An apple for a day

Canterlot city Silver Oaks boys dorm (March3rd, thursday: 7:45 am)

Spike was to exhausted to get out of bed. Considering everything that's happened, he wished he could just get the day off for now;but he knew that alarm clock wasn't going to shut itself off,. "Ugh...i overslept.." Spike groaned as he turned off the alarm.

He only had 15 minutes to prepare for class now.

As he pulled himself from under his bed sheets. he turned over to see that the cat was no longer there. "Guess the cat finally decided to leave... don't know how it got out though." Spike wanted to ponder about the mysterious feline more, but he had no time. he took a brisk 10 minute shower and put on the clothes he wore the day before. As he walked towards the door, he had saw a small box left on a nearby shelf. it was a baby blue box with a string bow and a note attached to it.

"Who left this here?" spike had picked up the box and opened it, it was a handmade breakfast. assuming that there were two other boxes, they must have been lunch and dinner. setting the boxes down, spike opened the note that was on the first box.
judging from the handwriting, it was from his mom."Dear son, how are you?, i trust you've already adjusted into your new home by now?"

...

"Spike, i'm sure you must be nervous, having to be moved away from home and expected to just get used to it, it must seem unfair."
"But please understand that we only want to make sure your alright, especially your father .."

"And besides, it's not like you won't get anything out of this, while you work on your studies, you'll be able to try out your new recipes on the friends you make, and there's a cooking class here too so... so.."

...

"Spike dear, i'm sorry, i wish i could do more for you, but all i can do is prepare your lunches for the day... please try to hold on, i'm sure you'll be just fine..."

"Love mom.."

spike gave a small smile. "I'm sure i'll be fine, thanks mom." spike had took out a rice ball out of the breakfast box, but as he raised his arm, he heard something that sounded like a rip. "Huh?" spike checked his person to see if there was anything wrong. but he couldn't find anything notable to speak of. Spike simply shrugged and walked out the dorm room with his breakfast in hand.
however, unaware to him was that before he walk through that door, a small piece of his jacket came off.

( CA Gymnasium, 10:52 AM)

The gymnasium, where the less athletic scream in terror as they are forced to march along to the beat of a rigorous symphony of sweat and tears. there were many sports that made the weak or unfit quiver with fear, and today they were playing a game that 's near the top of their list.

Dodge ball...

There was a sound of a THWACK!!, along with a high pitched cry shortly after. "Medic.." A random student squeaked. he was an unfortunate recipient of a dodge ball to the chops and was now face down on the floor.

Over near the bleachers was who seemed to be a coach. she had wild reddish orange hair, banana yellow skin and a pair of aviator shades. she wore a blue striped sports jacket with what seemed to be a lightning bolt pin, black and white track shorts and white sneakers.
She was known as coach spitfire, apparently a well revered coach and an a rank task master. whoever got lumped with her was in for a whole new world of pain, and just their luck, it was spike and button mash who had her.

Spitfire pinched the ridge of her nose at the sight of the floored student. "Great Gatsby another one..., someone get him to the bleachers!" the coach demanded. a couple of male students had came and carried the victim by his arms and legs. as they sat him down, spitfire turned to the ones responsible. the girls team, or more accurately put, Rainbow dash and Applejack. both teams consisted of at least four members.

it goes without saying, but those two had to be two of the most athletic students in the school. and at the moment it seemed like no one was able to get a single hit on their team. "Gee girls, can't you cut the men here a break? we cant have a team if there all in the ER." Asked spitfire. "Oh come on coach, that had to be my SOFTEST throw yet." Rainbow replied with a smirk

"Ya reckon there just a smidgen to frail?" Asked applejack.

"Frail or not, i suggest you try not to kill them, we cant win any games with just half a team." Spitfire sighed as she blew her whistle. "OK, the next lot of you get down here."

Another group of male students had walked down the bleachers, but they didn't seem to be on the verge of wetting them selves like the ones before. "I didn't even see the ball move..." Spike said, dumbfounded. "Yeah, this is like their favorite sport." Said button mash as he looked up from his screen to the court. "Every time we have spitfire filling in, we almost ALWAYS end up playing dodge ball, and they always annihilate us." button frowned.

"B-but surely they'll go easy on friends right..?" Spike asked with a frightened smile. but button mash simply lifted the hair covering his forehead. there was a sizable red circle covering it. "Yeah, not really..."

*Gulp* spike started to shake while thinking if he could forge a doctor's note in about thirty seconds.

"I'd say it would be a fair game if one of them was on our side... but i don't think that would make much difference." Button sighed

"Why do you say that?" asked spike "One thing you should know, those two are very athletic, but their also VERY competitive."said button mash "You don't say.." Spike said sarcastically. "It's not just with other students, but themselves; i guess their sorta like rivals, they tried beating each other on multiple accounts, including dodge ball.

"So what happens when there on different teams...?" Spike asked, already having a feeling of what the next answer would be,

"Usually they end up hurting there own teams in the process, but they haven't put on separate teams for awhile now." button mash looked down and recognized who was up next. "Look's like Bulk biceps is taking the court.., maybe he'll win this time.."

"I sure hope your ready, cause our team is about to bring the hurt!!" the muscular student explained "YEAH!!!" the other three cheered along. but the girls didn't seem to be to interested. when the balls were once again returned to the check line, spitfire blew the whistle.

"PLAY BALL!!!" Spitfire gave the go signal and the opening rush had started. both teams had made a mad dash for the sphere's of destruction... in the end the girls had snagged the balls of the line. the other two members rolled them back to Rainbow and AJ.
both of them gave a smirk, thinking that the game was already over.

"Awful sorry bout this." applejack apologized as she began taking aim.

"Men, Dancing leaf maneuver!" Bulk commanded . the other three had formed a line behind bulk. "Lining up for your punishment? hey whatever suits ya." One of the opposing team was the first to throw a ball. but as it approached bulk biceps, he and his team jumped to the left simultaneously, with the very last member being the one to catch the ball on full.

"Heh heh, your out." A nerdy student snickered.

"Hey that's cheating, That's cheating isn't it coach?" The student complained. but spitfire simply shrugged

"Sorry, no rules saying they can't take any crazy formation, it's fair game."

"Grr..." The female student huffed as she trudged back to the bleachers, leaving three left on the girls team.
"
"Ok guys, let's keep this going!" bulk cheered.

"Wow, that bulk biceps guy is giving them a run for their money." Spike smiled, feeling relieved "Maybe we won't have to go down their after all." button mash gave a defeated sigh.

"Wait for it..."Button sighed

Rainbow had looked at the sphere in her hand intently. she grinned as she spotted a target "Gotcha..." rainbow threw the ball with a great deal of force. at first it seemed like it was heading straight for bulk biceps. he was prepared to move, but he saw that the ball had completely missed him.
"Look's like your throw's getting a little weak." Bulk taunted. but rainbow only smirked as it only took a second for the sound of a thwack to reach bulk's ears. looking behind him , he saw the fourth most member of their team was hit.

"Critical damage...Sustained..." The geek wheezed as he fell to the floor,

"Oh no, tim!" bulk looked back to rainbow who already retrieved another ball.

"One down...." She grinned as she took aim.

"Men! Maintain position!" Bulk commanded. when rainbow tossed the ball, bulk and the rest of his team began to move to the right. but just when bulk moved, the ball just barley missed him and struck the person behind him.
"Argh.... i'm hit...." the student landed on the ground face first.

"Seems like there's a hole or two in your formation." A female student grinned.

"Tch, number three, throw the ball now!" bulk shouted. his remaining team mate nodded and threw the ball at Aj. but she simply held out her arm and caught the ball.
"Your out." She said simply.

"Drat...Sorry sir.." the student held his head low as he went back to the bleachers.

bulk had turned to RD and AJ with a look of great distress.

"So, should i do it or do you want it?" Asked RD. "Nah, i got em last time, you take this one." Said AJ.

Rainbow grinned as she took aim before tossing the ball. though surprisingly, bulk was able to dodge it with ease.

"Ha, seems like your aim was a little off!" Bulk grinned. but almost seconds after he dodged, the ball had made a complete u turn and struck bulk square in the hindquarters.

"Oop...Mother..." Bulk yelped.

*Whistle* "That is one tough ball to dodge." Spitfire had looked up to the bleachers to see who hasn't gone on the court yet.

"Ok, Spike, button, your the only ones left so get down here." As spike went down the bleachers, some of the injured he walked by was waving goodbye, as if he wasn't going to come back from this.
When he reached the court, Rainbow And Aj gave him an innocent looking wave, but he knew better then to trust those faces in this particular setting. as they walked down, spike turned back to button mash

"So, do we have any sort of plan here?" button grinned.

"Yeah, don't get hit." button tried to lighten the mood with a joke. the laughter would distract them from the pain for at least for a few seconds.

"Hey, has anyone seen Mr.Pawns?" Asked spitfire. "He had a doctor's appointment mam, he didn't show up today. "

"Oh well, guess he's lucky." Spitfire shrugged as she blew the whistle.

"PLAY BALL!" like before, both teams made a mad dash for the check line. since there were only teams of two at this point, each side had got two spheres each.

"Hey spike, just wanted to apologize in advance, i know your new here, but i don't usually throw games..." Said Rainbow.

"Gee, thanks." spike rolled his eyes. but the moment he turned his attention back to rainbow, she had already tossed the ball.

"YIKES!" Spike quickly jumped to the left, just barley avoiding the ball.

"Nice reflexes Emerald, your going to need it if you want to keep up." Spitfire smiled.

"I'm surprised you could actually see that one coming ." Rainbow added

"Tch...." spike wanted to make a precise strike, but he couldn't hold the ball for too long, so he went ahead and threw the ball.
he was hoping it would at least hit one of them. but the hit had missed by a mile.

"Don't worry spike, I'll show you how it's done." Button smirked as he got a running start before tossing his ball. Aj had ducked, but the ball just barley missed.
"Y'all done nearly took my head off." Applejack glared at button

"Consider that payback." Button grinned. though his smile disappeared quickly as he was met with a dodgeball to the gut. "cheap shot...." Button coughed as he fell to one knee.

"Your out button mash." Said spitfire. "It's up to you now pal, but I'm sure you'll be fine." Button limped back to the bleachers.

"Tch..." Spike looked back to Rainbow and Aj who was all but ready to deliver the final blow.

"Oh boy...Somebody warn the nurse..." Spitfire could already tell that this wasn't going to be pretty.

"Again, really sorry about this." Aj Apologized

both her and rainbow dash threw their balls at once
.
"Tch.. both at once? there's no way i could dodge both of them...." spike thought.

with little to no options, spike held out both of his arms, hoping to catch the balls instead.
when the spheres made contact with his hands, he felt instant regret.

"YEP, BAD IDEA, REAL BAD IDEA...." spike thought as he did his best not to collapse right that second.

the force of the objects made spike feel like his arms were going to snap like twigs in a matter of seconds. Though despite that feeling, spike stood firm and kept himself from falling on his backside. either it was a miracle or dumb luck, but spike managed to catch both of them without slipping.

"Heh... your out..." Spike grinned.

"Ok, that's game, everyone take a breather." Said spitfire as she walked over to the court.

"Oh thank goodness...." Spike sighed as he fell on his back, immediately dropping the balls.

"You alright there kid, could have sworn i heard something pop just now." Asked spitfire.

"Ah no I'm fine, I'm tougher then I look you know." Spike grinned, hiding that his arms was still stinging.
"Well good on ya then." Spitfire gave spike a congratulatory slap on the back.
"Heh heh... ow..."

"I didn't actually expect you to catch the ball, anyone else would have tried to dodge." Said rainbow as she and aj walked up.

"Yeah well it seemed like i was screwed either way, at least this way I'm not wearing a cast... yet...."

"Say Emerald, you aren't part of any clubs are yet are you?" Asked spitfire.

"I didn't even know there were clubs." Spike replied. Spitfire grew a smile
"Heh, so that means Ms. Cheerily hasn't snatched him yet, this could be promising." spitfire whispered under her breath.
"What was that coach?" Asked spike

"Oh nothing, but if you don't have anything planned, why not consider joining the sports team?" Spitfire asked as she helped spike up.

"I'll definitely consider it... thanks." as soon as spitfire had walked off, Rainbow got real close to spike for some reason.

"Do you have any idea what just happened?!" Rainbow questioned as she tugged spike's collar.

"Um..not really...." Spike shrugged. "Spitfire just recommended you join the team, she doesn't usually invite, this is a big deal!" Rainbow exclaimed "Is it really that serious?" Spike scratched his head, clueless.

"Well ya see it's usually the other way around, students usually have to go through some test before she even considers em." Applejack explained.

"But she came to you just now, which means she has expectations for you." Added Rainbow.

"I'd say i was jealous of you buddy, but i actually feel sorry for ya." Button laughed.

"Hey! Don't go scaring him off, Coach is actually pretty chill." Said Rainbow, defending her. "Relax it was a joke."

"So, how about it?" Rainbow asked.

applejack rolled her eyes at the two.

"Anyway, how's Canter lot been treating ya spike?" asked Applejack

"I wouldn't know, i haven't seen much of the city since i got here."

button slapped himself in disappointment. "Spike, please tell me you haven't just been going to your room and then school until today have you?"
"Well what do you expect, in case you forgot due to 'recent events', i haven't had that much time for leisure activities..." spike replied

"Ah Don't worry sugar cube, I'd be happy to give ya a tour of our little town." applejack smiled. "
"Really? thanks i really appreciate it." Spike smiled.

"No worries, always happy to help a friend." Aj smiled.

"Link forged..." a mysterious voice echoed in spike's head followed with a brief flash of light.

"Huh....?" Spike looked around to see if anyone was there, but he couldn't find anyone around. "What's wrong spike?" Asked button mash

"Did...anyone just see a flash of light just now?" asked spike.

"A flash of light?... i don't think so...." Said applejack "Are you sure you didn't break something back there?" Asked Rainbow. Spike could have sworn he wasn't seeing things, but it didn't seem like they had any idea what he was talking about.

"Uh... Never mind, i think i'm still just exhausted." Spike sighed.
"Well, if your sure, meet me by the statue after school today." Said aj "Ok sure, i'll meet you then." Spike nodded
"Don't forget to consider trying for the sports club too, i'll be there to show you the ropes." Said RD as she and rainbow walked off.

later that day...

Canterlot Adademy Courtyard 3:15AM...

Spike was leaning on the backside of the remains of the school statue

"It's 3:15.., i wonder if she had something else to take care of..." Spike looked around, but he saw no sign of applejack. as he continued to wait, he had thought back to the short instance from a while back.

"Link forged....what does that mean?" Spike questioned as he looked up.

"I bet it's probably related to this whole Dream, nightmare deal...." Spike sighed

"What the heck... I probably wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the stinker who's been plaguing everybody, if i ever find who's responsible for this I'm gonna..." spike paused, not knowing how he could finish that sentence.
he had reached into his pocket and took out the key that was gifted to him;.

"I'd ask them if they had an answer, but from the sound of it, they may be as lost as i am." spike began to become lost in thought as he continued to stare at the key.

but he was distracted from his thoughts as he heard someone calling his name.

"Hello there, Earth to spike, are ya there partner?" looking up, spike saw that it was applejack calling him.

"O-oh hey applejack, sorry I was just thinking about something." said spike.

Applejack had looked down and saw that spike was holding something.

"Mighty odd key your holdin there..." Spike quickly put the key in his pocket.

"Oh, it's just an old good luck charm from home, so we still on for that tour?" asked spike

applejack looked like she was staring at something, but she quickly shrugged it off before he could notice.

"Yeah, but we need to make a stop first if that's alright." Said applejack
"Oh sure, lead the way."
After a short walk down town, Applejack brought spike to a fancy looking building. looking at it, it seemed like it would have been better place in the rich part of town.
Looking up above the front door, there was a sign that said Carousel Boutique

"Carosel boutique, what are we doing here?; it looks like we'd need a reservation just to get in." Spike commented

"Nah, This is just rarity's place, she makes a living by making clothes for folks." Applejack explained as she and spike went through the front door.
though it seemed as though rarity was already busy with a customer. it seemed to be a fairly round male wearing an expensive looking suit.

"Wow, this suit feels like it was just made for me." The business man said as he got a good look at himself in the mirror.

"And it show's darling, you cut mighty well in that if i do say so myself." Rarity smiled. the business man continued to admire himself.. until he had saw the price tag.

"Oh My...That price is... a little steep..."

"Is something wrong sir?" Asked Rarity.

"Well.. i was considering buying this suit, but I'm not sure if the price is worth a chance at a promotion." The business man was beside himself.
seeing that he was still having trouble trying to decide, rarity decided to give him a polite nudge.

"If i may be so bold sir, it's safe to assume that your a hard worker right?" Rarity asked with a heartfelt smile.

"Well, I don't like to brag, but I do more then my fair share of labor." The man smirked as he straightened the suit collar.

"But if you want that promotion, you'll need that air of authority your superiors so carelessly flaunt around." Rarity complemented.
"Hmm... i do have that certain charisma in this don't i?" The businessman smiled.

"Oh you most certainly do sir, why i wouldn't be surprised if they begged you to help them plan the company's future."

That last push seemed to have won him over.

"You know what, what's a little cash compared to a future Ceo?; I'll Take the suit!" the business man declared.
"Excellent choice darling, I guarantee you won't regret it."

the business man walked out of the boutique with a newfound sense of confidence.

"This girl has one silver tongue... I really hope she doesn't ask for any weird favors...." spike thought

"Hey rarity, I saw what you did there, tricking that guy into buying that monkey suit." Applejack smiled.

"I did no such thing. you know I only speak the truth, Especially when it comes to clothing...;Rarity paused Though I may have thrown in a generous compliment or two."

"Relax i know your not that type of girl; anyway i brought spike along to show him around canterlot."

"Uh hi rarity." Spike waved. But as soon as rarity had looked at him, she had gasped in shock. there was an apparent situation at hand, and if rarity had to describe it, it would be the worst, possible thing.
"AHHHH!!!" Rarity screamed. "Huh? what's wrong?" Spike exclaimed. but Applejack didn't seem that surprised for some reason.

"It...it's horrible, it's on you!!!" Rarity exclaimed pointing towards spike.

"What? What's on me?" Spike flailed, quickly checking his person to find if anything was wrong.
"It's.. Your Clothes!!!!" Rarity gasped as she was prepared to faint. there was a brief moment of awkward silence.

"What's wrong with my clothes?" Spike scratched his head, not noticing another piece of clothing had peeled off. "What's wrong? your clothes are practically falling apart at the seems!!" Rarity Exclaimed.
"What are you talking....about....?" When spike looked down, he noticed that he was missing various sections of clothing on his person.

"GAH! WHAT THE HECK?!" Spike exclaimed.

"I wanted to tell ya when we were at the gate, but i thought it might have been embarrassed." applejack tipped her hat

"Well I'd say it's still pretty embarrassing now!" Spike exclaimed as he tried to put to gather his clothes, but he only made more of a mess.

"Now Now dear, there's no need to fret, I'd be happy to help mend your clothes... there's just one thing." Said rarity.
"What's that...?" Asked spike "I'm Going to need you to remove your clothes so i can get a few measurements." Rarity explained.

"I'm sorry what?" spike asked politely, trying his best not to sound scared.

"Now don't fret none she ain't gonna bite, though she may pinch...." Aj muttered under her breath. "What was that?" Spike questioned, immediately homing in on the last part of her sentence.
"Now come on, don't be stubborn, unless you want to walk the streets in your birthday suit?" Rarity questioned.
"Hmm...." Spike really didn't want to, but if he walked out now, he'd have likley been walking around naked.

a few moments later.....

"Are you done taking measurements yet.....?" Spike asked, feeling heavy anxiety.

"Be patient dear, i'm almost done..." Rarity said as she began measuring spike's waist and legs. though as she continued, she could see spike's legs practically quaking.

"There's really no need to be nervous, i promise you i'm a professional." Rarity reassured.
"I'm not doubting your work, it's just i really didn't expect to be stripping for a girl so early," Spike blushed as he did his best not to look at rarity directly.
"Oh that's so cute, but i doubt it'll be too long before another girl's dragging you out of your clothes." Rarity smiled.
"Heh..i...seriously doubt that...." Spike replied with a fake laugh. though little did spike know, rarity had spied a little glimpse at his butt while he wasn't looking.

"Hmm...." Rarity folded her arms as she looked at him, "Is...something wrong....?" Asked spike. "Oh no it's nothing, were all done..."
"Thank goodness...." Spike sighed with relief. he had grabbed the set of spare clothes laid out for him, but when he took a look at the shirt, needless to say he was a bit nervous.

"Um....Rarity, you sure you don't have anything else on hand?" Asked spike.

"Sorry dear, but that's the best i could find on short notice," Rarity apologized.

"Guess it's better then nothing..." Spike had put on a shirt that had a heart on it with rarity's face in the middle. it might have been a shirt from a fan boy or something.
as spike put on a pair of cargo shorts, there was a nock at the door.

"Are ya'll decent in there or what?" asked applejack.

"Yes were all finished, come in." Said Rarity. when applejack entered the room, she couldn't help but crack a grin when she saw what spike was wearing.

"Game a break, it's all there was on hand." Spike said defensively

"It will take me some time to mend your clothes, what exactly have you been doing to get them like this?" rarity questioned.

'U..um, I....can't really say...." Spike muttered, turning away from the two.

"What do you mean ya can't say...? Applejack gave spike a skeptical look.

"Uh...Well... it's complicated, let's just leave it at that..." Spike replied, hoping they'd let it slide. "Must be complicated to have your clothes disintegrating like that.."

Spike tried to think of a fast response to his mysteries condition. though at the moment he couldn't think of a feasable response. luckily, it seemed like an answer was presented for him.

"Hey, your not being bullied are you?" Asked applejack. in an instant, a lightbulb went off in spike's head.

"T-that's it exactly! i'm being bullied, that's what's going on yeah." Spike eagerly replied.

"Are you serious, what kind of people would do this to you?" Asked Rarity.

"Um...what kind of people....uh...." Spike tried to think of who would possibly fit the role of bully. unfortunatley he didn't really know that many people here, and all of them seemed to be pretty nice except for.....
another stroke of genius hit spike's mind.

"Um...A group called the 'Diamond Dogs' did this to me, Said i'd be a goner if i squealed." Spike lied. obviously the diamond dogs did nothing to him, but he couldn't afford to tell them the 'truth'. And right now he needed some sort of scapegoat.

"The Diamond dogs? those jerks did this to ya?!" Applejjack questioned with an angry glare. "But why would they do something like this, your still new here, i hardly believe you could do something to them in just three days." Said Rarity.

"I have no idea, maybe there just the type to pick on the new kid." Spike shrugged.
"That would explain why your clothes are like this, those punks have a habbit of using weapons if some pour soul doesn't give em what they want." Aj Frowned

"Well, it's nothing too much to worry about, let's just forget them for now.." Spike said with a sly grin.

"I have a feeling this may come back to haunt me later, but it's the only option i got right now...." thought spike.
"Are you kiddin, this ain't the sort of thing you just let go..." Said Applejack.
"Those brutes could have actually killed you, aren't you upset?" Rarity questioned.
"Well yeah i'm a bit peeved, but it's not like escalating the situation is going to help, they'll go away if i just ignore them." Spike replied.

"Sorry to break it to ya sugar cube, but you ain't seen the last of them." Applejack Frowned.

"What do you mean?" spike questioned. "If they use this kind of force on a student, then then they either have something they want, or some soul pissed them off somehow.
"How could those monsters do such a thing to someone who's never met them..." Rarity scowled as she held up a single sewing needle. "Well, i assure you, the next time i see them, they will get far more then just an earful...." Rarity gave a malicious smile.

A rather.... venomous aura was emanating from rarity, if spike let her deal with them, there was a good chance that they might end up in the hospital.

"WAIT!" Spike exclaimed " that's... not really neccesary, there's no need to go to such trouble."
"Sorry hon, but it might actually be more trouble if you just let this slide." Applejack made a fair point, but he still couldn't risk it.
"Well if it worries you that much, i'll notify principal celestia about the problem..." Spike paused as he looked up. "Just please, don't confront them on this...."
"Now why are you so against us confronting those bullies?" Applejack and rarity were a little annoyed at how spiike was trying to dodge them.

"Look, i know your trying to help, but if it's possible, i'd rather not drag anyone into my problems..." Spike explained. he looked up hoping that they'd understand.

"Well...As long as you let someone know i suppose it's fine..." Rarity was still unsure about letting him handle it alone, but as long he notified the principal, it seemed like he'd be fine.

"Anyway, we should get going, we still have a tour planned don't we?" Spike smiled, quickly changing the subject. "Y-yeah, whatever your ready.." As spike followed Applejack out of the Carosel, he waved goodbye to rarity.
but as soon as the two were out of sight, Rarity looked back to the damaged clothes and frowned.

"How Despicable..."

-Ethereal Beats-
The next destination Applejack lead spike was the canterlot local music store, Ethereal beats.

"This here is the town's music shop. if you're looking for nice band gear or just some good music to listen too, the clerk here will know what suits ya." Applejack explained as they entered the store.
as they entered the shop, the little bell above the door rang. the store seemed to be quite spacious despite the building being so small. there was a wide selection of music from records to dvd's. On the Store's corners, the shelves were lined with different musical equipment. There were the usual amps, keytars, and the Classic guitars ranging from base, eletric and acustic.
Standing behind the counter was a girl with Neon blue hair with streaks of light blue. her eyes were covered by her large purple shades. She wore a white too with a blue shirt underneath along with a white skirt with a music note on the side of it.

"Hiya Viynal, how's buisness treatin ya?" Asked Applejack. the girl had gave a thumbs up.

"Glad to hear, Spike, this is Viynal Scratch, she's the girl behind the music for our parties..." Spike did remember seeing a girl work the Dj stand during the welcoming party, but he noticed that she didn't speak much.

"Um, hey there, Spike Emerald." Spike greeted, after spike introduced himself, Viynl began to make odd hand signs. First she pointed to him, then she made her fingers into a camera. "Huh?" Spike tilted his head, not understanding what she meant.
"She says your the guy from the video." Said Applejack. "Oh.... not really proud of that...." Spike frowned. "Anyway do you have any recomandations for my friend here?"

Viynal scratched her chin as she took a look at spike. it only took a moment before a thought had came to her mind. she had pointed him in the direction to near one of the windows of the store.

"Ok thanks..." When spike reached the window, he saw a cardboard cut out of what seemed to be high school students. there was a disc player and a set of head phones set near the discs for people to sample the music. looking down, a disc had caught spike's attention. it was called Aria of the soul.'

"Aria of the soul huh...?" Spike put the disc in the player and donned the headphones.

Hearing the music start up, it was calming and peacful, soothing the heart. then by surprise, the music's tempo had begun to accelerate instantly, making spike's heart nearly jump. as the music went on, A woman's voice had came into the music, singing a hypnotizing Aria. as spike listened to the mysterious woman's voice, he felt a sense of saftey
As spike continued to listen, he began lose himself inside the song. when the track ended, he was a bit sad.

"Definetly going to get this when i make some money..." Spike put the disc back and went back to the counter.

"You done lookin already?" Asked Applejack "Yeah, i think i've found something i like, i'll be back when i make some money." Spike smiled as he turned to Viynal "You really do know your music." Vinyl smiled as she held out her hand for a handshake.
"Oh, it was nice to meet you too Viynal." Spike smiled as he reached for her hand. but the moment he grabbed her hand, he felt something....Odd..
spike couldn't see it, but Viynal was getting the same feeling he was. it wasn't a bad feeling...rather it was... A familiar feeling he felt, but he couldn't understand why.

"We have one more place i have to show ya before we call it a day." Said Applejack.

"Oh ok, i'm right behind you." Spike had begun to follow applejack outside the store. but before he left, Viynal had tapped spike's shoulder.

"Hmm?" What is it?" Viynal had handed spike a disc case with a striped Dark/Light blue pattern. on the front of it there were words that said "On Me.."
"Is this for me?" Spike asked. Viynal replied with a smile and a nod.
"Thanks, Can't wait to listen to it.' spike smiled as he left the store,

the last area Aj took spike was the Apple family place of buisness.

Sweet Apple Acers... (6:45 Am)
Sweet Apple acers, home of the largest apple farm you can find in canterlot. needless to say the apple family is popular for many reasons, one of the main reasons is for it's addicting apple Cider.
"That's... Alot of apples..." Spike said as he gazed at the land of apples nearly streatching over the horizon.
"Ah it's nothing, it's just our family's pride and joy."

Applejack had lead spike inside the farm. eventually leading him twoards a large house in the middle. on the front stoop of the house, an elderly lady was rocking in her chair. judging from her wrinkles, she was well into her 60's..
she had amber yellow eyes and grey hair with a bun. she had a bit of a large jaw. she semmed to be knitting a scarf.
"Granny smith, i'm home." Applejack called, catching the old woman's attention.

"Ah applejack, i was wondering where you were off too so late.." Granny smith smiled as she turned to spike. "But now i see you must have had your hands full."

Spike quickly put two and two together and realized what she meant
.
"N-no it's not like that at all mam i swear!" Spike flailed. "Ah what's wrong, you saying my grandaughter ain't good enough for a city boy like you?" Granny questioned as she gave spike the stink eye.

"T-that's not it at all!, you're daughter is very attractive..Doh!" Spike tripped up. "I Don't mean that in an offensive way, i just think she could do better. GAh!" Spike thought he tripped up again "Not that she's not doing well on her own already, i just mean...agh.." Spike kept tripping over himself. Applejack had tilted her hat to cover the red on her face.

"Granny, your embarresin the poor guy." Applejack whispered
"Ah shucks i'm just horsin around sonny, no need to get all flabbergasted." Granny smith smiled. "Heh heh..., right..." Spike laughed nervously.

"So what brings you to our humble little home anyhow?" asked Granny.

"Well Applejack was just showing me around town so i wouldn't get lost." Said spike. "You sure put alot of work into this place...." Spike gazed around and the flourishing apple trees.

'Well it's easy when your family runs like a well oiled machine, speaking of which..." Granny smith had slowly got herself out of her rocker. "Hey Big mac, we got a visitor." Granny smith called out. "Who's big mac...?" A large shadow had loomed over spike.

when he looked up, he saw a rather tall muscular gentleman behind him. he had green eyes with freckless underneath, a flat orange hair cut combed downward. he wore a red and green vest with a Macontosh apple belt buckle, blue jeans and yellow work boots.

"Mr.Spike, This is Macontosh, but we call him big mac. "Yep." Big mac replied.
"H..h..hi... Big...mac, please don't squash me.." Spike squeaked, quickly taking two steps back from the gentle giant. "Now Big mac ain't gonna hurt ya none, he's actually a real softie." Granny smith smiled.
Big mac simply held his hand out for a hand shake. Spike was a bit hesitant to shake his hand as he was afraid he'd crush his into paist. Slowly but surley, spike begun to shake big mac's hand. As he suspected, he had one hell of a grip, but it didn't hurt as much as he thought it would.

"Good Grip." Big mac said with a smile. "Heh...You got quite the arm yourself." Spike said with a weak smile. still a little scared of being squashed like a grape.

Soon the sounds of arguing could be heard coming from the entrance of the barn.

"What? No way, i should lead, i've had endurance training with Rainbow." Spoke the first voice.

"Have you forgoten that one of us has actually grown up on a farm? Bull riding is in my blood." Yelled the second voice.

"Does it really matter who goes?; were all going after the same thing anyway."

"IT TOTTALY MATTERS!!!" The other two voices yelled back.

"Oh dear. looks like the kid's are here..." Granny smith sighed.

"THe kid's mam....?" Spike asked. "Oh it's just applebloom and the others." Applejack and spike turn to seethree pre teens arguing as they walked down the trail.

the first girl had Red poofy hair with a large pink bow, she wore a green striped shirt with a blue denim skirt. she had country manerisims like the other apples spike met before.

The second Girl looked like more of a tomboy. she had purple short hair with orange skin. she wore a blue t shirt under a black hoodie. she wore green shorts and black and blue boots.

The third girl had pink and lavender color hair in curls while wearing a small headband. she wore a light purple vest with a bright yellow top and a pink belt with a light skirt.
she seemed to be the sweetest of the three and the current voice of reason...

""You know what they say, put your best foot forward." THe tomboy smirked as she pointed to her right foot.

"Exactly, which is why i should go first, go with a sure win!" The Country girl replied with a pout.

"You guys, we all agreed to share the prize, we shouldn't fight over who goes for it. The endearing girl reasoned

the tomboy folded her arms. "Then tell Applebloom to go after me, we only get one chance, and i'd prefer if we go with our best option."

"And i assume your that option?" the girl known as Applebloom scowled at the tomboy.

"Applebloom, what are yall bickering about now?" the three turn to see Applejack, along with a face they haven't seen before.
"Hi Applejack, we were just deciding who got to do the challenge, but Scootaloo and Applebloom think their better suited." The Girl explained.

"Applejack, could ya kindly tell my friend that a girl bred on a farm is far more suited to ride a steer?" Applebloom asked in a passive agressive tone.

"Applejack, Would you please tell your sister that you need experience to get ahead in life, which is something she is lacking....?" THe tomboy questioned.

"Now yall cut that out, Don't start clawing at each other in front of a guest..." Granny smith scolded. the three girls just now notice spike standing there.

"Oh hi there stranger, you a friend of sis?" Asked applebloom

"You Could say that, I'm Spike emerald." Spike greeted,

"Nice to meet ya Spike, I'm Applebloom." the Country girl greeted

"Sup Spike, I'm Scootaloo." The tomboy greeted with a raised hand

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Sweetiebelle." the sweet girl greeted with a polite wave

"So... what were ya'll arguing about anyway?" Applejack qustioned.
Applebloom sighed, "Well ya see sis, there's this event coming up next week at school, it's a bull riding competition."
"It only comes around once or twice a year, and they usually only allow 16 year olds or older kids take the challange." Said Scootaloo.

Sweetie belle had then took out a ticket. " but they were passing out tickets for minors today; but we could only get one."

"And thats why y'all are near ta brawlin?" Applejack frowned

"We'll we'd have nothing to worry about if she just let me ride.." Applebloom pouted

"Oh please, you'd fall off before the bull even started bucking." Scoots said with a scoff.

"Y'all wanna repeat that statment?" Applebloom questioned with a scowl

For some reason, big mac had slowly began to back up into the house.

But no one seemed to notice..

Applejack had to step in just to stop things from escalating.

"Now now, there ain't no need to get hot n dusty over this."

"Applejack is right, im sure we can settle this pea.." Sweetie belle spoke

But scootaloo had cut her off.

"Great idea, we'll settle this with a practice run." Said scootaloo

"And the one on the longest will take the challenge." Added Applebloom.

"Of course, we're going to need a practice bull."

"I'm on it, hey big... Huh? Applebloom turned around to find out that big mac was gone.
"Wasn't he just here?" Asked scootaloo

"We'll shoot, what're we goanna do without a practice bull?"
The two turned to applejack next, but something told them that she wouldn't be to eager to help.
"We'll we cant ask sis... Not after last time.." Applebloom whispered

"Ya don't need to tell me twice, I can see the huge bruise on her.."

*cough* applejack let out a fake cough, giving her the signal to drop it.

"So what are we going to do for a bull?"Asked sweetie belle.

The three had turned to spike with a gaze filled with both innocence and malice.

"W.what..?

Author's Note

Cutting the chapter short here.

Might change during update