Perhaps I should take up a job narrating all of the writer's stories, wouldn't that be quite the fun little Paradox? Topaz, the omniscient narrator. Has a nice ring to it doesn't it? Oh sorry, I need to start the chapter, don't I? Apologies.

"Was I too late or I was too early?" the dragon thought as he lazily relaxed on the school stairs, listening to the various sounds of the wind, birds, and people doing what comes daily. Had he not been smart enough to eat extra before coming out to wait for the strange squirrel he just met yesterday, sitting and or pacing for the last 3 hours would have killed him long before the boredom would. He sighed as he stood up for the 5th time this morning, stretching his tired body before checking a nearby clock. "11:00? I thought she said bright and early?" With a last good stretch, he let out a yawn. "Welp at this point, I might as well head back to Twiligh..." he paused as his ear twitched at the sound of something rapidly approaching him. "Is that...running?"

Spike tried to determine the direction of the sprinting animal eventually setting sights on a nearby street where, coincidentally, a dust cloud was forming behind somebody barreling down the street. "Sorry sorry sorry!"

"Yep, that is definitely someone running, going pretty fast too."

"Sorry sorry sorry sorry!"

"It's probably none of my business, Twilight's probably wondering where I--"

"Spiiiiiiiiike!"

My name? "Wait..."

"Sorry sorry sorry sorry!"

"It's coming for me!"

Spike was quick to dive out of the way as the animal skidded to a stop letting the dust cloud roll over him. he coughed a few times before it dissipated, revealing an out of breath Kiki. "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, I am so unpleasant, I am so so so sorry I'm late, I got held up and couldn't away until now," she said with an apologetic tone.

"It's fine, I'm ok," he coughed out waving the dust away. "I haven't been waiting long or anything."

With a gasp, she placed both hands to her cheeks in shock. "You have, geez how long have you been here?"

"One, one and a half hours give or take."

"3 hours, oh man you must hate me right now."

How is she doing that? "No no, not at all, I'm used to waiting a little bit, I was raised by the world's biggest introvert after all."

"But it's already 11:00, not exactly bright and early like I planned," she said turning her saddened expression toward the ground.

"Now come on, it's uh, it's ok, you don't have to worry about it this is bright and early for me anyway."

"I guess you're right, besides," she said as a smile instantly painted her cute face. "We could still train or...we could do something a bit more interesting."

Spike felt himself instantly cringe at the sound of the word, Interesting never sounded good coming out of anybody's mouth with Twilight spewing it back and forth over the few years he was here. "What exactly is your definition of interesting?"

"We can go have some fun."

"Come again?"

"Fun? Explore the sights, visit some places, meet some people?"

"So we're not training then?"

"Sounds unpleasant." she quickly answered.

"But you're the one who suggested it."

"Eh, training schmaning, you know how long it's been since I've actually had a day off?

"You have days on?"

"Why do you think I left yesterday?"

"Well I thought that...actually I don't have anything for this. Well, a single day of fun couldn't hurt, besides I don't really feel like getting my butt handed to me again."

"I'm sorry what was that?" she asked with a smirk. "But I thought you said you were learning how I fight?" she teased.

Spike turned his attention away, nervously tugging at the collar of his jacket. "U-uh yep, yea, yes, that is what I was doing, indeed, I'm just...really tired," he uttered with a fake yawn.

Kiki rolled her eyes as she motioned him along. "One way express to relearning your home town going onc--hey, where's your birdie?"

"Oh Philomena, she flew off somewhere around here." Spike gave a whistle and the bird appeared in it's majesty, quickly taking to Spike's shoulder."

"Oh my gosh, hi Philomena, it's been waaaay too long," she said petting and playing with the bird.

"it's almost like you wanted to see Philomena more than me." Spike teased.

"What no never," she responded sarcastically. "She's a bird and your a walking talking dragon, you have equal value. Although... she's definitely cuter."

"Wow, that makes me feel so confident. Perhaps I should just go and let you and Philom--"

"Hey," Kiki said latching onto his arm as he smirked. "Jealousy doesn't suit you?"

"I just wanted to make sure I was still relevant."

"Haha, you're so funny I could cry. Don't worry Philomena, you're still the most important one here."

"I feel betrayed," Spike uttered as Philomena slightly pecked on the head. "Ow, hey that hurt."

"I think she said 'feel betrayed, I'm the cutest one here anyway' or something like that."

"In fear of getting pecked again, I won't argue with that," he uttered as Philomena nodded in agreement.

"Well then, it's settled, me, you, and Philomena, one day of official R&R for me, and getting to know the town for you. Hope you didn't schedule anything with Twilight cause today is all about fun!" she valiantly cheered as he proudly pointed off toward the town.

"Twilight would have probably had me helping her organize anyway, so yea, today is all about fun!" Spike said joining her in her proud pointing as Philomena squawked.

"Onward!" Kiki said as she grabbed spike's hand and quickly dragged him away.

"Kids these days." a teacher uttered ascending the stairs and shaking his head in disapproval.

"So Spike, what do you want to do first?"

"I'm gonna defer to the guide on this one."

Kiki was quick to sigh in realization. "Right right, forgot you're from the Everfree. Well then, as your guide, I know the perfect first place to take you, follow me," she said taking them down a right turn.

"Say?"

"Hmm?" she said turning to face him, now walking backward.

"So what exactly do you do that takes up so much time?"

"Unpleasant." she quickly shot out.

"W-what?"

Instantly she waved her hands in defense. "Oh no no sorry I just, forgive me if I'm a bit unenthused about talking about it, my job usually has me running all over. Day in. Day out."

You got a job that let's move around like that and you're complaining? "What could be so bad about being able to move around every day? Exercise is the key to survival after all."

"What could be so bad? Well, I suppose it's easy for you to question it when you have those," she said pointing to his body.

"Um...clothes?"

Spike could see as the annoyance in her eyes growing as she stared back at him. "Stop being so unpleasant would ya? I'm talking about your scales."

"My scales?" he said curiously looking himself over.

"I read somewhere that they work to maintain body heat instead of trapping in all of the excess heat from the environment, unlike fur, which does exactly that."

Spike couldn't help but take a second to imagine it, immediately shaking the idea from his head as the thought of it alone baked him to a crisp. "Geez, you mean--"

"Exactly, I'm literally a walking oven on any day it's above 70 degrees."

"Delivering or what?" Spike couldn't help but ask.

"Well, anything honestly."

"There's a job where you can just do anything?"

Kiki shook her hand as if to say half and half. "Well, you can't do everything if you're not qualified, but you can do a lot if open to new experiences. It works more like a daycare would, there's a board in the central park area where anyone can post for help. I've done carpentry, blacksmithing, food preparation, garden care, the whole rainbow."

This little squirrel has done all that? I hate to even admit to myself but she's got loads more confidence than I do. "But, doesn't get a little, I don't know risky?"

"How do you mean?"

"What if someone post just to trick you or something, you know," he said making the motion of stealing, stabbing, then death.

"In Ponyville?" She let out a hardy laugh that made Spike raise an eyebrow to her in curiosity. "Unlikely. Nowadays, everyone who was down on their luck has something to work for so stealing and any acts of crime will get you bad rep around here, and everyone will know who it is. Everyone. And even if you do, about 1 out of 4 animals know some type of hand to hand combat, you're better off trying to steal in Canterlot from a grown elephant than a 7-year old that could probably kick your butt."

I swear someone was telling me about how martial arts was becoming a big thing around the world, guess I never took the time actually listen to him. "Guess I lost that bet. By the way, you never told me where we were going."

"You'll see when we get there, it's a place filled with so much joy and fun that your scales will fall off just looking at the place.

"Scales take forever to grow back and it's an itchy experience, that doesn't inspire a lot of confidence."

"We'll be there soon."

"But--"

"Silence." Kiki shushed as a single finger rushed to quiet him. "We're almost there just a few more minutes." The two of them turned the corner onto a new street, slowly making their way down toward wherever Kiki seemed to wanna take them. However, Spike felt an onset on anxiety and paranoia coming on as dozens upon dozens of animals simply stared him down. Some were nervous, averting their gaze upon meeting his, others were downright surprised...or shocked...or rude...or maybe perhaps curious, I'm not too sure of the word to use here, but their eyes never left his. Spike felt himself instinctively cower towards Kiki, trying his best hide behind the fluff of her tail. "U-unpleasant?!" she yelled yanking her tail away and into her arms. "Just what do you think you're doing back there, get out of my tail." She growled.

"Shhhh don't make a scene would you?" Spike whimpered as he backed up. "Everyone is already staring at me, I don't need them thinking I'm some kind of weirdo either."

Kiki paused her dramatics when she realized just what Spike had been saying. "Oh yea, everyone seems a bit surprised by you indeed, but then again, it's been long enough that dragons are technically legends and fairy tales, so of course it's gonna be a little off-putting to see something that even remotely resembles a dragon."

"Well if their job is to freak me out, they're doing an amazing job and not sure I can hold Philomena back from pecking one or two of them," he whispered, Philomena looking visibly angered and ready to start taking names any second now.

"Let's move a little faster then, the quicker we get to where we're going, the less time they have to stare."

"And the fewer people I have to flame."

"Easy there, no need to set the town on fire, let's just move," she said as they both began to speed walk.

Within a few minutes, they finally reached a potential destination, a rather uninhabited street with trees lining the end of it. "We have arrived my dear dragon, are you ready?"

"I'm rea--Is this a dead-end, cause this looks like a dead end."

"Good you're ready because we have arrived at the most fantastic place for a kid in the entire city," she said motioning him down the barren street to a wide-open area where a building twice the size of any he had seen so far sat, welcoming him with mystery and wonder. "Welcome to Derpiboorium!" She yelled presenting the building like it was a grand exhibit.

Spike had to blink twice at the sound of those words. "Did you just say Derpiboorium?"

"I know what you're thinking and yes, it's a bit strange when you first hear it but she only had a week to choose a name."

"This place looks huge from the outside, what even is it?"

"Why don't we enter the realm of fun and see for yourself.

Spike and Kiki slowly ascended the steps toward the front door, being met with a cool breeze of air as they entered. "Wind? Indoors?"

Kiki had to physically stop herself from letting out a chuckle. "It's called air conditioning dummy, I know you're not that lost."

"Air conditioning? You mean they found a way to push air through a building without even opening a window?"

"Those 10 years really didn't give you much to work with, did they? How Unpleasant..."

"How are they ev...woah," he uttered as his eyes finally gazed upon the sight before him. The place was massive on the inside, looking like it was another town altogether. Dozens upon dozens of lights, rides, and sounds filled Spike's head as he surveyed the view from afar. "What in the world is this place?"

"This is Depiboorium, Derpy's infinite stop Amusement park."

"Who is Derpy and what's an amusement park?" he slowly asked, still lost in the sight. This is so weird. he thought with shock and awe in his inner voice's tone. It's so...different from the landscape of the Everfree, so many lights, everything is moving, and this air conditioning is aweeeeeesoooome...

"Spike? Spike?" Kiki said snapping a few times in front of his face to no success. "Should've guessed he would lose it. Better to get a pass so he can drool from the inside."

As she approached the counter, a voice could be heard from inside a backroom, seemingly agonizing over something. "Oh dear, I can't believe I spilled the coffee again. It's gonna stain if I don't get it up where are those darn paper towels.

"Um, Ms. Derpy, are you back there?"

"O-oh yes, I-I'll be right there deary, please wait just a moment." The voice responded.

As soon as those words left her mouth, Kiki tossed a helmet toward Spike who, still lost in the sight, flinched as the helmet collided with his body. "H-hey, what's the b--"

"Put that on."

"A helmet?"

"Trust me."

As soon as Spike placed it around his head, a loud crash rang out from the back followed by two more thumps before finally, a grey appeared from under the counter pulling itself up to reveal the short grey pony, rubbing her head in discomfort. "It's ok, I'm ok, I just tripped...a lot."

"Are you ok?" Kiki asked.

"I'm fine dear, nothing fatal. How may I help you tod--" The grey mare suddenly beamed with excitement, placing her hands together in that motherly way as she smiled. "Ms. Kiki, what a wonderful coincidence, I was starting to think you'd never come back."

"Apologies for that Ms. Derpy, it's been a pretty busy few weeks for me, I haven't really had the time."

"No worries at all deary. I'm just glad you finally found the time. Kind of a coincidence actually, Dinky was just telling me about how she saw you and this, can you believe a kid's imagination these days, something that resembled a dragon, sparring in the plaza just in front of the school. Of course, I was young once too, but a fully able dragon, no one's seen one since forever ago, how silly right?"

"O-oh yeah, s-silly right. but let's pretend it's not silly for a--"

"I mean come on, we'd know if there was a dragon in ponyville, they're supposed to be massive maniacal beasts that spew fire everywhere they go and eat concrete like its candy." Derpy continued to giggle in doubt before her eyes finally lay upon Spike, still lost in space. "Oh I've never seen this one before, might you be new to the area dear?"

Kiki was quick to let out a nervous chuckle when Spike seemed unresponsive. "Sorry about him, he's a little...spaced out is all. Ms. Derpy, meet Spike, the totally real, not massive or maniacal fire breathing dragon I sparred with yesterday in front of the school."

For a second it seemed Derpy was in shock until she began laughing waving the response away. "I know when I've been pranked Ms. Kiki, and it worked quite well, you are quite a master of your craft."

"It's not a prank...surprisingly. Would you wake the heck up already?" she said quickly nudging him. "Say hi already."

"W-wait what, what's going on?" he uttered as she pointed to the clumsy mare. "Oh...should I say hi or--"

"It would be rude not to."

The dragon gave a quick nervous wave, Derpy observing him intently as he did so. "Are you sure this isn't an animal in a suit."

"Dragons are considered animals right?" Spike asked back in confusion.

"And can you, you know, breath fire?"

"Why wouldn't I be able to?" he said letting a little puff of flame escape his mouth.

"Oh my Celestia, it's a real dragon, you met a real dragon, it's a real dragon...Dinky was right..."

"Are you gonna... be ok?"

"Um...yes, yea, yes, just...it's a little crazy that I'm standing in front of a real dragon," she said nervously chuckling the entire time. "A real fire breathing dragon, it's a chance that I'd all but given up hope on since there were supposedly none left alive, but here you are, with scales, and those alluring green eyes...oh my I'm losing it, get yourself together Derpy," she said smacking her cheeks in preparation to focus. "Shock of a real...breathing..dragon... aside...so cool..."

Spike raised an eyebrow as Kiki snapped in front her face, Derpy seemingly have become just as lost as he was a moment ago, eyes simply staring off into space even with Kiki attempting to break her trance. "I'm seriously considering just wearing a sign that says I am a real dragon."

"Can you blame them?" Kiki responded as she continued to try and snap derpy out of it. "It's been well over 100 years or more since the war with the dragons. There are gonna some people who are a bit surprised that one still exists, even if it is a bit...smaller."

"It's not like anyone told me I'd be fun-sized for the first 100 years of my life." he scoffed.

"Ms. Derpy? Ms. Derpy snap out of it please?"

She let out a sigh of defeat before standing on top of the countertop. "What are doing?"

"Snapping her out of it, just keep that helmet tight." With a slight tinge of fear in the air, Spike watched as Kiki began to trail a single finger toward Derpy's side, eventually poking it and sending the mare high into the air, headfirst into the ceiling actually. Spike, Kiki, and Philomena all dove to the ground as she crashed to the floor, the ceiling cracking and sending chunks of it raining down on the grey mare. "Did that...work? You didn't kill her did you?"

"I'm ok," Derpy called out as she placed a hand on the counter, lifting herself up. "I must have gotten scared again, me and my jumpiness. Apologies for that, I couldn't quite process the fact that it's a real dragon, Dinky is going to be so excited."

"Sorry about that Ms. Derpy, that was the only plan I could think of."

"Water under the bridge dear, I would have been lost for a while if you hadn't. Oh my, I completely forgot you came to play, and that I must fulfill, did you have in mind what you wanted to sign up for."

"Hmm?"

With a quick motion, she jumped back on top of the counter and whispered something into Derpy's ear. "Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"And he'll be ok?"

"I think...maybe...let's go with sure."

Derpy closed her eyes, a smile spreading across her face as she proceeded from around the counter. "Follow me, please."

"Where are we going exactly?"

"You'll see."

Well, that's all I needed to be absolutely terrified. Derpy slowly guided them through the, a roller coaster there, bumper cars here, dozens of rides seemed intent on giving Spike a new level of curiosity as he passed them one by one. However, that curiosity was continuously cut off as Kiki yanked him along toward their strange destination. Derpy stopped as they reached what seemed to be the back of the complex, a single door with a hefty lock on it. "Just a moment," Derpy uttered. With a slow motion, she knelt down, checking her surroundings as if to keep an eye out before peeling back what seemed to be a loose part of the carpet. Underneath was an outline of a square which revealed underneath a small red button. She pressed it and like magic, the door suddenly popped open. "This way please."

Spike couldn't help but notice just how unnecessary such security seemed. All the door simply led to was a cliff overlooking a small forest. "What exactly am I looking at?"

"No more questions until we get there, you'll spoil it," she growled.

"I already don't like the idea, you're not talking, she's not talking, no one's giving the dragon any info here. Besides I can't see anything past the tops of the trees down there, that's already a red flag."

"Just jump down."

"Jump? Down there? I don't have wings, that's a suicide mission."

"Trust me and go through the door," she uttered pushing him through the door.

"H-hey wait a min--" Spike yelped as he tumbled out of the doorway and down into the trees below, Philomena simply hovering just outside the door as he fell. Spike yelled out as he tumbled through leaves and branches assuming he was most certainly going to die until his butt plopped on the dirt without so much as a scratch on him, Philomena landing gently on his shoulder. "Oh...I'm not dead? Hey, it's only like 4 or 5 feet down, that's crazy."

Kiki sighed as she too began to step out of the doorway. "I'll make sure to come by soon to see Dinky Ms. Derpy, promise," she said stepping out of the doorway and into the drop. Within a second an audible "Ow" left Spike as Kiki gasped in shock. "Oops sorry Spike, didn't know exactly where you landed.

"It's ok..." he groaned.

"Have fun children," Derpy said as she closed the door behind them.

Kiki quickly took to her paws, dusting herself off before turning back to Spike. "Come on get up, we have to get going or they're going to start without us."

No, don't ask if I'm ok or anything. "What do you mean they're gonna start without us?" Kiki simply started walking without so much as a peep, happily skipping like this was some scene in a movie. Spike had no choice but to internalize the question, getting to his feet and quickly following behind her. For a second, it seemed to be an ordinary forest, sunlight shining through the treeline as branches of leaves rustled in the wind. "Wow, it's peaceful out here...kind of a huge change from the screaming kids inside."

"Really does a good job doesn't it?"

"There's no doubt about that. Almost reminds of the everfre--" Spike stopped as something caught his ears, the sound of faint voices. "Is someone else out here?"

"You could say that." Kiki slowly uttered.

Within a few minutes of walking, the few voices soon turned to 9 or 10, then a dozen, then a few dozen, to 100. It eventually became apparent that there was a group of people out here enjoying the breeze. Oh, how wrong Spike was. Kiki motioned him along as she placed a hand upon a giant leaf-shaped wooden plank and moved it aside. Spike's suspicions were immediately confirmed and then some. Not only 100, but nearly 1000 animals were gathered in what seemed to be a rectangular stadium cheering something on that was taking place. "Is this kind of sports arena? Maybe they're playing Soccer or something?"

"Better," Kiki said with a smirk.

As innocent as it seemed Spike already knew what was taking place here as his vision shifted to the center area encased in a magical barrier, a square arena only about 2 feet of the ground, in which 2 animals stood on opposite sides, staring each other down. "Is this what I think it is?"

"Ok, I know I said no training, but I may...have lied, to you know, get you here."

Spike could only stare at her with disappointment. "You know, you could've just told me we were going to be training."

"I'm sorry, I just...I wanted to have fun and explore the city, and we still can," she reassured. "But, unfortunately for people like me, fighting for fun and training can be two separate things sometimes.

Spike groaned raising his hand making kiki close her in eyes fear. However, she let out a hum of confusion when that groan turned to a slight chuckle. "It's fine."

"I-it is?"

"If this fun for you, I'm not gonna squash your enthusiasm."

Kiki growled back, her expression visibly annoyed. "You unpleasant jerk, I thought you were pissed."

"I don't get angry that easily, fortunately, which means if you wanna go fight, I'll gladly watch you."

Her annoyed expression immediately switched from bothered to happy, jumping up and down like a giddy school girl. "Sweet, this is gonna be so fun, I'll go get my ticket."

Spike nodded in agreement before she rushed off, taking the empty seat closest to him and turning his attention to the fight already in progress.

On one side lay a strongly built female bull, hulking and tall. On the other side was a male peacock with a small frame, hands hidden as the sleeves of his robe were placed together. Each seemed calm and content, mentally sizing each other up as they awaited something. "Contestants are you ready?" a voice asked as a skunk with a microphone appeared from the crowd. They both nodded in unison. "Alright folks, get ready a rumble!" she yelled out before tossing one of those territory cards Spike saw Kiki use. It floated above the two who readied themselves. "The wheel of fate is turning! Rebel 1!" Wait a minute... you're kidding?

"Oh darn, did I miss anything?" Kiki said as she took the seat next to him. "Nope, the fight is just starting, more importantly, did you make up your own words to activate the territory card?"

"Uhhhhhhhh...no," she said turning away.

"You totally did, didn't you? No wonder I thought that was super cringy."

"I thought it was pretty cool..." she said before releasing a sigh. "No you're right, it's terrible, I was just trying something out."

"You have no idea how betrayed I feel."

His obvious sarcasm pulled a chuckle out of Kiki, who gently elbowed him. "Be quiet and watch the fight."

"Fight!" The announcer yelled out as the territory became active.

Within seconds the bull took off a like a train, jumping up and aiming her horns downward. The peacock was quick to dodge as her horns impaled the floor. The peacock attempted to take advantage of the bull being stuck, pulling out a small kunai and dashing at her. However, the bull was not an amateur, quickly forcing her horns out and blocking the impending strike. The two went at it for a moment, punching and kicking having to compensate for the size difference with peacock continuously jumping up and attacking, even using the bull's arms as footholds, while the bull seemed to be quicker than most would think, even going as far as to block the kunai with her own horns repeatedly. Spike was lost in shock as the fight continued, Kiki taking notice and smirking. "Amazing right?"

"Y-yea..." he uttered lost in amazement. So this is a real battle between real fighters. They move so fast, and each motion fluid and precise...even though they don't know what the other is going to do, they flow to the next move like a practiced routine.

As the tie-up continued, the bull took initiative, waiting until the peacock missed his next strike and grabbed his wing, tossing him skyward and making him drop his kunai. He flailed as he traveled upward then downward, the bull quickly retreating backward before charging forward and jumping to meet him. She spun in mid-air, preparing to punch before the bird regained his composure and suddenly latched his talons around one of the bull's horns. With that momentum, the bird simply tossed her larger weight the other direction, time slowing down as it seemed the only option was to ring out. Everyone began was this close to cheering as the bull skidded across the ground toward the outside of the ring, until the bull took hold of something on the ground using it to slow her speed and eventually spin her momentum back in the direction of the bird. Charging forward once more toward the already distracted bird, assuming he was victorious, she tossed what she had used, his kunai, back at him, to which he quickly blocked but didn't account for the extra obstacle. The bull charged her shoulder directly in him sending him rolling across the ring and down to the green grass below. "Ring out, Tora win." the announcer called out as people began cheering in unison, the bull simply bowing in respect.

Spike's eyes went wide at the sight, trying his best to stitch together what just happened. "In all the stories I was ever told, the little guy is always the odd one, but not here no."

"Hulking muscles and speed won't get you everything in a fight, isn't that what you were trying to teach me earlier in our fight?"

"Y-yea, that was...all me. Learn your opponent's tactics and adapt to the situation."

"Of course, I'm sure the two of them already knew their tactics, it was just a matter of being smart about certain moves."

"You mean how the bull used the bird's own kunai to stay in the ring?"

"Yep yep, exactly."

"Will the next two contestants please take their position for rebel 2?" The skunk asked.

"That's me." Kiki happily said as she jumped up. "You better be cheering me on."

"Wouldn't dream of doing anything else," he replied.

Kiki quickly made her way down the steps of the stands, landing in the grass and making her way to the ring. As she took her spot, another male skunk stood from behind Spike, slowly making his way out of the aisle and down the steps. Spike was quick to cast a glance in his direction, however, when he did so, his mind seemed to lag for a bit. Everything moved in slow motion as the skunk cast his own glance towards spike, sending a chill down his spine as half-lidded piercing red eyes seemingly studied the young dragon. What in Equestria? I...what is this? His mind suddenly began to draw blanks at every chance he tried to turn his attention away, only the thoughts of this skunk seemed to stick. But like magic or a very worried bird, time resumed for him, his head slightly hurting from a peck to it. "Ow ow, I'm ok girl, don't peck." the bird squawked in happiness as Spike attempted to locate his crimson eyed friend, who was surprisingly already in the ring. What the heck just happened? he thought shaking his head and trying to regain his senses. "Ladies and gentlemen, a stunning battle is about to take place. On this side, we have the white beauty herself, Silver Squirrel!"

Kiki didn't waste time praising the crowd as they cheered making Spike chuckled to himself. "Silver Squirrel? Wow, how much thought did you seriously put into that?" he whispered to himself.

"And on the other side, we have...actually he didn't give us a name, he prefers to remain unknown. Are you fighters ready?"

"Ready as always." Kiki excitedly cheered.

"I'll do my best." the red-eyed skunk uttered with a smirk.

"Alright then." The announcer said placing another territory card. "The wheel of fate is turning, rebel 2, fight!"

The fight began but unlike most fights, the two did take off in a burst of speed that destroys the ring. With a slow but firm motion, Kiki began to defensively step forward, the skunk placing his hands out in front as he copied the motion. They inched nearer and nearer until finally, they had only a foot of space apart. Inching forward only one more time, they placed the backs of their hands together, relaxed palms still showing. Silence was all that filled this arena at that moment, everyone including Spike wondering what exactly was taking place. The eyes of a skunk and a squirrel met, their bodies virtually statues as they sized each other up. Come on make a move. Kiki thought. The skunk was first to break, quickly throwing a high kick that was blocked by Kiki's arm. She quickly dropped to a crouch sweeping the skunk of his feet and sending him to the ground. Like an acrobat though, he jumped up backward, doing a few backflips to gain distance. "What speed..." he whispered as took yet another defensive stance.

Kiki turned to the offensive, rushing him and with the idea of throwing a combo when suddenly he threw a series of lightning-fast kicks. Kiki desperately switched to defensive, blocking the attacks with both arms and legs before spinning and unleashing an elbow to his chest area. The skunk was quick to block the strike, skidding back a few feet and lowering his arm. "Hmm." he hummed out in appreciation for the move. "Not bad."

"You think that's cool, check this out," she said whipping out her giant color pen.

"Interesting..." With perfect finesse, he jumped and twisted in the air like a tornado, throwing a crushing kick towards kiki, who used her pen as a shield. She retaliated switching between swinging it like staff to using it to defend, the skunk continuing to throw kicks like with impressive speed and precision. One more kick sent her this time skidding across the floor, the skunk following up with a set of bicycle kicks to her pen before twisting and kicking it right out of her hand, impaling the ground nearby. Kiki was quick to panic a bit, the skunk spinning another kick her way, this time with all his power packed in. However, Kiki was able to regain her faith, spinning under the kick and using her own foot to guide his own down. With her foot firmly on top of his now, she rolled taking hold of her impaled pen and in the process and quickly creating a small wall of ink to catch the skunk's foot coming back her way, swinging the pen back around to finally land a hit. With a swift motion, the skunk removed his foot, actually planting his feet on the base of the pen and using the momentum from the swing to jump back a little, landing unharmed. "Hmmmmmm..." he hummed in curiosity.

"Whew, you're no joke, all those crazy kicks and flips, It's a surprise you're not trying out for a tournament or something."

The skunk simply smirked at that comment before turning to the announcer. "I forfeit."

"Wait what?" Kiki said with shock.

"I give up."

"Y-you don't even wanna try, you were doing so good?"

"What's the point? You're the better fighter, I'm obviously leagues behind you."

"Oh um...well, in that case, the winner is Silver Squirrel."

Everyone cheered for the white beauty as the red-eyed skunk took his leave, ascending the stairs and passing spike once more. "I wonder how you'll do," he uttered in passing.

"Hmm?" Spike hummed in confusion as the skunk was seemingly already gone. "Who...was that guy?"

"You're telling me," Kiki said as she ascended to the stairs and sat next to him. "He definitely knew what he was doing, so why did he give up, just doesn't make sense."

"You got me, looked like he wasn't holding back, but you thankfully, you beat him."

"By the way," she said staring him down. "I didn't hear you cheering."

"W-what, nobody was cheering, it was just a really strange fight, don't hurt me," he said closing his eyes and waiting for the inevitable.

Kiki couldn't help but snicker before laughing to herself. "Haha yes, how does payback feel?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Now we're even. Come on, we got more stuff in the city to look at."

"Why are you the way that you are?" he whined before following her out of the arena.

"Beats? do they--"

"No, they don't sell edible beats." Kiki quickly interrupted. "it's called beats because the store owner is a huge music nerd. Makes it, produces it, recommends it."

"You mean like on a cd?"

"You know what a cd is, but you don't know what air conditioning is? How unpleasant..."

Spike and Kiki entered the store, their ears immediately being met with the wild funky fresh, hardcore, sickest beats, they ever heard. Oops, sorry personal interpretation. I mean interesting collection of music this vinyl called music. "What in Equestria is...it's really...odd...but kind of like cool."

"That my friend is what Vinyl makes, dubstep. Only really the kids are into nowadays so it's more of a personal preference than anything. That's not the point though, this isn't just a music store, this is a tech store."

"You mean they sell things like games and stuff like that."

"You know what a video game is?!"

"Y-yea, they're not completely uncommon."

"You know what that is, but you don't know what air conditioning is?"

"We lived in bamboo huts, the wind was kind of our air conditioner."

"Unpleasant..." she uttered. "Well, what have you played."

"Um... a few things on my Magicboy Advance."

"Nevermind, you are outdated and we need to fix that."

"Fix that how?" he nervously questioned.

Kiki smirked. "Hey Vinyl?"

"Hmm?" the blue-haired girl hummed as she raised her head from the book she was reading behind the counter. "Oh no way, it's little Kiki, long time no see. What's up?"

Our friend here," she said placing her hands on both his shoulders. "Is a little technologically illiterate. Think you can help him out."

Spike knew something was up when Vinyl smiled as well. "I'll get the gauntlet ready."

"Perfect."

Spike found himself physically exhausted as he mashed buttons on a controller, Kiki doing exactly the same. "Keep going!" she yelled.

"Can we...take...a break?" he struggled to huff out.

"Not until we've defeated this freaking behemoth, the moves thrives on how many times you can press that button in 10 seconds, so keep pressing until your arm falls off."

"But we've...died like 6 times...the healers aren't healing fast enough...and it's immune to death."

"It's all about trying again Spike, try try again."

With the counter finally reaching 0, the characters unleashed their attack and finally took down the last sliver of this behemoth's 9999 health bar. They both let out a sigh of absolute relief as the thing fell to the ground dead, slinking back in their chairs and trying to catch their breath. "We did it, we finally did it...never again..."

"Agreed...but--"

"But what?"

"I have one more thing I want you to try."

"We're not fighting something with too much health again are we?"

"Nope, better. Vinyl, level 5."

"On it," she said beginning to rummage through a pile of games. "Heads up," she said tossing a case in their direction. Kiki caught it and was quick to slip it in the console.

"What now?"

"You ever dance before Spike?"

"...why, what did you put in there?" Spike's blinked twice as the logo and words came on screen. "Dance Star Night?"

"Well dance or no dance, you're gonna start now."

"Oh no no no, I can't dance, never tried, never will."

"You're kidding, you never even moved to a beat before?"

"Yea and everyone describes it as a horrible experience they would never experience again."

"I think you're exaggerating."

"I promise I am not."

"Well then, prove it."

Spike found himself instinctively backing up at that moment. "I'm gonna pass, you can have this one."

"Spiiiiike..." She cooed.

"I'll embarrass myself another time thank you."

"Spiiiiike..." she repeated, this time with puppy dog eyes as large as saucers.

He groaned, knowing full well the power of such a diabolical move. "I...don't know..."

"Come on, I can teach, pleeeeease?"

"Fine fine, I'll do it, only because there's no here right now."

"Sweeeeeeeeeet, come on you're gonna love it."

"Debatable."

"Here, I'll choose the song, it'll be easy trust me."

"Ok and that one will work. All you gotta do is follow the moves on-screen and you'll be fine.

"That...sounds easy-ish."

"So easy a baby could do it." Spike waited as something popped on the screen, the sight of a black-haired animal wearing a set of headphones and a strange mask that only covered the eyes. Like a lightning bolt, the animal immediately took off dancing, kiki and him dancing in complete sync to the song. "This is the part where you dance Spike."

"O-oh really..." With a slight feeling of discomfort, he began to move slowly but surely trying to match the animal's moves.

"How unpleasant, you weren't kidding," Kiki uttered with a giggle as she watched his moves, slow, sloppy, and off-rhythm struggling to catch up to even the simplest dance moves. "You're really bad."

"Y-you're the one who suggested I try. You know what, it's just not for--"

"Yeah no, I'm not letting you back out of this," she said pausing the game. "I promised I'd teach you remember?"

"Y-yea but--"

"No buts, just listen to my exacts words and copy me, you'll get it."

Vinyl watched on as Kiki slowly but surely taught Spike the moves of the dance, a chuckle escaping her as she returned to her magazine. "Little Kiki finally found herself a friend, no more being the anti-social artist in the bushes I hope."

"So as soon as you hear that..."

"Then I spin and do that?"

"Right, that's it. Now repeat the action back to me."

Vinyl couldn't help but crack a smile as the dragon horribly repeated the action, stumbling over himself more than a few times. "Hehe, reminds me of me when I was young...couldn't dance to save my life."

A few minutes passed as Kiki finished up teaching him the routine, simple enough it seemed and thankfully made to be learned in a short time. "So you got it?"

"I...think?" Spike replied. "I mean I memorized the moves but doing them in rapid succession like that, I don't know?"

"It's all about practice Spike, you'll get the hang of it with a few tries." Kiki restarted the song, watching spike out of the corner of her eye as she too readied herself to dance. He stuck the first couple of moves but quickly began to fall on and off rhythm, nailing one move but failing to time the next. "You're not doing badly."

"I could be doing better," he uttered as his they continued to dance. When the song finished, the two of them catching their breath, their individual scores were tallied, Kiki receiving an "outstanding" while Spike simply got a message saying he needed to practice in the tutorial a bit more. "Yep, that sounds about right."

"Hey hey, don't get all negative on me now, it's definitely better than your first try right?"

"I mean yea but--"

"I said no buts, now let's go agai--"

"Hey, Kiki." Vinyl interrupted.

"Hmm?"

"Pause a moment, Spike was it?"

"Uh y-yes mam, Vinyl, right?"

"The one and only. Say, do you like the song?"

"Do I like it?"

"Yea, is the kind of song that makes you want to get up and move?"

"I mean, yes...actually no not really."

"Hmm...Kiki track 13, I think that might be something more Spike's speed."

Kiki happily obliged, flipping through the tracks until one stood out. "And play."

"A way of life?" Spike uttered as the screen faded to black loading the song.

As soon as the picture came into view, the song started, Spike immediately feeling something in his bones as it started. He began to ever so slightly nod his head to the beat, even tapping his foot in unison. Kiki was quick to notice, jabbing him in the arm as she laughed. "Looks like this is the song that will definitely get your feet moving." With that, she took off keeping in sync with the dancer on screen. "Get that butt moving Spike come on."

Spike felt a sliver of fear at the moment, his eyes shifted back and forth between the game and the ground in confusion. Should I dance...I mean I want to...but I've never been a good dancer, hell I'm not even a good fighter...but this is my chance to-- He stopped as soon as Kiki suddenly began to sing the words mid-dance. This is truly the first time, Spike realized just how amazing this squirrel was. Her voice didn't perfectly match that of the songstress, instead, casting it's own line of beauty in what seemed to be an endless sea of talent she held inside. Spike couldn't help himself, springing into the dance with an enthusiasm he didn't know he had. To a professional dancer, his movements were rather odd, completely random even, only matching the beat half the time and never really in sync with Kiki or the dancer on screen. Nonetheless, a smile was painted on his face, dancing like a weirdo, but having fun, no doubts, no worries, just moving to the beat of a song. Even Philomena was flying around above them, cooing happily as she performed what was to her, dancing. "Now that's what I'm talking about," Vinyl called out, hopping over the counter and quickly dashing the length of the store to join them.

For about an hour the three danced to their heart's content, simply forgetting about outside worry as the music moved through them. They dropped to the floor exhausted but still smiling, laughing hysterically when Spike's score popped on the screen, still saying terrible.

"I didn't think dancing would be that much fun, but I still did bad didn't I?" Spike asked.

"Terrible." Kiki happily replied.

"Utterly horrible," Vinyl added making Spike sit up in disappointment.

"But," Kiki began. "Even if it would cause a riot in the dancing community, you made the effort to at least try it, and I think that's what matters."

"Forget the moves, at least you moved." Vinyl said getting to her feet. "A lot of people these days are a little bit too insecure to step out of their shell, unfortunately."

"Well, bad or not, I had fun, this is definitely one of the highlights of being back home now," Spike said also taking to his feet.

Kiki followed suit, quickly realizing with a look disappointment that it was already getting pretty late outside. "Oopsie, I completely lost track of time."

"Welp, I guess that's it for me then, Twilight will be sweating buckets if I don't check-in, I think. I mean she was researching something, so I don't even know if she's thinking about--"

"Wait wait, hold on," Kiki said latching onto his arm. "I still got one more thing to show you."

"But--"

"It won't take that long promise, besides, you were just saying how she gets lost in her research, it'll be fine."

Spike turned his gaze upward, pondering the question before sighing. "Ok ok, one more thing couldn't hurt."

"Sweet, let's go or we'll be climbing in the dark."

"Climbing? Wait what?"

Spike had no time to prepare a rebuttal as Kiki was already on her way towards the exit. "Thanks for letting us relax in here Vinyl, I'll bring you a box of--"

"Donuts." Vinyl said.

"Donuts?"

"I've been craving donuts for a week now, I need that frosted goodness but I've been too wrapped up in work to get them."

"You and me both, donuts it is," she said exiting the store.

As Spike took a step to follow suit, he felt Vinyl hand on his shoulder. "Hey, kid, come by anytime and maybe I'll hook you up with a discount, on me."

"T-thanks but why we just met?"

"You got a hell of a lot of spirit and I like that. Like I said before, people around here like to keep to their shell so you were definitely a surprise walking into my store today. Word of advice though, don't let her show you up."

"Come again? You mean Kiki?"

"I saw your little fight out in the school courtyard yesterday, she mopped the floor with you."

"O-oh...go ahead, feed the fire, tell me I'm weak," he said lowering his head to the floor in disappointment.

Great, here comes the first of many insults. "Cut that out, we don't live an anxiety-filled bubble here. Besides, Kiki is one hell of a fighter and I can tell you aren't very experienced. My advice is to make her your goal, her skill, her courage, and determination, strive to obtain the power you don't have."

"Mmm...I think I understand."

"Good, now get going, she'll be halfway across the city with that spunk of hers." Spike quickly did so, catching up to her halfway down the block crazily enough. "So where are we going?"

"To a place that I know everyone loves to be," she said pointing to a large clocktower in the distance."

"Oh sweet, we're gonna sit under the clockto--"

"Nuh-uh," she said shaking her head, repositioning her finger. "We're going to the very top."

Spike let out an audible sigh as he assumed he had no choice. "You just live for figuring out ways to raise my blood pressure every other minute don't you?"

"Come on." she giggled out. "It'll be fun, just like dancing or fighting." She quickly took off running jumping on the base of a lamp post and spring off of it to a nearby roof. "You coming?"

Fighting is one thing, dancing is another, but after all that time living everfree, this, I can do. Spike took a running start, instead of grabbing onto the base of the lamp post and spinning around it, using the momentum to shoot into the air and grab onto the ledge of the roof. As he climbed up, Kiki smirked his way. "What?"

"Hehe, well well, and here I thought I'd have to teach you how to freerun to."

"Oh haha, very funny. I grew up in the Everfree remember, I'm a natural runner through and through."

"Are you overestimating yourself?"

"Are you underestimating me?"

The two locked eyes in that second, a spark of competition now brewing between them. "Alright dragon, top of the tower wins, the loser has to do anything the winner says."

"I'll take those odds, just nothing creepy."

"Alright go!" she said quickly shooting off down the roof and hopping to another."

"H-hey, no fair!" he said following behind. The two of them hastily split up taking their own paths with Kiki dropping to the streets below while Spike stayed above. The two of them were keeping pace with each other, vaulting, running, and climbing like little Tarzan's. Spike continued to jump across the buildings until he spotted Kiki below. "Giving up?!"

"In your dreams." With extreme finesse, she jumped grabbing hold of the bottom of a sign hanging from above. Using the momentum, she swung upward and forward latching onto another pole, free of a sign, and flipping to the top of another building. Kiki smirked as she turned toward spike. "You like?"

He groaned in response, turning his embarrassed expression elsewhere. "It was alright...for a novice."

"Well then prove me wrong," she said they both approached the clocktower in question. Like monkeys, they latched onto the first thing they could get a hold on and began climbing, both of them disappearing from each other's sight. Spike found himself quickly growing fatigued, beginning to find his breath escaping him even quicker now, but still, he had to win. He continued to climb, slower and slower with every passing minute. "Darn, I'm not gonna beat her at this rate...gotta keep going..." With much regret, he finally reached the top of the clocktower, hoisting himself up on the ledge just below the clock and desperately trying to catch his breath. "Whew, I made it..."

"Made it late, but you made it."

"W-wait?" he said turning his head. "Whaaaaaaaat?" he whined as Kiki sat there, patiently waiting with Philomena by her side. "How did you--but you were climbing to weren't you?"

"Yea, I went in through a window and climbed the stairs."

"You're serious?"

"You absolute mad lad did you actually climb the outside of the tower?"

"I thought that was the challenge?"

"I'm not reckless, what if you had fallen off or something?"

"Oh no..." Dear Celestia, she tricked me.

"Looks I won Mr natural runner, you now owe me one favor."

"And you?" he said pointing to the bird. "You traitor."

Philomena quickly flew back to Spike's shoulder, cooing as if to say "don't worry, we're still friends."

I may have lost like an idiot but, he said taking a seat on the ledge as he watched as Kiki smile his way. I'm thankful she volunteered to show me around my home again, even though I'm sure there are dozens of more things to do than just fight or dance. "I should've known better than to challenge a squirrel in her own city."

"That was your first and final mistake. Now about that favo--uh...oh no," she said reaching her hand out to feel the air. When a drop of water landed on it, she quickly rushed spike underneath a small ledge just a foot over, rain beginning to pour down not even a second later.

"Oops," Spike uttered. "Looks like we didn't notice that rain cloud behind us."

"Ughhhhh, way to ruin the fun stupid rain, now it's gonna be just gonna be cold and wet going home."

"I think the cold is nice actually, although Philomena probably wouldn't agree."

"Says the dragon who can sleep virtually anywhere without so much as a shiver. heat lovers like me and Philomena don't get that luxury so shut it." Spike let out a mocking chuckle before Kiki pulled something from her person. "Anyway here."

"Hmm?" Spike hummed as she handed something, obviously based on the cold temperature combined with the wooden stick protruding from the bottom. "Ice Cream?"

"I heard from a couple of animals that their favorite pastime is to come up here with some ice cream just watch the city."

He unwrapped his own before taking a bite. "Sea salt ice cream."

"Yep, I love this stuff, it's so different from the basic vanilla or chocolate that I just can't resist. I guess you could say the fact that I'm kind of the odd one out has a hand in that."

Spike realized a change in tone with that sentence, happy at first, but rather unsure, nervous, in the end. He chose to ignore it out of respect for her privacy, although the feeling something else was happening never left him. They waited patiently as night fell, the soothing orange and red of the sunset fading to black as the stars came out to meet them. This is when Spike could truly take in the beauty of his home, something he had never been able to experience before. The city lit up with various lights and colors, sights of red and blue mixed with green and yellow, buildings faded to black leaving only a sea of shining beacons in the night, even the library had some type of projection of an all-blue dragon, doing figure eights right above the building. "This is..."

"Nice right?"

"It's funny actually, I've been to the top of the tallest tree in the everfree over 5 times and that view is nothing compared to this, at least right now anyway, nothing can beat the view of nature."

"It's a sight worth seeing you know. I've only ever been up here one other time, by myself. That first time, you never forget right?"

Spike could still detect that hint of something in her voice, the feeling to pry growing more and more dangerous. "Yep, course it's not the final destination for me."

"Huh?"

"I mean it's not the final thing I wanna see you know."

"You mean like the rest of the world?"

"Exactly," he said excitedly jumping up. "Ponyville is nice, the Everfree is peaceful, but I wanna go see the whole world, discover the undiscoverable..or something to that effect.

"Sounds fun."

"Sounds risky too. After everything I saw in the Everfree, I'd be lucky to get halfway to Canterlot before getting eaten."

Kiki snickered, then giggled, eventually full-blown out laughing. "Spike, you're so unpleasant."

"W-what, what did I do?"

"Your imagination likes to come up with just about everything doesn't it?"

"H-hey, it's not funny," he said pouting. "I'm just being cautious."

"For someone who wants to adventure, you sure are worried for the wrong reasons. Did you not enjoy dancing, did you not enjoy watching the fights?"

"I mean I did but,"

"Take a chance Spike, go out there like you want to and explore. What's the worse that could happen, death?"

Spike stared at her with annoyance. "Yes, that's exactly the worst that can happen."

she giggled. "Welp, better not die then."

"You're too goofy for your own good."

"Cute as a button right?"

"Ugh, now you're being unpleasant."

A moment passed as Spike and Kiki sat atop the tower, both of them finishing their ice cream and setting the wooden sticks on the ledge. "Hey Spike,"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for coming out with me today."

"Uh...no problem, I mean we're just hanging out right?"

"Y-yea, yea we are...actually, I'm just happy. You could've gone back home with Twilight, I could've just gone back to working and today would have never happened."

"Well, now I just feel sad."

"No no Don't, I'm saying thank you geez. If you hadn't waited for 3 hours for me or decided to deny my request to hang out, then it would've just been another generic day with generic things happening. Even though we only got to do like two things, I had a lot of fun, I don't get that chance being cooped up in the cast--"

Kiki let out a squeal as she covered her mouth. "I'm glad you-" he stopped, realizing her mistake. "Come again?"

"Cooped up in the house I mean, yea the house." she nervously corrected.

"What's...going on here?" Spike said taking to his feet slowly.

"Oh no no, I messed up, stupid stupid, you idiot--" she said turning to face away from Spike.

"Um, it's ok, n-nevermind, I don't need to know." He said slowly taking a step toward her. "It's fine Kiki, I forgot all about it, look, I'm rewinding my brain mentally right now."

"I--I..." she stuttered.

"You don't have to tell me, it's perfectly fine."

"I just...It was supposed to be a secr--but then I--"

"It's still a secret Kiki, you don't have to reveal it, I'm perfectly fine wit--" he started to say as he placed a hand on her shoulder.

Like a wound-up spring, she immediately shot up. "I'm the princess ok?!"

However, in her haste to reveal the secret eating away at her, she surprised Spike so much so that he stumbled backward, flailing his arms as he tipped over the edge sending Philomena rushing after him. "Son of a--" his eyes closed and feared the inevitable, smashing like paste into the ground below, until the lack of wind rushing by his person made him second guess the situation. He opened his eyes to the sight of him dangling off the side off the tower, a hand belonging to none other than Kiki's gripping his.

"I am so sorry, I didn't mean to honest, please forgive me, please please ple--"

"Apology accepted, just please pull us up." He rushed out.

Kiki reached out her free arm allowing the soaked Pheonix to travel up it and to dryness while she slowly pulled Spike into a position where his other hand could grip the ledge. Upon pulling himself up, both of them letting out a sigh of relief in safety. "Whew, that was close."

"Sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry, I didn't mean to, I really didn't mean t--"

"It's ok, I'm not mad, it was an accident. Although Philo might not be so understanding," he said they watched the bird desperately trying to shake her feathers dry. "It was an accident right?"

"Of course it was," she growled. "I would never try to kill an innocent animal, even if that animal is super heavy."

"H-hey..." he said pinching his belly in disgust...wait. "Wait a minute, you're a princess?!"