//------------------------------//
// Chapter Four:How To Train Your Dragon 
// Story: What It Means To Be A Dragon 
// by FluttershyLover55 
//------------------------------//

What It Means To Be A Dragon
Chapter 4-How To Train Your Dragon

After chatting with the girls for awhile, Spike had to admit that he still found the fact that they could read his mind, creepy. He had certain thoughts about one of them, that they didn't need to know about. Celestia called him to go to the courtyard for training, so he reluctantly left the room to meet her.

"So, what you're saying, is that I can use magic like a unicorn, even though I'm a dragon?"

"Yes, because you are different from others of your kind. A dragon egg is only hatched by a unicorn, every hundred years. When a dragon is hatched in this manner, they absorb some of the magic used in the procedure. You can tap into the magic inside of you. You know how to be a pony, but I'm here to train you on how to be a dragon."

"Uh, all right, but how are you going to show me, if you're not a dragon?" Spike didn't see how he could learn, without seeing it done by an actual dragon.

"You'll see, in a moment." With that said, the horn on her head glowed brightly, particles of light rotating around it. The particles then covered her body, spinning into a blinding haze. The wind blew the spines on the observing dragon's head back, as the light became dim enough that he no longer had to shield his eyes.

"Wh-Wha…Y-You're a dragon! That's amazing!"

Her scales were of the purest white, her constantly flowing mane of rainbow cascading down her back, and her horn still took up most of her forehead, seeming a little out of place on a different species.

"Why are you so surprised, young Spike? Surely, you knew of something called a 'shape-shifting' spell? Twilight must have spoken of them, at some point."

Spike thought for a moment, then shrugged. "It's not ringing any bells."

"Regardless, it's time for the lesson to begin. Your first lesson will concern your magic abilities. These powers are dormant, until awakened for use."

"Well, uh, how do I activate them?" Spike was eager to begin.

"Ha, ha, one thing at a time, Spike. Concentrate, and try to imagine magic as a force. One that can be pulled and stretched, to your will."

Spike closed his eyes, tapping into some hidden reserve of energy, and directing it up his arm into the palm of his hand. Warmth consumed his palm, so that it was literally, on fire. An emerald orb of flame burned brightly, in his grasp.

Celestia's eyes widened in surprise, at the speed with which he had learned the technique. "How did you figure it out, so quickly?"

Spike stared at the ball of flame he had conjured from within, unable to think of anything that could be used as an answer. "I have no idea. It just felt…natural."

Celestia quickly recovered her composure, and motioned to several guards standing off to the side. "Try to hit these guards, as target practice." She ordered, calmly.

The dragon appeared horrified, at the thought. "I'm sorry, Princess, but I can't! I can't harm a living being!"

Celestia sighed, but said firmly, "Spike, you have to think like a dragon. On your journey, you'll have to face off against dragons, and they won't hesitate to kill you. You have to kill them, first. These guards are magically protected, so you can't hurt them. Plus, it's great anger management." Celestia explained, looking at Spike.

Spike relaxed a little, allowing a smirk to appear on his face. "Let's hope, I can hit the bullseye!"

The guards were terrified, despite their 'magical protection'.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

An hour or so later, six mares turned to see Spike enter the room. As he dusted himself off, a smell filled the area that he occupied.

"Uh, Spike, why do you smell like smoke?" Twilight questioned, sniffing the air.