With the Holidays finally over everyone will return to school, the new student Holly Mikato is starting her new life on the Island. Three Juveniles are returning after they have been released after the missing owl incident and are now more bitter about the humanized engines. Will the new year start off with new trouble for the new comer let us find out, shall we?

I do not own any part of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends they are owned by the following

Thomas the tank engine & friends

By the Rev W Awdry

Developed by Britt Allcroft

Owned by Mattel.

Other Characters owned by Pinkninjaprime and blackboard26

New Year New Problems

The Friday after new year's, in a lonely part of Sodor was the juvenile detention center where underaged criminals are incarcerated after committing crimes while un supervised by their parents. In the door way of the release office was a middle-aged man who whore a long tan trench coat and had a brown bowler hat and was not too pleased about his son taking part in an illegal operation where he was taking rare wildlife to a black market. The man's name is Rodney Trontuk and he is present to have his son Mason released from juvenile and see if to make sense to this son before he creates more troubling news across Great Britain. He is waiting until he hears the guard of the institution approach him and had presented Mason before him. Mason in turn is not too pleased to be in the presence of his father now knowing for the reasons for his incarnation. Mr. Trontuk turned around and eyed his son with disappointment and discussed.

Guard. "Mr. Trontuk, your son Mason is ready to be taken home, and as you can see that we have an ankle brace on him with an electronic reader to let us know if he is wondering around without permission from you or your wife." Then Mr. Trontuk looked down and sees the brace on his son's leg to let him know about the item before he addressed his son before they headed out from home.

Mr. Trontuk. "Thank you, officer." Then turns to his son. "Mason."

Mason. "Father." Then Mr. Trontuk took his hand and started to escort Mason out of the building before allowing to get into the car for their voyage back home.

Mr. Trontuk. "We need to get going, your mother is worried about you." And both he and Mason left the center and started their way home, along the way Mr. Trontuk wonders what made Mason commit such a terrible crime. "I do not get it Mason, your mother and I give you a roof over your head, provide you with an education and allowed for you to become a man. Instead you become a poacher and illegally stocked the rare owls on the island and trespassed on one of your classmate's property without his permission. I thought we have taught you better than this Mason, I am wondering why you have become this way?"

Mason. "It's nothing dad."

Mr. Trontuk. "Nothing, springing you out of Juvenile detention is not considered nothing son. You have committed criminal activity and for what reason?"

Mason. "I guess I wanted the fast money and the excitement for a hunt."

Mr. Trontuk. "There is nothing exciting about illegal hunting and on someone else's property. Unless you were given permission to be on their land Mason, it is considered trespassing."

Mason. "Why do I need an engine's permission to be on some piece of land?"

Mr. Trontuk. "The controller of that railway told what has happened to his engines, they all adjusted well into the human world. In my opinion son, they are just as human as you and I. Like us son they are just as capable to defend their home and for good reason."

Mason. "Don't tell me you consider those humanized engines as equal dad, I mean that is so odd to see them walk about when they should have returned to the tracks and become out of place."

Mr. Trontuk. "You mean anything, but human is that what you are telling me son? What if it was the other way around, when humans find themselves in the form of engines. Being told of what to do day and night, what kind of life that would have been if you become the engine instead of Thomas returning back to his engine self?" Mason was disgusted to hear such an Idea about humans becoming engines.

Mason. "Ugh, do not mention such a thing dad, we are supposed to be better than the engines, they were never human before and they should stay that way."

Mr. Trontuk. "From what the controller of the railway have told the rest of the island son, that Thomas chose to remain in School and on his homestead until he graduates and become old enough to chose for himself about the kind of life he wants to have. How he became human was beyond his control, but how he is going to see things as a human, may appear an opportunity of what life can really be like without anyone telling you what to do morning to night all throughout his life. If I were you Mason I can look to Thomas as an inspiration."

Mason. "An inspiration dad from an engine."

Mr. Trontuk. "A former engine Mason and yes an inspiration since he knows more about life as an engine, before knowing anything about the human world he and the rest of the human engines are experiencing now." And with that he and Mason drove on until they finally reached home.

The following morning on the homestead everyone is getting ready for their return to school, most are delighted to return, as for the new comer Holly Mikato, she is nervous about attending a school she knows nothing about. Everyone tells her that it will be alright to feel nervous about becoming new to the Island and the school as well. Edward is with her to help reinsure her about Holly's first day in high school with the rest of their friends.

Edward. "Good morning Holly, ready for your first official day of school?"

Holly. "Well ready as I will ever be thank you Edward."

Edward. "You are welcome my dear." Then came over and gave her a peck on the cheek but noticed a worrisome look on her face. "Is there something wrong Holly?"

Holly turned to Edward. "I am just nervous about becoming the new girl at school, I wonder if everyone is going to like me there."

Edward. "You probably know many of the students already when we meet then during the New Year's Celebrations, so you should not worry about them."

Holly. "I suppose Edward, so shall we be on our way then?" Then she extended her hand to Edward to take and helped escort her to the downstairs and on their way to the dining hall before everyone left for the day.

On his smart phone Thomas got a call from his school friend Cassey Tallshally.

Thomas. "Hello this is Thomas Billington speaking, how may I help you?"

Cassey. "Hello Thomas, this is Cassey and I am calling out about something you and your friends need to know about."

Thomas. "OH, hello Cassey, what is it that you may need to tell me about?"

Cassey. "I am calling you about the fact that Mason was released from Juvenile Detention last night by his father, so I can let you know now before you end up meeting with him on bad terms." When Thomas hears this, he knows that there could be trouble brewing if Mason and his friends stir up trouble even if they are just bailed.

Thomas. "Mason are you sure about this Cassey?"

Cassey. "Yes, Thomas Bayer told me last night after he seen Mr. Trontuk with Mason on his return trip from the detention center." Now realizing that he Ariel and their friends need to watch out for Mason and his friends if they present themselves for trouble.

Thomas. "Thank you Cassey I will let everyone know about Mason and his friends returning to school, good bye and I will see you when we get there." Then the two hung up and came down to let everyone know about what he learned from Cassey about the return of the juveniles to school. Edward is a bit nervous about their return after assuring Holly that everyone will surely welcome her to the school.

Edward. "Did Cassey say what would be on his mind if he returns to the school when he does Thomas?"

Thomas. "No not really Edward, but after class is over for the day and since we are off this afternoon from the tracks, I plan to visit that martial arts club to learn about self defense without the use of guns and other forms of weapons."

James. "The Martial arts class, why on earth you want to participate in Martial arts?'

Rosie. "It was something Thomas and I wanted to try out since we want to learn self defense since we cannot carry guns around with us all the time."

Thomas. "I just wanted to learn about something else about myself that I have not seen before yet. So, when I told this to Rosie, she wanted to participate with me and I cannot argue with her if she wants to find ways to defend herself against any one who may make her uncomfortable for what ever reasons they may be."

Jessica. "Jasper and I are also attending that class after school too."

Jasper. "A class like that can teach how to better approach everything with confidence and better self-esteem."

Gordon. "I am going there as well, to make sure some one is to look after you if you find yourself too overwhelmed in your Martial arts."

Thomas. "Are you sure it is not because about a former express engine becoming out skilled by a former tank engine? It seams what ever I am involve with you want to be there and make sure you do not fall behind me in everything I do."

Gordon. "Maybe I want to prove I can be able to do anything that you can do too Thomas may become a bit better than you."

Scott. "Except for your grades Gordon, you may be better with physical measures but what about your academics and everything that does not involve physical improvement Gordon." Gordon felt indignant about how he sees his homework and wonders how to improve on solving them."

Ariel. "Gordon is still having trouble with keeping his grades up Scott?"

Scott. "Whenever we are in study in the study hour, I constantly see me stare at his assignments and sometimes asleep when he should be studying."

Nia. "Is Gordon finding it hard to read his assignments Scott?"

Gordon. "I can read them just find, I am having a hard time understanding the equations."

Rebecca. "Maybe you need to ask the teacher if she can find a solution to your troubles Gordon."

Duck. "How about you Nia, are you still having trouble reading without mistaking how to speak or spell certain words and numbers?"

Nia. "I am doing my best, but I cannot seem to ready them properly so after class I am going to my councilor about why I am having this issue."

Thomas. "Until we know how to solve everyone's study problems and our talk about the Martial arts Class after school, we need to put up our plates and be on our way to school." That is what everyone did and after assigning who is riding with whom they all left for school and hopes the day can go on without any hiccups for the day.

As the students made their way to class Holly found her counselor and found her the classes she needs if she needs to catch up and find an after-school tutor to help her understand things better. Then she managed to enter her first class for the day and it was the same class all her friends are attending before they all split to their other classes throughout the day.

Ms. Cantrell. "Good morning class."

Class. "Good morning Ms. Cantrell."

Ms. Cantrell. "First, I will like to start off our class with the introduction of our new student Holly Mikato, Ms. Mikato please step up to the front of the class, so everyone can see you." She does with a bit of nervousness she stood before the class and introduced herself, just as three returning students just entered the class much to the teacher's dismay about their tardiness.

Holly. "Hello everyone, my name is Holly Mikato, and I am a transfer student from the United States, and if you must know that yes, I am also a former steam locomotive from the Pier Marquette railroad and my former engine was inspired for a children's Christmas story the Polar Express. I just hope everyone at this school will know I want to be able to get along with everyone here and know that I hope we all can be good friends throughout our time in school here."

Ms. Cantrell. "Thank you, Ms. Mikato you may take your seat please." She does but what she did not see was a scowl look on Mason's face about another student that used to be a steam engine and is also from the United states.

Later during lunch time Holly was introduced to everyone of the high school friends she meets during the Holiday season.

Holly. "Hello everyone."

Nia. "Hello, my friend, how is school treating you so far?"

Holly. "So far nicely and most of the students are asking my questions about how we say the railroads while everyone says railways. It is generally the same thing we just speak it differently."

Thomas. "I know, after Hank managed to be part of our railway Holly, we had to teach him the lingo about how to say the same things here but under different terms." Then Edward came over and seen Holly with everyone else and gave her a peck on the cheek before addressing everyone else.

Edward. "Hello Holly, how are you doing so far?" Then gave her a peck on the cheek.

Holly kissed him back before she answered. "I am fine Edward, I am just overwhelmed about the other students who have questions about the American railroad, versus other railways."

Edward. "I am sure they are interested in the American landscape since they hardly venture beyond Sodor yet."

Rosie. "I am sure they will one day Edward, all they needed was a goal and find a way to travel across the ocean and see what American is like close up."

James. "At least you, Thomas and everyone who went with you across the globe had that experience before School began Rosie."

Edward. "Still complaining not going around the world with the rest of us James, even if you did; you had to contend with Bill and Ben during the times I was not on board during our trip through the Amazon and that one trip to Beijing and back."

James. "Lucky you Edward."

Emily. "Alright you two, all that can wait for another chance to see these places as long Thomas can still use his boat across the ocean and back."

Holly. "You have your own boat Thomas?"

Thomas. "I sure do. Mostly for fishing and transporting machines and supplies to and from Sodor. Like a week before our night of telling scary tales around the world, those of us who formed our Homestead Hunting club managed to bag enough venison for our survival on the homestead." From their table Mason, Ian and Sean were listening to everything Thomas and his friends tell the new student about all they did from the previous year.

Holly. "Was it hard to do, I have seen many people in the states go hunting mostly for sport, and there are those who just hunt like you and your club do."

Rosie. "I must admit that it was an experience that is not for the faint of heart, that is why Thomas and I want to check out the Martial arts club after School to learn self-defense in case we find ourselves among not so friendly people. I can still remember escorting the two race car driving teams during our trip around the world, when one of the drivers decided to sneak on board our boat that was waiting for our friends return from dropping the supposed teams to their destination. When a man by the name of Murry Cougar tried to entice me to be with him much to my discomfort, and the fact he was willing to fight Thomas for my time with him."

Holly. "Gosh that is terrible Rosie, was he caught before he got away?"

Thomas. "Thanks to Bill and Ben he was stopped before he could ever lay a hand on me and Rosie."

Nia. "Thanks for that."

Holly. "Do you believe I can enroll in that club too, I heard that Martial arts also teach self-discipline and build up confidence?"

Edward. "Sure, why not, I would like to learn as well."

Thomas. "And keep an eye on Gordon to make sure he does not fall asleep there as well." Everyone laughed while Gordon had a red face of resentment to his studies.

Gordon. "The Indignity."

At the end of the school day Thomas, Rosie, Ariel, Jessica, Jasper, Edward, Holly and Gordon took their turns signing up for Martial arts club and were eyed by Mason, Ian, and Sean then Thomas took notice of them as they approach the group.

Mason. "If it isn't the engine club of Sodor, trying to make good on your livelihoods."

Thomas. "Well yes, while we are now humans, we wanted to learn all we can do while young enough to do so."

Gordon. "And what has brought you three here now?"

Ian. "To give you engines a warning about coming across our paths again."

Edward. "You mean if we ever find you three on Thomas's and Rosie's homestead again, Thomas and Rosie have every right to protect their home. However, he wanted to make smart moves on how to deal with those who make bad decisions, like you three had already demonstrated when you chose to make your stay on the homestead without his permission." Sean approached Holly knowing she was new and wanted to make her know about how things are done here.

Sean. "And this little new comer to our Island home, why in the world your railway allows for you to remain when your engine side is back in your home country where you should be as well Missy."

Holly. "For your Information my name is Holly Mikato, I was given that name since my engine side happens to be a pier Marquette railroad engine 1225. I was named for the child story of the Polar Express, and the states could have allowed for me to return but I will have no one to look out for me when I return to the states. While my engine side has indeed returned to the states, its owners agreed for me to have an education until I can decide to become an engine again or not. From what I can remember about such a thing, it is a decision I myself can make."

Rosie. "No matter what country any of the humanized engines are from, everyone deserves a chance to experience life now they are not bound by the tracks." Then the instructor come in and heard the young group quarreling about something and decided to listen to them.

Mason. "You and your group should have never come off the tracks, you should have remained and allow for the real humans to part of this world not some freaks."

"". "Freaks you say young man? Are you implying all human beings are considered Freaks?" Everyone turned to the sound of the voice and the humanized engines could not help but smile at who was speaking now knowing who will be teaching this class.

Thomas. "Hiro! You are the instructor for this club?"

Hiro. "That I am Thomas and it is nice to be a part of this my young friend."

Gordon. "You mean you know Martial arts, when did you ever found the time while working for the railways?"

Hiro. "I have learned for many years before my arrival on Sodor, I have seen and observe those who learned from Martial arts masters back in Japan. As for you three Mason Ian and Sean, if you are considering humans as freaks you may as well be talking about yourselves as well. Any engine who are now human are just as likely to do what ever they desire, and it is considered a gift for those who want to learn about life."

Edward. "Besides none of us knew how we managed to become human to begin with, however after our school friends Cassey, Bayer, David, Alissa, and Jon Paul had told us about the light crystals, we decided to earn an education and even if we wanted to return to the rails it could be a wonder to every engine who has not left the tracks what the world of humans can really be like."

Thomas. "Besides since becoming human both Rosie and I have a homestead to worry about since the many of our friends have come off the rails, now in human form; needed a place to stay since none of them had any place to go if we didn't own the homestead."

Rosie. "Just imagine what it would be like if you were an engine most of your life to only become human, and not know how to get around and know everyone or anything to do with the human world. You would be just as scared and frightened like Thomas and I were when we shared our first night in our own home."

Hiro. "If you three arranged to take the classes in martial arts, then you are welcome to join. But you must also allow for the humanized engines to attend also, even if you felt discussed about sharing a world were the people next to you started out as engines."

The three decided to leave just as Percy, Toby, Cassey, Bayer, and David managed to make their presence for the Martial arts class.

Cassey. "What did those three wanted?"

Gordon. "Trouble as usual."

Hiro. "Now that those who wanted to attend please come in and we will discuss about what is to expect from a Martial arts Class." They did as Nia went to another direction to her councilors' office about what is causing Nia to read and write words incorrectly.

Nia knocks on the door of the councilor's office.

Councilor. "Who is it?"

Nia. "Hello sir, this is Nia. I am here to ask if there something could be wrong about my reading and writing please."

Councilor. "Come in Nia." She does and soon the two are discussing on what could the problem be about Nia's reading and writing problem. "So, Nia what could be the problem about your reading and writing that is effecting you?"

Nia. "You see sir, I am doing all I can to make sure I read and write down my notes quickly and precisely, but sometimes when I compare my notes with my fellow students about the same subject, it appears not only I have used the wrong letters in my spelling, but can mistake words seen backwards."

Councilor. "I see. Nia have you ever been tested for Dyslexia?"

Nia. "Dyslexia What is that exactly?"

Councilor. "It is a learning condition that can make you believe reading things clear, but sometimes under stressful conditions may allow for you to see them not so clear when trying to read and even write down your notes properly and timely. Tell me Nia, have you ever been out of class last when you need to copy your notes from the blackboard during class?"

Nia. "Yes at least two times when trying to copy mathematics and reading assignments."

Councilor. "Then I suggest that we will sit down with Sir Topham Hat and let him know what is going on so he can understand about your situation."

Nia. "Ok sir. Oh, one more thing. What could be the cause for someone to fall asleep during a math class no matter how many times we need to wake him up for it sir?" The councilor knows who she was referring to.

Councilor. "Gordon just to make his math assignments a top priority, he needs to be disciplined if he wants to succeed in his academics."

Nia. "Well he is participating the Martial arts club this afternoon; do you believe he is going to qualify for that?"

Counselor. "I will pass the word to Hiro about Gordon's commitment to his academics Nia, you worry about your own problems about your issues."

Nia. "Yes, sir Thank you sir."

Back on the homestead the rest of the young homesteaders have arrived and started their chores around the area. In The cattle barn, Henry and Emily are feeding the new calves to the homestead, Two heifers and a steer. They know that it is best to castrate the new Steer to prevent inbreeding and like they were taught how to castrate and tag the animals to make sure everyone knows who herd these animals belong to.

Emily. "There you go little fella, drink well."

Henry. "Ok easy, not too fast little one." Then Molly and James came in and helped with the animals in the barns.

James. "Hey, you two, need a hand with these little guys?"

Emily. "If you two want, why not tend to the chicken coop to check who has laid eggs since this morning."

Molly. "I can do that since I believe James wants to feed the baby cows"

Henry. "Of course, and they are called calves, but same idea." And that is what James has done.

James. "How do you believe the Martial arts group will do when they get home from that club."

Henry. "Actually, I do not mind myself to join up, but there was a limited number this year, so by next year I will definitely sign up for it."

Emily. "I was going to go too, but that is going have to wait until Henry and I can have that chance next year to sign up for self-defense."

Molly. "I would not mind myself, hopefully it can help me find better self-esteemed in confidence and working with others."

James. "Well if any of you feel the need to be part of that class then I would not mind joining up myself and may be teach me things that I have not known about me yet."

Emily. "You mean not to be too boastful about being the most splendid person or engine on the whole of Sodor?" The rest could not help but to chuckle about this.

James. "More like how to make better choices for myself and also for Molly if she ever needs me for her protection, and hopefully maybe a future with her."

Molly. "Wait until school is over first Mr. Hughes, we are still in the middle of our first year in school, we didn't have our mid-terms just yet."

Emily. "That reminds me, how does everyone believe Gordon will do on his mid-terms?"

James. "From what I have seen from him, mostly alright. However, his mathematics may need some tweaking before he can take it."

Henry. "And what about Nia's problem, how is she going to fix what is wrong with her, since we all noticed how she wrote down her notes in class and wanders how she can fix up that problem of hers."

Molly. "I guess we all will see when it happens Henry."

There is a lot going on this part of the year for our young homesteaders. Thomas, Rosie, Ariel, Jessica, Jasper, Gordon, Edward, Holly, Toby, Percy, and Cassey are taking Hiro's Martial arts class. New animals on the homestead, both Gordon and Nia are having problems with their learning. How do we believe the young homesteaders fair in the mid-terms? We will find out in time during the journey Through Northwestern High School.