Author's Note
I no longer fear the power of man. It means nothing when compared to the healing properties of time.
Mind and Spirit
Spike listened closely as the grass swayed along with the breeze. The sun cast its warmth over him, bringing a deep sense of peace and understanding. Every molecule in his body connected itself to the waves of nature, moving him forward into the future with no physical change. He thought about his earliest memory - the day of his fifth birthday. It was a modest celebration between himself, Twilight, Shining, and their parents. There was cake, but no gifts. His reasoning for that was simple: he didn't need more than he already had. Even at such a young age, he knew the value of the love of those around him. Their companionship was the only thing that would matter when he was gone...
"I do not fear death..."
When Spike first repeated this mantra to himself, he wasn't sure he believed it. As the years went on, he began to understand what it truly meant. The dark forces which loomed over everyone's existence would try to use their fear against them. Those who understood this would aim to confront and conquer it, and in doing so, gain ultimate freedom in the process. In the end, no one had power over him but himself. Even the most powerful evil could not withstand the courage of those willing to sacrifice everything for their beliefs. Spike thought about what death was. Having spent so much time with Twilight, he understood both the scientific and spiritual aspects fairly well. One was present to explain what the other could not.
"I am eternal..."
The more he studied the laws of creation, the more the idea cemented itself. If the universe was born from a rapid expansion of energy, perhaps it could happen more than once. If energy could only be transformed, then perhaps his consciousness could as well. Further still, perhaps he would come to exist in a realm where entirely new laws applied. The possibilities were limitless.
"Beauty exists within all things..."
In the world, there exists enough hatred to destroy all we see, but when compassionate beliefs are applied to practice, a truly kind world becomes infinitely more possible, though it may take a number of cycles. Through internal negativity, Spike found the strength to resist all that would drag him to submission. He could only control what was within, and he could only trust in the flow of time, for its presence heals all wounds.
"I am worthy..."
In the distractions and chaos of life, it was easy to lose one's sense of self. Doubts about one's own position tend to spring up when we are left alone with our thoughts. All beings crave affection and positive affirmation. When denied, anxiety and sorrow arise. It is only when we recognize that life loved us enough to create us that our fractured being becomes whole once more. The trees, the rocks, the mountains: they are both our swords and our shields. Trusting in them yields ultimate protection.
"There is more than meets the eye..."
Magnificence and wonder lie within crevices hidden from prying eyes. Every grain of sand holds the history of bygone eras, where arcane secrets dwell, waiting for curious travelers to unlock their truths.
"Where the mind goes..."
The dragon opened his eyes, finishing his thought out loud.
"The eyes follow..."
He rose to his feet, staring off into the distance. He yawned and stretched.
"Better head home. I'm starving."
Spike spoke with Twilight over dinner about his experiences that day.
"I feel like I've become a lot more focused than I was back then."
"When you're truly free, there's nothing left to break your concentration. A strong mind is your greatest weapon in life."
"Now I know why you spend so much time studying. We're two sides of the same coin. You focus on the observable truths while I seek what's missing."
"I would say it's quite a powerful combination. Rather than reject a single set of ideas, you embraced their thought processes into something that made sense to you."
"I feel like I can rest now without uncertainty weighing me down."
"Peace of mind is a gift to be treasured. It's in such short supply these days."
"I still remember the day I realized I had no desire for carnal impulses anymore. I spent so much time pining over Rarity, but in the end, she didn't need me at all. She moved on, and that was that."
"Do you have any regrets?"
Spike shook his head.
"No. Truly loving someone means letting them find what they want for themselves. I'm just glad she did."
"I'm sure you'll find someone who loves you the way you once loved her."
"Maybe, but if I don't, that's fine with me. I've seen most of what this world has to offer. It's been interesting, but I'm approaching a time where peace and solitude reigns above all."
"I understand. I just hope you don't mind lending me the occasional claw."
"Not at all."
"I'm proud of you, Spike."
"What for?"
"Most people go through life never knowing who they really are. You chose the path less trodden. I know it wasn't easy, but from the sound of things, it was worthwhile."
"Yeah...I think so, too."
"Come on. Let's clean up."
After washing the dishes, Spike returned to his room for the evening. The shadows brought closure to thought, beckoning him into the realm of his subconscious. He wondered if Luna would visit him again tonight. Ever since he began exploring his inner world, she had become a regular visitor. She seemed to share his enthusiasm for the unknown.
"I wonder..."
He pulled back the comforter atop his mattress. Out of all his friends, he was the only one who managed to get close to Luna in any meaningful way.
"Was it my same lack of understanding that drove her to madness before?"
Could it be true? Was the former princess motivated by knowledge and lack thereof? There was only one way to know for sure. He slid under the blanket...And closed his eyes for the second time...