Good Morning, Class

The sun slowly rose over Canterlot City as its inhabitants began the day; some hitting local coffee shops for their first caffeine/sugar fix of the day, others trying their best to avoid the morning traffic snarls. Still others chose to walk, letting the early day chill rouse them from any lingering sleep. All in all, it was a typical start to what most would consider a typical day.

"All right, runt, hand over yer lunch money and maybe I won't rough ya up...too much."

And a not so typical start for a few. At the entrance to an alley that delivery trucks normally used, dressed in what he thought apparently was intimidating gang attire: black leather pants, jacket with spiked shoulders, and elbow-length gloves, covered in buckles and studs, and his dirty, dark yellow mane styled in what was supposed to be a serrated mohawk, stood an overly confident earth pony.

He was sneering at his first target of the day; a young-looking individual, male, currently dressed in a surprisingly well-tailored light grey business suit. At first glance he looked barely out of the single digits, age-wise. He was also a dragon, purple scales with a green fin and spikes running down his tail.

A dragon by the name of Spike Drake

Given the circumstances, it's understandable that most would think the young dragon was terrified at the situation he was in...until a closer look was taken. Instead of fear, nervousness, or even apprehension, he just looked at the stallion with exasperation, "You do realize that 'mugging' someone in the morning, where every Tom, Dick, and Harrier can see you, isn't a bright idea, right?"

The so-called 'gangster's sneer deepened, "Scared, shrimp? Ya should be; I'm the toughest mofo on this side of town!" He threw his hand out, "So hand it over before I make ya start bawling for yer mommy!"

"Ok...first, 'toughest mo....fo...' is the stupidest thing I've heard you say. Second, you're making me late for an important appointment. So, how about the both of us show a measure of civility and you just walk away, huh? Because, to be quite honest, I've had sandwiches that looked tougher than you."

It took a second before what the dragon said registered, and the sneer turned into a scowl, "You threatenin' me? You think you can threaten' ME!? Fine, you won't give me what I deserve, then I'm TAKIN' it!" He advanced on him, punching his palm.

Spike sighed as he straightened his tie, "Why do people like you always want to do it the hard way?" He asked.

A reply came in the form of a pained whimper from the dumpster behind him; the gangster's lower body poking out from under the lid.

"Don't worry, someone'll probably come and pull you out before long." With that, he resumed his previous trek.

Several minutes later, he finally arrived at his destination; two walled-off city blocks, connected to each other by a pair of concealed walkways up above the street. A large, twelve-story building was visible in the corner of one block from his current vantage point. On it was a sign saying 'Canterlot College'

"So this is the place." Spike murmured to himself, "Ok...he said he'd be waiting at the entry way, and that's near the building with the sign." A quick jog around the corner brought him into view of what looked like a door drawn on the wall. Beside it stood a grizzled-looking old gargoyle leaning on a cane.

"Grandpa!" Spike called out, getting his attention as he jogged over to him.

"Spike!" The gargoyle wheezed out a chuckle as the two hugged, "I was starting to think you made a wrong turn somewhere."

"Sorry about that. Ran into a bit of a distraction." He looked back to the sign, "So this is the place, huh? Kinda hard to believe you've been a teacher here since before I was born."

"Over thirty-five years now." Came the reply, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't going to miss this place, but, there's a penthouse in Manehatten calling out 'Scorpan, spend your retirement in me, Scorpan'."

Spike rolled his eyes, "I shouldn't be surprised."

"Besides, you've had that teaching certificate for what, three months now? No sense not putting it to use."

"Yeah. I gotta admit, though. I'm a little nervous; figured I'd be starting out as a kindergarten or elementary teacher or something. Not college."

"Relax, Spike." Scorpan patted his grandson on the shoulder, which given how short the gargoyle was, wasn't too hard, "The dean was actually impressed when I gave her your qualifications. She's waiting for you in her office now." He gave the Spike directions to it an handed him a medallion with a picture of a key, "This is the only way teachers or students can get on or off the college grounds, and even then you need the dean's authorization for it to work. Luckily she's already given it for you. Just place your hand against the door and you're in."

"Aren't you coming? I mean, you have to retire officially now, don't you?"

"Already did!" The wheezing chuckle returned, much to Spike's surprise, "Made it official yesterday. Done said good-bye to my class, got my train ticket, and now that you're here, I'm off! Knock 'em dead, kiddo!" Scorpan gave him on last hug before spinning around and walking off down the street.

Spike watched him for a few seconds and just shook his head. Again, he wasn't surprised, it wasn't the first time the old gargoyle had pulled something like that. "Ok, well, here goes my first day of employment..." Taking a deep breath, he set his hand against the door picture. As soon as he touched it, the image rippled and he vanished in a brief flicker of magic.

At the nearest crosswalk, Scorpan looked up as something hit him." Dang it!" He muttered, snapping his fingers, "KNEW there was something I forgot to tell him about! Ah well..." He sighed, "He'll find out soon enough."