The Truth Hurts

Based on Rosalina Knows by Anonymous Girl Gamer

(Takes place sometime after the events of Big World, Big Adventures)

It had been sometime since Thomas traveled around the world, all the engines were proud of his accomplishment, even Edward. One night, Thomas was sleeping over at Wellsworth Sheds, while Philip was undergoing maintenance at the Vicarstown Dieselworks. The two engines had suggested that they catch up on things; they hadn't spoken to each other in ages, and he was interested in hearing about what Edward had gotten up to since last time.

"So Thomas, I heard about your latest adventure," smiled Edward after all of the small talk. "Tell me all about it."

"Ah yes, it was fantastic! This time I went all over the world all thanks to Ace the racer, and my new friend Nia, and all of the places looked so nice!"

"Hmm, sounds interesting..."

"Yes, it was!"

"Yes... I've seen a lot of places around the world too... but only through the books my driver reads to me."

"Hmm."

"Anyway, I heard you got to rescue Nia before coming home."

"Ah yes," he shivered. "It was cool, of course, but it was a bit scary too. I mean, I was practically terrified, but Yong Bao came to help just in time." 

"Yes, yes."

"At least I could get home at the end... ah, I was planning to say thanks to Ace, but he, he betrayed me," he said, looking down sadly.

"Ace betrayed you? I didn't know that... I'm so sorry."

He smiled slightly. "Eh, it's fine, there's always next time!"

"If there's a next time..."

Thomas' eyes jerked upwards. He'd said it so quietly, he wasn't sure if he'd heard right.

"Huh?"

"You know... there mightn't be a next time."

"What do you mean? Are you saying I don't have the courage?"

"No no no, not that! Thomas... don't you know?"

He shook his head slowly.

"You don't know, do you?"

"Edward? Are you alright? Is it... is it about Ace? Is... is he plan on coming over here? Is that what you're saying?"

Edward sighed. "No, it's nothing to do with Ace."

"Ah, thank goodness, I thought..."

"No, I'm talking about something else. Thomas..."

"Yes?"

"Don't you know... don't you know that our lives are planned for us?"

"Huh?"

"There's a team of men and women Thomas. A team who lives in a different universe from us. They control who we are, what we do, what we say. Everything I'm saying now is planned - this is what I'm programmed to say. Because you and I Thomas you and I and everyone we know are fictional characters."

"W-what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that we're not real."

"But we are!"

"We're not. And I can prove it. Tell me Thomas, any one thing about your life as a young engine."

"Ah yes, I came to Sodor painted green..."