Two days later, Spike had begun his training from stance and balance to sparring and training with the Grandmasters. It had been 1 day left for the dual against Crystal Prep. He was first training with Sub-Zero on the Lin Kuei's temple battle area outside.

As Spike and Sub-Zero traded blows, they both began to get faster and more increased of their speed of attacks. Spike had even tried to uppercut and then back kick Sub-Zero, who managed to dodge and try to roundhouse kick him.

The two warriors had fought, but Spike managed to knock down Sub-Zero. Scorpion then came next.

The two dragons continued to train and as they did, Spike managed to steal one of Scorpion's swords and use it against him. The two dragon warriors began to engage in a sword dual and as they clashed swords, Spike used his newfound cryomancy to knee Scorpion back and jump-kick him to the ground.

"Yield," Spike said, aiming Scorpion's sword at him.

Scorpion, cornered by his student, complied. Spike gave him back his sword and helped up Sub-Zero.

"Well done young Spike." Sub-Zero said

"You have improved greatly Ryu." Scorpion said

"Ryu?" Spike asked.

"As you are the dragon warrior, that is how you are called in my language." Scorpion said

Spike said "Oh. Nice."

As Spike continued to train, he began to show more physical strength and agility. The Grandmasters decided to have a little break. As Spike walked around the temple, he heard something and gave look at a nearby window. He gave a look of surprise at what he saw.

He saw a woman in Lin Kuei attire balancing on a dragon head statue, in front of her was a snake. She was in a stance with her leg up and her arms in the air. She only looked back at the snake and turned from left or right. As she did, the snake followed the woman's movements.

"Whoa." Spike said as the snake copied the woman.

As Spike watched, Sub-Zero and Scorpion noticed and gave looks of amusement at his curiosity.

"She is still like water." Scorpion said

"That is why the snake copies her. Her mind and heart are calm and in balance." Sub-Zero added

Spike only nodded and gave a look of curiosity at the event. After a few seconds, he left to resume his training.

(Back in Canterlot High)

At the school of CHS, the prideful Flash Sentry was training in the school's gym area. As he did, someone came in.

"Who's there?" Flash said hearing the door.

He turned and saw it was none other then the two principals of the school. He saw them give him looks of disapproval.

"Oh come on. Are you two still ticked off about yesterday?" Flash asked annoyed

"Oh no, I wouldn't say annoyed. More like borderline FURIOUS!" Luna said

"Because of you and your arrogance, we will lose not just the dual, but the school itself!" Celestia added in anger.

"Oh relax you two. I told you I'm training to all my strength to help defend our honor." Flash tried to reason.

This statement however, only increased the fury of the two Principal's. Luna only said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"You'll be lucky to even survive against the champions of Crystal Prep. The only reason your not getting expelled is because we don't have other options but to let you fight their Champion. That's why I revoked your rank and status."

"Shouldn't that happen if I lose?" Flash asked.

"No. Because you'll be dead in a body bag if you're lucky Mr. Sentry." Principal Celestia said.

"Wow, thanks, can I go back to training now?" Flash asked

The two principals only gave looks full of resentment and left the gym.

(Back with Spike at the Temple)

Spike was doing progressively good on his training and as he trained, he managed to gain more use on Sub-Zero's cryomancy and Scorpion's fire-based attributes. After a few hours, Spike was sweating in exhaustion from the training he had. Which was from breaking boards to sparring with his masters, balancing objects or on a wire, maintaining his stance while being attacked or being taught more defense to disarm or evade weapon related attacks.

"Well done, young Spike, you have earned your strength and honor, but you now must train in weapons." Sub-Zero said

Spike was led to another room in the temple and saw an armory that had different melee weapons. There were two weapons that caught his eye. One was a nearby stick and went to it. Spike saw a little edge in the middle and pulled out the top, what came out was a sword. The other appeared to be a rope dart with a kunai at the front of it.

(Ignore Scorpion in this picture).

"A sword and a rope spear." Spike said in surprise.

Sub-Zero said

"A cane sword, it is used as a way to fool enemies and surprise them when in the guise of a cane to aid others to walk and travel."

"The rope spear is something my clan uses. I myself am a wielder of it."

Scorpion then came up and said "Now, we must train you into using your chosen weapon."

Sub-Zero and Scorpion led Spike out to the temple to train once more. With Scorpion teaching him the rope spear while Sub-Zero taught him how to use his sword. The two masters fought Spike and began to spar with him with the weapons he chose.

(A few hours later)

Spike had begun to progress in his training, he was now wearing a dark colored outfit with holster for his rope spear in his hand and his sword on the back. He also had a dark face mask that covered his mouth and a hood to cover his head.

Spike had managed to disarm Sub-Zero with his newfound cryomancy and roundhouse kick Scorpion back with a flaming charged kick. As they trained, Spike began to gain more determination, confidence and strength in spite of not being a pony or having magic.

As they trained, Spike was feeling his grief, trauma and sadness slip away from his mind, letting himself be calm like still water as Sub-Zero told him before.

The time for the dual would come, and Spike knew if CHS was in danger, he had to act soon.

Author's Note

I own nothing, everything belongs to rightful owners. I will take off images if necessary.

Criticism is strongly appreciated to help improve.