Later in the afternoon, Percy and Toby were collecting their trucks at the scrapyards. Having finished their jobs early, they were prepared to leave.

"We're lucky not to come here at nightfall," said Percy, "it makes the scrapyards scary…"

"Remember what Pinkie said about laughing at scary stuff?" asked Toby.

"Yes, I do," said Percy, "but aren't broken steam engine parts scary? And if I laughed at them, wouldn't it seem… sadistic? I mean, they're engines who got scrapped years ago!"

"I know," said Toby, "but there's nothing we can do about it now."

Then there was a flaming sound as the furnace fires ignited, giving Percy a fright, and he bumped his trucks.

"Must be brave, must be brave," he muttered, and tried his best to laugh it off, but he could barely smile, let alone laugh.

"Calm down, Percy," assured Toby, "it's just the flames. We must do our best to make the Fat Controller proud while he's on holiday."

"Yes," agreed Percy, "Emily told me earlier that Miss Celestia is looking after us for the time being."

As the two friends were talking, neither noticed they were being spotted by two gray diesel shunters with six wheels each. One of them had a purple front and cab, named Splatter, and the other had an olive front and cab, named Dodge. Right now, the two diesels had been eavesdropping on their conversation, and they grinned stupidly.

"Did you hear that?" Splatter asked.

"Fatty's away for a while," grinned Dodge.

"Let's tell the boss," they said together, and they rumbled away unnoticed.

"Miss Celestia, where are you? You're usually on time."

Thomas was worried as he searched down the line light engine. It usually didn't take Miss Celestia long to arrive. Then suddenly, he saw something sparkling at a signalbox and Miss Celestia appeared on the balcony of the signalbox waving.

"Oh, Miss Celestia!" remarked Thomas in relief, "Are you alright?"

"Yes, Thomas, I'm fine," Miss Celestia answered, "but sometimes, everything happens at once. I have to see Sir Topham Hatt to get my orders right away." Then she rubbed her leg. "The journey keeps getting bumpier and bumpier."

"Does it?"

Celestia then sparkled into Thomas' cab, where she was welcomed by the driver and fireman.

"We're glad you're here, Miss Celestia," said Thomas' driver.

"We were wondering when you'd be in charge for a while," agreed the fireman.

"A big bully diesel has arrived," said Thomas nervously, "he's behaving very badly and the Fat Controller won't like that at all."

"Sir Topham Hatt's already warned me about Diesel 10," said Miss Celestia, "so don't worry, Thomas."

Thomas smiled a bit, but he hadn't mentioned to her who Diesel 10's driver was…

"Look at that! It really captures the real us!"

"How beautiful, driver! I could cry."

Diesel 10 was on a siding next to a large boulder. He and Discord were admiring their work in awe; on it was two faces carved in their respective images.

"Ah, boss?"

"Yeah, we're here."

The large diesel and his driver cleared their throats as Splatter and Dodge rolled.

"So, what did you get, Spladge?" asked Diesel 10 bluntly.

"Er… it's Splatter."

"And… and Dodge."

"He hasn't the time for both names!" snapped Discord. Splatter and Dodge rolled their eyes; it was clear who was in charge.

"Well, we just heard that Fatty is gone for a while," said Splatter.

"Yeah," agreed Dodge, "heard it from a green caterpillar and garden shed on wheels."

"So Fat Hatt's on holiday, eh?" said Diesel 10, "Excellent work, Spladge!" The two shunters rolled their eyes.

"Now, boys," said Discord, "while the boss…"

"Isn't that you?" asked Splatter.

"He means Fat Hatt," sighed Diesel 10 in annoyance.

"Exactly," said Discord, "while the boss – Sir Topham Hatt – is away, the cats – that's us – will play, and we'll catch our mice!"

Splatter and Dodge stared in confusion.

"Erm… say it in English?" asked Dodge.

Diesel 10 growled in annoyance at their stupidity. "We're going to make life a misery for those steaming heaps of trash-on-wheels," he explained, "this island doesn't need them, it needs us – more and more of us! There's no need for steam engines these days. They're history!"

"You and I are on the same page," smiled Discord approvingly, "see, you two? You can learn from him."

"Ah, there's one small problem there, boss," said Splatter.

"What's that?" asked Diesel 10.

Then they spotted Thomas passing by with Miss Celestia on board.

"Him and her," said Dodge.

"How did that woman get here?" asked Diesel 10.

"We don't know," said Splatter.

"But she is taking care of things while… ah, Fatty's gone."

"She's not taking care of everything – we will," smirked Discord, "Celestia and the blue puffball won't be smiling for long! Allow me to introduce Diesel 10's secret weapon…"

Suddenly, a hatch on top of Diesel 10's rood opened and out of it emerged a large, mechanical claw!

"An experiment conducted by yours truly," Discord explained proudly.

Diesel 10 lifted his claw high above them, the claw snapping open and shut. However, their presentation turned into an undignified joke as the claw suddenly dropped and hit Diesel 10 on the head!

"OW! I hate it when this happens!"

"I don't think he meant to do that," Splatter and Dodge snickered to each other.

Thomas and Miss Celestia had seen everything, but they hadn't heard what Discord and the diesels were plotting.

"I don't think it sounded good," said Thomas.

"Don't worry about it, Thomas," assured Miss Celestia, "I'll just pop in and out with my sparkle wherever he goes and keep him in order!"

Thomas smiled and puffed along the line.

I hope, Miss Celestia thought anxiously to herself.

At Ffarquhar, a summer party was taking place. Some of the guests were the five teenage girls, Spike, and myself.

"I'm not sure about attending a party the day before we see Shining Armor," I admitted to Spike.

"Don't worry about it, Twi," Spike encouraged, "at least have some fun every now and then, you know; make new friends."

"I'll try," I said bravely. Back then, I wasn't really known for bonding socially with others besides my family. Breathing deeply and closing my eyes, I opened the door slowly. No sooner had I turned the door when…

"Hiya!"

"Wah!"

I jumped back in surprise as a hyperactive Pinkie Pie stood in front of us with her usual cheerful smile.

"I'm Pinkie Pie," the pink haired girl said, "what's your name?"

"I'm Twilight Sparkle," I said at last, "and this is my adopted brother, Spike. Whose party is this, anyway?"

"I threw it myself," Pinkie replied happily, "I just love throwing parties and making friends happy!"

"Come on, Twilight," insisted Spike, "let's join the fun."

So we headed inside to the party.

"Ah, beautiful…" Spike said in awe.

"I agree," I said, "the decorations look stunning."

"No, not the decorations… her…" The "her" Spike was referring to was Rarity, who was talking with Applejack.

"I must say, Applejack," she said, "it was very nice of Pinkie Pie to throw this party and invite us."

"Ah agree right there, partner," said Applejack, "but did ya really need to get all dressed up for a simple fun party?"

"Spike?" I tried to get his attention by shaking him on the shoulder, but his eyes were glued to Rarity. Then they noticed me and came to say hello.

"Er, sorry about my brother," I said sheepishly, "but anyway, I'm Twilight Sparkle, and…"

Before I could finish, Applejack grabbed my right hand and shook it quite strongly.

"Well, howdy-do there, Twilight!" she remarked while shaking, "Name's Applejack. We Apples sure do love makin' new friends."

"Ah-ah-ah, gre-ea-ea-eat!" I said, my hand still being shaken hard.

"I'm sorry about that, darling," said Rarity, trying to get me to stop shaking, "oh dear! Your hair is an absolute mess now! This simply cannot do."

Before I could protest, Rarity began to give me a hairdo.

"Spike!" I cried, "A little help here?" But he didn't take his gaze off of Rarity and levitated after.

"Man, she's so pretty…"

"Heads up!"

Suddenly, as if from nowhere, a rainbow blur crashed into me. The blur was Rainbow Dash, holding onto a football.

"Sorry about that," she said sheepishly as she helped me up.

After Rainbow helped me back to my feet, I heard what sounded like crying from outside, and I rushed to the scene.

"Where's she gone off to?" asked Applejack.

I spotted the trio of mean girls bullying a crying Fluttershy.

"You're so pathetic and feeble," Sunset mocked, "it's no wonder all your friends are stray animals."

"It's also no wonder she'll never get a boyfriend," Lightning Dust added.

"And why she never gets invited anywhere enjoyable," grinned Trixie.

This made me angry; how dare they bully someone so innocent! I wasn't going to stand for it any longer.

"How dare you speak to her that way!" I shouted angrily at the trio.

"What did you say?" Sunset scowled crossly.

"I said, 'how dare you speak to her that way'!" I repeated, "You three better leave her alone… or else."

"You must be new here," Sunset sniffed, "my friends and I can talk to anyone any way we want." But she, Lightning Dust and Trixie walked away, but not without giving us a sneer.

"I… I c-can't believe you did that!" Fluttershy remarked, still shaken up.

"Well, I wasn't gonna let them bully someone and get away with it," I said, "anyway, I'm Twilight Sparkle. What's your name?"

"I'm… Fluttershy…" she said quietly.

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

"It's Fluttershy…" she squeaked even more quietly.

"I… didn't quite hear that."

"Fluttershy just let out a nervous little squeak and hid her face behind her hair. At that moment, Spike came out.

"Oh my gosh!" In an instant, Fluttershy's timid behavior seemed to melt away as she pushed me aside and held Spike's head in her hands. "Who is this young fella?"

"That's Spike," I said, getting back up, "my adopted brother."

"Ohh, he's so cute!" Fluttershy squeaked as she began to hug Spike.

"Well, well, well…"

I rolled my eyes as Spike seemed to enjoy the attention he was getting.

"If you don't mind me bringing this up," I said, "but who were those girls tormenting you anyway?"

Fluttershy brought Spike and I back inside where we found the other four girls gathered there too.

"Those gals who were tormenting Fluttershy are the biggest bullies round Sodor," Applejack explained, "Sunset Shimmer's their leader and practically everyone's afraid of her."

"Who are the two other girls?" I asked.

"They're Lightning Dust and Trixie," said Rainbow Dash, "Lightning Dust loves pushing herself to her limits when it comes to being the best and she doesn't care about the risks to other people."

"And Trixie acts like she's the greatest thing since sliced bread," added Rarity, "not to mention her habit of speaking in the third person."

"Yikes," said Spike, "they sound pretty dangerous…"

"You're not kidding," said Pinkie Pie, appearing behind Spike, "not only that, but they also hate steam engines."

"Why?" I asked.

"No one knows for sure," Applejack replied, "no reason for it, though."

"Dear Miss Celestia,

Where were you? My wife said we couldn't miss our little holiday. I will telephone to make sure you have arrived and received this.

Signed, Sir Topham Hatt."

No sooner did she stop reading when the telephone rang. Miss Celestia quickly picked it up.

"Knapford Station, North Western Railway. Miss Celestia speaking."

"Miss Celestia?"

"Sir Topham Hatt, sir."

"Yes, indeed. Good afternoon, Miss Celestia."

"And a good afternoon to you too, sir."

"I see you've made it, finally."

"Apologizes for being late, sir. I had a bit of trouble with my sparkle."

"Just watch out for Diesel 10."

"Of course, sir. And I'll be sure to keep an eye on James' behavior."

"Not to mention Henry's health; I've had to put him back on special coal since his dunking at the coastal route."

"Understood, sir. I'll do my best to keep the North Western running in your absence."

"And remember our three R's…"

"Yes, sir! Reading, writing, and arithmetic!"

"What?! Not those three R's!"

"Ah! Sorry. I meant I'll be responsible… reliable… and really useful, sir."

"That's better."

"Goodbye, sir."

Miss Celestia then hung up the phone and attempted to sparkle out. But nothing happened, much to her surprise.

"Hmm, odd," she said, "I should still be good for a few more sparkles. I'll try my spare supply…" But when she reached into her pocket, it was empty.

"Oh no!" she cried, "I forgot my emergency supply!" Then she had a thought. "I must be losing my touch. It's best to try again."

So she sounded her whistle again and sparkled off.

"Wobbly wheels!"

"You're only jealous, James," sighed Thomas.

The red engine was feeling claustrophobic at Tidmouth Sheds and was taking it out on Thomas. Emily and three other engines were also at the sheds. One of them was a green pannier tank engine with six black wheels. His name is Montague, the North Western Railway's number eight, and a tank engine of the Great Western Railway. Everyone calls him Duck because of his supposed waddle.

The other two engines were identical 0-6-0 black tender engines of Scottish design; their respective names and numbers are Donald nine, and Douglas ten.

"What are you complaining about now, James?" groaned Emily.

"It's just not fair!" snapped James, "I should have been the one to collect Miss Celestia! Not Thomas!"

"We all took her at some point or another," said Duck, "why should it make a difference?"

"Aye," agreed Donald, "yer just thinkin' o' reasons tae complain."

"Well, collecting Miss Celestia is an important job!" retorted James, "Important jobs are for big engines."

"James is right," said Gordon, backing down next to him, "he is a big engine, after all… well, technically, middle-sized."

"Oi!"

"And you, Thomas, are small," continued Gordon, ignoring James' snap, "small, small, small, teenie-weenie-weenie. I am a big blue engine who knows everything."

"Bossy sprockets!" Thomas hated it when the others teased him for being small.

"Why can't you two leave Thomas alone?" snapped Emily crossly, "He's a hard working engine and does his best to help others."

"Emily's right," agreed Duck, "and you're a big blue engine who knows everything, Gordon? Ha! You don't know how to climb hills and you're helped by an 'old iron' named Edward!"

This prompted laughter from the other engines, even Thomas. Gordon was too embarrassed to say anymore. "Ohh… the indignity…"

Then the engines spotted a flickering shower of gold dust appear in front of them.

"Haud yer wheesht," said Douglas, "there's yon Miss Celestia."

"Good day, everyone," said Miss Celestia once she materialized, "is everyone pleased to see me?"

"Yes, madam," the engines all said together.

"Glad to hear that," said Miss Celestia, "now as you know, I'm to be in charge while Sir Topham Hatt-"

"The Fat Controller," corrected Gordon.

"…whatever any of us likes to call him," Celestia continued, acknowledging Gordon, "is away. I'd like you all to behave yourselves and be really useful."

"Yes madam," said the engines.

"James, you can come out now," Miss Celestia said to the red engine, "I'd like you to help with Mavis at Centre Island Quarry."

James hated getting dirty, but he was at least happy to come out again.

"Thomas and Emily will be doing passenger runs on the branchline," continued Miss Celestia, "Gordon, you'd best get ready for your express. Duck shall arrange your coaches."

"Right away, madam," said the Great Western pannier tank engine, "all shipshape and Swindon fashion!"

"Not this again," muttered Gordon.

Thomas set off to collect Annie and Clarabel.

"Little engines can do big things," he said to himself, "especially if they have nice blue paint like me."

"He's been saying it since his days as a pilot for Knapford," muttered Gordon again.

Meanwhile, James was making his way to Centre Island Quarry. The quarry itself was on Thomas' branchline, just beyond Ffarquhar and through a quarry tramway. Years before, Toby was the only engine allowed to run to the quarry, but since Thomas' incident with the policeman, the law was found to be out of date, so all engines are allowed to go Centre Island Quarry now.

Bigger engines like Gordon and Henry were not allowed on Thomas' branchline, but since others like Edward, Emily and James were within the weight limit, they were allowed to.

"Why did I have to get this job?" James grumbled, "Percy and Oliver are more suited for a job like this!"

James didn't know that the diesels Splatter and Dodge had been watching him.

"That scarlet screwball's in a bad mood," chuckled Splatter.

"It'll get worse when Harold the flopper chopper flies by and makes him all dirty," Dodge sneered.

James soon arrived at Centre Island Quarry. Waiting for him was a black diesel shunter with hazard stripes on her front and back, and six wheels hidden by sideplates and cowcatchers like Toby. This diesel is Mavis, and unlike the North Western steam engines, she is owned by the Ffarquhar Quarry Company, and is their first engine.

"Hello, James," said Mavis cheerfully, "what brings you here?"

"Miss Celestia said I was to work here today," James groaned.

"She's in charge while the Fat Controller's away, correct?"

"How'd you deduce that?"

"I heard it from Daisy who'd heard it from Toby."

Just then, two tank engine twins pulled up. Both were painted yellow with red lining, had red wheels, and had nameplates so everyone could tell who was Bill, and who was Ben. The twins normally worked at the Sodor China Clay Works near Brendam, but have occasionally helped Mavis out at the quarry.

"Look here, Ben," said Bill cheekily, "it's James!"

"I thought he hated being dirty," teased Ben, "maybe he's changed his mind and wants to be a quarry engine instead!"

James felt very angry and his face went red as his paint as the twins laughed.

"Let me tell you-!" he began.

"Just ignore them," soothed Mavis, "they're only being cheeky."

Just then, they heard a whirring and saw a white helicopter with a red stripe on his sides hovering by them. This was Harold.

"Routine flyby chaps, hello!"

By this point, Splatter and Dodge had shown up just in time to watch everything.

"Rusty red scrap iron's gonna look stupid," giggled Splatter.

"Let's start laughing now!" said Dodge, and they did in a really silly way.

The winds from Harold's blades created a dust bowl covering James, Mavis and the twins with quarry dust!

"Oops. Sorry, troops! Bit of a dust up; love to stay and clean up. Got to go! Bye now!"

By that point, Splatter and Dodge's amusement was cut short when the dust bowl flew towards the diesels and dirtied their paintwork as well!

"Did you mean to look like that?" asked Splatter.

"Ah, no, you?" asked Dodge.

"Er, neither did I."

"My beautiful paintwork!" wailed James, "It's ruined! Ruined, I tell you… RUINED!"

Meanwhile, while of this was happening, back at Muffle Mountain, Shining Armor and Cadance were making their way up to their house when they spotted someone waiting for them.

"Oh no…"

"What is it, Shining?"

"Is that who we think it is…?"

"So, I've found you again, Shining Armor and Cadance Sparkle," Chrysalis sneered.

"And you've finally returned, as we always felt you would," retorted Shining Armor.

"Now where is that engine?"

"We'll never tell you that," said Cadance firmly, "you're far too filled with hatred for her and for the island as well!"

"No, I'm not," insisted Chrysalis, "I just think magic means nothing to me."

Shining Armor and Cadance didn't reply and went inside the house, quickly slamming the door before Chrysalis could get in.

"You can't hide that engine forever!" the mean woman shouted, "I've found you, soon I'll find her, and have vengeance for taking away something from me!"

Shining Armor and Cadance listened to Chrysalis' outside ranting.

"It makes me wish she hadn't come back," Shining Armor said.

"So do I," agreed Cadance, "the island of Sodor is no place for a horrible person like her."

Eventually, Chrysalis got tried of ranting, seeing as neither would listen to her, and she stormed off in a sulk, jumped onto her motorbike, and rode off.

Back at Ffarquhar, the party had ended and Spike and I were getting ready to head home.

"Man, that was some party," said Spike, "I had a good time. How about you, Twilight?"

"It was alright," I admitted.

"At least you made some new friends," Spike added.

"Very true," I said hesitantly, "I just hope I don't run into the three jerks again."

"I'm glad I got to meet Rarity," Spike said dreamily, "I wonder if she's single…"

I rolled my eyes, and thought to myself; Honestly, Spike – I know you've got a crush on her, but need I remind you we're visiting Shining Armor and Cadance? Can you save your obsession with her for when our visit's done, please?!

"Ah, come on, Twilight," Spike said, "we'd better get home."

I nodded and we headed towards the bus stop.