E.V.O hunters

Spike was in the hanger working on his suit like usual except this time Discord wasn't around. "Now where did I put that three fourths socket?" He muttered to himself, not worried that anyone would hear since the hanger was always full of noise. Ducking under the table he found the piece but noticed a pair of boots tapping impatiently. He rushed to stand up but smacked his head on the underside of the table. "Ow, god damn it." He grumbled, crawling out from underneath to find Commander Luna standing in front of him with a grimace and folded arms. Snapping to attention she sighed.

"Do you know why I'm here?' She simply asked.

"Is it to see a cute man work out with his suit?" Spike teased lightly with a chuckle. It quickly died when she glared at him. "It's about the Gauntlet isn't it." He said.

Luna nodded slowly while now moving around the table, closer to his suit. "I pride myself on giving all runners a breakdown on how the course goes so that they have at least a minuscule chance at living." She explained, looking over the Dancing Dragon. "Many things can go wrong during it, many things have gone wrong during it. One such thing being death." She stated.

Spike gave a gulp but gathered his courage. "Well you won't scare me away from it. I stand by what I said." He proudly said, puffing out his chest. Her cold glance his way made him deflate a little though. "Okay, but back onto the actual course, what happens?" He asked.

Giving a hum as she finished circling his suit she waved a hand, creating a holographic projection of a weird spiral. It looked similar to a hurricane in how its edges didn't match up and slowly moved to a point downwards. "The Gauntlet is a test to push your limits to the max and even beyond." She began. "You start here." She said pointing to a location at the top. "And make your down the various routes to here." Pointing at the bottom. "Seems simple right but thats where the actual challenges start as the tracks are different challenges, scenarios, or even evos that you have to beat to move on. You could enter one room thats completely full of water or another with a evo like the one you burnt a hole through." She calmly explained. That last comment made Spike worried as after that fight he had basically no way to use his suit. "But there could be a moment you need to break through or even close off an area to progress further it all has endless possibilities and each runner has a different run so to speak." She stated.

Spike looked over the track, formulating ideas in his mind as he thought of the different scenes. "And whats the fastest anyone has beaten the course?" He asked, glancing towards the woman then back to the map.

She gave a smirk before simply saying. "Ten minutes." And started to walk away. Spike didn't think that was too bad until she turned a little to catch his attention. "But he did die from exertion moving that fast." She called over her shoulder, making his eyes widen.

"Ah crap." He grumbled, looking back at his suit. "Hey Eris?" He called out to his roommate in his mind.

"You rang?" She replied from the suit, its lights flashing lightly.

He went back to working on it as he asked a request. "Find me all records of runs on the Gauntlet and what they ran into. We are going to beat this thing." He finished, determination fueling his work.

Twilight and Applejack watched from above the hanger as Luna talked to Spike. "Ya think he can make it? All he has to do is beat the thing." AJ asked her friend.

Twilight didn't say anything at first as she watched they exchange between her Commander and her friend. "That's the thing AppleJack. No ones actually beat the thing and lived. Only part of it and he needs to complete it." She replied with a shake of her head. Both of them looked back down to see Luna walking away from Spike while he continued to work on the suit. Giving a sigh Twilight started to walk back to the command center shaking her head.

AppleJack stood there watching for a little longer before turning to head back to her room. "You can do this Spike I believe in you." She whispered as her door closed.

"Corporal Spike to Command Center." Came the voice of a operator over the comms. Spike looked up and sighed, throwing the wrench he had in his hand onto the table and wiping the oil off his hands. Eris waved her hands in a bow towards the exit and he just gave a small chuckle before moving forward.

"You think it's about the Gauntlet?" She asked as they moved through the halls. "No wait, Luna just talked about it. Maybe it's about that last mission?" She questioned.

Spike looked at his partner in evo squashing crime from the side. "Whatever it is I'm sure it's something we can easily handle." He brushed off with a dismissive wave as they entered the center to find Fluttershy standing with Pinkie Pie while Celestia pointed at a map of a town before noticing him.

"Not even going to dress up for us?" Celestia teased lightly at his appearance what with the grease and oil all over his clothes and even some on his nose from when he scratched at it.

Pinkie and Shy gave giggles at his expense. He simply shrugged "I prefer to dress down." He teased back making the three blush at the image. "So what am I called up for? Is it a new mission or is this some other task?" He asked, stepping closer to the map. "Wait this is my old home town! Has something happened there?" He quickly asked, leaning over it to look at his Commander.

Celestia raised a hand, signaling for him to calm down. "Nothing has happened at least nothing we know about. There was a disaster there recently and a request was put out for some agents of Harmony to go and make sure everything is going smoothly. Pinkie was chosen to help check on any damages while Fluttershy was selected to help with the medical side." She explained. When Spike raised his hand she answered before he could ask. "And we chose you because it would be good to send a pilot and second, because its your old home so it would put the residents at ease." She finished, her words having helped calm Spike down.

"So when do we get to go?" Pinkie Pie asked excitedly, bouncing on her spot of the table while looking down at the slightly annoyed leader.

"Now actually." She simply stated, handing over a folder to Fluttershy and turning away. It was obvious that was the signal to leave so the three left quickly heading for the hanger.

As the three moved through Spike thought of something. "Wait Fluttershy you said you can't survive the suits anymore. How are you going to get there?" He questioned.

She and Pinkie gave a small laugh as Angel, who was sitting on her shoulder sent out an image of a carrier jet. "I'll simply take a ride on one of our jets." She replied in her usual quiet voice. The group parted ways to gather their necessary tools, Fluttershy went to the med bay to gather her need supplies, Pinkie Pie hopped into a demolition suit made to remove or add material, and Spike ran into the hanger to finish the last teaks on the Dragon only to find Discord hooking up red vials under the armor on the arms and legs.

"Hey Doc what are you doing?" Spike questioned as he ran up to the mad scientist.

Discord gave a jump before turning around. "Ahhhh Mister Drake how good to see you. I'm working on a new project to help enhance the suit. It's not finished yet so nothing different will be there for you yet." He explained, gesturing to the suit in question. "I just replaced some pieces to help add room for the new idea and right now I'm putting duds in to see if my measurements were correct." He finished, popping the lid on one of the vials and drinking it. Giving a smack of his lips he smiled, his teeth now stained red. "I do so love the taste of red Rock-Aid. Want some?" He offered as he pulled out a second vial to the young pilot.

Spike couldn't help but laugh at the antics. "Maybe next time Doc but for now I got to hop in and take this bad boy to another mission. Also tell me about this new project when I get back okay?" He said as Eris opened the back for him to hop in. Slipping inside he felt the familiar feeling of claustrophobia when he fist tried a suit on though by now it had diminished significantly. Walking out of the hanger onto the launch pad he found Fluttershy and Pinkie standing next to a sleek jet with a Sonic boom made of a rainbow. Another thing that caught his eye was the man chatting with the two women. As he got closer he could hear snippets of their conversation.

"All the way out there huh?" The man asked, he was wearing a flight suit with the words Wonderbolt on the back in gold letters.

"Yeah, it's real weird." Answered Pinkie in her suit. She was hopping up and down making a slight clanging sound from her suit. The conversation was halted when Spike was spotted. "Hi Spikey!" She shouted, waving at the approaching man. "Meet our jet pilot." She said as the mystery man turned around.

The man took a few steps forward and extended a hand for a shake. "The names Soarin. Pleasure to meet you bro." He stated with a chill tone.

Spike looked to the hand and back to the man. "Totally a dude bro guy." He thought with a laugh as he shook the hand. "Nice to meet you Soarin. The names Spike though you probably already know that." He replied as they walked back to the jet as the two ladies moved in.

Soarin gave a slap to the back of Spike's armor and smiled. "Course I know who you are. The newest pilot who not only kicked Razor's ass but also is taking on the Gauntlet. Everyone knows about you!" He shouted as they stepped into the jet. "Best take a seat as its a bit of a trip to where we are going." He recommended as he took at seat at the front, starting all the necessary checks before take off.

Pinkie Pie pulled Spike into a seat between her and shy as the doctor clipped on her harness. "So how long has it been since you were in your old town?" She asked excitedly.

Spike folded his arms in thought. "Well I'd say it's been about two years or so. I struck out on my own when I landed a job in Manehatten, then I would have gone to college had I not passed the Chaos test." He listed as the jet gently took to the sky.

"Are there any family of yours still in your old town?" Fluttershy asked quietly. She wasn't looking at him when she asked as her face was currently in her bag making sure everything was present.

"Yeah, if I remember right my aunt Saphera and cousin Toner should still be living there. Rest of the family is scattered to different places or unfortunately passed." He said. " And before you ask no my parents aren't there, moms busy in Germaney and Dad isn't with the living anymore." He added when he saw Pinkie look to him.

His casual attitude towards his family members especially the ones who were dead made Fluttershy look up at him. "That's an evaluation I'll have to run after this mission." She thought, her medical side coming in strong. "What happened to him? If you don't mind me asking?" She inquired, leaning back to look at her partner.

He gave a sigh that edged on annoyance. Taking off his helmet Spike pointed at the scar just under his eye. "Dad and I were on a jog through the woods like we always did once a week. It was our bonding time you know and well during one of them a small evo attacked, scratching me right here. Dad fought it off but as most people know any evo can kill and this one's surprise appearance gave it enough time to hurt dad enough before he drove it away. He died from his wounds after I got him back home." He dully explained as if he had said the same thing hundreds of times. When the girls looked to him sadly he raised his hands. "Listen I understand your concern but I've had my time to come to peace with his passing. Neither of us could have known about the evo, neither of us were trained to kill one, and I definitely was booking it as fast as my body could while carrying my dad so no I don't hold anything against myself. " He explained, easing their worry about him. "I've made myself better so that something like that won't happen again while I'm around and I know he's watching out for me." He finished with a shrug, slipping on his helmet once more.

Everyone was silent, even Eris at this story. Fluttershy removed the reminder from her head about the evaluation on hearing his side. The quiet was interrupted by Soarin over the comms. "Welcome passengers to the sweet little town of Craghorn, population of 24,072 and forests for miles. Enjoy your stay and always remember Wonderbolt airlines is the fastest flight this side of the hemisphere." He finished with a laugh which helped pick up everyones mood.

The jet landed softly just outside of town where the three could see some fallen buildings being worked on and a few fires being put out still though all in all still looked like the town wasn't to damaged. Once the jet engines stopped the door opened allowing the three to disembark. "I wonder if anyone will remember you Spikey?" Pinkie Pie questioned, her suit making progress along the field.

Fluttershy walked with brisk speed, her mind set on helping those in need as they neared the town. "I do hope no one is suffering to bad. Angel could you be a dear and pull up all medical charts of the residents for me please." She requested of her A.I.

Spike just silently walked slightly behind the two as they entered the town, his mind reeling from how strange it was to be back in his old town. Passing a medical tent Fluttershy darted in to work while Pinkie Went to help a building crew who smiled and cheered a little on seeing her. But Spike... he silently marched to the center of town finding town hall. "Well best do what I was brought here for." He muttered to himself as he pushed open the doors to find his aunt sitting in the mayors chair.

The woman gave a start on his entry but her stern demeanor quickly covered up any shock. "Ah you must be one of the representatives of Harmony we requested." She stated matter of factly. She brushed a hand through her slightly greying hair. It still held a strong fire red but age was getting to her. "I've already got reports of one helping with building and another on medical so where does that leave you?" She mused.

"I think he helps with moral." Eris replied, popping into view for everyone to see as Spike removed his helmet. The scream of joy that came from his aunts mouth as she saw her little nephew made some birds on the building fly away and even some people close to the building look at it strangely.

Spike couldn't even get a word out as she lunged over the desk to come flying at him for a hug as she began to smother him in kisses. "Oh my little baby is back!" She gleefully shouted. "I've missed you so much, your mother was worried sick about you and your little cousin missed you so dearly." She continued to loudly complain in that way adoring family did.

"Mmfdgfjd" Spike tried to get out but was muffled by her chest she was pressing him into.

She pulled him back just a little so he could talk. "I'm sorry, what was that dearie?" She asked.

"I missed you guys too." He replied and was once again shoved back down as she twisted this way and that until a voice came behind her.

"Mom, I think you might kill him if you don't stop." Came a deep voice. Looking behind his aunt showed Toner, a large man in dirty work clothes covered in soot and ash. Walking up to the two he stuck out a hand. "Nice to see you again cousin. I see you finally got a suit of your own." He complimented as the two shook hands.

Giving a chuckle Spike nodded. "Yeah had to go through a few hoops for it but I got it. Also Aunty Saphera, I was brought to help ease people as to why Harmony was here." He said with a smile

After talking for a few more minutes the three family members left the building to find a crowd gathering near a large fountain. Pinkie was at the base juggling and performing tricks for the crowd as they cheered. "Does she normally do that?" Toner asked.

Giving a laugh while shaking his head Spike replied "Making people happy is her thing." Walking closer he waved to the girl in the large suit so that she would slow down. When she did the crowd turned to look at the three. "Hello everyone! It's nice to see you all again after so long. Harmony heard your call for help and so we will be assisting with repairs and medical as you all know. We'll also be helping keep any possible threats away so you guys wont have to worry." He explained, receiving a few whistles of appreciation from the people. "If anyone has questions feel free to ask or find one of us if we aren't too busy with other tasks." He finished. The crowd seemed satisfied with his explanation and slowly dispersed except a little kid who walked up to him clutching a small teddy bear.

"Excuse me mister?" The little boy asked, craning his head up to look at Spike.

Squatting down so the kid wouldn't have to look up he tilted his head slightly and smiled. "Yes sir?" Spike replied, smiling.

The boy giggled slightly at the title. "My sister was out playing in the fields over by the old farm and hasn't come back. I'm worried about her..." The little boy said, hanging his head slightly.

Standing up Spike patted his head "Don't worry, I know what you want. I'll go look for her right now okay." He comforted, walking to the east. If memory served him right the little boy meant Old man Jerkins farm from when he was younger as well. "Hey Eris, could you bring up a map of the farm and see if anything can be seen from above?" He asked to his companion.

"Way ahead of you there champ! Though it does look like the barn is partially fallen down the house and silo still appear to be standing so I suggest the barn first to make sure she isn't trapped or anything." Eris replied, pulling an image for him to see from a satellite above.

The run to the farm was short as the barn in question quickly came into view. "Huh, no signs of chaos in the area so theres that at least." Spike muttered to himself as he moved through the area. Pushing open the barn doors cast light into the dim building, the roof having bent inward and cutting off the second floor long ago. "Still just as creepy when I was a kid..." Spike whined slightly.

Eris projected herself next to him. "HELLO? ANYONE HERE?" She yelled into the space. A shuffling of noise could be heard closer to the back as they moved closer. "We aren't going to hurt you. We're from Harmony to help the town." She continued, hoping that would comfort the person in here.

Rounding the corner Spike's eyes widened on what he saw. "Ah fuck me sideways." He complained as the evo swiped a tentacle across his chest sending him flying through the failing wall of the barn. It quickly rushed after him, tearing and scratching at his armor to get at him. The monster looked similar to a cat but about five times as big with a barbed tail stabbing at him. Oh and also if it was burnt to a crisp with how blacked an cracked it's skin was. "God you are one ugly thing." Spike grunted as he kicked the beast off of him. Taking a few steps back as the evo howled at him. Extending his own claws Spike charged the monster ready to stab it through.

"STOP, DON'T HURT HER!" Shouted a tiny voice, looking over Spike could see a little girl in a dirty dress holding a similar plush to the little boys. The distraction was all the monster needed to dodge Spike's attack and get onto his back again tearing at his suit. Reaching back he flung the creature into the barn again. Now with enough damage the whole structure was falling, crushing the evo underneath. "No Princess Tuffles!" The girl cried out, running for the wreckage but was held back by Spike. "Let me go she needs my help!" The girl begged, tears streaming down her face.

"Spike her chaos rating is going up you need to calm her down now or you'll have a second evo on your hands." Eris warned as she watched over the readings.

Giving a grunt Spike kneeled down and turned the girl to fully look at him. "Hey hey hey shhh listen. Breath and calm down. I'm sorry but that wasn't Princess Truffles." He soothed as the girl continued to struggle.

"Yes it was. She was my friend and would never hurt anyone. She just got scared and got bigger." She whined loudly, close to tears. "Please don't hurt her!" She cried out a second time.

Spike looked back to the slowly moving rubble. "Fuck, come on think of something." He thought, gritting his teeth. A bad idea came into his head that he would probably regret for a long time. "Ok, I won't hurt her but she's too dangerous to be around her anymore. I'm going to take her far away into the forest where she can live safe and sound." He tried to calmly tell the girl, faltering only slight.

"Pr-promise?" She asked, looking to him with tears in her eyes.

"God, I hate myself..." He groaned inwardly. He nodded his head just as the pile exploded with a screech as the once fluffy pet came flying out. Rushing forward Spike grappled with the monster till he had it held tightly and ignited his rockets to fly deep into the forest. The flight took only a moment till the farm couldn't be seen anymore, flaring his jets as he got closer to the ground of the forest Spike slammed the overgrown cat into the ground. "I hate myself." He muttered again this time aloud as the evo wrenched itself out of the ground and rushed him once more. Extending his own claws Spike moved in and with a duck under the monsters swipe he struck with his hand pointing up into the chest and through the heart of the monster. As it collapsed he put out a note for it to be cleaned up by the closest Harmony facility as he headed back to the little girl.

The girl rushed forward with now dry tears. "Is she okay?" The girl asked, her lip quivering.

Spike gritted his teeth as he stared into her eyes. "Yes, she's safe now. Lets get you home." He replied, lifting the girl up and slowly flying back into town. His aunt greeted him along with a few other people who took the girl away to get checked up. The rest of the time they spent there was luckily uneventful. Soon he along with Pinkie and Fluttershy left to get him ready for his next big challenge.

Two days had passed and he now stood in front of a set of large metal doors. Personal lined the walls or watched on screens all over the base. Even other bases were tuning in to see who was taking on the gauntlet. Twilight walked up to him with a stern face. "Ready for this?" She asked.

He only gave a nod, slipping his helmet on and letting the screen flare to life. Stepping forward the doors began to open as the people silently watched as to them it was a new victim for the challenge to consume. But to Spike...

To Spike it was a new challenge to prove he could win.