Meeting Astro: Years Later

Chapter 4: Strange Sense of Humor/Astro Finds Out

The next morning, after taking the tent down, Toby went to Astro's house, and the two of them goofed around.

Toby sat down on a chair. "So, is there any girl in Metro City you like?" Toby asked him.

Astro smirked. "Yeah. The toaster," he joked.

That made Toby roll his eyes.

Astro smiled at him. "I'm serious! Don't tell your mother, but the toaster and I are planning to elope!" Astro joked again.

Toby burst out laughing. "You have a very strange sense of humor," said Toby.

Astro didn't protest. "Why, thank you," said Astro.

A random song got stuck in his head, and Astro couldn't help but tap his foot to the beat. Toby looked at him like he had no idea what he was doing.

Toby decided to start something. He started doing some dance moves.

Astro turned and gave him a suspicious glare. "Are you challenging me?" Astro asked him

Toby smirked. "Maaaayyyybbbee???" Toby said.

The two boys started their own dance competition. They danced around, having so much fun as they did.

Just then, Dr. Tenma came into the room. He stared at the two dancing boys.

The boys stopped dancing and stared back at him in embarrassment.

"Um . . . why are you dancing?" Dr. Tenma asked them.

Toby smiled at Astro. "Yeah, Astro! Why are you dancing?" Toby joked.

Astro raised an eyebrow and shrugged, like he was saying, 'Oh, brother!'

The next day, the sun was shining and the sky was a baby blue.

Toby had gone outside for a while to get some fresh air. Meanwhile, back at home, Astro was helping Dr. Tenma.

"Where's Toby?" someone asked behind them.

Astro turned around and saw Jack. "Um . . . he went outside about fifteen minutes ago. Don't worry. He's fine. Wait-you're Jack, aren't you?" Astro said.

Jack nodded his head. "Yeah," he said.

Astro gave him a curious glare. "Did Peyton come with you?" he asked him.

Jack stared at Astro. "He didn't tell you, did he?" Jack asked.

That made Astro look confused. "Didn't tell me what?" Astro asked.

Jack sighed. "Peyton . . . died while trying to save Toby thirteen years ago," said Jack.

Astro couldn't believe what he was hearing. He didn't want to believe it, either. "Oh, Toby," Astro whispered sadly.

It wasn't long before Toby came to the ministry. He came in with a smile. But when he saw Jack, the smile faded.

"Uh-oh," Toby muttered.

Jack hugged him. "I'm so glad you're okay! Where have you been? I looked everywhere for you!" Jack told him.

Toby looked at him. "I didn't know where else to go. I looked for you, but I couldn't find you," Toby explained.

Their hug ended. Jack gave Toby a smile. "I'm glad you're safe," he said.