I'll Show them All

Chapters

The Life of the Irregular
Spike goes out
Invite to the Dance
Dance of Disaster
Concert Catastrophe
The Runaway
A Mission
A Reunion
When He Loved Her
Competitive
Spike the Protector
Make him Smile
The Rebel and the Wallflower
The Potion Master
Confrontation
Amends are Made
Beach Day
Centrack City
Bringing Down Tirek
Spike's Return
Show some Kindness

The Life of the Irregular

Equestria, a world where magic and technology have collaborated resulting in advancements in weaponry, vehicles, and other forms of devices for all people. In this land, every human is born with one of three specific abilities. You could either be born with enhanced strength making you an Earther, the ability to fly by sprouting wings from the back make you a Flyer, or the ability to manipulate magic classifies you as a Mage. With each unique ability one has learned to use that ability to help and work in every day life. But while every human is born with one of these abilities, on a rare occasion there is one born with the ability of all three types, those being referred to as Celestials. But is it truly the gift of one of these four types that makes a person special? This is such a story.

In the Crystal City, inside a stadium stood two boys wielding wooden swords. The oldest boy known as Shining Armor was roughly in his late 20s with his hair a mix of a mix of moderate sapphire blue, moderate cerulean, and dark phthalo blue. The younger boy named Spike was fourteen years old and had green spikey hair. Spike who was covered in bruises and sweat panted, as he stood bravely while gripping his wooden sword.

Shining Armor spoke out tauntingly, “Come on, Spike. Don't tell me that's the best you got. Because I know you can do so much better.”

Spike spoke up in determination, “I can take it, Shining. So let's keep going!”

Shining smirked, “I expected no less from my little brother.” Spike gripped his wooden sword and ran at Shining ready to strike with all his might.

Later on the two were sitting down on a bench, drinking water, “That was some workout.” Shining told Spike.

“Yeah, you're telling me.” he agreed.

“But I will say you've really been getting better.”

Spike looked to his older brother, “Am I really?”

“Well, you're certainly doing a lot better than you did when we first started training together a few years back.”

“I appreciate that, but I wonder if it's enough?” Spike asked looking dismal which didn't go unnoticed.

“Spike, what's wrong?”

“I'm just thinking. This is basically one of the only times I can actually get out of the house and the city without someone needing to know where I am or what I'm doing. Especially since sister Twilight isn't around to worry her head off over me.”

“That's right, she and her class are at Camp Everfree for the week,” Shining recalled, “They should be back tonight, right?”

“Yeah, that's right.”

“You don't sound so pleased at that.” Shining noted.

“Maybe it's because I'm jealous of her.” Spike confessed.

“Hey, who wouldn't be jealous of her? Aside from being Celestia's personal student, one of the chosen Guardians of Harmony, anyone would be.”

“It's not just about that,” Spike replied, “I'm just jealous she always gets to go off and have fun with her friends or anybody else and I'm always left at home. She never even thinks about asking me.”

“Well, true, but in this case it can't be helped since it's a class trip.”

“Yeah, a class trip,” Spike repeated bitterly, “Something I can never be a part of because I can't go to real school. All because I can't do what you or anyone else can do.”

In Equestria, each person at birth is born an Earther, a Flyer, or a Mage. Spike however was the very first person to be born with neither ability making him an Irregular. Spike himself never knew his real parents and spent his early years in an orphanage until he was adopted by a Mage couple known as the Sparkles, Night Light and Twilight Velvet along with their two kids Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle. Those born with either ability attends school where they not only get an education, but learn how to control their abilities. Because Spike was born without any ability he was forced to be home-schooled by his adopted parents in basic, math, literature, and history.

Spike sighed, “And because I can't go to real school, I can barely meet others or do anything like normal kids can do there.”

“Haven't you tried to get involved in other activities not in a school?”

“Several times, but they all ended the same way when they learned who I'm related too.” Spike answered still bitter.

“Twilight.” Shining guessed.

“Yeah. The pupil of Celestia; one of the great Celestials who runs the school, the chosen one by the element of magic, one of the rare few to reach the celestial rank, the one everyone wants to be friends with,” Spike explained dramatically with a hint of sarcasm, “The minute anyone finds out I'm the little brother to Twilight Sparkle, they all suddenly want to be her friend and want to use me to get closer to her.”

“Spike, not everybody can be like that.” Shining tried to reason with him.

“Well, if there are, I certainly haven't met them. And whether it's putting up with others who just want to get closer to Twilight, it's Twilight who makes me feel so trapped at home. You wanna know why I wanted to train with you years ago?”

“I always wanted to, but you never gave me a clear answer.”

“It's to prove to Twilight and even her friends I am not some weak helpless boy. It all started when I was eleven. When Twilight and her friends were asked to deliver something to the next city for Celestia I asked if I could join them, and they felt since it was just a delivery mission they agreed. At first it was all going good. Being out and about instead of stuck at home so much made me feel like a new me. Like I was closer to Twilight and the others. But then a timberwolf attacked and the girls had to fight it. Twilight ordered me to take cover, and I did. I watched as Twilight and the girls fought it off to drive it away, but the timberwolf ended up crashing close to where I was hiding and I almost got hurt. But it was just a scrape. Twilight was so worried, she barely left my side for the rest of the mission.”

Shining nodded, “That's a doting sister for you.”

“I could take the doting back then, but now it's too much,” Spike continued, “The next time I asked to join on a mission, she refused me. Because if I could get hurt on a simple delivery mission, then any kind of mission big or small could be dangerous. I argued with her I would be more careful, but she still refused saying she was trying to protect me and that it was for my own good. The more I tried to argue that she's always let me help her around the house as her personal assistant why couldn't she let me help out then in my own way? Then she said it's because I can't protect myself because I can't do what she and anyone else can do. And then she called me a nuisance who always needs to be saved and that it would jeopardize their mission. Even Twilight's friends automatically agreed with her and that I shouldn't tag along on missions. And they just left with Twilight promising we would continue the discussion when they got back. I was sad, angry, bitter, and betrayed by her.”

“Spike, I'm sure Twilight didn't mean to call you that.”

“Yeah. She came home after the mission to continue where we left off. Sure she apologized for what she said to me, but she kept dropping the whole I want to protect you excuse. I didn't even bother arguing with her anymore knowing my words would just fall on deaf ears. Because of that I've been so jealous I've actually started resenting her and her friends. They're so important and popular and I'm just me, the weakling that has to stay put all the time. Not even on missions, they don't even ask me if I wanna do anything with them at all. I just... Feel like a prisoner.”

Shining looked at Spike before putting a hand on his shoulder, “I'm not gonna say you should forgive, Twilight. Heck, even I know when she goes into a panic she can forget things, or say things unintentionally. But you shouldn't have to let her success overshadow you. You may not be capable of what everyone else can do, but you have the potential to do great things, whether everyone else sees it or not.”

“Thanks. Only you, mom, dad, Cadence, and Flurry seem to be the only ones who think I can. Everyone else just thinks I'm hopeless.”

“Well, who cares what everyone else thinks? All that matters is what you think. Always remember that.” Shining told Spike.

Spike hearing the sincerity in Shining's voice knew he was right. He had to be strong for himself and not let others make him feel inferior.

Later on, Spike was on the next bullet train heading back to his home city Canterlot. Upon arriving home he was greeted by his parents who were glad he made it home. And as night time rolled in, Spike and his parents waited for the return of Twilight.

Soon enough the door opened and entering was their seventeen year old daughter Twilight accompanied by her five closest friends and fellow guardians of harmony. There was the country girl earther Applejack, the fashionista mage Rarity, the energetic earther Pinkie Pie, the fast and cool flyer Rainbow Dash, and the timidly kind flyer Fluttershy.

“I'm back!” Twilight announced.

“Twilight!” Her parents cheered as they raced over to hug their daughter.

“We missed you so much!” Night Light said.

“I missed you guys too.” Twilight said happily, before seeing Twilight, “Hey, Spike.”

“Hi, Twilight.” he greeted.

“Don't I get a hug from my little brother?” she asked with open arms.

Spike couldn't help but smile as he went over and hugged Twilight who hugged him back.

“Hey, now, how's about a big ol' hug for us, sugarcube?” Applejack asked the boy, as Spike went and hugged each of them who returned it.

“I'm surprised the rest of you girls came here.” Velvet told the other five.

“Well, we just wanted to spend an extra bit more time of the day before we headed home.” Rainbow explained.

“Well, we can't wait to hear all about camp.” Night Light, said, as they sat down.

“There is certainly a lot to tell.” Rarity assured them.

“And we'll tell you everything, but here, Spike,” Twilight reached into her bag and pulled out a makeshift bracelet, “I made this in arts and crafts for you.”

Spike took the bracelet and looked at it, “Wow. Thanks, Twi.”

“My pleasure.” Twilight said before adjusting her glasses.

“So let's get to the details.” Velvet said, as the girls sat down with them.

And so the girls started telling the adults and Spike all the fun and excitement they had at Camp Everfree, and all the activities that took place.

“And Rarity fell right into the lake!' Rainbow laughed.

Rarity pouted, “That was not my favorite experience while sailing.”

“Well, it sounds like you all had a splendid time.” Velvet said.

“We sure did.” Pinkie cheered.

“So what did you do, Spike?” Twilight asked.

“Not much like usual. Visiting Shining for a weekly sparing was the highlight of this week.” Spike answered bored.

“Well, if it wasn't so exciting then why did ya pick to stay?” Applejack asked.

Spike looked at Applejack in confusion, “What do you mean 'pick to stay'?”

“Well, when we didn't see you before we left we thought you chose not to come.” Fluttershy answered.

Spike once again was getting confused, “Chose not to come?”

“Twilight, you told Spike, didn't you?” Rarity asked her.

Spike turned to Twilight, “Tell me what?” he asked suspiciously.

“Oh, no.” Twilight gasped, as she flashed back a week ago before they left for camp.

Twilight was busy putting some stuff in her bag at school with Celestia approaching, “Twilight?” she asked.

“Yes?”

“With our Camp Everfree trip less than a week away I was thinking maybe you could invite your brother Spike to come join us. We understand it must be hard for him being home-schooled he doesn't get to enjoy such trips as this.”

“Yeah, sure.” Twilight answered.

“Thank you, Twilight.” Celestia said, as she left, unaware that Twilight had been so focused on packing her bag with books she wasn't exactly paying full attention to what Celestia requested her, while Twilight was unaware her friends who were close by listened in but also had no idea Twilight's mind wasn't all focused on what Celestia said.

Twilight snapped out of it, while noticing everyone giving her looks, “Twilight, is there something you wanna tell us?” Velvet asked.

Twilight nervous about being on the spot knew she had no choice, “Well, some time before we left for camp. Celestia asked me to invite Spike to join us at Camp Everfree.”

As those words left her mouth, Spike, Night Light, and Velvet were in shock, but none so more than Spike, “Wait a minute, there was an offer for me?” he asked.

“You didn't tell Spike?!” Applejack asked Twilight in disbelief as the girls were just as shocked.

“In my defense I was focused on my books, and you know when I am I don't always hear what's around me,” Twilight argued, until her friends gave her dry looks. But they were nothing compared to the angry look on Spike's face, “Spike, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to-”

“Sorry?” Spike repeated cutting her off, “Sorry? That's all you have to say? You mean to tell me I could've been at camp this week relaxing, sailing, swimming, doing arts and crafts, making s'mores, making memories, and just have fun? But you didn't tell me?!”

“Spike, you have every right to be angry, but-” Twilight tried to explain, but Spike was not finished.

“You robbed me of a chance to get out of the house and the city to do something new all because you forgot!" he yelled, "For being such a smart girl when it comes to books or helping others your attention is always on them, but when it's me it just passes through your ear and comes out the other!” Spike then turned to the girls, “And you! You all wondered why I wasn't there and yet you didn't ask Twilight why?”

“Well, we wanted to.” Applejack answered.

“But we just assumed you-” Fluttershy tried to continue.

“Assumed? You just assumed that I the one person who always seems to be held up at home and never invited to do anything or go anywhere would prefer to stay home?!”

“Well, when you put it like that.” Rainbow cringed.

Spike turned back to to Twilight still not done venting, “You always do this, Twilight!”

“What do you mean?” she asked in confusion.

“Don't act like you don't know. You always find a way to leave me out of going anywhere with you, especially places for fun and relaxation. But this one time I was actually invited by someone else, but you couldn't even commit that to your memory that seems to have so much room for all your book facts and studies?! Now I'm never gonna get a chance like this again. It's your fault! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!” Spike threw down the bracelet Twilight made him and stormed off.

“Spike!” Velvet called, but Spike didn't stop. He stormed upstairs where the sound of a door slamming was heard.

Night Light turned to the others, “Girls, I think you should-.”

“Say no more, we're gone.” Applejack answered, as they got up.

“Sorry about this, Twilight.” Fluttershy said in sympathy.

“Good luck.” Rainbow said, as the girls went out the door.

As soon as they were gone, Twilight was alone with her parents who looked at her with much disappointment.

“Look, I-” Twilight tried to explain, only for Velvet to hold a hand up silencing her.

“Twilight, you are a very smart girl. We're always proud of you for that.” she began, as Night Light continued.

“But sometimes, your listening skills leave much to be desired.”

“I listen.”

“To lectures and seminars for the most,” Night Light countered, “And while you listen to your friends and us. Sometimes you neglect to listen for things that could be beneficial to others.”

“Even one such as Spike.” Velvet finished.

“I fully intend to make it up to him.” Twilight promised.

“And how?” Night Light inquired.

“I... don't know yet.” she admitted in guilt.

“Well, until you do I suggest you think extra hard on it.” Velvet said, as she and Night Light left the living room leaving Twilight to herself ridden with guilt. She picked up the bracelet she made for Spike and knew this would only remind him of how she let him down.

Up in Spike's bedroom, the boy laid on his bed facing the wall still angry and hurt over Twilight failing to inform him he was invited to Camp Everfree this whole time. He was brought out of his thoughts by a knock at his door.

“I don't wanna talk to you, Twilight!” Spike answered in an angry tone.

“Spike, it's me.” came Velvet's voice from outside the bedroom.

Spike hearing his mom sighed, “Fine.”

Velvet walked into the room and closed the door behind her, “Hi, sweetie, how're you feeling?”

“Bitter. Betrayed. Name it and it's me all over.”

Velvet sat down next to Spike, “Spike, I know you feel angry at Twilight, and no one can say you have no right to be. But do you really think she did this on purpose?”

“I wouldn't put it past, Twilight. This isn't the first time she never told me about something fun going on and left me out,” Spike explained, “Two years ago, Equestria Land opened. The hottest newest amusement park to ever be made. And I wanted to go there for its opening with the girls. But Twilight told me I had to stay home because she was expecting an important package being delivered that day and I was the only one home that day to answer for it.”

“I know.” Velvet remembered.

“I waited and waited until it got late, and Twilight came home from Equestria Land saying she had so much fun. And then she tells me the package I was supposed to be waiting to sign for her was delayed... I waited there all for nothing!”

“Yes, and that was unfair to you,” Velvet admitted, “But you got to go to Equestria Land eventually.”

“Yeah, after waiting a month. And I couldn't go alone because you all wouldn't let me.”

“Spike, you were twelve.” she reminded her boy.

“Nevertheless,” he argued, “And it had to be a family thing. I still barely had the freedom to do what I wanted, and I had to do it by Twilight's schedule. And you know how she is when her schedule's aren't as followed.”

“I do.” Velvet understood.

“And not just there. She gets to go to more places like that with her friends or anyone else. She and the girls got to go to Hope Hollow for their annual festival. They got to see A.K Yearling at the Daring Do Convention. Twilight got to spend Spring Break on a yacht! A fricken yacht!” Spike emphasized, “Meanwhile I'm stuck here wasting my youth away while my sister gets to live it up like a celebrity.”

“Haven't you ever asked them if you could join them for those events?”

“You know I've always had to ask, but I'm always rejected for one thing or another. And would it hurt for someone to ask me themselves instead of me always crawling to them begging to be included?” he grunted in frustration, “Honestly, I've felt more alone than ever. Just like at the orphanage. I don't even know why you guys adopted me in the first place.”

Velvet gasped at his words and hugged him, “You were a child, and you needed a good home. And we wanted to give that to you. Give you a family.”

“Yeah, some family. You and dad may acknowledge me just like Shining Armor and Cadence, but everyone else in this family only cares about Twilight and Shining's successes. Every reunion and gathering they all wanna know what's going on with either of them or how they're doing. Anyone who ever tries to ask me how I'm doing just make it awkward because they know without any of the special abilities the people have I can't do half of anything like they can do. And I can't attend school like everyone else my age because there is no school for those without abilities because there never was need for one until I was discovered. And to this day I'm still the only one in existence like that.”

“Spike...”

“Face it, unlike Twilight I will never find my way as long as I'm overshadowed by her and her fame. And I'm just sick of it!” he burst into tears and hugged Velvet who hugged him back.

Outside the room stood Twilight who had been listening in on what her mom and brother were talking about felt more guilty than ever. No matter how she came off, she never intended to make Spike feel so inferior to her. She knew if she wanted to make it up to Spike now, she'd really have to think hard on it.

Spike goes out

The next day after Twilight's return from Camp, Spike had spent the morning in his room reading comics. Since it was a Saturday the students who attended camp still had the weekend to unwind after coming home. Not that it mattered to Spike of course since every day felt like a weekend to him. Finally deciding to get out of the house and get some air, he grabbed his hoodie and hoverboard before leaving his room.

As he was heading for the door, Twilight caught him, “Spike, where are you going?”

Spike stopped before scowling and looked back at her, “I don't have to answer you.”

“Spike!” Twilight tried to stop him, but he already went out the door. Knowing better than to add fuel to that furnace given how he was last night because of her decided to leave him be for now.

Out in the city, Spike was riding his hoverboard around. One of the only few talents he had was how skilled he was with riding a hoverboard, but unfortunately it still wasn't much compared to others talents. As he rode around he found several earthers using their super strength to carry heavy loads from one place to another with ease. Above him were flyers flying from one place to another. Finally Spike would see mages using their magic to levitate stuff around setting them in one place or another making things easier for them.

Spike frowned, and thought, 'It's so easy for them.' but brushing it off he continued to ride around looking for something to do.

The boy eventually made his way to one of his fave fast food establishments Surfer Burger. Spike sat outside the place at a table under an umbrella enjoying his double cheeseburger, fries, and drink. As he took a bite of his burger he looked at it before sighing.

“This is one of the few things I can enjoy outside the house without anybody getting on my case.” he took another bite before eating some of his fries.

“Spike?” came a voice belonging to a woman.

Spike looked up and saw two adult women approach him. He recognized them as Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna, the two celestial sisters who run Canterlot High, the school Twilight and the girls attend. The two each had a tray with an ordered meal of their own.

“Ms. Celestia and Ms. Luna.” Spike greeted.

“Well, this is a treat.” Luna admitted.

“I didn't expect to find the two celestial sisters at a place like this.” Spike quipped.

“We may be two of the few celestials in the world.” Luna began.

“But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the simpler things in life.” Celestia finished, as the two sat down at the table across from Spike.

“Point,” Spike admitted, as they decided to eat together, “So, how was camp?”

“It was very nice revisiting the campgrounds where we attended as students ourselves.” Celestia answered in nostalgia.

“And the students enjoyed it themselves.” Luna added.

“Lucky them.” Spike answered, but the two adults could sense the bitterness in his tone.

“Spike, is there a reason why you were not present at camp?” Celestia inquired while narrowing her eyes.

“Actually, yes,” Spike answered ready to tell them, “Because I was not informed there was an offer to me.”

“Not informed?” Luna asked in confusion, as Celestia continued.

“But I told Twilight-” Spike cut her off.

“Yeah, you told her. But she automatically forgot and didn't remember until after she got home!”

Celestia was in shock and surprised that her top student who had always made sure to follow her orders and instructions for whatever purpose or project she assigned her in the past would suddenly forget something that involved her own sibling.

“Spike, I am so sorry you were not informed and left out on the camping trip.” Celestia apologized.

“You don't have to apologize,” Spike began, “It's not your fault you chose the wrong person to deliver a personal message to me.”

“Even so, Twilight should've known better than to forget to ask you when she's always remembered so much more than a simple message.” Celestia insisted.

“Yeah, well I guess a message to me isn't as important as all her studies and reports to you.” Spike answered bitterly.

Celestia and Luna knew this has greatly left Spike bitter against Twilight, as Luna tried to apologize, “Spike, if there is any way my sister and I can make it up to you.”

Spike looked at them, “I don't need pity. Because all that does is give everyone around me another excuse to patronize me.”

“Spike, we do not wish to make you feel inferior. We may be celestials, but we care about all our people.” Celestia spoke up.

“And that includes you.” Luna assured him.

Spike feeling somewhat moved that they consider him one of their people, but his negative feelings still kept him from seeing it completely, “I don't feel like one of your people. Because your people have special abilities. And I got none of those.”

“A lack of ability like everyone else does not make you less than that.” Celestia told him.

“I want to believe that, Ms. Celestia, really I do. But sadly barely anybody makes me feel the same,” Spike finished his meal and tossed the wrappers in the receptacle close to him, “I got to go.”

Spike turned and was prepared to mount his hoverboard until he was restrained on both sides by the two women, “Hey! What're you doing?”

“We can't let you leave this way, Spike.” Luna replied.

“Like what?”

“With all this pent up hate and bitterness.” Celestia answered.

“I can deal with it on my own.” Spike replied, as he tried to get free but to no avail.

“Nobody says you have to do it on your own.” Luna assured him.

Spike stopped struggling realizing it was pointless. He dropped his head and couldn't help but sob. The two adults hugged Spike on both sides comfortingly.

“I just wanted to be involved and included,” Spike sobbed, “Is that so wrong?”

“It's never wrong to want to be wanted.” Celestia assured him in a motherly tone.

“And I've felt that way before.” Luna assured him.

“How?” Spike challenged her.

“Despite both of us being celestials, I also felt I was living in the shadow of my older sister. Many always seemed to prefer her over me because she was the oldest and more popular,” the younger sister explained, “Because of that I had grown bitter and eventually became a recluse feeling if nobody needed me then I didn't need them.”

Celestia carried on, “I tried so many times to reach out for her, but she always ignored it. Until one day I wouldn't back down and she finally unleashed her deep emotions on how she felt about me and always feeling like she'd never amount to anything. I comforted her assuring her she didn't have to be like me and not let what others say about me affect her. It took awhile but she finally came around and opened up to me and everyone else. I had my sister back.”

“So you see, Spike. I know what you're going through.” Luna assured him giving Spike a new perspective.

“We're not asking you to forgive Twilight or anyone, only to understand that you're not as alone as you think.” Celestia comforted him.

Spike sighed, “I get it. But it doesn't change the fact compared to everyone else I can't do shit. Thanks anyways, but I gotta go.”

Spike walked away before mounting his hoverboard and left. The two sisters watched Spike take off feeling bad for him. They knew there was nothing they could do to change him, but Celestia knew there was something she could do.

Spike returned home and went inside. Before he could get to his room, Twilight called out, “Spike!”

The boy groaned, before looking over seeing Twilight who looked miffed, “What?”

“Did you see Principal Celestia or Vice Principal Luna today?”

“What's it to you?”

“Just answer me. Did you?" She continued to question him.

“Yeah, I met them at Surfer Burger. So what?”

“Principal Celestia sent me a message about wanting to meet with me. What did you tell them?”

“I told them the truth.” he confessed.

“Spike!” Twilight gasped.

“What was I supposed to do?” Spike challenged Twilight, “Lie to them? Tell them I really wasn't interested? Not a chance.”

“But who knows what Principal Celestia will say or do?” Twilight panicked.

“Oh, give me a break!” Spike shouted, “The most she'll do is reprimand you. You have got to stop acting like the smallest mistake will get you expelled or worse. And you say I overreact? That's your thing.”

Twilight sighed knowing Spike was right. So many times in the past she overreacted over the most minor of things and convince herself that she would get in serious trouble. Whether it was Spike or even her own friends calling her out on her 'Twilighting' she always seems to keep up that bad habit. Even just now.

Spike was turning to go back to his room, until Twilight stopped him again, “Spike, wait!” Spike sighed again as he stopped in place, “I know you have no reason to believe me, but I want you to know I truly am sorry for all this,” Spike said nothing as he kept his back, “And I have every intention to make it up to you, somehow.”

“I'll believe that when I see it. Goodnight.” Spike went into his room leaving Twilight to herself.

As Spike relaxed in his room he thought about what Twilight told him along with what Celestia and Luna told him about their sibling relationship.

“We'll see if Twilight and I are as lucky as they are.” he told himself.

Invite to the Dance

It had been three weeks since Twilight and her class returned from their trip to Camp Everfree. She and everyone returned to their regular days at school at Canterlot High, while Spike more or less continued to live out his days at home making the most of his ample free time. Then on a Friday afternoon, Spike was in his room reading his comics, until he checked his phone reading it was 3:00 P.M.

“Well, I better get going.” he told himself before grabbing his hoodie and hoverboard, before leaving his room.

“I'm heading out, mom. Be back later!” Spike called to Velvet.

“See you later, Spike!” Velvet replied, as she smiled.

Spike got outside, before mounting his hoverboard and went off. As he rode, he thought to himself while feeling in a good mood, 'Finally a chance to get out of the house and get involved.' he then flashed back to last night.

Last night, Spike was in his room enjoying a double cheeseburger meal he ordered from Surfer Burger to his home. He enjoyed his take out while watching anime involving voluptuous super heroines with a single male protagonist who looked way out of the girls league.

“Must be nice those girls letting him help out despite not being like they are,” Spike said in envy, until there was a knock at his door. Spike jumped before switching the channel to a regular sitcom, “Yes?”

“Spike, it's me,” came Twilight's voice, “May I come in?”

Spike sighed to himself. Despite getting over the fact she left him out of the fun at Camp Everfree he did what he always did and moved on, “Alright.” he answered her.

Twilight opened the door and walked inside, “Enjoying your meal?”

“Always,” he replied, “So what's up?”

“Well, you know the CHS Dance Bash is tomorrow night?” Twilight began.

“Yeah, I heard you talking about it with the girls around here all week. But what does it have to do with me?”

“The gymnasium still needs a bit of work done tomorrow and me and the girls were wondering if you'd like to help us set up.” she offered.

Spike blinked, “Wait, you want me to help set up?” Twilight nodded, “Don't you have a whole school of students to help you?”

Twilight sighed, “Unfortunately, so many of the others already have plans after school or didn't sign up. So we're a bit understaffed, even with Pinkie's expertise in decorating. So we were wondering if you'd like to help us?”

Spike was taken aback by Twilight's request. She was finally asking him to help her with something outside the house and get involved with her and the girls. But his thoughts of joy were quickly replaced by thoughts of suspicion.

“What's the catch?” Spike asked.

“None at all, Spike. We really want your help” Twilight explained, “I know I've been neglectful of you so much, and I really want to make up for it all. I just hope letting you help out is a start. So will you join us?”

Spike thought about it, before answering, “Sure.”

Twilight smiled, and hugged Spike, “Thank you, Spike. Swing by CHS tomorrow at three when classes let out.”

“Sure thing.” Spike said, as Twilight left his room. Spike looked back at his door and thought with a smile, 'Well, maybe there is hope yet.'

The flash back ended, as Spike boarded around a corner before pulling up outside Canterlot High. The high school where every teenager attends for an education and how to better use their special abilities to degrees they weren't able to learn in junior high and lower. Even though Spike wasn't in high school, he knew without abilities he wouldn't be able to attend the school his sister and the girls attend when he came of age in a year. The only reason he'd ever come to this school before in the past was just so he could watch Twilight participate in any special event or accept some award for being the best student or setting a school record in academics. And after the event he would listen to everyone around him talk and boast about how Twilight is the best at what she does which only added more fuel to the fire that was Spike's jealousy.

Spike shook his head not wanting to think about Twilight's fame overshadowing his existence and remembered why he was here. Twilight asked for his help, and we was going to live up to it. He entered the school and walked down the empty halls past the lockers before noticing the entrance to the gymnasium.

Spike walked inside, “Ok, I'm here. So what can I-do?” Spike stopped in place as he looked around the gymnasium seeing just about everyone from school was hard at work decorating for the dance along side Twilight's friends, with Twilight supervising.

“That's good work, everyone. Let's keep it up!” Twilight announced to her classmates.

“Twilight?” Spike asked as he approached with a confused look.

“Spike.” she greeted.

“What's going on here? I thought you said nobody else volunteered?”

Twilight smiled, “It's a surprise, but when some of the students saw me and the girls getting started they decided to pitch in, and the more who saw us joined in and well we're already ahead of schedule. Isn't that great?”

“Yeah, great.” Spike answered hiding his shock, especially at how Twilight was so excited she didn't even realize how this affected him. But not wanting to disappoint her, he looked around hoping to find some way to pitch in.

As Applejack was moving a table, Pinkie was sliding by wearing sponges at the bottom of her shoes, “A little more to the left!” Applejack moved the table to the left, as Pinkie slid by again, “A little more to the right!” Applejack moved the table again, as Pinkie slid by, “A little more and... perfect!”

Applejack removed her hat and wiped her brow, before putting her hat back on. Spike walked up to her hoping to be included, “Sure you don't need any help?” he asked hopefully.

“Nah, that's ok.” Applejack politely declined.

Pinkie slid by and spoke quickly, “We have everything under control!”

Despite being rejected, Spike wasn't giving up, as he looked over seeing Rainbow Dash using her wings to hang some decorations on the walls, “Dash?”

“I'm good!” she answered.

Spike looked seeing Rarity was using her magic to decorate around the gym's stage, “Rarity?”

“All's good, darling.” Rarity replied, without even looking back at him.

“Fluttershy?” Spike asked hoping she wouldn't decline his service.

Fluttershy who was tying down some balloons, politely declined, “No thanks, Spike. I'm ok.”

Spike looked devastated that they all rejected him, before walking back to Twilight, “Isn't there one single thing I can do here?”

Pinkie once again slid by cleaning the floor answered quickly, “Don't worry about it, Spike. It's all good!”

Twilight spoke, “Well, Spike, it actually looks like we all got it. Looking good, everyone!”

“But I waited all day to come here and help! You said so yourself!” Spike reminded Twilight.

“I know, Spike. Look why don't you find a quiet spot and be on standby?” Twilight suggested, “I'm sure something's bound to open up.”

Spike looked at Twilight in disbelief, but before he could speak to her, another called out, “Twilight, is this right?”

“Oh, give me a minute, Spike.” Twilight said, before walking off and leaving him alone.

Spike looked all around seeing everyone working and didn't need any additional assistance. And remembered what Twilight just told him, 'Standby? Standby?! I've been on standby all day and she expects me to wait even longer?! She said she wanted my help and now suddenly she's acting like she never told me at all. Forget standby, I have more pride than to wait around in a place I don't belong.' with nobody paying him any mind, he left the gymnasium.

As Spike stomped down the halls with an angry expression on his face, Celestia and Luna left their office to see the progress of the gym. Upon leaving the office, they saw Spike coming down the hall in their direction and noticed his angry look.

“Spike?” Celestia asked in concern.

“Don't worry, I'm out of here.” Spike grumbled, as he walked past them.

“Spike, what's wrong? Where are you going?” Luna asked in worry.

“Home.” he answered.

“But we'd thought you'd be here to help with the decorating?” Celestia figured.

Spike stopped in place, “So did I. Turns out because everyone else showed up to help out it was so easy for Twilight to single me out, even after she asked me the night before.”

The two sisters were surprised at this, as Spike bitterly continued, “But it's ok. I mean why did I bother getting my hopes up? This is just the way it is. And why should I care anyway about this school? I'll never attend it.”

“Spike.” Celestia said in concern.

“Sorry to waste your time.” Spike said, as he ran down the hall wanting to get out of there.

The two celestial sisters watched Spike leave feeling betrayed again, before they headed for the gymnasium. As they got there they wanted to speak to Twilight about this, but knew right now wasn't the time so they waited it out while keeping an eye on the students working.

An hour later the students were called to break, and put their materials down before enjoying some snacks prepared by Pinkie Pie. Twilight and the girls gathered around a refreshment table to enjoy some cupcakes on display, before Twilight spoke up, “Spike, come have some of these cupcakes... Spike?” she asked having not heard a response from him.

“Where are ya, Spike?" Applejack looked around with the girls seeing no sign of Spike among the rest of their classmates.

Celestia approached with Luna and answered, "Spike's not here, girls."

"What?" Rarity asked in confusion.

"He left an hour ago." Luna added.

"Why did he leave?" Pinkie asked.

"Maybe it's because he felt he had no reason being here." Luna said hinting.

"Twilight, did you promise Spike his service would be needed if he came to help you all?" Celestia asked.

"Well, yes." she admitted.

"And because everyone else showed up you felt there was nothing he could do at all?" she questioned Twilight.

"Um..." Twilight trailed knowing she goofed.

"Basically all I'm getting from this is you invited him here all for nothing." Luna crossed her arms.

"I wouldn't blame him for leaving either." Celestia added.

The girls all started feeling guilty rejecting Spike after he was promised to actually do something with them.

“Well, I told him to be on standby in case something opened up.” Twilight tried to reason.

“And that was how long ago?” Luna questioned.

“An hour.” she deduced.

“And we were here for that amount of time since Spike left, and it didn't look like anything's opened up that would need him.” Celestia noted.

“I... Oh great.” Twilight sighed as she looked down in guilt.

“Twilight, you said you were going to make it up to Spike for neglecting to mention his invite to camp, and now once again you singled him out alone in helping with something you asked him to help with.” Celestia said in disappointment.

“And I assume the rest of you also singled him out despite knowing how much Spike wanted to be involved?” Luna asked the rest of the girls who looked just as guilty.

“You're right. It was wrong of me to get Spike's hopes up so much only to suddenly crush them and act like I didn't care how he actually felt.” Twilight apologized.

“It was wrong of all of us.” Rarity spoke up as the rest of the girls agreed not wanting Twilight to take the blame alone.

“I just wish I knew what I could do to make it up to Spike now.” Twilight said.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other and nodded, as the eldest spoke, “There may be a way for you to redeem yourself in Spike's eyes.”

Twilight looked up, “How? Whatever it is, I'll do it!”

“You can invite Spike to the dance here, regardless of him not being a student or even being the right age to attend.” Luna said.

“What a wonderful idea!” Rarity agreed with joy.

“Spike's sure to like that.” Rainbow agreed.

“He may not have helped set it up, but maybe being a part of the actual event will be just as good to him.” Fluttershy put in.

“Yes. Spike deserves it more than I ever allowed him,” Twilight agreed, “In fact, I'll go home and tell him now.”

“Good,” Celestia nodded, before speaking to the other girls, “Girls, do me a favor and go with Twilight and make sure she delivers the message this time.”

Twilight looked down, despite saying she was going to go home and tell Spike the news, Celestia didn't wanna take any chance of her suddenly forgetting it. And yet Twilight couldn't blame her for not trusting her to deliver the message this time. Even Twilight herself wasn't confident this time given she already messed up twice recently with Spike she didn't want a third strike.

Applejack put her hands on Twilight's shoulder and answered their principal, “Don't worry, Principal Celestia. We'll make sure the message gets to Spike.”

“Come on, let's go!” Pinkie called, as the girls left the gym and headed for Twilight's place.

When they finally reached the Sparkle residence, they went inside and came face to face with Velvet who looked disappointed. Twilight suspecting Spike told their mom what happened knew she had to face her.

“Mom, I know what you're thinking...”

“Twilight, if you're going to ask Spike to help you with something outside researching stuff you should do the right thing and let it happen instead of acting like they were empty words.” her mom said in disappointment.

“I know, I screwed up again. Which is why I'm prepared to make it up to him even more.” Twilight reasoned with her mom.

“And how?”

“Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna have allowed me to invite Spike to the dance tonight.”

“She even sent us to make sure Twilight would get the message to Spike this time.” Pinkie added, making Twilight drop her head.

“I see,” Velvet replied, “Well, you better get the message to Spike soon, before he decides to shut himself away again. And no he's not in his room right now.”

“Then where is he?” Fluttershy asked.

“I know,” Twilight sighed, “There's only one other place Spike goes when he's pissed at me.” Twilight walked with the girls following her.

Soon they entered the Sparkle Family garage, where they found Spike wearing boxing gloves while punching a hanging punching bag repetitively. Twilight was correct, for several times in the past whenever she wronged Spike unintentionally or not, he would go to the garage and take his frustrations out by punching his punching bag, which was an addition to Spike's training outside working with Shining Armor when there was time.

Twilight knowing to get it over with approached, “Spike?” Spike didn't response, nor did he even look back, “Spike, I need to talk to you.”

“Can't you see I'm busy?” Spike asked in irritation.

“You're hitting a punching bag.” Applejack said dryly.

“Exactly. Busy.” he replied.

“Spike, this is really important. Please.” Twilight pleaded.

Spike stopped hitting the punching bag and looked back at the girls, “You better make this worth my time. It's already been wasted enough today.”

Twilight seeing she had Spike's attention knew what she had to do, “Spike, once again I am so sorry I acted like I didn't care about how you felt. I asked you to help out and-” Spike cut her off.

“No-no. It's fine. I mean why should I feel so bad about being left out in decorating a school that I'll never attend. Then again what the hell was I thinking? My sister needed my help outside the house to want to include me? That's just not how things work for me. Never did. Never will.”

“Now, Spike, I know you're pissed at Twilight-” Applejack tried to reason, but he cut her off.

“It's not just Twilight. It's all of you,” the girls braced themselves, “You knew I was pissed when I was left out at camp, and you could tell I came to help out today because Twilight asked. And yet when I wanted to offer my service you all just brushed me aside without hesitation. Especially you, Pinkie! You just bluntly declared that you all didn't need me without even thinking about my feelings!”

Pinkie's hair deflated a bit, “I know that was so not nice of me to say.”

“And this wouldn't be the first time you all left me out of something and yet knew I wanted to be part of,” Spike continued, “Last year the Crystal City was hosting the National Dessert Competition, and before that I was talking about looking forward to it all giving you a hint as clear as day. And when the day came, you all left to go there without me! You knew I wanted to go, but you all just took off leaving me behind! I couldn’t even take the train there because mom and dad didn't want me going alone and they themselves couldn't take me. And you all came home stuffed with desserts and none to spare.”

The girls looked guilty, as Applejack spoke, “We wanted to bring you back some samples, Spike.”

“But someone had to devour them on the ride home.” Rarity said, as they all motioned to Pinkie.

“You know I can't help myself with desserts!” Pinkie bawled.

Twilight spoke up, “I know we all screwed up with you, Spike, but I'm here to make it up to you this time.”

“What empty words have you got for me now?” Spike asked skeptically.

“I may have left you out of helping set up the gym for the dance, but how would you like to go to the dance itself instead?” she offered.

“Wait, what?” Spike asked taken aback.

“Yes, Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna have granted you permission to go to the dance with all of us.” Rarity explained.

Pinkie's hair poofed back up, “So you see, now you're not being left out.”

“And Principal Celestia sent all of us with Twilight to make sure she delivered the message this time.” Rainbow added.

“Can we please stop bringing that part up?” Twilight asked irritated.

“Point is, Spike, you can come have fun with the rest of us.” Fluttershy said.

Spike hearing this felt a glimmer of hope in him, but all his past experiences started to overshadow it, “So basically you just want me there so Principal Celestia won't be disappointed in you anymore, Twilight?”

“No!” Twilight denied, only for Spike to give her a dry look, “Well, maybe a little. But that's not the main reason. We all want you to go, Spike. I want you to go,” Spike continued to look skeptical, “Spike, I know I said before you have no reason to trust me, but I implore you with all my being this time I genuinely want you to join us.”

Spike looked at Twilight hearing she sounded more sincere than she's ever been with him before. He even saw the rest of the girls giving him pleading looks. Despite his skepticism, his desire for fun and to be included were overwhelming. He let out a sigh and answered, “Ok, I'll come with.”

Twilight and the others cheered excitedly, as Twilight hugged Spike, “Thank you, Spike! We'll make sure you have the best time ever.”

“Ya darn tootin'!” Applejack agreed.

Spike looked down still in doubt, as he thought, 'I hope so.'

Dance of Disaster

In Spike's room, the young teen who after showering up had changed into his tuxedo for Canterlot High's Dance Bash. Though initially left out of helping to decorate for the festivity despite being promised his assistance was needed he was granted permission to attend the dance regardless of his non-student status.

As Spike straitened his necktie he looked at his reflection in his closet mirror. While he admired how he looked he knew this was the only formal attire he actually had, and the only time he ever got to wear it was when he and the Sparkle parents attended an event held for Twilight's honor, her friends, or when visiting Shining Armor, Cadence, and Flurry Heart for some important family gathering. Other than that it was mostly left in his closet to gather dust, hence he had to dust it off every month just to make sure it stayed clean.

While Spike was partly excited to be attending the dance, he still partly felt all of this was nothing but pity from everyone just because he was left out of partaking in something he was promised he could be a part of.

“No! Don't think like that, Spike,” he told himself while shaking his head, “You're finally allowed to do something outside the house, don't start thinking it's because they treat me like a charity case.” he calmed himself and fixed his hair before there was a knock at his bedroom door.

“Spike, can I come in?” came Twilight's voice.

Spike calmed himself, and answered, “Sure, come in!”

The door opened up, and Twilight entered. Spike looked seeing Twilight was already all dressed up for the big dance.

As Twilight stood, Spike looked at her with a faint blush on his face. Though they were adopted siblings, he still couldn't deny how beautiful Twilight really looked when she got all dressed up. But knowing better shook the feelings off, as she spoke to him.

“So, how do I look?”

Spike knowing to be nice to Twilight since she made this possible for him, answered her, “You look beautiful, Twilight.”

“Oh, thanks, Spike,” Twilight said giving him a hug, which he returned, “You look very handsome yourself.”

Spike blushed from the compliment, “You really mean it?”

“Of course I do, silly,” Twilight giggled, but spoke in a caring tone, “Spike, I know you have your doubts about joining us tonight, but I promise you the girls and I are going to make sure you have the fun that you deserve.”

Spike looked at Twilight and saw the genuine look of sincerity on her face and felt like he could trust her, “Thanks, Twilight.”

Twilight smiled, before taking Spike's hand, “Come on, you know mom and dad are gonna wanna take plenty of pictures.”

Spike rolled his eyes knowing how their parents become paparazzi when there's something they want to capture for their photo albums. So they hurried out of his room.

And sure enough Twilight and Spike were getting their pictures taken by Velvet and Night Light from individual shots to the both of them together.

“Oh, yes! You two look so adorable!” Velvet cheered, as she took their picture.

“Indeed they do,” Night Light agreed, as the two blushed, “You know, Velvet, from this angle don't you think they'd make a cute couple?”

“Huh?!” Twilight and Spike asked in shock.

“Oh, you know I actually think they would.” Velvet cooed.

“Ugh!” Spike gagged.

“Mom! Dad!” Twilight scolded.

The adults laughed at their reactions, while the teens tried not to look at each other not wanting to see the other blushing. Suddenly a honking was heard outside.

“There's our ride! Come on, Spike!”

“Right behind ya!” Spike answered, as they hurried out the door leaving the parents smiling in satisfaction at how they could get their kids so easily flustered.

The two went outside to see a hover limousine, which left Spike surprised, “Wow.”

“You can thank Rarity for this.” Twilight said, as they got inside the hover limo to see the rest of the girls all dressed up for the dance.

“Hey, ya'll, good to see ya.” Applejack greeted.

“Twilight, you look fabulous, darling,” Rarity complimented her, before turning to Spike, “And Spikey-Wikey, ever so handsome.”

“Oh, go on.” Spike replied, while looking away deciding to tease her.

“No, really. I honestly think you look smashing, darling.” Rarity insisted.

“You do clean up nicely.” Rainbow admitted.

“Yessiree!” Pinkie smiled.

“Uh-huh.” Fluttershy nodded.

Spike relaxed, “Thanks, girls. You all look amazing yourselves.” the girls smiled at Spike's kind words.

“Hope you're ready for the time of your life, sugarcube, because that's what you're gonna get.” Applejack promised him. Spike hearing that started to feel more hopeful about tonight.

Soon the limo dropped them off outside the school, and they exited and walked to the entrance of the building. They went inside and walked for the gymnasium where the other students were already there or arriving.

Spike looked around the gymnasium seeing some students were gossiping by the snack tables or the regular tables, and some dancing away out on the dance floor as the DJ dropped some beats.

“So, this is a high school dance, huh?”

“It sure is.” Pinkie confirmed.

“I have been missing out.”

“Well, no time like the present, Spike.” Twilight said.

“Good evening, everyone.” came Celestia's voice, as she and Luna approached.

“Good evening, Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna.” the girls greeted them.

“Evening.” Spike greeted.

“Spike, it's so good to see you accepted the invite.” Celestia said feeling pleased.

“Well, who am I to turn down an invite to a school dance?” Spike asked rhetorically.

“We hope you all have the best of fun during the festivity,” Luna hoped, “Please excuse us.” and with that the two sisters left to check on other things.

“Well, come on, let's get our groove on!” Pinkie called, as they hurried to dance floor. Spike feeling an overwhelming urge to let loose hurried out to join everyone.

As the dance carried on, Spike started feeling better than he ever did in years, almost as if all the negative emotions he had been feeling were suddenly gone. He was finally able to have an actual conversation with some of the other students at the school without them talking about Twilight and the rest of the girls like other times Spike tried to befriend others. Some of the girls there even sounded like they were interested in Spike, which he really was enjoying the most. Watching not too far was Twilight and the girls who were glad to see Spike enjoying himself, and knew they were on the right track to making up for their times of negligence to him.

When a new song started playing the girls joined Spike on the dance floor with the others and were shaking it up.

“How do you feel, Spike?” Rainbow asked, as Spike was busting moves.

“This is the best night of my life!” Spike called over the music.

“We're so happy you feel that way!” Pinkie cheered, as they continued to dance.

Meanwhile close to the snack bar were two Mage-class teens a short stout boy named Snips and a tall thin boy named Snails both whose only formal attire at the dance was just a top hat for each of them. Snails currently had gotten his head stuck in his hat with Snips trying to pull it off.

“Harder, Snips, pull harder!” Snails pleaded, as his head was stuck in his hat.

“I'm pulling as hard as I can, Snails!” Snips answered, as he tugged on his friends hat.

“Hurry before I lose my air supply!”

“Well, you'll lose it faster if you don't shut up!” Snips reminded him as he kept on tugging.

Finally with one last big tug, Snips managed to pull the hat off Snails, but lost his balance and propelled himself backwards landing on one end of the snack table. This in turn caused the other side to catapult up sending the punch bowl at the end to fly upward and over to the dance floor.

One student looked up and saw it before announcing, “Everyone, move!” the students hearing that cleared the spot where the punch bowl started coming down. Unfortunately for Spike he wasn't fast enough to realize what was going on, as the punch poured out of the airborne bowl and splashed Spike soaking his hair and his suit.

Spike stood frozen trying to process what just happened to him, while the students who got out of the line of fire looked at Spike's reaction and where one started laughing, so many other started to laugh along. Spike looked around at the students laughing at him, the students he thought could've been his friends and some of the girls who sounded like they could've been interested in him, but seeing this all that hope was shattered.

Twilight and the girls got past the students and raced over to Spike, “Spike, are you ok?” Twilight asked in concern.

“You're not hurt, are you?” Fluttershy asked in worry.

“Spike?” Rainbow asked seeing he wasn't responding.

“Darling?” Rarity asked feeling worried.

Finally Spike screamed in anger before bolting out of the gym, surprising everyone, “SPIKE!” the girls cried, before looking over and noticing Snips was pulling Snails up to his feet and realized they were the cause of this.

“YOU IDIOTS ARE SO DEAD THE NEXT TIME I SEE YOU!” Rainbow threatened the duo, before the girls ran after Spike. Snips and Snails being as dumb as they are looked at each other in confusion before Snails shrugged.

The girls made it outside the school and looked around seeing no sign of Spike, “Where'd he go?” Applejack asked.

“Don't worry, I can find him.” Pinkie spoke up as she sniffed the ground.

“Pinkie, what're you doing?” Rarity asked in confusion.

“Getting Spike's scent.”

“Pinkie, we don't have time for-” Twilight got cut off.

“Got it! This way!” Pinkie announced, as she hurried down the block with the girls following after her.

Meanwhile, Spike after his humiliating experience bolted from the school and ran as fast as he could back to his home. As he ran he was filled with so many emotions, humiliation, anger, betrayal, the list could go on. He finally got back to the house and unlocked the door and went inside.

Inside were the Sparkles relaxing on the couch until they heard the door open, “Twilight, Spike? Back so-soon?!" Velvet gasped, as she and Night Light saw only Spike and the state of him.

“Spike, what happened?! Where's Twilight?” Night Light asked in worry.

“I don't wanna talk about it!” Spike answered angrily, as he walked away.

As Spike walked he undid his tie letting it drop to the floor, before slipping his blazer off, undoing his shirt, and his pants until he slumped to the bathroom in his boxer shorts leaving his ruined tuxedo suit on the floor in a trail. Spike was then in the shower sitting on the floor of it huddled up as the water sprayed down on him while burying his face in his knees.

No sooner after Spike got in, Twilight and the girls arrived looking out of breath, “Mom! Dad! Did Spike come in?” Twilight asked hopefully.

“Yes. Twilight what happened?” Night Light asked.

“Why was Spike in such a mess?” Velvet inquired.

“Oh, it was horrible, mom,” Twilight began, “Snips and Snails through their messing around caused Spike to get splashed with the punch bowl.”

“What?” the parents gasped in shock.

“Everyone just started laughing at him.” Rarity added.

“I like a good joke, but that was not funny.” Pinkie put in.

“Oh, my son.” Velvet said in sorrow.

“So where is Spike?” Fluttershy asked the adults.

“He just went into the bathroom.” Night Light said.

Rainbow took notice of the clothing on the floor, “And stripped down before that?”

“He's obviously showering, Rainbow Dash.” Twilight noted.

“Oh, dear,” Rarity said, as she collected the piece of Spike's suit, “Spike really shouldn't leave his tuxedo on the floor like this, but given what just happened with him I won't say anything about that.”

The group waited on the couch, until they heard the sound of the bathroom door open. The girls saw Spike stepped out with his hair wet and wearing a purple bathrobe securely tied, and hurried over to him.

“Spike!” Twilight began, “We are so sorry that happened to you.”

“You didn't deserve to have that ruin your fun.” Applejack continued.

“And don't worry, I'll make sure your tuxedo is properly cleaned.” Rarity promised.

“Don't bother,” Spike answered coldly, “Just throw it away. I have no use for it anymore.”

“Spike?” Twilight and Rarity gasped.

“I'm never going back to that school again. Not for any reason.” he said.

“Look, the next time I see Snips and Snails I'll make them regret horse-playing around at the dance.” Rainbow promised.

“It doesn't matter,” Spike continued, “I never should've gone in the first place. Speaking of, you girls better get back there.”

“What?” Fluttershy asked.

“Don't let my bad night ruin yours.”

“Spike, we don't care about the dance, we care about you!” Twilight tired to reason with him.

Spike looked down and walked past them, “Just leave me alone!” he went up to his room.

“Spike.” the girls gasped.

“This was supposed to be a fun night.” Pinkie said in sorrow.

“One that was meant to be the best Spike ever had.” Rarity added.

“And in one act of someone's idiocy it all went south.” Rainbow finished.

“I failed him again.” Twilight looked down sadly.

“We all did, Twilight.” Applejack said, as they all shared the guilt.

In Spike's room, the humiliated boy lied on his bed sobbing in his pillow. He thought he was gonna have the best night ever, but in the end it all went to hell, and those he thought he could've been friends with all laughed at him regardless if they had no ill-intent by it or not.

Concert Catastrophe

It had been three weeks since the disastrous and humiliating incident for Spike at Canterlot High's Dance Bash. Spike did as he declared and hadn't gone near the school since then to avoid being recognized for his humiliating moment. The girls still felt bad for Spike even though they assured him Snips and Snails who perpetrated that incident through their idiocy were not only ordered to stay behind and clean up the dance by themselves, but were also given a weeks detention as well Spike still didn't feel better about it. When the girls also tried to tell him they talked with everyone who laughed at him who had expressed regret for how they laughed at him and wanted the girls to put in a good word for them letting him know they didn't mean to laugh, but unfortunately Spike rejected their apologies knowing since they weren't friends with him to begin with it didn't matter. So Spike just locked himself away in his room since then not even bothering to leave the house.

Still Twilight and the others hated seeing Spike this way and knew they had to do more to bring him out of his dismal demeanor. Luckily over the course of those weeks Rarity had discovered a new opportunity to make up for his humiliating experience.

In Spike's room one afternoon, the boy was laying on his bed reading comics, until someone knocked at his door.

“It's open.” he answered.

The door opened to reveal Rarity, “Spike, hello, darling.” she greeted happily.

Spike did a double take, “Rarity?” suddenly he dropped the surprise and spoke, “In case you forgot Twilight's room is on the left.”

“I'm well aware of that, but I did not come here to see Twilight. I came to see you.”

“Me?” Spike asked, “Why's that? Whenever you come to see me it's when you need an extra set of arms for one of your shopping binges. And quite frankly I am in no mood to be someone's gofer.”

Rarity sighed knowing most of the times she's ever come to the Sparkle house it's always been to see Twilight. And whenever she came over to see Spike it was always for requiring his assistance for something mostly shopping for supplies in her outfit making business.

“I'm not here for something like that, Spike,” Rarity continued, “I actually came to extend an invite to you.”

“An invite, to what?”

“Well, you're aware Sapphire Shores is performing in Canterlot City, right?” Rarity asked.

“Of course. I've been seeing ads for her concert on TV.”

“Well, as her go-to fashionista I was tasked to make her outfit for her performance and as such she extended to me a VIP pass.”

“Well, good for you.” Spike said not seeing what this had to do with him.

“But that's not all. She also sent me enough passes for all my friends,” Rarity reached into her bag and presented a pass to Spike, “Including you.”

Spike looked at the pass Rarity held out to him in surprise, “What? For me?” Rarity nodded in assurance, “Wow.” he took it.

“Spike, I know you haven't been having a good time for so long, but now I want to make it up to you. And I hope coming to the concert with me and the girls will help you forget some of the bad times, including the more recent one,” Spike looked at the pass, as Rarity continued, “Plus we're all invited to an after party backstage.”

Spike looked back at Rarity and at his pass. Rarity the most generous of girls he's ever known was showing him a sign of her generosity. And he was a fan of Sapphire Shores' music, and for a chance to see her perform live and attend an after party with her was too good to resist.

“I'll-I'll go with, Rarity.”

Rarity's face brightened, “Wonderful! Oh, my Spikey-Wikey!” she threw her arms around Spike embracing him. Spike did enjoy the comforting embrace of Rarity's hug, and suddenly felt her kiss his cheek putting a blush on his face, “I just know we're all going to have a good time there.”

“Yeah. Good times.” Spike replied still stunned from Rarity's kiss.

“Well, I best be going. Have a goodnight, Spike.” Rarity smiled sweetly.

“Yeah, you too.” As Rarity left the room, Spike looked at the pass and smiled.

Outside the room, Rarity looked over at Twilight's room with the door opened, as Twilight was standing in the entrance, “Well?” she asked with hope.

Rarity smiled, “He's agreed to come.”

Twilight sighed in relief, “This was so nice of you to do, Rarity. Especially for Spike.”

“Spike deserves this now more than ever. Especially after what happened at the dance.” Rarity said.

“I know. Even though he didn't blame us for what happened to him there, I still felt like we could've prevented it.” Twilight said in guilt.

“We can't change what happened, Twilight. All we can do is be there for Spike and let him know we do want him around.” Rarity replied, as Twilight nodded.

A few days later, Spike and the girls took the bullet train to downtown Canterlot City at night, where Sapphire Shores' concert was being held at the Music Hall. They marveled at the sight of all the fans outside being admitted in, “Whoo-wee, now this is a sell out.”

“It's Sapphire Shores, what do you expect?” Pinkie ashed rhetorically.

“Oh, wow, a concert and an after party?” Rainbow asked excitedly, “This is so awesome!”

Twilight looked at Spike who was smiling, “How do you feel, Spike?”

Spike looked at Twilight, “How do I feel? I feel amazing!”

“I'm glad to hear that. Because we're gonna enjoy it together.” Twilight promised.

And so the group went on inside presenting their tickets before making it to their seats. After waiting until all was seated, an announcer spoke on the intercoms all around.

“Ladies and gentlemen! Put your hands together for your Princess of Pop! The one and only Sapphire Shores!”

The fans cheered as smoke filled the stage and emerging from it was Sapphire Shores singing and dancing like the professional pop star that she was. Accompanying her as back up dancers were Blue Cutie, Magenta Surf, and Tarantella, and Foxxy Trot.

Spike watched with excitement as he saw the pop star perform along side her back up dancers, and thought, 'Sapphire Shores is so hot in so many ways.' Spike continued to enjoy the concert with Twilight and the others cheering as Sapphire performed one song after another. Soon after the finale, Rarity led the girls and Spike through before reaching backstage where they were heading for where the after party was being held.

As Spike followed behind he suddenly found himself getting blocked by other backstage workers who were walking his way.

“Hey, out of the way! Girls!” Spike called, as he hurried to catch up.

The girls were all being allowed passage by Sapphire Shores' guard Lockdown into the back area where the party was being held. Spike finally reached and was prepared to enter only for Lockdown to block him.

“Hey, what gives?!” Spike demanded.

“Sorry, kid, but this party's reserved for invited guests.” Lockdown answered.

“I am invited. I'm with those girls you just let in.”

“Sure you are.” the guard answered skeptically.

“I am! I even have a pass!” Spike showed Lockdown his pass.

Lockdown looked at the pass with Spike hoping he'd let him in now, only for the guard to say, “Nice try, pal. But I'd know the genuine thing. And this ain't it.”

“This is genuine!” Spike shouted.

“Yeah just like all the other obsessed fanboys say when they try to sneak their way in.”

“Are you mental or something?! I was with my friends whom you let in before me and you have the gall to say my pass is a fake?!” Spike continued to snap.

“Sir, I'm gonna have to ask you to move on.” Lockdown ordered.

“No! I came here with my sister and her friends, and I'm not leaving until I get in there!”

That in return resulted in Lockdown dragging Spike out through the side door and pushed him out, “Next time you wanna sneak into a private party, do the sensible thing and get a real invite.” Lockdown said before closing the door.

“Fuck you, asshole!” Spike screamed. He grunted before pulling out his phone and tried calling, “Come on, pick up, pick up!” but it just went to voice mail. Spike tried several more times to call the girls and sent many texts but none of them responded. Turned out back inside the building at the party the music was booming so loud it filtered out the ringtones of the girls phones making them unable to hear Spike calling or texting them.

Hours had passed and Spike had given up trying to send a message to Twilight and the others and just sulked on a bench outside.

“They don't even realize I'm not in there with them.” Spike told himself bitterly and angry.

Suddenly the side door opened, and out came the girls with Sapphire Shores and Lockdown following her.

“Sapphire, when you throw an after party, you really throw it.” Pinkie laughed.

“Naturally, sweetie.” Sapphire replied.

“And thank you so much for these passes, Sapphire.” Rarity thanked her top client.

“Any time, Rarity. You always help me look sensational.” the pop star continued, as the reached the limo waiting by the curb.

Twilight then spotted Spike on the bench, “Spike?”

This alerted the other girls, “Spike?!”

Spike looked over at them frowning, “Nice of you to notice me!” he said in sarcasm.

“What're you doing out here?” Applejack asked in confusion.

“Have you been out here this whole time?” Fluttershy asked in concern.

“Well, I wasn't inside that's for sure! If you even took the time to notice!”

“Why were you out here anyway?” Rainbow asked.

Spike pointed to Lockdown, “Thank the douchebag there! He wouldn't let me into the party because he thought I was just trying to sneak my way in. He even said my VIP pass was a fake!”

The girls hearing that turned to Lockdown frowning, “You didn't let my brother in with us?!” Twilight asked angrily.

“Wait, he really was with your party?” Lockdown asked in confusion.

“Of course he was!” Rarity snapped, “That VIP pass of his was given to me by Sapphire herself along with the rest of ours!”

Lockdown suddenly felt like an idiot until he saw Sapphire Shores looking just as livid, “Lockdown, did you really deny access to someone who was on the invite list? And one who was part of my go-to Fashion designer's party?”

“I-I thought he was just another crazy fan boy trying to get in.” Lockdown tried to excuse his behavior.

“And how do you figure that?” Rainbow asked.

“Well, I...” Lockdown tried to find an answer but turns out he had none.

“I'm starting to wonder if any of the others you've thrown out from trying to get to the after parties before in the past were actually on the invite list but you turned them away because of some ridiculous belief that they were all just party crashers.” she continued.

“I'm sorry-”

“Get in the limo!” Sapphire ordered, “When we get back to the hotel we're gonna have a long talk about your disgraceful behavior on the job.”

“I'm guessing fired is in my future.” Lockdown winced.

Sapphire squinted firmly, “You'll be lucky getting fired is the only thing you'll get from me. Now get in!” Lockdown hung his head in shame and got into the limo. When he got in, Sapphire's firm look softened and looked to Spike in regret, “Spike is it? Hon, I am so sorry for the idiocy of my bodyguard. I promise you he will get what he deserves. And if there's any way I can make this up to a fan.”

Spike spoke up bitterly, “There's nothing you can do. Party's over.” he turned and was ready to walk away.

“Spike, wait!” Twilight tried to stop him, as he spun around and looked at the girls angrily.

“And where were all of you when I needed you?!” he demanded, “I sent you countless texts and calls and you didn't respond at all!”

“In our defense the music was playing really loud.” Rainbow tried to explain.

“Yeah, I could barely hear my own voice.” Pinkie added.

That unfortunately wasn't helping the situation, “And you all didn't even realize I wasn't at the party with you?!”

“Well, we were all there caught up in what we were doing we even forgot we were with each other.” Applejack explained but knew that wasn't a good excuse.

Spike betrayed more than ever frowned, “So much for having a good time with all of you! I was looking forward to the after party! A chance to see Sapphire Shores up close, but now it's over.”

“Spike, if we had known that guard had kept you out we would've-” Twilight was cut off.

“Well, it doesn’t matter now! It's too late! God, I hate this!” Spike vented, “Once again you girls were not there for me!”

“And we feel awful for it, Spike,” Rarity explained, “So next time we'll-”

“Forget next time!” Spike shouted, “Besides why do you all suddenly care so much?”

“Because you're our friend.” Fluttershy tried to reason with him.

That word clicked in Spike's head while thinking back to everything that's happened with him, Twilight, and the girls and knew it was all a lie, “Friend? We're not friends. You're Twilight's friends.”

“Spike.” the girls gasped.

“I was never your friend, and you girls were never really mine,” he continued, “I don't even know how you thought we were friends when you sure never really treated me like I was one. Friends don't neglect others, friends don't forget about others, and friends don't agree when someone calls them a nuisance and weak!” The girls remembering that time years ago when Twilight regrettably called Spike that to his face when he wanted to join them on another mission and the girls automatically agreeing with her without caring about how Spike felt about that.

“Spike, I didn't mean when I said that back then. I told you.” Twilight reminded him.

“Yeah only to keep putting me down by saying you're 'trying to protect me', or 'it's for my own good'. You all never gave me enough credit and always underestimate what I'm capable of! You and everyone here just flaunt whatever talent you have making life so much easier for you, when I have to struggle day in and day out trying to prove to you and everyone my worth! But it doesn't matter does it?”

“What?” Applejack asked.

“No matter what I do I will always be the same in your eyes. A weak powerless boy, who will never amount to anything compared to you or to anyone here. I'm starting to think this whole city is hazardous to me.”

“What do you mean hazardous?” Fluttershy asked in confusion.

“I mean whether it's you girls forgetting about me or leaving me out, or assholes like him,” Spike motioned to Lockdown sitting in the limo who dropped his head down further upon hearing Spike's rant, “Or even those dumbasses who ruined my night at the dance through their brain dead idiocy! Someone always seems to ruin my life! And I've had it!”

The girls were distraught by Spike's venting and knew this time they really screwed up. Even though it was Lockdown's fault Spike didn't get into the party they should've realized he wasn't there.

“Oh, Spike.” Twilight gasped.

“You know what, forget it. Let's just go home,” Spike turned around prepared to walk while noticing the girls still standing by Sapphire's limo, “Well, come on!” The girls started to slowly walk Spike's way, as Rarity spoke to Sapphire.

“I'm so sorry for this, Sapphire.” Rarity apologized.

“So am I. If you'll excuse me, I got to deal with someone.” Sapphire went into the limo that drove away while Rarity went to catch up to the girls who were walking behind Spike giving him his space.

There was silence on the train ride home, with Spike sitting far away from the girls still bitter and angry. The girls wanted to talk to Spike but they knew he wouldn't listen to them, especially when he felt he had no reason to listen to them anymore.

When they reached the stop the girls went their separate ways with Spike and Twilight walking home. The whole walk back Spike continued to be silent and walk ahead of Twilight not wanting to be near her. Twilight was too guilty and sad to even know what to do for Spike. As they reached the house Spike entered first, as Night Light and Velvet saw him first.

“Spike, how was the concert?” Night Light asked.

“Don't ask.” Spike answered, as he walked past them and headed for his room.

“Spike?” Velvet asked in concern, before the two saw Twilight enter, “Twilight, what happened?”

Twilight looked up, “Mom, dad, we failed again.”

“What?” Night Light asked, as he and Velvet were confused.

As Twilight explained to their parents what happened at the end of the concert, Spike was back in his room with the lights off with only the light from the lamps outside shining into his window. Spike sat on his bed hugging his knees. He was still hurt from being denied entrance to the party by Lockdown and Twilight and the girls being too caught up in the party to realize he wasn't there with them. He reached over onto his dresser and pulled over a small picture in a frame. The picture was of Spike and Twilight when they were just kids with the picture being taken not long after Spike was adopted by the Sparkle's.

Spike remembered how happy he felt being adopted into the family, and meeting Twilight. It was the happiest he ever felt, and Twilight herself was happy too.

“Spike, you're my very best friend.”

“You're mine too, Twilight.”

“And we'll always be friends forever. Won't we?”

“Yeah, forever.”

Spike suddenly remembered how things changed since they started getting older. Twilight got real friends, started spending less time with him, and when she and her friends became the chosen guardians her reputation started to overshadow Spike's existence with everyone always wanting to be closer to her than with him. Frowning he threw the picture aside as the frame broke upon hitting the floor, but he no longer cared.

“This whole city is nothing but a curse for me,” he told himself, “I'll never get anywhere because everyone looks down on me, patronizes me, make me feel so inferior compared to them. And Twilight. As long as I'm stuck in her shadow I will never make a name of my own no matter how hard I try. And the girls, I never really meant anything to them.” he had tears drop from his face.

Spike looked out the window of his room seeing the city in the distance and wondered what it was truly like out there beyond Canterlot City, beyond the Crystal City. There had to be more out there, infinite possibilities for one such as him that nobody would dare give him the opportunity. It was in that moment Spike decided on something. What would probably be the biggest decision of his life. Many would dissuade him from it, but he was done listening to others who never listened to him.

Through an overlapping montage during the hours of the night, Spike was writing something out at his desk, and packing several things in a Magical Bag capable of holding more things than what it initially looks like it can hold. When he was finished, he put the bag on his back and grabbed his hoverboard. He slid open his sliding window and stepped out closing it from the outside.

Spike carefully made his way down the side of the house before reaching the ground. He walked to the edge of the block before looking back at his home.

“Never again.” He mounted his hoverboard and took off into the night.

The Runaway

The very next morning at the Sparkle house, Twilight and the Sparkle's were up, but were still concerned about Spike. While Velvet and Night Light were disappointed in Twilight for not realizing Spike wasn't with her and the girls at the after party, their real disappointment was in the idiocy of Sapphire Shores' guard. Knowing Spike was pissed about last night decided not to disturb him and let him come out of his room when he was comfortable or when he needed to.

When the doorbell rang, Twilight spoke up, “I'll get it!” she went to the front door and opened it to see the girls, “Girls, what're you doing here?”

“We came to check on Spike.” Rainbow answered.

“How is he?” Applejack asked curiously.

“I don't know. He hasn't come out of his room yet. And after what happened last night I'm afraid he won't.” Twilight said dismally.

“Oh, Spike.” Fluttershy said sadly, as Pinkie hugged her.

“Well, I have a way to brighten his day.” Rarity spoke up.

“And how?” Twilight inquired.

The girls looked to the side as Twilight looked in the same direction seeing Sapphire Shores, her backup dancers, and even Lockdown approaching from the limo parked out in front.

“Sa-Sapphire Shores?!” Twilight gasped.

“Good morning, Ms. Twilight.” Sapphire greeted.

“Wh-what brings you to my home this morning?” Twilight asked in surprise.

“Twilight, did you say Sapphire Shores?” Came Night Light's voice, as he and Velvet walked over and looked, “Honey, it is Sapphire Shores!”

“Oh, my gosh, a celebrity at our house! What an honor!” Velvet cheered in excitement, before her eyes fell on Lockdown and anger grew on her face, “YOU! You're the one who kept my son from attending the after party!” She furiously yelled, as she tried to launch herself at Lockdown only for Night Light to hold her back.

“Velvet, calm down, you're making a scene!” Night Light tried to ease her, before shooting Lockdown a glare of his own, “But she's right. You have some nerve showing up here after what you did to my boy!”

“Which is precisely why we're all here!” Sapphire spoke up putting the parents at ease.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked her.

“After I got back to my hotel and gave Lockdown a severe talking to for his disgraceful behavior on the job, I talked to Rarity last night, and we all came up with an idea to make it up to your brother Spike.”

“And how?” the smart girl wondered.

“First off, Lockdown here is going to deliver a personal apology to Spike for how he treated him last night.” Sapphire motioned to Lockdown who hung his head.

“She hovered over me all night as I wrote it up making sure I was being sincere in it. And she's cut my salary in half until I get back into her good graces.” he explained.

“If you asked me he should've just been flat out fired.” Rainbow said, only for Applejack to nudge her to be quiet.

Sapphire continued, “And after that, my girls and I are going to give Spike a personal concert, before taking him out for the day.”

“It's the least we can all do since he was denied entrance to the after party.” Blue Cutie spoke up.

“That's wonderful!” Twilight gasped, “Rarity, Spike will love this!”

“I know he will.” Rarity smiled.

“Thank you so much, Ms. Shores. Our son really needs this.” Velvet thanked her.

“No problem at all, ma'am.”

“Come on, let's go up and tell Spike!” Pinkie beamed, as they entered the house and went upstairs.

As they reached Spike's room, Twilight knocked on it, “Spike, you up?” when she heard no response, she knocked again, “Spike, there's someone special here who wants to see you!”

Twilight looked back at everyone who were confused, “And I thought I was a heavy sleeper.” Pinkie noted.

“And me.” Rainbow added.

“Let me try,” Velvet said, as she approached and knocked on the door, “Spike? Sweetie, it's mom. I know you're still upset about last night, but Sapphire Shores is here and wants to apologize and make it up to you.”

When they once again heard no word from Spike on the other side of the door, they started to get worried.

“Girls, I'm scared.” Fluttershy said.

Twilight sighed, “I should never have to do this, especially not to my brother. But desperate times. Spike, forgive me for what I'm about to do.” Twilight used her magic to unlock Spike's door from the outside allowing her to open it.

When she entered Spike's room, she looked seeing the place was vacant and devoid of a single person, “Spike?” she looked around.

The others entered and saw no sign of him, “He's not here.” Fluttershy gasped.

“Maybe he's hiding in his closet?” Pinkie suggested, as she opened the closet door and looked in seeing no one, “Nope. Not in here.”

“I think it's safe to say, Spike ain't here at all.” Applejack said.

“What's this?” Magenta asked, as she noticed something on the floor and picked it up.

They looked over and saw it was the shattered frame and the picture of Twilight and Spike when they were younger.

“This is Spike's copy of a picture of us as kids,” Twilight recognized, “How did it get broken over here?”

“You two look so close.” Sapphire noticed from the picture.

“Yeah,” Twilight agreed while remembering how they used to be before sighing, “How did I let us drift apart?”

“Looks like Spike's hoverboard is gone.” Night Light noticed.

“And his bag.” Velvet noticed fearing the worse.

Foxxy Trot saw a message on Spike's desk, before turning to Twilight, “Hey, you might wanna take a look at this.”

Twilight looked and saw Foxxy hand the note to her. Twilight looked at it and suddenly gasped, “Oh, no.”

“What's it say, Twilight?” Applejack asked.

“Everyone, Spike's gone!” Twilight announced in worry.

“What?!” everyone asked in shock.

“What does the note say, Twilight?” Night Light asked.

Twilight sighed, and read the note out loud.

To whomever in the house finds this, by the time you read this I will already be out of the city and far from here. I've put up with a lot of things in the last couple of years since I was adopted into this family. Ignored, rejected, humiliated, patronized, pitied, need I say more? And with the more recent events I've realized living in this city is nothing but a curse to me. Nobody gives a damn about me or even tries to get to know me all because I can't do what anyone else can do and act like it's better if I don't even exist in their eyes! And if the city doesn't want me, then I don't wanna live in it. Knowing none of you would want to move since you all have something worth staying for here I decided only I should go. And so I did. And I don't regret it.

To mom and dad, regardless of what I've done, I will always love and respect you for adopting me and giving me a home. But there's only so much you can do for me I'm afraid there's nothing left you can do. And to spare you the trouble I'm renouncing the Sparkle name. So I am no longer your son regardless of what you say. Give my regards to the rest of the family, if they even remember me at all or even care. But at least I know Shining Armor, Cadence, and Flurry will care.

To Twilight, when mom and dad first adopted me and brought me to live with you all, I was ecstatic to have a sister. I always wanted one. At first the time we spent was beautiful. I really felt I had someone I could lean on, to talk to good times or bad. But as we got older you started paying less attention to me. You got real friends, you got a special position by your mentor, everyone wanted to be your friend and praise you for all you're capable of. While I drifted away into a memory. When I tried to make friends of my own, they only wanted to be your friends and just hung around me to get closer to you. And you got to do so much stuff and have fun others could only dream of. Stuff apparently I was never allowed to be a part of, even if the opportunity presented itself you'd always find a way to keep me out of it. You always thought of me as a nuisance! A weakling who always needed to be saved! Even when I tried to prove I could be more than what you gave me credit for you still always acted like it was never enough to prove to you I'm not some weak pitiful child!

If your friends are there reading this, well, girls, you're just as guilty as Twilight. I thought maybe I could've also been your friend, but I guess you never felt the same way at all. Even when you acted like I was I never felt like it. Just like Twilight, you ignored me when I wanted to be included with all of you. You all either used me for your own benefit, made fun of me at my expense, even patronized me like all the other assholes in this city and not even care about my feelings! And what's worse, I actually loved you girls in my own ways. I thought maybe I could've had a chance with either one of you if given the chance. But no, none of you ever gave me the time or day to get to know me at all, and yet I know more about you than you know each other.

Well, now it's all over. Even though you all tried your best to try to make it up to me it only ended in failure for one reason or another. And I just can't take that pain anymore. So I did the only thing I felt was best for me and everyone. I left. If I can't make it anywhere in Canterlot City, then I'll find my way elsewhere hopefully will be more welcoming to an irregular unlike everyone in the city. I'll show you all just because I lack the abilities like everyone else has does not make me helpless. And I would advise you to not come looking for me, because it won't matter. Nothing any of you can say or do to change how I feel. Have fun with your easy special lives.

Your former son and brother, Spike.

When Twilight finished reading it, sadness grew on her face as it did her parents and friends, “Spike really left.” Rainbow gasped.

“Spikey-Wikey.” Rarity gasped, as tears formed in her eyes.

“And it's our fault.” Applejack said, as she covered her face in shame with her hat.

“Wait a minute can't we just track his phone so we can find out where he is?” Pinkie asked.

“We can't,” Twilight responded, as she picked up Spike's phone, “He left it here.”

“He's going off the grid.” Rainbow said in surprise.

“Spike.” Twilight trembled in sadness.

Later on, Twilight, her parents, her friends had went to see Celestia and Luna, with Shining Armor, Cadence, and Flurry Heart there as well. When they decided to talk to Celestia and Luna, Night Light and Velvet sent a message to Shining and Cadence and they immediately came right over.

Celestia was inspecting the note left by Spike, as everyone looked at her curiously, “Well, what do you think?” Twilight asked.

“Based off what's written here, it is plain to see Spike does not want to be found.” Celestia explained.

“Yeah, we got that,” Rainbow replied, “All I wanna know is when do we begin looking?”

“We don't.” Luna spoke up.

“Huh?” the girls asked.

“We don't?” Pinkie asked in confusion.

“That's right.” Celestia confirmed.

“With all do respect Principal Celestia, but my brother just ran away from home and you're saying not to do anything about it?!” Twilight panicked.

“Spike made it clear in this note he doesn't want anyone to look for him.”

“But it's a scary big place out there! Especially for him!” Twilight panicked more, “I mean unlike everyone else he can't-” Twilight immediately stopped when all eyes fell on her knowing what she was going to say and thus proving Spike's point. She dropped the argument and hung her head down, “I pushed him away too hard and wasn't there for him when he needed me the most. Even though I tried to make it up to him something just ended up making it worse for him. Now he's gone.”

Shining sighed, “Even I tried to tell you this several times before, Twily. I listened to Spike when he needed someone to talk to. When was the last time you took the time to actually listen to him?”

“I-I don't even remember.” Twilight admitted in guilt.

“Even I could see Spike's unhappiness several times,” Cadence admitted, “I myself have tried talking to him to help him see the bright side of things. But not even I could help him completely.”

“Uncle Spike gone.” Flurry whimpered.

“But still even if he says he doesn't wanna be found I want to find him!” Twilight said determined.

“We all do.” Rarity agreed.

“I'm afraid I cannot let you do that.” Celestia denied them.

“Why not?” Applejack asked in confusion.

“As Spike said he doesn't want to be found. And if we just go looking for him we're only proving him right, that no one believes he can make it out there on his own.” the eldest of the two sisters reminded them.

“Even so, regardless of Spike's pride I just can't let my brother go loose out there on his own!”

“You seem awfully concerned for someone who had recently barely acknowledged Spike and now suddenly you're worried?” Luna challenged her.

“Of course I am worried!” Twilight snapped, “I may not have paid as much attention to Spike, but I never wanted this to happen!”

“And yet it did,” Luna argued, “It is as they say, you don't really appreciate what you have until it's gone.”

Twilight was even more in despair, “So that's it? We do nothing?”

“I'm afraid so,” Celestia admitted, “Sometimes you have to live with failures as much as you do successes. Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle, I am so sorry for this.”

Night Light and Velvet looked down in guilt, “Even we could've been there for him more, but it wasn't enough.” Night Light sighed.

“And now he's renounced our family name.” Velvet added sadly.

“But if this really is what Spike wants, then we will let him go.” Night Light said, as he and his wife tried to stay strong.

“So will we.” Applejack said, deciding it's best to let Spike make his own decisions no matter how painful it was for them.

The rest of the girls nodded, as all eyes fell on Twilight. With a heavy heart, she spoke, “I will too.” Twilight started to cry, as her friends and family gathered around her to be sad as well.

Celestia and Luna looked just as sad, as Luna spoke to her sister, “It looks like Spike and Twilight weren't as lucky as we were.”

“Indeed not.” Celestia admitted in sorrow.

That night all the girls were in their respective rooms at their homes. Each of them was mourning over Spike running away and that it was because of their negligence and refusal to include Spike in anything he wanted to be a part of with them. But none was more dismal than Twilight. She sat on her bed in the dark with only the light from outside her window shining in.

Twilight had been looking at her own copy of the picture Spike had before tossing it to the floor breaking the frame. She looked back remembering how happy they used to be together.

(Memories)

She smiled remembering how much fun she enjoyed being with Spike ever since her parents adopted him. But soon she started remembering and realizing things changed when she started hanging out with Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and the other girls, and soon became friends with others. And Spike ended up getting left in the dust and rejected by her and she was too blind by her new friendships to realize it. And as the years passed she realized Spike was right about her. She always got to do more fun stuff and go places Spike always wanted to see while he was left at home. Then then recalled the worst memory that truly set Spike on the path of resenting her.

“Why don't you ever let me help out like I do at home?!”

“Because you have no way of protecting yourself unlike all of us because you lack what we all have! You'd just be a nuisance always needing saving and just jeopardizing the mission!”

She remembered the hurt look on Spike's face that day after she said that to him and her friends agreeing with her. She could've had the chance to talk to Spike to explain she didn't mean it but she instead chose to just leave for the mission. Even when she got back her apology to him still sounded more like condescending to Spike. She knew she failed Spike and now she's paid the price by having him run away. He always cared about her, but she barely showed the same level to him as he did for her.

Twilight looked out the window of her bedroom looking out into the city knowing Spike was long gone from it, “Spike, wherever you are. I pray you'll be safe.” tears started leaking from her eyes as she curled up and cried in her knees.

Meanwhile, Spike far from the city was standing out by a cliff side seeing Canterlot City in the distance knowing there was no turning back now if he really wanted to. With his mind made up he spoke to himself.

“I'll show them all I am just as capable as all of them powers or not.” he got back on his hoverboard and went off for parts unknown, and unaware of what the future held for him.

Author's Note

And so Spike has left to strike out on his own. But his path with the girls will cross again, and he won't be alone the next time they see him.

A Mission

It was summer time in Canterlot City and everything was exactly the way it has always been. Businesses were busy, the inhabitants were going about their daily lives, and more. Exiting the city library was Twilight Sparkle now 21 years of age. She spread her wings and flew off before reaching home.

She walked inside and hung up her purple hoodie, before walking into the kitchen to see her parents with Night Light reading the paper and Velvet cooking.

“I'm home.” she greeted them.

“Twilight, welcome home, honey.” Velvet greeted.

“How was today, sweetheart?” Night Light inquired.

“When working part time at the library, dad, it's always quiet.” Twilight humorously reminded him.

“Well, dinner will be ready shortly.” her mom noted.

“Ok, mom. Thanks.” Twilight said before heading upstairs.

As Twilight made it up the stairs, she was about to turn to her room before looking to the other side at another room with the door closed. On an impulse she went to the door and opened in peering inside. The room was the former bedroom of her little brother Spike, until he ran away from home and was instructed by Celestia and Luna to not go looking for him for it was his wish that he not be found.

Though Spike no longer lived there, Night Light, Velvet, and Twilight couldn't bare to get rid of anything of his that he didn't bring with him. They had kept cleaning it every so often in hopes one day Spike would return. Sadly he has yet to.

After washing up, Twilight went downstairs to join her parents for dinner. They sat at the table and ate, while every so often Twilight would glance at an open spot at the table. The spot that was usually reserved for Spike when they enjoyed dinner. The more she stared at it, the sadder she got. This caught the attention of her parents.

“Twilight, are you ok?” Night Light asked.

“Twilight?” Velvet asked in equal concern.

Twilight started sniffling, “No. Because... He's not here.”

The adults catching onto to what their daughter meant while realizing she had been glancing at the spot at the table where Spike would always sit. This in turn started getting them sad, but they held it together and got up to hug Twilight who cried.

“Oh, Twilight.” Night Light comforted her.

“We know. We miss him too.” Velvet agreed while shedding some tears.

Later that night in Twilight's room, the girl sat on her bed wide awake. She checked the clock on her phone seeing it was already 11:59 P.M. Then suddenly it hit midnight. She looked at the edge of her bed seeing two items. One was the picture of her and Spike as kids, and the second was the friendship bracelet she made for Spike at Camp Everfree; the camping trip she was supposed to have informed Spike he was invited too but completely forgot. As soon as it hit midnight it had become the very day Spike ran away from home four years ago after putting up with enough neglect and humiliation be it unintentionally from her and her friends, to others who always made him feel like an outcast in one way or another.

Even though Twilight promised she wouldn't go looking for Spike to her mentor, there had been several times she was tempted to break that promise. But then remembered Spike's note about how he mentioned she nor anybody ever believed in him and what he was capable of knew if she tried looking for him then she was only proving him right. Twilight looked down at the picture of her and Spike as kids, as a tear dropped onto it.

“Oh, Spike. Where are you?” she asked wondering if he was out there somewhere or if he was deceased. All she could do was cry until she fell asleep.

The next day, Twilight was up and on her way to meet with her mentor Celestia and Luna too. She arrived at the old high school Canterlot High where her five closest friends were waiting. That being Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy whom like Twilight were also older and even more developed in the bust department than they already were.

“Good morning, Twilight.” Fluttershy greeted.

“Good morning, girls.” Twilight greeted back.

“I can't wait to hear was Celestia an Luna are gonna have us do.” Pinkie said excitedly.

“Well, we won't know until all of us arrive.” Applejack reminded her.

“I wonder what could be keeping her?” Rarity wondered.

“Hopefully not sleeping in.” Rainbow replied.

“Right, because that's your thing.” Applejack laughed making Rainbow squint at her.

“Hey, sorry I'm late!” came a new voice.

The six friends looked seeing another girl their age arrive. She had wavy red hair, with yellow streaks all over, and turquoise eyes. She wore a black leather vest over an orange shoulderless top, a magenta skirt, and punk-styled boots the same color as her vest.

“Sunset, about time.” Rainbow greeted.

“Yeah, sorry. Sometimes you hear your alarm go off but you just wanna sleep more.” the girl named Sunset joked.

Sunset Shimmer; a Mage-class citizen whom the girls befriended two years ago. At first she was a troubled girl who ran with a bad crowd and broke a lot of rules, until Twilight and the girls helped her see the stuff she was doing was wrong and showed her she didn't need to do stuff like that for attention. Thanks to their friendship she turned her life around, and ended up becoming the seventh member of the Elements of Harmony team.

“Well come, on, ya'll. Better go see what Celestia and Luna want.” Applejack said, as they walked to the back of the school and looked at the wall. Each of them put their hands on a specific part of it before magic scanned their hand prints before an opening appeared in the wall. The seven stepped through before it vanished returning to normal so no one else could see the opening.

Inside the secret entrance the girls arrived in a chamber under the school where Celestia and Luna sat in throne-like chairs. Though it was an ordinary high school, underneath Canterlot High was where Celestia and Luna would conduct business with the chosen bearers to deal in situations that called for their attention. No one else but them knew of the location for security purposes no one, not even their family were told of where they would meet for business.

“Good to see you all made it.” Celestia said pleased.

“Yeah, but sometimes I really wished you schedule these meetings at noon instead of so early.” Rainbow yawned, only to get shoulder bumped by Applejack who shushed her.

“Our apologies, but the matter of this mission is of utmost importance.” Luna assured them.

“We're listening.” Twilight said, as all seven listened in.

Celestia used her magic to project an image of a buff man in a red suit and black tie, “You're all aware of the notorious crime boss Tirek who had recently just had a warrant put out for his arrest but fled before the authorities could apprehend him.”

“Yes, it was all over the news.” Rarity recalled.

“Well, our sources have managed to locate him.” Celestia explained.

“So where is he now?” Applejack inquired.

“We've tracked him to a place known as Centrack,” Luna continued, “Not exactly a vacationing spot. But it's where he's hold up and continuing to run his operations all over the world.”

“We understand the gravity of the danger he is known for, but the authorities alone don't stand a chance against him,” Celestia continued, “I trust you girls will be able to handle things?”

“We'll do all we can.” Twilight promised.

“Good. I suggest you all go and pack straight away.” Celestia instructed.

“And keep us informed.” Luna added.

“Yes, ma'am.” The girls nodded, before taking their leave.

“Twilight,” Celestia spoke up as she looked back at her, “I understand if you do not want to do this mission. Considering the day and all.”

Twilight seeing her mentor caught on, answered, “No. I can do this. Thanks anyway.” Twilight went to catch up to the girls leaving the two celestial sisters to themselves.

“It has been four years, sister. And yet it's still not easy for Twilight around this time.” Luna noted the eldest one.

“I know. Every years since Spike left on this day she's always attempted to close herself off and be alone to deal with the guilt of what happened. But her friends always keep her from doing so, knowing this kind of behavior would not be good for her,” Celestia explained, “I do wish the best for her. For all of them on this mission.”

Soon enough, the girls were on a bullet train taking them out of the city. As they sat in a private booth of on the train, they were relaxing with Pinkie looking out the window to watch the scenery they passed by. As they conversed about the mission, Sunset noticed Twilight had been quiet for most of the ride.

“Twilight, are you ok?” she asked.

“Hm?” Twilight looked up at her friend, “Oh, I'm fine, Sunset. Just have a lot on my mind.”

Sunset raised a brow, until Rarity whispered, “Sunset, you may want to give Twilight a little space.”

“This is the day she's not really in her best mood compared to other days.” Applejack added.

“Today?” Sunset wondered, until it dawned on her, “Oh, this is that day.”

“Yeah. The day we failed somebody who needed us more than anyone.” Rainbow said in guilt.

“And we weren't truly there.” Fluttershy said in guilt.

Sunset looked at the girls seeing each of them were dismal just like Twilight. She heard from them about Twilight's little brother Spike and how he was the only irregular in the world and that they and just about everyone in the city treated him differently. Not in a mean way but in a patronizing way, and that in turn fueled his bitterness and desire to prove himself to everyone he was not some weakling. And not only that she learned about how many times Twilight and the girls left Spike out on a lot of fun activities be it unintentional or never thinking about if he wanted to be in on it. And though they tried to make it up to him by inviting him to their one high school dance or attending a Sapphire Shores concert it still ended badly for Spike because of someone's slip up or someone's poor behavior on the job. And because of that he ran away. Even though Sunset never met Spike she felt horrible to hear how someone could put up with such treatment unintentional or not.

Soon the train pulled into a station in another town, and the girls and everyone else got off, “We have to go by land from this point on,” Twilight instructed, “This way Tirek or anyone working with him won't suspect us.”

“Then we better get moving.” Applejack said, as they continued on foot.

They followed the road leading to a forest that had a town on the other side of it. They walked along the path making sure to stay close. Every so often they would hear occasional animal sounds around them which got Fluttershy jumpy.

“I don't like this forest.” Fluttershy shivered.

“Oh, come on, Fluttershy,” Rainbow spoke up, “We've gone to scarier places than this.”

“But it doesn't get any easier.” Fluttershy said still nervous.

“Just stay close, everyone.” Twilight instructed, as they pressed on.

Pinkie then stopped much to everyone's confusion, “Pinkie, darling?” Rarity asked.

“We're being watched.” Pinkie whispered.

The group stood their ground and watched all sides around them for any signs of movement. When a twig snapped, Fluttershy yelped and hugged Rainbow, as they saw a simple rabbit come out of a bush before hopping along.

“Phew.” Fluttershy sighed in relief.

“Guess it was all a false alarm.” Pinkie said in relief, until they heard growling and jumping out from all around were a pack of giant wolf beasts with horns on their heads.

“Devi-Wolves!” Twilight gasped.

“Well, we might as well get a little work out.” Applejack said

“Everyone, power up!” Twilight ordered, as they tapped into the power of their element of harmony and were soon standing in guardian attire and ready to fight.

“Come on!” Rainbow called, as they went on the offense against the Devi-Wolf pack.

Twilight flew around firing magic blasts at some, while Rarity did the same while riding around on a diamond shaped disk allowing her to fly.

When one Devi-Wolf tried to jump at the two, Rarity projected a huge diamond shield blocking it, “Foul beast!” Rarity declared.

Rainbow was flying circles around some Devi-Wolves punching and kicking one after another. Applejack using her strength plowed through two Devi-Wolves, “Yee-haw!” she called.

Pinkie bounced around avoiding a Devi-Wolf trying to bite her before pulling out a cupcake covered in sprinkles that seemed to be sparking.

“Here's something to chew on!” Pinkie called, as she tossed the cupcake into the Devi-Wolf's mouth.

As the beast swallowed it suddenly its stomach started rumbling before popping like popcorn as it opened it's mouth letting out smoke making it pass out.

Fluttershy flew around avoiding two Devi-Wolves until she turned and stared firmly at them causing the two beasts to whimper and submit to her.

Sunset was dodging a Devi-Wolf before firing a blast of magic at it knocking it to the ground, “Sunset, heads up!” Applejack called, as another Devi-Wolf came at her from behind, but the country Earther delivered a powerful kick knocking it into some trees.

“Thanks, A.J.”

“No prob.”

Soon the Devi-Wolves were dropping, much to the girls relief, “Come on, is that best you can do?!” Pinkie challenged them.

Suddenly a whole new pack of Devi-Wolves arrived surrounding them. The girls gave Pinkie dry looks, “You had to ask.” Rainbow said in dismay.

The girls readied themselves for another round until something flew in and darted around the new Devil-Wolf pack almost as fast as Rainbow flies. The beasts in confusion ending up bumping into each other as the flyer flew above to reveal it was an eighteen year old girl with moderate turquoise eyes and her hair that was tied into a short ponytail was colored arctic bluish gray. Her attire was a dark azureish gray track suit.

She let out a eagle screeching sound before coughing, “Ugh! We gotta come up with a new signal sound. I cannot do that,” she said, before noticing the guardians, “Oh, hi. I'm Gabby!”

Before the girls could say anything an earther arrived. It was another girl about their age with grayish tangelo colored eyes, and her hair was moderate aquamarine. She stared at the Devi-Wolves before stomping her foot on the ground causing vines to rise up from the ground and ensnare the beasts.

“I got them!” she called.

The girls were confused, as Rarity spoke, “Did you ever see an earther capable of that?”

“Nnope.” Applejack answered in surprise.

Another earther ran in on scene. Her eyes were colored moderate opal and her hair was dark grayish indigo with dark indigo and moderate opal highlights styled in a curl fashion. She was wearing black low heel pump shoes, cyan colored shorts covered by a black transparent skirt, a slim black no sleeved shirt, and a silver necklace around her neck.

On her hands were metallic gloves colored purple before she ran at one of the ensnared Devi-Wolves and punched in the side hard enough to make it pass out.

She looked at her gauntlet, “Good, not a dent.”

Dropping in was a mage-class girl also the guardians age. She had bushy eyebrows, and wore big black glasses with the bridge of it taped together. Her eyes were dark purple, and her hair was colored in a mix of brilliant amaranth, moderate purple, and grayish violet. Her bangs were tied upward with beads. Her clothing included a dark purple turtle neck sweater and a purple skirt with a crescent moon symbol on it along with purple boots. What shocked the guardians was this girl almost looked like Twilight which got Twilight shocked as well.

“Good thing. You keep breaking your toys we shell out plenty savings.” the bespectacled girl said.

“Oh, shut it!” the earther replied.

The girl in glasses whipped out two silver pistols that fired magic bullets at the Devi-Wolves tranquilizing them.

The earther manipulating the vines groaned, “I'm losing hold on some of them!”

Some of the Devi-Wolves that weren't tranquilized by the girl in glasses broke free of the vines and went back on a rampage.

“Hey, Fleur, we got some strays!”

Jumping in was another mage-class girl about the age of twenty five wearing form fitting knight armor with the crest on her chest plate being a fleur de lis emblem. The girl herself had pale light grayish violet eyes with matching eye-shadow, and her hair was light magentaish gray with heliotropeish white streaks. She drew a sword she had on her and chopped down two of them.

“Mighty Beasts never dull my blade.” the mage-girl identified as Fleur spoke.

Rarity looked at her in awe, “Beautiful and skilled with a sword.”

“That's some combo.” Rainbow admitted.

The remaining two Devi-Wolves were about ready to retreat, until another mage-class girl the same age as the guardians slid in. She had moderate magenta eyes, and her hair color was two shades of dark fuchsia done up in a poof style, and was dressed in exotic clothing. She held up her hand that had red powder substance before blowing it into the beast's eyes blinding them.

She smiled, before speaking, “They're all yours.”

Finally arriving on scene was an eighteen year old guy wearing sneakers, black pants, a dark green shirt covered by a purple cloak with the hood up. He rode on a hoverboard around whooping and cheering, before opening up his sleeve to reveal a metal bracelet on his wrist. He clicked on it as it displayed a hologram of six symbols. Each one symbolized either fire, wind, earth, water, ice, and lightning. He selected the symbol for lightning and aimed his wrist at the creatures direction. Suddenly from the bracelet shot two shots of lightning that shocked the beasts.

“Wow.” Twilight gasped.

The figure maneuvered around on his board before dragging his sword across one of their bodies putting a tear in it. Because it started losing plenty of blood from the tear he was leaving it died. With one Devi-Wolf left, the guy rode around the beast as it tried to regain it's sight, but kept on missing. Even when it looked like it was going to hit its target the figure dodged and even jumped off his board before landing back on it.

“Who is that guy?” Sunset asked in awe.

“He's awesome!” Rainbow smiled brightly.

The guy came around up front of the Devi-Wolf before drawing his own sword and leaped upward, shocking everyone.

“He can fly?!” Pinkie asked.

“No! Jump good!” the flyer named Gabby answered.

The guy started coming down before stabbing the last Devi-Wolf in it's head piercing it. The creature cried in pain before it dropped to the ground dead. He stepped off the beasts head as the other girls gather around him cheering.

“A perfect finisher, darling.” Fleur congratulated him.

“Thanks. Your skill with your own blade was as impressive as always.” he replied, before turning to the girl in glasses, “Moondancer, store as many of these Devi-Wolves that're still in one piece. They'll make for a good price.”

“As you wish,” Moondancer said, as she opened up a cube that started assimilating the devi-wolves into it, “Stored away.”

“Excuse me,” Twilight spoke up, “Thanks for the help. You all were amazing.”

“No problem, I-” the guy stopped, as he looked back and saw the guardians, “You?”

“Huh?” Applejack asked, as the girls were confused.

The figure sighed, “I guess fate really is a fickle if it brought us together again.”

“Again?” Rarity asked in confusion.

“Do we know you?” Pinkie asked.

“You did. A long time ago,” the figure pulled down his hood to reveal a face Twilight and the girls hadn't seen for four years.

“SPIKE?!” they asked in shock, much to the confusion of the girls in Spike's group.

A Reunion

The Guardians of Harmony looked surprised as they saw the very boy they thought they'd never see again, older, taller, like he was a completely different person. Spike himself looked on at the girls with an indifferent expression but deep down was just as surprised. Twilight looked on at the brother she thought she lost forever, as tears of joy started coming out of her eyes.

“Spike!” she cried, as she ran from her friends right up to Spike wrapping her arms around him in a hug, which he did not return, “It's really you! I thought I'd never see you again!”

Spike sighed, “Twilight, please, we're in public.”

Twilight despite her happiness realized she was being very over-dramatic in front of her friends and Spike's new entourage and released him, “Sorry about that.” she said sheepishly.

“Well, I'll be,” Applejack laughed, as the other girls approached, “Ain't you a sight for sore eyes, Spike.”

“I suppose the feeling's the same.” Spike admitted with a hint of reluctance.

“Spike, you were awesome there!” Rainbow cheered.

Spike glanced away, “Nice of you to notice. So what're you girls doing out here?”

“We're on a mission.” Twilight explained.

“Figures.”

“And you?” Fluttershy wondered.

“Me and my group are on a mission as well.”

“Well, you certainly have quite a group here.” Rarity looked the group over noticing each of them were voluptuous just like her and the rest of the guardians of harmony.

“Can we get some introductions?” Pinkie asked hopefully.

Spike sighed, “Fine. Girls, this is Gabby.”

“Hiya.” the excited flyer greeted

“Coloratura.”

“Call me Rara.” the earther with the gauntlets insisted.

“Works for me.” Applejack admitted.

“Moondancer.”

“Nice to meet you.” the girl in glasses greeted, as she and Twilight looked at each other noting the similar appearance.

“Wow, it's just like looking into a mirror, huh?” Pinkie asked Twilight who didn't know how to respond.

“Wallflower Blush.”

The earther waved, “Hello.”

“Saffron Masala.”

The mage girl spoke, “Nice to meet you.”

“And Fleur De Lis.”

The final mage girl in armor spoke, “Charmed.”

“It's nice to meet you all, we're...” Twilight began only for Fleur to cut her off.

“Oh, we know about you girls. The Guardians of Harmony.”

“Who doesn't know about you?” Gabby asked rhetorically.

Spike's eyes fell on Sunset who noticed, “And you must be the recent recruit that was all the talk sometime ago. Sunset Shimmer.”

“That's me. And I can't believe I'm finally meeting you, Spike.”

Spike raised a brow, “You know of me?”

“Of course. Twilight and the girls talked about you many times.” Sunset explained, as the girls nodded.

“They did? Well, that's a first.” Spike crossed his arms.

Moondancer was confused, “Spike, how do you know the Guardians of Harmony?”

“Because they certainly seem to know you a little too well.” Wallflower noted.

Spike seeing he was on the spotlight had no choice, “Twilight... was my sister.”

“Your sister?” Gabby and Saffron asked in surprise.

“'Was'. Past tense.” he clarified.

“You never told us that.” Fleur said in surprise.

“What?” Twilight asked in confusion, “Spike, you never told these girls about us?”

Spike squinted, “You should be glad I didn't. I spared you all from telling the truth about why I left. And the fact you didn't come looking for me this long means you did listen to my warning. I guess I should be grateful.”

“Yeah, you should,” Rainbow spoke up, “Because you have any idea how hard it was for us not to try to find you?”

“And how devastated this left Twilight?” Rarity put in, as Spike turned to Twilight who also had to voice her concerns after all this time.

“Spike, when you left I was so worried about you. I'd spent countless nights in bed laying awake thinking you might be dead!”

Spike just looked at Twilight before asking, “Did you mourn at the possibility?”

Twilight was taken aback by Spike's question, “We all did,” The rest of the girls nodded in confirmation, “Shining Armor, Cadence, Flurry Heart, our parents-”

“YOUR parents,” Spike corrected, stopping Twilight in mid-sentence, “I told you in my note, didn't I? I renounced the Sparkle name. We are no longer brother and sister.” he turned away.

Twilight felt hurt by Spike's statement, “Spike, we were raised together. We played together, we studied together. Do you remember none of that?” she tried to reassured Spike who spun around prepared with an answer.

“I remember a shadow,” he spoke coldly, “Living in the shade of your greatness. You who had everything, support, respect, friendship. Things I had to fight for every single day with nothing in return. I realized four years ago no matter how hard I tried to prove my worth it was never going to be enough to you, or to anybody. So I did what I had to and left. And let me tell you I've been doing so much better without any one of you or anyone back in Canterlot City. I've been seeing the world outside the city, something you held me back from doing. I got to attend festivities without others ruining my fun or having to desperately plead to others for permission come only to be rejected. And more so I've found my calling as an adventurer with my friends here. Taking up jobs at the towns and city's guilds for some quick money.”

“Well, you all did work like a well oiled machine.” Applejack admitted.

“Indeed. These girls have more faith in me than any of you did. One measly scrape and suddenly you decided I can never join you on missions again. Well, look at me now. My skill with the sword is from all the times I've trained with Shining Armor. Even after I left I continued to hone my skill with it. And that speed, and everything you witnessed that's all me. I worked hard to be capable of maneuvering and all that on my own with no special enhancements on my body. This tool you see was developed by Moondancer allowing me to use elemental attacks as a precaution since some physical attacks wouldn't be enough.”

“You made that?” Twilight asked Moondancer.

“I did.” she confirmed.

“Impressive.”

“It sure is,” Spike agreed, “You know, you could've been capable of doing that for me yourself. But no. Instead you just decided what was 'best for me' is to never join you again.”

“He has you there.” Rainbow admitted which didn't do Twilight's self-esteem any good.

Twilight spoke up, “Spike, I know we all screwed up with you. Especially me. Looking back I realized I could've been a better sister, a better friend to you. But I was so caught up with other things I didn't see it. And if I could go back and change it...”

“Well, that's impossible,” Spike reminded her, “We can't change the past. All we can do is move on. Like I did. Honestly, despite my mood it is good to see you all again. But what's done is done. Come on, girls, let's go.” Spike said, as they were about to leave, until Sunset called.

“Wait, where are you going?”

“I told you, we're on a mission.” he reminded her.

“What kind of mission?” Fluttershy wondered.

“We're off to take down Tirek and his crime empire.” Fleur explained.

“What?!” the guardians asked in shock, “But that's our mission!” Pinkie said.

Spike shook his head, “I should've figured you girls would be sent to do it by Celestia and Luna.”

“Yes, they sent us to deal with it.” Rarity confirmed.

“But why're you doing it?” Applejack asked.

“Two things. The pay is large, and to help others he's wronged.” Spike explained.

“Well, if we're all going in the same direction, why don't we do it together?” Fluttershy suggested.

“That's a great idea.” Twilight agreed.

“It would be helpful.” Moondancer admitted.

“What do you think, Spike?” Gabby asked, as all eyes fell on him.

Spike looked between his girls, and the guardians of harmony who were hoping for a positive answer. He finally answered, “Fine, but this doesn't mean we're friends. Just acquaintances.”

Twilight sighed knowing this was as much a good answer they were going to get, “Fair enough.”

Saffron looked up at the sky, “It'll be getting dark soon.”

“We should head to the town and check in at the closest inn, right away.” Fleur instructed.

“Then let's move.” Twilight said, as they all followed down the path that would lead them out of the forest.

As they continued on, every so often the guardians kept looking at Spike from behind still amazed at how he was able to fight against those Devi-Wolves. If they hadn't decided to just leave him out of missions and gave him more of a chance he really could've been a big help to them in the last couple years even before he left. But they knew it was too late to try and ask him to come home knowing it's as he said, what's done is done. All they could do was work together to bring down Tirek.

When they got to the closest inn at the town, they were all seated at a table, as Saffron came out wheeling soup over.

“Soups on!” Saffron declared, as each was given a bowl of soup.

They each took a sip from their spoon's, as the guardians of harmony looked impressed, “Mm, mighty tasty.” Applejack said.

“Delicious!” Pinkie smiled.

“Yeah, Saffron's our team cook, but she still has other means of helping us when in a battle.” Gabby explained.

“The stuff I used on those Devi-Wolves were crushed up hot peppers, and boy it didn't do good for getting in their eyes.” Saffron explained.

“Clever.” Twilight admitted.

“So how did you all meet Spike?” Rarity asked the boy's group.

“Well, we were all just individuals wrapped up in our own lives until Spike stumbled across each of us, and after some bonding we decided to join him.” Fleur explained.

“They were the first to not judge me just because I was an irregular.” Spike explained.

“Still it was surprising to learn someone who wasn't born with any of the abilities as the three tribes.” Gabby admitted.

“But that didn't make him less of a person.” Wallflower explained, as the guardians felt guilty knowing they didn't exactly try to make Spike feel he was worth anything and more or less just patronized him when he tried to prove he could be better than they knew.

“Though I was impressed at how good Spike was with a sword and his skills on a hoverboard I figured he could use a bit more in his arsenal when out on a job. So I created that bracelet embedded with elemental magic giving him a new weapon.” Moondancer continued.

“So how did you get an impressive sword, Spike?” Rainbow inquired.

“Had it forged with a strong alloy we got on one of our past jobs.”

“Well, I think Shining Armor would be proud of you.” Twilight said.

Spike looked to the side sighing, “Yeah. I'm sure he would.” And so they continued to enjoy dinner until it got late.

In one of the big rooms at the inn rented out by Spike and his hero party, the girls were all wearing robes, as Spike stepped out of the bathroom drying his hair, he saw the girls on the bed giving him looks.

“What is it, girls? Did you need something?” he asked.

“How about the truth?” Moondancer began.

“Truth?”

“You never told us you knew the Guardians of Harmony, or that you were brother to Twilight Sparkle.” Wallflower noted.

“I had my reasons.” Spike answered.

“Did you really leave your old home for adventure, or was it just you running away?” Fleur inquired, as they all were hoping for the truth.

Spike seeing he was outnumbered in this argument knew there was no escape, “Alright. I'll tell you everything.”

And so Spike told them the truth about where he came from, what it was like growing up in Canterlot City as the brother of Twilight and an irregular, and the events that all led to him wanting to leave home.

“And here we are.” Spike concluded.

Each of the girls were surprised and shocked at what Spike told them having never knew this was why he was alone until he met each of them. Finally Rara was the first to speak up.

“So, let me get this straight. You were adopted by the Sparkle family, which makes you Twilight Sparkle’s little brother.”

“Was.” Spike corrected her.

Gabby continued, “But then you got fed up living in her shadow and…” Wallflower carried on.

“That’s how you decided to run away from home?”

Spike nodded, “Yeah. And I have no intention of going back. Twilight can just find herself someone else to wait on her, or to waste his precious time, or whatever. So long as it’s not me, the happier I’ll be!”

Moondancer spoke wanting to ease the tension, “…Okay, Spike. Listen. I’m one for living in other people’s shadows, and…I’m not picking sides or anything. But…”

“…you had a loving family!” Gabby exclaimed, “A mom! A dad! A brother and a sister! A place to call home.”

“Three straight meals a day…” Saffron put in.

“And a roof over your head! Why would you leave that?” Rara asked in confusion.

Spike scowled as he recalled the memories of why he left, “You girls don’t know the half of it! Twilight didn't give a damn about me. She and the girls are always thinking of me as some helpless boy, just because I’m an Irregular. They never let me join them on any of their adventures, or activities, except to carry around their shopping bags, or to waste my precious time. Or even ditching me by my lonesome, in favor of their own personal gains…” he crossed his arms.

“Aw, c’mon! They can’t be all that bad. Can they?” Gabby asked, "I mean…from what you’ve said, they sounded like they really realized their mistakes and…they just wanted to make amends.”

“Yeah. I mean…they were trying. And I think that means a lot more than you think…” Wallflower said.

“…Yeah. I know they tried…but they’ve failed. That’s the problem! They’re so…naive to recognize their own neglects and flaws! They’ve had their chances and they blew it! Even when they had nothing to do with any problems that were caused to me by others I still felt like everything was conspiring against me.”

Gabby looked in disbelief, “So…this is how you want to spend your life? Angry at them? Bitter? Never forgiving them?”

Spike sighed, “…It doesn’t matter now. They mean nothing to me now just as I did back then to all of them. And…I just want to move on. Find my own life. A life where I’m not being held back. You girls can leave me here if you want if it doesn't sit well with you and the fact I lied about where I came from all this time. I won’t hold you back.”

Rara shook her head, “No, Spike. We’re not leaving you.”

“Yeah! We swore we’ll always stand by your side, no matter what!” Gabby reminded him.

“We just want you to be happy,” Wallflower added, “Just as you helped us find happiness when we were down.”

“The last thing we want is for you to carry that grudge…” Moondancer said.

Fleur nodded, “Oui. If you hold onto it, then it will hold onto you, like a tree that has rooted itself into the ground.”

“And like a disease, it spread within you poisoning you for life.” Saffron added.

“Resentment is corrosive, and I doubt that's what you really want.” Moondancer finished.

Spike processing all they said knew it was true. Even though he was bitter about how Twilight and the girls treated him in the past he moved on to start a life of his own without feeling like he was stuck in someone's shadow or looked down upon.

“…I get where you girls are coming from. I don’t want to hate, Twilight. But I just can’t forgive her right now. But I hope someday I can…” he admitted.

“We're not telling you to get over it. But to know people change,” Fleur reminded him, “Even when someone can't see it, it is there. Give them a chance during our conjoint travel, they may surprise you.”

Spike looked at the girls giving him pleading looks to consider it, before he answered in reluctance, “Alright, girls. I'll do it for you.”

“That's all we ask for.” Saffron answered, as she kissed him followed by the rest of the girls. Spike smiled as they all cuddled close with him relaxing in the warmth of their embrace.

In one of the other rooms was Twilight and the rest of the guardians. The celestial girl was currently at her laptop on call with Celestia and Luna.

“We're glad to hear of this progress, Twilight.” Celestia commended her.

“Keep at the pace and you should get to Tirek in no time.” Luna added.

“Thank you both.” Twilight said, as she was concerned whether or not to tell them what else happened that she left out at the start of their conversation, but her concern didn't go unnoticed by the two sisters.

“Twilight, is something wrong?” Celestia inquired.

Twilight seeing her mentor caught onto her behavior couldn't try to dismiss it, “Actually, something else happened on our way here.”

“What is it?” Luna asked.

Twilight calmed herself before answering, “We found Spike.”

The celestial sisters were taken aback by this news, as Celestia asked, “You found Spike?”

“Yes. He is alive, and doing very well apparently.”

“Very well is an understatement,” Rainbow replied, “He was so cool! The way he fought devi-wolves with his new group while riding a hoverboard. He was awesome!”

“He sure surprised all of us.” Rarity admitted.

The sisters looked to one another, as Luna spoke, “It seems Spike has indeed proven he is capable of so much more than any of you knew.”

“He sure did.” Fluttershy agreed.

“Though how exactly did you all cross paths?” Celestia inquired.

Sunset answered, “It turns out he and his new party are on their way to take down Tirek as well.”

“I see.” Celestia replied.

“But we agreed to work together.” Pinkie smiled.

“Really? Spike agreed?” Luna asked.

“Well, he did sound like he was going to go against it, but he chose to accept it.” Twilight explained.

“But we're keeping it strictly business. Those are his terms.” Rarity said.

“So he still hasn't forgiven you?” Celestia asked.

Twilight looked down and shook her head, “No. He said he moved on but he still hasn't forgiven us for how we treated him.”

“Well, maybe we can still fix that, right?” Pinkie spoke up.

“Pinkie, I don't think trying to fix it will matter anymore,” Twilight said, “We tried to fix it but something always went wrong even if it wasn't directly our fault.”

“Twilight, I know you all messed up before but that still shouldn't stop you from trying to make amends.” Celestia said.

“Perhaps this time we should instead of trying to do some grand gesture we should just talk to him?” Rarity suggested.

“That's right. That kinda stuff we did before might have had better luck back when were just teenagers, but now that we're older that won't get the point across this time.” Applejack noted.

Twilight nodded, “We'll try talking to Spike regardless of promising to keep it professional. No grand gestures, no special promises. We just talk to him and let him know how sorry we really are. I don't even care if he still doesn't want to come home. The fact that he's still alive is enough for me.” the girls nodded.

“We'll let you all decide on what to do, but for now good luck on the rest of your mission.” Luna said.

“And give our regards to Spike.” Celestia added.

“We will. Goodnight.” Twilight ended the call.

“Do you really think we can make amends with Spike this time?” Fluttershy asked.

“I don't know, Fluttershy. But we have to try.” Twilight answered, as they all hoped for the best as they work together with Spike and his new group.

When He Loved Her

As soon as morning came, the Guardians of Harmony, Spike, and his own traveling companions were up and got on the road heading for the location of where Tirek resided. They left town and traveled down the road past a field. As they walked, Twilight and the girls kept a close eye on Spike who was up front leading the way. Even though he only agreed to allow both parties to travel together he wanted to keep it strictly professional. But they were determined to reconnect with Spike after how badly things ended between them years ago thanks to their negligence.

They didn't wanna come off desperately to try to reconnect so they thought it would be best to go at it individually, with Twilight agreeing to go last knowing she was the last person Spike was willing to reconnect with so quickly.

After passing the field they took a breather and stopped close by a creek. As Pinkie pulled out a wide spread of treats for everyone, Spike got up, “I'm gonna go check things out over there.” he walked further ahead.

The girls watched Spike leave, with Rarity getting up, “I'm going in girls.”

“Good luck.” Rainbow said.

“Hold it!” Fleur stood up making Rarity turn to her.

“If you're going to try and stop me from getting close to Spike, then I should warn you I do not want to start anything with you.” the fashion girl warned the extra gorgeous one.

“Actually, I feel it's best if I go with you.” Fleur replied leaving them confused.

“What?” Fluttershy asked in confusion.

Moondancer spoke, “It's obvious you all want to get back on good terms with Spike despite him saying he just wants to keep it business.”

“We do.” Fluttershy confirmed.

“Well, Spike won't let you get so close to him unless one of us goes with.” Wallflower warned them.

“You actually want to help us?” Twilight asked in surprise.

Saffron nodded, “Spike told us how life was for him back when he lived with you, Twilight. How you and your friends made him feel so inadequate and unwanted despite how much he wanted to be part of your lives.”

“Yeah, we know we screwed up. We admit it!” Rainbow snapped in irritation, only for Applejack to pull her back down.

“Look we don't wanna step on anybodies toes,” Gabby continued, “But we also don't want to see Spike hold onto these bitter feelings.”

“We weren't there back then so we can't actually judge based on Spike's story alone.” Fleur noted.

“I know each of us screwed Spike over many times, me especially. But I truly never intended to make him feel like he never mattered to me,” Twilight explained, “Things just happened and we were too caught up in our things to think about him. We know it's no excuse but we really wanted to try to make up for things when I realized leaving him out on our class camping trip was one of many things I held him back from doing.”

“But when we tried to make up for it, things still took a bad turn and only left him feelin' even worse than before.” Applejack said with guilt.

“Girls, we love, Spike,” Rara began, “And he told us he doesn't wanna keep hating you girls for how you neglected him back then, but he won't make it easy.”

The girls felt a bit at ease knowing deep down Spike doesn't wanna be angry at them so much, but the side of him that still has bitterness towards them is keeping him from truly letting go and start a new. And they wanted to help cure him of that leftover resentment.

“Then you will help us?” Rarity asked hopefully.

“We will.” Fleur confirmed.

“Thank you.” Twilight smiled gratefully.

“But whether he forgives or not all depends on him.” Moondancer reminded them.

“Yeah, we'll do what we can, but it'll all come down to his choice.” Gabby added. Rarity nodded, as she walked with Fleur to go to Spike.

As the two walked, Rarity looked to Fleur curiously, “Fleur, darling, if I may. How does someone like you wind up traveling with Spike? I know I'm one to talk, but you look too beautiful to be simply a warrior in an adventurers party.”

Fleur smiled, “True. You might say this is an act of rebellion against my family.”

“Rebellion against your family?”

“Uh-huh,” Fleur nodded and continued, “Before I met Spike I came from a very wealthy upper class family. They always expected me to be a proper lady and one day dutiful wife to my future husband.”

Rarity sighed, “It's amazing there are still people like that these days who want to make their children into their own image. Even though I am a lady, I enjoy the regular fine things in life just as my friends do.”

Fleur nodded, “One time I snuck out to see a movie about warriors and I was so amazed at when they wielded their swords with such bravery and skill. I wanted to be like that. So I secretly trained with one of our best guards who was more than willing to help me. But eventually my parents found out the truth and they reprimanded me for it claiming swordsmanship was not befitting of a proper lady. It was then I finally snapped at them claiming this wasn't the life I wanted because it was their life. Unable to accept I wanted to live my life the way I wanted I left home, much like Spike did.”

“Oh, my.” Rarity gasped seeing the similarities between them.

“As I myself traveled the world I continued to hone my skills and work for pay proving I am capable of pulling my own weight, and yet I never let my beauty go tarnished.” Fleur showed her.

“That is very commendable,” Rarity said in admiration, “Even though I am a Guardian of Harmony I too manage to keep my own beauty in check even after a mission or fight. After all, just because we're ladies doesn't mean we can't get down and dirty too.”

Fleur nodded in agreement, as Rarity wondered, “So how is it you met Spike?”

“Well, I met him right after he met Gabby who was at first his only other traveling companion. We were all dealing with a band of criminals terrorizing a town. We all worked together and defeated them. Awed by my beauty and my skill with the sword he asked if I would like to join him,” she smiled, “Having been tired of traveling alone I did seek to travel with company and took him up on his offer.”

“And how did you react to when you realized Spike didn't have powers like everyone else?” Rarity wondered.

“Naturally I was surprised having never knew anyone alive couldn't be capable of what everyone else was capable of. But even so his skills with the sword rivaled my own and I respected him for that, and not even being powerless made me think less of him. I hated when I heard he told me so many people before always looked down and pitied him for being powerless like he wasn't capable of doing anything.” Rarity sighed knowing she was one of those people unintentional or not.

The two eventually caught Spike who was by the stream gazing at it as if deep in thought. Fleur spoke up bringing him back to reality, “Spike!” The young man shot his head up and looked over.

“Oh, Fleur... And Rarity.” he sighed.

“Spike,” Rarity greeted, before offering him some of the food Pinkie brought, “Here, you need to eat.”

Spike looked at the food, and while part of him was trying to egg him to not accept, he was truthfully hungry and accepted it, “Thanks.”

As Spike ate with the two gorgeous girls sitting at his side enjoying lunch as well there was still silence among them. Finally Rarity spoke up, “Spike, I want you to know what happened before-”

“Stop!” Spike stopped her, “I don't wanna hear about the past. I just wanna live in the present.”

“Spike, I implore you don't avoid and run from it.” Fleur reasoned with him, “You said you wouldn't.”

Spike sighed that she used his words against him before turning to Rarity, “Alright, you wanna talk? Let's talk.”

Rarity felt relieved that he was willing to speak about it, “First off, I know we left on bad terms, but the day after you left the girls and I stopped by your house to see you.”

“To give me pity?” he guessed.

“No. In fact we weren't the only ones who showed up,” Rarity continued, “Sapphire Shores and her whole crew accompanied us.”

Spike looked to her surprised, “They did?”

“Yes. That night after we all got home I talked to Sapphire and we all came up with a way to make up for how you missed out on the after party. First Sapphire made Lockdown write a personal apology to you for his complete idiocy of thinking you weren't part of our group and planned to have him recite it in front of all of us. Then Sapphire and her girls were going to take you out for a day and treat you to a private performance.”

“They were?”

“Yes. I and everyone else felt horrible for what happened that night four years ago and I didn't want you to go to bed another night thinking no one cared about how you felt.” Rarity explained.

Spike was stirred at Rarity's explanation. She really managed to get Sapphire to want to do all that for him because of an incident brought on by her incompetent guard. He started feeling happy about it, before his negative feelings about it took over.

“Appreciate the gesture but it probably would've been all for naught.”

Rarity was taken aback by his response, “What do you mean, darling?”

“For all we know something would've come along and ruin the plans, like a swarm of raging fans would crowd Sapphire Shores and separate her from me thus leaving me by myself. Or that dickwad of a guard would've fucked me over again somehow regardless of whatever apology he had written. So any time Sapphire Shores just happened to be performing at a place I was so conveniently at I didn't bother trying to attend. Didn't wanna risk running into her guard resulting in me doing something impulsive, or Sapphire spotting me and alerting you and the others where I am. That's why I left my phone behind so you wouldn't try to track me. Luckily I got a new phone with a new number with Fleur and the others as pretty much my only contacts.”

“You went through all that trouble to stay under the radar?” Rarity asked.

“Yes. Even if you girls did decide to heed my word about not trying to find me, I couldn't risk the chance of you tracking me through means like the social media.”

“Oh, Spike. I know you feel like no matter how hard you try to have fun something comes along to ruin it. But I really wanted to try and give you the best time ever.” Rarity tried reasoning.

“And why?” Spike crossed his arms.

“Because I cared about you.”

Spike frowned, “Cared? That's rich. You barely showed signs you truly cared about me enough. You remember what I wrote in my goodbye note about you and the girls?”

Rarity looked down sadly remembering how crushed she and the others felt when they read it, “You said you loved us, in your own way.”

“Yeah. I loved you girls. But I especially loved you the most,” Spike said, “All those times you asked me to come with you on your shopping binges? I agreed to do it because I hoped after you'd see how helpful and thoughtful I was you might see me as more than just some gofer. I took the time when you brought me along for stuff like that to get to know you that way I'd know the real you not just the you everyone at the school knew you as. And I did. I knew you better than most anybody. Your favorite ice cream, your favorite tea, where you keep several of your outfit making tools or accesories. How many other boys knew you that much? None.”

Rarity continued to feel dismal at Spike's logic, “True. You did know me best. And I never gave it any thought.”

“You're damn right. But what caused me to lose my hope in love for you was when you were going gaga over this celebrity acting like he was the one for you. Someone who doesn't even know you exist among the billions of other girls in the world. But you just had to say to my face 'Oh, Spike, if only you knew what love was'.”

Rarity remembered that day and she was so caught up in her own blind fantasy to realize what she said hurt Spike more than she realized.

“I know, and that was very unlady-like of me to say.”

“Those words hurt, Rarity. Probably even more than when Twilight called me a nuisance. You don't say those words to anybody, Rarity. No matter who they are.”

Fleur looked to Rarity in surprise, “Not even I would ever say that to anybody and I was raised by pompous upper-class citizens.”

Rarity's guilt continued to pile on, as Spike continued, “But it doesn't matter now. I'm sure you have guys back in the city all lined up wanting to do whatever you ask of them.”

Rarity frowned determined to not be taken by guilt, “You're right. I do, but I don't want them to.”

“Say what?” Spike asked confused.

“Yes, it's true I still have boys around me ready to wait on me hand and foot to cater to my every need. But I don't want that, not since the day you left.”

“They don't live up to your expectations the way I did?”

“Because with them I never felt anything. With you I always felt it was special.” Rarity corrected him.

“Special?” Spike wondered.

“When it was you always following me around and helping me I did enjoy your company not just because you would do anything I said, but because you listened much more than any other boy would,” Rarity sniffled, “You were right. You did try to get to know me while anyone else was only interested in being seen with me. I took you for granted and thought you were just a boy with a crush. But the truth is, I was the one with silly crushes. When you left Spike I felt lonely not having you around to talk to about anything even when it looked like I only kept you around for my own benefit.”

“Rarity.” Spike gasped.

“I'm not asking for forgiveness, Spike. Tartarus knows I don't deserve it or your friendship. But you have to know you did mean something to me even though I never showed it as much as I should've. I am so sorry I led you to leave.” Rarity said, as a tear fell from her eyes.

Spike watching Rarity cry reminded him of when Rarity was ghosted by somebody one day for a date was in tears, and he was there for her all day not wanting to leave her alone. And Rarity showed genuine appreciation for him being by her side.

Spike finally dropped his guard before lifting her chin up to face him and showed a smile, “Come on. Tears don't suit that pretty face of yours.” he started to dry her eyes.

“Spike.” Rarity gasped seeing his smile again. Which put a blush on her face.

Spike let out a sigh, “I was hurt when you acted like you ignored my feelings for you. But if what you said was true. You really did value the time we spent together?”

“Every second of it.” Rarity smiled.

Spike started to shed some tears before hugging Rarity much to her surprise, “I wish I knew that earlier.” he sniffled.

“I wish I made it more clear to you. Oh, my Spikey-Wikey.”

Spike looked up at her smiling, “You know. I actually missed hearing you call me that.”

Rarity smiled, “Spikey-Wikey.”

Fleur watched the two hug smiling and thought, 'He's on the road to recovery.'

Later back at the camp, the girls saw Spike, Fleur, and Rarity approach with Spike smiling and walking closer to Rarity. This made them curious as the three stopped before them.

“Hi, guys.” Pinkie greeted.

“Everything ok?” Gabby wondered.

“Never better.” Fleur answered.

“No problem at all.” Rarity put in still looking happy.

Spike spoke up, “I think we should keep here for the night. Is that ok with all of you?”

“Uh, sure.” Twilight answered.

“Fine with us.” Wallflower replied.

“Good.” Spike smiled, before going to a tree to relax by.

“Rarity, what happened back there?” Fluttershy asked, as the rest of the girls were curious.

“I think I finally got through to Spike.” Rarity said happily.

The girls gasped, “You did?” Rainbow asked hopefully, as Rarity nodded.

“So has he...” Twilight trailed.

“Well, for me at least. You girls will have to do the same on your own time.”

The girls knowing just because he's opened back up to one of them it doesn't mean he will for all of them. The five knew if they wanted to get Spike's forgiveness, they would have to do it on their own terms. And it wouldn't be easy. But they were willing to try.

Competitive

The next day at the hotel, Spike and the girls walked out with concierge Key Cross seeing them out, “Thanks again for the room, Key Cross.”

“Anytime, Spike. We hope to see you and your friends again soon.” Key Cross bid them farewell.

“We'll see.” Spike said, as he and the girls left.

“Well, that certainly a wonderful place to stay at.” Rarity said refreshed.

“I know, right?” Gabby asked happily.

“Thanks again for this, Spike.” Twilight told Spike.

Spike looked back at Twilight, “No problem.”

Twilight could tell Spike had some left over bitterness from after Fluttershy informed him she was the reason Spike never had a pet when he was living with the Sparkles, and hoped the girls could continue to talk him down until she felt confident enough to talk to him one on one.

After leaving Vallas City, the travelers continued down the road while enjoying the lovely day. They walked before reaching a forest and eventually stopped by a creek to relax for a break. As the group enjoyed lunch, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were off to the side talking to Rara.

“So, Rara, how did you end up joining our Little-” Rainbow was cut off by A.J.

“Rainbow!”

Rainbow looked at Applejack who shook her head and the athletic girl realized what she almost referred to Spike as, and corrected herself, “How did you join up with Spike?”

“Yeah, I'd like to know myself.” Applejack agreed.

Rara smiled, “Well, a few years back, before I was traveling with Spike I was working as a bar singer as Countess Coloratura. My manager Svengallop, was one of the worst men you could ever meet. He always scheduled my performances so back to back I hardly had any time for breaks to regroup and rest. So many times I wanted to leave, but I had to pay off my debt to him.”

“What kind of debt?” Applejack wondered.

“I needed some money to help get me started with my singing work, and since then I've been working for him to pay it off. But even with the money I make in tips it would take forever to pay him off.” Rara sighed.

“That sucks.” Rainbow said in sympathy.

“Yeah. Sometimes, Svengallop would even beat me if I 'stepped out of line' with him.” Rara continued.

“What?! Of all the!” Applejack fumed, only for Rainbow to calm her.

“Then one day, Spike, Fleur, and Gabby stopped in to rest. I noticed them during one of my performances. I had never seen them outside the bars regulars so naturally I was intrigued. And truthfully, Spike looked intrigued by me.”

“Really?” Rainbow asked as she and Applejack looked curious.

“Yes. I felt flattered seeing him look at me unlike the lustful horn dogs always coming into the bar. After the show he wanted to meet me back stage and we started talking and I told him about my singing talent, but I also mentioned about how when I'm not practicing with my voice I did train and work out in boxing. Spike himself mentioned about how he was a traveler with no set location going from one place to another helping others despite not being gifted with any of the special abilities like everyone else.”

“Yeah. He really does like being helpful.” Applejack admitted, as she and Rainbow remembered how bad Spike felt whenever nobody would let him pitch in and help out thinking he couldn't handle the work.

“He also felt my talent was being wasted in being a bar singer. And that my singing shouldn't just be limited to one bar. I told him about my situation, until Svengallop came in and slapped me right in front of Spike. Spike looked like he was going to throttle him, but instead he did the best thing ever. He paid off my debt.”

“Spike did?” Rainbow asked in surprise.

“Yes. He paid it off , but Svengallop was prepared to deny it, but with so many witnesses around he had no choice in case someone ratted him out. I was freed and never had to work there again.” Rara said in relief.

“So then what?” Applejack asked.

“I truly didn't know what I was going to do. But I didn't wanna go back to working as a singer in bars or clubs. Then Spike made me an offer. Travel with him and put on performances to earn us all some spending money while also allowing me to continue to train my body so I could be of help when on an Adventurers mission.”

“With the way you use those gauntlets you really pack a wallop.” Applejack smiled, as Rara giggled.

“Thank you, A.J.”

Later Spike got up, “I'm gonna get firewood for tonight.”

“Ok, just try not to go too far.” Moondancer warned him.

“Got it.”

“I'll come with.” Rara offered.

“Thanks, Rara.” Spike smiled.

“And we will too!” Rainbow offered herself and Applejack who smiled.

Spike just rolled his eyes, “Alright.” So Spike started walking, as Rara followed behind. Before Applejack and Rainbow followed they looked back at the others girls before nodding knowing it was their chance to get back into Spike's good graces.

Soon the four were out further in the forest gathering wood, with Rara using her gauntlet to punch some tree pieces off, Spike using his sword to chop some, Applejack using her raw strength, and Rainbow zipping around so fast she'd chop branches up.

When Applejack and Rainbow decided to take a break, they saw Spike was still using his sword to chop up more firewood. A determined look grew on Rainbow's face, before speaking to Applejack, “Don't take from my pile.”

“What're you doin'?” A.J asked.

“Gonna go talk to Spike.”

Before Rainbow could go forward, Applejack pulled her back, “Hold on there, missy. You ain't talkin' to Spike unless we both do. That's the whole reason we both came out here for.”

“Ok, we'll both go talk to him.” Rainbow replied, as the two walked passed Rara who followed along wanting to see how it'd go.

Spike had just finished chopping up some more wood before putting it in his big pile, “Hey, Spike!” Rainbow called, as the three girls walked over.

“What is it?” he asked.

“We just got done with our wood piles.” Rara began.

“Well, so have I.” Spike replied.

They noticed Spike had more wood in his pile than they did together, “I don't think we'd need this much.” Rara said.

“I guess I was too caught up in doing it I didn't realize how much I already had.” Spike admitted.

Applejack whistled as she looked at all the wood Spike chopped, “Still, this sure is something to be impressed by. You really chopped all this on your own?”

“Is it that surprising?” Spike raised a brow.

“Don't get me wrong, sugarcube. I think it's impressive you were able to do all this on your own.” Applejack quickly corrected herself.

“Yeah. You're a lot different than how you used to be.” Rainbow admitted.

Spike could only frown at what Rainbow said, “What makes you think you even knew me at all back then?”

“Spike?” Rainbow and Applejack asked feeling they triggered him.

“Among all of Twilight's friends, the both of you underestimated me the most physically, and yet you always had to prove how superior you were to me in that field.” Spike began with squinted eyes.

“What do ya mean?” Applejack asked.

“Don't play ignorant with me, Applejack! You remember years back during the Annual Canterlot City Park Picnic?” Spike began, “I was so excited because I was finally old enough to start competing in the contests they would hold for the older participants.”

Rainbow and Applejack looked at each other knowing what Spike was getting at, as Rara spoke, “So what happened, Spike?”

“I'll tell you what happened.” Spike began flashbacking, “We were all setting up for the picnic in the park by order of Mayor Mare who asked Twilight, the girls, and even Twilight's parents and even me to set up.”

Years ago at Canterlot City's Park, the girls who were all fifteen years of age, and even Spike who was twelve were setting things up, while the adults were talking with the mayor. Spike spoke to the girls as he was setting tablecloths over the picnic tables.

“I definitely wouldn't miss this picnic for anything. I think it's fair to warn you girls. I plan to win some of those prizes.”

“Don't get your hopes up too high,” Rainbow warned him, “I mean, you're speaking to the champ after all.” she laughed.

“Like you're one to talk getting your hopes high,” Applejack butted in, “I mean I ain't no rookie, you know?”

“True, you are the only one to give me a challenge.” Rainbow confessed.

“Well, that's going to change,” Spike said, “To be a winner you have to practice and try. And I've been in training in the last month for this day.”

“It's nice to see you're confident, Spike.” Twilight smiled.

Night Light called out, “Could someone get the box of prizes and set them up?”

Spike spoke up, “I'll do it!”

“Are you sure, Spike?” Fluttershy wondered.

“I think I can handle a box of prizes. I don't need super strength to carry that.” Spike replied dryly, before going over to where the stuff was.

Spike looked into the box and saw several prizes from first place trophies to awards. He smiled and spoke to them, “Soon, some of you will be mine.” He picked the box up and began carrying over to the table where they were to be set up.

As Spike was getting closer, he saw two bees flying uncomfortably close to him. He tried blowing them away while gripping onto the box, but they wouldn't fly away from him. When they got too close for comfort, Spike screamed as he accidentally threw the box of prizes up much to his own horror, only for Rainbow Dash to fly in and catch them.

“Phew, that was close!” Rainbow said, as she flew over to the table and sat the box down.

“That was great, Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie smiled, as the girls went over.

“Piece of cake.” Rainbow said acting modest, as Spike spoke up.

“Hey, I had things under control!”

“Sure ya did, little buddy.” Applejack replied to humor him.

But Spike caught hint of her condescending tone, “Why did you say it in that tone?”

Rarity stepped in, “Uh, perhaps we should all get back to work?”

“Agreed. The picnic starts in thirty.” Twilight agreed, as the girls hurried to resume setting up while Spike crossed his arms.

“Stupid bees.”

Soon after everything was set up, people from the city, families and friends were all coming together to enjoy the picnic. While standing on a stage was the city's Mayor; Mare who spoke into a loudspeaker.

“Attention, everyone! I am pleased to welcome you all to the Annual Canterlot City Park Picnic!” the attendees cheered, as she continued, “For those wishing to compete in the first competition meet at the starting line!”

Spike hearing that looked determined, “This is my chance to show I'm just as capable of being as good as everyone else without special abilities.”

Soon Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Spike, and several others met at the starting line. Twilight and the rest of the girls watched with the crowd to cheer their friends and Spike on, as the mayor announced, “The first to reach the top of the hill wins. Ready? Go!”

The competitors took off running down a path, with Applejack and Rainbow taking the lead neck in neck. Suddenly to their surprise, they saw pulling ahead from the others was Spike who was on an adrenaline rush determined to win.

As he caught up to the two competitive girls, Rainbow spoke to him, “Good luck, little buddy!”

“Don't need any of it, Rainbow. I got this!” Spike answered, as he started running ahead of them.

“What say we give Spike a little time to run ahead before we get to the finish line?” Applejack asked Rainbow.

“Well, why not?” Rainbow agreed, as they decided to let Spike get a head start of them.

Up ahead at a fork in the road. A squirrel tried climbing up the pole causing the arrow pointed to move up that was in the direction that led to the hill to the other direction leading away from it. Unfortunately for Spike he hadn't notice this and followed the arrow pointing in the opposite direction he should've gone.

“Yes! At this rate that prize is mine for sure!” Spike said confidently, until he stepped right off a cliff-side and hung onto the edge. He looked down seeing how high up he looked, and knew if he let go it would still hurt, “Help!”

While Spike was hanging on, another squirrel climbed onto the arrow pointed and ended up causing the arrow to move back pointing upward to the right path. It was just in time as Applejack and Rainbow ran past it heading up with hill, with Applejack pulling ahead of Rainbow and made it to the finish line before she did.

“Applejack wins!” the ref standing close to the finish line announced.

“Yee-haw!” Applejack cheered while throwing her hat up, before catching it and put it back on.

“Yeah, you won this round, but next race will be mine.” Rainbow warned her.

“We'll see,” Applejack chuckled, before realizing something, “Where did Spike go? We didn't pass him while we were on our way here.”

“He probably stopped and went off to the side to tie his shoe or something.” Rainbow suggested until they heard Spike call out.

“Help!”

“Spike?!” the two asked, before looking down and saw Spike danging from the cliff.

“Oh, no!” Rainbow gasped, as she flew down, “I'll save ya, little buddy!”

Spike grunted as he tried holding on, “I'm slipping!”

Rainbow flew in and grabbed his arm, “Gotcha!” she flew back around dropping Spike off at the hill where the finish line was.

Twilight and the girls arrived having witnessed what happened, “Rainbow, you saved Spike!” Pinkie cheered, “That was awesome!”

“Hey, it was nothing.” Rainbow said acting humble.

As Rainbow and Applejack walked, Spike frowned, as the others took notice, “Spike, are you alright?” Twilight asked.

“It was rigged!” Spike frowned, as he walked past them to get back to the others while Twilight and the others were concerned.

But despite that unintentional sabotage of a hiccup for Spike, he was still determined to win one of the several more contests planned out. The next contest was in trivia with Spike competing against Twilight and others. With every question, Spike prepared himself to answer whatever he knew the answer too, but Twilight or someone else always managed to hit their buzzer before him and get the question right. Even when one of the other competitors got the answer wrong, Spike still wasn't fast enough to hit his buzzer before one of the others did to get a shot at answering it. When the Trivia Challenge was done, Twilight as always for a competition like that was in first while the others placed behind her, with Spike being in dead last. Even though he knew trying to compete against Twilight in trivia was a lost cause he still wanted to at least get some points.

Following that he tried competing in an eating challenge with Pinkie Pie and others, but Pinkie devoured everything that was served to her, while the other competitors placed behind her. And unfortunately for Spike despite how much he forced himself to eat it wasn't as much as the others. And after Pinkie received her prize, Spike bolted for the closest porta potty and upchucked all he tried to devour.

In an arts and crafts challenge, Spike, Rarity, and many others were assigned to weave a basket and the most creative basket would win first prize. When they were all done, the judges inspected the baskets with Rarity's looking the most creative, while the others were nice and average at best, while Spike's didn't look like it was as put together as well as the others, thus putting him in last place. As Spike watched Rarity receive first prize, and the other competitors commended on their hard work by their friends and families. Spike frowned and dumped his mess of a basket into the nearest garbage bin knowing there was nothing to commend about it.

The next challenge had the competitors dog walking. Each competitor had to walk a dog for the judges. And the walker with the most grace and style with the dog they were given would win. Fluttershy led while walking the dog she was assigned like a professional. It helped because of her natural magnetism for animals, and their love for her. The other competitors walked naturally with their assigned dog, while Spike unfortunately got saddled with a more unruly dog that wouldn't stay the course. Spike tried to control his dog, but the stubborn mutt wasn't having any of it. Finally the dog saw a squirrel nearby and growled before taking off after it while dragging Spike across the ground while he held onto the leash. Many of the guests at the picnic watching couldn't help but laugh at Spike's predicament, until the dog dragged Spike through a mud puddle and he finally let go of the leash allowing the dog to chase after the squirrel without having to toe Spike. The girls raced over to Spike who picked himself up with his face and the front of his clothes dripping in mud. When Fluttershy offered him a rag to clean himself off Spike took it without a word and walked away to get cleaned up.

Eventually the next contest began, as competitors were climbing into inner tubes in the river, as Mayor Mare announced, “The first across the river wins the prize! Go!”

And so the competitors started using their arms to paddle down the river while sitting in their tubes. At first Rainbow and Applejack were once again leading, until Spike was paddling up to them.

“Hey, little buddy, you sure are moving.” Applejack commended him.

“At this rate I will be at the other side, before you two get half way!” Spike announced, as he paddled ahead of them.

As Spike paddled, he was unaware under the water his tube was brushing right by a very sharp twig that tore right through his tube letting the air out. Spike suddenly found himself sinking into the river and was swept up clinging to a floating rock.

“Help!”

Rainbow and Applejack hearing this looked at each other, as Applejack spoke, “I got this one.”

“Thanks, A.J!” Rainbow said, as they split up with Rainbow winning the race, as Applejack paddled by and snatched Spike.

“Gotcha!” She said, as she paddled their way back to shore where Rainbow Dash returned having made it to the other side of the river before flying back. The rest of the girls and even Mayor Mare arrived.

“Applejack saved Spike and let Rainbow Dash win!” Pinkie cheered.

“I could've won without Applejack going back for Spike.” Rainbow replied.

“It was nothing, sugarcube.” Applejack said, as she and Rainbow put their arms around Spike, “Just helping out our little buddy.” the two smiled, while blissfully unaware of the frown on Spike's face and his fists clenching at the mention of that nickname.

Mayor Mare noticed this and spoke in sympathy, “Poor Spike's having a really bad day.”

Applejack spoke to the boy, “Hey, don't fret, little buddy. These things happen. Ya win some and ya lose some. But things are bound to change.”

“Yeah, what she said,” Rainbow agreed, “Why don't you leave it to us? I'll bet we can find a challenge you're sure to win a prize at.”

Spike finally having enough condescending and pity spoke up angrily, “You know what? You two and everyone else can win every other prize for all I care. I quit!” he pushed past Rainbow and Applejack.

“Huh?” the two asked in surprise.

As Spike stormed off, Twilight called, “Spike, where are you going?”

“Home. I've had enough humiliation for the day!” Spike answered, as he continued to walk off soaking wet leaving the others surprised.

Later on, after Spike returned home, he changed out of his muddy and wet clothes into a new pair and was currently in his room laying down and facing his wall still embarrassed at how poorly he performed at the picnic's challenges despite the long month of practicing he had done in preparation, and the humiliation from needing to be rescued by both Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

“What was I thinking competing against any of them?” he asked himself bitterly, until there was a knock at his door, “What?”

Twilight walked in, “Hi, Spike.”

“Oh, you're all back,” Spike replied, “How was the picnic?”

“It was good, Spike. Of course you'd know if you'd just stick around. Nobody said you had to keep competing.”

“And what listen to others talk about me and laugh at my humiliation and how pathetic I was?” Spike scowled.

“You know, you weren't the only one that didn't actually win a prize, Spike.” Twilight reminded him of the other competitors that didn't win first place.

“Yeah? Well, they all still did far better than I did. And after a whole month of training for all this I didn't do anywhere near as good as the others.” he grumbled.

Twilight sighed, “I know it felt like your training was all for nothing, but I'm not here to talk about that. I'm here to give you this.” she presented him with a red hand made ribbon.

“What's that?”

“Even though you didn't actually win, all competitors received these Participation Ribbons. Proving despite whatever place you took, you still tried your hardest. Because you left, Mayor Mare wasn't able to give it to you like she did the other competitors so I offered to give it to you instead. So, here you go.” she offered it.

Spike looked at the ribbon before frowning, “I don't want it.”

“Spike?” Twilight asked.

“I don't want some pity prize!”

“But, Spike-”

“All I ever get is something out of pity, not because I made something of myself or won anything. But because people feel sorry for me for being so pathetic compared to everyone else!” Spike explained as his anger grew.

“But at least you tried, and that's all that matters.” Twilight tried calming him.

“Easy for you to say! You and your friends always come in first at anything either of you excel in. Neither of you had to struggle the way I do just to try to even make a rank. And everyone else not as good as you just has to be better than me. Well, now you'll all have one less competition to worry about because I'll never compete against any of you again!”

“Oh, Spike.”

“Just go,” Spike dismissed Twilight, “And the next time you see Rainbow and Applejack, tell them to never call me Little Buddy ever again.”

Twilight knowing Spike was too angry for consoling, especially not from her took his advice and left, but placed the Participation Ribbon on his desk. Spike looked at the ribbon before turning away not wanting to look at it.

The Flashback ended as Applejack and Rainbow looked down in shame realizing how poorly they treated Spike, as Rara was just as surprised, “You two really made him feel that inferior?”

“Well, it's not like we were trying to.” Rainbow argued.

“But we could've been more sensitive to Spike.” Applejack admitted.

“Yeah, you could’ve, but you didn't,” Spike frowned, “Instead you demeaned me with your little buddy talk while playing humble when you were praised for helping poor pathetic me!”

“We never thought you were pathetic!” Rainbow continued to argue.

“Yeah, well ya sure never made me feel like I wasn't!” he argued back, “You never made me feel like I was ever wanted.”

“What do you mean?” Applejack asked.

“Oh, you wanna know? Well, let's keep going back. Any time it was apple picking or harvest time at your family farm, you would ask everyone to help out when there was too much to be done. You'd ask everyone... but me.”

Rara looked to the country girl, “Applejack?” A.J herself looked down knowing Spike was right.

“I get that apple picking was hard work, but you made it feel like rocket science to me. Maybe I can't fly or use magic to pick them. But ladders exist for a reason. And it didn't even have to be apple picking. I could've done other things there but no, it never occurred to you, did it?”

Applejack continued to feel shame at how she neglected Spike, until Spike turned his attention towards Rainbow Dash, “And you. You would always come by and ask Twilight if she wanted to attend the Wonderbolts games with you. Did you ever stop to think there was someone else at that house you could've asked when she declined?”

“Well, you never...”

“Just because I don't always talk about them or litter my room with sports stuff doesn't mean I'm not a fan. In fact you knew I enjoyed reading Daring Do and watch the movies, and yet you didn't ask me if I wanted to attend the Daring Do Con like you asked the other girls?”

Rara turned to the rainbow haired girl, “Low blow.”

“Ok, I admit, we were neglectful of you! And we're sorry for never thinking about you when we should've. But it's not like we hated you or anything!” Rainbow shouted not wanting to keep getting laid into.

“Rainbow Dash!” Applejack scolded knowing that wasn't helping.

“Well, you didn't exactly show you cared about me either. That Little Buddy talk you two always did around me wasn't because you thought of me as a friend. You called me that because you always made me feel so much smaller than you and incapable of doing anything without anybody to help.”

“But that was years ago, Spike. And we know we never gave you enough credit in what you were capable of,” Applejack spoke up, while motioning to Spike's log pile, “But now we see we were wrong. You survived four years without needing us. You've grown in strength, speed, and all that. You even chopped more wood than me and Rainbow did. And I feel mighty proud to see how far you've come!” Applejack let some tears flow.

“So do I!” Rainbow confessed, “You really are more than what I or anyone in Canterlot has ever given you credit for.”

Spike looked at the two competitive girls seeing they no longer looked like the cocky competitive girls he remembered them as and started seeing they truly were more humble and honest about him than they ever were. Before he said anything they heard roaring sounds, and the four looked and saw five bear-like monsters approach looking for a fight.

“Devi-Bears!!!” Rara and Rainbow Dash cried in shock, as Applejack gasped while Spike looked on in surprise.

Spike the Protector

The group of five Devi-bears roared at the four, as Spike called, “Spread out!”

Applejack, Rainbow, and Rara obeying Spike's order spread out to separate the Devi-bears. Rara and A.J were both facing off against a bear each, as the two fought hand to hand with Rara's strength enhanced by her gauntlets.

“Here's a power punch!” Rara slugged one bear knocking it back into a stone wall.

“Good one!” Applejack said, as she jumped and delivered a drop kick onto the bear knocking it out.

Rainbow flew around the third bear as it tried swatting at her with his claws, “Sorry, pal, can't catch what ya can't reach!” the bear jumped up a bit and almost swatted Rainbow, “Ok, maybe ya can reach. But try this!” Rainbow flew circles around the monster that tried attacking but kept missing until it got so dizzy and fell down, “Too slow!

Spike was facing the fourth bear monster dodging it's claw strikes while swinging his sword at it making it back away but still determined to attack Spike. The powerless boy aimed his magic device at the monster that fired a chunk of rock at its face distorting it long enough for Spike to jab his sword right into the beasts heart killing it.

“Good one, Spike!” Rara called, as the last remaining Devi-bear roared summoning four more.

“We ain't done yet!” Applejack warned them, as she and Rainbow Dash fought three of the newcomer monsters

Rara joined in helping the two against the three, until the previous one swatted them from behind. The girls crashed up against a tree as the four Devi-bears started cornering them.

“That was a hard hit.” Applejack groaned.

“I don't like this.” Rara feared.

Applejack and Rainbow knowing they wouldn't have enough time to pick themselves back up to fight back had only one option, “SPIKE, HELP!” they cried.

Spike who had beheaded the fourth new Devi-bear heard the cries from Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Upon seeing them and Rara get cornered brought back the memory of during the Canterlot City's Park Picnic competitions where he almost went over the edge of a cliff if not for Rainbow Dash.

“Help!”

“Oh, no!” Rainbow gasped, as she flew down, “I'll save ya, little buddy!”

Spike grunted as he tried holding on, “I'm slipping!”

Rainbow flew in and grabbed his arm, “Gotcha!” she flew back around dropping Spike off at the hill where the finish line was.

Then he started recalling during the raft competition his tube started sinking with him being swept into the river.

“Help!”

Applejack paddled by and snatched Spike, “Gotcha!” She said, as she paddled their way back to shore.

Looking back on those memories despite feeling embarrassed that he needed saving from the two he started to realize if not for them he would've been seriously hurt or drowned. And now seeing the two girls who saved him were in a similar situation that he was in before started to see he was lucky the girls were there for him when he needed them, and now they're the ones who needed help. And he was going to give them that.

Spike aimed his magic device in the Devi-bears directions and fired rocks clonking them in the back of their heads making them turn and look back at Spike who was frowning.

“Leave them alone!” he shouted. The Devi-bears no longer interested in attacking the girls started charging for Spike.

“Spike, move!” Rara called.

Spike jumped high before aiming his device down shooting a sharp icicle from it making it go right through one of the beasts killing it. He landed on the ground and redrew his sword ready for the last three.

The three beasts charged as Spike swung his sword to make them back off before ready to strike again. Spike aimed his device again unleashing fire causing the monsters to get back. Spike taking the opening rushed in sword ready and cut all three of them down as they fell down with their blood spilling. With the last three monsters defeated, Spike re-sheathed his sword, before looking back over at the girls who finally got back up.

“Girls!” he raced over in concern, “Are you all ok?”

“We're fine, sugarcube.” Applejack answered.

“Yeah, thanks to you.” Rainbow admitted.

“You were amazing, Spike. Like always.” Rara finished.

Spike smiled, “I'm just glad you three are safe.”

“Really? Even us?” Rainbow asked on behalf of herself and Applejack.

“Of course even you,” Spike answered, “Girls, I realize those years ago at the picnic when you saved me I should've been more grateful to you two when you saved me from falling and even drowning.”

“Well, to be fair, we could've been nicer about it instead of making you feel like you'd be lost without us.” Applejack admitted, “And you were right that moment you were carrying the box of prizes. You did have things under control if not for those bees. I shouldn't have acted like you were making up an excuse to hide a mistake.”

Spike smiled seeing the two most competitive girls he knew back in Canterlot City were finally genuinely seeing him as more than what they previously thought of him back then, “Anyway, seeing you girls in trouble like that made me realize the position I was in and how you were there for me when I needed you two.”

“And look at us now,” Rainbow continued, “You were here for us when we needed you.”

“So, thank ya, Spike.” Applejack said gratefully.

Spike smirked, as he patted their heads, “Anytime... Little buddies!”

The two blushed before looking at each other, as Rainbow spoke, “Ok, I guess we walked right into that one.”

Applejack laughed, “We sure did.” the group laughed to themselves.

“Come on, let's get some firewood back to camp.” Rara suggested, as they all nodded and grabbed as much wood as they can and headed back for camp.

At the camp, the rest of the girls saw their friends and Spike return, “There you are, what kept you?” Rarity inquired.

“We had a bit of a problem.” Rara answered.

“What problem?” Twilight asked concerned while looking at her friends and Spike.

“We had a run in with some Devi-Bears,” Rainbow explained, “We fought them off before more showed up.”

“Right when some of them had me, Rainbow, and Rara cornered, Spike jumped in and saved our lives.” Applejack finished.

All eyes fell on Spike, as Fluttershy spoke in surprise, “You saved Rainbow and Applejack?”

“Well, yeah, why wouldn't I?” Spike asked rhetorically.

“It's just usually, Rainbow and Applejack are the ones saving others the most,” Pinkie began, “Like the time they...”

“Saved me during the Canterlot Park Picnic twice?” he asked.

Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy were nervous about that being brought up, as Pinkie answered a little nervously, “Yeah.”

“True. I did need help back then no matter how much part of me felt embarrassed for needing it.” Spike confessed.

Applejack walked to Spike's side putting an arm around him not like a condescending fashion, but as someone close to him, “But Spike stepped up when we needed him the most.”

Rainbow did the same as Applejack putting an arm around Spike, “And he was so awesome too.”

Spike smiled as he put his arms around the two, “Thanks, girls.”

Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and the rest of the girls in Spike's group felt relieved at Spike's bitterness towards the guardians was quelled some more. While Twilight despite happy to see Spike in a better mood hoped she would be able to quell it as well.

Later on, Spike stopped by a nearby creek to wash up after his fight with the Devi-bears. He first washed off the Devi-bear blood left behind on his sword, before removing his clothes and dove right into the creek.

The young man sighed in relief as he shot his head up from under the water, “Oh, this feels good.” he told himself as the cool sensation of the water touched his body. He started to swim around for a bit in relaxation, and thought to himself.

'What a day. Things started off heavy with Applejack and Rainbow Dash, but wow I got to save them. That never would've happened back then. But seeing it happen proves even they have their moments of weakness. And for me being able to help them really does feel good. It proves I have changed over the years.'

“Hey, Spike!” a voice snapped him out of his thoughts, as he looked up seeing Rainbow, Applejack, and Rara standing atop a higher rocky surface above the creek. What surprised him was all three girls were naked.

“We're comin' down!” Applejack called down.

“Look out below!” Rara finished, as the three jumped into the water and surfaced.

“Oh, that's refreshing.” Applejack said relieved.

Spike started to blush, “Rara I understand, but Rainbow, Applejack, you two know you're naked with me present?”

“Yeah, so?” Rainbow asked rhetorically.

“Well, I thought you two would be more embarrassed by it.”

“If anyone's looking embarrassed it's you, Spike.” Applejack noticed.

“Not embarrassed, I just never thought I'd be in this situation with you two.”

“Well, you are. And we needed to wash up as well.” Rainbow said.

“After fighting those monsters it works up a sweat.” Rara added.

“Oh, yeah. Haven't sweated this much since doing overtime during apple pickin'.” Applejack confessed.

“Well, if you two have no problem with it, than I guess I don't either.” Spike replied.

“Besides it ain't like you never saw a naked woman before,” Applejack noted, “I mean Rara's told us about the times you've spent with her, Fleur, and the rest of the gals you travel with.”

“Rara!”

“Hey, we're girls. We talk about that stuff.” Rara answered.

“Besides, you can't tell us you never pictured me and Applejack in a scenario like this with you.” Rainbow said swimming closer to him with A.J and Rara.

“Um...” Spike trailed, as Applejack held onto his right arm.

“You admitted yourself you loved each of us for your own reasons.” she said.

Rainbow held onto Spike's right arm and looked spoke flirtatiously at him, “Well, we hope there's still a side of you that still loves us.”

Spike blushed as he felt his arms get buried into their voluptuous breasts as the girls held onto them. After all that's happened today and recently his bitterness towards them had subsided and he started remembering no matter how many times they left him out of things he still idolized the two for not only being two of the strongest and fastest girls in Canterlot city, but for making the tough look feel hot. And now that the three have finally reconciled he started seeing them the same way he started re-seeing Rarity and Fluttershy.

“Actually, there still is.” Spike said, as he looked to both girls who blushed happily. When Spike looked at Rara, he continued, “Get over here, Rara.”

The girl smiled, as she swam over to Spike and hugged him from the front, “I'm glad to see you're becoming less bitter.” she admitted.

“Well, I have good reason too.” he replied, as they kissed.

When the two parted, Spike turned to Applejack who gazed into his eyes, before they moved in and kissed.

'Wow. I'm kissing Applejack. I never thought this would ever happen.'

'Dang, Spike is such a good kisser.'

As they parted, Rainbow made Spike face her, “Don't leave me out in all this.” and so she captured Spike's lips with hers.

'Rainbow's lips feel so good like the others. Wish I felt these much sooner.' Spike thought.

When they broke, Rainbow and Applejack started reaching under the water making Spike gasped, as they grabbed onto something of his making him moan.

“Mm, ya got something nice here, Spike.” Applejack teased.

“I know, right?” Rara asked as she laid a hand on Spike's chest.

“I'm liking this.” Rainbow teased Spike, and she and Applejack felt him up below.

“Girls.” Spike moaned.

“We know you've been getting feisty with Fluttershy and Rarity since ya made peace with them,” Applejack said, “Now we reckon it's time we had us some much overdo fun with ya.”

Rainbow and A.J swam before Spike with Rara, as the young man wrapped his arms around all three pulling them closer. Rara began rubbing her breasts against Spike's chest making him pant, as Rainbow and Applejack took each of his hands making him grope them both.

“Oh, yeah, Spike.” Rainbow moaned.

“Feels good, don't it?” Applejack asked through moaning.

“Yeah, feels awesome.” he answered in awe.

“You want awesome? This is awesome!” Rainbow took Spike's head and buried his face into her boobs, “Well, what do you think?”

“This is awesome!” Spike said muffled.

“Don't be labeling Rainbow the winner just yet, sugarcube!” Applejack said taking Spike's head burying him into her boobs next, “Now what do you say?”

“I don't know if I can choose.” he once again answered muffled.

“And you shouldn't,” Rara spoke up, as Applejack lifted Spike's head up a bit to breathe, “After all, this isn't a competition. Right, girls?”

Applejack and Rainbow looked at each other and smiled, “Yeah.” the two embraced causing Spike's head to be smothered from both sides against their racks.

'Wow. And I thought I'd only be in this position with Fleur and the others.' he thought.

“Spike,” Rainbow spoke, as the two lifted his head up, “Since we still got time before nightfall, let's make the most of this time we have here.”

“What she said.” Applejack agreed.

Spike nodded, “Sounds great to me.” and with that, Spike made out and did more with all three girls leaving Applejack and Rainbow happy they finally reconciled with the boy that was stronger than they ever knew.

Make him Smile

The group of heroes were currently in a small town resting and collecting more supplies for their travel. Pinkie was currently at the supermarket picking up some essentials for when they cook. As Pinkie was by the snacks aisle, Saffron walked by pushing the cart.

“Try to ease up on the snacks, Pinkie. We need room for others.” she told the party girl.

“I know, I just can't help myself when I see these kinds of things.” Pinkie answered.

Saffron rolled her eyes playfully, “Your reputation for that really precedes you.”

Pinkie grinned, “I try.”

As the two continued on through the store, Pinkie decided it was best to get to know her new friend, “So, Saffron, how did an excellent cook like you end up traveling with Spike?”

Saffron looked to Pinkie feeling this would eventually be brought up, “Well, before I started traveling with Spike this all started with me and my father Coriander Cumin. Many years ago my parents migrated to this side of the world and opened up a restaurant called the Tasty Treat.”

“Ooh, sounds tasty.” Pinkie licked her lips.

“Yes, though it was struggle for my parents at first, they eventually started attracting plenty of customers and soon business was booming. After I was born I grew up learning the ways of the restaurant becoming my mother's cook apprentice. She taught me everything I knew and soon I was cooking for the restaurant along side my parents. But unfortunately one day, my mother passed away.”

“Oh, no!” Pinkie gasped.

“Yes,” Saffron sighed, “Since then my father and I continued to try running our restaurant on our own. Though we were still raking in customers, we really had to pull our weight around even more. Then we started getting visited by this gang called the Terror Pack. They started running protection rackets with us being their favorite 'clients'. Anyone refusing to pay their fee ends up losing their establishment. Through arson.”

“That's horrible!”

“I know. And they swore if any of us went to the police they would come after us personally,” the cook continued, “Then one night a few years back, my father and I decided enough was enough. The Terror Pack had been swindling enough of our profits from us we were finding it harder and harder to buy new ingredients and make pay so it was time we made a stand.”

“That's very brave.” Pinkie said admirably.

“Yes, but we realize we might've bitten off more than we can chew,” Saffron sighed, “But then Spike and the girls arrived and fought them off. The Terror Pack stood no chance against them all, and soon they were arrested and exposed for their crimes. As thanks my father and I offered to cook them a free meal. Needless to say they were all very impressed.”

“So Spike told you about himself and that he was traveling?” the party girl inquired.

“More or less. I just couldn't believe someone exists without any of the tribes special abilities. And yet he proved to be capable of so much without either.” Saffron said impressed.

“Yeah,” Pinkie agreed with a sigh, “More than we realized.”

Saffron continued, “As we kept getting to know each other more, I told Spike and the girls how it's my dream to expand my horizons and experiment with new recipes. Suddenly I was met by my father and Spike who talked it over and both decided I should join Spike on his journey. At first I was against the idea knowing how much my father needed me, but he assured me he would be fine as he decided he was going to start hiring extra help like he should've done rather then let it be just between the family. And so I agreed to join Spike, Fleur, and the rest of the girls as the team cook. Of course cooking isn't my only field. While traveling with them I learned some new moves like combining spices to make blinding powder, and making chili pepper bombs to feed to ravage beasts to slow them down.”

“And that is impressive,” Pinkie commended her, “Just because your talent is cooking doesn't mean you can't fight.”

Saffron nodded, before remembering, “Why couldn't you give that kind of support to Spike?”

Pinkie hearing that felt down, “I know. We never really gave Spike the chance to truly prove his worth. But to be fair during the time I knew him he wasn't capable of what you've seen what he could do.”

“Even so, he's been training like this even before I met him. So he is no slacker or probably ever was.” Saffron noted.

“He was a very hard worker, more than knew,” Pinkie sighed, “But now I wanna make amends with Spike. To show him I don't see him as helpless or powerless.”

Saffron nodded knowing she wanted to do the right thing, “And I'll be there when you do.”

Pinkie smiled, “Thanks, Saffron.” And so the two paid for their groceries before headed back to rendezvous with the others.

Later on the two girls and the others were having a cookout with both chef girls working together whipping up something good.

“Ok, come and get it!” Pinkie called.

Spike and the girls lined up, as the two put some curry on their plates. When the others were served, the two put some curry on their own plates and sat down with them. They took a bite and each of them panted before drinking some water.

“Spicy as always, Saffron.” Spike commended her.

“Well, I had Pinkie help this time.” she admitted.

“That's right.” Pinkie grinned.

“You both make quite a team with food.” Rarity said, as she ate her curry.

“That's for sure. This' spicy but delicious.” Applejack said joyfully.

“Gotta love that spicy feeling.” Rainbow agreed.

“Yeah, I could actually go for seconds.” Sunset said.

“Me too.” Twilight seconded.

“I could too.” Fluttershy added.

“I think we all could.” Moondancer suggested, and they all agreed.

Pinkie spoke up, “So, Spike, Saffron told us you and the girls helped saved her and her family's shop from protection racket running thugs.”

The rest of the Guardians of Harmony turned to Spike, Fleur and the others, “Spike, is this true?” Twilight asked.

“Yes,” Spike answered, “When we came into town one night, we saw the Terror Pack terrorizing Saffron's family restaurant The Tasty Treat shaking them down for protection money.”

Fleur spoke, “It was horrible watching those uncouth punks make trouble in such a fine establishment.”

“So we did what we could to protect it and succeeded.” Rara noted.

“And we got a free meal out of it.” Gabby smiled.

“Now that's doing good,” Applejack commended them, “I mean if some varmints were trying to shake us at Sweet Apple Acres down for protection money we'd give them the what for!”

“And Spike convinced Saffron's dad to let her join them.” Pinkie finished.

“Spike, that's so kind of you.” Twilight smiled.

“I just couldn't bare someone with such talent to be limited to one location her whole life while there's so much out there.” he answered.

“And every day I'm grateful he did that for me.” Saffron smiled at Spike who looked away with a faint blush.

“He did it for all of us.” Moondancer said, as she and the rest of her friends felt grateful to Spike, while Twilight and the others did feel proud of him.

After dinner, the group was ready to head to the inn, only for Spike to speak up, “I'm going for a walk, be back later.”

“Don't stay out too late now.” Fleur warned him.

“Yes, mother.” Spike joked, making Applejack, Gabby, and Rainbow chuckle.

“Hey, Spike, may Saffron and I join you?” Pinkie asked hopefully.

Spike looked at the two with Saffron giving him a nod, “Sure.” he answered making Pinkie smile.

“All of you be careful.” Twilight told them.

“We will.” Pinkie answered, as they split up.

As Spike walked with Pinkie and Saffron, he noticed the two were close like friends, “You two seem to be getting along well.”

“How can we not?” Pinkie asked rhetorically, “We both share a deep love of cooking.”

“Plus, Fleur, Gabby, and Rara have gotten closer with Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack.” Saffron reminded him.

“Point.” he admitted.

“And hearing what Saffron say what you did for her and her dad made me feel so proud of you, Spike,” Pinkie added, as she walked at his side, “It brought a big smile to my face.”

Spike sighed, “Wish you could've done it for me more.”

“Spike?”

Spike spoke up, “You say it's your job to bring a smile to everyone's face and make them laugh and be happy. And yet you barely did it for me. How can one be happy when one is neglected and ignored.”

“I didn't always ignore you!” Pinkie argued, “Every year I always made sure to throw you a birthday party, remember?”

“I do,” Spike admitted, “But then again you did it for everybody.”

“Yes but only for my closest friends I made sure to go all out. And you can't deny when we'd celebrate your birthday I really went all out. Remember the Power Girls theme party I threw you when you were twelve?”

Spike couldn't help but smile, “Yeah. That was fun. But even so, why is it there were times you left me out of stuff I could've partook in. Like that day you threw a pancake breakfast for Twilight and the others? I like pancakes too!”

“Well, so does everyone else I'm friends with but I didn't invite them all. That'd be overkill. And not even I could've cooked for a whole city by myself. I may be full of surprised but I can't do everything.”

Spike sighed seeing the logic, “Well, what about when your sister Maud came to visit? I like meeting new people even before they learn I couldn't do whatever everyone else could.”

“Well, didn't Twilight tell you it didn't go off to a good start because they couldn't understand my sister the way I do?” Pinkie asked.

“What do you mean?” Saffron asked.

“Maud is like my total opposite to some people, and not many can tell what she's feeling.”

Spike continued, “Yeah Twilight told me about how awkward it was with her, but I still would've wanted to see her myself. Based off how Twilight told me about her she probably wouldn't have had an issue with me being powerless.”

Pinkie nodded, “Maud never was one to be judgmental.”

“And don't think I forgot about the National Dessert Competition,” Spike squinted, “I was ticked you all went without me, but I was pissed that you had ate all the samples Twilight and the girls planned to bring me when they got back.”

Pinkie cried, “And every day I regretted doing that! But you know when it comes to desserts I have no self control!” she calmed down, “But don't you remember I made it up to you the next day? Twilight brought you over to Sugarcube Corner where I made you a special cake for you. I did feel bad I gave into my urges and devoured the samples. And I spent all that night finding a way to make it up to you. So I made that cake for you to have. Didn't that mean anything?”

Spike thought back and while he did hate he was left out of seeing the competition and Pinkie eating the samples they wanted to bring back, what she did for him did make him feel a little better.

Pinkie still knew she still had to open up more, “Spike, I know I came off like I didn't care about your feelings, but the last thing I ever wanted to do was make anybody feel sad or unloved. But I failed that with you. And that has haunted me ever since you left home. I know I can't take back the loneliness I inflicted on you by not inviting you to more stuff I'd host, but traveling here right now with you has felt so good to me. And seeing how much you've really grown has made me so proud. I just wish I could've been there to see it myself.”

Spike still felt unsure, until Pinkie knew it was time to pull out the big guns, “Spike, if you still don't believe me, then I'm going to do something I should've done a long time ago.”

Saffron was confused, as Spike looked at Pinkie and asked, “And that would be?”

“I'm going to Pinkie Promise to never leave you out again.” she declared.

Spike's eyes widened in shock, “Wait, you what?”

“You heard me, Spike.”

“You're just going to do a pinky promise?” Saffron asked confused.

Spike shook his head, “Not like that, Saffron. The Pinkie Promise she has in mind is a sure fire way to let others know she fully intends to keep that promise. It's the real deal.”

Pinkie nodded, and performed the chant, “Cross my Heart, and Hope to Fly! Stick a Cupcake in my Eye!” Pinkie let out a breath of relief, “And now it's done. There's no turning back from it.”

Spike blinked in surprise, “You really made that promise for me?”

Pinkie nodded, “I should've done it years ago, but never thought too.”

Spike's eyes started watering, before a smile grew on his face. This in turn caught Pinkie's attention, “You smiled! You really smiled!”

Spike nodded, “Yes. And it's because you finally showed me you really do care enough about me.”

“Oh, Spike!” Pinkie hugged him tight. Despite how tight her hug was, Spike didn't care. Knowing he finally was acknowledged by Pinkie left him feeling more happy around her than he ever was. He returned the hug, as Saffron joined in hugging them both.

As it was starting to get late, the three headed to the inn they were staying at. When the girls saw Spike and Pinkie looking closer than they did this morning it gave the Guardians the hint Pinkie was forgiven by Spike.

Soon Spike, Pinkie, and Saffron were on a balcony of the inn looking out into the distance, “Nice night, isn't it?” the young man asked.

“Gorgeous.” Saffron agreed.

“It's beautiful.” Pinkie smiled, as she scooted closer to Spike.

Spike glanced down at Pinkie seeing her hand trembling as if she wanted something to hold. Spike smiled as he took her hand into his making Pinkie blush as she looked at him. Seeing his smile put one on her face, as she spoke.

“Spike, when this is all over I'm going to throw the biggest party ever with you as the guest of honor.” she promised.

“And I will cook the biggest feast I've ever done.” Saffron added.

“Girls...”

“I owe you so much, so when the time comes let me?” Pinkie pleaded.

“And me?” Saffron pleaded as well.

Spike smiled again and hugged the two, “Ok, you two.”

“Thank you so much.” Pinkie embraced Spike with Saffron.

The girls soon lifted their heads up from Spike's shoulders and looked him in the eyes before the three leaned forward with both girls kissing Spike in the moonlight. Pinkie felt an enormous weight off of her now that she had reconciled with Spike and with her promise would never neglect him again.

The Rebel and the Wallflower

Today, Spike, his girls, and the Guardians of Harmony had stopped in a city on their way to finding Tirek and put an end to his empire. As they were walking the street, Sunset Shimmer was taking in all the local street art on walls or even the sidewalks.

“Not bad at all,” Sunset admitted, “Good use of coloring and detail.”

Spike and his girls looked curious, as Fluttershy enlightened them, “Sunset's an artist.”

“You are?” Gabby asked the redhead/blonde mix girl.

“I dabble in artwork from time to time.” Sunset admitted.

“Oh, you do more than dabble,” Pinkie spoke up loudly, “Why you're-” Sunset quickly clamped her mouth shut.

“Pinkie! We're in public.” she reminded her.

“Oh. Sorry!” she whispered making Spike and his girls look confused.

They pressed on, walking by a flower shop where Wallflower took the time to stop and look all the varieties on display.

“Very pretty and perfectly arranged.” she said to herself while observing.

“So, Wallflower's a real garden girl, huh?” Applejack let out a chuckle.

“In a manner of speaking.” Spike admitted.

Wallflower looked and noticed some flowers off to the side looked like they were wilting, “Well, we can't have this now,” she began to concentrate as her foot touched the ground where part of it glowed. A magic essence trailed up to the wilted flowers and suddenly began blooming again much to the Guardians surprise, “That's better.” she said before rejoining everyone.

“Wallflower, that was amazing.” Twilight said impressed.

“It's what I do.”

“But how could you use magic when you're an earther?” Applejack asked confused.

“I've never actually understood it myself.” Wallflower confessed.

Moondancer spoke up, “If I may. I have reason to believe that Wallflower is special case of earther. Where while she may have enhanced strength she is also so in tuned with the earth, that she has a strong connection with plant-life. Hence she is able to make them grow, re-bloom, or even control them.”

“Like she did with those vines.” Pinkie recalled.

“Precisely.” Moondancer confirmed.

“That's just incredible,” Twilight continued to get fascinated, “An earther using another type of power outside physical strength!”

Wallflower blushed a bit, “I am what I am. Of course the me I used to be wasn't nearly this active and social.”

“Whatever do you mean?” Rarity wondered.

“Much like my name, I really was a wallflower. Always sticking to the sides and never noticed. I was there, but never noticed. But it didn't help I lacked social skills. All I had were flowers and plants.”

“That's kinda sad.” Rainbow said, only to get nudged by Applejack.

“Rainbow!”

“No, it's ok,” Wallflower replied, “It did feel sad. Even when I discovered I was capable of making plants grow I wasn't able to get others to notice me because I was shy to talk to them what with always being ignored and all.”

“I get where you're coming from with the shyness.” Fluttershy confessed making Wallflower smile.

“So how did you get involved with Spike and the others?” Twilight inquired.

“One day I was out for a walk while in one of my depressed moods having once again felt like I was absolutely invisible to the world around me. Because of that I almost walked out into traffic until Spike pulled me back.”

Spike spoke to them, “And it's a good thing I did. A truck was barreling right through where she could've been.”

“Quick thinking.” Rainbow commended him.

“I felt so embarrassed by it, Spike actually thought I was trying to throw my life away.” Wallflower said sheepishly.

“Well, from the way you looked and just almost walking out into the street how could I have thought otherwise?” Spike asked rhetorically.

“Point.”

“And besides you did the same for me not long after.”

“How?” Sunset asked Wallflower.

“Well, a runaway cart was rolling downhill right in our path with Spike in the line of fire. I used my power to summon vines from the ground to make a wall to catch it before it could hit us.”

“That's incredible!” Applejack gasped.

“It sure was.” Spike agreed.

“It surprised us all when we saw her do it.” Fleur added.

“Afterward we took her out to get to know her more.” Saffron explained.

“At first it was a one sided discussion given Wallflower's shyness.” Moondancer said.

Wallflower blushed in response, “It was the first time someone or even a group stopped to actually talk with me. I wasn't exactly sure how to interact.”

“When we realized we might've been coming on a little too strong we calmed down and helped her see she was among friends.” Gabby explained.

“She felt more comfortable when she learned I understood the feeling of being invisible.” Spike explained, as the girls knew he could relate to her in that manner.

“I was surprised that someone was actually incapable of doing any of the three special abilities,” Wallflower said, “But I was also relieved Spike didn't hate me for what I could do with plants compared to his... lack of ability.”

“How could I hate someone who saved my life?” Spike asked rhetorically, as she smiled at him.

“The more I talked with Spike and the girls the more I felt calmer, more relaxed. I didn't feel so invisible anymore. I felt wanted.”

“That's when I decided to let Wallflower join us,” Spike told the Guardians, “With her unique power it would make for good use in our group.”

“Good for you, Wallflower.” Fluttershy said.

“Thanks. And it's not just that. My knowledge in herbs and flowers allowed me to learn specific plants and flowers that can help treat or heal wounds. So I'm also the team's medic always having the right kind of herbs to use to make healing remedies.” the girls continued to feel impressed by the girls skill.

Spike spoke up, “You girls go on ahead to the hotel. I'll be along shortly.” And with that he split up from the group and headed out.

As they watched Spike take off, Twilight looking determined was about to follow him, until Rainbow and Applejack stopped her, “Whoa, Twilight, what're you doing?!” Rainbow asked.

“I was going to go talk to Spike,” she answered, “I mean all of you did so I figured it was time I talked to him.”

“Darling, as admirable as that is I think if you did now it would look too obvious.” Rarity warned her.

“Yeah, we all may have gotten a chance to talk to Spike and make amends, but if you do it now he'll only see it coming.” Pinkie put in.

Twilight seeing their logic sighed, “I guess you're right. But I really want to make peace with Spike just as you all did.”

“And ya will, sugarcube.” Applejack assured her.

“But maybe wait another day before you try just so he won't expect it so soon following Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy suggested.

“Agreed,” Sunset said, “If anything I'll go talk to Spike. Since I wasn't around that time when he left he'll have no reason to feel hostile towards me. Plus I wanna finally get to know more about him outside from what you all told me.”

“I understand.” Twilight replied.

“I'll go with you, Sunset.” Wallflower offered.

“Thanks, Wallflower.” Sunset smiled, as the two followed after Spike.

As Spike walked, Sunset and Wallflower caught up to him, “Spike!” Sunset called.

“Yes?”

“Wallflower and I were hoping you'd let us accompany you.” Sunset answered, as Wallflower nodded.

Spike shrugged, “If you want.” The two smiled at his answers and followed at his side.

Later the three stopped to enjoy a slushy drink in the park. The three were slurping before Wallflower clutched her head and groaned from brain freeze.

“You're out. Sorry, Wallflower,” Spike chuckled. The three relaxed, as Spike looked to Sunset while filled with curiosity, “So, Sunset?”

“Yes?”

“How did someone like you truly become a member of the Guardians of Harmony?” Spike inquired.

“Yeah, I thought there were only six bearers of the ancient relics.” Wallflower recalled.

“Well, before I became a member I actually ran with a real bad crowd.” Sunset confessed.

“Bad how?” Spike wondered.

“Bad as in broke a lot of rules, said nothing to my folks. That sort of thing.”

“I see.”

“Then one night we were planning to break into the store and steal the cash. It was then I realized I got way over my head. As we were making our escape, my so-called friends abandoned me with the stolen money and tried to leave me to take the heat. Fortunately Twilight and the others who had witnessed what was going on actually helped me.”

“Just like that?” Wallflower asked.

“Yeah. Surprised me too,” Sunset admitted, “I guess they could see past my appearance they knew I didn't really wanna do this. And I truly didn't. I just wanted attention, since I wasn't actually getting it at home. Parents were always working late, so I was coming home to an empty house and had to fend for myself. So I ended up joining the wrong people because I felt like I had nothing to lose.”

“Jeez, and here I was always trying to find ways to get attention back when I used to live there.” Spike said surprised.

“Difference was you never resorted to acting out and rolling with bad people.” Sunset noted.

“And what makes you think that?” Spike challenged her.

“Twilight and the girls told me.”

“Huh?” Spike did a double take.

“Yeah, they talked to me about you. After I discovered your old bedroom at Twilight's place two years ago.”

“It's still there?” Spike wondered.

Sunset nodded, “The girls managed to get through to me and helped me see breaking rules wasn't the way to go. And so I did the right thing by tipping off the cops where my former crew hid out, they were arrested and the money was returned.”

“That's doing the smart thing.” Wallflower smirked.

“Since then I've been tight with the girls. Then one day Celestia and Luna called for us to meet, especially me. They revealed the aside from the six elements the girls bonded to, they discovered hidden in a secret compartment in the chest they came in housing another element. They wanted to see if I could bond with it because they saw how close I had gotten with the others, and it would react if my bond with them was truly strong. And sure enough it reacted and bonded to me granting my own Guardian rank.”

“Well, lucky you.” he answered.

“I was lucky,” Sunset admitted, “With all the stuff I did before I didn't think I would be worthy enough to bond with it. Since then I've been helping them out ever since doing good deeds for others and taking on threats that would be too much for the cops to handle.”

“Amazing.” Wallflower admired.

“Yeah,” Sunset replied, “But anyway, when I discovered your old room, Twilight and the others told me about you?”

“About how I was the powerless one in the Sparkle household if not the entire world?” Spike asked in sarcasm.

“Well, they didn't say it like that,” Sunset answered, “In fact when they talked about you they were sad about it.”

Wallflower nodded and spoke to him, “She confirmed she and everyone did mourn for you when you left.”

Sunset nodded, “It is true. I even witnessed Twilight break down in front of us as she thought about you. The guilt she felt for driving you away because of her negligence haunted her every time she thought about you. And it wasn't just Twilight, it was all of them.”

“I can believe that.” Spike admitted after having reconciled with the others already.

“I know you've been making amends with them these last few weeks and such.” Sunset noticed.

Spike nodded, “Truthfully, I half expected Twilight to have come to try talking to me.”

“She did, but we all figured you'd see that coming so I chose to come talk to you and get to know you from your POV and not just from the girls.”

“Clever.”

Wallflower spoke curiously, “Although if they did allow Twilight to come and talk to you, what would you have done?”

Spike looked at Sunset and Wallflower who were both curious as to what Spike might have done if Twilight did finally confront him on what happened between them. Even though he had gotten along well with the rest of the girls, was he truly ready to finally talk things out with his former sister even though things could never be the same as they were before?

“I-I don't know.” he answered unsure.

The two girls sensing he was still at odds and torn between his decision knew better than to press it further and just hugged his arms in comfort, "Huh?” he looked at the two.

“We won't force you to answer any further, Spike.” Wallflower promised.

“But when the time comes try not to be too cross with Twilight. After all you both have been hurting from this in your own ways.” Sunset explained.

Spike sighed knowing it had to be true with all the evidence he learned from the girls, “I get it.”

Sunset smiled deciding how to lighten his mood, “Spike, Wallflower, how would you like to know a little secret about me?”

“A secret?” they asked.

“Yes. You know I said I dabble in art but Pinkie was going to say something else if I hadn't stopped her?”

“Yes.” Spike confirmed.

“Well, I'm actually a graffiti artist in Canterlot City.” she whispered.

“You are?” Wallflower asked.

“I am.”

“What's your street name?” Spike asked, as Sunset leaned closer and whispered to them.

“Flanksy.”

Their eyes widened in shock, as Wallflower spoke quietly, “You're that person?” Sunset nodded.

“Wow,” Spike gasped, “I've seen some of your artwork photographed in the magazines. You really got talent.”

“Well, after leaving the bad life, I needed a new hobby,” Sunset chuckled, “In fact following leaving the bad life I confronted my parents on how them not being at home as much wasn't doing me any favors. And so they worked things out so then they started coming home earlier so we can at least be a family and not just on weekends.”

Spike smiled feeling relieved she could make things up with her parents too, and that in turn influenced him more on not only talking things out with Twilight but perhaps even the rest of the Sparkles too.

For the rest of the time, Sunset continued to get to know more about Spike and Wallflower and vice versa. When night fell they returned to the hotel they were staying at. As Spike and the girls were exploring the lobby they saw a sign outside one of the party rooms read 'Karaoke Night'.

Spike looked at the girls and asked, “Anybody up for some karaoke?” The girls all smiled and nodded liking the sound of it.

Soon they were all gathered in the room with many other hotel guests who decided to join the karaoke night. Each of the girls individually or in small group got to sing a song of their choosing earning applause from the audience. Even when Twilight had her turn Spike joined in the applause. When Spike got up for his turn, Sunset Shimmer joined him.

(Our Time has Come)

The two sang as if they were in perfect sync, as the crowd watching looked very impressed. At their group table Spike's team and the Guardians of Harmony were also impressed at how well the two sang together, especially Twilight.

When the two concluded their song everyone applauded on how well they did together. Spike and Sunset looked at one another before sharing a smile and a hug. As Spike hugged Sunset he thought about what she told him before.

'Try not to be too cross with Twilight. After all you both have been hurting from this in your own ways.'

Spike thought to himself, 'She's right. I have to face this.'

Author's Note

Wallflower's plant and flower growing ability even though she's an earther references to the Earth Ponies of Gen 5 where they gain the magic to make plants and flowers grow.

For all you naysayers, skeptics, and doubters who think Twilight's a lost cause here and doesn't deserve forgiveness or anything should try for once keep an open mind and not think there's no coming back from it.

The Potion Master

At the hotel the group was staying at in another city, the girls were already asleep in their rooms, while Spike was in his own room still up at a laptop he had before pulling up a video chat room.

“Good thing she still has the same screen name, and Luna is a night owl. So at least she'll be up.” Spike told himself before sending a chat invite to Luna's online name mentioning his name so she wouldn't think it was spam.

Spike waited, before seeing the invite was accepted and appearing on screen was Luna, “Spike?” she asked hopefully.

“Hi, Ms. Luna. It's been awhile.” he greeted her.

“One moment.” Luna rushed off screen, while Spike heard her footsteps loudly.

Suddenly he heard another voice offscreen, “Spike?!” recognizing it was Celestia, he saw Luna return with her older sister wearing a robe and straightened her hair out a bit.

“Spike, it really is you.” Celestia said in relief.

“Hello, Ms. Celestia.” he greeted back.

“Oh, my gosh, you've grown so much.” Celestia said in awe.

“Just as Twilight said you did.” Luna agreed.

“I figured she talked to you two about running into me.”

“Yes, and all the things you've been doing since you and your new group joined up with the girls.” Celestia said.

“We are so proud of you.” Luna added.

“Good to know,” Spike admitted, “Listen I'm sorry to call you out of the blue and this late at night.”

Celestia shook her head, “No. I'm glad you did. We learned from the others you've been reconciling with each of them.”

Spike nodded, “I have.”

“It's good to hear that you are,” Luna said, “We know it wasn't easy considering...”

“I get it. But I started working it out with them. Well, all but one left.”

“Twilight.” Celestia called it.

“Yes.”

“And do you plan on talking with her?” Luna inquired.

“I already have with everyone else, so it's only right.”

“And how do you feel about it?” Celestia asked.

“I moved on and lived my life, and yet I haven't forgotten how she left me out and forgot about me several times. I don't wanna be mad at her, but still...”

“No one says you have no right to feel that way no matter how much time has passed.” Luna assured him.

“But remember, Spike, the past is still in the past,” Celestia added, “You said so yourself you moved on. The past can't be changed, but what matters is how you live your life now.”

“I understand.” Spike replied.

“We hope things work out with you and Twilight.” Luna said hopefully.

“So do I.” he admitted.

“You should probably get some sleep,” Celestia suggested, “You'll need it.”

“You're right.”

“Goodnight, Spike. We hope to hear from you soon.” Luna said.

“Same.” Spike nodded, as he ended their chat, closed his laptop, and hit the sack.

The next day, the group left the city and were traveling to the next town. When they arrived, Moondancer spoke, “While we're here we should visit our old friend.”

“Old friend?” Rainbow asked.

“Who is that?” Rarity inquired.

“You'll find out.” Spike replied, as they kept walking.

The group arrived outside a shop that had a neon light sign above which Pinkie read, “Potions 4 U.”

“This is where we get our special elixirs and remedies.” Fleur explained.

“The one who own the shop is a master of potions,” Wallflower explained, “I actually learned how to make some of the best healing elixirs from her.”

“And I was once her apprentice.” Moondancer admitted.

“Who is it?” Twilight wondered.

“Come and see.” Saffron said, as they went inside.

They walked into the shop seeing it was loaded with stocked potions on shelves labeled and organized precisely.

“Wow, and I thought Twilight was so organized.” Rainbow said in disbelief making Twilight pout. Spike seeing the pout on Twilight's face make him chuckle a bit remembering how funny she looked whenever she made that face for whatever reason.

Fluttershy looked at some of the potions reading their labels, “Healing, hair growth, sensory booster, stamina enhancer, arousal enhancer, arousal inducer?” she started sounding uncomfortable reading them, “Manhood growth?!” she blushed furiously, as a female voice spoke up.

“You like? A little something of my own creation. Mostly for when a happy couple need help spicing things up in the sack or just looking to be experimental.”

All eyes fell on the source of the voice which came from a girl no older than Twilight and her friends. She had blue eyes, and her long hair was a pastel of purple, pink, and blue with her bust size big like the other girls present in the shop. Her attire was a pair of blue pants, a pink top, and covering it was a white lab coat.

“Um, what?” Fluttershy asked still flustered by what she was told.

“Hey, Potion Nova!” Moondancer greeted.

“Moony! How's my bookworm!” Potion hugged Moondancer close, before seeing the others, "Wallflower! Girls, good to see you all!” she hugged the other girls before her eyes fell on Spike and blushed, “And there's my juicy hunk of man meat.”

“Hey, Potion Nova.” Spike greeted with a sheepish blush.

“Oh, get over here you!” Potion ran over to Spike and hugged his head into her breasts.

This display made Spike's girls blush and scowl at what she was doing while the Guardians were shocked, and Twilight gawked.

Spike finally pulled himself out, “Nova, must you do that in front of the girls?”

“Oh, let 'em look.” the girl replied, while winking.

“What is going on here?!” Rarity demanded.

“Girls, this is the owner of the shop; Potion Nova.” Spike introduced them.

“Hi!” Nova waved.

“Wait a minute, Potion Nova?” Twilight asked as she started realizing, “You're the Potion Nova?!”

“One and the same.” she confirmed.

Twilight smiled brightly and rushed over to her, “It's such an honor to meet you! Your work in potions is so inspiring and insightful!”

“Thank you.”

“Moondancer, she sounded like she knew you and Wallflower personally.” Sunset noted.

“How is that?” Pinkie asked.

“It's a long story.” Moondancer replied.

“But we have the time.” Nova said, as she put up a 'be right back' sign in the window, “Let's go back for snacks.”

“Sounds good to me!” Pinkie smiled.

Later they were in the back of the shop which also served as Potion Nova's home, as they were seated around at either some sofas or armchairs enjoying snacks and drinks.

“So, Moondancer, you used to be Potion Nova's student?” Twilight inquired.

“That's right,” she confirmed, “Back then before I met Spike and the others I studied under Potion Nova to learn about potions and other magics. I was mostly a shut-in focused only on my studies. Even though there were times Nova encouraged me to take my nose out of the books and get out and do something besides study.”

“Hey, that sounds just like the way you used to be, Twilight.” Pinkie compared.

“What? I wasn't that bad, was I?” Twilight asked around, as the girls were nervous about answering her.

“You were until you met each of the girls.” Spike confessed reminding Twilight how friends made her stop cooping herself up in her room to study all day.

Moondancer continued, “I saw such things as a distraction and preferred to focus on research.”

“So then what changed?” Applejack asked.

“Well, that was when Spike and the girls stepped into the shop.” Moondancer answered.

“Wallflower, she did seem focused on you like she was of Moondancer.” Sunset recalled how Potion Nova greeted her.

“That's right,” Wallflower nodded, “When I started out as the team doctor I still wanted to learn more about making healing potions with my herbs, and in order to do that we had to seek out the best potion maker in the world. That being Potion Nova.”

Spike spoke up, “So we ventured to this town where she set up shop. Wallflower begged Potion Nova to teach her, but dropping down to her knees and hugging Nova's legs.”

“It was so cute.” Fleur giggled.

“Hey!” Wallflower pouted while blushing embarrassed.

“It was adorable,” Potion Nova admitted, “But yes, I agreed to teach her about potions.”

“Since we had nowhere else to be we stuck around town as Wallflower was training.” Saffron added.

“We were all doing our own things, while Spike ended up running into Moondancer.” Gabby put in.

“The first time he saw me, he looked lost for words,” Moondancer admitted, before looking at Twilight and saw how they looked alike, “And I now I realize why he did.”

“I was just stunned is all.” Spike replied.

Moondancer continued, “For some reason he wanted to get to know me more, and he wasn't taking no for an answer. So I reluctantly let him join me in my studying. I was impressed he himself was quite an avid learner when he was keeping up with me.”

“Well, we've studied together several times, so he must've picked it up from me.” Twilight speculated.

“I was amazed to have learned Spike was incapable of performing any of the special abilities the others could do, and yet he was so smart and so fit,” Moondancer began blushing while remembering, before shaking it off and resuming, “When I asked him what he was doing traveling with the other girls, he merely told me he was a traveler trying to make his way in the world and show it that just because he didn't have powers didn't mean he was helpless. I was partly skeptic and partly intrigued at his claim. Then when Nova needed more ingredients from the forest outside town she dispatched me and Spike to gather them. While we were out there we were attacked by a pack of Devi-Wolves. Before I could even do anything, Spike jumped in and using his sword was able to defeat them all. He didn't have a mage's magic, an earther's strength, or even a flyer's flight and yet he defeated them all with only hard work and determination.”

Spike nodded.

“That was when I really got invested in him. Because of that I even held off my usual studies to get to know him more.”

“I thought hell froze over upon hearing that.” Nova joked making Fleur, and Gabby giggle.

Spike spoke, “I got to know Moondancer too. Turns out she actually tried to make friends before, but in her attempts to it didn't go so well. She wanted to throw a party inviting several others, but little to nobody attended. That's why she closed herself off and focused more on studies than making friendships. But I convinced her, to not give up. Because shutting yourself away wasn't going to do you any favors... Like it didn't do for me.”

Moondancer continued, “I could tell Spike was speaking from personal experience, and when I asked about it he just confirmed he's been where I was and left it at that. As I watched him train while Potion Nova was teaching Wallflower I was impressed at his swordsmanship, and yet he looked like he could use more arsenal. So that's when I got a brain blast and decided to help him, by creating a weapon made especially for him.”

Spike held up his bracelet, as the brainy girl continued, “I created that bracelet through a combined collaboration of magic and technology. The elemental magics from them came from the elemental stones I collected in my spare time. I used my magic to break the stones down and imbue them into the bracelet so that whatever element Spike selects on it can use that type of magic. When I completed it, Spike took it out for a test run in the forest and it worked like a charm. Spike was truly grateful to me for doing it, and I was happy to be of help. When Wallflower completed her training it was time for them to go, but I requested to join them on their travels to broaden my own horizons.”

Nova smiled, “I was so proud to hear she wanted to go, so I approved of her request.”

“How did you decide on joining them, Moondancer?” Fluttershy asked.

“Well, the time I spent with Spike made me feel something I never had before, companionship. And I didn't wanna lose it. So I talked with my older sister Morning Roast, and she suggested I join Spike and the others. At first I didn't think I could since I had my studies and didn't wanna leave Potion Nova, but Morning Roast reminded me I completed all my studies under here and that I should get out and explore the world. To Live a Little, so to speak. And so here I am now.”

“And that's how we all came to be together!” Gabby concluded.

“That was quite a story.” Pinkie said.

“Ya'll sure were lucky to have each other when things got rough for ya.” Applejack said.

“We certainly were.” Rara confirmed.

As everyone continued to enjoy themselves and hear more stories from Potion Nova about Moondancer and even Wallflower's training, Spike noticed Twilight got up and headed to refill her drink, and remembered what he had to do. He nodded to himself and got up walking after her.

Before Twilight could refill her drink, Spike spoke up, “Twilight?”

The girl turned around seeing him, “Yes, Spike?”

“Can we talk?”

Author's Note

Potion Nova was a character introduced in the 4.5 series Pony Life. I felt she had so much potential and should've also been used in Friendship is Magic before if they actually thought about her earlier.

Confrontation

Twilight hearing those words come out of Spike's mouth left her happy to hear he finally wanted to talk to her, and yet she still felt a pinch of concerned wondering what he was going to say. But nevertheless the fact he asked her to talk is a step up from keeping a distance between them since they started this journey together.

“Sure, Spike.” she answered.

Spike nodded, “Follow me.” he started leading the way, as Twilight followed before calling out to the others.

“Spike and I are gonna step out for a bit!” and with that they exited the place.

The girls hearing that felt the same emotions as Twilight felt when Spike asked her to talk, “Spike's finally going to talk to Twilight.” Rarity began.

“That's good, isn't it?” Gabby asked all around.

“Yeah, but the thing is Twilight's half the reason Spike left home and where most of his resentment stems from.” Applejack explained.

“Should we be concerned?” Wallflower asked in worry.

“I am.” Fluttershy admitted.

“It'll be fine!” Pinkie smiled.

“How can you be so sure?” Fleur wondered.

“Just a gut feeling.”

“Well, we're gonna need to go on more than a gut feeling for this one.” Rainbow said, “Let's go tail them.”

Before any of them could leave, they were suddenly restrained by magic courtesy of Potion Nova, “Ah-ah, there'll be none of that.”

“What're you doing?!” Rainbow struggled.

“No matter how concerned you are for the two this is something they have to deal with alone.” Nova explained, as the girls realizing she was right relaxed and let the two former sibs have their privacy.

Spike led Twilight through the town before they entered the forest outside it. There was silence between them as they walked, until Spike stopped in the middle of the forest.

“Spike, why did you bring us all the way out here?” Twilight wondered.

“Privacy.” he answered.

“Makes sense,” Twilight admitted. There was some awkward silence between them, until Twilight broke it, “So I noticed you've made amends with Rarity, Rainbow, and the rest of the girls. You even made friends with Sunset.”

“I did.” he confirmed.

“I think it's good that you did. Seeing you and the girls growing close again makes me happy.”

“It does make me happy.” Spike confessed.

Twilight nodded, “I know we've all said this before but we're proud of you, Spike. I'm proud of you. Four years since you left and look how far you've come. If only I'd realize what you truly were capable of with proper training I wouldn't have...”

“What? Left me out on your missions?” Spike asked rhetorically with a tone, that caught her attention, “One time. It was one time you allowed me to join, and soon as an unexpected timberwolf attacked I did what you wanted and took cover out of harms way. And by just a sheer collision with the area close to where I was hiding I got a scrape, and then it's all 'Oh my God Spike's hurt someone call 911!”

Twilight cringed having realized years ago she exaggerated Spike's injury on that mission, “Seriously one measly scrape and suddenly you wanted to keep me on a short leash the rest of the mission. Then the next time you girls had a mission and I requested to join you turned me down. And it was just another delivery mission so it's not like I would've been put in real harms way. That timberwolf that time was just a fluke that I was able to avoid real damage. And your excuse of protecting me and that it was for my own good was not a real excuse for such a simple mission. And then you had to call me a nuisance that would be in the way.”

“Technically if you remember, I never actually called you a nuisance. I'd just said you would've been one had you joined us and things could've taken a bad turn.” Twilight reminded him.

“You may as well have just called me a nuisance because the feeling was still behind it!” Spike argued.

“I know I said the wrong things then. And I felt bad saying it!” Twilight argued.

“If you really felt bad then why was your apology coated with condescending?” Spike challenged.

Twilight irked back, but spoke up, “Ok, yes I could've been nicer about it, but I was just concerned about you!”

“Because I was so pathetic and powerless?!”

“Because you were my younger brother and I loved you!” Twilight shouted, “All my life I was the younger sibling in my house. Shining Armor was the oldest and he always looked out for me when I needed him. But I wanted to experience that same feeling! To have a younger sibling to look up to me, one I could care for! That's why I was over the moon when mom and dad told me we were going to adopt a new child into our family!”

“Huh?” Spike raised a brow.

“When I saw you I knew I finally got a younger sibling to care for. We did everything. We played. We studied. We laughed! We cried! And I loved every moment of it!” Spike started getting stirred hearing Twilight pour her heart out, “And when you got injured even if it was a scrape I was so terrified what if something worse happened to you?! You were my only little brother and if anything happened to you I'd never forgive myself!”

Spike not wanting Twilight to turn this on him continued to speak up, “So why didn't you just suggest training to prepare me? Shining Armor was the one to suggest it, and despite you not protesting about it, it still wasn't enough to convince you to let me join! I wasn't going to be your younger brother forever, Twilight!”

“I knew that, and it still terrified me!”

“It's life, Twilight. People grow up and change! So why was it so hard for you to accept I was trying to?”

“Because I loved being your older sister!” she argued, “I never felt such a great joy before and I was afraid if you grew up too much you'd stop seeing me that way! I know it sounds selfish but that's just how I felt!”

“Jeez for someone so book-smart, you are surprisingly dumb!” Spike retorted.

“What?”

“You think just because I was gonna grow up I wouldn't need you anymore?! You would always be my big sister! It was you who didn't want me anymore as we got older! That's right. When you met the girls you started spending more time with them as well as others without even thinking about including me! It was because of you I missed the Grand Opening of Equestria Land all because of a stupid package!”

“Spike, if there was anybody else available outside you I would've picked them, but there wasn't!”

“Even so, the damn package didn't even show. I did all that for nothing!”

“That part was out of my control, Spike. And you still got to go to Equestria Land.” Twilight reminded him.

“After waiting a whole month for all of you to be available. And when we were there you acted like such a busybody with your scheduling you made it feel like it wasn't supposed to be fun!” Spike vented.

“In a busy establishment like that it's handy to have a schedule to know the best course of which rides and food stands to get to first before they got too crowded!” Twilight argued, “I had it prepared for me and the girls too!”

“And what about that Spring Break yacht trip?” Spike questioned.

“The one hosted by The Wealthy's?”

“Yeah, you and the girls and so many others got to spend it on that yacht! Why was I excluded?!” he demanded.

“The Wealthy's said no plus ones. Believe me if there was I would've brought you with just as Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity would've done with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle!”

“Or you could've just declined going. That's what I would've done!”

“Would you really?” Twilight questioned Spike who realized would he truly have done that if it was him invited on the yacht instead of Twilight? The temptation to spend Spring Break at such a location was too good and hard to pass up for anyone.

Spike shook the question off, “And don't think I forgot about Camp Everfree, the offer to help prepare your school dance, and the concert after party!”

“I know it was stupid of me about not remembering to mention your invite to camp! I felt so bad when I realized what I did! And I know I promised your assistance would be needed but acted like I didn't when everyone else showed up. But it's not like I told you to just go home! I said you could stay and be ready in case you were needed! You never know what could've come up!” Twilight explained loudly, “And yes it was stupid of me to forget about you at the after party! We all just assumed you were in another spot of the place talking with other party-goers. Every one of us was!”

“Even so, what really pisses me off now if back then Fluttershy was going to offer me a chance to adopt a pet of my own, but you stood in my way telling her I wasn't responsible enough. How did you know I wasn't?!” Spike shouted.

“Spike you were barely responsible enough to take out the garbage immediately when you were told too, so forgive me if I didn't have much confidence you could handle an actual pet!”

“You still had no place to make that decision without even discussing it with your parents!”

“It didn't even matter because we already had a pet!” Twilight reminded him.

“Owlowiscious?” Spike recalled, “He was your pet!”

“He belonged to all of us in the house, so that also made him your pet by proxy. Besides you always loved spending time with him, do you deny that?”

“Still it would've been nice to know the option of having a personal pet of my own was on the table!” he replied.

“I know I made so many mistakes with you, Spike, and I regret them all every since you left!”

“Enough talking!” Spike shouted, as he drew his sword, “You claim you know I've changed, but I remain unconvinced you truly see that.”

“Spike, what're you saying?” Twilight asked getting scared.

“You and me one-on-one. No holding back.” he explained.

“Spike, you can't honestly-”

“No excuses, Twilight. I'm not your little brother anymore, nor am I weak! So you should have no reason to hold back!” he went at Twilight attempting to hit her, but she dodged.

'Spike's serious about this,' she thought, 'I don't wanna fight him, but I don't wanna dishonor him more. Looks like I'll have to.' Twilight powered herself up.

Spike looked seeing Twilight ready herself, “Alright, Spike, if this is what you really want.”

“I do.”

“Then I accept.” she agreed.

Twilight tried to blast at Spike with magic bolts, but Spike dodged them before getting up close to her trying to swing his sword at her, but she used magic shields to repel the strikes. Spike's strikes kept getting harder and harder as he put his all into them.

“Looks like your training with Shining Armor hasn't dwindled at all. He'd be so proud!” Twilight said, while still keeping her shields up.

“More than you ever were!” Spike shouted as his sword strikes finally broke one of her magical shields.

Twilight jumped back avoiding another sword swing, “I know you're fighting with your full force, but you're relying too much on your anger towards me. You let it control you and you'll lose sight of yourself.”

“Save your wisdom for someone who cares!”

Twilight frowned, “Looks like I'm really going to have to teach you this time, Spike.” she unleashed her wings and started flying up.

“That's not gonna save you, Twilight!” Spike called, as he sheathed his sword and mounted his hoverboard floating up after her.

The two flew through the forest with Spike chasing after Twilight in hot pursuit. As they dodged trees and branches, Spike was using his magic bracelet to fire rock projectiles at Twilight. Twilight destroyed them using her magic shots. Spike frowned, as he fired ice shots at a branch above Twilight making it break off and fall right down for her.

Twilight seeing this quickly teleported out of the way much to Spike's ire. She reappeared behind him and tried to punch Spike only for the young man to spin around and catch her fist. When Twilight tried using her other fist Spike caught it too as they were grappling in the air.

“I left home to find my place in the world and I found it without you or anyone else back in the city.” Spike told her as he glared her in the eye.

“And I was happy when you said you did. If anything I hated that I wasn't able to help you find it sooner!” Twilight argued.

“You never wanted to help me!” Spike shouted, as he jumped off his hoverboard and tackled Twilight causing them both to plummet to the ground with Spike's hoverboard falling down with them.

The two ended up crashing into some bushes before rolling out of them while Spike's hoverboard hit the ground hard breaking into two. The two got up to their knees and glared at one another, as Twilight spoke up.

“Spike, when we were younger all I've ever wanted to do was help you. But as I got older I started focusing more on my own choices in life. That was selfish of me for not thinking about you as much as I did back then, but believe me when you left I was devastated. And even so I never stopped thinking about you!”

“And how?!” Spike challenged.

“We never changed your bedroom. We kept it the same with me always cleaning it so it doesn't get dusty! Especially your Power Girl comic collection!”

Spike's anger subsided a bit hearing that, but still wasn't going to give in, as his former sister continued, “And the day of your birthday every year since you left me and the girls would gather in it to celebrate you even with you not being there.”

“You-you did that?”

Twilight nodded, “In fact ever since you left a part of me hasn't been the same. I actually got in trouble at school because of others badmouthing about you!”

Spike was suddenly taken full aback, “You what?”

“That's right,” Twilight confessed, “Many times I heard the students talk about how you left. I hated hearing them bring it up, but some of them actually said stuff like you did the city a favor leaving, or even me a favor by leaving claiming you were holding me back. One day I just snapped at some of them saying stuff like that and tried to really hurt them. I was almost expelled because of that if not for Celestia understanding why I snapped. And since then it's been so hard for me to not do it again whenever I heard someone else talk smack about you behind my back.”

“You risked your own academic record just to stand up for me?” Spike asked in shock.

Twilight shed some tears, “I love you, Spike. And nothing should've been more important than our relationship. I know I can't take back any of the things that I did wrong by you, but I want to start over and be better for you. I don't care if you don't come back to Canterlot City, I just want to have you back in my life!” and with that Twilight broke down into tears.

Seeing this caused Spike's resentment towards Twilight to fade as he watched his old sister breakdown in front of him. True he was bitter and angry about the times Twilight made him feel inadequate and unwanted, but remembered that the past was in the past he could choose to move on with his life or continue holding a grudge. And especially hearing how Twilight was willing to tarnish her own academic record for the sake of his honor and name. That was truly one way for Twilight to go the distance for someone.

As it all sunk in Spike started fully letting down his guard, and a tear came out of his eye. With one move he threw himself over to the sobbing girl and threw his arms around her much to Twilight's surprise.

“Please, don't cry, Twilight! Cause it's making me cry!” Spike sobbed on her shoulder.

“Oh, Spike, I didn't mean too!” Twilight cried as she held Spike close.

“It's alright! I brought it out of you!”

“But you had every right to for how I treated you!”

“Let's not talk about the past, not anymore.” Spike suggested.

The two faced each other looking at their sad faces, “Spike.”

“Twilight.”

The two embraced, “I'm sorry.” they said together.

Amends are Made

Back at the potion shop, the girls were starting to get concerned about Spike and Twilight. The two left with the girls hoping they were going to work things out, but they had been gone for hours they were wondering if things really were going well. As each of them were nervous about what to do or avoiding the problem, Rainbow finally groaned.

“Alright enough waiting around! I'm going out there to find them!” Rainbow got up and started walking for the exit.

The others got up as Applejack stopped her, “Hold up, Rainbow!”

“Come on, you're all thinking the same thing!” the athletic girl argued.

“We're all worried about Twilight and Spike being alone out there this long considering the tension between them.” Rarity noted.

“But if we went out there now we'd only be proving we don't trust them.” Rara added.

“How do we know they're not out there worse off than before?!” Rainbow continued to argue.

“You know I'm starting to agree with Rainbow Dash,” Gabby confessed, “Maybe we should go check on them.”

“Check on who?” came a familiar voice, as the group looked seeing Spike and Twilight had entered the shop.

“Spike! Twilight!” they each said in relief.

“Check on nobody!” Gabby covered up.

“It's nice to see you both came back.” Saffron said.

“And in one piece.” Pinkie added.

“Well, not everything came back in one piece.” Spike said, as he brought out the two halves of his hoverboard.

“Spike, what happened to your hoverboard?” Moondancer asked in concern.

“I... had a little accident.” Spike explained.

“I share some of the blame for it.” Twilight added, as the two smiled at each other much to the girls surprise.

Moondancer rolled her eyes, “Let me take a look at it. I'll have it fixed up.”

“You're so good to me.” Spike smiled at her.

“Spike, if it's alright, would you allow me to help repair it?” Twilight offered.

“Well, with your brains combined with Moondancer's the repairs could go faster.” Spike answered with a smug look.

“Thanks.”

“Whoa-whoa, hold up!” Rainbow spoke up, “What's going on here?”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked confused.

“This! Ever since we started traveling together you two barely spoken a word to each other now you're suddenly all ok?”

“Not that we're not glad you two are talking again.” Fluttershy quickly said not wanting them to get the wrong idea.

“Yeah, I know we've been on the outs with each other. But we talked it all out, so it's ok.” Spike explained.

“Granted there was some shouting, and some magic firing, and plummeting to the ground for us, but it all worked out.” Twilight added, as the girls were lost for words at Twilight's explanation.

“What in the wide world happened out there?” Rarity asked in disbelief.

The two answered, “It's a long story.”

“So does that mean your siblings again?” Pinkie asked hopefully.

“No,” Spike shook his head, “I remain true to my word and no longer live with the Sparkle name. But just because I'm not Twilight's brother anymore doesn't mean we can't be friends.”

Twilight nodded, “That is more than I ever could've hoped for.”

“Well, as long as you both are happy.” Applejack said in relief.

Potion Nova sniffled while drying her eyes, “Oh, this is so touching. We should celebrate!”

“My thoughts exactly!” Pinkie cheered, as she was already making plans to liven things up.

Soon the whole shop was decorated for a party with Spike along with Twilight and Moondancer having helped fix up Spike's hoverboard making it new and improved.

“There we are. Finished.” Twilight said.

Spike marveled at his hoverboard seeing it looked almost brand new, “It's perfect! Thank you both.”

“You're welcome.” Twilight smiled.

“Just remember to be careful with your hoverboard,” Moondancer warned him, “I may have been able to repair it before, but one of these days you'll end up busting it up so bad not even I could fix it.”

“Well, until that day comes I'm gonna keep enjoying this baby the same as I have for years.” Spike said as he pat the hoverboard.

Twilight spoke, “Come on, let's join in on the party.”

Spike smiled, “Delighted.” and with that he joined the two girls and partied with the others.

Each of the Guardians never felt so happy in a long time. Now that Spike was friends with them again, they felt as if a great weight had lifted off them. Even Sunset Shimmer was relieved to see her fellow Guardians made amends with Spike which meant she could be closer to all seven of them.

Later as the party was still going Spike and Twilight stepped away, with Twilight opening up her laptop.

“I know they'll be glad to hear the news, Spike.” Twilight said excitedly.

“Right.” Spike agreed.

Twilight set up video chat, and soon appearing on screen were Celestia and Luna, “Ms. Celestia! Ms. Luna!” she greeted.

“Twilight!” Celestia greeted.

“And Spike?” Luna asked.

“Hi, you two.” he greeted.

“Well, it's certainly a surprise seeing the both of you together like this.” Celestia began.

“We can assume the both of you have made amends?” Luna guessed.

“We have.” Twilight confirmed.

“After we vented everything out.” Spike put in.

“Are you both ok?” Celestia asked in concern.

“Actually, never better.” Spike confessed.

“We both needed this.” Twilight added.

“Well, we're glad for both of you.” Luna said.

“Have you told your family yet, Twilight?” Celestia inquired.

“Not yet, but I'm going to.”

“And how do you feel about that, Spike?” Luna inquired.

Spike sighed, “I know I left them as well, and so many times I wanted to call and tell them how sorry I was, but I couldn't. This is just something long overdue.”

Celestia nodded, “We know things will be ok for you all. We're sure of it.”

“Thank you both.” Spike smiled.

“We'll let you two go now. There are others who need to know about this news too.” Luna said.

“Right. And thanks,” Twilight said, as she ended the chat. She began setting up another video chat before looking to Spike, “You ready?”

Spike nodded, as he stepped out of the way a bit as Twilight made the call. Soon appearing on Twilight's laptop was her parents, Shining Armor, Cadence, and Flurry Heart much older from four years ago. Twilight knew was the better time to call since she hears her brother, sister-in-law, and niece were there visiting her parents.

“Twilight!” they cheered.

“Hey, you guys!”

“It's so good to hear from you.” Velvet said in relief.

“How goes the mission?” Shining asked.

“It's going well. I mean we've hit some snags on the way but nothing we can't handle.”

“That's our Twilight.” Night Light said putting an arm around his wife.

“Yeah. But listen there's an extra reason I wanted to check in with you today.”

“What is it, Twilight?” Cadence wondered.

“Not long after the girls and I set out we met up with a bunch of others also looking to take down Tirek. So we decided to join forces and have been traveling together since.”

“They must be real trustworthy for you girls to join up with.” Shining suspected.

“Oh, they are. In fact one of them is here with me. Would you like to meet them?” Twilight asked.

“Of course.” Velvet confirmed, as the others nodded in agreement.

“Alright then.” Twilight said, as she scooted over, and Spike sat next to her looking at the monitor allowing the Sparkle family to see him.

Needless to say none of them were expecting to see him, “Spike?!” the adults asked in shock.

“Hi, everyone.” he greeted.

“Uncle Spike!” Flurry cheered.

“No way! Is that little Flurry Heart?” Spike said in faux shock.

“Not so little anymore. I'm a big girl now!” Flurry boasted.

“You sure are.” Spike nodded.

“Spike, it-it's been so long.” Night Light began still lost for words.

“Four years.” Spike said.

“Look at you, Spike,” Velvet said with a smile, “You've grown so much.”

“We hardly recognize you.” Shining Armor said surprised.

“What's been going on you're working with Twilight and the girls?” Cadence wondered.

“A lot's happened since I left Canterlot City.”

“Well, we got plenty of time. So tell us.” Velvet said, as the four got comfortable.

Spike nodded and decided to tell them what's been happening since he left the city and what he's done in the last four years. Up until Spike got to where he and his party ran into the Guardians of Harmony, Twilight joined in helping explain to her family what her group and Spike's have been doing in the last few weeks.

“And so here we are.” Twilight concluded.

“Oh, Spike,” Velvet gasped, “We want you to know we're so sorry. If we had been better-”

“Please, let's not discuss that past. You did all you could and I'll always be grateful for that. Same way as I'll always be grateful to you, Shining. If not for your training lessons I never would be as strong as I am now.”

Shining smiled and nodded, “The student truly has become the master.”

“And we're so glad to hear you made up with Twilight and the rest of the girls.” Cadence said relieved.

“So does that mean you'll still be part of our family?” Night Light asked, as Velvet looked hopeful.

“Only as a good friend. But I'm sorry I won't be resuming the Sparkle name. Please understand and respect my choice.”

Though Velvet and Night Light were sad, they knew to respect his choices now that he was no longer a kid, “We understand, Spike.” Night Light replied.

“But no matter what you'll always be like a son to us.” Velvet said.

“And you'll always be family to us too.” Cadence added on behalf of herself, Shining, and Flurry.

“Thanks, you guys.”

“Just promise us you'll look out for Twilight and the rest of them. And Twilight you make sure to do the same.” Night Light instructed.

“We'll both do that, dad.” Twilight promised.

“Hey, Twilight! Spike! Come on! Pinkie and Saffron just brought the cake out!” Gabby called out.

“Coming!” Spike called back.

“We'll let you two get back to your party.” Velvet said.

“Keep in touch.” Shining said.

“We will.” Twilight promised.

“Bye!” Flurry waved.

“Bye, you guys.” Spike said, as they ended their chat.

“See that wasn't so bad.” Twilight told Spike.

“Yeah. It really was good talking to them again.” he confessed.

“And now they can be at peace knowing you're alright.” Spike nodded to Twilight as they closed the laptop and went back to join the party.

When nighttime came, Potion Nova allowed the whole group to bunk at her place which they graciously accepted. She was especially grateful Spike agreed to it, much to the other girls ire. As the girls were asleep, Spike was up on the roof looking up at the moon thinking back to all that went on that day.

“Room for another?” came Twilight's voice, as Spike looked seeing said girl standing at his side.

“Yeah.” he answered, as Twilight sat down beside him.

“Nice night, isn't it?” she asked.

“Beautiful.” Spike confirmed.

“Doesn't this remind you of the nights we used to go up to the house balcony and watch the stars?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah. I did like that.” Spike admitted.

“And we always imagined our own little stars were out there watching over us no matter where we were.” Twilight recalled.

“You know, I think they really were,” Spike believed, making Twilight turn to him curiously, “What if our stars were secretly watching over us these last four years and guided us back to each other?”

“You really believe that?” Twilight asked.

“After all that's happened I want to believe it was more than coincidence we ran into each other after all this time.”

“Hmm. You know I actually think so too.” Twilight agreed.

The two looked at each other, as Spike spoke, “Let's all take down Tirek together.”

Twilight nodded “Together.” the two embraced.

When they broke, Twilight spoke, “I'm going back in. You coming?”

“I'll be along in a minute.” Spike answered.

“Ok, and Spike?”

“Yeah?” Spike looked at Twilight and suddenly received a kiss to his cheek from her.

The girl smiled with a blush on her face and spoke, “Thank you, for coming back into my life.”

Spike was too stunned by Twilight's gesture to give her a reply, but Twilight knew Spike was just as happy to be back in her life as she was his. When she went back into the house, Spike felt his cheek where Twilight kissed him before smiling and laughed to himself with tears of happiness in his eyes. Truly he finally felt like a new person free from all his bitterness and anger.

Beach Day

Spike and the girls left the town despite Potion Nova's pleads for Spike alone to stay longer, the girls managed to pry her off. They continued on down the path heading for Centrack; the city where Tirek and his operations were held up at. Eventually they arrived at a beach town known as Seashell Bay.

As they walked through town they were admiring it, before Gabby looked out at the sea, and ran to the railing to look out, “Wow! Check out the sea!”

Rainbow walked over to look, “This is one awesome view.”

“You got that right.” Rara agreed.

“It's lovely.” Rarity marveled.

“Magnificent.” Fleur agreed, as she looked out.

“I love it!” Pinkie cheered.

Twilight approached, “I know it's nice and all girls, but we're this close to Centrack. And once we get there we can capture Tirek and take him in.”

“Actually, Twilight,” Spike spoke up grabbing everyone's attention, “After all that's happened between all of us. Teaming up and me finally getting to make amends with all of you and vice versa has put me more at ease than I've been in these last four years.”

“It's made us feel good too, sugarcube.” Applejack agreed.

Spike nodded, “That's why I think before we get to Centrack, we should have a beach day here to commemorate our reformed bond.”

“Really, Spike?” Twilight asked in surprise.

“I do.” he confirmed.

“I think it's a good idea.” Saffron agreed.

“Same,” Moondancer put in, “After all we've been doing with traveling let's relax for the day without worrying about Tirek and such.”

“Especially now that there's no bad blood between any of us.” Fluttershy added.

“Exactly. This is something to actually celebrate. We'll worry about getting to Centrack tomorrow.” Rainbow said.

As all eyes fell on Twilight, she gave in knowing they were all correct, “Well, ok.” the girls cheered, as Spike smiled and nodded.

Later on, down at the beach, Spike who was in swim trunks was setting up a spot as the girls were getting changed in the changing rooms. He had just finished setting up the umbrella and looked around.

“Perfect. This spot is just right for all of us.” Spike said feeling proud of his work.

“Spike!” came Fleur's voice.

Spike looked and saw the girls approaching. Each of them was wearing a two piece bikini that showed off their sexy figures. Rarity was in a purple one, Fleur's was pink, Applejack and Saffron's were orange, Sunset Shimmer and Moondancer's were black, Rainbow Dash and Gabby's were blue, Fluttershy and Wallflower's were green, Rara's was dark blue, Pinkie's was red, and Twilight's was violet.

The sight of them got Spike blushing, as each of the girls stood before him. Some like Rarity and Fleur enticed Spike by pressing their breasts together, while Applejack, Rainbow, and Rara were flexing their bodies for Spike making sure he got a good view. Moondancer, Fluttershy, and Wallflower were giving off a bit of timidity while also trying to look sexy for him.

“What do ya think, Spike?” Applejack asked while tipping her hat to him.

“Good enough for you?” Rara inquired.

Spike shook his blush off and answered truthfully, “You girls look great. Really you do.”

The girls smiled happily, “Thanks, Spike! That means so much!” Pinkie beamed.

“We're glad you approve.” Gabby smiled.

Spike smiled, while noticing Twilight fidgeting with making eye contact with Spike as he raised a brow curiously.

Saffron spoke up, “Well, come on, everyone! Let's go have fun!”

“Yeah!” the girls cheered, as Spike nodded.

And so the whole group enjoyed the beach from swimming and splashing around in the water to cool off. Pinkie swimming sneakily through the water was able to snatch the tops of Rarity, Fleur, Moondancer, and Fluttershy much to their embarrassment and Spike's enjoyment. Later Spike was surfing the waves with Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer, and Applejack. His skills with the hoverboard made it easy for Spike to surf the waves since both styles were remarkably the same, just substitute air for water.

When they got out of the water, some like Gabby, Saffron, and Pinkie had their bodies buried in the sand with Rarity making it look like their sand covered legs looked like mermaid tails while also decorating them in pretty seashells. Soon Saffron and Applejack were cooking up some barbecue and they enjoyed lunch together. The group had noticed several other people on the beach passing by gave them looks, particularly of envy. Guys seeing Spike with so many hot girls were envious of him, while several ladies were envious of Twilight and the others being so close to such an attractive guy like Spike. They paid neither any mind and decided to just enjoy each others company.

Soon others were relaxing with Fleur and Rarity in beach chairs sunbathing, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rara, Sunset Shimmer, Pinkie Pie, and Saffron were playing a game of beach volleyball, Moondancer was reading a book under an umbrella, while Wallflower was enjoying a drink, and Gabby and Fluttershy were building a sandcastle together.

Spike was relaxing in the shade of another umbrella watching the volleyball game. He didn't care which side was winning, all he cared about was seeing the girls have fun. Suddenly he felt something cold touch his cheek. He gasped before looking over seeing Twilight was holding a cold drink to his cheek, before giggling.

“Give me a break, Twilight.” Spike said trying to hold in a laugh.

“Sorry, but I figured you could use this.” Twilight handed him the drink.

“Thanks.”

Twilight sat beside the boy and spoke, “So, having fun here?”

“Yeah. Are you?” he asked.

“I am,” she confirmed, “Being here at the beach does take me back to when we used to come here when we were kids. Remember?”

Spike smiled, “Yeah, you and I always made the best sandcastles together. Especially since you were so structurally detailed with it.”

Twilight blushed, before answering, “Just wanted to make sure the foundation was supported right.”

Spike couldn't help but laugh, “Only you, Twilight, could turn sandcastle building into architecture.”

Twilight couldn't help but laugh at Spike's joke. So the two continued to sit and watch the game a bit more in silence while enjoying their drinks. Twilight deciding to break the ice spoke up, “Spike.”

“Hm?”

“I want you to be honest. How do I look in my swimsuit?”

Spike was taken aback by her question, but wanted to be honest, “Honestly, Twilight. You look beautiful.”

Twilight blushed, “Really?”

“Yeah. I mean, I always thought you were beautiful,” he confessed with a faint blush, “That night at your school dance. That was when you were at your most beautiful.”

“Oh, Spike.” Twilight said smiling happily with tears of joy.

Spike looked at her, “And looking at you now, I still see you as a beautiful girl. But not like I did back then when we were sibs. I see you beautiful as a person.”

Twilight continued to smile, and answered while putting her hand on Spike's, “Thank you, Spike. And even now you look as handsome as ever. And not in the sibling sense, but in the person sense.”

“Twilight.” Spike blushed, as the two looked into each others eyes feeling drawn to one another.

As they started to lean closer they looked ready to give each other a kiss, until Pinkie called out, “Hey, you two!” the both of them pulled back and looked seeing Pinkie and the rest of the girls playing volleyball looking their way, “Come on and join us. We need to change up teams.”

Spike and Twilight looked at each other, as Spike spoke, “We better go do it, or there'll be no living with them.”

“Right.” Twilight chuckled, as they got up to join them.

That night the girls and Spike were staying at a beach chalet after a long day of having fun on the beach. Twilight was out on the balcony deck's railing looking out into the calm sea before looking up at the sky blanketed with stars. She marveled, until she saw Spike walk up beside her and leaned on the railing with her.

“Nice night, isn't it?” he asked her.

“It's lovely.” Twilight confirmed, before looking at him, “Thanks for suggesting we take this break, Spike.”

“I figured we should have a real day to enjoy ourselves before we go after Tirek. Just to relieve us of any tension.”

“Well, it sure worked. Everyone was enjoying themselves today. Even I enjoyed myself.”

“I'm glad you all did. I know I enjoyed it.” Spike said.

Twilight smiled at Spike who returned the gesture as they looked into each others eyes like before. They started to move closer like before until they eventually locked lips and kissed. As they did they wrapped their arms around one another holding the other closer.

As they kissed under the moonlight, the rest of the girls were watching from the sliding screen door to their room. Some like Fluttershy, Gabby, and Wallflower had their hands over their mouths in surprise, while Rarity and Fleur smiled happily. Applejack smiled and nodded her head, and Pinkie was holding in the urge to burst out cheering.

Sunset smiled and spoke to the girls, “Looks like those two are going to be all right.”

“Uh-huh.” they all agreed knowing all of them were now closer to Spike in that sense.

When Spike and Twilight parted they looked at each other smiling before embracing finally feeling happy to have each other back in their lives, but not as siblings. As something more.

Centrack City

After a few weeks of traveling Spike and the girls finally reached the city of Centrack. As they stood a top a hill they looked down seeing the city below them. Even from way up they could tell it wasn't going to be such a lavish sophisticated location.

“So that's it?” Gabby asked everyone.

“Yes. Centrack City,” Twilight explained, “Tirek is held up here and overlooking several of his operations.”

“Do we know exactly where in this city he's operating from?” Wallflower inquired.

Sunset spoke up, “According to Celestia and Luna, Tirek's held up in a base located in the Northern section of the city.”

“So how do we get in?” Fluttershy asked.

Spike smirked, “Don't worry. I got an informant on the inside.”

“An informant, Spike?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Yeah. And he's legit.” Spike assured.

“Yes, he's helped us out a lot in the past.” Fleur added.

“He managed to get his way into Tirek's operations and now we have someone on the inside.” Moondancer finished.

“Ya reckin' he can get us in without problems?” Applejack asked.

“He's never steered us wrong before.” Rara noted.

“So let's go already!” Rainbow said eager for some action.

“Rainbow, we mustn’t be hasty here.” Rarity warned her.

“Rarity's right,” Twilight agreed, “Centrack is a place loaded with rogues, thieves, and smugglers.”

“We'll stick out if we go in how we are.” Saffron added.

“Right. Disguise time.” Spike said, as they pulled out cloaks and put them on while wearing their hoods up.

“Uh, how does this make us stick out less?” Pinkie asked with a shrug.

“Because we're public images.” Twilight reminded Pinkie of her and the rest of the guardians reputation.

“At least this way, they won't know ahead of time.” Sunset added.

“We better get moving.” Fleur insisted, as the nodded.

“Let's go get this son-of-a-bitch.” Spike said, as they headed out.

They marched along the path before entering the city. They looked around seeing it was indeed as they were told about it. Buildings were mostly run down, and all on the streets and blocks were vendors selling black market merch. Some of the people around being thieves were sneakily stealing off others without them knowing. When one realized they were about to be robbed, he grabbed the perpetrator and slammed them against the wall multiple times.

As Spike and the girls spotted this, Rainbow felt itching to help, but Applejack held her back not wanting her to blow their cover, but also because they both were thieves and that's how they work. Fluttershy and Gabby watched trembling from watching the two fight, but luckily many didn't notice because their hoods were up concealing their reactions.

Despite not getting involved there were still other rogues and thieves going about their day who stopped to look at the cloaked newcomers suspiciously.

“They're looking at us.” Wallflower whispered quietly.

“Just keep moving and don't make eye contact.” Spike whispered back, as they kept on moving.

Soon they got past the group watching them, as they just went back to what they were doing. They continued on through the city seeing it was pretty much the same as the last spot they were at with more rogues and thieves making trade or gambling for money.

“I don't get how this city could be like this.” Rainbow said.

“Because the people were too scared by those who invaded and took over this place making it their own,” Moondancer explained, “And with Tirek running things around here it's even worse.”

“Well, that'll change once he's behind bars.” Spike assured them.

“That's assuming your source is successful at getting us in.” Twilight noted.

Spike looked back at her, “Doubting me already, Twilight? And I thought things were different.” he acted in faux shock.

Twilight rolled her eyes, “Not the best time for humor, Spike.”

Pinkie leaned in, “There's always a time for humor, Twilight.”

“Not when we're on a mission this heavy.” Applejack replied.

“Quiet,” Spike shushed them, “We're almost at the rendezvous point.”

So the girls hushed up, as they walked over to a warehouse. Spike led them to a side door, where Spike knocked on it in a certain rhythm. The girls listened as there was a knock on the other side in the same rhythm. The guardians looked to Spike's entourage, as Saffron spoke, “Our little code of knowing it's us and the other.”

“Oh.” they replied.

Soon the door opened, and they stepped inside, closing the door behind them. The group saw standing before them was a guy slightly older than them with brown hair and a touch of purple. His attire was black pants, dress shoes, and a red jacket.

“Spike.” he greeted.

“Capper.” Spike replied, as the two approached and did a handshake, “Glad you managed to get your way into Tirek's operations.”

“Goodness it wasn't easy, but I just had to give that old Capper charm, and boom I'm in.”

Spike smiled and spoke to the guardians, “Girls, this is Capper. Our inside man.”

“Charmed and delighted.” he did a bow.

“Likewise.” Rarity replied, while giving Spike an assuring smile making him relieved she wasn't falling for another guy like she used to do.

“Capper, you're certain you'll be able to get us into Tirek's HQ?” Twilight inquired.

“As certain as anyone can be. See this truck?” Capper motioned to a delivery truck, “I'm meant to deliver these goods to the base, and you'll all be hitching a ride with it.”

“But what if someone spots us while checking the goods? Fluttershy asked in worry.

“They won't. For I made a special compartment underneath the goods for you all to hide in.”

“Will it fit all of us?” Fleur inquired while motioning to the whole group.

“Well, it might be a tight squeeze, but I think you'll be all right.” Capper said.

“If you say so, Capper.” Moondancer replied.

“You all better get in now. I got to pick up the goods soon.” Capper instructed.

“Right.” Spike replied, as Capper showed them into the back of the truck.

Capper opened the compartment, as they all slid down into it. When Gabby was the last one in, the inside man spoke, “You all good?”

Spike who was crowded between Twilight and Fleur, specifically his head between their breasts answered, “A little tight, but we'll be fine.”

“Good. Now remember don't make a sound.”

Everyone turned to Pinkie, who frowned, “You know I got this feeling you all think I can't keep quiet.”

“Nothing personal, darling, but you do have a habit to be loud and excited.” Rarity answered while trying not to be mean about it.

“Eh, fair enough.” Pinkie admitted.

“Alright, here we go.” Capper closed the lid.

“Jeez it's dark in here.” Rainbow said.

“How about some light?” Spike asked, as they got out their phones and set the light on. They slid their phones together making it one big light for them inside the compartment.

They heard the truck started and soon it began to move. Spike and the girls kept still inside, as the truck moved along the streets of the city before eventually stopping and heard Capper call out to someone.

“Just load the goods in the back, and be careful with it. I don't want the boss chewing my head off if something happens to them!”

“Yeah-yeah, I know.” they heard obviously coming from the one loading the goods.

The group listened, as the goods were being placed above the compartment they were hiding in. They made sure to keep it down, until the goods were all finished being loaded in.

“Alright, that's the last one!”

“Thanks again!” Capper called, as he started the truck and drove off again.

Spike whispered to the girls, “Alright, the goods are in place.”

“Next we're going into Tirek's HQ.” Fleur whispered.

“Alright, everybody. This is what we've been waiting for.” Twilight finished as they all braced themselves knowing there was no turning back.

Bringing Down Tirek

Spike and the girls remained hidden in the secret compartment in the truck Capper was driving that was hauling goods to Tirek's HQ. They could feel the road below as they were rolling over it.

“I wish he wasn't driving over so many bumps.” Rarity whispered irritated.

“Can't be helped, Rarity.” Applejack whispered back.

“How much further?” Fluttershy whispered.

“Hopefully not too long.” Spike replied keeping it quiet.

Meanwhile Capper was driving the truck through the city before going up to a gate. He reached out and called to the one managing the entrance, “Yo! Capper here, making a delivery!” He waited until the guard opened the gate, “Thank you!” He drove past the gate and continued onward. He parked the truck into the docking area, as men were collecting the goods.

Spike and the girls listened as the workers were taking the goods but knew not to act until Capper gave them the ok. They were getting anxious, until they heard a knocking sound on the door above them. They saw it open and Capper popped his head in.

“Alright, coast is clear for now.”

The group sighed in relief, as they climbed out of the compartment and looked out from the back of the open truck seeing it was clear.

“Thanks, Capper, we really appreciate this.” Twilight said gratefully.

“No trouble at all.” he replied.

“I suggest you get out of here asap,” Spike suggested, “Things are gonna get crazy here.”

“No need to tell me that. Good luck.” Capper said, as the group got off the truck and started sneaking through the building while he got in his truck and headed off.

Spike and the girls snuck through the halls making sure to keep hidden before stopping around a corner seeing guards were on patrol.

“What do we do?” Gabby asked.

“I got this,” Rainbow offered, as she crept closer and started shadowing behind one of the guards as he was pacing. When the two guards turned around, Rainbow quickly moved behind so they wouldn't turn around to see her. But as they started going down the hallway, she stomped the floor, “Knock-knock!”

The two goons turned and saw Rainbow, they tried to attack her, but she zipped around the two at fast pace making them dizzy before round house kicking them to the floor knocking them out.

The others rushed over, “You got them, Rainbow.” Pinkie smiled.

“That was too easy.” Rainbow boasted.

“Exactly.” Twilight agreed.

“Guarantee worse goons will be up ahead.” Spike added.

“So let's move but keep your guards up.” Fleur instructed, as they pressed on.

They peek inside another room seeing no sign of anybody. They opened the doors and stepped inside seeing it was a factory portion of the HQ with machines and conveyor belts around.

They looked around in concern, “This doesn't make any sense.” Wallflower began.

“Yeah, shouldn't there have been more guards here?” Applejack agreed.

“Maybe Tirek gave them the day off, save for those two back there.” Pinkie said.

“Not likely.” Twilight replied, “Something's up here.”

“You think they might be onto us?” Fluttershy feared.

Before anyone could answer, they were suddenly surrounded by dozens of guards armed with blasters.

“I'd say that's a yes.” Sunset answered.

They looked to see some of the guards stepped aside as someone approached. He was a tall broad shouldered man with white hair in a short ponytail, and two gray bits of hair sticking up to make it look like he had little horns. He wore a black business suit and tie, with a red dress shirt.

“It's him!” Gabby cried.

“Tirek!” Spike frowned.

“Welcome, my guests,” Tirek began pleasantly, “So nice of you to join us.”

“Did they know we were coming?” Applejack asked the group.

“But how?” Saffron asked.

“I have eyes and ears all over this city,” Tirek explained, “When they informed me of some cloaked newcomers I had to be prepared in case they weren't just passing by. And my gut was right. Though I never anticipated it was the Guardians of Harmony, and some other people.”

“Some other people?” Rara asked feeling insulted.

“We're here to bring you down, Tirek.” Twilight warned him.

Tirek just laughed, “Oh, that's rich!” he stopped to see they weren't laughing, “You're serious?”

“As a heart attack.” Pinkie assured him.

“Well, I commend you for bravery. Sadly that's all you'll get from me.”

Spike frowned, as he stepped forward, “Do not patronize any of us, you dick!”

“Hey!” some of the guards aimed their blasters at Spike making him back up to the girls.

“Such spirit.” Tirek smirked.

“We came all this way to put an end to your operations, and that's what we're going to do!” Fleur promised.

“Hard to do that when you're the ones at blaster point.” Tirek reminded her, as the goons kept their blasters aimed at them.

The girls and Spike remained still, as Spike looked around trying to figure a way out, until an idea came to him. He sneakily tapped a control on his phone.

Soon enough many heard the sound of something approaching, “What the?” one of them asked.

Bursting through the door was Spike's hoverboard that zipped past some of the guards throwing them off and surprising Tirek. As it flew by Spike, the young man mounted it and flew around using his gauntlet device to fire shots of ice and rock at some of the goons blasters jamming them.

With the goons taken by surprise and some of their weapons destroyed, the girls readied themselves, “Attack!” Twilight called.

“Get them!” Tirek ordered his goons.

The goons took off and attacked the girls. Some fought on the ground, while Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Gabby flew around attacking Tirek's goons that were flyers. Applejack and Rara were using their raw strength to fight some of the goons who while some were earthers didn't have as much strength compared to the girls tag team.

Applejack and Rara uppercut a single goon sending him flying and landing atop a piled of empty boxes.

“Nice one!” Applejack commended her.

“Right back at ya.” Rara replied.

Twilight and Moondancer were using a combination of magic blasts and shields, while Fleur moved through and used her sword to cut down some of her enemies while trying not to be too lethal with her strikes.

“Come here, hot stuff!” one mage goon tried to attack Fleur, only for Saffron to slide in and blew chili pepper dust in his face, “My eyes!” Saffron finished by sending a blast of magic at him knocking him out.

“Thanks, Saffron.” Fleur thanked her.

“Anytime.”

“Keep it up!” Twilight ordered.

Sunset was dodging some shots from some mage goons' magic, before firing back at them, “So much for a perfect sneak in.”

Pinkie bounced around while knocking some goons around, “Well, at least we made it in.” she grabbed one goon that tried to attack her and threw him over a conveyor belt.

Back above Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Gabby continued flying around dealing with the flyer goons. Rainbow flew around with Gabby, and spoke, “Come on, girls, keep it up!”

“Catch us if you can!” Gabby called to the flyer goons who were chasing her and Fluttershy.

Suddenly a bunch of trees grew from the ground sprung up from the ground courtesy of Wallflower and the vines from them ensnared the goons.

“Thanks, Wallflower!” Fluttershy called down below.

Wallflower smiled, only to get grazed across the shoulder by magic. She cried, as she clutched her shoulder before looking back at three mage goons confronting her.

“Wallflower!” Rara called, as she tried to get to her, but was getting blocked by more earther goons.

As the mages were going to attack Wallflower while she was down, Rarity slid in using her magic to shield the garden girl, “Don't worry, I got this!” she told Wallflower, before straining, “But some help would be nice!”

Spike flew in on his hoverboard with his sword drawn and swiped the mages down making them drop, “Ask and you shall receive!” he told Rarity.

“Thank goodness.” Rarity said in relief, as she checked Wallflower, “Nothing serious. Will you be alright?”

“I'm fine. Let's help them.” Wallflower said, as they rejoined the fight.

Tirek watched as his goons were getting demolished one way or another, until they were all taken down. When they were, Twilight spoke up to him as everyone gathered close to her, “It's all over Tirek, give yourself up now!”

Tirek grunted, “I have to do everything myself!” he threw off his jacket and shirt to reveal he wore a black muscle shirt underneath it all.

“Bring it on, d-bag!” Rainbow called before flying in and attacked Tirek.

The guy used his strength to block Rainbow's strikes, as he backed up a bit but still held his ground.

“Yeah, not so tough are ya desk sitter! Those muscles just for show?” Rainbow mocked him.

“Not at all, but I'll show you!” Tirek grabbed Rainbow by the arm and suddenly a magical aura surrounded the two as Rainbow cried in despair as she felt something was draining out of her and into Tirek.

“Rainbow Dash!” The group cried.

Suddenly the magic aura died down and Rainbow fell to the floor weakened. She was then kicked aside by Tirek as the group went to her, “Rainbow, what happened?” Twilight asked.

“Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked concerned.

“I don't know. My wings, they feel numb. I-I think I lost my flight.” Rainbow gasped in realization.

Tirek laughed, “That you did. I stole your flight!”

“But how?” Fluer asked in confusion.

“Ain't you an earther?” Applejack asked.

“You shouldn't be capable of that kind of spell.” Twilight noted.

“True I am an earther, but what I used to suck out her flight wasn't from mages magic, but with this.” he revealed he wore a medallion around his neck with a red gem inside.

“What's that thing?” Wallflower asked.

“A little item I picked up during my traveling and negotiations with fellow parties,” Tirek explained, “With this magical item I can absorb the strength of earthers, flight of flyers, and magic of mages.”

“What?!” they gasped.

“It's true. I lost count how many unfortunate victims I stole from, but now their abilities are mine. And the more I absorb the stronger I feel!”

“We got to get that medallion!” Twilight ordered.

“Come on!” Spike ordered, as they attacked Tirek, but the mobster using the stored up magic and strength housed in his medallion made him more than a match for each of them.

He punched through Rara and Applejack before grabbing them and absorbed their strength before tossing them at Rainbow Dash.

“Applejack!” Rarity called.

“Rara!” Spike cried.

Tirek used the power of the medallion to blast magic at Wallflower who tried to use trees to block him but to no avail. Pinkie bounced it trying to round house kick Tirek but he caught her leg and absorbed her strength along with Wallflower's.

After assimilating Wallflower's Tirek felt something, “Hmm, a little earther strength seasoned with some touch of magic.” he touched the ground making thorny vines emerge, “Oh, yes!” he sent the thorn vines to attack only for Spike and Fleur to cut through them using their swords.

Tirek managed to use the vines to catch Sunset, Gabby, Rarity, and Fluttershy dragging them over, “Let them go!” Saffron tried to attack only for Tirek to grab her and assimilate her magic, before assimilating the power out of the other four.

Tirek blasted at Moondancer who fought back, but saw Tirek utilizing the magic of the medallion allowed him to use flyer's ability to fly at her.

“Moondancer!” Fleur cried, as she jumped in to push her out of the way allowing Tirek to absorb her magic.

“Fleur!” Moondancer called, as Tirek tossed the powerless Fleur aside, and spoke to her.

“Her efforts were in vain.” he grabbed Moondancer and absorbed her magic too.

Spike and Twilight frowned, as the looked to each other and nodded, as they flew in and attacked Tirek together. Twilight using her magic blasts, and Spike unleashing fire magic, along with ice and rock shards.

“This power, I must have it!” Tirek shouted as he shot magic blasts at the two who dodged.

As Spike flew in on his hoverboard ready to cut Tirek down with his sword, Tirek himself grabbed the sword in his hand and threw it aside before grabbing Spike.

“Now let's see what you're packing!”

“Spike!” Twilight shouted as she flew in tackling Tirek causing him to release Spike.

As Spike fell to the ground he saw Tirek and Twilight on the ground with Tirek restraining her, “Twilight!”

“I'll take your celestial power first!” Tirek started assimilating Twilight's power out of her making her cry in pain.

When Twilight was drained, Tirek threw her over to the others who were still weakened from getting their powers drained.

“Ah, now that was delicious!” Tirek said, before looking at Spike who was frowning his way, “Now I'll have you!” he used magic to levitate Spike over and grabbed him by the head.

“Spike!” the girls cried, as Tirek tried using the medallions power on him.

Tirek waited but felt nothing getting transferred from Spike into himself, “No! Why isn't it working?!”

Spike gave him a smug look, “You can't absorb what I don't have, Tirek.”

“What? You mean, you have no magic?!”

“I don't. I'm not a mage-class. Not an earther. Not a flyer. And I sure am not a celestial.” Spike explained.

“But that fire, that ice, and earth!” Tirek recalled the attacks Spike used.

“All thanks to science and machinery,” Spike showed him his device, “And that medallion you have only absorbs magic from living beings. And since this is a tool. You can't absorb from it.”

Tirek growled, “If you have nothing to absorb than you're useless to me!”

“Useless? You know a lot of others thought that way about me too. Because I didn't have super strength, flight, or ability to use magic, they didn't think I'd make it in the world. But I trained and worked hard for years to show I don't need any of that. The speed and strength I used against your goons was all me. Through hard work and sweat I became more than what anyone ever thought I'd be.”

“Soon, you will be dead!” Tirek tried attacking Spike with magic blasts, only for the young man to jump high around the factory area.

The girls weak and powerless from the draining watched as Spike was dodging Tirek's attacks while firing magic shots of water, ice, thunder, and earth from his device in response.

“Spike can't keep that up forever.” Applejack said.

“We got to do something.” Gabby told them.

“But what can we do like this?” Rarity wondered.

Twilight looked at Spike who was dealing with Tirek on his own and remembered what he said about others in Canterlot City who always thought so little of him like she and the rest of her friends unintentionally did. And recalled those who badmouthed Spike after he left.

“There is something we can do.” Twilight said determined.

“What's that, Twilight?” Rara asked.

“We'll show everyone what Spike is capable of.”

“How?” Applejack asked.

“By broadcasting live feed,” Twilight said, as she reached into her bag and pulled out her laptop, “Moondancer help patch me in.”

“You got it!” Moondancer helped Twilight by patching into all broadcast waves using the laptop.

Twilight started up her live feed as she appeared on screen, “Attention everyone watching!”

Suddenly her video feed was being live streamed to just about every TV around the world, including on every computer and smartphone. Those in Canterlot City were especially surprised seeing Twilight appear on their screens.

“This is Twilight Sparkle, one of the Guardians of Harmony!”

At Shining and Cadence's place, the couple and their daughter saw her, “Twilight?” Shining asked.

“I'm here with my fellow Guardians of Harmony at the HQ of notorious mobster Tirek. Right not my friends and I have been drained of our magic by Tirek using a magical medallion that took away our abilities. But we're not alone here. Those of Canterlot City, do you remember I used to have an adopted brother named Spike?”

At the Sparkle residence, Velvet and Night Light watched and listened in concern, as did Celestia and Luna from where they lived.

“If you do then you know unlike everyone in the world, Spike was born without any ability from either class. And because of that he felt inferior compared to all of us, and what's worse none of us made him feel appreciated in any way! Whether we forgot about him, rejected him, or even ignored him, it only fueled his resentment towards so many of us! His resentment got so bad he up and left four years ago!”

Twilight's words reached out to ones such as Snips and Snails who knew it was their fault Spike was humiliated at their school dance four years ago. Even the former students who were watching looked guilty for unintentionally laughing at Spike because of the punch bowl accident with him. Sapphire Shores watched from her dressing room with Lockdown. Sapphire felt sad knowing that was true for Spike while Lockdown felt an enormous amount of shame for how he treated the boy by throwing him out of the party he was invited too. Even those who once badmouthed about Spike and got attacked by Twilight because of that realized they were grade A dicks about it.

“But no one is more responsible than me. I was his sister and I abandoned him when he needed me the most in his life. Because of me I lost one of the closest people in my life. He left determined to prove himself. To show us all he was not weak. And now I show you my former brother fighting Tirek to protect us with his life!”

The camera turned to show everyone Spike indeed fighting Tirek using his wits, his natural strength and speed to dodge Tirek's magic blasts and showing no signs of letting up or giving into defeat.

“Spike!” The Sparkle family, Celestia, Luna, and everyone gasped seeing him.

Applejack spoke to everyone through the camera, “And if'n you think this is all staged then you're all wrong. Because this is the honest to Faust truth the real deal. Our Spike is fighting to protect us using his own strength and skills, with a little help some a special tool a friend he made over the years made for him. But nevertheless it's his own skill with it that's kept him alive and strong over these last four years.”

Rainbow spoke to the watchers, “And I can say we are all without a doubt proud of him!”

“And we love him!” Pinkie shouted making everyone gasp in shock.

Among others watching the fight included Key Cross; the concierge from the hotel who looked proud of Spike. Potion Nova who smiled happily at Spike's courage. Even Capper was watching it on his phone from a safe distance from Tirek's HQ while looking very impressed.

As Spike and Tirek fought, he noticed what Twilight was doing, “What's going on over there?!”

Twilight looked back smirking, “Smile, Tirek! You're live!”

“What?!”

“We've been broadcasting live your fight with Spike and how you stole our energies.” Moondancer explained.

“Everyone's watching you get your ass handed to you by someone who doesn't have any special abilities like everyone in the world.” Rainbow put in.

“That includes other partners you work with.” Fleur smirked.

“No!” Tirek realized what that meant.

“You've become a laughingstock to them now, Tirek.” Sunset mocked.

“No chance they'll wanna work along side someone like you now.” Gabby put in.

Tirek growled seeing his reputation was being tarnished, “I shall destroy you all!” he was about to blast the girls with a powerful magic blast, only for Spike to snatch his sword up and jump off his hoverboard that flew right in hitting Tirek in the face.

With Tirek distorted, Spike jumped in and swung his sword. Tirek thought he moved his head out of the way, but the sword's blade managed to cut the medallion off from around his neck making it land across the floor.

Spike landed closer to the item, as Tirek realized what happened, “My medallion!”

Spike held his sword above the medallion, “Game over!” he stab the medallion with his sword breaking the gem.

“NOOOO!!!” Tirek shouted.

From the broken gem shot out many beams of light, several went to the girls and the guardians of harmony. Suddenly Rainbow, Gabby, and Fluttershy could fly again, Twilight, Moondancer, Fleur, Saffron, Sunset, and Rarity could use their magic again, and Applejack, Rara, Pinkie, and Wallflower felt their strength return, with Wallflower feeling her connection to plant-life again.

“Oh, yeah!” Rainbow cheered as she flew around.

Everyone suddenly watched as the gem from the medallion was in pieces and completely drained. They then saw Tirek started losing his muscles and build and started looking looking older, withered and wrinkly. He was so withered his clothes looked too big for him.

“What-what's happened to me?” Tirek asked in an old withered voice.

Spike spoke to him, “There's a saying, Tirek. The more you take the less you have. Because you've been taking and stealing the powers from others you neglected your own natural ability. And because you've lost all that you've taken you now have nothing left.”

“I'll kill you for this!” Tirek threatened, but given his withered state it wasn't intimidating anyone.

“Not happening.” Spike replied.

“Spike!” the girls cheered, as they ran over to Spike and embraced him.

“Are you ok?” Applejack asked.

“I'm fine. What about you girls?”

“Never better.” Saffron answered.

“So, you really meant it when you broadcast my fight with Tirek live?” Spike asked hopefully.

“We did,” Twilight confirmed, “Everyone saw you. They saw what you're capable of even without powers like everyone. You did what you wanted. You showed them all.” she said proudly.

Spike realizing that started smiling happily and embraced the girls closer, “I did it. I did it!”

“You sure did, darling.” Rarity answered happily.

Later thanks to the broadcast guards and authorities arrived in Centrack to apprehend Tirek and his flunkies. And all the other thieves and smugglers in the city cleared out knowing they were outnumbered and unarmed. As the cops and guards were putting the withered Tirek and his goons into squad vans, one of them spoke to the group.

“You Guardians of Harmony once again did us all a great service today.”

“No problem at all, officer.” Twilight answered humbly.

The officer looked to Fleur and the other girls, “And much thanks to you girls as well.”

“Our pleasure.” Fleur answered.

Then the officer turned to Spike and spoke proudly, “You did well, Mr. Spike. You did well.”

Spike smiled, “Thank you.”

And so the authorities after apprehending the criminals and clearing the place out of all its illegal goods took their leave.

“Well, mission's over.” Sunset noted.

“We should celebrate!” Pinkie jumped up cheering.

“Agreed,” Spike replied, “But we should do it back home.”

“Home?” Fluttershy asked.

“Home where?” Rainbow asked.

“Canterlot City of course." Spike answered like it was obvious.

“Spike, you really wanna come back to the city?” Rarity asked in disbelief.

“After all that's happened?” Fluttershy wondered.

“I left the city to make something of myself and prove to everyone I am more than capable of anything. And thanks to that broadcast they know it now. Besides I wanna see the Sparkles, Shining Armor, even Celestia, and Luna again.”

The girls smiled seeing he was finally willing to return to the city regardless of what happened to him in the past. Suddenly Twilight spoke up, “We can't go back to Canterlot city. Not just yet.”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked in confusion as the rest of the girls were just as curious.

“There's one last place we need to go.” Twilight smiled much to Spike's ever growing confusion.

Spike's Return

It was nighttime with Spike and all the girls standing outside an arch entrance with a sign hanging above it. The sign in question read Camp Everfree.

“Camp Everfree?” Spike asked in disbelief.

“Surprise!” Twilight said dramatically, “I know it's four years late, Spike. But you're finally here now.”

“Just as you should've been here with us years ago.” Applejack agreed.

“Twilight, I-I... Thank you!” Spike said throwing his arms around Twilight and kissing her.

“Come on, let's go!” Pinkie said, as they walked in.

Though the camp was closed off for the season, Twilight decided to be daring for Spike and break a rule just for him. So they entered the deserted campgrounds and started a fire at the pit where they began roasting marshmallows and making s'mores.

“This is relaxing.” Gabby said, as she kicked back.

“You said it, Gabby.” Rainbow agreed while kicking back as well.

“It certainly is peaceful out here.” Moondancer said admiring the serenity.

“Of course,” Rarity agreed, “Clear skies, and a blanket full of stars while being with your close friends. I can't imagine anything better. Well, maybe the spa.” the girls and Spike chuckled.

“While we've camped out before it's usually been in the wild.” Fleur noted.

“But being in a place like this is even better.” Rara admitted.

“It sure is.” Applejack agreed.

Twilight looked to Spike who was eating a s'more, “What do you think, Spike? I know this isn't exactly the same as the camping trip you should've been on years ago.”

“No. It's good,” Spike answered, “All that matters is I'm here with all of you. And that's more than I could've ever hoped for involving this.”

The girls smiled, as Fluttershy spoke, “And we're all glad to be here with you, Spike.”

Spike smiled at them, “Thanks, girls. I know we've all been through a lot these last four years. But I'm glad things worked out for us.”

“So are we, Spike.” Sunset replied.

“And this time, we're not making that mistake again.” Twilight assured him.

Spike smiled, as he held Twilight close, as the girls got closer to him as well while enjoying the warmth of the fire.

Later they entered one of the old cabins seeing the beds were all devoid of sheets and pillows, “Might not be a comfortable sleep with no sheets.” Applejack noted.

“Or pillows.” Wallflower added.

“Not to worry, darlings. I always come prepared.” Rarity assured them.

“That's Rarity, for ya.” Applejack joked while some of the girls chuckled.

“Har-har.” Rarity said sarcastically, “First of all, everyone move the beds together.”

Spike and the girls moved all the beds into the center close together, before Rarity reached into her pocket dimension bag and pulled out a big bed sheet and covers before putting them over the beds to make it look like it was one big bed. To top it off she reached into her bag and pulled out plenty of pillows for everyone.

“And voila!” Rarity declared.

“Good thinking, Rarity.” Fleur said amazed.

“This'll work.” Moondancer agreed.

“That way none of us has to sleep on the floor or alone.” Fluttershy put in.

“And best of all, no camp counselors to check in on us.” Pinkie smirked slyly.

“Or keep us from having a guy over.” Rainbow added in the same tone while motioning to Spike who blushed.

“Well, we all better get comfortable.” Rarity said, as the girls started to undress.

“Should I give you girls privacy?” Spike asked.

“No need, Spike.” Applejack answered.

“After all, we're all lovers with you.” Fleur reminded him.

“Right.” he replied.

Spike watched each of them undress while trying to keep his erection under control for the time being. Though he's seen Fleur and the rest of his party naked before as well as each of the other Guardians in this state as of late he still was enamored by their beauty like it was the first time seeing them this way.

When Spike saw Twilight he realized she was also getting naked like the rest. In the past seeing her naked was the last thing he'd ever want to see, but now that they were no longer siblings that didn't bother him anymore. When all the girls were in the buff they smiled sweetly at Spike knowing he was enjoying the show. But they made space as Twilight sheepishly walked up to Spike while blushing.

“So, Spike... How do I look?” Twilight asked while trying not to be bashful.

Spike who was containing his bashfulness himself answered her honestly, “You look beautiful, Twilight. As always.”

Twilight smiled with tears of joy before throwing her arms around Spike, “Thank you so much, Spike!”

Spike blushed feeling her bare rack press against him, but nevertheless hugged her back, “You're welcome.”

Rarity and the others approached Spike, as she spoke to him, “Now it's your turn.” And with that the girls began removing Spike's clothing piece by piece until he was naked with them.

Twilight looked Spike up and blushed, “Wow, Spike. I never thought I'd see you this way.”

“I feel the same about you.” Spike admitted, as Twilight hugged him again and they kissed.

“Come on, girls, and Spike. Let's get comfortable.” Fleur suggested, as they all piled on the big bed made up of individual ones feeling relieved all them pushed together made it look big enough to accommodate them all.

“The sheet you used sure is comfy, Rarity.” Wallflower said while getting comfy.

“Only the best, Wallflower.” Rarity replied.

“Alright enough chatting, let's enjoy some love.” Pinkie said, as she hugged Spike close and kissed him while rubbing her breasts against his chest.

“Hey, no fair getting a head start!” Gabby cried, as she threw herself against Spike kissing him as well.

“My turn!” Rarity called, as she kissed while while rubbing her body against him.

“One side girl!” Applejack said taking Rarity's place.

“Me too!” Rara said, as both she and Applejack made out with Spike making sure their bodies were arousing him.

Spike didn't protest and enjoyed as the girls continued to throw themselves at Spike to make love to him.

“Girls, I love you all.”

“We love you too, Spike!” they replied.

“Come here!” Spike said seductively, as he launched at them burying his face into Fleur's boobs while groping a breast each from Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer.

“Oh, Spike!” Fleur moaned, as Spike motorboat her.

“That feels good!” Sunset moaned.

“It's awesome!” Rainbow moaned with them.

As Spike indulged himself with those three, Moondancer, Twilight, and Rarity went to his crotch where they started feeling up his dick to keep it hard for them.

“Wow, I can't believe Spike's this mature down here.” Twilight marveled.

“First time we did it, even I was surprised.” Moondancer explained.

“As was I.” Rarity recalled.

The three alternated between licking it, kissing it, and sucking on it while enjoying the sounds of Spike moaning as he was preoccupied with Fleur, Sunset, and Rainbow, as the others started joining in making Spike grope each of them, along with sucking on their breasts. Outside the cabin the sounds of moaning from everyone could be heard along with the sounds of bed rocking.

Some time later, Spike and the girls laid on the big bed close together with Spike resting his head into Twilight's boobs.

“Spike, you were amazing.” Twilight said hugging him close.

“You were great too, Twilight. You all were.” the girls smiled at Spike's words, until Spike noticed a dismal look on Twilight's face, “What's wrong?”

“Just thinking, Spike. When Tirek drained my magic I felt so weak after that. I felt exactly the way I always made you feel.” she explained, as the rest of the guardians shared her feelings.

“Yeah. Not being able to fly didn't feel awesome at all.” Rainbow sighed.

“And not having my strength made me feel lousy too.” Applejack added.

“We now see exactly what you had to put up with all that time, Spike.” Rarity said knowingly.

“Girls, I know you feel like crap remembering how you used to make me feel. But we moved on. I forgave you when you realized your mistake. Let's forget about that part of the past and live in the present.” Spike told them.

The girls feeling better smiled and embraced Spike making sure to cuddle closer to him, “Thank you so much, Spike.” Twilight said with a sniffle.

“We really appreciate it, sugarcube.” Applejack added gratefully.

“And from now on, there's no more neglecting or leaving out.” Pinkie promised.

“You're stuck with us for life now.” Rainbow added.

“As are the rest of you girls.” Rarity told Fleur and the others who felt happy.

“We're all one real big happy family.” Fluttershy said smiling.

“That we are.” Sunset agreed.

Spike nodded, “That we are indeed.” he agreed as the girls all fell asleep with him.

And so, Spike and the girls returned to Canterlot City where Spike finally got to reunite with his former parents and yet still saw them as important people in his life.

Twilight and Spike were greeted by Velvet, Night Light, Shining, Cadence, and Flurry who were ecstatic to see Spike again. But the biggest surprise was when they saw Spike and Twilight holding hands hinting their new relationship to them leaving them all excited.

Because of their combined teamwork and bravery, they were all commended on a job well done. Especially Spike.

The whole group stood before the mayor on stage dressed nicely, including Spike who was wearing a new suit in his size to replace the one that was ruined at their dance years ago. Mayor Mare awarded each of the girls with a medal of honor, including Fleur, Moondancer, and the rest. When she awarded one to Spike, the young man looked at it and smiled seeing he finally got something important on his own and not out of pity.

With the help of Celestia and Luna, Spike and his traveling party were set up in their own place in the city. Where Spike was offered work as a guard while keeping his adventurer status open when he would be sent outside the city to deal with other matters. While the rest of Spike's party would join him on his work outside the city they also found other lines of work in the meantime. Fleur would train new guards under Celestia and Luna's order, Wallflower worked at the city's greenhouse, Saffron worked as a cook at a local cafe until she would save up enough to open her own branch of her family cafe, Gabby was hired as a mail delivery girl and the people there appreciated her hard work more than the last place she worked at. Moondancer served as a magical and technology researcher under Celestia and Luna coming up with new projects, and Rara became a regular entertainer at one of the city's night clubs.

Twilight and the other guardians were helping Spike, Fleur, and the others move into their new place making sure it felt homey to each of them. It helped Spike got some of his things from his old bedroom at the Sparkle residence like his comic books, music, and his anime figures and DVDs. And through a seven-way split screen showed Spike and the girls enjoying their new line of work.

Those who previously gave Spike grief or made him feel bad for one reason or another finally made amends with him.

At a party Spike was congratulated and commended by the former students who attended CHS that laughed at his misfortune at the dance truly had the chance to apologize and this time Spike was willing to listen to them. When Spike saw Snips and Snails approach him he was unsure, until the two who were holding cups of punch poured them over each other willingly. This in turn got Spike and everyone else laughing at the two jokers. When Sapphire Shores returned to the city for a concert, Spike finally got to join backstage for an after party with the girls. As he and Rara were sitting next to Sapphire who was speaking with Rara about tips and such when performing, Lockdown approached Spike holding a tray out with a drink for him. Spike smiled and took the drink before dismissing Lockdown who went back to standby until Spike needed him.

And Spike as promised was no longer left out on anything fun Twilight and the girls planned for. He and the rest of his ladies were always invited along with Spike finally enjoying himself and living it up like how he always wanted to with Twilight and the others.

Spike was at Equestria Land with all the girls and Twilight wasn't being as much a busybody as she was when they went as teens. Then during Spring time they got to enjoy themselves on a yacht cruise like before. The girls were all performing for a music video they were making there, with Spike getting his own rap number in it while dressed in black sneakers, purple shorts, an open black vest. Shades, and a backwards purple cap. He posed with the girls as their video stopped recording and the rest of the people on the yacht applauded their performance.

So Spike finally got the recognition he always wanted from not only those in Canterlot City, but from Twilight and his friends as well. And thanks to the recording of his fight with Tirek, everyone in the world knew despite not having the abilities of any of the three tribes in the world, he was just as capable of anything as they were. Spike was now content with his life because he finally had it all and he wouldn't trade it in for anything.

Author's Note

And that's the end of this story. I know this one provoked a lot of mixed reactions out of a lot of you leading to butting heads with each other about who was in the right and who was wrong. But regardless it all worked out. Especially since this was my first time writing a dramatic harem story such as this.

Show some Kindness

When the sun rose and shined through the forest trees above the campsite where Spike, his girls, and the Guardians of Harmony made camp. The girls were in their own tents along with Spike for their own privacy. In Spike's tent, the young man yawned, as the sounds of birds chirping woke him up.

Spike sat up and stretched his arms up, “What a night.” as he put his arms down his hands ended up grabbing something soft. He looked down and saw laying at both sides of him was Rarity and Fleur who were both naked and still asleep, and his hands were on each of their breasts.

'What're they... Oh, right.' Spike thought as he remembered last night.

When it was time for everyone to turn in, Spike had entered his tent ready to get some shut eye. At least he was until both Rarity and Fleur snuck into his tent pleading him not to alert everyone else. Spike deciding to hear them out, especially Rarity now that he was on good terms with her. Both she and Fleur decided on sneaking in to see him together, and Rarity told Spike that the only other way to truly show Spike how much she means to him was to be her first. This of course surprised Spike having thought she of all girls would've lost her virginity, but after remembering her mentioning any other guy she was following his departure years ago were never truly romantically involved with her saw the logic in her claim.

Spike despite feeling how fast they were moving along suddenly regained the feelings he had for Rarity from before and was interested in finally getting a chance to get this close to her. When he agreed she surprised him with a kiss to his lips. That alone was enough to increase Spike's happiness knowing he finally got a real kiss from her instead of her usual happy cheek kisses. And one thing led to another with her and Fleur until eventually the three passed out from their lovemaking.

The young man smiled to himself and thought, 'I actually took Rarity's virginity. After all this time no matter who she flirted and dated with excluding me, I finally got that honor.'

After removing his hands from their racks, he nudged the two awake, “Rise and shine, girls.”

The two moaned, before waking up, “Morning already?” Fleur asked with a yawn.

“Uh-huh.” he answered.

“Well, it was a very good sleep.” Rarity admitted.

“Yeah,” Spike agreed, “But you two should get back to your tents. I don't want anyone to walk in on us.”

“Fair enough.” Fleur said, before wrapping herself up and slipped out of the tent.

When Rarity wrapped herself up, she was about to leave the tent but stopped and looked back at Spike, “Spike?”

“Yeah?”

“If or when the others try to talk to you as well, try and go easy on them? They feel just as guilty as I did. Especially Twilight.”

Spike was silent for a moment before answering, “I'll try. For you.” Rarity smiled, and left the tent to return to hers. When he was alone he sighed to himself, 'So the others are going to try to apologize as well? Well, I may as well hear them out when they do. But I won't make it so I give in that easily.'

When everyone was up they packed their camp and pressed on. After exiting the forest they followed a trail down the road, before Rainbow who was flying above them looked into the distance.

“Looks like there's a city up ahead!”

Twilight checked the map on her phone, “It's called Vallas City. And I would suggest we stop there and resupply our provisions and such.”

“I agree with Twilight.” Moondancer agreed.

“Any objections?” Twilight asked, as the girls voiced no objection, until she looked to Spike, “Spike?”

Spike looked at everyone who awaited his answer, before he said, “We can resupply there.” the girls smiled seeing they had a unanimous decision.

They continued down the road before entering the city. They looked around seeing it was a busy place with people coming and going to wherever.

Applejack whistled, “This place reminds me of home.”

“Got that right.” Rainbow agreed.

“So what do we do?” Wallflower asked around.

“We should split up and rendezvous somewhere later.” Twilight suggested.

“I can handle rendezvous.” Spike spoke up.

“You, Spike?” Pinkie asked.

“I know places here.”

“You mean you've been here before?” Sunset asked.

“This and so many other places.” Spike replied.

“Well, ok,” Twilight replied, “So who goes with who?”

Before any of the girls could answer, Spike beat them to it, “Gabby and Fluttershy are with me.”

The girls were surprised, as Fluttershy blushed, and asked, “Spike?”

The young man looked to the shy girl and raised a brow, “Is there a problem with that?”

“Oh, no. No problem.” Fluttershy shook her head.

“Well, ok then. Let's go.” Spike motioned her and Gabby to follow.

As Gabby followed Spike, Fluttershy looked to her friends blushing, while Rarity motioned her to follow Spike. So Fluttershy hurried after Spike and Gabby, leaving the others to themselves.

“Why'd he pick Fluttershy of all of us?” Rainbow asked sounding jealous.

“Yeah, I would've thought he'd pick you, Rarity.” Applejack motioned to said girl.

“I already had my redemption with Spike. So it looks like he wants to start on his own with Fluttershy.” the fashionable girl said.

Twilight looking hurt, answered, “Well, if that's what he wants,” the girls looked at Twilight before she brushed it off, “Come on. We should resupply our own stocks.” And so the girls broke off into smaller groups.

Later Spike, Gabby, and Fluttershy were going through the city buying whatever they needed for their travels. As Spike was currently in another shop by himself, Fluttershy sat with Gabby outside on a bench.

Fluttershy having been silent for a bit decided to strike up a conversation, “So, Gabby?”

The girl turned to her, “Yes, Fluttershy?”

“I was wondering, how did you end up traveling with Spike and the other girls?”

“Oh. Well, I actually joined Spike before Fleur, Moondancer, and the others.” she answered.

“Really?” Fluttershy asked surprised, “So you were the first one Spike met before he left.”

“That's right.” Gabby confirmed, as she began to tell her tale.

“Before Spike, I was just a delivery girl in a small town who loved to spread a little sunshine on my rounds. One day A couple years back I was happily minding my own business a little too much I ended up bumping into somebody who would change my life forever.”

“Spike.” Fluttershy called it.

“Yes. I felt embarrassed having bumped into him, but to my surprise he didn't seem bothered by it. In fact he helped me collect any of the letters I dropped. Naturally I kept on doing my job until I returned back to the post office. There I awaited the biggest slap in the face of my life.”

“What happened?”

“I got let go.”

“What?”

“Yeah. Turns out the boss cut me loose calling me overqualified. I pleaded with him to reconsider, but he wouldn't.”

“That's terrible.” the timid girl gasped.

“Yeah. And even worse I was actually living above the post office. So once I was let go I was kicked out.”

“So what'd you do?”

“I cleared out and left. I didn't have anybody else to turn to, so I figured I was going to have to live on the streets until my number was up. And then I met Spike again. He showed concern about why I looked sad. I tried to brush it off as nothing but he insisted on telling him. Saying he saw the look on my face before, every time he looked in a mirror.”

“Spike.” Fluttershy said sadly.

“So I told him what happened, and even he was outraged over the unjust treatment over me.”

“I can believe it.”

“So he started talking to me about how unfair life can be, and when he told me about how his life was I suddenly felt like my problems weren't as bad. I mean so what if he can't do what me and everyone else in the world can do. That doesn't mean he's helpless or incapable of anything. Then Spike offered me a chance to start a new, by asking me to join him on his travel. I didn't wanna continue living in the town after being let go and without a place to stay I felt it would be best to travel rather than be homeless in one place. So I agreed. I began traveling with Spike while learning new skills along side him. Eventually we became traveling adventurers taking up jobs to earn money. And so you get it.” Gabby finished.

“Goodness. Seems like the both of you were lucky to run into each other.” Fluttershy said.

“I know,” Gabby smiled, “If it wasn't for him. I don't know where I'd be by now.”

Fluttershy smiled but sighed, “If only I could've been there for him more.”

Gabby put a hand on her shoulder in comfort, “Hey, you have a chance to make things right. Why else would Spike ask you out of all your friends to join me and him?”

Fluttershy pondered and knew Gabby was right. This was her chance to talk to Spike and let him know how bad she felt all those years ago for not being there for him.

When Spike stepped out of the shop with a bag in hand he spoke to the two, “I got what I needed. Shall we go?” The two nodded and pressed on.

The three had made their way to an outdoor cafe's terrace, where Spike took the time to look out into the city. As he relaxed and enjoyed the view, Fluttershy spoke up “Spike?”

Spike looked back seeing the timid girl with Gabby close by, “Yes, Fluttershy?”

“Can we talk?” she asked nervously.

Spike looked to Gabby who nodded. He looked to Fluttershy ans answered, “Ok.”

Fluttershy went over and leaned on the railing of the terrace looking out into the city, “It is a beautiful city.”

“It sure is.” Spike agreed.

“So you really have been to this city before, and others?”

“I have.” he confirmed.

“You really have been traveling since you left.” Fluttershy said impressed.

“I had four years of free time. I made the most of it all.”

“Oh, Spike. I can't imagine how bad it felt for you not being able to see more of the world compared to me and the others.” Fluttershy expressed her sorrow.

Spike just looked down and shook his head, “I get the point that the world was a dangerous place, but honestly no place is perfect. Not even the city I spent most of my life in. But there was so much I wanted to see out there. Places only you, Twilight, and the rest of your friends got to enjoy. Hope Hollow, Daring Do Con, a yacht cruise, Camp Everfree, and so much more. But no. The only places I ever got to see outside that mission I joined you girls on was Canterlot, and the Crystal City. That's about it.”

Fluttershy sighed, “I know. You didn't deserve to be sheltered like that. You deserved to see the world as much as anybody, especially us.”

Spike turned to her, “Where was this support four years ago?”

“Spike.” Fluttershy said knowing this was inevitable.

“You're supposed to be the kindest of all Twilight's friends. You were kind to anybody, even to those who didn't deserve it. So where was that when I needed it the most? You who didn't even say anything when Twilight called me a nuisance and everyone else agreed with her. I expected more compassion out of you, but you showed you were no different.”

“That's not true!” Fluttershy cried, “Yes, I know I didn't say anything back then. I just felt afraid if I said different. But really I didn't think it was fair Twilight said that to you or the girls agreeing with her. When we left on that mission I looked back watching you leave angry and bitter and it made me feel guilty for not saying anything right then and there. When we stopped that night I told Twilight about how bad you looked when we left. And when she said she'd talk to you when we got back I convinced her to instead of just talking to you to give you an apology for what she said.”

Spike looked at her, “Did you also tell her to give it to me mixed with condescending? Because that felt more like a condescending lecture than an actual apology.”

“I didn't tell her to do that. I swear!”

“Well, I guess when it comes to an apology to me she just has to still put in condescending words just to make me feel like I was being asinine in wanting to join you all.” Spike scoffed.

“And that was unfair to you,” Fluttershy noted, “But really I did feel bad for you whenever anyone made jokes about you that hurt your feelings, but when asked if it was funny I just couldn't bring myself to voice my own opinion.”

“Yeah, I get it. You're shy and you don't handle pressure too well.” Spike crossed his arms.

“I know it's still no excuse, but believe me I regret every time Twilight or any of the girls said something uncalled for to you and I didn't speak up. I even wanted to make it up to you on several occasions.”

“And how?” he inquired.

“One time I planned to bring you to the animal shelter and help you pick out a pet.”

“Wait, you were?” Spike asked surprised.

“Yes. I know how lonely you'd be at home when Twilight goes to school, and when your par... I mean Twilight's parents had to work. I thought if you had your own pet you'd have something around the house to keep you company. And you could've joined us on our pet play dates with all our pets.”

“So then why didn't you?” he wondered.

“When I tried to run it by Twilight she said it was out of the question.” she answered.

“And why?” Spike asked squinting hearing Twilight stood in his way again.

“Well, don't get angry, but Twilight told me she felt that you weren't responsible enough to have a pet of your own back then.”

Spike grunted, “Of course she said that. And you just put the idea out of your head like that?”

“Twilight was very insistent on what she said.” Fluttershy trembled.

“Well, that's just great. Once again I was denied something that could've helped me, but my supposed sister didn't think I could handle it without even discussing it with her parents on what they thought. Once again she underestimated me!”

“Spike, calm down.” Fluttershy tried to ease him.

“How can I calm down?” Spike asked rhetorically, “I just found out Twilight kept me from having a pet of my own when I was still living with her, and you just went along with her instead of arguing why I should have one?”

Fluttershy whimpered knowing Spike was right, “You're right. I am at fault. I should've been more assertive when it came to your feelings and others treatment towards you. And I should've been more aware of you the last couple times before you left. I know I can't change what happened, Spike. But after you left I really changed. I'm not so shy anymore I'd ignore others when some try to make me feel like they're right about stuff! Every night since you left I kept putting myself down crying over how I failed you. I said you were our friend, but I never treated you like one for real. But I'm here now, Spike. And I want to extend the kindness I should've shown you years ago. If you'll just give me the chance at least.”

Spike looked at Fluttershy seeing how sad she looked. Even though that look on her was normal whenever she was sad or frightened about something, seeing her like this now clutched at his heart and he didn't wanna see her like this even with the negative feelings he felt about how she wasn't there for him before. And even though he was bitter that she didn't do more, hearing that she tried to do something for him before in the past but was prevented by outside parties put him a bit at ease knowing she did care enough to try before the camp invite debacle.

Suddenly Fluttershy was taken by surprise when Spike embraced her and she heard sniffling coming from him, “Don't cry in front of me, Fluttershy. That only makes me cry.”

Fluttershy hugged Spike in return, “I don't want you feeling sad, Spike. I'm sorry.”

“Me too.” Spike answered, as the two hugged and cried away as Gabby watched smiling seeing them getting close again.

Later on, Spike sent a text to his girls who informed the Guardians they were with of where to meet up. Soon they were standing outside a hotel, as Spike showed them in.

“Whoa! You got us a room here, Spike?” Rainbow asked in shock.

“This must cost a fortune.” Sunset marveled.

“Not when you know people like I do,” Spike replied, as they went to the counter and spoke to the concierge, “Key Cross, good to see you.”

“Spike, wonderful to see you and your friends again. Oh, and you're with the Guardians of Harmony no less.” the concierge known as Key Cross noticed.

“We're traveling through and we could use a room for the night. I wanna cash in that favor you owe me.” Spike explained.

“Of course. We have a free room big enough to accommodate you all. Free of charge.”

“Whoa, free?!” Pinkie gasped.

“How did you manage to get a favor like that?” Rarity asked in shock.

“Me and the girls helped the workers here when some gang tried to rob it. As thanks they gave us a favor to use when we'd visit. And now I'm using that favor to get us into a good room.” Spike told her.

“Well, we're grateful for this, Spike.” Twilight told him.

“Right.” he replied, as Key Cross handed Spike a room key card.

Later, Spike and the girls went up to one of the top floors before standing outside a room. Spike used the key card to let them in, and upon entering the whole room was luxurious and big enough for them all.

“Wowie!” Pinkie gasped.

“How wonderful!” Rarity marveled.

“So awesome!” Rainbow cheered.

“Indeed so.” Fleur agreed.

“This is much better than camping out all the time.” Moondancer said.

“Thank you again for this, Spike.” Fluttershy told the young man gratefully.

“Hey, forget it.” he replied, as they all settled in.

As Spike left for his room, Fluttershy and Gabby were alone with the girls, as Twilight asked, “So, how was Spike?”

“Well, I talked to him, and he was bitter about how I never openly showed him the same amount of kindness as I would show others. But I assured him deep down I always cared. Like I told him I convinced you to give him an apology, Twilight that time you said he couldn't come on that mission of ours. Though he didn't see it as much of an apology because you made it more like a condescending lecture.”

Twilight groaned knowing this isn't doing her rep any better, “What else?”

“And I sort of told him about how I planned to help him choose a pet but brought up you talked me out of it claiming he wasn't responsible enough back then.” Fluttershy said sheepishly making Twilight's head drop.

“Hey, don't worry, Twilight. Just let us work with Spike until he feels comfortable enough to talk to you.” Applejack comforted Twilight.

“Yeah. He just needs time to get through all everyone else.” Gabby said.

“Fair enough,” Twilight sighed, “But next time the rest of you try not to make me look even worse than I already am to him?”

“We'll try.” Pinkie said.

“But it won't be easy.” Rainbow pointed out.

“Right.” Twilight sighed.

That night while everyone was in their own rooms in the suite, Spike was in his own sleeping until he heard his door creek. He looked over seeing Gabby and Fluttershy slipping in.

“Spike.” they whispered.

“Gabby? Fluttershy? What're you two doing in here?” he asked quietly.

“Sorry, Spike, but it's a little too dark for me to be alone in. So could I possibly sleep with you?” Fluttershy asked.

“And me?” Gabby pleaded.

Spike who was too tired to argue answered, “Ok.”

Fluttershy smiled, “Thank you.”

Both she and Gabby climbed into bed with Spike sleeping on either side with Fluttershy facing him, and Gabby behind him.

“Hey, Spike?” Fluttershy asked.

“Huh?”

Fluttershy surprised Spike by pecking his lips making him blush. The girls smiled sweetly at him while blushing as well, “Thank you, for talking to me today. And I hope we continue to as we travel.”

Spike still stunned by Fluttershy's gesture couldn't help but smile, “Me too.” Fluttershy snuggled closer to Spike as did Gabby not wanting to be further from him.