Ryuko Matoi and The Magic Railroad

Chapter 2: Shining Time/The Secret of Muffle Mountain

Sonic: (Narration) At the Other end of my Universe, far away across Oceans of Time, up and over Muffle Mountain, and hidden deep in a valley, is my hometown: Shining Time.

🎵 Every Now and then, there appears a sign that points just round the bend, to a place you'll find Covered in Clover, the Magic comes over you, showing up right on time. This is your Shining Time, climbing through stars to Your own Cloud Nine. Soft strokes of Lightning paint the skies brightening Upon your Shining Time...🎵

Sonic: (Narration) Oh, and by the way, I think you're going to help me and Ryuko somewhere in this story!

Ryuko: If Iris has unfinished business, There's Sure to be trouble right around the corner!

A fly is Bothering Makise.

Makise: Be off with you! Boo, Fly! Shoo Fly, That's it! Better still, Buzz off!

Ryuko reverses straight into the buffers.

Ryuko: Botheration!

Makise: You weren't Concentrating, Ryuko! Lucky for you, the Buffers were there!

Ryuko: That's what buffers are for! To stop engines from crashing! What are you still doing in the sheds, Makise?

Makise: I'm feeling a little blue. Which isn't so hot when you're red. (Laugh Track) I was naughty and Noire told me to think about the ways I can be really useful! Then, I can come out again.

Ryuko: She's just trying to make this railway better for Steam Engines!

Makise: Uhh... Ryuko...

Ryuko: Noire says the harder we work, the less he will need Diesels to Help!

Iris: Help YOU?! (Laughs maniacally) You always need help, because steam engines are cowardly, cranky, worn-out hunks of metal who couldn't hurt a fly!

Makise: No we're not!

Iris: Yes you are!

Makise: Aren't!

Iris: Are! Now, I've come back to find a lost steam engine! I'm going to destroy her, and dominate you! (Clanks claw) And then you'll be nothing but useless scrap! Right, Pinchy? (Laughs)

Makise: Big Bully. Stinker!

Ryuko: We're really useful engines! You won't dominate us, And you won't destroy her! We won't let you! Neither will Sonic! I'm off to fetch him now!

Makise: What lost Engine?

Shining Time.

Chris: There, Muttski. Paint job is finished! I bet Shining Time is the best welcome sign in the Valley!

*Muttski barks in agreement*

Chris: Well I'm glad you agree! Knuckles' old map sure helped a lot.

*Muttski Barks*

Chris: He's on his way back, is he? You hear that train whistle sooner than it hears itself!

Knuckles rides in on the Rainbow Sun. He then inspects what Chris Did.

Knuckles: Fine work, Chris!

Chris: Thanks. Oh, I've been looking at your map. What are these mysterious shadowy lines doing on it? They look like straight railroad tracks, but I can't see any tracks around here, except the ones that you travel on.

Knuckles: It's a mystery that makes this land so...

Chris: Magical?

Knuckles: Yeah.

Chris: Well, I better be off to Muffle Mountain. I promised Mr. Shadow I would clean out his yard today.

Knuckles: Does Shadow Stone ever give you a smile?

Chris: No, but he doesn't frighten my horse, either! Which means I don't think he's a bad man... I think he's just... Sad.

Sonic: (Narration) I didn't know that in Muffle Mountain, there was a secret that Shadow only shared with his childhood friend, Maria.

Young Shadow: One day, Maria, I'm going to drive this engine, and I'm going to take you with me!

Maria: Promise you will, Shadow. Promise?

Young Shadow: I promise!

Sonic: (Narration) Now, this engine had the magic vital to hold these worlds together. But only Shadow knew that.

Back at the Station. Inside the Station.

Alexis: (picks up phone) Hello, Shining Time Station. Manager Alexis Jones Speaking. Oh yes, the 10:15 from Pelican Falls to Shining Time is right on Schedule. You're welcome! *rings bell and goes over PA* The 10 o'clock to Lucy's Leap is leaving now!

(Knuckles Enters)

Alexis: Oh, Knux... I found this child's drawing in an old locker in the Lost and Found. Look at the signature, Knuckles. Shadow Stone! It's hard to believe that Shadow could have ever looked that happy!

Knuckles: Shadow had a wonderful Smile. And he loved railroading too.

Back in Shadows Shop. He looks over the engine and shines the Light on Chris who came in.

Shadow: How did you find me here?

Chris: I found the entrance to your workshop ages ago. But I would never tell anybody!

Shadow: See that switch on the wall? Flip it on.

Chris Did so.

Chris: I guessed there was something mysterious about this mountain!

Shadow: Yeah. All mountains have their secrets, Chris. It shouldn't surprise a kid like you.

Chris: Can I help you, Mister Shadow?

Shadow: Sure! You can help me dust her off.

*Shadow tossed Chris a rag*

Shadow: This Engine's Name is Cosmo.

Chris: Why is she locked up?

Shadow: She isn't. She's safe from harm. You see, long ago, I made a mistake as Cosmo's Caretaker. An evil diesel found Cosmo and threatened to destroy her. She chased her, I Used up all her coal, made her go too fast, and she crashed her. And I brought her here. I've tried my best to fix her up, but I've never been able to correct the mistake I made, and I've never been able to bring her to life, to make her steam.

Chris: She's Beautiful...

Shadow: More than beautiful, Chris. She's as precious as gold...

To be Continued...