Disclaimer: I don't own Thomas and Friends, the Railway Series, Jackie Chan Adventures, My Little Pony Friendship is Magic or any characters or references from any Japanese Anime or Manga that you're about to see in this fic the only thing I do own is my OCs thank you that is all. Thank you that is all Ladies and Gentlemen.

Welcome to Japan Part 1

A week after the hunt for the Noble Animals of the Chinese Zodiac, things were quieting down between the dimensions. Life in Equestria had returned to normal, and things on Sodor were settling down. However Edwin had broken down a week ago and Thomas was sent to fill in for him at the Coaling Plant. Just as Thomas had arranged the last of the trucks the manager arrived.

"The fat controller wants to see you and Edward at Knapford right away." The manager ordered.

"For what reason?" asked Thomas in confusion.

"He told me that this was important that you go. Edwin will be back in service by tomorrow so don't worry about the plant."

"Very well, sir." And with that Thomas puffed away to Knapford.

When Thomas got to Knapford he saw Edward, but he also saw Percy there as well. On a flat truck behind Edward was an engine that they had never seen before, but The Fat Controller and Prince Zuko were also there.

"Percy, what are you doing here? I thought the Fat Controller wanted to see me and Edward." Thomas said in confusion.

"He did say that. But Zuko called me here for the same reason the Fat Controller called you and Edward." Percy explained.

"I bet you're all wondering why you're here?" Zuko asked, "Well, we've got news. Mr. Shiba and my girlfriend Mai are having some trouble on the Imperial Dragon Railway."

"What kind of trouble?" Percy inquired.

"Chihiro has broken down and it's causing problems on the line," Zuko explained, "Azula Mai and Mr. Shiba's Grandfather had her built to do the shunting and goods work."

"Can't the Tender Engines on the line do the shunting themselves?" Edward asked.

"They can't. Japanese Tender Engines are too long to navigate the shunting yards to fetch their own trains and the two former United States S100 Tank engines he has are needed at the Tokyo Works," The Fat Controller explained, "That's why I'm sending Thomas to Japan to fill in for Chihiro and Mr. Shiba agreed to the idea."

"And Mr. Shiba firmly believes that Tender Engines don't shunt just like his ancestors who were in charge of the Imperial Dragon Railway from the beginning of its construction." Zuko put in.

"Okay, but why are Edward and Percy here?" Thomas asked.

"Edward is going with you," The Fat Controller explained, "As you already figured this out by now all of Mr. Shiba's chain and buffer coupling engines are goods engines and he wants to borrow Edward so as to train some of them to handle passenger trains since the Railway mainly hauls goods traffic. I recommended Edward to go but as most of them are former military engines and designed for short term use it's taking the Tokyo Works a while to repair them."

"Which is why until they are repaired Edward will be doing the work and training the engines," Zuko added, "As for why Percy is here. He's going to be doing your duties while Sherwood Forester arrives and does Edward's for the duration of your visit. He's also ordering a new Steam Engine with Chain and Buffer Couplings that was designed specifically for Passenger Trains so as to take some of the weight off of Aiko and Daichi." Thomas and Edward nodded.

Zuko continued, "One more thing, Lieutenant General Zhao is in Japan and among most of the Arkeyan Influenced Dragons who still despise you two for disgracing Tender Engines across the world. Zhao despises you two the most as well as Percy. You both recall the fact he burned both your branchlines when my uncle Ozai was in town for 15 years in retaliation as well as having you two along with Percy banished for three years and the Fat Controller of the time suspended for three years because of it."

"Not to mention what he did to Haru and the Great Western as well and I don't even want to mention his wrath upon Equestria," The Fat Controller said, "According to my dad, Sir Charles Topham Hatt, Ozai was named the Crown Prince instead of Iroh by the then Arkeyan Sorcerer King, Attila in retaliation for Iroh agreeing with Edward and my grandfather the Original Sir Topham Hatt for saying Tender Engines do shunt."

Thomas Edward and Percy all shuddered as they remembered the horror of what life for them and the tank engines was like under the iron rule of Zuko's evil uncle Ozai as well as the Arkeyan Sorcerer King at the time.

"Which is why Celestia's student is doing all she can to find the current Crown Prince and convince him to undo some of bylaws written by his ancestors but enough about this. You've got work to do and you leave for Japan right away. Head to the docks. You both leave for Japan tonight." The Fat Controller instructed. Thomas and Edward nodded as they got the message and headed to the docks while Percy went to go do Thomas' work.

Meanwhile in Japan Mai and Mr. Shiba were already discussing the engines that the Fat Controller was loaning them.

"Mr. Shiba, I hope you know what you're doing by asking for Thomas and Edward," Mai said, "You do realize that Zhao is here and you know how treats Tank Engines and Tender Engines that do shunt, right?"

"I understand your concerns, Mai. Believe me. But I have no other choice. The Tokyo Works can only do so much even with the expanded space and equipment up to date." he explained.

"Then we better hope Zhao is not in one of his foul moods or we're gonna be in for it. You know how he feels about those who say that Tender Engines do shunt?" she reminded him. Mr. Shiba nodded at that before he got on Mai's back to go tell his fleet the news.

At the sheds, Hiro, Aiko, and the Imperial Dragon Railway Engine fleet were at the sheds waiting for news, "Is Chihiro going to be okay?" Aiko asked hopefully.

"Who is going to fill in for her while she's away?" Hiro asked.

"And does that mean I'll have to jump in on Passenger Trains with Chain and Buffer Couplings again?" Daichi wondered.

The other engines present all started firing off questions one at a time before Mai roared loudly, "Silence!" she saw the engines went silent, "Much Better. And to answer your first question. Chihiro will be back in service. Turns out she's ill and it'll take her a while to return. As for who is filling in Thomas is going to do Chihiro's work while she's away and for the Engines with chain and buffer couplings, Mr. Shiba and I know you were built to do goods trains and you have no experience in passengers so Edward is coming to teach you how to handle passengers."

The locomotives in question were worried but they heard that Edward was a good teacher and that he'd be able to help them out. Mai continued, "There's more good news. As you all know by now Aiko's wheels are starting to wear out from all the passenger services she's had to do. Even with Daichi and Hiro helping her out the work is getting too heavy for her alone."

"Which is why we're having two of Aiko's fellow Passenger Engines restored and ready for service soon. That'll take a lot of weight off of Aiko." Mr. Shiba put in. Mai and Mr. Shiba then left and while the other engines went to snooze Daichi, Hiro and Aiko shared a few last words.

"Why doesn't Mr. Shiba just let me train the chain and buffer engines or get Daichi to do it?" Aiko wondered, "I am a Japanese National Railway D51 Pacific after all and I'm great with coaches."

"Because, Aiko, while you may be good with coaches that have Knuckle couplings and the modern coaching stock that have dual couplings Mr. Shiba does not have a Passenger Engine that has Chain and Buffer Couplings yet." Hiro explained.

"And even though I'm a JNR DD51 Mai does not want to have to fit me with Chain and Buffers constantly just to handle the passengers even though I'm the fastest among us," Daichi added, "She and Mr. Shiba need my strength on the heavier coal trains since I am the strongest among us."

"Daichi is right," Hiro agreed, "Look, once Thomas and Edward arrive Edward can begin training the others on handling passengers while I go manage the goods work which will leave you free to get your Knuckle Couplings back Daichi."

"And so we don't have to hear you gripe about wearing Chain and Buffer Couplings." Aiko said. Daichi subsided into silence after that.

Next morning, Thomas and Edward were on board a cargo ship bound for Tokyo Japan. Their crews were also joining them on the ship as well as Edna herself. While the ship was still sailing Thomas and Edward decided to talk.

"So I have to ask, what is the Shiba Clan like?" Thomas asked Edward, who answered.

"The Shiba Clan is practical minded and they prefer the use of Steam Engines to Diesels since Steam Engines are easier to build for certain jobs such as Aiko's class the C51 for Passengers and Hiro's class the D51 for goods work. However unlike the Fat Controller, Mr. Shiba doesn't trust diesel engines."

"Really?" Thomas asked.

"I'm afraid so. That's why Daichi the resident DD51 is the only diesel on the Imperial Dragon Railway."

"Hopefully this Daichi isn't anything like Devious Diesel or his driver's daughter Camille was before the little ponies reformed Camille." Thomas hoped.

"Mai and Mr. Shiba did a full background and personality check on Daichi and he's a lot like me in terms of wisdom that is," Edward explained, "However Daichi doesn't like shunting duties since he's not built for it."

"Why am I not surprised?" Thomas asked rhetorically, "Most Tender Engines and Mainline Diesels don't. They say Tender Engines and Mainline diesels don't shunt and thanks to Ozai and the Arkeyans the motto has even spread to Japan and across the British Islands."

"It's such a shame that you and I as well as Percy suffered hard times during Ozai's 15 year stay in this world. However his visit dis have some upsides such as the LMS Railway's small engine policy being reversed since he was the one who suggested to the Chairman of the line to get William Stanier and make him Chief Mechanical Engineer."

"You do have a point, Edward," Thomas admitted, "Anyway, let's hope pirates don't attack us on this trip like they did to Chan and company when they were transporting the Golden Dragon to Hong Kong." Edward nodded remembering what the Chan Family had told him as the ship sailed onward to Tokyo.

Meanwhile in Tokyo, the locomotive fleet of the Imperial Dragon Railway were ready to start work. This time at the sheds with the fleet was a United States Army Transportation S100 Tank Engine painted in Dark Blue. This was Yang. Normally Yang resided at the Tokyo Works with his Sister Yin but due to Chihiro's illness Yang was assigned to work in the Yards till the substitute engine could arrive and since Yang was given Knuckle Couplings instead of Chain and Buffer Couplings like his sister Yin that would make the job easier on him.

"So what's going on?" Yang asked, "One minute I'm on shop detail with Yin the next she comes back with a sick Chihiro and then I'm told to come here. Aiko, Hiro, Daichi any answers? Nobody can say that I'm afraid of hard work but I'm wiped out from traveling all night."

"Mr. Shiba and Mai understand this. You're here to substitute for Chihiro and show her substitute around Sodor." Daichi explained.

"In the meantime our other guest is to train some of the engines with Chain and Buffer Couplings in pulling Coaches," Aiko added, "I'd do it myself but I've been swamped as of late with duties on the Mainline running Stopping Passenger Services between Tokyo and Kōbe."

"Believe me, Aiko, I know how you feel," Hiro admitted, "I'd gladly come and help you but I'm needed on goods work and Daichi is needed on the Coal Runs. Hopefully Edward can train some of the others and if push comes to shove he may have to do the work himself."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Aiko said, "The last thing Zhao needs to see is a K2 Class from the Furness Railway doing mainline work. You didn't forget he's here did you?"

"We didn't which is why Mr. Shiba's been getting one of your old pals ready to reenter service." Daichi said.

"Well, whatever it is we can handle it. We weren't hand chosen by Mai and her fellow dragons without a reason and recommended to the Shiba Clan for use on this railway." Yang noted.

"Yang, enough. Mai and Mr. Shiba are coming." Hiro said.

Sure enough Mai few in with Mr. Shiba on her back and landed in front of the sheds. Mr. Shiba got off of Mai's back before speaking, "Our guests are going to be coming by boat. We would've had them come by plane but we don't have a rail service link to the Airport yet."

"And with work in the yards getting heavier we're considering moving Chihiro to a Branchline and we're bringing in a new shunting engine to take her place in the yards," Mai explained, "However the new engine won't be ready for a while so for the time being so this will mean that Yang will be on his own for a while."

"I understand." Yang said.

The other engines retained their usual jobs but before they left Hiro had to speak, "What about Daichi, sir?"

"Daichi will be assisting Aiko on Passenger Runs," Mr. Shiba explained, "With the passenger services starting to increase Aiko will need all the help she can get."

"Yes sir." Daichi answered.

Later on, Yang was puffing into the station with some empty Coaches when he saw Aiko on the siding waiting for him, "You're late, Yang!" she snapped.

"Give me a break, Aiko. I'm used to working in the shops and working with Cars. Shunting Coaches was Yin's department not mine."

Aiko looked annoyed, "Just hurry up before the passengers complain. You do realize that I'll tell them it was your fault I'm late?"

Yang growled slightly as he arranged Aiko's coaches into place before the JNR C51 backed down onto them after Yang himself was uncoupled. Yang watched the train go before he went to go get Daichi's coaches.

The DD51 rolled in to see Yang already getting the coaches, "I'm sorry about this, Yang, but these are tough times. I just hope Hiro and the others can manage the goods work while I help Aiko." Daichi said.

"Don't worry about it, Daichi," Yang replied, "The others are tough they can manage. Now hurry up and get moving. You can't be kept waiting and neither can the passengers."

Daichi coupled up to his coaches and rolled away at once to make up for lost time. Yang then watched the train go before he shunted some cars into a siding and got some empty ones for Hiro's goods train to the Tokyo Works and when Hiro came in he could see Yang was tired out.

"Tiring day so far, Yang?" Hiro asked.

"It is. I won't deny that I enjoy getting out of the Tokyo Works every once in a while but this work is hard on my wheels. Even with the overhaul that the Tokyo Works gave me in 1946. Still I'm doing all I can though."

"Cheer up, Yang," Hiro began, "Once Thomas and Edward arrive from Sodor Thomas will help you in the Yards while Edward teaches our other War Department Engine how to pull Coaches in the event Aiko breaks down again and Daichi isn't able to fill in. Since I'm taking a goods train to the Tokyo Works want me to ask Yin anything?"

"Can ya ask her when Chihiro's gonna return and when that new engine is gonna come?"

"I'll ask her that right away, Yang." Hiro then backed down on his goods train and as soon as it was ready he puffed away. Fortunately these cars were equipped with dual couplings which allowed Hiro to pull them even though he had Chain and Buffer Couplings and it was also fortunate that Yang had shunted French Cars for him to work with. He was steaming along gently and when he got to the Tokyo Works he noticed it felt different without Yang around.

"Hiro, there you are. Just leave your trucks there and go on the turn table. I'll arrange them into place." A voice said.

"Glad to see you're still working to pick up the slack, Yin," he answered, "Even without your sibling Yang to help."

Yin was a Pink United States S100 Tank engine like Yang only she was painted in Pink and unlike her brother she had Chain and Buffer Couplings. Another thing about Yin was that she liked working with Coaches more than with trucks, "Yep and while I actually enjoy the quiet it's starting to get dull without him. So is there anything else I need to know?"

"Yang wants to know when Chihiro will return and he also wants to know when that new passenger will be ready?" Hiro inquired.

"Chihiro needs more repairs than we thought. She'll be in the workshop for quite a while. Seems that Crime Incorporated's Japanese Branch used a powerful acid to melt her fire bars and her cylinders. As for the new passenger engine we're nearly there but we'll need at least another week. Maybe less."

"I see. I'll go and tell him at once." Hiro said.

"One more thing, Hiro. I overheard some of the workmen say that Crime Incorporated has been strangely quiet and that the Dragon League of Eight is expecting the return of the Oni. I suggest you tell Mr. Shiba about this right away."

Hiro looked concerned, "Did you tell Mr Shiba or the Manager yet?"

"I told him and he senses it too. He told Mr. Shiba about it and he fears that the Oni will return. That's why Zhao's in town. Preparing to lead the charge against the Forces of Darkness." Hiro said nothing else as he was turned around on a turntable before taking a goods train back to the yards which Yin had already arranged for him.

For the next two days things had followed a steady routine with Yang picking up the Slack for Chihiro and the workshops working as fast as they could to get Chihiro back on her wheels, but what nobody knew was that when their guests arrived things would change in ways that nobody would expect and they would be bringing with them change that nobody had ever seen before.