The Crystal Empire was lively with ponies trotting and talking to each other. The games might have been over, but the thrill of it was still fresh in their minds. However, just as soon as it had started, it had ended, and the ponies headed back to the hotel. The competitors went to their respective rooms, either preparing to go to sleep or just converse about the day they just had.

The Crusaders and Twilight’s friends talked, waiting for Spike to bring the bags to their rooms. He pushed them towards Twilight, breathing heavily.

“Why do you insisting on carrying our bags, Spike?” Twilight asked. “I keep telling you that we can always get other ponies to take care of them for you.”

Spike put his claws out, grabbing his knees. “I’m... fine… Twilight… I just… want to… help a bit.” His voice was shaky and cracked. Barely anything he said came out as coherently as he wanted it to.

Twilight trotted towards him and levitated the remaining bags.

“It would be best not to wear yourself out,” Twilight said. “You already used up most of your energy tonight, so I suggest that you relax and enjoy yourself. You deserve it.”

Spike blushed, kicking at the ground. “Ah, I didn’t do anything that special.”

“Nothing special? Are you kidding me?” Pinkie Pie bounced behind Spike, pressing her two front hooves on the top of her head. “I couldn’t believe how fantastic you were! You just jumped in, melted that that giant ice that was going to fall down on all the ponies and go all… KERSPLAT!”

Spike flinched at the thought of failing, but still flushed from the praise.

“I… don’t think that ‘kersplat’ is such a pleasant image,” Rainbow Dash said. “But dude, you were really awesome out there! I didn’t think you could breath fire that big!”

Spike rubbed his forehead, chuckling. “Heh, I didn’t know I could do that either. It just… kinda happened.”

“And what a splendid time for it to happen, darling,” Rarity commented, causing Spike’s cheeks to heat up even more. “Those ponies that you courageously saved are indebted to you.”

Spike watched as the remaining contestants from Ponyville enter their rooms. The thought of keeping those he cared deeply for out of harm’s way made him feel better than he had felt in a long time. The memory was still playing in his mind. The ice falling, him being the only one capable of actually doing something about it. If he had failed, they would have all…

He shook the alternative out of his mind. That wasn’t important. What was important was that he had managed to bring safety to the Crystal Empire. Again.

“Yeah, well that shouldn’t prevent me from helping you guys out,” Spike said, suppressing a yawn. “I don’t see why you won’t let me help you guys clean the stadium tomorrow. It’s not like I haven’t done that much work before.”

Twilight shook her head. “While that might be true, you’ve had some pretty eventful few days, Spike, and we don’t want you to get worn out. I suggest you spend some time with Cadance and Shining Armor and take a load off.”

“But—”

“Why are you trying to do more work?” Sweetie Belle asked, standing alongside Applebloom and Scootaloo.

“Yeah! Don’t ya wanna relax a bit? I would love to travel around the Empire if I was given the opportunity,” Applebloom said.

“Besides, at least you get to stay here longer!” Scootaloo pressed her hooves against her cheeks, groaning. “Why does school always have to happen during the fun stuff? I’ll be missing out on so much now!”

Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Trust me, kid, you are not missing out on anything important. We’ll just be working ourselves to the bone all day. Honestly, I’d rather shoot spitballs in class!”

Twilight rolled her eyes and turned back to Spike. “Listen, I know you want to help, but why don’t you just spend some time with your admiring fans instead. That should keep you busy for a while, right?”

“Well, I guess.”

“And aren’t you a little curious as to what Cadance and Shining Armor have planned for you back at the castle?”

Spike rubbed his chin. “Just a little.”

Twilight nodded, nudging Spike. “Then it’s settled. You don’t do anything for the remainder of this trip except relax and enjoy yourself. If I catch you lifting up a single piece of plywood, you will feel the wrath of Princess Twilight!” She lit her horn in an attempt to be intimidating. Normally, that would work on him, but he could see the feigned intimidation she was trying to pull off. He could even see her smiling through her gritted teeth. Still, he wanted to humor her, and it was probably for the best. Maybe he did need some time off.

“Okay okay! You win!” Spike held out his claws and shook them. “I could use a day to nap, anyways.”

Twilight’s frustration melted into a smile. “Good.” She lifted a map from a small bag and handed it to Spike. “Just in case you don’t remember how to get back, this is a map of where everything is in the Empire, including the castle. You should be able to find your way around with this.”

Spike rolled up the map and pushed it inside his mouth, using his flames to store it inside of him. “Don’t worry, Twilight. I know this place like the back of my claws.”

The number of bags remaining that Spike had carted were nearly depleted, his friends deciding to finish the load for him.

“Well, there’s no point in us standin’ around here for tha night,” Applejack said. “Ah say we should head back to the inn.”

“Yes, indeed.” Rarity stretched and yawned. “I could use some beauty sleep. It’s been such a long day.”

“Sleep? Already?!” Pinkie cocked her head to the side. “But the it’s not even that late yet! There’s still so much to be done!”

“Pinkie, the moon has been up for for several hours now,” Rainbow Dash said. “I’m pretty sure that the night isn’t that young anymore.”

“But I’m not tired!”

“You will be if you drain your all energy! How will you be able to help liven up the clean up crew if you can barely stay awake tomorrow?”

Pinkie Pie hummed, nodding her head. “Well, when you put it like that, let the sleeping begin!”

Spike stood there, enjoying the light conversations between his friends, until Twilight shoved him back with her magic.

“You’re still here, Spike? Shouldn’t you be heading off somewhere by now?”

“O-oh yeah! Right!” Spike stammered. He turned around and whistled, leaving the room and walking towards his destination.

As he walked down the stairs, he noticed some of the crystal ponies looking at him. He could tell that some of them were doing their best to contain their delight in seeing the savior of their home. It was a lot for him to think about.

It was weird for him to be leaving them behind to be served by others. It was almost as if he was royalty on high. At least that’s what he was perceived as: a hero, a savior. It was all so new to him. It was a lot to handle in one day. Just the thought of being worshiped was exhausting.

Either that or he was really tired. Could have been the latter, seeing as how he was fighting to keep his eyes open. The streets were shimmering under the lamps. It was practically empty and serene. Most of the crystal ponies had retired to their homes, most likely riding out the thrill they experienced. Nopony was on the streets except two ponies trotting right towards him.

Two ponies dressed in the royal guards outfit patrolled the streets, looking up in both shock and pleasure when they saw Spike. They ran up to him, immediately bowing down.

“Oh Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious, to what do we owe the honor of being in your presence on this lovely night?”

Spike raised an eyebrow. He still wasn’t used to being called that, even if it did have a nice ring to it. “I’m just heading towards the castle. I was told that Cadance and Shining Armor wanted to see me.”

The guards nodded. “And you were planning on walking there all by yourself?”

“Well, that was the idea. It isn’t that far from here, is it?”

“But, your greatness, you’ve been busy all day. Surely you don’t want to tire yourself out anymore, oh Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious.”

“It’s no big deal, guys,” Spike protested. “You shouldn’t worry about me when you have a job to d—”

Before he could finish his sentence, Spike was swept off his feet and lifted onto one of the guard’s backs. “Nonsense, Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious. We owe our lives to you, and this is the least we could do. We will carry you to the Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor.”

Spike was going to protest it, but the offer was too good to refuse. If they were going to willfully take him there, who was he to stop them?

“Fine,” Spike said. “But could you please cut down on the Brave and Glorious name? Not that I mind being called that; it’s flattering and all, but that has to be a mouthful for you guys to say all the time.”

“As you wish, oh Great and Hon—”

Spike folded his arms and glared at them.

“I mean, as you wish, Spike… the Brave and Glorious.”

Spike couldn’t help but chuckle. “Close enough.” He held onto the helm of the guard to keep his balance as they turned back towards the castle and trotted with great speed, eager to get Spike to his destination.

As they passed through the glistening city, Spike took the opportunity to think about his current situation. The statue, the title, his adoring fans, crowding around to get his autograph: it was an empowering situation. Never before had he received such praise among others, nor was he ever worshipped to that degree. It was a little intimidating for him.

Now I know how Twilight must feel.

Spike, the Brave and Glorious. Just one of the many titles that he was given. Even the princess bowed to him, declaring his greatness to him. Was he dreaming? Was he in a coma? Was he alive? Did he fall victim to Sombra on the day that he was claimed a national hero, and all of this was just the afterlife, a peaceful departure?

Or was he just grasping at reasons to why this wasn’t reality? It didn’t matter how or why he was being praised for what he had done. What mattered was that it wasn’t a fantasy. It was real. Spike was still unsure of how to feel about it. On one hand, this was a lot of attention. He didn’t envy being popular like some of the famous ponies like Sapphire Shores. All that attention can drive somepony insane really fast.

On the other hand, he got fed free gems. So, that kind of balanced out in his mind.

“Um, Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious?”

And then there was that name. What if he had to sign everyone’s autographs with that title? His claws would probably cramp up after writing just ten.

“Huh?”

“Pardon us if we were interrupting something, your humbleness, but we have arrived.”

While deep into the thought, he hadn’t noticed that they were already in front of the castle doors.

Man these guys move fast!

“Now, we can escort you to the princess if you would like, oh Great and Hono—”

“No need,” Spike interrupted. “I think I can walk the rest of the way.”

“Are you sure, Magnificent Scales?”

Magnificent Scales? That was new. Spike responded by lowering himself off the guard’s back. He landed on the ground, tapping his toes against the ground and smiling wryly.

“Yeah, I’m positive. Shouldn’t be that demanding to walk from one room to another. But I do appreciate you guys carrying me here.”

The royal guards bowed down to him. “Anything to serve the savior of the Crystal Empire, oh Great and Honorable Spike the—”

“Brave and Glorious,” Spike finished. “Yeah, I’ll consider that offer. For now though, don’t you have some royal guard doodad to be getting to?”

The guards stammered. “Y-yes sir! We’re sorry for being a burden, oh benevolent one!” The two backed away, keeping their eye on the glory that was Spike.

He waved and smiled awkwardly, waiting until they turned their backs and closed the castle doors. He sighed. At first he thought that being deemed as a hero would be really fun. Too bad that it was starting to look like more of a hassle than anything.

“How does Cadance and Shining Armor deal with this!” he blurted, hearing his voice echo throughout the crystal home. Spike covered his mouth, hoping that the voice didn’t carry and disturb anypony.

“How do we deal with what?”

Well, there went his hopes. He saw a set of pink hooves traveling down the stairs alongside white ones. Spike looked up, noticing both Cadance and Shining Armor walking towards him. They weren’t dressed up like how Spike normally saw them though. Cadance’s mane was unkempt and down. She was wearing a purple robe, which dragged along the ground. Shining Armor looked about the same, but with a messy mane as well. Both looked like they had just got out of bed recently.

“Um, hi guys,” Spike said, waving at them. “Sorry if I disturbed your sleep. I didn’t mean to impose this late at night.”

Cadance smiled and shook her head. “It’s quite alright, Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious.”

Great. Even she was doing it.

“We assumed that you were going to come a little late considering that you were helping Twilight and the others load the games participants’ bags. We were waiting for your arrival, so that we could personally get you accustomed to your temporary arrangement.”

“Oh.” Spike kicked at the ground. “Still, sorry for making so much noise.”

Both Cadance and Shining Armor chuckled. When the two reached the bottom stairs, they kneeled down and bowed in front of Spike. His eyes widened as he saw two royals kneel before him.

“Please, not you guys, too,” Spike said, almost glumly.

Cadance opened an eye, looking up at Spike, who seemed to be uncomfortable with their display.

“I mean, come on! You’re royals. You shouldn’t have to bow down to me.”

Cadance shook her head, lifting herself from the ground, winking at Spike. “I understand. Guess we’ll have to do our best not to bow down to you every waking moment, huh?”

Shining Armor raised up next, chuckling and trotting closer to Spike. “Well, glad you let us get up. Don’t think I could deal with bowing down every time you graced my presence, Spike.” Shining Armor nudged Spike’s shoulders afterwards.

Spike had seemed to calm down a little. “Thanks guys,” he said. “It just feels so weird, you know. First I’m just some nobody and then—”

“You have an entire empire wanting to greet you every waking moment of your life?” Cadance finished his sentence, eliciting a warm smile.

“Seems like they want to kiss the ground I walk on as well,” Spike said. “Though that would be ill-advised. I don’t think my feet leave off a pleasant aftertaste.”

“No, I wouldn’t imagine it would.” Shining Armor stifled his laughter. “Anyway, you look beat, Spike. I think we should get you to bed.”

Spike flicked his arm at him. “Me? Tired? Nah, I’m just fine. Not tired one…” His own mouth betrayed him, a yawn escaping his mouth. He giggled, looking around and fumbling his claws together.

“It’s okay, Spike,” Cadance said, pointing at the stairway. “You need to rest up. Many ponies would like to see you spry and energetic tomorrow. We can lead you to your room, and talk more on the way.”

Spike nodded, rubbing his eyes and waiting for the two to lead him to his room.

“So, how do you feel about all this attention, Spike?” Shining Armor asked as they turned around to walk back upstairs.

Spike remained silent for a moment, trying to process his position. “I’m not sure, honestly. I mean, it’s cool and all but this is a lot. I mean, the statue, being fed, the titles I’ve received. Magnificent Scales? What’s next? Prince Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious? Jeez, that’s hard enough to say on it’s own.”

Cadance snickered. “Oh, don’t give them ideas, Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious.”

“But at the same time, it’s pretty nice,” Spike continued. “I’m actually deemed a hero here, and not some rampaging mo—” Spike froze. Horrid memories came flooding back to him. The images burned in his mind. All those ponies he could have hurt, every screaming civilian, and even the cries of Rarity all rang in his skull. He sunk his head, trying desperately not to tear up.

“Spike, are you okay, little dude?” Shining asked.

Spike lifted his head, sniffling and fighting back the urge to cry. “Yeah, I’m fine. I was just thinking, that’s all. It’s a little overwhelming to be deemed a nationwide hero now.”

“Well you deserve it,” Cadance said. “You were the one who protected the citizens of this great empire twice. I can’t think of any other title more fitting for you, Great and—”

Spike held out a claw. “While hearing that is flattering and all, I’ve had my fill of praise for the day. I would just like to end this day as a normal guy for once. Doesn’t sound like I’ll get much of that for the rest of the week.”

Cadance smiled. “That’s fine by me, Spike.”

Just as soon as the conversation had ended, they had reached the top of the stairwell. Cadance and Shining walked towards the left, leading Spike towards his sleeping arrangement.

They walked down the hallway, passing by several rooms to find Spike’s. After passing by four rooms, Shining Armor and Cadance stopped in front of a door with a green diamond heart encrusted on it

Gee. Wonder why they did that?

. Using his magic, Shining Armor opened the door, showcasing Spike’s room. It was quite large and spacious, obviously not an ordinary guest room. Most of his bags were still unpacked, but the bed was already set for him, covered with purple linen sheets and green, fluffy pillows. Made to compliment his skin tone no doubt.

“Sorry for how the room looks now, Spike,” Cadance said. “We’ll have the housekeepers unpack and sort out the rest tomorrow you and Shining Armor survey the clean-up crew.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “ I didn’t think I was going to work.”

“You aren’t,” Shining Armor said. “You and I are just going to watch over the others, as well as instructing them where to put things.”

Spike huffed. “Yeah, survey. I wouldn’t be surprised if most of the ponies just spend their time trying to talk to me.”

“Well, that is a likely chance,” Shining added. “But if it gets old, we’ll try to get them to calm down.”

“What my husband said. Anything to make sure your time is more comfortable here, we’ll make sure to provide for you. Just give us a call if you have needs, and we’ll do the best we can.”

Spike smiled. It was kind of nice to have royalty at his disposal. Even if it was a little awkward, he could see the benefit of it. Still, his yawns signaled that thinking wasn’t the best thing to do at the time.

“I appreciate the offer, and I’ll have to take you up on that,” Spike began before his mouth released a strained yawn, “but I’m really tired now, as you can probably tell.”

Shining Armor and Cadance looked at each other, smiled, and then looked back. Spike was unsure of the exchange, nor did he care at the moment. Whatever they had planned could be addressed the following morning.

“Of course, Spike,” Cadance said. “Please, do get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Night, champ,” Shining Armor said, before the two turned and walked out of the room.

Spike sat on his bed, nearly sinking into it. The material was so soft and pillowy. He could already imagine himself falling asleep fast on it. He pushed the covers off slightly and wedged himself between them and the mattress, resting his head on the feathery pillows. It was like heaven.

And yet his mind kept wandering off.

Great and Honorable Spike the Great and Glorious.

Magnificent Scales.

The Great Spike.

Great…. Great…

It felt like a fantasy. It almost felt like he would just close his eyes, and then wake up in his basket at the library. Just that everyday, normal nobody.

And he would find out if this was true or not after he woke up, as his heavy eyes forced sleep upon him.

Author's Notes:

Yeah... this isn't gonna end well, is it :/