Episode I: LOST PATH
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….
Star Wars
Episode I
LOST PATH.
It is a dark time for the Celestial Forces, the evil Shadow Empire has launched an attack on the mystical city of Canterlot on the harmonious planet Equestrius.
The peace of the galaxy is threatened due to the rise of an evil emperor, Darth Sombra whose goals are to rule the entire galaxy using the power of the Force.
Celestia, the leader of the Jedi Council has sent her best Jedi Knights to defend the city, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack Pinkie Pie and her newest member, Star Storm, a prodigious Jedi Knight in the art of combat.
But while all these events are happening, a new warrior may rise, but he need to be careful, because the thin line between the light side and the dark side can be broken, and that can bring consequences that disturb the harmony of the galaxy.
"The act of living generates a force field, an energy. That energy surrounds us; when we die, that energy joins with all the other energy. There is a giant mass of energy in the universe that has a good side and a bad side. We are part of the Force because we generate the power that makes the Force live. When we die, we become part of that Force, so we never really die; we continue as part of the Force."
George Lucas.
In the mystical city of Canterlot a great battle was taking place, soldiers with black armor were shooting at everything that moved, in the distance they could see the Jedi knights, who were fighting against the soldiers.
“Take this,” a rainbow-haired girl yelled as she destroyed one of the soldiers with her lightsaber which was colored blue, “Hehe, these UmbrumTroopers fall like flies.”
"Be grateful that they are only illusions and not living beings, Rainbow Dash," a purple-haired girl with a pink line told her, she was on guard while holding a purple saber and also used the Force to use one of the pieces of debris as a shield, "Or else there would be trouble."
"Hey Twilight, you know I wouldn't lower myself to that level," Rainbow Dash claimed as she destroyed another Umbrum Trooper, "But you should relax a bit, these guys want to kill us."
"As much as I hate to admit it, Rainbow is a little right, we have to fight a little more seriously," came a blonde girl with a cowboy hat, she used an orange saber with which she deflected the lasers that the Umbrum Troopers launched.
"I... I just want to defend people," said a girl with pale pink hair, she was helping people on the street to evacuate while also deflecting lasers with a yellow saber, "I don't want to fight."
"Fluttershy dear, remember that we trained for this," said a girl with violet hair which was very well combed, she was fighting with an Umbrum Trooper which she destroyed thanks to her white saber "I just hope I don't get too dirty."
"Umm, thanks Rarity, I think," Fluttershy replied doubtfully.
"Hey cheer up, there's no point if you're not having fun, yay," shouted a girl with pink poofy hair, she was fighting many Umbrum Troopers, she was jumping and dodging all the lasers, but she didn't seem to take the danger seriously, and it was easy for her. destroying the Troopers with his pink saber, "Hey guys, why you never land a shot, you're supposed to be the best at this."
"Well done Pinkie," the girls yelled.
Witnessing the power those 6 girls had, the Umbrum Troopers began to retreat.
“That's right, and don't ever come back,” yelled the blonde girl in the cowboy hat.
“Umm, Applejack, I don't think they're retiring,” Twilight Sparkle told her worriedly.
At that moment, the Troopers returned to their ship, but from it, a figure wrapped in a black cloak came out, the guy of the cloak looked muscular, he began to advance towards where the girls were, but when he got very close to them , He stopped.
“This doesn't need to end in tragedy, I kindly ask you to surrender and hand over this city to the Shadow Empire,” the cloaked fellow told them.
The girls (including Fluttershy) frowned upon hearing that.
“We would never give this city or any other to your emperor's filthy hands,” Twilight Sparkle replied, to which the girls nodded.
"I'm afraid it will have to be the hard way then," the guy removed his cloak revealing a man with white hair with some black spots, also revealing that he had a double lightsaber, "I will finish you here and now, my My name is Tirek, I am Darth Sombra's right arm."
The girls activated their lightsabers again and got into battle stance, but at that moment the girls heard a voice coming from their transmitters.
"Girls, I'll take care of him."
"Star Storm, you're late, where the hell are you?" Twilight asked.
“Right above you,” the voice answered.
The girls turned up and saw a black and red ship, from it jumped a boy with black hair and some reddish tones, like the girls he also wore Jedi clothing.
Using the Force, he reduced his impact as he fell so as not to injure himself, "Let this be a 1 VS 1 Tirek."
"Oh tempting, what is your name young Jedi?" Tirek asked.
"My name is Star Storm," replied the young man, "And I'm not that young, like them, I'm 18 years old."
"And why do you think you are so special to have the courage to face me alone?" Tirek asked.
"You'll see," Storm replied as he activated his lightsaber, which was glowing green.
“Bring it on,” Tirek reacted, activating his double saber, which for obvious reasons was red.
“Oh no,” Twilight said worriedly.
"Don't worry Twi, Star Storm can take him," Applejack calmed her down.
“You forget that this is Darth Sombra's disciple, Storm can't let her guard down now,” Twi replied.
At that moment the battle began.
Star Storm started to attack Tirek but none of his blows could hit him as Tirek blocked them with his double saber.
“Haha, you are no match for me,” Tirek said, and at that moment he started shooting lightning bolts at him, “TAKE THIS.”
“Whoa,” Star Storm yelled as he dodged Tirek's bolts of lightning.
But at that moment while Tirek was shooting lightning at him, Storm took the opportunity to go directly towards him.
“Gyahhhhh,” Star Storm yelled as he attacked Tirek, who didn't have much time to react.
"Ahhhh," Tirek complained as his saber had been snapped in half, now appearing to be a simple lightsaber, "YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS."
Tirek started attacking Star Storm, but his movements left a bit to be desired, the reason for that was because he no longer had his double saber, "DAMN IT."
“Too slow,” Star Storm yelled as he parried Tirek's attacks, at which point he used the Force to pick up a piece of debris and use it to kick up a lot of dust.
"What, hey, where are you?" Tirek said because Star Storm managed to slip away with the dust he kicked up.
"I'm here."
Tirek looked up and saw Storm coming down ready to attack him with his saber, "NOOOOOO."
SLASH.
Tirek had lost his right arm due to the cut Star Storm gave him.
The girls were shocked to see that, Fluttershy and Rarity covered their eyes with their hands, while the others were just amazed.
Helpless, Tirek knelt, Star Storm approached him, to which Tirek spoke, "You beat me, now finish the job and kill me."
"Of course," replied Star Storm, who raised his saber to make one last thrust, but before hitting Tirek, he stopped his saber and smiled, "But no, I'm not a murderer, you're just going to prison, friend. ”
Tirek grunted, but in a situation like that, there wasn't much he could do, so he just lowered his head.
Several days later.
The city of Canterlot was being rebuilt, its citizens relieved, and also grateful to the Jedi Knights who fought against the Shadow Empire army to protect them.
And so grateful were they that, in one of the great halls of the city, the victory of the battle was being celebrated, in a ceremony to honor the Jedi Knights.
A tall woman who had aurora-like hair was speaking through a microphone, that woman was Master Celestia.
"Thanks to these girls we were able to stop the Shadow Empire's attack, and I promise you that we will fight with all our might to ensure peace in this galaxy."
The audience applauded as the presence of the Jedi Knights filled them with hope.
The girls had medals which they had earned for their participation in the previous battle.
Rainbow, Rarity, and Pinkie greeted the applause happily, while Twi, Fluttershy, and AJ looked a bit nervous.
Master Celestia continued, "And now, let Star Storm come forward."
Star Storm advanced to the center of the room, the public looked at him in amazement, for being the Jedi who defeated Darth Sombra's right hand.
Storm came to the center of the stage.
"You fought with all your heart, and gave us hope that we can defeat the Shadow Empire, which is why you deserve to be remembered as more than just a Jedi," Celestia placed a medal around his neck.
"Thank you Master Celestia, I only do my duty, although I have to admit that I did a better job than all my team" replied Star Storm arrogantly.
At that moment, the hall was filled with the cries of support and happiness from the citizens of Canterlot.
“Well, that was great,” Star Storm said as he walked out of the room accompanied by the girls.
“Even if I think you need to correct that attitude, you deserve that medal,” Twi told her to which the others nodded, “We will defeat Sombra and restore peace and harmony to this galaxy.”
At that moment, they heard a voice, "Twilight."
They all turned and saw a green-haired boy running towards Twilight, when he arrived, he hugged her, "That was incredible, I heard you fought against an entire army."
"Spike," she smiled and hugged him back, "how have you been?"
"Great, continuing my training," Spike replied.
"Spike," the other girls came over to greet him.
"Umm, Twi, who is he?" Star Storm asked.
"Oh yes, Star Storm, this is my little brother, Spike," Twilight said.
"Nice to meet you, I heard you're very skilled in combat," Spike greeted him.
Star Storm smiled, "Well you heard very well, my talents are unique, tell that to Tirek who is behind bars thanks to me."
"Amazing," Spike replied in wonder.
"You mentioned a training Spike, what is it about?" Storm asked him.
"Oh, Spike's been studying about the Jedi, he's been practicing combat too, albeit with training weapons," Twilight answered for him.
"Seriously?" asked Star Storm confused.
"Yes, when I have the necessary skills, I would like to be a Jedi to join the council and protect the galaxy, for now, I only aspire to be Twilight's Padawan," Spike replied cheerfully to which Twilight smiled.
“Spike, I understand that you want to help us, but this is very serious for a child,” Star Storm told him.
"I'm 13 Star Storm," Spike answered, "But I'm aware of how serious this is, that gives me more reason to become Twi's Padawan."
"That's the spirit Spike," Rainbow Dash told him, "Besides, using the Force is awesome."
"Yeah, the ability to move things and control people is very useful," Spike replied.
Hearing that, Storm furiously yelled at the 2, "THAT'S NOT HOW THE FORCE WORKS, AND YOU DON'T CHOOSE IT, IT'S THE FORCE THAT CHOOSES THE JEDI."
"Sorry," Spike and Rainbow apologized.
"Well, I've got to go home, I'll do my best to be like you," Spike waved, "Bye guys."
Everyone except Storm waved goodbye to Spike, "Bye Spike."
They had all returned to Celestia's castle, which was their home and the place where they trained the Jedi.
In the training room, Twilight Sparkle and Star Storm were practicing with training weapons. In the middle of the battle, Storm asked Twilight, "Hey, you should tell him."
Confused, Twilight asked, "Tell who?"
"To your little brother."
"What about Spike."
"Tell him that he will never be a Jedi and that he can never be chosen by the Force," Star Storm said emotionlessly as she spoke, to which Twilight was shocked.
"What? Why do you think that?" she ask Star Storm indignantly.
"Twi, I have an ability to sense people's midichlorians, you and the girls have a high number, that's why the Force chose you, but Spike has a low number."
"That doesn't mean the Force can't choose him," Twilight replied.
"Twilight, have you ever seen if he's used even the slightest bit of the Force?" asked Star Storm.
Twilight Sparkle started to respond, but remembered that Spike hadn't shown that ability before, so she shook her head.
“Twi, I know you don't like this, but you should go tell him now, the longer it takes, the worse it will be when he finds out,” Star Storm told him.
"That's not a good idea," came a voice.
Twilight Sparkle and Star Storm turned to see a tall woman with dark blue hair, just like them, she was wearing Jedi clothing only these were a bit darker.
“Master Luna,” Twilight leaned in to greet her, but Star Storm remained on her feet.
“Although I understand that you want to protect that child, telling him things like that is going to hurt him more than it should help him,” Master Luna told them.
“But there is nothing we can change, he is a lost cause, no matter how hard he tries, he will never be chosen by the Force,” Star Storm replied coldly.
Luna frowned as she heard Star Storm say, "Still, even though her midichlorians are low, we shouldn't give up hope, mine were low at the time, too."
"And that is why Master Celestia is more skilled than you," Star Storm said, seeming not to think about the things he said, "No offense."
Luna clearly offended said, "You don't offend me, I just ask you to think it over."
Master Luna proceeded to withdraw.
“Well then, you want me to go with you to tell him,” Star Storm told her.
"What? Didn't you listen to Master Luna?" Twilight Sparkle asked in surprise.
“With all due respect, she doesn't know what she's talking about, trust me, my solution is better,” Star Storm replied.
"But..." Twilight was interrupted.
"Twi, you're the smartest, you know I'm right, I'm not doing this for fun, I just want to protect him," said Star Storm, "And I know you want to protect him too, so you must listen to me."
With all the sadness in the world, Twi just nodded.
Several minutes later.
Twi and Storm were walking through the streets of Canterlot, many passersby were looking at them with admiration for their previous exploits, but Twi didn't notice because she was nervous thinking about what she would say to Spike.
“This is going to be very difficult,” Twilight said.
After walking several more blocks, the two arrived at Twilight's old home, no need to knock on the door since Spike was outside training with a wooden sword.
"His technique is very good," Star Storm said admiring his fighting form, "Too bad he didn't go further."
Spike noticed someone approaching, turned around and was surprised to see Twilight, "Twi, hello."
Spike greeted her to which Twi greeted him back.
"What are you doing here?" Spike asked curiously.
“We want to talk to you,” Twilight told him.
Excited, Spike thought it was his time, "It has to do with being your Padawan, am I ready yet?"
“Well, it's about that, actually,” Twi said nervously, looking away.
"I've been training for this for many years, I'm finally going to the castle to train like you told me," Spike said.
Twilight felt worse and worse, she knew this was something Spike wanted and dreamed of.
"Is something wrong Twi?" Spike asked seeing his sister getting more nervous.
“I, I just…” Twilight Sparkle tried to speak, but couldn't continue, at which point tears welled up in her eyes.
Seeing that this would go nowhere, Star Storm decided to intervene.
"Spike," Star Storm spoke, "You can't be a Jedi and you never will be."
"What?" Spike asked confused.
“Because to be a Jedi, you need the Force to choose, you don't choose it, and I could feel it, the Force will never choose you, no matter how hard you try,” Star Storm replied.
"But I…." Spike said with tears in his eyes, but he couldn't continue because I was interrupted by Star Storm.
"Look Spike, I know you want to have the same powers as your sister, but that will never happen, the Jedi have great responsibilities, it is our duty to keep peace in the galaxy, but it is also horrible, we always fight and we never know if we can win, we always have the fear of defeat, the fear of not being able to save those we love, and I know that you are not cut out for that kind of responsibility,” Star Storm continued.
“Storm, that's enough,” Twilight told him to stop, but he kept going.
"Listen, Twilight has a lot to worry about, both professionally and personally, and honestly, she doesn't need to add her little brother to that list of burdens, on the other hand, you still have life ahead of you, kid, don't try to waste it to become something you can never be, you are special, even if the Force does not choose you and you are not like us.”
"I see," Spike said as he lowered his head, he still had tears in his eyes.
"Look, it's not that I want to sound cruel or something like that, I'm just being honest, I'm being realistic, I've met great people, who although they were physically weak, had a big heart just like you, and that's why they were chosen by the Force to be Jedi Knights,” Star Storm told him causing Spike to raise his head with a little hope, but that was short-lived.
“And no matter how hard you try, you will never be like those people, no matter how much you train, the Force will not choose you.”
Spike's hopes were dashed again upon hearing that.
"STAR STORM, I SAID THAT'S ENOUGH," Twilight yelled for him to stop.
And before stopping, the Jedi Knight said one last sentence, "It's nice to have dreams, but sometimes you have to accept reality and wake up."
Twilight fell to her knees, she couldn't believe everything Star Storm had said to her little brother.
"I understand," Spike said emotionlessly, "I think I need to be alone for a moment."
Twi nodded sadly, and she and Star Storm proceeded to walk away, but Spike called after them, "Wait."
Spike walked over and give Twilight with his wooden sword, "I don't think I'll need this anymore."
"Spike, no, you shouldn't…" Twi said but was interrupted by Star Storm.
"Accept it Twi, now that he knows that he will never be chosen, that sword will no longer be useful to him, it would be a waste for someone without talent like him to keep it."
Twi glared at Storm and took the sword.
"Thanks for coming, I hope to see you later," Spike said with a fake smile and fighting the urge to cry, he went back to his house and closed the door.
“It was easier than I thought,” said Star Storm, who proceeded to walk away.
"Seriously, that wasn't easy, it was cruel," Twilight told him, crying for her little brother.
“Hey, at least I managed to keep my cool, if they had said that to me, I'd be devastated, he seems to take it well,” Storm replied.
"What is your problem?" Twilight yelled as she backed away.
"What happens? I said something wrong?" Star Storm asked himself.
In the distance, Master Luna was watching them, she glared at Star Storm, "You are insensitive."
Spike without showing any expression, entered his room and closed the door.
In his room you could see many photos of Twi fighting against several Umbrum Troopers, one where his brother Shining Armor was piloting a white and blue ship, and in a photo frame was a drawing that Spike made when he was 6 years old, in the drawing showed Spike with a green lightsaber.
Spike looked at the drawing sadly, that drawing was supposed to be a representation of what would be in the future, now it had become an unattainable dream.
At that moment Spike began to cry, hugging the drawing.
"Why?"
"Why am I not a chosen one?"
Spike then tore up his drawing.
Without realizing it, Master Luna used the Force to feel his pain, she felt identified with the poor green-haired boy.
"This doesn't have to end like this," she told herself.
The next day at the castle.
“DID YOU SAY WHAT?”
The girls screamed when they found out what Star Storm said to Spike.
"That wasn't cute," Pinkie Pie said.
"I know it was honest, but you have no right to be so mean," Applejack told Star Storm.
"Poor Spike," Fluttershy said feeling sorry for him.
“My Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity said as she cried and messed up her makeup.
"You're the lowliest," Rainbow Dash told him angrily.
"Hey, why are you so upset with me?" asked Star Storm.
"You can't blame them Storm, you pushed the teachings of the Jedi to the limit, you basically destroyed Spike's dreams and illusions," Twilight Sparkle replied.
"And what did you want me to do, lie to him?" Star Storm asked.
"No, but you could have turned it down," Rainbow Dash replied, "You don't know how Spike must be feeling right now."
"Listen, fate was unfair to Spike and there's nothing that can be done, we can't go to his house and tell that brat he might be a Jedi," Star Storm told them, but the girls ignored him.
“Perhaps,” a voice was heard.
They all saw that Master Celestia had arrived.
“Spike may not be a Jedi, but we still need to go let him know that he's important to us,” Master Celestia told them.
The girls smiled, Pinkie spoke, "Yeah, come on, let's get him something to remind him how special he is to us."
The girls nodded.
"That's a good idea Pinkie, actually I already have something for him," Master Celestia said as she showed them a small box.
Celestia opened the box, in it was some kind of silver bracelet with Spike's name on it.
The girls were surprised they knew what it was, "A Jedi bracelet."
"I think Spike would like that gift, Master Celestia," Twilight told her, to which Celestia smiled.
“You must be kidding me,” Star Storm yelled, “A Jedi bracelet? That is something that has to be earned and that brat doesn't deserve it."
The girls glared at him but before they could say anything, Celestia spoke first.
"Spike has been a great support for us, that was for a long time even before you came, he gives us hope."
"But..." Star Storm was going to object, but Celestia cut him off.
“And that is just as valuable as defeating many Shadow Empire warriors.”
Star Storm just looked at her with a furious expression.
The group (including Master Celestia) headed to Twilight's old house to see Spike, but before they left, they ran into Master Luna.
“Sister, I will decide to start today,” Luna said to Celestia.
“I understand Luna, take good care of yourself,” Celestia replied.
"Where will Master Luna go?" Rarity asked when she saw that she had a suitcase.
“I'm going on a training trip myself, I think it's a good experience,” Luna replied.
“Oh, so I wish you the best of luck on your journey and your training,” Twilight Sparkle said to which the girls nodded.
"Thanks, I'll see you in a few months, take care too," Luna said goodbye.
The group arrived at Twilight Sparkle's old house, knocked on the door and was greeted by her parents, Night Light and Twilight Velvet.
"Twily darling, it's good to see you again," Velvet hugged Twilight.
"Hello girls, Master Celestia," Night Light greeted them and then looked at Star Storm, "Oh, and you must be Star Storm."
“The pleasure is all yours,” Star Storm told them.
"Mom, we're here to see Spike, how is he?" Twilight asked.
Velvet felt hurt when she heard Spike's name.
“He's been feeling bad since yesterday, he's been crying all night and he hasn't even left his room today,” replied Night Light.
“Ughh, how pathetic,” said Star Storm.
The girls glared at him, but that wasn't the important thing.
"We know Spike must be feeling really bad, in fact we know what's wrong with him," Rainbow Dash said.
“And what is the matter with him? I can't stand seeing my baby like this,” Velvet asked.
"Spikey-Wikey, he thinks he can't be a Jedi," Rarity told them.
"So that's it, no wonder he was so devastated, but what made him think that?" asked Night Light.
“Because I told him,” Star Storm replied coolly.
"What?" Twilight's parents asked at the same time.
“Storm said horrible things to him,” Twilight said, pointing at Storm.
“Oh please, I only told that brat the truth,” Star Storm replied.
“And precisely what did you say to him?” Night Light asked as he frowned.
Star Storm began to tell them exactly everything he told him yesterday, the more he continued, the more indignant Velvet and Night Light were, even Celestia who was hearing those things for the first time.
When Star Storm finished, everyone present looked at him with contempt.
“How horrible,” Night Light said.
"Spike must feel like dirt right now," Velvet said.
“That's why we're here, we want to let him know how much he means to us, how special he is,” Celestia told them.
With tears in their eyes, Night Light and Velvet accompanied the girls to Spike's room, Star Storm was going to follow them but was stopped by Night Light, "Better stay here, you've already done too much, Spike won't enjoy your presence."
Annoyed, Storm could only say, "Pfft, whatever."
Upon reaching Spike's room, Twilight knocked on the door to see if Spike was awake.
"Spike, you're there, I'm sorry about what happened yesterday, Storm didn't mean it that way," Twilight Sparkle said.
"Yes, and it doesn't matter how you look at it," Rainbow Dash said.
"We love you," Rarity said.
“You are very special to us,” Pinkie Pie said.
“You have value, you are always there for us,” Applejack said.
"That's why we brought you a gift, to let you know that you are just as valuable as we are," Fluttershy said.
But no matter how much they talked, the door remained closed.
"Spike?" Twilight worried, "Oh no."
She used the Force to open the door.
Upon entering they realized that Spike was not there, but not only that, most of their things were gone, the only thing left was a torn drawing on Spike's bed and an open window.
"Where's Spike?" Velvet asked worriedly.
Twi started to think about it and quickly assumed the worst, she ran to the garage, to which they followed her.
When they arrived they saw a Speeder Bike, parked.
"Dad, didn't we have 2 speeder bikes?" asked Twi scared.
“Yes, we had 2,” Night Light answered, just as scared.
There, everyone knew what had happened.
Spike had taken a Speeder Bike and used it to escape.
“Noooo, my baby,” Velvet cried as Night Light tried to comfort her.
“Master Celestia, please locate him with the Force,” Twi requested.
Celestia nodded and tried to look for Spike, but it didn't work, she worried, "I can't find him Twi."
Tears welled up in Twi's eyes, she couldn't believe it, her little brother had escaped, in part she felt guilty, since the dream of being a Jedi was all he had.
"He must be pretty scared out there," Velvet cried, "if he's even still alive."
Star Storm arrived at the place, he was able to hear the whole conversation, "So the brat escaped, what a fool, maybe this was for the best, if he no longer had purposes in his life I see no reason why he wants to continue living."
Furious, Velvet ran straight at Star Storm intending to hit him, but Night Light stopped her, "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT, IF YOU WOULD HAVE KEPT YOUR MOUTH SHUT SPIKE WOULD STILL BE HERE."
“Oh shut up lady, it's not my fault you had such a weak son,” Star Storm replied, mocking her.
But at that moment...
SLAP
Twilight Sparkle slapped Star Storm, the impact was so strong that he fell to the ground.
“Ouch, what's wrong with you, I just….” Storm said but was interrupted by her.
"YOU ARE DESPICABLE, YOU MAY BE A HERO, A JEDI KNIGHT, BUT GOOD DEEDS DO NOT HIDE AN UNPLEASANT ATTITUDE."
The other girls saw that nodding along with Twi.
Star Storm just looked at them with contempt.
"Well done Twily," Night Light told her.
The girls proceeded to leave the place, Twi said goodbye to her parents, she and Celestia made a promise to them, that they would not stop looking for Spike.
“Please find him,” Velvet begged.
"We will," Celestia and Twilight Sparkle replied at the same time.
As they left, Star Storm waited in the doorway, but Twilight ignored him.
As Celestia walked past him, she said, "You have a lot to think about."
Star Storm just growled.
Back to Celestia's castle.
Twilight Sparkle was in her room, it was almost time to go to sleep, but before that she looked at the starry sky through her window.
"Good night Spike, wherever you are."
