I'll Show them All

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.