//------------------------------//
// Episode 24: Heart of Fire 
// Story: Elements of Heroism: Season 4 
// by Bahamut0 
//------------------------------//

"Spike!" Twilight called out! "C'mon! Wake up! We don't want to be late for the train!" 

Spike groaned as he woke up. He'd gotten used to his bigger body, and yet Twilight still woke him up like she was his older sister. "Nnnnhhh.... I'm up. I'm up."

"Great! Isn't this exciting? You were chosen to light the torch at the Equestria Games!" Twilight cheered. "And to top it all off, the games are being held at the Crystal Empire!"

Spike's eyes immediately snapped wide open. "Yeah....great." Soon enough, Spike, the Main 6, and the Elements of Heroism were soon aboard the train. All the while, Spike's mind flashed back to the return of the Crystal Empire. He remembered seeing all the elements work together to fight the Umbrum. Twilight tossing the Crystal Heart to him, and him running to the pedestal. All the while Burst was covering him. And even when Spike had placed the Crystal Heart back on its pedestal, Burst was the one who destroyed the Umbrum. Spike sighed. 'Can they really call me a hero when I barely did a thing?' Sure enough, the group arrived in the Crystal Empire and headed for the stadium where the Equestria Games were being held. Spike managed to light the torch no problem, but it felt so empty when he considered how loudly everyone cheered for him. Only furthering the emptiness was the hollow smile Spike gave as he rejoined his friends. As the opening ceremonies went underway, Spike decided to head outside for some fresh air. Trying to clear his head and wonder if he was even worth all the praise and adoration directed at him. However, his departure hadn't gone unnoticed.

"You feeling alright?" Burst asked as he sat down next to Spike.

Spike nearly jumped when Burst approached him! "Y-Yeah! No problem!"

"Spike. Don't lie to yourself." Burst said as he shook his head. "I can tell something's got you down. Especially since we're in the place where you're pretty much a legend."

Spike sighed. "Guess you wouldn't be much of a good leader if you didn't pay attention to your team, huh?" Spike looked at what he could see of the Crystal Empire. "This whole place disappeared, and were stuck with memories of torment. Then we all show up, and all I do is place the Crystal Heart back on its pedestal. And everyone here calls me 'brave' or 'stupendous.' Heh." Spike let out a sad chuckle. "But you and everyone else?" Spike then looked up at Burst. "All of you fought off the Umbrum. Burst, YOU destroyed the Umbrum." Spike's head slumped in shame. "Compared to you, I did nothing." Spike then felt Burst put a hand on his shoulder.

"You're wrong Spike." Burst said. "True. I destroyed the Umbrum. But I wouldn't have been able to deal with them as safely as I did if YOU hadn't gotten the Crystal Heart back to its pedestal. If you hadn't, a lot more people might've been hurt. Just because you didn't do as much as us, it doesn't make your role in the Umbrum's destruction any less vital. All because you were dedicated to the people you consider your family." Burst then rose. His trademark smile across his face. "You don't have to do grand acts to be a hero Spike. Sometimes it's the simplest things that can change a person's world. I should know." Burst then smiled as he recalled the night he gave Celestia his Optimus Prime plushie. "I've got two people who I've made incredibly happy just by doing something others would consider insignificant."

Spike smiled. "Thanks Burst. I needed that." Spike then got up. "Well, might as well enjoy the games." The two then returned to their seats, and cheered on their favorite teams as the games began! Sure enough, the Equestria Games drew to a close. Leading to the closing fireworks show. However, one of the fireworks misfired and brought down a part of the ceiling! Spike immediately jumped into action! He summoned his arm cannon, Jadefire, and fired a stream of energy! Blasting away all the falling debris! Spike soon landed, and saw the whole stadium cheering for him! Spike then smiled. 'You really knew what you were talking about Burst.' Spike thought to himself. 'Because if I didn't feel like I earned the Crystal Empire's praise before, I feel like I have now.'