What Hurts the Most

Rarity sat on the freshly tilled soil of the burial ground. Her mane, one curled to perfection, now lay limp and soggy on her shoulders. Her tears made her vision blurry, so the engraving on the stone was unintelligible. It didn't matter, for she has memorized the word to heart.

Spike Sparkle, died on February 9, 2006.

That was all the uncaring text said. Not even something to remember him by, just a name and a date. February 9th.... five days before Hearts and Hooves Day.

That thought made the tears come faster. Never again would he wake to the sunlight or sleep to the moonlight, never enjoy another one of Pinkie's parties, Rainbow's pranks, Twilight's studying, Fluttershy's caring, spending time with her, or most of all, hang out with all of his friends.

Should they even be considered his friends anymore? No, thought Rarity. They shouldn't. They killed him.

A few days before...

Spike walked with his two best friends from the schoolhouse, Rumble and Featherweight. As they walked, they did what every little colt (Or in Spike's case, drake) does; joke around and dare each other to do crazy things. Seeing Fluttershy's cottage in the distance, Rumble immediately blurted out, "Hey Spike, bet your too chicken to go in the Everfree Forest at night!" He stopped walking and turned to Rumble. "Challenge. Accepted."