//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 - First Contact 
// Story: That Mango Scented Mare 
// by lavsunrise 
//------------------------------//

	On the day of Rails's arrival, Mango hardly got any sleep. One part was because she was excited to finally meet this internet pony friend she's been friends with for years by now, and also nervous over how he's going to perceive her. Online ponysonas' one thing but offline was where the real deal were at.  The other part, however, was a much more real reason: Rails arrives early in the morning. Obviously, Mango didn't want to leave Rails hanging out alone at Ponnsylvania Station, lost and unable to find familar faces around him. Therefore, like any good friend, she wanted to be there early to pick him up as soon as he steps into the arrival hall.

Needless to say, she was feeling really tired and sleepy that morning. Then again, she didn't have school to deal with, not that she gave too much of a mind to that. Since the train arrives real early, she even had to take a cab to get to the station. Fortunately for her, the cab pony wasn't too grumpy like all the others in busy New Trot City. He was nice enough to engage Mango in a small talk on the way, which she appreciated because that kept her from falling asleep. They arrived slightly earlier than planned too, so Mango tipped the cab pony upon arrival at the train station, as she felt that he deserved it. 

Ponn Station, Mango thought as she looked up at the sign. Been a while since I've been here, looks like it hasn't changed much, she inspected her surroundings. At this point, a luring smell of a nearby hot dog stand started to tickle her nostrils.

"Grumble," went Mango's belly.

Not now, Mango rolled her eyes at her inablilty to contain her hunger. In her haste to get out of the house, she's forgotted to pack food and spare change, so she's left with a $100 bill, which is her weekly allowence that she allocated to herself. There's no way that hot dog stand is going to break that up into smaller change this early in the day. Besides, in about 20 minutes' time, Rails was going to arrive. Maybe he's got something from the bistro car that he could share with Mango, or that they could have breakfast together in a fast food place or something.

With that thought in mind, Mango strided into the train station.

"I don't think Rails had any Wi-Fi on that train." Mango wondered out aloud, glancing at her phone that was showing a chain of private messages she send to the earth pony on Neighsayer. 

It was a minute till arrival and she could practically hear the train rolling into the station tunnels. As jumpy as she is, Mango had to try to stay calm to not appear like a total weirdo in front of so many strangers in the chaotic station. There were ponies everywhere, rushing to get in line, buying snacks and drinks from the vending machines, going to the bathroom and purchasing tickets at the various counters. She was having a hard time keeping track of where everypony was going that she dazed out a few moments prior.

As if on cue, the public announce system garbled into action.

"Passenger train 2091 from Fillydelphia is now entering the station. All passengers bound for Fillydelphia, please wait for other passengers to alight the train before boarding. Our porters will be there to guide you through the boarding process."

Mango shook in her seat in excitement. She took out a piece of cardboard sign that she prepared, at night when she couldn't sleep, that read: "Welcome to New Trot City, Rails", and proceeded to the "Arrivals" gate. She held up the sign up gingerly.

I really need to go out more, she thought to herself. I'm way too shy for this kind of stuff.

As the passengers streamed out of the gate, Mango got more and more nervous by the second. What if Rails doesn't like the way she looks? What if he doesn't like her mane? What if he thinks she's too much of an edgy OC? Then again, she's not red and black, so she's at least somewhat saf-

"Hey Mango!!!" Rails shouted into Mango's ear and nearly scared her into falling over. Fortunately, Rails managed to catch her just before she hit the cold concrete floor.

"WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR?!" Mango complained loudly, still being held by Rails.

"It's not my fault that you didn't hear the prevous two times I called out to you." Rails shrugged, and then looked around.

"This is an awkward situation for the both of us, don'tcha think?" Rails winked.

"No you," Mango blushed slightly, totally unintentionally. She got back on her hooves hastily.

"Grumble" went Mango's belly again, louder this time.

"Ugh... Excuse me... Do you have anything that's edible, Rails? I mean, we could eat at nearby joints as well..." Mango aked, embarassed as well.

"I do have half a hay sandwich that you could have, I don't want you to faint before we even reach the nearest food place!" Rails quipped while handing Mango the sandwich box.

Therefore, Mango chomped down the hay sandwich in between a conversation with Rails on the way to the nearest McHoovies for a fix of Hayburgers and Straws. It sure was kind of an exciting morning. It's not everyday that Mango went to the train station to pick somepony up. Still, there's much more in store for the two ponies.