dressed as a banker.)

Pinkie Pie: How much money do you want me to store?

Rachel: (Laughs) No Rarity, Pinkie Pie. A banker is another locomotive that helps trains up hills if the load is to heavy or if the gradient is too steep.

Rarity: Oh so that's what it means. Now that makes perfect sense.

Pinkie Pie: Heh, whoops. Wrong meaning. (Takes off the banker costume and heads back to Percy.)

Narrator: So the guard walked over to warn the signalman and they backed the train safely down, but Gordon and Rainbow Dash, who had followed with a goods train, saw what had happened. They left the trucks and crossed over to James.

Gordon: I thought that you could climb hills?

Narrator: Poor James, blushing with embarrassment, didn't answer. He hand no steam.

Rainbow Dash: Gordon!

Gordon: Ah well. We live and learn so never you mind little James. I'll help you by pushing behind. Just whistle when your ready.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash stood gobsmacked.

Rainbow Dash: (To herself) is that the same engine that fell in the ditch because he didn't want to do his job?

Rachel: Thanks Rainbow Dash. We don't know how we can repay you?

Rainbow Dash: Ah no need. Just glad to help out my fellow friends in need.

Rachel: Hey, can I ride with the 2 of you?

Gordon: Sure Rach. Hop up.

Narrator: Soon James had plenty of steam up. He whistled twice to let Gordon know he was ready and Gordon whistle 3 times telling James he was ready. And they soon set off.

Gordon: Pull hard.

James: We'll do it!

Narrator: Clouds of smoke and steam towered from the snorting engines as they valiantly struggled up the hill.

James: We can do it!

Gordon: We will do it!

Narrator: Although the greasy rails sometimes made Gordon's wheels slip, he never gave up.

Rainbow Dash: Alright you go big G! You're doing so awesome!

Rachel: That's it Gordon. That's the way to do it.

Narrator: At last they reached the top.

Everyone: We've done it! We've done it!

Narrator: Gordon stopped and whistled goodbye. James whistled goodbye and thank you. Gordon watched the coaches wistfully until they were out of sight then he slowly returned to his waiting trucks.

Next time, we see our number 1 blue tank engine go down a mine. That should be fun. See you there.

Author's Notes: This feels more like a Thomas story then a Gordon story. But, what the heck? Let's go.

Down The Mine

Narrator: Thomas, Rachel and Twilight Sparkle were waiting at Knapford junction when Gordon, Rainbow Dash and William, shuffled in with some trucks. William was just getting down for his shift with Thomas.

Thomas: (Sniff) Phew! What a funny smell!

Rachel: (Sigh) Oh boy. Here we go again.

William: Let me guess. Thomas' getting cocky again?

Twilight Sparkle: Yep.

Rainbow Dash: Oh great! First it was Gordon, though you've made a great improvement in behaviour.

Gordon: Thank you Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash: Now it's Thomas? Oh your kidding!

Thomas: (Sniff) Can you smell a smell girls?

Annie: (Sniff) I can't smell a smell…

Clarabel: Neither can I. What are you playing at Thomas?

Thomas: (Sniff) It's a funny, musty kind a smell.

Gordon: Well nobody noticed it until you did… So it must be yours. Or it might be Twilight Sparkle's?

Rainbow dash: Bah hahahahahahahaheha! Oh Gordon that was just too funny.

Gordon: (Grinning) Thank you thank you.

Twilight Sparkle: (Crossly) Huh? But I… WHAT?! I had a shower this morning thank you very much!

Rachel: Hahahahahahaha! Oh good show Gordon. Good show.

Twilight Sparkle: Hey! Who's side are you on?

William: Heheheh…. Don't worry your horn out. We're just kidding with you. Gordon has a great respect for you and the other ponies.

Narrator: Not long ago, Gordon had fallen into a dirty ditch and he knew that Thomas was teasing him.

Thomas: Annie, Clarabel, Twilight Sparkle, Rachel, William, Rainbow Dash, I think I finally know what is. (sniff) (sniff)

William: Don't you dare say it!

Rachel: Don't you dare say it!

Rainbow Dash: Don't you dare say it!

Twilight Sparkle: Don't you dare say it!

Thomas: It's ditch water!

William: And he said it!

Annie: Thomas! Take that back at once!

Clarabel: I can't believe you just said that.

Narrator: Gordon snorted, but before he could answer, Thomas had backed down onto Annie and Clarabel and ran off bunker first to Ffarquhar. Annie and Clarabel could hardly believe their ears. (Even if they didn't have ears.) And neither could his crew.

Clarabel: Oh my word, he's dreadfully rude I feel quite ashamed. (sob)

Annie: So am I my dear Clarabel.

Annie and Clarabel: Thomas! You mustn't be rude. You make us feel quite ashamed.

Thomas: Ah! Who cares? That was too funny.

Twilight Sparkle: Thomas! You're really pushing your luck.

Narrator: At last they made it to Ffarquhar. Both Annie and Clarabel had great respect for Gordon the big engine, and they couldn't help but be mad at Thomas for the rest of the journey. Thomas, Twilight, William and Rachel left the coaches at the station and took some empty trucks to the lead mine. Rachel had never heard of or been to the old lead mine.

William: Hey, Rachel, Twilight did you know that long ago that miner's used to dig for lead here right under the ground.

Twilight: Well yes of course. They would be digging underground, so what about it?

William: Well this is very important for you to remember.

Rachel: How come?

William: The miners built the tunnels right underneath the certain ground complex above one of the main shunting yards underneath the surface.

Twilight: Wow. How extraordinary.

Rachel: How enterprising. Who would thought that the mines would be right underneath the railways' shunting yards.

William: Not to mention it was dangerous work too.

Rachel: What do you mean?

William: Well, being built under railway lines, this became a manger safety hazard in the old days. Although the mine roofs are strong enough to hold up the weight of a standard gauge trucks, they cannot bare the weight of engines.

Twilight: So how do we know where the danger line is.

William: They put up sign that divides the safety line from the dangerline.

Narrator: When they got there, they could see what he meant. There was the large notice reading. Danger! Engines must not pass this board! William often warned Thomas but he took no notice.

Thomas: Pah! Silly old board. I laugh at the face danger!

Twilight: Don't push it, Thomas!

William: I've warned you several times Thomas. You'd better not try it.

Narrator: Thomas had often tried to pass it before but had never succeeded.

(Flashbacks)

(Attempt one)

Thomas: Alright! Nearly their and… what?

(Thomas' brakes go on)

William: Oh no you don't!

Thomas: Bother!

(Attempt 2)

Thomas: (Whistling a tune innocently) Hey look! An eagle.

(Brakes go on)

Thomas: DOH!

Twilight Sparkle: Nice try Thomas, but you're never going pass that board!

Thomas: Darn it!

(Attempt 3)

Thomas: (Tries distracting the crew) So how was your day… Oh lovely Sudrian weather we're having aren't we? And… hey hey… oh botheration.

Rachel: (grimly) You nearly fooled us.

(End flashbacks.)

Narrator: But this morning, he laughed as he puffed along to the mine. He had made a plan.

Thomas: (to himself) Mwhahahahahahaha! This plan will be full proof. They won't know hit them. Hehehehehehehe!

Narrator: When they arrived, Thomas had to push some empty trucks into one siding and pull out full ones from another. William stopped him and Rachel got out to turn the points.

Rachel: Alright. Come on!

Narrator: And they started to move. Twilight and William leaned out of the cab to see where they were going.

Thomas: (To himself) and….NOW!

Narrator: And bumping the trucks fiercely, he jerked William and Twilight Sparkle off the footplate

William/Twilight Sparkle: WHOA! OOF!

Thomas: Hahahaha! HORRAH! I'VE PASSED IT! I'VE PASSED IT! SO LONG SUCKERS!

Narrator: And laughing like anything, Thomas followed the trucks into the siding. Twilight Sparkle and William, unhurt, picked themselves up and ran after him.

William/Twilight Sparkle: RACHEL LOOK OUT!

Narrator: Rachel scrambled into the cab and applied his brakes. Thomas squealed crossly has his brakes went on and he stopped.

Thomas: (Crossly) Oh bother! What gives Rachel? It's perfectly safe.

William/Twilight Sparkle: COME BACK! COME BACK!

Narrator: But it was too late. There was rumbling noise from underneath and the rails quivered. Rachel quickly jumped clear and ran back to safety.

Rachel: WHOA!

Narrator: As she did so, ballast slipped away and the rails sagged and broke with loud shearing snap.

Thomas: HEY! HEY! HEY! WAIT WHAT'S HAPPENING! WH…WH… WHHOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAA! (Cough) (Cough) (Cough) (Cough) FIRE AND SMOKE! I'M SUNK!

Narrator: And of course he was. He could just see out of the hole, but his wheels were derailed and he couldn't move. William, Rachel, and Twilight Sparkle were absolutely furious.

Twilight/Rachel/William: YOU SILLY GREAT ENGINE!

Thomas: (Sadly) Oh dear. I am silly engine indeed. How can this get any worse?

Narrator: Thomas began to cry.

Fat controller: A very naughty one too! I saw you!

William/Twilight Sparkle/Rachel: AHH! Sir Topham Hatt.!

Narrator: Thomas's eyes widened with horror.

Thomas: I just had to ask… Oh sir! Please get me out Sir! I won't be naughty again Sir!

Narrator: The Fat controller scratched his chin.

Fat controller: Hmmm… I not so sure, We can't lift you out with a crane, the ground isn't firm enough. Hmmm… Let me see… I wonder if Gordon and Rainbow Dash could pull you out with cable?

Thomas: (sighing reluctantly) Yes sir…..

Narrator: Deep down Thomas, did not want to see Gordon or Rainbow Dash just yet. When Gordon and Rainbow Dash heard about Thomas' predicament, they nearly died laughing.

Rainbow Dash: BAH HAHHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh that's rich!

Gordon: Down a mine is he? Heheheheh! Oh what a great joke! That tank engine could give Charlie Chaplin a run for his money.

Narrator: After their giggle fit, Rainbow attached the cable winch to gordon's front end. They set of to the rescue.

Gordon: Don't worry little Thomas. We'll have you out in a couple of puffs.

Rainbow Dash: Ah yeah! We'll get you out in 10 seconds flat.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh wonderful. Thank goodness you're here Gordon and Rainbow Dash.

Narrator: The strong cables were attached between the two engines.

Fat controller: Are you ready? HEAVE!

Narrator: But it didn't take two puffs and they didn't get him out in 10 seconds flat. Gordon was panting hard and nearly purple until he had dragged Thomas out of the hole and passed the danger notice. Then the workmen used jacks to put Thomas back on the rails.

Thomas: I'm sorry I so cheeky to you Gordon. Thank you for rescuing me.

Gordon: That's alright Thomas. You made me laugh. I needed that. I'm disgrace and feeling low.

Thomas: So am I Gordon.

Gordon: Why so you are Thomas, Heheheh. We're both in disgrace. Shall we form an alliance?

Thomas: An alliana… What was it?

Gordon: An alliance Thomas. It means, united we stand and together we fall, you help me and I help you. You can say a certain element of loyalty taught me that.

Narrator: Gordon winked at Rainbow Dash and Whilst Rainbow Dash, flattered, blushed happily.

Rainbow Dash: So how bout Thomas?

Thomas: Right you are. Count me in.

Twilight: I'm with you Gordon.

Rachel: Hey Rainbow Dash. You can count me in.

William: I'm with you guys too.

Rainbow Dash: Ah yeah that's settled then. We shall call this the 'So awesome alliance'.

Narrator: And buffer to buffer the alliance chuckled and went home.

And that was 'Down The Mine'. Look out for 'Paint Pots And Queens'. See you there.

Author's notes: I really like this one. It's also the 1st appearance of my favourite princess. Also, I decided to add in Sally and Bridget, our GNR atlantics with Flitter and Cloud Chaser.

Paint Pots and Queens

Narrator: Following his mishap at the lead mines, Thomas had underwent repairs at the big station at Tidmouth. And when he emerged from the repair yards he was to shunt coaches and trucks around the yard while Toby and Percy worked the branchline. Though sadden by this, Thomas didn't grumble or complain and went about the shunting not knowing that this was just a test to see if he was running good. Meanwhile, all across the island, every station and every shed were being repainted, platforms were being swept, flags of the union Jack were being hung all around, soldiers, marines, royal guards practiced a series of marching drills whilst and Royal Air Forces practiced a series of flybys. The engines were all surprised and so were the ponies.

Thomas: Excuse me David, but what's with all the decorations?

David the Painter: Oh didn't you hear? The queen of England is coming for her coronation.

Narrator: All the engines were excited.

Edward: Well I'll be. Who would have thought that our island would be visited by one of the main leaders of united kingdom. Her majesty.

James: This will definitely go down in history books on our island.

Henry: Ah yes. What a day that will be.

Sally: Well, it is rather exciting.

Bridget: I can't wait for the queen to come.

Thomas: I have to get William and Rachel to take a note for their books.

Narrator: Back at Knapford Hotel, the ponies were all play pool when both Rachel and William came panting in, looking excited.

Rainbow Dash: Hey you two. What's gotten into you now? You look as though you were participating in the running of the leaves.

William: We've got really great news to tell you.

Rachel: Yeah! We've just been informed that the Queen of England is coming to our island!

Rarity: The queen of England?! Oh how wonderful! So that explains the union jack décor.

Rainbow Dash: That's why I saw all those aeroplane things doing flybys all over the island.

Applejack: And that explains all those soldiers and guards practicing their marchin' drills.

William: That's right. And there is to be a special royal train all the way from London usually pulled by a B.R mainland locomotive.

Rachel: Yeah, but this year one of our NWR engines is going to be pulling train.

Fluttershy: Oh how wonderful that sounds very exciting.

Flitter: My goodness. This is amazing.

Cloud Chaser: Wow! Wait till the rest of the ponies hear about this.

William: That's right. I a can't wait for this da…

Narrator: No further. One minute William was standing by the fireplace then…..

?: AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

?/ William: OOOFH!

Rachel: What the devil!

Narrator: Something fell from the chimney shaft all the way down towards the fireplace coating William in soot. But when the dust settled, Twilight looked up and smiled. Standing there right in front of them was purple and green baby dragon.

?: Hmm. This doesn't look like Harwick…. I think i should have turned left at Applequre.

Twilight Sparkle: Well comb my mane Spike! How did you find us?

Spike: Oh hey Twilight. I guess I didn't need to go to Harwick to find you 6 after all.

Rarity: Oh Spikywiky! I'm so glad that you're not hurt.

Spike: (Blushing) Heheheheh….Yeah same for you.

Narrator: Then Spike the dragon introduced himself to two humans and they introduced themselves to Spike.

Spike: Ah so you're William and Rachel. I knew you looked familiar. Oh that's right. Last Hearths Warming Eve. I nearly forgot. Oh and speaking of almost forgetting, I have some important news for all of you and your boss, um Sir Topham Hatt isn't it?

William: That's right. What is it?

Narrator: Spike the belched out a message. Twilight Sparkle opened it and read.

Twilight Sparkle: (Reading the letter) 'Dear my faithful pupal Twilight Sparkle. I have heard a lot about your adventures on Sodor and I had just read the letter that you gave me from Sir Topham Hatt. He says that it would be an honour to have me as guest for Queen Elizabeth the 2nd's coronation this year in 1952. I am pleased to inform you all that I have agreed to arrive with the queen at Tidmouth.'

Narrator: Twilight's eyes widened with a mixture of excitement, worry, and surprise.

Twilight Sparkle: (Gasp) Princess Celestia will be visiting the Island of Sodor for the first time! Oh my goodness! We've got so much do and so little time. (Crazy) Come on guys! Clock is ticking! Clock is ticking!

Narrator: She then advanced creeperly towards William and Rachel, making them both nervous. Luckily, Spike slapped her across the face to break her from her madness.

Spike: SNAP OUT OF IT!

Narrator: Twilight snapped out of her madness, blushed with embarrassment and apologised.

William: That's alright Twilight.

Rachel: Um, is this sometimes normal?

Twilight Sparkle: (blushing) Ahehehheh um only in a blue moon.

William: Anyway I'll relay this message over to Sir Topham Hatt for you, Spike.

Spike: Oh thanks. I really appreciate that.

Narrator: The next morning, when the ponies Rachel & William arrived to start work, the engines were wondering whom would pull the royal train.

Fluttershy: Um… if you don't mind me saying, but maybe Edward should pull it. He has been on the railway the longest. Um, that is, if you like to.

Edward: (Sigh sadly) Thank you Fluttershy for the input, but I'm afraid I'm too old to pull royal trains now a days.

Fluttershy: Oh my. I'm so sorry Edward. I didn't mean….

Edward: Fluttershy. It's alright. I'm not offend. There there now. There's a good mare.

Rainbow Dash: Aj yeah! That means Gordon should pull it…

Gordon: I'm in disgrace. The Fat Controller would never chose me. Uh, perhaps Sally and Bridget will get to take it.

Sally: Oh I don't know about that Gordon. Besides, I'm pretty old too. Being built in 1898.

Bridget: I was built in 1902, so I think I would be too old to pull the special train as well.

Flitter: Oh, don't say that girls.

Cloud Chaser: I'm sure you will be able to take special trains too.

James: Ha! He'll choose me, naturally.

Rarity: Indeed darling. You'd look smashing with that train.

Henry: What you?! You can't even climb a hill without a banker.

James: (Quietly to himself.) Oh yeah. Coming from an engine who can't pull an express fish train without hitting another goods train.

Rarity: Hey, I'll have you know Henry, we've climbed that hill many times without any trouble and got over what happened 2 weeks ago. How could you?! Hmph!

Henry: Heh. Easy. He'll ask me to pull the train and I'll have a splendid new coat of paint. Just you wait, little James.

Applejack: Well Henry. I admire your confidence but as we say back at sweet apple acres, don't count you chickens before they hatch.

Henry: Oh don't worry hat Applejack this can only result in success.

Narrator: For the 3 weeks, Henry puffed about proudly, confident that he would be the royal engine. One day when it rained, William and Applejack had stretched a tarpaulin from the cab to the tender to keep themselves dry as Henry puffed into the big station at Tidmouth. A painter was climbing a ladder above the line. Henry's smoke blew upward. It was thick and black. The painter chocked and couldn't see.

Painter: (Cough) (cough) What the devil! (cough) (cough)! Whoa whoa

Narrator: The painter missed his footing, dropped his paint pot and landed plop onto Henry's tarpaulin.

Painter:AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! (Lands on tarpaulin ) Oopf!

William: What in zam hill?!

Applejack: What in tarnation?!

Henry: OW!

Narrator: With a loud clatter, the paint pot fell onto poor Henry. The paint trickled down his boiler from end to end as the paint pot perched on his dome. The painter, unhurt clambered down and shook his brush at Henry.

Painter: (Crossly) Well you're not a Picasso masterpiece you silly great engine! You spoiled my nice clean paint with your dirty smoke and you take the whole lot and make me fetch some more! Oh dear! Oh dear.

Narrator: He stormed away. Thomas had just shunted some coaches to another platform when Twilight Sparkle and Rachel rushed over to see what was the ruckus for. Rainbow Dash, whom just came from the yards after taking a goods train with Gordon had heard the painters ranting and came over too.

Rainbow Dash: BAHAHAHAHAH! Look at you Henry. This is comedy gold.

Twilight Sparkle: Hahahahah! I must admit, it does look funny.

Rachel: Hahahahahah! Funniest thing I've ever seen yet!

William/Applejack/Henry: (Rolls their eyes, annoyed) Ha ha ha! Very funny girls.

Narrator: The Fat controller pushed his way through the crowd.

Fat Controller: You look like an iced cake Henry. That won't do for the royal train. I'm afraid I must make other arrangements.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh my! I must get Pinkie Pie to bake that cake and desserts for the coronation.

Narrator: William was so busy that he had almost forgot to relay the message from Spike and hastily ran after him.

William: SIR WAIT!

Fat controller: Yes William.

William: Sir. I apologise. I know your probably busy right now but this is really urgent. I am to relay this message to you it's from the ponies home world of Equestria. There leader, Princess Celestia, wishes to join the queen at the coronation.

Narrator: The fat controller took note read it and. And smiled.

Fat Controller: Thank you William. I Shall write to London immediately about the plan. In the mean time, you, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle and Rachel come with me to yards. We're going to forgive Gordon and Thomas.

Narrator: The two friends went off together. Later at the yards, Thomas and Gordon were being serviced looked over by Fluttershy, when William, Rainbow Dash, Rachel and Twilight Sparkle came up to them.

Thomas/Gordon: Please Sir!

Fat Controller: One at a time! One at a time! Yes Gordon?

Gordon: With all due respect sir, but may Thomas have his branchline again? He has done admirably in the yards?

Narrator: The fat controller pondered.

Fat Controller: What about you Thomas?

Thomas: Sir with all due respect, but may Gordon pull coaches again Sir? He has really improved admirably with the goods work.

Narrator: The Fat controller, Rainbow Dash, William, Rachel and Twilight Sparkle smiled.

Fat Controller: hmhmhmh… very well. I see you both are now sorry and have behaved very admirably lately. You both are now really useful engines again. So I will allow your wish to be granted. And as an added bonus, I will give you each a special tree for the Coronation. So when the queen comes, Fluttershy, you will work with Edward. Edward shall be pilot engine to clear the line. Thomas, you and Twilight Sparkle shall help to shunt the royal coaches to the proper sidings. William, you and Rachel will be operating Gordon with Rainbow Dash.

Narrator: He turned and smiled.

Fat controller: And Gordon, you shall be the royal engine and pull the royal train.

Narrator: Everyone was beaming with pride.

All: Oh thank you Sir!

Narrator: At last the great day finally came. Applejack, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Henry, James, Percy, Toby, Sally and Bridget all worked hard bringing all the people to the Town at Tidmouth. Thomas and Twilight sorted all their coaches in the yard so organised that the purple unicorn thought it looked like an exacted copy of her bookshelves in Ponyville. Rarity made sure that all the décor's and union jacks were looked proper and spotless, Pinkie Pie made the desserts look good enough to eat and Applejack got the military men ready. And at last, everything was set. Thomas then whistled the signal of the queens train.

Thomas: There coming!

Rarity: All set!

Pinkie Pie: Ready!

Spike: Ready and set!

Applejack: ATTENTION!

Soldiers/ royal guardsmen: MAM! YES MAM!

Narrator: Then on cue Edward steamed proudly in looking smart with bright paint and flags of the union jack. As he whistled on cue.

Edward:The royal train with Her majesty is here.

Twilight: (gasp in excitement) Princess Celestia!

Narrator: 2 minutes passed 5, 7, 10 then at last a proud whistle sounded in the distance. Everyone knew that sound. A squadron diamond formation of hurricanes and spitfires did flyby over the station, along with another formation coming from the Wonderbolts, the band played And mighty cheer came as the queen's train glided into the station twilight eyes brightened. Gordon was spotless his brash shone bright. Like Edward, he was wearing the flags of the union jack, but on his running he proudly carried the royal arms. The queen and Princess Celestia, a regal white Alicorn was a pink, purple, blue and green flowing mane and tail and sun cutie mark were met by the Fat controller and before doing anything else she thank them for their splendid run.

Fat controller: Not at all your Majesty, and your Highness. It is an absolute honour. Thank you your majesty and your highness.

Queen Elizabeth the 2nd: Princess Celestia and I have read a great deal about your famous engines, and of Princess Celestia's famous little ponies from the Reverend Wilbert Awdry, Miss Ravens and Mr. Holden in there literature.

Princess Celestia: Indeed. With your permission you're lordship, Sir, Queen Elizabeth and I would be very Honoured if we were to meet your famous engines and of course my little ponies please.

Fat controller: It would be a wonderful honour. Right this way your Majesty and your Highness.

Narrator: And he led the way to where the ponies and engines were all waiting. Percy and Toby whistle excitedly.

Percy: Toby! They're coming!

Toby: They're coming Spike and Pinkie Pie!

Pinkie: Oh my goodness their coming. I'm so excited! Are you excited.

Spike: I'm excited are you excited.

Toby: I'm excited are you excited.

Percy: I'm excited are you excited.

Applejack, Rarity, Henry and James: SSSSSSHHHHHHH!

Narrator: But Toby, Percy, Spike and Pinkie Pie were all too excited to care. The Fat Controller introduced Princess Celestia and Queen Elizabeth to all the engines and told them their names, Princess Celestia introduced Queen Elizabeth the 2nd to her little ponies and she too gave her their names. They both talked to each pony and engine. And before turning to go, they made a speech.

Queen Elizabeth 2nd: Thank you all for your hospitality today. We are greatly honoured to be here today, the most famous and well renowned Island in all of the british Islands.

Narrator: Then Celestia took the podium

Celestia: Now then we would like to call up 6 very special ponies and 3 amazing People.

Narrator: Celestia used her Alicorn magic and parchment roll appeared and she and the queen read the names.

Queen Elizabeth: Miss Rarity!

Narrator: Rarity stepped forth and bowed Shook hooves' and hands with Celestia and the Queen.

Celestia: Miss Fluttershy!

Narrator: Fluttershy, feeling nervous, stepped forward and shook hooves and hands too with the royal Ladies.

Queen: Miss Rainbow Dash!

Narrator: Rainbow Dash flew over and did the same thing.

Celestia: Miss Pinkie pie!

Queen: Miss Applejack!

Celestia: Sir Topham Hatt!

Narrator: And all too did the same thing.

Queen Elizabeth: Miss Rachel Marie and Mr. William James Holden!

Celestia: And finally my faithful pupil, Twilight Sparkle.

Narrator: The two humans and their unicorn friend walked proudly forward and greet the royal Alicorn and the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth 2nd: Princess Celestia and I have first heard about these famous engines from the Rev Wilbert Vere Awdry's books and eventually we had read about Princess Celestia's ponies from these two writers Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens.

Celestia: At first, I was worried that with my little ponies being exposed to an environment with a different species that might have never understood them, but thanks to the Kindness and love that Miss Ravens and Mr. Holden have shared with these ponies, Queen Elizabeth and I are honoured to announce that the lands of Equestria, Sodor and the United kingdom of Great Britain have now formed an firm friendship alliance.

Queen Elizabeth: We are honoured to have you all as a part of our unity of friendship. Thank you.

Narrator: Percy and Pinkie Pie bubbled over.

Percy: Three Cheers for the Queen!

Pinkie Pie: Three cheers for Princess Celestia!

Narrator: And the engines and ponies all whistled cheered loudly. The Fat controller held his ears but Queen Elizabeth and Princess Celestia just smiled at one another waved to the ponies and engines and then passed the gates.

Princess Celestia: You know what Queen Elizabeth?

Queen: Yes Princess Celestia?

Princess Celestia : I think this may well be the start of a very beautiful unity of friendship.

Queen: I heartily agree with you my dear Princess Celestia.

Narrator: Next day, the queen and Princess Celestia spoke to everyone. Especially to Thomas and Twilight for fetching their royal coaches. Then to Edward and Fluttershy for guiding the way. And finally to Gordon, William, Rachel and Rainbow Dash who took them away to musical sound of god save the Queen. No engines, humans, or ponies ever felt prouder then, Thomas, Twilight, Edward, Fluttershy, William, Rachel, Rainbow Dash, and Gordon.

(Gordon running grandly with the royal train as Gordon, Edward, Fluttershy, William, Rachel and Rainbow Dash burst into song)

Gordon: (singing) God save our gracious Queen,

Rachel: (Singing) Live long our noble Queen,

William: (Singing) God save the Queen!

Rainbow Dash: (Singing) Send her victorious,

Fluttershy: (Singing) Happy and glorious,

Edward: ( Singing) Long to reign over us,

All six: (singing) God save the Queen.

And that was 'Gordon The Big Engine'. Next time... 'Thomas' Christmas Party'? Ok... fair enough.

Author's Notes: Yes! I know that this is a Christmas story in the middle of March. Deal with it. On a positive level, I love this story. Gives a beautiful atmosphere and touches my emotions very, very well.

Thomas' Christmas Party

Dear Rachel

Do you remember when Mrs. Kindley saved our lives last year? Well, I just have to say that she really deserved that party we gave her at Tidmouth. I'm so happy she enjoyed herself. And I really want to thank you and Applejack again for helping me, Twilight and Thomas rescue her from that snow in this year. Anyway, we wrote the book and this story tells you all about our brave rescue of Mr. and Mrs. Kindley. Have a happy new year.

Your friend William James Holden January 1st 1953

Narrator: Mr.s Kindley lives in a cottage close by Thomas' branchline. She and her husband love trains and ponies and wave at them when they go by. Once when she was ill and bed ridden in 1951, she saved Thomas and his train full of passengers from a terrible accident. As token of appreciation, The Fat Controller sent her and her husband to Bournemouth to get better. Thomas, Toby, Twilight Sparkle, Rachel and William missed her greatly and looked forward to welcoming her home again. Toby, Rachel and Applejack saw her first. The little tram was taking the workmen from the town at Knapford up to the quarry when he passed the little white cottage and saw Mr. and Mrs. Kindley waving. Toby whistled and rang his bell happily.

Toby: Henrietta! Rachel! Applejack! Look, it's Mr and Mrs. Kindley!

Henrietta: Good day to you Mr and Mrs Kindly.

Rachel: Greetings Mr and Mrs Kindly! (Waves to them)

Applejack: Howdy Mr and Mrs Kindly. (Waves to them.)

Narrator: The passengers waved too. Thomas, Twilight Sparkle, Annie, Clarabel and William were delighted too. Their trains were much more heavier than Toby's and Henrietta's at Christmas time. But Mrs. Kindley cheered them on.

(Thomas puffing along his branchline)

William: Hey Twilight! We're losing speed.

Twilight Sparkle: Come on Thomas. You can do it!

Thomas: (Panting) I can't do it! I can't do it!

(Thomas sees Mrs. Kindley waves him on)

Thomas: Oh yes I can!

(Thomas response with a will)

Annie: That's the spirit Thomas.

Clarabel: Keep it up Thomas.

Narrator: Thomas had never forgotten how she had saved them from a terrible crash. Thomas wanted to thank her properly. Toby agreed with him and so did William, Rachel, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Annie, Clarabel and Henrietta.

Thomas/Toby: Hey. Lets give her a party at Christmas.

William: Oh that's a great idea!

Rachel: Fantastic! Well done Thomas and Toby,

Twilight Sparkle: How very thoughtful of you Thomas and Toby.

Applejack: Well I say, that's a fine and dandy idea there Toby and Thomas.

Thomas: But where should we hold it? Our sheds here are far too small.

Toby: Your right. No can fit in here when we're around. Even Annie, Clarabel and Henrietta are left in another shed.

Applejack: Don't worry sugarcubes. We ain't givin' up that easily.

Twilight: I'm with you too Applejack. So any ideas?

Rachel: Hhmmmmm… Say, that's it! We'll throw it at Tidmouth! I'm sure the big engines would like a party in that grand new shed.

William: Oh that's a great idea Rachel! We'll ask them when we get there tonight.

Twilight Sparkle: I'll tell the other ponies and Spike and send a letter to Princess Celestia.

Narrator: The big engines were delighted, and so were the ponies, drivers and firemen.

Fluttershy: Oh how wonderful! That's very kind of you to give Mrs. Kindley a Christmas party.

Rarity: Oh yes indeed that sounds very grand indeed.

Rainbow Dash: I know this is going to be so awesome!

Pinkie Pie: Oh I am so in if there's a party involved.

Spike: Oh boy! I've always wanted to see a Christmas party.

William: We'll all ask the Fat controller.

Narrator: The next morning, William and Rachel accompanied by the mane 6 went and asked the fat controller.

Fat controller: A party for Mrs. Kindley, what a grand idea. Now lets see. We've no trains schedule for Christmas or boxing day. And we all want to spend Christmas at home of course. So boxing day it shall be.

Narrator: William, Rachel, Spike and the ponies were delighted. So Pinkie made an invitation card and dashed out the office towards the Kindley's cottage faster than bullet. Twilight sent Princess Celestia a letter invitation. At the kindley's estate Mr. and Mrs. Kindley were having breakfast when they heard a knock on the door.

Mr. Kindley: Hmm now who do you suppose that could be?

Narrator: So that they got up and opened the door and Pinkie then burst into song.

Pinkie Pie: (Singing)
This is your singing telegram
I hope it finds you well
You're invited to a party
'Cause we think you're really swell
It is a Christmas one
So help us celebrate.
The cake will be delicious
The activities 1st rate
There will be dancing
Giving presents
Cut a rug
And when the party's over
We'll gather round for a group hug
(Panting heavily still singing)
It won't be the same without you
So we hope that you say yes
So, please, oh please, R.S.V.P.
And come, and be our guest!

Narrator: And Pinkie Pie plopped to the ground exhausted. She had ran all the way from Tidmouth over to the Kindleys' and was now out of breath.

Mrs. Kindley: You look absolutely worn out. Oh you poor dear. Here, come in and have some milk and cookies. I just baked some fresh.

Narrator: After a drink of milk and a bite of cookies Pinkie Pie gave the Kindley's the invitation, thanked them for the cookies and milk and then board Thomas's train to Tidmouth. Soon, Mrs. Kindley opened the note and it said. 'Thomas, Toby and friends request the company of Mr. and Mrs. Kindley at a party at the new engine shed. Tidmouth on boxing day at 5 p.m. R.V.S.P Sir Topham Hatt.' Thomas and Toby we're with the big engines at Tidmouth for Christmas. Whilst Annie, Clarabel and Henrietta joined the other coaches in the carriage shed.

Thomas: Wow! It's so warm in here.

Edward: Indeed Thomas. I'm glad that we are all together for this occasion.

Sally: I know. It just wouldn't be the same otherwise.

Bridget: Too right Sally. Man, I can't wait till the ponies and humans get here.

Percy: Agreed. Great to have some other smaller engines to keep me company too.

Toby: Glad to be here Percy. This will be the best Christmas ever.

Henry: With that said Toby, I think we'll say that every year when Christmas rolls around.

Gordon: Good point Henry.

(They all chuckle together.)

Narrator: At Knaphord Hotel, everyone was also chatting excitedly and drinking hot cocoa.

Twilight Sparkle: You make great cocoa Rachel.

Rachel: Thanks. Cooking and making drinks are specialities in my family.

Applejack: Kind of like my family when making apple treats. Why, you must give me the recipe to make it.

Rachel: Well…

(Ring ring!)

Rainbow Dash: Oh bother that telephone.

Rachel: You lot stay here. I got it. (Sets the cocoa down, walks to the kitchen and picks up a banana thinking it's the phone) Hullo. Knaphord Hotel…

(Pinkie Pie heads in)

Pinkie Pie: (Laughs) That's not the phone! That's a banana!

Rachel: (Laughs) Oh! Whoops. Silly me. (Sets it in the fruit bowl and gets the phone.) Hello, Knaphord Hotel. Rachel Marie Ravens speaking… WHAT?! SNOWED IN?! OH GOOD Lord are they alright?!... Oh that's Good….Yes Sir! We'll be there right away. (Puts it down and runs back) We have an emergency! The Fat controller just called up and requests that we all be at Tidmouth at once!

Narrator: William, Spike, Flitter, Cloud Chaser and the mane 6 wasted no time and quickly got their winter gear on and raced after Rachel. They climbed into William's ancient car and drove over to Tidmouth. A few hours later, the engines were all resting warmly in the shed until the Fat Controller, Miss Ravens, Mr. Holden, Spike, Cloud Chaser, Flitter and the mane 6 burst into the shed, winds howling fiercely and snow falling heavily.

Thomas: What's happening sir?

Fat Controller: The weathers changed for the worst. It's snowing hard at Ffarquhar. Mr. and Mrs. Kindley have been cut off.

Fluttershy: Oh my!

Pinkie Pie: Oh no no no no! Not good! Not good! Not good!

Twilight Sparkle: Oh my goodness.

Flitter: This is terrible.

Cloud Chaser: How awful.

Rarity: Of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE! WORST! POSSIBLE! THING!

Narrator: Everyone looked at Rarity.

Rarity: What? I really mean it this time.

Fat Controller: We need snowplows to fetch them tomorrow.

Rainbow Dash: Well lets go get them then! Less talk, more actioonnn…!

Narrator: Applejack grabbed Rainbow Dash's tail.

Applejack: Whoa there nelly. (Lets go of R.D tail) We can't do anything tonight.

Rainbow Dash: What?! They…

Fat Controller: Applejack is right. It is far too dangerous out there in that tundra, we have to wait until boxing day morning.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash looked out and understood.

Fat controller: Now Thomas, I know you don't like snow but you're the only one barring Toby who knows that line better than anyone. So how about it?

Thomas: (Bravely) Yes Sir. I'll try Sir. We can't have a party without them, we must get them out.

Toby: Please Sir. Can I help too?

Fat controller: Certainly Toby. The more the merrier. You two will manage splendidly.

William: I'll go with you Thomas.

Twilight Sparkle: Same here. The Kindleys are our friends too.

Rachel: Sir. Count me in too.

Applejack: I'm with you too.

Fat controller: Ah that settles it. We'll have you ready early in the morning. Good luck to you all.

Narrator: Early next morning, William, Rachel, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle fitted Toby and Thomas with snowplows and the two engines were arranged back to back with a van carrying workmen in between them. Thomas and Toby charged the snowdrifts fiercely.

Thomas: GRRRRRRAHHHHHHHH! Come on Toby! We can do this!

Toby: (Panting) Rodger Thomas! Grrrrrahhh! We must do it!

William: One drift down and mass more to go. Hanging in their Twilight?

Twilight Sparkle: Still in one piece! Keep it up Thomas!

Applejack: Hang in there Rachel!

Rachel: Ha! I ain't even breaking a sweat.

William: Brace yourselves! Here's another big one. CHARGE!

Narrator: Sometimes they swept the snow aside…

Thomas: Ha! Got another one! Good job back there Toby!

Toby: Thanks Thomas. Keep up the good work too.

Narrator: But at other times, they stuck fast.

William: Blast it! This one's too deep. We'll have to wait till the workmen loosen it! Twilight, inform the others

Twilight Sparkle: On it! (Walks over to Toby) Applejack, Rachel we hit a deep one! We'll have to loosen it and try again.

Applejack: Lets do it then Twi!

Narrator: They backed up so that the men from the van could loosen the hard packed snow then on they went again. It was tiring hard work but everyone was responding with will. But at the cutting near the tunnel they could go no further.

William: Great Scott! Look at that!

Twilight: Holy great Celestia! The whole tunnel mouth is blocked.

Narrator: Thomas whistled to let the Kindleys' know they were there to get them out.

Thomas: Here we are Mr. and Mrs. Kindley!

Narrator: The snow was so deep that the answering waving came from an upstairs window. They heard another toot from behind the cottage.

Terrence: And so are we.

Thomas: That's Terrence! He's come to help too!

Narrator: Sure enough, Terrence had a snowplow and was working hard to clear the road. The two parties met to make a plan. Terrence's gang planned to clear the snow around the house whilst the railway gang and Applejack dug a path from the cottage to the line. Meanwhile back at Tidmouth, Henrietta was being dust and swept and decorated like never before by Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity.

Rarity: My Henrietta darling you do look marvellous the décor definitely matches your Victorian age shape.

Pinkie Pie: Plus you look very festive indeed.

Fluttershy: You look even better then before Henrietta.

Henrietta: Oh thank you darlings. You know how to make coach feel grand.

Narrator: Then Pinkie Pie took Henrietta with Percy, who also had a snowplow, to Elsbridge to wait for Thomas and Toby.

Percy: And here we are at Elsbridge. Now where are they?

Pinkie Pie: Ah! There they are!

Percy: Oh goody!

Narrator: Soon Thomas and Toby arrived. They had a good rest and were cleaned up by William Rachel Applejack and Twilight. Then Pinkie and Percy changed trains. Thomas and Toby took Henrietta to cottage to pick up the Kindleys whilst Percy took the tired workmen in the van home. It was dark when they reached Tidmouth. The shed doors were shut, there was dead silence and not soul to be seen. The two engines whistled despairingly.

Toby/Thomas: Where is everybody?

Narrator: There was no answer. William checked his watch and so did Rachel.

William: I don't get it? It's 5pm on my watch how bout your's Rachel?

Rachel: Same here.

Applejack: I don't understand this?

Twilight Sparkle: (Sadly a lone tear drips from her eye) Maybe they decided to cancel the party. I don't blame them.

Narrator: Thomas' heart sank and so did toby's, William's, Rachel's, twilights, and Applejacks. Then a bright sun goddess Alicorn flew up into the air and a chorus of whistles and cheers sounded out through the air. The shed lights in the yard went on. MERRY CHRISTMAS Hung above in bright lights. Twilight and her friends faces lit up!

Twilight: Princess Celestia! You've made it!

Princess Celestia: hmhmhmh.. Indeed I have. Sorry I took a while the snowy weather was crazy.

Narrator: Twilight and Celestia and exchanged happy laughs. Princess Celestia, Sir Topham Hatt and Lady Hatt greeted Mr. and Mrs. Kindley warmly.

Mrs. Kindley: May we see your engines and Celestia's ponies please?

Celestia: Certainly Mr. and Mrs. Kindley. They're over there.

Fat controller: Just right this way.

Gordon/Henry/Edward/James/Sally/Bridget: We are honoured to have you here Mr and Mrs Kindly.

Fluttershy: (Timed and quiet) It's great to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Kindley.

Mrs. Kindley: Oh please don't be shy their. I'm not going to hurt you I love animals as much as I love trains.

Narrator: She stroked Fluttershy's mane and she cheered up super quick. Then Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Flitter and Cloud Chaser introduced themselves next. Then James, Gordon, Henry, Edward, Sally and Bridget. Mrs. Kindley then thanked the smaller engines, the ponies and their crew for the rescue.

Mrs. Kindley: William, Rachel, Applejack, Twilight, Thomas and Toby are old friends, and now everyone else here are my friends too.

Narrator: Percy was so pleased he bubbled over, Pinkie pie bubbled over so much she took off like a rocket through one of the shed chimney's before return into the shed.

Pinkie Pie: WWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOO! THIS IS JUST FANTASTIC!

Percy and Pinkie Pie: THREE CHEERS FOR MRS KINDLEY!

Narrator: And all the engines and ponies cheered and whistled the Fat controller held his ears. Soon the Christmas tree was rolled into position for the carolling and they sang all their old favorites until their voices gave out.

Everyone:
Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Don we now our gay apparel,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
Toll the ancient Yuletide carol,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
See the blazing Yule before us,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Follow me in merry measure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
While I tell of Yuletide treasure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Fast away the old year passes,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Sing we joyous, all together,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Heedless of the wind and weather,
Fa la la la la, la la la la

Narrator: Then they were refreshed with hot coffee, apple cider, and cocoa and mince and apple pies made by Pinkie Pie and Applejack. Then they pulled crackers and played games until all too soon it was time for the party to end.

Fat Controller: Ladies, Gentlemen, ponies and Engines! We're are all here to honour a gracious lady whom last year did our railway and Celestia's ponies a great service. We all hope that you will accept these life long free travel passes over our railway. May you have long life and good health to enjoy it.

Celestia: And I too would be honoured to allow free visits to the land of Equestria whenever you like, after saving the lives of my little ponies. Thank you so much and have very happy Christmas.

Narrator; Cheers followed and to the strains of "for she is a jolly good fellow" punctuated by whistles. The Fat controller and Lady Hatt invited them along with Princess Celestia to stay at their home at wellsworth manor. The last guest left and the doors shut.

Edward: Oh what lovely party. Thank you Thomas, Toby and Percy. Thank you so much.

Gordon: (sleepily singing) and so save all of us….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Percy: Uh, Gordon, everyone is gone.

Gordon: zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Sally: (Chuckles) Let him sleep Percy.

Bridget: We'd better get some rest too.

Edward: Night guys.

Thomas: Night everyone.

Everyone else: Night.

Narrator: Back at Knapford Hotel William, Rachel, Spike, Flitter, Cloud Chaser and the mane 6 were so tired and happy that they all plopped down in a comfortable couches in the rec room, and after wishing each other a very Happy Christmas and Hearths Warming Eve, the ponies, Spike, Rachel Marie Ravens and William James Holden smiled as they fell happily asleep in front of the nice warm fireplace.

And we end on a joke with Gordon. I must admit, that was a good one atsf. Next time, we take on 'Edward The Blue Engine'.

Author's Notes: My goodness, 'Edward The Blue Engine' already. We are on a role. Here we go. Part 1, action!

Dear Rachel,

Boy this year was absolutely wonderful, first we save an old traction engine from scrap, then we saved James and Rarity from a dangerous accident, and best all thanks to our friends Fluttershy and Edward, Celestia has now granted us eternal life and youth so we can still work with our fellow friends, ponies and engines without the fear of growing old and retiring. People work differently to engines of course, heh. Every engine, and everypony else barring a few, actually thought Edward was pretty much washed up and useless, But they no longer think that now. Anyway, these stories will tell you all about it. I hope you like them.

Your friend forever

William James Holden

Cows!

Narrator: Edward the blue engine was getting old and Fluttershy was worried. His bearings were worn and he clanked and clunked as he puffed along. One day, Fluttershy, William and Edward were taking twenty empty cattle trucks to a market town. The sun shone and birds sang, and some cows were grazing in field close by the line.

Edward: Come on! Come on! Come on!

Cattle trucks: Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!

Edward: And don't so much noise!

Cattle trucks: Oh and you should talk? You're the one that sounds likes he's passed it.

Edward: You'll be the ones who are passed if you don't be quiet! Take that!

Narrator: And he gave the trucks a disciplinary bumped.

Cattle trucks: Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Why you little…

Edward: Fluttershy, my dear.

Fluttershy: Um yes Edward?

Edward: I hope it's not too much, for but would you mind giving these delinquent cattle trucks a good stare down please.

Fluttershy: No problem Edward.

William: Good girl Fluttershy. Give those hooligan trucks a really good stare.

Narrator: She then flew up and stared the cattle trucks down.

Fluttershy: Now you listen to me cattle trucks. I've just heard that you have been causing trouble for my friends here and I would rather you don't cause trouble for me and them. Anymore nonsense and I'll give you the stare.

Narrator: And she stared them down looking them straight in the eye. The cattle trucks, petrified, started to behave themselves though only a slight bit better. Edward puffed and clanked along. The trucks, though respectable, continued to rattle and scream.

Fluttershy: Um, Edward?

Edward: Yes?

Fluttershy: I hope you don't mind me mentioning this to you, but I think you might want to take it easy please. You're clanking and clunking have me a little worried.

Narrator: Edward smiled.

Edward: Thank you very much for your concern Fluttershy. I really am grateful. But don't worry about me. I'll be careful. I know this railway like the back of my tender.

William: Indeed Fluttershy. Barring Thomas, Edward has been here the longest of any engine still running on the NWR.

Narrator: But Fluttershy was still concerned, not because she doubted Edward's knowledge of the North Western Railway, but because they were approaching the cow pasture between Crosby and Wellsworth. Fluttershy knew that the cows there weren't too keen on trains passing by the field, the noise and smoke disturbed them. Edward was heading for trouble and Fluttershy knew this but there was nothing she could do. As Edward and his trucks came by, they were making the most awful racket that you have ever heard. The cows twitched up their tails and ran they galloped across the field, broke through the fence, and charged the train between the 13th and 14th trucks. A coupling broke and the last 6 trucks and the Brake van all left behind. Fortunately they were not damage and stayed up right, they ran for a short distance along the sleepers before ground to a halt and miraculously none of the cows weren't hurt, just shaken up a bit. Edward felt a jerk but didn't take much notice. He was used to cattle trucks and how they behaved. But William and Fluttershy noticed.

William: Hey did you hear that Fluttershy? (Looks out the window.) Oh no. We've left the tail behind.

Fluttershy: Um Edward. I think something happened to the…

Edward: Oh never mind Fluttershy and William. It's just those bothersome cattle trucks, being there usual bothersome selves. I can't understand why they don't come quietly.

Fluttershy: But Edward, you should really listen.

Edward: Don't worry Fluttershy. I know I'm getting old but I'm still reliable.

William: We know Edward. But…

Narrator : It wasn't until they reached the next station stop before Fluttershy and William could explain what had happened.

Edward: Oh dear. I'm dreadfully sorry for not listening to you.

Fluttershy: It's alright Edward. We all make mistakes.

William: Come on. Let's go get our tail back.

Edward: Righto then.

Narrator: With the signalman's permission, they went back to collect the rest of the train that they had lost. Fortunately, Thomas, Toby, Rachel, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle had arrived on scene with the breakdown train and had already lifted the derailed cattle trucks and the brake van back onto the rails. Applejack with aid of her dog Winona herded the cows into a new pasture away from the railway line and repaired the fence, just as Edward William and Fluttershy arrived to collect remains of the train they had lost. Since there was no damage done, Edward, Fluttershy and William were able to take the train on to Knapford station. However the story soon spread. When Gordon, Henry, Rainbow Dash and Spike heard about the accident, they laughed so hard that tears ran down their cheeks.

Gordon: Fancy that. Allowing cows to break Edward's train. Whatever next?

Narrator: Rainbow Dash was laughing so hard she couldn't stand up straight.

Rainbow Dash: BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHEHEHA! Oh Edward, William, I can't believe you let happen too you! Oh this just too funny!

Narrator: Edward just rolled his eyes and so did William.

Rainbow Dash: Oh, you're such a laugh old timer. I must admit, I thought your clanking and rattling was your most funniest laugh riot ever but this, this has got to be your biggest masterpiece ever. (She landed on her back rolling and laughing. Spike joined her).

Spike: No way, it's more like a disasterpiece if you ask me, This is hilarious. (Spike laughed.).

William: (Annoyed) Ha ha ha! Very funny Spike and Rainbow Dash.

Narrator: Fluttershy was shocked at such behaviour.

Fluttershy: Please stop that! It's not Edward's fault. Those cows aren't keen about the sound that trains make at all. The loud noise scares them. They're used to quiet pastures.

Henry: Pah! Its just because Edward's old and clapped out. His clanking is noisier than a brass band in forte. Heheh Talk about pathetic. Besides, those cows wouldn't dare do that to us. We would show them.

Edward: Just pay no attention to them Fluttershy.

Narrator: But Rachel, Applejack, Toby, Sally, Bridget, Flitter and Cloud Chaser were cross. Applejack and Rachel had just arrived aboard Toby after repairing the sleepers, and Applejack was ready on hand for her next shift with Henry and Spike and Cloud Chaser, Flitter, Sally and Bridget had just returned from their Great Northern Flyer run. Toby and the girls had heard everything.

Applejack: Oh for pete's sake. Just put an apple in it Rainbow Dash and same goes for you Spike.

Flitter/Cloud Chaser: (Same time as Applejack) Oh for pete's sake. Just put a cloud in it Rainbow Dash and same goes for you Spike.

Toby/Sally/Bridget: (Same time as the 3 ponies) Oh for goodness sake! Put a piece of coal in it Gordon and same goes for you Henry.

Applejack: Never mind about them about them sugarcubes. It wasn't your fault.

Fluttershy: Thanks Applejack, Flitter, Cloud Chaser, and you too Toby, Sally and Bridget.

Edward: Yes indeed much obliged to you too miss Applejack, Flitter, Cloud Casher and my tram engine and Athlantic friends.

Toby: Besides, you couldn't help it Edward. These jokers have never even met cows.

Sally: Well, to tell you the truth, me and Bridget haven't met cows either.

Flitter: Neither have me and Cloud Chaser.

Rainbow Dash: And I suppose you get on with them very well, barn engine. (Rainbow Dash falls to ground laughing) Get it, barn engine? (laughing pointing at Toby's shape and wheels).

Rachel: (Fuming) Hey that's no way to speak to my friend! He's more experienced than yo…

Toby: (Scoff) If you must Rainbow Dash. But for your information, I have met cows before and I know how troublesome they can be.

Applejack: Same here sugarcubes. Remember, I've had to keep Ponyville from getting flattened by a stampede of cows one time before.

Spike: Yeah. And we all remember that you couldn't even keep a herd of bunnies under control.

Rachel: Oh yeah, coming from a dragon who pretend to be cow in the iron pony competition! Applejack told me about that one last week.

Narrator: Spike glared back and was about to retort when Edward interrupted.

Edward: Nevermind Toby, Applejack and Rachel. Don't pay any attention to them. They'll get tired of it eventually.

Rachel: Edward's right. After all jokes have life spans as well.

Fluttershy: (Gulps) I hope.

Bridget: It's ok Fluttershy… oh goodness. Me, Sally, Flitter and Cloud Chaser have another Great Northern Flyer in 10 minutes.

Sally: We'd better get that.

Flitter: See you later.

Cloud Chaser: Bye.

Narrator: Some days later. Edward, Rachel and Fluttershy were resting Wellsworth station when with a loud whistle. Gordon, William and Rainbow Dash thundered past with the express.

Edward: (Gravely) Oh dear. Here comes trouble.

Gordon: Mind the cows little Edward.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah they may try to derail you next time old timer. (laughs)

William: (Grumbling) Rainbow Dash, Gordon, your pushing it!

Rachel: Oooh! I'd like to see that Gordon and Rainbow Dash get their comeuppance!

Gordon: Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!

Rainbow dash: YEAH! Get the lead out of your wheels and get a move on you coaches.

Coaches. Don't make such a fuss. Don't make such a fuss.

Coach 5: (Sighs) Gordon and Rainbow Dash don't know how to treat a coach.

Coach 4: Why didn't Thomas pick one of us to go on his branchline?

Narrator: They thundered up the hill and roared through the next station. Rainbow Dash and Gordon were both still teasing William of the relentless but unlucky Rolls Royce incident of 1921. William took no notice. A long stretch of line lay ahead. In the distance was a bridge with high parapets at each end. But its seemed to Gordon that there was something was on the bridge. He wasn't the only one who thought so too.

Rainbow Dash: (In alarm) SSSSSSTOOOOOPPP!

William: What?! (Looks out the window) WHOAAA GORDON WHOAA!

Narrator: Rainbow Dash slammed the brakes hard on.

Gordon: Pah! All the cloud busting in Cloudsdale must be going to Rainbow Dash's head. It's just a cow. SHOO! SHOO!

Narrator: They moved slowly onto the bridge but the cow wouldn't shoo. She had lost her calf and felt lonely.

Cow: (Sadly) MOOOOOO!

Narrator: Everyone and everypony tried to send her away, but she wouldn't go.

William: Here leave this to me.

Narrator: William plucked some grass from their end of the bridge and began waving it at the cow.

William: (Whistle) hey look, food! Here, come get the food come on! I know your hungry. Come on old girl.

Rainbow Dash: No. No No! Your doing it all wrong. Here let me show you. I'll have this cow out of the way in ten seconds flat.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash climbed off the footplate and trotted over to cow.

William: Heheh… This should be fun for a laugh..

Narrator: But Rainbow dash need more than that though. First she tried ordering the cow off.

Rainbow Dash: Hey you cow! Off the track now!

Narrator: Then she tried making funny faces at her to try and scare her off.

Rainbow Dash: Lylylylyla wah wah! (makes funny noise) Lylylylyl lalalala!

Narrator: But of course, she failed miserably.

Rainbow Dash: Oooh. Your good! Too good time for plan C.

Narrator: Plan C involved kicking the cow in the rear.

Rainbow Dash: GET MOVING YOU DAIRY BARN WITH LEGS! (kicks)

Narrator: Of course that plan failed too, quite painfully for Rainbow Dash. The cow kicked her sending her flying into Gordon's cab.

Rainbow Dash: Oooh my head.

William: Heheheheh… Smooth landing. Oh Rainbow Dash, you must have been up all night thinking of that plan.

Rainbow Dash: Oh and you should talk?! All you did was wave grass at her face.

William: Well at least my tactics were more diplomatic than yours. You did nothing but made her mad.

Rainbow Dash: Well at least I tried to literally shoo the cow away.

Narrator: Just then Henry arrived with Applejack and Spike aboard his train.

Rainbow Dash: Ah yeah. Now the tides will surely shift for the better. Two ponies, two engines, a human and a baby dragon vs 1 cow.

Gordon: I second that motion miss Dash.

Applejack: Hold up there Henry. Looks like a cow broke free. (Applejack slowly stopped the train)

Henry: (Confidently) Don't worry Applejack. I'll soon settle her. Be off! Be off!

Cow: (Wailing) Moo! (Lowers her head.)

Henry: Uh, now what do I do?

Spike: Just leave it to me.

Narrator: He was about to make an attempt when Applejack grabbed his tail.

Applejack: Hold up there partner. I think the best thing to do is keep your distance from her. From look of it, I think Rainbow Dash might have made her mad.

William: (Smirk points at Rainbow Dash) HA! Told you!

Rainbow Dash: (Annoyed) oh hardy har! har! Sheesh!

Henry: Uhh… Right. Then um… I'll take your word for that Applejack.

Spike : (Even more scared than Henry) That makes two of us.

Narrator: Henry back away nervously as Rainbow dash stood almost speechless.

Rainbow Dash: (Disbelief) WHAT! Oh for the love of pete. It's just one cow. Shape up Henry. Your bigger than she is. Why don't you just charge her and get it over and done with?

Henry: Well you see, we don't want to hurt her.

Spike: Yeah that's right. And Fluttershy would never let us hear the end of it.

Applejack: Come again sugar cube?

Spike: I said 'Fluttershy wouldn't let us hear the end of it.'

Applejack: THAT'S IT! You stay here Spike with Henry. William, go back to the last station and inform the station master that the line is blocked.

William: Will do. What do you have in mind Applejack?

Applejack: I've got myself an idea I'll be right back.

Narrator: So whilst Applejack ran to fetch Fluttershy from Wellsworth, William went back to tell the last station that Henry stopped at and told the Station Master what had happened.

Station Master: Oh I reckon that might be Bluebell. Her calf is here ready to be taken home.

William: Lets get her over there then.

StationMaster: Righto. I'll get Pinkie Pie to take her there with Percy.

Narrator: Meanwhile at the bridge, Applejack returned with Fluttershy whom was soothing bluebells ruffled feelings.

Fluttershy: There there bluebell. It'll be alright now. Just be a little patient and your calf will be here pretty soon.

Narrator: When Percy and Pinkie Pie arrived, Bluebell was so happy to be reunited with her calf again that the two of them gave Fluttershy a kiss.

Fluttershy: (giggle)

William: Thank you so much Fluttershy. We owe you one.

Fluttershy: Oh no problem William. I work well with animals.

William: I know you do Fluttershy.

Narrator: And then she took them home before returning to Edward.

Gordon: (Whisper) Not a word.

Henry (Whisper) Yes keep it dark.

Rainbow Dash: (Whisper) Remember. We saw nothing.

Spike: (Trying to sound incognito and failing miserably in the process). Saw what nothing?

Narrator: All 4 felt rather silly but unfortunately for them the story soon spread like peanut butter on jam sandwich.

(That night at sheds)

Edward: (Chuckle) Well! Well! Well! What do we have here then? Two big engines afraid of one cow?

Sally: (Chuckle) And not to mention an athlete pony.

Bridget: (Chuckle) And a dragon from what I heard.

Gordon: Afraid? Rubbish, we just didn't want the poor thing to hurt herself by running up against us, so we stopped so as not startle her.

Henry: Yeah, that's pretty much what happened. You see what we mean Edward, Sally and Bridget?

Edward/Sally/Bridget: Oh yes Gordon and Henry. I see. (Chuckles quietly so as not be rude).

Narrator: Gordon and Henry thought that Edward saw only too well, but he wasn't the only one. Back at Knapford Hotel, Rachel had heard about the story from Fluttershy.

Rachel: So what's this I here Rainbow Dash and Spike? You 2 along with Gordon and Henry getting afraid of just one cow.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash and Spike said nothing, they just sulked. But William felt rather guilty for the teasing.

William: Never mind Rainbow Dash and Spike, Rachel is just joking with you. I'm sorry about teasing you about your tactics.

Rainbow Dash: (smiled) Same here, I think I know what will make all 3 of us feel better.

Narrator: William smiled.

William: That's right and I'm buying it. Care to join us Rachel?

Rachel: Sure. I'll just get my coat. I'm sorry for teasing you 2.

Spike: That's alright Rachel. Heheh we kinda deserved it too.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah I think we all over did at the bridge.

William: Yeah that is so true.

Narrator: And laughing happily, the 4 went into the hotel kitchen for some donuts and cocoa.

Not much change here. Ready for part 2? I am. See you there.

Author's Notes: Not much changed here, except that now I added William with Twilight Sparkle, Spike and Bertie.

Bertie's Chase

Narrator: One day in the Fat Controllers office, the fat controller was enjoy a nice cup of tea when the phone rang.

Sir Topham Hatt: Hello. Tidmouth Station. Sir Topham hatt speaking.

Sick Fireman:Uugh…. Morning Sir. I'd don't think I can come to work today. I came down with food poisoning last night.

Sir Topham Hatt: Oh gosh don't tell me. You drank one of those cheap flimflamtacular's again.

Sick fireman: Hey I never tried them before. Their song was catchy enough, plus they looked good on the telly commercial.

Sir Topham Hatt: How many times do I kept telling you to stay clear of cheaply made apple cider? Do you listen? Nooooo. (Sighs) Fine. I'll let you have the day off today, but don't expect any payment increase for this.

Sick fireman: Very well sir. Good day (gulp) sir.

Sir Topham: (sigh) I keep telling people to stay away from that Flim-Flam brothers cider. I don't know why the health inspector won't just shut down there cheap shady business once and for all. (Sigh heavily) Well, seeing that I can't spare anyone or anypony in this case, I Better phone the bus company. I can't let Twilight do two jobs at the same time.

Narrator: Meanwhile, down at Knaphord platform, Edward was still waiting to pick up passengers from Thomas's train not knowing that the train was canceled.

Edward: PEEP! PEEP! PEEP! We're late. Where are Thomas and Twilight Sparkle? It's not like them to be late .

Fluttershy: Calm down Edward. There's probably a good reason for this delay.

Edward: Yes. I suppose your right there.

Rachel: I know how we can pass the time. We can sing a song.

Fluttershy: That's great idea.

Rachel: (Singing) Oh dear what can the matter be.

Fluttershy: (Singing) Johnny so long at the fair.

Sid: Heheheh. Never you two mind about Johnny. Say Fluttershy can you fly up to the cab and see if you can look for Thomas and Twilight Sparkle?

(Fluttershy flies up to roof of Edwards cab)

Sid: Can you see him?

Fluttershy: Um no sir. Sorry.

Narrator: The guard looked at his watch

Guard: 10 minutes late. We can't stay here all day.

Rachel: I'll go up and have a look too Sid. Just in case.

Narrator: So Rachel joined Fluttershy at the top the cab.

Sid: Can you see him?

Rachel: Nope.

Fluttershy: Oh look. There's Bertie the Bus in a tearing hurry. Oh I hope they don't crash.

Rachel: I wouldn't worry about them. Bertie is pretty good on his wheels. Besides, they're most likely on a coach tour or something.

Narrator: They clambered down and back into the cab.

Guard: Right away Fluttershy and Rachel.

Narrator: And they started off.

Bertie: TOOT! TOOT! STOP! STOP! I HAVE THOMAS'S PASSengers….!

Narrator: Bertie roared into the yards. But it was no good. Edward was gone.

Bertie: (Crossly) Bother! Bother Thomas's fireman for foolishly drinking that flimflam cider and not being able to coming to work today. Why did I have to promise you to help the passenger catch the train Twilight?

Twilight Sparkle: That will do Bertie. Remember, we made a pinkie promise and those are promises that we must keep. Now Spike, take us away to next station.

Spike: With pleasure. Boy I'm glad to be driving buses instead of a train. Not a single cow to scare me.

William: Well I'm glad to see you finally found your calling to life Spike.

Bertie: William's right. I'll catch Edward or bust.

Narrator: He sped along the road.

Twilight Sparkle: That's the spirit Bertie.

(As they toil up a hill.)

Bertie: (groaning) Oh my gears and axel. I'll never be the same bus again.

Narrator: At last, they reached the top of the hill

Bertie: Hurray! Hurray! I see him. Oh no he's reached station already. No wait a minute, he's stopped at a signal.

Twilight Sparkle, Bertie, Spike and William: Hurray Hurray!

Narrator: And they tore down the hill at breakneck speed Bertie's brakes squealing at the corners as the passengers and ponies all bounced like balls in bucket.

Passengers cheer: Well done Bertie. Well done Spike.

Twilight Sparkle: Go it Bertie!

William: Go it!

Narrator: They raced through the village while dogs and hens scattered in all directions.

Twilight Sparkle: Whew… that's was too close for comfort. Fluttershy would never let us here the end.

William: No kidding Twilight. She'd be in a real panic if she heard something like this.

Narator: Bertie tooted loudly as he skidded into the yard.

Bertie: Wait! Wait!

Narrator: They were just in time to see the signal drop, the guard waved his flag and Edward puffed out of the station. Everyone rushed to the platform but it was no use and they came bustling back.

Bertie: (Unhappily) I'm sorry.

Passenger: Well never mind Bertie. After him, quickly. Third time lucky you know.

Twilight: (Crazy) Plus clock is ticking Bertie Clock is ticking! (Bertie Gulped).

Narrator: But luckily Spike slapped Twilight across the face to break her out of her madness

Spike: Snap out of it! And try to think clearly.

Narrator: Twilight shook herself out of her state of madness.

Twilight: Your right spike. Uh sorry bout that Bertie, I nearly lost my sanity… Emm… again ah heheh! (Blushes) .

Passenger 2: Do you think we will be able to catch Edward at the next station William?

William: Hmmm. Well there's good chance. The main road keeps close to line and plus we'll be able to climb hills better than Edward. No offence to Edward of course. But I'll just make sure to be on the safe side.

Narrator: He then went to speak with the stationmaster while Spike, Twilight and the passengers waited impatiently in the bus.

William: Yes will do it this time.

Narrator: William happily climbed back in.

Everyone : Hurray!

Narrator: Spike turned on the ignition and Bertie chased after Edward once more.

(Cue Bertie's Persuit montage)

(Cut to Edward and Fluttershy)

Coaches: This hill is too steep! This hill is too steep!

Narrator: Edward snorted in front.

Edward: Your complaining? I'm the one doing all the hard work.

Narrator: At last with much clanking, clunking and puffing Edward fluttershy, Rachel and the crew reached the top at last and ran smoothly into the station.

Edward: PEEP! PEEP! Get in quickly please.

Narrator: The porters and passengers hurried and Edward waited impatiently to start. The guards whistle blew and Rachel and Fluttershy looked back. But the flag didn't wave.

Bertie: (Horn sounds out) TOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!

Fluttershy: (Jumps back) OH!

Rachel: (Pats Fluttershy reassuringly) It's ok Fluttershy. It's just a horn.

Narrator: The stationmaster ran up and snatched flag out of the guard's hand. Then everything happened at once. Bertie continued honking furiously, Twilight Sparkle, Spike and William ran to platform.

Twilight, Spike and William: STOP THAT TRAIN!

Narrator: The passenger and ponies rushed onto the platform and on to the train. The station master told the crew what happened.

Fluttershy: Oh my. I'm dreadfully sorry about that Twilight, Spike, William and Bertie.

Edward: Oh dear. Same here. We had no idea. So sorry about the chase wild goose chase you lot.

Rachel: Oh my goodness I'm sorry about that you lot. We had no idea.

Twilight: It's all good.

Spike: At least everyone is now on board.

William: Don't worry about it.

Bertie: Besides, it's my fault….. Late at the junction…you didn't know… about Thomas's passengers.

Edward: PEEP! PEEP! Goodbye Bertie. We're off. Thanks again Bertie, William, Spike and Twilight.

Fluttershy: Thank you again everyone.

Rachel: Thank you all.

Twilight, Spike, William and passengers: Three cheers for Bertie!

Narrator: And they cheered and waved till they were out of sight.

And that was another episode featuring our favourite red bus. Next we meet a little traction engine. See you there.

Author's notes: This is the 1st time that Scrapping is tackled in a story. But it certainly won't be the last time.

Saved From Scrap

Narrator: There is a local breakers yard near Edward's station. Its full of rusty old cars and machinery. They are brought there to be broken up, the pieces are then loaded into trucks and Edward takes them to the steel mills where they are melted down and used again. To Edward, this place is the most heart breaking sight he had ever seen but after a few years he had gotten used to seeing it most of time since he usually worked at the station near the breakers yard. Until this particular day.

Edward: (Sighing sadly) Oh dear. What a depressing sight it is. All these old machines and cars with years of life still in them being cut to waste and fading into oblivion.

Narrator: Rachel, Fluttershy and William patted Edward on his smokebox in sympathy.

Fluttershy: I know Edward, I know. I suppose its just the way of this world sadly.

William: I know what you mean Edward. It's sure is a crying shame.

Rachel: It's a shame that somethings can't be saved.

Narrator: Edward sigh unhappily again.

Edward: I know your right guys. It's just who would thought that we would be outdating these old cars, trucks, traction engines… Wait a minute! Traction engines?!

Narrator: Edward blinked. Standing right next him, Fluttershy, Rachel and William, still intact though little disheveled, was old traction engine looking furlong.

Edward: Hullo there. You're not broken or rusty. What in Sodor's name are you doing here in all places?

Traction engine: (sadly) Oh, hullo there. I'm Trevor. Well I don't mean to look broken or rusty. It's just that, they're going to break me up next week.

Fluttershy: Oh my, how awful.

William: How terrible.

Rachel: That's sad.

Edward: What a shame.

Trevor: I know. My driver says I only need some paint, brasel, and oil to be good as new.

Narrator: Trevor nearly burst into tears as he tried to remain brave.

Trevor: (Sad sigh) But it's no use. My master just doesn't want me anymore. I suppose it's just because I'm old fashioned.

Narrator: Edward snorted Indignantly.

Edward: People say I'm old fashioned, but I don't care in the slightest. The fat controller says I'm a useful engine.

Trevor: (Gradually cheering up) Well come to think of it. My driver thinks I'm useful too. I mean, I sometimes feel tried I'll but I don't constantly give up on myself like these newfangled tractors. They have something called circuit breakers in their engines you see. Poor chaps. When one of them blows fuse that's pretty much the end of it and most of not all them use it to flub a trick to play truant from work. As for me, I struggle on to get the job done. I tell you, I have never broken down in my life.

Narrator: Trevor ended proudly beam from side to side.

Edward: How astonishing.

Fluttershy: So um… I hope you don't mind me asking you, but I was wondering what work did you used to do Trevor?

Narrator: Trevor smiled kindly.

Trevor: That's alright my dear pony, besides that's a very interesting question and an interesting story to boot. Miss… ummm…

Fluttershy: Oh forgive us Trevor. We forgot to properly introduce ourselves. My name is Fluttershy.

Edward: I'm Edward.

William: I'm William

Rachel: The name's Rachel.

Trevor: Well pleasure to make your acquaintance Edward, Fluttershy, Rachel and William. Anyway, now let's see. Hmmmm…

(Cue flashback of Trevor's past.)

Trevor: Well in the old days, my master used to send us from farm to farm. We'd threshed the corn, hauled logs, sawed timber, and did lots of other work. We made friends at all the farms and saw them every year. The local children just loved to see us come by. They'd follow us in crowds and watched us work all day long. I especially loved when they used to watch us traveling through the busy market town with a trailer of logs in tow cheering us on as went about our work and sometimes my driver would give them rides.

Narrator: Trevor shut his eyes remembering.

Trevor: I like children. All those admiring little faces. Oh yes I like children.

Narrator: Edward clanked back to work.

Edward: Broken up what a shame! Broken up what shame! I must help Trevor, I must. Us old fashioned engines must stick to you know Fluttershy, Rachel and William.

Fluttershy: That's spirit Edward. And I'll help you too. That's what friends are for.

Edward: Oh thank you Fluttershy now I can see why they call you the element of kindness.

Fluttershy: (giggles)

William: I'm with you too Edward. I'm a first class preservationist.

Rachel: Same here. Count me in.

Narrator: All 4 felt sorry for Trevor and wanted to do all they could to save him before it was too late. William, Rachel, Fluttershy and Edward thought of all the nice people and ponies they knew that loved steam engines. They all had many friends both from Sodor and Equestria but strangely none of them seemed to have room for a traction engine at home. Even though Applejack the rest of the apple family had plenty of room back at sweet apple acres, ever since the Flim Flam brothers incident, Applejack along with the rest of the family were still skeptical of newfangled contraptions. Edward arrived back at Wellsworth fretting the worst.

Edward: It's a shame!

Fluttershy: Uh Edward.

Edward: It's a shame!

Fluttershy: Edward, we….

Edward: I'm sorry Fluttershy. Right now I'm still trying to figure who be perfect to saving Trevor.

Fluttershy: But Edward? What about him. (Fluttershy flew in front of Edward and pointed).

Edward: Oh. That's right! Why didn't I think of him before? Oh Fluttershy you are such a brilliant Pegasus.

Fluttershy: ( blushes giggled)

William: Oh well done Fluttershy! Well done! He'd be perfect.

Rachel: Oh he would definitely make a good candidate. Great job Fluttershy.

Narrator: There on the platform was just the very person.

Vicar of wellsworth: Morning William, morning Rachel, morning Fluttershy. Hullo Edward. You and Fluttershy look distressed. Whats the matter William?

William : Oh theres a traction engine in scrapyards Vicar. He'll be broken up next week and it's a crying shame.

Rachel: And Jem Cole, his driver, says he's never driven a better engine than him and you know Jem doesn't make those statements lightly. We think you would be a perfect candidate for saving Trevor.

Edward: Do save him sir please. You have plenty of room in your orchard.

Vicar of wellsworth: Yes Edward. I've got room. But I have no need for a traction engine.

Fluttershy: Oh please Sir your our last hope Sir. He's saws wood Sir and gives children and foals of all ages rides Sir. Please buy him Sir. Your our last chance to save him Sir.

Narrator: The Vicar looked at their faces full of despair, he could see that Edward and Fluttershy really cared a lot about Trevor,

Vicar of wellsworth: Well in that case. Then we'll see.

Narrator: He boarded the train. On Saturday afternoon, Trevor was surprised to see his old driver and friend, Jem Cole, arriving at the breakers yard.

Jem Cole: Hullo Trevor. I've got a bit of news for you. The reverend is coming to see you Trevor. Maybe, just maybe, he'll buy you.

Trevor: (Gasping in Hope) My word the very idea. Do you think he will?

Jem Cole: He will when I've lit your fire and clean you up.

Narrator: Jem set to work. When the vicar and his two boy arrived that evening, Trevor had steam up. He hadn't felt so happy in months.

Jem cole: Isn't he a marvel Reverend? Now, watch this.

Narrator: And with toot of the whistle and pull of the lever, Trevor chuffed happily around the yards.

Vicars boys: Oh daddy, please buy him.

Narrator: The boys jumped up down in there in excitement.

Vicar: Calm down my boys calm down. Let me try him for myself Jem.

Narrator: And climbed up beside Jem.

Vicar: Please show your paces Trevor.

Trevor: Yes Sir your reverence. Now I'll show you what traction engines can do.

Narrator: After a long time of driving Trevor, the Vicar went to speak the scrap merchant and everyone held the breath. Later the vicar came out smiling from ear to ear.

vicar: I got him cheap Jem. Cheap!

Jem: Ha ha! Did you hear that Trevor my boy? The reverend saved you and now you have new home at vicarage orchards now.

Trevor: Saved! Oh Hallelujah! How splendid. Oh thank you your Reverence. I'll see to it that you never regret this.

The Vicar: (Chuckle) I know you won't Trevor. I'm glad to have bought you, now Jem, could do the Honours of driving him home for me and take these scallywags with you too. They won't want to come in the car when there's a traction engine to ride home in.

Jem: Yes Sir your Reverence.

Narrator: Fluttershy, William and Rachel were so overcome with Joy they jumped up in excitement.

Fluttershy: WE DID IT! WE SAVED TREVOR! WE DID IT! YAAAAY!

Rachel: WE'VE DONE IT! WE'VE DONE IT!

William: HAHAHA! OH WONDERFUL! I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'VE SAVED HIM!

Narrator: Trevor smiled happily.

Trevor: (think) it's amazing that everyone still bothers with old traction engines like me when my old master thought that I was pretty much useless. But now I can still move on with my new life and move forward under my own steam to my new home. God bless you Edward, Fluttershy, Rachel and William.

Narrator: Trevor's home is close by the railway line and he sees Edward and Fluttershy every day, sometimes Rachel and/or William were with them too. His paint is spotless and his brass shines like gold. He saws firewood in winter time and when one Jem's tractors fails and packs it in, he sometimes borrows Trevor. He also sometimes visits Equestria once in a while for special occasions and special jobs from rock farming, to winter wrap up, to steam rally's in Ponyville. He's always careful not to create smoke clouds and he had good manners to begin with so it wasn't too hard to make friends with the others Ponies. At first the apple family of Sweet Apple Acres had their suspicions of Trevor. But then the unbelievable happened, after a little help from Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, and being given a chance to prove himself, he soon gained the trust and friendship of Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac. Granny Smith, a light green earth pony with a grey mane and tail, orange eyes, an apple pie cutie mark and an orange bandana with red apples around her neck, was the last one to accept his friendship, as he helps them with farm repairs and hauling supplies and apples incase if the work load gets too heavy for them on their own. He never touched their cider recipe. And she along with Big Mac were heard to remark.

Granny Smith: Well, for a new fangled piece contraption, old Trevor here can be quite handy and helpful in the old fashion ways.

Big Mac: Eeeeyup.

Narrator: That is definitely very high praises from the two oldest members of the Apple family of Sweet Apple Acres. Trevor likes his old jobs and his new part time jobs in Equestira. But his happiest days is always the church fetes. Then with wooden seat bolted to his bunker or a caravan in tow, he chuffers happily around the orchards giving rides to children and foals. Long afterwards, you will see him resting at his home in the vicarage orchards shutting his eyes remembering happily.

Trevor: (Sub conscious) I like children.

Yeah. That story has a bit of trauma. Just wait till we get to another story further up. Next up is one of my favourite stories, 'Old Iron'. Look out for that guys.

Author's Notes: I can tell that this is another one of the fan favourites. And judging by how much effort atsf put into this story, I'm going to say that this is in his top 10 stories from the Railway Series. I will admit, it's probably in my top 10 as well. Anyway, here we go.

Old Iron

Narrator: One day James and rarity had to wait at Edwards station till Edward's train came in, this made them quite cross.

James: LATE AGAIN!

Rarity: Oh honestly how many times do we have to keep reminding you Edward? You cannot hold up trains on the mainline.

Narrator: Edward just laughed.

Edward: Obviously not James and Rarity. That appears to be your jobs.

James: LOUSY CHEEKY LITTLE! (His wheels spinning furiously as he fumed away. )

Rarity: Easy now darling. Remember your boiler pressure.

James: One of these Edward! One of these days. (muttered darkly).

Narrator: After James and Rarity finished their work they went back to the yards. Both them were still feeling very bad tempered and they weren't shy of expressing their feelings to the others.

James: You know what guys? Edward he is just impossible. Hey clanks about like a load of old iron. And he's so slowly that he makes us wait and work harder.

Rarity: Not to mention his clanking racket has kept me up from my beauty sleep, and on top of that, we have been the ones getting held up by that good for nothing old rust bucket 7 times this month. I don't know why Sir Topham doesn't send that useless pile of junk to breaker yard already where he belongs.

Narrator: William, Rachel, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Thomas and Percy were furious by this accusation! Edward was they're friend.

Percy: Old Iron?! Slow?!

Pinkie Pie: Yeah, I'm pretty sure that Edward is neither of those things. Besides, 1. he is not a bucket, he is steam engine, and 2. he's painted blue not rust coloured, plus 3. He's made of steel, not iron.

Rachel: I'm ashamed of you Rarity! That's our friend your talk about! He is not useless at all! In 1938, all the other tender engines went on strike because they didn't want to shunt, but Edward didn't mind one bit about shunting and managed to keep trains running that same day!

James: Pah! That was back then. Now he is old and decrepit! He's been late 10 times these last few weeks. He's completely worn out his bearings. The only place that old iron junk pile is useful for is in the scrapyard.

Rarity: I couldn't agree with you more James. That's the only place for that disgraceful useless out of date engine.

William: SHUT UP RARITY!

Rarity: I beg your pardon?!

William: You heard what I said! That's my father's engine you're talking about! Edward has been the most reliable engine in our fleet since 1915 and year after year he always manages to get his jobs done, even if he is sick and doesn't mind any job! So who's the weaker engine here!

Rarity: WELL I NEVER!

James: Pah! Obviously your father and Rachel's mother just never had a taste for engines then. Pathetic! Utterly Pathetic!

Rarity: Agreed James

Narrator: William seethed with rage! But Fluttershy was furious. Edward was her lifelong friend since she and her friends from Equestrian started visiting Sodor. This was the last straw.

Fluttershy: How dare you two! You listen here James! You maybe a newer engine that Edward but that does not give you the right to be a bully. You may be younger than Edward and stronger too and in better condition, James, BUT YOU DO NOT! I REPEAT DO NOT HURT MY FRIEND!

Thomas: Fluttershy is right. Why Edward could beat you two in a race any day.

James: Oh really? Edward beat me in race?

Twilight Sparkle: He really could you know James. Edward is a very special engine, so back off.

James: Pah! I should like to see him do it.

Rarity: And so would I! Good day to you! Hmph!

Narrator: And Rarity backed James into the shed in dignified manner and strode away whilst the others just glared at them. One day, James's driver didn't feel well when he came to work.

James's driver: I'll manage.

Narrator: But when they reached the top of Gordon's hill he could hardly stand.

James's driver : Oooh I think I may have had one too many flim flamtaculars, and a couple of flimmazings, and 7 shots of Flamtastics last night at Knapford pub.

Rachel: (Sighing annoyed) let me guess you drank one of those stupid flim flams again Ross?!

James Driver : Hey…. How'd did…you (hiccup) know?

Rarity: (Crossly) Oh bother. I keep telling to lay off that cheaply made cider. When will you ever learn mister Driver?

James's driver: Hey I (hiccup) never had ( hiccup) one before. The song sounded so… so (hiccup) catchy and it looked good on those commercials.

Narrator: The driver passed out onto the coal pile. Rachel then grimly took over the controls as Rarity with much annoyance took over Rachel's duty. When they reached the next station, Rachel spoke to the signalman. Then she and Rarity put the trucks into a siding and Rarity uncoupled James ready for shunting.

James's driver: (singing terribly) 99 (Hiccup) buckets of (hiccup) oats on the (hiccup) wall…

Rachel: Ross, shut up! Okay Rarity. I'm gonna go take the driver to the station and have them look after him for us while I find a relief. Would you be a dear and watch over James for us?

Rarity: Hey I am not a deer you blithering moron, I am a pony and more so, I am lady.

Rachel: (annoyed) I meant dear. D-e-a-r. Moron!

Rarity: Oh heheh. My mistake. (slightly embarrassed).

Narrator: So Rachel left with the Driver who was still definitely the complete opposite of Sober. They were gone for a long time and Rarity had decided to have beauty nap inside James's cab. This was big mistake. Three young fillies snuck their way inside and were discussing how to get their cutie marks.

Apple Bloom: Maybe railroadin' will be our special talent.

Sweetie Belle: Yeah your right their Apple Bloom. Both our sisters work here on this railway it'll be fun too.

Scootaloo: I don't know. I don't think it's right to be trespassing here. This looks like a pretty busy yard.

Apple Bloom: Don't worry Scootaloo. It's easy. All we need to do is find an engine to drive.

Narrator: But the only engine they saw was James, so they clambered up and started playing with the controls without even waking a very heavy sleeping Rarity. To make matters worse, some boys saw what the three fillies were doing and thought it was a good idea to join in the fun, still without waking Rarity. Suddenly, the signalman shouted.

Kildane Signalman: OY YOU LOT! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR PLAYING AT!? STEAM ENGINES AREN'T TOYS! GET DOWN FROM THERE!

Sweetie Belle: Uh-Oh! Busted.

One of the boys: Run for it!

Narrator: And they all took off like jack rabbits. Rachel heard the commotion and what she saw made her heart pound fast. There was James puffing away down the line with Rarity still fast asleep in his cab.

Rachel: Oh good lord! HE'S RUNNING AWAY DOWN THE MAINLINE!

Narrator: She ran hard but couldn't catch James and so she ran back to signal box. Inside, the signalman was frantically settling all the points along his section.

Kildane signalman: Right. All traffic halted. Up and down mainlines a clear for 30 miles. An inspector is to be coming too.

Narrator: Rachel mopped her face.

Rachel: What happened?

Kildane Signalman: Two boys and three fillies were on James's footplate, probably fiddling with the controls for larks. They tumbled off when James started. I shouted at them and they ran like angel bunny and his little friends.

Rachel: Ugh…. Just let me catch those scallywags. I'll teach them to meddle with one of Sir Topham Hatt's engine.

Narrator: Both of them jumped the as the telephone rang. The signalman answered the call.

Kildane Signalman: Hullo, this, Kildane junction, Nicholas Michael Ernest speaking. Yes… She's here… Right….. I'll tell her. (Puts the phone down) Well good news and bad news. Bad news that there is no railway inspector available due to staff shortage, but the good news is that William Holden and Fluttershy are all coming at once in Edward. They need a shunters pole and coil of wire rope.

Rachel: Hmmm. What for?

Kildane Signalman: Search me. But you better get them quickly.

Narrator: The Rachel was ready when Edward arrived. William saw the pole and rope.

William: Good girl. Jump in.

Fluttershy: Um. I hope we can catch Rarity and James.

Rachel: Me too Fluttershy, I just hope we can catch them before somebody or somepony gets hurt.

William: Well there's only one way to find out. Here goes nothing.

Narrator: William opened the regulator and they started away.

Edward: Don't worry. We'll catch them, we'll catch them. Don't worry about that! There's life still in these old wheels yet.

Fluttershy: That's the spirit Edward. Lets go.

Narrator: Edward Clanked and clunked out of the yards. Meanwhile James was laughing as he left the yards.

James: What a lark! What a lark! This beats shunting any day.

Narrator: But presently, little did he know that he and Rarity were already in a lot of trouble. Rarity started to wake up, slowly as usual.

Rarity: (Yawn) Oh I guess we already got the relief driver then James. That was quick.

Narrator: Then she noticed that they were accelerating faster and faster.

Rarity: (Sleeply) Um James darling, shouldn't we be slowing down here?

James: Oy! You know, your right Rarity. Now that's really odd, I could have sworn that my driver would shut my regulator at this point, I mean we're going downhill from here. Um… Hey could you slow down a bit? Oy, driver, hey could you possibly slow down? (Starting to feel frantic) Oy, driver, are you deaf or mad or something? I said slow down! Watch it driver, we'll come off at that bend if you're not… Woooahhhh!

Narrator: James' wheels screeched as they swerved violently around a sharp bend just barely keeping on the rails. The sudden swerve knocked Rarity into one of the cab walls waking her in startle.

Rarity: OW! James! Watch what you are doing.

James: OY! Don't tell me that to me Rarity, tell that to my….driver… 0_0"

Narrator: At that moment horrifying realisation hit him.

James: No driver on the railway would ever dare to go that fast around that bend… so that can only mean one thing.

Narrator: A sudden shriek of horror from Rarity gave him the terrifying answer.

Rarity: James darling, your driver's not in your cab!

James: WHAT?! OH NO! WHAT DO WE DO, I CAN'T STOP! HELP! HELP!

Rarity: SOMEPONY HHHHHHHHEEELLLLP!

(James and Rarity continued to thunder uncontrollably down line.)

Edward: We're coming James and Rarity. We're coming. Don't worry!

Narrator: Edward was panting and clanking and puffing up behind with every last ounce of steam he had.

William: I see them. Fluttershy take over the controls whilst I get ready for the next stage in the rescue.

Rachel: There they are Edward. Alright Fluttershy, try to get Edward alongside James front buffer beam.

Fluttershy: (tears streaming) Hhhhhnnnnggg I can't.

William: What do you mean you can't!?

Fluttershy: (tearing up) It's Edwards bearings there too worn out, and they'll shatter if we go any faster and I'll be hurting him.

Rachel: But what about poor Rarity? She's only supervised engines crews and never drove an engine before.

William: She right it's are only hope Fluttershy!

Fluttershy: But Edward bearri….

Edward: Don't worry about me Fluttershy. I swore an oath to never let my controller, down especially in an emergency. I plan to keep it that way. Bearings or no bearings, that's final. I'll be alright, I promise. Just help me to help save Rarity and James. I know you can do it.

Narrator: Fluttershy was touched by Edward's statement.

Fluttershy: (Reluctant sigh) Alright Edward, you win. Good luck.

Narrator: And with that, she opened the regulator wider and wider until and at last with a great effort from both Fluttershy and Edward they finally caught up alongside, slowly gaining until Edward's smokebox was level with James's front buffer beam.

William: Right then. Hold him steady Fluttershy.

Fluttershy: Right. Steady now Edward. Steady.

William: Right then leave the rest to me.

Rachel: Be careful William.

William: Don't worry. I promise I'll be careful.

Fluttershy: Good luck William. I'll keep my eye on incase either of you fall and can't catch yourselves.

William: Much obliged Fluttershy.

Narrator: William stood on Edwards's front and held the nuce of rope in the crook of the shunters pole. He was trying to slip the ropes over James's buffer. The engines swayed and lurched violently. He tried again and again more than once they nearly fell off but were just saved by Fluttershy pulling him back on.

William: Whoa!

Rachel: FLUTTERSHY!

(Fluttershy pulled him back while Rachel took the controls.)

William: That was a close one. Whew. Thanks Fluttershy.

Narrator: But at last.

William: Just… A bit….closer… and

Narrator: Rachel and fluttershy each closed their eyes

Fluttershy: I can't look!

William: And…. Got him!

Narrator: He pulled his nuce tightly and climbed safely back into the cab. Then gently braking so as not to snap the ropes, Fluttershy Checked Edward's speed just in time to see Rachel scramble across and take control.

Edward: (Chuckle) So the old iron, caught you two after all.

James: I'm sorry. Thank you for saving us. You were splendid Edward.

Rarity: And I'm sorry too Edward and Fluttershy. I don't how you could still bother with us after we have been so rude. Can you ever forgive us?

Edward: Oh That's quite alright you two. You know this all reminds me of a little old song we used to sing back in the old days on Furness railway.

Narrator: The ponies were amazed.

Fluttershy: I didn't you could sing Edward.

Narrator: Edward smiled and chuckled.

Edward : Well then Have any of you ever heard of something that goes like this. (Singing), Oh any old iron Any old Iron any any any old iron. You look sweet talk about a treat. You look dapper from napper to your feet, Ya dressed in style brand new tile with your father's old green tie on, but I wouldn't give a tuppence for your old watch and chain old iron old iron.

Fluttershy: I think I've heard this one before, it's very catchy. (singing) Oh any old iron any old iron any any any old iron. You look sweet talk about treat, you look pretty from your head to wings your dressed in style brand smile with fathers old green tie on, but I wouldn't give a bunny for your old watch and chain old iron old iron.

William: OooH that is very Catchy (singing) Oh any old iron any old iron any any any old iron. You look sweet talk about treat, you look cool from your horn to hooves your dressed in style brand tile with fathers old green tie on, but I wouldn't give a book for your old watch and chain old iron old iron,

Rachel: Hey I Know this one (singing) Oh any old iron any old iron any any any old iron. You look sweet talk about treat, you look handsome from your head to hooves, your dressed in style brand style with fathers old green tie on, but I wouldn't give apple for your old watch and chain old iron old iron.

Edward: Everyone now.

Everyone: (Singing) Oh any old iron Any old Iron any any any old iron. You look sweet talk about a treat. You look dapper from napper to your feet, Ya dressed in style brand new tile with your father's old green tie on, but I wouldn't give a tuppence for your old watch and chain old iron old iron.

Edward: (Singing) How's your father

Everyone: (Singing) old iron.

Narrator: They soon ended their journey side by side. The fat controller was waiting for them at the station.

Sir Topham Hatt: Well done. a fine piece of work indeed… Now then James you can rest and then take your next train. Rarity, you will be learning how to drive James on that same train as well.

Rarity: (almost speechless and ready to faint) What...?

James: Oh blimey, as long as that's tomorrows train your referring too than that's fine by me Sir… (Gulp) …Oh Blimey, I think I'm gonna be sick.

Rarity: That's makes two of us darling.

(Rarity dramatically faints).

Narrator: He then turned to Fluttershy.

Sir Topham Hatt : I'm proud of you Fluttershy. As a reward Fluttershy I've talked with miss Princess Celestia and have made arrangements so that you and your friends from Equestria will have life time passes to visit work and ride on my railway.

Fluttershy: Oh thank you sir.

Sir Topham hatt: And as for you.

Narrator: He turned to Edward,

Sir Topham Hatt: I'm exceptionally proud of you Edward. You shall go to the works to have all of your worn parts mended at once.

Edward: Oh thank you Sir. It will be lovely not to clank.

Fluttershy: Oh Edward I am so happy for you. You amaze me everyday Edward you really do.

Edward: You too Fluttershy if it wasn't for you we would have never saved Trevor or rescued James and Rarity.

Fluttershy: Oh your too modest Edward,

Narrator: Fluttershy blushes then looked up at Edward and giggled, His cheeks were blushing and eyes were smiling just like hers.

Fat Controller: And as for Miss Ravens and Mr. Holden. I am very proud of you indeed. You have really went beyond the call of duty to preform that rescue despite your age and I decided to allow to keep working for my railway.

William: Really? Thank you Sir…

Rachel: Why thank you very much sir, but what about our age?

?: Leave it to me.

William/Rachel: What?!

Narrator: A Bright light shone from the sun and their standing in front of them was none other than Princess Celestia.

Celestia: Greetings everyone. Rachel Marie Raven's and William James Holden, I have heard about your exploits from years long ago. I do admit I had my doubts about your reliability to my little ponies, but I have seen you both grow into wonderful friends. With today's rescue, there is only one thing I can do for you both.

Narrator: Princess Celestia's horn glowed bright gold like the sun. William and Rachel began to levitate in the air around an aura of bright light.

William: Whoa! What's happening!?

Rachel: I don't know William.

Narrator: In a nervous panic, William and Rachel held each other nervously, shut their eyes and then they felt their feet touch the ground. They opened their eyes and couldn't believe what they saw. Instead of seeing a 47 year old William James Holden, Rachel was looking into the eyes of a 23 year old William James Holden. And instead of seeing a 46 year old Rachel Mare Ravens, William was looking into the eyes of a 22 year old Rachel Marie Ravens.

Rachel: William…

William: Rachel….

William/Rachel: Is that really you?

Celestia: Heheheh… that is correct and there is no mistake. I have granted you both the gift of immortality and eternal youth. For saving the life of one of my little ponies I cannot thank you both enough. This all I can offer. You made all of Sodor and Equestria very proud.

Fluttershy: Oh this is wonderful. Now we can see each other more regularly.

William: Oh this truly great your Highness. Thank you so much.

Rachel: Oh thank you very much your highness. You didn't have to do this

Celestia: hmhmhm. It's alright. I did it because I wanted I am very grateful for what you have done for all of us.

William/Rachel: We're greatly honoured your highness.

Celestia: heheheh. Thank you Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens, and you can call me Celestia.

Narrator: William and Rachel looked at one another and grinned. Both their eyes were smiling just like Edwards and Fluttershy's. The 2 naughty boys were soon caught by the police and their fathers walloped them soundly. They were also forbidden to watch trains until they could be trusted again. Applejack and Rarity were not impressed when they found out that Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were also responsible for James's runaway. The cutiemark crusaders were given a verbal warning. The Flim Flam brothers brewery went out of business due to a bad report made by a health inspector. William and Rachel came to see the other ponies and told them all about the rescue. And they marvelled at the gift that Celestia had given them for now two humans are part of the pony friendship family. James's driver soon got well in hospital and is now back at work. James missed him very much but he missed Edward the most. You'll be glad to know that thanks to Pinkie Pie, when he came home on the same day as cider season he was given the biggest welcome home party in Sudiran and Equestrian history. Though the Fat controller thinks he'll be deaf for weeks.

(At Edwards welcome home party.)

Pinkie Pie: Oh I hope that Edward will like this.

Thomas: Oy! Here he comes now.

(Edward steams in sight)

Every engine and everybody and everypony: Welcome home Edward

(Engines whistling)

Edward: Oh a welcome home party. How lovely. Thank you everyone. You make me feel very happy.

Fluttershy: Oh Edward I'm so happy to see you again.

Edward: Well that makes two of us.

Fluttershy: (Giggles.)

James: Oh welcome home Edward. I really missed you a lot.

Rarity: Oh you look so smashing Edward and your new paint work makes you look as handsome as baby blue sapphire.

Spike: It's great to see you again Edward.

Thomas: We knew you could do it Edward. Welcome home old friend.

Percy: It looks like you still got the good wheels Edward.

Applejack: Thanks again for given us a brand new friend to help out at sweet apple acres when he's available.

(Trevor chuffers in bring a cart load of sweet apple acres cider.)

Trevor: Here you are, freshly made sweet apple acres apple cider and don't worry not a single drop was rushed. Oh watch your step there Mrs Smith.

Granny Smith: Oh (giggle) well now you sure are quite the ladies engine…

Trevor: (blush) Oh, Anything for you my dear Mrs Smith.

(Granny Smith giggles.)

Applejack: Thanks again Trevor. Sorry we doubt your kindness.

Apple Bloom: Yah your a truly great friend to us. Me and my friends enjoy the rides you give.

Big Mac: EEEYUP! Thanks for all your help your really save me from a broken back.

Trevor: I'm just glad to help a friend in need. I have Edward to thank for that.

Trevor: Oh Edward am I so glad to see you again, I owe you, Fluttershy, Rachel and William my life. If wasn't for four, I might have been cut up. Thank you for everything and god bless the 4 of you.

Fluttershy: (Giggle) Oh all in days work Trevor.

Rachel: Pleasure to help Trevor.

William: Indeed Trevor.

Twilight Sparkle: Wow Edward, You, William and Rachel and Fluttershy continue to amaze me every single day.

Narrator: Princess Celestia teleports with Princess Luna, Princess Cadence and Shining Armor.

Celestia: And us too. Edward, Fluttershy, Rachel and William, I am proud of all you.

Twilight: (Gasp in excitement) Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, Shining Armor!

Luna: YES THOU HAS HEARDITH OF THY BRAVE DEEDS BRAVE ENGINE PEGASUS AND HUMANS!

Celestia: (Grinning) heheheh um Luna mind the volume a little bit please.

Luna: Oh oops heheh sorry about that Sister.

Cadence: I am very proud of you too Edward. You really show all of kindness and love in your heart.

Edward: Oh why thank you your highness's.

Luna: Thou should be proudth of thyself Edward.

Shining Armor: Indeed Edward. You have done really well.

Sally: Grand to have you home Edward.

Bridget: The line just wasn't the same without you.

Henry: I really missed you Edward. Welcome home.

Gordon: were sorry for teasing you about the cows, aren't Rainbow Dash and Spike.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah sorry about that, that was very uncool of us but anyway were glad you've come home welcome home Edward.

Spike: Yeah. Sorry Edward. Great to have you back.

Flitter: Fantastic to see you home old friend.

Cloud Chaser: Your right there Flitter.

William: Welcome home old friend. I really missed you.

Rachel: We are very proud to be your engine crew.

Edward: Oh it's so great to be home. You are the nicest engines, people, and ponies an engine could ever ask to be friends with and I'm proud of you too William. You're father and mother would be proudly smiling at you up in heaven and Rachel I am also honoured to be yours and William's engine.

William: Thank you Edward. That really means a lot coming from you.

Sir Topham Hatt: Ahem. (Holding hand up for silence) A long time ago, Edward showed us all how really useful he can be despite his age, and he has surely once again proven that even though he is old he will always remain a really useful engine and credit to my railway.

Celestia: Thanks to the bravery of this engine, Fluttershy, Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens, Edward not only save a traction engine from certain doom but he and his crew risked their own life to save not only one of Sir Topham Hatt's famous engines but he also saved the life of one of my little ponies. Sir Topham Hatt you should be very proud of Edward. Thank you.

Pinkie Pie: Now let's get this party started. I'd like to purpose a toast to the return of Edward the Blue Engine.

Everyone : TO EDWARD THE BLUE ENGINE!

Narrator: All the ponies and humans raise a cup of sweet apple acres cider. As the engines whistled loudly. And indeed this was the most, happiest day for Fluttershy William James Holden, Rachel Marie Ravens and of course Edward the Blue Engine.

The End...

...Of this saga. I must say, making mine and atsf's human selves immortal was a smart move. That way, we can continue to be in the series without the fear of getting too old. Now, what book is next? (Gasps) Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! 'Four Little Engines' is next! I LOVE those stories of the little engines. Got to go!

Author's Notes: Alright! We are onto 'Four Little Engines'. I'm super excited for this one. I LOVE the stories of these little guys.

Dear Rachel

Boy it sure has been quite an adventurous holiday this year. Oh by the way I had just finished a ancient Sudrian language class and I learned two words: Skarloey and Rheneas. Apparently, Skarloey means 'lake in the woods'. Rheneas means 'divided waterfall'. Ironically those are the same names of the two original engines of the Skarloey railway. I must say, I enjoyed that little holiday we went on this year all the way. Everything was beautiful. The woodlands the waterfall and the lake. A few younger ponies actually joined the Skarloey Railway which is now under the ownership of Sir Handel Brown but another man called Mr. Peter Sam whom we have christen as the Thin Controller. Oh, and you'll be happy to know that 2 of those engines we saved back in 1950 with Mr. Hugh are now safe and sound at the Skarloey Railway, though because they're still young they still need a little bit more time to adjust. After being in that awful Aluminium Works I can understand that it will be hard for them to adjust to their new surroundings, but I think they'll make it.

Anyway, here's what happened.

Your friend, William James Holden.

Skarloey Remembers

Narrator: The Fat controller had sent Edward to the works at Crovans Gate to be mended…

(Pinkie hops into the Narrator's studio)

Pinkie Pie: And also, this part takes place before Edward's welcome home party!

(Record scratch)

Narrator: PINKIE! Who said you could narrate this story?!

Pinkie Pie: What? I was telling everyone so they wouldn't be confused.

Narrator: Pinkie, your not even in this story! Get back into the series.

Pinkie Pie: Sorry Miss Narrator. (Hops back into the series.

Narrator: (Sighs) Anyway, Edward was being taken there by Fluttershy, Rachel Ravens and William Holden to have his parts mended as a reward for saving Rarity and James. They were also taking 4 important passengers to the station by the works as well. Near the works station, Edward noticed an old narrow gauge engine standing in open sided shed.

Edward: Why bless my soul! If it isn't my old friend Skarloey. What's he doing there?

Narrator: He remembered Skarloey and his brother Rheneas because in the in old days he had often brought passengers who wanted to travel up to the lake in their little train. He also remembered the railtour that the mane 6, William and Rachel went on. As the men, women and ponies at the works couldn't mend him at once, Edward asked William, Rachel and Fluttershy to put him on a siding close to Skarloey once he had been uncoupled from his train and then another engine took it, with the 4 special guests placed into one coach before the train took off of course. Skarloey was pleased to see Edward, Fluttershy, William and Rachel again.

Skarloey: Oh hullo Edward. Long time no see.

Edward: Heheheh. Same here old friend. I've got some new recruits here for the preservation society here (he calls to the new recruits) We ready for you now.

Narrator: The new recruits turned out to be a William, Rachel and 4 fillies. Each of them had note books.

Edward: I like you to meet the new recruits. Rachel and William you already know.

Narrator: The 1st one was a bright yellow earth pony with a red mane and tail, a pink bow in her mane and orange eyes.

Applebloom: Hello Skarloey! I'm Apple Bloom.

Narrator: Another was an orange pegasus with a hot pink mane and tail and purple eyes.

Scootaloo: I'm Scootaloo.

Narrator: The 3rd one was a white unicorn with a pink and purple mane and tail and green eyes.

Sweetiebelle: I'm Sweetie Belle.

Narrator: And the last one was an orange earth pony with a two toned pink mane and tail, green eyes and white freckles.

Babs Seed: The names Babs Seed.

All 4: We are the cutie mark crusaders.

Skarloey: The cutie mark what?

Scootaloo: Oh. The cutie mark crusaders its an organisation to help those without cutie marks help find them, these represent what talent we are good at.

Skarloey: Oh that's nice of you. So what's with the notebooks?

Sweetie Belle: We're taking down notes to learn about what we'll be doing and about the things we do.

Skarloey: Ah. That's even better. Education is very important.

Edward: Anyway, anything new happened here?

Skarloey: Well thanks to help of Rachel, William and Mr. Hugh, the owner has bought two more engines. He told me that I was a very old engine and deserved a good rest. He gave me this shed so that I could see everything and not be lonely. (Sighing sadly) But I am lonely all the same. I miss Rheneas very much. Yesterday, one of the new engines pushed him on truck and now he's away at Hunslet to be mended. I do wish I could be mended too and pull coaches again.

CMC: We're sorry about that Skarloey.

William: I know, I know, but hopefully you will get repaired.

Rachel: I'm sure you'll get your chance.

Edward: That's right Skarloey. Just keep faithful. By the way, have your coaches got names?

Narrator: Skarloey grinned. He was ready to answer that.

Skarloey: Oh why yes Edward. Lets see, theres Agnes, Ruth, Jemima, Lucy, and Beatrice. Agnes is proud, she has cushions for first class passengers. She pities Ruth, Jemima and Lucy who are third class with bare boards but all 4 sniff at Beatrice the guards van. Beatrice often smells of fish and cheese, but she is most important. She has a little window through which the guard sells tickets. I sometimes leave the others behind, but I always take Beatrice. You must have tickets and guard you know.

Edward: Of course.

Apple Bloom: That's right. Without tickets or a guard, you can't have passengers and you can't go or stop without safety permission.

Narrator: And the other CMC's nodded in agreement.

Skarloey: Anyway, Rheneas and I used to take turns at pulling the trains.

(Flashback narration)

Skarloey: We know everybody and everybody knows us. We whistle to the people in the fields, at level crossing at lonely cottages and at farms and the people always wave to us. We love passing the school play grounds at break time, then the children would come running up to the fence to watch us go. The passengers always wave because they think the children are waving at them. Heheheh. But we engines know better of course.

Edward: Heheheh. Yes we do indeed.

Skarloey: Now, we take your tourists up to the lake at Skarloey, which is where I am named after, and then we get ready to take the train home. Since there are no turning facilities we depending on which position we are facing. We either head up the line back to front and head back down to crovans gate front to front or vis versa. We love the morning journeys home because then our friends from the villages always come down to do their shopping. We always whistle at each station to let every know to lookout and all the people are their waiting. Well… (Chuckles) almost everyone.

Guard: Where's Mrs. Last?

Skarloey flashback: She's coming now.

Skarloey: There is just one passenger that sometimes takes a little while to get on board. Then we whistle again to signal that we're starting and the she comes running on to platform and into our train.

Driver: Heheheh. We'll leave you behind one of these days.

Skarloey: But we know we never will. Now we stop else where too, at farm crossing and stiles where paths lead to lonely little houses. Rheneas and I know all the places very well indeed and our drivers used to jokingly remark that we would stop even if he didn't put on the brake. Sometimes on Market day, Jemima, Lucy and Ruth were so full of people the that the guard would allow third class passengers to travel in Agnes. I can tell you she did not like that at all and would grumble.

Agnes: First class coach! Third class people. I want them out!

Skarloey: That made me very cross.

Skarloey flashback: Shut up! Or I will bump you.

Skarloey: That soon stopped her rudeness to my friends.

(End flashback)

Narrator: Just then, some workmen arrived.

Workmen: We're ready to mend you now Edward, come along.

Edward: Goodbye Skarloey. Thank you for telling us all about your railway. It's a lovely little line.

Skarloey: Oh it is, it is. Thank you for talking to me Edward. You've cheered me up. Goodbye.

Narrator: Then he watched Edward puff into the works and Fluttershy caught her next train home. The cutie mark crusaders thanked Skarloey for telling them what was to be expected and walked over to Crovans Gate hotel. Then shutting his eyes, he dozed in the afternoon sun. He smiled as he dozed, for he was remembering as old engines do about happy days in the past.

Ok. Just to let you guys on a heads up, in my headcanon theory, the Aluminium Works was one of the most painful things Falcon/Sir Handel and Stuart/Peter Sam had to tackle in their lives. You'll see more as time goes on.

Author's Notes: I really like this story. I do see potential for Sir Handel to become a more mature engine and act as a role model for younger engines, but this will have to be taken in very carefully with little to no inconstancies.

Sir Handel

Narrator: William, Rachel and the CMC were soon at work and helping to restore the line. One of the first jobs they had was to get aquatinted with the newer engines. The new engines looked very smart. One was called Sir Handel named after the owner and the other was named after the thin controller called Peter Sam. Now Peter Sam, was very kind and cheerful and quickly made himself at home. But Sir Handel was finding it very difficult to get used to his new home and often grumbled.

Sir Handel: What a small shed! This old tool shack won't do at all!

Sweetie Belle: Oh come Sir Handel. It's not that bad. I think it looks cute.

Peter Sam: Sweetie Belle is right. Besides I think it looks nice.

Sir Handel: Hmph! You would wouldn't you? If you ask me it looks stupid and decrepit!

Apple Bloom: Hey, no one asked you!

Sir Handel: And whatever is that pile of rubbish?!

Peter sam: Hey watch your mouth Sir Handel! That's Skarloey, the famous old engine.

Narrator: Then he whispered something so incognito to Sir Handel that no else noticed at all.

Apple Bloom: Hmm I wonder what's bitten his Apple ?

Babs Seed: Yeah, your right there Bloom. He sounds almost as rude as th… (Hesitates to find the words) As the way I used be.

Peter Sam: (Nervously) Um I'm so sorry about that Skarloey… Sir Handel's still a little upset right now. He's quite nice and really means well. (hesitates to find the words) But he and I used to work on an industrial line, and you know what that can sometimes do to an engine.

Narrator: Peter Sam squirmed and hoped nobody noticed. Skarloey felt very sorry for Peter Sam. The next morning, the CMC came down to the sheds to wake the engines up and start their work for the day.

William Rachel: Morning engines.

William: Hey Sir Handel.

Narrator: Sir Handel didn't answer. He was still asleep.

William: Um… Sir Handel?

Rachel: Uh… Sir handel? Yoohoo?

William: Sir Handel, are me and Rachel talking ourselves? Ugh!

Narrator: Then William noticed an old bugle in the workshop. He grabbed and ran back.

Rachel: Oh William? What's that for?

William: True it's a crude tactic. But hey, at least it'll wake him up.

Rachel: (Quietly) I don't know William. You know what happened back at the…

William: (Quietly) I know Rachel, but it's nothing like that whatsoever.

Rachel: (Quietly) Ok. Go for it.

Narrator: William took a big deep breath and blew the bugle playing reveille. Sir Handel woke with a startle.

Sir handel: AAAAAAHHHHHH! I SURRENDER! Huh?

Narrator: Sir Handel still in a sleepy daze looked all around and his eyes soon adjusted and he then saw everyone laughing all around.

Sir Handel: (Sarcastic and annoyed) Ugh! Thanks for warning me about the wakeup call. A ha ha ha ha ah. Shut up. Sheesh, what a way to run a railway!

William: Well, I'm sorry Sir Handel. It was the only way to wake you up. Anyway, now Sir Handel, we'll get you ready for passenger work today. You'll be working with me, Rachel and Sweetie Belle.

Narrator: Sir Handel was still reluctant. His eyelids were baggy and dark and his eyes were red with exhaustion and he had a very sourpuss expression on his face.

Sir Handel: Ugh! I'm tired! Let my brother Peter Sam go. He'd love it!

Rachel: Nope. Sorry Sir Handel. Peter Sam needs to be repaired first, and besides its owners orders and your first for the day, even if Peter Sam was in good condition.

Sir Handel: Uugghhh! Oh well fine! I suppose I must!

Narrator: He soon had his fire lit and sulking and complaining he went to fetch the coaches. When he saw what kind of coaches he was to be pulling, he was utterly disgusted.

Sir Handel: WHAT ON EARTH?!

Sweetie Belle: Oh what now Sir Handel?

Sir Handel: Oh whatever next! I refuse to pull these wretched things!

Rachel: (Annoyed) Ugh! Cry me a river Sir Handel. Surely you can pull 4 whoop dee doo dah coaches and a brake van.

Sir Handel: Coaches?! COACHES?! These things are not coaches! THEY'RE NOTHING BUT SCRUFFY DISGUSTING DIRTY 4 WHEELED CATTLE TRUCKS!

Narrator: The coaches were shocked and disgusted!

Coaches: OOOH! WHAT A HORRID ENGINE! HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO US LIKE THAT!

Sir Handel: It not what I am used to!

Narrator: And clanking rebelliously he made his way to the station.

Sweetie Belle: Oh dear. I've got a very bad feeling about this.

Rachel: Me too Sweetie Belle. Me too.

William: That makes three of us. (To Rachel, quietly) Seriously though, I don't blame the poor engine. He has been through a lot.

Rachel: (To William) I couldn't agree more.

Narrator: They rolled into the platform just as Gordon and Rainbow Dash arrived with the Wild nor wester.

Sir Handel: Hullo there! Who are you two?

Rainbow Dash: I'm the one and only Rainbow Dash

Gordon: Name's Gordon. Who are you?

Sir Handel: I'm Sir Handel.

Rainbow dash: Hey, you look very familiar. Have we met before?

Sir Handel: (In his head) Hmm. If they don't know who I am, maybe, just maybe, this can give me and Peter Sam a chance to cover it up.

Rainbow Dash: Yoo hoo? Sir Handel?

Sir Handel: Ah yes. I've heard of you two before. You're one of the best flyers in Equestria, Rainbow Dash. And you Gordon, you're the famous WildNorWester express engine. Heh, I'm express engine too but I'm used to pulling boogie coaches not these scruffy mutts! (Gulps. In head) Oh dear. Too much information. (Outloud) Hmmm, lets see, do you have boogie coaches? Ah yes I see you do. Oh, Ex L.M.S express coaches, how very streamlined, ooh love that creamed line across the windows and that NWR Yellow Orange livery is just to die for. Oh, and they even have corridors at the end very smart indeed. We must have a chat sometime.

Narrator: Just then, the guards green flag waved and Sir Handel had to go.

Sir Handel: Sorry, I can't stop. Must keep time you know.

Narrator: Sir Handel hastily puffed off, leaving Rainbow Dash and Gordon at a loss for words.

Gordon: Uh, okay?

Rainbow Dash: Sir Handel? Huh! I swear, that engine looks familiar.

Gordon: How so Rainbow?

Rainbow Dash: Can't put my hoof on it Gordon.

Narrator: Meanwhile, Sir Handel trundled along the line full of discontent along the old rails.

Sir Handel: Come along! Come along!

Coaches: Filthy mutts! Filthy cattle trucks! We'll pay him out when we get to the first hill!

Sweetie Belle: Hmm, no trouble yet. That's a relief Rachel.

Rachel: Yeah. That's a good thing.

William: Well, we better get ready to stop Sweetie Belle. We're approaching Cros-Ny-Cuirn.

Narrator: They stopped at Cros-Ny-Cuirn. The line curved here and began to climb to Glennlock station. It's was not very steep, but the day was damp and misty and the rails were soaked filmy and slippery.

Agnes: Heheh, now girls this where we get our own back. (Whisper) hold back.

Ruth: Hold back.

Jemimia: What? You want to go back? But we've only just started.

Ruth: No! I said hold back.

Jemima: There is something on your back? Doesn't look like it. Hang on, coaches don't have backs, they have roofs.

Ruth: No! I said hold back.

Jemima: When will we be back? Haven't got a clue.

Ruth: NO! I SAID HOLD BACK!

Agnes: Shoosh Ruth! You loud mouth! You'll give our plan away. You're lucky no one heard you.

Ruth: Oh Sorry.

Jemima: Oh, you want to hold back! Why didn't you say so?

Ruth: Ugh! I tell you Agnes, a hearing aid is what that poor dear needs.

Agnes: I agree with you on that Ruth.

Jemima: Ruth says to hold back Lucy.

Lucy: Hold back Beatrice.

Jemima: What?

Lucy: I was talking to Beatrice.

Jemima: You were talking about Liquorice? Red or black?

Lucy: No! I was talking to Beatrice!

Jemima: You want to learn some song lyrics? I didn't know you could sing Lucy?

Lucy: NO! I WAS TALKING TO BEATRICE!

Jemima: Oh! Why didn't you say so?

Lucy: Ugh! Ruth is right. A hearing aid is definitely what that girl needs.

Beatrice: I know what you mean Lucy my dear. I'm amazed she didn't even hear that arrogant stuck up insult us. And he was standing right next us.

Lucy: Oh yep, this a sad day for Jemima. Next time we see thin controller we should tell him about this problem.

Beatrice I second the motion.

Narrator: Soon the guards whistle blew the coaches giggled as their couplings tightened as Sir Handel started. He began to strain his wheels were slipping and his coupling rods ached.

Sir Handel: Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on!

Sweetie Belle: We're slipping! What do we do?

William: Oh no! Not now! Sweetie Belle, try to put sand on the rails?

Narrator: But it was no use. Sir Handel couldn't climb the hill and the train stopped.

Sir Handel: I can't do it! I can't do it! I'm used to sensible boogie coaches not these scruffy cattle trucks!

William/Sweetie Belle/Rachel: OH FOR PETE SAKES!

Narrator: The guard came up.

Guard: I think the coaches are up to something.

Rachel: Ugh! Just what I suspected. Now how are we going to climb the hill?

Narrator: William thought very hard.

William: Hmmm. Wait a minute. I got it! We'll back down to the station at the bottom of the hill and sand the rails and with that we can finally get underway.

Sweetie Belle: No problem. I'll sand the rails whilst you two help keep steam up and get us up the hill.

Narrator: Soon they backed down to the bottom of the hill. With Sweetie Belle sanding the rails, Sir Handel made a tremendous effort. The coaches tried to drag him back but he puffed so hard that they were soon over the top and at last away on their journey. The thin controller spoke severely to Sir Handel that night.

Thin controller: You are a troublesome engine. You are rude, conceited, and far too big for you wheels next time I shall punish you severely.

Narrator: Sir Handel squirmed in response, and he behaved well for several days. The rebuilding of the line had started, Peter Sam had finally been repaired and the two of them spent many days taking passenger trains, slate trains, goods trains, and reconstruction trains up to lake and back. Then one morning, Sir Handel took the morning passenger train to the top station. He was cross. It was suppose to be Peter Sam's turn but the thin controller made him go instead.

William: Sir Handel, we're short on wagons and need them for the reconstruction trains.

Sweetie Belle: So we'll leave the coaches here and then go fetch the slate trucks from the quarry.

Sir Handel: ( furious) SLATE TRUCKS! SLATE TRUCKS!

Rachel: Yes that's right, slate trucks and don't you dare grouch to us about it. Got it? Now come on. This railway isn't going to fix itself.

Sir Handel: (Mutter) Slate trucks! We'll just see about that Rachel!

Narrator: Sir Handel then set off along the mineral line. It was old and needed repairs fast. The old rail chairs jammed Sir Handel's wheels. Sir Handel was now fed up. First he had to take another passenger train up to the lake two times in a row, and now he had to collect old decrepit slate trucks. This should have been Peter Sam's turn and now he had to do it himself. This was the final straw.

Sir Handel: I'M NOT COLLECTING SLATE TRUCKS! SO THERE!

Narrator: And with a lurch a bump and a loud clang!

Sweetie Belle: Whoa!

William: What the devil!

Rachel: What just happened?

Narrator: William, Sweetie Belle and Rachel got out.

Sir Handel: Ha! I told you so!

Narrator: Rachel and William slapped their faces and Sweetie Belle's hoof smacked her face in frustration.

William: Ugh! I don't believe it!

Narrator: Sir Handel had pushed the rails apart and settled down between them derailed on the spot. The accident wasn't entirely his fault but he hadn't helped matters.

William: You stubborn young idiot!

Narrator: Rachel telephoned the thin controller and he came up at once in Peter Sam with a permanent way gang. The thin controllers message to Sir Handel was brief and blunt.

Thin controller: (furious) I will talk with you later!

Narrator: then he and the fireman left with Peter Sam. Sir Handel was not so pleased with himself when he crawled home to find the thin controller waiting for him.

Thin controller: You are a very naughty engine! As a result you shall stay in the sheds until I trust you to behave.

Narrator: With that the shed doors closed and Sir Handel cold and miserable wished now he hadn't been so foolish.

Peter Sam: Sir Handel?

Sir Handel: (Sighing sadly) Yes Peter Sam?

Peter Sam: Rough day again?

Sir Handel: Yeah. I just feel so… guilty for doing this.

Peter Sam: I know, I do too. But you know what might happen to us if we tell them. What if the news reaches cruel hands?

Narrator: But I must no more or I may spoil the series.

For those of you that I haven't told, what do you think Peter Sam and Sir Handel are talking about? No spoilers in the reviews from those that I have already told, please. Next is 'Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady'. I will be putting Apple Bloom with Peter Sam instead of Scootaloo. Also, brace yourselves guys because there will be a bit of nightmare fuel in the next one.

Author's notes: I changed Scootaloo to Apple Bloom and added a little something at the end. Brace yourselves people, because there is a flashback that will get very painful.

Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady

Narrator: As Sir Handel was shut up in the shed, Peter Sam had to run the line by himself. He was very excited and Rachel found it hard to get him ready.

Rachel: Come old boy sober up. We've got work to do!

Peter Sam: Aye Aye Rachel!

Apple Bloom: That a boy Peter. You'll a real trooper.

Narrator: This of course made Peter Sam grin.

Sir handel: Pah! Goody two wheels. Anyone would think that he wanted to work.

William: Hey lighten up Sir Handel and cut him some slack.

Skarloey: William is right. Besides, all respectable engines do want to work. I wish I could work myself.

Narrator: The next morning, Peter Sam was getting ready to take a passenger train up to the lake with Rachel, Apple Bloom, and William. Skarloey gave him a briefing on how it worked.

Skarloey: Good Luck Peter Sam. I admire your enthusiasm, but just remember to keep calm Peter Sam. Don't get too excited and you'll do very well.

Narrator: But Peter Sam was in such a state that forgot to listen. When Rachel arrived with Apple Bloom and William, Peter Sam ran off happily to find Agnes, Ruth, Jemima, Lucy and Beatrice, whistling cheerfully. Although he was excited, he remembered to be careful.

Peter Sam: Good morning Girls! And there we go. That's the way my dears, gently does it.

Jemima: What did he say?

Narrator: Asked poor Jemima who was deaf.

Agnus: (Flattered) He said Good morning girls.

Ruth: (Flattered) And… he called us his 'dears'.

Lucy: (Flattered) Really, one doesn't know what to think. (sigh) Such a handsome young engine too.

Beatrice: (Flattered) And so nice and well mannered, he treats us so well.

Jemima: Oh! Then why didn't you say so?

Ruth: (Sighs) I swear, you really need a hearing aid Jemima.

Narrator: They tittered happily together as they followed Peter Sam to the station. Peter Sam fussed into the station to find Henry and Applejack already their waiting.

Applejack: Howdy Rachel, howdy William, howdy Apple Bloom. How's Babs Seed getting on?

Rachel: She's doing wonderful. She's currently working in the machine shop working on one of our new engines called Sir Handel.

Applejack: Ah that's grand hearin'! Just like a chip off Big Macintosh's old block.

William: Who's Big Macintosh?

Apple Bloom: Oh he's mine and Applejack's big brother. The second oldest in the family.

Applejack: He's great worker too and I asked him if he'd like to help work with us on the railways here on Sodor when available.

Apple Bloom: So what he say?

Applejack: He said. Eeeyup!

Apple Bloom: Alright! Can't wait ta see him again.

Narrator: Then Applejack noticed Peter Sam.

Applejack: Well Howdy their youngin'! And what's your name.

Peter Sam: (hesitates to find the right words) hmm… Oh um… Hullo there Miss. I'm Peter Sam. Another one of the new engines.

Applejack: Well howdy doo Peter Sam! I'm Applejack and this here is Henry.

Henry: Pleasure.

Narrator: Henry wasn't really impressed though.

Henry: Hmm. This won't do youngster! I can't be kept waiting. If you are late again tonight I'll go off and leave your passengers stranded.

Peter Sam: Poh! From what Skarloey told me, you had to make several water stops before being rebuilt at crewe!

Applejack/Rachel: Heheheh… Settle down you two.

Applejack: Come Henry. We'd better get the flyer over to Tidmouth. Rachel, Will, sis! I'll be seein' ya'll later. Say hi to Babs for me. And nice meetin' ya Peter Sam.

William: We will Applejack.

Narrator: Henry puffed away.

Applejack: (To herself) Hmm…. Call me an apple fritter but there's just something familiar about that engine.

Henry: You ok AJ?

Applejack: Huh? Oh yeah Henry. Just a random thought in my mind. No need ta worry.

Narrator: But secretly, Peter Sam was worried.

Peter Sam: I hope we aren't late. I could bare facing the thin controller's wrath….

( flashback)

(An unnamed but familiar grey kerr stuart arrives to a industrial station only one 1 second late.)

?: Whew at last we made just in time…

Manager: AND WHAT THE HECK OF ON TIME DO YOU CALL THIS NUMBER 4!

No. 4: Oh no! Wait! I was on time!

Manager: THAT'S NOT WHAT MY WATCH SAYS YOU WORTHLESS PILE OF JUNK! YOU'RE A SECOND LATE! DO YOU HEAR ME YOU MORON! THIS IS WHY WE ARE LOSING MONEY!

No.4: But Sir I…

Jacob: SHUT UP! YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR EVEN ONE SECOND LATE!

No.4: No please Sir. I couldn't help it.

Manager: Well then maybe this will make you improve better. (grabs a cold steel sludge hammer menacingly and swings it hitting No.4's boiler Several times and even when No.4 begins to cry) AAARRRRRGGAAHHHHHHHHH!

No.4: ( Painfully) AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!... Please I beg you Sir… AAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH! ( Crying) AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHH! I won't be late again AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHhhhhhhhhhhhh! ( Crying)

Manger: See to it that you do No.4, otherwise I'll make you sorry I ever bought a worthless scrap heap like you!

Voice through flashback: Peter Sam! Peter Sam!

(End flashback)

Rachel: (Clicks her fingers in front of Peter Sam's face) Peter Sam!

Peter Sam: Huh?! What?!

Rachel: Are you alright? You were mumbling.

Peter Sam: Uh yeah. I'm okay.

Apple Bloom: Well we better get goin' and run round to the front of the train.

Narrator: Peter Sam, finally remembering that he had a passenger train today, couldn't stay worried for long.

Peter Sam: What fun it all is (To himself) Pah! Henry's words can't hurt me. I'm a Kerr Stuart tattoo class. Always on time!

Rachel: Wow. I'm impressed Peter Sam. You really are in good spirits.

Narrator: Soon the guards whistle blew and the green waved, and Peter sam puffed happily away singing songs.

Peter Sam: (Singing) I'm Peter Sam I'm running this line. I'm Peter Sam I'm running this line! I'm Peter Sam I'm running this line! Early the morning!

Narrator: The people all ran and waved as went passed by the cottages and farms. They gave a loud whistle at the school and the children ran and waved as they passed by. Agnes, Ruth, Jemima, Lucy and Beatrice enjoyed themselves too.

Coaches: ( Singing) He's bit cocky, but he's nice! He's bit cocky but he's nice! He's bit cocky, but he's nice! Early in the Morning!

Narrator: They were very fond of Peter Sam.

Peter Sam: (Singing) Good Morning!

Apple Bloom: (Singing) Good Mornin'!

Rachel: (Singing) We've slept a good night through,

Rachel/Apple Bloom: (Singing) Good Morning!

Peter Sam/William: (Singing) Good morning!

All 4: (Singing) To you! Good Morning! Good Morning! It's great to be awake! Good Morning! Good Morning to you!

William: (singing) When the band began to play the stars were shining bright!

Peter Sam: (Singing) But now the milk mans on his so it's too late to say good night.

All 4 : (singing) So good morning! Good Morning! Sun beams will soon shine through! Good Morning! Good Morning! Too you!

Peter Sam: And you!

Rachel: And you!

Apple Bloom: And y'all!

William: And you!

Peter Sam: (singing) Good Morning! Good Morning! We've snored the whole night through! Go Morning Good morning to you!

Apple Bloom/William/Rachel: Wouldn't it be grander to be in Applesooa!

All: (Singing) In the Morning

Rachel: ( Singing) In the morning its a great sunny old day. Good morning! Good Morning to you.

Apple Bloom/William/ Peter Sam: The weather's nice and fair when you visit Baltimare!

Peter Sam: (singing) When I came all unfixed, I just wanted to cry.

Rachel: ( Singing) But those broken bits are now all. And now it's your turn to shine!

Apple Bloom/William: So say good morning!

Peter Sam/Rachel: Good Morning!

Apple Bloom: (Points to the field and waves) Hey look! (singing) Ma sister's plowin' too! (Applejack waves to Apple Bloom)

All 4: (Singing) Good Morning! Good Morning! Too you!

Narrator: Every afternoon, trains have to wait an hour at the station by the lake called Lakeside. To earn more revenue for tourist pounds, the owner had a little shop built by the station that sells refreshments. The Passengers, William, Rachel, the CMCs, other drivers and fireman (Or fire-woman), and the guard usually bought hot and ice tea, lemonade, Mars bars, cakes, or iced buns from an elderly woman called the refreshment lady. The crew would then go into the guards van and happily munch down on the goodies they bought. The refreshment lady often came home on this train. Usually, Peter Sam never minded the wait. But Henry's words were playing on his mind. His sizzled impatiently.

Peter Sam: Come on! We're sure to be late!

Apple Bloom: Calm yourself Peter! Only just got here so there's plenty time to spare.

Peter Sam: Easy for you to say Apple Bloom, but we're going to miss Henry's connection if we keep dawdling like this.

Rachel: So that's what you're all worked up about, don't worry we still have time, Peter Sam.

Peter Sam: But I….

William: (Whisper) Peter Sam that was a long time ago. You're not going to get into trouble. (whisper ends) Rachel's right. You have nothing to worry about, so long as you keep your wheels on and stop worrying so much. Now if you'll excuse us, we've got some refreshments to buy.

Narrator: Peter Sam might have been better off listening to Apple Bloom, William and Rachel. Time passed slowly for Peter Sam today, it was nearly driving him crazy.

Peter Sam: Clock is ticking Peter Sam! Clock is ticking! Keep it together. When Apple Bloom, Rachel and William get back we'll be on our way.

Narrator: At last the 3 friends came back to Peter Sam.

Peter Sam: Peep-peep! Hurry up please!

Narrator: The passengers strolled back to the station. Peter Sam grew more and more impatient.

Peter sam: How awful, if we miss Henry's train. (Gulp) I can't face the thin controller's wrath!

Narrator: At last, the passengers arrived, the guard was ready with his flag and whistle. The refreshment lady walked along the platform making her way to the train. Then it happened. The guard says that Peter Sam was too impatient. William, Rachel, and Apple Bloom agreed with him. Peter Sam said he was sure he heard a whistle. Anyway, he started.

Peter Sam: Alright, come on! Come on! Come on!

Rachel: Easy old boy, you'll…

Agnus: STOP!

Ruth: STOP!

Lucy: STOP!

Jemima: YOU'VE THE REFRESHMENT LADY BEHIND!

Beatrice: YOU'VE LEFT HER BEHIND!

Peter Sam: WHAT?!

Narrator: The guard frantically waved his red flag, Rachel leaned out of the cab and saw the refreshment lady running and shouting after the train.

Rachel: OH YOU'VE GOTTA BE JOKING ME!

Narrator: And Rachel quickly stopped the train.

Peter Sam: Oh bother! We'll surely miss Henry's connection now.

Narrator: The refreshment lady climbed into Beatrice, and they started again. Peter Sam didn't sing anymore. Instead he just hurried and panted up the line as fast as wheels and Rachel would let him.

Peter Sam: Oh dear! Oh dear! We're going to be tardy!

Rachel: Steady old boy. Steady!

William: You're going to break something at this speed.

Rachel: (To William, quietly) It seems like Peter Sam has the opposite problem to Sir Handel. (Has to check Peter Sam's speed) Whoa, steady boy. (Back to William) Sir Handel is worked up because of his temper, Peter Sam is worked up because of his paranoia.

William: (Quietly) I know. The industry has scarred them pretty bad.

Narrator: At each station, Peter Sam whistled frantically.

Peter sam: HURRY PLEASE!

Apple Bloom: EASY PETER SAM! You nearly blew out my ear drums!

Narrator: The passengers hurried in and they started again a ridiculous speed. At, last they reached Crovans Gate right on the dot.

Peter Sam: HORRAH! We've caught him at last HA HA!

Narrator: He sighed and let of steam with relief whilst poor Rachel, William, and Apple Bloom feeling quite giddy stumbled off the footplate.

Peter Sam: (Sigh) Eat your heart out mainliner hahaha!

William: (Dazed) Uhhhhoohhhh…. Welcome…Back…To Crovan's Gate….

Rachel: (Dazed) Uhuhhuh…..Thank you …..very….much …for riding…on…..the Skarloey Railway…

Apple Bloom: (dazed) We're….glad ….you… came along…and… we….hope to…. See you again…..uhhhooohhh gosh! I Think I'm going be sick.

Peter Sam: Ha! How do like them apples, Henry?!

Henry: Not bad youngster.

Narrator: Applejack soon gave the dizzy crew some apple cider to help sober them up a little bit.

Henry: Oh, but one question.

Peter Sam: yes.

Henry: How do you like them apples?

Narrator: Peter Sam followed Henry's eyes and saw to his horror, a red faced refreshment lady storming up, shaking her fist at Rachel, William, Apple Bloom, and Peter Sam.

Refreshment lady: HOW DARE YOU! WHAT IN THE NAME OF TEA AND BISCUITS DO YOU HOOLIGANS MEAN BY LEAVING ME BEHIND?!

Narrator: William Rachel and Apple Bloom glanced in panic at each other.

Peter Sam: I'm sorry refreshment lady. I was worried about the passenger train. Henry said he was going to leave without us.

Narrator: Then the refreshment lady laughed.

Refreshment Lady: ho ho ho! You silly engine. Henry was teasing you. Henry wouldn't dare go without the passengers.

(Record scratch sound)

Narrator: Rachel's, William's, Peter Sam's and Apple Bloom's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets!

All 4: (stunned in disbelief) What do you mean, mam?

Refreshment lady: He's got to wait. It's a guaranteed connection. Ho ho ho ho ho!

( Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy music playing)

Narrator: And she climbed into the train laughing at the adventure.

Peter Sam: (Seething with rage) But? I thought that?! WELL I NEVER! WHERE'S THAT HENRY?!

Narrator: But Peter Sam was too late that time for Henry had chortled away. As Apple Bloom, Rachel, and William with eyes still bulging out in disbelief jaws dropped slouched, stumbled, and collapsed in exhaustion on the platform. Later that night after Rachel, William and Apple Bloom went to bed, Peter Sam was more upset then ever.

Peter Sam: (Tears running down his face) I'm sorry that I let the railway down.

Skarloey: Young Peter Sam, please calm down. It was an accident. They happen to all of us and you did put things right.

Peter Sam: I know Skarloey, but still…

Sir Handel: Don't worry Peter Sam. You really put in a lot of effort today. You had no need to panic over that Peter Sam. Just stay calm and I'm sure that…

Narrator: And then, Sir Handel whispered something so quietly to Peter Sam that Skarloey couldn't hear, but it did cheer up the Kerr Stuart Tatto locomotive greatly.

Peter Sam: You'd really think he'd say that?

Sir Handel: As sure as we are in this shed right now.

Skarloey: Who's, 'he'?

(Toink!)

Sir Handel: (Under breath) Uh oh! Um... what do we say?

Peter Sam: (Under breath) I got this. (Outloud, speaking quickly) We could tell you another time. It's getting late.

Skarloey: Fair enough. Goodnight youngsters.

Sir Handel: Night Skarloey, night bro.

Peter Sam: Night Skarloey, night brother.

Narrator: And they fell asleep.

Well, again, what do you think the 2 engines are talking about? Also, I really feel that Sir Handel does show his caring side more then we, the fans, let on. Next is 'Old Faithful'. See you there.

Author's Notes: This is definitely one of the better characterisations Sir Handel has gotten in the RWS canon. In a majority of the fan work, everyone seems to abuse his character and make him a punching bag or act very immature. I really don't like that. Anyway, here's the story.

Old Faithful

Narrator: Sir Handel stayed shut up in the sheds for several days, until one market day Peter Sam had an accident. The Thin controller was waiting on the platform at Crovans Gate as Peter Sam emerged from underneath the road bridge He was just approaching the point frog when. With a lurch a bump and loud clang. The whole train ground to an abrupt halt.

Thin controller: (Disbelief) I…I Don't believe it!

Narrator: Peter Sam stood dazed and confused, derailed in between the points.

Peter Sam: Cinders and ashes! What just happened?!

Narrator: Rachel and Apple Bloom got out and examined the damage. Startled passengers got out and crowded around.

Rachel: Oh dear. I was afraid this would happen.

Apple Bloom: Oh yeah. That's torn it.

Peter Sam: Well, what happened?

Rachel: One of your trail wheels has sheered it's flange that's what caused you to derail.

Peter Sam: Oh no. What are we going to do?

Apple Bloom: Ah know. How 'bout we just remove the trailing wheels and run him as an 0-4-0st?

Rachel: That won't work without the trailing wheels. Peter Sam will have to suffer rocking motion and that will also cause the coaches to be jolted about. I'm sorry Peter Sam old boy, but I'm afraid you'll have to be side lined until we fix you up.

Peter Sam: (Tear running down his face) As you wish Rachel.

Rachel: (Quietly) It's ok. You'll be fixed up. It's nothing like that other place. I know it's not your fault.

Peter Sam: (Cheering up slightly) Thank you Rachel.

Thin controller: Well it's time for Sir Handel's punishment to end.

Narrator: William and Sweetie Belle along with Babs Seed were just fixing up Sir Handel when the Thin Controller came up to them.

Thin controller: Sir Handel, we need you to take the morning passenger train up to the lake and back. Peter Sam just sheered his trailing wheel flange.

Sir Handel: Oh dear. I hope he's alright. Yes Sir. Thank you Sir.

Narrator: William, Babs Seed and Sweetie Belle all climbed on to the footplate and William opened the regulator. Sir Handel puffed happily away to fetch Agnes, Ruth, Jemima, Lucy and Beatrice. Unfortunately for all 4 of them, the coaches were being troublesome. Sir Handel tried to be kind but the coaches wouldn't trust him they were awkward and rude to him. Sir Handel and the crew even tried singing songs. But it was no good.

Sir Handel: (Sigh) It's no good these coaches don't trust me.

Bab's: Yeah, and who's fault was that Sir Handel!

Sir Handel: Oh put a piece of coal it!

William: Just remember Sir Handel: First impressions always count.

Narrator: As they puffed along, Sir Handel took William's words into consideration. But the little unicorn filly in his cab interrupted his thoughts.

Sir Handel: (To self) He's right. My 1st encounter with…

Sweetie Belle: Don't worry. If we just treat them nicely, we'll be fine.

Sir Handel: (Snaps back to reality) Oh, yes of course Sweetie Belle.

Narrator: It was most unfortunate that Sir Handel had to check suddenly to avoid running over some careless sheep that had strayed on the line.

Sweetie Belle: STOP WILLIAM! STOP!

(Flashback)

Babs Seed: We're going too fast! Brake!

(A red war department engine, breaked hard to avoid hitting sheep but ends up damaging himself in the shadows)

Voice through flashback: Babs Seed!

(End flashback)

Sweetie Belle: Babs Seed! Look.

Babs Seed: THERE'S SHEEP ON THE LINE!

William: BRAKE! BRAKE!

Narrator: They stopped just in time.

Agnus: He's bumped us!

Ruth: Let's pay him out!

Narrator: Fortunately, Applejack and Fluttershy came along to help Farmer O'Casey clear the she sheep of the line. Soon the train was on its way again. The coaches knew that all trains must go carefully at a place near the big station, but they were so cross with Sir Handel that they didn't care what they did.

Beatrice: ON! ON! ON!

Narrator: And banging their buffers, they surged into Sir Handel making him lurch off the line.

Sir Handel: Whoa! (clang) Oof! Oh no! Not again!

William: Oh come on!

Babs Seed: You gotta be kiddin me!

Sweetie Belle: (sigh) this just isn't our day.

Sir Handel: Your telling me.

Narrator: Luckily, no one was hurt and they soon brought the train back to the station. Sir Handel limped sadly to the shed. The Thin controller inspected the damage.

Thin controller: (Sigh) Well that's done it! No more work for you today. Bother those coaches! (Sighing, annoyed) Well this is great, just real great! First Peter Sam sheers his trailing flange, and now this.

Babs Seed: Well this is a fine predicament! We still need to fetch the tourists to take them to the lake and back!

Sweetie Belle: And take the village people home.

William: But all without an engine?!

Applebloom: I've got it! All 4 of us can use a harness and pull the train ourselves.

Scootaloo: Be practical Apple Bloom. Those 5 coaches are way to heavy to pull on our own.

Babs: She's right you know cousin!

Rachel: I'm lost for ideas. How are we going to take the last train without an engine?

Skarloey: What about me, everyone?

Narrator: Everybody and everypony looked in amazement.

Thin Controller: Skarloey?! Can you do it? You're pretty old and you really can't pull trains like younger engines.

Skarloey: Only one way to find out. And I'll try Sir. We need to keep the trains running.

William: He's right Sir. We really don't have a choice here. I'll get him ready and start him up.

Rachel: I'm coming with you too.

Scootaloo: Same here. I'm not giving up on this railway.

Babs Seed: I'm with you too Scoots. If you're going along then we both go along.

Thin controller: Suit yourselves.

Narrator: So they all climbed into the little the old engine's cab. William eased open the regulator and Skarloey puffed off to the station. The coaches were waiting at the platform. They were surprised to see Skarloey advancing on them, hissing crossly with angry scowl on his face.

Skarloey: I am completely ashamed all 5 you! Such bad behaviour! You've might have severely hurt your passengers! On market day too!

Coaches: (Nervously) Www we're sorry Skarloey ww we didn't think… It's that rude Sir Handel. He…

Skarloey: NO TALES! I won't have any tomfoolery from you on this railway! You'll never let this happen again! Don't even dare think about trying any tricks on me!

Narrator: The coaches quivered meekly.

Coaches: (Gulp) No Skarloey.. Oh of course not Skarloey, It'll never happen again Skarloey..

Narrator: Scootaloo and Babs Seed gaped in wonderment. Skarloey maybe old and have dirty paint, but he was certainly an engine that stood no nonsense. Skarloey's friends crowded round him and Babs Seed had to shoo them away before they could start. The mane 6 were also on the train to to visit there friends.

Twilight Sparkle: Hey guys!

Rachel: Twilight! Girls! Didn't know you were riding with us.

Applejack: We've just came to see how you guys were doing!

Pinkie Pie: And we wanted to send you a care package.

Rainbow dash: Well that was mostly Pinkie Pie's idea.

Rarity: It's good to see you back in service, Skarloey.

Skarloey: Oh how kind of you Miss Rarity.

Fluttershy: Oh I'm so excited about this trip. It's going to be wonderful.

Applejack: I hear Scootaloo and Babs Seed are working together on the footplate today.

Scootaloo/Babs Seed: You heard right Applejack!

Applejack: Well that's good to hear that's a chip of the old block Babs.

Rainbow Dash: Heh, that's my little sister. (She playfully ruffles the orange pegasus' mane.)

Babs Seed: Okay people and ponies, back to your coaches ladies, gentlemen, fillies and gentlecolts! You 6 might want to get into Agnes, our first class coach, so don't miss the trip.

Applejack: Well then, good luck to y'all. We'll be cheerin' for ya all the way.

Narrator: The passengers got back in, the guard waved the green flag and blew the whistle and their journey began. Skarloey felt very happy, he remembered all the gates and stiles where he had to stop. He whistled to his friends as he went by. The sun shone and the rails were dry.

Skarloey: (Takes a deep breath of fresh air sighing happily) This is lovely I've missed the smell of the fresh Sudrian air. And what a lovely day it is too. Oh what a lovely day. Just like the good old days.

William: I know what you mean old boy. This reminds me of when me, my father, and grandfather all came down to visit.

Rachel: As it does with me, my mother and grandmother. This is so much fun. It's so wonderful to have you back in steam Skarloey.

Skarloey: It's good be back Rachel.

Scootaloo: This is really pretty scenery here.

Narrator: Presently the began to climb and Skarloey felt short of steam.

Skarloey: (Panting breathlessly) Oh dear….Bother.. .my tubes….

Rachel: Oh dear guys, you better have a look at this.

William: Uh oh! I don't like the look of it. The steam pressures dropping.

Scootaloo: That can't be good.

Bab's Seed: Take your time Skarloey old sport! Your losing steam, just pace yourself!

Skarloey: Don't worry. I'll manage! (gasp) I'll manage! I maybe old and tire more easily but I'll never let my passengers down.

Rachel: Don't worry, will be with you every wheel turn of the way.

Narrator: Pausing for rests at the stations, Skarloey gallantly struggled on. After a good rest at the top station, he ran round his train and was now ready to start back.

William: Ready Skarloey?

Skarloey: I'm ready. Don't worry. It'll be much better going downhill.

Narrator: Skarloey started off confidently and was making great time. The coaches ran nicely but he soon began to feel tired again. His springs were weak and the rail joints jarred his wheels.

Scootaloo: Steady Skarloey! Steady! We don't want you to break something.

Narrator: But it was too late! With a loud ear piercing crack, a front spring broke!

Skarloey: (painfully) AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!

All 4: SKARLOEY!

Narrator: William, worried and horrified like the others quickly stop the train.

Skarloey: (cough) (cough) Oh bother… That wasn't a pleasant experience I feel all crooked. (cough)

William: Oh dear lord! I was afraid this was going to happen. One of your his springs has shattered Skarloey.

Narrator: The fillies, William and Rachel all sighed sadly in defeat.

Babs Seed: (Sigh) That's torn it! It's.

Scootaloo: It looks like its all over now.

William: We'll need a bus now for our passengers.

Rachel: Your right I'll the passengers know.

Narrator: But then Skarloey pleaded and objected.

Skarloey: Ugh! NO, WAIT! I'd be ashamed to have a bus take my passengers!

Scootaloo: What are you talking about? We can't leave the passengers stranded here!

Skarloey: Indeed we cannot, because we're not going to abandon them!

Babs Seed: (nearly speechless) WHAT?! WHAT ARE YOU CRAZY?!

Skarloey : I know I'm pretty damaged here, but I along with my brother Rheneas have sworn an oath never to let our passengers down no matter what and I'm not breaking that oath! Not now and not ever!

Rachel: Well, moving a train in your condition is going to be pretty darn difficult.

Skarloey: Don't worry I'll get them home or burst trying. Please let me try again. I know I can do it!

William: (sigh) Alright, have your way then. We'll be with you every wheel turn of the way.

Narrator: Babs and Scootaloo sanded the rails, climbed back into the cab, Mr. Holden gently eased open the regulator and the train lurched and began to move as Skarloey forged ahead. The thin controller looking at his watch paced the platform impatiently. Whilst James and his train waited impatiently too.

Thin controller: (Sigh) Their going to be late! Oh dear. I told them not to take poor Skarloey out… I just hope their alrig…

Narrator: But the thin controller hadn't finished his sentence when he, James heard a painful horse whistle in the distance. Then from underneath bridge clanking and clanging, Skarloey crepted into site the Thin Controller couldn't believe his eyes and spectacles.

Thin Controller: I don't believe it!

Narrator: Skarloey was tilted to one siding and making awful ear piercing noises but he struggled bravely on, gasping between the clanks and groans.

Skarloey: (Painfully) I'll do it! I'll do it! I'll do it! I'll… (sigh) I've done it!

Narrator: At last winded and worn out, Skarloey sighed thankfully as the train stopped where James was waiting. James said nothing, he just collected his passengers, Rarity jumped into his footplate, and then he respectfully puffed away, very impressed. The Thin Controller then walked over to the engine and crew. Skarloey, William, Rachel, Scootaloo and Babs Seed stood nervously.

Thin controller: I really don't know what to say about this. I'm going to have to talk to the Owner about today's events.

Narrator: Then the Thin controller walked thoughtfully away leaving Skarloey, Scootaloo, Babs Seed, Rachel, and William sighing unhappily.

Skarloey: (Sighs) I'm glad the passengers got here safely.

Babs Seed: (In tears) It was nice knowing you Skarloey.

Scootaloo: (In tears) We'll… miss you.

William: Now fillies, let's not jump to conclusions.

Narrator: Later that evening, the owner came to see CMC, Rachel, William and Skarloey at the sheds that evening. Sir Handel and Peter Sam were there too, all were looking very worried.

Sir Handel: (To Peter Sam, quietly) You don't think that history is repeating itself, do you?

Peter Sam: (Quietly) I-I hope not Sir Handel.

Skarloey: (Sighing sadly) You were right Sir. (A tear trickles down his face) Old engines can't pull trains like young ones can.

Narrator: The owner smiled.

Owner: They can if they are mended, Old Faithful, and that's what's going to happen to you.

All: (Surprised) Did you say Skarloey is going to be mended, Sir?

Owner: That's exactly what I said. Some of the passengers on board Skarloey's train were some friends of mine who work at Gibbons Brother's Brierly Hill engineering works. After that heroic effort today, they have decide to mend you Skarloey. You deserve it Old Faithful and I am very proud of you.

Skarloey: (Sigh happily) Oh Sir. Thank you very Sir.

Sweetie Belle: THREE CHEERS FOR SKARLOEY, THE OLD FAITHFUL!

Sir Handel: (Admiringly) Well I'll be Peter Sam.

Peter Sam: (Admiringly) Well I'll be.

Narrator: Everyone cheered. Then Peter Sam and Sir Handel whispered to each happily.

Peter Sam: Does he remind you of anyone?

Sir Handel: (Chuckles) Very much so, but, (Expression turns to a worried/serious one) do you think we'll be able to trust everyone on this railway enough to…

Peter Sam: Maybe. We just need time to get to know everyone properly 1st, then we'll make the decision.

Narrator: Skarloey is now at Gibbons Brother's engine works and is now being mended. Sir Handel is longing for Skarloey to return! He along with his brother Peter Sam think he is the best engine in the world… well, equal to someone else they knew. Sir Handel does his fare share of the load now and the coaches never play tricks on him because he always handles them in the Skarloey way.

And that was '4 Little Engines'. Look out for next round where we see Percy get the spotlight and meet Harold and Duck for the 1st time. We also meet a new driver and pony for the team. Not going to say which ones.

Author's notes: Not too much is changed here. I did add in the fact that Princess Celestia was oh vacation in Manehatten. I also took out the fact that Rarity said that she was going to shave Percy's paint off. That sounded a bit too cruel and over the top. On a positive note, I do give credit to this version actually pointing out what the signal means, as that wasn't explained in the original or the TV adaption.

(William walks into his home at Ffarquhar with a bag of groceries. He heads into the kitchen and starts making a cake for the ponies and Rachel and his new friend)

William: Ah nothing like baking cakes. It's like a second hobby to me, next to model railways and rail fanning. Oh dear, I almost forgot to write that letter to Rachel about the book. Heheheh. It's good thing I have my pen attached to a chain. (Pulls out the chain) Heheheheh.. Now I won't have any problem with Pinkie stealing my. (his eyes bulge out!) What the where is my pen at…. (sigh) That does it! I'm buying a type writer next time. (William turns off the blender and storms up stairs.)

(Pinkie Pie writes letter)

Dear Rachel and Mike.

Can you believe it? You me and Percy have now 2 new friends, beat a helicopter in a race… And did I mention we made 2 new friends?! That's a new Pinkie friend making record and that's why I'm throwing a party and you're all invited!

(William storm's in exasperated)

William: Pinkie Pie!

Pinkie Pie: Oh Will! Just writing a nice letter to Rachel and Mike!

William: Pinkie please give me back my pen .

Pinkie Pie: But I can't right now, I've gotta tell them what's to be expected at the party.

(An idea light bulb lights in Williams mind)

William: Oh that's right! The party. Yeah, um… tell you what? Since your more adept to making cakes then me, could please be a kind pony and take over baking the cake for the party down stairs? I'll finish this letter for you in ten seconds flat.

Pinkie pie: Don't Worry Will! PINKIE PIE THE BAKER MARE TO THE RESCUE! (Pinkie dashes down stairs to the kitchen in a heroic way)

William: (Sigh) I swear, a typewriter is definitely what I need.

William: (Takes over the letter) Sorry about that guys. Pinkie Pie was just being friendly, as usual. Anyway you two once asked me for a book about your adventures with Percy, Pinkie Pie, and our new Great Western friend. Percy is still a bit on the cheeky side and needless to say me, Rev Wilbert Awdry, and Sir topham Hatt were very worried that if we gave him a book Percy and Pinkie Pie would become even more cheekier than ever, but he's been so useful that we had decided to give him a book. Anyway, here is what happened.

Your friend,

William James Holden.

Percy And The Signal.

Narrator: Percy is a little green tank engine who works at the yards at the big station at Tidmouth. He is funny and loves playing jokes like his pony friend Pinkie Pie. Sometimes, jokes can get them into trouble. Rachel often warned them, but they took no notice. One morning, Percy was getting a coal train bound for the other railway to the goods platform when he and Pinkie Pie saw Gordon on a siding with Rainbow Dash snoozing on a cloud over him.

Percy: (snickering) Oy! Pinkie Pie. There's Gordon. (Snicker) You got the bugle ready?

Pinkie pie: Tuned and waiting… (Snickering snorting)

Percy: Okie dokie.. (Snickering) Here we go in three… two… one.

Narrator: Percy whistled loudly as Pinkie Pie blared Reveille so loudly that Gordon and Rainbow Dash jumped in dazed startle.

Percy: Hurry up Gordon and Rainbow Dash. The WildNorWester is ready!

Rainbow Dash: SSSTTTAAAAHHHHHHH! Gordon, we're late! We gotta get going!

Narrator: Gordon came puffing out.

Gordon/Rainbow Dash: huh?! What?!

Gordon: Where are the coaches?!

Percy: DAHAHAHAHAHAHAHABHEE! OH THAT WAS RICH! YOU TWO SHOULD SEE THE LOOK ON YOUR FACES! HEHEHEEDOHAHAHAHEYHEHEHEAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Pinkie: HAHAHAHEHHEHHEHEHEHEHEHHEHAHAHAHA! OH THAT WAS TOO FUNNY PERCY! HAHAHAHAHA (SNORT) HEHAHAHAHA!

Rainbow Dash: (Seething in anger) That wasn't funny Peewee!

Narrator: And laughing like anything, Pinkie Pie and Percy showed them a train of dirty coal trucks. Gordon and Rainbow Dash did not go back to the sheds, they stayed on the siding thinking how to pay Percy and Pinkie Pie out. They weren't the only ones whom were annoyed with Percy's and Pinkie Pie's jokes.

Rachel: Now listen here Percy! I think you better lay off the jokes, if you ask me I think you and Pinkie Pie are really pushing your luck.

Narrator: But Percy and Pinkie Pie took notice.

Percy: Hey Pinkie, how bout we pull one on James and Rarity.

Pinkie Pie: Oh yeah. What kind of joke do have in mind.

Percy: Just wait and see.

Narrator: Percy knew that James and Rarity were sometimes a bit conceited and could easily be tricked..

Rachel: Oh dear. I definitely don't like sound of that. I just hope we don't run into James or Rarity anytime soon…

(5 hours later)

Percy: Stay in the shed today James and Rarity. the Fat Controller and Princess Celestia will come and see you.

James: Ah… The Fat controller and Princess Celestia know I'm a fine engine ready for anything.

Rarity: Oh indeed. They'll probably wants us to pull a special train.

Rachel: Actually, they… (Gets pulled into Percy's cab by Pinkie Pie) DAH!

Narrator: Percy puffed away before Rachel could say anything. James stayed there, and Rarity stood next to him just looking pretty and smug. Nothing James' driver or fireman did could make him start. The Fat controller never came though. The other engines and ponies grumbled dreadfully. They had do James' and Rarity's work as well as their own and the double duties badly delayed the trains.

(Gordon puffs by crossly with both the WildNorWester and the Thunderbolt Of Tidmouth.)

Gordon: (Grumble) Lazy pre grouping slacker!

Rainbow Dash: Oh for the love of pete! I've never seen James or Rarity act so lazy!

(Henry puffs into Tidmouth red in the face both from exhaustion and anger, with 2 goods trains and the Flyer Of Vickarstown and the Thunderbolt Of Tidmouth.)

Henry: Applejack, we need do something about that James and Rarity. I don't mind doing work, but I had to take not only the Flyer Of Vicarstown, but I've also had to take James' Thunderbolt Of Tidmouth and his 3:00 P.M slow goods train all at the same time with no banker on Gordon's hill. I swear, I thought I nearly broke my tender coupling.

Applejack: I know what y'all mean their Henry. Being a farm girl myself, I've often had to double duties at my apple orchard, but this here takes the fritters. Once we get to the goods platform I'll go ring the inspector.

(Sally and Bridget steam by with both the Great Northern Flyer and a goods train)

Sally: (Panting) Oh my word. This is tiring.

Bridget: Don't… blame you, dear sister. Goodness, why are James and Rarity slacking off?

Flitter: Good question.

Cloud Chaser: I say we tell Inspector Nash about it.

(Edward steams in, worn out into Tidmouth with both the With both the Dragon Of Wellsworth, and the Thunderbolt Of Tidmouth.)

Edward: Oh goodness. I do hope James and Rarity do comeback to work soon.

Fluttershy: Me too. Fortunately I did hear tell that the inspector is coming to check him over today.

Edward: (Sigh of relief) That's good.

Narrator: Fluttershy was right, the inspector finally came.

Inspector: Show a wheel James. You can't stay here all day. That goes the same for you too Rarity.

Rarity: James and I can't. We are waiting for orders a special order.

Inspector: What the in the name of the Union Jack are you talking about?!

James: What Rarity said, is that the Fat Controller and Princess Celestia told us to stay here. They sent a message this morning.

Inspector: They did not! How could they?! Sir Charles Topham Hatt is away at London for a week and Princess Celestia is visiting Manehatten for that same period of time!

James: Oh that nice. London has great weather this time of year.

Rarity: Oh indeed and Manehatten is very much the sam…

(Record scratch)

Narrator: James' and Rarity's faces fell.

James: Did you say that the Fat controller is away for a week at London?!

Rarity: And Princess Celestia is in Manehatten?!

Narrator: The inspector nodded grimly, and immediately Rarity's and James' eyes nearly bulged out their sockets with shock and incandescent rage!

James & Rarity: OOOOHHHH!

Narrator: Rarity whom as red in the face as she hastily started James up and James quickly puffed out the yards hissing furiously.

James/Rarity: WHERE'S THAT PERCY AND PINKIE PIE!

James: THAT LOUSY CHEEKY LITTLE BUG AND OVER THE TOP PARTY PONY!

Rarity: THESE 2 HAVE GONE TOO FAR THIS TIME!

Narrator: It was lucky for Percy that he had wisely disappeared with Pinkie Pie. But when the Fat Controller did return with Princess Celestia, they did see James and Percy too. Both engines wished they hadn't. The Fat Controller and Princess Celestia then spoke to Rarity and Pinkie Pie, they told them that was very cross at them for causing so much trouble but luckily Rachel saved them by telling him what had happened. And so the Fat Controller and Princess Celestia gave both engines and ponies a strict firm verbal warning. James, Gordon, Rarity and Rainbow Dash all wanted to pay Percy and Pinkie Pie out. But Percy rather wisely kept out of their way. One morning, Percy was so excited that he forgot to be careful.

(Percy comes puffing excitedly towards Rainbow Dash, Rarity, James and Gordon)

Rainbow Dash: (Groan) Oh great here comes Peewee!

Rarity: (Groan) Oh no, and he has that cheeky look in his eye.

Percy: I say ponies and engines. Today's a special day for me and Pinkie Pie.

Rainbow Dash: (Sigh) what is it now Peewee!

Percy: I'm to take some trucks to Thomas' junction at Knapford. Sure I've been on the branchline twice before, once while Gordon and James were on strike and when Thomas had to run the yards after the mine incident, but this time I have been specially requested to do it!

Pinkie Pie: I know! Again, I'd been down there before Percy arrived, but this time, me and Percy get to go together! I'm so excited too.

Percy: The Fat Controller and Princess Celestia must know I'm a really useful engine.

James: More likely, he wants you out of the way.

Rarity: Out of trouble!

Rainbow Dash: And out of our tails and tenders!

Narrator: But Gordon just gave Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and James a sly wink and they quickly knew that it was time to spring the trap on Percy.

James: Oh, ah yes Gordon. You were saying again?

Rarity: Ah yes. It was something very important to know about signals please, do go on Gordon.

Percy: Uh, what are you 4 talking about?

Gordon: Oh Rarity, Rainbow Dash, James and I were just talking about signals at the junction.

Rainbow Dash: Oh yeah and we can't be too careful around signals but we needn't say that to a really useful engine like you, Percy.

Rarity: Oh indeed. Those lovely curves you have make you look not only dashing but even 20 percent more really useful too. (Hiding a laugh)

Rainbow Dash: (Quietly) That's my line!

Rarity: (Quietly) Just keep the act going.

Narrator: Percy felt flattered and blushed bright red.

Percy: Oh no. Of course not.

Pinkie Pie: So, what kind of signals were you talking about?

James: We had spoken of backing signals.

Pinkie: Oooh. What's a backing signal?

James': well they're signals that need extra special care you know. Would you like me to explain?

Pinkie Pie: Oh yes please. Does that mean to…

Percy: Thanks for the offer James, but no thank you. I know all about signals.

Pinkie Pie: Okie dokie lokie Percy!

Narrator: Soon Rachel came along and the three friend set out. Whilst Gordon, James, Rarity and Rainbow dash all solemnly exchanged winks and giggles.

James: And now the little green caterpillar with red stripes has finally taken the bait.

Gordon: Oh you're terrible James. A backing what?. (snickering)

Rainbow Dash: Oh that was perfect! I just can't wait to see the look on Peewee's face. HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Rarity: Oh your so sly James. Hehahahahaha too rich! Hehahahahaha!

Narrator: Percy was a little worried as he set out with his trucks.

Percy: I wonder what backing signals are?

Pinkie Pie: Same here.

Percy: Never mind we'll manage Pinkie. Besides, I know all about signals.

Narrator: He puffed crossly to his trucks and felt better and soon began to sing Rachel and Pinkie joined in.

Percy: (Singing) Tiptoe through the window By the window, that is where I'll be
Come tiptoe through the tulips with me

Pinkie: (singing) Oh, tiptoe from the garden
By the garden of the willow tree
And tiptoe through the tulips with me

All 3: (singing) Knee deep in flowers we'll stray We'll keep the showers away

Rachel: And if I kiss you in the garden, in the moonlight Will you pardon me?
And tiptoe through the tulips with me

(Whistle break)

All 3: (singing) Knee deep in flowers we'll stray We'll keep the showers away

Percy: (singing) And if I kiss you in the garden,

Rachel: (singing) In the moonlight

Pinkie: (singing) Will you pardon me?

Percy (singing) And tiptoe through the tulips.

Pinkie: (singing) yes tiptoe through the tulips.

All 3 : (singing) and tiptoe through the tulips with me

Narrator: Presently, Percy saw a signal gantry outside the station it had two signals on it. Rachel put the brakes.

Percy: Bother! Its at danger!

Narrator: The trucks screamed as they bumped into each other when Percy stopped. Presently, the left signal moved to show line clear. It's arm went up instead of down. Neither Pinkie Pie nor Percy had ever seen that signal before, they were surprised.

Percy: Let's see, hmmm. Down means go… And Up means stop.

Pinkie pie: Two ringydingys means that the Milkman or pony has just been here to deliver the milk… 3 ringydingys means the postman or pony has just arrived with the morning post, or is called mail in this universe? …. Ooh and 4 ringydingy's means lunchtime… and 5 ringydingys means to get the cake out of the oven. Hmmm…

Pinkie Pie/ Percy: So upper still….Must mean.. Go back.. (Gasp) I know It's one of those backing signals.

Percy: How clever of you to find that out pinkie pie!

Pinkie Pie: How clever of you Percy to find that out!

Rachel: Alright come along Percy. Off we go to the junction station. Okay…

(Percy goes backwards)

Rachel: What the?

Narrator: But Percy wouldn't go forwards. And Miss Ravens had to back him up to go anywhere at all.

Percy: (Chuckle) I am so clever. Even Rachel doesn't know about backing signals….

Pinkie Pie: HEHEHEH! true that Percy.

Narrator: And started so suddenly that the trucks screamed again.

Rachel: Whoa Percy! What the? What are you playing at?! STOP! YOUR GOING THE WRONG WAY!

Percy: But it's a backing signal!

Rachel: What the heck are you talking about?!

Pinkie pie: Gordon and James told us about them.

Narrator: Rachel laughed and explained about signals that point up.

Rachel: (Laughing) Oh you silly filly and engine. That's a junction signal, notice that theirs two sets of semaphore signals on both the left and the right side of the gantry. Now, ordinary signals that point down true to form means that the line is clear, but that's only on certain blocks on the mainline. Now Junction signals are a little bit different. As you may know, junctions divert into two directions, that's the mainline and the branch line. The branch line signal is on the left and mainline signal is on the right. When the left arm is up that means that we're clear to proceed along to the Branchline. When the right is up, it means that the mainline is clear.

Narrator: Percy heard a familiar whistle in the distance and swallowed hard.

Percy: Oh dear! It's Gordon and Rainbow Dash. Let's start quickly before they see us.

Narrator: But he was too late. Gordon swept by with the WildNorWester and he and Rainbow Dash saw everything. Both Pegasus and A-0 pacific hooted in laughter, tears streaming from there eyes.

Rainbow Dash: BAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA! Oh Gordon, he and Pinkie Pie fell for it! I can't believe they fell for it! Oh this is too funny! Wait till Rarity and James hear about this.

Gordon: Hmhmhmh! That was just hilarious!

Narrator: Soon Percy blushing with embarrassment, set off to the station, the right way this time. That night, before going back Knapford hotel, the big engines were talking with Rarity and Rainbow Dash all about signals just as Percy returned to the sheds with Pinkie Pie.

Rarity: So Percy did fall for our trickery? Hehehehahahaha! Too rich! Hehahahahaha!

James: I can't believe that actually worked.

Narrator: They all thought the subject was funny they laughed a lot with tears of laughter raining from they're eyes. But Percy thought that they were being very silly.

(Pinkie Pie pulls a trombone and plays trombone fail theme)

Percy: Oy! Whose side are you on?!

Pinkie Pie: What?! I was just following the script.

Percy: (Sigh) It's a sad day for generic saddle tank engines everywhere…

And that was 'Percy and the Signal'. Next we meet a new locomotive and driver to our team. Look out for that guys.

Author's notes: I added Celestia into the story as well. Goodness knows that she is the most underappreciated and over-abused of the 4 princesses. The Trollestia/Mollestia/Tyrentestia so called 'jokes' are pathetic, cruel and sadistic. Worse then Rainbow Dash being tormented in 'The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000', Pinkie Pie making Fluttershy cry in 'Filli Vanilli' Fluttershy tormenting Rarity and Pinkie Pie in the worst episode of the show, 'Putting Your Hoof Down' and Angel pushing Fluttershy around in that same episode. Right, enough of this negative. Let's get into the good stuff.

Duck Takes Charge

Narrator: One day, Percy, James and Gordon we're being oiled and cleaned for the day's work by Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow dash.

Percy: I say. Do you know what?

Gordon: What?

Percy: Do you know what?

Gordon: Silly! Of course I don't know what, if you don't tell me what what is!

Rainbow Dash: Yeah, so why don't you just go ahead and spill the beans already.

Pinkie Pie: Heheheh. Oh Dashie. Percy doesn't have any beans. How can he eat them? He's an engine.

Percy: Pinkie Pie is right. Besides, the news I have to share you guys today is very very exciting!

Rainbow Dash: Well, if it's that special then go ahead and tell us already Peewee.

Percy: The Fat Controller says the work in the yard is too heavy for me, so he's getting a bigger engine to help me.

Pinkie Pie: Oh happy day! A brand new friend to add to the Pinkie Pie friendship list.

Narrator: Pinkie Pie was very excited but the others weren't impressed.

Rarity: Hmph! What prey tell can be so grand about something so frivolous and boring as that?

Percy: Well like I said, the Fat Controller is getting a new engine and he's going help me in the yards.

James: Rubbish! Any engine can do it! If you worked more and chatted less, this yard would be a sweeter, better and happier place.

Rainbow Dash: James' is right! Just quit the grumbling and just keep shunting little Peewee!

Narrator: Percy let off steam crossly. Just then, Rachel arrived to get Percy steamed up and ready for work in the yards. Percy felt a little down.

Rachel: Don't pay any attention to them. They're just trying to get to you. Now let's just get the shunting done

Narrator: Percy went off to fetch some coaches.

Percy: That stupid old signal!

Narrator: The signal incident where he had miss read a signal and had gone backwards instead of forwards had made Percy pretty much a laughing stock around the Tidmouth yards.

Percy: No one ever listens to me now. They all just say I'm a silly little engine and order me about from dawn to dusk. Well I'll show them! I'll show them!

Narrator: But he didn't know how. Soon things started going wrong. All the trucks and coaches behaved badly the passenger grumbled. Percy tried hard but by the end of the afternoon, Percy felt tired and unhappy. He brought some coaches to platform 3 for the Thunderbolt Of Tidmouth and stood panting at the end of platform. The Fat Controller and Princess Celestia were on the platform.

Fat Controller: Hullo Percy. You do look tired.

Princess Celestia: Is anything wrong, Percy?

Percy: (Panting) Yes Sir and Ma Lady,…..I am Sir and Ma Lady….. I don't…. know if I'm standing….. On my dome….Or my wheels… Sir and Ma Lady…

Princess Celestia: (Chuckle) You look the right way up to me.

Fat Controller: Same here.

Pinkie Pie: We've just had a pretty rough day today Sir and Princess, with the extra shunting duties we've had.

Fat Controller: Don't worry. We am well aware of that situation.

Princess Celestia: But cheer up. The new engine is bigger than you and can probably do the work alone.

Rachel: That's good. When is he to arrive?

Fat Controller: Tomorrow morning.

Percy: (Worried) But if he can handle the work alone, what will become of me? I… I won't be scrapped, will I sir and malady?

Narrator: The Fat controller smiled. He was ready to answer that.

Fat controller: I'm glad you asked, Percy. No. You will not be scrapped. Tell you what. Would you like to help build my new harbour at Thomas' junction at Knapford?

Princess Celestia: Thomas and Toby will help as well as Twilight Sparkle, Applejack and William too, but we need an engine there all the time.

Narrator: Percy was delighted and so was Rachel and Pinkie Pie. They knew what that meant. They would now get to work on Thomas' Branchline.

Percy: Oh yes Sir and Malady! Thank you Sir and Malady!

Rachel: Oh thank you Sir and Malady! I can't wait to get working there again.

Pinkie Pie: Oh thank you very much Sir and Princess. We're going to have so much fun!

Fat controller: Heheheh, That's a good crew.

Princess Celestia: Now, off you go Percy.

Narrator Percy puffed happily away. The new engine arrived next morning with his driver.

Fat Controller: What is your name?

Duck: Montague Sir and Malady. I'm usually referred to as Duck. They jokingly said that I waddle, heheh but I don't really Sir and Malady. But I like Duck better than Montague, Sir and Malady.

Princess Celestia: Heheh. Good. Duck it shall be.

Fat Controller: It's a pleasure to meet you too. Mr… umm..

Mike: Ah yes. Michael Montague Hawkins, at your service Sir and Malady. But you can call me Mike.

Fat Controller: Ah yes. Our new engine driver. It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Hawkins. Name's Sir Charles Topham Hatt.

Mike: Pleasure is all mine, sir. Well, I don't believe I have seen a talking pony before.

Duck: Neither have I.

Princess Celestia: (Chuckles) Yes. I get that a lot. Don't worry. There are more of us on the island, so you'll get used to us. Oh, name's Princess Celestia by the way. But, you can just call me Celestia.

Narrator: Soon Percy arrived with Rachel, Pinkie Pie and William. The Fat Controller had called William over to help Duck and Mike get to know their new job.

Pinkie Pie: Hi there! You must be the new engine that Percy and I heard about.

Duck: Ah yes indeed I am. You I'm sure are Percy and Pinkie Pie. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Duck.

Pinkie Pie: Duck huh? That's sounds like a funny name

Duck: (Chuckle) Yeah it does. The others used to jokingly called me that because they said I waddle, but I don't really waddle at all.

Pinkie Pie: (Giggle) That is quite a funny joke but it's a very cute name. I have pet baby alligator called Gummy back in Ponyville because he has no teeth.

Duck: (Chuckle) Oh that does sound funny, and it's good thing he doesn't have teeth.

Narrator: And Duck and Pinkie Pie had a good laugh.

Percy: A pleasure to meet you Duck. Oh this here is my driver Rachel and her friend William.

Narrator: Just then Duck's driver stepped down.

Duck: Ah and this my driver Mike. He and I have worked together since my days in Paddington.

Narrator: Mike and Rachel stared at each other. Then grinning broadly they walked up and shook hands.

Rachel: Mike Hawkins! It's me, Rachel Ravens!

Mike: I don't believe it Rachel! It's been a dog's age! I had no idea you were working for the NWR?

Rachel: I had no idea you were working for us now.

Rachel/Mike: Heheh surprise ending.

William: You know each other?

Mike: Me and her used to attended physic and engineering back in secondary school.

William: Ah yes, I've heard Rachel mention you a few times.

Mr. Hawkins: Glad to hear it. Oh yes, I remember, Rachel kept in contact over the phone and told me about you William.

Fat Controller: Ah, good to see you are all acquainted now.

Princess Celestia: Here Percy. Please show Duck round.

Narrator: The two engines then set off together. Soon they were very busy and became good friends.

Duck: (Taking a breath of fresh air) Ah… you know, all this busy work reminds me of a little ditty that Mike and I used to sing back in Paddington when to make the work load seem less heavy. Have any of you ever heard a song that went like this? You can sing along too if like.

Narrator: Duck cleared his throat and began to sing as they all went about their work.

Duck: (Singing) Oh, what a wonderful thing to be, A healthy grown up busy busy bee; Whiling away all the passing hours Pinching all the pollen from the cauliflowers.

Mike: (Singing) I'd like to be a busy little bee, Being as busy as a bee can around the garden brightest ever seen, Taking back the honey to the dear old queen.

Duck: (singing) Bz bz bz bz, honey bee, honey bee,Bz if you like but don't sting me,

Mike: (singing) Bz bz bz bz, honey bee, honey bee,Buzz if you like, but don't sting me!

Pinkie Pie: Oh I know this one this one is in my song list. (singing) Oh, what a wonderful thing to be, A healthy grown up busy busy bee making hay while time is ripe. Building up the honey-comb that looks like tripe. I'd like to be a busy little bee, Being just as busy as a bee can be,

Percy: Flying all around in the wild hedgerows,Stinging all the cows upon the parson's nose!

Pinkie Pie: (Singing) Bz bz bz bz, honey bee, honey bee,Bz if you like but don't sting me,

Percy: (Singing) Bz bz bz bz, honey bee, honey bee,Bz if you like but don't sting me

William/ Rachel: Ooh. Catchy!

William: (singing) Oh, what a wonderful thing to be,A healthy grown up busy busy bee,Visiting the picnics quite a little tease,Raising little lumps on the boy scouts knees.

Rachel: (Singing) I'd like to be a busy little bee Being just as busy as bee can be. Fluttering with the butterfly strong upon the! O death, where is thy sting?

William: (Singing) Bz bz bz bz, honey bee, honey bee,Bz if you like but don't sting me,

Rachel: (Singing) Bz bz bz bz, honey bee, honey bee,Buzz if you like, but don't sting me!

Mr. Hawkins: All together now.

All : (Singing) Oh, what a wonderful thing to be, A nice obedient busy busy bee, To be a good bee one must contrive, For bees in a beehive must behave. But maybe I wouldn't be a bee, Bees are alright when alive you see, But when bees die you really should see 'em Pinned on a card in a dirty museum. Bz bz bz bz, honey bee, honey bee, Bz if you like but don't sting me, Bz bz bz bz, honey bee, honey bee,Bz if you like but if you sting me!

Narrator: At first the trucks played tricks but soon found out that playing tricks on Duck was a mistake.

Trucks: Oh look its an oversized green mallard but without any feathers! hahahahaha! (Duck gives trucks a firm bump) OH! OH! OH! OH!

Duck: Now you better listen to me. Where I come from trucks have either two options: The Great western way or the wrong way, most don't and I can tell from my region of british railways that trucks whom followed the wrong way were never heard of again. (Winks at Percy)

Trucks: (Gulp) Lads I think it would be better if we did things his way….

Percy: Well done Duck. You really put those trucks in their place.

Pinkie Pie: Yeah I know very impressive.

Duck: Oh it's nothing. I've been shunting trucks around Paddington for years.

Narrator: The coaches behaved well too. And the passengers soon stopped grumbling. Even Sally, Bridget, Flitter and Cloud Chaser were impressed. Though I am sorry to say, that Rainbow Dash, Rarity, James, Gordon and Henry were not. One day, the three engines and Rarity and Rainbow Dash accompanied by Applejack watched Duck quietly doing his work. Singing his busy bee song.

Duck: (Singing) Oh, what a glorious thing to be, A healthy grown up busy busy bee; Whiling away all the passing hours Pinching all the pollen from the cauliflowers.

Applejack: Ah. That's the most grandest thing I ever did see. That new engine sings while he works it reminds me of when we raised that barn for our family photo.

Duck: (Talking) There we are. The Thunderbird Of Tidmouth to platform 2, check.

Mike: Ah. Good boy Duck.

Duck: Great Northern Flying to platform 3, check.

Applejack: Atta boy Duck.

Sally: Thank you Duck.

Bridget: Thank you indeed.

Duck: No problem girls. Pleasure.

Henry: Indeed… (Whisper) He seems a simple sort of engine aye?

(Sally and Bridget depart with Flitter and Cloud Chaser)

Rarity: (Whisper) He does have a funny name. It's called Duck (snicker)

Gordon: (Whisper snicker) Who name's an engine Duck? (Snickering)

Rainbow Dash: (Whisper) Hey, you guys thinking what I'm thinking?

All three: (Whisper) Oh yes we do indeed.

James: (Whisper) We'll have some fun and then order him about.

Rarity: (Whisper snickering) Oh this should be rich…

Applejack: Don't y'all dare to…

Narrator: Gordon Henry and James soon started. They were just passing Duck when it happened.

Duck: (Singing) I'd like to be a busy little bee,Being as busy as a bee can around the garden brightest ever seen,Taking back the honey to the dear old quee…

Big engines: QUACK! QUACK! QUACK! QUACK! QUACK!.

Mike: What the Devil?!

Big engines: WWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHH!

Narrator: The engines wheeshed steam at Duck. Smoke and steam billowed everywhere, choking both poor Duck and poor Mike.

Duck: WHAT IN (cough) THE NAME OF (COUGH) ISAMBARD KINDOM (cough) BRUNEL (cough)!

Narrator: Duck coughed and wheezed so loudly he sounded like a quacking Duck. Gordon, Henry and James all laughed out loudly and so did Rarity and Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash laughed so hard she fell onto the footplate floor and rolled about tears of laughter raining down!

Rarity: Hehehahahahaha! Too Rich hehehahahahaha!

Rainbow Dash: Bahhahahahahahahaha! Heheh! Hey, you see later Quackers!

Duck: Oh great Isambard Brunel! How rude!

Applejack: Sorry about that Duck. (Turns angry at Henry, whom she was in the cab of and he was moving) You and the others apologise, ya hear!?

Narrator: Miss Ravens, Pinkie Pie and Percy were cross. But Duck took no notice.

Percy: Oh my word! Mike, Duck are you alright?

Mike: Oh don't worry. I'm okay.

Pinkie Pie: How rude of those engines and ponies! They shouldn't treat new friends like that!

Duck: Oh don't get too cross Pinkie Pie. They'll get tired of it soon.

Narrator: But presently, the big engines, Rarity and Rainbow Dash soon started ordering Duck about.

Gordon: Don't forget to put the WildNorWester coaches go on platform 1 quackers!

Duck: (Sigh) Already nipped it in the bud.

James: Oy! Wheres my 5:30pm goods train?

Duck: There on the goods platform, James.

Rarity: That's right. Keep it that way. Don't forget to get the Thunderbird of Tidmouth onto platform 2 by 1:30pm.

Duck: (Sigh) I know Rarity. But I have to get the Flyer Of…

Henry: Where in the name of Crewe is my Flyer Of Vicarstown!

Duck: Look. I'm getting to it!

Henry: Well, Hurry it up.

Rainbow Dash: Heheheheh! Yeah, don't to delay a train.

Duck: (Sigh) Oh dear. I'll need to do something about this situation.

Applejack: I'm with you too Duck old boy.

Narrator: The great northern athletics, Flitter and Cloud Chaser were cross.

Sally: Now now! Slow down everyone. Give Duck a fair go.

Bridget: No one can be in 2 places at once.

Flitter: Your pushing it you lot.

Cloud Chaser: I suggest you tone things down.

James: Oh come on girls! Can't you take a joke?

Sally: If it's taken too far, no James.

Narrator: Applejack felt sorry for Duck. He then whispered to her.

Applejack: Gotcha. I'll meet you back at the sheds after ah complete the run with the Flyer Of Vickarstown.

Narrator: So when Duck was done with the shunting, he went to speak to Percy.

Duck: Um Percy, do they tell you to do things Percy?

Percy: (Sad sigh) Yes. They do.

Rachel: Now that was just rude, picking on a new comer like that.

Mike: I agree. This matter must be taken care of.

Pinkie Pie: Yeah, those engines and ponies have gone way too far guys. This calls for extreme measures, Pinkie Pie style.

Percy: Uh… Pinkie? What are you talking about?

Pinkie Pie: Oh sorry. You don't know how long I've waited to say that in a canon Railway Series story.

Duck: Uh… ok? Well, Pinkie Pie is right Percy. We'll soon settle this tomfoolery.

Narrator: He whispered something to Percy and Pinkie pie.

Pinkie pie: Gotcha ya.

Duck: We'll do it tonight…

Narrator: They puffed away. The Fat controller and Princess Celestia had a very good day. There had been no grumbling passengers, all the trains ran on time and Duck had worked well in the yards. The Fat Controller was looking forward to hot buttered toast for tea at home, while Princess Celestia was looking forward to her daffodil sandwich and tea. They had just left the office when he heard an extraordinary racket coming from the yards.

Engines: WWWHHHHHHEEEEEESSHHHHHH! HHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSS!

Fat Controller: OH BOTHER!

Princess Celestia: I do wonder what is happening with the engines and ponies today.

Narrator: The fat controller grabbed his top hat and hurried to the yard with Princess Celestia close behind. Gordon, Henry and James were wheeshing and snorting loudly whilst Duck and Percy calmly sat on the points outside the shed with Pinkie Pie, Rachel, William, Mike and Applejack standing in front of their engines refusing to let the engines in. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Gordon, Henry, and James were furious!

Rarity: I say move your engines back at once.

Mr. Hawkins: Sorry but my our answer is no!

Rainbow Dash: No?!

Applejack: Don't you understand plain English, Rainbow Dash? We said nope!

Rarity: We told you to move back at once!

Duck: NO! Not until we have a conference with your controller and princess ruler.

Henry: A CONFERENCE! HOW DARE YOU!

Percy: We will not move until we can all have word with the Fat controller and Princess Celestia.

Gordon: AND WHAT GIVES YOU ANY RIGHT TO BLOCK US!

Rachel: You heard our cases and we shall not move an inch until the Fat controller arrives.

James: Wait'll I get my buffers you Lot.

William: Sorry but we refuse to move until this is addressed.

(Engines whistle loudly)

Rainbow Dash: OH FOR PETE SAKE!

Fat Controller: STOP THAT NOISE!

(They continue)

Princess Celestia: I got this sir. Luna gave me a refresher on this when I need to. (Clears throat, royal Canterlot voice) BE STILL!

(Engines and ponies quieten down, slightly startled)

Fat Controller: Thank you Celestia. Now then, what is the meaning of this behaviour!?

Gordon: They won't let us into the shed!

Princess Celestia: Why is that?

Rainbow Dash: Because, Peewee and Quackers here won't let us into the shed so that they can have a conference with you!

Fat controller: Duck, explain this behavior!

Duck: Beg pardon Sir and malady, But I am a Great Western Railway swindon built 5700 Class 0-6-0 pannier Tank engine. Now back on the western region of British Railways, we great western engines do our work without fuss or complaining, but we are not order about by other engines and in this case by other ponies. Now then, you Sir are our controller, and you malady are our princess ruler. We will of course move if you order us to. But begging your pardon Sir and Malady, Percy and I would be glad if you were to inform these um… engines, and these um… ponies, that we only take orders from you 2 and you 2 alone.

Narrator: The three big engines hissed furiously!

Rarity: THE NERVE OF YOU!

Rainbow Dash: WHY YOU LITTLE … THAT'S IT!

Narrator: Rainbow dash flew down and advanced on them angrily. William threw off his jacket and turned to fisticuffs .

William: Oh alright then bring it on then Dashie! I can take you with one hand tied behind my back.

Rainbow Dash: Oh you wanna do this the hard way? We'll do this the hard way!

Narrator: William and Rainbow Dash were just about to strike at each other, but fortunately Applejack grabbed Rainbow Dash by the tail and Mike grabbed William by his arm.

Applejack/Mike: Whoa their nelly!

Princess Celestia: QUIET! Now then, Pinkie Pie, William, Rachel, Mike, Applejack, Percy and Duck, I am pleased with you work today, but not with your behaviour to night you have caused a disturbance!

Narrator: Gordon, Henry and James along with Rarity and Rainbow Dash snicker quietly, but they stopped suddenly when the fat controller turned on them.

Fat Controller: AS FOR YOU LOT! YOU HAVE BEEN WORSE! YOU MADE THE DISTURBANCE! RAINBOW DASH! your behaviour has been deplorable! Teasing new engines on my railway is bad enough but you should have known better than to call Percy and Duck such rude names and nearly start a fight!

Rainbow Dash: But Sir and Princess… I.

Celestia: NO BUTS DASH! YOU APOLOGISE TO THESE ENGINES AND THEIR CREWS RIGHT NOW AND SHAKE HANDS AND HOOFS WITH WILLIAM!

Rainbow Dash: (SIGH) I'm sorry Percy and Duck, and you William. I guess I just lost my temper. Very uncool of me.

William: Same here. I'm sorry too for nearly starting a fight. Friends

Rainbow Dash: Friends.

Fat Controller: Duck is quite right. This is MY AND CELESTIA'S RAILWAY and WE GIVE THE ORDERS!

Princess Celestia: (Now calmed down herself) Calm down now Charles. I think you need to lie down.

Fat Controller: (Breaths in and out deeply) Ok Celestia. I guess I do need to.

Narrator: Back at Knapford Hotel in the kitchen, Rainbow Dash sat sad and alone at one of the tables. The kitchen was empty and she felt very sad and riddle with guilt and then she the door open. And in stepped Rachel, Mike and a very remorseful William

William: Hey Dash.

Rainbow Dash: Hey Will. I'm very sorry for being so rude to you and the engines back there.

William: That's alright. It's like Gordon said, 'we live and learn'. I'm sorry I tried to fight with you.

Rainbow Dash: Thanks, heheheheh. You know, you're the most forgiving person I've ever met.

William: Well that's what friends are for. Anyway, how about some tea on me.

Rachel: That's the best thing you said all day William!

Mike: Count me in.

Rainbow Dash: Alright now you're talking.

Narrator: And the 4 friends gave cheers to their new friendships and happily drank their tea when the other 5 ponies returned. When Percy went away to Ffarquhar branch with Pinkie Pie and Rachel, Duck and Mike were left to manage alone. They did so, easily.

Ok. To let you know, Michael (Mike) Hawkins is ThomasandMichael from Youtube and Deviantart. Next up, Percy will meet a helicopter named Harold with a pony. I'm not going to say which one.

Author's notes: Not much changed here. I cut the promotion to the Ffarquar branch line out because, atsf, my humansona was already promoted back in 'Toby The Tram Engine'. Anyway, here's the story. Enjoy.

Percy and Harold

Narrator: Percy worked hard at the new harbour near Knapford. The workmen need stone to build the foundation for a quay where ships would come in and load and off load their cargo. Percy often worked with Rachel and his best pony friend Pinkie Pie and when he was not busy working with Duck, Mike often helped work alongside to with all 3 branchline engines. Applejack and Toby often helped to take the stones down to the harbour as well but sometimes the loads of stone were often too heavy for him to handle on his own and Percy had to collect them from the top station at Ffarqhuar and bring them down himself. Then he would push the trucks along the quay to where the workmen needed them for their building. Sometimes, they would see Thomas, William, and Twilight Sparkle too, they also helped out when they were not busy with passengers.

Thomas: Well done Percy! The Fat controller is very pleased with all of us.

Twilight Sparkle: I agree, the project is starting getting done much quicker now.

William: Indeed. I bet by the end of the month this project will be done before you can say Fat Controller.

Mike: Thanks old sport. Heheh. I like working with Duck in the yards but is nice to have change of scenery every now and then.

Rachel: Oh. I know what you mean Mike.

Pinkie Pie: So do I. Me and Percy have done nothing but shunting since the thirties. Now it's great to be out on the open rails.

William: Same here.

Rachel: It's great to be here more regularly. Now, instead of just working with Toby, I get to work with Percy down here too.

Narrator: An airfield was close by. Percy heard the aeroplanes zooming overhead all day. He even saw some Pegasi flying overhead too. But the noisiest of the lot was a helicopter which hovered buzzing like an angry bee.

Percy: Stupid noisy thing. Why can't it go and buzz somewhere else?

Narrator: One day, Percy stopped at signal near the airfield. The helicopter was standing close by and a yellow pegasus with a flame coloured mane and tail, flame cutie mark and orange eyes was having a lunch break near him. This gave him a chance for chat.

Percy: Hullo there. Who you are you?

Helicopter: Hullo there old bean. I'm Harold, and I am a Sikorsky S-55 helicopter, built in the UK as the Westland Whirlwind. With floatation landing gear modifications for both land and sea operation.

Pony: Name's Spitfire. Captain of the wonderbolts

Pinkie Pie: Ah yes, that's right. I forgot. We saw you at the coronation!

Spitfire: That's right Pinkie Pie. Good to see you again.

Rachel: So what brings you out here Spitfire?

Spitfire: Well, since the meeting with Queen Elizabeth the 2nd and Princess Celestia, the owner of Dryaw airfield has allowed us to use the property for Wonderbolt training here on sodor.

Harold: So who are you?

Pinkie Pie: I'm Pinkie Pie.

Rachel: I'm Rachel Ravens.

Mike: Names Mike Hawkins.

Percy: And I'm Percy. What whirly great arms you've got Harold.

Harold: (A little offended) They're nice arms! I can hover like a bird and a pegasus. Don't you wish you can hover?

Percy: Oh certainly not. I like my rails, thank you very much.

Spitfire: (Bored) Meh, that's alright for you I guess. But I prefer the air over land. It's just my thing.

Harold: (Bored ) I think railways are slow. There not much use and quite out of date.

Narrator: Spitfire finished her lunch break, readied her wings into position while Harold whirled his arms and buzzed away and Spitfire took off with him into the Sudrian sky, both laughing. Percy found Toby at the top station at Ffarquhar arranging trucks.

Percy: I say Toby and Applejack! That Harold! That stuck up whirly bird thing says I'm slow and out of date. And I bet that Spitfire is a laughing with him!

Applejack: Simmer down Percy. No need to get all worked up over someone's comments.

Percy: Ooh! Just let them wait. I'll show them!

Narrator: He collected his trucks and started off, still fuming. Soon above the clatter of the trucks, they heard a familiar buzzing.

Mike: (Whisper) Psst. Percy… Do you hear that?

Rachel: (Whisper) Look over there. That's Harold and Spitfire too.

Pinkie Pie: (whisper) They're not far ahead, lets race them!

Percy: (Excited) YES LETS!

Narrator: Rachel opened the regulator wide open and Percy quickly shot forward like a cannonball. The guard's wife had given him a flask of tea for elevenses.

Guard: Ah good. its time for tea. Ah Marge always makes good tea.

Narrator: He had just poured himself a cup when the van lurched and he spilt it down his uniform.

(van lurch)

Guard: What the… Ahh hot hot hot! Aw my uniform! The Mrs is going to get me for this.

Narrator: He wiped up the mess with a hankerchief and staggered to the front balcony. Percy was pounding along, the trucks screamed and swayed as the van rolled and pitched like a ship at sea.

Guard: Well I'll be ding dong danged.

Narrator: Then he saw Harold buzzing alongside on the left and then he saw Spitfire and understood.

Guard: GO IT PERCY! YOUR GAINING!

Narrator: And the race was on. Percy had never been allowed to run fast before, he, along with Pinkie Pie, Rachel and Mike were very excited.

Rachel: Mike, Percy, did Pinkie and I ever mention the time that Thomas had a race against Bertie?

Mike: I don't think so. You 2 have to tell us sometime.

Pinkie Pie: It sure was a fun experience!

Percy: (Calling to the trucks) HURRY! HURRY! HURRY!

Trucks: (Grumble) WE DON'T WANT TO! WE DON'T WANT TO!

Narrator: But it was no use. Percy was bucketing along with flying wheels. Harold and Spitfire were high and alongside. It was neck and neck and toe to toe, even though Spitfire was an ace flyer she actually found it hard to keep in front Percy.

Spitfire: (trying to keep in front) Harold I'm losing my position! Try to keep in front.

Harold (struggling to keep position) Trying ma'm, but It's no good they're getting closer ahead.

Narrator: Mike and Pinkie Pie teamed up and shovelled for dear life. Rachel was so excited that she could hardly keep still the same went for Pinkie Pie as well.

Rachel: Well done Percy! We're gaining! We're going ahead!

Mike: We've passed them! Hahaha! Well done their Percy!

Pinkie pie: We're in the lead! We're winning! OH GOOD BOY! GOOD BOY!

Narrator: They had finally passed both Spitfire and Harold leaving them in the dust. Spitfire and Harold caught off guard hastily accelerated to trying reclaim their position. Up ahead a distant signal warned team Percy the wharf was near. Percy whistled to the guard.

Percy: Brakes Guard! Please!

Narrator: The guard applied the van brakes and Rachel shutting off steam and using Percy's brakes too. Rachel checked the trains headlong speed the rolled under the mainline and halted smoothly on the wharf.

Percy: (Worried) Oh dear. I'm sure we've lost. Now Spitfire and Harold will beat us.

Narrator: But Percy was wrong. Mike scrambled to the cab roof. And nearly fell off in his excitement!

Mike: WE'VE WON! WE'VE WON! HAHA! Harold and Spitfire and are still hovering. They're looking for a place to land.

Narrator: After they landed, Spitfire went over to Percy. And spoke admirably to Percy.

Spitfire: Boy, that was close race their huh Percy? A real nail biter. Heheheh. If you were a pegasus, I would definitely recruit you into the Wonderbolts. Good race Percy.

Percy: (blushing bright red) Golly Thank mam.

Spitfire: heheheh. Just call me Spitfire.

Percy: (blushing) Uh, sure thing Spitfire.

Mr. Hawkins: Listen chaps! Here's a song for our champion Percy.

Mike: (singing) Said Harold Helicopter to our Percy, "You are slow! Your railway is out of date, and not much use you know!" But Percy and his stone trucks did the trip in record time, And we beat the helicopter on our old branch line!

Narrator: Rachel, Pinkie Pie and the guard all caught the tune and so did the workmen on the quay. Even Spitfire joined in the chorus. Percy loved it.

Percy: Oh thank you Mike.

Narrator: He liked the last line best of all and was very happy engine.

All: (singing) Said Harold Helicopter to our Percy, "You are slow!

Your railway is out of date, and not much use you know!"

But Percy and his stone trucks did the trip in record time,

And we beat the helicopter on our old branch line!

Right. Next one is 'Percy's Promise'. Look out for that.

Author's notes: I added some dialogue between Annie and Clarabel. They are so under-appreciated in the original that the Rev W Awdry wrote. I mean, Clarabel had to give up some of her floor boards just to keep Percy's fire going, and she deserves more credit, don't you think?

Percy's Promise

Narrator: The Fat Controller's railway is always busy year round but summer time is the busiest of all. Many special holiday passenger trains are dispatched from the ferry and holidaymakers, local, foreign and from Equestria ride on the trains to many wonderful holiday spots. One morning, Percy was shunting some trucks ready to take to Knapford Harbour. Much to his confusion though, instead shunting stone trucks, he was shunting 2 fruit vans.

Percy: I don't understand this. These vans are for fruit not stone.

Narrator: Rachel laughed and explained

Rachel: It's part of the branchline's new revenue. The farmers have agreed to allow us to take their produce down to markets along the branchline to exchange with to the mainline and to ships at that new harbour at Knapford.

Percy: Oh I see. Golly, that sounds grand that we're getting more revenue that just stone trucks.

Pinkie Pie: Hmm. That does sound like a great idea Can these vans carry baked goods as well?

Miss Ravens: Hmmm. I guess they cou…

Narrator: But before Rachel could finish, Toby came bustling in with the stone trucks from the quarry and another fruit van. To Percy, Rachel and Pinkie Pie's shock was William and Mike also came in, helping a very tired and knackered Applejack.

Applejack: (Mumbling) uh got….Gotta…. keep…bucking… apples…

William: Easy now girl. Steady.

Mike: Okay, steady now.

Narrator: They sat Applejack down on bench at the station platform. William rushed in to get some water for the poor tired pony.

Rachel: Bless me. What happened?!

Pinkie: You look as tried as you were during Applebuck Season.

Narrator: Applejack gulped down the water that William gave her and explained.

AppleJack: Thanks, William. I just got word on the radio that there is a chance of a heavy storm hitting this here island and I swore an oath to protect apples everywhere, even on this island. I also promised to help the reverend of Ffarquhar get his apples down to the port in case the storm does hit. Unfortunately, the vicar had to get down to the church for plans for some outin' so I was on my own. But y'all better be careful. A storms are no laughin matter.

Rachel: Don't worry. We promise and we'll get the apples over to the wharf at Knapford Harbour, just in case.

Pinkie: I pinkie promise too. Cross my heart hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye.

Percy: I promise too. You can always count on us.

Applejack: Thanks Percy, that really means a lot to me.

Toby: Just be careful Percy, just in case that storm does come.

Percy: A promise is a promise no matter what the weather Toby, especially if it's a Pinkie promise.

Pinkie Pie: Now that's good engine Percy. You take after your old aunty Pinkie Pie.

Percy: Thanks Pinkie Pie!

(record scratch)

Percy: Uh, wait a minute. Um mind you but I think I actually a lot older than you Pinkie.

Pinkie Pie: Oopsie Sorry bout that Percy.

Narrator: With that, Mike joined Rachel and Pinkie on board Percy's footplate. Percy coupled his two fruit vans to front of Toby's fruit train and the stone trucks. He set off down the line to Knapford Harbour. On the way, he stopped at Dryaw station where he saw Harold getting ready to take off, and the wonderbolts doing strict training drills.

Harold: Sorry Percy old chap. Can't talk. I'm on high alert.

Percy: Why's that?

Harold: Bad weather's due. My help is always need.

Spitfire: Same here. We're on high alert too. That's why we're getting all the pegasi here to be ready on hand to help out.

Spitfire/Harold: Mind how you go Percy.

Percy: HMPH! As long as I've got rails to run on, I can go anywhere in any weather, any how. Goodbye!

Narrator: And with that, he set off to Knapford Harbour. It wasn't long till Percy had arrived at the Harbour station .

Mike: Good, we've made it just in time.

Rachel: (sigh) What a relief. For a second there, I thought the storm was going to hit us before we even made it to the harbour.

Narrator: Just then, Thomas, William and Twilight Sparkle arrived to the platform with Annie and Clarabel. A mob of excited children and foals poured out of the coaches and ran down to the beach.

William: Heya guys. how's it going?

Rachel: Nothing much. Just taking some goods over for that ship there.

Mike: Boy, those are some excited young passengers.

Thomas: They are the Vicar of Ffarquhar's Sunday school.

Twilight Sparkle: The Vicar planned an out for the children this summer.

Pinkie Pie: Oh that does sound like fun.

Thomas: Oh I almost forgot. I'm going to be busy with Twilight and William this evening, but the stationmaster said I can ask you, Rachel, Mike, and Pinkie Pie to take the children home.

Percy: Of course I will.

Rachel: you can count on us William.

Mike: That's what friends are for.

Pinkie Pie: I Pinkie promise. Cross my heart hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye.

Thomas: Oh thank you very much. I knew I could count on you. Also, be sure to look after Annie and Clarabel. They are very special to me.

Percy: You know we will buddy.

Narrator: Thomas left his coaches and went off to Ffarquhar. Percy went to shunt his train on to the quay. The children and foals had a lovely day but by tea time it got very hot. Dark clouds loomed overhead, then came lightning, thunder and rain. The children and foals only managed to reach shelter before the deluge began. Annie and Clarabel stood at the platform, the children and foals all scrambled in.

Annie: Don't panic young children and foals.

Clarabel: It's only a storm. You'll be ok with us.

Narrator: The vicar of Ffarquhar went to speak to the stationmaster.

The Vicar: May we go home please stationmaster?

Narrator: Percy had just finished the trucks and vans when the stationmaster called him over.

Stationmaster: Percy, Rachel, Mike, Pinkie Pie. Can you please take the foals and children home quickly please? This storm is getting worse.

Narrator: He was right. The rain streamed like a waterfall down Percy's boiler making him shiver.

Percy: Ugh… I wish I was in my nice dry shed back Ffarquhar.

Narrator: But the he remember that he made a Pinkie promise.

Percy: A promise is a promise, especially if it's a Pinkie promise. So here it goes.

Narrator: Percy ran round to the front of Annie and Clarabel, then Pinkie Pie coupled them up.

Pinkie Pie: Boy, this storm is getting bad. I've never seen anything like this before. The weather in Equestria is usually predictable and are usually under control by the pegasi, but, there something about this storm that makes it feel very untamed.

Rachel: Well, that's because the weather here is controlled by itself.

Narrator: Soon the guard blew the whistle and waved the green flag and Percy started off.

Percy: Well, here goes nothing…

Narrator: They were soon clear of Knapford Harbour and forging their way back to Ffarquhar. They passed Dryaw with a furious effort Percy didn't even notice that Harold, Spitfire and the rest of the wonderbolts were out on emergency patrol.

Rachel: Doing alright Mike?

Mike: Still intact Rachel, How about you and Pinkie Pie?

Rachel: I'm hanging in there!

Pinkie Pie: Same here.

Narrator: When they reach Troyreck, Rachel was anxious. The River Els was rising dangerously fast. It foamed and swirled fiercely threatening to flood the country any minute. The rain beat in Percy's, Annie's and Clarabel's faces, nearly blinding them as they battled against the rain.

Percy: Ugh! I wish I could see! I wish I could see!

Clarabel: (Coughs) I'm with you there, Percy. I can't see a thing.

Annie: It is very cold and wet out here.

Pinkie pie: Hang in there Percy, Annie, Clarabel! We're nearly at Elsbridge.

Narrator: But more trouble lay ahead of the brave friends. Percy thundered through Elsbridge and charged across the bridge and through a cutting.

Pinkie Pie: Hey Percy?

Percy: Yes Pinkie?

Pinkie Pie: Can trains swim?

Percy: No. Why?

Pinkie: BECAUSE THAT LAKE UP AHEAD.

Rachel: Lake? What are you talking… (looks and sees the flood)

Rachel/Percy/Mike: JUMPIN BALLAST!

Narrator: They left the cutting and found themselves wheel deep in water.

Percy: (Chatter coldly) OOHHH MYY. WHEELSS! IT'S CCCOOOOLLLLDDD!

Annie: Oh my wheels! AHHHH CHOO!

Clarabel: Bless you Annie… AHHHH CHOO! Oh, it's cold in here.

Annie: Bless you Clarabel. No kidding.

Narrator: But they struggle on. They didn't get far when a cold splash of water splashed into Percy's cab.

Percy: WWHHOOSSHH! It's sloshing my fire out!

Pinkie Pie: OH NO NO NO NO! NOT GOOD! NOT GOOD! NOT GOOD!

Rachel: (Screams in panic) YIPE! IT'S GETTING INTO THE FIREBOX

Mike: GET HIM OUT! GET HIM OUT!

Narrator: Rachel quickly stopped Percy and back him and the coaches to the cutting.

Mike: Whew! That was a close one. The fire almost went out.

Pinkie Pie: Too close for comfort. I don't know why my Pinkie senses didn't pick that up.

Rachel: Never mind that Pinkie. Go to guards compartment in Clarabel and tell the guard to telephone Elsbridge.

Narrator: Pinkie Pie then told the guard to go back to telephone Elsbridge. He returned looking glum.

Guard: It's no good Rachel. We couldn't go back even if we wanted to. The bridge before Elsbridge has been washed away. But thankfully, the people and ponies at Elsbridge has been evacuated.

Rachel: (Sigh unhappily) Well this just great. Real great…. Now we're cut off in both directions.

Mike: Wait a minute. I've got an idea.

Narrator: Mike went to the guards compartment in Clarabel carrying a hatchet.

Guard: Hullo Mike… You look fierce..

Mr. Hawkins: I need some dry wood for Percy's fire please.

Narrator: They broke up some boxes but it did not satisfy Mike.

Mike: I hate to ask this of you, but I'll need some of your floor boards.

Guard/Clarabel: WHAT?! MY NICE FLOOR?!

Mike: Yes. I'm sorry about this, but this is an emergency.

Guard: (Grumble) I only swept it this morning.

Clarabel: (Gulp) I'm scared Annie.

Annie: I understand where your coming from Clarabel. They'll give you some new boards to replace the ones they take.

Narrator: Clarabel shut her eyes and prepared for the worst. Soon they had plenty of wood stored in Percy's fire.

Clarabel: Ow! It hurts.

Annie: I know, I know. I'll inform Thomas about this when we get back. You were very brave Clarabel.

Clarabel: Thank you Annie.

Narrator: Mike explained the plan to both Pinkie Pie and Rachel and they all agreed.

Rachel: It's risky, but it's our only chance.

Percy: She's right. I'll do it. Besides, I made a Pinkie promise and I plan to keep it.

Pinkie Pie: That's the spirit Percy!

Narrator: Soon, Percy's fire burnt well again. He felt warm and comfortable, then they heard a familiar buzzing noise followed by the flapping of pegasi wings.

Percy: (Sadly) Oh dear.. Harold and Spitfire have come to laugh at me, and they brought the wonderbolts too.

Narrator: Just then Pinkie Pie's tail began to twitch.

Percy: Hey Pinkie, your tail's twitching? What does that mean?

Pinkie Pie: That means that something is going to fall.

Narrator: She was right. With loud bump, something thudded onto Percy's boiler followed by other things too.

Percy: (Muffled) OW! THAT'S REALLY TOO BAD! THEY NEEDN'T THROUGH THINGS!

Narrator: Rachel, Mike and Pinkie Pie unwound 5 parachutes from Percy's indignant face and all laughed.

Rachel: Harold isn't throwing things at you. Neither are the Wonderbolts. They're dropping hot drinks and supplies to us.

Percy: Oh! That was nice of them.

Narrator: Everyone had a nice drink of cocoa and felt much better.

Pinkie Pie: Ah… That hit the spot.

Rachel: Mmm. Love hot cocoa when the weather's cold.

Mike: You said it.

Narrator: Percy had steam up now and whistled his thanks to the Wonderbolts and Harold.

Percy: Thank you Harold, you too Spitfire and you're crew too.

Spitfire: No problem little Percy. We're just glad to help a friend in need.

Harold: Likewise Percy old chap! Good to be of service anytime.

Spitfire: Wonderbolts, we'll be a flying escort for Percy up to Ffarquhar.

Soarin: Got it!

Spitfire: Harold, me and the Wonderbolts will take the left side, you fly escort on the right side.

Harold: Copy that Captain Spitfire, Ma'm!

Narrator: Soon everyone was ready.

Spitfire: Good luck Percy! We'll all be with you all the way.

Percy: Righto Captain Spitfire! Right then Rachel, Pinkie Pie, Mike you all ready?

Rachel/Mike/Pinkie Pie: YES PERCY!

Percy: Right then! Here we go!

Narrator: Percy whistled the signal, Rachel opened the regulator and the train lurched and began to move, as Harold and the Wonderbolts flew alongside to make sure they would be alright. The water lapped Percy's wheels making him shiver again.

Percy: Ugh!

Pinkie Pie: Hang in there Percy. You can do it! We're all with you!

Narrator: The water soon rose up and up and up it reached his ash pan and sloshed at his fire.

Percy: Whhoosh! My fire!

Narrator: Percy was losing steam again but he plunged bravely on!

Soarin: Mayday! Mayday! Percy's in trouble. He's taking water into his firebox and losing steam!

Spitfire: Copy that! Harold, you and Soarin take the lead! I'm going down there to help Percy!

Soarin and Harold: Copy that Ma'm!

Harold: Soarin, keep on the left hand side and split a member onto my side.

Soarin: Rodger Harold! Rapidfire your with me! Fleetfoot form up with Harold!

Rapidfire/Fleetfoot: Copy that!

Narrator: So as the rest of the Wonderbolts took their position. Spitfire flew down to help Rachel, Mike and Pinkie Pie keep Percy going. His steam pressure was dropping rapidly, but Percy soldiered on.

Percy: (Breathless) I promised! I promised!

Narrator: Mike and Pinkie Pie, with Spitfire's help, piled his wood up high. At last they managed to keep Percy steaming through the flooded valley.

Percy: I made a Pinkie promise. Cross my heart and hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye! I must do it! I must! I must! I must!

Annie: Come on Percy.

Clarabel: Not far now. You can do this!

Narrator: He made one last great effort, and at last, cold, exhausted but triumphant, he stood on rails which were clear of the flood. He rested to get steam up, Spitfire rejoined the Wonderbolts and Percy then brought the train home. Thomas and Toby were resting in their sheds with William, Twilight Sparkle and Applejack checking them over when they heard a tired whistle in the distance. At last, Percy made into Ffarquhar. The vicar, the children and foals all came out excited.

Vicar: Three cheers for Percy!

Percy: Well, I did have a lot of help from Pinkie Pie, Mike, Rachel, Annie, Clarabel, Harold and the Wonderbolts.

Vicar: Ok then, three cheers for all of you!

Narrator: And he, the engines, William, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and the foals and children nearly raised the roof.

Thomas: Well done Percy! You kept your promise despite everything. And well done to everyone who helped as well.

Twilight Sparkle: Indeed. That was very heroic of all of you. I'm very proud of you.

Pinkie Pie: Same here. You were very brave and kept 2 Pinkie promises in one day. I'm very proud to be your friend.

Narrator: Percy, still tired and blushing managed a thankful smile.

Percy: Also, Clarabel was very brave today. While we were in the flood, my fire went out.

Annie: Then, Mike came in and took some boards from Clarabel to fix Percy's fire.

Thomas: (Impressed) You did that?!

Clarabel: Well, it had to be done.

Thomas: I am very proud of you indeed. We'll get the works to mend you right away Clarabel.

Clarabel: Thank you Thomas.

Percy: No, thank you Clarabel. We couldn't have gotten out without you.

Narrator: The Fat Controller arrived on board Harold with a Wonderbolt escort and a very happy Rainbow Dash. First he thanked the Wonderbolts, then the crew, then Harold, then Annie and Clarabel, then Pinkie Pie and Percy.

Fat Controller: Harold told me you were… um… a wizard. He says that he can beat you at somethings, but not at being a submarine.

Narrator: Percy snorted as both the fat controller and Rainbow Dash laughed.

Fat Controller: I don't know what you both have been playing at and I won't ask. I do know that you are a really useful engine.

Narrator: Then the Wonderbolts saluted to Percy, the engines whistled and everyone clapped and cheered for Percy the small engine.

Percy: (Whisper happily) Oh Sir.

And that was 'Percy The Small Engine'. Look out for '8 Famous Engines' next.