Chapter 2
Spike Versus The Machine
Students gathered around in the cafeteria watching Spike and Gizmo playing chess. Mr. Discord and the three main principals watch them played as well: Celestial, Luna, and Chrysalis. Each turn they made last for two seconds. Comet and Pipsqueak watches them played as they talked.
"So what's going on?" Pipsqueak asked.
"Don't you read the school newspapers," Comet said to him. "Spike is playing against Gizmo for the school class chess championship."
"Since when did you become so interested in Chess?"
"I find it strangely in stimulating," Comet said watching Spike stopping the clock. "That's my favorite part."
These two are my best friends; Comet and Pipsqueak. The two get along just fine. We always make a good team together when we're in a tight spot. And the principal are Celestial and Luna. The two are sisters, always making the school from right to wrong.
"Come on, Stuart Little, what you got?" Gizmo said making his move. He wore a white sleeve with a black bowtie. He has pens in his shirt pocket and his black pants up to his waist.
"I got your rook," Spike made his move by taking his piece and stop the clock.
""Being a trickster, huh?" Gizmo snorted as he pushes his glasses up. He made his move. "I got Yu-Gi-Oh! older than you."
"I can see why you're dateless," Spike made his combat as he finished his move.
Comet went up to Pipsqueak and Comet seeing what was happening.
"My money is on Spike, he's like a knight ready for battle," Comet said.
"You don't know anything about betting chess," Dash said to him. "I'm going with the nerd."
"I got gummy bears if Spike wins," Comet held his snack up.
"Fine, I got Cheetos if the geek wins," Dash held her snack up.
"Can I get in this action?" Featherweight asked.
"Sure, what you got?" Comet asked.
"An apple," he answered.
"Pfft!" both Comet and Comet said.
Back at the game, Spike and Gizmo was almost finished.
"I feel sorry for you, losing big, so young," Gizmo said.
"And I feel sorry for your queen," Spike said asking his checkmate. "Better luck next time, Bad Luck Brian. Checkmate!"
"We have a winner!" Principal Celestial announced as the students cheered.
"Suck it," Comet said to Dash as she hands him her snack.
"Alright, students, thanks for supporting Gizmo and Spike," Mr. Discord said. "And for that, I have a little surprise for you."
"We already know about your divorce," Pipsqueak said hiding his face.
"We're working things out!" Discord shouted as he calms back down. "A computer and their chess playing computer will be visiting our school to play the chess championship with our little student Spike."
The students applaud for the little hero.
"If a player can last twenty moves against the computer, he will win for his or her ten thousand dollars for new computers!" Luna announced seeing everyone quiet. "Did I mention it comes with games?"
The student cheered chanting Spike's name.
"Now, Spike, my cutest student," Chrysalis said to him. "Are you going to bring us home from the computer?"
"Once I get done with the computer champion, he'll be turned into a copying machine," Spike said as the students cheered for Spike again.
Back at Spike's house, Spike, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Shining Armor were in the living room discussing about the chess championship. Night Light rushed down stairs getting ready for the game.
"Okay, Mr. Dash is coming over to watch the big game," Night Light said. "There is still one more spot on the couch. Who wants it?"
"Spike can have it," Shining Armor said. "I gotta go back to college and go back to work. Serve and protect, Dad."
This is my big brother and Father. They are part of my family and my mom is really sweat. She's at work and is planning to get a manicure.
"And I'm not into sports that mush dad," Spike said.
"Rainbow Dash?"
"Today's a last day," She said.
"It's the biggest game of the year and I don't get to watch it with my boys or Rainbow Dash," Night Light sighed.
"…Yeah, heaven forbid for you to watch it with your daughter," Twilight spoke. Knight Light almost forgot her feeling real bad. He quickly puts a smile on and looks at her.
"You didn't let me finish," Night Light played innocent. "I would love to watch the game with you, Twilight."
"We'll see," Twilight walks off proudly upstairs.
"So, Spike, you think a human can beat a machine?" Dash asked.
"You better believe it," Night Light said sitting down in a chair. "If John Henry can beat the steam drill, Spike can beat that chess computer."
"Thank, Dad, but John exploded after he beaten the steam drill," Spike said making his dad feel even more horrible. "He died before hitting the ground."
"Don't try to hard then."
"Don't worry, I just have to last twenty moves," Spike said. "Then I won computers for everyone, and they name sandwich after me."
"How about that, my son living a dream," Night Light said seeing Spike walk upstairs to his room. "Live in a sandwich dream."
"Well, if Spike can win I'm betting all my money on him," Dash said to Shining. They saw Night Light giving them the look. "Just saying."
"Oh yeah, betting is just wrong," Shining said. "…Serve and protect."
Later that day, Night Light and Mr. Dash was in the living room wearing football jerseys. They were so into it.
"That's a foul! A foul!" Night Light shouted at the TV.
"Referees, who came up with that dumbest idea," Mr. Dash asked.
"I bought snack!" Twilight said brining in cookies.
"Alright, what are football games without snack," Night Light took the cookie without taking his eyes off the TV. He and Mr. Dash took a bite of it finally realizing it was cookies. "Cookies?"
"Yeah, I want you to eat healthy so I won't have to worry when I go to college," Twilight said sitting down on the couch. She pushes Me. Dash over sitting between him and her dad. "Cause I might you know. Dad? Dad did you hear me?"
"You said something about a healthy college," Night Light said still glued to the TV.
"Interception!" Mr. Dash cried out getting Night Light attention. "Catching the ball with one hand and making a touchdown, that is the player of the week!"
"…Woo-hoo!" Twilight wave her fist up trying to fit in. She went back talking to her dad. "Anyway, I know you wanted me to go to college but how can I afford to stay in?" again her father was yelling at the TV ignoring her. "Dad, can we talk for a little nit?"
"Just a second," Night Light said.
"This is a major decision," Twilight tried to get his attention.
"This is a year away, Twilight, and the game is happening right now," Night Light to her.
"TOUCHDOWN!" Mr. Dash got up doing a dance. "Man, did you see that?"
"No!" Night Light said sadly.
"He made a touchdown when he caught that ball," Mr. Dash did a figure acting like the player on TV.
"It'll be on instinct replay," Twilight said.
"It's not the same," Night Light said getting onto her. "It's the reason you watch the game, so you can see the game as it happens, now can I please watch the game?"
Twilight felt sad inside.
"Sure," she got up walking into the kitchen. "I'll go get the potatoes chips."
"Twilight," Night Light up when Mr. Dash cried out. "Now what?" he sat back down.
"He was busting out some moves when he made a touchdown," Mr. Dash dances as Might Light slaps his forehead moaning.
The next day, Spike was pacing in the classroom. With him was Applejack and Rarity.
"It's just for twenty moves, Sugarcube," Applejack said.
"Applejack is right, there's no need to get nervous," Rarity said.
"I'm not nervous, this is the only exercise you get in chess," Spike said as he continued paste around the room exorcising.
"Just think about having' fun," Applejack said.
"And don't think about everyone that is counting on you to win the computers this school could ever have," Rarity saw the fear in Spike's eyes. "I just made it worst for you."
"You think," Spike said.
"Just listen to me, Spike," Applejack said. "It's only a machine. Men made it, man can beat it."
"Spike! The computer!" Pinkie bust thought the door. "The Flim Flam Brothers made it and they're here!"
"Unless it's the Flim Flam Brothers," Applejack said.
"But no matter what, we still love you," Rarity said.
"Still not helping," Spike said.
"Spike, the crowd awaits," Celestial came in.
"Thanks, Principal Celestial, we'll take it from here," Rainbow Dash walked in along with Sunset Shimmers.
"We got you this, Spike," Sunset held a purple robe with a hood.
"I didn't know you cared about chess," Spike said to Rainbow Dash.
"I don't, I care about you," Dash said messing with his hair.
"You really out done yourself," Spike took the robe and wraps it around him. He notice a logo on the robe. "Equestria Inn?"
"I care about you, too," Sunset said.
"Okay, are we ready?" Dash said swinging the door open and rushed down the hallway. "Alright everyone, step back! Champion coming through!"
Spike jumps into the hallway punching his way through. His friends cheered for him as they enter the gym filled with people. Everyone shouted and cheered. Spike rushes over to the stadium with the brothers and the chess board. He growled at them trying to scare them. He notice the machine next them. Rainbow Dash pulls him back talking to him.
"Remember, Spike, all we need is twenty moves to win," Dash said taking his robe off. When he walks over to his chair, she spanks him. "Game on!"
She walks over to the crowd she knows and they handed her money.
"Okay, hand over your bets and let's see who wins," she said shoving the money into her breast.
"My bet is on the machine," Octavia said to her.
"You say that and you'll your money for sure," Dash took her money. After that she adjust her breast making sure the money wasn't showing.
In the crowd was Night Light and Twilight. The two sat together watching Spike.
"I think Spike is ready," Night Light said to Twilight.
"Yeah," Twilight said.
"You're not still mad about yesterday, are you?"
"No, it's just sad that we can't have a real conversation anymore," Twilight said hatefully.
"As long as you're not mad," Night Light patted her knee.
The bell rings as the match began.
"And now for the main event," Mr. Discord said into the mic. "Playing the white pieces is Spike."
The crowd cheered while Spike showed some action. He was getting into this.
"And playing the black pieces is the undefeated machine and the makers, The Flim Flam Brothers!"
Octavia and Vinyl both clapped themselves and no one else.
"Alright, now I want a clean match and the white pieces move first," Mr. Discord finishes his speech.
The match began as Spike made his first move.
"Pawn to queen four," Spike said making his move. When he stops the clock, Flam took out his laptop and pushing buttons. He hits enter and the machine spoke.
"Pawn to King Bishop four," the machine spoke.
Flam moves his piece like the machine asked him to and Spike was next.
"Pawn to King four," Spike made his move.
The game went on an hour later. Spike made 9 moves and the machine made 8.
"King to Bishop two," the machine answered as Flam moved the piece.
"Queen takes Queen Bishop," Spike said smiling taking the piece. "Check."
The crowd cheered hoping for Spike to win. Later the moves were now 15 for Spike. Five more moves and he wins.
"I got to give to Spike, he's going to Disney," Comet said to Pipsqueak.
"There's no way he last for twenty moves," Gizmo sticks his head out between him and Pipsqueak.
"Hey, would you like to place big money for your big mouth?" Comet said.
"You're on," Gizmo adjusted his glasses at her.
"Queen to Bishop four… Check," the machine said. When Flam made his move, Spike began to worry.
"Check? Check what?" Comet asked hoping a different type of check.
"My pay-CHECK," Gizmo snorted with laughter.
Spike scratched his head. He was overthinking what move he should make next. He pick up a piece and set it back down thinking twice.
"King to eight three," he said making his move.
"Bishop to queen three… check," the machine said.
Spike saw he had four more moves. He started to sweat. He wipes the sweat off his forehead.
"Stay away from him, Spike! Don't let him hurt you!" Twilight cried out acting motherly to him.
"…King to Rook four," Spike made his move. There more moves left.
"Queen to Knight four… check," Flam made his move grinning.
Comet and Gizmo both stood up. Comet was worried and Gizmo was excited.
"…K-King to Rook three," Spike stuttered ending his move. Two more moves.
"Queen to Rook four… Checkmate," the crowd all groaned disappointed. Flam sits back winning the game.
Spike lost to the machine which made him feel bad. Comet moaned quietly saying that she lost.
"That was a good effort, Spike," Flam politely shook his hand. Spike took the handshake knowing it was a friendly game.
"REMATCH!" Comet cried out!
The crowd chanted as Mr. Discord went up to the stadium with mic in his hand.
"You want a rematch?" he shouted. The crowd all yelled meaning yes.
"Well, if Spike wants a rematch," Flam said agreeing with them.
"Course he does!" Applejack went up to him in his face. "Spike can take the Flim Flam Brothers anytime anywhere! Ain't that right, Spike?"
"…No, I don't want a rematch," Spike walks off the stadium.
"Hey, Spike," Night Light walks up to him.
"Spike," Rarity said.
"I know, no matter what, you still love me," Spike walks out of the gym and headed back home.
Later that day, Spike was sitting in the chair watching TV with Comet and Rainbow Dash. Night Light came in seeing him depress over the championship.
"How you feeling?" he asked Spike.
"Alright," Rainbow Dash spoke.
"You know me, Night Light, I always bounce back," Comet spoke.
"I was talking to Spike," Night Light said to them.
"Oh," they both said. Night Light shook his head and sat next to Spike.
"I know you lost, but you lost to a computer program by the brightest minds in the world," Night Light said.
"Everyone was counting on me," Spike said. "Even Starless was counting on me. Especially Rainbow Dash. She got me a robe."
"And that's why you got to play the rematch," Comet said.
"That's right, and you know what the next time you can beat it," Night Light said.
"Yeah, second time I took algebra I did a lot better," Dash spoke. "Third time, I almost aced it."
"You guys don't get it," Spike said explaining. "The computer learns every move the opponents play. If I play again I can't pass two moves."
Suddenly Comet had a light above his head. He thought of a way to win his money back from the students and Gizmo.
"I'm thirsty," Comet said faking it. "Dash, are you thirsty?"
"No, but I had a chocolate muffin," Dash said.
"Then you're hungry then, let's go get you some food," Comet grabs Dash's hand and walked into the kitchen. When the coast was clear, Comet told Dash the plan. "Did you heard what Spike said?"
"Yeah, if he plays the computer again he'll lose," Dash answered.
"So if we get everybody to believe what we believe and we thought Spike could win, we can win our money back," he explained. He saw Dash clueless.
"You said there'd be food," Dash went over to the fridge.
"Listen, this is about money," Comet lead her to the kitchen table and sat down. "If we're going to get it back, here's what we need to do. First we talk Spike into a rematch and everybody to bet on Spike and then we bet on the computer."
"Because we know it could win," Dash said.
"There you go."
"Then we eat?"
"In style," Spike walks in just in time for Comet's plan to work. "I don't care what Spike says, I think he could beat the computer. He's a sophomore for crying out loud."
"I was till today," Spike said getting a drink.
"Spike, I did not saw you there," Comet said walking up to him. "I'm just saying you can't just back down like that."
"It felt like I was fighting a monster, and it beheaded me," Spike said making Dash want to question why.
"So what. You're a winner, and winners can do anything," Comet said. "You save the animal shelter, save the town, and took on burglars that at first we didn't believe."
"You really care about this, don't you," Spike said.
"You have no idea," Comet said.
The next day in the gym, Comet escorted Thunderlane through the gym talking.
"I know you bet on the computer last time, but you're betting the computer again for the rematch?" he asked.
"After what happen last time, yeah," he said. "Man, I feel bad for Spike though."
"That's why you should bet on the kid, see him over there with the other chess players," Comet points over to Spike playing with four players by himself. He was on a role. He around beating every player he faced. "Look at him on a roll, he's is training so hard that he'll have to win."
He walks away letting Rainbow Dash finish the job. She took a notepad out writing down his name.
"Okay, Thunderlane, so we're putting you down on the machine, right?" she asked.
"Actually, I'll bet on Spike," Thunderlane said. "If he's training that hard, there is a good chance he might win."
Rainbow Dash looks back at Comet. They both grin nodding each other. Back at the house, Twilight was watching TV and Night Light decided to join in.
"Man I had a rough day, how was yours, sweetheart?" He asked Twilight.
"Huh? Oh yeah, good," she answered patting his knee.
"What are you watching?" he asked.
"The history channel, going over homework," she answered.
"Why does homework have to be on television instead of paper," he said. "Technologies these days."
"Dad," Twilight said trying to watch TV.
"Listen, I was thinking what you said about college, and if you want to go away from school, then-"
"Dad, please! This homework is really important if I want to ace it," Twilight said resuming watching her channel. Night Light knew where this was headed.
"This is great," Night Light laughed.
"I know, an unrated show, they could at least show more," Twilight said.
"Does this remind you of anything early this week with Cookies and football games?" he asked.
"Dad, that was different, I was telling to you and you were just watching football," she answered.
"I see," Might Light walks off heading upstairs slowly. "Go ahead, watch your show. It's just saddens me we grow so far apart that we can't have a real conversation."
Twilight felt bad that he copied her speech. She smiled and called out to him.
"Dad!"
"Yes?"
"I hate you!"
"I know!"
She laughed continuing watching her show. That night, Comet and Rainbow Dash were in Comet's room making bets over the line.
"Yeah?... You're betting on the computer, right?" Rainbow Dash asked into the phone. "Twenty dollars it is the… okay, bye-bye then."
"We are going to rob people so good," Comet said happily. "Would you care to join my happy dance?"
"Certainly," Dash said as the two began to dance together.
Spike walks in to visit Comet and saw the two dancing like fools.
"You guys need to get dates," he said.
"Oh, hey, Spike," Dash stops dancing acting like nothing happened.
"Oh yeah, Spike is here to practice for the championship," Comet said.
"I guess I should leave then, but can you show me where the bathroom is?" she asked.
"Sure, come on," Comet went out of the room showing Rainbow Dash where the bathroom was.
Spike made himself at home and notice a notepad Rainbow Dash left behind. He looks through it and saw his name and the machine. He notice that it was algebra over Spike and the machine. Comet walks in and saw Spike reading through it.
"How can you bet against me?" Spike asked.
Comet nit bit his lips trying to be honest with him.
"You said that the machine was going to beat you the next time," Comet said.
"The only reason why I agreed to you was because you said you believed in me," Spike threw the notepad down. "But all you care about is making money. And tell Rainbow Dash this isn't even the right answer."
He walks out leaving Comet alone in his room. He sighs kicking the notepad across the floor. The next day, Comet rushed to Spike's home and notice a small fort build in cardboard boxes in the garage. He shook his head and went over.
"Spike, come on, I know you're in there," he said. There was no answer. Comet took a deep breath and exhaled the air. "Fine, don't talk just listen. Maybe I didn't think this through. But if I know I didn't thought I was gonna hurt you."
Without noticing, a ladder slowly came down quietly out of the attic. Spike climbs down and stood behind him listening.
"But in other words, I was being a jerk to you," Comet continued.
"A big jerk," Spike spoke.
"Yeah a big jerk- wait a minute, what?" Comet looks behind seeing Spike. "How come you're not in the fort?"
"You really think I'd let anyone find me that easy?" Spike said. "If you came to forgive me then I forgive you, is that what you want?"
"Well, yeah, but I also want you to win tomorrow," Comet said.
"Yeah right," Spike walks in the house getting refreshments.
"I do, Spike! I really do!" Comet followed him in. "I know said you might lose, but now I mean it! Rather you want to believe it or not, it's true."
"Okay, I believe," Spike said drinking milk.
"Come on," He grabs Spike by the arm and headed into the living room. A chess board with the pieces all set was on the table. "I set up this so we can practice, so I'll be the computer. And I've been reading the directions."
Comet sat down on the floor making his first move.
"The horse moves like an L shape, right?" Comet said moving the Knight. Spike looks at him shaking his head.
"That's a ridiculous opening move. How do you respond to a move like that?" he asked.
"Make a move," Comet said.
"Fine," Spike moves a Pawn not caring what would happen. Comet moves the Bishop closer to the Pawn. "That's so stupid! How am I supposed to make a move like that? No one can respond to that!"
After saying that, it gave him an idea.
"That's it… Comet, you're a genius," Spike spoke.
"See, I keep telling everyone that!" Comet said.
The next day is the big day. The chess championship was about to begin. Flim and Flam was fixing the machine programming it as Spike waited patiently to start. Comet went over to him talking.
"Okay, Spike, you can do this man," he said.
"But you do realize your gonna lose the bet if I win," Spike reminded him.
"It's just money. Now get out there kick its ass," Comet high fives him.
Spike rushes over to Flam ready to start the match. Mr. Discord rings the bell as he grabs the mic.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Discord spoke. "You asked for it, a dial in the school part 2!"
The crowd cheered as the match begins. Spike smiled making his first move.
"Knight to King Bishop three," Spike said making his move.
"He's taking his knight out first?" Gizmo whispered to Comet. "What kind of move is that?"
"A move only a dummy would make," Comet said.
"Pawn to King Three," the machine spoke. Flam made his move as Spike went next.
"Pawns to Queen Rook three," Spike moves his piece.
"What is he moving that Pawn out? It makes no sense!" Gizmo spoke. Night Light and Twilight looked at him thinking it was rude of him.
"Calm down, it's all part of his strategy I came up with," Comet said.
"You helped Spike?" Night Light asked.
"Yeah."
"Go warm up the car," Night Light gave the keys to Twilight.
After nine moves, Spike felt confidence in himself.
"Queen to Bishop two," Spike said wending his turn.
"He's bringing his queen out, that's illogical," Gizmo said pushing his glasses.
"You mind shutting up before I do it for you!" Rainbow Dash said to him.
Flam types on the computer waiting for an answer from the machine.
"I'm waiting, Flam," Spike said.
"It's an odd move, the computer takes a lot of time," Flam said.
"Uh… uh… Pawn takes Pawn," the machine stuttered which made Flam worried.
"I think Spike got it," Night Light said.
After 18 moves, Flam started to sweat as Spike felt relaxed. The crowd grew silent watching how intense this was. Surprisingly for them.
"Queen takes Pawn," Spike said taking his piece. "Check."
"That move is outrageous," the computer spoke to Spike.
"You brought you circuits to my turf bringing me down, that's outrageous!" Spike talk back to the machine.
"…Queen to Knight two," the machine spoke. Flam eyes widen and types the computer again.
"That's. Not. Our. Best. Move," Flam said while typing.
"Queen to Knight two. Queen t-t-to kn-kn-kn-kn-knight two. QueentoKnighttwo! QUEeeN tO KNigHt tWo," the machine started to caught on fire smoking. Flim quickly grab the fire extinguisher pitting out the fire.
"Not only that makes twenty moves, that's also checkmate," Spike said taking the king from him.
The crowd cheered for joy. Rainbow Dash was disappointed she lost the bet and notice Comet cheering knowing he lost. Flam shook Spike's hand congratulating him. Comet went up to Spike hugging him.
"Why are you so happy, Comet?" Rainbow Dash asked. "We lost the bet."
"Who cares? Spike won!" Comet said. "Besides, Gilda has the money we need."
After that day at home, the doorbell rang. Spike went to go get it and notice Thunderlane.
"Where's your friends at, Spike? Comet and Rainbow Dash," he asked.
"I don't know, after the chess torment they left without a trace," Spike answered.
"Don't lie to me, Spike," Thunderlane took a moment if he was or not. No answer. "If you see them, tell them they owe me fifty dollars. Cash. And I expect them toady me on schedule."
He walks off waving Spike good bye. After that, Spike went to the garage seeing Comet and Rainbow Dash in his fort.
"Is Thunderlane gone?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Oh, yeah, he's long go-," Spike looks out of the kitchen window. "Oh no, he's coming back!"
What!" Comet cried out as he hurried into the attic. Rainbow Dash jumps back into the fort hiding.
"Don't worry guys, I'll let you know when he's gone," Spike said shutting the door. "As if."
He said walking into the living room and watched TV with Twilight.
"How long you think they'll be in there?" Twilight asked.
"About a day or two," Spike answered.