Rainbow Dash and Spike took a moment to admire how their trophy, and collection of golden archery medals, looked in Ponyville’s town hall. A month after the Games, and they still couldn’t get over their victory. He was bound to walking on crutches for at least another two months, but he’d recover.
“Pretty crazy to think we got this far,” said Spike.
“I never doubted you,” said Rainbow Dash. “Not for one second.”
He smiled at her.
“So, how’s being the future godfather of Lightning Star and Fleetfoot’s foal going for you?”
“They don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl yet, so they’re waiting until then before they decide on a name. Besides,” he said with a little grin. “Lightning’s pretty busy these days with his Royal Guard job. That doesn’t give him much time to think about names.”
“I heard. Almost can’t believe the Princesses just hired him on the spot.”
“I’m not surprised. She couldn’t ask for a better stallion to train the Royal Guards in archery.”
“I hear Thunder Star’s having a good time in Canterlot, hanging out with her brother, Fleetfoot, and the other Royal Guards.”
“Yeah,” Spike said, smiling. “I’m glad she’s back on her hooves.”
“Spike,” She said suddenly shifting to a more serious tone. “I have to ask; what do you think we really accomplished?”
He frowned, taken aback by the question. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, we won the Games, you scored better than every other archer, but it’s not like everypony just up and accepted all dragons.”
“No kidding. Some little babies still sniffle when they see me around the markets,” He gave a sly chuckle laced with self-deprecation. “And some ponies still look at me kind of funny.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I think what you’ve done is incredible, but the Creed and other groups like it are still around. Ponies still don’t totally trust dragons after that Fillydelphia attack. Honestly, I’m not sure they ever will, even if they find the dragons responsible.”
“I know,” Said Spike. “But Twilight kind of told me something that puts a lot of it into perspective.”
“What’s that?”
“Progress takes time. We have to face setback after setback. And sometimes, we don’t get the change we want or we don’t even live long enough to see the impact we left on the world. But, one little action can inspire other little actions. It’s like a ripple effect, you know? Maybe, I didn’t make much of a difference. But, I’d like to think that at the very least, I’ve paved the way for someone else. Made it just a bit easier for someone else out there.”
Rainbow Dash regarded Spike for a moment, wondering when he became so wise and thoughtful.
“Like I said,” Twilight’s voice spoke from behind, “Love beats hate in the long run.”
They turned around to find the purple alicorn walking towards him, accompanied by Starlight, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Bulk.
“Oh, hey,” said Spike sheepishly, “I didn’t see you there. Sorry about skipping out on chores again, Twi. I just wanted to see the trophy again.”
“It’s fine,” she said, walking towards her favorite dragon. “Actually, I got some news I think you’ll like. Ember and Thorax are registering their own teams for the Equestria Games next year. And I hear Fillydelphia’s recruiting local dragons too.”
Spike smiled at the wonderful news. “See?” He said with some tears in his eyes. “I did make a little difference.”
“More like a big difference,” said Rarity with a smile. “Fillydelphia’s also having its first dragon-pony marriage. Yellow and Frost are together now, because of you.”
“Huh,” Spike said with a soft laugh and a warm glance at Rarity. “A dragon marrying a pony. I never thought I’d see the day.”
She smiled right back at him. “They invited us to their wedding scheduled in a few months. They never would’ve done that if it weren’t for you.”
“And there’s some better news,” said Pinkie Pie with a little hop. “White Bolt and Crimson Bolt got temporary leave from prison to visit the wedding.”
“And they’re okay with Yellow Bolt marrying Frost?”
“He’s their brother. They love him no matter what. And anyways, Honey Charm’s the one who’s overreacting with all the happy crying.”
“I don’t care what you say,” Applejack said, “Honey Charm’s apple cider addiction is good for my business.”
“I guess we better send him our congratulations,” said Spike. “I’ll be sure to write a letter when I get home.”
“Are you feeling any better, Spike?” Asked Fluttershy.
“A lot better now, actually.” He grinned. “I’m itching to pick up a bow again.”
“I can’t believe you sometimes,” Applejack said with an amused snort. “Three months after the last Games and you’re already thinking of the next one.”
“I guess I wanna be there. You know? When other dragons are out on the field competing,” He said, “I just want to see it.”
“You will,” said Bulk. “The wealthy stuck-ups like Blueblood can’t stop what you’ve started, no matter how much money they throw out there making new laws and whatever.”
“Plus, we’ve got a friend in Silver,” said Twilight. “Nopony’s going to say no to the wealthiest archer in Equestria if he wants dragons in the Games.”
“And we can hire Trixie to represent us in court if they do,” Said Starlight. “Turns out she studied law for four years before deciding she couldn’t take other ponies tossing around lawyer jokes at her.”
They all looked at Starlight, surprised.
“I didn’t peg Trixie for an intellectual,” said Bulk.
“Yeah, me neither—hey, wait a second!” Rainbow Dash turned around to face Bulk. “You just used an expression.”
“It’s the only one I can remember from that book you gave me to read, sorry.”
“Well, we all have to start somewhere,” Said Rainbow Dash with a shrug.
“Yeah,” said Spike. “I guess we all do.”
As they left town hall, they left with hope and pride. Any pony who looked at them would smile as they walked by and wave at Spike. Then and there, he let out happy tears, grateful he lived long enough to see the difference he made.
The End