Synopsis; The girls find themselves in a bit of a predicament. But after a meeting with a new friend, they find themselves back on track when the girl's see just how much Sodor's new Railway system has impacted its engines. Meanwhile, Juniper tries to convince her movie director uncle to hire Thomas for his big movie as the new voice of, well, Thomas!
Thomas & Equestria Girls 2:
Adventures From Sodor!
Chapter 10: Big Movie, Big Potential
Mavis the quarry diesel was pulling empty trucks down the Mainline back Ffarquar Quarry. She was happy to be busy. But much like half the diesels who were friends with steam engines, Mavis missed them greatly and longed for their return. The Railway just wasn't the same without the steam engines. And though she can be as stern as the next engine, most diesels that've taken up residence on Sodor were a tad too rough and tough for her liking. Mavis didn't have a problem with this, however. She was tough enough to hold her own against any engine. And she was also grateful that not every diesel on Sodor was so aggressive despite the increases of such.
Approaching a track bend, Mavis was surprised to see Dennis with Jerome & Judy. They were lifting D782 Whistler back onto the tracks. She stopped next to Whistler and inspected him from roof to wheels. His entire right side was covered in dirt and scrapes along his wheels from sliding across the grassland.
"Goodness me!" Mavis said. "What happened?"
Whistler stuttered, unable to spew out an answer. Mavis couldn't decipher anything he was mumbling.
"Slow down and explain clearly what-"
"A-A Steamie!" Whistler cried, cutting her off.
"A steamie? But there are no more steam engines on Sodor." Mavis thought to herself, before gasping. "Oh dear."
She scurried off in a hurry, taking her empty trucks and leaving Whistler, Dennis, Jerome & Judy to wonder what all the urgency was.
"Oh dear! Oh dear! Oh dear!"
Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, and the rest of their friends were all gathered near a siding where Fluttershy had her accident. She had taken off unwillingly during their scuffle with the diesels, and was unable to apply her brakes. Fluttershy ended up speeding down the tracks until veering into a siding where she planted face first into a bank of earth. Her friends managed to catch up to Fluttershy, heaved her out of the earth bank, and Twilight cleaned off any access dirt with her magic geode lantern's telekinesis.
The Girls wondered why Fluttershy didn't just stop, but she wasn't the only one having trouble with her engine form. Rainbow Dash, while trying to save Fluttershy, found that her super speed had suddenly stopped working. One moment she's speeding down the tracks, the next she's falling behind until coming to a complete stop. Unable to move anymore, Applejack had to push her along to meet up with the others, who were now just discovering Rainbow Dash' predicament too.
"I don't know what happened," Rainbow Dash explained. "I was going as fast as I've ever gone in my life, when all a sudden I just slowed down and stopped moving."
Sunset reversed back so that Twilight could examine Rainbow Dash's appearance better. Twilight inspected Rainbow Dash from both ends of her engine and inside the cab.
"Nothing seems out of place from what I can see," Twilight said.
"What's wrong with me?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Why isn't my geode letting me drive fast like it was earlier?"
"So, you can't move at all?"
Rainbow Dash strained to nudge herself forward. Her wheels grinded groaned but they wouldn't move. She finally gave up and panted with exhaustion.
"Hmm. Then you couldn't have burst your safety valve."
"Um, a what, Darling?" Rarity said.
"A valve mechanism that inevitably releases steam from the engine's boiler, to prevent a locomotive from over heating and exploding-"
"Did you say explode!" Rainbow Dash's eyes widened.
Everyone else gasped in horrific shock.
"That can happen?!" Fluttershy said.
"No, nothing that drastic," Twilight assured. "But if the safety valve's fine then the only other logical explanation is that Rainbow Dash simply ran out of water."
"Ugh, shoot," Sunset said out loud. "I didn't think about us having to refill with coal and water."
"Does this Island even have any left?" Spike asked. "If they got rid of steam engines, wouldn't they have gotten rid of all the fuel too?"
"I hope not," Twilight said, worriedly. "Otherwise we might have an even bigger problem on our hands."
This immediately made the Girls all wary of their situation. How were they to do anything if Sodor doesn't have any coal or water dispensers left to supply and give them the means to function? They won't be able to do anything unless they keep tabs on their fuel. The thought of it seemed almost jarring.
"But what about Fluttershy?" Sunset asked. "She nearly came off the rails and seriously hurt herself."
"How come you didn't just put on your brakes?" Rarity asked.
"I don't know!" Fluttershy said, still jaded from the ordeal. "I was too scared to even do anything. It's just, well, I don't know how to do any of that."
"Try thinkin' it like you would when you walk," Applejack said. "When you wanna quit movin', then just don't think about movin'. That's what I did, at least."
Their advice did little to encourage or even ease Fluttershy or her predicament. She felt truly awful. Braking came to the others without having put much thought during their scuffle with the diesels. All except Fluttershy. She had no idea how to apply her brakes. Everyone and even Fluttershy understood that if she loses control again, it'll only lead to them getting in more trouble. Then, after looking back at Spike, Twilight Sparkle thought of something.
"I have an idea!" She shared. "Fluttershy, you know when to shut off steam, right?"
"Um, I don't know. I think so?"
"Shutting off steam can help decelerate your speed. And since Spike is a brake van," Twilight explained to the others, "We can couple him up to Fluttershy and have him act as her temporary brakes."
"Ooh, I get it!" Rarity said. "Sort of like training wheels, per say."
"Maybe enough to slow her down," Applejack said. "But I don't think Spike can stop Fluttershy completely in her tracks."
"Then We'll Have Take Turns Pulling Her And Spike If We Need To Do Something Super Douper Important!" Pinkie Pie suggested.
"Oh, um, that's very kind of you," Fluttershy said. "But you don't have to do any of that for me."
"It's not safe for you to travel if you don't learn how to control your brakes," Twilight insisted.
"I know, but-"
"You need to be coupled up with Spike, Fluttershy," Sunset agreed. "That much has been decided."
Fluttershy looked downcast. She didn't like being the only one to have trouble with her brakes. Sunset tried pushing Twilight and Spike back to find a set of points and line him up with Fluttershy. But something made it difficult to seamlessly push the two back down the tracks.
"You don't mind tagging along with Fluttershy for a while, do you Spike?" Twilight asked.
"Not at all!" Spike said. "But what makes you think I have a handle on my brakes?"
Realizing what was holding up the train, Sunset stopped and spoke back.
"You can start by taking them off for one."
Spike looked down at his locked wheels, then looked back at everyone's unamused stare with a sheepish chuckled, followed by a grin.
Meanwhile, Mavis continued scurrying down the tracks until she saw the Girls all parked up ahead. She raised her brow. Mavis had never seen these engines before. They certainty weren't the steamies she was expecting to find. But seeing what type of steamies they were, it made much more sense how they could've possibly derailed a class 40 diesel engine. The Girls heard Mavis' horn as she slowly approached them. Despite her harmless approach, the Girls raised their guards almost immediately upon seeing this diesel.
"Oh, my," Mavis said, seeing them all up close. "What are you all doing here?"
Rarity screamed.
"Another diesel!" Rainbow Dash called.
"What?" Mavis was surprised.
"GET HER!" Pinkie Pie cried.
Hissing steam, Sunset Shimmer, with Twilight Sparkle and Spike, charged towards Mavis with a determined scowl. Mavis began backing away from the on coming engine.
"Wait!" She repeated. "Hold on a minute there!"
But it was too late. As Sunset Shimmer's buffers biffed against Mavis, it nearly sent her and her trucks flying back. Their buffers meet again with Sunset intended to push her away from the group. But this time, Sunset Shimmer's Geode lantern began glowing. When it did, her eyes turned a pale snow white, as she peered into Mavis' thoughts and memories.
[Mavis arrived at a small junction when she came across two diesels a head of her. It was Western and Skinhead. And, upon getting a clearer glance, Bill & Ben; two twin saddle tank engines who were coupled up to one another and being hauled by Western. Mavis was immediately both confused and shocked by the sight. She quickly trundled over to the four engines.
"Bill, Ben?" Mavis stopped and spoke to one of the diesels. "Where are you taking them?"
"To the docks! We're shipping all the steamies to whatever smelting foundry they belong in!" Skinhead teased.
Mavis and the twins were shocked. Suddenly, a loud commotion was taking place across the junction. Another fleet of diesels were trying to round up all the steamies they caught but with little success. Rosie was fighting back against one of the diesels pushing her down the line by biffing and bumping them away. The other steamies joined in and retaliated against their capturers. Mavis quickly caught on what exactly the diesels have intended. Western groaned and Skinhead rolled his eyes.
"Take care of these two pipsqueaks while we rustle up the restless ones," Western instructed Mavis.
Bill & Ben stuttered, feeling insulted. Mavis reluctantly agreed, as Western and Skinhead go to help the other diesels with the resisting steamies. Mavis rolled onto their track through a set of points then backed into and coupled up with Bill. The twins were afraid.
"Don't take us to the docks, Mavis!" Bill pleaded.
"We promise not to switch your stone trucks with smelly sardines again!" Ben said.
"You two aren't going anywhere."
The twins were a bit surprised at first. Mavis was determined to get them away from the diesels, and prevent them from leaving. Honking her horn, Mavis snuck off with Bill & Ben away from all the other engines.
"If we're not going to the docks," Ben started.
"Then where are we going, Mavis?" Bill asked.
"Somewhere no one will think to look."]
[Mavis took Bill & Ben back to Ffarquhar Quarry, the Island's central stone mining site, and ushered them gently and discreetly into her one road carriage shed. Bill & Ben were still surprised by Mavis' actions. Instead of doing what all the other diesels did with steam engines, Mavis was trying to hide them, so that they wouldn't be found and taken to the docks to be shipped away.
"That should do it!" Mavis said. "You both should be safe, so long as you keep quite and stay put whenever I'm not around."
"Thank you, Mavis," Ben said, appreciative.
"Y-yes," Bill said with relief and gratitude. "Thank you."
Mavis beamed until she heard an unfamiliar diesel horn. Derek had arrived at Ffarquhar Quarry, as he trundled happily towards the center. Mavis spotted Derek approaching her shed. In a fit of panic, she backs up into her shed's doors to close and block them off from access, preventing the diesel from spotting Bill & Ben. Derek was confused by this, especially by Mavis' nervous grin as he parked along side on another track. Never the less, Derek returned a clueless smile.
"Hello! I was told I'd be working at Ffarquhar Quarry."
"Oh, uh, yes! You're in the right place, alright. I-I'm Mavis."
"Derek's the name!"
"Oh! You must be that diesel engine with the teething trouble?"
Derek looked downcast. "So, you've already heard of me, huh?"
"Well, you did work on our Railway once before," Mavis smiled a friendly beam. "And we're happy to have you back again, Derek."
This made Derek feel a lot better. Then, there were faint whisperings coming from the Carriage shed, prompting Mavis to biff against the doors to silence the two squirming twins. Derek raised a brow. Mavis chuckled nervously.
"Would you be so kind as to get started on rearranging the empty trucks in their proper place?"
Beaming with high spirits again, Derek honked his horn and set off to get the job done. Mavis waited until Derek wasn't within earshot of their vicinity. When she couldn't see him, Mavis had the doors of the carriage shed reopened again to reveal Bill & Ben nestled in the berth.
"Now," Mavis said, half scolding and teasing. "About those sardines."
Bill & Ben grinned innocently.]
Sunset Shimmer's snow-white eyes finally flashed back to normal. She snapped back out of her vision, surprised by what she saw. Mavis continued looking at her, having no idea what this engine's up to. Twilight and the others waited for Sunset to take her out, but she didn't move a wheel.
"What are you waiting for, Sunset?" Applejack said.
Sunset and Mavis kept staring at each other. After interpreting what she saw in Mavis' thoughts to the best of her judgement, Sunset finally spoke up on her behalf.
"It's okay. We can trust her."
"Uh, we can?" Rainbow Dash said.
"Did you read her thoughts, Sunset?" Twilight asked.
"Read my, wh-" Mavis was still confused. "What are you on about?"
At Ffarquar Quarry, all was quiet. Arry & Bert, two diesel shunters who often work at the Quarry, where nowhere to be seen, as Sunset Shimmer and her friends had already biffed them off the tracks earlier. The Troublesome Trucks and hopper wagons were all stationary. There was no visible activity on the tracks, leaving Ffarquar Quarry unattended.
Mavis entered and rode backwards towards the site and surveyed the area for anyone present. She saw a few workmen who didn't seem to aware of her presence. She traveled all the way to the end of the Quarry, parked her empty trucks, then scurried all the way to where she entered.
"Okay!" Mavis called in a hushed tone. "Coast is clear."
On that signal, the Girls all entered the yard and followed Mavis further down the site. Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Applejack, still hauling Rainbow Dash, all rode backwards while Sunset, Twilight, Fluttershy and Spike followed them and Mavis down on their own separate tracks facing their friends.
"Are you sure about this, Sunset?" Twilight whispered.
"I am."
"Egh," Rarity groaned, inspecting the area. "Why a quarry of all places? Couldn't we bask in the lovely countryside and not inhale all the grungy stone powder?"
"I don't like this either," Rainbow Dash said. "What if she's leading us into a trap?"
"Sunset says we can trust her," Applejack said. "And I trust my friends more than anyone."
"If Sunset thinks Mavis is good," Fluttershy smiled, "then so do I."
Mavis felt offended at first over their accusations. But hearing their willingness to give her a chance made her beam a humble smile.
She had insisted they find somewhere a bit more seclusive to talk. It wasn't easy convincing the Girls to follow Mavis to Ffarquar Quarry, but Sunset managed to explain everything she saw through her' thoughts. The Girls were still suspicious, but kindly introduced themselves to this seemingly friendly diesel. And while she didn't seem aggressive at first glance, the Girls weren't quite comfortable sharing their mission with Mavis at first. So, they kept what they could among themselves. None the less, Sunset assured them that Mavis isn't like the diesels they've encountered.
Along the way, Sunset, with help from Pinkie Pie, disclosed with Mavis their mission to save Thomas, his friends, and all the engines on Sodor from succumbing to the Siren's magic. Mavis had a lot of questions on her mind.
"So, is there really a magical Siren enchanting all the diesels to fuel her gem with negativity on Sodor?"
"Pretty much," Sunset confirmed.
"And you all have magic powers too, right?"
"Yeppers! We've Even Dealt With This Same Siren Before, So We Know Exactly What We're Up Against!" Pinkie Pie said.
Mavis didn't quite know how to take all this information in. Evil seahorse like Siren consuming negative energy, seven steam engines who are really teenagers with magic powers of their own, and the idea of them arriving on Sodor from another dimension were far too unusual for her.
"Why are you helping us, Mavis?" Twilight asked. "Don't diesels have it out for steam engines?"
"Not all diesels are like that. Well, not very lately I'm afraid. But if what you're saying about this Siren is true, then that could explain some things."
Mavis veered along a few sets of points leading towards her single road carriage shed. Beside the single shed was a two-road engine shed with one buffer at the end of one line looking out to the Quarry, and the other track which keeps on going. Applejack and Rainbow Dash parked inside the two-road shed on the line with the buffers, Pinkie Pie parked next to them, and Rarity parked beside the shed. Sunset and Twilight parked facing Rainbow Dash.
Fluttershy grew nervous, knowing that they were approaching their stop next. She was now coupled up to Spike, who was more than ready to test out his brakes.
"Ready when you are, Fluttershy!" Spike called.
"Here goes nothing!" She gulped, nervously.
Fluttershy focused deeply on stopping. Her steam shuts off, allowing her to decrees her speed a little. Everyone watched this play out. Then, putting in full effort, Spike applied his brakes with a screech and a slash against the rails. Pinkie Pie watched with a happy grin as Fluttershy headed straight towards her. But Fluttershy didn't really come to a stop. She only managed slow down, right as her buffers meet with Pinkie Pie's, and gives her a slight nudge upon impact. Opening her eyes, Fluttershy was surprised to see Pinkie's beaming face in front of her.
"Wow, Fluttershy!" Pinkie praised. "That Was Almost A Full Stop!"
Fluttershy didn't seem to think so, looking down at her buffers and feeling more dejected.
"Don't forget who's at the helm here," Spike boasted. "I think I might have a knack for braking after all."
Twilight and a few of the girls couldn't help but giggle a little. This didn't make Fluttershy giggle though. She still couldn't stop properly, even with Spike as her brake van. Pinkie helped push Fluttershy and Spike back a bit to sit next to Sunset & Twilight.
"Okay, Mavis," Rainbow Dash said, grudgingly. "You took us all the way out here. Now what?"
Mavis banged against the carriage doors.
"Come on out, Bill & Ben!"
"Ugh, its about time!" A voice complained from with in.
"Hurry up, Bill," Said another. "This shed is all stuffy!"
Mavis moved out of the way, backed into a set of points and stopped next to the shed. The doors slowly hinge open with Bill puffing out, along Ben from behind, who remained in-between the shed's entrance. The Girls were surprised upon seeing the two twins. Sunset's vision was correct. Bill & Ben saw Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, and Fluttershy.
"Are they there?" Spike squirmed from behind Fluttershy. "I can't see anything from here!"
Then they noticed more steam engines sitting to their right, one of which being a beaming Pinkie Pie.
"Uh, Mavis," Bill sniggered. "I don't think you can fit that many engines in one shed."
"Quite right, Bill," Ben joined. "There's barely enough room for the two of us, let alone seven or eight."
Sunset and Fluttershy shared puzzled glances.
"That's not why they're here, you two. They're here to help us. Right?"
Mavis was surprised to see everyone but Sunset's stunned expression.
"You, really were hiding two steam engines?" Applejack said.
Mavis looked at Bill & Ben longingly. The Twins do the same, remembering the efforts their friend made to keep them hidden.
"I couldn't just let them take Bill & Ben away," She confessed. "Not knowing what would've happened to the poor dears if they did. It's just not right."
Some of the Girls exchanged looks with one another, feeling ashamed for judging her too quick and jumping to conclusions. Fluttershy thought about Henry, and hopped that somehow another diesel might've been as kind to have him and Edward hidden away somewhere safe just like Mavis did for Bill & Ben.
"Oohh, I do hope you'll forgive us for our earlier hostilities, Mavis," Rarity said. "Most diesel's we've encountered so far have been nothing but barbaric."
"I don't blame you," Mavis said. "Some of my friends haven't been acting like themselves. And the new diesels have been just as awful. It sure does line up with that Siren's enchantment spell thingy, or whatever you call it."
"They tried to ship us off to sea!" Ben complained. "Right after telling us we were no good to work on Sodor. Ugh, the nerve of some diesels, eh Bill?"
"BoCo would've never done that," Bill reminded. "You said he was on Sodor, did you not? When can we see him again, Mavis?"
Mavis sighed, dejectedly. "I'm afraid… BoCo might not be our friend anymore, Bill. I saw him while I was delivering stone to the docks. Something's changed him."
Sunset and the others all knew what that meant. Bill & Ben's mouths hung loose in horrific shock.
"But that can't be true," Ben said, eyes darting the track with uncertainty. "Can it?"
"Your friend may be different now," Twilight Sparkle said. "But we have a good idea who's behind the diesel's sudden behavioral fluctuations."
"Oh, we know what's causing all the diesels to act up, alright," Bill stated.
"You do?" Fluttershy asked.
"Of course. Don't we Ben?"
"That's right."
The Girls listened intently, curious to see if the twins did in fact know who's causing the diesels to act aggressive and argumentative. Bill & Ben shared a glance before both engines spoke in unison.
"It's the diseasel!"
"A Whattle?" Pinkie Pie said.
"You know, a diseasel!" Bill said, confidently.
"Coughs and sneezels spreads diseasels!" Ben chanted.
"You had a cough before the diesels came, Ben," Bill blamed. "It's your fault they're here and biffing engines about."
"Is not!"
"Is too!"
Sunset, Twilight and the others looked a bit annoyed. They just watched the Twins bicker back and forth.
"Is not!"
"Is too!"
Mavis tried to break it up with little success. Meanwhile, the air became a little dusty from all the stone emitting powder. A whiff of some breezed by Pinkie Pie, and made her hold back an on coming sneeze until she finally lets it out.
"Oh, no, Bill," Ben teased. "Looks like it's already spread to some of these engines!"
"Don't be ridiculous, Ben," Mavis said, sternly. "Besides, she's a steam engine."
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie began stuttering and twitching. Her entire engine rattled and shook. The Girls immediately became worried upon seeing this. The pressure gauges inside her cab whistled and blew steam. Attached to wired coil, the gauges sprung out of their place and dangled off backhead. Smoke shot out from beneath her running board. Bill & Ben were just as horrified.
But then, Pinkie Pie started to laugh. This confused everyone. All her valves and pressure gauges reassembled back into their proper place, and the howling whistle stopped altogether. She continued laughing still, revealing that she was actually okay. The Girls genuinely thought Pinkie was in some kind of pain, and were a bit peeved after revealing she wasn't. But they couldn't stay mad at her for long and simply smirked while rolling their eyes, especially from seeing the Twin's dumbstruck complexions.
"Y-You mean," Bill began.
"You're not really infected?" Ben finished.
Pinkie Pie giggled. "Nope. I Was Just Pretending 'Cause I Thought You'd Find It Funny!"
After a second of silence, Bill & Ben broke out in laughter.
"Now this engine knows how to have fun. Doesn't she, Ben?" Bill chuckled.
"Quite right, Bill," He added. "She most certainly almost had us for a minute there."
"So, you two don't actually know who's causing the diesels to act aggressive?" Rainbow Dash said, sternly.
"Alright, relax," Bill said. "We were only messing about."
"If anything," Ben said. "It's only a matter of time before the diseasel gets to Mavis, really."
"You're right, Ben. What will become of us then, hmm?" Bill added for dramatics.
"I won't catch any silly diseasel," Mavis argued. "It's not even a real illness."
"I'm sure BoCo and the others would say otherwise."
"But they would!"
"Okay, Mavis," Ben chuckled.
"Whatever you say," Bill added.
"Why aren't you under the Siren's influence by the way?" Sunset asked.
"I don't know," Mavis said. "I didn't even know there was a creature that can do such a thing until I met you."
"Maybe she hasn't reached everyone on Sodor yet," Twilight theorized. "Her powers must still be weak from when you last destroyed her gem."
"Let's hope that is the case," Rarity said. "It's sure to make this whole ordeal that much easier."
The twins weren't caught up to speed yet, as they kept looking back at everyone with raised eyebrows. So, the Girls told them everything including a few more details they withheld from Mavis. They laid out everything the simplest way they can in order for the three engines to better understand, including their affiliation with Thomas and the engines of Tidmouth Shed. This definitely took Mavis by surprise, especially Bill & Ben after given the run down on where they came from, why they're here, and the meaning of this whole mess.
Despite their shock, Bill & Ben couldn't help but laugh at the Girls. The Twins thought everything they said about Canterlot High and their magic was just a joke. The Girls were not pleased by this reaction to say the least.
"What's so funny now?" Spike asked.
"Did you hear that, Bill?" Ben joked. "These engines are really high schoolers from another dimension!"
"But it's true!" Applejack said.
"And Sunset really is a pony from Equestria," Fluttershy added.
"Oh, yes, a magic pony!" Bill laughed. "Now I've seen everything."
The Girls were annoyed and frustrated with the Twin's teasing, especially Sunset.
"So, I guess you don't want us to save your Island?" Sunset Shimmer fired back.
"How's a couple of engines like you suppose to do that anyways?" Ben asked, unconvinced.
"We… Have no idea," Twilight Sparkle admitted.
"Well that's reassuring," Bill said.
"But you will come up with something," Mavis pleaded. "Won't you? Sunset somehow saw me rescuing Bill & Ben through her lantern. And that's enough to believe you girls will find a way to set everything right again."
Her and Sunset Shimmer exchanged smiles.
"We'll certainly try," Applejack promised. "Not like this ain't our first tango with an otherworldly creature."
"But the whole traveling to different dimensions part is a first for all of us," Rainbow Dash said. "Now can we maybe start looking to get me refueled first?"
Mavis pulled up to Sunset and Twilight. "If you can, I suggest looking for Sir Topham Hatt. Sir knows Sodor better than the back of his hand. He can find your friend a water tower."
"Of course!" Twilight gasped, excitedly.
"But didn't Gisborne lay him off?" Rarity said.
"At least that means he's available to help us out," Sunset added.
"Well, Come On!" Pinkie Pie said, eagerly wheeling back and forth. "Let's Find Sir Topham Hatt And Get This Show On The Road!"
The Girls agreed to the notion and prepared to set out. Mavis assured them that she'll offer her help should they need it, much to their gratitude.
"One more thing," Mavis called to Sunset.
She stopped in her place and looked to Mavis.
"Make sure nobody finds out about them. Please."
Sunset smiled. "Promise."
"And steer clear from anything dangerous. You don't want Gisborne or this Siren to know what you're up to."
"I'm pretty sure they might be onto us by now," Rainbow Dash smirked.
"See You Later, Bill & Ben!" Pinkie Pie said.
And on that, Mavis Bill and Ben watched the Girls leave the quarry, and off to continue their mission.
One morning, on the Country of Sodor, Thomas the Tank Engine arrived at Knapford Station to pick up his passengers. Sir Topham Hatt was on his smartphone, waiting for Thomas by the platform when he pulled in with his two coaches, Annie & Clarabel. He puts his phone away in his pocket and walks up to Thomas.
"Good morning, Thomas!" He greeted.
"It certainly is, Sir Topham Hatt, Sir! In fact, aren't days like these just perfect for singing a song?!"
[Suddenly, an up-tempo music kicked up and started playing, and people on the platform emerged out of nowhere and began dancing in different synchronized steps.]
Thomas: "Blow your whistle it's a brand-new day! We can make tracks if you're going my way!"
[The Passengers clapped along in synchronized rhythm.]
"Chugging on till we reach our goal. Station to station. Now Let's Roll!"
[Thomas and everyone at Knapford Station was dancing along to his song. Even Sir Topham Hatt couldn't keep himself from dancing.]
"Oooohhh, the cinch is coming on through on track and on time with a little help from yoooo-ooohu! We're gonna make it there!"
"Fizzling Fireboxes, full steam ahead. Pick up the speed and swerve around that bend!"
"Oooohhhohoo, the cinch is coming on throu-"
"CUT!" Called a voice.
Actors and background dancers all froze. Lights flashed off, camera's stopped rolling, and the music and voice over for Thomas paused. The entire Knapford Station set production all stopped and looked to Canter Zoom, the movie director. He slouched in his foldable wooden chair with his cheek resting on his hand.
"Let's take it back from model Thomas' entrance," He said in his loudspeaker.
The entire movie lot looked strikingly like the front portion of Knapford Station. The only exceptions were lights with reflectors around different spots off camera, ceiling headlights, crewmen with clipboards and sound mixers hidden behind the scenes, and camera's surrounding and pointed at every corner and angel of the front set. Everyone hustled about to get everything back in place. Crew members worked to haul the life size modeled replica of Thomas back in place for the next take. The actor playing Sir Topham Hatt removed his hat, scratch his orange hair, and walked off with an exhausted groan as he went back to look at his smartphone.
"Excuse me!" Canter Zoom walked up to one of the crewmen. "Whose voice was that coming out of Thomas?"
The Crew Member looked nervous. "Th-the taxi driver who t-took Mr. Keeling to the Cloudsdale filming set."
"You brought in a taxi driver to voice Thomas?!"
"Just as a stand in," He smiled, innocently.
Canter Zoom scoffed and dismissed the crewman, who ran off to continue his job.
"This is not gonna work out at all," He fretted. "First the original actor walks out on us and now we're left with an older sounding Thomas. Is there nothing else that can go wrong?!"
"Um, hi, Uncle Zoom."
Canter's eyes widened. He was almost afraid to turn around. He did so anyways, seeing Juniper Montage and a boy in blue looking awe struck at the movie set. Juniper overlapped her hands and grinned sheepishly, hopping her uncle wouldn't me too mad at her for sneaking onto one of his sets. He was, but Canter was also still a bit surprised.
"Juniper?! What are you-" He interrupted himself. "Who let you in?!"
"Uh, the guards did," She admitted, playing up an innocent grin. "After I told them you needed to see me."
"I knew I should've kept the previous guards," He said to himself, before sternly placing his hands to his hips. "Juniper, you know you're not allowed on my movie sets anymore."
"I-I know. But I'm not here for me. I want you to meet someone."
Juniper Montage then directed her uncle's attention to Thomas, who explored and examined the Knapford movie set with amazement and wonder. The entire movie studio lot was constructed so accurately, Thomas almost convinced himself he was back on Sodor. It was weird seeing Knapford Station from a person's perspective. Usually he's stationed along the platform on six wheels. But now he was physically capable of stepping on the platform itself.
"Wow!" Thomas said in awe. "This looks just like the real Knapford Station! If only my friends were allowed in. They almost won't believe me when I tell them about this!"
Juniper grinned awkwardly to Canter before going over to Thomas still lost in the entire movie production.
"I don't have time to meet your friends, Juniper," Canter Zoom stressed. "I have a major movie to direct. And with all the set backs we've been having, it's a miracle we've gotten anything's done."
"That's why I brought him," She said confidently, standing Thomas next to her. "Because he, is the answer to all your problems."
Thomas waved blissfully. "Hello!"
Canter Zoom sighed. "Juniper, I appreciate the thought, but I don't think your friend is experienced enough to work on my movie set."
"But he can be the new voice of Thomas!"
"She's right! I can lend my voice to myselll-" Thomas quickly corrected himself, "I-I mean Thomas, for your big movie!"
"Please, Uncle Zoom!" Juniper said. "At least let him audition!"
"I'm sorry, you two," Canter said. "I know you mean well, but the answer is no. Now, I don't wanna have to kick you off my set again, Juniper. So-"
Suddenly, an older man walked on set, one that made every crew member and even Canter Zoom freeze in place upon hearing his reverberating footsteps passing through the camera set ups and onto the production set.
This man had light, pastel orange skin and wore thin glasses around his walnut brown eyes. He had long, platinum hair tied in a ponytail, and thin, platinum white mustache and beard in a goatee with the mustache detached. He wore a beige, fleece knit sweater over a checkered button up white shirt. A dark green puffer vest, brown chino trousers and umber brown dress shoes.
It wasn't just Canter Zoom who was captivated by the old man walking towards them either. Juniper Montage, after inhaling with complete, utter shock, wore a giant grin on her face upon seeing who the old man was.
"Oh, my, GOSH!" Juniper said, unable to contain herself. "Is that who I think it is?!"
"Who's that?" Thomas asked.
"Who is that?" Juniper grabbed Thomas by his shirt collar and shook him a bunch. "Who is that?! That's-"
"G. B. Keeling Jr.," Canter Zoom smiled. "So great to see you!"
G. B. Keeling made his way over to Canter Zoom and shook his hand.
"Ah, and hello to you, Mr. Zoom," Keeling greeted, kindly. "Big fan of your work."
"Thanks so much, Mr. Keeling. Glad you could make it to the movie set."
"The studio did ask me to officiate the film's accuracy to my father's stories. So far so good. Knapford looks about right. Although,"
"Although?!" Canter said, anxiously. "What although?!"
"Why are the passengers dressed like it's present time?"
"Oh, well," He cleared his throat. "Because the studio wants the film to take place in a more 'modern' setting. You know, so kids can relate to the film more."
"But there aren't any steam engines in service around this time."
"There's also no talking trains. So, I'm sure the audience won't have a problem suspending their disbelief's."
"That's very unlikely," G. B. Keeling said, crossing his arms.
"Thomas," Juniper whispered, though with a pinch of eagerness still in her tone. "That's G. B. Keeling Jr.! Son of G. B. Keeling Sr.; the man who created you and your stories!"
A wide-eyed Thomas inhaled. "Really?!"
Juniper nodded to no end. Thomas was suddenly as excited to meet him too. G. B. Keeling over heard the two teens and turned to face them.
"Oh, why hello there," He greeted, kindly. "What's a couple of-"
Overwhelmed with excitement, Juniper Montage cuts Keeling off by letting out an excited cry before quickly covering her mouth to silence herself. She looked back at Thomas, Canter, Keeling, and everyone's confused face with blushing cheeks. Keeling's arms hid behind his back.
"I see we have a few fans visiting the set today?" G. B. Keeling smiled.
Juniper fainted. Thomas was concerned at first, until Juniper sat herself back up and pressed her palms against her grinning cheeks. She could barely mask her giddy excitement. Thomas looked at her weirdly before introducing himself to G. B. Keeling.
"Hello, Mr. Keeling!" Thomas said, offering him his hand. "It's really nice to meet you!"
"Like wise," Keeling accepted, but then stared at Thomas with narrowed eyes. "Have… we met before?"
"I don't think so. I'm not really from around here. Why?"
"Don't know. There's just something about you that seems… familiar."
G. B. Keeling trailed off and kept eying Thomas as if trying to decipher him and his voice. Thomas just stood and smiled politely, not knowing why Keeling was looking at him intently. Canter Zoom chuckled, sleepily.
"I'd hate to break up this meeting, but we really need to get back to filming. Plus, my niece and her friend were just about to leave the studio. Now!"
Juniper hunched forward and sighed. Thomas now felt a little sad for Juniper.
"Sorry, Thomas. Guess we couldn't get you in the movie after all. Let's just go."
"Oh. Okay." He waved at Canter and Keeling. "It was nice meeting you both."
G. B. Keeling stroked his chin and narrowed his eyes again. Just as Thomas and Juniper were about to walk away in disgrace, Keeling called out to them.
"Wait a minute there, young man."
Thomas and Juniper stopped and turned to G. B. Keeling.
"Could you repeat what you just said to me again?"
Both teens were surprised. Thomas looked to Juniper, who encouraged him to repeat himself. Thomas felt like he was repeating his same meeting with Juniper. Never the less, he faced G. B. Keeling.
"Uh, it was nice meeting you both?"
"Hmm," Keeling stroked his chin again. "Now say, 'Bust my buffers'."
"Oh-kay? Thomas raised his brow, before repeating his instruction. "Bust my buffers."
"Fizzling Fireboxes."
"Fizzling Fireboxes."
"Cinders and Ashes!"
"Cinders and Ashes!"
Canter Zoom and Juniper Montage watched Keeling and Thomas grow more energetic with each phrase they repeated after another. Thomas was admittedly having fun.
"All aboard to new destinations!"
"All aboard to new destinations!"
G. B. Keeling's jaw hung and his eyes lit up. Thomas didn't quite know how to react at first. Canter Zoom was a bit weirded out while Juniper felt like she was about to faint with excitement.
"Perfect!" Keeling wrapped an arm around Thomas and patted his shoulder. "I believe, Mr. Zoom, that you've just found your new Thomas."
"I did?"
"He did?!" Thomas and Juniper both say.
"Well, he sounds the part does he not? He's the one this movie needs to lend Thomas a voice!" Keeling lets go of Thomas. "What did you say your name was again, son?"
Thomas chuckled. "You might find this hard to believe, Sir. But my names' actually,"
Juniper Montage was anxiously watching what Thomas was about to do. Suddenly, she sputtered the first words that came to her.
"Steam Wheeler!
Thomas looked at her funny.
"It's Steam Wheeler."
'Why did she call me Steam Wheeler?' He thought. Though he knew it was probably best not to reveal himself as being an actual talking engine from another dimension, Thomas didn't see any reason why he couldn't keep introducing himself as Thomas. Maybe it was because of how the Shadowbolts reacted to his name? Juniper stared back at him and hid her arms bashfully behind her back. Thomas wanted to correct her but was distracted when G. B. Keeling continued talking.
"Interesting," G. B. Keeling said, intrigued. "If I were you, Canter, I'd get in touch with the studio right away to inform them of this new casting."
"Bu-bu-but. He's not experienced."
"My apologies." G. B. Keeling raised a cheeky brow. "Did you already have another actor lined up for the role?"
"Well, I don't, but,"
"Then I see no reason why Steam Wheeler shouldn't be given the job. Experienced or no, I'm positive you won't find any other better for the job at this rate."
Thomas smiled. Canter Zoom didn't know what to do. He looked at Thomas and Juniper, then at all the crewmen, waiting to hear his response. With a tight schedule on his hand and lacking a voice actor for the movie's most important role, Canter Zoom saw no other choice. After a while, Canter Zoom finally lets out an exhausted sigh. Then allowed himself a smile while shrugging.
"Oh, why not." He went up and shook Thomas' hand, "Welcome aboard, Mr. Wheeler."
"Wait, does that mean-" Thomas asked before being interrupted.
"It means you're gonna play Thomas in the movie!" Juniper fangirled.
She lets out another scream while hopping with excitement, much to Thomas, Canter, and Keeling's ear rigging irritation. Canter Zoom crossed his arms and glared at his niece.
"Sorry," Juniper blushed.
Thomas was just as ecstatic. He may not know a lot about movies, filming, or the culture surrounding the movie going experience, but Thomas figured this was a big deal. Seeing all these people put so much work into a project must be pretty important. And after seeing the museum and hearing about his own theme park, Thomas was well aware that whatever they had planned for this movie, it had a lot of potential to be big, exciting, and draw in more people to Thomas' adventures.
"I can't believe it," Thomas said in excited disbelief. "I'm gonna be a movie star!"
"Believe it, Steam," G. B. Keeling confided secretly. "'Cause If anyone can save this film, I routing for you to do so."
Thomas felt humbled.
"Wait until those Crystal Prep girls hear about this," Juniper said.
"So do I. I'd like to see Sour Sweet laugh at me now!" Thomas chuckled.
"Ah, not so fast, Steam," Canter said. "First, we still gotta put you through auditions so that the Studio's okay with the casting choice."
"I guess I can do that. If G. B. Keeling himself says I'm perfect for the role, I bet the movie studio will have to think the same."
Canter Zoom wrapped an arm around Thomas and faced him in front of the Knapford Station set. Keeling and Juniper stayed where they were, both proudly watching Thomas and Canter talk about their big project.
"We're taking Thomas in a whole new direction. Kicking off with this new movie where children and adults alike will see Thomas travel all around the world for the very first time."
"All around the world?!" Thomas said, impressed so far. "I've always wanted to travel the world."
"There's more where that came from. We're re-branding Thomas for a new generation of fans to adore. It'll be action packed, diverse, gender balanced, full of quips and laughs, and everything that's made Thomas' adventures so enduring through out the ages!"
Thomas was enthralled. This really was a big deal. And now he was apart of it.
"Now I really wanna see my movie more than ever! When do I start, Mr. Zoom?"
"Once we finished filming up here, we'll take you to our recording booth across the movie lot and submit your audition to the executives."
It was after hearing this that Thomas remembered his friends were still waiting for him and Juniper outside the movie studio. They weren't expecting to wait this long just so Juniper can convince her uncle and movie director to hire Thomas, but now they might have to wait even longer for Thomas to finish his audition.
"Oh." Thomas looked back at Juniper. "That soon, huh?"
Juniper realized this too, and shot him the same worried look. She even remembered the Crystal Race, and forgot all about Thomas' and his friend's agreement to participate. How were they to do that if Thomas is stuck at the movie studio for the duration?
"Time is time in the movie business, kid," Canter said. "And now that we finally have our Thomas, we'll have to get started right away."
"But, Th-" Juniper corrected herself. "I mean, Steam Wheeler, is also participating in the Crystal Race this week."
"Oh, right," Canter Zoom smiled. "Crystal Academy's raising money for better schooling, aren't they? I didn't know you were apart of that."
"Is it just for the week?" G. B. Keeling asked.
Juniper nodded.
"Then I'm sure Mr. Wheeler will have plenty of time to participate and record his sessions, will he not?"
"Shouldn't be too big of a problem. And who knows," Canter added. "Maybe having him in the race will offer good publicity and draw more people to CPA's cause."
"I-I guess."
Thomas was still unsure how he's going to star in a movie and be at the Crystal Race. G. B. Keeling sensed some distress, and went up to place a hand on Thomas' shoulder for assurance.
"What you're doing for this race is admirable work, Mr. Wheeler. You, your team, and your school should be very proud for all that you're representing. And if I'm right, I'm positive you'll manage to balance out both duties, and still manage to bring a smile to someone who greatly needs it."
Thomas smiled humbly. "Thank you, Sir."
"Alright!" Canter Zoom called out to the crew. "Let's take it from the top people! We've got a movie to shoot!"
"Yes, Sir!" Each called out and got busy again.
"And you," Canter called to one. "Get in touch with my agent! Tell him to let the studio know that our movie has found its new Thomas!"
Thomas and Juniper shared ecstatic smiles.
The Crewmen hustled about to their positions, Actors and background dancers got into place, and the life size Thomas stand in was steaming with smoke, ready to make its entrance. Canter Zoom took Thomas, Juniper and Keeling back behind the camera's and sat in his director's chair. Juniper Montage watched everyone at work. It reminded her of when she used to work on her uncle's movie sets. A small part of her began to feel ashamed again for what she did to lose that privilege. She almost felt ashamed for even being here at all. But after seeing the life size Thomas and his joyful grin staring back at her almost made Juniper forget all that. She soon forgot to feel bad about sabotaging her uncle's last film, and simply smiled at the production being presented right before her eyes.
"This is going to be so awesome! I'm finally gonna see my favorite childhood TV show come to life," Her eyes shot open then looked at Thomas. "Well, I mean, other than having it stand right next to me, of course."
Thomas crossed his arms and shot her a friendly smirk. Juniper Montage then stood beside G. B. Keeling and gently tapped his arm.
"Can I have your autograph?!"
G. B. Keeling rolled his eyes and smiled, accepting her offer as he took out a pen.
To Be Continued.