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.