Author's notes: Oh boy, where to start with this one? I really love this story. This story has some of the best comedy I have ever seen. You just have to read it for yourselves.

Train Stops Play

Narrator: As the days wore on, Stepney soon became friends with Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fleur Di Les Fancy Pants, Percy, Daisy, Flora and Toby, but Stepney couldn't but feel a bit envious of what his hosts had to offer and he and Shining Armor were having a splendid time.

Stepney: You I'll tell you this much you 11 are very lucky engines and ponies, your line has got everything. It's long enough to give a good run and you've got plenty of passengers. Then you've got a quarry, a mine, some farmers and some factories so you'll need need plenty of trucks. (Sigh) Trucks are fun. I miss them on the old LB&SCR Line. All we ever do is take passengers on the Bluebell railway, and don't get me wrong, I like it and all, but it can get a bit dull sometimes… (chuckles) well unless one of them is silly enough to fall down the pits.

Narrator: The ponies and engines were surprised but Shining Armor was confused.

Shining Armor: What's the problem guys? You look as though goods wagons are mastermind criminals..

Percy: Uh… you're not too far off there Shining Armor. Trucks here can be pretty troublesome.

Stepney: Troublesome? Your joking, right?

Percy: Trust me, you'd never joke about trucks, especially if they push you into the sea.

Toby: Well that's because you told them to Percy.

Flora: And that wasn't the brightest of ideas.

(Pinkie Pie trombone fail)

Percy: (Blushing) Oh yeah, I forgot.

Pinkie Pie: And I even got to play hide n seek with the fish and give a score on Percy's dive.

Percy: But you wouldn't joke about them if they send you crashing through a brake van on top of some other trucks.

Thomas: Why not? Daisy, Twilight and I certainly did.

(Record scratch)

Percy: (Annoyed) THAT'S BESIDE THE POINT!

(Pinkie Pie Trombone fail song)

Percy: (Annoyed) WILL YOU PUT THAT BRASS FOG HORN AWAY!

Pinkie Pie: Actually, it's a called a trombone, Percy.

Percy: (Annoyed) NOW YOUR GETTING OFF TOPIC Pinkie Pie!

Shining Armor/ Stepney: (Whisper) Is Percy always like this Twilight?

Twilight Sparkle: (Whisper) Nah, he just doesn't like to be reminded of his own accidents.

Narrator: Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle and Stepney giggled and chuckled, soon Percy calmed down.

Percy: Anyway, you and Shining Armor can take mine and welcome to it.

Stepney: Really? You do that for us?

Pinkie Pie: Sure, but we'd better ask Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Stephenson first.

Shining Armor: Great. Thank you Pinkie Pie and Percy. Now I can learn how to handle goods trains.

Narrator: So they asked permission. Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Stephenson agreed. Mr. Holden even offered to come and show them how to run goods traffic. Then went off to collect them. Applejack, Twilight, Thomas, Flora and Toby speechless, gaped in wonderment as Stepney puffed out Ffarquhar with 7 load stone trucks. Fluttershy wasn't surprised, she usually works with Edward after all, and you know what positive influence that can have on a shy, soft spoken pony.

Shining Armor: Wow this is beautiful. Twilight is such a lucky filly to have found this place and be able to make friends with people beyond our realm.

Stepney: Realm? What do you mean?

Shining Armor: Oh that's right. I forgot that you're a visitor here to island. As you can probably know by now, we ponies can actually talk and communicate because we're actually from another realm that was united by something called a magic railway.

Narrator: And Shining Armor explained to Stepney what he meant.

Stepney: Well, I guess that kinda makes sense. It really doesn't surprise me either, since the humans can understand us talking trains with faces.

Narrator: Shining Armor and Stepney chuckled happily. Stepney took his trucks to Knapford harbour. Once there, he pushed the loaded stone trucks to the loading siding to be loaded into the ship. Shining Armor uncoupled him, and then they pick up a load of empty trucks and started back. On their way back they were stopped by a signal outside Elsbridge Station near Elsbridge Cricket Field where a match had just start between the Elsbridge Wonderers and the Wellsworth Dragons.

Mr. Stephenson: Oh goody. We can watch the game Mr. Holden.

Mr. Holden: Heh, uh yeah we can watch it perfectly. (In his mind) a cricket field… why did it have be a cricket field.

Narrator: He had long since forgiven Rainbow Dash for the cricket incident of 1921 where Rainbow Dash had accidentally hit a cricket ball smack right into his eye. Since that incident however, he had developed a fear of cricket.

(Flashback)

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

Rainbow Dash: you know it.

Narrator: William through out and Rainbow Dash gave a mighty swing, but the ball accidentally went straight and instead of up and 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 he was alright.

(Flashback ending)

Narrator: So reluctantly, Mr. Holden settled down with Shining Armor And Mr. Stephenson to watch.

Shining Armor: Sweet I heard about cricket from Rainbow Dash and always wanted to learn how to play. I've even heard about someone who got hit in the eye by the ball whilst playing the game, by accident of course.

Narrator: Mr. Holden blushed and looked at his feet.

Mr. Holden: That was me.

Shining Armor: Heheheheh. I'm surprised. Ah well, mistakes can happen.

Mr. Holden: Yeah, I guess so.

Narrator: Just then some fielders came towards them and waved.

Fielder: Um, could you please move? Your last few trucks are behind the bowlers arm and the batsman can't see.

Mr. Stephenson: Oh sorry about that. Just give me a second

Narrator: And he eased Stepney forward till he was under the signal.

Mr. Holden: Will that do?

Fielder: Ah yes, perfect. Thanks again. Righto chaps. play on..

Narrator: Soon, they play started again. However, Stepney's move wasn't quite enough. The batsman hit out and skier toward towards the train. Clunk and down went the signal, there was two more clunks when Mr. Holden took for cover in Stepney's cab and as the ball landed in one of the trucks. Neither Mr. Stephenson nor Shining Armor heard the third clunk. They were much too busy getting started and a bit distracted to see Mr. Holden ducking for cover.

Cricketers: I SAY, STOP! WAIT! THAT'S OUR EX-GILFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL BALL YOU'VE GOT THERE! WE PLAN TO USE IT IN THE ASHES THIS YEAR!

Narrator: But Stepney's noisy start drowned them out.

Stepney: Come along! Come along!

Cricketer 1: Oh.. Oh dear. There goes our evening star I suppose

Cricketer 2: It's alright Toadsworth. We'll just get another ball from the bag.

Toadsworth: Uh…. What bag McBadgerson?

Cricketer 3: Oh you know, that bag you always keep spare balls in.

Toadsworth: Uh, What spare balls Molerton?

(record scratch)

McBadgerson: You mean to say that was our only ball Toadsworth?

Toadsworth: Uhh….No not exactly.

Cricketer 4: Good.

Toadsworth: Uh… well… that's the funny part Rattley. Um, ladies and gentlemen… I do warn you all right now to brace yourselves lads and lasses, so please don't over react chaps, but that was our one and only ball that I brought.

Rattley: TOADSWORTH! YOU IDIOT!

Toadsworth: Uh, who are you referring to, me or the ball? Anyway can you watch your manners please Rattley? And we can just chase after them like in those american western motion pictures. Anyway we got our own steed who needs a bit of exercise, sort of speak. I suppose it's the only solution.

Narrator: So the 4 cricketers piled into an ancient 1925 bull nosed morris motor car.

Toadsworth: YOOHOO! Wake up Caroline my dear.

Caroline: (Waking) Huh, what?… Oh bother! I was having a nice dream too.

Toadsworth: No time for day dreaming, we've got an Ex-Gilford Grammar School ball to catch from a train. So the glorious chase is on.

Caroline: Oh no, not again.

Narrator: Caroline coughed crossly, reluctantly came to life and they rolled out onto the road. Stepney wasn't hurrying. He had just crossed the river els when Caroline came up tooting her horn trying to catch up. Road and rails ran side by side between the stream. The cricketers waved and shouted, but they were too far away for Mr. Holden, Shining Armor, or Mr. Stephenson to see or hear clearly what they were saying. They completely misunderstood.

Mr. Stephenson: Oh I see. It's a race you want is it? Well if you jokers want a race, you can have a race. Come on Stepney old boy, full steam ahead!

Shining Armor: Now your really talking Stephenson!

Narrator: Mr. Stephenson advanced the regulator wide open and Mr. Holden shovelled more and more coal faster than ever before. Stepney drew ahead of the ancient motor car.

Shining Armor: That's right old boy! Faster Stepney! Faster!

Stepney: Righto Shining Armor! Wow! I don't remember going at this speed before. It's so much fun!

Shining Armor: (Chuckles)

Mr. Toadsworth: Oh I see, now they want to race us! I'll have it that Jenson Toadsworth never backs down from a challenge!

Narrator: He put the pedal down to floor. Needless to say, Caroline was not happy at all and neither were Mr. McBadgerton, Mr. Molerton, and Mr. Rattley. Caroline rattle along at twice her usual speed.

Caroline: Oh my goodness gracious! Master Toadsworth shouldn't treat me like this! This pace is too hot for my system, it'll fuse all my circuits!

Toadsworth: Oh stuff and nonsense Caroline my dear motor car. You don't know what's good for you, now just keep moving my dear, you need the exercise!

Caroline: (Sarcastically) Oh yes don't worry! Thanks for the chipper pep talk of confidence! (in her mind) From the crazy speed mad idiot of a master I have!

Molerton: (Scared) Um mind you Caroline but y-y-y-your not the only who feels the same way, you poor girl.

Caroline: ( Sympathetic) Oh yes I know Mr Molerton. I actually feel terribly sorry for you, Mr. Mc Badgerson, and Mr. Rattley.

Narrator: Suddenly Stepney charged through the tunnel and was gone.

Caroline: Hoorrah! Hazzah! Horrray! That silly old train has run into a hole and now we can't catch him. Now master Toadsworth, will have to be sensible and go home.

Narrator: But Master Toadsworth didn't go home.

Toadsworth: Oh ho ho ho. I wouldn't be too sure about that Caroline my dear motor car ho ho ho ho ho.

(Record scratch)

Caroline: Oh no no no. Rattley, Molerton! Mcbadgerson! Please tell me Master Toadsworth just joking!

McBadgerson: Ah, I'm afraid for you and me Caroline, but no he's got that old look in his eye.

Molerton: Oh dear Rattley. I'm scared! Hold me!

Rattley: Oh Toadsworth please for the love of the river els it's not worth it please!

Narrator: But too late. Toadsworth put Caroline into gear and put the accelerator pedal down to the floor. Caroline nearly boiled with fury and rage when Master Toadsworth made her climb the steep hill and run down to station on the other side like a maniac.

Caroline: (Sobbing) Oh no, not again!

Toadsworth: Well don't say I didn't warn you Caroline my dear motor car.

Narrator: He pounded her to her limit. Fluttershy was walking across the road with a basket of bluebells. It was gift for the Bluebell Railway, blessed by some magical creatures called the Breezies so they would never wither. Caroline tooted frantically.

Caroline: OH DEAR! FLUTTERSHY, SWEETIE! LOOKOUT! IT'S TOADSWORTH!

Narrator: Fluttershy yelped and ducked for cover as poor Caroline thundered past.

Toadsworth: WWWEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Fluttershy: Oh my!

Toadsworth: YIPPPIE! HO HOHOHOHOHOHO!

Rattley: (Scared and angry) TOADSWORTH YOU IDIOT!

(Fluttershy then picks up her flowers. The magic the breezies had blessed them with could stop them from withering, but they couldn't stop them from being damaged by an out of control car.)

Fluttershy: Oh… There goes mine and the breezies' present for the Bluebell Railway.

Sea Breeze: Fluttershy, we can get some more together if you like.

Fluttershy: Oh, thank you Sea Breeze. That's most kind.

Sea Breeze: That's alright. You showed my breezies and me kindness before, and it's only fair that we repay you.

Narrator: And they flew off together to get more bluebells. Then, Rainbow Dash was on the road helping Spike fix a flat tire on Bertie, when…

Caroline: ( frightened) RAINBOW DASH, SPIKE! LOOKOUT! MOVE! TOADSWORTH'S AT THE WHEEL AGAIN!

Rainbow dash: SSSSSTTTTTAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!

Narrator: Rainbow Dash grabbed Spike, put him on her back and flew into the clouds!

Spike/Rainbow Dash: (Cross) MAINIAC!

Toadsworth: HURRAY! SPLENDID! LET'S SING THAT SONG FROM MY FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD BOOK CHAPS! HOHOHOHO!

Molerton/Rattley/McBadgerson/Caroline: OH NO NOT AGAIN!

Toadsworth: (Singing poorly) The world has held great Heroes, As history-books have showed; But never a name to go down to fame Compared with that of Toad. The clever men at Oxford, Know all that there is to be knowed. But they none of them knew one half as much As intelligent Mr Toad! The animals sat in the Ark and cried, Their tears in torrents flowed. Who was it said, "There's land ahead?" Encouraging Mr Toad! Encouraging Mr Toad! The Queen and her Ladies-in-waiting Sat at the window and sewed. She cried, "Look! who's that handsome man?" They answered, "Mr Toad." (Talking) And there you see, here we are. Ffarquhar village.

Narrator: Stepney had just shunted the trucks when a furious Caroline spluttered and swerved into the yard when the crew were just going off duty. Toadsworth got out first.

Toadsworth: I say, Mr. Holden my old chap, Mr. Driver sir and Mr… Uh… unicorn sir. But my faithful 3 chipper happy friends from the cricket field would like to kindly ask you if we could please have our cricket ball back.

Shining Armor: (Confused) Uh, cricket ball? I don't understand.

Toadsworth: Yes please Sir Unicorn, the batter hit a skier which accidentally landed in your train. Isn't that right my good chaps?

Narrator: The three other cricketers, feeling quite giddy, got out nearly and falling out instantly on top of one another.

Rattley: (Giddy) yes that… is correct…

Mr. Stephenson: Are you guys alright?

Toadsworth: Oh ho ho hohoho! Why certainly. My dear friends are just as fit as fiddle.

Molerton: (Giddy) Ugh oh blow! And now… I know why… I always… travel… by… train or boat… Ugh, oh blow, I think I'm gonna be sick!

McBadgerson: (Giddy) Oo ugh! That makes two of us Molerton. I thought we were going to mow down those poor ponies or ram up into a tree.

Rattley: ( Giddy) Oh ugh! I know what you mean Molerton… I thank thy heavenly lord that we're still in one piece…

Narrator: The three giddy cricketers barring Toadsworth fainted.

Caroline: (Giddy) Oh dear lord, you three aren't the only ones whom are grateful that we made it here alive and scotch free…

Mr. Holden: I take it you were driving again Toadsworth.

Toadsworth: Indeed I was old chap! Hahaha it was an epic chase! Oh anyway, we believe that our ball had land between the third truck from the brake van. May we take a look.

Mr. Holden: Uh… go ahead. Um… did you say the third truck from the van?

Toadsworth : Yes that's quite right Mr. Holden.

Narrator: They went to look and there the ball was nestling under some straw.

Toadsworth: HO HA HA HA! JACKPOT! We've found it!

Mr. Stephenson: Oh, that's good.

Shining Armor: We're ever so sorry about the wild goose chase.

Toadsworth: Oh never mind, you couldn't help it old bean. Besides we all enjoyed the adventure, didn't we fellows?

Narrator: Poor McBadgerson, Rattley, and Molerton still dazed and giddy didn't answer.

Toadsworth: Well now that we've got what we came here for, we must now get back quickly to the Caroline!

Narrator: The 3 dizzy cricketers eyes widened with horror.

Shining Armor: Well that's just it. I don't think you'll get very far with you're car, Toadsworth.

Toadsworth: What do you mean.

Narrator: Just then with a loud bang and hiss of steam, Caroline's radiator overheated and steam was hissing from the radiator cap.

Shining Armor: That's what I mean (Pointing to Caroline) you'll never be quick in her. In fact, I don't think you'll get any further with her. Poor Caroline looks warn out.

Caroline: Oh you can say that again, young lad.

Mr. Stephenson: Wait a minute. I have a plan.

Narrator: Mr. Stephenson went to speak to station master and signalman and they all agreed on the plan. Then they rolled Caroline onto a flat truck and coupled a brake van behind. The cricketers piled thankfully into brake van and Stepney pulled the train back to the Elsbridge cricket field. They arrived back in time, Stepney watched from a siding whilst Shining Armor, Mr. Stephenson, Mr. Holden, the mane 6 and the rest of the main 4 drivers sat in the pavilion. There were no more lost balls. The game was played to an exciting finish and Mr. Holden finally got over his fear of cricket. Even Caroline was pleased. She doesn't think trains silly now.

Caroline: Well, they have there can save the wear and tear of a poor cars wheels. I think with this experience master Toadsworth will be more sensible on the roads.

Narrator: Two days later, Rainbow Dash accompanied Shining Armor and Mr. Stephenson were taking Stepney down to Tidmouth station. They were just about to crossover the crossing when they heard a a familiar toot followed by Police Sirens and Constables shouting. Then….

Rainbow dash: (Horrified) SSSSSSTTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPP!

Narrator: Mr. Stephenson quickly applied the brakes just in front of the crossing as a Caroline screaming with fright, tore down the road with several police constable patrol cars and several constable's bicyclists chasing after her and in the drivers seat, singing his favourite song from his favourite book was of course Toadsworth…

Shining Armor/Rainbow Dash/Stepney/Mr. Holden/Mr. Stephenson: OH NO NOT AGAIN!

Caroline:HHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPP ME! PPPLLLLLEEEEAAAASSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEE SSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAAAAAVVVVVVVEEEEEEEE MMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Toadsworth: (Singing poorly) Oh nobody knew how to catch him So clever and nimble Toad. They couldn't snitch or snatch him, That elusive Mr. Toad!

Narrator: And Poor Caroline was away with the law chasing after her and her crazy driver.

Rainbow Dash: (Annoyed) Oh for the love pete.

All 5: That poor car.

(Pinkie Pie trombone fail)

Stepney: Let's go after her.

Mr. Holden/Mr. Stephenson/Rainbow Dash/Shining Armor: Good idea.

Narrator: With that, Stepney was put into full speed and they went to help Caroline again. But that… may be another story for another time.

Yes, I added in a brief appearance from Sea Breeze, you know, the breezie that gave Fluttershy her key near the end of 'It Ain't Easy Being Breezies'. That episode, no joke, is my new favourite episode of MLP of all time. Speaking of which, does anyone think that the title of the episode 'Games Ponies Play' was based off of the title of this story? If not, then it's a heck of a coincidence. Anyway, look out for 'Bowled Out'.