The day had come for him to finally leave Robot City and head off to Fandom City in Alternate Universe. When he had seen the ad of Motherboard Centennial Academy, he just knew this was his call. The excitement on his face when he learned a little bit about the school was evident when he asked his parents to help him raise bolts for his tuition.

He could meet new faces, learn new things... this was going to be a great experience for him. He looked over to his mother, father, Fender and Cappie who had followed him to the train station so they could see him off. The train was arriving in five minutes. That should be enough time for him to say his goodbyes.

He didn't know about his mother. It looked like she wanted more than five minutes to see him off. He knew she didn't want him to go.

If he had a heart, it would be racing and drumming against his chest really hard. This wasn't his first time traveling away from home; there wasn't anything different.

The only thing that made this experience different was the fact that he was leaving his best friend and girlfriend behind. It wasn't something he did often. If they still couldn't go along, he was still close enough to visit. He wanted to take his inventing skills to the next level and Motherboard Centennial Academy was just the place.

"Are you sure you want to do this, son?" His mother asked. She cupped his face in her metal hands. Her eyes began oiling up.

"I do," Rodney answered with confidence. "This isn't the first time I'm traveling out mom, you know that. You shouldn't be oiling up!"

"I know, honey, I know," she pressed a hand to her eyes. "It's just that it's farther away this time! You'll be in a whole new world!"

"Yeah, son," His father piped up. "Alternate Universe is far away. Are you sure that you're sure?"

The more they added emphasis on the word 'far', the more he was getting slightly irritated. He understood their worry but he just needed them to see he was capable of handling himself.

"For the last time, yes," Rodney nodded.

His parent wanted him to backtrack and tell them he wasn't ready. He couldn't back out now. One, he couldn't get his refund for his seats. Two, they had already paid for his tuition for his first year.

Rodney looked at Fender. He couldn't believe it was two years since he knew him. Fender was the very first robot he's met and he stood by him. Fender pulled him close and gave him a tight hug.

"I'll miss you so much, bud!" Fender said. He was trying hard not to oil up either. If he had the currency, he would take the time to visit him but his job doesn't have insurance or all that other stuff. "There is never a dull moment around you! I'm sure you'll make nice friends at that school!"

"You have a good time, okay?" Cappie smiled as Fender let him go. She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. "Don't forget to keep in contact. I believe in you, Rodney."

"I will always have a special place in my system for you," Rodney leaned over and pecked her on her cheek. "And don't worry. I'll shout you on Botbook. If not, it's because I'm doing homework or I'm pulling an all-nighter."

"I understand," Cappie said. "Work hard and never give up, okay? You'll impress everyone with your inventions."

The train whistle blared in the distance, announcing its arrival. His mother only wailed louder as the train got closer. Rodney raised his hands to calm her down as she began to draw attention to them. He sighed shaking his head.

"Mom, please! I'm a grown bot!" he reassured. "There is no need for you to cry!"

"I know but you're my only son!" She buried her face into her husband's chest. "And you'll be so far away and gone for so long!"

"Mom," he called in a warning tone as the train slowed to a stop. She glided over to her son and gave him a long, tight hug.

"I have to go. I'll try to call you every night!" Rodney said as he struggled to get out of her grip.

"Do you promise?" she cried. At this point, she was unwilling to let him go.

His father did his best to convince her to let him go and that he would be fine - even though he was feeling anxious about letting his son go away so far.

"Yes, mother, I promise!" Rodney sighed.

"Don't forget!" His mother warned.

"Mom, I don't want to lose the good seats!" Rodney grumbled. "Come on, now. Let me go!"

His mother reluctantly lets him go and he picked up his suitcase. Rodney handed it to a train attendant, who greeted him with a toothy smile.

"Thank you for choosing Unirail, where the worlds are connected as one!" He grinned.

He took Rodney's bags and placed them in the trunk of the train. Rodney kept the two bags that were essential for his entertainment needs.

The attendant led him on the train and Rodney was given his own cabinet to sit in. There were four bunk beds drilled to each side of the room. A small table was near the window with a few chairs. Rodney turned the chair around. He looked out and waved to his loved ones. In truth, he was scared to go off alone all the way to Alternate Universe. He had the mind to run off and go back home but this was what he needed.

It took a while for the train to get loaded. There were lots of bots of all shapes and sizes traveling out with him to the same place. He was accompanied by two elderly robots and an overweight bot.

"Honey, you take the lower bunk under him," she pointed to the bigger bot. "I'll stay underneath the nice young man."

She smiled at Rodney. Her husband grunted and pointed his cane at him.

"Don't you dare make googly eyes at m' wife, y'hear?!"

"Oh, Carl," She frowned. "You stop that!"

"My name's Franky," the fat bot spoke up. His voice was smoky and deep. "I'll take the lower bunk. Who knows how sturdy these beds are."

This will be great... Rodney thought bitterly.

As soon as the doors slid shut, he swallowed thickly. He looked out waving once more.

"Thank you for boarding Unirail!" The female attendant began over the PA system. "I will go over the emergency procedures in case anything was to happen while we are traveling..."

Rodney seemed to zone out once the attendant began speaking. Everything and everyone around him faded. It was silent as he looked at Cappie. She had a small smile on her face; she twiddled her fingers before blowing him a kiss. She tapped her watch, indicating she was going to be late for work. Rodney gave her a nod and she walked off.

"...Rest assured that everything is in tip top order. We are now going to be moving. Enjoy the ride and if you need anything do not be afraid to tell one of the other attendants."

Rodney gave one last wave as the train blew its whistle. His mother blew him a kiss and the train moved off.