Guest 4: Dart's never made a bigger mistake. :)

Drewdy59: Oh, okay. Henry should be fine, he'll return in Chapter 22. :)

Here is the Best Dressed/Maze Race chapter! Next chapter is the Great Race itself!

James and Emily quickly realized that their competition was strong. As Yong Bao had demonstrated, his dragon had a fire-breather in it's mouth. Rajiv's crown was absolutely astonishing, and it glistened and gleamed in the sunlight. It didn't help that he had on a robe fit for a king. Carlos was apparently late to the party when it came to getting his decorations, so he touched up on a traditional Mexican sombrero, suit, and poncho. James had on a top hat, golden tie, white shirt, and black pants and boots and a red jacket with gold stitches. Emily had a summer hat with a gold bow, a green jacket with blue stitching, white shirt, black skirt and heels, and that was about it.

"Wow," muttered James. "This is gonna be harder than I thought."

"No duh Sherlock," she whispered back.

"Friends!" exclaimed Yong Bao, extending his hands from his red robe. "Welcome to the show!"

"Looking sharp," said Carlos, looking at their clothes.

"Nothing compared to you," said James. "You all are amazing!"

"Thanks," said Rajiv. "These things are very warm though. Well, except for Carlos'."

"Yep," said Carlos. "Sombrero equals no problemo!"

"Yeah, that's relevant to the events at hand," Rajiv muttered.

"Totally," said Carlos. "Although this was last minute. Hopefully, I'll do better next time."

"Yeah, you aren't the only last minute one around here," said Emily. "Look at me and James."

"You all look fantastic," said Yong Bao. "Have no worry. You all will do well."

"Easy for you to say," said Rajiv.

"I'm trying to be friendly!" Yong Bao proclaimed. "And I suggest you do the same."

Suddenly, the horn for the Best Dressed event to begin in 5 minutes sounded.

"Guess its our turn now," said James.

"Let's do this amigos," said Carlos.

"WELCOME EVERYONE, TO THE BEST DRESSED EVENT!" Once again, Nigel was screaming over the loudspeakers. James, Emily, Rajiv, Carlos, and Yong Bao were on wooden pedestals so their outfits were visible to the crowd. Yong Bao had a fleet of kimono dancers surrounding him when his name was called to the crowd. Carlos had a guitar and flamenco dancers surrounded him as his name was yelled. Rajiv had servants who bowed in respect to the teen when his name was called. James and Emily couldn't do much more than wave, even though they still got a lot of cheers.

"All righty-roo everybody, vote for the best looking in your eyes!" Nigel yelled.

"Use those electronic voting machines like you all did in the debate," Stan said. "The million dollar question is: who will win?"

"Can I phone a friend?" Nigel asked enthusiastically.

"No."

"Oh..."

The voting commenced, and Emily and James could be seen as feeling out of place. James probably, had he known that they were allowed to do stuff like that, would have pulled out a bow and arrow and started shooting at pre-placed targets. Emily, had she known these facts, probably would have been able to do a spectacular tap routine on her pedestal. Sadly, both could do neither.

"And I've just been handed a very exciting piece of information folks!" Nigel yelled. "Stan, do the honors for us, will you?"

"Sure Nigel," said Stan. "And the winner of this competition is... Yong Bao! Give him a hand everyone."

Yong Bao bowed to the crowd as Carlos, Rajiv, and Emily happily applauded him while James rolled his eyes before applauding to keep his good image.

"Thank you all!" Yong Bao shouted. "My friends, opponents, family, and fans!"

"Next time," James muttered.

"James!" Emily scolded. "You're better than that!"

"It wasn't fair!" James whined. "And don't lie. You think that too."

Emily just gave an innocent smile in response, to which James couldn't help but smile back at.

Thomas had been very confident in other situations. He was able to single-handedly defeat Diesel 10. Well, with Timothy's help. And his friends. Then, he was able to break free from Sailor John's curse. Well, Lady had helped him. But now, he was afraid of a game?! A maze race? One would think nonsense...

Until they saw he was actually nervous.

"Wazzup man?" Ivan asked once Thomas arrived.

"Nervous?" Ashima asked sweetly.

"Yeah, I guess," Thomas said silently.

"You've taken down two of Sodor's greatest villains, and you're scared of a little event?" Gina asked.

"It's really kinda funny," Raul said, smiling.

Everyone was able to chuckle lightheartedly at this. Thomas chatted with them all for the remaining 5 minutes until the Maze Race. But then, the time came for the event, and the 5 friends raced over to their designated waiting areas.

"WELCOME EVERYONE, TO THE STRENGTH COMPETITION!" Nigel's signature yelling came over the loudspeakers, and everyone's attention was turned to the 5 maze racers that were ready for a fight to the finish. He then introduced all 5 of the contenders, and they all received a well deserved round of applause.

"If you're not blind, you'll see the big maze placed in front of our contenders," Nigel began. "They'll be running through that thing! First one to finish and press that big ol' red button at the end will win! Alright, assume your positions!"

The 5 friends got into their designated starting stations, and waited for the gunshot to start the race.

"3! 2! 1! GO GO GO!"

As the gunshot echoed, the 5 shot off like rockets. Thomas was the first to run into a dead end, and he turned around so fast he almost bumped into Gina. Ivan ran through yelling his "war cry", which was really just "tro-lo-lo-lo-lo!". Raul kept on getting stuck, and Ashima was getting confused quickly.

But finally, after 5 minutes of confusion, Thomas began to get closer to the end.

"I'm gonna make it!" he yelled. Or so he thought. Ivan was already on his way out of the maze, and Thomas realized he was too late as a buzz was heard across the stadium.

"THE WINNER IS IVAN KRUSVAK OF RUSSIA!" Nigel yelled. Thomas was a little disappointed, but he still warmly congratulated Ivan.

"Congrats man," Thomas said, slapping Ivan on the shoulder.

"Thanks dude," Ivan said. "My wondrous face is gonna be in the freaking papers!"

"Don't push your luck," Gina said. "We might put you in the makeup chair."

Ivan then ran away as fast as he could, leaving the other 4 to laugh their butts off. Thomas then returned to the Sodor area, where everyone except Henry and Toby was waiting for him.

"You fought hard dude," said James. "Don't feel bad."

"You're our last hope Gordon," said Emily, taking a hold of his shoulders. "Don't let us down. Please."

"I won't fail you, or anyone else," Gordon said. "I promise."

Emily pressed a kiss to his lips, and he walked over to the racing section to greet his opponents. But Dart was watching from the hideout point he had set up.

"Enjoy your final hours, Gordon," Dart snarled. "Soon you'll be running to Heaven."

Well, next chapter the action truly begins! See you guys then! :D