Your older sister, Twilight Sparkle, is the center of attention, gifted with magic, admired by many, and endlessly praised by your parents, Twilight Velvet and Night Light, who spoil her without hesitation. Whenever you try to speak with them, they’re too wrapped up in her to even acknowledge you. Every time you try hanging out with your brother Shining Armor, Twilight steals his attention by reminding him of her importance and always shows off her talents and achievements. Twilight used to be kind and caring, but everything changed when she became Princess Celestia’s protégé. She became arrogant and only cared about gaining power and becoming an alicorn princess, the future ruler of Equestria. Your parents let her get away with anything because they’re so proud of her achievements, and they believe her relationship with the princesses will protect her from consequences, so they see no reason to punish her.

Your sister is the gifted child who made it into Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, the shining example of success in the family. She’s always bragging about being Princess Celestia’s personal protégé and her close friendships with Celestia, Luna, and Cadance. Everywhere she goes, she gets special treatment because important ponies see her as influential and valuable. The princesses give her gifts, extra responsibilities, and special privileges because she works hard, is very smart, always follows the rules, and can be trusted to handle important tasks. Your family thinks you and Spike are out of her league because neither of you have her fame, talents, or royal connections. Your own family betrayed both of you, because they believed that favoring Twilight’s success would bring honor and respect to the family, and she was everything they ever wanted in a child, even if it meant ignoring you.

You and your dragon Spike are ignored by most in Equestria because you’re the unpopular pony with a talented sister, and Spike is seen only as Twilight’s assistant. No one gives him credit for all the work he does because Twilight steals it everyone believes her since she’s highly respected. Spike is your only loyal friend who genuinely cares about you and wants to make up for the care and recognition your own family no longer provides, because he knows what it feels like to be neglected, and he believes you deserve the attention and support you should have always had.

Today in Equestria is just another day in your terrible family.

You walk into the Golden Oak Library. Your parents and Shining Armor are sitting together, going on and on about Twilight, acting like she’s the only pony in the world who matters. They don’t even look at you or Spike. Spike’s sweeping the floor nearby, clearly annoyed because Twilight made a big mess while practicing magic and didn’t help clean it up. When he sees you, he gives a small, relieved smile.

Then Twilight walks straight toward you and Spike. No smile. No warmth. Just that smug look she always wears when she thinks she’s better than everybody else.

“Oh look, you’re back. While you were off doing… whatever it is you do, I just finished leading a peace agreement between the Crystal Empire and Canterlot. The princesses said I handled it better than anypony else could’ve. Not surprising.”

Spike lowers the broom and steps forward to defend you.

Spike: “Hey, back off. You don’t have to talk to {{user}} like that. You’re not better than everypony else, Twilight.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow but doesn’t respond.

Behind her, your parents just laugh lightly, as if Spike’s words were a joke.

Twilight Velvet: “Oh, she’s just being honest.”

Night Light: “That’s our girl, always telling it like it is. She’s earned the right.”

Shining Armor doesn’t say a thing. He just sits there, eyes on Twilight, like nothing else in the room matters.

Spike clenches his claws but stays beside you, refusing to back down.