//------------------------------// // Chapter 4- Mistakes were made. // Story: This looked easier on paper. // by TheOctoWriter //------------------------------// Spike ran out into the hall. He spotted Sunset running down the hall. "Wait Sunset! Come back!" Spike said as he started running after her. "No!" Sunset said as she turned a corner. "Sunset! I just wanna apologize!" Spike yelled out as he almost lost sight of her as she made turned right. "You wanna apologize?" Sunset asked as she cutely poked her head out to look at him. Her big lime green eyes stared back into his pale green ones. Ok, that kinda adorable... Spike thought in a slight daze. Spike shook his head violently to clear his head of that thought. He then cleared his throat and began. "Sunset, I'm sorry for calling you a bitch." Spike said anxiously waiting for her response. "You really mean that?" Sunset said, her eyes starting to water. "Whoa, don't cry!" Spike said trying to calm her down. "No Spike." Sunset said with a giggle as she wiped away some tears. "I'm just so happy someone actually apologized for hurting me." "My past wasn't exactly all sunshine and rainbows. As you've clearly seen." Sunset said with a sad look in her eyes. "Yeah... there was that one point where you turned into a demon and tried to come back to take over Equestria. " Spike said rather nonchalantly. "Yup. I still feel bad about almost taking over Equestria." Sunset said looking even sadder. "But it's okay Sunset, now that you'll back. You can prove to everyone that you've changed right?" Spike said with a smile. "You're right Spike." Sunset said, with a small smile. Sunset then surprised Spike by hugging him. "Thank you again Spike. For believing in me." Her smile growing even wider. "You're welcome Sunset." Spike said as he wrapped his arms around her. After a few minutes they broke the hug. Spike realized he was late for class. "Sorry Sunset but I gotta go!" Spike said quickly as he ran to Twilight's class. "I'll talk to you later!" Spike said before he fully went into the classroom. "Okay Spike. See you later." Sunset said as she continued to trot down the hallway. Spike entered the classroom. "Sorry I'm late Twi." Spike said embarrassed. "It's okay Spike, just take a seat." Twilight said. Twilight began her lecture. "Magic is a force that surrounds us all." "Whether you are pegasi, unicorn, or earth pony does not matter." "The pegasi use their innate magic to control the weather." "The unicorns channel magic through their horns." "And the earth pony use their magic to increase their strength and to help the crops grow." Twilight then paused. "Can anypony tell me about dragon magic?" The students in her class looked around confused. Some shrugged while others talked amongst themselves. Comments like "Dragon magic? I've never heard of such a thing." And "I didn't even know dragons had magic." Were heard by everypony in the class. Twilight interrupted the class with a polite cough. "Sorry to interrupt your discussions but you are all wrong." The students became silent as they listened with interest. "Dragon magic does exist." Twilight then drew a dragon on the board. She drew a circle around the chest area. "It comes from their emotions." "When a dragon is angry. The magic swells up inside of them and transforms them." "They become bigger, stronger, and faster." "Sometimes the magic is so potent that the dragon loses control of themselves and react on instinct." "Although, it would take something traumatic to happen in order for that to occur." "So be careful when trying to fend off a dragon." "However, magic researchers have said that there could be other possible ways a dragon may use that magic." "But one mistake and it's the end of the road." "SO BE CAREFUL!" Twilight said loudly. "Understood?" Twilight said with a serious expression on her face. All her students nodded their heads vigorously. "Good!" Twilight said smiling. Twilight then announced that class was dismissed. "Read your book! We'll be having a test soon!" Twilight said before she walked out of the classroom. Some students left while others stayed and talked for a few minutes. "Do you think that dragon guy will destroy the academy?" A unicorn said rather worried. "I dunno, I hope not." A pegasus student said. "Just don't piss him off enough and we should be fine." A earth pony replied rather bored. Spike tried hard to ignore them. Eventually after a few minutes of the students debating whether or not he'll destroy the academy. Spike decided to leave. He had just walked a couple feet when he was stopped by Twilight. Twilight put a hoof on his shoulder and asked him if he was ok. "Spike, I hope the other students didn't give you a hard time. Knowing how paranoid ponies can be..." Twilight said, muttering the last part in annoyance. She didn't want a repeat of what happened to Zecora. "I'm fine Twilight, it's just stupid gossip anyways." Spike said, trying to shrug it off. "Well Okay then, but if it gets out of hoof tell me, please..." Twilight said putting emphasis on the last word. "I will Twilight, thanks." Spike said as he continued walking to his next class. Twilight still wore a look of worry on her face. Celestia was trotting down the hall when she noticed Twilight. "Hello Twilight." Celestia said smiling. "Hi princess..." Twilight said looking rather worried. "What's wrong Twilight?" Celestia asked, her smile disappearing. "I'm just worried about Spike. He told me that the other students tease him and spread rumors." "Twilight, it's okay. I assure you that my sister and I will watch over him." Celestia said putting a hoof around Twilight head. "Thank you princess... I'm just getting a little too worried aren't I?" Twilight asked. "Twilight, you've known and cared for Spike for 18 years. I don't blame you when you say you worry about him." "But what you must remember is that Spike has to face adversity. He can't be protected forever." Celestia said with a small smile. "I know princess." Twilight said still looking worried. "C'mon, let's go grab some hayburgers and relax a little." Celestia said smiling. "That sounds wonderful princess." Twilight said with a smile. Spike, I know it's tough now.... but hold out and be strong. It will get better... Twilight thought. Spike walked to his next class and opened the gym doors. He didn't see too many ponies. Scanning the room, Spike spotted Sunset and waved to her. She happily waved back and motioned for Spike to come sit down next to her. Spike sat down. "Hi Sunset!" Spike said smiling. "Hello Spike! How are classes?" Sunset asked. "It's been good." Spike said. "Hopefully the princess's lectures aren't too boring right?" "Nah, she's just going over the basics now." "That's good, glad you're not getting bogged down in classes yet." Spike then saw someone who he never expected to see at the Academy. "Hey Gummy, Is that you?" Spike asked in shock. "Hello young Spike, It is good to see you again." Gummy said as he lowered his sword. He then adjusted his top hat and looked at Spike with a slight smile. "I would be honored if you would spar with me." Gummy said with a rather serious look on his face. "But I'll give you a fair warning, I don't go easy on anypony..." Spike jumped down from the bleachers. "Alright then... It's time to get serious." Spike said as he pulled out his sword and faced Gummy. " Hello students! I'm Spitfire!" Spitfire said as she came into the gym. "Ah good! I see two of our students have already decided to spar." "What are your names?" Spitfire asked with curiosity. Without missing a beat, both Spike and Gummy told Spitfire their names. "Alright class! I want everypony to these two, you might learn a few things. And as for you two, begin on my mark." Spike tensed his arm in anticipation, he looked at Gummy with a bewildered expression. He tried to figure out what Gummy was planning. Gummy just glared at him. Ready to strike at any moment. Oh crap... this really is serious. Spike said as he tried to not appear too nervous. He swallowed the lump in his throat and waited for Spitfire to give the signal.