//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Heading to the first expo // Story: On the Run // by darkmage1997 //------------------------------// Two days passed since the mane six agreed to an expo adventure with Bowser Nate, and they were all standing on the train station platform, waiting for the train to arrive, "Alright everyone, do you have everything you need?" Bowser asked. "We double checked everything this morning," Twilight replied. "Rarity, we're not moving, so why do you need so much luggage?" Icezer asked the white unicorn. "Well, you never know what you might need, so it never hurts to be prepared," Rarity replied. The icy hero just rolled his eyes, as the train pulled into the station. "Next stop, Fillydelphia!" the conductor announced, as passengers exited and entered the train, one after another. "Well, that's us," Bowser said, as his party entered the train. Once they were all settled in, the train began making its way towards the city of Fillydelphia. After about an hour of riding the train, everyone was mingling with one another, as well as the crusaders, who were all meeting in private, "So, what do you want to talk to us about, Sweetie Belle?" Nyx asked. "Well, I don't want to sound mean, but, lately, Toby's been acting strangely," Sweetie Belle replied. This made the others gasp silently in worry. "What do you mean?" Dinky asked. "Well, the other day, we were out getting snacks, when..." Applebloom began, as everything went into a flashback. The next day, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were out and about with 'Toby', who they had no idea was really George Cunningham, "Alright Toby, what'd ya say we get some snacks for the trip?" Applebloom asked. "Uh, sure, yeah, Toby would love to do that," 'Toby' replied. The three fillies looked at him with questioning looks. "Are you feeling alright?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Of course! I've never felt better in my life!" 'Toby' replied. The crusaders gave each other unsure looks to one another, but shrugged it off as nothing, as they walked along to the store. "Ok, so what would you like as far as snacks?" Scootaloo asked. "Hmm, probably going to go with some chips," 'Toby' replied, as he picked up a bag of potato chips, as the crusaders got their snacks as well. "Ah heard that Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara are coming along with us. You excited about it?" Applebloom asked 'Toby'. "Uh, yeah, I am," 'Toby' replied, as they walked through the store, picking out snack items, 'Ugh, these moronic fools are really taxing on my patience,' he thought to himself. "HI girls! Hi Toby!" all of a sudden, a green blur just ran up to the four, to reveal Lyra. 'Toby' gasped out of shock, "What's up?" she asked. "We're just getting some snacks for a road trip we're taking," Sweetie Belle replied. "Really? What type of trip?" Lyra asked. "A traveling expo. According to Mr. Nate, there's going to be all sorts of cool exhibits!" Scootaloo replied. "That sounds amazing!" Lyra commented. "Its bound to be," 'Toby' replied. "Well, I guess I'll leave you guys to it," Lyra said, as she walked away. "She seems friendly," 'Toby' said. "What're you talking about little brother? You know Lyra," Scootaloo said, giving 'Toby' a questioning look. "Uh, yeah, never mind what I said," 'Toby' replied. "Are you sure you're going to be alright going on this trip with us?" Applebloom asked. "It is nothing to worry about. I will be fine," 'Toby' replied. "Ok, as long as you're sure," Sweetie Belle commented, unsure if 'Toby' would be alright. "So? Just because Toby gasped at Lyra doesn't mean he's not acting strange. Maybe she caught him by surprise," Kelly commented. "Well, that's was only the start," Scootaloo said. After checking out of the store, the crusaders, along with 'Toby' were making there way to Sugarcube corner to drop off their snacks with Pinkie Pie. Along the way, 'Toby' heard very loud music playing, "Where is that music coming from?" he asked. "Probably Viynal Scratch, playing her music at a loud volume again," Sweetie Belle replied. "Well, must she be so loud?" 'Toby' asked. "Well, its the way she plays her rave music. A lot of ponies love her music that way," Scootaloo replied. "Ah, ok," 'Toby' replied, as they rounded the corner, and saw Viynal giving a street performance with her turntables, "Uh, do you think we can take another route to Sugarcube Corner? This music is starting to hurt my ears," 'Toby' asked. "But, I thought you loved her music like this?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I do, but the music is starting to make my ears ring," 'Toby' half lied. "Hmm, well, maybe if we take the southern route, we can take a quieter route," Scootaloo said, as the four walked away. "Well, maybe Toby gets headaches from hearing music at loud volumes," Diamond Tiara theorized. "Can't be, Toby loves playing the piano, which makes somewhat loud music," Crystal interjected. "But its when we got to Sugarcube Corner when Toby acted the strangest," Sweetie Belle commented. After making their way along the southern route, the four finally arrived at Sugarcube Corner, "Alrighty then, here we are," Applebloom said, as they entered the bakery, where Pinkie was bouncing around, helping with any last minute jobs the Cakes had to offer. "Hi girls, hi Toby!" Pinkie said, as she kept bouncing from place to place. 'Where does this moron get all that energy?' 'Toby' thought to himself. "Hey Pinkie. We came by to drop off the snacks we got," Applebloom said, as the four gave their snacks to the pink mare. "Alrighty then, I'll give these back to you as soon as we're on the road! Or in this case, if we're riding a train, I should've said 'As soon as we're on the train', but it just doesn't sound the same," Pinkie said, as the door opened to reveal Silver, along with Ditzy. "Hey Silver, Mrs. Hooves," Sweetie Belle said, as she hugged Silvers leg. "Hey Sweets," Silver said, as he scratched Sweetie Belle behind her ears. "So, what'll it be guys?" Pinkie asked the two. "I'll have the usual," Ditzy replied. "And I'll just have a doughnut," Silver added. "Coming right up," Pinkie said, as she grabbed the requested pastries. The gray mare and psychic teen gave Pinkie two gold bits each, and took their pastries. But as soon as Ditzy took her muffin, she lost her grip on it, and it fell to the floor. Feeling compelled to help her, Silver bent down to pick up the muffin, and gave it back to the mare, after brushing it off. "Thank you Silver," Ditzy said. "No problem, Mrs. Hooves," Silver said, as he walked over to an empty seat, and ate away ate his doughnut. "But why help her when the muffin was hers?" 'Toby' asked. "Silly willy, its common courtesy to help others," Pinkie replied, as the crusaders gave 'Toby' curious looks. "Well, that is rather peculiar, but maybe its the magic that was in his body when he fought Tirek," Dinky theorized. "Yeah, I guess you're right. We were just overreacting," Sweetie Belle said, as the train came to a stop. "Wow, these train rides are getting shorter and shorter," Nyx commented, as they all got off the train.