Chapters Chapter 1: New Friends and an Offer
If one travels were to arrived at Shining Time Station. They would most likely meet the kind Stacy Jones at the desk. However, if you stuck around you might meet the magical Mr. Conductor. Now most think he is the only one of his kind. His first cousin Junior as he is called, is also a gold dust user, but that isn't all. If you head towards the sun as the crow flies, you'll eventually come across a riverside town. This is the town of Gossamer and it is here where the story...begins.
It was a beautiful day as the train pulled into the station of Gossamer. Many people step off the train but one that goes unseen is a young girl. She wears a red shirt with jeans and a tattered little hoodie. As the people depart she waits in the station building. No one noticed as she stayed all day barely moving.
"Excuse me?" A voice says. The girl looks to see a women in her forties. She is dressed in dark blue and a Ticketmaster's hat. "Are you waiting for someone dear? Its very late." She asked. There was silence until the girls finally spoke.
"No." She said. Her voice was light and kind but monotone at the moment.
"Then what brings you to Gossamer?" The Ticketmaster asked. The girl looked down then back to her.
"I..ran away. My life was bad at home. So, I hopped a train and here I am...all alone." The girl replied clearly upset. The Ticket master looked at the girl with sympathetic eyes. Then hugged her.
"I'm sorry for you. If you want we have a spare bed here at the station that you can sleep." The woman stood up. "My name is Katelyn but you can call me Kate." She said escorting the girl to the spare room.
"I am...Lauren. Some call me Laurie though." Lauren said. The door opened to a small room with a shelf, bedside table, and plush bed perfectly cleaned. Lauren smiled and felt tears in her eyes. "Thank you." She said getting into bed.
"Your welcome Laurie. If you ever need a friend. I'm here and so is my best friend." Kate said as she handed Laurie a gold whistle. "Give one blow on this and my friend will hear you." She said and left the room. Laurie just looked over the shiny whistle. It shone like gold and was perfectly clean as if never touched before. Laurie merely shrugged and out it on the table before turning the lamp off and going to bed and as she was falling asleep she swore she heard the distant sound of a train whistle going off.
The next morning, Laurie woke to the sound of a whistle and woke up with a yawn and climbed out of bed to see a clean set of clothes on the bedside table. "What?" She said confused. On the top of the set of clothes was a note.
No need for rags anymore. A friend.
Laurie put on the new clothes. She had simple clean jeans, a nice clean red shirt, and a light white hoodie. She looked to her table and picked up the gold whistle then put it into her pocket. She walked out to the Ticketmaster's office and saw Kate cleaning up the station floor. Kate turned to her and smiled.
"Morning there Laurie. I trust you slept well?" Kate asked sweetly.
"Good. Did you give me these?" She asked gesturing to the clothes. Katy shook her head.
"No but I think my friend did." Katie replied continuing to mop the floor. Laurie pulled the whistle out.
"What do you mean? How did she do that?" Laurie asked. Then she looked moved the whistle around in her hand. "Also how does this bring her to those she helps?" She finished confused.
"I told you. Just a blow on the whistle gets her here. Let me show you." Kate said holding out her hand. Laurie gave the whistle to her and Kate blew a not on the whistle.
"Pe~eep!" The whistle rang out.
"I don't think it-" Laurie started, but interrupted by another whistle sound.
"Peep Peeeep" Rang out as a shimmer appeared in front of them. The shimmer faded into a smartly dressed woman in a Conductor outfit. The woman herself had red hair bound in a tight pony tail and she wore a broad smile.
"Kate! How are you doing?" She said in a singsong voice giving Kate a big hug.
"Well old friend, I wanted to show you my new pal Laurie here. She's...been through a lot." She whispered the last part as to not hurt Laurie's feelings.
"Oh. Well hello there Laurie, I'm Madam Conductor or Ms. Conductor. Pleasure to meet you." She said holding out her hand. Laurie shook it.
"Nice to met you Ms. Conductor" Laurie replied. "What do you do?" She asked Ms. Conductor.
"Oh I work at a wonderful railway filled with friends of mine. It does get busy though and I don't always have enough help. so I come to visit Kate from time to time on vacation." Ms. Conductor replied checking her pocket watch. "So what do you like Laurie." She asked.
"I do like trains a lot and I read books on how they work." Laurie said. Ms. Conductor was surprised then she put her hand to her chin in pondering.
"So would you like to work on a railway if you could?" Ms. Conductor asked thinking an idea over in her head. Laurie nodded. "What about getting a fresh start of sorts?" Ms. Conductor said.
"What do you mean?" Laurie asked.
"Oh well you see I work on a railway far away. I could always use an extra pair of hands to give me a hand with the workload. How about it? I take you with me back and you can have a start in a new place away from all the old troubles." Ms conductor asked.
Laurie thought carefully then looked at Ms. Conductor. "I'd like that. I get to work with trains and I can make new friends. Thank you." She said with an almost tearful smile.
"Well then I'll pick you up tomorrow after telling my supervisor. I promise you'll do great things." Ms conductor squatted down to hug the girl. While Laurie was not super young, The shoes and Ms. Conductor's above average height for a female made it a task to give Laurie a hug.
"Make sure to have all your stuff packed. Tomorrow will be here before you know it. Till then I best go talk to my boss." She said pulling out a duplicate gold whistle. "Bye!" She said. then "Peep Peeep" rang from the whistle as she blew into it and she vanished in a cloud of golden dust. Laurie smiled and hugged Kate. Tomorrow would be the beginning of a new life.
Author's Note
Plz comment on the story and if you like it. I told this idea to others and I hope it is good. Till next time.
Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle
Chapter 2: Adventure Begins
The wind up alarm clock on Laurie's bedside rang out. She rolled over and hit the clock to stop the twin bells. After a groan, she looked at the time and her eyes shot open. "Oh shoot! I've got to get ready for Ms. Conductor." She said quickly grabbing and throwing on her new outfit, which Kate cleaned for her the night before. Once she was all clean and ready, she grabbed her packed bag and headed to the station's Ticket Room.
Kate sat at her station making sure everything was spic and span for another day's work. It was as she finished sorting her desk out, that Laurie came to the Ticket Room. Kate looked over and smiled.
"Good morning Laurie. I trust you're ready for your trip?" Kate asked sweetly.
"Yes I am. I am a little nervous though as this will be my first job." Laurie replied. Kate simply put a hand on Laurie's shoulder.
"I know a first job can be scary. I was nervous when I started working here, but all you need is confidence and help to get you going the right direction." She replied and gave Laurie a hug. Then a car horn was heard before the two stepped out to see Ms. Conductor in a 1953 Buick Skylark with its cloth top down
"Hello there Laurie. Ready to go?" Ms. Conductor asked. Laurie gave one more hug to Kate before opening the door and getting in the shotgun seat. Kate placed Laurie's bag in the back seat.
"Go easy on her my friend. She might need time to adjust to your lifestyle." Kate said giving Ms. Conductor a hug. Her friend just giggled.
"Don't worry Kate, she'll be fine I promise." Ms Conductor replied and started the car. With that, the two headed down the road and Laurie took a nap on the way.
"Laurie. Laurie wake up. " Said a voice as Laurie fluttered her eyes slowly open. Ms. Conductor had nudged her awake and was pulling the bag out of the bag.
"Where are we?" Laurie asked.
"Oh we're halfway there. The rest of the trip requires a friend of mine who is up there." Ms conductor said and pointed. Laurie turned to see a cave. "We're at Lonely Mountain and my friend is in there. She carried the bag into the cave and Laurie followed hesitantly.
"Ms. Conductor who lives here?" Laurie asked.
"Why a friend of mine named Christine. I just know you'll love her." Ms. Conductor said with giddiness. As the cave opened up, Laurie was surprised to see a decent homestead and something truly intriguing. A locomotive 2-4-0 was sitting on tracks in the ground.
"Where is Christine?" Laurie asked.
"I'm Christine." said a quiet voice. Laurie looked to see the engine and walked to the front. She squawked in disbelief as the engine had a face on the smoke box door.
"Calm down deary. I'm not going to bite you. Sorry for the scare." Christine said calming Laurie down.
"I'm sorry I forgot to tell you. Where I work the engines talk." Ms. Conductor said. "I can take you back if that's going to be a problem.
"No, no I'm fine. Just next time give me a heads up when something strange will happen." Laurie said dusting herself off.
"I promise and so does Christine here." Ms Conductor replied putting a hand on Christine's boiler. Christine just smiled in agreement. " Right so we need to board Christine to get to the railway hop on." Ms. Conductor said as she steamed Christine up. After a short time, Christine had lots of steam and the trio rolled forward. Then, in the blink of an eye, a multicolored portal opened and the group traveled through.
Laurie looked out into the endless greenery.
"What is this?" Laurie asked in awe.
"This is the Magic Railway. A place where certain magical engines travel through." Christine said as they chuffed on through the greenery and another portal suddenly opened and then they were in someplace new.
"Alright Laurie welcome to Equestria. Land of magical creatures and home to the Equestrian Railway." Ms. Conductor said as they steamed through a forest and into a small yard. "Well Laurie you should get some time to take everything in follow me." she said and the two walked into the worker's hut.
"Thank again Ms. conductor." Laurie said and she laid down on a mattress. "So what should I know about the engines here?" she asked.
"Well at this station there are six main engines. We have Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity,Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. There is Spike the mechanic but you should be fine with him, but he is a dragon just so you know." Ms. Conductor said. Laurie sat waiting for more details. "Well Twilight is calm usually but she can be obsessive about organizing things. Pinkie can be quite the bouncy and energetic tank engine so be careful. Rarity can be a little vain, but she is generous at taking on extra work. AJ can be stubborn so make sure to call her out on it if it happens. Fluttershy requires a lot of patience since she can be skittish around crews. As for Rainbow, She is egotistical so make sure to keep her in check." Ms. Conductor finished.
"Okay I'll make sure to remember that advice." Laurie said.
" If you need any help ask for me, Spike or Twilight could help. She is quite the smart engine so she is always able to help you learn the ropes." Ms. Conductor commented.
Laurie pulled out a sandwich from her bag and munched on it. She just sat on her bed as the sound of whistles and workmen came from the yard outside.
"Be ready for tomorrow. For tomorrow you meet the fleet so be ready." Ms. Conductor said giving Laurie a hug before leaving the building. Tomorrow would be a big day indeed for Laurie in the land of Equestria...
Author's Note
So I reached the case of what to do about keeping normal ponies and engines that talk. So i thought of this
Chapter 3: Day 1 of the Job
"PEEEEEEEEEEP." rang a whistle.
"AHH!" Cried Laurie as she tumbled from the bed to the floor. She blearily got up and grumbled at the loud wake up. She threw on some working clothes. She now wore a blue shirt with overalls. She wore long denim jeans and steel toed work boots and left the building.
"Who blew that whistle!" She shouted angered at being startled.
"Oh, my. I'm so sorry." Said a soft voice. Laurie looked over to see a 4-4-0 engine. She was painted bright yellow with pink bands.
"Sorry. I was just startled. What's your name?" Laurie asked. The engine calmed down and gave a meek smile.
"I'm Fluttershy." FLuttershy responded.
"Right so was that your whistle. I promise not to get mad." Laurie said. Fluttershy was hesitant for a moment then spoke.
"No. That was Rainbow Dash with the Ponyville Flyer." Flutterhy said with a sigh that sounded like this happened often.
"Alright I'll talk to Rainbow Dash later. So, do you know where Spike is? It's my first day so he was to show me the ropes." Laurie said looking round the yard.
"Peep peep Here we are!" Called a voice. In rolled a mixed traffic engine with purple paint and lighter purple with pink highlights.
Down from the cab stepped a drake about five foot eight and wearing similar overalls over his purple and green scales.
"Hi there, Laurie right? I'm Spike sorry I had to get Twilight steamed up for her crew." Spike said as he offered out a clawed hand. Laurie shook it and then dusted her hand off of the soot Spike's hand had.
"Yes I'm Laurie. So where do we start?" Laurie asked.
"Well Ms. Conductor said to get you started with shunting. I'd start you with a tank engine but Pinkie is a little...rough for a beginner so Fluttershy would you mind shunting so she can learn the ropes?" Spike said looking to the small tender engine.
"Oh of course. I could use the run to stretch my wheels." Fluttershy said. So, Laurie and Spike stepped into the cab and Flutterhy started of to the sidings for shunting. After shunting for a while Laurie had a question that was bugging her.
"Fluttershy how often do you go out. You controls all feel stiffened and i think i see some rust near the tender." Laurie asked. Spike knew this was going to happen eventually.
"Fluttershy doesn't usually do work. Her design was seen as outdated so she was left in that siding. Though Ms. Conductor keeps her as a spare engine to prevent them from harming her." Spike said sadly. Fluttershy merely started to tear up. Then a sudden weesh of steam rang throughout the yard. All three looked around and saw something truly bizarre.
"Oh my, Pinkie! " Fluttershy shouted. Sitting their was an an 0-6-0 saddle tank engine.
She was sitting derailed with a broken livestock vans. The cattle inside were spooked and running all over the yard.
"Oh no. What are we gonna do?" Laurie asked looking at the chaos. Fluttershy saw the chaos and was worried. Then she took a deep breath and moved forward towards the cattle.
"Calm down everyone. Their some grass right this way." She said softly to the cattle. Her whistle peeped quietly to lure the cattle down the tracks.
"She's leading them to the overnight pens. look" Spike said pointing backwards. Laurie turned to see a steel pen that could hold the cattle. Once they reached the pens, Spike raced out of the cab to lure the cows with grass.
"Just follow him." Fluttershy said as the cattle walked slowly to Spike and their food. With them all inside Spike ran out and shut the fence.
"We did it!" Laurie said helping Spike back into the cab.
"Yes now we best fetch the break down cranes to get Pinkie." Spike replied as they started moving again. Soon, Pinkie was on a flat wagon for repairs. "What happened Pinkie?" Spike asked.
"Well I was moving the cattle wagons for shipment. The car got away and so I chased it but it bounced back from the other wagons back at me and you know the rest." Pinkie said meekly. Spike looked over the wagons and saw the problem.
"I knew it!, another rushed repair!" He shouted with rage. Laurie and the other were confused. "The works didn't properly repair these wagons and so its coupling fell off and its brakes are shot!"Spike seethed.
"Are you all okay?" Said a familiar voice. Ms. Conductor was walking towards them and Spike explained the situation. Ms. Conductor frowned in anger then smiled. "Well with Pinkie out of action, I suppose we will have to use Fluttershy as her replacement till she's fixed.Since she knows the yard batter than anyone i think that will convince the bean counters to see her as more..useful." Ms Conductor spoke with a sly tone. The four others looked at her and smiled in agreement.
"This is your time Flutters. You are able to fill in until Pinkie is back and you also sorted out the trouble by yourself and that will help you get your overhaul." Laurie said patting the engine on the buffer.
"Right now you two best get everything in order. I need to go with the Pinkie to file a repair and a complaint. Oh and Spike I might be a while so the schedule is on my desk with Rainbow dash returning on tomorrow's morning express from Manehattan." Ms. Conductor said getting into the cab of the works engine. The trio gave wished them a safe journey as the cavalcade departed. The trio got the yard in order before putting Fluttershy in the sheds.
In the sheds sat a White 4-6-0 with brass fittings and purple bands. With the name Rarity written on a curved nameboard.
Next to her sat a slightly odd looking goods engine. It had a 2-8-0 configuration with a small smokebox dor and large pump on the front. This engine was painted in Orange with golden yellow bands
"Well I'll be. Fluttershy what are you doing here?" The goods engine said in awe.
"Pinkie was in an accident so im shunting for now until she returns." Fluttershy replied.
"Well we both agree its great to see you back in service. Right Applejack?" The white engine said looking to the goods engine. Applejack smiled in agreement.
"Oh we have a new friend. Laurie this is Rarity and Apple Jack. Girls this is Laurie." LAurie parked Fluttershy and stepped otu with Spike.
"Good to meet you. Now we best be off to bed." AJ said. Laurie and Spike locked the shed doors and then everyone went happily to sleep...
Author's Note
Yes I made spike taller and older in case you were going to ask.
Author's Note
Okay so before this begins I need to talk about why This has been the most pony to choose a locomotive for. So, Rainbow Dash in this story is a mixture of both alleged and real things. Let me explain.
2nd Rainbow Dash's design is actually a modified Peppercorn A1 prototype suggestion. Back in the design phase of the Peppercorn A1 it was suggested to give it an A4 style streamlining like this
3rd I felt none of the truly Credible records made Rainbow fast enough so in order for her to be the fastest pony on the line her top speed was inspired by the record claimed by PRR S1 6100 of 156 miles per hour.
Please don't be mad. This is personal choice to make these changes and it at least isn't as crazy as Thomas keeping speed with Spencer in Hero of the rails so its not that crazy. Now enjoy.
Chapter 4: Taming Egos
It was a bright, and early morning. Fluttershy was shunting with Laurie, and Spike was working with papers in the yard office. He hated being couped up for too long, but with Ms. Conductor still away, he had to work overtime with the paperwork in the office.
"How do you feel Fluttershy." Laurie asked as they shunted about.
"Terrific. I feels nice to be moving around so much again." Fluttershy replied. The two were having a good time until.
"pe~eeeeeeep" Rang a chime whistle throughout the yard. Laurie and Flutters looked to se a light blue locomotive with rainbow streaks running across the middle of its entire body. On its side was a plate reading Rainbow Dash on name boards attached to the boiler.
"Hello everyone I'm back from Manehattan!" She proclaimed loudly. Fluttershy smiled quietly while Laurie look angry.
"Hi Rainbow. Glad you're back." Fluttershy replied. Rainbow looked over and smiled broadly.
"Fluttershy its so good to see you running again. It's a shame though that Pinkie is in repair. I heard about that on my way back. Still nice to see you old friend." RD said. Laurie stepped out of the cab and in front of Rainbow.
"So your the one who woke up half the yard. You could be a little more considerate." Laurie said pointing to Rainbow.
"Uhh...What?" Rd replied confused.
"I was sleeping to be ready for my first day on the job yesterday only to woken up by that whistle. You could at least give a warning." Laurie said.
"Whoa whoa, calm down there that's not my fault!" Rainbow said then paused thinking what to say next. "I know what its like to have sleep interrupted and I didn't know someone was still in the workman's hut. I usually wake up after all the workers are out and about so I didn't know about you." RD said slightly embarrassed. Laurie just smiled.
"Well you apologized so let's start over. I'm Lauren or Laurie for short. Ms. Conductor brought me here to give me a fresh start." Laurie said holding her hand out.
"I'm Rainbow Dash the fastest express engine around. I hope you get to see me in action sometime." Rainbow said letting out a quieter whistle as a friendly greeting. Then she rolled away.
"She seems nicer than I expected. Though I can tell she has an ego problem. Reminds me of a story." Laurie said. Fluttershy was puzzled.
"Could you tell me the story?" Flutters said.
"I'll tell of of you tonight. Its a story my grandparents told me the one time I saw 'em" Laurie replied. Then, the two got back to work. It was going well until a voice rang through the yard.
"Filthy trucks! My paint is going to be ruined." Shouted the posh voice. The two stopped and pulled up to the voice from the depot. Sitting their was Rarity bieng spoken to by Spike.
"Look I don't want to give you the job, but WE have no spare engine anymore with Pinkie out of action so you have to pull the train." Spike said.
"I will not. I will not have my paint ruined, or be bullied around by those ruffians." Rarity snapped back rudely.
"We'll pull it Sir." Laurie said. Spike turned to them.
"Are you sure?" Spike asked.
"Yes, but if we take the train then Rarity must take over the shunting." Laurie said smirking at the last bit. Rarity turned cold.
"Actually sir, I'll pull the train. Fluttershy darling could you please get my train ready? Ill be at the platform." Rarity quickly said before rolling towards the platform. The trio just chuckled and got back to work.
Later that night, Rarity rolled in complaining about her job and her paint. Laurie had enough and spoke.
"Listen here Rarity, if you don't change that mood of yours bad things could happen." Laurie snapped.
"Oh? What could be worse than the ruining of my paint." Rarity said.
"First, Fluttershy nearly got scrapped so that's one thing. Second, I'll tell you a story of an engine and its crew who didn't work." Laurie said pulling up a box for her to sit on in front of all the engines. "This is the story of The Midnight Banshee." Laurie started and this is the story she told.
Decades ago there was an small line called the Canyon Railway. The line was run by two engines. Max, the small goods tank locomotive. Then there was the snobbish, egotistical Jezebel . Jezebel was painted in bright paint and patterns unlike the mat black Max had. She was always rude and careless because of the praise the passengers gave her. The controller was just as bad because he showered her with praise for being reliable, profitable, and whenever she did mess up, she convinced the manager it was Max's fault for not being quick enough. What's worse is that the railway regulations were hardly enforced and that meant she was racing along at ridiculous speeds with her equally vain crew. "Fate always punishes those who show no respect and she won't tolerate you much longer." said Max. "Fate isn't real you little black water cart. I do what I want." She replied and puffed off for her lat night train. She was coupled up and it started to rain. "Oh stupid sky ruining my paint." She grumbled puffing down the line. Canary Canyon Pass was made to bring trainloads of coal from one end of the line to the other. Jezebel puffed was puffing through when a rock banged against her boiler followed by others. "Oh you little...oof! No one ruins my paintwork like this!" She said as she picked up speed to get away from the falling rocks. What she didn't know was that rocks had scattered on the line further down where the line hugged a cliff since there was a lake that ran below. Jezebel was running recklessly in the rain and more rocks fell from the cliffs denting her. "Grr. You will show me some respect! I'm the pride of the line and you are in my way!" She yelled out to the rain and rocks. Suddenly her wheels started slipping. The driver applied the brakes but she kept slipping. Her sandboxes were empty and she skidded down the line. The crew saw the blocked line and fought hard but it was no good. Jezebel flew off the rails smashing into the canyon side as she plummeted to the bottom of the Canyon. She was found the next morning by some rock climbers in the canyon. Her boiler was broken in half and her tender was squashed. The controller had her parts melted down and used the metal for repairs on Max. One year later people saw a white ghost and its train racing down the line to hear screeches of sheer agony then a boom! The line was forced to close after three years of this happening. Some say that if you go to the spot of the reck you'll see the train race along them plummet. Disappearing before it hits the ground.
Rarity was scared after hearing that. Rainbow Dash, while having not done any showboating today had been told to not show off several times that month. the two were pale.
"Well I must go off to bed, but remember that fate always catches up to those like Jezebel if the don't change their ways" Laurie finished and walked to the workmen's hut. After she was far enough away she luahged. She knew the story wasn't real...but they didn't.
Chapter 5:The Spare Engine
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 5:The Story of Sunset
It was a colder day than most but, work was still needed. Laurie and the engines were busier than usual. However, one engine absent from the work was Sunset Shimmer. She still sat with a cold boiler in a siding alone. As more days passed Fluttershy and Laurie would see the poor engine silent and sad n her siding. The two tried to go about their work, but the sadness on Sunset's face tore at Laurie's heart and made Fluttershy feel colder in her firebox.
"We cannot just leave her there forever." Fluttershy said.
"Well it's not our decision, but we should talk to her when work is done." Laurie said and the two tired to speed things along. Once, everything was squared away, Laurie had Fluttershy slowly reverse into the line next to the out of use siding. Sunset looked at them with joyless eyes.
"Are you here to mock me? Go ahead and get it over with." Sunset said.
"No, we came to visit you. You were looking lonely." Fluttershy replied. Sunset's face lightened a little at this.
"Thank you." Sunset said. "I'm sorry for being rude. It's just...it's a long story." She continued.
"We have time. Please tell us. I mean if that's okay." Fluttershy said. Sunset gave a week smile and sighed.
"It all began when I was first built." Sunset said and this was the story she told.
When I was built, nationalization was still a ways away. I was built by Canterlot's Prestigious Railway or CPR for short. When I first arrived I had two major differences than what I am today. The minor change was that I had four rearwheels, but more importantly I was first built as a tank engine. I was young and eager to prove myself. I arrived to the sheds on a clear autumn morning. The others welcomed me. All except one, Prince Blueblood. You think I had a bad ego, that locomotive is unbearable. I would do everything I could to get the approval of him and the other high and mighty express engines. My only friend was an engine named Flash Sentry. He was a locomotive from the Pegasi Railway(PRW) Unfortuatley, it wasn't enough. So when my class was called back to be rebuilt I leaped at the choice. I was rebuilt into the engine you see and fell in with the obnoxious passenger engines. One day, Flash...left because I abandoned him as a friend.So I just fell into a loop of lashing out at others since I couldn't have the joy and respect I wanted so badly.
"Oh Sunset." Laurie said putting a hand on her buffer. "No one is perfect. I'm sure the others will forgive you, but you have to show that they can trust you. Fluttershy and I will try our best to help, but it's up to you to make the initiative. No matter how much it takes you must push on." Laurie finished hugging the buffer of Sunset. Sunset had her face in slight shock at the gesture and eventually just smiled.
"Thank you. I promise to pick up the slack. If you need help just ask." Sunset said. Then, the two went off to tell Spike. He was surprised when he heard the story.
"Hmm... I can understand why she did it all now. However, she still must take a light reprimand. She will shunt in the yards and act as a relief engine. Once the others make up with her, then we shall put her back onto her own services." Spike said. Laurie gave the drake a hug and prepared for the upcoming days.
For two days, Sunset helped Fluttershy shunt trains. She laughed and told jokes, even giving engines a push to start at the station. Rarity and Twilight were quick to forgive, but Applejack and Rainbow were convinced it was an act.
"I know she's up to something." Rainbow said to AJ
"I agree...but most of the others trust her now. They have no reason to lie. I don't know honestly." AJ replied. Spike had noticed this and decided to take measure as he walked up to the two engines.
"Good afternoon girls. AJ you have to pull a large shipment tomorrow and Sunset will be helping you on it. Rainbow you have the express tomorrow before they leave." Spike said. The two gave a look of shock while Spike left. That morning Aj and Sunset left with the freight train bright and early. The trip was silent as the two pulled the train to Canterlot. Eventually, they arrived and were getting refueled.
"OK, what changed?" Aj asked looking at Sunset.
"What?" Sunset replied in confusion.
"You were so mean to my friends and now you've changed so much. So why?" AJ asked again.
"Well...Its a story." Sunset said as she told the story again. AJ didn't stop her, or ignore it. She kept her face unbiased the entire time. "So that's my story." Sunset finished. AJ was quiet...then she spoke.
"I forgive ya." AJ said. Sunset looked confused. "I can understand trying to fit in. While you aren't guilt free I at least understand your reasons so, I forgive you. Just promise to not do it again." AJ said. Sunset smiled and nodded. The two shared stories on the trip back and that night at the sheds everyone was kind to her. All except, Rainbow. It wasn't for being mean, nor was it because of pure stubbornness. Rainbow was just hard to trust many former bullies, and especially because she was highly protective of her friends.
The next day Rainbow was flying down the line. Thoughts clouding her head as she raced along. The engine couldn't seem to see what her friends did in Sunset. Things were going well until it happened. Rainbow was so busy thinking she ignored the speed limit for the next curve. her crew threw on the brakes but it was too late. The coaches were unharmed but Rainbow had jumped the line and bent her front bogies. Her crew were about to call for help When Sunset was flagged down.
"Rainbow are you okay?" Sunset asked.
"I'll be fine. What about my passengers?" Rainbow asked.
"They're okay. None of the coaches derailed luckily." Sunset said. Rainbow could hear her sincerity. She was damagd and a crane would take too long.
"Sunset take the train first." Rainbow said. Sunset was puzzled. "Those passengers are top priority. I can wait for a crane, but we need to keep our customers happy." Rainbow said. Sunset was hesitant. Then she gave a determined nod and began to couple up. She slipped at first, but she got the train away and to its destination. That night rainbow finally dropped her distrust and apologized.
"Good evening engines. I've got good news and bad news." Spike said. " The good news is that Pinkie will be back to service in two days so Fluttershy can get her overhaul. Sadly, Rainbow you'll be going to get your five year service done. Which means Sunset will be hauling the express in the meantime." Spike said. The others cheered and whistled. "We will be getting another engine to fill in as our sixth engine." Spike finished and walked away.
"Who do you think the new engine will be?" Fluttershy asked.
"Hopefully not as bad as I started." Sunset said. The others gave a slight chuckle before falling happily to sleep.
Chapter 6: The Narrow Gauge Engines
It was a bright day at Ponyville sheds when Laurie was asked to meet Spike. She arrived at the office and took a seat.
"Hello Spike, what did you call me here for?" Laurie asked.
"You've been doing good work for a while, so I want you to see a partner of our region." Spike said.
"What do you mean?" Laurie asked.
"You see, Not far from here is a private narrow gauge line. They provide crops, lumber and even some important quarries are connected to it. I want you to work your magic their and help their controller Ms. Cherilee." Spike said.
"What about my job here?" She asked.
"Don't worry you still have it. You'll just be transferred temporarily and, Fluttershy will be leaving for overhauls tomorrow so this will keep you busy until we decide where to put you next." Spike replied.
"Okay I'll do my best." Laurie said.
"That's the spirit. Now you'll get there with the help of our connecting engine that You haven't met yet. Follow me." Spike said. Laurie followed him and the two walked towards a small station on the opposite side of Ponyville. The station was a single platform with one set of tracks. This was strange, and Laurie was about to speak up when an unfamiliar whistle ran out. This engine was large for narrow gauge with black and white striped livery. What made the locomotive stranger was the two blocky looking protrusions in the front and back of the boiler.
"Good morning Zecora." Spike said. The engine looked over and smiled.
"Ah Spike, dear friend of mine. Tell me what brings you down to this bit of line?" Zecora rhymed.
"Well Zecora, this is Laurie and she is to be helping out Ms. Cheerilee." he replied.
"This news is great. Laurie you best hop on, we mustn't be late." Zecora said. Laurie boarded the train and Spiked waved goodbye as the train left his sight. The trip was short and Laurie got off the train to see a mare with rose hair and cherise fur with smiling flowers as her mark.
"Oh hello you must be Lauren." Cheerilee said holding out a hoof. Laurie lowered herself and shook the hoof.
"Please call me Laurie. You must be Cheerlilee?" Laurie asked.
"Yes I am. Welcome to the Ponyville Narrow Railway. I'm here to show you to the fleet." Cheerilee replied. Laurie gestured her to go on. "Well you've already met Zecora. She is our biggest and wisest engine we've got. Her design is from Zebrica." Cheerlilee said. Laurie and her walked a short ways to a small roundhouse. Inside was one engine. She was orange with purple lining. She was small with 4 wheels and looked tall and thin. Her nameplate read Scootaloo.
"Hi miss cheerlilee who is the new person.?" Scootaloo asked.
"This is Laurie. I had you held back so you can work with her today." Cheerilee responded. "Many of our engines are like Scootaloo here. Most are tank locomotives and so when the big work is needed we have a few tender locos." She continued. Laurie knew many narrow gauge lines were too short to need big tender engines and Zecora was truly for the heaviest of trains along the narrow,winding lines of this place. " We are planning extensions as far as the lands near ponhenge so we have room for the fleet to run." She finished.
"How many engines are here?" Laurie asked.
"Well there is sixteen, but it is because we believe in hauling light loads in quick time rather than large trains at once. We have Zecora running lumber trains. Scootaloo and three more run the tourist trains along the river towns. There are the two private engines that run for rich locals, some very small lightweight engines that help run the Everfree lumber company. The list goes on. Most of these engines were made and then tossed out due to a large fall in narrow gauge during nationalization. They'll be going and our fleet shall shrink down to maybe seven at most." Cheerilee said.
"Oh. How do you run them all at the same time?" Laurie asked.
"No. We have a small museum where many are on display with prices of purchase. We rotate them so none feel left out." Was the reply from Scootaloo. After more questions, Laurie hopped in Scootaloo's cab and they set off. The line was longer than what was expected, but still too small for a fleet of sixteen. The duo hauled slate from one of the quarries to where Zecora waited at where they had started.
"So do you know Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo asked.
"Yes I do" Laurie replied. She saw the little engine smile.
"She can be seen from time to time from the mountain. I whistle to her and she whistles back. I just wish I could be with her more often." The engine said.
"Well if you work hard you might get to see her." Laurie said patting the engine on the cab side. This made the little engine smile and so the continued. As they stopped for coal and water, two engines passed pulling a train. The first was yellow with red highlights, the other white with a pinkish trim.
"Hi Sweetie Belle, Applebloom I thought you stayed on the apple farm?" Sootaloo said.
"I was called out to help Sweetie Belle and my work was done at the farm so I volunteered." The yellow tank engine replied.
"Who is she?" the white engine asked. Her voice sounded like a pubescent child going through voice cracks.
"I'm Laurie. I'm here to help for a little while." Laurie said.
"Hello." the two said together. After a long day the four were back at the sheds. They heard the sound of engines working elsewhere and the engines fell happily asleep to the sounds of the night as Laurie left for the worker's hut.
Author's Note
At first I thought if Zecora should be mainline, but then her wisdom and experience reminded me of Duke so I changed it. Plus her constant work with the foals of Ponyville helped the decision.
Also I counted the children that were in the school and others and yes there were about sixteen counting Zecora.
TO all who read this story, I am sad to say this story...will most likely shut down. However, I have considered replacing it with something else. NOW the question I ask of you is would you care for this replacement?
Plot: A group of locomotives seeking escape from Barry Scrapyard are saved by a little magical intervention. Given life by the magical field of Equestria. The group learns to cope with this new life and share their stories of how they went from loved by all to being thrown on the scrap heap. (locomotives yet to be decided)
Well there you have it. So let me know in the comments would you appreciate this new story? I know its not the same, but my heart just isn't in this story anymore. Please share your thoughts on the replacement with me.
Thank You
Sanguine
Author's Note
Yes or No to the replacement?
