I'll Show them All

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.