"Garh, this day is so boring!" Spike Draco cried out in annoyance; today was not a good day. Sitting at his desk, he struggled to finish his latest project because of the last-minute changes his boss had ordered him to do.

"Hey, Draco, hows are the last-minute changes doing?" Speaking of the devil, his boss Jack Humdrum said while hanging over his cubical, all Spike did was give him a side glance that, if looks could kill Humdrum, might have been on the ground dead as a doorknob.

"Hey, don't shoot the messenger; you know how the client always has a stick up his butt a mile long."

"Yeah, tell him it might have gotten done yesterday if he didn't ask me to make some dumb changes. I mean, it's just apple juice; it's not like we're making ads for anything else. It's just juice." The annoyance in his voice was far greater while Humdrum raised his hands in defense, clearly taking the blame and knowing he was about to get chewed out.

"Hey, hey, not. I'm just giving you the news besides the guy wanted you specifically, and he has the money."

"Yeah, well, it's still annoying as finding a cockroach in ice cream. It's some level of bullcrap." He turned back as he started messing with the design. "Honestly, it wouldn't be such a pain in the butt if it wasn't because we're using tech around ten years old. I mean, seriously, I've tried talking to you guy's to update the system to something a little modern, so I don't have to deal with my screen freezing every hour."

"Yeah, if I could, I'd get everyone a new tablet and watch the magic go, but it's not in the budget; maybe next year, man. You know what my boss is like; An ounce of kindness in a six-pound bag of dicks."

"Yeah yeah," Spike groaned as he turned back to his screen, getting back to work. His eyes were on the screen as he began getting into some of the more minor details.

"Hang in there, Draco. It'll get better; it always does," Humdrum muttered while patting him on the shoulder and started heading off and doing his work.

• 0 0 0-

By the end of the day, Spike is finally done with work. The emails were sent out. He'd find out if the boss man liked the new design if not. Well, he'd have to deal with it. So He sat back, getting himself relaxed, a sketch pad in one hand and a pencil in the other as he drew something he wanted to draw. He attracted a superhero of his design with that cheerful grin, a strong chin, remarkable hair that swirled, and bulging muscles in a costume. The cape was floating in the back.

Superheroes were his passion. And he was working on a hero of his design, Delta Sky. Defender of Draco City A small chuckle while thinking of a rough idea of his hero's light. True, it was a rough draft, and he'd have to go over it, though that didn't matter yet; just him making something for him gave the young man a light chuckle. After all, this was something no one could take from him. When the time clock caught Spike, his hands were scrawling over, shading the nose. Half-past five, as he bit his lips.

"Crap, I got to get going." He shuffled, pushing his drawing into his bag and inadvertently causing the paper to rip. He cursed under his breath as he wanted to kick himself. He liked that drawing but sighed, figuring he would have to redraw Delta Sky later. Maybe I made some improvements. Getting up, he began running to the time clock.

Clocking off, Spike began running home. His car was down at the shop. Though thankfully, he wasn't far off from his apartment. It was far more annoying in the morning since He usually preferred to sleep a little later. But since he had to walk, he needed to take an extra thirty minutes getting back and forth from each place. Yet it tempted him to grab a donut; No, I shouldn't. Rarity might get annoyed I'm ruining my diet.

Spike groaned while feeling his stomach growl. Sure wouldn't know, yet at the same time, she would know. It kind of drove him crazy, But he loved her for it. He just had to deal with it. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?

He turned into his apartment and went through the doors. A small Cat passed over, purring and rubbing against his legs.

"Hey, watch it, Silvester; I don't have any food." Though Silvester wasn't taking it pawing at him and mewing as it wanted whatever grub Spike was hiding. The cat wished for something, and Silvester was bound and determined as it kept jumping against him. Spike imagined that if anyone were around to watch the cat mewing and catcall him, they would've laughed; Heck, He thought it was funny.

"I don't have anything; come on, Silvester, hunt for Tweety bird or something." Silvester snorted and sneezed at him when she realized she wouldn't be getting anything annoyed by the whole situation and walked away. His tail was swaying back and forth with a light grunt.

"I'll see you later, cat, and If I get any fish, I'll toss it your way." After all, Spike hated fish. So he knew that would appease the neighborhood kitty lord.

Spike continued walking towards the elevator, though when he reached it, a small sign said: Out of order.

"Great, just fricken great." Spike groaned as he realized he needed to take the stairs. He hated the idea. Especially living on the tenth floor. But he knew it would take him a while before he reached the top. He looked at the stairs and shuddered as he walked towards the staircase and bit his lips. He took the first step and started doing the climb

• -000- -

Climbing the stairs, he let out a hard huff breathing heavy as he bent over. His legs felt like fire—his heart racing like a locomotive engine. A severe cough while he popped his neck as he gasped for hair, groaning.

"Stairs: Man's greatest enemy." He took a deep breath while managing to stand up straight. The side of his ribs hurt though he ignored the pain as he headed off towards his apartment.

He listened to neighbors like Ms. Goldstein, the crazy cat woman, walking off. Or Jim strangler, which Spike imagined might have been a serial killer in the making. Something about him screamed creeper, especially now, as Jim sounded like he was yelling at his statues again. Something about them moving his keys once more. He just did his best to avoid him.

"I better get going; I swear Me and Rarity need to find another place." He headed right towards his apartment. He looked towards the apartment with the numbering 616 as he let out a long sigh and went inside. He was locking the door behind him as he took a deep breath.

"Honey, I'm home." A smile formed on his face as he began popping his neck and tossing his bag at the closet hitting the door as he let out a long groan.

There he was; a moment of silence as he took a deep breath walking towards the living room.

"Rarity, are you here?" Spike called out while kicking his shoes off. Going straight to the kitchen, he quickly pulled out a soda and took a sip. Spike relished in the superb taste as he turned around.

"Yeah, I'm just getting out of the shower, babe! How was your day!" Rarity's sweet voice called out. Spike heard the shower going off. He let out a smile.

"It went fine, and I just had the boss annoying me, mainly making me do some revisions to some Artwork. I mean, seriously, I can only do so- HOLY MOTHER OF SHAZAM!! Rarity! Dice got out again!" Spike's hand shot back as he saw a Snake crawling around his legs and slithering closer—causing the young man to scream as he jumped in the air and onto the chair. His heart raced as he panicked more. It resulted in Dice the serpent biting him. Its mouth was wrapped around and munching on him. This made Spike yell out in pain. Sure Dice was defanged, though, one thing for sure. Snakebites still hurt.

Rarity ran into the room, saw the serpent, and picked it up.

"Aww, did Baby miss momma that she escaped." She cooed to the serpent while it hissed and wrapped around her arm." Rarity stood there wearing a towel and not much hair dripping as she winked at him.

"Hun, why are you the biggest chicken I know?" She stuck her tongue out while Spike jumped off the chair.

"Come on, and I'm not afraid of everything. Just bugs. Seriously though, Dice seems to hate me."

"Come on, Dice doesn't hate you; he just nibbles to show affection; besides, You should be used to them by now, especially with my baby Dice right here." She leaned down and petted its head as it continued winding up her arm. Like it was nothing. Spike shuddered more as the serpent was placed back in its encapture. The way Dice watched him reminded him of those snakes you saw in the Zoo right before they attacked their prey. Spike didn't want to be left alone with that snake.

"Yeah, well, Snakes are just creepy. That's all, but I can handle most things."

"Babe, you make me kill the spiders." She raised an eyebrow.

"It was one time; it was a huge spider; it could have killed me." He raised his hands, almost exaggerating, while Rarity giggled.

"It was a jumping spider; they're the clowns of the spider world. Talk to me when it's a brown reclusive."

"The spider was going to kill me. And those fangs!" Spike exclaimed, sounding more comedic, while Rarity laughed and leaned in, kissing him on the cheek. Spike's cheeks went red but held a relaxed smile.

"I'll get a new lock, don't worry; Dice won't come out and beat you up any longer. But first." She quickly returned to the cage and pulled out a couple of things, one being a mouse. She stuck it in there and let it crawl around.

"Aww, poor mouse."

"Don’t feel bad. Dinners his name anyway.” Rarity joked as she closed the door, ensuring the latch was secured. She turned away. While Spike nodded,

“Yeah, though I still feel bad for the little guy.” He glanced slightly, almost wishing he could stick his hand in and get the fellow out. But he felt that dice would’ve come right after him if the snake had even a chance to try.

“It’ll be fine, and he won’t feel a thing, babe. Oh, you got something in the mail.” She pointed to the corner, and Spike headed over it. This might have turned his day positively if it was what he thought it was. Shifting through the mail, Spike found one. A simple envelope that had a marking on the side DC COMICS. It brought him excitement. His body was almost shaking as he started opening it up. Carefully trying not to rip the paper, he got it out and began reading it. The broad smile plastered on his face. Though as he started reading it. That expression slowly began to drop, and soon he was frowning.

“Oh.” He exclaimed. His voice dropped as he placed the letter down. Rarity walked over, picking up the letter as she read it herself.

Spike Draco,

We regret to inform you that your drawings and portfolio are pretty interesting. It's not what we’re looking for at this time. So, we’re rejecting you at this time. Suppose you bring us something far more interesting. We might consider getting you on here at D.C Comics. Please have an excellent day. We apologize for the inconvenience.

“Orphy, I’m so sorry. I know it must hurt you so badly.” Rarity said as she looked back at her boyfriend. He was hunched over, the sadness on his face as he looked down.

“It’s fine, and I’ll try again sometime in the future. I mean, you can’t keep a Barn’s down.” He gave her a thumbs-up, that smile on his face. Rarity could tell almost instantly that it was forced. Though she smiled, pretending she never did as she leaned in, hugging him.

“You’re a great artist, and they don’t know what they’re talking about; I’m sure you’ll get in sooner or later. Heck, why not try for Marvel? Imagine Drawing Bucky Draco or even Steve Rogers. Wouldn’t that be funny, Mr. Draco?” She winked through. Spike nodded as he kept that forced Plastered smile on him.

“Thanks, and your right. I can always try Marvel again. I mean, I’ve gotten a few rejections from them. What's one more try.” He rubbed the back of his head as He grabbed the letter and tossed it into the trash can.

“It’ll be alright. I know it. You’ve got so much potential.”

“I get it!” Spike yelled out, though he quickly covered his mouth as Rarity flinched.

“You don’t need to yell; I know you're upset, but.”

“I’m fine, just—can I be alone for an hour or two? It’s been a long day. How about you pick us up a pizza at that shop we like, Apollo’s Pizza.” He reached over, pulled his wallet out, and saw it was empty. A light curse under his breath as he ran around, handing over his credit card. He could pay it off on payday. How long did he have to wait? A couple more days. Yeah, he was sure of it.

“Hun, are you sure? We don’t have to. I could cook something here.” Rarity said as she began looking even more concerned with him.

“I’m fine and want to be alone, that's all.” He let out a sigh as he handed over the card. Rarity took it, looking at him almost suspiciously. Rarity imagined he’d be ok. She’d seen him like this many times, and he always got back up. She was sure of it. And nodded,

“Alright, just call me if you need anything else. I better get going; what do you want on your pizza anchovies?”

“Bleh, heck no, you know I can’t stand fish.” He managed to crack a smile while Rarity nodded,

“Aye aye, Captain.” She headed off, closing and locking the door behind her. Spike stood there alone; reaching down, he rubbed his leg. It hurt badly, though he wasn’t bleeding, as he began walking around.

“Rejected, rejected again, you’ve got to be kidding me!” he screamed. Frustration filled his face; if his skin wasn’t as dark as it was, you could almost imagine him turning red from anger. It had been the same result for ten years— ten frustrating years!

“What the heck am I supposed to do, I went to college for a degree in graphic design, and all I could get is a job making fricken juice add!” he reached down, throwing a bowl on the ground. He’d clean it up later as he screamed louder. Not caring if the neighbors heard him, “Screw them!” he imagined as he felt himself losing control.

“Why should I bother? All I ever get are rejection letters. Over and over again, from the big-time companies, not even fricken indie comics! What is it? I’m just going to be doing commissions; give me a break. I don’t want to draw porn or juice products. I need to be making some real money!” He growled as he opened up the drawer seeing a small box. A box he’d been saving for the last year as his heart skipped a beat. His chest was hurting.

“I just want to give her a good life. Something to be proud of, not some helpless loser!” He closed the drawer as he walked by the outside deck, looking off into the city. Usually, the sight calmed him, but his anger was swelling.

“Why can’t I just win? Why am I such a loser!” His hand rolled into a fist as he punched the wall. There was a dent, though. Spike wasn’t worried about it. No, he screamed in pain as he shot back hissing. He reached over, rubbing it. He held onto it.

Spike was sure nothing broke, but it felt like it. Little did he know that what happened next would change his life. Something fell on his head, and he began crawling. A shiver went down his spine as he slowly reached over, grabbing what it was. In his hand was a praying mantis that watched him. Its claws move back and forth, almost in a rage.

“Shi-” Spike exclaimed as he found himself stepping back as he tossed the thing, his heart racing as he would soon find himself tripping back. He tried catching himself on the bars and hanging over the edge. Spike froze with fear. His heart was racing faster as he did everything not to look down. Though he tried pulling himself up, he found himself unable to. Looking in front of him, he began screaming.

“HELP! SOMEONE HELP!” It would soon be clear that no one was there to help poor Spike. As he watched the mantis walk toward him. It is buggy green eyes on him the way its broken antenna moved. It just stared at him. It moved closer, almost jumping at him in schemed revenge.

Spike accidentally let go and soon fell to the ground; he expected to meet Rarity at the bottom unexpectedly. Though not in the way either of them she had imagined.

As he fell, everything slipped away from him. His heart slowed down as he began thinking.

You know what? I had a good life. I had a job that paid well—a girlfriend who loved me. I could’ve tried drawing more and come up with an excellent comic. Why, why was I so angry? If I survive this, maybe I’ll try and be an artist again and make some more hero comics. I wish I were a superhero now. Perhaps just having the power to fly. Now that would be nice right about now.

He closed his eyes, waiting for the crunching sound. Though it would never come, a flash of light would surround him as he would find he would never hit the ground. At least not this ground. No, for Mr. Spike Draco, his adventure was only beginning.

Author's Note

I am informing you this is mainly a Spike story, none of the other girls from the series with just this Spike, and the new characters he meets along the way.
Hey all! You seemed to really enjoy my pervious work with Bordello of the Sun, the sequel to Bordello of the Moon. Thanks to that Bordello of the Moon has been edited and updated, so please check it out or update to the newest version on your Kindle. Both books and others can be found here on the Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Dustin-Midnight/e/B07PY3ZTHG Also, the Patreon to get access to the latest chapters of book three, other sequels, and a new series is: https://www.patreon.com/Mrmidnightwolf

CHeck out the Patreon page to gain access to new chapters for The story you read right here, before I post them up here.