Spike has been accepted to G.E.A.R.S. University and is starting his classes soon. His best friends have also arrived as new students. Together, they train to fight against the strange creatures known as Shadowscythe, who plan to rule the universe.
Spike knew he wasn't normal, but he never knew why. A few weeks after he graduated high school, he got a scholarship from G.E.A.R.S University, the most exclusive university in the Solaris System! G.E.A.R.S University trains young men and women to be Mecha Pilots, and when they graduate, they become fighters in the war that has been going on against a strange species of alien called the Shadowscythe. Will Spike be able to fight in the war? And will he be able to learn about who he really is?
Spike was sitting in the dropship that was taking him, as well as many other students to Loreon, more specifically Soluna City, the capital of the Solaris System. He walked around the ship. He saw a girl with dark green hair working on a Mecha and walked up to her and asked "So, these are the standard G.E.A.R.S University student Mechas?"
The girl looked up from her work and said, "Sure are. Too bad too. These things are the crappiest pieces of junk that I've ever worked on. The gun's prone to jamming, eject pod doesn't work at all, leg joints are rusted in place. All in all, using these Mechas on the entrance exam is practically suicide."
Spike gulped, he was already nervous about the entrance exam, and now having a good look at the Mecha he was supposed to use... it got him jittery. He asked the girl "So, you going to G.E.A.R.S University too?"
The girl shook her head and said, "Nah, I'm on my way to Soluna City to open up a Mecha Shop. I'm not cut out for fighting, I'm more of a mechanic. You know, I could help you get some new weapons for your mecha. I've got some stuff here already, if you've got credits, I'd be willing to sell you some stuff for your mecha. It'll make the entrance exam a lot easier."
Spike smiled and said, "Well, I've got 2,000 credits. That should be enough to get some new weapons, right?"
The girl nodded and said, "That should be enough for a few new weapons. Take your pick."
Spike picked out a flamethrower for the back arm, and a sniper rifle for the back shoulder. When he paid for the weapons, he said, "By the way, I never got your name."
The girl smiled and said, "Name's Tek."
Spike replied by introducing himself, "Spike. I'll see you around." Spike walked away and over to his friends, who were also going to G.E.A.R.S University. "Hey girls. What're you watching?" he asked, referring to the TV that his friends and other students were gathered around.
Twilight shushed him and said, "Quiet Spike, Kingadent Slugwrath is making a public announcement on the war."
As the Kingadent appeared on the screen, he said, "Greetings citizens! It is I, your beloved and unanimously elected Kingadent Slugwrath. As you know, scientists have recently identified a large unidentified flying object heading towards our planet. Unfortunately, diplomacy is a wasted effort. When we contacted the ship and asked for peace, the inhabitants of the ship replied with this message, "All your base are belong to us. You will not survive make your time..." Obviously, these aliens are here with ill intentions. We will show them that all our base do not belong to them! We have declared war on these mysterious aliens known as Shadowscythe. Kingadent Slugwrath signing off."
Spike rolled his eyes and said "Of course the Kingadent uses a war as a means of publicity."
Rainbow Dash chuckled and said, "That's politics for you."
Twilight sighed before saying, "Even if it is politics, a war is a very serious thing. It's going to affect school. We're training to be Mecha Pilots, and if there's a war going on, chances are we'll be fighting in it. Whether we want to or not."
Applejack tipped her hat and said, "Twilight's got a point. One way or another, we'll be fighting in this war."
Fluttershy gulped and stuttered, "I-I really don't want to fight, but if it means keeping others safe, I'll do it..."
Spike swished his tail back and forth impatiently, "Is it just me or is the ship slowing down? It feels like we've been flying a lot longer than this trip is supposed to take."
Twilght assured him by saying, "You never really know how fast you're going in space. It's not like a train or a car where the scenery changes."
Spike shrugged and said, "I guess that makes sense. I'm going to take a walk around the ship." He walked around the ship until he was called over to Captain Onyx Bolt.
When Onyx Bolt called Spike over, he asked, "Hey, I need you to do something for me. Something's going on down in the cargo bay. I think we've got a stowaway. I'd like you to check. Take this energy blade, just in case." He gave Spike a energy blade and said, "Dismissed."
Spike sighed as he walked down to the cargo bay. As he looked around, he didn't see or hear anything, until he came to the darkest part of the bay. He heard what sounded like a sick cat hissing or trying to hack up a hairball. He approached the sound and saw something he never would have expected, a Shadowscythe. He hadn't been noticed yet, so he snuck up on the alien and swung his energy blade, decapitating the grotesque alien. He used his com-link to report to Onyx Bolt, and said "Spike to Onyx Bolt, Spike to Onyx Bolt."
Onyx Bolt replied and said, "Onyx Bolt to Spike, what's your status?"
Spike told him, "There was a stowaway, a Shadowscythe to be precise. Situation's under control, threat neutralized."
Onyx Bolt's shock was so obvious, it was like everyone on the ship could feel it. He asked him, "How many?"
Spike told him, "I only found the one, and I'm not picking up any other heat signatures."
Onyx Bolt sighed in relief and said, "Ok, report back to the deck. We'll be landing shortly."
Spike went back up to the main deck. He sat with the girls and asked them, "Hey, does the pilot know what he's doing? It's been a pretty bumpy ride the whole time."
Twilight nodded saying, "I'm certain that they picked an ace pilot."
Meanwhile at G.E.A.R.S University....
Dean Celestia was going over paperwork when her assistant walked into her office and said, "Dean Celestia, the dropship with the new students is coming in for a landing."
Celestia said, "Good, now, are we absolutely certain that the pilot is actually an authorized pilot?" The explosion outside answered that question for her. She sighed and said, "Get Nurse Redheart on the line."
After the dropship had crash landed, thanks to their inexperienced pilot, Spike and his friends had gone to the local hospital. Miraculously, they managed to walk away from the crash virtually unscathed. Spike walked towards the school with his friends and said, "Ace pilot my ass. Bastard nearly got us killed."
Twilight sighed, "As much as I hate to say it, you're right. That pilot was highly inexperienced."
Rainbow Dash chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck. "It wasn't that bad of a landing. I mean, there weren't any casualties."
Fluttershy nodded and said, "That is true, but we did a lot of damage to the school's courtyard. I hope there weren't any animals that got caught in the crash..."
Spike looked to Fluttershy and said, "I'm sure the animals got away long before we crashed. Animals seem to know when danger is coming, so they probably ran off before the ship even entered the stratosphere."
Fluttershy smiled and said, "Thanks for trying to cheer me up Spike."
As they got on the shuttle to the university, they talked about what House they would join. The three houses in G.E.A.R.S were WolfBlade, RuneHawk, and MystRaven. WolfBlade was all about honor, nobility, and the spirit of a warrior. RuneHawk was more studious and they are researching the disappearance of Dragons from the galaxy. Mystraven don't have a particular mold, they live life to the fullest.
Spike said, "I think we should all join the same House. WolfBlade and RuneHawk have a fierce rivalry. If some of us joined one and the others joined the other, our friendship wouldn't really work out.
Rainbow Dash scratched her head and said, "I kind of like WolfBlade, but knowing Twilight, she'd like to go to RuneHawk..."
Twilight rolled her eyes and said, "Don't make such rash assumptions. I personally think MystRaven would be the perfect house for us. They accept you for who you are."
After a bit of talking, they all agreed on MystRaven. But first, they had to pass the entrance exam.
Later on, Spike was sitting on one of the cushioned benches in what looked like some random hallway in the school's research wing with five of his six friends, waiting in near complete boredom until the last of the collective friends came out of the room labeled "Testing Room" beside them, jumping with joy, "I did it! I passed!"
"That's great Pinkie!" Twilight happily replied, greeting her with a hug.
"I knew you could do it," Rainbow remarked, slugging the bouncing girl's arm before joining the fray.
"Weren't a chance ya COULD fail, I reckon," Applejack announced, grasping the sugary gir, mostly to stop her bouncing.
"Congratulations, Pinkie. I guess that just leaves me. Wish me luck," Spike replied, only giving a short, brief hug before walking in.
"We know you got this!" Rainbow assured him, speaking on behalf of all of them as the door slid closed behind him. The room was much bigger than he thought, spanning a good forty marks to the back-end, and its sole inhabitant was a burly, red-headed teen, not much older than himself, clad in a blue jump-suit with a few metals adjourned it, none that he could recognise, standing next to a mecha, much like the one he saw in the ship, holding a data-pad under his arm, watching him as he entered.
He didn't see anything else in the room, and assuming the teen was instructor, he approached him, ready to offer his hand, but the teen stopped him short with his pre-prepared speech. "Greetings, Cadet. I am your exam instructor, Corporal Starbuck. With this test, we'll be seeing if you're true GEARS material, and determine whether or not you will be placed in advanced or remedial classes, based on your performance today. Here I have the standard mecha used throughout the school. You will eventually learn every inch of this machine, inside and out, but for right now, all you need to do is show us your fighting potential with these suits. So gear up and get ready, your exam will start when you are," he stated with little true interest, having said that same line so many times before, just today, and lamenting how he was placed here, doing these tests, in his final year in the academy. As he watched the boy getting into his mecha, he couldn't help but think, "Looks like we've got another funeral here, but what can I expect, after those six girls, all of them getting advanced classes, how can someone so scrawny and meek even compete?"
Spike, for the most part, was just trying to steady himself as he entered the suit, after all, this was the test to say basically everything about him in this place. It was going to determine basically his whole life after this. No wonder he was nervous, but he couldn't let that stop him, so after he finally settled in, he turned the mecha and looked at his instructor. "Ready?" Corporal Starbuck asked monotonously, readying the data-pad in his hands.
"Ready." Spike half nervously replied before Corporal Starbuck pressed the screen, causing another mecha to rise from the floor, apparently piloted by some sort of AI, as there was nothing in its driver seat, and readied itself for a fight. He could feel it. He could feel the mecha in his grip as he lurched forward, almost in slow-motion. He could feel his heart racing, he could feel his sweat dripping, but more importantly, he could feel himself, and yet he couldn't, it was all a blur as he moved. He dove to the right, just as the other mecha launched a left hook right where he was heading, and launched forward with his hands, turning the roll into a spring and grasping his opponent's arm as he launched into the air, taking the mecha by its joints as he slammed down, violently turning the other mecha as he launched a vicious right, straight to its empty face-mask. The clear protection shattered from the fist, and the Mecha stumbled back from the blow, trying desperately to regain its balance, but Spike wouldn't allow that. He forced his mecha straight into his opponent, shoulder first as he readied his other hand for another blow, striking just as the mecha was trying to flail its hands in some sort of defense, but no matter what it did, they only turned more fierce, with numerous body-jabs aimed at its weakest and most sensitive points, hooks biting at every opening, kicks forcing at every joint to their limit, and shoves timed perfectly to throw off its sturdy balance. It was as if it wasn't even moving, and there was nothing it could do, but it still followed its orders and did everything it could do until the damage became too much, overheating its sensitive equipment and damaging its power-core to the point where it violently released all of its energy.
Corporal Starbuck looked on in awe, never having seen any fighting like that in his life. He could only stare as the cadet walked his mech back to him and reveal himself, asking, almost innocently, "So how'd I do?"
Those words snapped him out of his trance, forcing him back to his data-pad, and finally looking at the numbers and graphs that were displayed, "So... that's not possible. There must be something wrong with the readings." But before he could say or do any more, the com-link in his ear buzzed and spoke to him. "Y-yes, yes ma'am, I'm looking at the results right now, but I... Yes... I know, ma'am, much better than mine... What are... ... No... Well, yes... I see... Yes, Commander, I'll proceed immediately," he sighed, turning back to the waiting cadet, who was confused by the sudden turn of events. "Ok... Spike," he announced, looking back at his data-pad as he read the name. "You did great, but there are some things the Commander would like to look into a little further, and it requires more testing, so if you would re-enter the mech, we'll make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible."
"O-ok, Corporal," Spike replied, slightly embarrassed and ashamed, thinking he somehow did something wrong, mostly due to him not really remembering what happened when he fought, then thinking that the other mech might have had a malfunction and they need to re-test him, seeing what happened to the other mech. When he was finally back in his mech, Corporal Starbuck pressed a few more buttons this time and released three drones, which fired immediately, forcing him to dodge as quickly as he could.
Spike barely remembered anything about the fight after that, much like the previous fight, but what he does remember is that his mech exploded with him in it, and that he's apparently in the infirmary, just few hours later.
Spike got up after the nurse said he was good to go. He walked up to his friends and said, "What happened out there?"
Rarity smiled and said, "You broke a school record Spikey-wikey."
Rainbow Dash was so excited and burst out, "Broke it!? He demolished it! Good job squirt!"
Twilight adjusted her glasses and said, "We were just about to go back into town to get a bite to eat at Mecharoni's. Do you want to join us?"
Spike nodded and said, "Sure, being unconscious for the last few hours has burned a hole in my gut."
As they walked back to the shuttle back to the city, they talked about how excited they were for school. Even Rainbow Dash was excited. They stopped at Mecharoni's and ordered a pizza with the works. After they were finished, they split the check evenly between the seven of them.
Spike looked around the enormous Soluna City and said, "This sure is different than back home on Westion."
Applejack nodded and said, "It sure is... I hope Apple Bloom isn't stressing Granny out. But still, it ain't every day ya get a scholarship to G.E.A.R.S University."
Fluttershy said softly, "This place scares me a bit... I've never been good in crowds..."
After going around Soluna City to see what they could do when they're not in class, they headed back to their dorms. Before going to his dorm, Spike said to his friends, "I guess I'll see you tomorrow when we join MystRaven."
Spike woke up in his dorm room. After yesterday's incident with the entry exam, he had been getting questions lobbed at him left and right on how he did it. In his mind, it was just a fluke, dumb luck, whatever you want to call it. He didn't think that his skill was a factor. As he got up from his bed and cracked his back he said, "These beds are as hard as a rock... I might need to get an apartment in town, one that doesn't smell like burnt coffee and old pizza..."
After tolerating the smell and getting prepared for the day ahead, including some breakfast, he made his way to his friends as they entered the dorm's main elevator, where Rarity proclaimed, "I can't believe how filthy those dorms are! I was up half the night cleaning it!"
Applejack agreed with her saying, "Tell me 'bout it. A bushel of rotten apples smells better than the dorms."
Spike stretched his arms out and said, "Forget the smell, a little air freshener can deal with that, those beds feel like a pile of rocks."
After a confirming nod from everyone else, the six exited the elevator on the ground floor, taking a little detour from their way to class, seeing that they had plenty of spare time, and went straight to the MystRaven house on campus. Upon entering, they were greeted by a purple skinned elf that said, "Welcome to the MystRaven House. You must be new here, I'm Casta, the head of MystRaven house, what can I do for you?"
Twilight told the girl, "We're here to join House MystRaven."
"Oh, well then, you've come to the right place! First we have to get you registered. Sign your names right here," the house head said, pulling out a clipboard with numerous pieces of paper and handing it to the girls and Spike, letting them sign it. After getting it back, she read their names to herself and said, "Well, your registration is complete, all that's left is to pass the initiation."
Spike tilted his head and asked, "Initiation? Is that some sort of test or something?"
The elf girl nodded and said, "Down underneath the school, there's a labyrinth. Hidden down there are important treasures that belong to MystRaven. Each of you will need to traverse the Labyrinth and return with one of the treasures."
Twilight was the first to respond, "Really? A labyrinth? You're expecting us to transverse an underground maze without any training, any preparation, any mechs, or even any idea WHERE this maze is?"
"No, no, no, no, there's no time limit, no one forcing you in, and nothing saying you can't get information beforehand, it's just that you won't get accepted in UNTIL you get the treasures, and we know you'll wait until you get your mechas before you go in... at least we hope you do."
Twilight sighed in relief and shook her hand, saying, "Thank you for your help, Casta. We'll be back once we have Mechs of our own.
The seven students went into town and walked up to the closest Mech shop, named "Tek's Mechs." This was apparently the prime place for mechs and weapons, and coincidentally the same place Spike had some weapons waiting for him since buying them on the dropship, but he still didn't have a Mecha to put them on.
The group looked around and Spike found a cool looking Mecha. He made his way past the mech and up to the counter, almost surprised by who he saw, "Hey, Tek, tell me about this one."
Tek looked up from her paperwork and said, "That's the Volt Thorn V1. It's got laser blasters on its shoulders, an electromagnetic pulse gun, and it can lob fireballs with its right arm. It's 1000 credits.
"I'll take it!" He shouted, practically slamming down his credits.
As the others took their time looking at the other Mechas, Spike actually left the shop and ventured around, asking around about the labyrinth. One girl told him that the labyrinth walls move every once in awhile, and another student claims to have analyzed the movement patterns and gave him a CD with the patterns on it.
When the girls finally picked out their Mechas, Spike told them what he learned around town and they started thinking of a plan. Rainbow Dash said, "I don't think any plans we can think of will help. The walls will keep moving, and how are we going to memorize the patterns?"
Spike said, "We'll just have to try our best, and as for the patterns, I’ll upload the data I got into our mechas’ databanks."
Without anything else to say or any objections, the girls showed Spike each of their mechas and watched as he uploaded the data from the CD into each of their databanks. It actually felt strangely natural to him, as if he knew exactly where the drive was and how to integrate the information, despite never actually seeing a real mecha before in his life, but still, he finished in record time, placing the CD into his mech for safe-keeping.
Spike and the girls headed back to the University with their mechs in tow, stopping by the MystRaven house to tell Casta to be ready with their rooms, or at least that's what Rainbow told her.
Casta, on the other hand, just smiled at the new students and said, “If you believe you’re ready, I’ll show you the way to the labyrinth.” With that, she led them to the elevator and put a key into a keyhole, which Spike and the girls didn’t notice before. As she turned the key, the elevator started going down even further than the lobby. When the elevator came to a halt, and the doors opened, they could clearly see the labyrinth’s entrance.
Spike was the first to get into his mecha. He started his way through the labyrinth, paying attention to the changing patterns. He felt as though the mecha was in control, but at the same time, he was as well.
Twilight called in on their com-links and said, “Spike, the rest of us are heading into the Labyrinth. Let us know if you find anything.”
“Gotcha Twi.” he replied as he continued into the labyrinth. Although the walls kept changing position, he felt as though he was getting closer to a treasure. As he made his way through the labyrinth, he heard a stomping noise. Another mecha was closing in on him, and it wasn’t one of the girls. He felt a rush go down his spine, shivering all the way down to his tail.
Twilight tried to contact Spike via the com-link, but he wasn’t answering. “Girls, have you heard anything from Spike? He’s not answering any of my calls. I’m getting worried.”
The others all told Twilight that they hadn’t heard from Spike either. Rainbow said, “The squirt might be trying to go off on his own. It’s not like him to ignore us…”
Applejack sighed and said, “You know, he is different than the other Drakels back home on Westion. Maybe that has something to do with it?”
Pinkie Pie replied, “Hey, I’m different than the other Equins, but that doesn’t mean anything. Does it?”
Rarity rolled her eyes in her mecha, “That’s beside the point Pinkie. The point is that Spike never fit in with anyone but us. The other Drakels back home thought he was different in a bad way. We need to find him.
Suddenly, Spike’s voice came into the conversation. There was a lot of static coming from his end, but the girls could tell that his voice was a lot deeper, and it had a growling tone to it. “Girls… I… static… found some- static losing control…” and at the last words, ‘losing control’ the signal went dead.
Rainbow Dash asked stuttering, “W-What the heck!? That was definitely Spike’s voice, but what was up with the growling?”
Twilight thought it over for a minute and said, “Applejack might have been right. Whatever’s different about Spike has something to do with this. We’ll regroup when we each find a treasure.”
As the girls regrouped after finding a treasure, Spike’s mecha ran at them. They thought he was just relieved to see them, but the mecha’s eyes were glowing red, something it shouldn’t do. Rarity was the first one to take a hit from his mecha. As her mecha fell to the ground, the others tried to stop Spike. As much as they didn’t want to, the only way to stop Spike was to force him to eject from his mecha.
Spike growled through his mecha’s cockpit and tried to fight what was going on inside his head saying, “H-Hurry! Get out of here while I still have some control over myself!’
Rainbow Dash’s mecha was the fastest of the group, so she got behind Spike’s and held him in a full nelson. “Applejack, hit it!”
Applejack had her mecha punch Spike’s right beneath the cockpit. As she did, the eject pod activated.
As Spike’s eject pod activated, he passed out when it landed. Casta hurried into the labyrinth when the girls and Spike came back to the entrance. She said, “I saw what happened using the surveillance cameras. Spike might be afflicted with a condition that makes him lose control at random times. After classes, I want you to bring him to the hospital. But for now, you’ve passed initiation. Let’s go back to the common room.”
They went back to the common room, Spike began to wake up. “W-What happened?” After the girls explained what happened in the labyrinth, he couldn’t believe it, but just like the fight for the entrance exam, he couldn’t remember what happened from the time he got in his mecha.
Casta said, “We’ll worry about that later, you seven should get to class. I’ll have your uniforms ready by the end of the school day.”
And with that, Spike and the girls went to their first class.
It was the first day of classes for Spike and his friends. Spike had decided to go to Energy Blades 101 first. After what happened in the labyrinth, Spike didn't want to go anywhere near a mecha for a while. The teacher looked at him and as he stroked his long gray beard, he thought to himself, "This one seems different than the others. He might be the first student to pass my class without any broken bones."
Spike walked up to the teacher and said, "Excuse me, I'm here to apply for this class."
The teacher snapped out of his trance as Spike came up to him and told him he was here to apply for this class. He asked him, “My name is Sensei Akamine. Do you think you have what it takes to wield an energy blade? It is a dangerous task. A master must know how to wield his weapon for good, and never for evil. Look me in the eye and tell me you want to join this class.”
Spike looked Akamine in the eye and said, “I want to join this class, sir.”
Akamine smiled and said, “Spike, I’ve been training students in the way of the energy blade for 30 years. I’ve never seen someone with the potential I see in you.”
Spike smiled and said "Thank-"
Before he could finish, Akamine stroked his long gray beard and said, "However... I sense a power sleeping deep inside you. A power that if not controlled properly, could end up being your doom. I will teach you more than the correct way to use an energy blade. I will teach you to control the power hidden deep inside you."
Spike looked down and said, "It's true, what you're saying. I nearly hurt my friends during my initiation into MystRaven... Whenever I get into a mecha, I just lose control, like something in my body just kicks in and takes control of me." As he looked back up at the teacher he said, "You really think you can help me control whatever it is that's inside me?"
Akamine nodded and said, "I do. I said it once and I'll say it again. I have never seen a student with the amount of potential I see in you. Your hidden power may be what gives you that potential, but you need to learn to control it. Now, go get changed into your uniform."
Spike smiled and said, "Yes sir!" and ran off into the changing rooms. He dressed himself in a white Gi, and tied a white belt around his waist. He thought to himself, "What could he have meant by a power sleeping deep inside me?" he looked in the mirror at the marking he had on his chest, almost right over his heart. It had been there since birth. His father told him it was a symbol of strength, and his father even had the same marking. He said to himself, "This marking... is it more than just a symbol of strength?" He went back out to the class, which was just about to start.
Sensei Akamine told his students, "The first rule of the way of the sword is 'do no harm.' Unless you mean to do harm, then do lots of harm!"
Spike could have sworn that was a line from an old TV show, but said nothing about it. As Akamine told them to grab an energy sword, Spike picked out a purple sword, the same color of his scales. He noticed there were an odd-numbered amount of students, so somebody wouldn't be sparring today.
Akamine started pairing the students up with their sparring partners and said, "Finally, Spike. I will be training you personally."
Spike bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you sensei. I'll give it my best."
As Spike drew his energy sword, Akamine took his out. Akamine readied his sword and lunged forward.
Spike felt something inside of him, but it wasn't like when he was in a mecha. It felt more like an instinct, and as Akamine lunged at him, he blocked with his own sword. Akamine said, "Good, you're a natural."
Spike smiled and told him, "I guess, but this just feels like an instinct."
Akamine nodded and said, "Everyone has a warrior instinct deep inside them, it's just a matter of awakening it."
As the two clashed swords, Spike felt as though he should use his body as a weapon. He used his tail to catch Akamine off guard and grab his leg before tripping him. As his sensei tripped, he stood over him and pointed his sword at him.
Akamine smiled and said, "Good, using anything you can to gain an advantage." he stood up and said, "You've done very well. You truly caught me off guard. It's been a long time since somebody's made me yield. I'm promoting you to a yellow belt." before handing him a yellow belt. "Class is almost over. If you have problems in any classes where you have to get in a mecha, show the teacher this note." He handed him a note that excused him from participating in Mecha Combat, and only to do simulations, where neither of the mechas were real.
Spike smiled and said, "Thank you sensei." before going back into the changing room and putting his MystRaven uniform back on.
As Spike arrived for his second class, the teacher said, "Ah, Mister Drake. You're late."
Spike tilted his head and asked, "I am?"
The teacher said, "Yes, you are exactly 0.02168 seconds late."
Spike thought to himself, "Is she serious?"
The teacher told him, "I am very serious!" almost as if she read his mind. "Now, take your seat."
Spike ignored the fact that she knew what he was thinking and sat down. He thought to himself, "At least she's not making me wear a stupid hat..."
Once again, as if she was reading his mind, she said, "As punishment for being late, you must wear this hat." before putting a dunce cap on him.
Spike stayed silent for a minute, and said to himself, "I'll show her, I'll pass this class with flying colors!"
Spike had spent the weekend in the library, trying to see if he could find anything about the marking on his chest. He decided to take a break and go into town. He figured that if he was going to graduate as an Ace Mecha Pilot, he'd need to keep up on supplies, like mecha weapons, mechas, and energy blades. Of course, it wasn't like he could just make them, he'd have to buy them. And the only way to make the credits he needed, get a job. There were a lot of places in town that were hiring, so he'd go and take a look at his options. First place was Mecharoni's, the local pizza place.
When Spike walked into the restaurant, a man with a green handlebar mustache looked at him and said with a heavy Italian accent, "Welcome to Mecharoni's, home of the best pizza in the galaxy! May I take your order?"
Spike shook his head and said, "I'm just looking around town for a decent job. Being a G.E.A.R.S student isn't exactly the cheapest profession in the galaxy."
Spike didn't notice it, but the man's eyes widened when he heard Spike say he was looking for a job. The man thought to himself, "This kid must be new in town... either that or he's crazy! Most people have already heard about what happened to the last pizza delivery guy!" The man then said aloud, "Well, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Parma John. I'm the founder and proprietor of Mecharoni's. If you haven't looked at some of the other places in town that are hiring, I suggest keeping your options open. Either way, here's a brochure with a list of hourly pay rates and benefits. The other places in town have these brochures too. You seem like a man who knows how to multitask, I wouldn't put it past you to be able to handle multiple jobs in town at the same time."
Spike was surprised, a man who he'd just met thought he could juggle more than one job at once. It was true, he was much better at multitasking without cracking than Twilight was. He said to Parma "Thank you, I'll be in touch." as he walked out of the restaurant, looking at the brochure he was given and said to himself, "Let's see... 15 credits an hour, complimentary delivery mecha, good opportunities for promotions, 25% employee discount, eligibility for exclusive employee coupons. These seem like pretty good benefits. I'm definitely interested in this place."
As he walked down the street, he saw the Soluna Police Department was hiring. He noticed a cyan hover bike parked outside the precinct. He recognized the bike as Rainbow Dash's. She was able to get it in the cargo hold on the transport shuttle, and managed to get Tek to fix it up after the crash landing. "Is Dash a cop? I've got a bad feeling about that..."
As he walked across the street, he heard a familiar voice yelling, "Jaywalker!" and suddenly, Spike was on the ground with Rainbow Dash on top of him. She said, "That'll teach- Spike!?" She got off of him and helped him up saying, "Sorry about that Spike..."
Spike brushed himself off and said, "It's fine. I never expected you to become a cop. You're not exactly one for rules."
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and said, "Whatever. So why are you coming to the police station?"
Spike told her, "I'm looking for a job. I already checked out Mecharoni's, and I'm still looking around."
"Oh, well, I've been on the force for a few days, but I haven't gotten in on much action. So far all I've done is write parking tickets." Rainbow Dash said sighing, "I thought being a cop would be more fun than this, but I still need the job."
Spike chuckled, "Don't worry Dash, I'm sure things will get more exciting." He walked into the station and asked a man with a bushy mustache, "Excuse me, my name's Spike Drake. I was wondering if you're hiring."
The man looked up from the paperwork on his desk and said, "Ah, yes. We happen to be hiring right now. There's no such thing as too many officers. Spike right? Well, if you're interested, but not sure, here's some brochures about working here on the force."
After checking around town, Spike had also looked at the hospital and the museum. All of the jobs paid well, but he had trouble deciding on one job. Then he thought about what Parma John said. "Maybe more than one job wouldn't be a bad idea..." He went back to Mecharoni's and applied for the job. He told Parma John, "I hope you don't mind boss, but I'm going to take your advice. I'll be back as soon as I'm done applying at some of the other places that are hiring."
Parma John nodded telling Spike, "Go ahead, I'll have something for you to do when you get back."
Spike walked back out of the pizza shop and applied at the Police Station and the Museum. He didn't really have the stomach for a job at the hospital, so he passed on it. As he made his way back to Mecharoni's, he heard Pinkie's voice calling out. When he saw her running towards him, he asked her, "Pinkie, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."
As Pinkie caught her breath from the running she told him, "I did! I was at the magic shop in town and I accidentally pressed a button I wasn't supposed to and released a whole bunch of ghosts! I need help rounding them up! PLEASE Spike?"
Spike knew Pinkie was great at getting herself into unusual situations, but releasing a bunch of ghosts? That was a new one, "I'd like to help, but there's one thing. Ghosts don't exist Pinkie. Did you forget to take your medicine again?"
Pinkie growled at Spike, "Stop acting like I'm crazy! Well... ok, I am a bit crazy, but I'm no liar, and you of all people should know that!"
Before Pinkie could start bawling, Spike said, "You're right Pinkie, you'd never lie to me. I'm sorry about that. I guess I'll see what I can do. But I have three jobs already, I'm working at the museum, the police station, and Mecharoni's, so I've got a lot on my plate."
Pinkie hugged Spike tightly and said, "Thanks Spike! I'll tell my boss you'll help when you get the chance! We can be ghost-hunting partners! Just like that movie from the 80's!"
Spike chuckled as Pinkie left, "Weird, Pinkie Pie would never lie, but ghosts? This sounds weird. Well, I better get back to Mecharoni's."
And so, Spike has four new jobs, Archeologist, Cop, Pizza Delivery Guy, and apparently, Ghost Hunter. Will he be able to juggle four jobs and school life? Only time will tell
Spike had woken up and was heading out to his first day at one of his four jobs, more specifically, Mecharoni's. He was greeted by Parma John, who said, "Hello Spike! I'm glad you're here, we've got five deliveries, and Ember called out sick, so you're our only delivery boy right now."
Spike gulped, five deliveries, and all by himself, that'd be hard. Ember was a friend from back home on Westion, and she was a member of the MystRaven student council, but if she called out sick, he didn't have a choice, "Sure thing boss. You said I get a delivery mecha in the brochure you gave me?"
John nodded, "Of course, these mechas are specially designed for pizza delivery, along with combat. Those cheapskates at Rusty Rat have tried to stop deliveries before, but we here at Mecharoni's will not stoop to that level. The mecha will keep the pizzas warm, and protect you if Rusty Rat attacks you." before leading Spike out back and into the mecha. He gave him the list of addresses and which pizza went to which address.
Spike gulped as he climbed into the delivery mech, but unlike before, he didn't feel overcome with instinct. He started heading out to the addresses. He read the first address, "1575 Main Street order a Supreme Pomegranate and Lemon Pizza. Man this place has nutty combinations. Let's see, 1573, 1574, there it is, 1575!" before climbing out of the mech and ringing the doorbell. When the person answered he said, "I've got the Supreme Pomegranate and Lemon Pizza you ordered."
The person looked confused, "I didn't order a pizza, sir..."
When Spike looked at the address, he read out the name, "Are you sure? I've got your name right here, Al B. Zienya… wait a minute..."
The person snickered lightly before bursting into laughter, "You got a prank call! Listen, for your trouble, I'll pay for the pizza and give you a 35% tip." before pulling out the money for the pizza, along with 45 Nova Gems. "I hope Nova Gems are ok for a tip."
Spike nodded, "Yeah, money's money, hope you enjoy your pizza." before getting back in the delivery mecha and heading to the next address, 1389 Green Ave. As he piloted the mecha there, he saw a Shadowscythe attacking the nearby area. It was part of the job that he'd have to face enemies, but he didn't expect a Shadowscythe. He attacked the Shadowscythe Mecha with his giant pizza cutter weapon, slicing it directly in half. When he got out of the mecha to check on the address, he saw the pizza was perfectly safe. He stepped out and said, "Sir, I've got your Adventurer's Sushi and Tapioca Pizza."
The customer licked his lips and said, "Thanks man! Here's your tip." before handing him 75 credits.
As Spike finished the last three deliveries, he separated the money he got from tips and the money that went to Parma John. On his first day, he'd made 750 credits and 45 Nova Gems in tips, which was pretty good.
When Spike returned, Parma John smiled at him, "Good job Spike, not a single complaint from any of the customers, and you even took out some of those Shadowscythe thugs. I think you've earned a bit of a raise."
Spike was shocked at the fact he'd gotten a raise on his first day of work, and told Parma John, "There was one little problem. The Supreme Pomegranate and Lemon Pizza, whoever ordered that one, it was a prank call, but the person at the delivery address paid for it anyway."
John sighed, "Kids these days don't respect how much time and effort is wasted on these stupid prank calls. Well, just get in the back and start washing some dishes."
Spike nodded, heading into the kitchen to wash dishes from the lunch rush. He never noticed it until now, a lot of these plates had some sort of green sludge on them. He looked out of the kitchen door's window and saw some weird alien eating an entire pizza in one gulp and said, "Ok, now that... that is fucking scary..."
One of the other employees brought more dishes back and heard Spike, saying, "You have no idea. That guy is the place's best customer, he comes here every morning when we open, and he doesn't leave until closing time. I don't trust the guy though, how does he have the credits to pay for the pizza when he's spending all his time here? I'm Lyra Heartstrings by the way."
Spike looked over to his co-worker, "Seriously? He spends that much time here? That's insane. I like pizza, but I can't eat that much pizza."
Lyra nodded, "Yep, and he always gets the Gelatin and Kimchi Pizza."
Spike gagged at the idea of a pizza with gelatin and kimchi on it, but to each his own. As his shift came to an end, he hung up his apron and hat and said, "I'm heading home boss. Thanks for the good hours"
John smiled as he started getting ready to close the shop, "No problem Spike."
The sludge-like alien customer looked up from his table and looked at Spike and asked him, "You're the new guy right? Name's Bloghurl. I'll tell you, this pizza is worth the 1,000,000,000 light year trip."
Spike gulped, he was a bit nervous around this guy, but he smiled lightly and said, "Nice to meet you, but we're getting ready to close."
Bloghurl looked at his watch and said, "Oh, it's that time already? Well, I'll take my last pizza to go then." before getting up from his chair and taking the pizza he'd ordered and left.
Parma John sighed as Bloghurl left, "Finally he's gone... I mean, the guy is our best customer, so I can't complain, but so many other customers are intimidated by him. He never does anything but just sit and order more of our Gelatin and Kimchi pizza. I don't know why, but I just have a bad feeling about him..."
Spike nodded, "I don't blame you boss, he gives me the creeps. Well, I'm out, see you tomorrow boss." before heading back to his dorm room
It was another day for Spike. Today was his first day working as a cop. He walked down to the police station and saw Rainbow Dash waiting outside for him. She called out, "Hey rookie, you and me are on the beat today, go get into uniform and we'll get started."
Spike nodded, walking into the station and changing into his uniform before going back out to meet Rainbow Dash. As they got in their squad car, Spike asked, "You do realize you're just as new on this job as I am, so you've got no right to call me a rookie."
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, "Whatever, let's just get this over with." before driving the car around town. There wasn't anything happening, so they stopped for a lunch break at Mecharoni's.
Parma John greeted the two cops before hearing his phone ring, "Ok, so one large calamari and kimchi pizza to... what was that name again? I.P. Freely.... wait a minute... listen to me you little punk, if I ever find out who you are, I'm gonna shove a sausage down your throat and stick starving dogs in your butt!" before slamming the phone down
Spike drank his soda and said, "You'll get that punk someday John."
John sighed, "I don't know, he's tough to catch. It's the same guy every time, but the number keeps changing."
Spike looked at Rainbow Dash, who looked back and nodded, "We'll look into it John. Technically what this guy is doing is considered fraud."
Parma John smiled, "Thanks you two, I appreciate it. Here's the number that last one came from." handing Spike a piece of paper with a number written on it
As the two left, Spike called back to the station and said, "Hey Tempest, can you ping a phone? Number's 650-758-6321."
The officer on the other end said, "Got it, it's pinging from 7450 Main Street."
Spike thanked the officer and said, "7450 Main Street, let's hit it." before Rainbow Dash drove to the address
Rainbow Dash knocked on the door, and when a man answered it, he asked, "Can I help you officers?"
Spike walked into the man's house and saw multiple cell phones sitting on the table, "What's with all the cell phones? You've got a lot of them."
The man gulped, "I'm not saying anything without my lawyer."
Spike sighed, "In that case." before clicking cuffs onto the man's wrists, "Sir, you're under arrest for fraud. You have the right to remain silent, if you give up that right, anything you say can and will be used in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you by the state." and loading him into the car.
Rainbow Dash fist-bumped Spike, "Nice job rookie, your first arrest. Let's get him down to central booking." before driving back to the station and bringing the man inside.
Spike smiled as they led the man to a holding cell, putting him inside and walking back to the chief, who said, "Good work you two, this guy's been making prank calls all over the city, glad we finally got him behind bars."
Spike tipped his hat, "No problem boss, it's all part of the job."
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, "Don't romanticize the job Spike, it never ends well."
"Oh shut up Dash" Spike replied, before heading back outside for a cigarette.
Rainbow Dash chuckled as she followed him outside, "I'm just warning you, romanticizing the job is a bad idea. Plenty of good cops have gone down by romanticizing the job, so just be careful."
As they drove around the city again, there wasn't anything else happening, so they clocked out and headed to get something to eat. Spike said to Dash, "Not a bad day, we collared someone on my first day."
Rainbow raised her soda glass, "Cheers." being followed by Spike clinking his glass with hers
