[Action: After the fires, Johnny's been off his feet for a few days, thanks to breathing in too much smoke and getting a few burns while trying to save townspeople from the fires. Those in Thor house may notice him sitting around the common rooms, either playing video games or practicing on his guitar. He mostly keeps to himself, but don't be afraid to come talk to him. He won't bite. Maybe.]

--

[Have a video call as well!]

Hey, uh... I hear people talkin' on the network, and I guess if the whole thing about our worlds' bein' in danger too... Then screw it, I guess I'm stuck here havin' to kick more dragon ass.

Since I'm gonna be stuck here for awhile or whatever, I guess I need a job, huh. [He doesn't look happy about that.] So what kinda jobs are out there in this weird city for a guy wit' no previous job experience? And no smartass answers to that!

[We open in Odin's Great Library, one of the more easily accessible halls near the entrance. Spike stands before the screen, beaming happily... but it's not too hard to tell that the smile is a little forced.]

Hey, fillies and gentlecolts! Or however humans say that. You're all looking at the Great Library's newest page! I gotta say, getting this job was even easier than I thought it'd be. After spending so much time in the Ponyville library, going back to one where all the books are labeled and the shelving plan doesn't change every few weeks? Cakewalk.

[Once he's done sharing this, Spike pauses briefly, smile faltering. Soon he adopts a more serious face, leaning closer to the screen.]

So, uh, obviously that's not the only reason I'm recording. I... I've been thinking a lot, since the dragon and that announcement this morning. If we really are... heading into a war... I'm definitely not ready. I don't have any practice with my power, I still feel kinda clumsy in this body... and I don't know how to fight. I mean, I can scrap a little, but in a real fight... I'd probably just get myself beaten up. Or worse.

So what I was wondering... was if there was anypo-- anybody here who's a good fighter, and wouldn't mind teaching a guy who's got just about no experience. I just started working, so I probably won't be able to pay much, but maybe we can work something out? [He runs a hand through his hair.] Just let me know if you're interested. Thanks.

[At first it looks like the video might be an accident, given how he never really looks at the screen. But as he starts speaking it's pretty clear that this is deliberate.]

Though these gods have attempted to deceive us once, if their words are true this time, then there is no other choice than to fight this war for them. I care not for their incompetence, but I can not let this miserable world end my own.

So how many of you intend to fight? Your reasons are not of importance, only your decision.


[a BIG pause]


I am also... [oh god he doesn't want to do this YOU CAN TELL HE DOESN'T WANT TO DO THIS AND HE'S SO ANGRY HE EVEN HAS TO but it's been days so this looks like his only option. he'll say this with the biggest scowl on his face, sounding like he wants to murder someone. which he does.] looking for a man. He is from Hi-no-Moto, claiming to know Tokugawa Ieyasu and spreading vile lies about the Toyotomi clan. Should you meet him, inform me at once and tell him that Ishida Mitsunari will tear the skin from his body and make sure his head leaves his neck in the most gruesome manner possible!

[and the feed ends there, with a death threat.]