//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Dragon Breath Chili // Story: The Day that Life Spiked my Punch // by rathgood //------------------------------// Chapter 4: Dragon Breath Chili I'll spare you the details of the call, but lets just say that it wasn't fun. But after going over the events of the past few days with both her and my father and letting the two of them air any issues they had, we came to an agreement. Both of them agreed, that with the circumstances present, I did the right thing. That said, Thanksgiving was going to be at my house this year. Yeah, nice of them to change the plans three weeks before hand. Hopefully it doesn't ruin any of the rest of my family's travel plans. At least I got the registration information. Hanging up the phone I sigh, speaking to myself. "Well, that went better than expected. I'd thought the both of them would've been ready to hop the next plane here. Glad I could buy some time. Walking back from my office to the family room where Spike was I get his attention with a tap to the shoulder, breaking him out of his reading. "Hey Spike, we'll be having company in a few weeks. My parents and siblings will be in town for the holiday." "Holiday? Like Hearths Warming Eve?" "Uh, no idea about that one, but its called Thanksgiving, and its a celebration for a good harvest. It should be in one of the text books I gave you. With it coming up, you should probably make sure to read up on it." With experience garnered from a helping Twilight with research, the young man quickly located the chapter on the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. "Gotcha, I'll read this and let you know if I have any questions." "Now don't stay up to late reading those books. I'll be in my office working, but will poke my head back out in a few hours to get you to bed." A non committal "harumph" from him is all I get, so with that I let Spike get back to his reading. I myself had to get to paying the ever looming bills and doing the other things a responsible adult is supposed to do. In short order, mostly due to online bill payment, I vanquish the enemy for this month. I spend the next few hours surfing the internet, playing my current computer game of choice, and checking up on Spike. Then, at around 10 pm, as I had done each night since the first, I got Spike to put the book down, clean up, and go to bed. My parents had made sure I followed a similar nightly habit growing up (not that such a habit had survived college), so I made sure he began to form a similar one. Now, with him in bed, I get some more game time in. Shortly I head to bed myself, thoughts of holiday stresses dancing through my head. ------------------- The morning came with its usual blaring annoyances which was shortly followed by my exhausted frame smacking the alarm and setting the snooze for an hour. Through the years I had found that waking up early and going back to sleep did wonders for my alertness in the morning. An hour later the demonic alarm fired again and begrudginly I got up and got ready for the day. Spike, as had happened since that second morning, was already awake and happily munching on a bowl of Lucky Charms. A few slices of buttered toast, the newspaper, and a cup of coffee sat in front of one of the other chairs, waiting for me. I guess he was worth having around, a guy could get used to waking up with breakfast already made each morning. "Morning kid, thanks for the breakfast, a guy could get spoiled by this." I chuckle slightly after saying that and sit down. "Its no problem. I'm just glad to help." A bit of melancholy enters his voice as he continues. "I used to do this every morning for Twilight anyways, so it just feels.....right. Its this little bit of normalcy that keeps me from breaking down completely. Ya know what I mean?" Putting my hand on his shoulder I shake my head, "I actually don't have any idea of what you might be going through, however I do know everyone has their ways of coping with things. If making breakfast helps you, then by all means keep doing it. If theres anything I can do to help or anything that you want to do to help yourself, let me know okay?" "Thanks, I appreciate that. The reading helps, makes me think of all of the days spent just reading at the Golden Oaks Library. There is one thing that I've wanted to do. You said that your family is coming correct?" "Yeah, in about three weeks or so, why?" "If thats the case, would you mind if...I...Um...cleaned the house?" Almost choking on my toast at the thought of someone his age enjoying and wanting to clean I cough some. "Sure, if thats what you want." A smile graces his face. "Cool! This place is so dusty. Twilight would have never let the library get this way. I even think theres a breeding population of dust bunnies under my bed!" I can't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. Soon his laughs join my own. Its the first real laugh I've gotten out of him since this all started. After a few minutes of mirth, I look at my watch, its time to head out. "Spike, finish up, we've got to go. I need to talk to Mrs. Smith after dropping you off and then swing by the school board office before heading to work." "Gotcha. Can I bring the textbooks with me? They really don't have anything worth reading there." "Sure, whatever floats your boat. Just put them in that old messenger bag I gave you. They'll be easier to carry that way." And with that we're out the door and into the car. Both of us remain silent except for the occasional groan in reaction to the radio morning shows that seem to replace music at this time of day. -------------- Dropping Spike off at the day program I swing by Mrs. Smith's office. Knocking on the door, she looks up from some paperwork and beckons me to enter. I guess the benefits of a glass door is that she'll always know who's there or passing by, even with it closed. Opening the door I step in, close it and take an offered seat. "Oh Drew, how can I help you this fine morning?" "Well, its about getting Spike registered for school. I talked with some people yesterday and the local district requires all students have a last name. As you know, Spike doesn't remember his, which in this case is a problem. I talked with him last night and we are wondering if it would be possible to use a temporary last name until he remembers his real one." She says nothing, looking me over like a hawk would a rabbit. Slowly she turns around, opens the filing cabinet, and retrieves a folder. Setting it down on her desk, she opens it and after what feels like hours, looks at me with that same analyzing look. Inwardly I wonder if broke some sort of unwritten foster rule. I gulp. Slowly she opens her mouth and....smiles. "That should work fine dearie. Its a common enough occurrence around here where a child won't or can't give their last name, that we have a procedure for it. Normally we use a stock last name like "Smith" or "Johnson", but in some cases we let the foster parent and the child decide on one. From the look on your face I believe you would fall into the latter category. Would I be correct?" I relax and nod my head. Its like she can read me like a book. My entire thoughts laid bare before her. Its rather unsettling. "That would be correct mam. We talked last night and would like to use McDreugan." "McDreugan? Where did you come up with such a unique name?" "As the paperwork mentions, I found him wearing a dragon costume and he has a fondness for the mythical creature. With that in mind, I thought of different foreign words for Dragon and we settled on Scottish "Dreugan". So, taking the next logical step we added on the more standard "Mc" prefix. Will this work?" She sits there thinking for a little bit, staring at the paper in front of her, her pen dangling from her hand. "That will work fine. Now I have one question for you. How do you spell McDreugan?" I chuckle and spell it out for her. "I'm glad that worked out well, now for the second reason I'm here. I need..." She interrupts me with a raised hand. Her other hand passes me some paperwork. "Form 82-A containing the child’s full name, approximate age, gender, hair color, eye color, height, and grade level tested into all with the signed and dated endorsement of the primary government assigned agent? Here you go. I filled it out yesterday and just needed to add the last name. If you hadn't stopped by I would have used one of the stock names and sent it home with dear Spike." How does she do that......I smile and nod. "Thank you, that’s exactly what I needed." I take the offered paper and place it into the bag I had with me. Looking at my watch I see that I'm still a few minutes ahead of schedule. But I should be off to allow for any traffic or delays. I begin to speak, but once again she talks before I can. "You best be going now. I bet you need to get that paperwork all filed with the School Board so that Spike can start attending school next week. Take care and know that you're always welcome to come by for any advice or just to talk." Her sweet smile never wavers. Once again I wonder how she does that. Excusing myself I leave her office, clsoing the door after myself. With that, I head out to the board office. ------------ Massaging my right hand I look at the clock, was that only 20 minutes? "So much freaking paperwork. I swear I signed three or four dozen sheets of paper. Why do our schools have to be such a bureaucratic nightmare?" All of this is said to my car, which I do not expect to respond. Grumbling to myself I massage my cramping hand one more time and begin the drive to work. Thankfully, unlike the previous day there are no fires to put out. This leads to the day passing quickly. It would have been great, had it not been for the 50+ work orders I had to sign. My hand was ready to fall off by the end of the day. Once again I find myself massaging it before I head over to grab Spike. "I think I might need to tap into my emergency bourbon when I get home". The only response from the car is the steady beeping of the seatbelt alert. ---------- A short time later we were back home and some time after that dinner was on the table. Spike himself wash washing up after having given my house the dusting of its life. Where he had found and why he was wearing one of my mother’s old frilled aprons I'll never know. But it seemed to make him happy so I didn't bring it up. I waited for Spike to sit down before I did, a habit my father himself had, waiting for the others to be seated before he sat down. Finally seated, the meal began. "So Spike, how was your day? Make any friends or did you just spend the day reading the textbooks?" "I'm the oldest there, most are just foa....young children." he says, catching himself. Its good to see he's adapting to the non-equine naming convention. "I spent most of the day reading, but also helped out the service workers to take care of the young ones. It was nice." "You really seem to enjoy helping out around the house and, just helping people in general. Its very admirable." "Thanks, I guess it comes from being Twilight's number one assistant. She has a lot of very important work for the Princess so she needs a helping claw...err hand...around the library, so I just got into the habit of cooking and cleaning to make her work easier. Even here, I can't seem to break the habit." chuckling I respond, "Not that I mind much." He laughs back. "I bet you don't. How did you live in such a messy place? I've seen your desk. How the hay can you find anything there, let alone the surface?" I feign being insulted. "Its organized chaos. I know where everything is in relation to everything else. Its a system that works for me. Don't knock it until you've tried it." "I guess I can see that, just like" Then with a very wistful and lovestruck look on his face he continues. "Rarity.....she keeps her sewing room in a similar state, but still knows where everything is." His eyes glass over as if caught in his own little fantasy world. I smirk and decide to press the issue. "Looks like little Spike has a crush on someone. So, who's this Rarity you speak of hmm?" "C...Crush? Me? On Rarity? I don......" Breaking down he sighs, "Is it that obvious?" "I've known you for less than a week and its as clear as day to me from how you just spoke about her. So, yes, its obvious. So, whats she like?" "She a generous, gorgeous unicorn mare. Her pristine white coat, glowing purple mane, and those blue eyes that you can just get lost in.....She's perfect..." catching himself from going back into another day dream, he continues. "Still her looks are overshadowed by her personality. She's like a goddess." I interrupt his gushing with a raised hand. "You really have it bad for her eh?" "Yeeeeeeah" "Well, hate to break it to you kid but you'd best not try to romance an equine while you're here. Not only aren't they sentient like in your world, but its generally considered taboo, and downright illegal (well in 22 of the 50 states at least). Maybe you'll find a 'Rarity' here once you start school." The joking nature of my comment keeps him from being to offended, though he plays it up like an expert. The rest of the night passes with minor interaction. Mostly him asking me a few questions about history and myself looking up the answers online (not that I'll admit that to him). The next few days pass in a similar manner. We're in a very nice habit and Spike's starting to open up more. He even tried some meat and liked it. Mind you it was turkey, which like here is a non-sentient animal where he comes from. Glad I can add meat back to the dinner menu. That aside, I think the reality has hit him and he's just trying to make the best of it. I respect that. ---------------- Finally Friday arrives and with it his retest in social studies. With as much reading as he's done over the past few days, I don't doubt he'll get an acceptable score and not be put into a remedial program. From the smile on his face when I pick him up, I'd say that I was right. "So, not that it looks I need to ask, but how'd the retest go?" "It went great! Everything was so easy! I even got many of the higher level questions. The examiner was floored and pleased. She said that she knew I could do it if I didn't goof off. I can't believe I remembered all those things. I guess some of Twilight's habits rubbed off on me." He laughs and I join in. Its a very mirthful car ride back home. ---------- An hour or two later I call Spike into the kitchen, ready to show him my masterpiece. "Spike, in honor of you passing the test and of your impending days of school. I have made my (in)famous turkey chili!" With a flourish I remove the lid from the pot to reveal the bubbling brew. Its a 'well seasoned' version of the more standard turkey chili. Loaded with curry powder, chili powder, garlic, onions, tabasco, Sriracha, and other spices. The flavor sticks to your tongue letting you savor every moment of it. Well, for me at least. Most can't stomach it, but I suspect Spike can. He takes a tentative sniff of it and his smile broadens. "It smells delicious. Almost like a fire ruby come to think of it". Once again his mind wanders, no doubt dealing with a fire ruby, whatever that was. "I can't wait to try some!" "Fair warning, its rather spicy so if you can't take it let me know." Pointing at another pot on the stove, " I made a smaller pot of it that’s not so heavily seasoned incase you can't take the heat." Scoffing at my offer he strikes back. "I've gargled lava, there’s nothing to hot for a dragon!" As if to emphasize that he sticks out his chest and thumps it triumphantly. Shrugging, I go ahead and serve the steaming chili into two bowls, placing a glass of milk by his and a mug of coffee by my own. "Well, eat up." And with that I take my first spoonful of the dish and, after swishing it around my mouth and swallowing, decide that its not spicy enough. Reaching for the curry powder, I add another few dashes. That should do. To his credit, Spike digs into the chili with abandon, seemingly unaffected by the heat. Maybe I made it to weak....hmmm..... Shortly we're both on a second bowl. "This stuff is AWESOME!!!!!!" a very excited Spike exclaims. "I'm glad you think so. A lot of people think its to spicy." "This? This was just right. All of the other stuff has been kind of bland, I just didn't want to hurt your feelings." he says sheepishly. Had I known he could take the heat, I'd have returned to my normal spicing sooner. Things have been way to bland recently. "Well, I guess I'll have to spice things up from now on. But let me know if you're not feeling well. I'd hate for all that spice to kick in later." We both laugh, that is until an uncomfortable look comes across his face and his cheeks bulge. Crap, its looks like he's about to throw up. I lunge for a garbage can, not expecting there to be enough time to get him to a bathroom. His eyes change, as if its familiar to him. With a wave of his hands he assures me the cans not needed. I'm skeptical, but with a mighty exhale its not the chili that comes out, but green fire and a scroll. I have to say, in a decade of making this chili, I've seen plenty of reactions. Including people say it felt like they could spit fire, but I've never actually seen someone actually do it before. 'What the hell was that? Are you okay? I've never seen anyone actually spit fire before." A little shocked, but okay he responds. "I'm fine, that happens all the time, or at least it used to. Its a letter from the Princess!" he says with a hopeful look in his eyes. "You mean the Sun Princess you told me about? If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I'd have never believed it. So, open it up. I'm curious what it says. If they managed to send you a letter, then maybe they know how to get you home." With hopeful trepidation he breaks the seal and with practiced ease recites the contents of the letter. Dear Spike, I hope this letter reaches you where ever or whenever you are. I combined my magic with that of both Princess Luna and Princess Celestia to send this one. All of the others just returned to your bed at the tree house. If you're reading this then it worked. I'm so sorry for what happened. I never expected my element of magic to activate when I drunkenly tried to teleport you to bed. I'm here in Canterlot, with Princess Celestia who is helping me to try and find a way to get to you. Oh my number one assistant I hope that you're being taken care of. I can't stand not knowing what happened. I've not been able to sleep well the past few nights and the girls are all worried sick. We all love you so much. I swear on the elements and to Celestia that I will find a way to bring you home. Even if it takes the rest of my life I will bring you back to where you belong. Back to your family. - Love Twilight Sparkle The letter flutters to the table abandoned, a stunned look on my face. This single piece of paper just confirmed his entire story. The only sound that can be heard is the wracked sobs of a lost child. The tears of someone who had resisted letting them show for to long. I don't move to comfort him, I know nothing I could say will make the pain go away. Sometimes you just need to cry, so I let him. For the rest of the night all one could hear in the house are the sounds of Spike's crying. The only interruption being a single word, uttered with pain, love, longing, and sorrow. "Twilight......"