Sonic Adventure: Sonic Riders 4 Ever

by Mariana Deep

First published 16th of June, 2016

Ready to rev up your gear? Spike has been cast into a strange new world unlike his own and his only way of getting home, a racing tournament hosted by none other than Sonic the Hedgehog himself.

Welcome to the world of Mobius, where the name of the game is speed, whether it be on foot like the fastest thing alive Sonic the Hedgehog, or even more relevant, on a futuristic board called Extreme Gear. Spike has been cast into this strange world against his will and is forced to put skills to the test he never had to develop. Racing on an extreme gear is one thing, but fighting against the many dangers of Mobius is another, in which Spike will have to brave in order to get back home. Can Spike survive a world unlike his own or will he fall victim to Sonic's strange world?

You can also view the pics here to cut down on having to go back to the Prologue but if you want the details on certain aspects of different characters, the Prologue is where you need to go.

Team Sonic
Team Babylon
Team Spade
Team Chaos
Team Terrilynx

First in the Sonic Adventure Collection

Characters Bio Chapter: Know your Racers

Author's Notes:

This chapter is used to get a reference for character appearances and quirks and personality traits, basically knowing your cast before you jump into the tale itself.

Character profiles are ordered in left to right so you know who you're looking at in the picture.

Helloooooo fellow racers, I'm your robotic host Omochao and welcome to the World of Mobius, home to the sport sweeping the nation, Extreme Racing, or EX-Racing for short. Unfortunately, we have a short time slot here on EX-News today, so I, Omochao, will be introducing this year's Grand Prix candidates.

Sonic
Speed

The renowned savior of Mobius who’s will of heroism has led him and his friends through the long and ongoing fight against Eggman's machines. Sonic's speed is his ultimate weapon which sometimes makes him overconfident as he assumes he can deal with things on his own. He's a born risk-taker, and not always in favor of following the rules. Be that as it may, he has a firm conviction of justice and a desire to see Dr. Eggman and all others like him stopped.

Jet the Hawk
Speed

Cocky and brash, Jet is very arrogant, prideful, and always seeks riches and fortunes. While also the Babylon Rogues' leader, Jet rarely takes his responsibilities seriously, though he knows how to assert his authority. On numerous occasions he's shown an absolute rivalry with anyone better than him, Sonic included. This can lead to unfair decisions on his part usually in the means of winning by any means necessary.

Infinite the Jackal
Power

Infinite is an easily tempered Jackal who can lose his cool at the drop of a hat. However, he strives to at least attempt and keep a calm and collected attitude. In the past, Infinite lead his own mercenary group of jackals raiding many facilities and compounds, especially those of the MeteorTech company. However, he lost his rights as a leader when a raid went south and all but him were taken into custody. In his despair, he somehow found his way into the hands of Lucky the Artic Wolf, in which he was admitted to join this new EX-Team.

Silver the Hedgehog
Fly

A Knight of Kronos in-training and gifted with psychokinetic abilities 200 years from a post-apocalyptic alternate future, Silver is driven with a mission to apprehend a suspected traitor among the world of Mobius that caused the destruction of the future. His abilities range from being able to pick up various objects, although size does entail how much effort he needs to exert, and he can even pick up himself as to technically levitate or fly for a short period. As a warrior of a future deprived of hope, Silver has a strong sense of justice and it is this personality trait that motivates him to head back into the past to correct the future. This eagerness, however, coupled with a strong naivety, he often jumps to conclusions and readily believes anything he is told, thus he is prone to manipulation and making poor decisions.

Vi is a notable hedgehog pop idol, known among her fans as Queen Vi or Vivzie. However some time ago, she became interested in EX-Racing, even going as far as to promise an entire album to the sport if she were guaranteed a spot on a team, and with the absence of Rouge and Omega, Shadow and Silver were pretty much guaranteed her presence. However, It's obvious that Shadow puts up with her rather easily as her attitude and demeanor do exhibit some traits of Rouge's as she's highly calculated and very flirtatious, strong-willed and won't take no for an answer. She seems to have her own agendas most of the time, which argues exactly what that agenda is.

Nicole the Holo-Lynx
Support

Unlike most computer helpers or support systems or even other A.I that are being currently tested, NICOLE possesses many of the traits of a living being and is fully regarded as such by her friends. She is a compassionate and often too nice individual, who finds herself being more of a mother than anything, especially to Sonic who constantly seeks out trouble. However, she is at times out of touch with this part of herself, reverting to the more logical thought processes of a machine. Originally this sort of behavior was all Nicole was capable of, with logic being the only motivation behind any decision. She runs the entire background system of Metal City, where Sonic and a good portion of his friends reside nowadays.

Wave the Swallow
Mechanic

Having been apart of the Babylon Rouges sometime before, Wave is incredibly intelligent and an equally knowledgable mechanic. Her expertise is so great, that she is capable of making accurate assessments over how various devices of both ancient and modern technology may work, along with their potential strengths and weakness, after just a cursory inspection. Although widely intelligent, her sarcastic and narcissistic attitude makes her a bit of a handful for most, especially Jet. However, she is no longer apart of the rouges for unknown reasons.

Did you see the sheer coolness leaking off of each and every team, I'm getting overly excited just thinking about they're gonna turn the track into a battleground for first place. Got your pick for who's gonna win this Grand Prix? Then I wanna see you and your entire cast of family and friends cheering on our racers in the coming days. This is Omochao signing off.

A strange new world

“No Twilight, I don't want any more gems...but it couldn't hurt to..." Spike felt himself stir when the sounds of something began to fade into his ears. It continued on and on, loud and constant until Spike finally felt himself sitting up to silence it. "Twilight, I thought you said you were done studying the different types of horn--" A bright light made it's way into his eyes making him stumble back in an object. "What in Equestria was that light?" Spike waited a few seconds, letting his eyes adjust to the light, however, when he could finally see, his attention was drawn all over the place. "M-metal, there's metal everywhere!?" He turned over and over again, letting his shock glide over every inch of the new landscape before. "There are lights everywhere." He gasped again as he turned to view the object he had fallen upon earlier. "T-this carriage is flying, how is that even possible?"

“Hey man, I got 20 minutes to get downtown, get you your butt out of the road!" The monkey said from the driver's seat.

The monkey continued to honk obnoxiously making Spike cover his ears in response. "I d-didn't mean to get in your way but...where exactly am I?"

"In the middle of the freaking road making me late, now get out of the way, you're holding up everyone!”

"S-sorry," Spike uttered quickly retreating to a sidewalk. "Where in Celestia's name am I?" By the looks of it, that technology stuff we started finding out about is way more advanced here. It's not like magic at all so how are they powering these floating carriages and these lights, this is ins--That fucking tower is floating in the air! Without magic, how advanced do you have to be to get a building that size in the air?! Where is Twilight when you need her, she knows more about this crap than I do.

Spike sighed as he leaned one hand against a metallic wall, unsure of what exactly to do until he glanced at his arm. His arm was much longer and bulkier than he remembered, not just that, but he was standing a lot taller than the usual 3 or 4 feet. "W-wait a minute, this isn't--" he examined various parts of his body, moving his tail back and forth and flexing his claws and toes. It was then that he finally viewed himself in the reflection of the wall.

"I'm...older?" he questioned listening to the drop in his usual pitch. "No way, I'm older...what kind of interdimensional bullcrap is this?" Once again a sigh left his mouth as he began to walk alongside the road onto a bridge, resting his body on the guard rail. Below were different kinds of animals much to Spike's surprise, canines, felines, monkeys, insects, all his size or more and walking on two legs no less like it was natural. "This isn't my dimension is it?"

"Heads up!" A voice desperately called out making Spike turn his head. Within seconds, he was face to face with another animal, sliding way too close to him on some kind of weird board. Spike threw himself back in fear of getting hit but tumbled like a plank over the railing. "Crap crap grab him!" the voice quickly uttered as 2 or 3 three hands reached out to catch him but it was too late. Spike peered downward as the ground seemed to close in slow motion, flailing his body and hoping this wouldn't hurt as he closed his eyes. However, when no pain came, he opened to the sight of dozens of these strange animals peering at him in concern. "Oh thank god you caught him!" the voice uttered from atop the bridge.

"No problem, but you gotta be more careful next time, he could've been hurt."

"S-sorry blue blur sir, we're just learning how to ride.

Blue Blur? Spike thought as he finally turned to see who caught him. "Almost bit the dust there buddy, try not to fall off anything anymore, bad publicity you know." He set the dragon on his feet before turning around and waving goodbye. "Next time you need help, just call out Sonic and I'll be there in a sonic second."

"S-sonic?"

"Yep, the blue blur himself," Sonic said kicking up his board and continuing to walk off.

"H-hey wait a minute. Sonic was it, where am I?"

"Oh no, you didn't actually hit your head did you?"

"N-no, I...I'm kinda lost."

"Bad sense of direction huh? No worries, just tell me where you live?"

"Um...in another dimension..."

The blue figure dropped his board as his eyes went wide with shock, he stared back at Spike who was now nervously smiling and scratching his head. "Oh boy, not another one..."

"Thanks a bunch, I'll come and babysit like I promised after the event is over." Sonic happily said as he took the two wrapped up burgers from the server. He carefully crossed the street to a bench where Spike sat exploring the cityscape with his eyes. "Here," he said offering one to him.

Spike took it and stared at it confusingly. "You guys have hayburgers too?"

"Who would eat hay? No no, this is a hamburger."

"A hamburger?"

"Yea meat, you do eat meat don't you?"

"M-meat?!" he yelled backing away from his burger in shock."

"Yea just unwrap it like this and chow down," Sonic said demonstrating. "Now you."

Do these guys actually eat animals I mean...It's sick...it's cannibalism to even consider it...but it smells so good, maybe I'll just take a nibble...no no, what would the others think if they found out I was eating something like this... Spike continued to fight this internally, his head his nearing the burger only to retreat in disgust. For a second, Sonic seemed a bit concerned about his new companion until the dragon desperately dug into the burger with a huge bite. His eyes closed for a second before he pulled back and began chewing. Oh god, I'm actually doing it, ugh...oh god it's a disgust to all pony kind it's...not bad. Spike opened his eyes as he stared back at the burger. It's freaking delicious!

"See, I knew you'd like it," Sonic said with a chuckle as Spike began to ravage the burger, taking that strange board and placing it inside a boxed off area. Two prongs slowly slid out of the ground beside the board and clipped on to the side of it lowering it into an imprint. An electric field formed around the board for a few moments before the prongs released their grip. Sonic kicked the board up and leaned it against the bench before sitting down to enjoy his own burger. "So Spike was it, you said you came from another dimension right?"

"Y-yes sir." He pushed out after just swallowing a bite."

"Ditch the tags kid, just call me Sonic."

Spike once again scratched his head in nervousness. "Sorry, si--I mean Sonic."

Sonic motioned him to tell him something but Spike couldn't tell exactly what. "Come on man, tell me where you came from. Another Dimension like Blaze, the future like Silver, a completely other reality like other versions of myself, give me the details?"

"W-wait you're not like freaked out about this?"

"Oh no way, we get visitors from this kind of thing almost every week, it's nothing new. Blaze is like an alternate me from another dimension and she's not the only one."

"Y-you're kidding, your world is the site of that many dimensional disturbances?"

"Like a magnet." He said with a smile

"O-oh well then, I'm from Equestria."

"Another dimension? The future? Which one?"

"I'm not even sure how I got here so whether it's a past version, future version, or alternate reality of this world, I couldn't tell you."

"Oh dang? That'll make you getting you back a bit tricky, won't it? Well even so, what can you tell me about it, maybe something will make sense to this world's ways."

"I could but...it's a bit lengthy."

"Hey I saved your butt, didn't I? Least I can do is hear you out until we figure something out."

"Well Sonic, that was your only warning and I'm not responsible for any brain damage you may suffer."

"Hit me with everything you got."

Spike sighed, getting into a comfortable position himself. "So it all started with two sisters who were in charge of the rising of the sun and the moon..." About an hour and a half passed as Spike told of how the how Celestia imprisoned Luna in the moon, of how she escaped and brought darkness to the world, of how the mane 6 banded together and used the elements of harmony to stop her and every threat afterward until their return to the tree, and especially of their adventures with creation of the school and the new friends he made, like Smolder and Ember. "The last thing I remember is going to sleep that night and boom, I'm here."

Sonic's eyes spun like hypnotizing pinwheels as he attempted to cage all the information he just received, shaking his head and taking a deep breath."I didn't take your warning seriously and I am very sorry about that." He said with head hung low.

"That warning isn't for nothing you know, but you got through it all and that's pretty awesome."

"And here I thought I moved too fast to be weighed down like that. Unfortunately, my story is just as long and it's pretty much night time."

"Oh s-sorry for holding you up so long, It was just nice to have someone to talk to you, I'll see--"

"Where do you think you're going?" Sonic asked stopping him with a tug on his arm.

"I was gonna...actually I have no idea what to do first to get home."

"Exactly, and since you've become accidentally homeless, I'm not gonna let you stay out here. Come on, we're going to my place."

"Y-your place?"

"Yep," Sonic said pointing to the giant tower in the distance Spike had noted earlier.

"W-wait you live in the giant floating tower?"

"Yea, we gotta little area up there to chill in."

"That thing's gigantic, how do you even get in there."

"I'll show ya when we get there," Sonic said taking his board and placing it under his feet. "Get on."

"What is that thing?" Spike asked.

"You never heard of EX-Gear?"

"EX?"

"EX, short for Extreme Gear?"

"I didn't know things could float without magic until just today, I have no idea what that is."

"Oh boy, have we got a lot to teach you before you go back to your world." Sonic motioned him on the back of it but as he placed one foot upon the floating contraption, a billboard sitting on the base of a rather large building lit up with words "Important announcement." Sonic along with two other mobians flashed on the screen. Sonic took his foot off the board and chuckled. "Oh yea!" Sonic exclaimed in excitement. "The commercial finally got approved, nice work Tails."

"A commercial?"

The picture shifted to a blue robotic creature, with an unusually disturbing smile on it's little face.
"Hello, I'm Omochao, your robotic Ex announcer and welcome to the EX News. For all you racers out there, we have an especially interesting opportunity to put your name at the top of the leaderboards this year. I have here the blue blur himself to present you guys this spectacular event!"

"Is it on Tails?" Sonic's voice asked to someone behind the camera.

"Yep, you can start now, and make sure to start it how--"

"Don't worry I got it, I got it." He said clearing his throat as the yellow fox and a red Echidna joined him on screen. "Thanks Omochao, Team Sonic here to give you the full scoop, say hi guys."

"Hey everyone, I'm Tails."

Knuckles just sat there and huffed at the camera. "Knuckles, we're live," Sonic whispered.

"Now?" he replied.

"Yes now." Tails added."

"Oh um," he said clearing his throat and looking at the camera. "And I'm Knuckles the great Echidna, protector of the Master Emerald and defeater of the great--"

Sonic mushed a hand into Knuckles' face cutting him off and making him struggle to get it off." "Right, and that's knuckles. Anyway, thanks to my good old buddy Tails, Team Sonic was able to finally fund our passion project, so without further ado, to all you veteran racers, and of course, you new guys out there looking to get into your first Grand Prix, we'd like to announce your next chance at stardom, the EX 4 Ever World Grand Prix! Why is this one special you might ask? Because if you beat out the competition, then you get a dance with yours truly, at our very own custom track. Sound like the big time to you, then you are invited to the Mobius tower to sign up. Any details Tails?"

"Well," the fox began. "The teams must consist of a maximum of 3 racers and one mechanic. Each extra member after that, racer or mechanic will require a 50 ring fee to be considered. That's about it."

"Thanks Tails, and we'll see you all at the starting line."

The screen returned to its usual advertising as Spike put his other foot on the board. "Racing what tho?"

Sonic smiled as the board began to move slowly onto the road, suddenly taking off in a burst of speed. Spike held onto Sonic for dear life as his legs floated helplessly in the wind. "We race these bad boys of course."

"Any chance we could slow down so I could, you know, put my feet back on the ground."

"Come on, this speed is nothing, you can handle it." Sonic chuckled as he made turn after turn, even jumping off a wall with the board to cut a quick turn. "EX-Gear is more than just transportation, although I'm sure you've noticed."

"Oh yea, not like terrifying isn't an emotion people feel, what even is this EX 4 Ever Grand Prix?"

"Well--hold up," Sonic said cutting a sharp turn around a car. "Well like the commercial said, there a lot more mobians out there that love a good competition, so we tune our gear and test our skills on the race tracks."

"These things are death traps if you ask me."

"Well don't you have some form of racing in your world."

"Yea, but only the ones who have wings honestly, the fastest one so far has been Rainbow Dash."

Sonic let out a hearty laugh. "Faster than the fastest thing alive?" he said pointing to himself.

"That's quite the title to give yourself for needing gear to go fast."

"Oh ho, you're gonna be surprised, Spike."

"Well Rainbow Dash was able to perform a Sonic Rainboom, I don't think your gear can beat that honestly."

Sonic chuckled. "Who said anything about gear?" Sonic stopped his board and let Spike off as he kicked it up and put it under his arm. He extended one arm to Spike to which he extended. "See the tower in the distance?"

"Y-yea."

"How far you think it is?"

Spike paused, letting his mind wander around the visual distance of the tower. "At least a few miles, at least I think," he replied as Sonic began to stretch his legs. "Uh what are you do--Woah!" Without a second thought, Sonic took off in a burst on his two feet. Spike flailed like a lifeless body as the wind shot past them lifting his eyelids and cheeks like he was traveling the speed of sound. Sonic ran through the streets like a demon before the tower came into view, literally only a few football fields away. Sonic smiled as he peered back to Spike who was at this point, hyperventilating. "What...the...hell?"

"Believe me now?"

"Rainbow Dash...never went that fast, at least not that fast."

"I didn't get my name for my speed on EX-Gear you know."

"How are you that fast on your feet, do they not burn up from the friction? What about your shoes, how are they not on fire?"

"They did one time but I solved that by having Tails work frictionless material into just about all my shoes, so I can be halfway across the world and back without an issue."

"Rainbow Dash is gonna go insane when she hears about you."

"Only a matter of time then huh, let's get inside."

Sonic placed his board back under his feet motioning spike on and slowly taking off toward the tower. "I thought it was big from a distance but this is just...wow."

"Yep, Mobius Tower is the pride and joy of Metal City."

"Metal ci--"

"The city we're in."

"Oh."

"Took Tails and a whole army of construction workers about 2 years to complete it, and that was just the residential area honestly."

"Tails? Oh, Tails that yellow fox girl next to you in the commercial."

Sonic cringed at that obvious mistake. "Actually, he's a guy," he said nervously rubbing the back of his head.

Spike equally cringed at his own mistake. "Ooooh, sorry about that..."

"It's not all bad, he gets it all the time honestly. Anyway, we're coming up on the tower."

"How do you even get in there?"

"A gravity lift under the center of it. Although that's for the regular guest, we get up a different way."

"What do you mean?" Spike fearfully asked.

"Hold on."

"You didn't answer my questi--" Spike was cut off when Sonic tapped a button on a device strapped to his wrist. A strange small robot with a hole going through the majority of it appeared from the ground around the ower, 4 to be exact. They formed a ring in the air, holes facing horizontal as they began to revolve around their shape. Faster and faster they revolved, until finally, they shot off into the sky still revolving, a line of visible air trailing through their holes. "W-wait what are they doing?"

"Forming a turbulence trail," he replied as a long pipe of wind formed a path leading upward. "Like I said, hold on."

"W-we're not going there are we?"

"Yes we are!"

Oh, sweet Celestia... Spike thought as Sonic leaned forward into the long wind tunnel. It shot them upward like a rocket, spike closing his eyes as he felt the speed push against him. Higher and higher they went as time went on until it felt like Spike floating in the air. He opened his eyes to the sight of the tower just a mile under them, to which he cowered and hugged Sonic harder. "We are so high!" He screamed.

"Goin down!" Sonic replied as they quickly descended. The feeling of fear returned to him all too soon as they plummeted toward the tower roof. However Sonic seemed to be one step ahead as he aimed for a small opening in the roof. As he reached it, he quickly began to grind on an 85-degree rail which began to curve slowly into a 75-degree rail, then a 60, and then a horizontal 90-degree rail. As he continued to grind, two prongs popped out of the rail itself latching on to the board and beginning to slow down. "You can open your eyes now," Sonic uttered to the cowering Spike.

Spike popped one eye open, then the other. He frantically felt his body in distress but sighed when he realized he wasn't dead. "I will pay you anything to never do that again."

"Oh you'll be fine, it was a little wind."

"But how did you ride the wind like that, you don't have wings or a spell or something."

"I'm not that experienced in that department either, couldn't tell ya." The prongs finally released Sonic's board as it came to a stop at the end of the rail, a hatch just a few feet in front of them. "And inside we go," Sonic said opening the hatch and motioning him inside.

Spike climbed up himself as Sonic closed the hatch and leaned his board on a red couch. "Welcome to home sweet home."

Spike's eyes widened as he and Sonic appeared from a small hallway to right of a gigantic room. To the right of him was a gigantic window, the beautiful luminescent cityscape on the horizon. On his left was a gigantic living room with the red couch sonic had leaned board against atop a velvet carpet and the kitchen which lay just behind this room to left. On both sides of the couch were glass coffee tables while one wooden one lay in front of it. To the left and right of the center table were two smaller red chairs and hanging on the wall in front of all of this was a huge TV. In between the kitchen and living room were stairs leading to the obvious room of Team Sonic, blue for Sonic, yellow for Tails, and red for Knuckles. Spike let out an impressed whistle as he continued to examine the room. "Wow, Equestria's interior decorators got nothing on you guys."

Sonic let a chuckle. "Tails really like to design stuff, sometimes a bit too much, but it's always appreciated in the end. Since we were basically out all evening, you gotta be hungry again right?"

"I could eat sure, you got any gems?"

Sonic paused in confusion."Gems?"

"Yea Gems, sparkly and super pretty?"

"You eat...gems?" he said reaffirming his confusion. "That sounds like it hurts."

"No way, haven't you seen a dragon eat them before?"

"Not in this world no, that usually is not the best thing to put in your stomach."

"Right right different world I forgot."

"Well I don't own any gems but you wanna try one of my world-famous chili dogs?"

"W-wait that meat I ate earlier was a dog?!"

"No no no, not real dogs."

"I don't see how you guys can stand eating meat, isn't it like...cannibalism?"

"Well see, there are animals in this world that we use to survive in the form of cows, pigs, and chickens. The difference is that they're feral, not walking and talking like us."

"Ugh, it still doesn't sit right with me...but it did smell really good so...I guess I'll try one."

"Trust me you won't be disappointed, give me ten minutes and I'll blow your mind."

And just as Sonic said, Spike waited patiently for about ten minutes until Sonic appeared from the kitchen holding two plates with two strange concoctions on them. "I don't know how to respond to whatever these are...but once again," Spike said placing his hand of over his forehead overdramatically. "The smell is overpowering."

"That's the power of the chili dog," Sonic said returning the dramatism.

He placed one of the two plates on the coffee table next to Spike, then started chowing down himself. Spike tried to figure out what to do with this strange food, picking it up and staring at it in obviously strange ways. "Um...I...how do...just...How do I eat this thing?"

"So basically you just hold it like this long way facing you and you just get your mouth around it and take a bite simple."

"Um...this is awkward but...let's see here...um." Spike fumbled with chili dog for a second before taking one bite out of the chili dog. At first, the heat surprised him making his eyes water. "Oh Celestia, it's hot ow ow ow ow--oh, oh my..." he uttered as the taste began to set in. "That is...just downright amazing."

"Now you see why I'm such a fan of them, and that's only the ones I make. You want some real flavor then you gotta try this stand I know in Mobotropolis."

"Tastier than this?"

"Way tastier. Until then though, you want some more?"

"You have no idea," Spike uttered as he handed his plate to Sonic. Within a few hours, the front table was filled with dozens of plates containing the remains of Chili dogs. "So what do we do until tomorrow?"

"We can jam out on a couple of games."

"Like board games?" Spike asked.

"No way, video games."

"I literally have no idea what that is?"

Sonic sighed as he turned on the TV and handed Spike a strange controller. "We got a lot of work to do, first off Sonic Unleashed was my best role ever hands down."

Data with emotions

Spike groggily opened his eyes to the futuristic ceiling. His attention went towards the TV which was still on with a paused Sonic Unleashed on screen. His eyes then swayed to the five plates on the table beside him. Chili stained the various parts of the plate including the bottom which seemed impossible. Spike sat up and yawned but closed his mouth in disgust. He breathed into his hand and took a small whiff. His face jumped back at the smell, chili dogs still stained his breath. "Oh wow, that's bad."

Just then Sonic sat up as well and yawned. He completely mirrored Spike's earlier expression and stood up. He made his way over to the kitchen and opened a small drawer. He pulled out a small and thin can and sat back down on the couch. "Good thing I stocked up. Want one?"

"Um...What are they?"

"Breath mints. See the horrible side effect of something so good is that it leaves a nasty smell so pop two or three of these in and chew. They make your breath all minty fresh."

"Hmm." Spike grabbed two mints and popped them in, Sonic did the same. As Spike began to chew his expression grew surprised. "Wow, that mint taste is strong."

"Cool too."

"Cool?"

"Finish chewing then breath out."

Spike did just that and smiled as his breath came out ice cold. "Wow, that is cool, literally."

"Yep, might as well clean up this mess while we're at it."

Spike and Sonic grabbed the five plates and brought them over to the sink. Sonic began running the water and poured a stream of soap, Spike leaning against a wall while Sonic began washing. "So Sonic?"

"What's up?"

"You never really got around to telling me about your world, you know, the reason you wouldn't be so surprised about another world?"

"Oh yeah, might as well multitask then." Sonic turned his body slightly towards Spike but continued washing dishes. "So it all began with a certain robot loving freak we call...Robuttnik." Hours passed as Sonic told his story with such enthusiasm that it seemed like he was actually reliving them. "Finally after speeding to the final scene, me and my younger self went super and stopped both Robuttnik and Eggman."

"Wow! So was it as awesome as it sounded when you and Tails took on the death egg?"

"All sorts."

"And is that knuckles guy really that easy to trick?"

"Just about, but when things get serious, he's always on my side."

“And what about those off the record adventures?"

"Off the record? Oh, you mean the Babylonian nights and Camelot. Those were...unorthodox but fun overall. I made a really cool friend in the world of Babylonian nights though so I hope to go back sometime."

"Oh, and what about.."

"Whoa! OK ok, you keep that up and we'll be here until midnight."

"But judging from how you taught me how to read a clock, it's only noon."

"Right, and I have stuff to do."

"Like what?"

"Well unfortunately, we have to split up. I have to to get to the final stage."

"Final stage? Are you talking about that Grand Prix you announced on that giant TV."

"Yea."

"What's the final stage?"

"Well the tournament works like this, there are four stages not including the actual final stage, the preliminaries, the main race, the semi-finals, and the finals. Each team must put up one person to race and basically whoever's last will have their team eliminated. And so on until the last team standing at the finals heads to the actual final stage. The chief of police won't let us use the city as a racing stage, something about collateral damage or something, so Tails and Knuckles went out to the desert to build a replica."

"Won't that take a long time? I mean this city and tower are pretty...advanced."

"Well yes and no, the replica won't need to be as functionally useful as the original, only functional enough to race around. Anyway, I have to get to the finals stage before 3 o'clock and trust me, it takes me a while to get there."

"But aren't you the fastest thing alive?"

"Yea, but that can't beat the sweet taste of all the chili dogs on the way. Did you know that they actually bacon-wrapped a chili dog?"

"What's bacon?"

"Um..nevermind. I'm gonna regret this but you gotta go."

"What do you mean? Can't I come with you?"

"Well no, no one besides myself, Tails, and Knuckles can see the stage but sign-ups are today and the race starts in two days. We can see each other then."

"Wait wait wait, you're just gonna leave me, a dragon not even from your world, on his own? Oh man, how am I supposed to get around, I don't know anyone?"

"Well, I can give you a hint." Sonic opened a drawer in the kitchen and pulled out a small phone. "Here. Keep this with you."

"What um, is it exactly?"

"An arm pad, just a basic one since you don't know how to really use the more complicated ones. Basically, just strap this to your wrist like so and press this button to turn it on and this black screen should light up, it's touchscreen so use your finger or...claw to press on these little apps. This one can do video calls so anyone you may meet can get a hold of you and this one is a map, it adapts to the terrain wherever you are giving you an up to date map of the area. Don't worry, my contact is in there too."

"That doesn't help me at all, like what am I supposed to do, learn how to ride a gear in a day?"

"You'll be fine trust me. But if you do need a hint, go to the Emerald park and just walk around. I promise that you'll meet someone there."

"How do you know?"

"That park is the central point of events. Everything happens there from meetups and hanging out to even events, especially choosing teammates."

"So this map will show me how to get there right?"

"Yea just press the GPS button when you open it up and say where you wanna go."

"So...you do this ditching newcomers thing often or...?"

"Hey, I'm not the bad guy here. I put you up for the night and since you have no way home apparently, it's time for you get used to the way we do things around here. I helped you out as long as I could but now with this tournament and everything, my hands are kinda tied sorry."

"Sonic..."

"Heh, you sound just like Tails when he used to do that. Look just call me if you need help and I'll be right there ok?"

"You make it sound so easy."

"Fastest thing alive, I told you. Oh yea, probably should've given you this first." Sonic removed a board from its magnetic locks and tossed it down in front of Spike. "It was my prime EX-Gear during the time we had those magnetic space bracelets. Not completely up to date but it should at least earn you some credit.

"I still don't know to ride this thing and this you're just handing me one? Not even gonna teach me the basics?"

"It's all self-learning with this sport anyway, you don't get better until you try it."

"This is the worst introduction to a new world I've ever had."

"Don't blame me, even the fastest thing alive doesn't have all the time in the world."

Sonic and Spike proceeded behind the kitchen to a small circular platform which instantly lit up with turquoise light upon their touch. Spike closed his eyes as the light began to engulf them and suddenly his body felt weightless. Moments later he felt the weight return to his body as he opened his eyes. "Wow, we came from all the way up there so fast."

"Technology is awesome, isn't it? Now I wouldn't recommend joining any teams until you get the proper equipment so head down to the EX shop next to the park and ask for Rotor, he'll hook you up."

"Thanks..." Spike said in a sarcastic tone. "It's not like I'm being thrown headfirst into the Wolves den or anything."

"Hey, Tails is the only person who might even remotely know how to get you home, and crossing that finish line is the only to him right now."

"Wait what, you want me to...no no, I can't, I literally have never stepped on one these things before, I'd get creamed."

"You'll get better, the races don't start for a while so you have time to get the basics down. Besides, it might be the best idea since Tails is literally the only person smart enough to get you home except for a certain egghead but stay away from him no matter what. Now go find yourself a team so we can get you home."

"Ugh...fine. If it's to get home, I might as well. I'm sure everyone is waiting for me to just pop back up.

"Good, hope to see you in the championship, ciao."

With that, Sonic hopped on his board and took off in a burst of speed leaving Spike to fend for himself. "As long as I get to the park, I should be fine. No pressure me, I can do this. It's to get home...it's to get home." Spike turned on his pad and pressed the map icon. A holographic map of the tower popped up with a red blip under it. Slightly camouflaged to the left of the screen was the GPS button in which Spike nervously pressed. Upon doing so, he instantly jumped out of his scales as a small young girl emerged from his pad. "Dear Celestia!"

"Calm down, there's no need to be afraid young dragon."

"Who are you and why are you in my wrist? Did Sonic trap you in this...technology and you can't get out?"

"Oh heavens no, quite different actually. I am a computer program created a very long time ago to help Sonic and Sally on their adventures. Did he...not mention me?"

"Well he might have but we kinda fell into a food coma last night. I don't remember much after all those chili dogs."

"Yea that's my Sonic. Well then let me introduce myself."

Spike almost had a heart attack when she seemingly stepped off the pad's holofield and grew to his size along with gaining a variety of colors. "Wow, how are you...well, doing that?"

"I am a highly advanced sentient program, my name is Nicole the Lynx.

As she raised her to shake, Spike felt a noticeable blush come to his face upon studying her person. "N-nice to meet you prett-- mean Nicole,"

"Is there something wrong Mr. Spike?"

"Um...no...not a thing...just....I can breathe fire and it makes my stomach upset."

"I can be the nearest medical clinic in a nanosecond, shall I run and get something to soothe it?"

"No!...um no I'm fine now."

"Fabulous, by the way, was there somewhere you wanted to go?"

"Oh yea, t-to Emerald Park."

"Certainly, it's about four blocks south from the tower. Shall I guide you?"

"Yes m--um..." Spike just decided to shake his head in agreement.

"Are you ok? You're acting quite strange."

"I'm fine, t-trust me."

"Alrighty, shall we walk and talk?"

"Of course, we s-should do that prett-I mean Nicole."

Nicole guided Spike down the street showcasing to him the many shops and stores as they passed them. Spike, however, was struggling to keep the awkwardness to a minimum. "And so Sally actually ended up slapping Sonic for going off on his own against such a dangerous robot and while that is his thing, Sally cares too much for Sonic to be Sonic."

"I n-never knew that you were so prett-I mean Sonic had so many admirers."

"Naturally. Of course, now he has this pink-haired nuisance chasing him all over the place named Amy Rose. She means well but her motivation not to mention attitude can be quite annoying. Did you by chance have this issue back in your world?"

"What!...well y-yea but I was like no, I don't want the ladies, I one pony kind of guy, back up."

"Monitoring your vitals, I can tell you're extremely nervous and unsure."

"You can do that?!" Spike said checking his body for any weirdness.

"Indeed, I need only scan you once to be able to monitor your vitals in real-time. Now tell the truth young man."

"Ok ok, it was the complete opposite. Most of the time, it was me chasing the girl I thought would be perfect for me, but as fate would have it...most of them were either too old for me or didn't return my feelings."

"Too old you say?"

"Well back in my world, I had a slightly shorter stature, almost kid-like, so everyone kind of saw me as a kid."

"Really, you seem pretty mature to me, well for a teenager anyway."

Spike's level of blush was through the roof, his face so red that it literally could turn the rest of his body that color. "-R-really? I d-do-I--I--I just..t-thanks...Um, so Nicole, what are you interest?"

"Interest, well I never really get any time to do so but even though I'm a girl, I love to play video games surprisingly."

"Why is that surprising?"

"Because there's this whole gamer girl trend, it's like any girl who loves games can be considered into this category and automatically it's like she plays games, that's so uncommon."

"What, that sound so dumb, you shouldn't be singled out just because you're a girl who likes to do boy things."

"That's what I said. Anyway when I'm not doing that, I often like to enjoy the nature in the parks, cracking open a good book is never a bad thing, hanging out with friends is my favorite pass time, and you know being a computer program, I love to program, It relieves stress when things get...complicated."

"Complicated."

"Well as I'm sure you didn't know, I run just all the things in that tower as well as most of the processes around the city. A lot of these people are a handful to deal with only a near-constant daily basis."

"Well I would suggest taking a break but only if I knew this place better."

"That would be nice, by the way, we're almost there, Emerald Park is just up that hill."

"Wait what? We walked so far in such a short time."

"Time flies when you get a good conversation going."

"Well, then I suppose I should be on the lookout for that Rotor person Sonic mentioned."

"Oh Rotor? That big lug is just past the park. His shop has a big emerald sign above it, you can't miss it."

"Thank Celestia, I would've been walking for ages trying to find it."

"Anytime Spike, No one's in the tower so I'll be with you always."

Spike just stared into space as those words flooding his mind. Eventually, he realized it and stumbled as he snapped out of it, letting out a small burst of fire in the process. "O-oh uh...sorry, I got a little...I uh...zoned out a little bit."

Nicole giggled and waved. "You are quite funny Spike. Ciao for now."

Nicole faded into the datascape as Spike began walking up the hill. "Wow, she's unimaginably beautiful. Something about here is just s--"

"Spike, I can still hear you you know?" He covered his mouth in embarrassment. "Did you say I was beautiful?"

"Um...Nevermind that I have something to do."

Nicole giggled again. "Funny dragon."

Spike walked up the hill and set foot on the sidewalk, the park was significantly bigger than most. It consisted of a small walkway that connected throughout the park. From his view, the sidewalk went to three paths. Going straight surrounded you by trees and benches, going to the left led to a giant playground for kids, to the right was Spike's future later destination. A Grove of trees was all that was between him and large futuristic looking area. There, dozens of Riders sat by or on their EX Gear talking and practicing basic things.

"Are you looking to sign up Spike?"

"N-Nicole? right, you can still hear me. Well, yea I guess I am since the only person who can really get me back to my world is this Tail's character. And since he's a host in the Grand Prix and won't be seen until the end of it, the only way to get back is to well, join the Grand Prix."

"That or Sonic just wants someone with the potential to race."

"Either way, I got to trust him." Spike made his through the middle path watching as the wind subtly moved like a wave among the trees. "It's so unusual to see nature cooperating so fluidly with this technology of yours, they seem so different."

"It's the second reason this park is so popular. Seeing as how 90% of the city is technology, Emerald park is very famous for its abundance of nature untouched by the hands of modern society."

"It...reminds me of this farm we had in Ponyville, Sweet Apple Acres."

"Sweet Apple Acres? What was that place like?"

"The best apple farm out there. When you walked in, you were greeted by Applejack, one of the nicest and most honest ponies you ever saw. In the distance, thousands of apple trees with ripe apples ready to picked and eaten. Course it wasn't the apples that drew everyone in but actually, it was the apple pie and apple cider that sealed the deal."

"Sounds delicious."

"Wait, can you taste and drink? Last time I tried pouring anything liquid on technology, it sparked and almost fried my entire room."

"I'm surprised you know so much about how the technology works."

"Well besides what Sonic has shown me, we've only begun to discover such wonders in our world."

"Interesting. To answer your question, yes it would fry any normal machine but as you know I'm not normal. I have programmed myself as such with normal behavior and everything. I can understand and convey emotion, I get hungry, I get thirsty, and yes even lonely. Honestly, I'm so advanced that I could be considered a regular mobian just like anyone else."

"You're kidding, that's like even more reasons to love you," he uttered without thinking.

"What was that?"

Spike blushed and turned his head to the right. Off the straight path to his right through the grove of trees was the big emerald sign he had been searching for. "Hey I see the emerald sign, that's Rotor's place right?"

"Yep, there's that big lugs shop all right."

"Sweet." Spike made his way across the trees and crossed the street making sure not to anger any passing cars like last time. The shop was built three stories high, a garage on the bottom and two more floors with windows. Spike made his way into the violet-colored home observing all the parts and tools on the ground. Parts for cars, gadgets, and EX Gear were scattered across the way. "Hello?! Anyone home?!"

Spike put a hand down on the nearby futuristic convertible to lean against it but was thrown back by an alarm suddenly erupting from it. Immediately through the door in the back of the garage came a violet walrus who jumped into the car and tinkered with the inside which was exposed. After a few seconds, the car alarm finally shut off and the walrus climbed out. "Sorry, this car had an electrical problem and that just so happen to be one of the kinks I haven't worked out yet. Name's Rotor, the finest engineer in all of Mobius, how may I be of service?"

"Name's Spike, I'm kinda new in town and I was told that I could get some gear here."

"You know it, the best gear in all of Mobius. So what kind of Gear are we talking about here?"

"EX-Gear."

"A racer? so you looking to enter Sonic's tournament too?"

"Yes sir."

"Alright have a look around and tell me what you like, the shop's in the back."

Suddenly Spike's wrist began to glow and out popped Nicole to normal size. "Is it fine if I have a look too?"

"Nicole?" He said with a noticeable satisfaction in his tone. "Long time no see, what's up?"

"Well, I decided to help Spike out, figured it's the least I can do."

"Least you can do, What happened to him?"

"He...I don't know either. Spike, would you mind an explanation?"

Spike sits down and motions Rotor to do the same. "Got any snacks cause this might take a while. So it all started with the two princesses, Celestia and Luna.

Author's Notes:

Hope you enjoyed the Archie nostalgia this chapter.

Time to meet the crew

Author's Notes:

As this chapter finally begins to introduce the characters, I ask that you refer to the Prologue chapter or the main page for this story to see the designs for the characters.

Rotor's eyes spun like pinwheels trying to comprehend all the information that just entered his brain. He scratched his head in confusion then began making small movements as if trying to put two and two together. "So let me get this straight, for years and years twilight studied under the princesses only to become one herself?"

Spike nodded. "Right."

"And she just so happen to be one of the main ponies who could wield the elements of harmony."

"Right."

"Alright alright, but there is still one thing that confuses me, you said that dragons in that world seem to grow from greed, how's that work?"

"I never really understood it myself."

"That makes sense I guess, but you have no idea how you got here?"

"On a scale from 1 to 10, I'm at a negative 3."

"Ok, my head hurts now, and geez you killed an hour and a half with that."

"Took me just as long when I explained it to Sonic."

"Well now that that's over, do you still want to get some gear or should I go wrap my head around everything you told me?"

"I would recommend option number two but I need some gear."

"Alright then, as I said an hour ago, the shop's in the back, let's get you settled."

Spike and Rotor made their way into the back of the garage and through the door. After traveling through a small hallway, they emerged inside the shop. Blue paint covered the walls with rings painted over it. From Spike's perspective, the wall they faced held dozens of Ex shoes and gloves. On the wall they emerged from were clothes tailored just for racing. To their right, the front door and display showcasing the gear, and to the left, the front counter. Inside the counter were accessories like glasses, wristbands, headbands, goggles, etc. Rotor guided Spike over the counter and directed his attention towards behind the counter. Spike's eyes shone like stars as he stared at the collection of boards that Rotor hoarded on the wall. "Whoa...Sonic wasn't kidding when he said you're the best."

"Ha! Sonic said that?"

"Yea actually."

"Huh, I thought he was kidding when he said he bragged about my shop. Well then choose whichever one you like and we'll get you set up with the ge--Hey hey hey, is that Sonic's blue Star you're holding?"

"Yea, he said I use it to race but I never really bothered since I have no idea how you guys even remotely balance on these death traps."

"You have to let me take a crack at that thing, please please please, I have been dying to modify this board for ages but Sonic keeps saying, it's fine the way it is."

"Go nuts." He said handing off the board.

Rotor took the board from Spike and stashed it inside a room just beside the left side of the counter. "I will see you later." He whispered to it.

"Hey, I know which board I want."

"Hmm? That fast huh? Well, which one were you looking at?"

"The one on top."

"Oh boy, I knew there would be a drawback to stacking those boards so high. Alright then...alley-oop!" Rotor jumped up and up attempting to grab the board but with no success. The fifth time he tried, he ended catch his foot on the counter and tumbling over. "Ow, this might take some time."

Nicole popped out Spike's wrist and floated upward. "You could've just asked me you know."

"I forget you can fly sometimes."

"You're forgiven," she said taking the board off the rack and lowering it down. "Now here," she said handing it off to Rotor.

"Alright let's see here...the Wind Star huh."

Spike cocked his head confusion mostly because he thought all boards were the same. "Wind Star?"

Rotor began making very keen adjustments to the board as he talked. "Yep, it specializes in midair racing. Stream like curves for aerodynamics, well-balanced attributes when compared to average stats, increased top speed, air ride capability and.."

"Hey Rotor."

"Gear shift in yacht type for riding turbulence.."

"Rotor! Do me a favor and back it up would ya? Pretend I'm a 5-year-old and start from the beginning."

"Oh man, I'm sorry. I forgot you're not from this world."

"Yea thanks for that."

"Let give you the run down. This board specializes in mid-air racing, basically means you can fly demonstrated by the bar that connects the two exhaust and the curves that increase its ability to ride the wind as well when you collect a certain number of rings, it can modify itself into this form here which helps better the flying attribute."

"It can change forms simply by collecting these gold ring things? How's that work?"

"It's complicated, and It also has another form but that, I'll let you see for yourself. Second, every board has stats that stand out from other gear. Every gear has different stats and attributes that separate them so get to know the board before riding it. All stats work on from zero to six, six being the best so far this board, it's stats would look like dash-3, limit-1, power-3, and curve-5."

"That's somewhat confusing but I think I got it."

Make sure to aim for a board with good stats and it fits your style. The last thing is the type of board. Each board has a special type that comes with it, speed, power, or fly. Speed is for those who like to move fast and stick to the quickest routes. This ability gives them dominating speed over the competition as well as the ability to grind on rails. Power is for muscle heads like myself who enjoy pounding things to dust. This ability makes them very resistant to damage and they can plow through any obstacle in their path if necessary. Last is fly for those who enjoy the wind rushing past their ears. This type allows them the use of certain paths that are too high for normal riders to reach. Simply put, with the help of fly panels, they can dash straight over the competition with the power to fly and often are the second fastest on the track. Did you get all that?... Spike?"

"Um...I think I got it...maybe....kinda...not," he said scratching his head attempting to process the information.

"Do you want to go over it again?"

"No no, I think I can figure it out."

"Alright, then time for gear."

"What else do I need?"

"Well for one, the magnetic shoes."

"I'll pass."

"Wait what? Why pass on the shoes, you're going to be falling off a lot without them."

"While that's true, I just don't feel comfortable in those death traps. They didn't really have them in Equestria so you know, it would take me longer to get used to those before the board."

"I guess you're right on that. Alright then take a look inside the counter and find yourself a nice pair of glasses or goggles your choice."

"What are they for?"

"Some people kinda have to get used to having the wind in their eyes like that so they wear glasses and goggles to block out the wind. Most of the time though some of the places people ride can get kinda dusty and disorienting so the glasses help them see even if sand is blasting them in the face."

"Alright then, those look good."

"Cool. Anything else gloves or wristbands, etc?"

"No, think I'm good."

Alright then, you are set, my friend. Remember to cite the motto every day just for luck."

"Motto, what motto?"

Nicole instantly appeared next to Spike with her hand over his mouth. "He didn't say that hehe, we'll be going now."

"Our motto is.."

"Rotor don't you dare recite that motto."

"This is my board. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My board is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my board is useless. Without my board, I am useless."

"You have got to be kidding me. Quick Spike, let's go before he starts singing." Nicole quickly and forcefully pushed Spike out of the store and back in front of the house. "Whew, glad to be out of there. Spike, what's wrong?"

Spike pointed up to a large billboard playing a video. In the video, they showcased some of the extreme skills demonstrated in some of the past Grand Prix. "Are you kidding me, Sonic wants me to race and I have to compare up to that? I haven't placed one foot on the board yet, and they're doing double backspins and 1080 front flips." He dropped his head facing the ground and began to comically sulk. "I'm done for."

"Oh Spike cheer up." She held his chin up with one hand and began to gently caress his cheek. "Come on, I don't want to see any tears now, I'm here to help you remember?"

He looked with a slight pout. "...Right."

"Now pick yourself up, show me a smile, and let's go find ourselves a team."

"Know what, you're right. What's the worst that could happen? Thank Nicole."

"No problem dear."

Spike's face instantly shifted red as he heard the words, "dear." He coughed away the blush and began making his into the park. Proceeding back into the park, he nervously walked back to the intersection and after moments of preparation, he took his first steps towards the EX-park. Not even a second after reaching the edge of the park, he dropped to the ground rubbing his head while his board fell to the ground without a scratch. "Ow, what was that?"

A voice panicked yet sincere met a face as Spike opened his eyes. "Oh my god, I am so sorry, I was riding and I didn't see you and I just couldn't keep my attention forward, what is wrong with me?!"

"Hey calm down whoever you are I'm ok."

"Whew, glad to hear it." She extended a hand to Spike and helped him up. "So what brings you here stranger?"

"Well, I'm a rider now apparently so I thought I'd come and join a team or something."

"You're looking for a team too, that's great! just so happens that we're looking for another member to complete our team. It's gonna be amazing, I just know we'll wi..."

Spike covered her mouth with his claw. "We don't even know each other yet and you're already setting us up as a team. Let's iron out the basics first then we'll come to that."

"Okie Dokie, the name's Korbin the cat."

"I'm Spike the dragon."

"A dragon? So cool! Is it true that if we pull your tails you breathe fire?"

"Wait don't!"

Korbin gave his tail one big yank and out came a stream of fire. He snapped his jaws shut with his hand and removed Korbin from his tail with the other. "Um...Sorry."

"Just don't do it again please."

Another voice came from behind him making him jump in fear. "Korbin are you bothering this nice dragon?" Spike breathed a sigh of relief as he turned to face the voice belonging to a overly attractive feminine figure. "I assume she's already introduced herself so I guess I'll do it to. Hello, nice to meet you, my name Lindsey the monkey."

Spike remained frozen on the spot as the monkey came into view. "Uh...H-hi..."

"Excuse me sir. is there something wrong?"

The blush returned to his cheeks as he coughed in embarrassment. Why is everyone in this freaking world cute? "Um...n-no nothing at all, just...I'm Spike, nice to meet you."

"Likewise. So what brings you here Spike?"

Korbin jumped and put an arm around her. "He's looking for a team to crush the competition with." Her tone providing heavy emphasis on the word crush.

"Is that so? Well, well it just so happens that we have a spot open if you're willing to show us what you got."

Spike's scratched his head and turned around making his way to pick up his board. "See, about that--"

Korbin jumped up in front of him making him drop his board in fear. "Whatcha hiding huh?"

"Well I...It's...I-I'm a little rusty is all, is there anywhere we practice in private maybe?"

"Well no, really the entire city is kind of the riding grounds."

Well then is there somewhere where most people don't ride a lot?"

Korbin held her chin in thought. "Well, there is that old course from the first Grand Prix."

Lindsey patted Korbin on the back and nodded. "Of course, they shut that road down for training purposes but it's so basic no one sees it as a challenge."

Spike nodded and picked up his board once more. "That's perfect."

"Alright then, please meet us there in an hour. There we will test your ability."

"An hour! I mean that's...perfect yea." Lindsey and Korbin walked off into the distance and vanished along the horizon while Spike stared in shock. "One hour? One hour?!"

Nicole slowly faded back into the real world with concern on her face. "I think you may have made a regrettable decision."

"Nicole, I have one hour to learn how to ride one of these things and I can't even stand up on one."

"Don't you worry Spike, I can teach you."

"Have you ever rode one of these before?"

"Once or twice."

Spike dropped his gaze to the floor. "I'm so screwed."

"No, you're not."

"Yes, I am."

"No I mean we still have help, remember Rotor?"

"Wasn't he chanting something when we left him."

"Yes, but I'll snap him out of it. Not sure if one hour is enough to teach you some of the more advanced things but we can get you good enough to get by."

"Let's hope he comes through."

Spike jogged back to Rotor's who was still in some kind of trance at the counter chanting. Nicole popped out and hovered just over Rotor. "This will just take a second."

Spike looked disgusted as she stuck her forefingers into both his ears. She started counting down from three and as she reached 1 she let out the electrical charge of energy. Rotor began vibrating like an earthquake as the electricity surged through his body. Finally, she removed her fingers and floated next to Spike. "What in Robotnik's mustache?!"

"You feeling better Rotor?"

"Nicole?! I told you to s-stop d-doing that."

"What it's the only thing that snaps you out of that stupid trance you always put yourself in."

"W-what do y-you guys need?"

"Well see Spike here has just found himself a team."

"R-really congratulations buddy."

"Hold the applause until you hear the issue. His tryout for the team is in an hour."

"And.."

"He can't ride a gear."

"W-what, a-afraid of the c-competition?"

Spike touched the tip of his foreclaws together. "I don't know how to...ride...the board."

"Oh, that's bad, you're probably gonna bomb...hard."

"That's why I need you to teach me."

"Well, I should've guessed that with you being from another world and what not, but you really expect me to train you in an hour?"

Spike dropped to his knees and put his hands together. "Pretty please."

"It's gonna be tough but alright then, you got yourself a teacher. But only one hour, I don't think I can get everything down in that time."

"I just need the basics."

"That's doable. I know a little road just down the street that should be perfect for the job. Come on."

Spike and Rotor made their way south of the shop, passed the park, and into a drainage tunnel. About five minutes passed before they finally came out the other side. "Dear Celestia, I thought you said the road was small?"

"It is compared to most streets." Spike found himself looking at a gigantic street surrounded by sand and dirt. The street itself was about the size of a football field in width and length. "They use this section of the city to build the roads and highways and this one seems to be done. The workers seem to be off today so we should be good to go." They all made their way down from the small cliff and into the gigantic ditch. As Spike's feet touch the futuristic glass and metal, he placed his board down in front of him. "Alright Spike get on."

"Get on what?"

"The board. Hop on but make sure your dominant foot is on the back."

"I don't know."

"Don't worry, the board stabilizes itself until you actually want it to move now get on you big baby."

"Um..here goes nothing."

Spike slipped his right foot onto the back pad and his left onto the front. "Good make sure you got your balance and lean forward slightly."

"Slightly got it."

Spike closed his eyes as he jerked his entire body forward. The board shot off like a rocket from under him leaving him defying gravity and spinning in the air. Rotor grabbed Spike out of the air and place his feet on the ground. "This is going to be a long hour isn't it?"

Balance and Resolve

Author's Notes:

Be aware that the next chapter will finally introduce a race with the appropriate music to match of course. Character building and introduction will still continue after this chapter but once you get to that last word and I release the next chapter, the reason you're reading this story will finally make it's way into the light so be patient.

45 minutes have elapsed so far and things seem to be looking up for Spike. He stood impressively upon his board as performed the basics, now able to move forward without losing balance, make turns, and stop his board. "I think I'm getting the hang of this Rotor."

Rotor gave a thumbs up in response. "Nice going you're not falling for once."

Rotor flashed a big grin at the comment until a smack on the back of his head made him think otherwise. Nicole gave him the evilest of stares as he nervously coughed and rubbed the back of his head. "Will you shut it Rotor, I think he's doing absolutely perfect for someone who's never been on an extreme gear."

"I guess you're right."

After practicing stopping one more time, he made his way in front of Rotor and shrugged. "What next?"

Rotor thought to himself and sighed. "Well I could teach you some of the more beginner type tricks but usually it takes a good hour or two to perfect them especially when you just started."

"Well we could at least try can't we?"

"I guess but fifteen minutes is definitely not enough time, oh well. Alright, let me raise the middle of the road so you can get a good jump." Rotor turned to the control panel behind him and pressed a small button. A crane positioned high above the street began to lower down two hooks which gripped the middle of the street in 5-foot space in between. Rotor pulled a lever up and watched as the crane did just that. It began to raise a small 5 foot in length and width ramp until it was at a 30-degree angle. Rotor pushed the small button again and the crane retreated above the street. "Alright, this won't get you all the air in the world but if you gauge your speed like I showed you earlier you should be able to get a good jump out of this ramp."

"But the ones I saw people doing tricks off of were way bigger."

"And those are also the ones people break their legs on."

"Um...right."

"Now I got a couple of basic tricks that you can learn within our limited time if you apply some effort."

"I have plenty of effort."

"Spike we spent ten minutes arguing about why you have to stand up on the board. Really I just think you didn't want to ride it."

"Ok valid opinion....but I offer this as a rebuttal, racing sitting down is a lot easier."

"And more deadly like that guy who decided to sit down on a board and ended up flipping through traffic."

"You...have made your point clear...sorry."

"Thank you. Now first up is the Ollie, a basic jump. If you had the magnetic shoes it would be easier but you don't, that's why I actually installed those snowboarding straps to help you stay on. To do this move all you need to is shift your weight to the back and bring the front of the board up. Extend the back leg so you can keep yourself upright. Once you're in the air, make sure to start bending your knees once you near the ground to land safely, Got it?"

"Alright then. Shift my weight to the back and jump." Spike lifted off the ground so the nose faced slightly upwards. Rotor realized the mistake instantly as he began to turn the nose too much. Rotor jumped up and caught Spike before he could 180 onto his face.

"How's bout we try to gain some speed this time but maybe you should see it to actually get it down. Let me see your board." Rotor removed the straps and stepped onto the board. His magnetic shoes locked in as he pushed off with his foot and gained a small amount of speed. He performed a perfect Ollie and stopped the board. "Just like that got it?"

"Alright if I do just what you did it should make sense." Rotor replaced the straps and handed the board back. Spike stepped on and took a breath. "Speed first...I got this." Spike tried to push off but soon found his issue. The straps were restricting his feet. "Um, there is no way I'm going to be able to push off like this."

Rotor scratched his head in stress. "Well, there's no other way to keep you on the board unless you want shoes."

"I refuse to wear those suicide risk you guys call shoes. It just doesn't work where I'm from."

"Well, how are you gonna get speed if you can't get on and off?"

Nicole began beeping at an alarming rate to which she closed her eyes and held her head. "Alarm you two, about ten minutes left.

Rotor snapped in frustration. "Dang, we're running out of time. How are you gonna push off with those straps on? Well, I could....no."

Rotor seemed lost in thought over the issue easily blocking out Nicole's attempts to snap him out of it. she turned to Spike who seemed identically lost in thought until he began muttering something. "I have to get home, I just have to, If I don't learn how to ride then I'll never get home. Twilight will be so mad and Fluttershy is probably crying right now...

A strange green glow made it's way around Spike making Nicole jump back. "Spike are you..ok?"

He stepped off the board and reached down hooking a claw around one of the straps. "I will learn how to ride this thing," he whispered.

Nicole tapped Rotor on the shoulder who was still ignoring her. "Um, Rotor?" Spike shredded through one strap and began to hook his claw around the other. Nicole nervously tapped Rotor again. "Rotor?"

Spike shredded through the other and tossed the remains a couple of feet away. "All my friends and family back home are waiting for me..." He placed his left foot on the front pad leaving his right foot at the ready. Nicole sighed and placed a hand on Rotor's head letting loose a small electric shock. "Ow hey, what was that for?" Nicole quickly pointed to the glowing Spike about to take off. Rotor observed him and noticed the now absent straps. "Spike, what're you doing? Hey, hold up?!" Rotor rushed out to catch Spike but unbeknownst to him, Spike was well in his right mind as he packed the power of a jackhammer into pushing off leaving a vortex of wind pushing Rotor and Nicole back. He sped towards the ramp performing butter nose rolls as he neared the ramp with sonic speed leaving both his partners in shock. Finally, he aired off the ramp with outstanding height Indy grabbing the front of his board and performing a complete 360 spin. As Spike neared the ground, his green glow dissipated and he came back to reality screaming at the top of his lungs as the ground rocket towards him. "Spike, bend your legs! Land it!"

Spike did just that and landed the jump losing balance for a few seconds but overall sticking the landing. He stopped the board and looked around in confusion. He made his up to Rotor and Nicole and got off his board. "What in Equestria just happened?"

"Dude I have no idea but that was amazing. I thought you said you weren't good at riding a board."

"I'm not...at least I think I'm not."

"Well, you just performed two moves that would take most beginners hours to stick the timing."

Nicole rushed to him and began physically checking him for injuries. "Nicole, what are you doing to me?"

"Just making sure you're ok. You had this weird green aura around you so I imagine you had to unknowingly hurt yourself. You didn't by chance have a Chaos Emerald on you did you?"

"Green Aura?... I don't know about any green, oh wait a minute, now I see what happened."

"So it was a Chaos Emerald then?"

"No no Nicole, no emerald what so ever. Actually, it's a... me thing, more specifically a dragon thing."

"Me thing?"

"See when we want something so bad or are forever determined we grow a power that no other can replicate. The power gives us a boost in pretty much everything no matter what it is. Side effects may include growing a few sizes and uncontrollable rage."

"Uncontrollable rage?"

"It doesn't happen often trust me."

"Well that isn't just a one time power, is it? Can you do it again?" Rotor asked.

Spike slowly across the ground, once again shifting his board in complete 180 as he rode. "Looks like it gave a little added boost in my stability."

"So you literally just learned to ride a board in an hour, that is literally impossible. Either way, we did it and I'm happy I didn't have to take you to a hospital. Speaking of which, how much time do we have Nicole?"

"Unfortunately three minutes."

"Well with that muscle memory you just got, you should be able to hand with the crowd. But it couldn't hurt to test it."

Spike shot him a questioning glance. "What are you thinking?"

"Me, I'm gonna use the pipe to go back but there's a ladder leading up to the street over there. I want you to ride the board back."

"Wait a minute, through the moving death carriages up there, are you kidding me? I don't even know If what I just did will stick, you can't expec--"

"You'll be fine Spike, I'll make sure of it." Nicole chimed in.

"She'll keep you safe," Rotor added. "Or at the very least, provide medical care."

Rotor returned to the entrance and waved as he vanished into the pipe. "Can we just walk Nicole?"

"Hey, you want into that team right?"

"Well, yea but.."

"No excuses Spike. Sooner or later you're going to have to deal with obstacles and this is perfect practice. Let's hope that dragon power of yours kicks in. Now up the ladder."

"Oh Celestia...Fine."

Spike made his way up the long ladder and finally appeared at the top. Nicole guided him out of the construction site and back to the street leading north back up to the park and Rotor's shop. Spike looked out onto the street seeing no oncoming cars, he thought himself safe. As soon as his foot touched the road, an onslaught of cars quickly brought his foot back. "Don't you hate when that happens. Get out there Spike and do your best."

"That's not life works, you just don't jump into death, there are no gaps."

"Look closely. What may seem like no gaps is actually the widest gap you'll get. Focus, slow it down."

Spike became frantic with no way to jump in without getting hit. Nicole placed her hands on the side of Spike's face gently rubbed his temples. Spike's frantic state suddenly diminished, his fear drowned as he began to relax at Nicole's touch. That's when he saw it, The cars began to slow down ever slightly. Eventually creating gaps that seemed like miles in width. "What's going on?"

"Doubt is your sole enemy. Those who doubt will often imagine and create things that are not as they seem. The cars may seem like they're going too fast but should that person stay calm, focus, and believe that they can do it, they'll see a completely different outcome."

"Ok...this is awesome."

"Stay calm and you'll see what others can't. Now get moving Spike."

Spike hesitantly hopped on his board and kicked off drifting into oncoming traffic from the north. Spike began to wind his way through the passing cars trying to his best stay calm. Everything seemed relatively good until the sound of a large 18-wheeler made its way into his mind. He stared forward as the large truck neared him. His focus and concentration began to break as he saw cars on both sides of the truck cutting off any evasion. The cars began to speed up once again as his fear began to return to his mind. "I'm so dead."

"Spike jump!"

With no error, Spike took off into the air, landing on the big white trailer it was carrying and sliding off the back. He landed on the street just behind it and continued through traffic. "I'm alive...that...was terrifying...but I'm alive!"

"Remember what I said about doubt. Always look for a way out even if it seems impossible. Now stay focused."

"Right." Spike sustained his motion through the cars easily maneuvering between them. Finally, Spike made it to Rotor's shop, hopping off his board and placing it under his arm. "Rotor we're here."

Spike and Nicole made their way into the back of the shop to see Rotor nowhere in sight. A slight difference in scenery however, as the door adjacent to the front counter was wide open. "In here guys."

They took a few steps over to the door until a familiar voice caught their attention. "So this Sonic's board huh? Mind If I hang onto it?"

"No you can't take the board as a souvenir, don't you have other things to do?"

Spike and Nicole stepped into the room and were met with a female's face Nicole is none to happy to see. "Oh it's...you.."

"I have a name you know and...oh who's this?"

Spike held out his claw. "I'm Spike, nice to meet you."

The girl returned a handshake and bent her legs to bow. "My name is Amy Rose, nice to meet you. Say, you don't seem like you're from around here."

"I really don't feel like explaining this again so I'll just say it. I'm from a different world and am trying to get home but the only way to do that is by racing in this Grand Prix, whew."

"A different world? It's nothing new I guess since we tend to go on those kinds of adventures every week."

"I've heard that a lot especially from Sonic."

Amy grabbed Spike's shoulders and pulled him in close. "You saw Sonic?!"

"Um...yea."

"Please tell me where?!"

"Wait why?"

"I need to find him. I made him lunch two hours ago and he hasn't shown up yet."

"Well see...Nicole help me out."

Nicole gently pried Amy's hands from Spike's shoulders and patted her. "Look I know you like Sonic and all but just give it up will ya?"

"No way, my tarot cards said we would be together and I plan to make that a reality."

"Alright, get your heart broken. He ran out of town to the east."

"Sonic I'm coming! Don't you dare leave me!"

Amy bolted out of the shop in a blur. Nicole slightly chuckled to herself as Spike began thinking about the directions. "Wait Sonic rode out to the west not the east."

"Don't tell her that."

Rotor sighed. "Thanks for getting rid of her Nicole, she's cute as a button, but when she wants sonic, she won't stop. Besides I'm just got too interested in working on Sonic's board. Tails did some truly ungodly work upgrading it."

"Well even though Tails is a kid, he has to be the smartest fox we know. Oh dear, Spike, it's time."

"Already? Well, let's hope this doesn't go south."

Rotor moved Sonic's board off the table and pointed to Spike's. "Quick before you go, let me tweak it a little just make sure it works right." Spike handed Rotor the board as he whipped out a few different tools and began messing with board. "Alright...one more...and there. You should be good to go, go knock em dead Spike."

Spike gave a thumbs up, Nicole digitizing back into Spike's wrist as he took off across the street and through the park. "You remember where the meet up is at right Spike?"

"Yea..kinda."

"Don't hesitate to ask if you forget."

"Thanks Nicole." After twenty minutes, Spike finally spotted the two sitting at a large bench next to a vacant street.

"Spike I told you to ask me for directions if you get lost," Nicole uttered.

"I thought I knew where it was, I swear I did. We made it though and that's all that matters."

Korbin jumped up as Spike hopped off his board." "Oh my god, you made it."

Lindsey stood up and looked at her watch. "Nice to see you, of course you were a little late."

"Sorry I was little...lost."

"No worries Spike, it's a big city. If you're ready we can get started."

"Sure...I think."

"What's the matter Spike?"

"Um, nothing just a bit nervous is all."

"Well don't doubt yourself or you'll slip up," Lindsey said. "Korbin, can you set up the bot?"

"Yes mam." she responded with the enthusiasm of a hyped-up 5-year-old.

Korbin grabbed something from under the bench and placed it on the street. Upon pressing a button, the small circular robot spike recognized from the tower hovered slightly off the ground. Once again two hatches opened up revealing a small hole through the center but this one didn't shoot off with turbulence. Instead, it made one straight line about five feet across and only a couple of feet off the ground. A transparent board popped up next to the line with one, two, and three in a straight line down. "Wait what is that?"

Lindsey giggled at what she thought was spike joking. "The finish line silly. This Robot helps us keep track of everything, speed and time mostly. Let us waste no more time though, the sign up will end soon. Are you guys ready?"

Korbin gave a salute and smiled. "Ready!"

Spike gulped and nodded. "Ready..."

Lindsey waved her hand in front of the robot which began the countdown in a robotic voice. "3......2.....1....Go!"

Rev up that Gear: Initiation

Spike wiped the forming sweat from his forehead as the countdown neared zero. He put his foot down preparing for the take-off as the robot finished the countdown. "2...1....Go!"

Spike kicked off in a burst of speed about 2 seconds earlier than Lindsey and Korbin. Thinking he made the perfect start, he turned back to see the two who just now kicked off. He smiled at his success which would soon become horror as he turned back in front of him to witness the electric barrier still partially raised and in the act of going down. He jerked around in a fit of pain as the current nailed him and his board to just before the starting line allowing both Korbin and Lindsey to pass him up. The current finally stopped and allowed spike movement again. "Ok ow, what in Celestia's name was that?!"

Nicole partially formed in front of him. "Oh dear, my circuits definitely felt that one. I thought Rotor taught about the countdown line which is meant to stop people from starting too early, or they'll get a shock to their system. Do me a favor and at least remember that one, I don't like being glitched out like that."

Spike slightly twitched as he responded. "Oh yea, r-right?" Spike kicked off down the street, the road beginning to curve downward towards a gigantic ramp. Up ahead, Korbin and Lindsey had just jumped the ramp and were in the motion of landing on the rest of the road ahead. Spike gave himself one good push off with his foot as he headed down the ramp and started bending his legs. "Alright, I can do this. Bend the legs, remember to choose your moves wisely depending on how much air I get, timing is key." Spike let out a breath to relax his body as the ramp quickly rushed towards him. As his board began to angle up, he launched himself with great precision. Upon catching major air, he leaned down, grabbed the middle of his board and spun 360 degrees in an inverted fashion putting himself upside and right side up again. As he ended his trick and looked in front of him he noticed the road much higher than usual. "Alright bring the knees in." Without an issue, he safely landed and continued down the path. The road continued straight for quite a while until another small ramp at the end of it said otherwise. Spike quickly Ollied off the ramp into a front 180. As he landed, he felt a sudden boost of speed. "Hey what happened?"

Nicole's voice rang out of his armpad. "After successfully landing a trick, the air inside your board is increased with a burst of speed. I can see Korbin and Lindsey up ahead but like this, you won't be able to catch them. Do you see those rings in the air over there with the arrows pointing to them?"

The straight road seemed to split in two and down the middle, a ramp and set of high flying rings. "Yea what about them?"

"We're going for a ride, jump off the board when I say so." An effort could be heard as Nicole grunted to do something. Suddenly Spike heard the sound of rings being collected. "Jump now!"

Spike took one quick hop as his board transformed in a flash of yellow. He landed back on it with shock. "Hey, you made it transform."

"Now hit that ramp and ride the wind." Spike did just that airing off the ramp and boosting off through one of the rings. "Keep going through them until you see no more Spike."

Each ring seemed to give him a small boost of air as he soared over what seemed to be a gigantic drop. He hit the last ring and came to speedy landing on the ground ahead. Korbin and Lindsey looked behind them to see Spike only feet away. "Hey Lindsey, he finally caught up."

"Indeed he did." Spike's modification returned back to his original board as he slowly made his way in between the two ladies. "You're doing pretty good Spike. Catching up was the first test."

"I'm sorry did you say test?"

Korbin laughed. "Yea silly. Now it's time for test two."

Lindsey pointed up ahead. "The course is pretty basic. One straight part of the road from the start leading up to a turn up ahead than another straight road leading to a curve which the finish line is after. You got a straight shot and a curve to beat before the finish line and just to make sure you don't think we let everyone join, you got to beat us there."

Spike jaw dropped in horror. "You mean I actually have to race...for real?"

Lindsey giggled. "What were expecting darling. The first curve's coming up so keep your EX-Gear in check, we won't be going easy anymore. Korbin let's show him what we can do."

"Oh sweet, I get to show off."

All three of them made the turn easily but as Spike's view came upon the straightened road, he began to have a moment of deja vu, lots of cars barreling down the road towards. From the start about halfway down the road, Korbin and Lindsey were having no issue weaving through the traffic but for Spike, the experience was all too familiar. He frantically moved his board through the cars watching as each one passing him got closer and closer intent on trading paint with his board and trading death with him. He closed his eyes and sighed as one car, sure enough, made its way straight at him. Spike attempted a jump only to have his board knocked completely from under him and into the air alongside him. His hearing and conscience seemed to fade away time slowed down as he flew through the air, dead set was his mind on crashing into an oncoming car. But there it was again, the feeling of absolute calm and collected mind. The feeling of someone's fingers at his temples. He looked up to see Nicole massaging the sides of his head but just as it seemed she was there, suddenly there was no one, the feeling he had was completely in his head. He turned back towards the cars to see their now slowed pace. "I'm calm?... I doing it by myself?... I remember her words now... Doubt is your sole enemy. Those who doubt will often imagine and create things are not."

Spike closed his eyes for a mere second and turned straight towards the ground before opening them again as his pupils dilated to that of small slits. He flipped over seconds before a car could have his face for dinner, sliding off the top of the car and jumping up to grab his board out of mid-air. He planted it under his feet and landed weaving in and out of traffic with no problem. He dilated pupils focused on Korbin and Lindsey up ahead with a determination like no other. He found a moment of peace within the cars and immediately planted his foot on the ground. He pushed off like a rocket, gaining enough speed to reach in front of his competition and even knock some of the cars off their course. Both of them gasped in amazement as Spike appeared in front of them with ease. He looked back with a smile upon his face as Korbin threw her arms up in shock. "How did you do that?! We were sure you were toast for a second."

"I'm here to join the team, aren't I? Gotta show off these draconic skills at some point." As the two process his answer, he took off in a burst of speed. "What are you guys doing? You're falling behind." Lindsey shook her head to come back reality and angrily but jokingly glared at him. "Hey, that's our line."

Both Lindsey and Korbin caught up but somehow Spike maintained a constant speed locking his position in front of them. He crossed the finish line first hopping off as Korbin and Lindsey crossed after him. It was then that Lindsey stopped and stared directly into Spike's eyes as he unknowingly reverted them back to normal size. "Why are you staring at me?"

"Your eyes..."

"Um...what about them."

Lindsey eventually realized how serious she was being and reverted to touching her fingers together nervously. "Oh nothing! Just a little curious you know."

"Oh...so like...am I in or--"

Korbin appeared behind and jumped on him like a piggyback ride. "You're so in, that was so cool how you were almost toast then suddenly flipped over and rode the top of that car!"

Spike rubbed the back of his neck, knowing all too well what had occurred. "It was just a bit of luck is all."

"With that kind of skill, bad luck is just afraid of you mister! And I say." Korbin said bouncing from side to side happily. "We go out a celebrate our newest member."

Lindsey took hold of Korbin's leotard and yanked her off of Spike's back. "Let's not also forget about the sign-up sheet. We'll need to make our way over there before we do anything else."

"Awww! Can't we get food first? Please?"

"Afterwards Korbin."

She crossed her arms scowling at the response. "Fine..."

"Spike if you have other things to do, I suppose you can meet us at the sign-up sheet right?"

"Oh no, I'm perfectly fine, not like I had things to do in the first place."

Lindsey and Korbin hopped on their gear and motioned Spike to follow as they took off. Spike followed far behind as they made their way back towards Hyper Tower. Nicole popped out of Spike's wrist on a much smaller scale, able to sit casually upon his wrist. They were far enough that their conversations would be more private. "So did that draconian power introduce itself again?"

"Yes and no, I mean I felt it, but at the same time, I was in control. I think the first time it happened, it sort of became a natural instinct."

"Instinct? I see."

"I can't tell you what happened in detail but I do know that in this world, something about the energy that flows through everything has boosted my natural abilities."

"All the more reason for me to eventually get to your world, I can't wait to study it. Lindsey and Korbin seemed to have noticed you, I'll talk to later."

Spike looked up and covered his wrist as Korbin and Lindsey began to look back. They motioned to catch up in which he did so, pretty soon they finally reached the tower where three separate teams of 3 were sitting around. Spike nervously avoided eye contact as they made their way towards the sign-up sheet. Lindsey picked up the electronic pencil provided and began signing the team's names on a pad in the wall. "Give me a sec to sign our names. Alright, let's see, who's our competition this time? , A team called Chaos, a team called Spade, and Bab--Of course team Babylon is joining the race."

Korbin tapped Lindsey on the shoulder. "And what's our downright awesome team name?"

"Um...we never decided actually, any ideas?"

All three put the fingers to their chin in thought. Spike was first to fire away. "Team...Ex?"

They all shook their heads. Korbin was next. "That's too vague, what about Team Draco, you know cause awesome dragon?" They once again all shook their heads. Lindsey gasped with a smile. "Team Terror."

Spike gave an immediate thumbs down. "Who exactly are we terrorizing? Oh wait, I got it, Team lynx?" Once again, that was met with a thumbs down. "Ok, then I got nothing else. What are we supposed to do, combine them? Team Terrilynx sounds pretty..." Everyone slowly raised their heads in realization. "Pretty Awesome..." The three of them high fived with smiles on their faces, Lindsey penciling down the name.

As they began to walk away, however, Spike was suddenly shoulder checked losing balance and falling flat on his butt. A voice sarcastically responded, "Sorry didn't see ya there pint size."

Spike looked up to his attacker only to see a vixen of a canary standing above him and staring intently. Spike the blood rush to face as he stared back. "Holy crap..." Why is everyone in this world so. freaking. cute!

"Yo pint you ok?

"F-fine..."

"Then get up would ya." Spike raced to his feet like a spring and stood stiff as a board as the girl continued to look at him. Her face soon became annoyed at his stillness. "Hey, you got a screw loose or something?"

Spike realized his stupidity and dropped his nervous expression. "Um...sorry..I...you're just so..."

Another mobian's voice echoed from nearby obviously in enraged tone. "Neon would you get your butt over here?!"

"Oh man, I'm so sorry baby."

"Stop calling me that! My name is Jet got it?"

The green hawk stopped a couple of feet away from Spike and his team with no other mission besides retrieving his teammate. "I'm so sorry Jet, I just wanted to check the other teams."

"Stop acting like a kid would ya? We got training to do."

"I didn't think it would cost us so much time, please forgive me!"

The Canary latched onto Jet's arm with no thought letting go anytime soon. Jet frantically yelled and shook his arm up and down as if in some kind of cartoon. After about a minute of this, Jet sighed and snapped his fingers. Storm removed Jet's issue, tossed her over his shoulder, and carried her off to bench nearby holding onto her with no intention of letting go. Jet dusted himself off and pointed to Spike. "So you guys are our new competition huh?" Spike nodded. "What's your name dragon?"

"Spike."

Jet smirked and began to walk around Spike observing him. "Why ya so nervous Spike? Did something spook you or do you already know who I am?"

Korbin shot to Spike's side as jet returned to his original position. "Leave him alone Jet. He's new here and the last thing I want is for him to pick up any bad habits."

"Bad habits? Ha! If anything he should be idolizing me and the Babylon Rouges considering that we're the best team on the market. Better, you wanna join the rogues rookie?"

"I will politely decline that offer for him Jet," Lindsey said strolling over Spike's side.

"Besides, I kinda already signed up with them so..."

"Your loss kid, we're the number 1 team out there, Babylon rogues know all over the world."

"Yea, for losing three Grand Prix in a row and causing a black hole to form in the middle of the city," Lindsey said with a smirk.

This pushed a bit of anger to Jet's face but he cast it aside with another smirk. "No thanks to Sonic the Hedgehog. That blue nuisance has been a thorn in my side for too long. But do you see that joke anywhere? I didn't think so, the one person who could possibly save your unskillful butts is nowhere to be seen and that means that the usual second-place winner which is us, by the way, is taking the race all the way to Sonic's big fat ego."

Neon could be heard in the distance struggling against Storm. "Let me go Storm! You tell 'em, Honey!"

"Would you be quiet Neon, Storm hold her better!"

Lindsey laughed as Jet sighed and turned back towards them. "Seems someone is interested in you. Where's your tech nerd Wave?"

"N-none of your business. Forget this I'm out, you losers watch your back."

Jet walked off motioning storm to follow with Neon in tow. Spike let out a sigh of relief. "Who in Equestria were those guys?"

Lindsey laughed and patted Spike on the back. "That my young dragon friend was team Babylon. The self-proclaimed, fastest team on EX-gear ever."

"Well, shouldn't that mean that they're the fastest?"

"When I said self-proclaimed I meant it, their skill is worth as much as Jet's ego so don't you worry about it."

"I feel like I should."

Spike was instantly knocked off balance by Korbin once again jumping on his back. "Can we please go eat now?! I'm so hungry!"

Lindsey once again removed Korbin from Spike and smiled. "I know just the place."

One hour later, all three emerged from a small fish restaurant rubbing their bellies and stretching while Spike took his forked tongue and licked his lips in joy. "Wow, I never knew fish were this good."

Korbin patted her belly and smiled. "I never knew that big cat could cook. What was his name again?"

Lindsey sighed. "Big the cat Korbin. His name was Big the cat."

"Oh.,.um.." She stuck out her tongue and rubbed the back of her head. She looked up as the light began to dim beyond the horizon. "Looks like it's getting dark, we should rest up for tomorrow."

Lindsey chuckled and hopped on her board. "Sounds like a reasonable plan, since I know you Korbin are gonna sleep like a rock with all that food in your belly."

"Like a baby," Korbin replied. "Caio Spike."

A voice rang out before they could take off stopping mid boost. "Please wait!" Nicole shot out Spike's wrist and digitized herself to her full form. "May I ask a request on behalf of Spike?" Spike attempted to slowly back away as he nervously pushed his fingers together and stared at the floor. As he turned to slip around a corner, Nicole took hold of his tail and held him as he attempted to run. His actions only led him to run in place as Nicole smiled and spoke. "It would take too much time to explain to you the details of his situation but I can say this. Spike here is from another world and this has led him to have no funds as to do much of anything. If it's not too much to ask, may he spend the night at your home?"

Lindsey put her finger to her chin for a few moments then smiled. "A different world huh? Like how so?"

"Nothing like this exists there..." Spike chimed in. "Technology is brand new, everyone's a pony, the works..."

Lindsey happily hummed with a smile. "Certainly."

"R-really?" Spike uttered.

"What kind of mobian would I be If I let you sleep out here in this metal jungle. Korbin, are you fine with a bit of company?"

"Sweeeeet, fresh meat."

Spike tensed up at the response. "What is she talking about?"

Lindsey nervously chuckled and waved away the question. "She means nothing by it believe me. Word of advice though, when you're in the same room as her, make sure to watch your tail."

"My tail?"

"Just remember that and you'll be fine, come along, let's get going."

All three hopped on their boards and drifted into traffic heading west into suburbs of the city. Spike slowed down as Nicole sat on his wrist again. "Nicole I...don't know what to say. I would've been way too nervous to say anything had it not been for you."

"Spike, there was no way I was just going to let you stay here homeless, I'd be a heartless mobian if I just sat back and watched."

"Thank you but uh...I still have one issue."

"Hmm?"

"Well, you see the thing is...This is a very different world..."

"Yes?"

"And everything here looks so different..."

"I'm listening."

"Well...um...every female should I say...is kinda..."

"Hot."

"W-well I-I w-wouldn't say that...it's just that...um..."

"You can't fool me, Spike. I've seen you drooling over Lindsey, that Neon girl, even me when we first met. It's no crime if you're attracted to us."

"Oh crap, you noticed that? Wait you noticed that and you didn't tell me."

"It's often beneficial not scold children for a crush but let them grow out it."

"Wow, I've never seen someone so chill ab--hey did you just call me a child?"

"Haha, I'm joking spike. Besides, I've had a lot of males look at me that way Spike, I just never have time for it, that and I learned how to deter them should they get too close."

"Well, I have no idea how to handle this situation."

"But aren't you friends with a bunch of females back in Equestria."

"Yea but I know them too well, they're like family to me. This is different, I don't know anyone here. Every girl here seems to get my heart pumping at every turn and now you're sticking me in a house alone with two attractive ones, I'll be blushing all over the place."

"Oh is the little Spike a little anxious, can't control your urges can you?" she cooed in a tone you would only see done to a dog or baby.

"Hey hey hey, none of that, I can control myself, it just...screws me up inside."

"Well let's hope you get a separate room then."

With that, Nicole vanished back into Spike's wrist. He sighed and caught back up to Lindsey and Korbin. After a few blocks and turns, they finally emerged within a gigantic neighborhood with houses as far as the eye can see. One block seemed to go on forever until a left turn led them to a cul-de-sac where they stopped in front of one of the houses. Spike made his observations as he rested his eyes on the home. Light blue paint, window with beige curtains next to the front door, garage on the side of it all. Lindsey shrugged and opened a small hatch on the side of the garage revealing a keypad. "Just your typical everyday home...on the outside anyway."

Spike raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

Korbin rushed beside the garage door as Lindsey inputted the code to open it. "Well Spike, your typical home interior would be bland and tasteless but we're not your typical homeowners." The garage began to open slowly as Lindsey and Korbin acted out a pose as if to present something behind a curtain. Lindsey and Korbin both shouted simultaneously, "Welcome to home sweet home!"

Spike's jaw instantly hit the floor as he feasted his eyes upon the beautiful sight. "No way....."

Rev up that Gear: Memories and Condensation

And Sonic said Tails was a gear head geez. Spike thought as he admired the garage. Boards and accessories as far as the garage could fit. "You guys sure got a lot of gear."

"Blame Korbin." Lindsey chimed in. "She practically buys just about everything she can get her claws on."

"Can you blame me?" Korbin quickly responded in defense. "Each gear is like a little baby to me, every type and every accessory that goes with it."

Spike quickly huddled next to Lindsey as Korbin cuddled with the nearest board in sight, even continuing on to kiss it like it were a real person. "From what I saw, those boards are pretty expensive, how does she afford them?"

"I don't know how she even affords one. I imagine she has some kind of job or something that she hasn't told me about." Lindsey then ripped the board away from her and placed it back on its respective rack. "Would you knock it off and help me get Spike settled in?"

Korbin crossed her arms and growled like a kitten before motioning Spike to follow her inside. They made their way from the garage to a small hallway where a variety of paintings hung. "These are nice pictures, but who are they of?"

Lindsey giggled, the memories coming back to her. "This is our history, Spike. Our fathers were friends back in day and thanks to that,"

"Me and Lin Lin have been friends since we were kids." Korbin quickly responded jumping on Lindsey's back.

"I requested that you not to call me Lin Lin."

"But it's so cute!"

"And childish, that's why I said stop calling me that."

"Can I at least stay on your back, it's comfy."

"You're just a big housecat aren't you?" Lindsey uttered as Korbin purred into her shoulder. "Anyway, the first EX-Gear was developed 30 years ago, at least the first prototype."

"And guess what? Our papas were the first to test them."

"The way they described it, it was something otherworldly for them. Straight out of the future, as if defying what the earth planned."

"They got so much better and eventually helped develop the first successful EX-Gear." Korbin happily meowed at her comment. "They were the most awesome riders to ever touch an EX-Gear, so awesome that the gods themselves graced them."

"Korbin stop exaggerating."

"But they were though."

"19 pictures sit on this wall, all of the amazing feats our family has accomplished. This one, 25 years ago, my father won the first Grand Prix"

"And this one, 2 years later, my dad won the next one." Korbin happily added.

"Soon, our mother became interested in riding, then our uncles, aunts, and cousins, and so on and so forth until we and our cousins were the family's next generation of riders."

Spike thought himself before putting 2 and 2 together. "You said "our" mother?"

"Oh yes, we're half-sisters," Lindsey said with a smile. "As you can see in this one over here, our mother was a monkey. She met our fathers about 20 years ago but couldn't bear to choose between them. The two were inseparable and choosing between them would more than likely cause tension between them. So she chose them both. My father was a monkey and so, 1 year later, I was born a monkey."

"And mine was a cat, so one year later, I was born a cute little kitty cat."

Spike smiled as he continued to observe the pictures. "Most of the time, something like that would cause tension between a family, having two dads you know. But somehow someway, you guys worked it out and have a happy family."

A sudden tear came to Spike's cheek, his mind in heavy thought. Lindsey instantly took notice and gently wiped his tear away. "Spike, are you ok?"

"Yea...uh yea just..." he uttered wiping another tear away.

Both Lindsey and Korbin looked at each other, concern for the young dragon on their faces. "Spike, do you miss your parents in the other world?"

"Well...I guess I can't say, never really had any."

"Did they...leave you?"

"I have...no idea. I was born from an egg...by the number 1 girl in the world, Twilight Sparkle. She's done so much for me, I might as well call her mom."

"So this Twilight Sparkle isn't your mom?"

"Well no...she's a pony...and I'm a dragon. I imagine I did have parents, else I wouldn't be here. As for what happened while I was in that egg that somehow ended me up in the hooves of ponies...I don't know."

"Spike..."

"I miss them and I don't even know them. If I had one chance to meet them, just one...I would...Um sorry, I didn't mean to push my sob story on you."

"No no, it's ok right Korbin?"

"Yea Spike, everyone needs to vent a little every once in a while."

Spike smiled and wiped the last of his tears. "Thanks guys, I didn't think everyone would be this nice to a total stranger in this world." It was then that his attention was drawn to an empty picture frame. "What about his one, it's empty?"

"Well every one of the families under our family tree has their respective wall of pictures and everyone has done something to land them a spot on it."

"They either won a Grand Prix, huge battle competitions, or even did something totally out of this world." Korbin excitedly added.

"That empty frame is ours, for when we do something truly spectacular, something that will make our family think twice before assuming a Grand Prix is the ultimate win, something that can outdo...her," Lindsey said pointing to a picture of a white monkey with red eye shadow in the middle of a race.

"Who is she?"

"She was a family friend and the best EX-teacher in all of Mobius."

"Least in our opinion," Korbin added. "She taught us everything we know about the sport, but recently she's become a bit...jerky...jerkish? Well, she's a jerk just to simplify it."

"We all looked up to her at one point in time. She owns the top spot on the leaderboard for her 3 consecutive Grand Prix wins. No one else can claim that title, not even Sonic the hedgehog has won 3 in a row."

"Really?" Spike said surprised. "He told me he was pretty good."

Lindsey chuckled. "And he is. He's just as fast on that board as he his on his feet, but to get 3 wins in a row is a long risk. You're talking making to the finals every single time against well-suited riders not to mention the skill of the finalist his or herself. We just need to find our chance, something that will earn us that spot at the top."

"Well," Spike began. "Sonic and his friends are held in pretty high standards from what I saw of their races, even discovered the lost home of the Babylonians I think Sonic said. If you beat them, it would be a pretty astounding feat."

Korbin quickly and excitedly jumped up and down. "Oh yeah, he's not wrong. Those guys came into the scene and like a blur, they were nailing 1st place spots and everything. If we beat them, that would help our cause."

Lindsey thought about it for a moment then smiled. "Well, our dads do kinda admire Sonic and his friends. If we beat the legendary Blue Blur then this achievement would be set in stone."

Spike nodded and gave a quick thumbs up. "Then it's decided. Our first goal will be acing the EX 4 Ever World Grand Prix, then I'll help you two solidify your legacy with something awesome."

Everyone gave a playful cheer as they agreed and continued the tour of their home. They exited the hallway and entered the living room where on the left lay the kitchen and the front door, and on the right lay a mounted flat screen, 2 beds, and a couch in between them. Korbin pushed Spike as they made their way towards the beds. "Welcome to where the fun happens stud."

"Korbin." Lindsey annoyingly called out.

"Can't I just have a little fun with him?"

Those words brought a deep blush to Spike's cheeks and warmness to his body. Hopefully, Lindsey would diffuse the situation."He is a guest Korbin, a new and fragile one at that, pulling his tail all night is not as fun for him as it is for you."

"Aww fine. As you can see, the kitchen's over there where I make all my delicious meals for us."

"A live tuna on a sandwich is not my ideal idea of a delicious meal."

"It is for me." she happily replied. "And over here are our beds, but you'll have to sleep on the couch unless you're willing to make a deal."

Again the blush on his cheeks was apparently clear. "Um...my tail says no...But wait, if you guys sleep out here, then what's in the back?"

"Well, every pro has to have one simulation chamber."

"Simulation chamber?"

"For days when there's nothing EX related going on outside, that or it's raining or snowing really bad and too dangerous to ride."

Lindsey then tossed Spike a can of soda before continuing upon Korbin's explanation. "The chamber uses a Virtual Reality system to project an environment into your mind. It disables motor functions so you can ride as if in real life. You're basically still getting practice just in your head."

Spike gasped with excitement. "That's really awesome."

"EX news says it's possibly going to pour down tomorrow, so maybe we'll give a whirl if you really want to. Honestly though, I'm really tired and I didn't even notice, I'm surprised I didn't fall asleep any sooner."

"Me either," Korbin said letting out a yawn and stretching. "I need to sleep like neooow."

Suddenly the two began removing their added clothes. First their shoes, then their gloves, all the way until they wore nothing but those leotards. Spike sat motionless, the blush stronger than ever as if a force was forcing him to admire their forms. "You ok Spike?" Lindsey asked.

"Y-yea...just...I...you guys are..."

"I think he's embarrassed." Nicole's voice chimed in as she appeared full size out of spike's wrist.

Korbin suddenly gasped as Nicole came into view. "Nicolie olie!"

"Long time no see you two."

Spike cocked his head in confusion. "You guys know each other?"

"Well, I have friends too Spike, I met them a couple of years ago at a cafe. We got to talking and turns out we had a lot in common. Besides, I can't be Nicole the computer program forever."

Korbin rushed to hug Nicole like she was prey. "I missed you so much!"

"You too Korbin. Have you been behaving yourself lately?"

"Of course I have, I'm not as bad as you think I am."

Her eyes seemed to squint in disbelief as she turned to Lindsey. "Lindsey."

"She "accidentally" clawed a guy's face a week ago."

"Accidentally? What happened Korbin?" She said an annoyed motherly tone.

"Well..." Suddenly she dropped to her and pouted like a small child. "I...may have gotten a little mad at him..."

"For?"

"He said I was doing a move wrong."

"I'm waiting Korbin."

"He said I was doing a move wrong."

"And that gave you a reason to claw his face?"

"He was basically bullying me."

"I think he was giving you advice. Now I want you to think about your actions before you claw another guy's face ok?"

"Ok..."

"Good, now drink your soda."

"Yes mam."

Both you and Lindsey stared at each other with confusion but just shook your heads. "Say, I just noticed but how did you and Spike meet?" Lindsey asked, her curiosity peaking.

Nicole looked at me then nodded. Spike sighed then explained my entire dilemma to them to which they both seemed overly shocked, stopping whatever they were doing no matter what it was. "Wait wait, I just thought you were exaggerating, you're actually from another world where we don't exist?" Korbin said, soda dripping out of her mouth.

"Yea, I thought you understood that."

"Well when you said another world I was thinking maybe off the planet or something but to just jump an entire dimension without emeralds, that's insane."

"It's quite a surprise to me," Lindsey said sounding genuinely surprised. "Look, I'm a little too tired to take this all in so if we could get some sleep first and hopefully redo this tomorrow, that'd be great."

Everyone nodded mentally thanking Lindsey for bringing it to their attention. Korbin made her way under her bed and pulled out a pillow and some covers. "Probably gonna need these Spike."

"Actually, I'm quite fond of a nice cool room."

"Really?"

"I'm a dragon remember. Some things are different for me. The first thing is I like to be a little cold when I sleep, like I'm in a cave."

"Alright then." Korbin returned the two items under her bed and hopped in, pulling the covers over her immediately.

Lindsey slowly slid into hers pulling her covers over her and replacing her eyesight with an eye mask. "Goodnight everyone," she said turning off the light on her side.

Korbin proceeded to do the same and just like that, the room was dark. A few hours passed and soon everyone was out cold, everyone except for Spike. He sighed sitting up from his comfortable position. His eyes slowly shifted, looking at the floor as he was lost in thought, then at Korbin and Lindsey. "...Where's my board?" he said picking up his wrist pad as he looked for it.

Spotting it by the side of the room, he picked it up and approached the front door, not before looking back in concern. He unlocked the door and exited before closing it. A few minutes later, he was riding back into the night, the city within a football field's reach. "And where do you think you're going?" Nicole quickly fired out as she appeared on his wrist pad.

"I'm just...going somewhere to think."

"Think about what?"

"Trust me it's nothing, I'm not hopelessly depressed or anything. But I do need to know where a cliff is or something?"

"If I show you where it is, will you tell me what's up? Pleeeeease?" she asked, her puppy dog eyes paying tribute to the question.

"Ok yes, just please stop with the eyes. I get enough of that from Pinkie and Rainbow." Soon enough to Nicole's instructions, they arrived at a large cliff about a mile of the highway on the edge of the city. Spike looked out to the everlasting desert, the sands and dunes shifting with each second as he put his feet over the side and sat down. "(Sigh)"

"I can tell whatever it is is pretty heavy. Come on, you promised. I'm a good listener I swear."

"Alright alright, just give me a second." He took a deep breath then let it out. "I've...been thinking."

"About that conversation earlier? About your parents?"

"It's shouldn't be this much an issue, I've never questioned it before. Twilight's been the best mom I've ever had, so why now am I suddenly sad about it?"

"Perhaps it was the idea of impressing them, giving the ones who made you something to be proud of?"

"I just wonder...what if I do meet them one day? Would they be proud of who I've become, what I've become? What if I never left them in the first place, would I be better equipped to handle all the things I've had to go through?"

"I understand your plight, it's quite the thought to think of what life would be if things were different. There are a lot of things I would have liked to change in my own life...Robotnik's takeover you know. Would have saved so many lives...but then I think, would anything I know and love today still be here? Would I have stayed in that computer and always been a program instead of living mobian?"

"I see your point, dragons in that world aren't so nice and happy as compared to me. They're usually brash and mean, competitive and greedy, at least most of them. They've begun to show a bit more compassion in certain areas, at least two that I know are showing that they're changing for the better."

"Who are these two might I ask?"

"Oh, the dragon princess Ember and one of her younger students, Smolder. They came to our school of friendship to learn well, friendship."

"Now see, imagine if you had decided to stay with your parents, would you be as nice as you are now?"

"Hmm...that actually makes sense now that I think about it. I kinda guess I came out for nothing huh?"

"Seem like it."

"Well even then, I think I'm gonna stay out here a little bit, you know, get used to sights while I'm at it."

"Don't get to lost in the sights, you have things to do tomorrow."

"I know I know." Nicole disappeared and Spike was left to really wonder what it might have been like if he had met his parents. I mean if I did, I imagine so many things would be so different. I'd have a father and a mother to play with, to give me advice, to give me courage in a time like this. But just like Nicole said, I probably would have never met the ponies then, never would have been as nice as I am now. Twilight's magical prowess always inspired me to do better, Pinkie always kept me happy even when I was down. I most likely would hate ponies too...I guess that's a few negatives to being raised by dragons. Suddenly Spike heard another voice besides his own, one that was feminine and obviously distressed. He searched for it, wondering who it was. After following the sound for a while, he noticed a cliff even lower than the one he was on and sitting at its edge was a girl. Spike quickly dropped down, setting his board down on the rocks and walking towards her. "Excuse me..."

Suddenly she jumped up and screamed, "I swear if you have that Neon girl with you!" Spike dropped to the ground, his heart feeling like it was beating twice as fast as normal. "Oh um...sorry about that kid." she said extending a hand to him. "If you need the cliff it's yours. I was just leaving."

"H-hey wait a minute."

"Hmm?"

"It's just that I came here to think, and it kinda looks like you were thinking too..."

"Why should it be any of your business?"

"I mean...I came here to think too so...If you have any problems, It's better to get it out to someone, you know..."

"You don't even know me kid, I could be a serial killer for all you know."

"You're not are you?"

"No..."

"Oh, well then if you don't wanna talk about it, I'll j-just go. I didn't mean to butt in on your business sorry."

Spike began to nervously walk away until a yank on his tail made him breath a little fire before turning around. "Alright kid, I'll bite. Can't be worse than what's already happened."

"R-really?" he uttered in a muffled tone covering his mouth as smoke snuck out of the corners of his mouth.

"Yea yea, you want to listen or not, because I can leave."

"No no no, let's sit please." Both of them sat down back at the edge of the cliff as they stared into the cloudy moonlit sky. "You mentioned a name a second ago, Neon right?"

"Yea what about it?"

"I met a girl named Neon today, along with with two other birds, one of which was the kind of guy that seems like he likes to bully new competition."

"That's jet alright."

"So you know them?"

"Know them? We're practically family."

"So why weren't you there at sign-ups?"

"Because Neon knows a few different things that make her suddenly a gear expert but while my methods are left in the dust."

"What are your methods then?"

"Slow and calculated hard work kid. The kind of work an EX-Gear really deserves to be the best but no, fast and to the point wins the race apparently."

"Wait a minute, you're that Wave character they were talking about, aren't you?"

"Yep, best EX tuner in the world."

"Better than Tails?"

She took the fetal position placing her head within her knees. "No..."

"I probably shouldn't have said that."

"No...I'm glad you did actually. I mean if I could tell you the truth but...I swear if you laugh." She said with an angered scowl.

"I won't, I swear." He said in fear.

Her attention then turned back toward the sights just beyond the cliff. "I like jet, well...liked jet until I saw he was really a jerk with feathers. That was rubbing off on me and poor storm so I gave him an ultimatum, fix his act or I leave."

"Well seems he made the wrong choice right?"

"You have no idea. He was all "She's so pretty and she can fix EX-Gear in half the time you can" like I'm some type of machine you can replace with a new model. Am I not pretty enough, am I old news or something?"

"No way, you're definitely way more pretty than she is." she quickly jerked her head to stare at him to which he quickly waved his hands in defense. "I-I promise I'm not trying to take advantage of you, I'm just saying. You know maybe he's just looking for a girl that he can control."

"I know that's the case but I'm curious, how do you figure that?"

"Well I learned to read people very well. He has a big ego and it seems like he likes to be in control all the time based on how he treats Neon. That's probably why he got rid of you."

"Yep, that seems about right." She sighed. "Nice to know I'm just a waste of space then."

"That is no way to think Wave. He's just a jerk is all, I imagine if he loses control for even a second, he gets very insecure and very doubtful, or in the case of losing to Sonic, denies everything and does everything he can to win. At least that's what Sonic told me he was like."

"You seem to know your stuff kid. You said Sonic told you that?"

"Yea."

"Any chance you talked to Tails?"

"No, not at all. Apparently, they're setting up the Grand Prix and not really talking to anyone."

"Darn..."

"Is there something going on between you and Tails or should I leave that alone?"

"N-no there's not... He's just some rookie mechanic that got good at messing with EX-Gear. So what if he as smart as he is cute...I don't care."

"I get the feeling you do care."

"So what if I do? I've been messing with them on Jet's behalf every chance we get. It's not like I can change the past and suddenly be all nice and buddy-buddy."

"Well I've realized that some things have to happen in order for things eventually go right. I've been sitting on the idea of meeting my real parents for a while now, I never knew, and instead was raised by ponies."

"Come again?"

"Oh yea, you don't know the full story. Anyway, just think of the chances you would have had to even know about Tails if you hadn't been a Babylon Rogue."

"Well when you put it that way...yea, it would zero to and I would still be on that island doing nothing."

"So why not use that past to turn this negative into a positive?"

"How am I going to do that? I'm not even in the races."

"Well, maybe I'm being overly generous here and a little too optimistic, but what if we got you your chance."

"Come again?"

"Well, you say you're a hardcore EX-mechanic right? What if you joined our team and just maybe if we win, you'll get the chance to talk to him."

"What are you a really persuasive ladies man, why would offer me a spot on your team and you just met me. Remember, serial killer most likely?"

"I mean yes, I get that, but a gamble is a gamble and this is an opportunity that I want to give you, the only one you'll get until the end of the Grand Prix probably."

Wave paused, her eyes closing as she continued to think about it. "It's tempting," she said reopening her eyes. "I'll think about it."

"That's awesome, I'm glad to have you on the--"

"Woah Woah, I said I'll think about it, don't get ahead of yourself kid.

"I-It's actually S-Spike, not kid..."

Wave raised an eyebrow. "Well, you know what kid, you did talk to me against your better judgment so you know what, you earned it. See you later Spike."

"Nice to talking to you." Just as Spike was about to leave, rain began to drip down from the clouds above. He continued to walk until it began to come down harder and harder. Within a minute, it was pouring with a mist blocking Spike's vision almost instantly. "What is with this world, the rain never came down this fast and hard back in Equestria." He felt his way to his board, grabbing it and barely being able to make a step towards wherever he could seek shelter. Suddenly a scream got his attention. His highly attuned ears picked it up immediately coming from the cliff face where Wave was sitting. He dropped the board and quickly made his towards the cliff where instinctively reached out. He caught the feeling of Wave's hand over the cliff face and latched on without error. "Hold on!"

"I don't really have a choice!"

He struggled to pull her up, the rain making his traction slip from under him. He was practically over the cliff at this point and if he didn't pull her up now, they would both fall to rocky sand dunes below, and with the rain, the desert is now a deathtrap of quicksand. Suddenly that draconic feeling kicked in, his arms feeling like they were 10x stronger. He pulled her up with ease and jumped back watching as the cliff began to crumble only seconds afterwards. "You ok?!" he managed to get out though the sound of the overpowering rain.

"Get us out of the rain would you?!"

"R-right!"

Spike quickly moved them to a group of trees blocking out most of the drenching rain before he went back out, grabbed his board, and returned. They both were breathing heavily, the verge of death will do that. After a few seconds, they let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks for that ki--I mean Spike, really. Thought I was gonna bite it there."

"Where did this rain come from?"

"It’s been happening for a week now. We just get a blinding storm out of nowhere in very odd spots, like a specific radius it has. Could be an hour before it goes away, could be more."

"That's insane."

"But really, thank you. If you hadn't been here. I'd probably be dead."

"No problem, I'm just glad my instincts kicked in or I would've never caught you."

Wave attempted to stand up but limped as a result. "Ah...ow. Well, don't say that, what if you hadn't been here idiot."

"Oops, my ba--Hey your leg, you're hurt."

"I noticed."

"Well I can't just leave you to limp back to your house."

"What house?"

"Apartment?"

"What Apartment?"

"A friend's house?" She shook her head. "Well, where do you sleep?"

"I...haven't for a couple of days, I kind of lived on the airship with Jet."

"He kicked you out of the only home you had?"

"And didn't even give me enough money to cover a new place, pretty much.”

"That Jet really needs to get some sense knocked into him."

"Like I don't say every day of my life.”

"Well here I am again probably jumping the gun, but I could always see if you can stay at my friend's place."

"And they are?"

"Lindsey and Korbin. Some pretty cool EX-riders I met at Emerald Park."

"Lindsey and Korbin? They're not a monkey and cat, are they?"

"Yea why?"

She groaned in frustration. "Dear Mobius, not those two. Let's just say that we're not on the...best of terms."

"Well it's them or we just sit here until it ends."

"F-fine, just get my board would ya? It's behind you."

Spike picked the board up and place it under his arm as he hopped on his. "Alright get on and hold on tight."

"Yea I know," she said as she wrapped her arms around Spike. "Ready." Spike for the first time put his glasses on and began to slowly take off through the trees. Eventually, they reached the highway again and made their way in the direction of the house. As Spike focused on the road ahead of him, Wave looked up at him, a slight blush coming to her face. What kind of idiot picks up a random stranger and just...ugh, I can't even begin to understand how annoying this is. Even with no cars on it, the highway was long and treacherous, an infinite loop unless you got off at an exit and theirs was coming up until something caught their attention. There was light in the sky, shining through the clouds. But it wasn't the moon, it had the feeling and look of a spotlight. "Spike, what is that?"

"I don't know, the rain makes it hard to see."

Suddenly the rain began to get harder and the light closer. At this point, it was apparent what was causing this sudden storm. A giant airship made it's presence know as it lowered with the sound of futuristic engines. The entire underside of this airship was littered with holes to which the water was coming out of. "And...fire." An old man's voice rang out.

Suddenly that light began to spark and get brighter. "Spike watch it!" Wave yelled.

Spike quickly jerked his board to the right to which a giant buzz of lightning came down where they just were, the flash making Wave let go for a moment only to fall helplessly off the board. With haste, Spike grabbed her hand as fast as he could and pulled her up to which she latched her arms around him again."Are you ok?"

"Don't worry about me, keep your eye on whatever just shot at us!"

"Who did that? That was giant freaking lightning bolt!"

It was then a hearty laugh came through over an intercom. "Judging by that ridiculous laugh--"

That old man's voice suddenly sprang to life even more, his laugh getting even more intense before he began to cough uncontrollably. "Darn, gotta cut down on the laugh time." He then cleared his throat and continued. "My plan is finally complete, I've finally built the ultimate creation, and with it, I will capture the anomaly."

Spike curiously hummed. "Anomaly?"

The voice instantly responded. "You dragon, are the anomaly. I am aware that you're not from our world, and not just off-planet, but from a completely other dimension. That is unusual, and you've been shown to release a rather interesting power when you are properly motivated."

"You've been watching me whoever you are?"

"Oh in great detail. But simply watching provides only so much progress toward discovering what makes you tick. I want to study you and this latent power, it may be the key to world domination."

"Whoa whoa whoa, I'm not some kind of secret weapon, I'm just a dragon, you'd have more luck with Sonic, he has super speed."

"Well, I won't know until I capture now will I? Bring us to ground level next to the highway and prepare a port barrage!"

"Spike!" Wave nervously called out as the Ship began to drop down beside them, dozens of guns preparing to fire upon them.

"Ready...aim...and...fire!"

"Too slow!" Another voice rang out as Spike and Wave were suddenly skyrocketed into dodging each and every bullet coming from the guns. Suddenly they were released from their intense speed to which they proceeded to look for the savior. Sure enough, to their right was the savior himself running like a speed demon to keep up. "What are ya doing attacking innocent people egghead, seems to me like you're getting desperate."

All three of them called out at the same time, "Sonic?!"

"Hey hey Spike, long time no see. Only been here a day and Egghead's already got his sights on you?"

Spike scratched his head. "I didn't think I was such an important target."

Sonic then turned his attention toward Wave. "Well well Wave, where's the egomaniac?"

Her expression turned to anger as she looked away. "It's none of your business."

He whistled in surprise. "Wow, that's cold, still not crazy about us huh?"

Spike could hear the growl in her tone. "Sonic! What are you doing here?!" Eggman angrily chimed in.

"Who little old me? Well, I had a hunch egghead, well actually Tails had a hunch really. We both did, point is we both knew you would try something if you knew about Spike here."

"And your hunch was correct it seems. Very well, I'll have to crush you before I can get my hands on such a unique specimen.'"

"Spike, go wherever you need to go, I'll handle this."

Spike nodded and began to trail off near the nearest exit until the sound of something got their attention, a missile being launched from another cannon near the front of the ship. Sonic with his quick thinking instantly jumped up. "Oh no you don't!"

Without a moment to spare, he kicked the tip of the missile, flipping it over, and sending it now barreling at Eggman's giant airship. Before Spike could see what happened, they descended down a ramp and all that was heard was an explosion.

Spike decided to find an alternate route to use, although it took an extra hour. Finally, they were on the long road that leads down to Korbin and Lindsey's abode. Instantly Spike began to chuckle. "Not gonna lie, that was kinda entertaining, does this happen often?"

"What, you actually enjoy the hair-brained schemes that idiot comes up with."

"Well, I just figure if you're like Sonic, kinda always on top of it, you learn to enjoy the newest scheme for how dumb it is...or at least I hope that's the philosophy."

It was then that she let a chuckle. "Well if we're speaking from Sonic's perspective, it's pretty much an everyday thing, like they're weird frenemies or something. Good thing we got that newbie of a Blue Blur around though since no else seems to want to do the job as much as him, except for when he leaves for like a day, then all hell breaks loose. Thy both hysterically laughed at that before Wave tightened her grip on Spike a bit. "Hey Spike..." Wave quietly said.

"Yea?"

"Thank you...for saving me or whatever...I thought about it...but I really didn't want to die."

"Hey, no problem. Besides everything seems to be going around you anyway."

"And what do you mean by that?" she hissed.

"Nothing nothing at all, I promise. I just think that I should protect you or something." He reassured before returning his attention to the road.

"That's...so stupid...and cheesy..."

Wave found herself hugging Spike so tight, he could barely breathe. "Hey...you're squeezing kinda hard--"

"Thank you, Spike...I mean it...I wasn't on the cliff to think."

Spike's eyes widened at that realization. "You mean you were gonna..."

She nodded. "I just...everyone hates us...everyone hates me...because of the rogues...because of the way we've treated everyone and I just...we've been doing for so long, our reputation is downright dead, my only family back on the island won't write back to me." It was then that Spike stopped the board just inside an alley, letting Wave lean against a wall as she continued. "I tried to get an apartment, tried to tell the woman running the place that I wasn't with rogues anymore, but she just kept kicking me out. I've been homeless for 2 months now... living off what little scraps I can find, it's amazing I've survived this long. But who cares about one homeless swallow, who cares about the beggar on the side of the street, when you can live in your nice cushy house." It was then that she hugged him, pushing her way into his embrace. "That's why...I'm glad you came by...to talk to a random mobian no less, but you came nonetheless. Just please don't be lying about this...please..."

"I'm not I promise. All I want is to make everyone happy in my mission to get back to my world."

"So Eggman wasn't kidding huh? What do they specialize in friendship or something?"

"Yea actually."

Her eyes went wide at those words. "Wow, and I was just kidding..." As she retreated from Spike's embrace, she nailed him hard in the arm. "Don't you even think to tell a single soul about this or I will personally beat you to death with my wrench."

He quickly comforted his arm as a sharp pain shot up it, Wave obviously trying to avoid eye contact. "Ow..." They arrived minutes later, hopping off as they got a look at the house. The lights were on, which meant that the two ladies were awake. "I guess they figured out I left."

"Oh boy." Wave said un-enthusiastically.

"Now you might not be on the best terms, but knowing what I know now, I'll back you up as much as I can, believe it.

She smiled before quickly shaking her head. "Stop making me all sappy would ya and get a move on already."

"Alright, time to introduce the team to the new EX tuner."

Rev up that Gear: Enemy or Respect

"Spike!" Both of them yelled. "Where the hell have you been?!"

Spike jumped back a little, shocked and kind of scared that girls seemed to be so distraught over his absence. "Hey calm down, I just went out for a little ride."

Suddenly they stepped forward and grabbed Spike by his shoulders. "You leave in the middle of the night and think we wouldn't notice huh? We're trying to become friends here, you just can't up and leave on us."

"Ok ok, you're creeping me out with the talking in unison thing, I was just outside taking a midnight ride, that's all."

Both them let out a sigh of relief as Lindsey spoke up. "I'm terribly sorry Spike, we were just... worried."

"Right yea..." Korbin added.

Spike sighed. "What am I, some kind of drama magnet. Anyway, I can't neccissarily talk because well, it's my turn."

"Your turn for what?" Korbin confusingly asked.

"Well...my turn to do a little apologizing. See, when I was out on this ride, I kind of met someone."

"Oooooh, like a girl?"

"Well yes...just not for the reason you might think?"

Korbin suddenly was in Spike's face, eyes as wide as saucers and pupils focused directly on his."Details..." she whispered. "Every single one..."

Spike placed his finger on her forehead and slowly pushed her away. "Let's take a step back...little more...little more...there ya go. Now look, I don't want you guys to be mad, but I was thinking and she was thinking, and we were thinking in the same place, and we got to talking and turns out, she's pretty nice, not to mention a top-notch EX-tuner."

"Well don't leave us in the dark, tell us her name stud."

Spike sighed, breathing in and out of his nose as he prepared to introduce the lion to the wolves. Spike then motioned behind him as another figure appeared in the doorway. "Guys, I want you to meet..."

"Wave?!" They both responded.

"Uh...yea...hi..." she responded.

"Spike?" Korbin asked with anger in her soul.

"I said don't be mad."

"That was before I knew it was her, what is she doing here?"

"Well...like I said, we met, we talked, and now we're working together."

"Oh no no, there is no way she is stepping foot in here." Korbin quickly growled before taking a pouncing stance. "I want her out!"

"Woah Woah, you guys are acting like she's the devil, I mean yeah she's done some pretty bad things but--"

"Pretty bad, she ruins everything her and her stupid Babylonian Rogues touch. She even called me a putty cat and I hate it."

"Wait, a what?"

"A putty cat!" she said hissing in the direction of the bird.

"What even is a putty ca-- Actually nevermind, I don't want to know."

Wave sighed then pushed Spike out of the way a little. "Listen or don't I don't care, I just want to apologize for everything that I might have done to you guys and anyone else."

"Yeah right, you're playing Spike to get on his good side aren't you?"

"I'm trying to apologize you big housecat."

"You looking for a fight you big cockatoo?!" Korbin quickly responded.

"No, I didn't mean it like that, I'm trying to say I'm sorry you idiot."

"You're doing one hell of a job at it."

"Look if you let me explain instead of shooting up at every statement I make, we would be ok!"

"Then why don't you apologize like a normal person instead of adding these sarcastic comments in!"

"It's just the way I am, you think this is easy!"

"I do! I wouldn't have accepted it anyway. Anybody who hangs around Jet is not worth my time!"

"Let me explain and maybe you'll figure out why I'm here!"

"No." she responded like a small child would.

"What?"

"I said no."

Korbin then sat on the ground, legs crossed, eyes closed, and turned her attention away from Wave. "What the? Don't you ignore m--" Wave was suddenly cut off my Korbin meowing in her face. Still, Wave pursued only to be interrupted by Korbin's obnoxious attitude again and again. "You think this is some kind of joke?!"

"When the big cockatoo is involved, it might as well be."

Wave's face was that pure anger. If it weren't for physics, steams would be spewing out her. "I swear you're just a little putty cat."

Korbin's eyes then shot open as the words entered her ears. Slowly but angrily, she got up and now the two were face to face. "Call me that again?"

"Oh, you think I won't. You...are...a baby, a kitty, a little...putty cat."

Their eyes met, the spark noticeably visible between them.

"Lin Lin...call an ambulance...because this bird is going to need a feather transplant when I'm done with her!" she screamed as she tackled Wave to the ground. Within seconds they were rolling around ferociously wrestling, the sounds of the entire event echoed through the house and out of it as the door was still open. As Spike attempted to make his way around the disagreement, they both stood up ready to continue fighting. Unfortunately, Spike was stuck in the middle of them both. Wave proceeded to remove a wrench from thin air and swing it up high. Spike ducked only to see Korbin's claws coming directly at him. Quickly he jumped only to see the wrench coming at him again. Like an acrobat, he was forced to dodge wrench after claw, again and again, contorting his body in different ways and positions to avoid the danger. "Lindsey do something quick!"

"Oh dear, j-just give me a sec to think, um..."

"Hurry up, their strikes are getting closer and closer.

Lindsey stood as Spike continued to dodge, watching his movements closely. She then whipped her tail into the maelstrom allowing Spike to grab on. She quickly pulled him out and watched as the two continued to clash. "Whew, you ok Spike?"

"Fine, I'm fine, just relieved." he said catching his breath. "so what happened between you guys that made this," he uttered nervously looking back upon the fight. "Disagreement happen?"

"Well..." Lindsey began before Korbin screamed out.

"Put the wrench down and fight me like a man!"

"We're women idiot!" Wave shot back before Korbin smacked the wrench out of her hand rocketing the metal tool into Spike's head and sending him to the ground.

Spike awoke 2 hours later to silence. With his vision heavily blurred and his head pounding in pain, he struggled to figure out what happened. Moments later he was finally able to see that the fight had solved nothing. Wave was on one side room silent while Korbin was on another. "Oh Celestia my head."

"Spike!" Both of them screamed before rushing to his aid. "Are you ok? Why do you care?" they shot back at each other. "You're the reason he was knocked out in the first place, don't act like you care about him!"

"Can you two maybe keep it down?" Spike politely asked.

To no one's surprise, they ignored Spike's request and continued to fight amongst themselves. "Say you're sorry! No, you say it! I shouldn't have to say it, I'm not the one who knocked him out."

"Wave, Korbin, any chance we could tone it down a bit, my head really hurts."

Once again his request fell against deaf ears. "Spike is our friend," Korbin growled. "He's on our team and we met him first."

"Well, he said I could be on the team too!"

"Nobody wants you here, you're just trying--"

"Would you two shut up!" Spike yelled at the top of his lungs. Both of them stopped dead in their tracks, eyes wide and mouth agape. "I swear I've never seen a more immature bunch of animals, I mean I have, but you two are something else! You would think that me getting dropped to the floor would do something for you but no, you two seem intent on continuing this!"

"Oh boy," Wave replied. "My bad Spike I didn't mean to escalate it like this."

"Yes, she did," Korbin whispered.

"That's it." Spike slowly rose to his feet and proceeded to sit on the center of the bed, legs crossed and nostrils seething with smokey rage. He then pointed to two spots directly in front of him. "Sit."

"But Spike?"

"I said sit. And for the love of all that's holy, stop talking in sync." They both took their seats, crossing their legs, and facing him. "No no no, facing each other." An unpleasant sigh left both their mouths as they turned to face each other. "Now, I'm gonna ask someone here to tell me what happened and then we're gonna resolve this entire thing, am I understood?" They both looked at him with that annoyed expression. "I said," he said as his eyes began to glow a luminescent green. "Is. That. Understood?" Both of them became stiff as boards as they nodded. "Good, now please, someone tell me what happened?"

"I'll do the honors I guess." Wave quickly responded. "I am the one apologizing here."

Korbin growled at this act of apology. "Why should she get to the story first, she'll just lie her way out of this." Spike shot his glowing annoyance at her and growled. "Um...go right ahead Wave...I'll just shut up."

"Ok look, I've been...apart...of the Babylon Rouges for a long time. We were a team no matter what, through every race and job, even though they got on my nerves like little babies I had to babysit on a weekday. Of course, when Jet suggests something that sounds a bit crazy, I'm skeptical at first, but I usually go along with it, which isn't my best decision mind you. When he asked me to sabotage Sonic's board during the first World Grand Prix, I was against the idea partially, but in reality, I liked Jet, like really really liked Jet. And I maybe he'll acknowledge me if I do this. maybe he'll stop being a jerk for one day so that I can finally pop the question, but our race, Team Babylon and Team Flora, that was the final straw."

Spike turned his head towards Lindsey in confusion. "Hey don't look at me, we were going through a weird naming process."

"This particular Grand Prix," Wave continued. "ended up with our two teams as the finalist racing in the nostalgic Megalo Station. 2 laps was the goal and in order to win, the majority of the team had to hit that finish line first. It was about teamwork, working together to cross the finish line as a group instead of individually. That is until around the end of the second lap that something happened that I'll always regret. Jet and Storm were ahead of the group while I had gotten stuck in the back of the pack. If I didn't do something, we would lose and Jet would hate me forever. Spike, you of all animals have to understand the place I was in when this happened, I was scared, scared of being shunned like a reject by the hawk I thought I knew ...the reason they were looking for a third member in the first place was because of me, I ruined that dragon's career..."

"Dragon?" Spike uttered.

His name was Kindro the flame, a dragon like you. He was so unique...so special, unlike any rider you'd ever seen before." A noticeable scowl formed on Korbin's face as she continued. "That mobian had the twice the reflexes any professional rider had, a speed that rivaled even sonic on EX-gear, and such a passion for the sport and care for his board that seemed like he was on fire. Jet made the order, "we needed to win, just get him out of the way already" was all he kept repeating to me. We need to win, we need to win, remove him, push him, do something..." Her face began to show that of sorrow and regret, a single tear trickling down her cheek. " He just kept going and going and going until I just couldn't take it anymore! I snapped...I snapped, I exploded, I pushed him. Not planned, not calculated, not even a single thought toward the action, I just shoved him, so hard, that I almost fell off my own board. Spike...t-there was...there was this truck...it came out nowhere...and he couldn't dodge in time...there was no jumping over it, no avoiding it. I-I tried to make up for it..." she said getting loud in her tone. "I tried, I tried so hard do anything, v-v-visit him, I sent flowers, I told Jet wanted to be done with trickery and the cheating a-and...tried to do anything to make up for it...but...when Jet demanded I stop going to the hospital and focus on work, I gave in...still under his wing, and yet I knew there is no excuse for what I did...Even with Jet squawking in my ear over and over, In the end, I made the choice to push him... and no amount of regret can fix that."

Korbin became increasingly agitated, her eyes staring daggers into Wave's as her claws began to emerge. "It was because of you that he quit, It was because of you that he wanted nothing to do with us!"

"You think I want to go around just hurting people because we're "The fastest things on EX-Gear," It's demeaning, it's ruined my freaking life."

Tears began to stream from Korbin's eyes as well before her claws came into sight and angrily took hold of Wave's shirt. With no hesitation, she pulled her in close and angrily stared into her soul, the fire emitting from her eyes as if she were a demon herself. "You have some nerve coming in here like you didn't do what you did, you tore us apart!"

Wave angrily took hold of Korbin's leotard, equally matching her anger. "Bite me cat, I didn't mean to it, I didn't mean to do any of it to anyone!"

"You knew exactly what you were doing you crazy bird! Because of you, he stopped racing! And because he stopped racing, he stopped caring! It's your fault we stopped talking, your fault we stopped everything... I loved him...How do you make up for that?"

"I don't fucking know..." Wave uttered, both of them letting go of the other's shirt and slowly sliding back down to their knees. "I can't ever make up for something like that...I'm a stupid bird who made a stupid mistake and because of that, I'm paying for it now. I was messed up, years and years under the wing of that jerk turned me into something I didn't want to be in the first place. I hated myself and everything about me...even my crush on that green bird going squawk squawk all the time. I never wanted to hurt people, I just wanted to hunt for treasure like when we first formed the rogues, then we realized just how good we were at it and started stealing things we didn't deserve to have, even if it was our birthright. I mean treasure hunting is stealing in and of itself but doesn't hurt innocent people, it doesn't cheat the wrong people...I just wanted an honest life and being with them wasn't going to make that happen. So 2 months ago, I ditched the crew and have been living on my own ever since. I know there is no escaping my consequences but just know, I'm not trying to take advantage of anyone, I'm just trying to say my bad. Well there you go, the full story of Jet, my abusive ex-family, drove me to do something I never wanted to do. But even then, I'm sure you won't accept my apology since I'm kinda the reason you guys went off the grid for so long so...I think it's weird now...so I'm gonna go." Wave proceeded to stand up from the bed, grabbing her oh so precious wrench from the floor as she neared the door.

"W-wait!" Spike said as he ran to block the door. "Y-you can't leave."

"Come on Spike, you just saw what happened, it's over."

"N-no, I'm not letting you leave. I remember what you told me after we got saved by Sonic out there, in that alley. No one trusts you, no one will even give a chance, those 2 months you've been living on your own--"

"Spike I told you not mention that..."

"Living on your own means being offered a chance to actually live somewhere, anywhere, instead you've been homeless, out on the streets eating scraps, living under god knows what."

"Dammit Spike shut the h--"

"You were going end it all on that cliff...try and run from your pain and by walking out of this house, you're doing the same thing. I won't let you."

As Wave was about to furiously retort, a sudden warmth around her hand made her turn back to crying Korbin. "Wave...I'm sorry for how things turned out..."

"I always knew Jet was quite the character, but I never considered him to be that abusive," Lindsey added. "Wave I...I don't what to say."

"Even with that..." Korbin continued. Wave was about to say something when she stopped when a stinging pain pierced her cheek, raising her hand up attempting to comfort it. "I don't want to forgive you, I don't. You have no idea how much I just want to sink my claws into you right now, for all the pain you've caused me, Lin Lin and Kindro. But...I have to forgive you...you didn't want to live that life...and deep down, I've always had the feeling...that something wasn't quite right about you, that you were hiding your true self somewhere in there. She then lifted her head to her with a smile. "I'm glad I was right, call it a kitty's intuition." Korbin hopped off the bed as well and embraced Wave into a hug. "I'm...not sure I like the idea of embracing my sworn enemy, but it feels...good to make a new friend."

"OK ok, enough with the sappy talk, I'm glad you forgive me." She said wiping her tears. "Oh man, just look at you runts, making me all sappy and sad."

"Oh lookie Lin Lin, she's acting all tough, it's so cute. Come on Wave, you know you wanted to get all emotional in the first place didn't you?" Korbin said teasing Wave as she poked her annoyingly.

"Ugh, no I didn't, just drop it already."

"Then why are we hugging?"

"I don't know...I was dragged into it. Just...don't tell anyone this happened cool?"

"I'm so posting this to everyone."

"Don't you guys know how to keep a freaking secret?"

Spike sighed before falling back on the bed. "Geez, my head is still pounding from that wrench."

"Yea...my bad on that one, didn't know she would slap it out of hand like that."

"We're not gonna have to take you to a hospital, are we?" Lindsey asked with a slight chuckle in her voice.

"What kind of dragon can't handle a little head trauma here and there, I'm used to it by now."

Lindsey placed a hand upon Spike's chest, pushing him back down to the bed and sitting next to him. "Korbin, why don't you show Wave your garage."

"That. Is. A great idea, come on Wave!"

"Hey wait a minu--"

Her words were cut off when Korbin yanked her in the direction of the garage. It was then that Lindsey placed a hand upon Spike's shoulder. "I must personally thank you for doing that...we've been at odds with the rogues for a while now."

"It was no problem really, I handle stuff like this back in my world all the time."

"What are you, some kind of guru?"

"I wish..." he uttered before catching a confused eye from Lindsey. "Well you know, friendship guru and all. I'm kind of just the support in the grand scheme of things, the assistant. The true friendship solver is Twilight, and the rest of the gang, I've always kind of just been the necessary background pony. Important, but not really neede--"

Spike was met with a snap in front of his face. "Enough of the negativity Mr. Guru because you seem like the leader of your own story right now. Braving the dangers of this world to try and get home, sounds like you're the main character all right."

"Sounds like a small detour to me."

"You really think so?"

"I mean yea since it will probably be the same exact routine when I get back."

"Have you thought about... perhaps staying here?"

"Hmm? Oh, no way, I have to get back or my friends or they'll be worried sick about me, Twilight will most likely tear through a dozen dimensions at that point to find me. And I care way too much about them to let them go so I'd tear through a dozen dimension too I suppose."

After a few moments of thought, she began to giggle, her failed attempt to hold it in. "I really do like you Mr. Spike, your brand of friendship is quite contagious like a family has for each other."

"Hey in my world, it literally is magic."

"Where do you even get the money to buy all this? Wave asked as they re-entered the room.

"That is a secret that I shall tell no soul," Korbin replied.

"Lindsey, I'm starting to think your sister is hoarding because she has a ton of gear and apparently an infinite amount of income."

"That isn't news to me," Lindsey said with a chuckle. "She won't even tell me where it comes from."

"That's for me to know and you guys never to find out. Now, since we have a brand new mechanic, where we all gonna sleep?"

"I suppose Wave can sleep in your bed, you did just kiss and make up after all."

Wave scratched her head and turned away. "Yea, I don't think so. We just made up, importance on the word, 'just'. Are you trying to make it awkward Lindsey?"

"You could take the couch." Spike chimed in. "Not as comfy as a bed but it's something."

Wave raised an eyebrow at that offer. "But won't that mean you'll be on the floor?"

"I'm a dragon, I've slept on cave floors for a living, no need to worry."

Wave cracked a smile before shrugging. "Suit yourself."

Korbin handed her the spare cover and pillow that Spike refused earlier and they took their positions to sleep. Having been up until about 2 in the morning, the gang found themselves dead asleep until about 11 o'clock. Korbin was the first to wake up, doing some common stretches alongside some unusual ones only a cat could perform. She then roused everyone from their slumber with a loud meow causing Lindsey to angrily groan before rolling over. "I thought I informed you not to do that anymore?"

"Sorry sorry, force of habit. Besides, today's the first day of many right?"

"I'm not quite as forgetful as you are."

"I'm not forgetful at all, I remembered today."

"Did you remember grandpa's birthday was yesterday?"

"Um...."

"Did you even get him a present dear?"

"Um...nevermind."

"As I thought. Everyone, please wake up, it's time to begin our training."

Spike got up and stretched ever so slightly letting out a little flame as he yawned. "We're doing what now?"

"Training."

"Oh yea, the Grand Prix," he said with a yawn. "Any chance that maybe I can get like 10 more minutes?"

"Unfortunately no, you cannot get 10 more hours of sleep."

"I said minutes not hours."

"I understood what you meant dear.."

"Damn...Wave's still out cold, and I don't wanna get hit with that wrench again so..."

"I'll take care of I--"

"No need." Wave said into her pillow. "I'm up already."

Lindsey smiled and began to put on her boots. "Good, now let's tidy up and get moving shall we?"

After the usual hygiene, at least for Mobians, they all proceeded out of the house and into the streets, EX-Gear under their feet. Wave held her stomach in hunger as they neared the road back into the city. "I hope breakfast in on the agenda."

"Oh, you bet!" Korbin screamed. "I know the perfect place." An hour later, they exited the door of that "perfect" restaurant, everyone's faces confused. "Oh man, that was great."

"When I said breakfast, I meant breakfast, as in pancakes or some nice bacon and eggs."

"That was breakfast wasn't it?"

Lindsey sighed. "That was a sushi place Korbin."

"Hey, sushi is good."

"Perhaps for lunch or dinner but we're not like you, we don't eat fish every minute of every day."

"Oh...sorry."

Spike tapped his belly watching it jiggle a little. "Well, you did manage to fill us up so I guess it's not all bad."

"Yay, I knew Spike would like it."

"So where exactly are we going for our illustrious training Lindsey."

Lindsey pointed to the highway. "We're heading down east to the Dolphin Resort."

"A dolphin Resort? What's a dolphin exactly?"

"It's like a friendlier version of a shark," Korbin added.

"A shark?"

"Have you...ever actually seen a shark or anything?"

"I've seen a seapony."

"Now there are ponies in the sea?" Wave asked with slight confusion in her voice.

"Yea, they were pretty off the radar for a while but we ended up saving their kingdom and well, all of Equestria really and they rejoined the world.

"Your world sounds so weird." Wave said with a chuckle. Lindsey motioned the team on their way and soon they found their way back onto the highway. "Darn, I don't have my tuning gear, everything I need to work is still on the airship with that stupid Jet."

Spike quietly cheered as the thought crossed his mind. "We can ask Rotor for some help since he's an EX-tuner too."

"Rotor? That freedom fighter who's friends with Sonic? Ugh...Yay, more apologizing."

"Don't you worry your beak about it." Lindsey chimed in. "If this Rotor is friends with Sonic, he'll be more than forgiving."

After what seemed like an eternity of explanation and apologizing, the gang was finally able to return to the highway, a happy Wave in tow. "You weren't kidding, these guys really are buddy buddy with everyone they meet."

"Nice of him to lend you that tool kit too," Korbin said.

"Nice? Nice? It's downright insane that he lent me a one of a kind vintage Meteotech tool kit, the first generation of tuning kits for EX-Gear. Do you know how valuable this is?"

"More than forgiving as I said," Lindsey replied. "We're coming up on the exit, turn here everyone."

Upon doing so, they slowly made their way into a tunnel which conveniently led underwater and back up again. When they emerged they were greeted by a sea of wonder. The path was surrounded on both sides by an endless void of water while arcs of it shot over the path defying gravity. A giant dome of water sat in the distance while dolphins happily swam beside and under the path. Inside the nearby building were fountains going all the way down to a large ramp with a waterfall covering the edge. "Wow..." Spike uttered. "It's like a giant water park."

"It's actually Dolphin Resort." Korbin jokingly added. "Just thought I'd let you know, you know?"

Spike's eyes rolled as he smiled back at her."I know what it's called Korbin, I'm just saying, there's a lot of water here." As Spike walked to the edge of the path and instantly, a dolphin broke the surface, making him reel back a bit before realizing he wasn't in danger. "So this...is a dolphin?"

"Yep yep." Korbin happily said as she crouched next to him. "They're so cute and innocent and they never ever attack anyone so they're like the perfect animal. Go on, pet it?"

"Pet the dolphin?"

"Yea, they're super friendly anyway, they won't mind."

Spike placed his hand atop the dolphin's head and rubbed gently. "Wow, it's smooth, kinda rubbery."

Lindsey took her place next to Spike placing her hand atop the dolphin's head as well. "They need less friction to move through the water thoroughly and so, rubbery skin."

"Kinda like scales, just for water."

"I wouldn't put it that way but yes, like scales for water. Anyway, there's no time to waste if we are to be the best at this Grand Prix. We'll start off in the building over there."

"Right, see ya later little guy." Korbin cooed.

As everyone made their way over to Lindsey, Wave began to pull out the tools one by one, letting Lindsey begin her lecture. "Everyone knows the basics already but in Spike's case, we'll have to review. We only have a couple of days until the Grand Prix kicks off so let's get started with basics while Wave does what she does best."

"Like no Mobian's ever seen before." Wave uttered as she had already begun working on Lindsey's board.

"Now Spike, first things first, addressing your quite comedic screw up in our initiation race with the timer and the barrier." Spike couldn't help but scratch his head in embarrassment. "The race doesn't officially begin until that timer hits zero, and ten seconds is what you get before you need to be off that starting line and into the course. The trick to this is to mentally count those seconds off in your head once the beeping starts. Once you reach 1 second, kick off so that you meet the starting the moment the electric field drops. This will be your best possible chance of holding first place earlier."

"So listen to the beeps and kick on the last second to have the best chance for an early first place lead?"

"You got it."

Oh oh, can I do the next one?" Korbin interrupted.

"Spike is the student here, so be my guest."

"Awesome! Listen soldier, class is in session!"

"This isn't a military operation Korbin."

"Ugh fine fine, ruin the fun. So next up is items. Items are your secondary advantage in a race. They may be different this year so it's best you know the types of items. Leader items are meant to slow down the competition behind you making sure you stay in first place. I think last time it was a cute little squiddy or something that shot ink behind you. Anyway, next are follower items which help you slow the competition ahead of you. One time it was a giant ice ball that rolled everyone up, another time it was a horde of giant bees."

"Actually Korbin, I don't that's accurate." Lindsey quickly corrected. "That was for an entirely different gimmick, racing transformed or something to that effect.

"You mean when they were driving cars?"

"Yes. As a matter of fact, they a new team racing event going on in the future with cars."

"How many gimmicks can they get away with. Any way last are general items. These include your standard things in a race, like those shiny little rings or air capsules for your board."

"Which bring us to the last point of the lesson, your gear and your HUD." Lindsey continued.

"Hey, you said I could do it?"

"I said you could do one part."

Korbin pouted. "No you didn't..." she mumbled.

"I'm sure Rotor explained this to you in you great detail, that is his style, so hopefully I don't have to explain to you how gear changes work right?" Spike smiled nervously. "I figured. Nicole, may I request a temporary representation of the HUD?"

"Certainly. And also, nice to see you guys doing well after...last night, I swear I could hear you from all the way in the tower. Of course, you have Spike to thank for your eventual solution."

"Hey, I try." Spike chimed in.

Lindsey continued as the holographic example popped up. "This holographic HUD will show you three key things you need to keep an eye on, your air gauge, your ring count, and your gear change slots. Air is the most basic concept of racing you have to keep an eye on. Grabbing item capsules containing air, successfully landing tricks, and heading through your designated gear change paths are the only ways to procure air. Although there are air stations that you can use, these will significantly slow you down if you're not careful. Next, your ring gauge shows how many rings you have collected which influences the gear change slot. When enough rings have been collected for a specific change, the corresponding icon will light up and allow you to change the attributes of your board. Every board is different however, some have two alternate gear changes, some may have only one, others may not have one at all.

"Mine even had 4 once," Korbin added.

"I think I remember the rest," Spike added. Boards have different abilities based on type right? Speed, Flight, and Power. Speed is the fastest and can grind on rails. Flight uses the ability of flight to soar above the competition and power smashes their way through obstacles to reach denied shortcuts."

"Mr. Spike, you have been doing your homework, I'm pleasantly surprised. Also, don't forget that some special boards do exist that allow types to one board."

"That seems kinda cheap isn't it?"

"Well, those boards usually have a high requirement for gear changing so it's fair, trust me. Now, I think that's everything you need to know about the technical side of things, And since we're done, would you mind putting that information to the test?

"I think I could go a round...I think"

"And lucky you, I just finished tuning all of our gear." Wave said as she handed the three back their boards. "Oh and Korbin, I went ahead and tweaked the sensitivity on your board a little. It felt a little slow."

"Thanksies, I always thought it was a tiny bit off."

Lindsey placed her board under her feet as did everyone else. "Alright Korbin, release the drone. Don't forget to do your best everyone."

Korbin took the drone in hand and let it fly as it set up a good 2 to 3 yards away. The electric current popped in and the countdown began. Spike closed his eyes and began to count. Beep...10....beep...9...beep...8. Spike thought as he remembered the advice. As the ticks neared 1, he opened his eyes and placed his foot upon the ground. beep...3...beep...2....beep...1! Spike let loose a hammer of power as he kicked off alongside his three teammates. A higher pitched beep started the race and the dropped the electric field the moment everyone passed through it. "H-hey, I did it woo!"

Wave patted him on the back before pulling ahead of him. "I'm so proud." Wave sarcastically replied. "Don't get a big head until you win this race kid."

"R-right." The building began to descend to a downward hill with a large ramp at the end of it. Spike felt his body tense once more but shook the feeling immediately. Just gotta stay calm and focus. He bent his knees and prepared, watching as everyone else jumped off the ramp with ease. "I can do this, to get home." He neared the ramp and just as caught the edge of it, jumped with all his might, soaring into the sky like an eagle. As he did so, he looked down to see Korbin make circular motions with her finger. "I think they want me to do a trick but...."

He landed on the ground with ease and caught up with the team. Korbin quickly joined him. "What happened up there Spike? I was telling you to do a trick dummy."

"S-sorry, I guess I'm not as calm as I think I am."

"You gotta keep it calm and take the risk, even if you mess up, you still get air. Just make sure to stay mellooooooo..." she uttered as she pulled ahead.

Spike took in a deep breath before continuing to catch up. As he neared the next building, he saw three signs inside floating above the race. The right one was red with the word power, the left was blue with the word speed, and the middle, yellow with the word fly. As he made his way down this path, a ramp differently colored from the anything else rose to alert him to a new path above the competition. Lindsey took the left where speed was her specialty, showing off as she grinded the rail made completely of water while Korbin took the right, where she effortlessly smashed through the tables and obstacles in her way. Spike looked forward as he rode the ramp up soaring into the air. He passed through the first ring with ease, then the second, then the third, only to see that it was a really straight shot to the end of the building where he was greeted by another open area before a tunnel. "Nice use of the gear path Spike!" Lindsey yelled out.

As they passed into this tunnel, a grind rail sat directly right of them. Easy pickings for Lindsey but Spike was forced to ignore it. He neared the end of the tunnel where large doors began to open on their approach. As they approached another ramp, Spike did his best to calm himself until everyone got a bird's eye view of the area up ahead, and Spike didn't like what he saw. Another large ramp sat at the end of the long straight path but that jump would lead to something else. The giant dome, which actually wasn't a dome at all. Instead, it was like a gigantic water fountain spun up into a small cylinder like twister, and that jump would have them plunging right into the center of it. "Wait wait wait, we're not going into that thing are we?"

"Don't worry about it, Spike. Once you're inside, just start swimming, the current will take you from there."

"Are you sure? I mean..."

Spike was then greeted with Korbin patting him on the back. "Remember what I said earlier, be mellow."

They all spread out as they neared the ramp, Spike taking every moment to adjust his stance. He couldn't help but let out a huge sigh as he bent his legs. Calm, think calm. Nicole's touch...everyone back home...just let them drive you. As he aired of the ramp, he jumped in mid-air, putting pressure on the front of the board specifically as to let it spin vertically under him, a complete 360 before returning to his feet. As he looked over, he could see the stars in Korbin's eyes which honestly creeped him out. However, his attention was drawn downward toward the spiral of water that led within the dome and seconds later, he was diving into it. For a moment he stopped, his eyes closed, letting the feeling of being underwater sink in. Yet, he couldn't easily let it sink in, as his body was being slowly propelled through the underwater area. He opened one eye, then the other, and placed his hand among the water. There was indeed a current carrying him throughout the underwater area, a large tank like room connected to another tank like room of the same design by a large tunnel. Spike took a moment to grab his board floating alongside him and began to paddle. With the help of the current, he rocketed through to the other area where light flooded in from a smaller opening above. Quickly, he took off towards it and emerged into the area they had originally started from. Unfortunately, he was unable to return his board to his feet in time and ended up crashing into the ground, flipping over a few times and sliding to a halt. "Ow..."

"Sorry to break it to you kid," Wave began. "But if you wanna survive in this race, you're gonna have to pick up the pace a little."

"Sorry, I got a bit distracted when I...hit the water."

"Don't let it," Lindsey added. "EX-racing is in the moment dear, little time to think and even less to act."

"And," Korbin continued. "Some things are gonna come as a surprise. Staying in first place is all about recognizing the surprise before it happens, and adapting to it. Like I said earlier, staying calm and being mellow usually helps. Although it's funny that you stopped when you hit the water since everyone almost immediately starts swimming."

"That's not helping Korbin." He sighed as he lay flat on his back for a second. "Welp, let's go again," he said with a smirk.

"Looking to get your but kicked again?" Wave asked.

"Until I beat you, or die from exhaustion."

"That's the spirit my little dwagon!" Korbin happily exclaimed.

"Your what?"

"Um...nevermind, let's just restart the race already."

Spike couldn't help but chuckle as Korbin nervously reset the robot. The electric line appeared once more and the race began anew. After what seemed like hours of training, they all came to halt at the starting line, Spike still tracking at the back of the pack after emerging from the water tank and once again, skidding across the ground with his board flying off. "Damn, over 15 races and I still lagged behind, I thought I had this time too."

Lindsey giggled as she helped him up. "Your reaction is slow, seems we need to work on that. You have the basics down and apparently tricks, but just can't seem to react fast enough to land them effectively. But you're persistent and that's a good start to any good EX-Racer, so quite the nice job out there."

"Persistence is a plus now?"

"In most cases, not all of them. But don't sulk Spike, you're getting better, I know it.

"Alright, It's getting pretty late and I need a serious catnap. Let's go home pretty pwease Lin Lin."

"I suppose that's enough falling off my board for one--" Spike tried to utter out until Lindsey's hand covered his mouth.

"Actually, I think I may stay and coach spike a bit more, I saw one too many things he could improve on before the day's end."

"What, but I'm tired too." he muffled.

"Now now Spike, don't be lazy, you need to improve or you don't get to race."

"Ugh fine..." he muffled again.

"Suit yourself, besides I'm hungry." Wave uttered. "And this time Korbin, I'm choosing the place."

Korbin giggled before taking off with Wave in tow. As they exited the resort, Spike removed Lindsey's hand and nervously rubbed the back of his head. "So what exactly are we staying behind for? Wait, you're not trying to make a move on me are you?"

"How confident we have become Mr. Spike, assuming that I would be making a move on you. But you must remember," she said picking up his board and tossing it back to him. "I am a teacher first and a friend second, and you, my friend, need a few hints on how to ride properly."

"I don't follow what you mean."

"We are all experienced riders, yes, but Korbin can be a bit childish and I'm sure Wave has never taught anyone in her life. Their methods of telling and not showing, do not seem to work well with you. Which is why I've taken it upon myself to teach you 1 on 1."

"And how would that be any different?"

"Because of one thing Mr. Spike, I show not tell. And I give ultimatums."

"Wait what?"

"Yep, we are to step not a single foot outside of this place until you pass me. If you leave or give up, you shall be permanently expelled from the team."

"...What?!" He yelled finally taking into consideration what she said. "W-wait a minute, you can't be serious."

"Deadly," she said with a grin. "Now, the first race begins...now." With haste, she took off into the track making spike stumble on to his board to catch up. Once again, he made his way down the track, airing off the starting ramp and doing a simple kickflip, before barely landing it. "Crap crap, balance balance..." He uttered as he tried to catch himself from falling. "Whew... now where is she--" He stopped when he spotted her icon the track map. "Oh I forgot we had these...wait she's where?!" he uttered as it showed her blip nearly halfway up the track already. "Are you kidding me, she wasn't moving nearly that fast all day." Once again he found himself at the hall of different paths, taking his designated flight path and soon catching visual of Lindsey already off into the water tank. "This is ridiculous how did she get up there so fast. Upon doing his water tank swim and emerging, he once again didn't stick the landing, the ground just came up way too fast. "Damn," he uttered staring up at Lindsey was smiling down at him.

"Had a feeling that would not be your golden moment."

"What are trying to do, demoralize me?"

"Get up dear, we're going again."

Again they raced, and again Lindsey seemed to vanish from the track and appear directly at the finish.

"How are doing that?" Spike asked as he picked himself and his board up from the ground.

"Doing what exactly?"

"Getting here so much faster than me, you're even faster than when we were training with Korbin and Wave."

"It's for me to know and you figure out so that you can pass me. By the way, Items are now active."

Spike grumbled before once again they started. This time, however, the stakes were different, as items had begun popping up all over the track. Spike was quick to pick up one, a squid appearing in his hands. "Sweet, now I'll get her." As he lined up the squid, he popped the button on its head only to realize that squid was leader weapon, meant to blind those behind with ink.

The ink was quick to shoot into his face and send him flying off his board blinded. "You're quite dead in the water Mr. Spike," she said looping around him and continuing down the track as Spike grumbled to himself.

The next lap had him gain a snowball, to which he happily tossed it, watching as it turned into a giant snowball and roll easily down the track. "Oh yeah, she's toast now."

However, what he failed to realize was that Lindsey was one step ahead, as she picked her own item. "3...2....and..."

As she finished 1, Spike's snowball began to shrink in size. "Wait what, no no no, she's right there!"

As his snowball began to shrink and the view in front of it became clear, Spike sighed, as Lindsey's own snowball hurdled toward him. "Are you ki--" he uttered before being taken off back up the track.

"You're dead and going backward, Mr. Spike!"

"Oh come on!" He uttered as he continued to roll.

Again and again, failure after failure, second place after second place, when he reached finish once again, his eyes were drowned in anger, angrily stomping the floor as he picked up his board once more. "Damn it, no way, I'm not done.

"You haven't passed me even once, why don't you just give up?"

"What?! There's no way in hell I'm giving up now."

"But you're definitely lacking behind, and keep falling off your board, is there any help you really?"

"So what?" He said, his eyes slimming to slits. "Sure I fall off my board every time I do a trick, maybe I make easy mistakes, maybe I can't even use items correctly, but this is the first chance I got at getting home, to my friends and my kin, and I'm not giving that chance up. So let's go another round, and another and another until I finally win my spot on this team.

As he began to put his feet to the board, Lindsey placed a hand upon his shoulder with a noticeable giggle. "Now now, no need to be hasty. Let me ask you, Mr. Spike, where was that passion the last 30 times we raced today?"

"What? You mean that was a freaking lesson?"

"Listen to me," she said reaffirming her position as the teacher. "Were you putting the same conviction you feel right now, in this determination, into beating me, or Korbin, or Wave?"

Spike paused for a second. "I...don't follow."

"Lesson number 1 Mr. Spike. Passion is everything in this sport, even in casual racing. It must be your driving force, pushing you to be the very best you can be both on and off the track. It must never be used to get revenge or settle a rivalry based completely on pure ego like Jet the Hawk. Sonic understands that racing isn't about simple egotistical issues at the end of the day, that when you race, it's about having fun and showing your skill, being the best is just an added bonus. But the one thing you have in spades Mr. Spike, is to the ability to never give up. That's something that will top even the most passionate rider, and I commend you for it. You pass the test." she said with a smile.

"Oh boy..." he said letting out a huge breath he had been holding, leaning his body against a wall as he did. "I thought I was toast for a second there."

"But it was a positive speech."

"But have you seen your expression when you "teach", it's terrifying, you're like that one angry wife who plays nice one second and has her husband cowering in the corner the next."

Lindsey began to chuckle under her breath, getting louder and louder until she let it out in a burst of uncontrollable laughter. Spike blinked in confusion as she continued to laugh her tail off, a single tear of joy streaming down her cheek. "Um...did I...say something funny?"

"Oh my lord Spike..." she said beginning to let her laughter die as she placed a hand upon his chest. she closed her eyes and began to happily hum to a tune. You...remind me so much of him..."

"W-who exactly?"

She then removed her hand and looked up to Spike with a shred of sorrow in her eyes. "Kindro...was exactly the same as you...determined...unwilling to give up."

"This Kindro, can you tell me about him?"

"Of course," she said leaning against a spot on the wall next to Spike. "Where do I start? Well Kindro, much like yourself, wasn't from around the area. He came from a place where it is forbidden to ride EX-Gear or use technology in general, a tradition that was steeped in generation after generation and was not easy to break. When he showed up in the city, he was so lost." she said with a giggle. "He was running around like a dog without an owner or a leash, freaking out at every piece of technology he came across, phones, cars, even the escalators."

"Wait what's an escalator?"

"Stairs that move dear."

"Oh...yea, continue."

"However, when he feasted his eyes on EX-Gear for the first time, he was amazed at the wonders of anti-gravity technology despite his particular culture of dragons following a strict tradition."

"And so that's how you met?"

I'm getting there dear. When you first let loose your latent abilities, I commented about your eyes remember?"

"Yea actually, what was that about?"

"You see, when Kindro first came to us, he was simply looking for directions. Korbin couldn't help but blush around him and she insisted we show him the way personally. We became friends and as you know, he was heavily interested in riding. He wasn't a very good rider at first but persisted in his attempts to perfect his technique, just like you. In a matter of weeks, he had gotten better than pretty much anything I could teach him, even Korbin couldn't keep up. His natural instinctive nature as dragon made it quite easy for him to adapt to EX-racing, and every time he pushed past an obstacle that stood in his way over and over again--"

"His eyes..."

"Indeed, that's why I commented about your eyes the first time you raced us. You're just like him...and I think Korbin sees that in you too, more than I do."

"More? You mean she--"

"Around the time of our first Grand Prix as a team, Korbin was having a bit of trouble getting a particular trick down. In her desperation to perfect the move, she asked Kindro to help her, and wouldn't you have guessed, she had one huge crush on the dragon. They trained and trained and eventually, Korbin couldn't hold back her feelings. She ended up kissing him while they were in the middle of training and they crashed into the street. I think his exact words were, 'she chose a completely unreasonable time and we ended up spending a week in the hospital.' Afterward, they were discharged from the hospital and she was so embarrassed she didn't even want to look at him. Then...he kissed her back. The relationship grew and, as you know, Wave put him out of commission. He broke up with Korbin after that and we could never determine the reason but boy was she heartbroken. I guess that's why she's taken such an interest in you. You are easily the closest reminder to him that we've seen, save for the colors."

"I...don't know what to say. I mean I feel for her, I do, but I don't want to be the rebound either."

"And you're not, at least I think you aren't, she's just working through some things even all this time later, she just needs time and a little you know."

Spike jumped back at that suggestion. "Woah Woah, I'm not that kind of drake."

She giggled once more. "Oh Mr. Spike, get your mind off such inappropriate things, I meant friendship."

"That's...exactly what I was talking about." he nervously uttered.

"Of course it was." She replied sarcastically.

"You know you're something else, Ms. Lindsey." He said copying her regal accent.

"What are you getting at Mr. Spike?"

"Well I just kinda realized, you're like the most awesome friend/sister."

"I know, I'm glorious aren't I?" She mocked.

"No, I'm serious, you're like the best. You care so much everyone around you, you're super kind and sweet. You're like that one teacher that I would secretly have a crush on because she's like the only who actually helps me with my homework and the only one that gives out sweets to the kids."

"That's a rather interesting compliment."

"And to be honest, I kinda thought your sassiness was really awesome too. like when you told off Jet the Hawk."

Lindsey let her gaze fall to the floor, playing with the tip of her tail as she blushed. "I...never thought you saw me that way Mr. Spike...I've never known myself to be that interesting. Some people call me stuck up just because of sentence structure, and I've never had anyone even say I looked good."

"What kind of bozo's live in this town if they don't see just how cute you are, granted I've never seen women from this world before so I'm a little iffy on the scale, but to me, you are definitely a 10, through and through." A moment of silence passed before Lindsey finally looked to the sky, her eyes tracing the stars. "So ready to--"

Without warning, Lindsey wrapped her arms around him, tackling him to the ground and embracing his lips with her own. For a second the two seemed out of phase of reality, unsure of what was happening, then Lindsey pulled back, her eyes frantically shaking in nervousness. "Oh no no no, I'm so sorry, stupid stupid stupid." She said as she forcefully grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet. "I d-didn't mean to perform such an uncouth action, I r-really didn't, It was just in the moment and--well just...I-I'm going home." She frantically uttered before quickly taking to her board and virtually teleporting out of the Resort.

"Um...Spike?"

"Yea Nicole?"

"Did that just happen?"

"Yea Nicole."

Author's Notes:

Wow, talk about a surprise from the monkey, am I right? No this does not mean relationship, not every kiss means relationship. Seemingly rushed some parts do seem but really it was me trying to move through some filler points that would've taken like two more chapter to get through.

A Dragon's Sorrow: Let me Kill a kill

"Did I...miss something?" Spike said scratching his head in confusion.

"Oh Spike that's so sweet, and here I thought you had a crush on me this whole time."

"I did, I mean like not now but, I-It's just--"

"It's ok to be a little nervous Spike, besides, she's quite the catch."

"Wait a minute, I didn't mean it like that, well, I mean she is cute and I do love her regal accent but that doesn't mean I was trying to purposely flirt, these are just usually the things I say when Twilight's feeling down or if anyone's feeling down really."

Nicole shook her head in disappointment. "Denial is the first stage of a perfect relationship Spike, you'll see."

"Nicole, you can't be serious, I mean think about it, I'm going back to my world as soon as this is over, how would we see each other after that?"

Nicole let a gentle slap come to the back of Spike's head. "I'm trying to be helpful Spike and this right here is helping you."

"H-how is this helping me?"

"Because, judging by the way you talk about Equestria, when is the last time you truly had a life of your own?"

Spike paused for a moment letting his mind wrap around such a question. "I-I um...well there was that one time me and Twilight--well then me and Applejack um--but there was this one time I was in the dragon lands--no no, Twilight and Rarity showed up for that one. Well me and Smolder--no Ember was there for that one too."

"Do you see my point?"

"Well kinda, I guess my life does kinda revolve around everyone back at home, and since I'm not the 'biggest' dragon around, I'm kind of the little brother of the group. But now I'm like super tall, and for once, I've been in a dangerous situation by myself, and without the other ponies secretly hiding in a bush or something. And even though I don't have a fancy cutie mark or an element of harmony, I solved my own friendship problem."

"I'm not sure what you're talking about but I agree, I think. Do you see how it feels to perhaps have your own life, to live by your own rules?"

"I do!" he confidently exclaimed. "And boy does it feel amazing, like a breath of fresh air, I never had this kind of freedom before. You know what, I don't even wanna go back to Equestria anymore."

"Um Spike, that's going a little far isn't it?"

"No way, they'll understand, and if they get worried, I'll just invite them to this dimension so they can see my very own life for themselves."

This may come back to haunt me. Nicole thought as she attempted to redirect Spike's decision. "Spike, please reconsider this, I didn't mean for you to up and just let your friends and world fade into the past. I on--"

It was then that Spike placed his hands on Nicole's shoulders, offering a cheerful smile. "Hey now Nicole, no need to go back on your words, you've opened up my eyes. I can stay here and live out my life the way I want it. No more being bullied by bigger dragons, no more being forced to stand in the background, and especially no more small Spike. This is the start of my new life, and I want to start it off with a bang."

"W-what do you mean?"

"What do I mean?" he uttered with a heroic tone. "I mean time to solve my own problems and make my new life real."

"Oh dear me, what have I done?"

"Nicole, can you track the last known coordinates of Kindro the Flame."

"K-Kindro? Spike, what are you planning?"

"Well since I'm starting my new life, I want to help out my friends as much as possible, to the death even." Nicole cringed at that response. "So I'm going to find and convince Kindro the Flame to take back Korbin."

Nicole could only sigh and shake her head at that. "Why do I feel as though you're hoping for some kind of personal gain from this."

"Coordinates please?" he uttered as he hopped on his board and began riding away.

"H-hey, wait a moment Spike, I haven't given--wait, you didn't deny that statement! Spike?!" She sighed. "And the haunting has begun." Quickly she vanished and reappeared upon Spike's head, small as a pixie. "Ok fine, I'll give you the coordinates but you have to promise me that you'll hear me out later about going back to your world to at least say goodbye."

"Huh? Oh sure, that's cool."

"You didn't even hear me, did you? Don't make me regret this Spike," she said as a red dot popped up on Spike's digital map.

"Where's that?" he asked pointing to the dot. "Just outside the city in the jungle zone, we'll have to take the S-25 Highway out to reach it just passed the desert you and Wave almost feel into."

"Easy, I'm a directional guru."

"Well just--"

"No no no, let me handle it, this is going to be my world after all, it's best I learn the direction on my own."

"I don't know about that Spike, you barely found your way to that cliffside with Wave."

"Just trust me on this one."

"Alright then," she uttered with a smirk. "But if you get lost, I told you so."

"I won't get lost, dragons never do."

After what seemed like half an hour, Spike couldn't help but scratch his head in confusion, as he had never once seen the sign on his way down the highway. "Well..." Nicole uttered as she appeared atop Spike's head once more.

"Well what?"

"Say it."

"I'm not lost."

"Just say it," she repeated.

"I'm am saying it, I'm not lost."

"Wow, you're a bad liar Spike, you say you're not lost, but I'm not so sure."

"Trust me, I'm positive I'm not lost," Spike said with a bit of uncertainty to his voice.

"Well then, why don't you tell me exactly why we're not there then?"

"I-I...B-because the turn is right up here, yea, all I gotta do is tu--"

"Spike I am an A.I for the entire city who has the entire world map stored in her memory banks, you missed the turn about 10 minutes ago."

Spike let out a loud sigh as he hung his head in shame. "Crap, you could've told me that..."

"What happened to the great directional Guru huh?"

Spike annoyingly stared back her way. "Ok ok fine, I might need a little help."

"How hard was it to say that? Now turn around and I'll guide you this time."

Spike and Nicole soon found their way onto the highway road leading out of the city. Spike's board was cruising down a bike path alongside the many cars passing him, his eyes shifting out towards the desert below them. "Stupid question but, Metal City isn't the only city around here right?"

Nicole appeared with soft, "Of course not, Mobius is an entire world after all. Megalo City is quite a ways to the south, and the capital city, Mobotropolis, lies in the North West. There are other towns and villages too but most of them are small communities and usually adapt to the surroundings around them."

"So like this desert?"

"Including this desert yes, the closest sign of civilization is Hanalo village just across the dunes to the south."

"And the forest we're going to?"

"I am unsure, the people who inhabit this forest are scattered and often don't socialize with outsiders."

"They're not like...dangerous right?"

"I"m sure we'll be fine, you can handle a few natives can't you?"

"I never agreed to fight?!"

"Well, unfortunately, that's a thing in this world so...maybe you should reconsider staying."

"Oh no no, I'll fight, this is my adventure after all so let's go!"

"Ugh, so close."

Spike turns as a side road makes itself known, descending downward as the desert sand began to give way to more and more grass, dirt, and a slight tree cover. Before long, Spike stopped his board as a sign hung above road now turned dirt. Tropical Jungle Zone. "Are we at the right place?"

"These are the last known coordinates before he dropped off the face of the planet."

Spike took a breath and let it out. "So the natives...you really don't know if they're gonna attack us or not?"

"There is no information on the tribes in the jungle, no has been bold enough to explore them."

"Welp...that's encouraging." He said sighing as he began to slowly walk in, soon the beaten path turning to the mysterious unknown of the jungle grass and trees. Spike let his eyes scan the darkness of the jungle from the outside, the fear building in his body like a cancer before he took a deep breath in and out. "Oh boy, if it's anything like the Everfree, this should be...relatively easy."

Spike jumped on his board and began to ride his way through the high grass, slowly surveying the area around him. His eyes shifted to the various plants, and the slightly luminescent pink vines above them. The everfree is nothing like this, usually, everything that glows wants to kill us. Vines with fruit on the end of them, look there's a frog and it's not the size of a house." He seemed entranced by the changes, lost in the colors and sheer peace and beauty of it all until Nicole jerked his body downward. "Spike!"

It was then that Spike found himself ducking under the advance of an enormous black creature. In the few seconds he could, he noticed a white glow of it's eyes seemingly cutting through the darkness like a knife before it vanished into the dark jungle. He quickly sped up, winding his way in and out of the trees as the titanic bird's eyes shone through the moonlit jungle like an assassin. "What in Equestria was that?!"

"I don't know, I didn't get a chance to see it either, just keep going faster.

Spike had kept that pace for more than 3 minutes before he reached another path, a seemingly safe but long path with trees lining the side of it and a large blue lake that seemed to cover either side of it. He let out a sigh of relief as whatever had lunged at them seemingly gave up the attack, and slowed himself, the trees passing his vision of his lake every few seconds. "I think we're good."

"I don't detect any life signs of the creature so yes, I think you did a good job of not dying."

"Now let's find the Kindro person before something else happens."

Perhaps Spike should have watched his words as the jinx was now active. 2 eyes shone with extreme predatory aggression, glowing like luminescent bulbs underneath the moonlit lake's surface before disappearing back into the deep. It was then Nicole's life sign indicator lit up again, only faintly, but with a confirmation nonetheless. "Uh oh."

"Uh oh? What uh oh, don't uh oh."

"Another life sign has been detected and it's...close I think."

"Like casual crossing on the street close or like kill us with no hesitation close."

"Move!" Nicole exclaimed as the water's surface broke to the sight of the white eyes, now appearing to belong to the creature in question. Spike quickly kicked forward as the thing crashed across the path and into the water on the other side. "Kill us close, get across now!"

Spike was quick to regain his balance, trying his best to make it to the end of the path before the creature returned, which was fast approaching now. "Crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap!" He kicked and kicked with all his heart but it was far too late, the creature once again breaking the surface of the water right next to them and allowing him to see at least a beak attached to this thing before It scooped the bottom part of Spike's body in its mouth, taking him and his board into the water. For a few seconds, Spike didn't know what was happening, until he opened his eyes to the devilish white eyes staring back at him. The creature shifted it's tongue around his body, making Spike squirm with a shiver. Oh no no, bad creature bad creature, no eating the freaking dragon. He struggled to get out of the creature's beak as it attempted to suck him down its gullet, succeeding as Spike began to disappear inch by inch. He placed his hand at its beak to stop his eventual entrance into its stomach "Dammit!" He garbled through the water. This isn't good, I'm already running out of air...and my board is all the way over there, I'll never be able to grab it and swim to safety before running out of air. What do I do what do I do?

It seemed as though the creature was seemingly designed to handle this amount of resistance, continuing to swallow him down before he vanished into its mouth. It seemed content with this result until its mouth began to open, much to its displeasure. Spike soon reappeared, his eyes shining with that noticeable green glare as he struggled to re-open its mouth. He shot out like a bullet as the creature snapped it's beak shut, just barely missing Spike and growling like a devil. His fight instinct was soon turned into a flight instinct as he twitched for even a hint of air, the white-eyed creature beginning it's approach once more. Snap. Spike heard behind him making swim faster. Snap. Again, but closer. Snap snap. Damn, it's too fast in the water, I'm not an aquatic dragon, I have no advantages here, it's gonna catch up at this rate. And when we felt the beak clamp around his tail, his fears were seemingly confirmed as he was yanked back down deeper into the water. However, when he looked back, his eyes were wide with even more fear as a much larger, nearly titanic and pitch black animal had chomped its jaws around the first and was now dragging it to the depths. "Son of a--" he garbled as he tried to remove his tail from the beak, but only felt a sharp pain sting in response as red mixed with blue. The creature seemed intent on keeping its meal to its demise instead of escaping its own. And with no more air in the pocket, Spike felt his consciousness begin to fade into these murky blue depths.

"No!" He exclaimed as he sat up with heavy breaths.

For a second, his fight instinct had kicked in, until he realized he wasn't in water anymore, instead, the view from a nearby window argued that he was inside a treehouse a ways off the ground and sleeping atop a bed woven from the many plants around. This is...weird...I was in the water...about to die and then...Hmm... "What...in Celestia's name happened?" The hut was indeed empty shrouded in the moonlight as Spike sat alone. "At the very least, I'm not in danger anymore but..." His eyes sadly shifted toward his now-barren wrist, and with board nowhere in sight, he let out a sorrowful grunt. "Damnit, must've come off in the water when I went unconscious." He stood to his feet slightly stretching but quickly wincing in pain as he noticed the bandages around his lower stomach and tail. He winced once more as he glided a hand across the stomach bandages, even more, a loud yelp when he attempted to move his tail more than a few inches. "Aw man, not my tail, I need that..."

"I see you have awoken." A deep vixen of a voice replied making spike jump in place.

"W-who's there?" Two bright green reptilian eyes shone through the darkness making themselves known, appearing to float effortlessly through the window. As they closed, they were gone, the voice however remained. "You are very lucky." It cooed as the eyes reappeared on the other side of the hut. "If I had not found you..." the voice uttered as the eyes closed and suddenly appeared behind Spike. "You would have mosssst certainly perisssshed."

Spike snapped around as the figure was nowhere to be seen behind him, only to be startled once again as light filled the room revealing a mobian viper sitting in a chair, one leg resting over the other. Her eyes trained on him like a predator to prey as she uncrossed her leg and readjusted the other to be on top. "W-who are--"

Spike felt an overwhelming fear in the presence of this serpentine woman, and she seemed to know it. "What'ssss the matter drake, can you not respond like a normal mobian."

"I-I just--I Just want to know w-who..."

She giggled at that, actually freaking giggled at his odd attempts to choke out a word. "You are quite an interessssting specimen drake, ssssimply divine." she hissed.

"Damn." He whispered. Out of the dragon's jaws and directly into the fire.

Again she began to giggle. "Hehehe, relax your muscles young drake, I am but a humble shaman who was ssssimply passing by when an innocent drake was being lethally perssssued by a Tenetra."

"Tenetra?"

"The beast that assssualted you, a truly magnificent sssspecimen that has adapted to hunting in nearly every terrain possssible, and you were tressspasssing on it'sss territory, that is why it attacked you."

"Just got to the jungle and things are already trying to kill me geez...Wait, so that means you were the one who--"

"Indeed I am," she said pointing to the bandages. "The Tenetra's beak barely penetrated your sssscales but it did ssssucceed in drawing blood from both the wrapped areas, your tail was in especially bad shape."

Spike gulped. "W-well then, I guess owe you--"

"Your life? Oh dear drake, I humbly accept." Shit. "I could ussse a new offering for a ritual." Spike felt his entire body tense up once more. "But then again, such a perfect sssspecimen does come along so often, it would a shame to wassste it on a basic ssssacrifice. No, inssstead I sssshall use you for much more than that. Until then, let ussss go our sssseperate ways."

As she uttered this the light began to flicker in the room, her body there in the light and but gone even in the faint moonlight. W-wait, do you know where to find Kindro the Flame?!"

"Kindro the Flame resssides further in, approach the lily padssss and your path will be clear."

With that, she was gone, the light in the room completely extinguished as a gust of wind blew through leaving Spike to blink his eyes a few times in confusion. "I...was I dreaming? I hope so cause I don't wanna know what she planned." Spike quickly found himself down the ladder to the hut, letting his body drop from halfway down to the jungle floor. He took a deep breath in and out as rain began to fall. "Better find those lily pads before this gets worse, would be easier if I had my boa--which is probably sitting at the bottom of that lake with the only thing Nicole could contact me with, dammit." he sighed. "Looks like I'm winging this."

With haste, he trekked through the now muddy and wet jungle, his eyes scanning any and all possible places for a lily pad, but no avail. The mix of the darkness and rain reduced to near nothing at this point. "This is gonna be impossible at this point, why did it start raining as soon as I left the hut, that's coincidentally evil." These thoughts blinded Spike from the impending danger as he stopped to get his bearings. "Did I pass that tree already? I knew I should have marked it when I had the chance. and why is everything getting taller!" It was then that his attention was drawn to his feet which had vanished into the ground slowly working it's way up his body. He sighed as his claws dug into the solid dirt ahead of him. "Quicksand just had to be quicksand..." He frustratingly clawed his way out to safety, letting out a groan at his now dirt color scales. "I hate this jungle so much...hate it hate it..."

With enough frustration already on his plate, Spike opted to find the nearest source of flowing water and follow it, easier said than done with the downpour surrounding him. Eventually, his suffering paid off, as he finally reached another clearing where Lily pads floated upon yet another lake, but these pads seemed to be giants of what was commonly known for the size, at least 3 or 4 feet in diameter. Despite the strange lily pads, there was something was off about this, there stood a strangely darker part of the lake on the far side as if something was there blocking the moonlight. Spike carefully made his way across the giant Lily pads, which was surprising that they were able to support his weight. Upon the third one though, the darker part of lake lit up with torches, illuminating a now rather intimidating gate rising from the water. "Yojani!" he heard as boats and mobians in strange masks and ponchos shouting in an incoherent language appeared all over the area, aiming arrows Spike's way and ordering him to do something to which Spike couldn't tell what. He opted for a simple response and quickly dropped to knees, hands in the air as one approached him off a boat. "Ayudhra bi no?"

Spike raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"

"Ayudhra bi no?" It repeated in a more serious tone making Spike get a little nervous

"I-I don't know what you're saying."

"Hmm? English?"

"Y-yes, I speak English."

The figure removed his mask and continued. "I said, who are you?"

"I would say but all the arrows are making me a bit nervous."

"It's a precaution and a warning, state your name and intentions, leave, or have your body dumped into the water, that's all there is to it."

"Spike, it's Spike ok, just don't kill me."

"And your intentions for being in our territory?"

Spike gulped as the various mobians readied their arrows even more. "I-I...was just looking for somebody."

The de-masked mobian eyed him up and down before chuckling. "And just who might that be?"

"K-Kindro the flame."

The warriors began to talk amongst themselves almost immediately, the figure replacing its mask and quick as the wind bringing a blade to Spike's neck. "You seek the flame," it uttered with venom in its tone. "State your intentions clearly, or I will sever your bond to the world of the living, speak?"

"I-I just wanted to talk to him, there's these two girls and--"

"Hold up Yami." A male voice called out from above the gate, drawing Spike's attention toward yet another figure. This one, however, donned a different mask than the other, seemingly the leader. "Please remove the blade from his neck Yami." The figure presumably named Yami returned the blade to it's sheath before stepping aside. "Now repeat yourself drake, who do you seek?"

"U-um K-Kindro."

"And the two girl's names, what are they?"

"I'm not gonna die right?"

"Just state the names, or you will," he said as Yami gripped her blade once again.

"K-Korbin and Lindsey!" he quickly shot out. The figure atop the gate froze for a moment before motioning something to the warriors and walking away. "W-what does that mean?"

"On your feet," Yami ordered as two masked mobians took hold of his arms and restrained him into a boat.

"H-hey what's going on, l-let me go." Spike struggled as the boat made its way into the fortress, the gate lowering behind them. The small channel led into a boxed area where yet another gate appeared behind them. A mobian native above began to turn a wheel which then brought an underwater platform up under the boat raising it bit by bit until they were atop the fortress. Inside were handcrafted homes built into the very trees themselves, all surrounding a bonfire in the middle of the village, three circles of color surrounding it. "Nice home." Spike carelessly uttered.

"Quiet your tongue or I shall remove it." Spike squeaked as the Yami proceeded to push him toward a path leading upward. Another hut came into view, elevated well above the others in the village, in appearance as well, looking more like hut for a king. "Go in," she ordered. Spike obliged and found himself entering the hut with fear filling his soul. He stood patiently as time went on, until eventually, someone, no, two mobians entered behind him. "Sit do--"

"Now Yami, there is no reason to treat everyone with such harshness." The new arrival uttered. "Spike, please take a seat."

"Uh...ok then..." he nervously answered sitting criss-cross on a matt.

"You can un-tense your scales now, if, we can prove what you say in the next few moments is true."

"Yea, I'm gonna stayed tensed if that's ok with you?"

The masked leader went silent for a moment, the eyes of his mask staring deep into Spike's soul making him squirm in his fear. "Suit yourself, it makes interrogation a lot easier when you're expecting to get hit."

"W-what, you were going to hit me?" Spike asked with surprise before being met with silence.

The figure removed it's poncho and slowly let its mask fall from it's face revealing the one underneath. "The Kindro you seek is right here.

Spike's attention was instantly drawn to a large scar that spread across the right side of Kindro's face. "What happ-"

"How rude of a guest to overstep his boundaries." He uttered. "You are allowed no freedom of speech until we determine your intentions, am I understood?" Spike nervously and desperately nodded. "Great, question 1, what are you doing the jungle?"

"L-looking for you."

"And..." he said making a motion to continue.

"I...came to b-bring you back."

"Bring me back? What are you talking about?"

"Well see, I kinda c-came from a different world myself so I met Sonic and then he took me in, and then he gave me a board and I came to find a team because Tails is the only one who can get me home--"

"Slow you roll drake, I don't need a play by play, just tell me specifically why you're here and say it clearly."

"I'm trying to get you back on the team so Korbin will be happy!" he blurted.

Kindro stopped, his eyes squinting to focus on Spike intently. It was a moment of silence before Kindro jumped up and suddenly had claws directly in front of his face, the wind passing by a second later making him internally melt in fear. "That's the third time you've said that name." Spike squeaked in fear as he caught up with reality. "What is that name to you?"

"U-um, w-well you see I...um...I just"

"Speak your words or lose your tongue."

"S-she my partner!"

"Partner? As in EX-racing partner?"

"Y-yes!"

Kindro removed his hand from Spike's face, eyeing him down as he cowered like a puppy. "Hmph...come with me."

Spike's cowardice became confusion, as Kindro replaced his Pancho and exited the hut through a door in the back. "He said to go with him," Yami said yanking Spike up by his ear and gently pushing him forward. "Now go. And...don't let him talk you into anything."

He gave her a surprised expression as she herself turned to leave the hut forcing Spike to quickly catch up Kindro. For 5 minutes, the two walked without end, eventually reaching a large clearing. The rain had also begun to let up, allowing Spike to breathe a slight sigh of relief. As they neared the center of the clearing, however, Kindro stopped and spun around to face him, the two locking eyes for just a moment before Kindro spoke up. "You are 100% telling the truth, you wish to return me to that city and have me reunite with Korbin?"

"Y-yes, sir. I've decided that it's best for me, to stay in this world, And If I choose to stay here, then I'm going to do everything in my power to better the world around me, that includes helping my friends. I've already rekindled the friendship between Wave and Korbin, but in order for everyone truly be happy, all they need to be a real family is--"

Kindro stopped him by placing a hand up to his face. "You've said enough." He turned his back to Spike, staring up into the moonlit sky as clouds began to scatter from the area. "Wave has truly been forgiven?" Spike nodded. "Then your journey through the jungle...was for nothing."

Spike's grew wide from the shock of those words. "W-what do you mean? All you have to do is come back and she'll be ha--"

"Leave now and never return. I have spoken my mind and it shall remain that way."

"Mr. Kindro, you can't be serious. Think about how much Korbin misses you, all you have to do is let her see that you're ok and--"

"I said leave," Kindro uttered, quickly turning back around to let his intimidating green eyes stare back into Spikes. "I have separated myself from her for a reason, she is happy because she is alive, she does not need me nor do I need her. We live in two different states of mind, we don't mix, I am a danger to her as much as she is to me."

Spike could feel his own rage burning within him now, but still, he kept his composure. "How can you say that? Korbin is such a sweet girl, she's fun, she cares way too much about friends, she's optimistic--"

"She's childish, way too clingy, and..." He stopped placing his sight to the ground with a hint of sadness before raising his head once more. "Look, I don't have to explain myself to some random dragon who suddenly thinks he's responsible for everyone's problems. If I feel like it, I will handle the situation, no other, now be on your way."

Kindro eyes were now visibly burning with green energy but Spike stood his ground despite the urge to run away, to flee and let Kindro's words ring true. "No, I said I was going to bring you back and that's what I'm going to do. If you wanna stay out here isolated from the people who care about you, you can explain it to them yourself, that's the least you can do, for their sake."

The red dragon let out a menacing growl. "You think you're everyone's friend?! There are some problems that you cannot fix, you're going to have to accept that, stop acting like you're some kind of god because you're just a regular mobian just like the rest of us, you can't do everything."

"Well then, damn me for trying, because I'm staying right here until you say yes."

a sinister chuckle escaped him. "You are quite persistent, but true conviction lies in your next move."

"Hmm?" Spike curiously uttered as Kindro drew back his Pancho to reveal two swords and their sheaths. He removed one and tossed it Spike, who fumbled it a bit before getting a firm grip on it. "A sword?"

By the time Spike looked up, Kindro already had his sword drawn, letting the sheath drop to the ground as he took a stance. "You seem...firm in your words, you speak them with determination, but tell me Spike the Dragon, are you prepared to lay down your life for that determination?"

Spike froze as he watched the silver sheen move down the blade of the sword. His eyes immediately began to frantically shake, his grip on the sword began to loosen and sweat began to pour from every scale on his body. D-die?! W-wait a minute this is crazy, I've gone through some dangerous things but never--D-death wasn't apart of the plan, It was supposed to be a non-lethal chat, angry sure, but Korbin would be happy, and I would be happy for helping her but...this is insane. I should run, I should just go and drop the sword, sprint all the way back to the city and just tell them I tried, everyone's still happy, right? And for a moment, spike believed his own words, his foot sliding back as if to start the process, that is until, No! W-what the? Don't run away! But he's gonna kill me, I don't have the skills to do something like this, I need--But you would do it for Twilight would you not? I... Answer the question! I-I... Or Pinkie, Or Fluttershy, Or Applejack, Or Rainbow, Rarity, Smolder...even Ember?

"What's wrong Spike, are you perhaps reconsidering? Are you faking your determination toward this goal, ready to walk back into that city with your tail tucked in between your legs like a pup?"

He's...right...I 'm not a fighter...I'm nothing like the others.You're right...we are something more...you would do it for anyone you consider a friend, anyone that you consider an enemy,but what makes you special, I...would give me life for it... you're telling me to... prove yourself, let the passion for your ideals drive you, are you friends or not? I-I...we are! Then fight! Show your strength! Prove every dragon back home wrong! Spike stopped trembling, his claws gripped the sword with enough force to show veins if it were a human hand, his eyes stopped shaking and instead were replaced with is glowing green eyes, like embers in the night. "I. will. fight."

"I see, that glow in your eyes, it's the same as mine. It speaks for you, saying the words you cannot, showing your determination to the cause you have so willingly accepted. You are now ready to die for beliefs if you so wish."

Spike drew his sword and let the sheath drop to the ground taking his own stance. "And so I shall if that is what must happen.

There is no cowardice in his voice anymore. Kindro thought before smiling. "And are you prepared to put the finishing blow on me if it comes to it."

"It won't come to that," Spike stated with a firm look in his eyes.

Both of them planted their feet into the wet grass and shot off in a burst of speed, the shockwave sending the earth behind both of them to split apart and raise and lower. They clashed swords sending a sharp sound through the air as they stared at each other. Kindro quickly overpowered Spike and let a slash ring out across him from the shoulder down to the opposite hip. However, this battle seemed to be more than a normal swordfight, as the wound seemed to be ineffective, Spike returning a similar slash to Kindro. Blood splattered across the ground behind them but still, the two found the superhuman strength to withstand what would have proven lethal to any normal mobian, and like cats and dogs, continued to slash at each other with blinding speed.

Every other second the two swords didn't clash, one would slash through the Spike or Kindro splattering even more blood across the ground, until Kindro stepped in, grabbed by his neck and pushed him away, making slide across the ground a few feet. He followed in haste, letting two slashes clash with Spike's sword before thrusting the sword directly into Spike's chest and kicking him off into a raised rock. As he jumped up and attempted to push the attack, Spike rolled forward letting Kindro's sword hit the baren rock. He took hold of one of Kindro's horn and spun him around slamming him face-first into a rock, he pulled him out by his horn before spinning and kicking him through it.

Kindro was quick on the return, jumping above and landing a hard haymaker on Spike's head sending him to with a huge shockwave, forming a small crater under him. Kindro started running taking hold of Spike's tail and throwing him forward back into the center of the clearing. "This is your determination?!" he said continuing to relentlessly slash at Spike who was no trying his best block and push back. "This is pathetic! This is not who I want fighting for the woman I loved!" he yelled now not even gaining any resistance from Spike. "You are weak! You are nothing compared to those who hold real power in this world! You can't help everyone, and you can't save everyone!" Spike was powerless to stop this now, his only doable course of action to hold his sword in defense as slashes rang out all across his body. It...it hurts...it hurts so much I can't....I can't lose... Spike thought. Then Unleash! "You'll be nothing but a washout by the end of it all, unable to do anything, unable to even lift a finger against your enemies, is that what you want?!" Kindro at this point was screaming at the top of his lungs now showing no mercy as he tore through the Spike with each slash. "Answer me!"

"I don't give a fuck!" Spike bellowed out as he quickly blocked the sword's next attack. "I'm weak! And I can't save everyone! But who gives a fuck If I can't everyone if I at least try! I'll gladly put my life on the line for my friends!" he said shoving Kindro back allowing him to stand up. "And your selfish one-sided bullshit is not gonna stop me!"

With that the two rushed each other, readying their swords one last time before appearing a ways away from each other, eyes closed and swords seemingly haven been used. For a second the two were frozen, but then Kindro dropped to a knee, coughing up blood as Spike completely collapsed to the ground doing the same. Kindro turned to view spike in his state, on the ground and struggling to get up, and a smile spread across his lips, but not of evil intent, instead, it seemed happy, pleased even. "That...(cough) is what I wanted to see."

"You...(cough) asked for it. Kindro, thank you."

"For...what?"

"This fight made me realize something, that I thought I had already learned in my world, but...seeing as how we were never in true danger lethal danger, It never hit as hard until now," Spike said as he crawled to a rock and used it to place himself into a sitting up position. "I shouldn't care if I'm weak...I shouldn't care If I'm the side character, the one who's always in the background behind the ones with real power, like Twilight or Ember... My (cough) friends are power...and for them, I will put myself in harm's way...every time...alone if need be...that's something I hope you realize too. In that fight, I saw the anger in your eyes, I don't what happened...but you're more afraid than I was."

"W-what? What are...(cough) you talking about?"

"You're afraid to see her aren't you?"

Kindro turned his head away, closing his eyes before sighing. "I'm...afraid to see anyone get hurt again." kindro limped his way to Spike, taking a seated position beside him. "I'm...not from this world either."

"R-really?"

Kindro nodded. "My timeline is a bit different from this one."

"So you're...(cough) from an alternate timeline?"

"In my timeline, there exists a different future, where everyone isn't so happy. Instead, the man we all know as Dr. Eggman, who seeks to take over the world is much more sadistic than this timeline's one, and he's winning. He's pushed nearly 80% of the world into joining a resistance to fight back. (cough) Sonic and his freedom fighters are leading the charges but Eggman is resourceful,10 of that 20% being indoctrinated into his legion to fight against the resistance, and the other 10 not giving a flying flip. My tribe was apart of the 'not giving a flip part.' We sat on the edge of the world, watching as events unfolded in front of us, thinking as long as we were neutral, we'd be ok. We also didn't believe in technology, instead, using more primitive things, like arrows and our bare hands. Had we joined the fight, or adapted to the times, we would've been fine but..."

"Your elders were stubborn?"

"Indeed."

"It sounds just like the dragon lands, those (cough) guys are as stubborn as stubborn can be."

"And the elders just as so to keep the tradition intact. However, our "tradition" was tested, when a white echidna, presumably working for Dr. Eggman, sent his forces to assault our stronghold. I did my best withhold the line for the people but in the end, some were saved, including my sister and older brother, but more were killed, like my parents. I failed to do my duty because I was weak, and elders failed to do theirs because they were stubborn. I opted to leave, to find the power I needed to protect everyone. I sent my people to the Freedom Fighters and proceeded to face the echidna myself." Kindro turned his head, his eyes closing as a tear left his eye. "I didn't win at all. He beat me across the field like a soccer ball, even giving me this scar before he sent me through a portal and into whatever this timeline is. I was stuck...I tried to find somebody who could help me get back and that's when I met those two knuckleheads. I came to the conclusion that perhaps It was better I stay here, where I'm not a failure, I see now that may have been...regretful."

Spike closed his eyes as well, letting those words sink into his previous thought of staying in this world as well. "I thought about staying here too."

"Hmm?" he hummed as if to ask Spike to repeat it.

"I said I thought about staying here too."

He chuckled. "Join the club, what's your reason."

"It's just...our world is pretty peaceful, don't get me wrong, there are still disagreements and issues over land, and multiple ponies trying to take it over, but we handle it."

"So (cough) what's the issue?"

"I'm...a background character, I'm always second rate, second best, I help from time to time and well, I'm not that important most of the time. But being here in this world, even for such a little time, I feel like the main character of my own story, unchained by everyone's expectations and doubts of me. But then I fought you and things are slowly coming into view. Leaving my world behind would be selfish of me, I'd be doing the one thing I just kicked your butt over."

"It's a lesson to be learned indeed," he said with a slight chuckle before coughing once more. "And you didn't kick my butt."

"Sure I didn't."

The two let time pass as they among the bloody battlefield, staring at the stars. "I must thank you." Kindro unexpectantly uttered making Spike jump back to reality. "You're something different than most mobians here, that glow in your eyes means you have the same power as me, the ability to give infinite conviction to your cause, and the power to beat your ideals into just about anyone." He uttered with a chuckle.

"I thought it was just my instincts coming out for once."

"It is indeed, but it's more than that, more than a primal urge. It is the deepest part of you, the you that gives this you up here it's strength."

"I am...so confused."

"You'll understand in due time, but now I suggest we rest, for we have a lot of walking to do come sunrise.

"Yea no k--wait y-you serious? You'll come back?"

"I have decided and you were ideals hold true Indeed. I shall take responsibility for my actions and tell her truth about me and my past."

"So you kept them out the loop?"

"To protect them from pursuing me, and it worked for a long time, unfortunately."

Spike let out a chuckle as he closed his eyes once more allowing himself to drift off into sleep. It was when the sound of multiple voices faded into his ears that he suddenly opened them to the faint sunlight of the sunrise. the voices in question were obvious. "What happened here?" Korbin's voice asked.

"There's blood everywhere, I hope Spike is ok." Lindsey's continued.

"I should've been more alert, he could've wondered anywhere in this jungle." Nicole finished.

Spike grunted as he slowly stood a knee, nudging Kindro from his sleep as well. "Is it time?" he said slowly getting up to.

"Just about, looks the calvary found us."

Both were slow to their feet, supporting one another as they came into view of 4 worried ladies. "Spike!" They all called out before catching sight of the figure next to him.

Wave couldn't help but cringe in fear as Nicole, Lindsey, and Korbin all stood motionless. K-Kindri?..." Korbin uttered as she took a step forward.

Does she have a nickname for everyone? Spike found himself thinking as Korbin continued to approach. "Um, hey kitty..." He nervously responded back. For a second, it seemed as though Korbin would jump into his arms, crying and begging him never to leave again when everyone's eyes went wide. Kindro lay there on the ground, holding his face like he was a kid being punished. "W-what--" He had not time to review what just happened as the cat suddenly began to unleash on him, punch after punch. He guarded his face with as much energy as he could muster, Korbin continuing her onslaught for at least a minute before Lindsey attempted to help, Spike however, held her back shaking his head in disagreement. "Korbin please stop and let me explain."

"No, you don't get a chance to talk just like I didn't when you left us!" Kindro struggled to keep his face protected as he reached up to restrain her hands. She persisted of course, but eventually found her hands restrained by Kindro's, to little success as she was thrashing around like a child. "Lemme go lemme go lemme go lemme go, let me thrash your face in, let make you feel like I did when I was alone! I don't want you back, you can die in a hole!"

Korbin continued to thrash around as Kindro tried his best to keep his own composure. "Korbin...Korbin stop and just--Korbin don't make me treat you like--Korbin!" Kindro screamed, his eyes now returning with that familiar green glow. She stopped, realizing that this time, that glow was accompanied by a stream of tears of his eyes. "I'm coming home..."

"Y-you..."

"I'm coming home...and I'll explain...everything."

The two locked eyes for a moment, the tension beginning to lessen as all muscle control ceased in her body, and she dropped into his chest. "You ever...do this shit again...and I really will kill you..."

"I don't doubt it..."

The two of them lay there in silence as the rest looked onward. "Happy ending huh?" Spike uttered with a chuckle

"Sure seems like it," Wave added. "But what is with all this blood, it's seriously harshing my mood."

"Um..." Spike said rubbing the back of his head. "Difference of opinion?"

"Difference of opinion?" Wave uttered returning his nervous look with an annoyed stare. "Well whatever the reason, I'm going back to the car, all this blood is making me sick. Glad you're ok by the way, didn't want to bring you back in a body bag for the second time."

"I'm just glad you're ok," Nicole said hugging him as wave vanished into the jungle."After you fell into the water, the wrist pad was destroyed and I was forced to back myself up at the city. I tried coming back to find you but you completely disappeared and I had no idea where you went."

"Some snake girl helped me out, even bandaged my tail which was pretty banged up."

Nicole pulled back, her eyes once again falling to Kindro. "I can't believe you found him...you actually found him."

"Why is that so surprising, what, you thought I couldn't do it?" He said with a smirk.

"No no no, I'm not saying that I promise, I just...when you said you were planning on staying in this world, I thought you were being a bit...overambitious. I didn't want you to disappoint yourself."

"Yea probably."

"W-what?"

"Yea I probably would've messed it up, but I've learned something in my success to find Dragon boy number 2."

"Which was?"

"I. Don't give a fuck whether I fail or succeed."

Both her and Lindsey gasped at those words. "Spike, language." Lindsey scolded.

"Sorry sorry, but I mean it. See, I've realized that whether I lose or win, I need to continue to put myself on the front line for my friends, whether they're next to me, behind me or standing up for me, I won't stay down and sit back while they suffer. Which has honestly made me realize just how stupid I would be for completely deciding to stay in this world."

"And..." Nicole uttered.

"You were right Nicole, I need more time to think about this before I just go complete Team Mobius."

"Artificial intelligence 1, Spike 0." Nicole happily teased

"Rub it in why don't you?" A tug a Spike's tail made him turn his attention to Lindsey, who was already walking toward another upraised rock, slipping around the corner.

"What are waiting for Casanova, go get her."

Spike nervously scratched his head. "But um...I'm no good with dating...I've just never been that successful with it, none of the girls have ever liked me back."

"Well, what if the girl already likes you?" Nicole added making Spike perk up.

"Well that is different--"

"Well then get your butt moving," she said kicking him forward.

He followed his gut and proceeded back behind the rock, a smiling Lindsey sitting there leaning against a wall. "Well well well, Mr. Spike, you've gone quite the distance, haven't you? Finding my sister's first true love and reuniting them it quite the feat. Are you looking for a gold star or something?"

He responded with a chuckle. "Like that means anything, what's personal gain if it doesn't make you feel any better. No, I did this for Korbin, because I genuinely consider her a friend."

"Most normal people don't go to such lengths for someone they just met. But you Mr. Spike, braved the dangers of this dreaded jungle, almost died not once but twice judging by the blood, just so you can make Korbin happy?"

"It's just who I am, I strive to make ponies happy back home, along with the rest of the 6, why should that change just because I'm a different world."

Lindsey once again let her gaze fall to the ground, a noticeable blush on her face, but this time she was smiling, certain of her next action. "Spike I...don't regret you joining our team," she said taking his hand in her own. "And I don't regret this at all." With a slow sure motion, she spun and let their lips lock once more, her hands slowly gliding and caressing Spike's chest as he returned the act in full.

They pulled away as spike replied, "I don't regret a thing either, well except maybe getting almost getting eaten by a water creature thing, and there was this one time I tricked this pony into giving me a whole cart of gem--"

"Mr. Spike dear..." she said taking a hand and readjusting his eyes back to hers. "I get it, just kiss me again you dunce."

"Hmm?" the figure uttered from the nearby tree. "How interessssting..."

Author's Notes:

This is the first official new chapter to the rewritten storyline, and as I'm sure you can tell, a lot has changed and will affect the story going forward, so just forget what you expect to happen now. Also, that fight, and the title were literally Kill La Kill tributes and will probably be a good inspiration for the future scenes, so cheers if you noticed that.

Stay tuned for the next chapter and as always fellows squids, don't get caught in the heat
Stay Sweet in the Deep!