Original Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-b4HqdSd_sCBVsh42FSCArYisbD4GB6ktBh53SLHzEo/edit

Fifteen seconds of silence passed after Obsidian forced Twilight into promising to murder him. In these fifteen seconds, her mind went in loops to find an explanation for this request. His wish seemed so surreal, she first figured it would be a joke. But then she remembered that Obsidian never made a single joke up until this very day and he looked far too serious for it to be a mere prank.

The purple mare didn’t even panic or shout. She just stood there, her expression slowly shifting into one of complete disbelief.

“What?” she asked, her voice unusually calm and focused for what she was just asked to do.

“You heard me right, Twilight Sparkle. I wish for you to end my life, once and for all,” the black stallion replied.

“But why?” she continued asking.

Obsidian didn’t respond instantly. It seemed as if he was gathering his thoughts to make sure his next words were precise and he would not just speak out something she was not meant to hear.

“You are not supposed to know this, but it is not my main task to guard you and your friends. From the first day on, I am here on a secret mission. Please do not ask me what this mission is. I can not reveal it to you, or anypony. But what I can tell you is... that it is my last,” Obsidian explained.

“W... what do you mean by your last?” the purple mare wondered.

“Twilight... I may not look like it, but I am very old... even for a reaper. I am on the final page of my book of death. Very soon, I will reap the last names and then, I myself am meant to die,” the reaper continued explaining.

“You’re... you’re going to die soon? B-but... why didn’t you tell us earlier?” Twilight asked.

“This, too, was something neither of you was meant to know. I originally was merely supposed to guard you, execute my mission and then disappear again. Mistress Celestia did not want you and your friends to befriend a reaper and grow emotionally attached to one. But this was before Fluttershy and I fell in love for eachother...” Obsidian proceeded.

“Wait a moment... What about her? Does she know you are going to die?” the purple mare kept asking.

“Yes, but you two are the only ponies I wish to be aware of my oncoming end. Along with the promise, I furthermore request you to keep this a secret, too,” the reaper bid.

“Al... alright... I won’t tell anypony. But I still don’t understand! Why do you want me to kill you?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight... there is a chance that things may not turn out as planned. My death is required and unavoidable. But even in the case that everything concludes as Mistress Celestia planned... Even if I end up not requiring to be reaped in order to die... I just can not take the idea that another foal has to go through a life like mine, because of me,” Obsidian explained.

“You want me to kill you so I turn into a reaper by tradition instead of letting a child turn into one by fate?” the purple mare analyzed.

“Equidem,” the black stallion responded, “as I said, it is a big favor. I can not leave this world knowing I repeated my own fate on another innocent soul... I promised to you that I should do everything I can to prevent Fluttershy from becoming a reaper and I mean to keep this promise. Not just merely for the promise itself, but for that I could never do this to her... This is why I ask you, Twilight Sparkle. You have not only defeated Despair, but also your own inner demon. From now on, it will be much harder for Maledictum Insania to affect you. Furthermore, should you become a reaper, you will lose your emotions and get trained in self-control. You will make for an incredibly powerful reaper this way.”

Twilight slowly started shaking as she now realized which consequences her promise would have. She wasn’t sure if the shaking came out of fear, panic or anger he tricked her into this. But she knew which opinion she had for his plan.

“You know what? No! I won’t do this! You got some nerves, forcing me into this promise! Don’t you think I’ve been through enough by now?” Twilight replied.

“We all have to make sacrifices at some point. Equestria needs you. Although Mistress Celestia would highly disagree with this promise too, it is a matter of fact that we need a powerful unicorn like you to guard the land. With the reaper curse, your lifespan will extend to hundreds of years and since you mean a lot to my mistress, it might just be that she grants you special conditions, allowing you to keep living with your friends even as a reaper,” Obsidian tried to explain.

“Keep living with my friends?! What kind of life would that be? I would live longer than any of them! I would be forced to watch all of them grow old and die long before me! Just the idea is more than I can take... And besides: me and killing ponies? Never! I could never do such a thing!” Twilight responded.

Obsidian focused the purple mare, his face showing a mix of seriousness and sadness.

“So you think it is more justified to let a helpless, innocent foal turn into a killer and rob it of its future?” he questioned.

“No! Of course not! I mean... you just need to find somepony else to kill you! I can’t do it! I can’t kill one of my own friends!” Twilight stated.

“There is nopony else suitable to become a reaper. In a time of crisis like this, we need to make sure the reaper curse remains in capable hooves. You are the only one-” the reaper started again, but became interrupted by Twilight.

“I said no! I can’t! I just can’t! I’m sorry, Obsidian! As noble as your intentions may be, I can’t do it!” she shouted.

Silence filled the library again. The black stallion’s face showed barely any expression anymore, but his eyes revealed that he felt deep guilt, disappointment and sadness. He shortly bowed down to Twilight, turned around and slowly walked back to the front door.

“You promised it, Twilight. Should the worst case happen and I am forced to ask somepony to perform the Tradition with me, I will come back to you and plead to make you keep your promise. I trust you, Twilight Sparkle. Please, do not make me regret trusting you.”

With these words, Obsidian left again.

---

Another month passed, which was filled with sadness for Twilight Sparkle, Obsidian Shards and Fluttershy, as only they knew that the reaper would soon be no more.

The couple spent as much time as possible together, trying to make the best out of the time they still had left. Yet, it just wasn’t the same as before. The sad thoughts of Obsidians approaching death were constantly present, which was especially hard for Fluttershy to take. Soon, she would be alone again. This knowledge increased Obsidians feelings of guilt.

Twilight, too, became very sad each time she saw the black stallion. Despite the fact that she was still a bit angered about him forcing her into such a radical promise, she now often spent a bit of time each day thinking about it. The purple mare wondered... would it really be necessary to kill him? Was either decision, to refuse following his request or to fulfill the promise the right one? Was she really not capable of ending a friend’s life when he wished for it? She didn’t know.

---

Finally, summer reached its peak again. While the days were very enjoyable for the rest of the villagers, things seemed to be much grayer for the three friends. Despite the wonderful weather, none of them could really be happy, knowing what would happen soon. Ultimately, the reaper received the notification he waited for a whole year now.

It was evening already when Obsidian found and read the letter, which somepony seemed to have put underneath his cursed basement door. He knew precisely what would happen next and how he had to act.

The black stallion spoke to Fluttershy, telling her he had to leave for another night patrol around Ponyville. But the truth was that he had to meet up with a very specific pony.

After ten minutes, he finally arrived at the secret hideout.

“Salvē.”

“Hi!”

“You wished to speak to me?”

“Yep! It’s harvesting time again! I need new ingredients!”

“Very well. Then who shall it be this time?”

Obsidian already knew the answer, but he had to act clueless in order not to arouse suspicion.

“I haven’t calculated the next number yet. I wanted you to be present!”

“I see. Then I shall observe.”

Two minutes of silence passed while several notes were made and calculated using an abacus. Then, it all came down to one number.

“Oh wow! Obsidian! Look who’s next!”

As the reaper recognized the number, he realized that Mistress Celestia was correct. Everything came as she predicted it. The strings of destiny had been woven.

“How do you plan to work it out this time?”

“Well, for her, I need to make some special preparations. This will take me all night, but I’m sure its worth it! I’ve been waiting sooooo long for this day! I can’t wait!”

“I suppose you wish for me to lure her here then?”

“Yep!”

“When do you wish her to arrive?”

“At three would be perfect!”

“Bene. It shall be done.”

“I’m so glad I can count on you, Obsidian! See you tomorrow!”

“Valē”

---

Today was the day. The day on which Obsidian would conclude his mission and reap the two most important names in his life: the last two.

It started out as a day like every other. The black stallion had breakfast with Fluttershy. Then they went to Ponyville to meet up with the others. They all united at the marketplace. Only Pinkie Pie couldn’t come. She had to take care of Sugarcube Corner.

Obsidian tried to act as usual, but it was very hard for him. He knew, the past sixteen years all revolved around this day. Everything depended on him doing his job now and leading things to the conclusion required.

Suddenly, the black stallion was snapped out of his thoughts by Rainbow Dash, tapping on his shoulder.

“Hey, O! Are you up for another race? Or do you give up now that I defeated you two times in a row?” she wondered.

“Certainly not. I accept your challenge,” the reaper replied.

“Oh, Rainbow. Will ya ever have enough of racin’?” Applejack wondered.

“Are you kidding me, AJ? Racing is my life! Obsidian is the perfect training partner! If I can defeat him, I can defeat anypony!” the athletic Pegasus explained.

“That might be very true,” Obsidian agreed and jumped in position. “My friends, I have a few things to take care of today. Fluttershy, I will return home this afternoon.”

“Okay! See you later, my love!” Fluttershy replied.

“Ready, O?” Rainbow Dash wondered, also jumping in position.

“Ready,” he answered.

“Alright. Three, two, one, go!”

---

Obsidian did not go all out during this race. He allowed Rainbow Dash to win, but only narrowly to not make it obvious. He figured that he should do this for her in their very last race.

“Yes! Ow yeah! I beat an elder reaper three times in a row! Now if that’s not Wonderbolt standard, then I don’t know anymore!” Dash celebrated.

Their goal was a cloud this time. Obsidian just sat there, smiling lightly while he watched Rainbow Dash cheer. Although he originally only started racing her in order to gain her trust, he now realized he would miss their races. Like everything else, the romantic hours with Fluttershy, the magic training with Twilight, the conversations with Applejack and Rarity and the parties of Pinkie Pie, these races have become part of his life. His only soothing thought was that he would not have a lot of time left to miss all this.

Rainbow leaned back and relaxed on the cloud. The reaper continued staring at her, sunken in thoughts. He knew what she would be going through today and he would be the one causing it to happen. He had to deliver the message to her. Obsidian felt guilty for doing this to her, but there was no turning back now. This event was simply too important and he was simply too loyal to his mistress to withdraw now. The black stallion figured he should have one final conversation with her.

“Rainbow Dash...” he started.

“Yes, O?” she replied.

“You really want to become a Wonderbolt?” he asked.

“What a question! Of course! I’ve been practising to become one my whole life now!” she answered.

“But you do realize that such a title is heavily fought for. You have many competitors and all of them are similarly talented as you are,” Obsidian stated.

“I don’t know about you reapers, but for an athlete, it’s completely normal to have a lot of competition. It is part of the whole fun to show the world that, no matter what is thrown at you, you will do your best and surpass everypony else. You have to have confidence in yourself! And I tell you, O: I am absolutely sure I got the stuff to be a Wonderbolt and I will prove to the entire world that I can do it!” Rainbow explained.

“I see...” he spoke in response.

Rainbow Dash certainly had it in her. If anypony was worthy becoming a Wonderbolt, it was her. Obsidian felt guilty, but now was the time to tell her.

“Rainbow... Pinkie Pie wishes you to pay her a visit at Sugarcube Corner at three o’clock,” he spoke.

“Huh? Where’s that now coming from, O? I haven’t seen her all day,” Dash stated.

“I do not know what she has planned. I am merely supposed to inform you,” Obsidian lied.

“Alright then. Gee, I wonder what she’s planning this time. She’s so random...” the athletic mare spoke.

A few minutes of silence passed while Dash still recovered from their race and they watched the ponies down on the streets below them. Then Rainbow broke the silence.

“Can I ask you something personal?” she wondered.

“Certainly,” Obsidian replied.

“Well... do you think Pinkie is sometimes a little bit... creepy?” Dash wondered.

“What makes you say this?” the reaper asked back.

“She is always so hyper. I got no idea where she gets that energy from! Sometimes, she’s creeping me out a little bit. But hey, don’t let her know I said that, okay?” the athletic mare requested.

“You know me, Rainbow Dash. I will take the secrets you entrust me with in my grave,” Obsidian explained. “To answer your question: no. I do not think there is anything creepy about Pinkie Pie.”

“Yeah... you’re right, O. What’s there supposed to be creepy about a funny, bouncy party machine?” Rainbow Dash agreed.

Another minute of silence passed. The message was now delivered and things will go their predestined way without any further interference necessary by him. Rainbow got up again and stretched her limbs.

“Anyway, I gotta check on the weather now and practise a bit more. Valē, Obsidian!” she spoke and lifted into the sky. The athletic mare was already far away when the reaper finally gave his quiet response.

“No, Rainbow Dash... This time... it is Valētō...”

So there he was. The air was warm, the sun was shining, and all of Ponyville was having a glorious day. All of the villagers seemed to have somewhere specific to be, and so did Obsidian. He had to prepare for the things happening in about four hours.

---

The reaper was not sure what he was supposed to think or feel while he flew back to Fluttershy’s cottage. Upon arrival, Obsidian realized that the yellow mare was still out with the rest of her friends. As much as he would have loved to spend just a bit more time with her, Obsidian had to meditate. Despite all preparations, there was a chance he would have to fight if he wasn’t fast enough.

“I can’t believe you really are going to pull this off, Obsidian. I guess you are not as soft as I thought after all,” Odd Cirs suddenly commented.

“It is my duty... it is my mission... it must be done. This has to happen, no matter what the cost,” the reaper replied.

“Heh. You really are fun to be around. Just the moment one thinks to know you, you blast out another surprise!” the voice analyzed.

“Odd Cirs... even you should know that today is not a suitable day for a conversation,” the reaper commented.

“Ah, I guess you’re right. I’ll let you be. We have plenty of time to talk after this thing is over,” Odd Cirs concluded.

After that, the voice disappeared again and Obsidian went downstairs to meditate.

---

The hours have passed, but Obsidian just couldn’t fully concentrate. His mind jumped back to Rainbow Dash over and over again. It was forty minutes past three now. The black stallion could only imagine what was happening in Sugarcube Corner right now. Yet, he could do nothing to prevent this.

No. There was nothing that could be done anymore. If this event wouldn’t happen, all preparations and sacrifices of the past sixteen years would have been wasted.

Obsidian could only wait now and scan through his notes. After a while, he stopped and walked over to the two skulls of his parents, sinking in thoughts again as he stared.

This just didn’t feel right. He knew how important this was, but it still didn’t feel right to betray the keepers of harmony like this. It was far not the first time he had been cold and heartless to somepony in order to fulfill his missions. But this time, it was very personal.

His mind drifted back to the night he gifted Rainbow Dash the cursed Dreamcatcher he created. Until today, she never found out what it truly was doing to her and the last time they were talking about her nightmare as well was months ago. It seemed like she had forgotten about it.

But Obsidian didn’t forget. He remembered every last word she revealed to him. Now that he thought about it, the whole procedure sounded rather short. Suddenly, it came to the black stallion.

Yes, it had to happen. But he couldn’t do it. He couldn’t allow it to end like this and destiny itself was aware of this fact from the very beginning. The mission had to be completed, but Obsidian could not let the events happening at Sugarcube Corner at this very moment come to their final conclusion. He had to do something, even if he risked everything. His conscience just wouldn’t allow him to sit back and let Pinkamena do her part.

The reaper made his decision. He quickly put all his notes back in place and ran back upstairs. He had no idea what would happen if he interfered now, but he was willing to pay any price.