[MLP] Roleplaying is Magic IC: The Broken Road.

[BlasTech]

"WAAHHH HOOO-oooh sorry" the unicorn cut off mid-cheer as he bounded in the door to the waiting room, followed by a veritable constellation of tofu dogs orbiting him in a haze of golden magic. Luckily, the two foals were too tired to do more than roll over and yawn.

"Oh hey, you got the kids back, awesome!" he continued, slightly more quietly, as he strode amongst the party, doling out tofu dogs to everyone he passed. "This calls for celebratory tofu dogs! Good thing I have a dozen right here, eh?"

The two adult Cakes shared an uncertain glance, worried at the effect that combining cupcakes and tofu dogs in a single meal might have on their stomachs. Fortunately, the opportunity for culinary experimentation was interrupted by the sound of the station loudspeaker crackling to life.

"Attention, attention. Train services will be resuming shortly. All passengers please make your way to the platform for boarding. Canterlot Rail apologises for any inconvenience caused."

"Oh my, I suppose you'd best be going." Said Mr Cake, simultaneously relieved at the distraction and worried that the babies might wake up again. "Wouldn't want you to miss your train after everything else that's happened today."

"Oh yes dearies, thank you again." said Mrs Cake. "Do pay us a visit if you're ever in Ponyville."

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In comparison with the deserted interior of the train station, the platform was awash with activity. Engineers clambered over the engine and cab, checking that everything was in working order, while station staff were patrolling the carriages to ensure that everything was in pristine shape for the journey.

The engine itself was large and black; one of the older dual-propulsion models which meant that, while it ran on coal, it also had attachment points for the engineers to hitch on to if they wanted to run the train themselves. For now though, the fire was stoked and smoke billowed from the chimmney. A cloud of steam blanketed the platform, giving the entire area a slightly damp but energetic feel, particularly when coupled with the almost bestial hissing of the engine as it built up pressure.

Down the far end of the platform, and flanked by an entourage of pegasi guards, the two gryphons from earlier could be seen boarding a private car. Apart from this custom caboose, the rest of the train was relatively standard fare for a long distance journey - the wooden cars included the full variety of specialised carriages; lounge, sleeping, dining, baggage and so on.

Given how quiet patronage was today, there was little purpose in enforcing reserved seating as there was plenty of space in the train for passengers to pick from.

Standing down the front of the train, the grey-coated station master checked his watch before giving a very professional hollering.

"All aboard!!"