It was Monday morning and Spike was riding in the same limousine that brought him to the city, only this time the girls were accompanying him.

Applejack spoke to the boy, who was sitting in the back and in center between Twilight and Sunset, “So, ya ready for your first day at a new school, Spike?”

“Honestly, I feel sick to my stomach about this.” Spike confessed his uneasiness.

“It's alright to feel nervous on the first day, darling.” Rarity assured him.

“I was on my first day.” Fluttershy admitted.

“Kinda not surprising coming from you, Fluttershy.” Rainbow told her, much to the shy girls embarrassment.

“Don't worry, Spike. Remember you have us with you.” Sunset promised him.

“And I know you'll be able to make some friends. I know I did.” Twilight smiled at the girls while remembering it was them that made her feel welcomed.

“I'm just glad Principal Celestia was able to make me a schedule that at least has one of you in each.” Spike said in relief.

“Well, Spike, here we are.” Rainbow said, as the limo pulled right outside a school.

“Welcome to Equestrius Academy.” Pinkie declared.

Spike watched as multiple high school year students were walking up to the entrance and into the school building, “Ok, first start of a brand new school.” he told himself, as he got out of the limo with the girls and proceeded inside.

Once Spike received his books and all he proceeded to his first class being Advanced Physics, where he got to be with Twilight.

As Spike sat down he kept it casual while ignoring the looks of many who could tell right away that he was a new kid, “I'm so glad to have you in Science class, Spike.” Twilight began as she sat right next to him.

“Think you can help me if I have a problem?” Spike asked, “This isn't exactly my strongest subject.”

“I'd be delighted to help you.” Twilight smiled, at Spike who blushed at how pretty she was coming off as. Once the teacher came in however, the two faced front and began listening to the lesson.

Next class Spike found himself in was art. He was sitting right next to Sunset Shimmer, as they and the rest of the students were busy painting whatever came to them on their canvas'. Spike was trying to draw a three headed dragon, before speaking to himself, “Well, I ain't no Picasso, but it's the effort that matters.”

“It sure is.” Sunset agreed, as Spike looked over and saw on Sunset's canvas was a beautiful beach landscape during dusk.

“Damn, you're good at this, Sunset.” Spike said looking impressed.

“Thanks. Been doing this for years now,” Sunset answered, “Of course my true art is all over the city. Don't tell anyone else outside the girls but I like to do graffiti art.”

“Graffiti?” Spike wondered, especially why Sunset wanted that a secret from anyone outside him and the rest of the girls.

Later on in the gymnasium, Spike and Rainbow Dash were with the other students taking phys ed. Currently they were all doing stretches, push ups, and sit ups.

“Feeling that burn, Spike?” Rainbow asked, as she did a push-up.

Spike who was doing a sit-up answered, “Yes. I just hope I don't end up pulling something. Coach Spitfire is brutal.”

“Yeah, but she wants us to be the best we can be physically.” Rainbow replied, “Besides, she's better than our last instructor.”

“Who was that?”

“Iron Will. That guy literally drilled us until our bones felt broken,” Rainbow explained, “Not that I don't mind working hard, but he was just super crazy. And he was always speaking so loudly and in the third person. I mean who really does that?”

“People who're just so obsessed with themselves.” Spike answered, as the two laughed.

“Hey!” came a voice, which caught their attention.

Walking over was Coach Spitfire. She had orange hair that was spiked up along with light amber highlights, giving it a fire-esque look. She also had orange eyes and wore blue track suit which was zipped up only halfway to her upper half, showing her white T-Shirt. As she approached and looked down at the two. She lifted her shades up, “If you have time to joke around then you must not be getting enough workouts. Do I need to double it?!”

“No, ma'am!” the two answered simultaneously, while shaking their heads.

“Then get back to it!” Spitfire ordered, as they resumed their exercising. Spitfire smirked before turning around and walked away.

As she did, Spike took a look at Spitfire's backside before his gaze started shifting down to her waist, 'Damn her ass looks fine in those pants.' he thought to himself.

In Home Ec, Spike was working together with Applejack and Pinkie Pie in creating something, “A little more spice, Pinkie.” Spike told the girl who sprinkled a bit more spice.

“You sure about this, Sugarcube?” A.J asked.

“Trust me. One taste of this and your taste buds will never be the same.” Spike smirked, much to Applejack's concern.

“Why am I not getting a positive feeling from what you said?”

“Relax, it'll be good.” Spike said, as he tasted, “Perfection.” he gasped in joy.

“So what do you call it?” Pinkie wondered, as she gazed at Spike's creation.

“Dragon Gumbo. A little treat taught to me by my adopted pop Torch. Give it a taste, girls.”

Applejack and Pinkie each took a spoonful of gumbo and ate it. Sweat began to pour off Applejack's face as she panted, “Wow. That's some spicy stuff. What do you think, Pinkie?” she looked over at Pinkie who was frozen stiff with her face completely red.

You could almost see steam pouring out of her ears. She pointed her head up and for a brief moment looked like she was spewing up fire. This of course shocked Spike and A.J, until Pinkie ceased this action and wiped some gumbo off her chin and spoke normally, “Delicious.”

“You impressed?” Spike asked them.

“Wow, Spike, you sure know how to make a good gumbo.” Applejack admitted.

“Hey, everybody. Come and try this!” Pinkie announced to the class, as the students piled around and each took a taste of Spike's gumbo.

Each student panted from the spicy sensation, but enjoyed it none the less. Then walking over was their teacher Saffron Masala. She was a tall and exotically beautiful woman with magenta eyes, and hair made up of two shades of dark fuchsia, she wore foreign garments and a golden headband.

“Ooh, it looks like we have something popular, don't we?” she asked Spike.

“Yes, ma'am. Would you care to taste?” Spike offered her.

“Don't mind if I do,” Saffron answered, as she took a spoonful of gumbo and ate it. Spike watched her chew it slowly to savor the taste and everything. She swallowed before giving Spike her thoughts, “Delicious. I've tasted many exotic foods in my time, but this is by far my favorite.”

“Thank you.” Spike said gratefully.

“You keep this kind of work up, Spike, and I'll be calling you Class' Top Chef.” she added. Applejack, Pinkie, and the rest of the students commended Spike who was blushing in embarrassment.

Once that class was over he went to the auditorium for drama class, and who was waiting for him there, but Rarity, “Oh, Spike!” she called in sing song.

Spike went over to Rarity who hugged him. The close contact with her impressive bust got Spike red in the face, before she let go, “Oh, I'm so glad we could have drama together.”

“Same here.” Spike agreed.

“Our Drama club always holds the most spectacular of shows, with costumes supplied by yours truly.” Rarity winked.

“Wow. Without designing talent the plays here must really be a hit.” Spike said.

“And they are.” came another voice.

The two looked over and saw a boy Spike's age. He moderate rose colored eyes and short black hair. His attire included black sneakers, blue violet pants, a lime green shirt, and on his head was an orange cap turned backwards.

“Rarity's original designer outfits are a real hit, especially to those who're fashion buffs.” the boy said.

“How kind of you to say, Thorax.” Rarity said with an 'oh go on' wave gesture.

“Hey, Thorax, you in here too?” Spike asked, much to Rarity's confusion.

“Uh-huh.”

“Spike, you already know Thorax?” Rarity wondered.

“We had Math earlier today.” he answered.

“Spike's an ok guy,” Thorax admitted, “He even likes my stand up routine.”

“Well, it's nice to see you two getting along.” Rarity smiled.

“Hell yeah.” Spike agreed, as he and Thorax laughed.

So they sat down with Rarity scooting closer to Spike, before laying her hand on top of his. Spike's face turned a tad pink, as he looked over at Rarity who was smiling at him with a faint blush on her face. Spike smiled in response, and decided to enjoy whatever class would bring them.

Afterward, Spike was walking down the hall to his next class, until who should rush over to him but Fluttershy, “Spike, how are you?” she asked.

“Oh, hi, Fluttershy. I'm ok. How about you?”

“I'm doing ok. Where are you off to now?” the girl inquired.

“Study Hall in Room A3.”

“Just like me!” Fluttershy gasped in joy.

“Wow. Now I'm really glad Principal Celestia made it so I'd be with you and the others.”

“She wants to make sure you have time to spend with us both outside and inside school.” Fluttershy answered.

“Well, I'm glad she did.” Spike said, as the two smiled, until a voice spoke up.

“Yo, Flutters, what's up?”

The two looked over and saw leaning against a locker was a girl Fluttershy's age. She had light amaranth hair with vermilion highlights along with light purple eyes. She also wore sandals and a beanie with a pattern of flowers.

“Treezie!” Fluttershy cheered, as the two hugged.

Spike walked over, “You know each other?”

“Spike, this is my friend Tree Hugger. We met on a nature walk.” the shy girl introduced him.

“Hi, I'm-” Tree Hugger cut him off, as she got up right in his face.

“Oh, I know about you. You're Spike. The new kid.”

“Exactly,” he replied, before Tree Hugger got closer much to his surprise, before putting her forehead right onto his, “Uh, what're you doing?” he asked, while blushing from forehead contact.

“Mm, oh, yeah,” she began sounded amorous, “You got such a positive flow in your vibes, dude. It's making me feel good too.” she gave him a smile.

“Tree Hugger!” Fluttershy quickly separated the two, before speaking to the other girl, “What did we talk about giving people their personal space?” she asked with a tap of her foot.

“Couldn't help it, Flutters. His vibes are just so warm and enlightening I felt drawn to them.” Tree Hugger answered, as she shot Spike a flirtatious wink resulting in his face blushing up.

“Well, try to dial it back a little.”

“My bad.” she chuckled.

“Come on, Spike. We don't wanna be late.” Fluttershy said, while taking Spike's hand and escorted him off.

After school let out the girls and Spike returned to their place, as Rainbow spoke, “Alright, Eden here we come!”

“Yes!” Spike said feeling eager.

“Not so fast,” Twilight stopped them, “No one goes to Eden until all our school work is done.”

“Oh, man!” Rainbow complained.

“Just like back home.” Spike sighed.

“Don't worry, we'll work on our schoolwork together.” Applejack said.

“Agreed,” Rarity confirmed, “After all what kind of friends would we be if we didn't help each other?”

“So let's get to it.” Twilight said feeling pumped.

“Homework!” Pinkie Pie jumped up and cheered.

So the girls and Spike got started on their homework with Twilight and even Sunset helping Spike and Rainbow Dash the most. Well, Rainbow Dash needed more help than Spike did.

Afterward, the girls brought Spike into another room where he saw omnidirectional treadmills set up like the one he had in his old hangout. Each station was marked by each of the girls symbols they had on their avatars necklaces.

“Sweet.” Spike said, as he looked at the stations.

“Principal Celestia made sure we each have one.” Sunset explained, as the girls dawned their virtual reality gloves and goggles.

“And now, you have one of your own, Spike.” Twilight said, as she presented Spike his own station marked by a green flame symbol.

“Awesome.” Spike gasped, as he stepped onto the treadmill and readied himself.

“Ok, everyone. Goggles down.” Twilight instructed, as they put their goggles on.

“Here we go.” Spike said, as they entered Eden's Game Central Station in the form of their avatars.

“Alright, so where are gonna go today?” Rainbow asked in excitement, “Gotham City to take on the Joker and his goons?”

“The Land of Ooo to treasure hunt?” Pinkie suggested.

“Oh, I absolutely love a good treasure hunt.” Rarity voiced her agreement.

“Actually, I was thinking we'd all go out someplace to party.” Twilight suggested.

“Ooh, I love partying!” Pinkie cheered.

“It does sound like a nice change of pace.” Fluttershy admitted her approval.

“Aw, man.” Rainbow grumbled.

“Relax, Rainbow,” Applejack told her, “We could use another shot at down time.”

“Especially after I had a long first day.” Spike agreed.

“So where do you have in mind?” Sunset asked Twilight.

Twilight smirked, “We're going to New Donk City.”

Spike gasped, “New Donk? I love it there!”

“As do I.” Rarity agreed.

“So what're we waiting for? Let's go!” Rainbow called feeling more excited, as they headed through a portal.

They exited the portal and found themselves in the game world of New Donk City, “Ah, New Donk City.” Spike marveled.

Pinkie popped in, “The city that never leaps.”

“Let's head on down to the club, ya'll.” Applejack suggested, until Rarity stopped them.

“Wait! If we're going into a club then we must make ourselves look more presentable than this.” she told them.

“Alright,” Twilight rolled her eyes, “Wardrobe change, girls.” Twilight said, as they accessed their items page that appeared before them that displayed, weapons, power ups, vehicles, and of course clothing.

Each of them selected an outfit to wear and suddenly their avatars attire changed into the ones they selected on their screens.

“Come on, Spike. Get yourself changed.” Sunset said.

“Don't you have anything nice to wear?” Rarity wondered.

“Of course I do. Give me moment,” Spike said before accessing his own items page and skimmed through the various outfits he had collected over the years. He finally found the selection of his choosing and suddenly his normal attire changed into the blue outfit of Austin Powers. The girls were surprised, as Spike dawned a pair of Austin Powers glasses and spoke to them using his best Austin Powers voice, “What do you think, babies?”

The girls giggled, “You look very smashing, Spike.” Rarity smiled.

“Why thank you.” Spike answered.

“But aren't the glasses a bit much?” Applejack asked curiously.

“It's all part of the look.”

“Can we get going now?” Rainbow asked sounding impatient.

“Yeah, come on let's go!” Pinkie beamed, as they all headed for New Donk City's nightclub.

Upon entering, they saw many other types of avatars and even New Donkers spread out, mingling, lounging around, and dancing.

“Whoo-wee, this place sure is jumpin'.” Applejack marveled.

“It's my happening, A.J. And it freaks me out!” Spike cheered.

“I'm freaking out too!” Pinkie cheered with Spike, while hanging off him.

“Let's find us a booth.” Sunset said, as they trekked through the crowd before finding a vacant booth that could fit all eight of them.

“Nice to see everyone's too busy having fun to fan mob us.” Fluttershy noted in relief.

“I don't know. I don't mind the attention.” Rainbow answered.

“Well, sometimes the best kind of attention is no attention at all.” Twilight noted.

“Says the egghead who loves to show off her intelligence.” Rainbow counted.

Twilight pouted, “You win this round.”

The group relaxed, until a voice came on a speaker, “Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the New Donk City Night Club. And now to get things started, your mayor... Pauline!” the avatars cheered as Mayor Pauline stepped out on the stage and began scat singing, as her band played. Soon she began singing her number one hit.

(Jump Up Super Star)

Spike got up, “Come on, girls. Let's dance!”

“Alright!” Rainbow got out of her seat.

“How lovely.” Rarity said, getting up.

“I don't know...” Fluttershy said unsure, until Pinkie pulled her up.

“Come on, Fluttershy, it'll be fun!” she and the others headed out to the dance floor and began partying it up with the other avatars.

With every time the mayor sang the word 'jump', the avatars jumped up. Spike was super happy he was actually in Eden hanging out with the girls he's only dreamed of spending time with. The girls in return were just as happy to finally have a boy to hang out with in both the real and game world.

“You're good on your feet Spike.” Pinkie noticed.

“Guess cookin' ain't your only strong point, is it?” Applejack asked.

“I'm just full of surprises.” Spike answered, as he danced around the girls.

Soon the mayor finished her number, and the avatars relaxed and caught their breath. The moment of peace didn't last long, as doors burst open, and these storm trooper looking soldiers wearing blue armor and black visors burst in. Each one was armed with a blaster, sword, or any kind of weapon imaginable.

“Look out, it's the Ravagers!” an avatar screamed in shock.

The Ravagers started ransacking the place, and taking out several avatars collecting their coins and other things they left behind. Some avatars exited the game wanting to preserve their items and everything, while some started to fight back.

“Ravagers,” Spike narrated, “According to Principal Celestia, these sentry drones are workers of Grogar's actual company. He uses them to scour the game world to expand his own territory and bring him back any rare items hidden among the many levels and worlds. Their only allies in this game are cowards who want to save their own skin.”

“Everyone, take cover!” Twilight ordered, as they used a table for cover.

“Just our luck to run into Ravagers here.” Sunset told the group with disappointment.

“I know. And we were having such a blast too.” Rarity agreed sounding extra disappointed.

“Guess this means we gotta get ourselves, busy, huh?” Rainbow asked.

“Agreed. Let's get to work.” Twilight ordered, as all eight of them swapped their night out duds for their regular outfits.

“So what's the plan?” Applejack asked Twilight, who began mapping out a strategy.

“We divide and conquer the whole group. Applejack you and Rarity take one group. Fluttershy, you're with Rainbow Dash. Pinkie, you're with Sunset. Spike, you're with me.”

Spike looked at Twilight feeling flustered to be working with her, while the girls were jealous. But knowing the gravity of their situation decided to let it go, “Alright, ya'll. Let's break!” Applejack ordered, as the teams split up to aid the avatars who stuck around to fight.

Sunset selected a Wookie Bowcaster from her weapons stash and started shooting at several Ravagers and collecting the coins of any who were destroyed.

Pinkie selected Harley Quinn Hammer from her stash and ran around whacking some of the Ravagers, “Whamma Slamma!” she announced, while swinging the hammer around.

Applejack and Rarity were fighting the Ravagers up on a higher balcony in the club hand to hand while avoiding any critical hits, “You varmints are all talk.” Applejack mocked, as she grabbed a Ravager and threw him off the balcony. He plummeted while letting out a Wilhelm Scream before going splat and was destroyed.

“And you really need to think about updating your appearances. You all could use your own individuality.” Rarity added, while dodging some attacked before tricking two of the Ravagers into blasting each other.

On the dance floor, Rainbow was running circles around the Ravagers and Fluttershy was using her wind based power to blow them off their feet.

“Nice breeze, Fluttershy!” Rainbow called, as the shy girl smiled.

Finally Twilight was blasting several Ravagers with magic from the staff of the Dark Magician, and Spike blew fire at some more.

“We won't be able to keep this up forever.” Spike told Twilight, “So I'm gonna need a little more support.” He looked through his stash of items before happening upon a green box with exclamation points on each side, “Time to get metal!” he activated it and his whole body became metal.

Twilight looked at the metallic Spike and smirked seeing he knew what he was doing. Spike charged at the Ravagers who were unable to deal much harm to him with his metal body. As Spike demolished several Ravagers he collected their loot, until the effects of the Metal Box wore off, and he was normal again.

“Spike, heads up!” Rainbow called, as she tossed him a weapon from her own stash being a kusunagi sword. The dragon caught it and used it to deflect several laser shots and redirect them back at several more Ravagers.

With the Ravagers depleted the ones left over fled. When the calamity died down, the avatars were finally able to relax. The Rainbooms and Spike gathered together, as Spike spoke up, “Anybody interested in dinner?”

“Eeyup.” Applejack answered.

“So am I.” Rarity agreed.

“Yeah let's go.” Fluttershy put in, and they all removed their goggles and were out of the game.

Later on at the dinner table, the girls were talking to Celestia about what went down in Eden, “And I was all...” Pinkie made noises, “And Rainbow was all!” made speedy noises.

“Bottom line, we took them down.” Rainbow cleared it up.

Celestia smiled, “I'm proud to see how strong your teamwork is. Especially now that Spike is working with you. But you all must continue to help him so that he'll be even more ready to work together with each of you.”

“Yes, ma'am.” the girls answered.

“Dinner is served.” Spike said, as he came in wheeling a tray of bowls with Dragon gumbo.

“Spike, what is that?” Rarity wondered.

“My specialty, Dragon Gumbo.” Spike answered.

“It got him an A in Home Ec on his first day.” Applejack noted.

“Looks spicy.” Twilight inspected.

“Spicy, but good.” Pinkie told her.

“Give it a go.” Spike beckoned, as the girls and even Celestia tasted it.

Spike looked over seeing each of them were panting from the spicy sensation before taking sips of water, but still looked like they enjoyed it.

“Mm, this is good stuff.” Sunset Shimmer commended Spike.

“Very delectable especially for a gumbo.” Rarity added.

“If you added a ghost pepper to this, it could be a lethal weapon.” Rainbow said with a smirk.

“Tried that. It gave someone serious heartburn.” Spike answered.

“Oh, my.” Fluttershy gasped.

“Well, I think it's delicious, Spike. Thank you for sharing this with us.” Celestia thanked him.

“No problem, Principal Celestia.” Spike replied, feeling sheepish.

Twilight raised her glass, “To Spike.”

The others raised their glasses and announced, “To Spike!” Spike blushed at the praised, before taking a seat at the table and ate with them.

Have a Merry Christmas, everyone. And a Happy New Year too.

Vector image by LimeDazzle