An Always Friends, Always More Story
A Humanized Pony Fic By Duke Moon II
Inspired by “The Girls of My Life” by Wildcard25

Chapter 8 - Dealing With Infamy

Though I was just a school photographer, I did conduct a few interviews whenever a school reporter wasn’t available, which was pretty rare. In fact, I only conducted about six interviews in all my four years as a student of Canterlot High. I often felt intimidated and never asked any good questions, and often my interviews were cut short. My reporting was mediocre at best, so I stuck to photography, which I still do on occasion, whether it be for freelance or just a hobby.

The only story I wrote that got published was my interview with my friend Spike Drake at the beginning of his junior year. Though I personally felt envious of him, I felt more at home interviewing Spike. We talked about his accomplishments, his plans for the future, the girls in his life, and basically just things I felt needed to see printed.

I asked him if he had any regrets about his first two years in CHS. He answered, without hesitation, that he wished that he was never popular. I asked him why and he said that he only wanted to be with his friends, his family and no one else. Nothing else mattered.

Benjamin “Featherweight” Richards
Ponyville Chronicles

“My name is Spike Drake, the dancing king supreme,” Spike sang with determination and glee. “I got a skill set that makes my honeys scream.”

Spike hummed happily as he danced on the sidewalk, earning some weird glances from the people who were just passing by. In his mind, Spike kept replaying the events from the night before. Even though he had a generally terrible first day of school, it ended on a high note; not only did he spend some time helping Twilight in her studies (as well practice after theory), he got to hang out with Rainbow for a little late night session. Spike smiled widely as he couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have friends like Twilight and Rainbow. He was so happy that he started spinning around and ended his dance by striking a pose, pulling down his imaginary hat with his right hand while extending his left arm to side, pointing with his forefinger.

Breathing in and letting out a sigh, Spike continued to on to school, this time walking normally. As happy as he felt, there were two sets of realities that started to set in: one, he had to return to school and continue the school year and face whatever trouble lay ahead. Even though the students that chased him during lunch time had certainly gotten punished, he might be facing a backlash from other students that certainly wanted his head in the future. It didn’t help that he may have to face Albert Blueblood again, and he certainly didn’t want trouble from him, especially inside school grounds. He grimly balled up his fist and stared at it for moment, but shook his head, relaxing his hand and continued to walk on.

‘It’s not worth it, Spike,’ thought the boy as he growled. ‘Yeah, I could kick that dandy’s ass any day, but the girls wouldn’t want me to get in trouble.’

At the thought of the girls in his life, Spike felt the second reality set in. Twilight and her friends were not with him, as they had all gone to school early, no doubt getting ready for their activities. Twilight was no doubt meeting up with Principal Huerta and turning in her work to her so she could get to her next project. Rainbow was probably with her team and practicing her game. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were no doubt in the cafeteria delivering their desserts for the lunch trade. Rarity was probably busy designing the school uniforms which he would no doubt wear next year, and Fluttershy was probably busy helping to tend to the school mascot, Danny the Wonder-Colt. It only served to remind Spike that he was walking to school alone. Even his male friends had gotten to school early. Spike kicked a pebble that was in his way in frustration, frowning.

‘Wish the girls were with me,’ thought Spike sadly. ‘Back when we were in grade school, they used to fuss over me when we were riding inside the school bus. Back then, I really used to hate it, but now I wouldn’t mind the attention.’

Spike was so deep in thought that he almost didn’t notice that he had arrived at school with time to spare. Breathing in, Spike walked inside the school building with determination, prepared to take on whatever was in store. As he got to his locker, Spike was relieved that his locker door was cleaned with no sign of vandalism.

‘So far, so good,’ thought Spike with a small smile.

Depositing his books and taking out the ones he’d need for his morning classes, Spike emphatically closed his locker door, letting out an echo. When Spike turned around, he realized that the hall had fallen completely silent. Not only that, he saw that the students were staring at him with wide eyes. To his surprise, Spike could see that some of the students were looking at him with fear.

Spike frowned and let a loud “What!?”

The students, startled by Spike’s exclamation, fearfully ran inside the classrooms, leaving the confused boy alone in the hall.

“What the hell is going is going on here?” Spike asked himself as frowned deeper, walking towards his first class.

Though the biology teacher had issued a brief break ten minutes into the lesson, excusing himself to get some extra materials, Twilight continued to read her textbook in preparation for what could be in store. As she read the text, her right hand was writing notes at quick speed, only pausing as she flipped the page of her book. Twilight paid no mind to the chatter around the classroom as she solely concentrated on her work, a small smile adorning her face.

‘This should put me a few months ahead of the class,’ thought Twilight gleefully. ‘Maybe I can convince Mr. Cutter to let me lecture one of these days so I can really show my teaching skills.’

Twilight felt a finger tap her shoulder, which made her roll her eyes in annoyance as her concentration was broken. Fighting the urge to groan, she turned to the person who got her attention, which was a certain white-haired girl with a smug look on her face. With a forced smile she asked as politely as possible, “Can I help you, Trixie?”

“Yes, Trixie believes you can,” Trixie said with a smirk as she took out her smart phone. “Just a question for the curious: Is it true that you are friends with a, how should I put this…a thug?”

“WHAT!?” shouted Twilight outrageously.

“I only ask because someone sent me this video,” Trixie said as she opened the SeeVids app on her smart phone, which displayed a video titled ‘Lunchtime Brawl’. She then whistled, getting the attention of the entire class and said, “Everyone. Twilight, the school’s brightest student, has a secret she’d like to share with us.”

Twilight felt uncomfortable as everyone gathered around her and Trixie. She could hear murmurs of curiosity from students and some of them sounded like they were afraid.

“Wait, you’re friends with Spike Drake?” asked one student curiously.

“You’re friends with that guy!? Seriously!?” asked another student in a rather fearful tone.

“How could you be friends with such a lowlife!?” asked another student.

Feeling that she heard enough, Twilight angrily stood up and yelled, “That’s enough, all of you!! My friend is NOT, I repeat, NOT a lowlife or a thug!!”

“Twilight, it’s all here in this video,” said Trixie as she pressed play on the video. “In fact, I do believe this video went live this morning and almost everyone at the school who received the link has already seen it. It appears that your friend, Spike Drake, that poor little freshman that was chased around campus… is not all what he seems.”

Twilight’s memories from yesterday’s lunch time brawl came back to her as she watched the video of Spike’s fight with Garble. The video started with her friends telling Spike not to fight Garble but proceeded to do so anyway, reassuring them that everything was going to be okay. The rest played as Twilight remembered it, with Spike fighting back and surprising Garble. The video stopped at the point when Applejack and Rainbow joined Spike as they took care of Garble’s flunkies.

Twilight was speechless as everyone in the classroom looked at her with curiosity, as if awaiting an explanation from her. It hit her that most of the school saw this video and no doubt Spike would become infamous because of this. Twilight had hoped that things would settle down after what had happened the day before, but now, as the video had already made its rounds, her friend Spike would probably not get a moment’s peace.

‘Oh, no…’ Twilight thought, her mind in a panic. ‘Not this… after what happened yesterday, Spike doesn’t deserve this… he just wanted peace of mind, and instead he gets this!?’

Spike couldn’t help but stare at the video Fluttershy was showing him on her smartphone. Someone had taken a video of the fight he had yesterday with Garble and uploaded it to the Internet for the whole world to see. As he looked at the video, it began to dawn on Spike that everyone in school had looked at this video, and began to understand the reaction the other students had when they saw him when school began.

Spike had wondered why some students in his classes looked at him with fear while other looked at him with disgust. He wondered why the students at the beginning of the school day were speechless at the mere sight of him. The teachers in his classes had even looked at him warily, like he was going to cause trouble at any moment. Spike had wanted to scream for answers, but was afraid it would only make matters worse. He didn’t know what do as he had walked towards his locker from his previous class when Fluttershy ran to him and played the video for him to see. Spike had his answer, and his heart started to race. Although the video showed him standing up for his friends, it also showed that he once ran with the Dragon gang. Spike shut his eyes tightly and growled angrily at the unfairness of it all.

Spike wanted to be a normal high school kid, and now, combined with the events from yesterday, any semblance of being normal had just went out the window. In frustration, Spike clenched his fist and banged his locker door with it, startling Fluttershy and the rest of the students who were just passing by. When Spike looked at the students that were just staring at him, he gave them a very menacing look, which made them run to their next classes. Spike’s reputation went from fresh meat freshman to gang thug, and he didn’t like it.

Once Spike had calmed down, he opened his eyes and saw that Fluttershy was looking at him with apprehension and realized that he just startled her. He sighed and calmed down, giving Fluttershy an apologetic look, which relieved the girl.

“I’m sorry, Fluttershy,” said Spike sheepishly.

“It’s okay, Spike,” said Fluttershy soothingly. “When everyone in class showed me this, I tried telling everyone that you were just standing up for me and my friends, but they kept pointing out that you were a gang member.”

“I think I liked it better when the whole school thought I was a helpless wimp,” said Spike miserably.

“Well, I like it when my puppy has a smile on his face,” said Fluttershy with a smile, though she sighed sadly and continued, “I’m just glad the students are leaving you alone, even if it is for the wrong reason.”

“Yo, Drake!” a voice called out.

Recognizing the voice, Spike turned around and saw his other friends, Featherweight and Pip, running up to him. Spike knew what they wanted to ask him about so readied himself and put on a brave face.

“How come you didn’t tell us that you were a badass!?” asked Featherweight.

“I really don’t want to talk about it, guys,” said Spike as he began to walk away with Fluttershy following him.

“Oh, no you don’t, Drake,” Featherweight persisted as he and Pip followed Spike and Fluttershy. “I thought we were supposed to be friends who tell each other everything about anything, like the fact that you were part of the Dragons way back when!”

“Or the fact that you can fight,” Pip pointed out as he smashed his closed fist with his open palm. “That reminds me, Spike; my regular sparring partner isn’t up to snuff anymore. I could use a new one.”

“Pip, believe me when I tell you that you can still kick my ass, despite what you and Featherweight saw in that video,” Spike assured.

“Well, there’s no doubt about that,” Pip agreed confidently, earning a hurt expression from Spike. “Though I bet you’ll last about ten seconds more than my last opponent from a few months ago.”

“Pip… I was there when you massacred that guy,” Spike said incredulously. “He didn’t even last TWO seconds.”

“So that just means you’re tougher than you give yourself credit for.” Pip shrugged as he complimented Spike.

“The point is, Drake, is that you have street cred,” Featherweight pointed out. “From what I heard in my other classes, nobody wants to mess with you… except I did hear that the football team, the players that were NOT involved in yesterday’s fiasco, wanted a piece you. But at least you got the Cult of Butterflies off your back!”

“I still can’t believe that group is still around,” Fluttershy shivered.

Spike gave off a defeated sigh, turned to face his friends, and said, “Guys, I know what you’re trying to do. But I have to face facts: because of that video, my life has been blown wide open. I… my God, they’re not going to let me hear the end of it…”

Fluttershy, seeing that Spike was becoming distressed, grabbed a hold of his hand and in a soothing voice said, “Spike… we’ll figure something out. Just remember that you have friends to back you up.”

“And as a gentleman of the press, I’ll make sure your story is told truthfully,” said a confident Featherweight.

“You can count on me, too,” said Pip as he clenched his fists. “Anyone says something about you, they’ll deal with me!”

“Um, thanks, Pip,” laughed Spike nervously. “Just don’t throw any punches. I already got six girls in detention because of me. I don’t need another friend thrown in there.”

Before anyone else spoke, Fluttershy’s smart phone sounded off, as well as Spike’s tablet. Spike had immediately taken out his device from his bag as Fluttershy read the message. The message was from LibraryQueen42, and it said:

Emergency meeting at Clydesdale Auditorium
Lunchtime

“Looks like Twilight’s called a meeting,” Spike spoke as he read the message. “No doubt she and the other girls saw the video.”

“I just hope Twilight has a solution for all of this,” Fluttershy said worriedly.

Unknown to the four friends, just a few feet away stood Albert Blueblood and his Diamond Dog henchmen, hearing everything that was said from behind the passage that led up to the school’s second floor. Albert couldn’t help but smile evilly at the scene as a plan formed inside his head.

“Do you think this is really necessary, Rarity?” asked Spike as he stood dressed in a white collar shirt and dark blue slacks.

“You did promise me last night, Spike darling,” answered Rarity as she used a measuring tape on Spike’s torso. “A bit firm, there…”

It had been only two hours since Spike and Fluttershy received Twilight’s message, and Spike himself was relieved when his class let out for lunchtime. He had immediately dashed from the classroom without a word and made his way to Clydesdale Auditorium as fast as his feet could take him. When Spike arrived at the auditorium’s entrance, he saw that Rarity was already there to greet him, suitcase in hand.

What followed afterwards was pretty embarrassing for Spike. After entering the auditorium, Rarity wasted no time getting him on the stage so he could model the new school uniform for boys. Spike was about to go to changing room until Rarity stopped and instructed him to change right then and there, which made the boy red in the face and speechless. Rarity kept insisting, pointing out that they have been friends for years and they had quite a bit of time before Twilight arrived. She even started unbuttoning Spike’s shirt, though Twilight had arrived before things could go any further. An argument ensued between Rarity and Twilight, and since Spike couldn’t get a word in edgewise, he decided to excuse himself and change into the uniform prototype in the change room. By the time he got dressed, Spike had found that peace had been restored between Rarity and Twilight, and Applejack, Pinkie and Fluttershy had arrived.

Currently, Spike was at the center of attention, with Rarity making adjustments to the boy’s uniform. Twilight and the rest of her friends sat on chairs, surrounding Spike and Rarity as they waited for Rainbow to arrive.

Spike and the Hotties didn’t have to wait long as Rainbow had just arrived, dashing towards the stage. Grabbing a chair from offstage, Rainbow made her way towards her friends, placed her chair next to Fluttershy, and sat down, panting and sweating heavily.

“So… what did I miss?” asked Rainbow, trying to catch her breath.

“What took you so long, Rainbow?” asked Applejack. “I would have figured you’d be the first to arrive here.”

“Some wise guys and some vixens in heat wanted to know more about Spike from me, but I wouldn’t let them get anything out of me,” responded Rainbow with a frown. She then turned towards Spike and smirked. “Congratulations, Spike. You’re either going to get vibrators named after you, or you’re public enemy number one.”

“That’s comforting,” said Spike sarcastically.

“Alright, enough,” Twilight said, gaining the attention of everybody present. “We all know why I called this meeting, right?”

“Our boy’s good name’s been tarnished,” said Applejack in a dark tone, her arms folded. “Ah almost had the urge to throttle someone in class for badmouthing Spike.”

“It wasn’t any better on my end,” sighed Rarity as she adjusted Spike’s school pants. “One of my so-called friends in my home economics class wanted to know why someone such as me would be associated with someone like Spike.” Rarity then looked up to Spike with a sympathetic look and said, “I tried defending you, Spike, but nothing seemed to work.”

“I even tried to convince the students in the class that your cupcakes haven’t killed anybody yet,” said Pinkie, earning a collective groan from the rest of the girls and a downcast expression from Spike. “Well, they haven’t!”

“It’s okay, girls,” sighed Spike.

“No, it’s not, Spike,” said Rarity firmly as she got up and wrapped a measuring tape around Spike’s torso. “I…that is, we don’t want you to go through your high school tenure being thought of as a thug and a brute.”

“And I feel like I didn’t help matters with that little display yesterday in front of the students,” said Fluttershy apologetically. “I’m really sorry if I embarrassed you, Spike.”

“Fluttershy, you didn’t send the cultists or the football team after me,” Spike said with a sympathetic smile. “I mean, I was surprised that you did what you did, but it’s not like I hated it or anything.”

“You do have that effect on boys, Ms. Flutters,” smirked Rainbow. She then turned her attention to Rarity. “I mean, Miss Fancy here has to rely on makeup, loud clothes, and bat those fake eyelashes to get boys attention. All you have to do is stand around and look cute.”

“You’re one to talk about stealing the spotlight, Miss Dash,” Rarity retorted as she measured Spike’s arms with the measuring tape.

“Girls, focus. Spike’s in a real mess, and like Rarity said, we don’t want him to endure anymore hardships,” Twilight said. She then directed her attention to Spike and a lamenting tone, said, “And as much as you wanted to remain low key, Spike… well, that’s not going to happen.”

“Welcome to the public eye, bud,” Rainbow said.

“I really don’t know how you girls do it,” Spike sighed, looking downcast. “You handle yourselves pretty well considering how famous you girls are. From what all of you tell me, most of the students won’t leave you alone, especially the boys.”

“Believe me when I tell you that we all wanted our space, sugarcube,” said Applejack. “But all it took was one song from us at our freshman talent show, and suddenly everybody wanted to know who we were.”

“I remember wanting to be there that night,” said Spike with a smile. “Featherweight sent me the video of that show, and I saw how much you tore the house down. You even got everyone to sing along.”

“We were pretty awesome,” Rainbow said with a nod as she folded her arms.

“Though it did take us time to show the student body that we weren’t just a song and six pretty faces,” Rarity said as she measured Spike’s neck. She then went cheek to cheek with Spike and in a seductive voice said, “Though having a pretty face certainly helps, does it not, Spikey-Wikey?”

“Um, yeah, sure,” gulped Spike nervously as he blushed.

“I remember a week after the talent show that one of the seniors started hassling for a date,” Applejack recalled grimly. “Creep wouldn’t leave me alone until I challenged him to a match, since he was the captain of the MMA club. Tapped out to me in less than five seconds and got the message loud and clear.”

“I got a lot of flak for being a songbird when I joined the freshman soccer team that year,” said Rainbow in a grumpy tone. “When the captain got red carded for mouthing off at the ref, I stood up and took charge of the team. Though we didn’t win, the team started to take me seriously right then and there.”

“I remember that game,” Spike remembered with a smile. “You scored yourself a hat trick and tied the game in extra time.”

“That was also the night Fluttershy rushed onto the field in order to calm down an unruly Peyton the Wondercolt in the opening ceremony,” said Applejack proudly as she looked a bashful Fluttershy. “Crowd saw a different side of you then, Miss Flutters.”

“Well, I had to do something to calm down poor Peyton,” Fluttershy said. “He looked so frightened, and I had to explain to his trainer that he wasn’t ready for the crowd that night. Since then, I’ve been helping Peyton get ready for every home game.”

“And I got to throw a super duper extra special party for a CHS fundraiser that year,” Pinkie cheered happily. “The party planner Principal De La Huerta had hired quit on her, and I proved myself by helping the staff organize and plan everything. The students, teachers, and parents saw me in a whole new light, and I’ve been hired to plan parties ever since.”

“And I got to prove how knowledgeable I was in astronomy in front an audience of teachers in this very theatre,” Twilight said with pride. “In fact, the teachers here at CHS were so impressed with me that I was put in charge of handling a science lesson for a day.”

“I heard Twilight’s lesson was so boring, that the students begged the teachers not to let her do it again,” Rainbow joked.

“Real funny, Miss Dash,” Twilight frowned at Rainbow. She stood up and with a smile, approaching Spike. “The point is, Spike, is that we know that you are more than what the students here perceive you to be. You’re a good friend with a kind heart and, I might add, the cutest boy in the whole school.”

“And the fact that you’re a total perv doesn’t detract all that one bit,” Rainbow joked once more, earning looks of disapproval from the rest of the Harmonies. “What? I like that about him.”

Despite Rainbow’s jest, Spike couldn’t help but feel happy in the company of his friends. Hearing their stories made him feel like he wasn’t alone. Spike couldn’t help but feel envious of the girls, as they had grown accustomed to being famous around campus. He, on the other hand, had to deal with the infamy of being branded a thug by most of the student body. Still, the young man knew as he looked at the girls’ smiling faces that no matter what, they had his back. Spike nearly teared up, the feeling of being unworthy of the girls’ friendship welling up inside him.

“Thanks, girls,” Spike said, his emotions almost getting the better of him. “Still, now that all the students have eyes on me, I feel the need to prove myself even more.”

“We can help with that,” Twilight assured. “Trust me when I say that we’ll make sure that your high school years will be some of the best years of your life. Right girls?”

The rest of the Harmony Hotties cheered in agreement, making Spike smile. He blushed as he felt Rarity hug him from behind, her bosom pressing against his back.

“You won’t have a thing to worry about, darling,” Rarity declared. “Why, with our help, you can even be…” Rarity paused, but then gasped and sang, “Idea!!”

Before anyone else could react, Rarity dragged Spike offstage, leaving the rest of the girls confused. The girls assumed Rarity had taken Spike to the dressing room since they could hear a few words from both Spike and Rarity, but couldn’t tell what they were saying. There was silence for a few moments until Rarity came back on stage with a long mirror under her arm. After placing the mirror on the stage floor, she directed her gaze offstage while smiling wickedly.

“Okay Rarity, what are you up to?” asked Twilight suspiciously.

“Oh, you’ll see,” said Rarity as she maintained her wicked smile. She then beckoned to Spike and sang out, “Come on out now, Spike. The girls are waiting for a show.”

A few seconds later, Spike hesitantly stepped out onto the stage, wearing what was Rarity’s male school uniform design. He was wearing a short-sleeved white collar shirt with a royal blue button vest that had the school shield knitted on the left side of it. Around Spike’s collar was a simple royal blue bowtie. Spike’s slacks were also royal blue, which stopped at the casual black shoes he wore. Spike couldn’t help but feel nervous, as wearing a school uniform felt alien to him since he had never worn something like it, not even for costume parties.

It didn’t help Spike’s situation as he saw the Harmony Hotties just looking at him, though each of the girls gave him different looks. Rarity looked very proud of herself since she designed the uniform, and also looked at Spike with satisfaction, which made Spike give the fashion designer a frown because of the bowtie, which was part of the uniform he disliked. Spike began to feel nervous once again when he looked at the reactions of the other girls, beginning with Fluttershy who was breathing heavily while a little bit of drool escaped her lips. Rainbow and Applejack were giving Spike hungry looks, each smirking like a predator waiting to pounce. Oddly enough, Pinkie’s reaction was normal, as she just looked at him with approval, apparently liking what she saw. Finally, Twilight looked at Spike with a blush and smile, her right hand over her heart. All in all, the uniform was a hit, but it didn’t quell Spike’s nervous feelings as the girls continued to lay their eyes on him.

With a loud gulp, Spike awkwardly said, “Um, girls?…Kinda feels like I’m on the spot, here.”

“Boy looks good enough to eat, right, Ms. Dash?” asked Applejack as she looked at Spike while licking her lips.

“Got that right, Ms. Apple,” responded Rainbow with a nod. “He looks good with the wrapping, though. It’d be almost a shame to take it off.”

“Girls…” Spike pleaded.

“You do look yummy-nummy in that uniform, Spikey-Wikey,” Pinkie said with a sly smile. “You could definitely win some posi-points with that uniform.”

“Oh, dear,” Fluttershy said sounding breathless, wiping the drool from her mouth.

“A definite winner,” Rarity said smugly. She then turned to Spike with a smirk and said, “I was going to go with a standard blazer, but I couldn’t resist the preppy vest. I especially love the bowtie, and when the school approves of this uniform, I’ll be looking forward to seeing my Spikey-Wikey wear it every single day next year.”

“I’ll give up my entire comic book collection before I have to wear a bowtie again, Ms. Jones,” Spike deadpanned.

“Promises, promises, Mr. Drake,” Rarity teased.

Twilight, who hadn’t spoken since Spike came onstage in the school uniform, shook her head and calmed herself down, her heart now resuming a regular beat. She then gave her compliments to Rarity, “It is a very good uniform, Rarity. But what is this idea you have in mind?”

“I was just getting to that,” Rarity said. She looked at Spike and directed to the mirror and said, “Spike, if you please. I want you to get a good look at your uniform.”

Spike did as he was told and went to the mirror in order to see how Rarity’s work looked on him. He did have to admit that the uniform did look good on him, especially the vest. Spike couldn’t help but look at the school shield with a small smile. Looking at the shield, which was simple in design with a golden colt in a rearing position on top of a golden horseshoe and the letters CHS in letterman font at the top of the shield, filled Spike with a bit of pride, like he was a part something special. His smile only grew as he put his hands on his hips, as if to pose. Spike then moved to adjust his bowtie and he gave his reflection an unamused glare, looking at the bowtie like it was his mortal enemy.

‘I swear, Rarity is just waiting for next year just so she can see me wear this,’ Spike thought. ‘If it weren’t for the bowtie, I’d be looking forward to it, too.’

Before Spike could get another thought in, he felt Rarity embrace him from behind, pressing her bust into his back once again. His cheeks began to heat up once again as any ill thoughts he had were just forgotten. Spike’s heart began to beat even faster as he could feel Rarity’s breath on his neck. Spike almost went limp when he felt Rarity’s right arm wrap around his chest while her arm wrapped around his waist. Spike shut his eyes, willing himself to remain standing.

“Hmm, you really fill out nicely in that uniform, darling,” Rarity commented lustfully, causing Spike to shiver. “But open your eyes. I want you to tell me what you see.”

Reluctantly, Spike opened his eyes slowly and once again saw his reflection, this time seeing himself in a captive embrace. The boy gulped at the sight and also that Rarity had a grin adorning her face. It was a grin that told him that he was at the mercy of this girl and had her undivided attention. Still, Spike tried his best to calm his rapidly beating heart while also trying to hide his erection.

The other girls couldn’t believe what they were seeing, though each one of them had a different reaction to what Rarity’s attentions were doing to Spike. Applejack looked on in envy, envisioning herself doing that sort of thing to Spike. Rainbow smirked as she mentally took notes. Pinkie was grinning madly, waiting to see what else Rarity had in mind next. Fluttershy was half-dreading, half-expecting Rarity to strip Spike of his uniform as she sweated and tugged at her collar. Twilight was the only one who was looking at Rarity with fury and gritted teeth, growling in jealousy.

“Spiiiiike, you haven’t told me what you see,” Rarity spoke in a half-pleading, half-seductive tone.

Though it felt like forever, Spike managed to calm himself down and finally spoke out, “Aside of the fact that I’m your captive… I think the uniform is something I can see myself wearing next year…”

“Ooh, I’m glad you think so,” Rarity said happily.

“Still not a fan of the bowtie, though,” Spike smirked with satisfaction.

“Must you resist its adorableness?” Rarity said in disappointment.

“Um, Rarity,” Twilight spoke up, her eyes narrowed at Rarity. “You were saying something about an idea.”

“Or did you just dress Spike up so you could turn him into putty?” inquired Applejack, her eyes also narrowed.

“Didn’t look like putty to me,” said Pinkie simply, which got snicker from Rainbow and a squeak from Fluttershy.

“Patience, girls,” said Rarity calmly. She turned her attention towards Spike and spoke, “Spike…what I see is the most important man (and I do mean MAN) in my life… my life and the lives of Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. But I also see a man who can achieve great things, and someone who can overcome anything, including a bruise on their reputation. Most importantly, I see someone who, while he can’t erase what he did in the past, can do positive things in the now and let everyone know that Spike Drake is a good man, someone who will make this school proud.”

“Rarity… what are you saying?” asked Spike nervously.

Rarity then turned her attention to the rest of the girls, letting her embrace on Spike go, but immediately held onto the young man’s hand. She then spoke with determination, “Girls… I propose we start a campaign for Spike. Our friend’s reputation has been tarnished, and we must let the student body and faculty know what we have known about Spike for years. He’s our good man… our big man.”

“Say what?” asked Spike flatly.

“WHAT!?” shouted the rest of the Harmonies in shock.

“Now girls, Spike, hear me out,” Rarity said calmly. “Our Spike needs our help, and as good friends, we will provide that help. He deserves the best four years of his life to be just that: The best. I won’t let Spike carry this unwanted reputation of a thug hanging over his head.”

“But trying to make him the big man on campus!?” asked Twilight incredulously. “Rarity, Spike has enough to worry about! I don’t want him to put himself out there where he can get hurt.”

“Or gain even more unwanted attention!” Fluttershy cried out. “We had enough trouble getting used to our own popularity, and I don’t want my puppy to go through that! Never ever!”

“And that goes triple for me, Ms. Jones!” said Applejack sternly. “My boy may handle himself in a scrap, but I don’t want to go through what we had to go through in our first two semesters here! He deserves better!”

“What he deserves is not being seen as some sort of criminal!” argued Rarity heatedly. She then turned her attention towards Twilight and said. “You said so yourself, Twilight. Spike can’t live low key anymore, and he has to face this head on.”

“I would throw a thousand parties in Spike’s honor with everyone invited if it would help!” shouted Pinkie.

“And I’d make sure everyone knows what a stand up guy he is,” said Rainbow, her arms folded. She then eyed Fluttershy, Applejack, and especially Twilight with suspicious eyes and said, “I don’t see what you three have such a problem letting Spike face this like a man. The only thing I see is three mother hens who clearly don’t have any faith in Spike, even after he stood up to three thugs yesterday. What more does Spike need to do, for heaven’s sake!?”

Clearly offended at what Rainbow said, Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy got up from their chairs with angry expressions. Applejack, though, was the first one to speak and said, “Ya want say that again, ya swell head!?”

“You heard me clearly, blondie,” smirked Rainbow.

“You’re out of line, Iris!” shouted Twilight.

“You want to make something of it, egghead!?” Rainbow dared Twilight.

Spike couldn’t believe that what was happening as the girls began to argue angrily. As he looked back and forth between the two sides, Spike began to feel heartbroken that his friends were arguing over what action he should take. He felt like he was in the center of a very violent storm, and felt that if he didn’t do something, that storm was going to destroy many years of friendship beyond repair.

Having seeing and heard enough, Spike couldn’t take it anymore and shutting his eyes, he shouted, “ENOUGH!!”

Spike’s shout was loud enough to echo throughout the theatre and get the girls to instantly stop arguing. They all looked at Spike with shock and disbelief, seeing the mixture of anger, hurt, and disappointment all over his face. The girls, realizing what had happened, began to feel ashamed, and cursed themselves for letting things escalate the way they did. The first one to react was Fluttershy, as she ran over to Rarity and fiercely hugged her as she cried on her shoulder. Rarity in turn hugged Fluttershy back, a few tears sliding from her eyes. Twilight, Rainbow and Applejack got into a group hug and started apologizing to each other. Finally, Pinkie managed to get the girls into a group hug, beaming a wide smile as tears ran down her cheeks. As for Spike, he was surprised that the girls had made up quickly, but at the same time, he was relieved that a disaster was just averted. He was even more surprised when, smiling tearfully, the girls looked at Spike, with Pinkie wordlessly inviting him into the group hug. Spike, with open arms, went to the girls and hugged them, almost crying as the girls hugged him back.

Finally, Spike sighed and spoke, “Girls… sorry… for raising my voice like that. It’s just…”

“Stop that,” said Rainbow, smiling as lone tear ran down her cheek. “A few seconds later, and we would have dropped a few f-bombs on each other.”

“Not to mention a few a-bombs, s-bombs, w-bombs or b-bombs,” Pinkie said as her voice started breaking.

“I guess my little idea sparked a… spirited and intense debate,” Rarity said shamefully. “I’m really sorry, girls… Spike.”

“Yeah, I guess I was out of line with that mother hen crack,” said Rainbow regretfully.

“Apology accepted, Ms. Dash,” said Twilight genuinely with a smile, Applejack and Fluttershy also nodding in acceptance. “Believe me when I say that I treat Spike with the respect he deserves. I love him too much not too.”

“Yeah, well… I love him too,” Rainbow said as she looked fondly at Spike. “And believe me when I say he can be every bit a man when he wants to be.”

“And just why would you say that, Ms. Dash?” asked Twilight curiously.

“Let’s just say I’ve taken my steps into winning Spike’s heart,” Rainbow said with a smirk, causing the rest of the girls, except for Twilight, to gasp in shock. “You weren’t the only one to get a few kisses in, Ms. Sagan.”

“And I wouldn’t expect any less from you, Ms. Dash,” Twilight complemented Rainbow. “Just so you know that I won’t give up on Spike.”

“Neither will I,” spoke Rarity with determination.

“Like I’m losin’ my boy to a few pecks,” Applejack said.

“Me neither,” Pinkie said with intensity.

“I won’t lose,” Fluttershy spoke.

“C’mon, girls,” Spike pleaded. “We just had a moment here.”

“You really want to get in between this cat fight, buddy?” Rainbow asked Spike, challenging him.

“I think I can be a part of this storm, Dashie,” Spike responded with a smirk. “Being at the center of it does get boring.”

“Then what are you waiting for, Mr. Drake?” dared Rainbow. “You want to ride us so badly?”

“Oh, dear,” spoke Fluttershy with a blush.

“Rainbow, so crass,” said a flustered Rarity, though she couldn’t hide her laugh for long.

The moment was interrupted by a slow, loud clapping that echoed throughout the theatre. Spike and the Hotties turned and saw that someone was coming down the center aisle. Spike was the first one to notice that it was Albert Blueblood and his three henchmen, which made him frown as he saw him smile a nasty smile at him as he continued to clap. The rest of the girls also frowned at Albert for interrupting the happy moment, though Rarity looked even more furious, and glared at Albert with an icy stare, gritting her teeth.

“Spectacular performance,” Albert said as he stopped clapping and shed an imaginary tear from his eye. “Really, it was so sweet that my perfect teeth just started to rot!”

“That’s not the only thing that’s rotten about you, you royal toad,” growled Rarity through gritted teeth.

“Now that was uncalled for, Ms. Jones,” said Albert, feigning being hurt by the insult. “I swear, it is like our time together meant nothing to you. To be fair, it meant nothing to me, either. Just another virgin conquest that I grew tired of after the first ride.”

Rarity, feeling sick, angry and humiliated, was about to jump down the stage and confront Albert before Spike stopped her, gently grabbing her arm. Rarity, noticing this, saw that Spike shook his head as if silently telling her Albert wasn’t worth her time.

Spike, however, jumped off the stage himself, marched towards Albert with a stern look on his face, his hands balled into fists. He stopped as he noticed Albert’s henchman started cracking their knuckles, as if daring Spike to fight them. Spike also noticed that Albert had a smug grin on his face and had to hold himself back from lunging at him just so he could wipe it off his face, odds be damned. He settled for glaring at the senior class student, which made Albert grin even wider.

“Aren’t you the plucky little hero,” Albert sneered at Spike.

“What do you want, Blueblood?” demanded Spike.

“First, that is Albert Prince Blueblood to you, emphasis on Prince, you criminal,” said Albert with an annoyed frown. “Secondly, I was very curious as to why six of the most overrated students were doing in this theatre with someone who really shouldn’t be at this school, much less in any pleasant society.”

“I don’t think that’s any of your business, you spoonfed crème de la crap-head,” Spike said as he tried to rein in his already rising anger.

“How did you even get in here, Blueblood?” asked a demanding Twilight, her frown deepening as she also jumped from the stage and stood by Spike’s side. “Principal De La Huerta let us use the theatre for this private meeting, and I had this placed locked so no one could disturb us.”

“It would appear that you didn’t, Ms. Sagan,” laughed Blueblood smugly. “Besides, as a concerned student of Canterlot High School, I feel it is my duty to see that this institution’s reputation is a clean one. I simply cannot stand stains.”

“Then how’s about removing yourself,” suggested Applejack bluntly.

“Oh, that Apple wit strikes again,” Albert said with a fake laugh. He then moves his attention to all the girls and addresses them, “But seriously, my good ladies. I suggest you don’t try anything stupid like helping this… hooligan with a mean streak. Nothing you girls do will ever hide what this little boy is.”

“You don’t know a thing about me,” Spike growled at Albert.

“I know that you are a disrespectful little worm that needed to be watched and be exposed for the wretch you truly are. Who do think was responsible for sending that video link of your lunchtime fight for every one of the students to see?”

Upon hearing this, Spike was struck speechless, too stunned to even give a response at the fact that this pompous senior class student was the cause of his suffering. Getting over his initial shock, Spike’s face contorted into anger as he balled his fists even tighter than he had them. He looked at Albert with such intense hate that he failed to notice that the rest of the Harmony Hotties had joined him and Twilight in confronting Albert and his henchmen.

As for Twilight and the rest of the Hotties, they looked at Albert with disbelief and anger. Applejack and Rainbow were both gritting their teeth as they both balled their hands into fists. Pinkie growled as she had inexplicably armed herself with a small canon with the words ‘porta-party’ written on the side. Rarity was angry beyond words as was trying her best not to strangle Albert. Fluttershy managed to glare at the senior student, shaking in silent fury. Twilight eyes twitched, her lips quivering and her mind was trying to conjure many choice, not so nice words she could use against Albert.

What irritated Spike and the Hotties so much was that Albert and his goons didn’t stop smiling deviously at them in order to taunt them and daring them to act.

“I wouldn’t try anything,” Albert spoke, confidence in having control of the situation. “You girls are in enough trouble as it is, and I don’t think you want your little friend to suffer anymore than he has today.”

“You were spying on us!?” shouted Rainbow.

“Actually, one of my men here has a taste for fried pastries and scorpion candy pops, for which one of the vendors were selling at the same location you seven were having lunch,” responded Albert. “It was quite the coincidence he was there, smart-phone in hand. He sent me the link to the uploaded video and I, like the good samaritan that I am, distributed the link to a few e-mails I had in hand, and the rest is history.”

“I smell a whole lot of manure,” said Applejack as she narrowed her in suspicion.

“With a side of bullshit,” Rainbow added.

“I’ve also taken the liberty to make my Auntie Celestia aware of what is happening,” Albert sneered once again. “But all is not lost, ladies. Mr. Drake here, as far as I can see, has three choices here. He can apologize to me for the little incident that happened yesterday, and I can help smooth things with the students and the faculty… provided he gives me his unquestioning loyalty.”

“Yeah, like that’s going to happen,” responded Spike as he glared at Albert.

“Number two, Spike marches into the Principal’s office and request to be let go of the institution, admit to how much of ticking time bomb he is and keep the good reputation of CHS intact.”

“Like any of us is going to let Spike lie, Blueblood,” Twilight said firmly, drawing a nod from the other girls.”

“The last choice is a tough one… though it won’t be just tough on Mr. Drake, but the whole lot of you. He could ride this out and hope it all blows over. But rest assured that I won’t rest until this stain… this pestilence is out of this school. You girls can help him all you want, but I guarantee your reputations will suffer for even associating yourselves with this… this lowlife. I’d say the first two choices sound very good, Spike Drake. Or do you want to take these fine ladies, your friends, down to hell with you?”

“You vile, egomaniacal, self-centered beast!” spat Rarity.

“Those are horrible choices!” cried out Fluttershy.

“Spike loses no matter what, you big fat meanie pants!!” shouted Pinkie Pie angrily.

“It’s bad enough you tried time and time again to undermine our friendship, but to keep my boy, my friend from living his school life to the fullest!?” Applejack scowled deeper.

“We just got Spike back months ago, you creep!” yelled Rainbow. “We said our sorrys, we got back together, and Spike gave us these badass earrings! No way are any of us letting him go!”

“And we’re going to make sure our Spike’s four year stay here at CHS is a happy one,” Twilight nodded firmly with a stern expression. “Nothing is going to stop us, Blueblood. Not you, your dog-faced flunkies or anything you try to do!”

“Big words, little ladies,” Albert said dismissively. “But I believe the ball is in Mr. Drake’s court. It is ultimately his decision. Suffer alone or suffer in company.”

Though Spike had remained silent for the most part, his mind was taking stock on what kind of man this Albert Blueblood was. When he ran into him the day before, Spike thought this man was just poser with a posse that loved to rub in how supposedly important he was to the school. Seeing Albert now and what he was truly capable of just to prove a point showed that he was willing do anything to intimidate someone. Spike could lay out Albert with a single punch as he could see that, while taller than him, didn’t look very tough. That course of action had its own consequences, and Spike knew that Albert was the type of person who would rat him out in an instant.

Still, Spike remembered that this Albert had an ego on him, and an idea formed in his head. He knew that what he was about to do had its own set of consequences, but it was better than nothing.

Spike took a good look at Albert’s smug face and couldn’t help but start to laugh, which made senior student confused and thought the little freshman was losing his mind. As Spike’s laughter took a mocking turn, Albert became more irritated and frowned.

The Hotties became more concerned about Spike’s behavior and were wondering for their friend’s welfare. Fluttershy, fearful at what was happening to Spike, slowly approached Spike and asked, “Spike… Spike, are you alright?”

After shedding a tear, Spike responded, “I’m fine, Fluttershy. I just can’t get over how over-the-top evil this guy is.”

This made Albert frown as he gritted his teeth.

“I mean, look at Mr. I-am-the-big man over here,” mocked Spike as he continued. “He’s a heaping helping of Saturday Morning cartoon villain mixed with over the top soap opera ham. I almost wish I had bowl of Magi-Oats with a side of toast and orange juice. You are a card, Al!”

Twilight and the Hotties began to look at Spike curiously but also with a bit worry, wanting to know what Spike was thinking as he provoked Albert.

“I guess the only thing that could make you even more perfect is a cape, a top hat and a handlebar mustache,” laughed Spike, making Albert’s blood boil.

Albert, not wanting Spike to mock him even further, grabbed him by the front of his shirt, causing the Hotties to gasp action. Albert pulled Spike towards him so that his face was close to his and gave him a death glare, to which Spike responded with a smirk.

“You could benefit from few breath mints, Al,” said Spike bluntly.

Albert couldn’t help but growl at Spike as his face took on a violent shade of red. It infuriated him that the smirk on the freshman didn’t disappear and he desperately wanted to slap it off his face. He then turned his attention towards the Harmony Hotties and saw that they were ready to jump should he try anything. Albert could only look at them in disgust. He then turned his attention Spike again, his anger rising to dangerous levels.

“All it took…was a song,” Albert whispered in a dark tone. “One song and they completely won over the student body as well as the faculty. Had you been anyone else, Drake, I wouldn’t have-”

“ALBERT!!” someone shouted loudly.

All attention was called towards the newcomer, and they were all surprised that it was Principal Celestia De La Huerta ,accompanied by Featherweight. Her expression was that of a furious frown at was transpiring before her eyes. As she and Featherweight marched towards the situation, Albert let out a nervous chuckle as he let go of Spike, trying to regain a level of composure. Twilight and the Hotties were relieved that this confrontation didn’t escalate and Spike, giving a cool look to the Principal, was still relieved that it was over, though he did wonder why Featherweight was there alongside her.

“Auntie… I…,” Albert was at loss at what to say as he felt like a beam from a flashlight was solely on him. “I was just-

“Report to my office, Albert,” Celestia cut off Albert.

“But auntie, something must be-

“School discipline will be handled by the faculty or the proctors of this school, not by the students themselves. I’m glad that you brought the video to my attention, but I will handle this myself. Got it?”

Not wanting to dig himself any deeper, Albert and his goons left without a word, nose held high.

Celestia could only watch and shook her head in disappointment towards the his nephew as he left. She turned her attention towards Spike and the Harmony Hotties with a smile, though when she looked at Spike rather cold expression towards her, she gave the young man an understanding look, but extended her hand towards him.

“Nurse Luna has spoken quite highly of you, Spike Drake,” said Celestia in a friendly tone. “It is an honor to finally meet you.”

Not wanting to appear rude, Spike took Celestia’s hand and shook it. His expression turned into an even one.

“Twilight speaks very highly of you, Principal De La Huerta,” Spike complimented. “Almost to fangirl levels of adulation.”

“Almost, he says,” snickered Rainbow, which earned a few laughs from the other girls and a blush from Twilight.

“Nurse Luna also informed me on what you tried to do yesterday,” Celestia continued as he looked at Spike with sympathy. “While the intent was noble, it wouldn’t have changed my decision regarding the girls here. For what it’s worth, the decision wasn’t easy for me. Twilight and her friends mean alot to me, and have done a lot for CHS, but that doesn’t excuse them from breaking the school rules, not even for a noble cause.”

Spike wordlessly nodded in understanding, though he still didn’t like the idea of Twilight and the girls spending their weekends in detention for the next month.

“Speaking of noble causes, I think I can help you with your current predicament,” Celestia said as her smile returned.

“Really, you do!?” the Hotties exclaimed.

“Yeah, I had this idea during in my journalism class, and I wanted to get the okay from the Principal,” Featherweight began as he rubbed the back of his head. “You see, my class is taking a small trip to the school studio this weekend where Principal De La Huerta shoots her weekly web show where she talks about the school highlights and future events, plus interviews with CHS teachers as well as personalities around town. Hearing that our Principal had a show and Spike was in desperate need of good P.R., I went to see her if she could help.”

“Oh, I never miss an episode of ‘Wonder Colt Weekly Show,” Twilight gleefully cheered. “I remember this one episode where you had A.K. Yearling on the show and… wait, Principal De La Huerta, are you saying that…”

“Yes, Twilight, I do,” Celestia nodded. “I want Spike to be the first student to be on my show.”

To say Spike was stunned would be an understatement. After the day he’d been having, he was surprised that the Principal was actually offering to help with his school reputation and on a web show, no less. Spike began to feel guilty for being cold with Celestia and couldn’t help but look apologetic towards her. This woman was being very selfless with him felt like it would be sin to refuse her offer.

“I would say yes, buddy,” Featherweight urged Spike. “She did have to bump a friend and success story for a later date.”

“I say you should do it, Spike,” Twilight said as she grabbed Spike shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes. “You’d be making history as the first student to be on the Wonder Colt Weekly. It’s a true honor.”

“Please do, Spikey,” Rarity pleaded with wide eyes. “I already have a few ideas on what you could wear for the interview.”

“It would do you some good to let everyone know your side of the story, Spike” nodded Applejack.

“I’ll even help spread the word,” Rainbow said, giving Spike thumbs up. “I’ll even get my team to help, too.”

“I can make some posters so all the students can see,” Pinkie cheered. “I’ll even have them laminated so no graffiti will be permanent.”

“I really don’t want my puppy to go through high school being thought of as a criminal,” Fluttershy said, her kindly eyes having an effect on Spike. “You’re a good boy, Spike. You know it, I know it, and your friends know it.”

Spike smiled as he shook his head. The girls really wanted him to do this interview and he had to admit that he really needed to set the record straight. There was no way he was going to hide, and if he really considered himself a man the girls saw in him, then it was time to take a stand.

Without hesitation, Spike turned his attention towards Celestia and said, “Principal De La Huerta, I’ll see you this weekend. The interview is a go.”

Celestia smiled warmly at Spike’s decision and offered her hand to Spike once more as Twilight and the Hotties cheered. She saw that Spike didn’t hesitate to shake her hand and was happy that she could smooth things over with her student. Celestia, feeling that her work was done, waved her students farewell as she left the theatre to attend to more pressing matters, namely, her troublesome nephew.

For rest of the lunch hour, Spike, Featherweight and the Harmony Hotties began to discuss the upcoming interview with excitement, feeling that despite how the day began, they had a lot good things to look forward to.

Author's Note

Well...that was a long wait. Apologies all around.

Anyway, credit goes to Wildcard25 and F14m3rz for editing and pre-reading duties.
Spike has a long road ahead of him. Even with the Harmony Hotties help, can our young Drake deal with the incoming storm? More to come.