Guy's Academy

Guy already made his impression on the world by making and selling his inventions. His own ingenuity and a little Goo-Lacka-Goo went a long way from where he was even five years ago. In that time, he got a best friend, a better understanding of his family and more additions to said family. His darling wife Michellee and his kids E.B. and Guy Jr.

He also had his own invention shop where he produced, displayed and sold his work to the public in Glurfsburg. Word eventually got out of what he's made. People asked him for jobs and high schoolers asked for internships and volunteer hours. So all of this gave Guy an idea.

...

"Welcome, everyone", Guy greeted all the teenagers standing before him. Right in front was E.B. "Today, you are all the inaugural members of my very own apprenticeship program. I know you all have the potential to really make something truly fantastic for the Inventionarium. However, I'd just like to let you all know that this is not a competition; you're all already winners in my book."

E.B. took a breath in and puffed her chest out slightly to show her growing pride. The red haired girl, who was now on the verge of starting her sophomore year of high school, had made some slight changes in her appearance. She hardly had her hair tied up, deciding to have it brushed in curly locks flowing down her back and, while pink was still her trademark color, it was mostly down to wearing collared shirts and jeans. She had lots of adults to look up to in her life since that fateful day when Mr. Jenkins was broken out of the zoo. Now, she was proudly accepting her stepfather's mentorship in inventing.

"Elanabeth, would you step forward please?"

Admittedly, E.B. felt a little nervous being called up in front of everyone.

"Tell everyone why you joined the program."

"Well, one: I really want to learn more about making things (apparently, she muttered to herself), two: I also needed something to keep myself busy and three: I'm your daughter." She smiled before everyone else.

"Yes...er...bottom line, everyone. You're all here because you have something you seek to share with the world. And under my tutelage, you'll be able to share your creations with the rest of the world."

——

It all started with learning how to tell lugnuts apart from ratchets. Then the proper sizes of wrenches (as a certain someone would say, "I said ¾, not ⅝! Stay focused!") The last thing they had to learn before actually constructing anything was what to do in the event of a workplace injury: how to patch up a cut or how to flush your eyes if they get coated with powder or chemicals.

To really get the ball rolling on basic machinery, the interns had to make a small but functional car. Bonus points if it can reverse and even honk the horn.

Watching them all work, Guy took note of E.B.'s demeanor. She was very lax and had lots of things going on in her head. When she said "I needed something to keep me busy", that was due to a recent spat she had with Looka over the phone. Guy figured that this program would help keep her occupied and not constantly think about what was hopefully only a minor dip in her relationship. But now was neither the time nor place to talk about it with her.

——

Five weeks later, Guy's program had ended. All of his students were given medals of completion in a little ceremony. True to his word as well, Guy even shared all of their creations. One intern came up with a self-applying makeup kit. Another made an automatic broom that sweeps away any dust or dry messes. E.B. herself made what she dubs "The Smiler"; it makes you smile no matter what.

When this was all said and done, Guy was taken aside by the mayor himself who attended the ceremony.

"Excuse me, Mr. Am-I?"

"Mr. Mayor! It's an honor, sir!"

"Oh no. I'm honored to be meeting you. Actually, I have the most prestigious award I can possibly offer to you. See, you've made real strides in the field of technology in recent years and with your recent program for the people of tomorrow, I feel it's right to bestow upon you...the key to the city!"

"Really?! That's fantastic!"