Original Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tqo17qdU6pd-RBjFyZciB46Cl40sRGJ0fHoO8lAYFUg/edit

The weeks came and went without any notable events happening. Neither the reapers nor the demons were taking any actions. It seemed like the entirety of Equestria was just waiting for the third corrupted star to appear. This would be the last peaceful time for Obsidian before the great day finally came and he had to execute Celestia’s order.

By now, it was near the middle of summer. In less than a month, the black stallion would have been with the keepers of harmony for a whole year. Obsidian took his time to recover. Although he occasionally got his hooves on fresh pony flesh, he ate very little of it. The black stallion only aimed to let his wounds heal slowly and silence the demons inside him, but not to fully regain his strength and recovering abilities. This, though, was part of the plan. Yet, despite all that Obsidian had been through, he started to become unsure.

Lately, he spent more time than usual down in his room, polishing the skulls of his parents and staring at them, sunken in thoughts. Since Rarity insisted on him calling them his friends, he began to rethink how close he truly was to the keepers of harmony. What just started out as an order became so much more to him. These six mares, Fluttershy in particular, had grown dear to him. He protected them not just because he was ordered to, but because he personally cared for their well being.

Yes. The keepers of harmony were his friends. The reaper didn’t have any friends since his early childhood. When the demons overran Coltholm, he lost everything he had: his parents, his home, his friends and even his life.

It is true that Obsidian Shards was an immortal warrior. But the moment he turned into a reaper, he lost every chance to live a normal life. He became a chess piece in a secret war that was now raging for over one thousand years. His entire existence consisted of following orders, blindly trusting his mistress. The black stallion became used to it and his only remaining passion in life was that of pleasing his mistress, doing whatever she wished of him without any questions. But this changed now.

Obsidian went upstairs to greet his partner and share breakfast with her. Fluttershy always beamed when she saw him. But today, she somehow seemed to be happier than usual.

“Any plans for today, my love?” she wondered.

“I merely need to pay the flower shop a visit. The roses have withered again,” Obsidian explained, causing Fluttershy to smile.

“Hundreds of years have passed and you still frequently bring your parents fresh black roses. I bet, if they could see how much you still care for them, they would be really touched,” she commented.

“Possibly...” the black stallion answered.

The couple finished their breakfast and exchanged a few short kisses. Obsidian then went to the front door and opened it.

“I shall return in an hour,” he stated, just before leaving.

As soon as the door closed again, Fluttershy stopped cleaning up and watched as the reaper lifted into the air. As he flew away from the cottage and left her line of sight, she as well left the house. Today was a special day and there was a lot to prepare within just one hour.

---

While flying towards Ponyville, Obsidian reflected the many years in Celestia’s service. Until the events of the Grand Galloping Gala Midnight Masquerade, she always looked down on the reapers in disgust and anger. Still, of all reapers, she seemed to believe in Obsidian the most. Although reapers in general are very loyal, he tried harder to please his mistress than any other one. Celestia could order of him whatever she wished to, he would do it without a second thought. She seemed to understand that satisfying her was the only purpose he had left in life. Because of this, she frequently entrusted him missions of very high importance. Obsidian never would dare to disobey her and would take any sacrifice necessary to complete his missions.

Precisely out of these reasons, he was selected to execute the mission he was currently in.

Obsidian arrived in Ponyville and started patrolling through the streets. Thinking back, it only made sense that Celestia chose him of all. He, destiny and the original book of death created this situation sixteen years ago. Due to his actions, the keepers of harmony saved Equestria from both Nightmare Moon’s return and Discord. But the price paid was high. From the many lives sacrificed to allow the keepers of harmony to form together like they have now, only very few were guilty. Then there of course also was his deal with Pinkamena. Obsidian was aware which consequences these actions would have from the very beginning. But never would he have thought he would take this so personal after three centuries of being a cold-blooded killer and demon hunter.

Forty minutes passed and Obsidian couldn’t find anything suspicious happening around the village. Derpy, too, reported that there was still next to no demon activity. So he ended his patrol and walked to the flower shop.

“Salvē, Rose,” the reaper greeted as he arrived.

“Ah! Hi there, Obsidian! Let me guess: ten black roses as usual, right?” Rose wondered.

Obsidian simply nodded in response. Rose then went in the back room, only to return with the reaper’s order moments later.

“Man, am I glad you buy them frequently! They are so hard to sell! No one seems to like them for either decoration or food. I totally can’t understand why. They are such wonderful flowers!” Rose stated.

Obsidian didn’t respond. He still rarely ever talked with anypony except the keepers of harmony. So, he simply stored the flowers underneath his cloak and left the money on the counter.

“Valē,” the black stallion spoke and turned around.

“See you next time, Obsidian!” Rose spoke.

---

On his way back to the cottage, the black stallion still had several minutes to think before he would return. He knew that, soon, everything would change. But he wouldn’t be witnessing the long-term consequences of his mission. Obsidian didn’t care for what would happen to him. What he cared for were the ones he was ordered to protect. He was particularly worried about Fluttershy, the one pony he loved. Through their training, she became a much more balanced mare. Of course, the others only saw that she gained a lot in courage, self-esteem and strength. But there was a lot more behind this. Fluttershy finally was at peace with herself, now that she accepted what was resting deep inside her. She still was a very gentle soul, though, full of compassion and benevolence. These features never changed and it were these features about her personality which ultimately warmed his frozen heart. Yet, he had no idea if she was able to endure what was coming.

Through Fluttershy and her friends, Obsidian found love and friendship. A bit of a normal creature’s life had returned into his existence in the shadows. After such a very long time living from one battle to the next, from one reap to another, these things had become foreign to him. He had trained himself to be an effective, soulless killing machine. Now, he became something that could almost be called a pony again. How could one year overthrow the experiences he made in more than three hundred years this radically? How could one year end his distrust in ponies and enable him to experience happiness again?

Of course, it required the keeper of kindness and her love for him to make Obsidian finally realize how much he truly had lost and what he had become. She was the one showing him that there is a live beyond duty. The warm memories of his carefree childhood had turned gray long ago and Obsidian knew nothing but constant endeavour anymore. Fluttershy gave his life a new level of value. In just one year, they experienced a lot of good and bad moments together. It didn’t matter what was thrown at them. Together, they were both able to endure it.

Obsidian decided that he should spend as much time with Fluttershy as possible. The two most important reaps in his life were soon the next in his book of death and he had no clue how things would go on after them.

The black stallion finally returned home. As he opened the door, he suddenly became assaulted by a blast of confetti and streamers, combined with the noises of party horns. Obsidian instinctively used his cloak to cover his face to prevent the confetti from flying into his eyes.

“Surprise!” the six voices of the keepers of harmony shouted out.

As the reaper lowered the cloak in front of his face again, he saw that the inside of the cottage had been decorated with balloons and streamers. A large cake with countless candles was placed on the small table in the living room and a bowl full of punch not far from it.

For a moment, the reaper just stood there, not knowing what to say or think. Then Pinkie Pie bounced in front of him.

“Happy birthday, Obsidian! Oh my gosh! 349 years! You have no idea how difficult it was to put so many candles on one cake! I had to make it extra big to fit them all on top!” she shouted out.

“My... birthday?” Obsidian wondered, catching the other ponies in confusion.

“Don’t tell me you have forgotten your own birthday!” Rainbow Dash worried.

“Not even I do remember the date of my birth. How did you figure it out?” the black stallion wondered.

“Well, that wasn’t too difficult,” Twilight stated. “I got unique access to the Canterlot archives! A few months ago, I made a research about Coltholm and found an old document listing the informations of its inhabitants. After a while, I stumbled across your name.”

“Forgive me if I do not react to your expectations. I am in a lack of words right now... The last of my birthdays that was ever celebrated was my second,” Obsidian explained.

“You’re sayin’ that you missed out more than three hundred birthdays? How do yer even know yer age?” Applejack wondered.

“I merely added another year each new year. You have to see... there never was the time or need for a celebration like this,” the reaper continued explaining.

“My, oh my. Looks like we have quite a lot to catch up!” Rarity stated.

“Certainly!” Fluttershy agreed. “After all you have been through, you really deserve a nice, little celebration!”

“We even got a present for you!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“A present?” Obsidian wondered.

The six friends nodded and quickly went in the kitchen, where they hid a gift box in the cupboard. The reaper didn’t have the slightest clue what this gift could be. He never spoke out any wishes and didn't require anything at the moment. The mares quickly returned, all carrying the gift box together and handing it to Obsidian, symbolizing it came from all of them. Unsurely, the reaper opened it, only to become completely astonished about its content.

“This is...” he spoke without finishing, not believing what he saw.

Very carefully, he finally lifted out a miniature replica of Coltholm’s Seven Sounds Bell. Still not sure if his good eye was playing a trick on him, he scanned the bell very carefully. Despite the size difference, it was completely identical to the original in even the smallest details.

“He seems to like it!” Fluttershy commented happily.

“I was already quite impressed that you found out my date of birth, but this surpasses everything,” Obsidian responded, deeply impressed.

“Well it wasn’t quite cheap either. I had to save up months of income to pay the gold and the goldsmith to make it. When he finished the bell, he was so dazzled by its sheer beauty that he offered me to not only get all my money back, but also pay me the same amount again just to keep it! Of course I had to decline his offer. This magnificent piece of art belongs to you and you alone, Obsidian!” Rarity explained.

“While doing research on Coltholm, I just couldn’t resist having a look at the bell you described in so much detail. My first attempt was just a small magical illusion, but I instantly realized this bell really was unspeakably beautiful. We all had a talk about it and came to conclusion that this would make the perfect birthday present for you,” Twilight continued.

“This bell does not only appeal in its appearance, it has a strong nostalgic value for me as well... The Seven Sounds Bell was of incredible importance for Coltholm. Although I can not remember a single song it played, I do remember they were beautiful. It also was this bell that saved my life after my city fell. I turned into a reaper inside of it,” Obsidian recounted.

The black stallion gently placed the bell aside and went a few steps closer to the group.

“Words fail to describe my gratitude for this token. Please allow me to express myself in an appropriate manner,” he requested.

Obsidian then started embracing the six mares, one at a time. So much closeness, trust and appreciation from his side was unexpected, even for them. It were the keepers of harmony now who found themselves speechless for a moment. As he finally ended up embracing Fluttershy, he gave her a long, passionate kiss in addition. After the group finally snapped out of their stun, the party began.

---

Obsidian usually held himself in the background during parties. Being the center of a celebration was... strange for him, to say the least. Strange, but pleasant. He had fun celebrating with his... friends. But despite all, Obsidian couldn’t fully enjoy himself. The end of his mission was just too close and he couldn’t stop thinking about it.

The black stallion was able to hide what was steering inside him during the party. But now that it ended, the others went back home and he finished helping Fluttershy cleaning up the last remains, his sadness and thoughtfulness resurfaced.

“What’s the matter, my love? Didn’t you enjoy your birthday party? Did we do something wrong?” the yellow mare wondered.

“No. Everything was perfect. This was the best thing you have done for me so far and for that, I am deeply grateful...” Obsidian responded.

“Then why are you so sad? Is something bothering you? Do you want to talk about it?” Fluttershy offered.

So far, Obsidian avoided this topic. Not only to ensure he wouldn’t accidentally reveal his mission, but also to spare Fluttershy of any sorrow. Yet, he just couldn’t do the same to her he had done with Applejack, the day he came to reap Granny Smith. He couldn’t let her, of all ponies, stay clueless until just a few minutes before. She wouldn’t understand what was happening to him or why. She should be the only pony aware of what consequences Obsidian’s mission had for him.

“Yes, mea amāta... There is something I need to tell you,” he replied.

---

The days went on. Fluttershy reacted just as Obsidian thought. He didn’t give her even the smallest hint on what his mission was, but knowing what would happen once it was completed was reason enough for their relationship to change. He made the yellow mare promise to keep this safe, but Obsidian realized that if only she knew this secret, it wouldn’t be enough.

Obsidian was completely loyal to Mistress Celestia. No matter what, he would never break her trust in him. But now, facing the end of his mission, he had to make preparations which would rearrange everything.

The elder reaper Obsidian Shards had grown a conscience. After all he had been through, he had to make sure things would keep going the right way after his mission ended. Even if it meant to bend the rules again and sneak around Celestia’s order.

Roughly a week after his birthday, Obsidian paid Twilight Sparkle a visit. She was busy cleaning the library, but she started getting used to keeping the house all on her own.

“Ah! Hello, Obsidian. Come on in!” Twilight greeted.

The black stallion entered mutely. What he was going to ask for was very difficult for him, but it had to be done.

“What can I do for you?” the purple mare wondered.

Obsidian lifted his head and looked at Twilight with an expression she never had seen on his face before. He seemed to feel guilty for what he was going to say.

“Twilight Sparkle... I need to ask a big favor of you,” he started.

“Well, what is it?” Twilight wondered.

“Before I can tell you, you first must promise to me that you will do everything you can to make my request come true,” the black stallion requested.

“Uh... that doesn’t make much sense. Why would I make a promise if I don’t even know what I was promising to do?” Twilight questioned.

“I am aware my request is strange, but it must be done this way. I need to make absolutely sure. It is of utmost importance this promise becomes fulfilled,” Obsidian explained.

“Wow... you are very serious about this. Okay then, Obsidian. I Pinkie promise I will make your wish come true. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” Twilight replied, performing the ritualistic act to seal the promise.

“No, Twilight. This is not enough. Promise me by everything that is dear to you, by Mistress Celestia and by all of Equestria that you will make this request come true,” Obsidian insisted with a serious expression.

Twilight became a bit shocked at how extremely serious he was about this. Whatever this request was, it seemed to be of unspeakable importance to him. So far, the black stallion did everything he could to protect her and all of Twilight’s friends. She had no reason to doubt his actions anymore and trusted him completely.

“Okay, Obsidan. I swear by everything that is dear to me, by Princess Celestia and by all of Equestria, I will fulfill your request,” she promised.

Finally, Obsidian became convinced and let out a sigh of relief. He then refocused Twilight with a mix of seriousness and regret, speaking out his request with a lot of emphasis.

“Twilight Sparkle... I need you... to kill me.”