//------------------------------// // Counterbalance // Story: Third Millennium // by MellowSoul //------------------------------// Spike called Twilight early the next morning. Now that his head was a little more clear, he could talk about what had been on his mind. "Hey, Twilight. Sorry for waking you up early." "Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you're all right." "You saw what happened yesterday, right? I was an emotional wreck." "What happened?" "After talking to Shining yesterday, I was hit with sort of a realization. I felt like I didn't really know who I was, ya know?" "You were having an identity crisis." "So that's what it was..." "Do you know what brought it on?" "I think so, but it's hard to explain." "Try as best you can." "By the time I came around, you were already deep into the dark and morose stuff. I've grown up with that mentality and outlook being the norm. I don't think it's been very good for me." "It was starting to affect you in a negative way." "I feel like I haven't had the chance to be a normal kid. When something becomes normal, it invades all aspects of your life. I can't think of a time where I could really relate to anyone outside the family. It was alienating questioning whether interacting with other people was even worth the effort. I think Flash's presence made me realize how isolated and lonely our lives have been. I need to experience a life beyond what we're comfortable with." "I fully respect and support your decision." "You're not disappointed?" "What I think is irrelevant. You need to do what's right for you. Shining told me what you did for that filly yesterday. Somewhere inside you lives a courageous, pure-hearted hero: someone willing to fight for the betterment of our home world." "Right now I just want to spend time with mom and dad. This is where my strength comes from." "Take your time to rest and heal. You know I'll always be here when you need me." "Thanks, Twilight." "We love you, Spike. Nothing will ever change that." "I love you guys, too. I don't want to lose you..." "And you never will. Trust in that." "I'll try." "I'll see you soon." "Yeah..." Fulfilling his sister's request, Spike updated her public journal. He wrote a brief but comprehensive entry regarding the headspace he was in and what his plans were from there. "Hey, guys. It's Spike. I know it's been a while. I'm gonna be a little bit selfish here and talk about what's been happening with me specifically. I grew up with Twilight as her younger brother, so the way my personality turned out was sort of predetermined by our collective behavior. We engaged in a lot of entertainment that dealt with themes of depression, pain, loss, etc. Over time, I think it played a role in shaping my perception of reality. The result's been stable, but not necessarily prosperous. If it wasn't for the fact I grew up in a loving household, I would most likely view the world in a warped, nihilistic way. Over the last few years, it's just been Twilight and I while she's attended college. This isn't to put blame on anyone or pass judgement on them. Frankly, I couldn't ask for a better sister. It's just that the overexposure to dark and depressing subjects has affected me in an unexpected way over a long-term period. For now, I'm going to spend time with our mom and dad to try to balance things out a bit. They're very upbeat, positive people. They always showered us with unconditional love and support. For the time being, I'll be taking a step back from the dark aesthetic you guys are accustomed to while I focus on my personal growth and recovery. Thank you for understanding." The dragon was met with a heartfelt outpour of support, much of which came from people who followed the same dark lifestyle as Twilight. One response by a user under the name "Rarirare" caught his attention. She showed what he felt he needed most at the moment: empathy and compassion. "You're very brave for admitting this. The way most of us live is a choice we feel comfortable with. Natural conditioning obscures this choice for younger people because we believe so strongly in those we love and admire. As we grow older, we face questions and choices not previously understood to us. If your experience isn't spiritually fulfilling or enlightening in some way, chances are you'll eventually reach a point where you feel as though you've hit a dead end. Continuing down a path you're dissatisfied with will only result in unnecessary misery. Do what's right for you. We'll always be here if you need to talk. Be well, dear." Her comment received several upvotes from people she knew offline. Of course, at the time, Spike wasn't privy to this information. Still, he was grateful all the same. "Thank you, ma'am. It means a lot." "Of course, darling. Now go out there and live. Show this world what you're made of." Another comment appeared by the user "RainbowSkittles". "Yeah, little dude. Knock 'em dead." "Thanks, guys." Spike shut off the computer and left the room. Later that day, he went on a picnic with Velvet and Night Light. For the first time in what felt like years, he was home...