A/N: Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it: I HATE this movie, and feel no shame in admitting that. It's an overrated film that does not understand its main character at all, and quite frankly anything it's trying to do has been done in the franchise before, and done better before.

Don't worry, I'm not going to go on a long rant about it, because I think we all have better things to do with our lives and this forward is long enough as is. Instead, I'll be addressing my many gripes with this movie when we get to them. I just wanted to make my feelings clear so that we all know what to expect going into this.

Now, despite how much I hate this film, I am going to try to remain professional and not let my personal feelings get in the way of my writing. That being said, I know that many people, both fans of the movie and fellow haters of it, have strong opinions about it. All I ask is that you keep it civil in the reviews. Remember, just because this movie is made for toddlers does not mean we have to act like toddlers.

Disclaimer: I still don't own this franchise. If I did, we wouldn't be here.

Chapter 310: Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure Part 1

There are many railway lines on Sodor. There's the mainline, which runs all the way to Barrow-in-Furness on the mainland. Thomas's branchline, which runs all the way up to the quarry in Ffarquhar. The Skarloey Railway, which runs all the way to the Lake at Skarloey, and many others. But despite how many lines there are, you'd be surprised to know that not every part of the Island of Sodor has a rail connection.

One such place is the route between Arlesburgh and Harwick. For years, Sir Topham Hatt had tried to negotiate with the mayor to build a rail connection, but the mayor vehemently turned him down at every turn.

"The road companies are doing just fine, thank you very much!" He would say, and that would be that. But not for long…

One morning, Sir Topham Hatt came to Arlesburgh sheds with exciting news.

"Everyone, I have an important announcement to make. We've finally been granted the grant to extend your branchline to Harwick!"

This announcement was met with a loud round of applause.

"But what about the mayor? I thought he was against it?"

"He was, but you'd be surprised how quickly one's opinion can be changed when they have to worry about the next election."

This got a good laugh from the four engine drivers.

"Now, due to the extra workload, I've decided to bring in some extra help for the construction. How long they stay depends on how well they work with everyone, but I hope to add more employees to this part of the line. And Duck?"

The Great Westerner looked up, surprised. His surprise quickly turned to concern when he saw Sir Topham Hatt's face darken.

"I'm sorry."

And before anything else could be said, Sir Topham Hatt drove away, leaving everyone very confused.

"What do you think he meant by that?" Oliver asked Duck.

"I don't know, but I have a bad feeling about this."

Later that day, The Pack arrived to get ready.

"Hello there," Duck greeted them at the station. "You're here early. I thought construction wasn't going to start for another week?"

"It won't," Miss Jenny clarified. "But I wanted to get a lay of the land. Figure out where everything's going to, where to keep supplies, things like that."

Duck nodded, then turned to Jack and Isobella.

"So, how are the two lovebirds doing?"

The engaged couple blushed, making Duck chuckle.

"Relax, I'm just joking. Do you have a date for the wedding yet?"

"Not yet," Isobella replied. "We're hoping to do it after this project's done."

"I don't care when it is, as long as by the end of it I'm married to the love of my life."

Isobella blushed, and the two left with Miss Jenny. Duck chuckled before leaving with his train.

"Ah, young love."

A week later, work began. Duck, Oliver, Donald and Douglas waited at Arlesburgh station, waiting for the help Sir Topham Hatt had promised to arrive. The first drove up in a purple tank engine that no one had seen before. A bright, young eager face stepped down, ready for work.

"Howdy! My name's Ryan! Is this Arlesburgh?"

"Aye," Donald greeted. "Welcome to the team!"

"Thanks! I can't wait to get to work!"

"Well, I'm afraid you'll have to," Oliver chuckled. "We're still waiting for everyone to arrive."

They weren't waiting long before the next newcomer arrived. This time, they knew exactly who it was.

"Daisy!" Oliver exclaimed in surprise. "What're you doing here?"

"I'm here to help, of course," She chuckled. "After all, with everyone focused on the expansion, someone has to handle passenger trains."

"Just don't get upset if they try to give you a Milk Van!" Douglas quipped, making everyone laugh. Everyone except Daisy, who just sulked as she drove her railcar into a siding.

"That was one time. Besides, I'm past that!"

Before anything else could be said, a diesel horn sounded in the distance. An all too familiar horn to Duck, who froze.

"No…please god, no!"

"Duck, what's wrong?"

"Anyone but him, please!"

Duck's fears were proven correct, as a familiar black BR Class 08 drove into the station, and stepping down from it was…

"Diesel."

Diesel laughed, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head as he tried to avoid the daggers Duck and Oliver were shooting at him.

"Uhm, hello there."

"What're you doing here, Diesel?" Duck snapped. "I thought Sir Topham Hatt sent you away. FOR GOOD."

Donald, Douglas, and Daisy were shocked. They had never seen Duck this angry before.

"Sir Topham Hatt needed some extra help with the expansion, and I was the only one available. I'm only here to help, I promise."

Duck scowled, but he knew there was nothing else he could do.

"Fine. Just try to not make too much of a mess of things."

With that, Duck went back to work. Oliver followed closely behind, still giving Diesel the evil eye.

"Don't try any tricks," he warned.

Diesel sighed, having expected this reaction from those two. Daisy, however, was much kinder, offering Diesel a handshake and a bright smile.

"Welcome to the team! I'm Daisy!"

Diesel blushed, not expecting such a warm welcome from anyone, and returned the handshake.

"I-I'm Diesel. Nice to meet you."

Donald and Douglas were a little apprehensive, but still welcomed him all the same.

"What's with Duck and Oliver? They sound like they know you."

Diesel's face fell.

"It's…a long story. Let's just say we didn't leave on the best of terms the last time we met."

Everyone fell silent. They could tell this was going to be a very long project.

A/N: Now, I know what you're probably thinking: "Why Duck and Diesel? Where's Thomas?" Well, my reasoning for using them instead of Thomas is three-fold:

I hate how Thomas is portrayed in this film. It's like they saw all of the scenes where he's rude or cheeky to anyone and thought "Yep! That's his entire character!" Ignoring all of his other traits. Not to mention how utterly stupid he acts throughout the movie. Instead, I looked at the roster of characters and thought "But who would be brash and arrogant enough to do all of this?" And thus Diesel came into the picture.

Once Diesel was decided, Duck was an automatic choice. While I was planning out the story, it occurred to me that Duck and Diesel never interacted again after Season 3 (unless I'm forgetting something, but at the very least they never shared a starring role together after that). That's a pretty big missed opportunity, so they're going to be your Thomas and Ryan for this story.

I want to give Diesel the redemption story he never got. I mean, after Season 7 he's just permanently on the railway without any real explanation. It's not even like he turned over a new leaf or anything.

Before I go, I wanted to give a big thank you to Jazmine Ferguson and asperman1 for allowing me to bounce ideas off of them. I'll see you all next time!