Original Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f8aQnlMvz5wrGh0NHatdXTOvVU5GfItp9_h658tXRq8/edit

A week has passed since Trixie’s gruesome death. The villagers of Ponyville gathered at the local graveyard to say farewell. In order to give a proper speech, Mayor Mare did a research on her life.

It turned out Trixie had no family. She went off to Canterlot all by her own when she was still a little filly to sign up at the school for gifted unicorns. Unfortunately, her talent was not great enough to be accepted. This made her lose her track in life and she just started wandering around, trying to prove the country she does have the magic ability to be taken in. But as time passed, she forgot why she originally became a show-off. Her humiliation finally made her lose the one thing she still had: the respect of her fans. Trixie submitted to the voice coming from inside her. She could no longer think clearly, which led to this tragic, undeserved death.

The ponies were very taken by Trixie’s story. If only they had known all of this earlier. They may have been able to do something. Since Obsidian was the one that took her life, he had the honor to be the first one to say goodbye after the speech. The reaper though found this entire ceremony very pointless. He just tossed some dirt in the open grave to figuratively bury her and walked off.

“Saying farewell to a pony dead for days. What is the point? They should have said something when I just freed her from her broken body, not now,” Obsidian mumbled to himself.

“I don’t know. Ponies are quite weird creatures, don’t you think?” another voice spoke.

The black stallion looked around, but could not see anyone. It was the same voice he heard after teaching Twilight about Maledictum Insania. It kept following him for a while now.

“You again...” he whispered.

“Yes, me. You still have no idea who I am?” the voice spoke.

“Well, I know one thing. You are not a demon.”

“What makes you so sure about that?”

“Simplex. You do not sound like a demon. Your voice is different to the other voices I hear coming from inside me. Also, you do not feel like a demon. I can sense the presence of these dark creatures when they are nearby. Furthermore, you can not read my mind. The demons I consumed can hear me think. You can not. All this only leads to one conclusion. You are an external force, stalking me for some reason.”

“Oooh! You are smarter than I thought!” the voice stated in excitement. Obsidian sighed.

“Since you refuse to tell me your real name, how shall I call you?” the reaper wondered.

For a few seconds, it became silent again. Then the voice returned.

“For now, Odd Cirs will do.”

“Odd Cirs? Quite an odd name indeed. But fine,” Obsidian whispered and continued walking back to the town.

“So what are your plans for today, Obsidian?” Odd Cirs asked.

“I am not sure if I should tell you. Since you stalk me anyway, why do you not just be quiet and watch?” the reaper answered with a bit of anger in his voice.

“So rude, Obsidian. Really. But I like that! We will have a lot of fun together!”

These were Odd Cirs’ last words for the rest of the day.

“Fun... like I would be able to experience amusement as a reaper,” Obsidian thought.

---

A few hours later, the black stallion returned from a little trip with Twilight. It seemed like everypony already forgot about Trixie. Twilight had a lot of interest in Obsidian’s life and his knowledge about magic. She also asked him why he did not tell the others reapers can not die. Obsidian did not reply to that question. They arrived at the library where Applejack was already waiting for them.

“Howdy, Twilight. Howdy, Obsidian. How’s it goin’?” she greeted them happily.

“Things are quite fine. How are you, Applejack?” Twilight replied.

“Just dandy. So, are you ready to hit Sweet Apple Acres, Obsidian?”

The reaper nodded.

“Alright!” Applejack cheered and both went on their way.

Walking from Ponyville to the acres would take a while. Time Obsidian thought would be useful to find out more about the keeper of honesty.

“So, Miss Applejack...” he started, but got interrupted by the orange earth pony.

“Applejack or AJ will do, sugarcube,” she offered.

“Intellego... Applejack. I heard your family is known to be one of Equestria’s biggest supplier of apples and apple related products?”

“Eyup,” AJ replied proudly and raised her head. “I’d even go so far as to say that we are the best at apples! Sweet Apple Acres alone covers 90% of Ponyville’s demand on apples. And I tell ya, that’s not all! We also supply Cloudsdale and Manehattan!”

“I see,” commented the reaper.

He had a grim suspicion about her preparations for today.

“What do you have planned?” he asked.

“Remember when I invited y’all for an apple pie? It’s kinda sad you didn’t try it, but I reckon, we all know why y’all did so now. Well Granny Smith and I made yer a new one and I can already tell, this one will be even better! We just baked it before I came to pick y’all up.”

That is just what he was worried would happen. Obsidian did not eat anything for weeks. If he was forced to eat now...

“Are ya alright, Obsidian?” Applejack wondered, noticing he suddenly sunk in thoughts.

The reaper nodded.

“Does that issue you? Yer not a big fan of pies?” she worried.

“Not at all. Apple pie is among my favorites,” the black stallion replied.

He was telling the truth. But he was about to face serious problems. His demonized body required a special kind of fuel. A kind which was very difficult to get unnoticed with all these ponies around. If he ate the wrong kind of food now, things may become dangerous. Applejack still looked at the reaper, not fully convinced.

“Oh I promise y’all, this will be the best one you ever had!”

The black stallion didn’t speak another word until they arrived at the acres.

---

As the first apple trees came in sight, Obsidian spotted a red stallion with orange mane plowing the ground.

“Your brother, I guess,” he stated.

“Um, yeah! His name is Big Macintosh. How did ya tell that?” Applejack wondered.

“Just a guess...” Obsidian replied.

At the night the villagers confronted him, not all ponies showed up. Although Pinkie Pie invited the entire town to her party, it is just understandable not all could make it. Big Macintosh was one of them. Still, Obsidian remembered him. He was a little foal when the reaper saw him the last time. Big Macintosh as well seemed to remember Obsidian. As he lifted his head and spotted the black stallion, his eyes were glued to him. He of course had seen Obsidian when he introduced himself to the villagers, but he made sure the only thing that could be seen was his cloak. Obsidian was revealing more of his body now, since he didn’t have to hide his identity anymore.

“Well I also got a little sis’. Her name’s Applebloom. She’s out playin’ with her friends. Don’t think you’ll get to meet her, yet.” Applejack spoke.

“Might just be better...” Obsidian mumbled.

The earth pony lead him to the apple orchard.

“Well these are our golden delicious. We put a lot of love in all our apples and believe me when I tells ya, y’all can down right taste that! Ever tried apple bucking before?”

The reaper nodded.

“So why don’t ya show me yer kick?” Applejack requested.

Obsidian went next to one the trees. To Applejack’s surprise, he hit the tree with one of his front legs. Still, the thrust was hard enough to knock all apples off the tree. The workhorse’s mouth opened to make a comment.

“If I used a hind leg, I may have destroyed the tree,” Obsidian stated quickly.

For a moment, Applejack had to rethink before she could make a new statement.

“Well that’s still a mighty respectful punch right there. Not bad for somepony who’s usually only beatin’ up demons. But can y’all do that?”

Applejack walked over to two apple trees growing closely next to each other. She positioned herself between both of them and bucked both trees at once. Every last apple fell down from them. Satisfied with her work, Applejack leaned against the tree to her left and threw a pose.

“You are a pony of admirable strength, Applejack. But I have to decline your request. A reaper should not show off with his abilities,” Obsidian commented.

“Ah, c’mon. It’s all just for the fun. Ain’t gonna tell anyone, if that’s what yer concerned about. I just wanna see what y’all can do,” the work horse replied.

Obsidian considered it for a moment.

“If you like to, I could help you harvesting a bit. That would be acceptable for me.”

“Oh, thank ya kindly! I sure could use a helpin’ hoof,” AJ agreed.

She was a bit behind schedule anyway. For the next hour, Applejack and Obsidian worked on the orchard, picking and storing apples.

“Thanks, sugarcube. That’s enough. I’ll do the rest on my own later. Am sure y’all mighty hungry after all that,” Applejack spoke after a while.

Obsidian knew it would get difficult now. He had no chance to avoid this situation any longer. Without saying a word, the reaper followed Applejack to the farm house.

---

Granny Smith was napping in her rocking chair in the kitchen. The sound of the opening door woke her up.

“Hey Granny! We got a guest!” AJ greeted.

Miss Smith was already too old to really understand what is going on. She didn’t even seem to realize Obsidian and only focused Applejack, mumbling something indecipherable and fell back asleep. Applejack grinned a bit awkwardly, but Obsidian shook his head.

“It be alright. Let her rest. She does not have a lot of energy left. It seems like baking that pie consumed most of it for the moment,” Obsidian said, ensuring this would not bother him.

Applejack relaxed again and went over to the window where the pie was resting. It was a true art piece. Flawless texture, perfectly even color and with a very rich, sweet smell. Applejack cut off a slice and served it on a plate for the reaper.

Slowly, Obsidian took a seat. Applejack was smiling at him, proud of the work Granny Smith and she had accomplished. The black stallion had been in this situation several times before. Yet it always ended the same way. Obsidian could only hope he had himself more under control this time.

He took a silent, deep breath. Then he opened his mouth. Applejack was a bit shocked to see his teeth were unlike anything she had ever seen. They were very sharp and pointy, like shark teeth.

Obsidian took the first few bites in apparent high concentration. But soon, it seemed like he was making leeway. His eyes started getting duller and emptier. His eating speed slowly increased. At first, Applejack just considered him a hearty eater. She thought he was only showing his appreciation for her work and handed him another slice. But he kept eating more and more violently, like a starved monster. Suddenly, Obsidian snapped out of his trance and jumped up from the table. Applejack became worried and started approaching the black stallion.

“Are you alright, sugarcu-”

“Stay away! Do not come any closer!” the reaper shouted.

He was shaking and breathing heavily. Obsidian backed away against a wall. Uncanny craving filled his beast-like eyes. His teeth were grinding loudly against each other. It seemed like he was losing control. Applejack got really scared. She feared he would jump her any moment now. Obsidian’s body was under tension. He went down, ready to pounce her. But then, he did something unexpected. He lifted his left front leg and sunk his teeth hard in it.

“What in tarnation?” the earth pony yelled in shock.

Obsidian bit himself even harder. Blood flew out of his leg and mouth and ran along his leg. It was a good thing Granny Smith was in deep sleep at that point and Applebloom was out. This sight may have been too much for them. The reaper dug his teeth deep in his own flesh, almost reaching the bone. He growled. Pain, craving and a twisted joy were seen in his face. He maintained in this position for a while. Then, he finally loosened up and removed his bloody fangs out of his own leg, which then started to bleed even more. A small spurt of blood sprayed in his face.

“Do you happen to have any bandages?” the reaper asked carefully.

Applejack instantly ran off to get some first aid. Obsidian wiped the blood off his mouth. This did not go well. He was actually surprised Odd Cirs did not make any comments about the whole situation. He looked pretty pathetic right now. A monster unable to control itself. He was so close about to attack Applejack. Since Obsidian hadn’t eaten anything for such a long time, he started getting weak. His recovering abilities no longer were strong enough to make the wound heal up by itself. But on the other hoof, that is what he wanted to achieve with his lent. At least Applejack would believe he is mortal now. Suddenly, someone entered the kitchen.

“AJ. Am done with the...” Big Macintosh started, but stopped as he realized his sister was not in the room and Obsidian was there instead.

The stallions looked at each other, but neither one of them in any kind of surprise or shock. The sight of the bleeding reaper was very nostalgic to the country horse. Obsidian looked very similar to how he looked back then. Just the cuts and the ash were missing.

“Ah do remember yo,” Big Mac stated, breaking the silence. Obsidian nodded.

“Ah always wanted to ask... What was in that bundle yer brought here?”

“That is nothing I am authorized to reveal,” Obsidian replied and turned his head back to his bleeding leg.

Applejack’s brother turned to the old, sleeping mare.

“Yer here ‘cuz of Granny?” he asked again.

“Not mainly...” the reaper replied quietly while observing his bite marks.

Big Macintosh sighed lightly.

“Ah know her time’s runnin’ out. AJ’s still denyin’ it. Dunno how she’ll take it...” he concerned.

Obsidian turned back and threw a serious glance at him.

“She will have to handle it.”

The room became silent again. The only things that could be heard were Granny’s quiet snoring and the sound of Obsidian’s blood dripping on the floor. Applejack sure took her time.

Finally, the orange mare returned and started taking care of Obsidian’s injury right away.

“Am mighty sorry it took so long. Can’t believe Applebloom used the first aid for experiments! I will have to talk to her once she’s... oh, Big Mac!” she finally realized her brother was in the room.

“Eyyyup,” he replied, “ah came to tell ya I’m done plowin’. Need the pumpkin seeds now.”

“Will get right to it once I’m done here,” she ensured.

Big Macintosh turned around to leave. He looked to the reaper one last time and Obsidian looked back. Both nodded and the country horse went back to work. Obsidian looked to the ground.

“I am sorry you had to see this.”

Applejack shook her head.

“Well I have no idea what made you do that. But it’s all dandy. Y’all have to pardon me, but I got some work head up for me. Still was a pleasure spendin’ time with y’all.”

After she was done with Obsidian’s wound and they both cleaned up the kitchen, Applejack went outside to help her brother. The reaper aswell had to go. Tonight, he would have to go patrol in Everfree Forest again.

---

Roughly ten minutes later, Obsidian landed on the ground in front of Fluttershy’s cottage. He entered and as usual aimed straight for the basement door. Fluttershy wanted to say something, but Obsidian interrupted her.

“No time for talking today, Miss Fluttershy. I have to go to Everfree Forest. Do not expect to see me again until tomorrow.”

He reached the door and quickly went downstairs without even looking at her. Fluttershy was worried. Everfree Forest? That dangerous place? She knew he was a warrior and might be able to handle things himself, but she still was worried.

As it started getting dark, Fluttershy was already in her bedroom, getting ready to go to sleep. Then she heard the basement door open. Was Obsidian honestly going there during the night? Everfree Forest was dangerous during daytime. But during nighttime, it was even far more dangerous. Why couldn’t he go sooner? Did he have a plan?

Fluttershy’s concern grew even more. She watched as Obsidian unfolded his torn wings and started flying into the black. The yellow mare considered him a friend. Like with all of her friends, she would get really worried if she knew they are doing something dangerous.

She could not sleep. Not now, knowing he was fighting against all kinds of spooky creatures. Fluttershy tried to distract herself. She tried reading books, taking care of nocturnal animals, even wandered up and down her living room. Nothing helped. She could not stop thinking about the horrors Obsidian must be facing at this very moment. If only she wasn’t so scared. She would have followed him and tried to help him.

Suddenly, Fluttershy spotted a dark figure walking out of the forest while she was staring out of a window. It was Obsidian. He seemed to limp. Fluttershy opened the door and wanted to help him, but by the time she reached the door, he was already in front of her cottage. The surprise made Fluttershy bounce backwards and give out a light shriek. Obsidian limped inside.

“So you are still awake...” he commented weakly.

“I... I was just too worried to sleep,” Fluttershy answered while getting up again.

“Your concerns are without reason,” Obsidian stated and kept on limping towards the basement door.

“B-but you’re hurt!” she spoke and tried to help him.

The reaper though just gently pushed her away. Without allowing Fluttershy to say another word or helping him, he opened the cursed basement door and went downstairs. Fluttershy was still worried. She wanted to follow him. But the closer she got to the door, the louder it growled at her. It almost seemed like the door actually tried to bend towards her direction. This was way too scary for the delicate Pegasus. She found herself defeated by the situation and just flew upstairs, trying to get at least a few hours of sleep.