> A Love Story in 30 Days > by Phantom-Dragon > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Phoenix Academy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notice: "At this moment, the all-boy boarding school, Phoenix Academy shall be running a Co-Ed experiment with all-girl boarding school, Alicorn University. All students are required to attend the courtyard in preparation of the welcoming committee. "Wow, what are the odds?" A voice narrated. "Uncle's Academy becoming Co-Ed? Wow. And that's such a big deal since a lot of guys here are at that age where our teenage hormones are killing us on the inside, begging us to–Ahem!" The voice coughed, clearing his throat, before apologizing, "Sorry. I almost lost my bearings there. Introductions." Walking down the hall, with a clipboard in hand is a young teenage boy, roughly around the age of 14, with piercing emerald green eyes and matching spiky hair. For attires, he wears a green jacket with dark purple stripes on the front, sleeves, and a matching purple hood, blue jeans, and black sneakers with blazing designs of green dragons printed on the sides. "That's me. My name is Samuel Scorpio. But my friends call me Spike. And right now, I'm the head of the welcoming committee assigned by my uncle. You heard me right. The headmaster of Phoenix Academy, Scorpan Scorpio, is my uncle. If there's one thing you should know about my uncle, he demands absolute respect and honor, befitting to that of a gentleman. He's very strict about it. And he wants all of us boys here at his school to be like that. And that's a big deal, since we're all tasked with making good impressions on the girls who will be here with us for an entire month." "But deep down, beneath that tough exterior, he's an awesome uncle. He was once a reigning champion of 15 martial art tournaments, 10 years in row! And before, he and my parents were close. Long story short, my parents died in a car accident, and uncle took me in and raised me as his own. But that's a story for another time." "Now about Phoenix Academy, it's an all-boy boarding school, or at least until it becomes a co-ed boarding school. Besides that, it's an awesome school to attend to. It's got just about everything a school has to offer. For anyone who is techie, we've got computer labs, equipped with the latest, up-to-date technologies, including the VR(Virtual Reality) systems for robotics, programmings, and video game designing. Or at least, that's what my friend Button Mash told me." "Other than that, we also have an auditorium the size of Broadway for anyone interested in the acting and filming department, like my friends, Tender Taps and Pipsqueak. Also, for anyone who is an athlete looking for some intense competitions, the school also has a huge gym and stadium, with equipments for rock climbing, parkour, archery, and for guys like me and uncle, we've got martial arts clubs ranging from Karate, Kendo, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, and well, you get the rest. Now that's a competitive subject my friend Rumble and his older brother Thunderlane are so hyped up about. You should see how passionate they are when they were trying out for the upcoming competition, Canterlot Ninja Warriors." "Sounds like a lot of fun, huh? And the best part is, there's a list of events for each and everyone's field of expertise, like the Robotics Competitions, International Film and Thespian Festivals, and a whole lot more. And in charging of keeping us all up-to-date for these events is the school's newspaper society, the Phoenix Coverage, with my pal Featherweight as its reporter, under the employment of his mentor and editor-in-chief, James P. Jameson." "Yeah, yeah. I hear you out there. Button Mash? Tender Taps? Pipsqueak? Rumble? Featherweight? Who walks around with names like that? Don't worry, you'll know soon enough. Right now, I've got to–" "Oh no," Spike muttered, looking up to see three boys, sitting at the edge of a balcony, each looking through their pairs of binoculars, scanning the horizon across the school. The first boy is short and chubby with messy orange hair. For attires, he wears a black t-shirt with the image of a scissor printed on the front, dark blue jeans, and green sneakers. The second boy is albeit lanky with a slightly combed moderate turquoise hair. For attires, he wears a green, open front jacket with a picture of snail on the left side of the chest, over a red shirt, tan long pants, and red sneakers. Finally, the third boy is the tallest among the trio, with a messy long blonde hair tied up in a bun, with grayish cerise eyes. For attires, he wears a brown hippie vest, with worn blue jean, and brown shoes. "These clowns – or was we call them, the Three Stooges – are Snips, Snails, and Zephyr Breeze in that order. They're real troublemakers around these parts. Why are they still attending the school? Well, you could say that their folks happen to be one of the school's biggest sponsors, and they threaten to cut their fundings if any of them gets suspended, or expelled. Worst still, remember what I said earlier about us boys having raging teenage hormones? Well, these guys got it real bad. "Guys! What do you think you're doing?" Spike called out to the trio. "You should be helping out with the Welcoming Committee! C'mon, everyone's all down in the courtyard!" "Well we've got an even more important task to do up here, Spike!" Snips answered excitedly. "Yeah! We're keeping a lookout!" Snails added. "A bus full of beautiful sophomore and junior girls are supposed to show up any seconds now. We just can't wait!" "That's right," Zephyr Breeze added. "And those beautiful babies are gonna learn the ABCs of love, from one and only, moi," the boy said, with a flick of his hair. "Oh yeah! All our teenage boy dreams will soon be made a reality when we get to see these beautiful babes, and get a full load of their best assets yet!" with that, the three boys were completely zoned out, lost in their own raging hormone driven worlds of fantasy. "Seriously guys?" Spike grumbled, pinching his temples. "Are you even listening to yourselves? Uncle's counting on us to get everything ready for the welcoming committee, and you're just going to sit up there, acting like pirates searching for ships to loot." "Well forgive us, your majesty, if we can't help but have raging hormones and are in need of some sexy babes to please ourselves," Zephyr scoffed. "And don't forget, just because your uncle's the headmaster, doesn't make you the king of us!" Snips added. "So ha!" "Well unless you guys want our school to be co-ed, so we and the ladies can see each other 24/7, you'll start helping us with the welcoming committee, and I mean now!" Spike ordered. In response, Zephyr Breeze circled his hand in the air, "Ehhhhh...." he muttered. "See, here's the thing, Spike," Snips began. "We're not exactly the best option for a 'welcoming committee' and you know it." "We'll let you on a little secret," Snails added. "We're a little....slightly.....stupid." the boy finished with a dope grin on is face. Spike shook his head, sighing in annoyance, knowing he's not getting anywhere with this conversation, "Sometimes, I forget who I'm talking to," he muttered. "I'm wasting valuable times. I better get to the courtyard and make sure everyone there are on schedule." "Good talk to you man!" the three stooges called out to Spike. "Yo Spike! Lend us a hand here, will ya brother?" "Got your back bros!" Spike smiled as he ran over to a group of five boys, who were setting up a large banner over the front gate. "Remember those unique names I mentioned earlier?" Spike narrated. "Well, these are the guys I've been telling you about. The more decent and upright kind of guys." The first boy has a moderate scarlet hair with moderate orange streaks, moderate vermilion eyes, light brown skin, and speaks with a raspy voice. For attire, he wears a moderate orange jacket, over a Minecraft t-shirt, white tanned baggy pants, black socks, red and white sneakers, a yellow, white, and red striped beanie with a green propeller. "That's Michael Maximus. But we call him Button Mash. He's a fan for comic books and he's into science. Science-fiction to be precise. And he's where we get all our nicknames from. Don't let his beanie hat fool ya though. He's one hardcore gamer. He's aspiring to develop his own video games in the future. Also, he has a current agenda of being school mascot by day, and by night, hardcore gamer of the trades." The second boy is an athlete with two shades of dark grayish sapphire blue for his hair color. For attire, he wears a light bluish gray jacket over a dark blue shirt, gray cargo pants, and dark sapphire sneakers. "That's Joe Spartacus. We call him Rumble. He and his brother Thunderlane are co-captains of the school's football, soccer, and basketball teams. Both he and Button Mash tend to have this dynamic clash that's best described as on the level of Batman vs. Superman, Raphael vs. Leonardo, Iron Man vs. Captain America, etc. But despite their rivalry, they're good pals." The third boy is slender with a smooth, grayish and moderate mulberry hair, and moderate purple eyes. His attires are a brilliant orange shirt, black short jeans, and black shoes with long white socks with red stripes. "That's Terence Jones. But we call him Tender Taps. He's my roommate here at Phoenix Academy, and he's a really talented dancers. He can do the freestyle hip hops to the graceful tap dances. But he does have a slight case of the stage frights, whenever he's under too much pressures." The fourth boy is thin with a low cut, light brown hair with a lighter streak, and buck teeth shown. His attires are a simple white shirt, long blue jeans, and red sneakers with pictures of a feather on both sides. "There's the ace report of the Phoenix Coverage. Or at least, its only reporter. Featherweight is his nickname. He's in charge of getting the latest, up-to-date scoops on the school grounds and events beyond that we'd be interested in participating. When he's working together with the techie people of the academy, he has a blog for all of us to chat online." Finally, the last boy is the shortest of the five, plus Spike. He has matching hair colors with Featherweight, has deep reddish brown eyes, and speaks with a Cockney accent. For attires, he wears an open, dark blue vest, over a white shirt with the picture of a red tailed hawk imprinted on the front, short brown pants, and matching shoes with white socks. "Lastly is Featherweight's cousin from Nottingham, Pip Sparrow. But because of his small size and quiet demeanor, he's been the target for a lot of bullies since childhood, thus earning him the nickname Pipsqueak. Nevertheless, he's quite energetic and adventurous whenever we do of our weekly LARPing in the weekend. If it's pirates, then he dons up his favorite persona, Captain Pip Sparrow the Pirate." "Together, they're called – wait for it – the Five Guys! Yes, I know that name is already taken and it's copyrighted to a fast food joint. But that's the name Button Mash coined and it's got a nice ring to it. So Five Guys's been stuck with them. And these guys are the best. Like most of us sane boys here at Phoenix Academy, we know how to keep our raging hormones in check, unlike the three obvious exceptions at our school. But that doesn't mean they're perfect. They still have their quirks. Just tolerable. That's all." After half an hour has passed, the welcoming committee was finished. The banner is up, the caterers are set, and the decorations have brought the committee to life, giving it a welcoming appeal for the school's upcoming VIPs. "Alright! Way to go you guys!" Spike smiled proudly. "I'd say we've outdone ourselves." "You said it, Spike," Tender Taps agreed. "Huzzah!" Pipsqueak cheered. "Game on!" Button Mash added. "Oh if only mother and big brother could see me now." "This will make for a scoop on the Phoenix Coverage!" Featherweight added, holding up a set of flash cards for all the questions he's prepared to ask for the girls upon arrival. "Now all that's left is to make sure those three jokers don't mess this up for us, if not the whole school," Spike sighed. "Ah don't let those three losers get to ya, Spike," Rumble insisted. "We can handle them. Besides, if those three clowns so much lay one finger any of the girls, then so help me I’ll break every bones in their hands that they can’t even hold up their precious binoculars up to their eyes.“ “That’s assuming you don’t get expelled first,” Spike pointed. “Remember, they’re practically untouchable until uncle could find another sponsor to our school. Someone with more ethics, perhaps.” “Don’t remind me.” “Look, I want the girls to have the most memorable and pleasant month-long retreat at our school as badly as you guys. Especially when this is Gabby we’re talking about.” “Ooh!” the guys exclaimed in awe together. “The famous Gabby Gryphon you’ve been going on and on about?” Featherweight teased. “The Gabby who you’ve been writing love poetries to in your letters?” Rumble added. “W-What?!” Spike blushed. “I don’t write love poetries! Gabby and I are just pen pals. That’s all. We’re just really close friends who keep in touch, that’s all.” “Which essentially means you two are distant lovers,” the young athletic boy continued. “C’mon, don’t deny it. You got it real bad for the girl.” With a roll of his eyes, Spike continued to deny the guys, “I don’t," taking in a deep breath, Spike sighed, "But just say that I do, what if she doesn't like the school? What if something goes wrong and I get held accountable for it? What if the Three Stooges get to her because I wasn't around to save her and she deems her stay here the worst school ever? I might never see her again, and we'd never share texts with each other again." "Whoa, whoa, Spike. Calm down," Button Mash consulted. "You're overthinking these things." "Besides, you and Gabby have been in touch for two years now, so that's saying something," Rumble added. "You two must be in a serious engagement, and from what you've told us about her, she seems to be really into ya. Plus, she sounds like a sweet girl. She'd never blame ya for anything beyond your control bro." "Besides, you handle the girl," Tender Taps added. "And we'll take care of the losers." Samuel looked to his best friends and could feel his faith in the restored. They’ve never once steered him wrong, and he knows they’ve never let him down before. “Thanks guys,” Spike smiled. “I knew I can count on you.” Button Mash stepped forward, raising his hand up in the air, “High five boys!” Button Mash said, and they all clapped their hands together. Meanwhile, on its way towards Phoenix Academy is the bus, packed with 40 selected school girls from Alicorn Academy. Among these chosen few, one girl sat in her chair, happily looking at her phone, reading the many messages she's been getting from a certain pen-pal of hers, "Wow, Spike is just so awesome!" she cooed, before turning to the girl next to her. "Isn't he something, Gilda? Gilda? Hello?" there wasn't a response, for the girl dubbed Gilda was fast asleep, while listening to some calming musics from her earbuds. "Hey Gilda! Wake up," the girl tapped Gilda on the shoulders repeatedly, until at last, the girl was awake. "Uh, what?" Gilda snorted. "Are we there yet?" "No, not yet. But I'm so excited!" the girl squealed happily. "I can't wait to meet Samuel again! I've missed him so much. He just has to know how much I still love him!" "Yeah, yeah, I hear ya for the last two years," Gilda grumbled, trying to resume her nap. Somewhere on the bus, sat a girl who was happily watering a potted plant, with the use of an eye dropper, "Ah, Phyllis," the girl sighed motherly. "Before you, my life was just so bleak and dull. But with you, you really spruce things up." Just then, the authoritative voice of a woman announced, "Listen up everyone," the girls all looked up to hear what the woman has to say. "We'll be arriving at Phoenix Academy soon. Now remember, it's very important for us to be the model case for all the students who will be enrolling next year. Therefore, I expect you all to be on your best behavior with the boys." The girls all exchanged agreements, "So if I may, Vice Principal Luna?" a haughty, yet smooth, melodious voice began. "What are these boys like? Will we get to see some really cute ones?" "It would depend, Ms. Dazzles," the woman, Vice Principal Luna replied. "Though I expect both you and your sisters to be on your best behavior, if you wish for this program to be a success and both our schools to merge and become co-ed." "Us?!" a low gruff voice exclaimed, feeling offended. "It's Sonata you gotta worry about." "Oh yeah?" a high-pitch snooty voice began. "Well, if you weren't so scary, then nobody would have to worry so much." "Please don't mind them," Dazzles said. "They're idiots." "HEY!" the two girls exclaimed in outrage. "That's quite enough you three!" Vice Principal Luna shouted in a booming voice. "My sister and I have high expectations for each and every one of you. And that goes for you three. And I'll have you know that if I hear so much as one report of disturbance of any sort, then not only will this trail run be a failure, but the student responsible will find themselves expelled from both schools in the coming year. Do I make myself clear?" Intimidated by their vice principal's stern and strict demeanor, the entire girls onboard the bus all voiced their agreements, before they resumed kicking back in their seats and enjoying the ride. In meantime, an idle chit-chat was exchanged between a group of eight special girls. "Ooh! I'm so nervicited, I can just explode at any seconds now!" a loud hyperactive voice squealed with excitement. "You do realize that's not a real word, right?" a low, southern accent voice asked. "Oh, it will be so wonderful to finally see my darling, Spikey-Wikey again," a Trans-Atlantic English accent voice added in a formal tone. "It's been so long since we've last seen each other. I hope he hasn't forgotten all about me." "I just hope he's alright after what happened to him years ago," the girls all turned to the girl with glasses, who voiced her concern. "Hardly anyone could ever survive an accident like that, with nothing more than a concussion." "Hey, Spike's a tough guy," the girl with low, raspy voice said, in her attempts to console her friends in reassurance. "Don't forget, he made it big on the news a few months back, when he won first place in the Canterlot Kendo Tournament!" "Oh my! That's quite a feat for him," said the shy girl of the group who talked in a soft, quiet voice. "I hope he's still alright after that." "Of course, he's alright, Fluttershy!" the girl with low, raspy voice replied. "His uncle is Scorpan Scorpio. Reigning champion of 15 martial arts, 10 years in a row! That guy's a legend! He's like Bruce Lee reincarnated, or something." "Yeah, but even Bruce Lee had his limits," the country girl voiced her opinion. "Besides, even if it has been ten years now, I'm sure Spike is still recovering from the accident. I think it's best if we just give him some space first." The six girls all exchanged agreements, "You're probably right, Applejack," the girl with glasses then turned to the seventh girl. "What do you think, Sunset?" "Huh? Oh yeah, sure," Sunset sighed, dismally. > The Welcoming Committee > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- All of Phoenix Academy waited patiently – anxiously for some – for the arrival of the bus from Alicorn Academy, with its selections of promising girls who would later be attending with the boys for the month-long trial of the co-ed experiment program. While the rest of the male bodies were all in the courtyard ready for the welcome, it wasn't long before the Three Stooges announced, "THEY'RE HERE!! THEY'RE HERE!! HERE THEY COME!!" With that, the majority of the entire male students all excitedly ran up to the entrance, with Rumble standing up on a bench, as if he was leading the charge, "Alright men! Battle stations, everyone! C'mon, you know the drill! Let's go go go!" "C'mon! Suck in that gut!" Pipsqueak ordered. "Shut your traps! We're not codfish! Stand up straight you!" "Beautiful hot babes," Zephyr Breeze began, whipping out a hair comb and proceeded to comb his hair really fast, like the way Johnny Bravo does. "Hee haw who ha!" he quoted. "Get ready for a little breeze to blow your way." Before long, the bus from Alicorn Academy soon pulled up, alongside the wall formed by the boys. From inside the bus, the girls looked across the plethora of boys who've all gathered around to meet them. Needless to say, the girls were taken by some of the boys who appeared well behaved and stood out with the utmost respectable appearance, befitting to that of a gentleman, while repulsed by the lustful gazes and creepy smiles from the others, especially the leers the Three Stooges were sending their ways. When the doors of the bus parted away, a tall woman who appeared to be in her late 20s came walking out, dressed in a dark blue business shirt with matching pants and shoes. She has long midnight blue hair and eyes. "Whoa!" Pipsqueak gasped, taken by the woman's appearance. "Is that their principal?" Squinting his eyes for a closer look at the woman's name tag, Rumble confirmed, "Close. That's her sister and Alicorn Academy's vice principal, Luna Cosmos." "Wow, just imagine what the principal must be like," Tender Taps commented as he and the boys watched as Spike walked up to the lady. Spike cleared his throat and he began, "Hi. I'm Samuel Scorpio. I'm the head of this Welcoming Committee, and let me be the first to welcome all of you lovely ladies to Phoenix Academy," he ended, holding his hand out for a handshake, which the woman gladly accepted. "My, what a nice young man," Vice Principal Luna smiled. "I should expect nothing less from Scorpan's nephew." With the pleasantries and the meet and greet out of the way, the entire Welcoming Committee was underway as the girls all left the bus to follow their vice principal and they all got acquainted with the boys. "Ice cream, ice cream! Come and get your ice cream!" Rumble shouted while pushing a cart of ice cream through the courtyard. "Ice cream," with that, some of the boys and girls surrounded him to get their ice cream. While serving the ice creams, Rumble looked up and his eyes were locked with those colored grayish purple, belonging to a girl about his age. In appearance, she has moderate cerise hair that is don in style like that of a punk rockstar, and wears a light gray zipped up jacket with turquoise hems on the sleeves and bottom of the jacket, matching boots, green cargo pants, and wears a turquoise wristband with white stripe on the left hand. "Oh, hello," Rumble greeted with a blush at the girl. "H-Hey," the girl replied with matching blush. She looked down, then back up and asked, "Can I please have my ice cream now?" "What?" looking down, Rumble remembered he was just about to give the girl her order of strawberry ice cream with chocolate sauce and sprinkles. "Oh! Right. Sorry, here," he handed the girl her ice cream, who smiled, before she walked away. "Wow!" he sighed lovingly. "Who's that girl?" Somewhere amidst the party, a girl around the age of 14 was trying to get to the concession stands, when she tripped and fell to the ground. She slowly got up on her hands, when she looked and saw a hand was offering assistant to her. "You okay there?" Button asked, as he helped the girl up. "Yeah, thanks," the girl replied in the most softest and gentlest voice the boy ever did hear. Once he got a good look at the girl, Button Mash was smitten to see a beautiful girl about his age with grayish mulberry hair with light, grayish rosy streaks don up in curls, sparkling harlequin eyes. For attires, she wore a white t-shirt with pink strips, red velvet jacket, a long yellow skirt, and red boots. "Uh, hi," Button began. "I'm Michael. But my friends call me Button Mash." "That's a cute name," the girl giggled, before she introduced herself. "I'm Sweetie Belle, by the way." "Sweetie Belle? That's a beautiful name," the boy smiled. "Aw, thank you!" Sweetie blushed. Somewhere in the crowd, Tender Taps was serving food to the girls at the concession stands, when he chances upon meeting a girl with red hair and brilliant gamboge eyes. She wears a pink bow at the top of her head, lime green shirt, jean shorts with a belt tied at the waist, and orange cowgirl boots with apple designs. The two locked eyes with each other, until the girl finally broke silence, “Hello.” “Uh....hi,” Tender stammered, returned the greeting. Zephyr Breeze, being the self-proclaimed ladies man he thinks he is, puts on a pair of shades as he walks up to a girl and spoke, in a forcible manly tone, "Hey there baby," in response, the girl punched him in the face. "Yeah, whatever." "Ouch!" Spike winced, together with Featherweight and Pipsqueak, having witnessed the whole scene with Zephyr. "Right in the kisser." "Why can't he just take a hint and drop the whole Johnny Bravo act?" Pipsqueak asked. "I've been asking him that for years," Featherweight answered, before he changed the topic, "She's beautiful, isn't she?" "Who?" turning their heads, looking in Feather's direction, both Spike and Pip looked to a young girl with purple glasses that framed her light spring green eyes, moderate amber hair, and wears a light yellowish gray frilly dress that touches her knee, with white knee socks, and black shoes. "She looks nice," Spike commented, before turning to Featherweight and urges him on. "Go talk to her, go on." "No, I don't know..." Featherweight stammered bashfully. "I can't–I mean...." "Okay, I'll go talk to her," Pipsqueak declared proudly, walking towards the girl, much to Featherweight's dismay. "Oh no you don't! I'll talk to her!" with that, Featherweight quickly ran after his cousin, determined not to be upstage by the likes of him. Spike simply chuckled, "Oh those two," he didn't look where he was going, when he bumped into a girl and they both fell down. "Oh sorry," they both apologized to each other. "My fault." In appearance, the girl has long, scruffy moderate aquamarine green hair, freckles that framed her wide, shy grayish tangelo eyes. Her attires consists of a dirt brown sweater with tan stripes, gray pants, and tennis shoes. After brushing most of her locks from her eyes, she looked up and her eyes widen in shock, "Spike?!" she gasped. "Huh?" confused, Spike looked at the girl with perplexed gaze, "Have we met?" in response, the girl quickly turned her head away and ran off in a different direction, "Hey, wait! What...." but it was no use. The mysterious girl disappeared amidst the crowd, "What did I do?" Spike didn't have time to ponder, when a pair of hands grabbed him from behind, covering his eyes. "Guess who?~" a cheerful voice sang playfully. With a chuckle, Spike turned his head and was greeted by the appearance of a girl, roughly above his age by a year, with beautiful moderate turquoise eyes, blazing hair dyed light arctic bluish gray with the back tied into a knot. Her clothings consists of a white t-shirt, beneath an arctic bluish gray jacket with dark azureish gray sleeves, long jeans that matched the color of her sleeves, and yellow shoes. "Gabby!" Spike shouted. "Hey Spike!" With that, both boy and girl walked up to each other, wrapping their arms around one another in a loving hug. “Well, if it ain’t little Spikey,” a low, gruff voice called out, to which both Spike and Gabby looked to see an older, well-endowed girl, with white silver blonde hair, don up in a punk-style with the tip dyed purple, matching eyeshadows that framed her piercing yellow eyes. Her clothings are a brown jacket with a few worn tears on the sleeves, long jean pants with a few tears on the legs, and black biker boots. “Well, well, if it isn’t Gilda,” Spike replied. The two had an intense stare down, before they chuckled, “Hey Spike. Good to see ya again,” Gilda said, as she and Spike exchange fist bumps. “Haven’t seen ya since that kendo tournament in the big city. You look like you’ve been doing well.” “Well I was going to say the same for you,” Spike chuckled. “Been working out?” “Totally.” "Anyway, I’m glad you gals could make it!” Spike began. “There's so much to this school I want to show you right now!” "And I can't wait for us to get started!" Gabby smiled. "Where do we begin?" "Well, we've got just about everything here," Spike replied, as he began listing off some of the highlights that Phoenix Academy has to offer. Little did he know, however, that he would soon attract the attention of some more special girls soon enough. Somewhere in the party “Hey look! That’s him! Over there with Gabby and Gilda!” her friends all turned their eyes and looked to see, sure enough, the green haired boy is none other than Spike. “Omigosh! It really is him! C’mon! Let’s go meet him now!” “Pinkie wait!” the girl stopped her hyperactive friend. “It’s not very appropriate to just run up to him like that. We have to do this in a more civilized manner.” “Uh, don't look now, but I just spotted three more troubles for Spike!” a raspy voice pointed to a trio of girls, setting their sights on Spike, Gabby, and Gilda. At the same time "Well, well, dear sisters," a sly voice said with bemusements. "It seems our friends, the Rainbooms have taken interests in that little cutie over there." "So? What's the big deal? There are plenty of guys like him," a low, gruff voice grumbled. "You mean there are other guys with green spiked up hairs like him?" asked a bubbly voice. The other two all groaned in exasperation in response of their airhead third-wheel, before the leader spoke up, "You know, any boys who has captured the Rainbooms interest is bound to have some promising....potentials." Around the same time "Aw man! I can't believe it!" Zephyr Breeze moaned, after he regrouped with Snips and Snails. "We've got a whole bevy of babes right here, and not one of them are taken in by my manly charm that is Zephyr!" "Speak for yourself!" Snips grumbled. "I can't even get a word out, without girls looking at my teeth and running away," he said, unaware that he had a bit of salad stuck in between his two buck teeth. *Dramatic girl horror screaming* "So far, Button Mash's got himself a girl, same with Tender Tap over there," Snails noted. "Then there's Featherweight. Oh yeah, and don't get me started on Feather Bangs. He's hardly saying anything, and he's got three girls fawning over him already!" "This is so unfair!" Zephyr pouted. "It was downright deespicable!" Snips added. "It's–Whoa! Babe alerts!" Snails shouted, pointing in a random direction which the rest of the stooges followed. "Make that three!" Snips smiled happily. "Hubba hubba!" Zephyr joined in. Walking through the courtyard, with a whole horde of boys following and worshipping the grounds they walked on, are a trio of girls about the age of seventeen, posessing uncommon beauties, as well as red gem necklaces for each. The first girl, the leader, has a large poofy orange hair with yellow streaks and a spiked band holding it together and striking raspberry eyes. Her attires are a leather jacket with god spikes on the shoulders, light purple blouse with purple triangles printed all over, light pink fingerless gloves, purple sparkling shorts, with a gold belt tied around the waist, and dark purple, knee high, go-go boots with yellow spikes jutting from behind and two yellow jewels at the front of the ankle and above. The second girl has a pair of white accessories that tied her long hair into pigtails that was dyed purple with aquamarine streaks and intense mulberry eyes with matching eyeshadows that gave off an intimidating aura. For attires, she wears a sea blue green vest with torn sleeves, over a white blouse, purple sparkling pants with a dark purple belt that meets a white sparkling star in the center, with dark purple boots. Finally, the third girl has a hair tied in a ponytail that was colored arctic blue with Persian blue stripes and purple eyes. Her attires consists of a dark purple jacket with three light blue ribbons across her torso, a pink mini-skirt, and violet knee high go-go boots. Zephyr Breeze lets out a wolf whistle and commented, "Hot stuffs~" "And the hotness just got doubled," Snips added. "'Cause look! Here comes the next set for a whole dozen!" Following Snip's direction, Snails was overwhelmed by his hormone driven lust, while Zephyr Breeze gasped in both shock and awe. Standing in the opposite directions of the three girls from before, stood a group of nine girls. The first girl has a long, brilliant scarlet red hair with yellow fiery stripes, and green jaded eyes. For attires, she wears a black leather jacket, with studded jewels at the collar, over a purple top with a red and yellow shimmering symbol of the sun imprinted, orange mini skirt with yellow and purple stripes, and black boots with red flames at the toe. (Sunset Shimmer) The second girl had moderate Persian blue eyes and her hair was colored moderate purple with lighter purple and pale light, grayish aquamarine highlights. Her clothing included black shoes, purple pants with a few tears in them, a pale light, grayish aquamarine colored shirt, a black open vest over it, and on her head was a purple beanie with star symbols. In her hands, she carries a single potted philodendron plant, with a name tag on the front that reads Phyllis. (Starlight Glimmer) The third girl has silver hair and dark grayish violet eyes. For attire, the girl wears a purple star barrette with gold trimmings in her hair, blue hoodie with light blue stars and gold frills at the bottom and end of her sleeves, purple mini skirt with light aqua blue sparkling trimmings at the hem of her skirt. For footwear, she wore blue boots, with the tops colored purple with a single yellow stripe, the toes colored with the matching purple and a white star. (Trixie Lulamoon) The fourth girl has a long moderate sapphire blue hair, with moderate violet and brilliant rose streaks, tied in a ponytail, and wears a pair of thick glasses, framing her beautiful moderate violet eyes. For attire, the girl wears a light blue shirt with dark blue stripes, with a pink bow tie, a dark purple mini-skirt with two pockets on the sides, decorated with a pattern of large pink stars and little violet ones. For footwear, she wears dark blue shoes, with light blue socks. (Twilight Sparkle) The fifth girl has blonde hair, tied in a ponytail with a red band, a light brown stetson hat, freckles on her face, and beautiful moderate sap green eyes. For attires, she wore a simple white t-shirt with green sleeves and an image of an apple printed on the chest, a plated jean skirt with pockets at the side, a red-orange belt with a golden buckle, brown cowgirl boots decorated with apples. (Applejack) The sixth girl has a long pink hair, moderate opal eyes, and light violet eye shadows. For attire, she wears a long flowing moderate opal dress with magenta shoulder straps, light green frilly trimmings at the hem of her skirt and at the shoulders, with translucent lime green sleeves, a magenta belt with a pink butterfly for the buckle, with three more butterflies printed on the right side of her skirt. Her foot wears are pink butterfly-themed open toe shoes, with pink ribbon strips. (Fluttershy) The seventh girl has a rainbow colored hair, with beautiful moderate cerise eyes. For attires, she wears a dark blue jacket with yellow stripes along the shoulders and arms, over a white t-shirt with blue trimmings and a cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt imprinted on the front, and skin tight dark blue pants with rainbow lightning bolts printed along the sides, rainbow bracelets, and red, blue, and white tennis shoes. (Rainbow Dash) The eighth girl has a brilliant cerise, bouncy, puffy, cotton candy-like hair, and pale, light grayish cerulean eyes. For attires, she wears a white sleeveless shirt with light blue trimmings, decorated with two baby blue and a yellow balloon on the front, a frilly skirt colored in different shades of pink, white stockings, and an open toe blue shoe with pink strappings. (Pinkie Pie) Finally, the ninth girl of the group was a beautiful girl with a purple hair done up in elegant curls, light blue eyeshadows, and beautiful blue eyes. Her outfit consists a light blue dress bejeweled with purple gems that opens up like a flower's petal at the bottom, a purple skirt that hugs her thighs, a purple belt on her waist with three blue gems decorated at the front of a larger gem, gold bracelets on her wrists, and purple high-heels encrusted with sapphire blue gems. (Rarity) "Ooh, we've got ourselves a bevy of babes this year!" Snips and Snails both smiled lustfully. "That's my big sister!" he pointed at the sixth girl. "Big sister?!" Snips and Snails exclaimed, darting their eyes back and forth between the sixth girl and their ringleader. "But she's few inches shorter than you!" Snips noted. "Well, looks can be deceiving," Zephyr said in his defense. After an hour has passed of mingling and making acquaintances, the tour to the entire academy was underway, with Spike and the Five Guys taking the lead. Tech Lab “Over here we have our lab for our Tech Ed., where we’re equipped with the standard, up-to-date robotics and VR(virtual reality) equipments,” Spike explained. “Wow! That’s one of my specialty!” the girl wearing glasses exclaimed, making herself known. “That and science, calculus, and he he.....” she chuckled nervously when she noticed the strange looks everyone were sending her way. “Is that right?” Spike asked. “I’m no engineer, but you sound like a real professor already,” he complimented, flattering the girl. “What’d you say your name was?” “Tara. Tara Sparkle,” the girl introduced herself. “But my friends call me Twilight.” “Well Twilight. Let me be the first to say, I hope you’ll enjoy our lab as much as our techies did,” Spike bowed respectfully. Twilight smiled, while twirling a lock of her hairs from the side, “Thanks Spike,” she sighed. “I know I will.” The Greenhouse “And here we have our very own greenhouse!” Pipsqueak took over. “So for a lot of us who has a knack, or a passion for gardening....” “...and the ecosystem,” Featherweight added. “Oh, that’s great!” the beanie girl smiled as she held up her plant. “Because my poor little Phyllis was getting so lonely that its nice for her to finally make some new friends!” she said motherly, while cuddling up to her plant, much to everybody’s bewilderment. “Uh, Phyllis?” Rumble asked. “What? You got a problem with it?” the girl scowled. “No, no, no! No problem at all!” Rumble waved his hands in defense, when Button Mash came in. “Don’t let him tease you,” the gamer said, before he revealed, “He named his basketball, Michael, and baseball, Babe.” Irked, Rumble intended to get back at Button, “Says the boy who named his Minecraft pickaxes as Sir Mine-a-Lot!” “How dare you besmirch my honor!” Before the scene could escalate any further, Spike grabbed both boys by the back of their jackets, “Knock it off, you couple of blockheads!” he berated, hitting the two boys’ heads together. The girls couldn’t help but giggle lightly at the funny scene, which they all struggled to stifle. Meanwhile, the wallflower girl from before walked up to Spike, trying to make conversation with him. But just when she was about to tap him on the shoulder, she hesitated, then decided to retreat back into the group, before anyone would notice she was there. The gym "And for all of us sports fans, here's what I call our dream gymnasium!" Rumble announced, guiding the entire tour's attention of the vast entirety of the gym. "Whoa!" the girls all said in awe. Everywhere they look, the gym looked like it was designed to train an olympic athlete. From rows of balance beams, to a whole pit of foam cubes with a rope hanging overhead with a ring tied to the bottom, walls for rock climbings, and several other exercising equipments. "Yeah whoa!" Rumble agreed. "This. is. AWESOME!!!!" the rainbow haired girl exclaimed. "Yes, yes, of course I am," Zephyr Breeze began as he started flirting next to the girl. "Of course, you don't have to tell me twice, Rainbows! I already know I'm awesome." "In your dreams, Zeph," the girl dubbed Rainbows said in disgust, shoving the boy off. "I take it you two know each other?" Featherweight deduced. "Unfortunately," the girl groaned. "Allow me to introduce for you," Zephyr began, while the girl rolled her eyes in annoyance. "This lovely lady of radiating multicolors goes by the name Rainbow 'the Fastest Girl Alive' Dash." "Really? That's quite a mouthful," Spike commented. "It's just Rainbow Dash," Rainbow clarified. "I know, I know, I shouldn't be teasing," Zephyr continued. "I know the whole 'the Fastest Girl Alive' bit was just your way of impressing me," Rainbow flinched at that statement, with one of her eyes twitching dangerously. "But still, I'm flattered you would come all the way from Alicorn Academy just to see me." "Ha! To see a loser like you? Don't make me laugh," Gilda scoffed, much to Zephyr's shock and humiliation. "Excuse me?!" Zephyr began. "You'd dare to besmirch my honor?" "Since when do ya have honor?" the girl challenged, while sticking up for her friend. "Didn't Fluttershy told me that you're so lazy you couldn't even stay awake for more than a second?" "Ha! Like you would know a thing or two about a thing I call siesta~" Before the scene could escalate any further, Spike quickly blew a whistle, "Alright! Foul play! Zephyr! Go to the back of the tour and shut up!" "What?! But she–" "Go. Back!" the boy repeated himself. "Hmph! Wait til' my father hears about this indignity!" the boy threatened, as he held his head up high and marched back to the end of the group tour. Pinching his temples, Spike apologized, "You'll have to excuse Zephyr. He kinda lacks this thing called 'etiquette.'" "Definitely," Zephyr's sister agreed from the group. "Don't I know it?" Rainbow Dash agreed, shaking her head in dismay. "Same ol' Zeph." "Old habits die hard I guess," Gilda added. Wanting to escape the awkward moment, Spike suggested, "Anyway, shall we continue with our tour?" The Library "And here we have our school library," Featherweight introduced, much to the excitement of Twilight. "We have mythologies and legends to the right. Histories on the left. Science on the second floor. And fictional entertainments are on the bottom." "Which is an outrage!" Snips pouted. "Yeah! All of the best mangas, drawn in the best work of ecchi arts deserve to be on the top!" Snails added. That last comment instantly puts all of the girls on edge as they blushed an embarrassing shade of red, with most of the other boys facepalming, incredulous at the two boys. "Snips! Snails! Ix-nay on the upid-stay!" Spike berated. Nevertheless, Twilight paid no attention, for she was in her own happy little world, "So many books! So little time to read them all!" she said. "Ha, that's odd," Spike raised an eyebrow, with a grin appearing on his face, "We thought you were a techie." "Well, I can be more than that, can't I?" Twilight countered. "Besides, I just love to read books! I live for books! I can never live without books!" "You don't say, you don't say," Spike smirked. "Well, if you ever need help finding a book, we have our computers stationed throughout the areas, or you can just ask our librarian, Mr. J. P. Jameson. Just, whatever you do, don't get on his bad side." The auditorium Finally, their last stop of the tour before they decided to call it a day is the auditorium. "And here is where we fellow thespians all develop our talents and skills for the performing arts," Tender Taps lectured. "A stage most befitting for the spectacular feat of the Great and Powerful TRIXIE!!!" with a puff of smoke, the silver haired girl stood on stage, with a boastful grin. "Watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs a–" "Okay, okay, Trixie!" the girl with the star beanie called out, while still carrying her plant, Phyllis. "Love the enthusiasm, but I don't think now's the appropriate time for you to start your magic trick and everything." "Very well, if that is how it must be," Trixie sighed. "Trixie VANISH!" With another puff of smoke, the girl disappeared into thin air. "She's GOOOOONE!!!!" the pink puffy haired girl exclaimed, before she looked and pointed, "Oh wait. There she is." she pointed, to the said girl who was hiding behind a chair in the room. Just then, the girl with poofy orange hair chuckled, "The Great and Powerful Trixie?" she began, walking up front, swaying her hips to the side. "Please, all that smoke and mirrors are mere parlor tricks. You want entertainment? My sisters and I know a thing or two about bedazzlement," she said in a haunting voice. "Oh, really?" Tender Taps asked, while feeling intimidated by the trio's piercing gazes. "And uh....to what do I owe the pleasure of meeting? Miss..." "Adagio Dazzle," the lead girl introduced herself. "Aria Blaze," the pigtailed girl followed. "And I'm Sonata Dusk!" the ponytailed girl finished. "Oh. Charmed, I'm sure," Tender said nervously. "So you three performed?" Spike asked. "Wow, that's something." "We have been known to sing from time to time," Aria stated. "Hello? We sing, like, all the time!" Sonata exclaimed. "Oh you three sing?" Spike asked. "Well, I'm quite big on the whole singing career, so if I may, would you care to give us a quick song, or something?" Adagio chuckled sinisterly, "We normally don't give free shows to just about anyone," the lead girl said. "But please, allow my sisters and I to offer you a quick demonstration of our musical prowess." With that, turning to her left then to her right, receiving a nod from both her sisters, the Dazzlings all started vocalizing in a perfect sync that is both haunting and harmonic. No words can describe what nice set of pipes they have and how effective it was for enchanting the boys, if not the entire tour. The dorms "And that concludes our tour of Phoenix Academy," Spike said. "Alright girls, this is our dorm, and you will be glad to hear that we've taken the liberty to prep everything before your arrival. Your rooms will be on the left, opposite of where we boys will be staying. I hope you've enjoyed our welcome and are looking forward to a month-long stay here at Phoenix Academy." With that, the girls all headed off to their designated rooms. "I'll see you tomorrow, Spike!" Gabby smiled, as she runs off to join Gilda. Just as Spike turned to leave with the rest of the boys, he was stopped by a tap on the shoulder. He turned his head to see it was Twilight, with Rainbow Dash, and seven more girls, including the wallflower girl from before. "Oh hello," Spike greeted. "Can I help you with something?" "No, actually," Twilight began nervously. "It's just that–" "IT'S GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN, SPIKEY!!" Pinkie cheered excitedly, tackling Spike into a hug, smothering him in her chest. "Pinkie Pie! Get off of him!" the fashionable girl shouted, as she and two of her friends pried the hyperactive girl off of Spike. "Sorry about, Pinkie Pie. You know how hyper she can be." "No, I don't," Spike replied, much to the girls' shocks. After he composed himself, he looked up to see the shared distraught, if not heartbroken saddened expressions on the girls' faces. "What?" "Spike? Don't you remember? It's us," Twilight said, trying to get through to the boy. "We're your friends. We were kids together." "Friends? Kids? Together?" with a groan, Spike shook his head when it suddenly started throbbing terribly. "Ah! I...I can't remember..." "Spike?" the fashionable girl said, holding her hands out in concern. "Spikey-Wikey? Darling, are you alright?" "I....I....I'm sorry," Spike looked up at the girls before he turned to take his leave. "I have to go. I'll see you around," he said, leaving the crestfallen girls behind. “He....he doesn’t remember us!” Twilight said in a light gasp of shock and heartbreak. "Oh no," Sunset Shimmer moaned, further saddened, slumping against the walls, falling to the floor, huddling up to herself. > Day 1, pt.1 – Morning Madness > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike was walking down the halls of Phoenix Academy, on his way towards his and Tender Tap's room. After he and the guys had given the girls the grand tour of what their academy has to offer, Spike had the chance to meet, not one, but a total of nine girls who've all claimed to have known him from childhood. However, upon being asked if he remembered them, Spike suffered a terrible headache, causing him to make a quick trip to the medic's office, where the school's cajun-accent doctor, Cattail, had conducted a quick check up, before he confirmed that Spike seems well and his headache is nothing too serious and that the young boy should try and sleep it off. By that, the man reccomends Spike should get some more sleep and he'll feel better in the morning. Spike finally arrived at his and Tender's shared room, where the said roomie was waiting for him, "Yo, Spike!" Tender Taps asked. "Where've you...." the boy paused as he couldn't help but notice the green haired boy's face was troubled with a frown and eyes that are more focused to the ground than up. "You alright there?" "Yeah, I'll be okay," Spike sighed, rubbing his head and sat down on his bed, kicking his shoes off. "Dr. Cattail told me to just 'sleep' it off." "Headaches again?" Tender correctly deduced, knowing his friend well. "You know me. But it's worse than before," Spike groaned. "For the record, has it ever gotten any better?" Spike shot Tender an unamused glare, "I'm just asking." Shaking his head, clearing up the frustration directed toward his roomie, Spike sighed, "Just forget it. It'll be over soon." 'You've been saying that for the last 10 years,' Tender thought. "Let's just go to sleep," Spike suggested. "Tomorrow's the first day of school, so we need to be at our best to impress the girls, and to make sure those three troublemakers don't ruin it for all of us. And then we'll figure this out later." Still, the look of concern continues to linger on Tender Tap's face as he asked, "You sure you'll be okay then, Spike? We don't want you stressing yourself out. And I'm sure your uncle wouldn't want that either." "Don't worry, I'll be fine," with a yawn, Spike reaches for the lantern seated on his nightstand, flipping the switch to turn the light off. "Let's just get some sleep." Unable to argue with his friend any further, Tender decided to drop the subject as he two switched his lantern off. "Alright," he said. "See ya in the morning, Spike." "Good night Taps," with that, the two boys were out like bulbs. Meanwhile, in another part of the boy's dormitory, Button Mash and Rumble were struggling to get some shut eyes. The main problem would be the three stooges, who are all sharing the same room, next door. And without a doubt, being the raging hormone driven boys they are, the three stooges were all having another moment of pleasing themselves, with magazines of sexy supermodel women, a full cutout board of a sexy lady, and listening to ecchi role-plays via headphones. Ask WubcakeVA. Long story short, the stooges were really getting into it, that they couldn't help but let out VERY loud, lustful moans in pleasures, that it was all too much for either Button or Rumble to sleep. Having enough, Rumble knocked furiously on the wall, "HEY! SHUT THE FUCK UP, WILL YA?!" Rumble shouted angrily. Unfortunately, the athletic boy's words fell on deaf ears, and both he and his gamer roomie spent the entire night, listening to the stooges doing their loud, perverted pleasures. The next morning – which is a Monday – Spike and Tender Taps both went to the bathroom, where they both got themselves washed up, like the rest of their male classmates. "Yo, check it out," Spike nudged to Tenders, who followed Spike's gaze to see all around them, every boys in the room where all grooming their hairs, flossing their teeth, and blasting breath sprays into their mouths. "Wow, looks all the guys are really going all out with impressing the girls visiting at Phoenix Academy, huh?" Tender commented. "I don't blame. I'd do the same to look my best for Gabby," Spike smiled, before he finds himself lost in a daydream about the said girl. "Speaking of which, how do I look?" Tender asked. Spike looked at his friend up and down, before he bluntly answered, "Uh, you look swell?" "No, no. See, there's this uh..." Tender bashfully scratched the back of his hair. "Let's just say I'm trying to court this...well not exactly court, I mean...I'm trying to look good for this girl, and I need the expert opinion of someone who...." Spike nodded in understanding, knowing where Tender was getting at, "Well, let's see." Spike analyzed. "Bed hair, yikes. Gotta comb it back, but keep it ruffled a bit. Shoulders back, stomach in. Aha! Hugh Jackman!" he commented. "Thanks bro!" Tender smiled, beaming with confident. Suddenly, who should barge in, but Mr. Self-Proclaimed-Ladies-Man Zephyr Breeze himself. "Hee ha hee!" Zephyr Breeze shouted, flexing his muscles, while combing his hair really fast. "Yeah mama!" he said, before he looked in the mirror. "Hey! Who's that handsome guy in the mirror?" before anyone could answer, Zephyr was already on the phone. "Hey security! There's a handsome guy in the mirror! Oh wait, cancel that. It's just me." Annoyed with Zephyr's gambit, Spike grumbled, "Well good morning to you Zephyr," then, both he and Tender noticed something different about Zephyr. "Why're you dressed like that?" he asked, taking note of the boy wearing a white sports jacket, complete with roses and a crystal pendant. "Obviously, I've got to keep with the competitions here, Mr. Popular. With the girls staying at our school, I aim to dress to impress!" Zephyr began, as he begins to flaunt and show off. "Check it out! These roses are for sporting my lapel. A crystal pendant that guarantees good fortune. Oh yeah! With this, no way the ladies couldn't resist me. And Rainbow Dash is all mine!" "Yeah, like that'll be the day," Tender frowned, just when Pipsqueak and Featherweight arrived, both carrying Button Mash and Rumble, who're still sleeping on their shoulders. Apparently, the two boys didn't get enough sleep. "Well, nice to see you guys have finally decided to show up," Spike crossed his arms and smirked in bemusement. "Hey, where're Snips and Snails?" Tender asked. The answer soon came, when a loud shriek of a girl pierced the air. Moments earlier While the rest of the boys went to the restrooms to get washed up, Snip and Snails had snuck off to the cafeteria, where the girls were the first there to have breakfast. As another of their attempt to win the girls' hearts, the boys were serving pumpkin pies, muffins, cupcakes, and all sorts of foods they could get their hands on to give to the girls. "Good morning all of you lovely, wonderful, beautiful ladies!" Snips greeted. "Are you all enjoying your first day at Phoenix Academy?" "Good!" Snails interrupted, not giving any of the girls the chance to answer. "Because breakfast is served! Bon appetite!" with that, the two boys proceeded to serve the visiting female students the foods. Unfortunately, Snips still has the same noticeable piece of salad stuck between his buck teeth, and it didn't take more than a second, when the girls all shouted in disgust. Just then, Spike, the Five Guys, and Zephyr Breeze both arrived on the scene. "Well, jump the gun when my back was turned, huh?" Zephyr smirked in respect. "You sly dogs." Spike and the Five Guys, or at least three of them, said otherwise, "C'mon you guys! Quit scaring the ladies!" Tender frowned. "Scaring?" Snips scoffed in outrage. "We're not scaring! We're serving! Big difference!" "Oh, Snips. Did you forget to brush your teeth again?" Spike cringed in disgust. "Yeah, well did you forget to comb your hair again?" Snips asked, in an attempt at a snappy comeback. "Nobody combs their hairs like Zephyr Breeze!" with that, Zephyr once again dons up his Johnny Bravo impression, as he quickly combs his hair really fast again. "Hey ha hey haw!" "Well nobody overdresses like Zephyr Breeze," Tender rolled his eyes at the tall silly boy's choice of clothing. "And your suit sucks!" "AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!" Zephyr shrieked in a high-pitch voice of indignity. "Let's dance!" "Hey Spike!" Gabby greeted, walking into the doorway. "Morning Gabby!" Spike smiled, returning the greeting. "You're looking well, as usual." "Aw, I was just about to say the same to you!" the girl smiled, just as Gilda entered, with Rainbow Dash. "What's going on?" Rainbow asked. "We thought we heard screaming." Before long, Zephyr Breeze came up to the athletic girl, "Hello Rainbows!" in response, Rainbow Dash simply punched Zephyr, in the face, knocking him away from her and Gilda. "Yeah whatever." "Are we having a party in here?" Pinkie Pie asked, poking her head from the doorway. "I love parties! Is it too late? Oh please, don't start without me! Oh hey, Spike!" "Pinkie, don't get too excited," the country girl said, as she and their friends soon followed to reel in their pink hyperactive friend's excitement. After the commotion was settled, the guys and gals were all seated to have breakfast together. Zephyr Breeze was forced to do some timeouts by his sister, forcing him to eat his foods in the corner, facing the walls. In the meantime, Snips and Snails continue to do their best to impress some of the girls, namely one Sunset Shimmer and one Trixie Lulamoon. “Here’s your plate of toast with jams and butters, without the crust, and a glass of orange juice on the side like you asked!” Snips said, presenting the said dish to Sunset Shimmer. “And a peanut butter crackers smoothies for you oh Great and Powerful Trixie!” Snails presented the said drink to the girl. “Uh, thanks,” Sunset said, both she and Trixie slightly unimpressed with the boys’ odd way of catering. Meanwhile, Button Mash and Rumble were still asleep and were just sawing logs, with their stacks of waffles being used as makeshift pillows. "Wow, you guys are really tired," Gabby commented, while taking a bite out of her waffle, covered in chocolate chips and maple syrup. Clearing his throat, Spike whispers, "Creeper," but nothing happened. Instead, the only reaction he got from Button Mash was, "Don't mine at night...." with that, the boy continues to snore. "Huh, that used to wake him up, bright and alert," Spike shrugged his shoulder, to which Gabby giggled in response. "Uh, excuse us?" a quiet voice spoke up, to which Spike, the guys, Gabby, and Gilda looked up to see Twilight and some of her friends standing before them with their own trays of foods. “Sorry for intruding, or anything, but would it be alright if we could sit with you?” Twilight asked. “All the other tables have been taken.” “Sure, not at all,” Spike said, together with everyone seated at his tables exchanging their agreements. “The more the merrier!” Pipsqueak added, to which the girls all giggled as they took their seats. "So, aside from the obvious 'misfits,'" Spike gestured to Snips and Snails, and the earlier display of bad bloods between Rainbow Dash and Zephyr Breeze. "Did you girls sleep well?" "You bet!" Pinkie Pie chirped. "I could hardly get a second of sleep," Gilda muttered, while pointing to Gabby. "No thanks to my happy go lucky of a roommate." Gabby could only giggle in embarrassment, “I can’t help myself. I’m just so excited for the day to begin!” the girl smiled, while holding Spike’s arm close. “Because then I’d get to spend it with Spike!” Twilight and her friends looked deeply hurt, if not jealous by the display of affection from Gabby for Spike. “Well, we’re just as excited to begin our school days with Spike as well,” Twilight spoke up. “Really?” Gabby and the boys, minus two, asked. “Yeah, we happened to be some old friends of his,” Rainbow Dash said. “You are? They are?” Gabby asked Spike at the last part, who shook his head. “I’ve never seen them before in my life,” the boy groaned, as the pounding sensation in his head returned and he clutched his head. “But....even if I did, I’m sorry to say, but I lost my memory.” “Whoa, you lost your memories?!” Gilda asked, with Gabby gasping in astonishment, while the other girls in the group looked even more saddened by the truth. "Yeah, he's had amnesia for a long time since me and the guys met him," Tender added. "He couldn't remember his own mother's face, or even his dad." "But then, what about your name?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You obviously remembered that your real name is Samuel, and your nickname is Spike, right?" Spike looked up at the girls in surprise. For all he knows, the public and the entire school body have recognized his name as Samuel Scorpio, but only his friends know that his nickname is Spike. His head was throbbing with growing stress and pains, as he was filled with so many questions about his forgotten past. 'These girls were my friends from childhood, huh?' Spike thought. 'But I don't remember. Why? What happened?' The girls and guys could see that Spike looked distress, with the troubled expression written clear on his face, with the tight furrows made with his eyebrows, and the grimace frown he made, clenching his teeth so tightly, while pinching his temples with his hands. Wanting to relieve his roommate of this newfound stress and to make the subject less awkward, Tender began, "So....you girls know who Spike is. But we don't know who you are, so care to introduce yourselves?" "Yeah, by all means!" Featherweight joined in, taking his notepad out, clicking his pen at the ready. "We'd love to get to know you ladies better, and how you knew our pal, Spike." Twilight turned to her girls, exchanging mixed agreements, "Might as well," Twilight agreed, before turning to Spike. "Maybe it could help jog your memories, Spike." "We'll see," the boy replied. "Oh, I just love making new friends!" Gabby squealed with excitement. "I'm Gabriella Gryphon. But my friends call me Gabby. Nice to meet ya!" the girl smiled, holding her hand out. With a smile, Twilight accepted Gabby’s hand, but quickly regret it when the cheerful girl shook her in an excited and strong handshake. “Whoa! You’re a lively one!” Twilight commented, straightening her glasses while regaining her composure. “I’m Tara Star. But my friends call me Twilight. Twilight Sparkle.” "Twilight Sparkle?" Spike pondered, to which the girls looked at him, as if anticipating for a reaction. "It's got a nice ring to it," he complimented, which wasn't exactly what the girls were hoping for. Nevertheless, Twilight felt flattered. "Name's Ashley Aurora," Rainbow Dash introduced herself. "But nowadays, I go by the name Rainbow Dash after an accident I once had with my mom's hair dyes that turned my hair into this blazing head of colors you see before you. I'm just saying that in case anyone gets the idea that I'm lesbian, which I'm not," she clarified, before whispered, "At least, not entirely." "Hey, I'm not judging," Spike waved his hands up in reassurance, with the rest of his friends following his example. Gilda leaned in close and whispered, "I'd watch out for her, if I were you, Spike. Unless you'd want your ass on a whoopee cushion with your name on it." "HEY! I heard that!" Rainbow Dash scowled at Gilda, who simply shrugged in response and flashed a teasing grin her way. "I'm Jessica Appleloosa," the country girl introduced herself. "But my friends call Applejack. Pleased to meet ya!" In response to Applejack's name, Rumble snorted and stood up in his sleep, muttering, "Kellogg's Applejack tastes good," with that, he plopped his head back down onto his waffle and resumes his sleep. "Krystal Fox, at your service," the beautiful girl smiled. "But my friends call me Rarity. And it's lovely to see you again, Spike," she said, smiling lovingly at the boy who couldn't help but blush. This didn't go unnoticed by Gabby who pouted, sensing she has some competitions for Spike's attention. "I'm Flora Breeze, and yes, I'm Zephyr Breeze's older sister. But my friends call me Fluttershy," Zephyr Breeze's sister introduced herself. "Fluttershy sounds like a nice–Wait! Older sister?" looking back at Zephyr Breeze, who was still doing his time out, then back again at his sister for size comparison, Spike stammered, "Not to sound rude or anything, but you look so...so...so..." Fluttershy could only giggle as she explains, "Let's just say Zephyr had experienced some early 'growth spout' in his youth." "Unfortunately," Rainbow grumbled, cringing in disgust when she saw Zephyr shooting a flirting wink her way. At the same table the friends were at, seated a few chairs away, but not too far away, is the wallflower girl from yesterday. She was eating her breakfast by her lonesome, while watching Spike getting reacquainted with the girls from his forgotten childhood. The sight of Spike's amnesiac state hurts her greatly with every passing seconds. That is, when Spike looked her way, "And you are?" he asked. Just as she was about to answer, "I'm Pinkamena Diana Pie! Pinkie Pie for short!" the pink hyperactive girl greeted, interrupting the wallflower girl. "And I gotta say it's a super, duper, fantastic, cherry on the top with dollop of whip cream in chocolate milk spectacular to meet you again, Spike! We have so much to catch up on!" Once again, Spike was taken by surprise by the hyperactive pink girl's enthusiasm. To him, she makes Gabby looked less hyper. The wallflower girl was about to introduce herself, "My name is–" Unfortunately, before she could answer, the school bell rang. RING "NO!!!!" Button Mash screamed, as he and Rumble both jumped up, wide awake, with their faces covered in syrup and waffles, and out of blind impulse, they threw karate chops, sending trays flying up in the air, spilling most of the foods onto the girl. "TEEN TITANS GO AWAY!" Button Mash screamed, as he continues to throw kicks and punches in the air. "I HAVEN'T EVEN CAUGHT UP ON STEVEN UNIVERSE YET!" Rumble shouted. "Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie Pie chirped randomly, wanting in on the two boys random outbursts. "Guys, guys! Stop! You're–" Spike tried to calm his awaken and alert guys. "Whoa, whoa! Calm down!" shaking his head at Gabby, while pointing at the two, Spike sighed, "This isn't going to work." With that, the boy resorted to take his shoe off and hurled it at both boys, knocking some sense back into them. "Dudes! Get it together, you're making a scene!" he berated, grabbing both boys by the tufts of their hair. The girls couldn't help but laugh, when Rarity looked down at the wallflower girl who was assaulted by the foods Button and Rumble had launched at her, "Oh, you poor thing!" she said, helping the girl up. "Darling, your clothes are ruined! Here, let's find you something else to wear." > Day 1, pt.2 – Tech.Ed, P.E., Drama, and Cooking > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After the commotion had settled down in the cafeteria, Spike and a few of his friends were on their way to their first class for first period, which is Tech. Ed. "Sorry about the mess we made of things," Rumble yawned, after he and Button had cleaned the last trace of syrup stains from their faces. "But can someone remind me how my pillow was suddenly replaced with a stack of waffles?" "What happened last night? It's not for you guys to sleep in on a school night," Spike asked. "Late night Fortnite? "Oh I wished," Button grumbled in sarcasm. "But we wouldn't have gone all Donkey Kong if it weren't for our noisy next door–" "Oh, the stooges? Say no more," Spike held his hand up, stopping the boys, already knowing what the boys were getting at. "What? What they do?" Gabby asked. "Let's just say they lack a thing called 'self-control' with hormones, and they're–" Spike coughed and spoke really fast. "Hoplessromanticpervertswhoalwayslosethemselvestotheirlustfulpervertedfetishes." This didn't go unheard for Twilight, who finds it deeply disturbing, "If they're all bad news, why didn't your headmaster and uncle just expel them off the school grounds?" Twilight asked. "Oh believe me, uncle would love nothing more than to kick them, or even suspend them from Phoenix Academy, just for the sake of this co-ed experiment to go right," Spike sighed, rolling his eyes. "Unfortunately, he can't since their folks are Phoenix Academy's biggest sponsors. So if we try to off one or the others, then....you get the idea," the boy frowned, exhaling a deep sigh of frustration. "Which is why uncle's really counting on us to keep the peace for the co-ed experiment to go right." "Don't worry about them, Spike," Featherweight reassured. "My next class is with them. And trust me. Mr. Jameson and I will keep at least Snips and Snails under control." "And don't forget, Fluttershy will be with you," Twilight added to the two boys. "So she can also help keeping some leverage on her brother." "That two," wanting to change the topic, Tender brought up, "Hey, didn't you guys say you have a big computer animation project you'd like to share with some tech girls?" he asked, to which Spike, Button, and Rumble immediately felt rejuvenated about. "You're right!" Spike smiled, feeling elated, grasping onto Gabby's arm. "C'mon Gabby! You're going to love this class!" "You had me at 'computer'!" the girl smiled, looking starry-eyed as she followed Spike and the two boys to Tech. Ed. Twilight fumed as she frowned in sadness, "Didn't bother saying how I'd like it," she sighed. "Hey Twilight! You coming?" Spike called out to the girl, catching her by surprise. Tech Lab Upon arriving at the tech lab, the teacher, Professor "the Doctor" Whooves, announced that for the rest of the month, the visiting tech girls from Alicorn Academy may choose a boy or two to study with. Of course, Gabby and Twilight had chosen Spike and his partners, Button and Rumble. "So what is this awesome computer animation project you'd like to share with us?" Twilight asked. "A film project we've been working on for the past weeks or so!" Button Mash introduced. "May I present: Dragon–Fire!" on cue, the boy cued the trailer of the said film. Dragon–Fire At the end of the trailer, Twilight, Gabby, and some of the girls in class were awestruck at the trailer, as well as Spike's performance, even if it was nothing more than just a simple introduction. "That is amazing!" Gabby smiled, even more starry eyed. "I'm so onboard for this!" "I concur! This has potential!" Twilight said in agreement, while having a newfound hope in her eyes. "So where are you at right now in the making?" "We're pretty much at the part where Dragon–Fire, that's me, has to battle the evil Emperor Sombra," Spike answered, while he was equipping himself with some VR simulation gears, with Button and Rumble assisting. "Me and Rumble handle the animation process for our character rigs," he pointed at the computer screen, to show the two characters moving in-sync with Spike's and Rumble's movements. "And I handle the movie clips!" Button Mash said as he jumped into his chair, spinning around for a bit before he fixed his attention to focus completely on the said computer screen, pulling up the movie files the boys have worked hard making. "And I happen to be the concept artist for our film," he said, bringing up sketches for the weapons' and creatures' designs, as well as the finished mesh. "Wow, it looked like you guys have just got it all figured out!" Twilight said in awe, with Gabby. "Not quite," Rumble answered. "We're a little short on someone who can do the 'cleanup' process, or whatever. I mean look at our characters! They're moving like puppets with tangled limbs, that's not going to sell our moving pictures!" the friends all looked up to see what Rumble meant. Underdeveloped, the characters aren't exactly moving as natural in comparison Spike and Rumble's movement. Twilight looked at the animation programs used for the making of the film, before she suggested, "Actually. It's not too difficult." she pulled up an extra seat and sat next to Button Mash at the computer. "May I?" "Of course, be our guest!" the boys and Gabby gathered around to watch Twilight working up her magic on the computer. The friends watch in awe and startling surprise as Twilight used her computer graphics expertise to correct the characters' animations to have the natural appeal of human movements, in only mere seconds. "Whoa! Twilight!" Spike applauded. "I know you said you're techno savvy, but I didn't realize you meant this good," he complimented, causing the girl to blush, while twirling a lock of her hair. "Wow, this is so awesome!" Gabby squealed in excitement. "I can't wait to see this film when it's finished!" "It has to be finished two, in time for the upcoming Computer Animation Film Festival coming up!" Rumble pointed to a poster on the wall that displays the said festival, with the deadline being the 27th day of the month. "Well then, let's get smashing!" everyone looked at Button Mash, unsure of his choice of words. "What? It's like Darkwing Duck's 'let's get–' oh never mind. C'mon, let's just get this show on the road!" With that, the friends got to work with the making of the film. Spike and Rumble continued doing their parts, bringing the characters to life via VR, with Button Mash and Twilight working on the recording, rendering, and the movie clips of the films. Wanting in on the fun with her favorite boy and his friends, Gabby strapped on some VR simulating gears of her own, and she appeared on the screen, as another ally of Dragon–Fire. Together, they playfully, but realistically threw punches and kicks at Rumble, who was getting into character as the evil Emperor Sombra. In the meantime, both Twilight and Button Mash handled with the recording, along with some needed editing, "Wow, Button," Twilight complimented. "You certainly seem to know your thing." "Y'know, I was quite a YouTube celebrity before attending this school," the boy proudly boasted, before he frowned. "Then they ended my career!" "You don't say," Twilight commented, while wincing when the boy brought up his loss of fame. Turning her attention back to Spike, Twilight observed and thought, 'I can't believe that it's really him, after all these years.' Twilight continued to watch Spike, before looking down, holding her head up, thinking solemnly, 'But he lost his memory. Meaning he doesn't remember how close we were, or how much he meant to me, or even what happened to him years ago. Should I just tell him?' she thought against it, when she watched how close Spike was towards Gabby. 'Or would that just ruin his relationship with Gabby? They look so happy together. I can't get in the way of that. Can I? Or would that just be selfish? Oh Spike, why do you have to hurt me like this?' *SNAP* Twilight immediately returned to reality, courtesy of a finger snap, "Hey Twilight. You alright?" Spike asked. "You kinda zoned out there for a moment." "Uh, yes, I'm fine," Twilight replied hesitantly. "I guess I was just....I'm sorry, do you need something?" "No, just checking on you to see if you're still with us," Spike replied. "Sorry, just wanted to know if you're enjoying your stay at our school so far. I mean, I–" "Oh no, of course we are–I mean, me–I mean..." Twilight blushed, as she regains her composure and replied, "Don't get me wrong, Spike. I think your school is amazing and all, I was...I was..." the girl hesitated, conflicted on whether to tell the boy about his forgotten past, or confess her feelings toward him. But decided against it and simply stated, "It's nothing. Just a lot of stuff are on my mind right now." "Oh, alright then," Spike nodded, before he offered, "But just as a reminder, my uncle's the headmaster of this school, and he wants to make sure you and all the girls from Alicorn Academy are enjoying your visit. So if you need anything, just let me know." Twilight nodded, while smiling sadly, "Thanks Spike, I know I can count on you," with that, Spike turned his attention back to their shared filming project, 'Amnesiac or not, he's still the same caring Spike I knew and loved back then. So maybe, it's not entirely hopeless,' Twilight thought, with a twinge of hope. 'But for what it's worth, I'll always wait for you, Spike.' The Gym Later, for his second class of the day, Spike went to the gym where he and the five guys all regrouped together, with Gabby in tow. "It was nice of your school to have prepped a locker room for us, before we arrived," Gabby smiled. "Well, we're all gentlemen here," Spike chuckled, while grimacing at the few obvious exceptions. "Well, most of us here." "I'm gonna go and get changed," Gabby said as she followed her classmates from Alicorn Academy into the locker room. "Be right back." In the meantime, Spike followed the rest of the boys to change into their sport uniforms, in their locker room, "Hey guys!" Spike called out to Tender Taps, Featherweight, and Pipsqueak, with Rumble and Button following. "Well, nice to see you two are finally wide and awake," Pipsqueak commented to Rumble and Button Mash. "Well, well, nice of you to notice," Rumble grumbled. "So Featherweight?" Spike asked. "How'd it go in class with the stooges?" Moments earlier It was near at the end of the class, when the English teacher, J.P. Jameson had left for the doctor's office to take his medications, leaving the entire room to the Three Stooges, "May I have your attention please all you lovely ladies?" Zephyr Breeze exclaimed loudly, still in his Johnny Bravo impression. "Uh oh, I smell trouble," Featherweight moaned, as he and Pipsqueak anticipate for what is to come next. "My colleagues and I would like to get to know you better, so we ask you to please answer our simple survey," Snips smiled. Zephyr's sister, Fluttershy scowled, "Zephyr, what are you up to?" With that, Snips and Snails proceeded to pass out several sheets of papers, only for Featherweight and Pipsqueak to quickly snatch the sheets away from the boys to read: *Warning: Innuendo or risque references from Green Green ahead. Potential regrets. Readers' discretion is advised. Alicorn Academy Girls' Survey What is the color and size of the underwear you have on today? On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the size of your boobs? Please describe the sexiest aspect about yourself in 20 words or more. Was This Trip Really Necessary? Scowling in disapproval, and knowing that it would scare a lot of the girls, Featherweight and Pipsqueak quickly spotted the nearby paper shredder, and jammed several stacks of papers into the machine, much to the horror of the stooges. "HEY! What gives?!" Zephyr groaned. "C'mon, why you got to do this?" "C'mon, there's no better way to get closer than to learn about each other!" Snips moaned. "As class president, I highly disapprove of this type of survey!" Pipsqueak berated the stooges, while holding up one of the paper in hand. "Aw, c'mon!" Zephyr complained. "If we can get a picture of Carmen Electra in a Scary Movie, then what's–" "WHAT THE DEVIL IS GOING ON HERE?" a loud voice screamed, to which the students in the room looked up to see the teacher, J. P. Jameson had returned. Present "Let's just say Mr. Jameson had to make another run to the doctor's office, after we finished telling the story," Featherweight concluded with a sigh, with the rest of the guys, who were both surprised, if not shocked to hear the Stooges' latest bold, highly exaggerated, and perverted attempts. "Sheesh, I knew those three morons are perverts," Rumble grumbled. "And that's a lot coming from me. But I'd say they just took the next level of lewd." "Oh sure, blame it on the girls," Pipsqueak frowned sadly. "Hey c'mon! I'm not blaming anyone," the athletic boy said in his defense. "I'm just saying–" "Uh, speaking of which, what's everybody doing over there?" Button asked, pointing to a whole group boys, crowding around by the wall, where some holes had drilled into the wall, allowing most of the boys a show of the girls changing out of their normal clothes and into their sports uniform for P.E., all the while unintentionally showing off well-endowed assets contained in their colorful undergarments. To the boys, most especially the Three Stooges, it was like watching another of Victoria Secret's Fashion Show. All was going according to the perverted boys' enjoyment, when suddenly, "WHOA NELLY!" they screamed, before they dropped to the floor, out cold. "What the–" Spike and his Five Guys looked at the pile of comatose boys for a brief moment, before turning their attention to the holes. Looking to the left and the right, seeing none of the guys not daring to take the chance, Spike went up towards one of the holes to look, and his eyes immediately watered, as if they were stung from taking the full blast of the sun, "WHOA NELLY!" he exclaimed, jumping back, rubbing his eyes as he grimaced, "That's a LOT of women for just one....nuff said." I think now we know how Spike's cousin, the Guivre feels. "Hey, you know what they say," Button Mash began. "'There's so much more of you to love' – Pete's Dragon, 1977." "Shut up, Button," Spike scowled. After recovering from the shock, and the sexy free show, Spike and the guys had changed into their sports uniform, which are composed of a white t-shirt with emblem of a phoenix decorated on the back and black shorts. Upon entering the gym, where the girls are all at, the boys took the time to observe their sports uniform from Alicorn Academy, consisting of a sky blue top with dark blue stripes along the arms and front of the torso, a white alicorn imprinted on the right hip of their black shorts. Furthermore, the boys couldn't help but ogle at the sight of the how the girls' uniforms hugged tightly across their busty chests, exposing their well-toned legs. Even Spike and the Five Guys couldn't help but blush and sweat in arousal. "Wow!" the six young boys all said in arousal together. "Either someone turned up the heater, or these girls have just turned me on," Spike drooled. "Oh yeah~" the Five Guys all agreed, until they, along with their ringleader, snapped themselves out of their hormone driven fantasy. They quickly shook their heads, relieving themselves of all perverted thoughts before they could escalate any further. "Keep it together, Spike!" Spike hyperventilated to himself. "Uncle taught you better than that!" "Hey Spike!" a familiar voice chirped, startling Spike to look up, and blushed to see Gabby, too having changed into her school's gym uniform, running over to meet him. "Hey Gabby!" Spike smiled. "Looking good by the way." "I was just about to say the same to you," the girl winked. In the meantime, Rumble jumped up in surprise, when a he felt a hand tapping him on the shoulder, "Hello there," turning his head, Rumble's eyes widened in awe, as he looked to see standing before him, with her hands on her hips, is the girl from yesterday. "Oh, hey," Rumble blushed, before clearing his throat, "I mean, ahem! Hey," he repeated, trying to look and sound more confident. "Hey," the girl returned the greeting. "Name's Sarah Blaze, by the way. But my friends call me Scootaloo." "Scootaloo?" Rumble asked. "That's a cool name. I'm Joe. Joe Spartacus. But Friends call me Rumble." "Awesome name," Scootaloo complimented. "Back at ya." "Hey Rumble," a louder and deeper voice spoke up, belonging to a senior boy, about two years older than Rumble. In appearance, he has light gold eyes, light cyanish gray hair with lighter streaks cut in a buzzcut, and has a well-toned body with definite muscles befitting of an athlete. "Yo, Thunderlane, big bro!" Rumble returned the greeting before he proceeded to introduce Scootaloo to his big brother. Meanwhile, Tender Tap was doing some leg stretches, when he was approached by the same girl he chanced upon meeting from yesterday, "Hey Apple Bloom!" he greeted the girl. "Howdy Tender Taps!" Apple Bloom smiled. "I'm so happy we share the same class together!" "Likewise," the boy replied. Just then, the sound of heavy footsteps was heard. They were so heavy that with each step, it felt as if the whole room shook, and the students nearly fell to the floor the closer they get. Then, the doors opened up to reveal a tall bulky man, with grayish blue eyes, a full head of moderate gamboge hair with light gold stripes, with a single strand of hair tied in a braid, and the bangs held back by a single headband above his forehead, and he sports a full beard that rivals to that of Chuck Norris. For attires, the man wears the same uniform as the boys, but with a long orange sweat pants, and a brown vest over his shirt. "Alright ya lads and lassies," the man spoke in a deep Scottish accent. "If I can have all yer attentions please!" the students all complied, "First off, I am Chuck Stones. But you can all call me, Rockhoof. And as your P.E. teacher, I'd let to welcome all ya lovely lassies from Alicorn Academy and I do hope you'll enjoy your stay at Phoenix Academy, and find my class engaging for you all." the girls all exchanged their greetings and thanks towards the man. "Now then, with all the pleasantries out of the way, let's get down to business," Rockhoof said, putting on a serious demeanor as he begins the class. For warm ups, the students were doing stretches to prepare themselves for the intensive exercises that Rockhoof had planned to put them through. Of course, given to the state of things, most of the boys couldn't help but sneak a glance at the girls, watching their well-endowed assets on display, enticing them all to ogle. "Hey, check out that chick over there," Snips whispered to Snails, who followed his friend's gaze. "Oh, she's got a crazy figure!" Snails commented. "I'd say she's an E!" "That's not too hard to figure." "Hey, you two!" Rockhoof barked, causing the students to all stop doing their stretches as they watched the gym teacher walking over to the two troublemakers. "Just what are ya'll yapping about?" The two boys were hesitant to answer at first, until Snips spoke, "We were just complimenting about the girls," he smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, it's not like we were staring at their–OOF!" Snails received an elbow to the stomach, from Snips, catching himself before he blurted what they shouldn't be doing in gym. "Uh, yeah. We were just thinking of some nice things to say!" "Get over there and do yer exercises away from the lassies then!" Rockhoof ordered. "And for the rest of the day, repeat what you said 500 times!" "WHAT?!" the two boys exclaimed in horror. "Alright a 1000 then!" "A 1000? I mean, yes sir!" with that, and much to the two boys' humiliation, they marched off to the designated area of the gym, while repeating. "Hey look at that chick over there! Oh she's got a crazy figure! I'd say she's an E! That's no so hard to figure!" In response, the other boys couldn't help but burst out laughing at the two stooges' humiliation. "Alright, fun's over, let the real work begin! 15 laps around the gym should do ya good!" Rockhoof ordered as the students, except for Snips and Snails, all got into position as the coach held his whistle up at the ready. "On my whistle. 3, 2, 1!" with a loud tweet from his whistle, the students kicked their legs and sprinted forward. During the run, Zephyr Breeze attempted to make idle conversation with the athletic girl, Rainbow Dash, "Rainbow Dash! My what a convenience that we would run into each other!" the boy exclaimed happily, while Rainbow Dash cringed and mustered up another ounce of her speed to get away from him, "Playing hard to get huh? I like that." with that, the boy beats his feet even harder, in a futile attempt to impress the girl. Luckily for Rainbow Dash, Zephyr didn't have the same amount of stamina that she does, so it wasn't long before the boy tired himself out and he fell behind, watching as the rest of his classmates ran past him. Later, after they've finished running their laps, the students were all divided into groups to continue the rest of their workouts at various stations around the gyms, from doing jump ropes 20 times to vaulting from a springboard. Rumble and Tender Taps had geared themselves up with boxing gloves, paddings, and helmets, as they squared each other off in a ring, with their peers and some of the girls cheering them on. Rumble is strong and fast, but Tender is agile. Everyone all watched as Rumble pounced forward, showering his opponent with numerous fast punches and kicks, nearly overwhelming Tender who could barely dodge or block all of his attacks. "You alright, Tender?" Apple Bloom asked in concern. "Don't worry, I'm just getting warmed up," Tender chuckled nervously, before he jumped to dodge a flying kick from Rumble. Amidst the audience, Spike nudged Gabby on the shoulder as he whispered, "Watch this. Tender's going to dance," and just like what Spike said, Tender Tap started bouncing on his feet, while moving his legs in random steps to make it look as if he's dancing. The look on Rumble's face suggested that he's seen this fighting style already, and is the least bit surprised. The athletic boy lunged forward with a kick, only for the dancing boy to counter with a spinning back kick, landing a blow to Rumble's chest, protected by a padding. Smartened, Rumble threw another punch at Tender Tap, who quickly dodge to the side and threw his own punch at Rumble, aiming for his head. However, Rumble anticipated this strike, deflecting it with a quick high block, before countering with a kick to Tender's stomach. The two boys continued their fight, until the timer above the ring sounded an alarm, signaling the end of their fight. With that, both Tender Taps and Rumble exchanged a bow and a handshake to show their respects, and they left the ring for another pair to fight. "Way to go you guys," Spike congratulated his friends as they were getting themselves out of their gears. "That was an awesome fight back there!" Gabby chirped with excitement. "Darn tootin'!" a new voice hollered, to which the friends turned around to see it was none other than Applejack, with Rainbow Dash beside her. "Sorry for intruding, but we were just watching that little show you were putting on back there, and we had to watch." said Applejack. "Yeah! You guys got the moves there!" Rainbow Dash complimented. "Well, am I awesome or what?" Rumble asked, feeling his ego stroked. "Oh get over yourself," Button Mash grumbled in annoyance. "Pfft. Puh-lease," an obnoxious voice spoke up, revealing itself to be none other than Zephyr Breeze. "If y'all haven't been wasting your time watching that little stunt, you need to feast your eyes on this handsome piece of work. Hey hoo ha!" "Clearly, someone's a little out of touch with reality," Rumble grumbled in annoyance. "Zeph, can you at least take a hint that I'm not the least interested in you?" Rainbow Dash sighed in annoyance. "Oh I can," Zephyr replied with an arrogant smirk. "I can take a hint that you're the least bit interested in playing hard to get!" groaning in frustration, Rainbow Dash slapped her face. "Aw, now don't be so hard on yourself, Rainbows. I don't mean to tease ya, but I can't help it. You know me. Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down~ Never gonna–" "Hey! Cool it!" Rumble shoved the stooge aside. "You heard what she said! Now make like a tree and leave!" Miffed, Zephyr stood his ground and glared down at the boy, "Oh yeah? And who's gonna make me? You?" he challenged. Before Rumble could start, Spike stopped him as he got in between, "Whoa Rumble. Let's be smart and bring it off," Spike advised, while winking at his friend and Rainbow. "Besides, he's not worth it. He couldn't even beat a piñata without a blindfold on." "Are you saying I can't fight?!" Zephyr frowned. "I'll have you know that I can take on anyone in this gym, with one hand behind my back!" "Want to put your money where your mouth is?" Spike smirked. "Tell you what, Zephyr. I'll challenge you to a brawl, and I'll go easy on you. And if you win, then you can date Rainbow Dash here, and it's the end of story." "Sounds good to me! Let's do this!" with that, Zephyr got in the ring, waiting for Spike to step in. "Well c'mon, I ain't got all day!" Zephyr shouted impatiently. "You heard him! Let him have it!" Spike said to one of the students, who made her way into the ring and stood before Zephyr, much to his chagrin and horror. Standing before him, is an incredibly pudgy girl, with light brilliant lime green hair, and her eyes were very pale apple green with brilliant orange irises. Like the rest of her classmates from Alicorn Academy, she wears the same uniform, which barely covers her midriffs, due to her large physique, and her footwear are a pair of white sparkling shoes. "WHOA NELLY!" Zephyr Breeze screamed in fear. "What gives?! I thought you said you'd challenge me to a brawl!" "I did!" Spike replied. "But I didn't say I'd be your opponent. I challenge you to fight this, uh....strong girl here!" "WHAT?!" "Don't worry! She'll go easy on you," Rainbow Dash called out, watching as Zephyr looked up, and screamed a high-pitch scream, right when he was squashed beneath the giant girl's behemoth strength. "Well, that takes care of him," Spike commented as he and friends took their leave. "Shall we?" "We shall!" Gabby, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash agreed, as they followed the boys. "Hey! Help!" Zephyr pleaded, struggling to escape from his opponent, who won't let up. "Man am I glad to be rid of that clown," Rainbow Dash chuckled. "Aw, c'mon, Dash," Applejack began. "He can't be all that bad." "Yeah, as much as I hate to admit it, Zephyr does still have some redeeming qualities," Featherweight began. "Like he's good with a scissor and his one heck of a hair stylist." "Don't get me wrong, he's fine. Just not when he's obsessed with me 24/7," Rainbow scowled, before she decided to change the subject. "Anyway, enough about Zephyr. How've you been Spike?" Before Spike could reply, Gabby answered for him, "He was awesome! Last class, I saw him, Rumble, Button Mash, and Twilight working on a film project together, and IT'S AMAZING!" Spike chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment, "What she said." "No way!" Rainbow said in awe. "Sounds like you've been doing well, Spike," Applejack smiled, while thinking sadly in the back of her mind, 'If only we were all there to watch you grow.' "Anyway, how about you girls?" Spike asked. "Are you enjoying Phoenix Academy so far?" "With the exception of those clowns," Rainbow scowled at Zephyr, Snips, and Snails. "It's not a bad school actually." “Darn tootin’,” Applejack said in agreement. “It’s awesome! Thanks to Spike and the Five Guys here!” Gabby smiled, with Applejack and Rainbow Dash silently exchanging agreements. "And it's going to get a whole lot better! C'mon!" Rumble exclaimed excitedly as he leads the group to a large foam pit, surrounded by rock climbing walls, "Race ya to the other side, Scorpion!" Rumble smirked competitively. "I was going to say the same to you, Spartacus," Spike returned the competitive exchange. With that a kick of their legs, the two boys began their race up the walls, determined to beat the other in reaching their destination. In the meantime, their classmates all watched with excitement to see the two young athletes compete. Both Gabby and Scootaloo watched with excitement, while Rainbow Dash and Applejack could hardly believe what they were seeing. "Spike's never done rock climbing before," Rainbow Dash commented. "I don't think he's ever done anything sporty before, has he?" she asked, turning to Applejack. "I...I don't know what to say," Applejack shook her head, sharing her friend's bewilderment. "Either this Spike's an imposter, or....this school has made a new boy out of him." "Well, I kinda like it," Rainbow Dash grinned in admiration. "Makes me wish I was with him through it all," she said sadly, as she and Applejack resumed watching Spike and Rumble compete. "You can do it, Spike!" Gabby cheered loudly for the boy. Wanting in on the young amnesiac boy's support, both Rainbow Dash and Applejack joined in as they shouted, "Go get 'em, Spike!" Boosted by the support from their peers, both boys gave it their all to the end. After gym class was over, the students had changed out of their uniforms and back into their casual clothes, ready to begin their next class. “So what class do you have next, Spike?” Gabby asked hopefully. “I have drama next period, with Tender Taps,” Spike answered, speaking on behalf of Tender Taps, who nodded. “You coming?” Sadly, Gabby frowned, “Aw man. I actually can't. I've got calculus next period.” “Same here,” Rainbow Dash frowned on behalf of herself and Applejack, both disappointed they couldn't be in the next class with Spike. “Though come to think of it, I think Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy are in the drama class!” Applejack stated. "Oh, great," Spike replied as he followed Tender to their next class. "We'll be sure to tell them you said hi." "Thanks Spike," Applejack smiled sadly. "Have fun," "Thank you." Spike replied, before waving to Gabby. "See ya around, Gabby!" "Bye Spike!" Gabby returned the wave, watching the boy take his leave with Tender, leaving her alone with Rainbow and Applejack, “So....you gals are friends with Spike?” Gabby asked. The drama room Upon arriving in the drama class, Spike and Tender were both greeted to see most of the boys were already mingling with some of the girls who share their passion and their dreams of the show biz. "Ah, nice to see we're all getting along quite nicely," Spike commented. "And best part is, the Three Stooges aren't here to ruin it!" Tender Taps added. "Spike! So wonderful to see you again!" before Spike had time to react, he was enveloped in a loving embrace by none other than Rarity. "Uh, yeah," Spike greeted uneasily. "Nice to see you again. Rarity was it?" After she was done embracing the boy, Rarity let Spike go, before Pinkie Pie pounced and tackled the boy in a tight hug, "BIG BEAR HUG!" Pinkie Pie cheered excitedly, wrapping her arms around the boy, smothering him in her chest. "Hey! Oxygen!" Spike wheezed, feeling his face turning from red to purple. "Pinkie Pie! Don't suffocate him!" Rarity berated, prying the happy-go-lucky girl's grip off of the boy. Upon being released, Spike stumbled backward, overwhelmed and disoriented from the display of affection and bumped into someone behind him. "Sorry!" they both apologized. "My fault!" "Oh, Spike!" the voice apologized, revealing herself to be a girl, before Spike looked and got a good look at the girl. *Anime Wow* Standing before him, is the wallflower girl from yesterday and during breakfast, dressed in a thin white transparent long-sleeved sweater, with a black crop top underneath that appeared to have an imprint of a sunflower printed on the chest, a red pleated, mini-skirt with the brand name that reads: "Pshyzo–mancer," with a pair of black shorts beneath her skirt. "Oh hello!" Spike greeted the girl, who blushed in response and quickly dashed off. "What did I do?" "Wallflower Blush? You didn't do anything at all darling," Rarity reassured. "You just surprised her, that's all. In fact, believe it or not, she was most anxious of meeting you." the fashionable girl couldn't help but shake her head in sympathy for the shy girl, "The poor dear had such a rough morning. I though a new change of attires would do her good." 'How many girls have I 'forgotten' in the past now?' Spike asked himself. "Hi Spike," a quiet voice greeted the boy, to which Spike looked up to see it was Fluttershy. "Uh, hey....Fluttershy, was it?" he asked hesitantly. "Mmm-hmmm," Fluttershy nodded in confirmation. Just then, in a flash of dazzling smokes and sparkles, entered the teacher of the class. In appearance, the man appeared to be in his mid 30s, has a familiar hair of light gray, and pale, light grayish, cornflower blue hair and moderate violet eyes. For attires, he wears a dark purple suit, with yellow-green edges, matching frilly shirt front, a dark purple bowtie, and yellow green top hat with a dark purple ribbon wrapped around it. The Greatest Showman – The Greatest Show "Greetings class!" the man began loudly. "May I have your attention please, ladies and gentlemen of Alicorn and Phoenix Academies? I am your instructor, the Amazing and Spectacular Jack Pot!" he announced, with a shower of colorful sparks to highlight his appearance and to enchant the students. Soon the teacher went over the class syllabus and his expectations of the possible outcomes for his students. Once that was over, Jack Pot calls up for introductions from every students. "Let's see, since we're all gentlemen here, and we're all tasked to showing these love ladies some Phoenix Academy hospitality, then it's obviously clear, ladies first," Jack Pot stated, as he scours the audience. "Let's see, which of you would like to introduce yourselves?" he didn't have to look for long, when three hands shot up in the air, and the man sets his sight on a distinguishing trio of beautiful girls. "Ah! Our first volunteers. Please, step up. Introduce yourselves and your talents to the class my dears." With that, the girls went up on stage, revealing themselves to be the Dazzlings. Having already heard a musical sample from them yesterday, the boys, Spike included, could hardly contain their excitement for the next song Dazzlings would perform next. The answer came, when the three girls started harmonizing together, before they sang in perfect sync. Find the Magic — The Dazzlings [The Dazzlings] Where do we go? Every day's the same Did we lose the magic, magic, magic? So ordinary, stuck on repeat Gotta find the passion, passion, passion The days go round and round, round and round Gotta break away, find a great escape Round and round and round Round and round and round Ohhh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find the magic Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find the magic [Adagio Dazzle] Can I find the beauty in the simple things? [The Dazzlings] Can I learn to see it, see it, see it? The days go round and round, round and round Gotta break away, find a great escape Round and round and round Round and round and round Ohhh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find the magic [Adagio Dazzle] Let's find the magic [The Dazzlings] Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find (Adagio Dazzle: Hey!) Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, let's find the magic Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh... At the end of the song, everyone in the audience all stood up in their seats, applauding and cheering wildly and loudly at their song. Adagio turned her head and smiled flirtatiously at Spike, causing him to blush in embarrassment and intimidation. With that, the rest of the girls all took their turns to introduce themselves to the class and showcasing what their specialties are. Spike watched and was amazed to learn that Rarity is into fashion designing, and has a whole collection of beautiful fabrics and costumes to show for it. Next Pinkie Pie is a wildcard, ranging from cooking cupcakes, shooting confetti from her party cannon, her eagerness to throw parties, and playing ten instruments as a one-person-band. Then there was Trixie Lulamoon, who showed off her spectacle feat as a magician, courtesy to her father, Jack Pot, much to everyone's surprise. Lastly with Fluttershy, the shy girl herself had succumbed to a bad case of stage fright. One would describe it as bad as Tender Tap’s. However, after some encouragement from Rarity and Pinkie Pie in the crowd, together with the sight of Spike’s face bringing comfort to the girl, she gained the courage needed to express her love of singing, giving a performance to demonstrate her strong pipes. Music in the Tree Tops There's music in the treetops And there's music in the vale And all around the music fills the sky There's music by the river And there's music in the grass And the music makes your heart soar in reply [vocalizing] The shy girl's vocalizing had the boys under her spell. "Wow, these girls are all full of surprises," Spike commented, as he and Tender Tap both clapped their hands in applause of Fluttershy's performance. "Oh yeah," Tender nodded. Later, near the end of the class, both boys and girls were getting acquainted with each other. "Oh Spike~" Spike turned his head to see he was being approached by Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. "Oh, hey girls!" Spike smiled. "You were all great up there! Loved your costumes! You've got a lot of energy! Nice pipes!" he complimented each of the girls respectively. "Why thank you, darling," Rarity smiled, with her friends giggling and blushing in response. "And what about us? Don't you like our performance?" a voice asked, revealing herself to be Adagio Dazzle, accompanied with her sisters, Sonata and Aria. "Oh for sure," Spike answered. "You all sound beautiful together," he complimented, much to the irritation of Rarity and the other two. "Aw, why thank you," Adagio smiled as she and her sisters proceeded to flaunt with the boy. "But believe me, sweetie. That's just the appetizer for the main course." "Appetizer?" "Oh y'know, like french fries to the burgers," Sonata chirped. "And nachos for the tacos!" "Only you would think so much about food, Sonata," Aria grumbled. "Ahem!" Adagio cleared her throat, getting her sisters back on track, "Please excuse my sisters. They're idiots." "HEY!" the other two scowled. "Quite the harmonizing trio," Tender Tap commented. "Spike," Rarity whispered. "I must advise you not to get involved with these three–" "And just what do you think you are doing?" Adagio scowled, as she got in Rarity's face. "Talking behind our backs? So unbecoming of someone who prides herself as a lady." "If she's even a lady," Aria added. "Humph! Well that statement falls short from you three," Rarity scowled. "I still haven't forgotten that debacle you pulled on me and my friends at that last charity show." "You've got no proof we were behind that," Adagio rolled her eyes. "Too bad! So sad," Sonata sing-song. Pinkie Pie was about to say something, only for Spike to get in between, "Girls! Stop! Settle this later if you have to," he advised. "But can we all please try to be civilize and try not to go at each other's throats, please? This is a co-ed experiment, not a turf war." "Yeah, what he said," Tender Taps nodded in agreement. With that, the girls both exchanged looks before they nodded in compliance, "Of course, darling," Rarity sighed. "Please forgive us." "Though, this discussion isn't over," Adagio smirked seductively as she cups Spike's cheeks in her hands, bringing his face close, "Until then," with that, she gave a quick peck to his nose, "Buh-bye~" Adagio winked as she and her sisters took their leave. Tender Tap leaned in close to Spike and whispered, "Bro, you're a magnet for the ladies!" dumbfounded, Spike simply nodded in agreement. Cooking Class Spike was on his way to his last class of the day, when his ears perked up to the sound of a voice that is barely a whisper. "Spike?" the voice called out, to which Spike looked behind him, to see Wallflower Blush nervously walking up to him, quivering and blushing a shade of red. "Oh, hello again," Spike greeted. "You're not going to run away again, are you?" "No, I..." clearing her throat, composing herself, Wallflower spoke in a much louder voice. "I just want to say I'm sorry with the way I was earlier," she said. "I just...I get so nervous and excited that I...I...I..I'm making a fool of myself, aren't I?" she asked. "Just a little," Spike replied. "Here, let's start over again. I'm Samuel Scorpio. But my friends call me, Spike," he said, holding his hand out for a handshake. Wallflower Blush looked at the hand, before looking back up at the sincere and welcoming smile on the boy's face. It made her feel more comfortable, less scared, knowing Spike isn't like the Three Stooges in school. She returned the handshake. "Hello, Spike," Wallflower smiled. "My name's Fiona Bloom. But I also go by Wallflower Blush. Y'know, just saying that, however you want to refer me." "I think you have great names," Spike complimented, causing Wallflower to blush in response. "Thanks. Yours have some nice rings two," Fiona smiled lovingly, before they arrived in class, just in time for the teacher, Coriander Cumin, to begin his lecture. In appearance, Coriander Cumin is a large man of South Asian decent, with a small bushy mustache of two shades of dark raspberry, puffy hairs, and bushy mustaches that hang over his moderate magenta eyes. For attires, he wears an orange kurta with an image of a bowl of cumin powder, cinnamon sticks, and coriander seeds, white silk pants, and brown yellow shoes. "Cooking is art! And art is explosion! That means spicy! Okay class, do I have your attention?" Coriander asked loudly. "Good! Because today, we are making curry and rice. The recipes which you will find on page 10 of your cookbook. But first, each of you gentlemen will be partnered up with a lovely lady, and I trust you all to do your best to cook, together!" with that, the man started reading off a list of names, pairing up the boys with the girls. Both Applejack and Pinkie Pie, who were also in the class, were both eager to be partnered with Spike. However, much to their disappointment, his partner is Wallflower Blush, "Now that you've all got your partners, let's cook!" Coriander said, clapping his hands, signaling the class to begin. Rosario + Vampire – Say Yes (Shirayuki Mizore) Turning the book to the assigned page of the recipe, Spike reached out for a red pepper, "Wait! Don't use that! It's too bruised!" Wallflower reached her hands out and stopped him, to which he turned to the next pepper beside it. "I wouldn't use that either, it's a little rotten." looking at another pepper, Spike looked at Wallflower, while pointing at it, to which she responded with a nod in confirmation. The next ingredient calls for tomatoes. Spike was about to grab a tomato, when Wallflower Blush beats him to it, and picked up the vegetable in her hands, "Nope. I wouldn't recommend it," she said. "Too soft." "Okay, what's your deal?" Spike asked. "I mean, do you have a preference for specific vegetables? Or how do you know which of the ingredients to use and to avoid?" "It's...it's a gardener thing," the girl explained. "I mean...I don't know how else to put it, but I grew up on my grandparents farm, and I help them tend their crops, harvest the produce, and I seemed to have developed a knack for knowing what ingredients is still ripe and fresh for cooking. Or at least, that's how it felt for me, I guess." "You don't say," the boy complimented. "You must be quite a cook then." "Actually, I don't cook," Wallflower explained. "I mean, sure I like to come up with new recipes and I like to cook with my grandparents, but grandma would never let me near a stove, and I wouldn't even go near a knife." "I see." looking back at the cookbook, before reaching over to pick up a shaker, Spike asked Wallflower, "Paprika or pepper?" For the next several minutes in class, Spike and Wallflower Blush managed to get into a beneficial working habit, with Spike doing the cooking and chopping, while Wallflower handled with selecting the right ingredients with the best qualities. By the end of the class, when Coriander Cumin came to have a taste test of their curry, he declared, "My! Outstanding! Never before have my taste buds ever been this amazed! IT'S A MASTERPIECE!" Spike and Wallflower Blush both cheered together with excitement, and out of impulse, Spike grabbed Wallflower in a hug, before he playfully lifted her off her feet and spins her around. Soon the boy's rational side kicked in, as both he and the girl blushed profoundly from the shock of his action, if not from all the stares they were receiving from Coriander Cumin and all the students in the room. Clearing his throat, Spike complimented, "Good work, Wallflower. I couldn't have done it without you." "Yeah, uh," Wallflower bashfully twirled one of her locks, as she smiled. "It was great cooking with you, Spikey-Wikey." "Hi~" a low sultry voice greeted, which sends a chill down Spike's back, while Wallflower had a look of utter shock at the recent change in developement. Turning around, he frowned in complete terror at the sight of a girl about his age, looking at him with bedroom eyes. In appearance, the girl has moderate scarlet eyes that are framed by the freckles on her face, pale light grayish arctic blue hairs don up in curls, tied in a vanilla cream hair bow. Her attires are a pinkish gray jacket, worn over a white shirt that has the image of a red checker pawn printed on the front, white jean pants with matching shoes. [I'm Not Your BOYFRIEND! – Chowder] "Oh...hi Kitty Dimple," Spike muttered. "Hello and loving catering boyfriend~" Kitty swooned, leaning closer towards Spike, making her bust more apparent, which also made Wallflower and the girls around Spike more jealous at the crazy girl's bold move. "There's something I've been trying to tell you," the green haired boy grumbled. "What?" "I'm not your boyfriend!" "Aw, sweetie." Irked, with a twitching eye to show for it, Spike repeated louder for the whole class to hear, "I'M NOT YOUR BOYFRIEND!" "You're pretty!" the girl continued to flirt. It was clear that Spike's words were lost on Kitty, who continues to advance on Spike, much to the utter shock of Curiander Cumin and the entire classroom as they watched the scene being played out in front of them. Turning to each other, nodding in agreement, both Applejack and Pinkie Pie agreed that they need to save Spike before things would escalate to the worse. "Hey, Miss Dimple!" Applejack scowled, grabbing Spike and holding him protectively with Pinkie Pie. "Get it through your little head! He told you to go away!" "Oh?" Kitty scowled, her loving face evaporating into a pout. "And who are you to get in between me and my man?" "Last I check, Gabby was his girlfriend," Applejack stated. "And he never mentioned anything about ya." "But even if he did, then the Chowder song playing in the background clearly indicates a negative past confrontation," Pinkie Pie stated, breaking the fourth wall. "Hmph! Like you would know a thing or two about true love," Kitty scoffed. "Besides, Spike and I go way back. Surely he's told you about my way of noticing, the time I baked him a cake, or the time I kissed him with a new balm of lipstick called 'smackdown.'" At the mention of the kiss, Applejack and Pinkie Pie turned to Spike, "She kissed you?!" "It was on the cheek," Spike quickly clarified, before he turned to Kitty. "Look, Kitty!" "Aw, but I told you to call me Cozy, Spikey-Wikey," Kitty cooed. "Whatever," the boy rolled his eyes. "Look. I've tried being nice to you, and we've been over this a THOUSAND times already and–" "Cozy, don't you get it? That shot isn't your boyfriend!" Pinkie finished for Spike. "What she said." the boy said. "You're my boyfriend," Cozy persisted. "I'm not your boyfriend!" Spike countered. "You're my boyfriend," Cozy persisted. "I'm NOT your boyfriend!" Spike countered. "Well, okay," the girl shrugged. "But I'M your girlfriend!" "No way!" just then, the bell ring, which signaled the end of the class. "Welp, gotta go!" with that, Pinkie Pie reached into her hair before she pulled out a smoke bomb, which she threw to the ground, creating a cloud of smokes. Once the smokes cleared up, Spike was nowhere to be seen, along with Pinkie Pie, Applejack, or even Wallflower Blush. "So you want to play hard to get?" Cozy smirked, before looking deviously. "We'll play hard to get, Spikey–Wikey!" Meanwhile, back in the gym "I beg your pardon madam, but GET UP!" Zephyr Breeze muffled in protest, still squashed and stuck beneath the girl who had bested him. "Snips? SNAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLSSSSSSSS!" Unfortunately for the lead stooge, his other two class clowns couldn't hear his cry over their torturous and repetitive, "Hey look at that chick over there. She's got a crazy figure. I'd say she's an E. That's not so hard to figure." > Day 1, pt.3 – Uncle's Assignment > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- With a puff of smoke, Spike, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Wallflower Blush reappeared in the halls of Phoenix Academy, catching their breaths, relieved to be out of the cooking class. "Phew, I'm glad to be out of there," Spike sighed, before realizing he spoke too soon. "Oh Spikey-Poo~" Cozy called out in a sing-song tone. "Where are you~?" "Oh crap!" turning in the opposite direction, Spike immediately dashes off, leaving behind a dust cloud of himself. Though he quickly came back to thank the three girls who had helped him, "Thankyouforyourhelpgirls. Weshouldhangoutsometimes." he quickly said, before he gave a quick peck to each of the girls' hands. "Bye!" with that, he was on his way, with Cozy Glow chasing after him. The three girls were left stunned, if not shocked at what Spike just did to them. "He kissed our hands!" Pinkie whispered, before she excitedly shouted, "HE KISSED OUR HANDS!" Meanwhile, Spike was running for dear life, determined to get away from the crazy girl that is Cozy Glow, "Wait up, Spikey-Poo!" the girl called out. "I have a new colored lipstick I want to try on your lips!" Further terrified, if not disgusted, Spike ran like the wind, while Cozy Glow left a trail of fire behind her. At that moment, the Five Guys came around the corner, "Yo Spike!" Rumble greeted. "Can't talk now you guys!" Spike replied as he ran past them. "Kitty trouble!" "Kitty?" Pipsqueak asked in surprise, as he and the guys turned their heads to see the said crazy, obsessive girl, coming in fast. "Hi Cozy!" the short boy greeted the girl, only to be rebuffed. "Not now, Pip Tweet!" Cozy scowled, shoving the boy to the side, knocking him off his feet. The rest of the guys soon followed, when they suddenly found themselves knocked down like bowling pins, in spite of the girl's short physique. "Hey! Not cool!" Rumble shook his fist after the crazy girl. In the meantime, Spike ran into the courtyard, "I-I can't keep this up. I've got to hide. Fast!" he panted. "You can hide in here," a voice offered, to which Spike turned his attention to see Trixie leaning against a tree, in her magician get-up, holding out her cape. "What?" before Spike could ask, he looked and could see Cozy Glow was catching up to him. Taking his chance, Spike dove into the girl's cape and instantly vanished into thin air. "Spikey-Poo?" Cozy Glow called as she ran past Trixie. "Where are you?" After a moment has passed, Cozy was nowhere to be seen. Just then, Twilight happened to appear in the courtyard, with the rest of her friends, Gilda, the Five Guys, and their other girl friends, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Zipporwhill. "Hey girls! Hi guys! How've you been?" Twilight asked. "We were great," Rainbow Dash answered casually. "Yo, where's Spike?" Button asked. "The Great and Powerful Trixie shall answer!" with that, Trixie reached into her cape to pull out a large blue sock, decorated with white diamonds and hearts, which she reached her hands in to pull out Spike and Gabby. "Wow! That was the best magic act I've ever experienced!" Gabby exclaimed as both she and Spike walked out to rejoin their gang. "The spectacular magic sock never fails," Trixie boasted proudly of herself. “Huh, I half-expected a magic panties stunt,” Pinkie Pie said, referencing to Ace Attorney’s very own Trucy Wright. “PINKIE!!!” the girls berated their pink eccentric friend, before they were back on topic. “Anyway, I’m glad to be rid of Kitty Dimple,” Spike sighed. “Too bad this isn’t the last I’ll see of her.” “You mean Cozy Glow?” Scootaloo asked in bewilderment. “But she’s such a nice girl.” “Yeah well, that’s what everybody say about cobras before they strike,” Rumble muttered. “Why? What’s wrong with her?” Gabby asked. “Let’s just say she’s crazy obsessed with me, 24/7, since we first met 9 years ago, in the park,” Spike muttered in disdain. “To be honest, she wasn’t all that bad then,” Pipsqueak said. “She was my neighbor and she and I were good friends. Or I thought she was...” the boy frowned sadly. “There there, Pip,” Rumble comforted. “Long story short, she’s always up in her own little fantasy that we are an item.” Spike continued to rant. “Before a lot of boys were interested in her, but she’s always so interested in me!” “I honestly don’t blame you, Spike,” Gabby comforted with a hand on his shoulder. “I mean, let’s face it. YOU’RE KINDA AWESOME!” she shouted excitedly. “And I’m sure a lot of girls would love to hang out with a guy like you.” Spike couldn’t help but smile and blush at that compliment. “You have no idea...” Rainbow Dash muttered in sympathy, as she and her friends all exchanged random agreements. “Still, what are we going to do about Kitty?” Tender Taps asked. “We’ve already got enough on our plates with the Three Stooges. But Cozy is too much for all of us together. She’ll stop at nothing until she gets what she wants. She’s crazy!” “And that she’s very manipulative and she won’t stop at nothing until she gets what she wants,” Button added. “Reminds me of Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, come to think of it. Or maybe Baby Doll from Batman: The Animated Series and Veruca all merged into one! Maybe I ought to rename her from Cozy to Crazy.” “You do know your movies,” Sweetie Belle complimented. “We’ll forget about Cozy.” Gabby insisted. “It’s only day one. Besides, we’re not gonna let her, or those three morons, ruin this month long experience, are we?” “Nope,” Spike smiled. “You’re right. Thanks Gabby! You’re he best!” Spike smiled, pulling the girl in for a group hug. “Anytime, Spikey,” Gabby smiled lovingly, returning the hug. “Anytime,” Twilight and her girls couldn’t help but look envy at Gabby for the way she was doting on Spike. “And don’t forget, you’ve got us too bro!” Rumble said as he spoke on behalf of the guys. “Just like you and your uncle, we want this experiment to be a success more than you do.” “Besides, we have girls worth fighting for!” Button Mash quoted, while pulling Sweetie Belle close, who could only giggle in response. “Oh grow up, Mikey,” Rumble grumbled. “That Disney joke’s gotten old.” “Says who, Raphael?” Button countered, before he and Rumble once again butt heads with each other. Some of the girls couldn't help but shake their heads in amusement at the two boys' antics, “Are they always like this?” Scootaloo asked, to which the other boys exchanged agreements. “To be honest, they sort of reminded of how you two once argued with each other,” Apple Bloom said teasingly to both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. *See episode Surf and/or Turf. While Button Mash and Rumble were both locked in another of their dynamic clashes, Twilight and her friends walked over to Spike, “And we’ll also be with you every step of the way too, Spike,” Twilight added on behalf of herself and the girls. “Just like you, we all wanted this experiment to be a success.” “Darn tootin’,” Applejack exclaimed. “We didn’t came all the way out here for nothin’. We all came here, because of you.” “If there’s going to be a co-Ed school, I can’t think of attending it without my favorite gentleman, you,” Rarity smiled lovingly, which didn’t go unnoticed for Gabby. “Wow, that’s very much appreciated girls.” Spike answered. “Hey, we’re your friends, Spike!” Rainbow Dash stated. “And this is what friends are for.” Once again, Spike looked uncertain, “My friends huh?” “You still don’t remember anything about us?” Twilight asked sadly. Spike looked up and shook his head, “I’m sorry girls, but no. Maybe you mistook me for someone else?” “Actually Spike, it’s true,” Gabby frowned. “They really are your friend. RD and AJ—Oh!” The girl perked up, when she remembered, “Oh! AJ! Remember that picture you showed me in class?” She said to Applejack. “Oh, of course!” With her hope elated, Applejack reached into her hat to pull out an old photo of herself and her friends with Spike, as kids around the age of 6-7, with young Spike in the center, somewhere between the age of 4-5. "What the—!” Spike exclaimed, seeing himself in the picture. "Is that really me?" “Whoa, check it out! It’s true!” Featherweight exclaimed, as he and the guys all gathered around. “You guys really did go all the way back!” “Aw, look how cute you were, Spike!” Gabby squealed. "Huh, well how do you like that," Gilda commented before she turned to Rainbow Dash, "You never told me you were friends with him." the girl teased, to which Rainbow blushed in response. “Slipped my mind, I guess,” the athlete chuckled. Applejack looked up at Spike and asked with hope in her eyes, "Jogged yer noggin yet, Sugarcube?" she asked. Spike looked up at the girl, then back at the picture of his younger self and the girls, still unsure, "When was this taken?" he asked. "About ten year ago," Twilight answered. "We had that picture taken with you on your 5th birthday. Remember?" "My...my 5th...Ugh!" he cringed, closing his eyes shut, furrowing his eyebrows, clenching his teeth tightly, and clutching his hand tightly over his forehead, as the familiar headache returns to torment him. “Spike?” Twilight exclaimed. "Spike?! What's wrong?" Gabby asked in worry. "Dude, you alright?" Rumble asked. "Stand back you guys, give him some air!" Tender Taps ushered everyone away, before he turned and gave Spike a tablet of ibuprofen and a bottle of water, which Spike took. "Thanks, Tender," with that, Spike plopped the tablet in his mouth and drank the water, which slightly eased his headache for the moment. "Spike? Darling?" Rarity asked. "Are you alright?" "Yeah, I'm alright now," Spike shook his head. Just then, the school announcement was heard requesting, “Samuel Scorpio, please report to the headmaster’s office.” “Uncle?” With that, Spike took his leave, with Twilight and her friends watching leave with looks of sadness and worry on their faces. The headmaster’s office is just like any typical office of a school professional, decorated to match the level of professionalism of the headmaster, Scorpan Scorpio. There were, however, a few exceptions that stood out, amidst the strict and professional atmosphere. On the headmaster’s desk are pictures of him and his nephew’s bonding experiences, from going on camping trips, partaking in karate tournaments, and a snapshot of the man in his youth with a young woman about his age, with beautiful blue cornflower hair, complete with an imprint of a kiss mark 💋 over the picture. Just then, the door creaked open and Spike stepped into the room. “Hey uncle,” Spike greeted. “Spike. Glad you could come,” the headmaster greeted. “Please, take a seat.” he gestured to the chair in front of him. In appearance, Scorpan appeared to be a man in his mid-20s. He has a neatly combed brown hair, with a matching bushy mustache, is dressed in a brown suit, complete with a black tie. “So what’s up uncle?” Spike asked. “Did something bad happened to some of the girls? Believe me uncle, my guys and I didn’t—“ “At ease, Spike,” Scorpan stopped the boy. “You’re not in trouble or anything. I just wanted a status report, that’s all.” “Oh. Okay.” the boy looked up at his uncle, “As usual, the Three-ahem, I mean, Zephyr, Snips, and Snails are still at it with their usual antics, and me and the guys are still maintaining the peace. Though I’m not so sure how much we can handle it for an entire month.” “Don’t worry Spike. I’ve just hired a professional security guard for the school,” Scorpan replied. “And I’ve given him orders to be extra vigilant on those three. He’ll take care of them.” “Oh, great,” Spike sighed in relief. “The last thing I needed was for Rumble to blow his top off, next to Mr. Jameson having a heart attack.” The headmaster nodded in understanding, before he continues, “Aside from the troublemakers, what about the girls? Are they enjoying their stays?” “Yeah. So far in all the classes I’ve had today, they seemed to like the school.” “Good. Because I heard from some of the young ladies that they’re quite fond of you, nephew. And I’m not just talking about Gabby. Nine girls to be specific, whom I’m certain you know them as Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Wallflower Blush, Sunset Shimmer, and Starlight Glimmer.” Spike blinked his eyes a couple of time before asking, “Sunset who and Starlight what?” “I take it you haven’t met them yet,” Scorpan deduced. “Can’t say that I have.” “Well, anyway, how are you getting along with Twilight and the others?” “Yeah, I...I don’t know what to tell you uncle." the boy began. "I just met them yesterday and...I don't know what to say. They keep saying that they were my friends, but I don’t remember them at all.” Scorpan looked startled at the revelation from his nephew, "Is that so?" he asked in concern. "Tell me, Spike. Do you at least know anything specific about them? Like how long have they claimed to have known you?" Scratching his head, searching his memory pass his headache, "They said that we were friends about ten years ago, and that's about it. But trouble is...I still can’t remember, no thanks to my amnesia. I can’t even remember my mom or dad’s face." Scorpan looked further troubled, if not saddened for his nephew, “I honestly wish I could help you reconnect, Spike.” he said solemnly. “I do. If I had spent more time with you and your parents more, then...I’m sorry.” “The past is the past, uncle,” Spike frowned. “Just trying to remember it is too stressing enough for my head,” the boy winced. The headmaster nodded, before he cleared his throat, “Ahem. Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean for us to get off topic there,” the man began. “Aside from that status report, Spike, I called you here because I want you to do a report.” “What kind of report?” Spike asked. “Lulu,” Scorpan quickly cleared his throat, regaining his composure. “I mean, Vice Principal Luna and I have agreed that by the end of the month, one of our prized pupil from both our schools will present an essay about their personal growth and the friendships they’ve formed together, here at our school. Which is why I’m assigning you Spike, to do an essay, as my own prized pupil. Can you do it nephew?” “Don’t worry uncle. I won’t let you down.” “Very good then,” Scorpan nodded, waving his nephew off. “That’s all for now. Go on back to your dorm room.” with that, Spike took his love. “ALL STUDENTS ARE TO RETURN TO THEIR DESIGNATED DORM ROOMS!” Later that night After navigating his way though the halls, while being extra vigilant for Cozy, Spike made it back to the boys’ dormitory. “So what did he say, Spike?” Tender asked as Spike later met up back with the guys. “Uncle gave me an essay to write by the end of the month,” Spike said. “He says he and Vice Principal Luna wanted to know if having the girls here have been a big improvement for us guys, or not.” “Well for us, it’s not a problem,” Rumble sighed. “Though I can think of three MAJOR problems we got to—“ “Don’t worry about them, Rumble,” Spike held his hand up. “Uncle’s got that covered. He just told me that he’s hired a security guard who will keep those Three Stooges in line.” “A security guard? Wow, that’s a great idea!” Button Mash commented. “Why haven’t we thought of that before? Now we have more time with the girls!” Pipsqueak let out a yawn, “Can we go to bed now? I’m tired.” “Yeah, I’m with you cousin,” Featherweight joined in. “Oh wow, you’re right,” Spike exclaimed at the amount of time they had lost track of. “Well, see you guys in the morning.” “Hopefully, we can both get some sleep,” Rumble grumbled. “So long as someone can shut up!” The boy glowered at the door, belonging to the Stooges next door. “Oh we’ll have plenty of sleep, my friend,” Button smiled as he presented his roommate a pair of earmuffs for themselves. “Noise canceling earmuffs, specially designed by Twilight Sparkle!” “Oh, how nice.” “Man, Spike, you’ve made the best of friends,” Tender complimented. Speaking of whom, Spike wondered how the girls were doing. Like the boys, the girls were all back in their dorm rooms. Rainbow Dash was in her room with Fluttershy. Both girls had changed into their sleepwear and were ready to hit the hay, when Rainbow Dash spoke up, "Hey Fluttershy?" "Yes, Dash?" the quiet girl replied. "You think Spike will ever get his memories back?" "I...I don't know. But...I hope he'll be alright." Rainbow Dash nodded her head, while recalling the way the boy reacted when he struggled to remember, "But didn't you see how aggravated he looked when we asked him if he remembers?" Rainbow frowned sadly. "I've never seen Spike in so much pain like that before. I...I feel bad for bringing it up to him." "Aw, there, there, Rainbow," Fluttershy comforted. "It's going to be okay." "Don't do that, Flutters," Rainbow frowned, with a tear falling from her eyes. "Don't give me hope." At the same time, Applejack was in her room, with Pinkie Pie, "Oh, Spike. If only you knew what you did to me," Applejack sighed. "Cupcakes?" Pinkie Pie offered, holding out a plate of cupcakes, decorated with slices of apples on the top. "They're caramel apple flavored." "Thanks, sugarcube," Applejack frowned, as she gently pushed the plates away. "But I'm not...okay, I'm a little hungry," with that, Applejack took one cupcake and ate it whole. "Remember how much Spike enjoyed these when we were kids?" Pinkie Pie asked, nostalgically. "How could I forget? It was how we first met him," Applejack smiled sadly in equal nostalgia. “We were running a bake sale for a good cause, but it was a slow day. Then he came and after sampling one of my family’s pie, he just couldn’t get enough,” Applejack chuckled. “He was our favorite costumer.” “And he still is, I just know it!” Pinkie Pie smiled hopefully. “Hey, that gives me an idea!” “What’s that?” Applejack asked, to which the party girl replied by whispering into her ears. “You sure that’ll work?” “Who knows? But it’s worth a try.” Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle was in her room with Rarity. The young fashionista was already in bed, while the smart girl was looking over her schedule, while concentrating on her studies to prepare herself for her classes. But all the girl could think about was Spike. “Twilight, darling?” Rarity spoke, revealing that she was still awake. “You’re still up?” “I’m sorry, Rarity,” Twilight apologized. “I just can’t go to sleep right now. A lot is on my mind, right now.” “Of course darling,” Rarity said in sympathy. “It’s been quite a day and...do you want to talk?” “Sure,” Twilight sighed, taking her glasses off, rubbing her tired eyes. “It’s about Spike, isn’t it?” “Who else?” Rarity asked rhetorically. “I still can’t believe my darling Spikey-Wikey’s been having amnesia for a decade, and after we had come all the way out here from Alicorn Academy to surprise him and...it was all for nothing.” “I know, Rarity,” Twilight shares her friend’s sorrow. “I’ve known Spike for the longest time and I’m just as hurt as you are to find out that after all this time, he’s forgotten about us and...our friendship.” “I know! And on top of that, he’s in a relationship with Gabby!” Rarity proclaimed dramatically, to which Twilight looked up in shock at what the fashionista just said. Realizing what she blurted out, Rarity quickly composed herself as she said, “Which isn’t a bad thing, of course. I’m just saying, it’s nice that Spikey-Wikey’s found himself a girlfriend. What I mean is, I’m happy for him. Just a little bit,” she muttered at the last part. Speaking of whom, Gabby was sharing her room, with Gilda. “So, how’d it go for you, Gabby?” Gilda asked, after she came out of the bathroom, in her sleepwear, walking towards her bed. “Did you enjoy your day, with Spike?” “Of course! Why wouldn’t I? Spike is an absolute dream!” Gabby smiled widely, before she frowned sadly, “Although, I’m just really sorry that he couldn’t remember anything about those other girls. They looked really sad.” “No kidding,” Gilda frowned. “Honestly, I’ve never seen Rainbow that bummed since the time Dumb Belle ruined her chance to make the team in the little leagues football. And that’s saying something because I’m her best friend, and up until now, I never knew Spike and Rainbow Dash had a history together.” “Me too,” Gabby nodded in agreement. “I mean, if Spike ever got into an accident and he forgot who I am, I’d be as distraught and heartbroken than she was.” Looking up to her strong and blunt roommate, Gabby asked, “What do you think could’ve happened to him?” Gilda shrugged her shoulders in reply. Meanwhile, Trixie had just got back to her room, where she finds her roommate Starlight Glimmer, watering her potted plant, Phyllis. “Oh, hey Trixie!” Starlight greeted the magician girl. “Hey Starlight!” Trixie went over and the two roomies wrapped their arms around each other in a loving hug, exchanging pats. “So, how was your day today?” the magician asked. “Well, I wish I could say it’s been ‘eventful’,” Starlight said, using the quote-unquote gesture. “But, it’s alright. How’s Spike though? He’s not in trouble with the headmaster or anything, was he?” “Don’t worry your pretty little head, Starlight,” Trixie smiled teasingly. “He’s okay. The real question should be, what exactly did you see in him?” Starlight looked rather troubled, “I’d tell you. But it’s a long story,” the girl fiddled with one of Phyllis’s leaves as she sighed, “And it’s not exactly a happy ending either.” “I’m listening,” Trixie said, expressing her interest in learning her best friend’s history with Spike. For the rest of the night, Trixie listened and was both shocked and saddened to hear the story. Meanwhile, Wallflower Blush was at her desk, looking sadly at a picture in a frame of herself and Spike when they were kids. In the picture, both Spike and Wallflower were standing in a large field of colorful flowers, with Spike holding his left hand up in a peace sign, while Wallflower stood in a beautiful yellow summer dress, cuddling up to him as she wrapped both her arms over his shoulders, "Oh Spikey-Wikey," Wallflower sighed. “So close yet so far, my love,” she wept silently. Watching from under the covers of her bed, sharing the girl’s sadness, is Wallflower Blush’s roommate, Sunset Shimmer. The fiery girl watched with a look of guilt and regret at the wallflower girl’s heartache, before she closed her eyes and turned away. “I’m sorry, Spike,” Sunset whispered to herself in her sleep. > Day 2, pt.1 – An Artful Start > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 2 The next morning – Tuesday – Spike and Tender woke up and went to the bathroom, where the rest of their male classmates are once again going all the way to make sure they look their very best to impress the young ladies. And once again, they find both Button Mash and Rumble, huddling up together in the corner of the bathroom, sleeping. Spike and Tender Taps both turned to each other, shaking their heads, knowing the drill. They both reached into a janitor's closet nearby, fetching a large pail, to fill it up with cold water, and they splashed it onto the two sleeping boys, startling them awake. "AAAUGH! DON'T MINE AT NIGHT! CREEPERS!" Button Mash babbled randomly, as he and Rumble both jumped up to their feet, bright and alert, thanks to the cold water. "Oh, gee thanks, we really needed that," Rumble grumbled, sarcastically. "You're welcome," Spike said, as he and his guys went to get themselves washed up, just as Pipsqueak and Featherweight joined them. "HEY! LET GO OF US!" Snips voice rang, as he, Snails, and Zephyr were dragged into the bathroom, against their wills, by a tall, muscular grown man, dressed in security guard uniform. Without a doubt, this is Phoenix Academy's newest security guard that Headmaster Scorpan had hired. In appearance, the man sports a gray buzzcut hairstyle, with large bushy eyebrows and a mustache, while wearing a pair of shades with bronze lens. The man was carrying Snips on his shoulder, while dragging Snails by the leg, and was pulling Zephyr Breeze along, by the ear. "You can't do this to me! My lovely Rainbow Dash needs her Zeph–OW!" In response, the security guard pinched Zephyr's ear even harder. "OW! Not the ear, not the ear!" With a thrust of his arms, the guard threw the three stooges into the bathroom, with the rest of the other boys. "Hey! What's the big idea?!" Snips grunted, infuriated. "We were just getting to know with the ladies! We have rights!" "But you're not cleaned yet," The guard frowned. "Look at yourself, this unkempt tangled mess you called a hairdo. It's more like a ruined bird's nest!" He said, examining Zephyr's hair. "Hey! This hairdo's a work of art!" Zephyr whined. "Suck in that gut!" The guard berated, Snips. "And who taught you to brush your teeth? I still see a piece of salad stuck between your teeth!" Snips blushed as he covers his mouth with his hands. "And you!" The guard pointed at Snails. "What? What about me? What did I do wrong?" The lanky boy asked. "Nothing. I have nothing to say to you. You're clean," The guard said. "Oh, great!" Snails smiled excitedly. "So does this mean I can go now to–" "NOT SO FAST!" The security guard shouted, stopping the boy. "You're not leaving this room, until every single boy in this room is clean as a whistle! Do I make myself clear?!" "But how are we supposed to know the girls if we're all stuck in here?" Snips moaned. "Security is an art, it cannot be rushed," The man said. Spike and the Five Guys were all surprised at the man, "Wow, that guy takes his work very seriously," Spike commented, to which the rest of his boys all exchanged agreements. At last, after the boys were all cleaned up, they made their way down to the cafeteria, where the girls were already seated and having breakfast. Unable to hold back their pent up sex-driven hormone, the three stooges were about to lunge towards one of the girls at random, only for the security man to hold them back, by the seat of their pants. "Not so fast you three!" The man frowned, as he dragged the stooges away. "Your families have sent me your medical records. For the good of your health, you three are going to be seated far far away from the young ladies." "NOOOOOOOOOoooooo!" The stooges wailed miserably as they are dragged away against their wills. The boys couldn't help but shake their heads, both sympathetically and amusingly at the three troublemaker's shared misery. Just then, a hand reached out from behind and covered Spike's eyes, "Guess who~!" A bubbly voice sang. "Hey Gabby," Spike smiled, turning around to see the said girl herself. "Did you sleep well?" "Sure did!" The girl smiled. "Another day and I'm full of pep, I always say!" "You're always full of pep." "Exactly! Now let's get ourselves full with breakfast!" With that, both Spike and Gabby went into the kitchen to select their foods, ranging from the usual waffles to oatmeals, before heading out into the cafeteria to find a table to eat at. "Hey Spike! Gabby! Over here!" Pinkie Pie called out, waving her hands for the two to come over to a table where their friends were waiting — the Five Guys included. Gabby was the first to comply, before she stopped, when she noticed that Spike looked rather hesitant. “Well Spike? You coming?” Gabby asked. Spike looked up, remembering the way he reacted yesterday, and the day before that, with the girls. “Sorry Gabby. I kinda... spaced out for a moment,” He said. Gabby, however, knew Spike all too well, “You’re worries about another headache, aren’t you?” She asked, to which Spike nodded. “I’m sure they didn’t meant anything to cause it. They didn’t know.” “I’m not blaming them or anything,” Spike reassured. “I just don’t... remember...” “I know, Spike. I know,” Gabby replied. “But let’s just at least hear them out.” Unable to argue with that reasoning, Spike nodded as he shrugged, “Here’s hoping.” With that, the two walked over towards the table, where they met up with the others. “Good morning, everyone!” Gabby greeted, as she and Spike took their seat. “How are you all?” “Super-duper excited for another day here at Phoenix Academy!” Pinkie chirped happily. “As always,” Applejack grinned, before she looked at Spike, “So, Spike... anything coming back to ya yet?” In response, Spike shook his head, “Still nothing,” He sighed. “I’m sorry.” “No, darling,” Rarity shook her head. “We’re the ones who are sorry. We shouldn’t have put so much stress on you like that.” “It was wrong for us to try and force you to remember again, all at once,” Twilight frowned sadly. “So last night, we were... I mean, do you think you could... I mean if we could start over?” She asked. “You don’t have to try and remember again. But can we at least still be friends?” Spike pondered for a moment, before he turned to his guys, seeing them nodding in agreement. Then he turned to Gabby, who smiled ever so brightly. The green haired boy turned to look at the anxious girls before him. Though there were still some unanswered questions, with the answers hidden in his cloudy past, Spike can’t deny the fact that these girls are a friendly bunch. With a shrug, he agreed, “This is what the program’s all about, isn’t it?” He asked rhetorically. “Friends?” “Friends!” The girls said happily, as they and Spike exchanged handshakes. After the mutual love have been made, Spike was the first to ask, “So what classes are you having today?” First Period - Art Class For first period, Spike and four of his forgotten girl friends have art class. Their art teacher is a man named Mr. Salvador. A/N: "I don't know the name for this background character, nor was there an EQG counterpart of him, so bear with me. I named him after the famous 20th century artist, Jackson Pollock. Update 1: I’ve been corrected and it’s been confirmed that the character was modeled after the famous artist, Salvador Dali. In appearance, Mr. Salvador dresses in a red mulberry suit with tan dress pants, with a purple dress shirt with yellow polka dots beneath his suit, with a violet neck tie tied around his collar. His hair is neatly combed back like a respectful gentleman, while sporting an outrageously long thin mustache that curls up at the end. "Okay, ladies," The teacher spoke up as he started the class. "With this being your second day at Phoenix Academy, I ask that you mingle with the boys, and I specifically ask that you gentlemen treat our guests right, as you all work together on your artworks together by the end of this month. So let's make some art!" With that, the class begins with the students sketching out some ideas that they were eager to draw on the canvas. Spike was at his table, writing out some potential ideas of what he could draw in his sketchbook. So far, the first things that came to his minds ranged from: a dragon guarding its treasure hoard, ninjas, superheroes (specifically the super girl types), and sexy romantic monster-themed girls like that out of a Japanese manga/anime harem genre. Kitsunes Nekos (catgirl) Sirens (Mermaids specifically) Succubi Lamias Vampires A better love story than Twilight. Shall I continue? While Spike was sketching out his ideas, he suddenly got carried away and finds himself in his own little world, as he started to sing: Rosario + Vampire - Discotheque CHU-RU CHU-RU CHU-RU PA-YA-PA DISCO LADY, DISCO LADY, DEEP EMOTION, DEEP EMOTION (Spike started to drum his table with his pencil and hand, as he continues to sing a few more lyrics, in JAPANESE!) SWEETIE DARLIN' odorimashou hajikeru BEAUTY LADY umare kawatte amai yume sotto irodoritai no (SWEETIE DARLING, let's dance groovy popping Bursting outward BEAUTY LADY I wanna live again and softly repaint this groovy, hyper, sweet disco dream) "Spike? Are you alright?" A quiet voice asked, snapping him out of his singing trance. "WHOA-HO!" The boy yelped, nearly falling out of his chair, flapping his hands rapidly into a karate stance. "Oh! Sorry, did I scare you?" Spike turned his head to see that sitting next to him was Wallflower Blush, back in her dirt brown sweater and long jeans. "Oh yeah, I'm alright," Spike blushed, as he regains his composure. "Though, from the looks of it, you seemed to be really into it," Another voice smirked, to which Spike looked to see he and Wallflower were sharing the table with Trixie and two more girls from Twilight's group. The first girl is the fiery red-yellow head, while the second girl is the one who wears her star beanie, and carries with her the potted plant named Phyllis. All four girls were giggling at Spike for his earlier antic, with the boy blushing a shade of red, which further brightens up when Trixie came up to him, with a flirty look, "So, whatcha singing about?" She asked teasingly. "Is it about us girls?" "Uh, more ore less," Spike stammered, wanting to get out of the awkward moment, as he turned his attention to the other two girls. "So... who're you gals again?" The fiery headed girl ceased her giggling as she looked rather hesitant to answer, "She's called Yūma," Trixie answered on behalf of the girl. "Which means 'sunset' in Japanese, so we call her Sunset Shimmer. And this is Sarah Bellum. But her dad likes to call her 'Chipmunk Cheek' when he's not referring to her as 'Pumpkin Wumpkin.'" "TRIXIE!" Sarah blushed furiously, while Spike struggled to stifle his laugh with Wallflower and Sunset giggling in amusement. "Only my dad calls me those embarrassing names," The girl began, as she calmly strokes Phyllis, "My friends call me Starlight Glimmer." "Oh, nice to meet you both," Spike smiled as he exchanges handshakes with the two girls. "Now that we're all acquainted, any ideas on what we should do together for this class?" Wallflower was about to speak up, only for Trixie to beat her to it, "What about a painting of yours truly?" She suggested, pointing to herself. "This is a co-ed school project, Trixie. Not a promotional work for your magic career," Starlight reminded. "I'm thinking maybe we could do a drawing of a phoenix and an alicorn together, in outer space, with the stars, planets, and galaxies around them." Wallflower was about to speak up, but was once again interrupted when Sunset Shimmer spoke, "The phoenix and the alicorn sounds nice, but in outer space? I don't mean to stifle your creativity, but it sounds almost like we're trying to clash fantasy with Sci-fi." "Good point," Starlight muttered. While the three girls continue to converse with each other, Spike felt a tug on his sleeve, to which he turned to look at Wallflower Blush, "Hey Spike?" The girl began. "I was thinking of maybe...well, this," She reached into her pocket and pulls out a folded paper, which she unfolds to reveal pencil drawing with significant details. Drawn on the paper is what appeared to be a landscape with large mountains on the horizon, surrounding a large lake of clear water that reflects the clouds and the sun, tall pine trees that covered much of the land in the distance, and from Spike's point of view, it looked as if he was standing amidst a field of flowers – all different kinds. On the bottom right corner is a name signed "Fiona Bloom." "Whoa!" Spike said, finding himself mesmerized by such a beautiful drawing. "Did you drew this?" The girl blushed lightly as she looked to the side, "Well, I had some help," She said quietly, "It's actually one of yours..." She muttered under her breath. "What was that?" Spike asked. "Uh, nothing!" Wallflower waved her hands in reassurance. "I was just wondering if we could use this drawing for inspiration. Maybe make it into a bigger work of art? I don't know. What do you think?" Spike looked at the girl, before turning his attention back at the drawing in his hand. The landscape screams beauty if not paradise, and there's something both whimsical and romantic that Spike couldn't quite put his finger on about the drawing. For some reason, he was almost certain he could jump into the drawing at that very moment and feel more at home within its promising landscape of a fantasy paradise. Sunset Shimmer was listening in on a discussion between Starlight and Trixie, when she looked and noticed how Spike was lost in Wallflower's drawing. She went over to the two, wanting to see what they're looking at, "Hey! What're you looking at?" She greeted, startling the two of them. "Oh, we're just looking at this incredible drawing that Wallflower did," Spike replied, while showing the girl the said drawing. "Whoa!" Sunset exclaimed, as she took a look at the drawing, "Hey Fiona? You actually made this?" In response, Wallflower looked to the side for a brief moment, before she looked up and just nodded. "Really? Huh, I always thought of you as a gardener, not an artist," Sunset smiled, complimenting the wallflower girl. "You're full of surprises, you know?" "What's going on?" Starlight asked, as she and Trixie crowded around to see what all the fuss was about. Needless to say, they were just as shock at the drawing that Wallflower had presented. Before long, Spike and his four partners were already making sketch lines on a large canvas as they eagerly went to work on turning the drawing into a spectacular masterpiece. Wallflower Blush was already making the flowers, while Sunset added a beautiful sunflower. "Wow, that's a nice sunflower you've got there, Sunset," Spike complimented. "Aw, thank you, Spike," Sunset smiled. "Sunflowers always make me feel really happy." "You don't say," The boy nodded in acknowledgement. "Go figure," Wallflower muttered, which didn't go unnoticed for Sunset. "Says you," Starlight Glimmer smirked, while she drew a philodendron plant, similar to the one she's carrying. "Nothing makes me happier than to be with my little Phyllis. She always does spruce things up for me on a dull day." "Ugh, really Starlight?" Trixie rolled her eyes, while she draws the clouds. "You need to go out more. Potted plants scream desperations." "To each her own, Trixie," The girl huffed in response. "To each her own." "I honestly think she's kinda pretty," Wallflower voiced her opinion, as she went over to stroke Phyllis. "And she's looking greener than usual today." "Thank you, Wallflower!" Starlight smiled, before she turns and stuck her tongue out at Trixie. While the conversation was going on, Sunset turned to look at Spike and smiled sadly when she saw how much he was enjoying, watching the girls bonding, while also enjoying Wallflower's drawing. After art class was done, Spike was heading off for his second class of the day, when Sunset Shimmer caught up to him. "Spike! Wait up!" She said as she ran up to his side. "Your next class is the Woodwork, right?" "Yeah," He confirmed. "Why?" "Because that's where I'm heading to next," Sunset answered, before she asked, "So, can we walk together there?" Spike looked up at the girl, then back down at her hand she was offering. The look she was giving him was both out of genuine care, yet it looked as if there's some sort of desperation to it, as if she wanted for him to accept her off. As if she could sense his uncertainty, Sunset smiled widely, but still rather nervously, as if pleading for Spike to take her hand. "Eh, why not?" Spike shrugged, as both he and Sunset walked together to their next class. On the way, Sunset decided to strike up conversation, "She really likes you, you know?" "Who?" "Her, Wallflower. I haven't seen her that happy in a long time," Sunset smiled. "You seem to bring out the best of her from the inside." "Aw, it was nothin'," Spike blushed. "I mean, granted she was a little...a little..." "Awkward?" "Timid," Sunset nodded in agreement as Spike continued, "But hey, she's not so bad. She just needed to feel more welcome here, as all of you lovely ladies here at Phoenix Academy." Sunset couldn't help but giggle, "Of course," She smiled. "You're a real gentleman, Spike." "I aim to please." Spike looked to Sunset and caught her smiling happily at him, though she quickly turned away and Spike thought he saw a faint blush on her face. Not wanting her to feel anymore awkward, he looked away for the rest of their walk to class. As for Sunset, she felt rather conflicted than awkward. She would often sneak a few glances at Spike, hoping and pleading to herself that this was for real and that the boy she was walking with isn't a dream, for fear that she would wake up to find he wasn't there. She softly stroked her fingers across his, caressing gently to the warmth of his hands to reassure herself that he is indeed real and very much alive. > Day 2, pt. 2 - Woodwork, Study Hall, and Calculus > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Second Period - Woodwork Upon arriving to the woodwork class, Spike and Sunset found their fellow classmates already at work on some collaborative projects. Most of male students were working together with the girls from Alicorn University, collaborating and building together, from making a flute, a small wooden sculpture, to a beautiful birdhouse. Snips, also in the class, was all by himself. He was too busy ogling at the girls than paying any attention to his lessons in the class, and was stupidly hammering random nails on a misshapen contraption of sort, with a wrench. “Mr. Snips,” The teacher, named Mr. Hoofield glowered. “What are you trying to make?” Snips snapped out of his love trance, as he struggled to make up a good excuse, “Uh...I’m making a...coat rag?” He stuttered, much to Mr. Hoofield’s disapproval. Without a doubt, the man is going to plant a big fat “F” on Snips’s failed project. Sunset Shimmer followed Spike as they walked over to the boy’s workbench in the classroom. They first put on a pair of goggles and gloves for protections. “So what are we making Spike?” Sunset asked. “A puzzle box,” Spike answered, as he showed the girl the schematics on all the parts for the said box, and his current progress. “These things are a lot of fun, but making them is a challenge.” “Well, I’ve had my shares of puzzle boxes back in Tokyo,” Sunset commented. “Let’s see what we’ve got.” “Hey Sunset!” A couple of voices greeted. Spike and Sunset looked up to see coming their way are two girls - one with minty hair and the other with moderate cobalt blue and light fuchsia. The girl has moderate cyan eyes, a moderate cobalt blue hair with light fuchsia stripes that ends in curls at the top and bottom. For attire, the girl wears a white frilly dress with yellow stripes and blue ribbons, a belt at the waist with a ribbon in the shape of a wrapped candy, long white knee-high socks, and light blue slippers. Her companion has brilliant gold eyes, scruffy pale, light grayish opal hair, with a red headband, decorated with a beautiful rose. For attire, she wears a gold necklace, with a bling in the shape of a heartstring, a magenta sleeveless top, frilly aqua blue short, orange socks, and rosy boots. "Konnichiwa, Lyra. Konnichiwa, Bon Bon," Sunset Shimmer greeted the two respectively. "Nice to see you two are in the class together." "Like I'd ever be in a class without Bon Bon?" Lyra asked, while she and the girl beside her shared loving glances. "There's not a class I'd ever be in, without my biggest bestie in the whole world!" Bon Bon proclaimed, before she and Lyra took notice of Spike. "You must be Spike," She smiled. "Sunset and her friends have told us a lot about you!" "Have they now?" Spike asked, turning to the fiery girl who looked away, hiding her blush and sad frown. "Sure have," Bon Bon nodded. "They told us how much of a great guy you are!" "And that you're their favorite boy to hang with!" Lyra added with a bright smile. Spike blinked for a moment, before he shook his head, looking more uncertain, and quickly putting a hand to his forehead to ease an incoming sensation. Seeing his distress, Sunset turned to the girls, "Uh, would you excuse us for a moment, Spike?" She insisted. "We'll be right back," The three girls soon walked to the other side of the room, where Sunset explained, "Girls, listen. I don't mean to rain on any parades or anything but... Spike's got amnesia and I think it's best of we don't aggravate him so much by mentioning anything about the past." "Oh, really?" Bon Bon frowned. "That's horrible." "Yeah," Lyra nodded in agreement, as she clutches hands with Bon Bon. "I can't imagine going on with my life, without remembering Bon Bon in my life." "A life without Lyra is a life not worth living." At the description of such nightmare, Sunset grimaced and sadly frowns, "Believe me, I'd probably feel the same way if all of my friends had completely forgotten about me... or the good memories of me." Shaking her head, getting back on track, Sunset beckoned, "But listen, for Spike's sake, try not to stress him out so much by bringing up, or even mention something from his past. Okay?" Lyra and Bon Bon both turned to each other to exchange glances, before they turned to Sunset and nodded in understanding, "Sure thing, Sunset," Lyra said. "We understand," Bon Bon added. "Great," With that, the three girls were on their way back to Spike, when who should happen to stop them but Snips. "Well hello you lovely ladies~" Snips flirted, only to be pushed away by a disgusted Sunset. "I'm never washing my face again~" He sighed in content. Spike was doing some work on his puzzle box, when the girls came back to him, "So Spike," Bon Bon began. "Watchya and Sunset making?" "A puzzle box," Spike pointed at his schematics. "Although, Sunset's the expert at this, so I'm putting my trust in her that we'll make it work. What about you girls? What're you making?" Both Lyra and Bon Bon turned to one another and giggled, "We're making turtle doves!" They said together. "Turtle doves?" "Yeah!" Bon Bon smiled. "Did you know that turtle doves are a symbol of friendship and love!" "So as long as we each have a turtle dove," Lyra added. "We'll always be friends forever!" The two girls said together, as they share a hug and made a heart shape with their hands. "Wow!" Spike and Sunset gasped. "I never knew that," Sunset said. "Neither do I," Spike nodded. "Sounds like a swell idea! Good luck with it!" The two girls soon took their leaves, when Spike called out, "Hey! Any chance I could get a turtle dove as well? I'd like to be friends with you two for a long time!" "Absolutely!" Lyra and Bon Bon replied, before they went to work on their project together. Spike smiled, "Those two are nice." Sunset simply smiled in agreement, "They sure are," She said quietly. Lunch Period After woodwork class, Sunset and Spike returned to the cafeteria in time for lunch. "You go ahead and get something to eat, Sunset," Spike said. "I'll go and find us a table to eat." "Hai," Sunset nodded as she took her leave, while Spike went and grabbed an empty table before any of the other students could get to it. He was by his lonesome, when a voice greeted him, "Well hello again," He looked up to see the Dazzlings walking over to his table. "Hello," He returned the greetings. "Adagio, right?" He asked. Adagio chuckled lightly, "I'm flattered you remembered me," She smiled flirtatiously. "And you're Aria and Sonata," He pointed at the other two. "Obviously," Aria muttered. "He remembers!" Sonata squealed happily. "So what's up?" He asked. "We were looking for a table to sit and we couldn't help but notice you're here by your lonesome," Adagio replied. "So we thought you might need some company." "Oh that's very nice of you," Spike replied. "But I'm actually waiting for Sunset." "Oh, you're with Sunset Shimmer?" Adagio's smile disappeared into a disappointed frown. "Bummer," Aria grumbled. "But you're welcome to take some other seats at this table." "Oh, how nice," With that, Adagio took a seat besides Spike, while Aria and Sonata took the others, though Spike kept them away from the empty seat beside him. Just then, Sunset Shimmer arrived, "Hey Spike! Sorry if I–" She gasped when she saw who else was sitting beside him. "Adagio?! Dazzlings?" She exclaimed in outrage. "Oh hi, Sunset," Adagio waved confidently. "My sisters and I were just keeping Spike company until you get back." "He was all alone, so we came to sit with him, before we could steal him away from you!" Sonata shouted gleefully, much to the annoyance of her sisters. "What?" "Come on, Sunset," Spike patted a seat next to him. "I saved you a seat." "Actually, Spike, let's find somewhere else to eat," Sunset began tugging on Spike's arm. "How rude," Adagio frowned. "We were just starting to get to know him." "Typical Sunset," Aria added. "Thinking she's so much better than everyone else, she gets to hog some other boys all to herself." "I'm not hogging anyone!" Sunset glowered. “I just don’t want for Spike to get roped in with the wrong crowd.” "Big talk, Bacon Hair!" Sonata spatted with glee. "Don't call me Bacon Hair!" "Then don't keep him to yourself and share him with the rest of us," Adagio smirked. "Besides, it's not exactly your place to decide for him now, is it?" Sunset growled, but relented, so as to not prove Adagio's point, as she sets her lunch tray down and took a seat between Spike and Sonata. At first, there was an awkward silence, with Spike feeling tensions rising between Sunset and the Dazzlings. Wanting to break the ice, Spike cleared his throat and spoke, "So, how are you girls?" He asked the Dazzlings. "Enjoying your stay at Phoenix Academy?" "So far, it's alright," Aria grumbled. "Aside from the Auditorium, that little theatric funhouse of yours, the rest is okay." "Most of you guys are okay," Sonata added. "Although, last class, there was this strange boy who wouldn't stop staring at me and my sisters." "Oh no..." Spike muttered. "Do I dare ask who?" "Never got his name," Aria grumbled. "All I know was that he was drooling like a dog before I knocked his teeth out." "Hey look! There he is now!" Sonata pointed to a table, where Snails was having lunch with his neck in a heated wrap, and the security guard standing watch over him. "Ouch," Spike grimaced. "Remind me to never get on your bad side," He pleaded to Aria, who could only chuckle. "Just to play nice and you won't have to," Aria smiled. "Now, now, let's not frighten the poor thing," Adagio said as she clings onto Spike, and smothered up next to him, ticking Sunset off on purpose. "Don't worry, sweetie. As long as I'm around, you won't have to worry about her." "Ugh, like he doesn't have to worry about you?" Sunset Shimmer scowled. "Hey! Lemme get some of that!" Sonata shouted, as she got out of her seat to wrap her arms around Spike in a loving embrace, only for Adagio to pull him away. "Hey!" "Wait your turn, little sister," Adagio ordered, when Aria came to try and grab Spike away, mostly for the entertainment of making and watching the look of envy on Sunset's face. However, Sunset wasn't the only one watching in envy. Many of the boys in the cafeteria were all outraged with jealousy as they watched Spike getting snuggled by, not one, or two, but three gorgeously attractive teenage girls. "No, how could you Scorpio?!" Snails moaned. "Those girls were meant to be mine!" Spike's whole face was blushing a shade of tomato red from the Dazzlings' combined advance on him. He was struggling to keep himself composed, which is a hard thing to do, considering some noticeable assets that were pressing against him from the chest up. "Okay, Dazzlings," Sunset scowled as she tried to pry Spike out of their grips. "I think that's enough." "Back off!" The Dazzlings shoved Sunset to the side. "Girls! Break it up!" The security guard said boomingly, when he left Snails for a moment to save Spike from the tangled web of the Dazzlings arms. "And you girls say I'm hogging him to myself?" Sunset snarked in a snappy comeback, to which Adagio huffed, before exchanging disapproving glares at her two sisters. Snails also took this moment to sneak away, when the man wasn't looking. Though, not for long when he didn't look to see there was a Wet Floor sign, and he winds up slipping and fell on the floor with a loud thud. "My leg!" Snails wailed. After lunch period was over, Spike, Sunset, and the Dazzlings were on their way to Study Hall, while poor Snails was taken to the infirmary. On the way, Adagio began, “Again, I’m really sorry for that whole ordeal back there.” “It’s okay,” Spike replied. “Though, let’s try and avoid repeating that again. Okay?” “Of course, sweetie,” Adagio cooed. “Anything for you.” “Oh puh-lease,” Sunset grumbled, as she pulled Spike to her. “Let’s just get to class before something else happens.” “Oh Spikey-Wikey Chu?” The haunting voice of Cozy Glow called. “Where are you?” “Like that?” Spike whimpered, as he frantically looks around for somewhere to hide. “Take it easy, Spike,” Sunset began. “We’ll protect you.” “We’ll?” Sonata asked. “As much as I hate to say it, but...we need your help.” Soon Cozy Glow appeared from behind a corner and was running pass Sunset and the Dazzlings, “Spikey? Where are you?” She called. “Is she gone?” Spike asked. “Yeah, she’s gone,” Sunset answered. “You can come out now, Spike.” With that, Spike jumped out from Adagio’s hair, with Aria and Sonata helping him down. “Phew, I thought I was goner,” Spike sighed. “Anyway, thanks for letting me hide in your, uh...hair, Adagio.” “You’re welcome, Spike,” Adagio smiled flirtatiously. “Of course, I do enjoy that little snuggle you felt for my hair.” “I wasn’t snuggling!” Spike blushed. “C’mon, let’s just get to Study Hall, and fast.” Third Period - Study Hall Once they arrived into the room, Spike took a seat beside Sunset, at a table with their friends, Starlight Glimmer, and Trixie. Meanwhile, the Dazzlings took their seat at another table. “Uh, excuse us,” The friends looked up from their books to see Twilight standing before them, with a girl next to her who sports a somewhat similar hairstyle as her’s. In appearance, the girl appeared to be spitting image of Twilight, with the exception of wearing a thicker pair of glasses, and her hair is colored brilliant amaranth with moderate purple highlights. Her attires are a dark scruffy turtlenecks sweater with red plated socks and knee high socks colored the exact theme of her hair. “Hope we’re not intruding or anything,” The girl spoke quietly. “But can we sit here? Everywhere else’s been taken.” “Not at all,” Sunset smiled, gesturing to the three remaining empty seats at their table, two of which Twilight and the girl gladly took. “I’m Maggie Mage, by the way,” The girl introduced herself. “But my friends call me Moon Dancer.” “Nice to meet you, Moon Dancer,” Spike shook hands with her. “I’m—“ “I know who you are.” Moon interrupted. “You’re Spike Scorpio. Twilight’s told me about you. And I’m happy to finally meet you.” She smiled. “Other than that, how’ve you all been?” Twilight asked the rest of the girls, who all proceeded to exchange stories about how their days went. While the girls continued to converse each other, Spike looked up and noticed Wallflower Blush was also in the room, sitting at a table, all by her lonesome. A caring side to him kicked in as he got up and walked over to the shy girl, “Hey Wallflower,” Spike greeted the girl, who looked up. “Oh, hi Spike,” Wallflower greeted quietly. “You noticed me!?” She asked, sounding rather surprise. “Well, I couldn’t help but notice you’re all alone,” Spike answered. “Well, no one ever notices me, and I’ve kinda gotten used to it, so it’s fine...” “No it’s not. Nobody shouldn’t have to be this lonely. C'mon! Come sit with me and the others. There's one seat left." "Uh, thanks Spike. But I wouldn't want to intrude." "You're not intruding, Wallflower. C'mon, they won't bite." With that, Spike started to walk back to his shared table. "Spike! Wait!" Wallflower called, getting up from her seat. Unfortunately, one of her shoe was untied and she ended up tripping and falling towards Spike. "AAAH!!" "Oof!!" Spike grunted, as he caught the girl in his arms, and the two looked at each other. This didn't go unnoticed, as the entire classroom all turned their surprise gazes on the two. "Wallflower?" Spike said. "Yeah, Spike?" Wallflower replied. "You okay there?" "I am now..." "What's going on here?" The classroom teacher, Professor Bill Neigh, asked, when he came walking over to inspect the scene. "Mr. Scorpio?" "Oh nothin', professor," Spike replied as he and Wallflower broke apart. "Fiona here was tripping, but I got her." Wallflower twirled a lock of her hair and confirmed, "What he said." "I see," The professor said before he walked back to his desk. "Well then, get back to doing your studies then." Soon, Spike got back into his seat, with Wallflower following and taking a seat beside Starlight Glimmer. For the rest of the Study Hall period, Spike and the girls were all studying over the notes they have taken from their classes, and finishing their given assignments, all the while exchanging conversations about their second day at Phoenix Academy. Much to Spike's relief, the third stooge, Zephyr Breeze, has not done any trouble for the day, since his sister, Fluttershy, came to the school and was doing a terrific job of keeping the boy in line. Especially for Rainbow Dash's sake. Aside from the school's troublesome trio's antics, the girls' second day of visit was going along quite well. Starlight Glimmer, especially, who had gotten the chance to meet and catch up with an old friend of hers at the school. "So you're friends with Sunburst?" Spike asked. "As in Luke Starburst, the tech wizard?" "Yep! That's the one!" Starlight smiled. "Luke and I go way back when we were kids. We used to design and build lego robots and he's very smart and is very knowledgeable with the codings and the engineerings of a technician. He once took apart a TV when he was five." "Wow, really?" Sunset asked in mild disbelief. "Sounds like he could teach me a few things," Moon Dancer commented. "Anyway, he and I used to keep in touch, until we lost contact with each other," Starlight sighed. "So now, here I am. Apparently, it seems he was on the breakthrough of some newly developed robotics engineering, but went through a minor setback." "Yeah," Spike nodded. "Sunburst may be a smart guy, but his enthusiasms gets him into a lot of trouble. So he definitely needs all the help he can get. But, if you two were that close back then, I'm confident you two can make it together. And without a doubt, I think he's happy to see you again, Star. A wise person once said, 'absence makes the heart grow fonder.'" Starlight Glimmer smiled happily at hearing such positive words from Spike, though not nearly as happy as Twilight, Sunset Shimmer, and Wallflower Blush. Though, Wallflower was more sad than happy, "Or forgetful," She muttered under her breath. 'Why did you have to forget all about me?' Fourth Period - Class For his last class period of the day, Spike has calculus with Button Mash, Moon Dancer, Fluttershy, and Twilight. The teacher of the class is a man named Doodle Jack, whom Button Mash nicknamed as Cranky Doodle for his curmudgeon demeanor. Cranky Doodle has a light black hair, and a five o'clock shadow that compliments the sour expression on his face. His attires are a light muddy brown sweater with red jeans and dark shoes. "Okay, pencils ready," The man instructed in a gruff voice. "Let's begin by reviewing what we've learned in this subject, from both schools," He said to the boys of Phoenix Academy and the girls of Alicorn University, before he proceeds to write up his first formula and math variables on the board. "First off, can anyone tell me what this is?" Cranky asked, to which Twilight responded by raising her hand up. "Yes, Ms. Sparkle?" "That's the Pythagorean Theorem," She answered. "It's a fundamental relation in Euclidean geometry among the three sides of the right triangle." "Correct," Cranky congratulated the girl. "But this is only the first question. Now let's take it up a notch, shall we?" With that, Cranky erased the formula before he proceeded to write a more complex type. "What is this formula?" Twilight shot her hand up again, only for Cranky to shot her down, "How we let another bright student answer this one, Ms. Sparkle," The man insisted, to which Twilight lowered her hand down, and Moon Dancer raised her hand up. "Yes, Ms. Mage?" "That's the quadratic formula," Moon Dancer answered. "It's the formula we use to find the answer in a quadratic equation ()." "Very good," Cranky replied, before he asks, "Now, my final question to prove yourself, gentlemen," He said directly to the boys. "Let's see if any of you have paid attention and could tell me what this is?" lim x➡c "Can anyone one of you boys answer this?" Cranky asked. At first, none of the boys were willing to answer, when a hand raised up, "Yes, Mr. Maximus?" "That's the limit mathematics we went over in class, last week," Button Mash stated. "It's used to define the continuity, derivatives, and integral." All of the boys looked shock at Button Mash, while Spike looked less surprise at his friend's surprising knowledge in mathematics. Mr. Doodle appeared to be rather unfazed, "I still say you looked off your notes at the last second, Mr. Maximus," The man huffed. "But, I'll accept your answer." "How do you know so much about mathematics?" Moon Dancer asked the boy. "Well, when you're into video game designing, you gotta know these things like the back of your hands," Button Mash smiled proudly, to which Twilight smiled in agreement. "Alright, alright, you've convinced me," Cranky said. "All of you here must be pretty smart, unlike some of you, Mr. Breeze," He glared, guiding everyone's attention to the tall stooge in the room, who blushed and sank a little deeper in his seat. Fluttershy could only shake her head in utter disappointment at her brother, before turning her attention to the teacher as he continued, "Perfect. Then I can assume all of us men are on the levels with all of the ladies in the room," Cranky said. "Now let's see if you can all try and figure out these four math problems of the day I've put together for all of you." The man said, as he turns on his projector to display the four math problems of the day. lim x➡ (-3) lim x➡ 2 "And now, I want you boys and girls to work with your fellow classmates at your tables to find the answer for each of these problems," Cranky instructed, before he started off. "Begin!" As usual, Spike proceeded to work with Button Mash on solving the problems, while Twilight worked together with Moon Dancer, and Fluttershy was left to work with Zephyr, since he was all by his lonesome and no one else was interested in working with him. "Now Zephyr, for once in your life, please try and actually work on these problem, on your own!" Fluttershy said sternly. "I may be helping, but that doesn't mean I'm going to do all of the work. Do I make myself clear?" "Aw, c'mon, sis!" Zephyr whined. "Mr. Cranky's mathematics, calculus, or geometry aren't like your typical ones from your school. They're killers! They hurt my brain." "Zephyr Breeze!" "I mean, sure, I'll try. But don't say I didn't warn you." Back with Spike and Button Mash, the young gamer did the works and found the answers to the limit equations above, while Spike managed the quadratic formula a bit, but struggled the Pythagorean’s theorem. In the meantime, both Twilight and Moon Dancer were working together and judging by the relaxing and confident look on their faces, they seemed to know what they were doing. The whole class continued to work on solving the math, until Cranky announced, “Time’s up!” With that, each of the students began to exchange their answers to the teacher, before he revealed the correct answers. 1. 2. 3. 4. With that, he congratulated on the students who got the answers right, while berating and correcting the rests who got the answers wrong. “Phew,” Spike breathes a sigh of relief. “Glad that’s over. Calculus is stressful, but it’s a good thing you’re a wizard for this subject, Button.” “What can I say? I know my stuff,” Button smirked. “Though, I’ll admit, Twilight. You and Moon are magnets for A+!” Twilight simply giggled, while Moon blushed in response, “Aw, thanks Spike,” Twilight smiled. “Do you ever pay any attention to anything the teachers say?!” Fluttershy shouted angrily, as Zephyr went running out of the room, holding his hands over his ears. “Do you have any idea how much money our parents have put into funding your enrollment, and you couldn’t make it all worth it?!” After she was done ranting, Fluttershy turned around and was greeted by the astonished look from her friends. “Are you sure she’s the quiet one?” Button asked. Composing herself, Fluttershy apologized, “I’m sorry you had to see that. I’m just so peeved about Zephyr and his slacking way.” “Don’t worry, he ain’t our favorite guy to pal around with either,” Button grumbled. “You’re not alone.” “Still, seeing the way you two interacted,” Spike began, “I’m guessing he’s always like that even before enrolling?” “I’m afraid so,” Fluttershy frowned. “Before coming to this school, Zephyr’s always been so...unsupportive of himself and he’s always been trying to get others to do his work. He couldn’t take, even the most simplest of tasks seriously.” Fluttershy breathes a frustrated sigh as she continued, “He’s have had a long history of unemployment and as always, winds up bunking and freeloading at mom and dad’s place.” “Yikes,” Spike frowned, feeling pity for the girl and her folks. “So how’d you got him to come here then?” “It was my idea, actually,” Fluttershy answered. “I wanted Zephyr to be the least independent when he grows up and finishes a job for once. But I can see now, it didn’t go the way that I had hoped,” Fluttershy cringed as she covered her face. “If Zephyr fails again in his finals, then—“ “Don’t worry, Fluttershy,” Twilight coaxed to the stressed girl. “I’m sure we’ll figure something out.” “And we’ll handle Zephyr and the other Stooges,” Spike added. “Besides, Uncle’s been wanting to give him a lesson he’ll never forget for a very long time, and he’ll be pleased to hear your thoughts about it.” “Oh, I don’t know,” Fluttershy whimpered. “I know Zephyr can be a little pathetic at times, but... Headmaster Scorpan won’t be too hard on him, will he?” “I know uncle can be so uptight sometimes,” Spike shrugged before he reassured, “But he means well.” “Absolutely!” Button Mash added. “And then we’d have one less stooge to worry about.” “I think they’re right, Fluttershy,” Twilight said. “If Zephyr’s gonna learn, then he should have to face the consequences for his actions.” Fluttershy pondered at the thought for a brief moment, before she nodded, “Okay,” Still, she looked doubtful until a hand took her by surprise, and she turned to Spike gently grasping her fingers. “It’ll be okay, Fluttershy,” Spike reassured. “I can come and offer you some supports if you’d like.” Fluttershy couldn’t help but blush at Spike’s words, before finding herself lost in his loving green eyes, triggering flashbacks of memories that Spike didn’t remember of. Out of impulse, Fluttershy wrapped her arms around Spike and pulled him in for a hug. “Fluttershy!” Twilight shouted. “Thank you, Spike!” Fluttershy cooed, kissing the boy on the check, much to his embarrassment and Twilight’s ire. “Choking!” Spike grunted. “Not breathing!” Watching from around a corner, another pair of eyes watched with seething jealousy. > Day 3 – Cozy Glow's Scheming Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After their last class of the day, the students from both schools were all retired to their dormitory. Though, the Three Stooges, in particular, had to be dragged all the way back to their room by the security guard – Max Steele – thus, foiling another of their perverted schemes, which obviously had something to do with the girls dormitory. Spike was just following Tender Taps back to their dorm room, when he was stopped by Twilight and her friends. "Hey Spike," Applejack began. "So, how was yer day Sugarcube? Twilight and Fluttershy had filled us in on math class." "Typical Zephyr," Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "And that you and Sunset have been getting along just fine," Twilight noted, while the fiery head girl looked more troubled and turned away. "Well, the day's been great," Spike answered, before he asked, "So how've you girls been? Still enjoying your stay here at Phoenix Academy? "We sure are!" Pinkie Pie smiled. "This has got to be the best school we've ever been to! Next to Alicorn Academy of course." "Agreed," Rarity agreed. "Though, with the exception of some three...troublemakers, you and your fellow classmates are quite the gentlemen, Spikey-Wikey." "Why thank you, madam," Spike bowed his head, acting the part as a respectable gentleman, much to the girls' amusements as they giggled in response. "Anyway, I'm gonna go and turn in for the night with Tender. See ya in the morning girls." "Good night, Spike!" The girls said as they all turned away and were heading off to their dorm rooms, when Pinkie stopped. "Ooh, my pinkie senses are tingling!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as parts of her body started to shake like crazy. "Uh oh! Someone's going to have an unpleasant trip!" "Hey Spike!" A chirpy voice greeted the boy, to which Spike turned and smiled. "Gabby! Hey!" Spike exclaimed happily as she ran down the stairs. "How was your day?" "I had an awesome day! How about–AH!!" Gabby yelped, when she suddenly tripped over something and fell down the stairs. "GABBY!" Spike shouted, as he ran forward to catch the girl in his arms, moments before she hit the floor. "Are you alright? What happened?" "Ooh, golly! What happened?" Another voice spoke up, which Spike cringed as he looked up to see Cozy Glow running down the stairs, "Are you alright, Spikey-Wikey?" She asked with concern. Spike simply scowled, "I'm fine, Kitty." "Cozy!" "Whatever. It's Gabby who tripped and nearly fell down!" "Don't worry, Spike. I'm fine, really!" Gabby insisted, as she stood up and dusted herself. "Golly, you need to be more careful," Cozy insisted to Gabby. "Who knows. Maybe next time, Spikey-Wikey may not be there to save you next time. And that could've been your head!" "Eesh, that's not a pretty picture," Gabby cringed, before she turned to Spike. "Thanks again for saving my life, Spike!" "You're welcome," Spike blushed lightly, which immediately intensified to a brighter shade of pink, when Gabby gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "That was for saving me," Gabby giggled, while Cozy looked irk, with one of her eyes twitching. "Anyway, I gotta go back to me and Gilda's room. See you tomorrow!" "See ya~" Spike swooned lovingly, watching Gabby leave, while rubbing the spot where she had kissed him. "Ahem," Cozy cleared her throat, but was irked to see that it didn't cause a reaction from him. "Ahem! Spikey-Wikey? Hello? Cozy to Spikey?" Cozy yelled, but to no avail. "Eh, go to your room, Kitty," Spike scoffed, as he turned to walk back to his room, still wearing the same goofy expression on his face. "SAMUEL SCORPIO!! You get back here RIGHT–WHOA NELLY!!" Cozy Glow was immediately silenced, when she was flattened by something – someone – very big. "Oof! What a fall," The large girl moaned. "It felt like I tripped on something." Not too far behind, Wallflower Blush was walking down the stairs, when a faint glimmer, glistening in the dark, shined by the lights, caught her attention. Wallflower Blush carefully got down to investigate and finds a thin, yet strong piece of string, tied across the steps. Anyone tripping over it would surely fall down the stairs. Worst case scenario, they could've hit their heads on the steps and die. After a moment of squirming herself free beneath the fat girl, Cozy Glow tapped her fingers on the floor as she pouts angrily in her thoughts, 'I'll get you soon, Samuel Scorpio. Nobody gets in between you and me!' Day 3 — Wednesday The next morning, at breakfast in the cafeteria, Gabby just got her foods and was looking for a table to sit. Little did she know, Cozy Glow was close by and the crazy young girl was waiting for her to come. "Oops!" Cozy Glow said, dropping a banana peel on the floor, which Gabby failed to notice and slipped. "AAAH!!!" Gabby screamed, falling to the floor and spilling her tray and foods onto herself. A large pancake, covered in maple syrup and butter fell on top of Gabby, covering half of her face, with her cup of fruit punch spilling all over her. "Golly!" Cozy gasped, feigning shock with her hands on her cheeks, as she and the other girls gathered around Gabby. "Are you alright?" "I'm okay," Gabby groaned, getting up while rubbing her sore back. "Just a little, dirty...that's all." "Oh dear goodness!" Rarity exclaimed as she got down to help Gabby up. "Here, let's get you cleaned up and out of those dirty clothes!" She insisted as she and Twilight took Gabby away to get cleaned. When no one was looking, Cozy Glow cracked a wicked grin as she smiled to herself with satisfaction, before she turned her attention to the table where the rest of Twilight's friends were sitting. Knowing that Spike would soon be coming, and that he'd be sitting there with his guys, the girl decided to invite herself to be seated at the table. "Hello!" Cozy greeted the group. "You must be Twilight's friends." The rest of the girls turned their attentions at Cozy and narrowed their eyes suspiciously, "Yeah," Rainbow scowled. "And you must be Kitty Dimple." "Golly, you know who I am?" Cozy exclaimed, feigning innocence. "I'm flattered!" "Of course we do!" Pinkie Pie frowned, looking confused. "You go to the same school as we do." "That and we know who you are since cooking class when you chased Spike out of the room." Applejack frowned, looking skeptic. "Oh, that," Cozy giggled. "Spike's just playing hard to get. He just wanted to see how far I would go to win his heart." "I don't think that was playing hard to get," Fluttershy said uneasily, with her friends shaking their heads in agreement. "Oh what do you know about love?" Cozy scoffed, much to their ire. "Spike and I are meant for each other. It's true love the moment I first laid eyes on him," The girl went into a loving daydream, just as Spike arrived with his Guys, and the Three Stooges – being held back against their wills by Max Steele, the security man. "Oh! There's my darling!" Cozy squealed, as she greeted as she leapt away to pursue the boy. "SPIKEY-WIKEY!!!" "Oh geez!" Spike yelped, as he quickly took off, running for his life. "Out of my way morons!" Cozy screeched, plowing her way through the Five Guys, knocking them down as if they're bowling pins. "The girl's stronger than she looks," Tender groaned. "Yeah, my jaw's absorbed the pain of that humiliation just now," Rumble moaned. "FINLAND!" Button Mash shouted. "Shut up..." Pipsqueak grunted. In the meantime, Applejack turned to the rest of her friends as they exchanged knowing glances and nodded their heads. They all got up from their seat as they gave chase to save Spike. > Day 3 – Cozy Glow's Scheming Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I fine way to start the morning, Samuel!" Spike said to himself, panting heavily as he ran down a hall. "You went to get breakfast, but a yandere was waiting, and now you're running for your life!" Spike slid across the floor as he made a sharp turn around a corner, and kept on running, with Cozy Glow, who isn't too far behind. "Samuel! Stop running from me!" Cozy Glow shouted. "We were meant for each other!" "She just doesn't give up!" He muttered, seeing Cozy was catching up to him. He rounded a corner and was passing a door, when a hand reached out and snatched him into the room. "Wait for me, my love!" Cozy said as she came around the corner. "I just know I can make you happy!" However, she came to a halt when she saw that Spike was nowhere around. "Huh? Where did you go? Now you've broken my heart!" She weeped dramatically. "What the–Who–" A finger puts across Spike's lips, shushing him up. "Shhhh," His rescuer said, revealing herself to be Twilight. The two huddled close together in the room, watching through a window to see Cozy Glow searching the halls for Spike. Eventually, the bell rang and Cozy gave up and was on her way. “Phew, thanks for the save, Twilight,” Spike panted. “She almost got me.” “Happy to have helped, Spike,” Twilight replied, as she and Spike were on their way to class. “Though, I think she’s our fault. If we had known Cozy would behave like this, Vice Principal Luna would never let her come.” Spike let out an exasperated sigh, “I just knew she would catch me up to me eventually.” Twilight couldn’t help but look sadly at her amnesiac friend. After a decade, it saddened her to know that he has lost his memory of her and their friends. To further his agony, if not injury, he was being pursued relentlessly by a girl he didn’t even want to have anything to do with. It pained her to see him like this. “Still, if I may,” Twilight began. “What exactly did you do to her? By that, I mean, how did you and Kitty met?” “It was 9 years ago,” Spike answered. “We first met in a park. Back then, it was just me and the guys. Kitty was Pipsqueak’s next door neighbor, and a close friend of his, when he introduced her to us. At first, we were bonding and connecting as friends. And that’s just it. Just friends. Though, I’m afraid Cozy took it too far in the wrong way.“ “I see,” Twilight frowned sadly. “So...if you and her were good friends back then, what could’ve happened to make her like...this?” “I don’t know,” Spike shrugged. “Whenever I’m making new friends with some other girls, I guess it...sorta flipped a switch in Cozy and she...” Spike hesitated for a moment, before he concluded, “Anyway, after about a year or so, Cozy and her parents moved away. And we haven’t seen her again, until now... And now, I’m worried with what she’ll do now to get to me.” Twilight reached her arms out and hugged Spike, much to his confusion. “What are you doing?” He asked. “Hugging you, of course,” Twilight replied. “I’m sorry. Is it too-“ “No, no. I...I...I like it,” Spike looked away. “I don’t know why, but...it feels...right.” When he wasn’t looking, Twilight smiled a hopeful grin, knowing that Spike’s beginning to come around. “Hey Twilight?” Spike asked. “Can you hold me closer?” “Aw, Spike. Of course I would,” She smiled, practically snuggling him close. “Yikes! We better hurry! Or we’ll be late for class!” With that, Twilight took off running, forgetting her arms was still wrapped around Spike, dragging him away. For most of the entire day, Spike was glad to have most of his classes free of Cozy Glow, from Tech.Ed, P.E., to Drama class. On his way to Cooking Class, Spike happened to meet Gabby. He was glad she was alright, in spite of the injury to her back from earlier, that morning. “You sure you’re okay?” Spike asked the girl with concern. “Yeah, I’m fine,” Gabby winced. “The doctor says it’s just a sore back, that’s all. But I’ll be okay.” “Phew, that’s a relief,” Spike sighed, before he looks down and noticed her new change of attires from Rarity. “Looking good by the way.” “Oh, thanks,” Gabby blushes, drawing circles with her foot. “Rarity picked it out for me.” In appearance, Gabby was wearing a black frilly miniskirt, revealing a pair of long white knee high socks, and a silver sleeveless top, with a black vector of a hawk printed on the front. Spike blushed a shade of pink at how amazing she looked, before he remembered that they still have one last class left for the day. “Anyway, I’m glad you’re alright,” Spike began. “Any chance I can still see you later today and tomorrow?” “Absolutely!” Gabby smiled as she waved Spike good-bye. “Great! See ya then,” Spike sighed in content, knowing that Gabby is alright. However, his Cozy Glow retreat came to an end when he remembers his next class is Cooking Class. And much to his dismay, Cozy attends that class. “Oh no,” He moaned as he walks into class, and was nearly tackled to the ground by the crazy girl. “Oh Spike!” Cozy squealed. “I knew you would come!” Thankfully, someone saved the green haired boy, “Cool it!” Wallflower Blush shouted, pulling Spike to the side. “Haven’t you given Spike enough troubles already?” “Ugh, what is wrong with everyone today?” Cozy grumbled. “I just wanted to show my sweet boyfriend the depth of my devotion.” “I can see how deep it must be,” Spike grumbled. “And I’m NOT your BOYFRIEND!!!” “Yeah! Hands off the merchandise!” Pinkie Pie added. “And besides, you must be awfully desperate if you think getting rid of Gabby would get you any closer to Spike!” Wallflower spatted, much to their classmates’ shock. “Golly!” Cozy Glow gasped, feigning innocence. “What are you talking about?” “Don’t play the innocent act with me,” Wallflower scowled. “I know it was you who made that tripwire on the stairway, for Gabby yesterday. And earlier this morning, Gabby didn’t just happen to slip on a discarded banana peel. It was you, wasn’t it?” Cozy Glow gasped in shock, “How could you accuse poor little me for Gabby’s misfortunes? I’d never do such a thing,” Cozy folded her arms, and huffed, “Besides, what would you know? You spent your whole life talking to plants. It’s no wonder you don’t have any friends.” “Excuse me?!” Wallflower scowled. “She’s got us!” Applejack said, as she and Pinkie Pie stood up on Spike and Wallflower’s behalf. “And I’d have half a mind to knock some senses into ya, if you don’t start behaving yourself!” “Yeah!” Pinkie Pie added. Just then, the teacher, Coriander Cumin came walking into the room. “Okay, class,” The man began. “Settle down, now. Settle down.” With that, everyone all took their seats, with Applejack and Wallflower giving Cozy the stink eyes, and Pinkie Pie making a two fingers gesture at Cozy, saying that she’s watching the girl. With that, the whole cooking class went quietly as Coriander Cumin instructed the students to bake a pastry. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were making a Pecan Apple Pie, while Cozy Glow was making an angel cake, with her partner, a wall-eyed girl named Daisy “Derpy” Doo. Derpy was insistent on baking muffins, though. Spike and Wallflower Blush we’re both making red velvet cake. Wallflower was decorating the flowers on the cake, “I don’t care what Cozy thinks,” Spike commented, as he watches Wallflower decorating the flowers like an expert. “You really have a way with flowers.” Wallflower simply smiled shyly, “Thanks. Hey! No free tastes!” She scolded, when she caught Spike trying to get some frostings off with his finger. “Hmm, caught red handed, eh?” He joked, to which Wallflower rolled her eyes in amusement. At last, at the end of class, Coriander Cumin was cutting slices as he samples a taste from every pastries baked in class. “Mmmm, very good,” He would comment. “Splendid! Ooh, too much lemons for this lemon cake. Not a good a blend of sour and sweetness. Lost the flavor. Delicious.” After he was done eating the pastries, the man cleared his throat as he declares, “Very good, students. I’ve had the quite the pleasure to sample most of your exquisite pastries. Some of you did good, and some of you are in need of some improvements. But overall, you all did great. Keep up the good work.” Just then, the bell rang, and Cozy didn’t wast a second to lunge at Spike. “Come to Cozy!” Cozy shouted. Thankfully, with quick thinking, Wallflower Blush pulled Spike to the side and Cozy sailed past them, and she crashed her face into their red velvet cake. Upon pulling her face out, Cozy has red crumbs all over her face, almost like she was covered in blood. "Spike! This way!" Wallflower shouted, grabbing Spike by the hand and they made a hasty retreat. “SAAAMUUUUUEEEEEL!!!” Cozy wailed and pursued after the two, but was stopped by both Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “Oh goodness, are ya alright sugarcube?” Applejack asked, as she and Pinkie dragged Cozy away. “You need to look where you’re going.” “Yeah, you could’ve hurt yourself,” Pinkie added. “Is that blood?” “Let me go!” Cozy Glow demanded, as she struggled to break free. “No! Spikey-Wikey! Save me!” Back with Spike and Wallflower Blush, the two were running in the hallways, determined to escape from Cozy Glow. Spike turned his head and looked to see that Cozy was nowhere to be seen. “I think we lost her,” He panted heavily, catching his breath. “Still, now that classes are over, we better find a place to hide,” Wallflower suggested. “And I think I know just the place.” Outside on the school ground, after classes were done, the first thing the Three Stooges wanted to do was to sneak a few peeks at the girls changing clothes, at the end of their P.E. Classes. Unfortunately, for the three nimrods, those plans have changed, thanks to the security guard, who forced them to pick up trashes and scrape off old chewed gums that were stuck underneath the bleachers of the gymnasium. “You know!” Snips began in outrage. “You can’t treat us like this! It’s totally barbaric!” “We’re students! Not janitors!” Snails exclaimed in outrage. “Well, the old janitor sprained his back,” Max Steele barked. “Now you three delinquents are on mop up duty until the janitor man recovers! Now get back to work!” Once again, Zephyr Breeze attempted to weasel his way out of work, “You guys are doing great. I’m just gonna catch up on a few Z’s. You know, Siestas.” Zephyr was about to fall asleep, when Max Steele pulled on his hair and lifted him up on his feet. “Hey, hey, hey! Not the hair!” He groaned. “No sleeping on the job, pretty boy!” Max barked, as he hands a mop to Zephyr. With that, the Stooges resumed doing their punishment chores, when Snips looked up and was outraged to see Spike walking to the girls dorm, with Wallflower Blush beside him. “Hey! How come Spike gets to go into the girls dorm?” Snips asked. “Less talk, more work!” Max barked, scaring the fat boy out of his wit. “I don’t know about this, Wallflower,” Spike said uneasily. “Isn’t it kinda odd for me to be here? You know, this being the girls dorm and everything? I mean, some of our classmates might get the wrong idea.” “Don’t worry about it, Spike,” Wallflower replied. “It’s only weird if you were intruding. Think of it as an invitation. And besides, this will be the last place Cozy will ever think of looking?” “Well, it better be,” Spike sighed, before he reached into his phone. “Though, I should let Tender know that I’m alright first,” With that, the boy proceeded to text a message to his roommate, and his other four buddies. Soon, the two arrived to the room Wallflower was sharing with Sunset. Wallflower opened the door, letting herself and Spike in. “Wow!” Spike marveled at the interior decorations of the room, seeing that it’s a nice blend of the green-theme of the natural outdoor, together with the grace, beauty, and serenity from Japan. “Nice spread you’ve got here.” Spike then turned his head to a desk and spotted A familiar potted plant. “Hey! Isn’t that, Starlight’s...what’s the name?” He snapped his fingers. “Phyllis?” Wallflower asked. “Yep, that’s her. Whenever Starlight isn’t looking after her, she usually leaves her in my care.” “Huh, fascinating,” Spike nodded in acknowledgment. “So...what now?” Before Wallflower could answer, the door to the room’s bathroom suddenly jiggled, before it opened up, to reveal Sunset Shimmer, clad in a towel wrapped around her torso, with another wrapped around her head. *Anime wow SFX* “Wallflower?” Sunset asked, as she looks up. “How was—“ The fiery girl instantly blushed, when she realizes Spike was in the room. The boy quickly turned away and covered his eyes, as there was nothing but an awkward silence. “Uh, konnichi wa?” Spike greeted. > Day 3 – Cozy Glow's Scheming Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After the awkwardness had subsided, Sunset got dressed and puts on some casual clothes. “Ok, you can look now, Spike,” Sunset said, as the boy blinks his eyes open and turns around to look at the fiery girl, with Wallflower. “Sorry again for walking in on you, like that,” Spike apologized. “No, don’t apologize, Spike,” Wallflower shook her head. “It’s my fault. I should’ve talked to Sunset about this first...” “Hey, just forget about it, okay?” Sunset shrugged. “Right.” Wanting to get out of the awkward moment, Spike was the first to break the ice, from the grumble in his stomach. “Hehe,” Spike chuckled in embarrassment. “I forgot I skipped breakfast this morning. That, and all that running from Cozy’s made me even hungrier.” “Oh, well, we’ve got some sushi,” Sunset said, walking over to a mini fridge in the room. “Rice, salad, some of Pinkie’s cupcakes. Oh! And Applejack’s apple fritters.” “Mmmmm, they all sound tasty, I could just eat about anything right now,” Spike licked his lips. “But the apple fritters and cupcakes sound good.” “I’ll have a salad,” Wallflower said. “Sushi and rice for me then,” Sunset Shimmer said, as she took the foods out for her roommate and their guests. “いただきます。(EAT-ta-da-ki-mas.)” Sunset said, before she proceeded to eat her meal. “Eat a duck and a mouse?” Wallflower asked, to which Spike chuckled. “It’s a custom in Japan,” He explained. “It’s what they say before they eat their meal.” He then held his hands up and clasp them together, as if he was saying a prayer. “First you hold your hands like this,” Wallflower followed along. “Then you say, itadakimasu (いただきます).” Wallflower tried to repeat what Spike said, “EAT-ta-da-ki-mas,” She stuttered. “Eh, close enough,” He shrugged, bowing his head, before he and Wallflower begin to eat. “You know Japanese?” Sunset Shimmer asked, looking impressed, if not fascinated. “Uh, a little bit,” Spike replied. “I mean, I did picked up a bit of Japanese custom on my visits there, with uncle. But that’s just it.” “Hmmm, interesting,” Sunset nodded in acknowledgment, as they continued to eat. “So, how was your day?” Sunset began. Spike sighed as he answered, “If you don’t count the part where I was being chased relentlessly by Cozy Glow, I had a really good day,” He rolled his eyes in sarcasm. “Really?!” Sunset asked incredulously, before she stammered, “Uh, I mean...I’m sorry I asked.” “You’re okay,” Spike shook his head, before he gasped, as if remembering something important. “Oh! That’s right! Wallflower!” He turned to the girl. “Back in cooking class, you said that Cozy set up a tripwire to trip up Gabby yesterday. That all happened at the stairway. Is that true?” Wallflower nodded, “Yes.” “Wait, what happened?” Sunset asked, nearly spitting her sushi roll in surprise. “How did it happened?” Spike asked Wallflower. “How did you know Cozy was the one who did it?” “I was on the upper level, when I saw Cozy waking up, the same time when Gabby was going down,” Wallflower testified the event. “I heard her greeting you downstairs, when she screamed. At that moment, Cozy quickly ran down the stairs and I followed to see what happened.” “I kelt my distance, so that Cozy wouldn’t see me. And when I was on my way down, I found a very thin, but strong line of wires, suspended across the stairs. It was nearly invisible, but some of the lightings gave it a way for me to see where it is.” “And did you report this to Headmaster Scorpan, or Vice Principal Luna?” Sunset asked. “Well of course I did!” Wallflower replied, to the fiery girl. “But I don’t exactly have enough evidence to prove that it was Cozy. So I knew I’d be making a serious accusation if I told them that Cozy did it. They wouldn’t believe me then. So I just told them that someone had set up the tripwire and that they really need to keep an eye out for that.” “Hmmm,” Spike and Sunset both nodded in understanding. “But then, what about this morning?” Spike asked. “You said that Gabby slipped on a banana peel, because of Cozy, right? So you actually saw that happened?” “...Yes, I saw it happened,” Wallflower answered. “I saw Cozy eating a banana, and just throwing the peel on the floor, right in Gabby’s path. Gabby slipped and fell.” “Oh yeah, I was there too!“ Sunset exclaimed. “Gabby slipped and fell, with her breakfast flying in the air and raining down on her. She was a mess, but thankfully she was alright. Twilight and Rarity both took her away to be cleaned when...you came in, Spike.” “I see...” Spike frowned, both sadly for Gabby and angrily for Cozy. “Cozy being obsessed with me is one thing, but hurting Gabby is just crossing the line! I’d never thought she’d stoop that low!” “It’s a classic yandere story,” Sunset frowned. “Whenever someone is madly in love with someone else, they’re willing to do whatever it takes to win their affections, by force. Even if it means offing that other someone’s true love.” “It takes one to know one,” Wallflower muttered under her breath. This didn’t go unheard, for Sunset, “What?” She asked, to which Wallflower turned away to hide a look of scorn on her face. In the meantime, Spike clutched his head into his hands and sighed in frustration. “What am I going to do?” He asked. “I was so looking forward to this program for both me and Gabby. But now, because of Cozy I...it feels like it’s kinda my fault that Gabby got hurt and everything.” Sunset and Wallflower both turned their heads to Spike, and couldn’t help but feel sorry for the boy. They could see how much he deeply cares for Gabby, and how distressed he was to know that she was hurt. It pained the two girls in the room, just as much as it pained for Spike, to know one of their loved ones was hurt, and how much of a dramatic effect on their conscience. Wanting to make Spike feel better again, Wallflower picked up her salad bowl, and borrowed another pair of chopsticks from Sunset. “Here,” Wallflower chided, using the chopsticks to pick up a piece of lettuce and held it up to Spike’s mouth. “What are you doing?” Spike asked, unsure of the girl’s attempt. “Feeding you?” Wallflower answered, though she blushed and cringed at what she just said. “Ugh, that sounded less stupid in my head.” She moaned, berating herself with a hand to her forehead, as if giving herself a dope slap. Spike finds it both cute and embarrassing. He glanced up to see Sunset Shimmer stifling a chuckle, before she notices him looking, “Just let her feed you,” She mouthed, voicelessly, while miming the gestures of a chopstick. Spike gave a shrug as he reluctantly complied, “I don’t know where you going with this...but...ahhh,” He opened his mouth up, waiting for Wallflower to feed him. When Spike wasn’t looking, Wallflower lets out a schoolgirl giggle as she feeds Spike his meal. “So, what do you think?” Wallflower asked. “Delicious,” Spike nodded, before Wallflower picked up a piece of tomato, and offered it to Spike. “What? But I...” Spike tried to protest, but finds himself lost in the pouting puppy eyes that Wallflower was giving him. With a grumble, he gave in and lets Wallflower feed him. Sunset Shimmer couldn’t help but chuckle at the cute gesture between the two. Just then, a knock was heard at the door. “Hey, Sunset? Wallflower?” Rainbow Dash’s voice was heard. “It’s us, and Gabby.” “Gabby?” Spike gasped. “Come in, the door’s opened,” Sunset called, to which the doors turned opened and the other six girls, plus Gabby and Starlight, came pouring into the room. “Gabby!” Spike shouted, as he happily wrapped his arms around Gabby. “You’re still okay!” “Aw! Of course I’m okay, Spike,” Gabby smiled as she returned the hug. “I told you earlier today I’ll be fine, remember?” “I know, but I just can’t stop worrying about you! You know how I am. I wouldn’t forgive myself if something bad happened to you, because of me.” “What?! What are you talking about Spike?” The girl brushed off. “It’s not like you tripped me up. or anything.” “Actually, he meant the matter regarding a certain, Crazy Kitty,” Sunset stated. “Yeah, we all got that impression today, in cooking class,” Applejack scowled, with Pinkie Pie nodding in agreement. “She is super bad!” Pinkie declared. “She slipped right out of me and Applejack’s hands. We were only going to bring her to the doctor’s office to get checked up...” For about an hour, all the girls and Spike could talk about was Cozy Glow. By the time the sun was over the horizon, they were coming to the end of their discussion. “I’m so sorry you got caught in the crossfire and everything, Gabby,” Spike frowned. “I never thought this could happen to you.” “It’s not your fault, Spike,” Gabby comforted. “You just didn’t know.” “Gabby’s right,” Twilight added. “Don’t blame yourself because of Cozy. No one here is to blame.” Spike sighed even more sadly, “Still, if she’s attacked you once, she’ll probably come for you again,” Spike shuddered, just thinking of all the gruesome possibilities she could do to get him. “Well, not if we have anything to say about it,” Rainbow Dash declared boldly. “If that crazy gal wants a fight. We’ll bring it to her!!” “Indubitably!” Rarity added. “No one shall hurt Spikey-Wikey if I have anything to say about it!” “Yeah! Bring it on, Kitty Dimples!” Pinkie Pie shouted, as the rest of the girls all exchanged agreements. Spike was left in silence as he looked at all the girls in the room, with amazement. They’re all a team together. It was amazing. They’re all like a family. ‘Family...family...family!’ Spike repeated mentally in his thoughts, before he felt a stinging sensation in his head, as if a thousand needle has pierced through his skull. His discomfort didn’t go unnoticed for the girls, “Spike?” Twilight asked. “What’s wrong?” “I...I’m fine,” Spike grunted, as he begins to walk away. “I just need my...afternoon medicine,” In response, a hand held out to him, holding a single tablet of ibuprofen, with a glass of water. “Oh, thank you!” He thanked, as he drank his medication. “Of course, Spike,” Fluttershy replied, with the look of concern. After that, Spike got up and was on his way out, “Well, anyway, thank you for bringing me here, Wallflower,” He thanked the girl, before he turned to Sunset. “And Sunset, thanks for being a...a great host. Your hospitality knows no bound.” Sunset Shimmer simply chuckled, “Your welcome...” “Anyway, I’d better get back to the boys dorm before nightfalls. See you all tomorrow.” Spike was just about to leave, when Wallflower stopped him. “Hold on, Spike!” Wallflower began. “You can’t leave yet. Not with Cozy out there on the prowl for you. You should stay here for the night.” “What?!” The boy shouted. “I mean, are you sure? I don’t want to impose.” “Nonsense,” Sunset shook her head. “You’re not imposing anything. Just think of it as having a sleepover, or something.” “Well, in that case, got room for one more?” Gabby squealed excitedly. “And who says you get to sleep here, missy?” Pinkie Pie asked. “What if I wanted to sleep with Spike, Wallflower, and Sunset?” “Well tough!” Gabby stuck her tongue out. “I called it first. Besides, Spike wouldn’t mind. Right Spike?” Before Spike could answer, Rarity interrupted, “Now, don’t you lead him to choose you, darling!“ She said. “He should have the decision to decide for himself.” “Like you’re one to talk,” Applejack scoffed. “What was that?” Rarity scowled at the country girl. “Say that again to my face!” “Enough!” Twilight Sparkle shouted, getting everyone’s attention on her. “This room is only big enough for four people. So let’s try and resolve this in a more civilized manner.” “Like what?” Spike asked. As if to answer his question, Twilight held up three straws in her hand and gave them to Spike. “Ok, here’s how it goes,” Twilight said. “Whoever can pull out the shortest straw from Spike’s hand, gets to sleepover in this room for the night. Sound fair?” Rarity, Gabby, and Pinkie Pie both exchange glances, before they shrugged. “Sounds fair, darling,” Rarity nodded. “Okie-dokie-Loki!” Pinkie said. “Absolutely,” Gabby answered. “Alright then,” Spike held out the straws for the three girls to pull. “Draw.” With that, Rarity was the first to pick a straw and pulled out a long one. Next, it was Gabby’s turn, and she picked out a straw that’s shorter than Rarity’s. Finally, Pinkie went ahead and pulled a straw that’s shorter than Rarity’s, but longer than Gabby. “Welp, that answers that,” Spike said, as he welcomed Gabby to join both him, Wallflower, and Sunset. “YAY!!!” Gabby squealed, as she tackled Spike into a loving nuzzle, much to tge ire of some of the girls. “Oh, I wanted to sleep with my darling, Spikey-Wikey!” Rarity pouted. “Me too!” Pinkie Pie said, sharing her friend’s pout. “Cheer up, girls,” Twilight reassured. “You’ll both get your chances, someday. For now, let’s all head back to our rooms and try to get some sleep. We have another big day tomorrow.” “I’d better go let Gilda know where Gabby is sleeping tonight,” Rainbow Dash said. With that, the girls went their separate ways as they returned to their assigned dorm rooms. Later the night, Spike was lying down on the floor, on a sleeping bag, with a pillow, while the three girls were all getting cleaned up and changing into their pajamas. Soon the door opened to reveal all three girls in average pajamas. Sunset’s were colored purple, with a red trimming at the collar, a blazing sun printed on the chest, with yellow and orange stripes at the bottom of her legs. Wallflower’s were colored baby blue with sunflowers, while Gabby wears a cloudy white shirt with her pants colored black. “Well, Spike?” Gabby smiled, as she cuddled next to the boy. “Ready to hit the sack?” Spike could only smile nervously, “You know, the guys back at the dorm are gonna be real mad at me about this.” “Well, it’s not everyday a boy gets invited to spend the night with some girls, so think of it as a big honor for you,” Sunset insisted. “Yeah...a big honor,” Spike blushed a shade of pink, especially how close Gabby was to him, on his right arm. Just then, a humming was heard and Spike turned his head to looking up at Wallflower humming to herself a tune, while she was getting her bed ready. Noting the bounce and the notes in her hums, there was something awfully familiar about the song she was singing. Taking his chance, and wanting to know more about the song, Spike asked, “Wallflower?” The said girl stopped what she was doing and looked at him. “What was that?” “Oh, I was just humming,” Wallflower explained. “I’m sorry. Was I too loud?” “No, no, no. Don’t stop,” Spike insisted. “I was...um, what were you singing? It sounds...nice.” “Just a...song,” The girl stroked her hair, shyly. “It’s not a...it’s a little cheesy and...I’m kinda bad at it, but...” “What is it about?” Gabby asked, sharing Spike’s curiosity. Wallflower hesitated to answer for a moment, before she answered, “It’s kinda a song about how I first met...let’s just say I met a very special someone on a magical night.” “Hmm, sounds interesting,” Sunset commented. “Let’s hear it.” Spike asked. “C’mon, sing for us.” Wallflower couldn’t help but smile shyly as she complied and sung her heart out to Spike and the girls in the room. Paper Lantern Night — Trish Thuy Trang By the time she reached the end of the song, everyone were all tired and fell asleep. With a yawn, Wallflower laid her tired head down and lets herself fall asleep. Soon, Wallflower dreamt herself in a paper lantern night, surrounded by fireflies, as she ran across the field, and into the arms of someone she loved with all her heart. A few hours earlier that day “Curse those girls for stealing away my Spikey-Poo,” Cozy Glow scowled. “It’s always one after another. Even after I got rid of that annoying Gabby, there’s still more of those other unworthy admirers to come and steal him away from me,” She seethed with rage. “I alone can’t defeat them all and get to my Spikey-Wikey. I need some extra hands...or maybe....” She glances sinisterly at the Three Stooges, slaving away, under Max Steele’s supervisions. A devious idea lit up in Cozy’s curled hairs, as she taps her fingers together and grins sinisterly. “Oh, hello there, mister!” Cozy greeted Max. “Golly, you must be tired, watching over these buffoons all day.” “Well, I...it’s a big responsibility, y’know?” Max Steele replied. “Someone’s got to keep these threes in check.” “Oh my, that’s a lot of work and you must be awfully tired!” Cozy Glow then played her final card. “Want to take a break for coffees? I’ll look after them for you!” “What?! No!” Mac hugged, before he regained his composure, while finding himself succumbing to Cozy’s sweet talk. “I mean, I appreciate your concern, but I can handle this. Totally professional.” “Are you sure?” Cozy batted her eyelids. “I’d hate to see a poor man starve himself because of these three losers. I can handle them, no problem. Only for five minutes, enough time for you to go grab a coffee, or something.” Max Steele pondered first a moment before he shrugged, “Well, if you can manage them,” With that, the security guard was on his way. “I’ll be back ASAP.” “See you later mister!” Cozy waved, before he was gone. She immediately cracks a wicked grin and turns to the Three Stooges. “Oh boys~” She called. “What do you want, sister?” Zephyr grumbled. “Can’t you see we’re busy here?” “Oh, I know, I know,” Cozy nodded. “But I was just wondering if you would like to have your big break?” The Three Stooges immediately dropped their tools to pick up the trashes, as they turned to the girl. “Our big break?” Snips asked. “I can help you get some girls if you can help me,” Cozy proposed. “I’m listening,” Zephyr replied. “You see, I’m actually Spike’s one true girlfriend,” Cozy began. “He must’ve told you all about little ol’ me,” The Three Stooges looked confused about that statement, as Cozy continued, “But my poor Spike’s been kidnapped and he’s been manipulated by a bunch of girls into believing that he is their little boy toy! A slave to their every whim and catering to their needs against his will!” “I tried to save him, but they beat me!” She showed the red cake frostings still in her hair, which she feigned as blood. “Oh the pain!” “What?!” Snips and Snails gasped. “Oh you poor thing!” Zephyr Breeze shouted, as he turned to his fellow stooges. “We’ve got to do something right away!” “Now, now, don’t make any hasty actions yet, my friends,” Cozy cooed. “First, we lay low for awhile. Then, when the time is right, we make our moves and rescue my darling Spike!” “Of course, Miss uhh...what did you say your name was again?” Zephyr asked. “You can call me, Cozy,” Cozy smiled deviously. “Cozy Glow.” > Day 4 — Rainbow Rocks > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday afternoon at Phoenix University and day four for the female students of Alicorn Academy's visit. The sun rose up and shines brightly through the window, pouring its way into Sunset and Wallflower's room. Sunset was the first to wake up, blinking her eyes open, adjusting her vision to the morning’s light. “Morning, girls and Spike,” Sunset yawned. “Rise and shine-oh!” Sunset looked down and sees Spike and Gabby snuggling up next to each other, with Gabby’s head nuzzling in his neck. But they’re not the only one. Sleeping and spooning him from behind was Wallflower Blush, with one of her legs wrapped around his. Sunset Shimmer couldn’t help big grin at the cute sight, while sadly knowing that all good things must come to an end. “Hey, hey wake up,” She patted gently at Spike, Gabby, and Wallflower’s shoulders. “Mmmm, morning already?” Gabby asked, yawning and stretched her arms out, with Spike following as they got up and looked to see a new day has begun. “Welp, back to the-huh?” It didn’t take long for Spike to feel a pair of arms wrapped around him that he turned and looked to see Wallflower Blush, still fast asleep. Wallflower herself was stirring herself awake, but her eyes immediately blinked awake, when she finds herself staring into a pair of emerald green eyes. “Wha-AAH!!!” Wallflower exclaimed, as she backed away, startling everyone in the room. “Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry! I—“ With her face turned red, and she lets out a flustered scream before dashing into the bathroom. Spike, Gabby, and Sunset were left in an awkward silence, looking at the bathroom door the girl had darted into. “What just happened?” Spike asked. “I-I think you should go,” Sunset advices. “Yeah, definitely,” With that, Spike took his leave. “See you later,” He waved. “See ya!” Gabby called. “またね (Matane),” Sunset waved. Later that day After they were done with their classes, and all of their assignments were finished for the day, Spike was hanging out with the guys in the school’s courtyard. "Ah, this is the life," Spike sighed, as he reclines against a tree. "Day four of having the girls at our school, and another day free of those three morons's antics." "You said it, Spike," Rumble replied in agreement. "That security guy isn't half-bad. He's pretty awesome when he's not such a stickler for his job." "Are you kidding me?" Button Mash smirked. "All it takes was just one Hello Kitty and the guy's all mellow." "Yeah, whatever," Rumble rolled his eyes. "I'm just glad that less trouble with those idiots means more time for us to get to know our new girl friends." "Easy for you to say," Pipsqueak frowned sadly. "I still haven't found my girl yet." "Hang in there, Pip," Featherweight encouraged. "You'll find her. It's always the good ones who take the longest." "I guess." "Speaking of girls," Tender began. "How are you progressing with yours, Spike?" "Who Gabby?" Spike smiled. "She and are real tight. We–" "Yeah, yeah, we know about Gabby," Tender interrupted. "I meant the others." "Others? Oh, you mean the other...six...seven...eight...Wallflower makes nine," Spike counted. "They're alright." "Just alright?" Button asked, skeptically. "C'mon, Spike. There's gotta be more between you and the girls. I mean they were your–" "Button!" The other four Guys shouted, reminding the gamer boy not to pressure Spike. "Sorry," He apologized. "What I believe Mr. Gameboy was trying to ask is, what are they like?" Featherweight asked. Spike relaxed himself, collecting his thoughts before he answered, "Let's see, who do I begin with?" He pondered for a moment, before he began explaining, "Well, Twilight's the smartest of the girl. Being the bookworm, she loves her books, and that tells us how passionate and smart she is. She's a magnet for A+ and she'd make a great tutor, I'm sure. Then there're Applejack and Rainbow Dash. They're the strongest and athletics of the gang, and they can be real competitive. But they're a lot of fun. Tough sure, but fun." "Yeah, I can agree to that," Rumble nodded. "Scootaloo's practically Rainbow Dash's sister. She can tell us a lot about her." "Same with Apple Bloom, being Applejack's little sister," Tender Taps added. "And what about Sweetie Belle's sister?" Button Mash asked. "Sweetie Belle's sister..." Spike muttered. "It's uh...who is it?" "Rarity, that's who," Button answered. "Oh! Right! The fashionista!" Spike smiled. "She's generous and caring, but above all, she is smoking hot," The boy realized what he said, before he leans forward and whispered, "But don't tell Gabby I said that." "Hey, I don't blame you brother," Button replied. "She is sexy. I should know, I'm dating her sister." "Anyway, continue," Featherweight insisted. "Uh who else is there?" Spike pondered for a moment, before he remembers, "Oh yeah! There's Fluttershy, who we all know her as Zephyr Breeze's 'big' sister. When she's not keeping Zeph in line, she's delicate and demure with the sweetest little voice, with an immeasurable love for animals. Although, she can be a little shy, hence her nickname." "Sounds like she should be renamed as the Bashful Butterfly, don't you think?" Button asked, to which the other guys groaned. "What? "Anyway, there's Pinkie Pie. She's...let's just say she's can be so unpredictable," He answered quickly, before he counted seven of his fingers, "Sunset Shimmer, the fiery Japanese girl of the group. She's...I don't know what to say about her. She's mysterious...and she's always seemed sad about something. I don't know what's up, but I think it's best not to ask. Don't want to come off to bluntly for her, y'know?" The rest of the guys all nodded in understanding, before they beckoned for Spike to continue. "Right. Number 8 is Starlight Glimmer. For some reason, she's really attached to that plant, Phyllis, of hers. But all the same, like Twilight and Sunset, she's just as smart, and I think she's the second-in-command of the girls, seeing as how she seems to have a talent of a leader." "And who is number 9?" Pipsqueak asked. "Number 9 is Wallflower Blush," Spike confirmed. "Well, she's perhaps the most quiet of the girls, even more than Fluttershy. Sometimes, I hardly even notice she was there. She's always so quiet, except whenever I'm around for some reason." "Maybe it's because she likes ya," Tender Taps insisted. "In fact, a lot of the girls liked ya, buddy." Spike nodded, both flattered and grievously, “Don’t remind me,” Spike muttered, grimacing at the thought of Cozy Glow. Just then, the sound of singing and instruments playing was heard, from a window, "Hey, you guys hear that?" Spike asked, to which the Guys all held their hands up to their ears and listened. They all followed the singing and the instruments, which lead them to the backstage area of the theatre. There, they could hear the song up close. "It's the girls!" Spike exclaimed, recognizing seven of their voices. "Wow, they sound pretty good." He said, with the rest of the guys exchanging random agreements. At the same time, the said girls were all playing instruments together, as they sang a song together in a music room. To anyone who listens to their song, without a doubt, they sang in perfect harmony. Rainbow Rocks [THE RAINBOOMS] We used to fight with each other (Oh-wha-oh-wha-oh-wha-oh) That was before we discovered (Oh-wha-oh-wha-oh-wha-oh) That when your friendship is real (Oh-wha-oh-wha-oh-wha-oh) Yeah, you just say what you feel And the music, yeah, the music gets us to the top As we learn how the rainbow... Rainbow Rocks! [APPLEJACK] You can pick up the bass (Oh-wha-oh-wha-oh-wha-oh) [RAINBOW DASH] And you can play the guitar (Oh-wha-oh-wha-oh-wha-oh) [PINKIE PIE] You can bang on the drums (Oh-wha-oh-wha-oh-wha-oh) [TWILIGHT SPARKLE & SUNSET SHIMMER] Or you can sing like a star [THE RAINBOOMS] And the music, yeah, the music gets us to the top As we learn how the rainbow... Rainbow Rocks! As we learn how the rainbow... Rainbow Rocks! Just then, a round of applause was heard to which the girls looked up to see Spike and the Guys were standing at the doorway, applauding, "Bravo! Bravo! Bravissimo! En core!" Button Mash said enthusiastically. "Oh, hey Guys!" Twilight smiled. "Hi Spike!" "How long have ya'll been hearing us?" Applejack asked. "I think we've heard enough," Spike replied. "You girls are awesome! I had no idea you were all a band!” "Well, now you know!" Rainbow Dash smiled. "You're looking at the Sonic Rainbooms!" Spike and the Five Guys all turned to each other, exchanging nods and comments, "Sonic Rainbooms. Catchy name." "So what role in the band do each of you girls play on?" Spike asked. Well you got me as lead guitarist/lead singer," Rainbow Dash confirmed. "And I have Twilight and Sunset as my co-lead singers, but Sunset’s also a fellow guitarist.” “Definitely!” Pinkie chirped. “She can shred a mean guitar!” “Whoa!” Rumble gasped. “That’s so cool!” Rainbow Dash then resumes, “Fluttershy’s on tambourine, Applejack‘s on Bass, Rarity on keytar, and Pinkie Pie on the drums." Turning to the left, Spike noticed Starlight Glimmer, sitting in a chair, "And what about you, Starlight?" Spike asked. "Are you part of the band?" "Not really," Starlight shook her head. "I'm not much of a singer, except when I'm singing my little Phyllis to bed. I just like to hang out and listen to the songs." "Did I hear singing?" A voice spoke up, revealing himself to be Zephyr Breeze, with Snips and Snails. "Rainbow!" Zephyr exclaimed happily, much to Rainbow's annoyance. "I thought I heard you singing." "And I wished you didn't..." Rainbow muttered. Before anything else were to happen, Spike and the Guys interjected, "Zephyr! Snips! Snails! Please, we're begging you guys, no more of your antics," Spike ordered. "Just take it somewhere else before there's any trouble." "How insulting!" Snips frowned. "Yeah! That's a wild accusation, Scorpio," Snails scowled. "Just because you're the headmaster's nephew, doesn't mean you're free to accuse innocent guys like us for troubles. We just wanted to get to know the girls up close and personal." "I think the girls liked it better if guys like you could stay not too close and out of their personal spaces," Rumble frowned. "Hmph! Typical Spike and his Five Guys," Zephyr began. "Just because you've found some girlfriends, you think you're all better than us that you decide to tell us what to do? Well listen good and get it through your heads! If it weren't for us and all of the green moneys our folks have poured into funding this school, then this school wouldn't even be standing, and we wouldn't be having this co-ed project. IN FACT my high and mighty friends, you wouldn't have found your girlfriends if it wasn't for us so why don't y'all just make a like a tree and get outta here?" "ZEPHYR BREEZE!" Fluttershy shouted in outrage. "That's not a nice thing to say! Is this how you really behave at school when I'm at another school?!" Realizing he was caught, Zephyr began to sweat excessively as he stammered, "N-N-Now sis, I was only joking–" "That doesn't look like a joke to me," Fluttershy scowled. "And it's not a very nice joke either. And I don't like what I just saw, now go to your room mister, or I'll tell mom and dad what you've been doing!" "But–" "NOW!" With a pout, Zephyr slumped away as he left the room, "Yeah Zephyr!" Snips called out to his ringleader. "You heard her! Listen to big sister, Fluttershy!" As an added injury to Zephyr's insult, Snails blew a raspberry. “Don’t think I excluded you two!” Fluttershy snarled, scaring the wits out of the two boys. “I’m watching you two...” "There's one for every family," Button Mash commented. "I'm just glad my brother, Thunderlane ain't like that," Rumble sighed. "What am I going to do with him?" Fluttershy sighed. Wanting to get out of the awkward moment, Spike turned to the Rainbooms, "Anyway, forget about him," Spike walked up to the girls and began, "So...got any more songs? We'd like to hear you sing some more," He smiled. "Oh! Oh!" Snips and Snails hooted eagerly. "We can sing! We can sing too!" Later, Snips and Snails were both dressed in blue and red hoodies, with baggy pants, and gold medals around their neck, to give themselves the appearance of rappers. Each of them were beatboxing into their microphones. Snips N Snails Rap Snails: "Mmmm! Aw, yeah! Snips and Snails indahouse, yo!!" Snips: "They call me MC Snips and that ain't no lie My favorite food is like pumpkin pie!" Snails: "I'm DJ Snazzy Snails, I like whales When I go to the beach, I always bring my pails!" "I can't tell if it's more painful to watch than it is to listen to them rap," Tender grumbled. "I think they sound great!" Pinkie Pie replied, as she danced along with their rap. Snips: "Everybody knows my favorite color is orange My rhymes are so fly, they're better than... um..." Snails: "Than an orange, yo!" Snips: "Yeah!" Snails: "Yeah!" Snips: "Represent!" With that, the two boys continued beatboxing and freestyling poorly, much to the annoyance of their classmates present. Snips: "What do we... What do we do now?" Snails: "Get off the stage, I'd like to leave right now." With that, Snips and Snails continued their pathetic show a little bit more, until finally, they came to the end. Snips: "Bam! That just happened!" Snails: "Aw, yeah! We out!" Snips: "Snips and Snails outta here!" With that, the two boys dropped their microphones onto the floor, which emitted a painful microphone feedback, causing everyone in the room to cover their ears. "My ears are bleeding!" Button Mash groaned. “Hey guys!” A voice chirped, revealing herself to be Gabby. “What’s going on here?” She asked, as she walked into the room. Then, as if the moment couldn't get anymore awkward, some hip-hop musics were heard, as Zephyr Breeze burst into the room, wearing a pair of shades, and a white jacket, like Elvis Presley's, and he sang in a low voice, like Johnny Bravo again. *The Kowalski* – The Penguins of Madagascar As if to show how more desperate he was, Zephyr proceeded to sing as he does some swagger in an attempt to flirt with Rainbow Dash. "Zeph, what?!" Rainbow exclaimed, which in bewilderment at the tall, lanky boy’s attempts to charm her. "This guy for real?" Pipsqueak asked. "That's it, I'm putting this baka out of his misery," Button Mash insisted. "Way ahead of you brother!" Rumble said, as he brought out a couple of baseball bats for both him and Button to clobber Zephyr with. "No, no!" Spike stopped the two boys, reminding them of Fluttershy in the room. "Not here, and not in front of her. He’s still her family, remember?” WIth that, everyone resumed watching as Zephyr continues his pathetic and desperate attempt to woo, Rainbow Dash. "Ugh, barf!" Rainbow said in disgust. "Tell it to the swagger end, baby." Zephyr said, spanking his own rear in Rainbow's direction. "Zephyr, please stop, you're embarrassing yourself more than you're embarrassing me!" Fluttershy frowned. "Even more than your brainless desire," Applejack added, but Zephyr wasn't listening. Zephyr didn’t give a darn as he continued with his swagger, and puts his arm around Rainbow Dash’s shoulder near the end. End of Song Before Zephyr knew it, he had walked right into a trapdoor that opened up, causing him to fall down a flight of stairs, until at last, he hit the bottom. "I think I broke a tailbone," Zephyr groaned. "Hey a dollar!" "Finally," Rumble groaned, as he stepped away from a switch he had pulled. "Shut him down and shut him up." "Now let's really give Spike and friends a show!" Pinkie Pie insisted, as she taps her drumsticks together, counting them off. "1, 2, 3, 4!" [The Rainbooms] We've just got the day to get ready And there's only so much time to lose Because tonight, yeah, we're here to party So let's think of something fun to do We don't know (we don't know) what's gonna happen We just know (we just know) it's gonna feel right All our friends are here And it's time to ignite the lights! Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight Shake your tail, shake your tail Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight Shake your tail, shake your tail [Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer] So what if you didn't get it right the first time [Pinkie Pie] Laugh it off, no one said it is a crime [Rarity] Do your thing, you know you're an original [Applejack] Your ideas are so funny that they're criminal [The Rainbooms] Ohhh-ahh! We've just got the day to get ready And there's only so much time to lose Because tonight, yeah, we're here to party So let's think of something fun to do We don't know (we don't know) what's gonna happen We just know (we just know) it's gonna feel right All our friends are here And it's time to ignite the lights! Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight Shake your tail, shake your tail Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight Shake your tail, shake your tail Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight Shake your tail, shake your tail Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight Shake your tail, shake your tail Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight! End of the Song At the end of the song, the Rainbooms all struck a pose, as Spike, Gabby, and the Guys all applauded and whistled. At that moment, a few of the girls’ schoolmates and the guys’ classmates came walking into the room to see what the festivity was all about. “Wow! That was so coool!!” Gabby squealed with excitement. “Are we awesome? Or are we awesome?” Rainbow asked rhetorically. “Oh yeah! You’re all awesome!“ Gabby whooped excitedly. “You make me want to get up there and sing with you gals!” “Then come on up and sing, Sugarcube!” Applejack beckoned to Gabby. “Really?!” “Yeah, Gabby!” Spike encouraged the girl, with the guys joining in. “Go on and sing!” Touched, but also embarrassed, by Spike and his guys’ praise for her, Gabby blushed as she walks up to the stage and was given a microphone to sing into. Gabby gave the microphone a few taps to check the device, and for warmups. “Check. Check. One-two, one-two,” Gabby said. “Pink elephants on parade. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” After that, Gabby was confident with herself as she held the microphone up to her mouth. “Okay! I’m warmed up,” She said. “So, what do you want to me to sing?” “Sing that song you loved from one of your favorite singers,” Spike requested. “Sing Mercy by Brett Young.” With that, Gabby cleared her throat as she composed herself and sets herself into the mood of the song, to sing her heart out. Mercy by Brett Young (covered by Jackie Evancho) In the audience, Snips and Snails could only shed tears, as they find themselves captivated by Gabby’s voice. Of course, they knew for a fact she’s taken and was strictly off-limit. “Spike is so unfair to us!” Snips exclaimed in outrage. “All we ever wanted was true love with a girl who’s a bombshell! Is that so much to ask?” “It’s not fair that he and the Guys got good ones all for themselves!” Snails whines as he and Snips hugged each other and cried. “Life is so unfair to dudes like you and me!” With that, the two boys broke down, crying in tears. Gabby’s musical performance was nearing to the end. By then, more of the students and some of the teachers came into the room to see the show. End of Song “Whoa, check it out bros!” Button Mash exclaimed, pointing to the audience, filling up the place. “It’s almost a full house here!” “Looks we’re not the only ones bewitched by the girls’ singing,” Tender commented. Back on stage, Gabby bows her head and waved to applauding crowd. “Wow! Thank you! Thank you all!” Gabby smiled graciously. “But now, I’d like you all to hear from my favorite singer of all!” Gabby then pointed to Spike. “Samuel ‘Spike’ Scorpio. Come on up!” “Uh, m-m-me?!” Spike yelped in surprise, before he was assaulted with praises of encouragement from his guy friends. “Okay.” Spike soon came up on stage, where Gabby handed over the microphone to him. At first, Spike was nervous to be singing in front of a huge audience. He turned to the left to see Gabby smiling at him, then he looked down at the audience to see his guys giving him thumbs up, and finally, he turned around and sees the Rainbooms sending him looks of encouragement. Little did Spike know, in the crowd, Wallflower Blush was watching him. Sitting behind her was the yandere, Cozy Glow. Calming himself, Spike took a deep breath to steady his nerves. With that, he began to search his thoughts for a song to sing. He searched for the song that he deeply loves and knows by heart, until he at last found the song, and sings. Hero — Sterling Knight Spike sang beautifully and passionately, as he loses himself to his heartfelt passion, expressing itself for the school bodies to hear. The girls, especially, were all so captivated by his voice as they felt themselves enchanted by his charm. Though, none had it worse than the obvious selections. The Rainbooms couldn’t help but see two different Spikes on the stage — one being the older, but amnesiac teenager standing before them, and the other being the small, innocent child they had lost so many years ago — yet they both sing together as one and the same. To the Rainbooms, they can hear how passionate Spike felt for his friends and loved ones, and how much he’s willing to go the distance and be there for them. To Spike, it felt more as though he had met the Rainbooms for the first time. However, for the Rainbooms and their friends, they were seeing their friend in a brand new light, noting how much he’s grown and matured over the years. ‘Wow, it’s amazing,’ Twilight thought sadly. ‘Is this how it feels to see one of your friends as a different person than they were, years ago? I could hardly recognize Spike anymore, but I know it’s still him. I just wish I didn’t have to feel so distant from him.’ Rainbow couldn’t help but smile in amazement and shake her head in astonishment at Spike. ‘Wow, Spike, little dude,’ Rainbow Dash thought. ‘I never knew you had it in you, years ago. You’re awesome! I just wished I was there to see how you became this awesome though,” She frowned sadly and nostalgia. While Applejack was playing her bass, along with the girls, to back up Spike’s singing, the country girl sighed, ‘Oh Spike. If only ya knew what ya did to me,’ She tipped her hat to hide her sadness, as she continued to play. ‘Oh Spike,’ Fluttershy felt like crying, as a mother would feel to witness their little ones growing up. ‘I’m afraid this is what some people would call the empty nest. You were the sweetest little boy I ever knew, but you...you left us...so soon. Why did you have to go? It’s not fair!’ She cried mentally. ‘Wow, Spike!’ Pinkie Pie cheered. ‘You rock!’ Rarity looked at Spike, seeing how passionate he was with singing the song, and seeing how much he was being himself on stage. To Rarity, he looked happy, confident, so sure of himself. But most of all, he so content and free of being himself. ‘Goodness, I’ve never felt so strongly about this way to you before, Spikey-Wikey,’ Rarity thought. ‘I never knew you could be so...enchanting,’ She looked to her left and frowned sadly, at how star struck Gabby was with Spike’s singing. ‘I think I see now what Gabby saw in you. And I... I wished I had seen that sooner...” Sunset Shimmer looked both proud, but also sad, at Spike’s singing. As she listened to Spike’s singing, somewhere in his voice, she could sworn she could hear a little child’s voice singing with the older Spike. The little child sounded both sad, frightened, but determined. The young Spike who sounded unsure of himself and his worth to anyone, but was willing to go above and beyond to prove himself. ‘Spike,’ Sunset Shimmer looked down to the floor and silently weeps, ‘I... I’m sorry, for everything. It’s all my fault. I just hope that someday, I’ll set things right, so you can forgive me.’ Sharing the fiery girl’s sorrow is Starlight, who felt rather conflicted, ‘Even though I’ve reconciled with a friend of mine, here at Phoenix Academy, it’s...it’s only half-full without you.’ In her seat, Wallflower Blush was fiddling with one of her hair locks, as the pipes broke and her eyes were overflowing with tears. ‘You’ve always been my hero, Samuel,’ Wallflower sobbed. ‘You saved me once. I hope you can save me again.’ Nevertheless, there were some positive emotions in the air, namely from Gabby and a few others. ‘Well, I’ll be damned, Spike,’ Gilda smirked with respect. ‘Wow! He’s so good!’ Gabby grinned with starry eyes. ‘He’s cute!’ Trixie smiled lovingly. ‘Where’ve you been all my life?!’ And unfortunately, the love also extended to the creepy level of romance. Namely to the yandere, Cozy Glow. ‘Oh Spike, you’re an absolute dream!’ Cozy Glow thought sinisterly. ‘And the only way to make you my dream come true is to get rid of all these other girls who are unworthy of your affections. Then, it will be just you and me, forever and ever!’ End of Song Once the song was over, Spike was met with a huge round of applause. “Yeah! Way to go, Spike!” Rumble called, as he and his fellow Guys all stood up and applauded for their bro. “That’s our bro!” Button Mash whooped. “Oh! You are amazing, Spike!” Gabby shouted excitedly, as she ran over to tackle the boy. “Thanks Gabby!” Spike smiled, as he returns the embrace. Without warning, the rest of the Rainbooms and Starlight gathered around and gave Spike and Gabby, one big group hug. “YEAH!” Bulk Biceps shouted loudly from the crowd. “Yo, Spike!!” Rumble shouted. “Stage dive!” Squirming to wiggle himself free from the girls, Spike leapt off the stage and into the arms of his Guys, who proceeded to pile on him. “PILE ON!!” Rumble said, as they all playfully rough house with their green-haired friend. “C’mon, guys! Cut it out!” Spike said to his guys. The girls could only watch the roughhouse with a mixture of confusion and amusement. “Should we help him?” Fluttershy asked. “Nah, let’s just let those guys be guys,” Rainbow Dash shrugged. Watching among the sea of audience were the Dazzlings, and Adagio Dazzle has just begun scheming. It was about the hours of dusk, when the musical festivities were done. Spike was walking down a hall by his lonesome. After another trip to the doctor’s office, for his medications, he was on his way back to his dorm room, when his ears perked up to the familiar haunting and hypnotic vocalizations. He turned around to see himself approached by the Dazzlings. The three sisters were vocalizing in sync as they sashayed their hips, surrounding the boy in three different directions. "Hello sweetie," Adagio flirted, stroking her finger under Spike's chin, sending shivers down his body. "That was a dazzlingperformance you did back there.” "Oh, well thanks, I’m glad you liked it," Spike replied, nervous and intimidated by their presence. "I like that rap song that two of your friends did," Sonata smiled, much to Aria's annoyance. "Only you would like such pathetic performance, Sonata," Aria grumbled, to which Sonata responded by sticking her tongue out. “So...you three ladies been listening in on everything that’s been going on since... the beginning?" Spike asked. "Listening, watching, we all saw how you and your 'Guys' were enjoying the Rainbooms," Aria clarified. "And we were hoping that you still find our performances...enthralling," Adagio said in a low sultry tone. "Oh, but of course," Spike said nervously, blushing up a storm, struggling to process the situation he was in. "You're still very, very enthralling. You've all got the pipes and the looks for it." "Aw, thank you, sweetie,” Adagio cooed, before her expression shifted to a mischievous glare. “Then, I suppose you wouldn't object to another of our performance...in private, perhaps?" Adagio grinned, to which Spike gulped, intimidated by her sultry stare. With that, the Dazzlings all started to sing, once again captivating Spike with their haunting voices. Under Our Spell [The Dazzlings] Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh You didn't know that you fell Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh [Adagio Dazzle] Now that you're under our spell Blindsided by the beat Clapping your hands, stomping your feet You didn't know that you fell [Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze] Oh-whoa-oh-oh-oh [Adagio Dazzle] Now you've fallen under our spell [Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze] Oh-whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh [The Dazzlings] We've got the music, makes you move it Got the song that makes you lose it We say "jump", you say "how high?" Put your hands up to the sky We've got the music, makes you move it Got the song that makes you lose it We say "jump", you say "how high?" Put your hands up to the sky Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh You didn't know that you fell Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh Now that you're under our spell [Adagio Dazzle] Listen to the sound of my voice [Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze] Oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh [Adagio Dazzle] Soon you'll find you don't have a choice [Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze] Oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh [Adagio Dazzle] Captured in the web of my song [Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze] Oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh [Adagio Dazzle] Soon you'll all be singing along [Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze] Oh, whoa, oh [The Dazzlings] We've got the music, makes you move it Got the song that makes you lose it We say "jump", you say "how high?" Put your hands up to the sky We've got the music, makes you move it Got the song that makes you lose it We say "jump", you say "how high?" Put your hands up to the sky Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh You didn't know that you fell Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh Now that you're under our spell Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh You didn't know that you fell Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh Now that you're under our [Adagio Dazzle] Spell At the end of the song, Adagio chuckled with her sisters joining, as they looked at the awestruck look on Spike’s face. His eyes were widened in surprise and his mouth was hanging open, and he continued to remain standing. “So, do you like our performance, sweetie?” Adagio asked, with a sultry grin. “Huh? Oh yeah,” Spike nodded, snapping back to reality. “As always, nice sets of pipes! You were all...mesmerizing. You were awesome!” “Thank you!” Sonata squealed happily, wrapping her arms around Spike in a loving hug. “Whoa, easy there, Sonata,” Aria scolded the young singer. “Don’t want to crush his bones like you did with the other guy.” “You’re just jealous because you’ve never been hugged by a guy before,” Sonata huffed. “And because a lot of guys were all afraid of you.” “Are not!” “Are too!” “Are not!” “Are too!” “Girls!” Adagio shouted, getting her sisters back in line. “Not in front of our VIP!” “Sorry,” The two apologized. “Hey, uh, I like your singing and dancing, and everything,” Spike began. “But it’s getting late, so I think we should head back to our rooms now.” The Dazzlings turned their heads to each other, exchanging agreements, before they turned back to Spike. “You’re right, sweetheart,” Adagio smirked as she sashayed over to Spike, with her sisters circling around the boy, on both his left and right. “We do need our beauty rest, after all. But know this,” Adagio cupped her hand under Spike’s chin and brought his face up to look directly into her beautiful raspberry colored eyes. “This is far from over.” With that, she ended their meeting with a kiss to his nose, with Aria Blaze delivering a peck on the right, and Sonata from the left. “Goodnight,” Adagio winked, as she and her sisters left. “Sweet dreams.” “About us!” Sonata giggled. “But mostly me,” Aria teased, to which Sonata blew a raspberry in response. Spike was left dumbfounded at the kisses he had received from the three girls. After a moment to regain his senses, he hastily ran back to his dorm room. ‘Oh boy, Spike,’ He thought to himself. ‘What have you gotten yourself into this time?’ > Day 5 — Once Upon a Friendship > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 5 for the girls of Alicorn University was a Friday at Phoenix Academy. After another day of classes, Spike was back in his and Tender Tap’s dorm room. The young green haired boy was looking over some of his class notes and looking through his textbooks, preparing himself for some upcoming tests. At the same time, Spike remembered the assignment given to him from his uncle Scorpan.[Check Part 3 of Day 1.] The main topic of the assignment was to write an essay on his personal growth and the friendships he’s formed together with the girls from Alicorn University. Spike was planning out the outline of his essay, as he searches through his thoughts and feelings on the girls he had befriended, thus far. “Well, the Rainbooms for a start,” Spike began. “They’re awesome in their own colorful and musical way...it sounds a little cheesy when I say it out loud. Need to be more personal than that...” Spike proceeded to write some more notes on what he could say for an opening statement. Though all the same, he couldn’t stop thinking about the Rainbooms. “Who are they?” He asked himself. “Why do I feel so...intent about them? Hmmm...” Just then, Tender Taps came walking into the room, “Yo, Spike?” Tender Taps greeted. “Are you done yet? The guys are waiting for us in the gym.” "Huh?" Spike exclaimed, startled into reality. He looked up to see his roommate, "Oh, hey Tender Taps. I'm afraid I'm gonna take a rain check with you guys for today. I gotta get my essay figured out." Tender Taps could only shake his head, incredulous at his roomie, "Spike, your essay isn't due until the end of the month," He said. “C'mon, take a break from it. You're working your green spiky dome to the fritz." "This essay's everything to the school," Spike replied. "Uncle's counting on me to have it done and perfected. I gotta get this right." "Well, stressing yourself out like that isn't gonna help," Tender walked over and tugged Spike on the shoulder. "C'mon, bro. At least get up and move your legs. I do it all the time, and it helps to get my mind thinking in the right direction." Knowing that Tender was right and seeing that his rough draft wasn’t going anywhere, Spike nodded as he sets his pencil down and closed his laptop. “Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to take a few breathers, now and then,” Spike shrugged, as he got up and walked up to Tender. “Great!” Tender Taps smiled, giving his roomie a thumbs up. “Let’s go!” Meanwhile, in the gym “Yo, Scootaloo?” Rumble called. “Some one-on-one with the Rumble?” “You’re on!” Scootaloo replied as she runs up to steal the ball from Rumble, who quickly dribbles the ball around him, passing it between his legs, while making fake throws to psyche Scootaloo out. “Go get ‘em, Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom cheered for her friend, together with Sweetie Belle, along with their friend, Zipporwhill. “C’mon, Rumble!” Featherweight cheered for his friend, alongside with his guys. “Show that girl you’re the man!” Button Mash shouted. Both Rumble and Scootaloo looked evenly matched, as Rumble was determined to keep the ball close as possible, while Scootaloo was able to keep up with his speed, determined to not let him pass. Just then, both Spike and Tender Taps arrived. Growing anxious, if not impatient, Rumble tried to score a hoop, but Scootaloo was able to jump high enough to block the ball and snatched it out of the air. “Whoa!” The Guys, including Rumble, were in awe at the girl’s athleticism. “Girl’s got game!” Button Mash exclaimed. With the ball in her hands, Scootaloo dribbled the ball between her legs, repeatedly bouncing the ball off the floor, building up speed, and spinning herself around Rumble, almost like she’s dancing. Rumble appeared rather dizzy as he struggled to keep up with her momentum. Still, he kept his cool, determined to show Scootaloo he wasn’t going easy on her. With a kick of her leg, Scootaloo thrusted her arms forward, to which Rumble reacted by jumping up to block. However, he realized too late that Scootaloo had tricked him into thinking she threw the ball, before she jumped up, arching her throw and scored perfectly. “YEAH, SCOOTALOO!!!” The girls all cheered wildly as they ran down to embrace their athletic friend, congratulating her for her victory. “Wow,” Rumble sat on the floor, tired from the game. “She’s good! But I didn’t know she was that good!” “Man, she really mopped the floor with you, big time!” Button Mash commented, much to Rumble’s annoyance. “If it makes you feel better,” Spike began. “I think that was a great game.” “Well, look who’s decided to join the fun,” Rumble replied. “Hello to you too, Rumble,” Spike greeted, before turning to the rest of the Five Guys. “Hi Guys.” “Hey, Spike!” The guys exchanged greetings. “Yo! What up?” “Hey Rumble!” Scootaloo called putting as she came walking up to the boy. “That was an awesome game! You were amazing back there!” She smiled, holding her hand out. “Back at ya,” Rumble replied, as both he and Scootaloo shook hands. “You might’ve won today, but I’ll be looking forward to our next game. And I won’t go easy then.” “Ditto.” “So...what now?” Button Mash asked. “I don’t know about you,” Apple Bloom began. “But watching y’all play has got me reading some books to relax.” “Sounds good to me,” Button Mash nodded in agreement. Later, both boys and girls were in the school library, reading some books to pass the time. Button Mash and Sweetie Belle were reading a romantic story, about a boy who was enrolled in an all-girl school as part of an experiment on whether or not the school was ready to be converted into a co-Ed school. Rumble was reading an adventure book, with Scootaloo, about a boy who discovered his father was Poseidon, and that he was framed for stealing a powerful lightning bolt from his father’s brother, Zeus. “Sheesh, and the movie was made directed by the same guy who worked on Harry Potter?” Rumble scoffed. “Seriously, there are a lot of important details in the book that they just left out.” “Don’t even get me started on Eragon,” Scootaloo added. Tender Taps was reading a history book of some successful dancers and the shows they did in the past. Apple Bloom was reading a book written by a popular chef, who had traveled all over the world, visiting the countries to sample their unique cuisines. Zipporwhill was looking for a book on puppies, with Featherweight helping her. “You must really like puppies, don’t you?” Featherweight asked. “Oh, I just love puppies!” Zipporwhill swooned. “I have a pet dog named Ripley, who I adopted when he was just the cutest littlest puppy I ever met!” The girl then turned to Feather and asked, “Do you have a favorite animal?” “Well, I‘be always had an interest on horses,” Featherweight admitted. “My favorite breed of horses would have to be the pinto breeds. You know, the the horses that have large patches of white and any other colors.” “Wow! They sound beautiful!” Zipporwhill gasped in amazement. Reading by his lonesome, Pipsqueak was at a table, reading the classic novel of Treasure Island. Sharing the small boy’s loneliness, Spike was reading a book of a girl who is an amnesiac, looking for herself, and discovers that in the past, she wasn’t a nice person and worked to change herself for the better in the future. ‘I wonder if I might’ve done some bad things as well?’ Spike asked himself, mentally. ‘Maybe that’s the reason I forgot who I was?’ Spike looked up from his book, and he couldn’t help but notice how his Guys, including Pipsqueak, were getting along with their girl friends. They were all bonding together over their common interests, and the friendship and mutual respects they have for one and another grew stronger with each passing seconds. Spike smiled as it reminded him of the first time he first met Gabby. About two years ago Spike and his uncle Scorpan were on their way to a Kendo tournament that Spike was participating in, when they were passing through a neighborhood, in a city. It was there that Spike happened to meet a lonely girl who was sitting by a tree, after a failed attempt to befriend some beautiful, but mean girls. Feeling pity for the girl, Spike walked over to the girl and greeted her. “Hi!” Young Spike greeted her. “Name’s Samuel Scorpio,” He held his hand out for her to shake. “Nice to meet you, Samuel!” Young Gabby greeted. “I’m Gabriella Gryphon. But call me, Gabby!” “Nice to meet you, Gabby.” Spike then turned to a spot, next to Gabby. “Is it okay if I sit here?” “Go ahead!” Gabby offered. “No one’s stopping you!” Spike sat down beside the girl and they began to bond. “I saw what those jerks did to ya,” Spike said. “I’ll have to say, that wasn’t very nice of them. They’re not as cool as they think they are.” Gabby sighed, “It’s the same with everyone here, in this neighborhood,” She frowned sadly. “I don’t get why everyone are all so...mean. All I wanted was for us to get along and spread some joys! Is that so much to ask?” “Well, that’s life, Gabby,” Samuel replied. “It’s just not fair,” The girl looked further saddened. “But, if it makes you feel better, I’d like to be your friend.” “Really?!” Gabby beamed happily. “You mean it?!” “Yeah,” Spike smiled in response. “You seem like a nice girl. Anyone in their right mind would want to be friends with you.” “Oh! Thank you!” She glopped Spike in a loving hug, as she thanked him repeatedly. “You’re welcome,” Spike grunted, wheezing from the air crushing out of him. “Uh, you can let me go now. I said let go please?!” Soon after Gabby was done with her tender embrace, the boy invited the girl to come and watch him compete in the kendo tournament he was competing in. At the consent of her parents, Gabby was allowed to go and cheer Spike on. It was also there, during the tournament that Spike met Gilda, who also competing in the kendo tournament. Gabby was conflicted during the match between Spike and Gilda, because she couldn’t decide who to root for. Both Spike and Gilda fought fiercely. Gilda was stronger and fast, but Spike was quicker, so as to make up for his small stature. Furthermore, based on their fighting styles, Spike’s was more traditional, while Gilda’s looked more street fighting, like that of Cobra Kai. The two fought intensely and with determination to come out on top. But during the fight, Gilda’s bamboo sword snapped, braking off its hilt. At first, Spike was about to be declared a winner. Instead, Spike called for another bamboo sword to replace Gilda’s broken one. With that, the two resumed their fight, until the tournament ended with Spike as the winner. Since then, the boy not only won a medal, but he had also earned Gilda’s respect, and he came out, with two new friends. For the next few days, during Spike’s stay, he got to know more about Gabby and Gilda. He was amused to learn that both he and Gabby had a lot in common. Even though she doesn’t do kendo, or isn’t interested in the martial arts as he is, she does like to play video games. She even likes to play some sports with Gilda, ranging from baseball, soccer, even to basketball. She’s also quite the talented young singer. Overall, she seemed to be good at just about everything. The one thing Gabby yearned for the most was to see the world. “I wanted so badly to see the world and make new friends with so many people from different cultures!” Gabby said longingly. “And I’m happy I got to meet you, Spike! I feel like the luckiest girl ever!” “Hehe, I feel the same way, Gabby,” Spike smiled. “I’m just sorry I have to go back home with uncle, tomorrow morning.” “Aw, do you really have to go?” Gabby frowned. “It feels like we were just getting to know you!” “Don’t worry, Gabby,” Spike reassures. “We’ll see each other again, real soon. Until then, you’ve got my number and my e-mail address, right?” “Of course!” Gabby beamed. “Same here,” Gilda said. “And you’ve got ours as well, right?” “For sure!” Spike gave both girls a thumbs up. “See ya around!” “Bye Spike!” Gabby pulled Spike in another hug and kissed him on the cheek. “I love you!” Spike was blushing a shade of red from the kiss, combined together from her loving confession, “Oh, wow!” He stammered, “I l-l-love you too!” “EW! This is just too mushy!” Gilda grumbled. “I think I’ll go and brush my teeth.” Present Spike smiled nostalgically at the memory, feeling it bring ease to his mind. He was so lost in his happy memory that he didn’t hear someone walking up to him. “Hey Spike!” A voice greeted, startling the boy back to reality. “Ah!” He shouted. “What?! Who? Where? When?” He turned his head and finds himself staring face-to-face with Twilight Sparkle. “Oh, sorry!” Twilight apologized. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” “Oh, it’s okay,” Spike assures. “No harm done. What’s up?” “Well, I was just getting some books to read,” Twilight pointed to a huge stack of at least ten books she had set on the table. “But I saw you sitting all alone and thought you might like some company. If that’s alright.” “Sure, go ahead,” Spike pulled a seat for her. “No one’s stopping you.” With a grateful, but sad smile, Twilight sat down, next to Spike, taking out her pencil and notebook, and begins taking down notes. “Wow!” Spike commented. “Your friends weren’t kidding. You’re a real A+ student!” Twilight simply giggled at the compliment, “Well, to build my future, I have to be ready for everything that comes my way,” She said. “Of course, I’ve always needed my friends to remind me to take a little break, now and then.” “I know what you mean,” Spike replied. “Right now, I could be back in my room, working on an essay about the program. But instead, my roomie, Tender—“ “Wait! You’re writing an essay about the program too?” Twilight interrupted. “I’m writing an essay on that too!” “Whoa, really?” Spike exclaimed. “Hmm, makes sense. I mean, of course Vice Principal Luna would choose you, Twilight. I mean, if your friends speak that highly of you, I mean—Ahem!” After composing himself together, Spike politely said, “Great. Glad to be working with you then.” “Same here, Spike,” Twilight smiled, while thinking, ‘It’ll be just like old times.’ Twilight immediately perked up, “Hey! Why don’t we help each other out on our essays? I mean, the whole point was to prove that we’re qualified to be Co-Ed! Right? And if working together isn’t Co-Ed, then I don’t know what is.” Spike pondered on Twilight’s logic, before he nodded in acknowledgment, “Since you put it that way. Let’s do it!” Twilight practically clapped her hands excitedly, as both she and Spike spent the next few minutes, sharing their thoughts about their thoughts on each other and their experience with the program since day one. During their work session, Spike asked, “So Twilight. Hope you don’t mind me asking, but...” Twilight looked anxious, excited, but at the same time, nervous, as if anticipating what the boy was about to ask. “On a scale of 1 to 10, how is your stay at Phoenix Academy so far?” “Oh,” Twilight looked mildly disappointed, before she answered, “Well, if I have to be honest, I’d give it about an 8.” “An 8?” “Don’t take it the wrong way, Spike! I think it’s a great school, and the teachers are nice too! And if you don’t count a few ‘miscreants’, I honestly think this school, and our school, have potential of becoming co-Ed’s together!” “You really think so?” Twilight nodded in response, much to Spike’s relief. “Oh, that’s a relief. I was worried that the Three Stooges and their antics would scare you away or make you think badly of us.” Twilight held her hand out and gently touched Spike’s, “We know you’re better than them, Spike,” Twilight consoled. “We would never think you otherwise.” Once again, Spike seemed rather confused and conflicted. “Know me better, huh?” Taking his chance, Spike took a breath and asked, “What happened to us, Twilight? To me? What is it you know that I don’t?” Knowing where Spike was getting at, Twilight looked solemn for a moment. “You don’t remember,” She answered hesitantly. “But we go a long way back, when you were only five.” “When I was only five?” Spike proceeded to count with his fingers, before he concluded, “That’s like a whole decade! At least ten years ago! Ah!” The boy suddenly cringed and winced, hissing from a sudden painful sensation in his head, as if it had been pierced by a really sharp needle. “My head...” “Spike? Are you alright?” Twilight asked out of concern. “What’s wrong?” After a few seconds and a quick breather, Spike regains his composure, “I think I’m okay,” He said. “So, continue...we were friends, ten years ago?” At first, Twilight seemed rather hesitant, for fear of causing more stress to Spike. Still, the boy was more insistent on learning the truth. She searched carefully for the words to say, “We were more than friends, Spike,” She began. “We were best friends. You, me, and...the rest of the girls.“ “The rest of...you mean the Rainbooms, right?” “Well, yes...and no,” Twilight confirmed. “By that, I mean before, you were friends with only six of us. Me, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy.” “Only six of you, huh?” Spike scratched the back of his head, racking his brain, “What about Sunset Shimmer then? Was she a friend of mine? I mean, she seemed so acquainted with you and the Rainbooms.” “Sunset Shimmer is...was a different story,” Twilight replied. “She...well, I can’t...” With a sigh, Twilight concluded, “Let’s just say that Sunset wasn’t our friend, until much later.” “I see...” Pondering on more questions to ask, Spike began to ask, "So...what were you like? What were the gir-I mean, friends! What were ‘our’ friends like?" He asked, making the quote-unquote gestures with his fingers. Twilight looks down as she hesitantly answered, "Well, I was the smart one of the group. I've always had my nose in my books, but I always make time for my friends, including you." "And...what was I like?" "You were wonderful, of course," Twilight smiled sadly. "You were like the little brother we never had. You were always there for us when we needed you, and you were a lot of fun too. You loved to make sweets and pastries with Pinkie Pie, you enjoyed acting out as the characters in my stories, you played games with Rainbow Dash, and sometimes, you would come to Applejack's farm to help her and her families with her chores." "Hmmm, I must've been a real nice guy then," Spike commented. "Absolutely," Twilight nodded. "So...about the girls...what were they like?" Spike repeated his question. "Oh, where do I begin?" Twilight answered. "Applejack is honest, and was always the hardworking, especially when she's doing her chores on her family's apple farm. And to her, it was a blessing that you would often lend her an extra helping hand to get her chores done quicker." "Rainbow Dash is the most competitive, athletic, and rambunctious of our friendship circle, but extremely loyal. When we were kids, and whenever some jerks, or bullies come to pick on you or any of us, she's the first to stand up and talk them down." "Fluttershy was shy and quiet, hence her nickname. But she's sweet and kind and really loves her animals. Rarity's beautiful with a generous heart, and an eye for fashion." At the mention of Rarity, Spike couldn't help but blush as he grinned, "Yeah, I can see that," He quickly shook his head, as he counted with his fingers, "Uh, let's see...that's five of you...and number six?" "Pinkie Pie?" Twilight shook her head incredulously, "She's a wildcard. She's so random. She's...she's Pinkie Pie, that's the best I could say. She's fun, she's energetic, she can bake, she can dance, she can do just about anything! She's all over the place!" "Wow! All that in one package?" Spike asked, putting a hand to his head, trying to steady his dizziness. "Must be a headache to keep track of her..." "Oh, you don’t know the half of it," Twilight rolled her eyes playfully. "...And Wallflower Blush?” Spike asked. "It's nothing personal but...for a girl nicknamed 'Wallflower' she doesn't seem like one to me." At the mention of the said girl, Twilight couldn’t help but chuckle, “Where do I begin? At first, we hardly even noticed Wallflower was there at all. But for some reason, you were able to see her, and always took notice that she was there. She was always very shy. Even more than Fluttershy could ever be. But somehow, you were able to get her to come out of her shell. Honestly, I don’t remember ever seeing Wallflower that happy before. Seeing her smile like that is...very rare.” “Really?” Spike replied. "You don't say..." “I do say. And knowing her...in truth Spike, out of all of us, I think Wallflower’s the most happiest to have met you again.” Spike felt flattered, but his thoughts were also running wild with self-doubts. He doesn’t seem to remember Wallflower. But if what Twilight said to him was true, and that there was a special bond between the two, a decade ago, then Spike would certainly feel the same way, if the shoe was on the other foot. The problem, however, was will it inhibit his relationship with Gabby? “Thank you, Twilight,” Spike began, as he got up to take his leave. “This has been a very...interesting talk, I... I’m glad I could have this talk." Without warning, Twilight reached out to Spike and pulled him in a hug. Twilight wrapped her arms around Spike’s shoulders, pulling him up, so that his chin was resting on her shoulders. Spike was certain he heard her crying as her whole body shook, and he hears her breathing turning rapid. “Twilight?” “Don’t...Don’t say anything, Spike!” Twilight whimpered. “Just let me have this...please?!” Spike looked confused, but complied to Twilight’s request. Then, as if his hands had minds of their own, they reached up to stroke across her back for comfort. Though, for a brief moment, he felt a familiar feeling, beating in his chest. This went on for what felt like hours, until Twilight pulled away, and rubbed her reddened eyes. “I’m sorry, Spike,” Twilight sobbed. “I’m sorry you had to...” “No, no, it’s fine,” Spike reassures. “Really, there’s nothing to be sorry about...I mean, if anyone should be sorry, then it should be me. I wished I could–” “No, Spike! Please, don't be sorry. It's not your fault! You didn't know, let alone remember," Twilight rubbed her eyes, "But for what it's worth. I'm just happy to have this moment with you again." Twilight smiled tearfully, as she looks down at Spike, seeing him as the young boy he was a decade ago. From Spike’s eyes, Twilight looked at him like a mother had at last been reunited with a child she had lost so many years ago. “I...I should be going now," Twilight scratched the back of her head, and walked away, leaving Spike behind. "See ya," Spike called out to the girl, before he took his leave. 'Who was I?' He didn't have time to ponder, when his phone rang, which he looked down to see he had set a reminder for himself to see Wallflower Blush. "Oh! That's right! Wallflower!" Later Spike was walking outside on the school ground to where he would be meeting Wallflower. He turned around a corner, where he arrived at a wall, with a large blank canvas set up across it, with rows of paint cans, paint brushes, a tin tray, and a stepladder folded and set on the ground. Turning his head to the right, Spike looked to see Wallflower Blush, across the wall, sitting by a tree, and reading a book. However, there was something new about her. Wallflower wasn't wearing her usual sweater and jean, nor was she dressed in the long-sleeved transparent white shirt with red pleated skirt that she wore, from Rarity, the other day. Instead, she was wearing a yellow flower hairpin in her hair, a black choker around her neck, a long-sleeved red shirt with strings crossing over the v-shape cut below her neck to her chest, a blue-green short with matching yellow flowers printed along the front, and brown boots with green ribbons and yellow flowers tied around the ankle. To Spike, she looked absolutely stunning, “Wow,” Spike gasped, which didn’t go unheard. Wallflower was rather startled as she looked up from her book to see her visitor, "Oh, hi Spike!” Wallflower greeted as she closed her book and got up. "Glad you could make it. I thought you weren't...what?" She asked, noticing the look Spike was giving her. Realizing how uncomfortable he was making her feel, Spike quickly snapped out of his daze, "Sorry, it's just...wow," He blushed. "Wow what?" "You look...beautiful." "Oh," Wallflower blushed an even brighter shade of red as smiled and stroke one of her hair in embarrassment. "You really think so? I mean, it's just my Friday outfit." "No, don't be so modest. You're–wait. Friday outfit?" Spike asked. Wallflower shyly drew a circle in the dirt as she explains, "Well, it's kinda a tradition for me. Every Friday, for me, it's a Friday Flower Day, or just Flower Friday. And I would always put on something...flowery, y'know? Just to show my appreciation and my devotion to the flowers." "Oh, I can see that," Spike nodded in understanding. "Well, I'll say it again, Wallflower. It does look good on you. Brings out the flower in you." Wallflower smiled as she crosses her arms behind her back, "Stop it, Spike," She giggled. "You're going to make me blush again." "Well, maybe that's why your nickname was coined Wallflower Blush," Spike commented. “And I think it’s cute.” Wallflower twirled her hair locks, straining and failing to suppress her flustering whimpers, 'Is he hitting on me?' “So, anyway, what are we looking at here?” Spike asked. “Well...” Reaching into her book, Wallflower pulled out the drawing she showed to Spike, Sunset, Starlight, and Trixie in art class. “This is for our art project, remember? Mr. Salvador said we are to work on this together by the end of the month.” “Oh yeah! That’s right,” Spike recalled. “And Sunset is supposed to be here with Starlight and Trixie...” Spike looked around, searching for the girls. “Where are they?” “Knowing Starlight,” Wallflower began, “She’s probably at the greenhouse, introducing Phyllis to some other plants to befriend with.” The girl chuckled in amusement, “Trixie’s probably doing some magic show with our classmates. And Sunset’s gone off to get some snacks for us.” “Then I guess it’s just the two of us then,” Spike deduced. “Yeah,” Wallflower blushed, drawing circles on the ground with her foot. “Looks like it.” With that, the two got started to work. Thankfully, in spite of the huge wall, the setups was fairly easy as Wallflower had folded the drawing to form guidelines, which they would later draw on the canvas wall, creating boxes. With that, their painting was made easier as they painted the details from the paper in each of the boxes, one at a time. While they were painting, Spike couldn’t help but hear Wallflower humming to herself, a song, "There's a secret place, hidden deep and faraway, where life is but a dream, like a fairytale it seems..." Spike turned to look and couldn't help but notice that Wallflower looked rather happy, yet sad at the same time. “All the leaves are green, gentle kisses, gentle breeze, underneath the shades, where we waste the days away.” “Wow, that song!” Spike marveled, which didn’t go unheard. “What was that song you were singing?” “It’s-it’s a song that my grandmother, Mistmane once taught me,” Wallflower answered. “It’s called a Secret Place.” “A Secret Place?” Wallflower nodded, “When I was just a little girl, my grandma once told me of a story, that somewhere, untouched by civilization, is a secret place called paradise. And if you see it in your dreams, then you just might find it, when you look hard enough for it.” “Fascinating,” Spike nodded in amazement. “Speaking of which, Wallflower?” “Yes?” “You...I mean...Twilight told me that we were friends, ten years ago.” “Oh, she finally got around to telling you that?” The girl asked, looking rather nervous. “What else did she say?” “Well, she did mentioned that I've helped you to come out of your shell,” Spike answered. “But that’s just about it,” Turning to Wallflower, Spike asked, “So...just wondering, what was I like back then?” Wallflower’s knees buckled and she felt a clammy feeling in her stomach, as she fidgeted with one of her hair locks. “Where do I begin?” Wallflower began. “Back then, I was...just...a socially introverted girl. I’ve always been so distant from everyone else. They hardly even know my name, because I was so shy. I felt inferior, like I was invisible.” Wallflower smiled lovingly as she clenched her hands over her heart, “But then, you came, and well, you... for the first time, I felt like someone worthwhile!” “Really?” Spike asked, with wonder. Wallflower nodded, before she continued, "You were...amazing. You were a gentleman!” She smiled fondly at the memories. "I remember sitting in the corner, all by my lonesome, when you just came walking up to me and held your hand out to welcome me... into your friendship circle. And since then, whenever I’m with you, I felt safe. I felt like I could fly and...oh, I’m rambling, aren’t I?” The girl looked ashamed at Spike. “Oh, it’s fine,” Spike chuckled. “I didn’t know you felt that way about me. Uh, I mean, I would, if I remembered, but I...” Wallflower simply giggled at the boy’s awkward stammering, “Oh Spike~” She sighed, shaking her head in amusement. For the next hour or so, Spike and Wallflower resumed painting their mural for their art project. Wallflower was painting the mountains, when she dropped her paint brush, “Oh!” “I’ll get it,” Spike insisted, reaching down to pick up the brush and giving it to Wallflower, touching her hand in the process. Wallflower blushes another shade of pink, from the boy’s touch, as she took her brush back. Just then, Spike’s phone rang and he looked to see it was a text from Gabby, saying: ”Meet me in the courtyard.” ;) “I’d better get going now,” Spike said. “Gabby’s got something for me in the courtyard. See you later, Wallflower!” “See ya, Spike,” Wallflower waves the boy, watching sadly as he took his leave. After Spike left, Wallflower looked back at her hand, blushing at the spot where Spike had touched her earlier. ‘Oh Spike~’ She thought lovingly of him. Just then, Sunset Shimmer arrived, “Hey Wallflower! Sorry if... I was... late?” The fiery girl looked up and was amazed to see the immense progress done on the mural. “What did I miss?” She asked. Meanwhile, the Three Stooges were being punished for attempting to peep on the girls changing in the locker room, by picking up trashes on the school yard and scrubbing the entire boys locker room, from top to bottom until it is spotless. “What’s the big deal?!” Snips moaned. “We just wanted to get to know the girls personally! Is that too much to ask?” “Yeah!” Snails added. “We just wanted to know what kind of shampoos they like or how big are their boobs.“ “Nobody likes a stalker, Peeping Tom!” Max Steele barker. “Okay, first off, my name is Zephyr Breeze!” Zephyr stated. “And second off, we were observing. Not peeping.” “Right,” Max rolled his eyes behind his shades. “And I’m blind behind these cool sunglasses,” He said in sarcasm. “I wasn’t born yesterday, NOW GET BACK TO WORK!!!” “Humph!” Zephyr huffed, as he and his friends resumed serving their punishments. As they continued to serve their punishments, the Stooges glowered as they looked through a window. It irked the stooges to see almost all of their male classmates have succeeded in bonding with the visiting girls from Alicorn University. Some have engaged and were willing to take their relationship to the next level. “Tell me something,” Zephyr frowned. “What is it the rest of the ‘guys’ have that we don’t?!” Just then, Cozy Glow came passing by. “Golly!” Cozy Glow feigned shock, even though at this point, the Stooges’ antics no longer came as a surprise. “What have these naughty boys done this time?” “These delinquents were up to no good again,” Max answered. “Caught them peeping in the girls locker room.” “Peeping’s a strong word,” Zephyr continued to vouch on his and his friend’s defense. “We were just, observing! We didn’t mean to look—“ “Don’t lie your way out of this one!” Max barked, stomping his foot, intimidate the three boys to resume their punishment. “Put your backs into it!” “Golly! These boys are so naughty,” Cozy Glow continued, before she brought out a cup of coffee and a bag of food. “Anyway, I got you your afternoon cup of coffee! And I’ve brought bagels for each of the boys.” “Oh, why thank you, Ms. Dimple,” Max thanked as he took a sip of his coffee. “That was very thoughtful of you.” “Oh, it’s nothing,” Cozy said sweetly. “I just love making new friends!” Cozy Glow then handed a the bagels to each of the Stooges, before she was on her way. Snips and Snails eagerly wolfed down on theirs. Zephyr Breeze was about to eat his, when he noticed a piece of rolled up paper sticking out, from a toothpick. Taking the paper out, he unrolled the note and reads: Here's a nice spot to go birdwatching. Later, in the courtyard Spike arrived in the courtyard, where Gabby had told him to meet her. Upon arriving, however, the girl was nowhere to be seen. “Gabby?” Spike called out for the girl. “Hello? Where are you?” His answer came when a pair of hands blinded him from behind. “Guess who~” Gabby sings in a chirpy voice. Spike simply smiled as he chuckled, “Hey Gabby!” He said as he grabbed the girl’s hands and turned around to see her, with a small box that is packed with sandwiches, a can of turnip soup, and bottles of water. “Hmm, what’s all this?” He asked. “Didn’t we already have lunch?” “Of course we did!” Gabby chirped. “But today’s a beautiful day, I thought we could have a meal together, while the sun is still out.” “Hey that’s a great idea!” Spike smiled in agreement. “And I think I know just the place where we can have it. Follow me!” Spike eagerly took Gabby by the hand as he took the girl to a large meadow, close to the school. “Ah, isn’t this great?” Spike asked, breathing in the gentle breeze that washes over him and Gabby. “Wow, this feels good!” Gabby agreed, taking in the air and lies her back on the soft grass, bathing in the warmth of the sun’s light. “You’re right, Spike! This is a good place for us to have a meal together!” “I know, right?” Spike asked rhetorically. “We should come out here more often. And maybe the rest of our classmates will enjoy this too.” “Totally! I can just picture every boys and girls, coming out here and have a big picnic together!” “Every boys and girls?” Spike pondered. “Even the Stooges and...Kitty,” He shuddered at the mention of the yandere. “Well, maybe,” Gabby shrugged. “I mean, they can’t be all that bad. Can they?” “I don’t know about that,” Spike hesitantly shook his head. “I don’t know anything good about the Snips, Snails, or Zephyr. I’m just a little more busy with keeping the peace, for the sake of the program.” “Aw, you worry too much Spike. Just take a little break, and enjoy this moment while it lasts.” Spike looked around and finds himself enchanted by the serenity and the peaceful relaxation of the meadow. “Yeah, you’re right,” Spike sat down as Gabby opens up the box. “So, what’ve you got, Gabby?” “Well, I’ve got a ham sandwich, PB&J, tuna, and an egg salad,” Gabby listed. “I’ll have a ham sandwich,” Spike said. “Tuna for me,” Gabby smiled, as both she and Spike took a bite out of their sandwiches. “Mmm! This is good!” “Thanks! I’m glad you like it!” Gabby smiled, before deciding to chew the fat. “So, how was your day today, Spike? Cozy Glow hasn’t given you more trouble again, has she?” “Well, aside from the usual suggestive looks she was giving me, during Cooking Class, surprisingly she hasn’t been trying to chase me, or catch me all day.” “Maybe she’s finally got the hint and moved on?” Gabby asked. “I don’t think so,” Spike shook his head. “She’s not one to give up so lightly. Once she’s set her mind on something, there’s no stopping her,” Then it was Spike’s turn to ask with worry. “Speaking of which, she didn’t try to hurt you again, did she?” “Nah, I’m okay today, don’t worry,” The girl reassured. “After that last stunt she pulled on me, I was extra careful for any traps. Gilda made sure of it, too.” “That’s good to hear,” Spike nodded. “And...the Stooges haven't given you any troubles today, have they?” “Nope!” Gabby shook her head. “Although, I’ve heard something about them trying to peek into the Girls Locker room in the gym. And they got punished for it.” Spike shook his head, rolling his eyes, “And they wondered why none of the girls like like them?” “They are a weird bunch, it’s a wonder why your uncle keeps them around...” “Oh believe me. Once he’s found another big sponsor, the first thing he’s gonna do is have them expelled permanently. And maybe a restraining order wouldn't hurt. Which I hope is soon...” "Well, enough about them, how about the girls?" Gabby asked. "The...the Rainbooms, I mean. And Wallflower? Anything new between you and them?" "Huh?" Spike yelped, feeling caught off guard by the question. "Like what?" "Well, it's just that...they're your old friends and everything," Gabby clarified. "I mean, they've told me a lot about you and they're really nice gals! They seemed to know a lot about you, and I've had a few classes with them, so...just curious." Spike nodded in understanding, "Well, to tell you the truth, Gabby..." With that, Spike proceeded to relay the whole story that Twilight had told him about his past friendships with the Rainbooms, minus Sunset Shimmer, plus Wallflower Blush. “And that’s what I’ve gathered,” Spike concluded. “Whoa, they must be very special friends then,” Gabby noted. “But...how could you have forgotten about them? With friends like them, they’re not that easy to forget.” “I know, and I completely agree with you,” Spike shook his head. “I wished I knew. I wanted to know...but then again, I don’t.” Gabby looked at Spike strangely, which he catches on, “No! Hey look, don’t get me wrong! I like them! They’re real nice girls and I’m glad they’re my friends and all...” “But?” “But I don’t know. It must’ve been my fault. I might’ve done something wrong in the past, or something happened because of me, to make me not remember and...” With that, the familiar headache returns to torment Spike, due to his stress from overthinking. Seeing how stress the boy was in, Gabby quickly wrapped her arms around Spike’s head in a comforting hug. After a few minutes passed, Gabby pulled away and asked, “Are you alright?” “Yeah, I think I’m okay,” Spike nodded. “I don’t know what’s come over me like that.” “Here,” Gabby held Spike’s hand tenderly, holding up to eye level as she advised, “Let’s just try to forget this ever happened and enjoy this moment.” Breathing to calm himself and his stressing mind, Spike nodded. “You’re probably right,” With that, Spike and Gabby resumed enjoying their lunch together and relaxing in the meadow. Soon, after what felt like an hour, the sun was about to set, darkening the sky to a blazing and relaxing shade of orange. “It’s going to get dark soon, Gabby,” Spike said, as he and Gabby proceeded to pack up their things. “C’mon, let’s head back into the school.” “What’s the rush, Spike?” Gabby asked, as she sets Spike back down on the grass. “It’s getting beautiful out here. The setting‘s nice and I’m feeling in the mood for something...romantic.” Spike felt his whole face burning red, coupled with his heart’s sudden rapid heartbeat, as Gabby climbs on top of him and had him pinned down. With the setting sun behind her, Spike was certain he was looking into the eyes of an angel. At that moment, the Five Guys and the girls they were bonding suddenly appeared from behind a tree. “Yo, Spi—Oh!” Button exclaimed. “Whoa!” Sweetie Belle gasped. Knowing where the moment was leading to, and not wanting to spoil it for their bro, Pipsqueak was the first to usher his Guys and their girl friends away. “C’mon, guys! Let’s go! Nothing to see here,” Pipsqueak insisted. “Oh come on!” Sweetie Belle whined. “It was just getting interesting!” Button Mash said, before he was also shooed away. Without any interruption, and without a care in the world, Spike and Gabby leaned close to each other and– "AAAAH!!!" A loud yell screamed, alerting Spike and Gabby to look up to see the Three Stooges had fallen out of a tree. “Huh? What?!” Spike exclaimed, as he and Gabby turned and looked to see the Three Stooges, with a camera. “OH COME OOOOOONNN!!!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in disbelief. Meanwhile, somewhere in the forest, is a hot spring. Walking out of the steaming water, wrapped in towels, were the Dazzlings. “This school’s not half-bad,” Aria grumbled. “But it ain’t half-good either. Our school has a jacuzzi. But the only thing this place had that’s close as good is this hot spring we found the other day.” “Oh, quit your complaining, Aria,” Adagio huffed towards her sister, as she picks up a hairband, using it to tie her hair up in a ponytail. “You’ve got to make the best with what we’ve got here. Including some of the boys.” “Whatever,” Aria rolled her eyes. “Some of the boys are okay, but they’re no Spike.” “Hey, speaking of Spike,” Sonata pointed from behind a tree. “Is he making out with that Gabby girl?” Aria rolled her eyes, while crossing her arms over her chest, “Gee, like there’s another guy named Spike, kissing another girl named—“ “Wait, what?!” Adagio shoves Sonata to the side as she looks through the branches, and was aghast to see the boy she and her sisters had been flirting with, about to make out with another girl besides them. It was at that moment, however, when the Three Stooges literally dropped in and ruined the moment between Spike and the girl, Gabby. “Ugh! Those three morons again," Aria grumbled. "They're kinda funny," Sonata giggled. "Besides, their rapping wasn't so bad." Aria scoffed in response, "If you like those idiots' rapping so much, then why don't you marry them?" This made Sonata look confused in response. However, Adagio continued to observe the events unfolding, scratching her chin and grinned deviously. "Actually, we should be thanking them," Adagio grinned. "Thanking them?!" Sonata and Aria exclaimed in surprise. "Take a closer look, sisters," Adagio pointed. "It's thanks to those three morons that Spike has yet to be claimed by that girl over there. Which means we still have a shot at claiming him all to ourselves..." "For realsies?" Sonata asked in excitement. "Eh, it could be possible," Aria shrugged. "Until then, we're stepping up our games," Adagio smirked. Meanwhile, back with Spike "You guys are SO UNBELIEVABLE!!" Spike exclaimed furiously, glowering at the Stooges, who were tied up by the Guys and their girl friends. "We were just out birdwatching," Zephyr lied in an attempt to appear more innocent. "Yeah!" Snips added. "We were told that this is the perfect place for some peepers." "WHAT?!" "TWEETERS!!" Snails quickly shouted. "We were just here for some tweety birds. That's it." "Yeah, right," Rumble grumbled as he looked through the camera, before he found a picture of Gabby and Spike making out. "Care to explain why there's a photo of our bro Spike and Gabby in here?" The Stooges quickly sweated storms as they struggled to come up an excuse to say in their defense. "We thought she was pigeon, or something," Zephyr grinned sheepishly. "We must've not cleaned the camera lenses so well." "Yeah, right," Spike scowled. "Pigeons don't live around here you idiots!" Spike turned to Rumble, who nodded as he pressed a button to eject an SD card that contained the photo, out from the camera, and stomped his foot down, crushing the card. "HEY!!!" The Stooges bemoaned in horror. "That was expensive!" "SD cards don't come cheap you know!" Zephyr frowned. "Then maybe you should've invested your family's moneys on something else, instead of abusing it to harass some schoolgirls," Spike berated. "We weren't harassing any girls!" Snips protested. "We were just trying to get to know them more by observing them!" "There's actually a fine line between getting to know some people and being peeping toms, y'know," Rumble frowned. "Oh c'mon! Don't act like you're any better!" Zephyr frowned. "I'm sure you guys are just as desperate as we are to ogling some sexy ladies." Spike and the Five Guys quickly blushed shades of pinks before they shook it off. "Perhaps," Spike coughed. "But at least we're actually trying not to jeopardize the program!" "Especially you, Zephyr," Featherweight scowled. "Your sister is about to enroll in the same co-ed program with you and this is how you want her to see you behave?" "Well, it's my word against yours," Zephyr huffed. "And besides, it'd be tattle-telling, won't it?" "Yeah, but you're the one who is going down," Rumble mocked, as he and his friends turned to leave the Stooges tied up by the tree. "HEY! You can't leave us out here like this!" Zephyr called out in protest. "UNTIE US AT ONCE OR WE'LL COMPLAIN IT TO YOUR UNCLE!!!!" "YEAH! AND YOU'LL BE THE ONES TO SAY UNCLE!!!" Snips shouted. Just then, Max Steele arrived. "Look alive you three troublemakers," Max Steele shook his head. "I've got some more community services for you sorry lots. You'll be serving your services with a dude named Dishwater Slog." This struck the Stooges to their core, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" They wailed. Watching from a distance, Cozy Glow snickered to herself at the Stooges getting themselves in trouble. "Yes!" She giggled to herself. "They stopped Gabby before she could lay a lip on my precious Spikey-Wikey!" Looking through a pair of binoculars, Cozy watches as Spike and Gabby walked back to school with their friends. "Now I'd better follow to make sure she doesn't do anything else to my Spikey–Wikey!" The creepy girl proceeds to stalk the boy and girl. As he followed his guy friends, back into the building, Spike turned to Gabby, noticing her looking at the ground, obviously depressed at the awkward moment they had endured, no thanks to the Stooges. “So much for our...sunset setting, huh?” Spike began, but Gabby was still silent. “C’mon, Gabby. There’s still a next time.” “I know,” Gabby frowned. “But now I just don’t feel so... I just don’t know if I could ever be myself at this school.” “Just give it some time, Gabby,” Spike tried to reassure the girl. “Something will turn up. There’s always a silver lining, right?” In response, Gabby only gave Spike a small sad smile, “Maybe. But...when?” Spike sighed and shrugged, “I don’t know,” He shook his head. Gabby looked even more sad. Desperately thinking fast, Spike did the first thing that came to his mind and kissed Gabby on the cheek, surprising the girl. “Sorry...too soon?” He asked. “Nope!” Gabby giggled. “Now it’s my turn.” With that, she quickly returned the kiss on Spike’s cheek, causing him to blush a shade of pink. "Well, I should be getting back to the dorm now. See ya." Gabby was about to leave, when Spike reached out and stopped her, "Wait! How about I walk you there?" Gabby giggled another shade of pink, as she held out her hand, "Okay." However, just before Gabby was about to hold his hand, another pair was quick to beat her to it. "Oh golly, Spikey–Wikey!" Cozy Glow cooed, batting her eyelashes with big doe eyes. "Thank you so much! That is so nice of you!" She grinned innocently, cuddling and wrapping her arms around his left arm, much to his discomfort. "Uh, actually I was–" Cozy didn't gave Spike a chance to finish, when she proceeded to drag him away. "OW!! Kitty! Let go!" Spike grunted, straining to break free, but the girl was stronger than she looked and refuses to let him go. "Hey! Let him go!" Gabby shouted, running over to pry Cozy away from Spike. "You're hurting him!" "No, you get off of me!" Cozy spatted, as she shoved Gabby away. "C'mon, Spikey–Wikey! Let's go!" "OW! Cozy! Let me go!" Spike grunted as he struggled to break free, as Gabby wrapped her arms around Spike's other arm. "I've got you, Spike!" Gabby grunted, as she pulled Spike over to her side. "Come with my my love!" Cozy hissed. Poor Spike was caught in a tug-a-war between Gabby and Cozy and both girls weren't letting up. "Ow, ow, ow! GIRLS STOP!! PLEASE!!!" Spike wailed in agony, feeling his arms were on the verge of being ripped out of his socket. Gabby was the first to notice the pain Spike was in and immediately lets him go. This sudden release caused Spike to fall to the ground and Cozy to stumble back, tripping on her feet and falling on her bottom. "How DARE YOU?!!" Cozy screamed. Having had enough of her rival, Cozy got up and screamed like a wild animal as she leapt forward. With a yelp, Spike held his hands over his head, ducking down as Cozy flew over him and nearly struck Gabby, who thankfully dodged to the side. But Cozy Glow quickly made a sharp turn and lunged towards Gabby, once again. This time, she successfully caught Gabby by the waist, pinning her to the ground and the two girls started rolling out in a tussle, struggling to get on top of each other. The entire commotion didn't go unheard. Soon, the Five Guys came back with their girl friends to see what the fuss was all about. It wasn't long before Twilight and her friends arrived on the scene. "Spike! Are you okay, bro?" Rumble asked. "I've been better..." Spike grumbled, wincing at the soreness in his arms he'll have in the coming days. "Spike!" Twilight called out as she and her friends gather around him. "What happened?" "I'll tell you later. Right now, can you girls help Gabby?" "We're on it!" Applejack replied as both she and Rainbow Dash managed to pull Cozy away from Gabby, holding the yandere by the arms, while Gabby was helped up by Fluttershy and Rarity. "Are you alright?" Fluttershy asked. Battered, bruised, and shaken, Gabby frantically catches her breath, "I'll live..." "What is going on here?!" A loud booming voice shouted, as the students parted way for Vice Principal Luna to see what the fuss was about. Needless to say, the vice principal was aghast to see the state both Gabby and Cozy were in. Both girls had their hairs messed up, with Cozy having a few scratches on her face, looking at the woman with wide eyes, as if she was on the verge of crying, while Gabby had some bumps, bruises, and a busted lip. "What happened here?" Vice Principal Luna asked sternly. "Explain yourselves! Both of you!" "Golly, Vice Principal Luna," Cozy Glow batted her eyes innocently. "I'm sorry for all the troubles we've caused you. But Spike was just walking me back to my dorm room, when she came out and attacked us!" "Spike was walking me back to my dorm room!" Gabby protested, pointing an accusing finger at Cozy. "You were the one who attacked us and tried to break Spike's arm off!" "That's a lie!" "You're the liar!" "Enough!" Vice Principal Luna then turned to Spike. "And Spike? What exactly happened here?" "Well, I was about to walk Gabby back to her dorm room," Spike confirmed. "But then Kitty over there suddenly jumped in and tried to drag me away. Quite forcefully, I might add. Before I knew it, I was in the middle of a tug-a-war and I almost had my arms ripped off." "Golly! I'm so sorry, Spikey-Wikey! I didn't mean to hurt you," Cozy apologized. "I just don't know my own strength sometimes!" "Yeah, right," Spike rolled his eyes in annoyance, as he flexed his arms. "But for the record, I noticed how much I was hurting Spike, so I let him go," Gabby added, before she glowered towards Cozy. "That's when Kitty jumped at me and tried to kill me." "It's true! We saw the whole thing!" Featherweight vouched for the girl. Vice Principal Luna looked down sternly at Cozy, who simply huffed and crossed her arms, "Young lady! Is this true? Did you really attack Ms. Gabriella?" "Only because I was trying to protect Spike from her!" Cozy huffed. "She was pulling my poor Spikey-Wikey's arm off!" "I said I let him go!" Gabby spatted. "And please stop calling him, Spikey–Wikey!" Rarity shouted. "Only I get to call him, Spikey–Wikey!" "Wait, what?" Spike, Gabby, and Cozy did double takes. Before the scene could escalate any further, Vice Principal Luna stomped her foot down. "That's enough!" She shouted. "I believe I've heard enough for this evening. Gabby! Cozy! I will walk both of you back to your dorm room," The two girls were about to protest, but the woman held her hand up to silence them. "No buts! Come with me. The rest of you girls, back to your room," She ushered to the rest of the girls from Alicorn University, before turning to Spike and the boys. "As for you gentleman. I'm sorry for what has happened. I give you my words, it shan't happen again. And will you be alright, young Spike?" "I'll live," Spike replied. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Vice Principal Luna." "No need for apologies, young man," Luna replied. "But I'm afraid I'll have to teach some of my students a thing or two about manners..." She looked sternly at Gabby and Cozy, who were both firing shots at each other. "Please, go easy on Gabby, okay?" Spike vouched. "She didn't do anything wrong. I was..." "I know, young man. I'll take care of her and Ms. Dimple," Luna nodded in acknowledgement. "You have a goodnight now, and we shall see you tomorrow morning." "Right," Spike nodded as he gingerly waved his hand. "Goodnight!" "Goodnight!" Gabby, Twilight, and their friends replied, along with Cozy, as they walked back into the dorm. Spike shook his head and sighed, "What a way to end the day..." "Well, there's still tomorrow, Spike," Button said, as he placed a hand on Spike's shoulder. "A best of all, it's Saturday!" "Yeah...yeah, you're right!" Spike replied, feeling his mood brighten up. "We've got a whole free day tomorrow! C'mon! Let's go and rest up!" "That's the spirit!" Rumble smiled, patting his friend on the back. As Spike took his leave with the Five Guys, Cozy Glow took one last glance back, watching and glowering as Spike leave with his guys. 'Soon, you will be all mine, my love,' She mentally promised, before turning to glare at Gabby. 'I just need to get pass this obstacle first..." > Day 6 – LARP the Bald-Headed Bear of Everfree > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 6 was a beautiful Saturday, which means no class for the whole day. Spike and Tender Taps both came walking out of their room, dressed in simple shirts beneath cargo vests, pants, and hiking boots, carrying only flashlights. “Ready?” Spike asked. “All set!” Tender confirmed. They were walking down the halls, when they happened to meet the Rainbooms on the way. “Hi Spike! Hey Tender!” Twilight greeted. “Hey Twilight! Hey Rainbooms!” Spike returned the greeting. “Where’re y’all going?” Applejack asked. “Ya looked as if you’re going on a camping trip or something.” “Are you going to roast some marshmallows?!” Pinkie Pie asked eagerly, before she reaches into her hair and pulls out a chocolate bar and some crackers. “I’ve got the chocolate and the graham crackers! Let’s roast some s’mores!” “Oh no, we’re not going camping,” Spike replied. “We’re meeting with the rest of the guys in the Everfree Forest.” “Really? What for?” Twilight asked. “We’re having our weekly LARP!” Tender Taps confirmed. “Every weekend, one of us guys makes up a new story for all of us to LARP together. It’s kinda like a tradition for us guys.” “That sounds like fun!” Pinkie squealed excitedly. "Hey! Wanna join us?" Spike offered. "There's always room for some more." "Oh...sorry, Spike," Twilight apologized. "But we kinda already have other plans for today." "Alright then," Spike shrugged. “Anyway, we better get going,” Tender said as he and Spike were on their way. “See you girls around!” “Have fun...” Twilight waved, before she turned to the girls, “You know, we used to play some LARP with Spike when we were younger.” “Guess old habits die hard, huh?” Applejack commented. “Well I don’t know about you girls,” Rainbow Dash began. “But I’d like to see where this is going.” With that, the Rainbooms proceeded to secretly follow both Spike and Tender Taps. Unfortunately, not too far away, the Three Stooges were stalking the girls. “This is going to be great!” Snips snickers deviously. “Those girls won’t know what’ll hit them!” “I still say we should go to the outdoor pool and watch some sexy babes in bikini,” Snails moaned. “Well, Rainbow isn’t there,” Zephyr Breeze frowned. “So I say no way, Jose.” “C’mon!” Snips ushered to his fellow stooges to follow. “We’re losing them!” Meanwhile with Spike Spike and Tender Taps were hiking through the forest, outside of the school grounds. Before long, the two boys met up with the rest of their gang, at an old camping cabin. "So Spike!" Button began. "As today’s game master, what’s today's LARPing going to be?" "Well, this is a story that uncle Scorpan used to tell me, to scare me, when I was a kid," Spike began. "It's called the Bald-Headed Bear of Everfree!" "The 'Bald-Headed Bear of Everfree?'" Rumble asked. "And pray tell, what made this bear's head so bald?" "I was just getting there." Spike replied, as he sat on an old stool and begins his story. "The place, here in the Everfree Forest. The time, when I was just three years old. At least, that's what uncle told me. My uncle was out hunting games, right here in the Everfree Forest. The birds were chirping, the sun was just setting down over the horizon. He was on his way back to the cabin, which is where we are right now!" "Whoa!" The boys all said in awe, as they looked up at the cabin, feeling as if the story was coming to life around them. "So anyway, my uncle just got back, after hunting some wild pigs, when he heard a strange noise, coming from the garbage can, outside his cabin," Spike pointed to some nearby cans. "He went to look out the window to see what it was, and there he saw it! It was the biggest, baddest, most fiercest bear he has ever seen! It looked just like a normal grizzly bear, except it wasn't your average everyday kind of grizzly bear. No, from what my uncle described, it was much larger, and more uglier too, with distinctive scars that run across its body and its face. It stood at least over eight feet tall, with large pearly white teeth dripping red from whatever it had eaten before it came to the cabin, and claws like Freddy Krueger's, but worse. But before my uncle had time to retreat to his room, the bear looked up! And both it and my uncle locked eyes with one another. And without wasting another second, the bear stood up on its legs, and let out a bloodcurdling roar! RAAAAAAWWWWRRRR!!!" Spike mimicked the bear's roar. "And right then and there, my uncle knew it was hungry. Hungry for human flesh!" "And so my uncle knew that without a doubt, that bear was no ordinary bear. It was the legendary killer bear of Everfree. The infamous bear who was known for killing and devouring the poor souls of all the lost hikers who got lost in the Everfree Forest. And you should know, once a bear got a taste for human blood, it craves it, it NEEDS it. It will do whatever it can to get it. It became a man eater.” The Guys all gulped nervously and in fear of hearing such dreadful story. “But as you guys know, my uncle was not willing to go down without a fight! So uncle Scorpan ran to pick up his rifle, off its stands, right when the bear broke through the window to attack! The whole cabin shook! The floorboards lifted! The pots and pans fell off their shelves! The walls were shimmering! And just before the bear could get an inch closer to my uncle, he held up his rifle, took aim, and pulled the trigger! BOOM!" “DAMN!” The Guys exclaimed. "Ooh! I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it," Tender Taps shivered. "He killed it?!" Button asked. "No Button! Not even close!" Spike shook his head in denial. "Even my uncle couldn't kill a monster bear that big with a shotgun!" "Then what happened to it?" "The buckshot shaved the hairs, clean off the top of its head. Hence how the killer bear got its nickname – the bald-headed bear of Everfree! It ran off into the forest and uncle never saw it again. But since then, people have started telling stories about a bear with a bald head, and that it still roams the forest to this very day, prowling, hunting for human meat, and to exact its revenge on the man who humiliated it for life." Spike ended in a sinister, eerie tone, before he casually added, "Pretty sure uncle said it got trapped in an old cave, somewhere. Which is what we're gonna do today! We're gonna go hunting for the bear and end it for good! So who's with me?" The Five Guys exchanged worry glances with one another, "We're not hunting for an actual bear, right?" Featherweight asked. "No! Of course not!" Spike shook his head. "Do you know how much trouble I'd be in with uncle if I came back and told him one of you guys died while hunting a bear? That would definitely kill our images to with the school, if not for the girls." "True. Very true," The Guys exchanged agreements, all nodding and voicing their approval. "Well let's go skin ourselves a bear rug!" Button Mash said, as he was the first to lead the charge, with the rest of the guys and Spike following. After the boys left, the Rainbooms suddenly poked their heads from behind the trees. “Huh, a bear hunting LARP?” Applejack commented. “Sounds alright.” “Oh my,” Fluttershy gasped. “A bear with a bald head? I’d die of embarrassment if something like that happens to me.” “If you ask me, that sounds funnier than terrifying!” Rainbow Dash chuckled, before she grins mischievously. “Y’know, that just gave me an idea.” “Uh oh...” Twilight groaned, not liking the devious look her friend was making. "We're going on a bear hunt. We're going catch a big one. What a beautiful day! We're not scared." Pipsqueak sang. As the boys walk down the path, Spike took the opportunity to narrate their live-action role-playing game. "And so, Spike the Brave and Glorious Hunter, and his band of Merry Men, ventured into the treacherous reaches of the Everfree Forest, to hunt down the dreaded Bald Headed Bear that has haunted the Everfree Forest." "This terrible bear has destroyed villages, eaten countless of innocent hikers, and slaughtered so many livestocks," Rumble added. "So the poor frighten villagers of the local town have called on us to take this monster down!" Button Mash declared, holding up a stick, which he imitated a gun's cocking sound. "Stop men!" Spike shouted, stopping the boys dead in their tracks as he got down to the ground and inspected it. "Our first sign! Bear tracks. The bear was here." Rumble quickly took over as he sniffs the air, "He's definitely here..." He said. "He's close..." "Real close..." Featherweight added. "Really REALLY close..." Button Mash added. "He could be–AH-HA!" Button Mash pointed in a random direction. "AAAAAAAHHHH!!!!" Bursting out of the bushes, were none other than the Three Stooges. "BEEEEEAAAARRRR!!!!" Spike and the Five Guys watched in bewilderment as the Three Stooges ran blindly in circles, before the three nimrods ran into each other and fell to the ground upon collision. "Zephyr! Snips! Snails! What're you doing here?" Spike asked, skeptically. "Yeah, the pool is that way," Rumble pointed. "At the school. Shouldn't you all be gawking at girls in bikinis, or getting yourselves in trouble with the new security guard?" "Oh! Stereotyping us, eh?" Zephyr huffed. "Is that how you guys think we are?" Before Spike and the Guys could answer, Zephyr cuts them off. "Don't answer." "We were here because we saw some girls walking into the Everfree Forest," Snails explained. "And we didn't want them to get into trouble, so we followed them for protection." "And...do they even know you guys were following them?" Tender Taps asked skeptically. "Well...no, not really," Snips answered. "That's called stalking," Pipsqueak berated the Stooges. "And it's not protecting. It's being creepy! And the girls don't like that!" "We were just trying to help," Snails said in their defense. "Yeah, well some help," Spike shook his head. "Since day one, you guys have done nothing helpful than to make a bad impression of our school. We're trying to show the girls they can trust us, and we can trust them!" "So...you actually trust Cozy Glow?" Zephyr Breeze countered. "SHE DOESN'T COUNT!" Spike shouted. "You guys are missing the point," Button Mash pinched his temples. "You guys are so way off basics that you can't even tell what's right from wrong!" "Oh screw you," Snips brushed off the Guys' and Spike's remarks. "We've got better things to do anyway, than just chasing some killer bear that doesn't even exist–" *RAWWWWWRRRRR* "AAAAAAAAUUUGGGGGHHH!!!!" Snips and Snails all yelped as they jump into Zephyr Breeze's arms, screaming like little girls. "Help! Don't let it get me!" Snips screamed. "I'm too young and handsome to be eaten!" "I haven't even been to Paris!" Snails added. "EVERY COWARDS FOR THEMSELVES!!!" Zephyr Breeze took off running, carrying Snips and Snails in his arms. "HEY! Don't run!" Featherweight shouted to the Stooges. But it was no use. The Stooges were out of sight, and disappeared into the thickets of the woods. Meanwhile, Spike and the Guys all stood back-to-back, standing still as statues, not daring to breathe nor move a muscle, as they search for whatever made the noise. "Uh...Spike? Guys?" Rumble trembled in fear. "Any one of you got a loud stomach?" "Gee, what makes you think it's us?" Button asked. "Guys...whatever you do," Spike began. "Don't panic." Unfortunately, one of the tree branches started to shake violently, startling the Guys. "Can we panic now?" Button whimpered. "N-N-Now calm down," Featherweight stuttered. "Wh-Wh-What's the first rule in case of a bear attack?" "Do the hokey-poky?" Button Mash asked, earning some unamused glances from his friends. "What? I've been told it scares off bears." "Not something I'd bet my life on, thank you," Tender Taps replied. *RAWWWWWRRRRR* "Play dead!" Spike shouted as he and the Guys all fell limp on the ground, doing their best impression of looking dead and lifeless. The guys play dead as the sound of footsteps comes closer and the sound of heavy breathing was close to Spike's ear. Spike winced as he braced himself for the worst to come. But instead, something wet and slimy licked him on the cheek. "Guess who~" A familiar chirpy voice greeted, to which Spike and the Guys look up, to see the Rainbooms and friends, giggling at them. "RAINBOOMS?!" Spike exclaimed, with his Guys following. "Gabby?! Wha–You?!" "Surprise!" Pinkie Pie cheered as she and the girls all broke out laughing. "BWAH HA HA HAH AHA HA!!!" Rainbow Dash laughed, as she fell to the ground, clutching her stomach. "Oh! You should've seen the looks on your faces!" "That was not funny!" Spike scowled. "That was horrifying!" Tender Taps added. "You scared us half to death!" Featherweight frowned. "And you owe me a new pants," Button Mash pointed. "Oh c'mon, lighten' up," Rainbow Dash grinned. "Admit it. We got you boys good." After a moment of composing themselves, Spike and the boys nodded to the girls. "You...you got us," Spike replied, swallowing his pride. "Way to go, girls," Rumble complimented. "But I thought you said you had other plans," Tender Taps reminded. "Yeah, well...the other plan was to get Zephyr Breeze off my back," Rainbow Dash pointed. "And some of the others was to have some fun with you Guys." "Especially with Spike involved!" Gabby chirped. "That is...if it's alright with you boys," Fluttershy said. "No, it's fine," Spike shook his head. "The more the merrier," He joked, to which everyone all laughed together. "Though, if you don't me asking," Rumble began. "How did you girls do that bear roar? It sounded so real." The girls all turned to exchange glances, before they nodded and turned to Fluttershy, who holds out a strange looking whistle that has a wooden carving of a bear on the end. “That’s just Fluttershy’s bear whistle." Rainbow Dash explained. "I don't know how she did it. But she can make it so that when she blows into it, it sounds like a real bear roaring. Check it out!” As a demonstration, Fluttershy blows into the said whistle which makes a very convincing bear roar. This scares off some of the surrounding animals. Spike couldn't help but whistle in amazement, "Wow, that was very convincing!" He said. "Well, I think we've found our bear, boys," Pipsqueak began. "So...what should we do with her?" "Cage her!" Tender Taps added. "Rope her!" Button Mash said. "Skin her into a bear rug!" Featherweight added. "Oh goodness! No!" Fluttershy paled at such barbarous options. "Guys, guys," Spike calmed his Guys. "Those are classics, but...we're above those. We shouldn't treat her like that." "No?" The Guys asked. "I say...we give her a ten seconds head start for her to run," Spike stated. "And this time...we won't just catch her. But we'll also see if we can bag...her friends." "Hey...Is that a challenge?" Rainbow Dash smirked. "...Do you like a challenge?" Spike asked. "Bring it on," Rainbow replied. "10, 9, 8, 7..." Spike counted, as the laughing girls all split up into separate directions and hid themselves among the trees. "6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Ready or not! Here we come!" And so, for the rest of the afternoon, Spike and his Guys all continue with their LARP game, with the addition of the Rainbooms and friends playing along. Fluttershy, being the bear, was the main target. Though, the other girls had proven themselves to be just as formidable. Rainbow Dash was too fast to be caught and narrowly evades the Guys' nets. Applejack was a great climber and manages to climb into trees, where the Guys can't reach her. Twilight, Sunset Shimmer, and Starlight Glimmer were all too calculative and coordinate to be ambushed so easily. Together, the three girls were able to put their big brains together to outfox all of the Guys. Pinkie Pie in a nutshell is just too unpredictable, with Gabby being just as hyper. Wallflower Blush wasn't even trying, but somehow, she was able to hide in plain sight from the boys and the girls all together. The only one who wasn't enjoying the game is none other than Rarity, being the kind of person who...isn't too much into nature. The girls and boys kept on playing their game, until it was getting late, and the sun was just setting over the horizon. "Well guys," Spike began. "Another sunset on our weekly LARP. Let's pack it up and head back." "Next week, let's make it a pirate LARP!" Pipsqueak said excitedly. "Oh, Pip," Rumble shook his head. "Only you would say pirate LARP." "I can't help it. Pirates are awesome!" "Yeah, right after ninjas," Spike snarked. "And dragons..." "What do you guys know?" Button Mash asked. "Only a real man of culture know that robots are the real trends to today's pop culture!" "Dinosaurs are still the kings of the movies!" Rumble argued. Spike shook his head as he turns to the girls, "These guys, hehehe," He chuckled nervously. "Speaking of whom," Pinkie Pie began. "Where do you think Zephyr and the others are?" "If we're lucky, far away," Rainbow Dash replied. "But still...Zephyr is family," Fluttershy sighed. Somewhere in the Everfree Forest, the Three Stooges were all huddled up together in a makeshift tent they've somehow made, from tree branches and sticks. "Is it gone?" Snips asked fearfully. Zephyr Breeze poked his head out, "I don't see it any–AAAHH!!!" He screamed, pointing in a random direction, at nothing. "What was that for?" Snails asked. "Well...I just assumed that something was going to pop up from out of nowhere," As he said this, Zephyr Breeze looked up in fright. "LOOK BEHIND YOU!" "AAAAHHH!!!" Snips and Snails both screamed, as they turned around to see...nothing. "...And it looks like I've once again made a brief...mistake," With a shrug and a grin, Zephyr Breeze composed himself. "Well...what did I tell ya? We're safe." "WHO WHO" A random owl hooted. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!" The Three Stooges screamed like little girls. Meanwhile, back with Spike and friends, both girls and boys were heading back into the school, when Sunset stopped Spike on the way. “Hey, Spike?” Sunset began. “Do you have a minute?” "What's up?" Spike asked. "Well...if you don't have any plans for tomorrow, I..." Sunset Shimmer began uneasily, shifting her feet, drawing a circle in the ground. "That is...can we...hang out together?" "...Are you asking me out on a date or something?" Spike asked. "Uh...technically, not a date...my English still needs work. I mean...it's not a date. It's just two people hanging out together, at the same place, at the same time, and...having fun separately...but together..." "Sounds kinda like a date..." "Really? It...it wouldn't be a date...from where I'm from," Sunset Shimmer covered her face in frustration. "It sounded so much better in my head...Look, I'm sorry if I'm bothering you, Spike. I understand. I...just wanted a whole day together to...catch up with you, old friend..." Spike pondered for a moment, before he nodded, "Sounds like a plan to me." "すごい!(Sugoi!)" Sunset exclaimed in Japanese. "I mean, ok. What time works for you tomorrow? Noon?" "Noon," Spike nodded as he walks off to catch up with the boys. "やった (Yatta)!" Sunset said to herself. "I'm glad you're happy..." Wallflower Blush said to the fiery girl from behind. Sunset turned around to see Wallflower shooting her a neutral expression. "C'mon, Wallflower," Sunset began. "I just want to make things right." "Yeah...I'm sure it's easy for you to tell yourself that," Wallflower muttered as she walks pass her roommate. "Just do me a favor. Don't make it harder on him, than it was before. You've already hurt me once. Don't do it again..."