A/N: Here's Ashima's second part. I included special Easter egg in this chapter. Eragon fans will pick it up right away. Anyway, on with the story!
Ashima slipped through the other side of the portal, and came to a stop. They were in a siding on Sodor. It was evening here too. Roland loosened his grip a little, relieved they had finally reached the other side of the portal. This portal always led to Thomas's branch line. He was unfamiliar with this place, but Ashima knew more about this place more than he did.
Thomas slowed to a stop as he spotted the bright colors of Ashima in the dense foliage at a siding. Could she really be here? He slipped closer, and was overjoyed when he saw one of his mates in the siding. He approached her, and the two tank engines nuzzled each other purred. Elizabeth, Thomas's Rider, raced out of his cab, and eagerly climbed up onto Ashima's back. Roland embraced her, and kissed her, happy to see his love again.
"Thank goodness you're safe!" Elizabeth sighed in relief. Roland chuckled. She must have been worried sick about him. However, the feud was almost non-existent in India. They were more focused on protecting the villages they came from rather than killing each other's Riders.
"You know Ashima would protect me. You've seen her do it before remember?" Roland smiled. Ashima had protected him from a rival engine before, and would surely do so again. Thomas, and Ashima gazed into each other's eyes, and shared a moment of silence together. The energy between them was all they needed. After what seemed minutes, Ashima finally spoke up.
"So, Thomas, have you ever been to a were-wolf party before?" Ashima smiled. Thomas blinked in surprise. Apparently, Ashima got around more than he thought.
"No, why do you ask?" Thomas raised an eyebrow at her. Ashima looked at him in shock. She probably thought he had been to several parties himself with how popular he was. Despite his popularity, he preferred to keep to himself, and stayed at Tidmouth Sheds rather than run around. Ashima chuckled.
"If you haven't been to a were-wolf party, you don't know how to live. Do you want to come with me? I'm sure Za'roc wouldn't mind." Ashima asked him. Thomas thought about it for a moment.
"Why are you going, Ashima?" Thomas asked her.
"Silly Thomas, I have to go. I'm Roland's only mode of transportation, and I'd rather not have him walk all the way there, especially at night, and with your... disagreement with the diesels. So are you coming or not?" Ashima raised an eyebrow at him.
Well, who's going to watch over Elizabeth? Thomas wasn't too keen on leaving his Rider alone for several hours. He felt Elizabeth's familiar presence in his mind. She must have heard him.
I can go with you. Ashima said Roland's friend wouldn't mind if they brought friends. Or if you don't want me to go with you, you can just take me home, and spend time with Ashima if you want. Elizabeth looked over her shoulder at him. Thomas saw no harm in bringing her along. They both hadn't seen their mates for a long time. Perhaps this was the perfect time to catch up, and spend some quality time with their lovers.
You can come with us, Elizabeth. It wouldn't be fair if Roland went, and you didn't. Besides, we both need to spend more time with each other's mates. Thomas saw her smile. That gave him the answer he needed. He withdrew from the bond.
"Sure, we'll go." Thomas smiled. Elizabeth climbed down Ashima's back, and into Thomas's cab. Together, they all set off to have some much needed fun. Roland acted as a guide, telling Ashima where to turn, while Thomas, and Elizabeth trailed behind them. Much to Thomas's surprise, this Za'roc was hosting a party at one of the abandoned sheds near the quarry. Out of all the places Za'roc could have chosen, he chose this place. Well, Ashima was to attend with Roland. Perhaps he didn't want Ashima to be left out.
Ashima came to a stop just inside the shed, and sniffed the air. There was so many different smells, but one stuck out the most. Za'roc had brought one of Ashima's favorite snack. Za'roc had brought his famous dinner rolls to the party.
Yes! Zo'rac made his dinner rolls! Ashima smiled. Roland chuckled, and patted her side. He must have known she had taken a liking to them, despite being a carnivore by nature.
I told Za'roc you liked them, so he made some for the party. Don't eat them all at once either. Roland chortled. Ashima rolled her eyes.
You know I wouldn't do that. Everyone should get their fair share, and then I would eat what's left. I'd never take what is rightfully for you humans... and were-wolves, and you know it. It's immoral, and impolite. Ashima looked back at him at the corner of her eye as Roland climbed off her back, and joined the group. Thomas pulled up beside her.
"Why do you like these parties so much anyway?" Thomas asked her. Ashima smiled. She knew something he didn't.
"You'll see." Ashima replied. Slowly, the guests started to pile in, and soon the shed was packed to the gills with were-wolves, and other supernatural beings. Turns out he didn't know Roland as well as he thought. Elizabeth seemed a bit shocked as well, but she quickly felt welcome by them. It wasn't long before the party started to get rowdy. The guests laughed heartily, and bellowed as they chugged down their ale, and asking for another round. The warm, and uplifting energy made Thomas realize just what he had been missing. They were carefree, and enjoying the time they spent with each other while it lasted.
Roland picked up a pea from his plate, and flung it across the table at Za'roc with his spoon, hitting Za'roc on the cheek. Za'roc jumped, taken by surprise at Roland's childish gesture, and looked at him with the biggest grin on his face. He wiped the remnants of the smashed pea from his cheek, and picked up his plate before standing on the table, stomped across the table, and smashed the food on his plate right into Roland's face. It was on. Elizabeth quickly ducked under the table. She knew what was about to happen.
"Get ready." Ashima whispered to Thomas. Thomas gave her a puzzled look.
"Ready for what?" Thomas asked her.
"FOOD FIGHT!" a were-wolf shouted, and everyone started to fling food at each like a bunch of children. Ashima snatched any morsel that missed it's target in her jaws, and quickly swallowed it before catching another, and another. Thomas tried to avoid getting dirty. He didn't want to look childish in front of his mate, until Za'roc picked up a dinner roll, and gestured for him to get ready. Za'roc was trying to get him to join the fun, and threw the dinner roll at him. Thomas caught the morsel in his jaws, and was taken aback by the sweet flavor of the roll. Now he knew what he was missing out on. He quickly swallowed it whole before joining Ashima, devouring any morsel that was thrown their way. Thomas even went as far as participating in a few trick shots.
"Go long!" Za'roc pointed, and smiled. Thomas reversed a bit, and Za'roc threw another roll at him. Thomas caught it with ease, and the were-wolves cheered. The party lasted for several hours, and by the time it was over, everyone was exhausted. Ashima had to return home with Roland on her back, and Thomas returned to Tidmouth Sheds with Elizabeth, too tired to take her home. Best. Night. Ever.
A/N: As you can tell, the were-wolves of Fantanzia are party animals, and can be quite childish at times, but that's what makes them entertaining to watch. Za'roc is the name of Eragon's first sword in the Inhieritance Cycle. I decided it was fitting to pay tribute to the series that inspired my own versions of Riders, and what better way than to name a character after Eragon's first blade? The next chapter is already in the works, and Lily's plan will be finally put into action, and we will discover some of Lady's other abilities. Until next time, see ya later!
