A Life Changing Experience

Author's notes: Ok. Part 4 of "How It All Began" is up and ready to go. And also, the blushing and giggling is just from shyness, acceptance, pride ect. No ThomasXMLP pairings here. Sorry guys. But, you will see some pairings in future stories. Not RachelXWilliam though, so please don't get any ideas! Am I clear? Good.

A Life Changing Experience

Narrator: The Fat Director was as good as his word. He spoke to the Duke and explained the situation, he then informed the island about the ponies and informed them that they were friendly and meant no harm. The staff were informed too and the ponies and were going into job training on the North Western Railway, much to the delight of William James Holden and Rachel Marie Ravens. Early the following morning, the ponies were still asleep at Vicarstown Hotel when William and Rachel rushed in excited, startling the ponies awake.

William: WE'VE WON WE'VE WON!

Applejack: What in tarnation!?

Rachel: The people of Sodor do not condole you being here! And they say that you and your kind are more than welcome to visit here.

Narrator: Everypony jumped up joyful and hugged each other.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh thank you William, Rachel. I don't know what we would have done if not for your kind deed.

William: Oh think nothing of it. We're just glad we could help. Now, you 6 come with me. We've got to get work. (Wink)

Rarity: Did you say, 'work' darling?

William: Indeed did Rarity.

Narrator: Pinkie Pie was so excited, she lit up like a firework and shot into the sky in her excitement.

Pinkie Pie: OH YAY! We're going to work on the railway with you.

William: That's right. Sir Topham Hatt has arranged for all you to go into job training. We're heading for Vicarstown Sheds right now. So let's get down to the car. We need to get down there to pick an engine out for the day.

Twilight Sparkle: Alright! I'm eager to work.

Applejack: Same here. I'm with you.

Pinkie Pie: Alright I'm so excited.

Fluttershy: Um yeah I go too... if you want me to.

William: Of course. Come on Fluttershy.

(Fluttershy lets out a squee.)

Rainbow Dash: I'm with you too Will.

Rarity: I am honored to joined you in this new line of work.

William: Oh that's great girls. Say Rachel, what time does your class start and end at Knapford University?

Rachel: 3:40pm to 6:00pm, why's that?

William: Well, Rachel you can come with us too. I can take you to Knapford University on the Wild-Nor-Wester. We'll arrive at knapford at 3:00 PM. From there you can catch a cab or bus to the university. Then after your classes, I'll take you home aboard 6:20 PM Wild-Nor-Wester.

Rachel: Thanks Will. That is very kind of you.

William: No problem Rachel. Well then, we'd best be off to Vicarstown Sheds after we drop Rachel off at the station.

Narrator: So the friends went to William's car and off they went to Vicarstown Sheds. At last they pulled into the station car park where Rachel would buy her ticket to Knapford and wait patiently for William to pick her and the rest of the passengers up on the Wild-Nor-Wester. William then took the ponies over towards the engine crew facility. All engine drivers have special room. Each station facility is where they can get ready for a day's work on the railway, this is called an engine driver's locker room. Sometimes other staff use it too. Before William got dressed for work, he made lunch for everyone. A Sodor cheese sandwich on fresh Sodor wheat bread and some apples from the Vicar of Wellsworth along with some tea for himself and he made some peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwiches and apples as wells some tea for his equestrian friends whom were most grateful.

Fluttershy: Wow. William has such nice manners.

Rarity: It is really pleasure to be going out with him.

Twilight Sparkle: That was so nice of you Mr. Holden. I must say, we all think it's really wonderful of you to take us with you to work.

William: (Kindly) Well then I guess that makes 7 of us.

Mane 6: (Happily Giggling)

Applejack: Think Rach will join us on the job too?

William: (Chuckles) More likely then not Applejack. She is fond of the railway. And if ponies can become drivers, so can human women.

Narrator: At around 9:15, William had just finished getting ready for work when another man wearing a coat and scarf came in with some brown paper grocer bags. William smiled, he knew who he was.

William: Ah. Morning Mr. Arkwright.

Arkwright: Oh Hullo young William. I didn't see you there, glad to hear about your promotion to driver. Excellent work. How are you today?

William: Oh I feel great. There's tea in the pot, so help yourself.

Arkwright: Oh thank you William. I can do with a cupper myself.

William: Um, Arkwright, I'd like you to meet some of our new pony friends.

Arkwright: Ah yes. I heard that from Sir Topham Hatt. So where are they?

Narrator: William turned and pointed.

William: Right here. Girls, this is one of our engine drivers, Mr. Neville Arkwright.

Twilight Sparkle: Pleasure to meet you Mister Arkwright. I'm Twilight Sparkle.

Pinkie Pie: Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! Nice to make a new friend.

Applejack: Howdy Mr. Arkwright, I'm Applejack. Where we all come from, we just love making new friends.

Rainbow Dash: Name's Rainbow Dash, Sir.

Rarity: Hullo there Mister Arkwright, I am Rarity.

Narrator: Fluttershy hesitated for a moment, then William patted her reassuringly on her mane.

William: (Kindly) It's alright Fluttershy. Mr. Arkwright isn't going to bite you.

Narrator: Fluttershy felt much better after that.

Fluttershy: Um, I'm Fluttershy, Sir.

Narrator: Mr. Arkwright smiled.

Arkwright: Oh it's wonderful to make your acquaintances. Well like William here said, I'm Mr. Arkwright and like our new driver William here, I drive the engines of the North Western Railway here on the Island Of Sodor.

Rainbow Dash: Well, you don't look like an engine driver to me.

Arkwight: Hmm. Well no I don't quite look like an engine driver, do I? Well at least not yet. You see I just arrived with Ross Kimball aboard the Flyer of Vicarstown.

William: (Confused) Huh? You mean you came all this way aboard that fish train from Tidmouth?

Arkwight: (Trying not to laugh) Oh no no no. That's the Flying Kipper young William. Remember, the Flyer of Vicarstown is the stopping passenger train.

William: Oh, that's right. Sorry about that.

Arkwright: That's alright, it was honest mistake. Anyway, I better get ready. I have to take the slow goods over to Wellsworth with our new green engine Henry. Mr Perkins is taking that red Midland Railway 3f, Simmons, to collect some slates from that little narrow gauge railway over at crovan's gate to take over to Knapford for the new shed roofs. Mr Bennett is on stopping passenger train duties with B-12 No. 98462, whilst Mr. Clyde is working with B-12 #87546 on a goods. Oh I would be careful.

William: Oh yeah, those B-12's give me the shivers. Girls, take my tip, watch out for the 2 B-12's No. 98462 and No. 87546. They are very devious engines.

Main 6: Ok William.

Narrator: But then William looked confused.

William: But sir, who is going to take the Wild Nor Wester and without an engine?

Arkwright: I'm glad you asked. You're going to take it with a brand new engine from Gresley Works. A Great Northern Railway experimental prototype 4-6-2 pacific locomotive called an A-0. Sir Topham Hatt has named him Gordon. And you will be driving him on his maiden voyage.

William: Wow… I can't wait to meet him. Say, I have to get all these ponies acquainted with the railway network.

Narrator: So they all went to engine sheds. William asked the ponies to wait by the side of the shed, cause he wanted to surprise them.

William: Good morning engines.

Engines: Morning young William.

Narrator: William turned to a green 4-6-2 locomotive with letters LNER on his tender.

William: Ah, you must be the new comer. Gordon, am I'm right?

Gordon: That is correct. I was built by Sir Nigel Greseley himself. I take it you're going to put me through my paces then young William?

William: Indeed I am Gordon, but first engines I'd like you to meet my some very special friends of mine.

Narrator: William snapped his fingers and the ponies wisely took it as the signal to meet the engines. The ponies walked out of the side of the shed in front of the engines. Both the ponies and the engines couldn't believe their eyes. None of the ponies ever seen trains with a face on their smokebox. And the engines had never seen ponies of such interesting species.

William: Now, Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, Simmons, 98462 and 87546, I'd like to meet my new friends.

Twilight Sparkle: Hullo, I'm Twilight Sparkle.

Thomas: Hullo there Miss Twilight Sparkle. I'm Thomas. Welcome to Sodor.

Twilight Sparkle: A real pleasure to meet your acquaintance too Thomas.

Fluttershy: (Quiet and timid) Um... hello, I'm Fluttershy.

98462: OH COME ON! SPEAK UP YOU COWARD!

Fluttershy: (Whimpers like a sad puppy).

Narrator: William and the other engines were furious at 98462's rude remark.

Edward: STOW IT 98462! CAN'T YOU SEE YOUR SCARING THE POOR DEAR!

98462: Oh yeah?! Coming from the old clapped, out out of date, shed ridden K-2 Larger Seagull…..

William: THAT'S ENOUGH 98462! IF YOU ARE RUDE TO MY FRIENDS AGAIN YOU CAN KISS YOUR PASSENGER WORK GOODBYE PERMANENTLY! I will not tolerate rudeness to my new friends. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!?

Narrator: 98462 just rolled eyes and sulked quietly.

Edward: (Changes tone to a much calmer one) I'm very sorry about him, my dear. Anyway my name is Edward. What was your name again please?

Fluttershy: (Feeling better) I'm Fluttershy. Pleased to meet you Edward. Thank you for standing up to that engine, and thank you as well, William.

Edward: Oh think nothing of my dear Fluttershy.

William: Just helping a friend when they need it.

Fluttershy: (Giggles)

Applejack: Name's Applejack. It's quite a pleasure to meet you all.

87546: Oh great. Now we get a yankee pony to help with the railway. This railways definitely going downhill!

Applejack: What in tarnation!?

Henry: Oh put a piece of coal in it 87546! Geeze, your as bad as 98462!

William: WATCH YOUR MOUTH 87546! IF YOU CALL MY FRIENDS MORE BAD NAMES, I SWEAR I'M GOING TO WASH YOUR MOUTH OUT WITH A SOAPY SCRUB BRUSH!

Henry: Sorry bout these two Applejack, they're on trial you see, and don't seem to know how to be polite. (Henry shoots an angry glare at the 2 b-12s whilst they just sit and sulk).. Ahem, anyway, my name is Henry. It's really pleasure to meet you Applejack.

Applejack: That's alright Henry. I feel very good that someone stood up for me and my friends.

Rarity: My name is Rarity.

Simmons: Pleasure to meet you Rarity. My word you are quite a good looker.

Rarity: Oh thank you darling Simmons. You, Henry and Edward are really well mannered. Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Simmons.

Rainbow Dash: Hello everyengine. Name's Rainbow Dash! I'm probably one the fastest flyers in my home of Equestria.

98462 and 87546: That's what she thinks. She'll never match the speed of us B-12s.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash was very cross.

Rainbow Dash: Oh, if you 2 clowns want to do this the hard way, we'll do this the hard way…

B-12's: Clowns are we… mighty big words from multi coloured circus pony.

Rainbow Dash: Oh that does it! I am so gonna….

Narrator: But before she could finish, William finally snapped.

William: THAT DOES IT! Pardon Rainbow Dash, but could you fetch those buckets of soapy water whilst I get theses scrub brushes? I think it's time we give these 2 fowl mouth B-12s a good tongue scrubbing.

Rainbow Dash: Oh with pleasure Will. With pleasure.

Narrator: So William and Rainbow Dash worked together to discipline the two naughty engines.

William: Yeah that's it's Rainbow. Hold his mouth open whilst I get the brush into his mouth.

Rainbow Dash: SAY "AH!" YOU RUDE LITTLE JERKS!

B-12's: (Panic stricken) NO! NO! NO! NO! NNNNNNOOOOOOOOO!

(William scrubbed the B12's tongues with the soapy water. )

B-12s: (Cough) Blagh! Ugh!

Narrtor: When William and Rainbow Dash finished um... "cleaning" 98462 and 87546's mouth's out, all the ponies and other engines laughed at loud.

William: Thank you Rainbow Dash. Now then as for 2, I did warn you 98462 and you too 87546 but you never listen do you? And you two wonder why you don't have names.

Narrators: The 2 B12s didn't answer. They were feeling too violated to answer.

William: Well at least we washed their rude mouths up. I'm very sorry about those two engines. They've been like this ever since they came on trial.

Rainbow Dash: It's all good. At least we got them to shut up finally.

Gordon: I apologize too. These two engines give my old railway, the Great Northern, a very bad name. Anyway its really nice to meet you Rainbow Dash, and you other ponies too. I'm Gordon. One the experimental high speed express passenger steam locomotives.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash smiled broadly. Now she could have someone like her to hang out with on the island.

Rainbow Dash: Ah yeah! That is so awesome! I really think we're going to get along very well.

Gordon: Well then, I guess that makes two of us.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash then squealed like fangirl. Just then a party cannon went off.

Engines (Minus B12s whom were still in a violated fetal state): Cinders and ashes!

William: Whoa! Where'd that come from?

Pinkie Pie: HI engines, I am... Drum roll please. (Pulls out a drum set surprisingly) Pinkie Pie!

Thomas: Wow hullo Pinkie. I really wasn't expecting such a great surprise like that. I really like you already.

Narrator: Upon hearing that compliment, she started to vibrate up and down, a big grin on her face, then as if she was a rocket she shot up into the sky.

Pinkie Pie: ( Full power glee) WWWWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHOOOOOOOO! THIS IS JUST FANTASTIC!

Narrator: Thomas stared in amazement.

Thomas: Oh yeah. I think we are going to be such good friends.

Pinkie Pie: Yippy skippy! Adding you and the others onto my long list of friends now!


William: Anyway, now that your all acquainted, it's time to get to work. Gordon, you and I will be taking our railways main express train over to Knapford so you can get acquainted with the line.

Gordon: Yes Sir.

Narrator: He turned to the ponies.

William: Now, you 6 will accompany me in the cab. I'll show you how how to run a train.

Narrator: So when the fireman arrived to lite the fire, William showed the ponies which parts to lubricate. Then they all came in and the fireman showed them how to lite a fire and how to keep a train going, whilst William should them all the levers and controls. When everything was ready, William pulled the lever and Gordon puffed out the sheds to water tower, then to the coal hopper to fill up with coal. Everyone felt a little cramped inside Gordon's cab due to there being 6 ponies and two humans inside. So then they went to Vicarstown station where Thomas had already shunted the coaches for the Wild Nor Wester. The shunter fastened the coupling, and the ponies were handed tickets to ride in the carriages because William didn't want them to feel cramped inside the cab. The ponies understood and went into their respective carriages. The clock struck the hour, the guard blew his whistle and waved his green flag. William eased open the regulator and Gordon pulled out slowly at first, then gradually faster and faster until they were flying along the line.

(Montage of Gordon flying along the line.)

Fireman: Hey Will. Who were those ponies in here earlier?

William: They are very special friends of mine young Bruce.

Bruce: Oh I see, that makes perfect sense. Oh by the way, congratulations again on your promotion to driver.

William: Thanks Bruce. (Amazed) Wow! I never knew how wonderful it could be to driving an engine, let alone a brand new engine. Your doing great Gordon!

Gordon: Thank you Driver!

Narrator: Meanwhile in the carriages, the ponies were all gazing out the windows, amazed by the beautiful scenery.

Applejack: Well I'll be….

Twilight Sparkle: I've never seen anything so beautiful in my life. And on such a comfortable ride. William and Gordon are really outdoing themselves.

Rainbow Dash: Boy I've never traveled this fast! It's so awesome!

Narrator: Just then, their carriage door opened and there was Rachel.

Rachel: Excuse me. But may I join you 6?

Twilight Sparkle: Well I don't see why not? Come in.

Narrator: Rachel then happily sat next to the ponies.

Rachel: So, how was your introduction to the railway?

Applejack: Well it was nice, though we did have a little trouble with 2 locomotives.

(Rachel put her hand to her face.)

Rachel: Oh no.. Not those B-12s that William told me about.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah, but don't worry we soon fixed their wagons.

Narrator: And she told Rachel how she and William managed to shut 98462 and 87546 up. Rachel laughed and so did the ponies.

Rachel: (laughing) Oh my goodness. Good show Rainbow Dash.

Narrator: Meanwhile, Gordon was going well. They thunder through tunnels, across bridges and through stations. And they arrived at Knapford with 10 minutes to spare.

William: Wow, that was so accelerating. Well done Gordon.

Gordon: Wow. Thank you William. I guess we both did well on our first trial trips.

Rachel: Indeed you did William. I am so proud of you.

Narrator: Rachel and the mane 6 were standing on the platform and all congratulating Gordon, William and even Bruce for their outstanding performance.

Twilight Sparkle: That was very well done on your first trial run Gordon. I calculated the speed and it was at 100 miles per hour.

Narrator: Needless to say Gordon felt very proud.

Rainbow Dash: I know! I never knew you could go that fast, it was so awesome!

Gordon: Well thank you Rainbow Dash. That means a lot to me.

Fluttershy: I never saw such a beautiful place like this before in my life.

Bruce: I'm glad you liked it. You'll be seeing a lot more of it.

Pinkie Pie: I had a wonderful time. It was so amazing, just like my parties. I think you broke the land speed record.

Applejack: Boy Gordon, you really out did yourself, and so did you Will.

William and Gordon: Well thank you Applejack.

Rarity: I had a delightful time as well. The scenery was beautiful as crystal, and the accommodations absolutely fantastic, the plush velvet seats very comfortable.

William: Thanks Rarity. I'm glad you like it.

Rarity: Like? I love it! That was the most prestige trip I've ever taken by rail. Thank you William, Gordon and you too Bruce.

Gordon: Oh think nothing of it. I came from a railway that's famous for it's prestige.

Fat Director: And I'm proud of you too Gordon. For such an outstanding performance, I hereby announce that you as a permanent member of my railway.

Gordon: Oh thank you Sir.

Fat Director: As a reward, you shall be repainted into the NWR's standard blue livery, and you 6 mares shall go into driver training.

Mane 6: ALRIGHT!

Narrator: The A-0 was very proud. But none so proud as William and Bruce. Soon afterwards at exactly 6:17, Rachel had arrived back from her class, and there was the proud, apple green A-0 Pacific simmering happily as Bruce and William oiled and greased him. The ponies watched and learned how they maintained the big express engine.

Gordon: Excuse me Mr. William. But may I request that you allow that the blue pegasus over there to accompany us into the cab.

Narrator: William smiled.

William: Of course. Oy, Rainbow Dash, here's your big chance. On request of Gordon, we are glad to invite you to ride with us in the cab, I'll even let you drive him if you'd like.

Rainbow Dash: Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Lead me to the regulator!

Narrator: She then flew right into Gordon's cab, followed by William. The ponies now felt very proud of Rainbow Dash. In the cab, William showed her all the levers needed to drive Gordon and she listened carefully.

William: And that's how it works. Good luck Rainbow Dash. Me and Bruce will be cheering you on all the way.

Rainbow Dash: Thank you so much Will. This is gonna be so awesome.

Narrator: William smiled. Rachel and the ponies piled into train. The guard blew the whistle, the clock struck 6:20pm and the green flag waved.

William: Alright Rainbow Dash. Lets show everyone what a pony can do at the regulator.

Rainbow Dash: You don't have to tell me twice.

Narrator: Rainbow Dash opened the regulator, and like the journey from Vicarstown they pulled out of the station. They went slowly at first, then gradually faster, until they reached the top speed of 100 hundred miles per hour. They were going very well like last time, and the night time atmosphere made the journey even more pleasant. They sped a cross viaducts, flashed through stations stormed up hills, and whooshed through tunnels. Rainbow Dash had never felt so alive before, she was doing as well as William. They charged through Ballahoo, and at last made to vicars town with 10 minutes to spare. The passengers and ponies all cheered for William and Gordon, and when William told them about Rainbow Dash's exploit they cheered even louder for her. The Fat Director was most impressed.

Fat Director: Well William, Gordon, and Rainbow Dash. I've heard all about the 6:20 trip and I must say for a pony whom has never driven an engine before, I am must say you handled it very well. You've proven that humans are not the only ones whom can drive trains. As token of my gratitude, I will allow you and your friends the chance to drive trains on my railway when you are able too.

Narrator: Needless to say, Rainbow Dash though she felt tired, she was indeed very proud of her accomplishment.

Rainbow Dash: (Proudly) YES!

Twilight Sparkle: Well done Rainbow Dash. We're all very proud of you.

Rachel: I'm very impressed with you too.

Narrator: The mane 6 all and the two humans gave group hug. And so it was arranged. The following day, Gordon was repainted and from dome to wheels in the new NWR blue livery and he now feels part of the family. The 6 ponies often visit to Island Of Sodor whenever they have the chance for a holiday. Celestia heard about this from Twilight's report on friendship, and allow though she was hesitant at first, she allowed them to visit Sodor when they had time off to study the magic of friendship on Sodor. They all were well known to begin with, and so everyone was friendly to them, thanks to the kind deeds of their brand new friends, Rachel Marie Ravens, and William James Holden.

The End…

Author’s notes:… Of this saga. We still have plenty more stories where this came from. Look out for "Trials and Tests" next. See you.