When your life is as dull a gray as the world that surrounds you, the mundanities can make it all seem meaningless. Sometimes all we need is a little color -- or six -- to reintroduce us to what truly makes life worth living.

*6-16-2017 Edit, added Rainbow Dash tag because it triggered knighty.*

In the dark,six voices dwindle. They drift, forgetting life and love and hope, eaten away by time and void.

And then, suddenly, there was colour.

A choice. A choice made eons ago... and the consequences still eons ahead. Comforted by the presence of Princess Celestia, Spike reflects on the bittersweet memories of his friends, their lives and their passing. As he recalls the decision he made in countless ages past, the gentle dragon can't help but wonder... "Might I have been better off?"

I only wanted to see her again. I only wanted to end the pain of her passing. Was caring for her such a terrible crime? The endless silence of the void tells me yes. It's the reward I reap for loving her more than my own life. Always to look, never to touch.

Written in 47 minutes for reasons I'll explain when I'm allowed. Thanks so much to NickNack for his help in editing, and to SageBrush for the wonderful artwork!

Spike only wants things to stay the same. Time, however, has other ideas. He's going to need a lot of help... An everypony story.

(Cover image by Rannva)

Everyone has an imaginary friend growing up: a stuffed animal, a companion to guard us when the monsters come knocking and the like. We know them and love them; they mean everything to us. But have we ever stopped to ask what we mean to them?