Spike's vision turned dark as the gaping maw of the monster worm closed around him. "Eris, a little help here!" He shouted as the suits flood lights lit to illuminate the area. The fleshy interior of the worm pulsed and shifted as he fell deeper into it's guts.

"Naw, I feel like being worm food more right now. WHAT DO YOU THINK I'M DOING!" She sarcastically bit back, the suits systems running through her data. "Come on baby listen to me please." She said to herself. An idea popped into her head as they passed large lumps on the inside of the worm. "Spike slow our fall to buy me time." She ordered.

Twisting his form without a second thought Spike sank a claw into the wall of the monster, green blood like liquid spraying out from the opening, a dull groan heard all around them as the monster voiced it's discomfort. Hanging there for a moment Spike composed himself before sinking his other clawed hand into the fleshy wall. "I die on my terms and this is far from it." He growled, doing his best to climb the rapidly pulsing surface.

The environment around them shifted as a form of weightlessness passed over. All looking from the outside could see the worm lung out of the ground a second time, it's massive form hovering for a moment before crashing back down to the ground shaking Spike's grip slightly. The worms form thrashed left and right clearly showing pain. It's mouth opened as it gave another groan that echoed over the desert terrain

"The hells going on now?" Rainbow questioned, leaning back in her chair while gesturing towards the many screens.

"Well it did just eat a suit of metal. Might be having trouble digesting it." Razor joked, his feet kicked up on a table nearby.

"Not the time Razor." Rarity growled, her eyes not leaving the screens. "Besides his vitals are still rather normal. He's keeping his calm given the situation." She said to anyone who would listen. Though she couldn't shake the feeling things weren't about to calm down any time soon.

Twilight jabbed a hand towards a monitor. "I want a closer view of that monster. Rarity keep watching his vitals. Razor, shut the hell up and get suited up incase we need to try and pull him out." She ordered, shifting easily into her rank. "Don't make me regret not fighting harder to pull you away from this situation Spike..." She thought to herself, biting her thumb.

Everyone refocused themselves their tasks as Razor left the command center. Discord himself simply frowned, his hand idly moving something in his breast pocket.

Spike grunted as he sliced further down the worms inside. The thrashing making his grip slip slightly. "Eris, care to explain what you are planning? It's getting a bit hard to hold on here." He questioned, the walls of the monster tightening on his form.

Eris popped into his screen. "I've been scanning the creatures form and I think I found a way to get out of here though you won't like where it is." She replied, her eyes shifting to the side.

"Please don't tell me I have to fly out it's ass or something." Spike complained. A chunk of something fell onto him making him lose a hold on one of his hands.

Eris scoffed at the suggestion. "No, thank whatever's above. The creature seems to have a weakened lining in it's stomach from possible past fights. If you can put enough damage on it we might just be able to punch our way out so long as you avoid it's stomach acid. The suit most likely can't keep up with the strength of the stuff if it's eating it's way through solid ground." She explained.

Thinking it over Spike saw the jets still weren't fully operational yet. "Not the best situation but then again if it's the best option we have so be it." He grunted. Looking one more time upwards towards the monsters mouth he sighed, letting his grip loosen till he began to fall once more. He picked up speed quickly thanks to the slick insides of the creature. "Don't miss, don't miss, don't miss.." He repeated to himself as the the walls around him expanded slowly around him.

"Now!" Eris shouted to her pilot.

Without a second thought Spike slammed his claws into the walls just as he started to enter the stomach of the giant worm, using the momentum to swing himself forward through the now open space. He felt Eris take control of the suit enough to shift his aim towards the weaken section the the stomach. his eyes locking on a clear scar from some old wound. His only problem being how close it was to the monsters stomach acid. "No risk, no reward." He thought to himself as he straightened towards the scar. Pointing his arms ahead of him he began to rotate.

Working frantically Eris sparked the core just enough to power thrusters at his sides spinning him faster. The approaching wall made contact with them quickly after. Thanks to the sharpness of his claws and the speed they carried the wall shredded under his hands.

Daylight blessed them once more as They cleared through the monsters side, it's acidic stomach juices spilling after them. Inside it may be built to house such toxic material but it was clear it's outer shape couldn't as a larger opening formed as more of the stomachs contents slipped out. The monster groaned out as it's upper form rose in to the sky above.

"Book it pilot!" Eris ordered as Spike picked himself off the ground.

Not even bothering with a reply Spike took off in a dead sprint away from the monstrosity behind him. His eyes flicked to the map of the location spotting the exit just a few dozen yards away. Angling himself towards it he felt the ground tremble beneath him once more.

Eris began to say "uuughh Spike?"

"Don't say anything I already know what it's doing!" He shouted, pumping his legs even faster.

"He's out ma'am!" Someone shouted as all screens shifted to show the newly revealed Spike running away from the worm.

Everyone began to shout as chaos descended on the center building by the second till "SHUT IT!" Luna shouted, slamming a fist onto the table she was standing at. Silence falling instantly as she turned her gaze back onto the screen. "He still hasn't gotten out of the situation just yet. And looks like the evo wants it's lunch back." She said, folding her arms back up but if one could hear her heart beat they'd find it pounding in her chest.

Celestia glanced over to her sister with a knowing smile for her little sister's tells. Looking to her other side she saw Discord Still looking tense, gripping at his coat. "Don't have faith in him making it?" She asked gently to the man.

Shaking his head he looked to her. "No I have faith in them probably more then anyone here but you'll have to forgive me if some of my father tendencies show." He replied smoothly. This was a half truth, he was still worried about what he might have to do.

Casting her gaze to her watch Celestia couldn't help admire the strength Spike was showing with everything thrown at him. Only five minutes have passed since he started all this. "Maybe he can pull this off?" She thought as she watched with everyone else the worm slowly bear down on the running pilot.

Spike would be pissing himself if he had any to leak out. The opening of the next room could be seen in front but his map showed a very large and very angry dot approaching faster then he could reach the exit. "Eris, we aren't going to make it. Got a new plan?" He asked, his encased feet pounding into the sand.

"Just keep going straight I think I can salvage this." Eris ordered, the system around them flashing as she rewired power. Heat began to fill the suit as it's cooling system was shut off. "Just a little more juice..." She muttered looking at any other systems she could redirect. She began to measure the output of every single light, wire, and pulse of energy in the suit. The only one that could provide enough and still keep the suit mobile was... "Spike want to take a gamble?" She asked, eyeing the entrance as it got closer.

Huffing from the strain and rising heat in the suit Spike responded with "What have I been doing up to this point then? Of course just tell me already." He could feel the worm bearing down on them.

Eris looked back at the entrance. "We have to fly blind." She explained, shutting off the sensors to provide sight in the suit leaving Spike in the dark. The core sparked to life with enough to provide one more jet boost. "Fly you fool!" She shouted to her pilot.

Activating the jets Spike rocketed blindly through the air as best he could towards where he was originally aiming. The roar of the jets still weren't enough to drown out the groaning of the worm still following them. "Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!" Spike screamed as he closed his eyes.

"Commander his suits systems are shutting down!" A operator to Celestia's left shouted suddenly, startling everyone watching.

Fluttershy's fingers flew over the keyboard to pull up the information. "Cooling, lights, and now his sight systems are all off!" She said in shock.

"What the hell is happening? Why would he want to go blind?" Maybe he's given up on even trying to run so he doesn't want to see the end?" Came the voices of soldiers all around the girls.

"Look!" Rainbow suddenly shouted, turning everyone's attention back to the screens where they saw Spike's suit flying through the air, careening directly for the entrance.

Sharp laughter escaped Discord as he watched the view. "They shut off power to anything they could in the hopes of re-sparking the core! Oh brilliant my dear boy simply brilliant!" He gleefully explained, clapping his hands while a maniacal smile spread across his face. "If that isn't the most daring move one could do in this situation." He said.

Everyone watching held their collective breaths as the scene unfolded even further in front of them. But a few specific individuals gave soft prayers under their breaths.

Spike was praying to any deity or god he knew of in hopes one would guide his aim. The pressure from the worm bearing down on his position. His heart felt like it would burst from the adrenaline pumping through his body. The groan began to surround him, telling him the worm was closing it's mouth around him once more. "Screw this! I refuse to be worm food!" He yelled, kicking his jets into burst. The flames exploded around from their locations across his body, scorching the inside of the worms mouth as he rocketed just past it's closing lips. Zooming forward Spike passed into the exit while the worm could only slam into the barrier outside. His systems that had been shut down blinked back into life, killing his jets. "Ah rot!" He groaned, skidding into the ground, sparks flying from his form as the suit scrapped along stone. Bouncing slightly after hitting a jutting rock Spike finally came to a stop breathing heavily as his survival entered his mind.

Eris spoke as Spike rolled over with a groan "Nice flying there crasher." She joked, her own voice shaking slightly from the close call.

"Uuugghhhh..." Spike groaned out again, removing his helmet slowly. Dropping his arm to the side he let it rumble away slightly form him. "Eris dear oh lovely woman in my head. Please warn me next time you are going to make me do something dumb and dangerous like that next time. It'll help my soul cope if it fails next time" He requested, sitting up while grabbing at his ribs. He could see large amounts of paint had been scrapped clean from the suit. "Damn, gonna have to buff that out later." He complained, slowly raising himself. Bending to pick up his helmet he let it hang from his hand as he began to look around.

Large angelic like stone statues carrying different objects surrounded him. A door could be seen past the ones across from his spot. "I think this is the final chamber Spike." Eris said, clearly ignoring his request. "So far sensors aren't showing anything moving besides us." She added.

A plaque could be seen in the center of the floor drawing Spike's attention. Walking up he could see it read "Mortal man fears the guardians to heavens gate. Their approval will open the gates to salvation."

"What the hell kind of extreme church quote is this?" Spike questioned, looking to the statues. "Eris, I can already figure the statues have some importance but any ideas on what the sign means?" He asked.

Eris popped into view around him, hovering over to a statue carrying a drum. "Well statues yes but I think it I might be able to pull something up for this..." She muttered to herself.

Spike began to look over the statues, taking note of differences in the statues. Noticing a symbol etched into each one something form his past came to the forefront.

"Gramps, what's with this symbol here?" A young Spike inquired towards an elderly man with large glasses on the bridge of his nose. "You have it like all over the house." He added, pointing at a few more that could be seen.

The old man gave a wheezing chuckle. "Why little dragon that's the mark of the Drogun angels. You see there are five great warriors who determine who enters the great beyond." He explain, shuffling over to a chair. "Pass me that book on the dresser boy." He ordered, pointing to a book decorated in golden leafing.

"On it sir!" Spike saluted, rushing over to the book and then over to the now seated grandfather. "Here you go grandpa!" Spike said, smiling with a grin missing a few teeth.

Sighing as he grabbed the book the old man leaned back, patting his lap. "Come little dragon. Let me tell you of the five great warriors." Once Spike hopped on he opened the book. "There's the drummer, a man whos pounding could spring even the dead's hearts a thumping. Next is the scribe, his quill and paper holding record of all those who pass the gates. After him was the beast, savagery was his business to challenge those who would not kneel in respect by beating with a great axe. Of course the next is the lover, she helped those who passed reconnect with past loves once more using her weave to wrap their souls together." He began, indicating to each one.

"What about that one?" Spike asked, pointing to a thin and hunched figure who still seemed to have a determined face.

"Ahhh the sinner. It is said his hands carried out the first sin. His way to repent is weighing the heart of all who pass against his. Even though he has paid back in full he still works as if it was the first time he arrived for judgement." Spike's grandfather explained. "They let you enter heaven but before that you can you must lay yourself bare to be judged." His grandfather added before raising a finger. "But should you fail to meet up you will be dashed to the plains of suffering for eternity." He warned.

Spike gulped asking shakily "Do you think I could pass?"

Giving a laugh grandpa nodded his head. "If you strive to always do your best, living a kind and full life then I'm sure you will." He assured, ruffling Spike's green hair. "Now come on. We have to go fix up the garden of all those weeds." He ordered as the memory faded.

Spike blinked a few times as he came back to the present. "Hey Eris. I know what to do." He said to his companion, walking to the plaque. Inspecting it once more he found a spot marked for one to kneel on near it.

Eris floated around him while asking "How so? Get a prophecy or something?"

Rolling his eyes Spike kneeled on the markings. "Yeah, something of the sort." He replied, bowing his head and closing his eyes.

A hum filled the room as one by one the statue's eyes lit up. Eris' voice suddenly spoke in a panic "Spike! I'm suddenly getting evo marks around us! The statues are alive! You need to move now!" When her pilot gave no hints of notice or movement she repeated her warnings. The statue carrying the drum groaned as it took a step closer to the kneeling body. The others around soon followed suit grinding closer to their spot on the floor. Eris was quickly falling into a panic at Spike's lack of actions in the situation. "Spike you bastard why aren't you moving!?!! I don't want to die a second time! You promised we'd get through this!" She shrieked at him in anger as the statue carrying a large axe raised it above it's head and began to swing it downwards towards her pilot's head. "SPIKE!" She screamed, shutting her senses from seeing what happens. When the by now familiar thumping of Spike's heart continued to fill the data flowing through her she slowly looked around, finding the statues had all stopped moving and the door across from them slowly opening.

"Eris, next time please have a little more faith in me ok?" Spike gently asked, standing up slowly, picking up his helmet while twisting away from the axe blade that had almost connected with him. "I don't break promises easy you know." He added, a soft smile spreading on his face as he marched for the door.

Stunned at what happened, wanting to question everything down to the smallest detail Eris held herself back as it registered to her that Spike had been confident what would happen and instead of supporting him she had doubted him. "I-I'm sorry...please get us out of here, I don't want to be here anymore." She softly replied, fading to the back of his mind to think on the event.

Marching through the door Spike raised a hand to block the light, allowing his sensors to adjust the levels. On pressing through he was welcomed by Soarin leaning against the same jet he had piloted when Pinkie and Fluttershy had taken him to his old town. "I do good?" He asked, waving towards the blue haired man in a bolt covered tight suit.

"Considering you're the first I've ever seen come out of there not dead I gotta say yeah." Soarin replied, shaking the armored mans hand. "Come on, the command centers in an uproar and you're the hot topic why." He added, walking into the jet.

Sighing Spike rested his helmet on his knee while crashing into a seat. "No rest just yet." He mumbled, his smile growing as the roar of the engines filled the cabin.

Author's Note

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ok not dead just yet...yet.