Michael yawned and leaned forward, stretching as he opened his eyes and stopped. He was on a hill covered in white flowers, a magnificent oak tree behind him. The leaves pulsated with a faint green glow. The sky was pitch black, no moon or stars shining. He blinked and gazed at the bottom of the hill where a silent lake rested. There was no wind, no other noise than his breathing.

He blinked, trying to take in everything. “H-hello? Anypony there?” He managed to stutter and hesitantly made his way towards the lake. He leaned over the edge and saw his reflection, the water completely still.

He looked out over the lake, a light heading towards him. He squinted and tried to see it better. “Hello?” He called out again, to no response.

The light came closer and revealed a boat, made of something similar to wood that glowed the same color as the leaves. It washed onto shore and a woman, dressed in a long white dress got out of the boat and smiled warmly at him. Her dark hazel eyes sized him up as she walked towards him. “Hello Michael.” She said, her voice calm and welcoming.

He back up and fell on his flank. He lightly gulped and gave her a nervous smile. “Uh… hi yourself…”

She paused, staring into his eyes. “You might not know who I am, but I know who you are. And a very close and dear friend of mine needs your help.”

“My help?” He asked, dumfounded. “What can I do to help if I don’t know you or your friend?”

Her smile finally disappeared. “You know him, maybe more than you’d like to.”

“Really, who’s that?”

She paused. “He has many names… but most creatures call him Death.”

“Oh Death…” It took his brain too caught up and he paled before he looked at her curiously. “H-how do you know him?”

She sighed, staring into the black sky. “He was my friend… the only one I could truly trust.”

He went silent, scratching the back of his head. “This… this is some weird dream, isn’t it?”

She faintly smiled and shook her head. “Depends on what you want to call a dream; to me, this is my existence since I died.”

Mike looked around for a moment before giving her a small lopsided smile. “Not that bad, could be much worse.”

She turned away and stared at the lake, the minute waves hitting the boat. “John needs your help Michael, he’s a broken man.”

He blinked slowly. “I don’t understand, how can Death be broken?” He thought for a moment. “I mean… he was acting funny the last time I saw him but I may have overreacted a little…”

She shook her head. “Death was like… a father to me. Since John was born, no one was able to see him unless he allows it. But for some reason… I always could… none of his abilities affected me.” She paused and cleared her throat.

She faintly smiled, seemingly reliving her memories. “He lived by those words everyday. He was alone, but I was there when he least expected it. I was alone as well…” She paused, wiping a tear away. “We found each other in the grimmest of times. But I died… I got executed because I was interfering with the balance of this world.”

He looked at her sadly, reaching out only to stop from putting his hoof on her knee. “I’m sorry to hear that… it seems having you kept him going…”

“Yes… and since he was the spirit of Death, the balance of this world relies on him. He always followed the flow of time blindly until we met. I told him to choose, not obey. I couldn’t know what damage the world would be suffering but once he began choosing for himself, the world fell out of balance. And Discord saw his chance to gain power… Everyone blamed me… except John. My death was a sign for him, never follow his heart…”

“But that’s crazy.” Michael said, putting a hoof over his heart. “Without a heart, you’re just a machine blindingly following orders. You can interpret those orders into something that’s worth living and fighting for. You’d never be happy… just a useless husk of a being.” He blushed slightly. “I mean… that’s what I think anyway…”

She nodded. “He suffered many injuries, but I tore a wound in his heart so deep he never wants to experience it again. He became cold, a mindless shell.” A tear slowly rolled down her cheek. “He never forgave himself for my death… and he never will unless you help him.” She said, looking Michael in the eyes. “This may sound impossible, but you can manage. Make it clear to him that I won’t leave the second realm until he understands he needs to act and follow his heart.”

“...But why me? I can’t do anything… I mean, look at the last time I tried to reason with him.” He muttered, staring at the ground.

“You tried to reason with Death, not with John. I will help you gain access to his mind. Only there can you still find the John that I used to love.”

He stared at her for a moment, making sure she was serious before he sighed. “Alright… if you think I have a shot, doesn’t hurt to try.”

“His mind is a dangerous place; it will appear as a long corridor with millions of doors, each showing one of his memories.” She bent down and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Follow your heart and you’ll find him there. But if you seek anything else, your mind could be torn apart.” She warned. “You might stumble across the flow of time in some of his memories. I must warn you, do not look directly into it unless you wish to go blind and be haunted by the past and future.”

He chuckled nervously, his wings rustling. “No pressure… Can I ask for a favor?”

“Of course.”

“I-if I fail and don’t come back, can you do what you can to watch over Fluttershy?”

“I will but you won’t fail. Have faith.”

He sighed. “You never know with me…” He gulped. “I guess I’m ready whenever you are.”

She nodded and led him the little ways to the lake. “Dive into the lake and you’ll reach his mind.”

He stared at the surface and took a deep breath. “Well, out of the frying pan, into the fire.” He said and jumped, face first.

=

Time seemed to crawl to a standstill, the ice cold water sapping his air. He coughed and opened his mouth, trying to get air as he rushed back to the surface. Dots danced across his vision as he could feel consciousness slip away and just before he blacked out, he suddenly landed roughly on the cold stone floor. He laid there for a moment and got his breath back, his body shivering from the water.

He slowly stood up, a bright light blinding him for a moment before all color drained from the world. He rubbed his eyes, only to notice that he too, was devoid of color. He raised an eyebrow and slowly walked forward. He took a steady breath as endless doors appeared out of the stone, each one looking the same.

His heart beat faster as he walked past the doors, each one calling him to open it. He closed his eyes and tried to figure out what to do. Suddenly he heard a faint laugh and quickly headed towards it, the laughing getting louder. Finally he stood in front of a door and pushed it open, the hinges creaking with protest.

He held a hoof over his eyes, the sun blinding him for a moment before he recognized where he was… a playground. He blinked in surprise as ponies and humans ran around, playing catch or messing on the slide. Eventually, parents came and picked up their children until there was a lone girl swinging by herself. She had long black and wore a simple black dress as she sadly watched the others leave.

He walked up to her, reaching out a hoof to touch her arm. “Veronica?”

She ignored him as a chill ran down his spine. He turned and paled slightly while Veronica smiled and jumped off the swings, running towards a tall black suited figure. “John!” She yelled as he kneeled and picked her up.

He smiled, his face more visible. “Hey Veronica.” He said, holding her happily in his arms.

Michael hesitantly followed her and reached out with a hoof, only for it to phase through John’s leg. He quickly pulled it back, staring at it. “What the hell?”

John smiled warmly at his surrogate daughter as Veronica told him about her day. Everyone watched and glared at the two as they made their way through town. John seemingly ignored them, happy to be with her.

Time sped up and suddenly they were in front of a small hut outside of town. He carried her inside and shut the door, the sun disappearing for the day. Mike phased through the door as he made her dinner and they quickly ate, Veronica yawning loudly. He grinned and put her to bed, bending down to kiss her head. “John?”

“Hm?”

“Will… will you always stay with me?” She asked nervously.

He smiled, kissing her head and tucked her in. “Always Veronica… Nothing is as important to me as you.” He said, standing up and grabbing his coat. He shrugged it on and walked towards the door, the lantern secured tightly on his waist. “I’ll be back soon Veronica, don’t forget. I’ll always be with you.” He said, shutting the door as she stared at the door.

The world spun and Michael was in another memory, Veronica in her late teens. She was crying, her eyes red and puffy. “Veronica, we have to leave.” John said, standing by the door. His face was covered in more dirty bandages.

She shook her head. “What’s happening?” She asked with a sob.

“They’ll kill you… but I won’t let that happen!”

“Why? Why me?”

He hesitated and stared at the door. “It’s Discord…”

She quickly got up and walked over to him. “What.. what did Discord do? Why do they want to kill me?”

John grabbed her hand. “They made you responsible for everything… it’s all my fault. Because of me, the world has fallen out of balance Veronica…”

“Because you chose for yourself? You can’t be afraid John… you knew this would happen eventually…”

John closed his eye and shook his head. “I… I can’t live without you…” He muttered weakly and looked through the small window, a battalion of troops heading their way. “They’re almost here… Veronica please…”

She stared at the approaching troops and gulped. “I… I won’t run…”

The door shook as someone knocked loudly. “In the name of the crown! Open this door!” A deep male voice yelled.

John looked at Veronica pleadingly. “Please… I don’t want to be alone…”

“Neither do I… but you mustn’t run away… you have to confront your fears.” She placed a hand on his arm. “If I run away… they’ll hunt me forever… or kill you…”

“No! I was alone for too long… I… I won’t let them!”

Veronica closed her eyes and reached for the necklace around her throat and lifted it over her head. She looked at it happily before she held it in her hand. “I’ll never leave your side John…”

He grabbed her hand. “I beg you please…”

She pulled her hand out of his and pushed John aside. He watched her, tears pouring down his face and she took a deep breath. She turned around, smiling at him with tears in her eyes as she opened the door.

“NO!” He yelled, a bright light ended the memory.

Michael stood in the corridor, tears falling as he stared at another door. Why… He looked up at the ceiling, the void looking back as he sighed and opened the door.

The sky was black, a thick layer of clouds blocking all sunlight. Veronica was kneeling on a wooden stage, her hands tied behind her back. Her black hair blew in the strong wind as several armored men gathered around the stage, keeping the crowd away.

A man wearing red velvet stood next to her and in his bony fingers he held a scroll. “After careful deliberation, the crown has passed judgement on one Veronica Derwintwater! She is found guilty of releasing Discord and causing all the chaos that has occurred in the past twenty years. The crown regrettably has no choice but to determine she must be executed for her crimes.” A man in rags and chains handed a sword to the other as he put the scroll away. He calmly walked up to her and picked her up. “Any last words?”

She gazed out at the crowd and stopped on Michael with a smile. “I don’t fear death, I welcome him. I know my soul will be in good hands. In the hands of a loving man, the hands of a protector. I know he’s watching right now… crying, but he has to know whatever happens to me, I’ll always be at his side.”

The man nodded and forced her back to a kneel. She grunted, hitting the wooden deck hard. He walked behind her, posing to strike. “May god have mercy on your soul.” With a quick thrust, he pierced her chest. Her eyes widened and she gasped in pain. He pulled the sword out and with a squirt of blood, Veronica fell to the ground. He flicked the blade and a few drops of blood fell onto the stage.

“NO!” John yelled, rushing into the crowd, violently pushing people out of his way. Before any of the guards could act, he hopped onto the stage and kneeled next to her. He gently picked her up and held her body as time seemed to slow down. She looked up at him, her eyes glazed over as she paled and grew cold. “Nonononono! Veronica please, you mustn’t die!”

She faintly smiled at him. “D-do… what you have to…”

The lantern grew heavy as he looked down at his belt. “N-no! We can still save-”

“John… please…”

Michael watched in horror as John began to cry and grab the lantern, his hand shaking. He opened it and placed it next to her. “W-why… I-I don’t want to be alone…” He whispered.

“We mustn’t run John… Your choices lead to this…” She paused, looking at the lantern. “I couldn’t be happier… you’re no longer just a spirit, but a human… No matter what someone tell you, you are a human and you deserve love…” She sighed as her soul began to leave her body. “And I will never leave your side…” It said once more before her body shook once and her eyes closed, the lantern snapping shut as the soul nestled inside.

Time started to move again and it began to rain. A flash of light accompanied with a loud boom reverberated through the town as thunder and lightning started. The guards rushed on stage and surrounded the two. “Who do you think you are!?” A guard asked, only to cower in fear as John turned to look at him, his eye full of hatred and anger. John turned back and looked at Veronica… “Who I am is a mystery, what I struggle to do is unknown… But who I love, leads to death… of the one person that loved me. Why?” He gently laid her on the stage and picked up his lantern.

Everyone, including the guards took a step back as thunder boomed even louder, the windows shaking. Tears fell from his eyes as he turned and surveyed the crowd. His body shook with anger and with a sharp gust of wind, all the candles blew out of the town. The crowd screamed in panic as lightning struck right out of town, John highlighted in the eerie light. “Why do you deserve love… but not me? WHAT HAVE I DONE!?”

He bent down and picked Veronica up, cradling her in his arms as he jumped off the stage. People rushed out of his way as he slowly walked away. The guards stared at him in horror, refusing to go after him. He turned around and stared at panicked crowd. Suddenly, with one last thunderous blast, the rain stopped and the candles erupted in fire across town. “You… you all gathered to watch the only person I’ve ever loved die. Just remember, I decide what happens to you in the end.” He said coldly, disappearing out of town.

Michael watched the scene play out, the rain finally covering everything. He lowered his head, the rain covering his tears. He understood now and felt sympathy for Death… He knew the pain of watching someone he loved die in before him. He sighed, his mind trying to figure out why he was here, how he got stuck with trying to save someone like Death.

He looked up, the scene had change and John stood in front of a tombstone. Dead roses and other flowers were lying on a freshly dug pile of dirt. He held the locket in his hand, the only thing that had color in this world. “Like everyone else, you left this world… Veronica, why… all I’ve done… everything you taught me… and yet, you still died. I couldn’t protect you.” He fell to his knees, the mud flying all over his pants. “Why is my life like this!? Why am I destined to be alone!?” He yelled, his voice filled with rage. “I have no one… all I can do is watch THEM be happy. Why? WHY? Is it because I am a MONSTER!?” His eye turned yellow, filling with rage.

“You’re not a monster, only human.” Michael said, walking up to him before closing his eyes as he paid respect to Veronica.

John slowly turned his head and glared at the pony. “What do you know!? Have you seen my face? I am nothing… nothing but a lonely monster! Not even the dead stay with me for long. I hand everything… and lost it all!”

“I don’t know a lot, all I know is that you had a surrogate daughter that meant the world to you and all she asked you to do was follow your heart. Nothing more, nothing less.” Mike flapped his wings and poked John in the chest. “Even if she’s not here now, even if you never see her again, she’ll always be with you there… nothing can stop that.”

Another tear slid down his bandaged face. “I only asked for one thing… I didn’t want to die alone and there she was… but because of me, she had to leave. It’s all my fault… my heart is nothing but a pile of ashes… No blood runs through my veins…” He looked at the dead flowers. “All there is within me is death…”

“John, no matter what happened, you can’t blame yourself. She did what she did in the end, knowing what would happen. But yet she still wanted you think about your choices and not be a mindless servant.” Mike sat down, staring at the tombstone. “You and I… aren’t that different actually…”

John lowered his head, sinking to his knees as he rested against the tombstone and cried.

“We both lost someone precious to us…” He took a deep breath and held a hoof over his heart. “My first girlfriend… she… she killed herself. She’d rather end it then die by cancer. You know what she said the last time we talked? ‘No matter what you’re doing, there’s always a third option.’ It still doesn’t make any sense to me but I think she was trying to tell me that there’s always a better option, one that we can’t always see.” They shared a look. “We both lost a special someone that kept us going. You blame yourself because you saw the fear of the unknown in people. She saw that she was helping you decide between what’s right and wrong…” He paused and stared at the tombstone. “Do you remember how I challenged your plan for Martin?”

Recognition flashed across Death’s face as he blinked and looked at the pony. “M-martin?” He leaned closer, a finger touching the pegasus’ forehead. “Michael? Is that you?”

Mike nodded. “Yeah, thought you could a friend in here, kinda dark.”

He looked around. Why did all this happen…” He unclenched his hand and stared at the locket. “Why… why was I so foolish?”

“Why did what happen?”

His yellow eye stared at Mike. “I forgot everything… I don’t live to follow the flow of time, I live to choose where it goes.” He got up, his voice sounding confident. Color slowly seeped into the world, the grass around the grave coming to life.

“Always in motion, is the future.” I said with a small smile.

John looked one last time at Veronica’s grave, the flowers in full glory before turning to stare at the medallion around Michael’s neck. “You’re in grave danger Michael.”

He dryly chuckled and ran a hoof through his mane. “I thought as much. I take it the medallion is bad? I did try to remove it earlier.”

John nodded. “You will die if you do.” The world slowly turned black until they were surrounded by nothing but darkness. Michael gulped, looking around at the empty void. “Patience… right now, I’m on my way to Princess Luna…” He said, the world coming back. They were in the castle, small blue flames showed the location of ponies as they headed towards Luna’s private chambers.

“Whoa wait, with me? Won’t she, you know… try and kill me or something?” Mike squeaked as he caught up with John.

He shook his head. “You are only in my mind, nothing will happen to you as long as blood runs through my veins.” The guards looked at him and instantly froze, he walked past them and threw the door open. “Luna!”

The alicorn in question was huddled in front of her desk, looking exhausted as she put several papers down. She turned and glared at him. “Death… what are you doing in my chamber?”

He reached into his pocket and threw the singed medallion on the floor in front of her desk. “Why would you sentence him to death like this?” The windows shook under his verbal assault.

Michael’s eyes opened wide as he stared at the medallion as she looked at it flatly before going back to her papers. “It’d be wise to lower your voice, vulture.” She said calmly. “What I do with my subjects is no concern of yours.”

He glared at her. “I am the end! Every life concerns ME!”

She stood up and planted both hooves firmly on the desk as she glared into his eye. “You do not control his life! You only pick up the end!” She yelled back.

John laughed coldly. “Who do you think you are to make choices concerning the lives of those around you?”

“How I use my subject is completely up to me. If I see fit to have him carry my medallion, it is no choice of yours. He is under my rule, not yours.”

He stared at the alicorn, his eye showing nothing but anger. “You play with lives like they’re toys, objects, your belongings. You say I am nothing but the one to be there when it ends? What if I don’t show up? What if I just walk away? What if I chose to let them live?”

“Then WE would continue to use them for what they are!” She said, her irises becoming catlike.

He grinned at her. “I knew it, she is still there… Nightmare Moon herself. I thought I saw the last of you when you ended up on the moon!”

Luna seemed to grow in size, getting bulkier as her teeth became more pronounced, sharper. “There will never be the last of us! We will remain as long as the lunar princess does!”

John laughed, a faint smile on his face. “The Element of Fear, but what makes you think I will be there to end what you began?” He chuckled. “You are nothing but a parasite, you only live to make others fear, but I don’t fear you. You should fear me instead.”

She laughed, the temperature dropping in the room. “We? Fear the likes of you?” She giggled again. “How can we fear such a creature afraid of his own heart?”

He grinned evilly, his eye glowing. “You might be strong, but I fear nothing… Not anymore. No matter what you do, nothing will harm me as much as her death did… and if you choose to kill me, this would will crumble apart. Even you rely on me.”

She smiled just as evilly, her fangs showing. “Why kill someone who does his job? It’d be a waste of someone as useful as you.”

“Indeed, but what if you had no choice but to kill me?”

“Then we would so, without hesitation.”

“And with my death, who shall lock the realm of the dead?”

“Everyone can be replaced, except us… we run the night and dreams! You… you have been broken too long for us to be worried about.”

“Yes, you would be doing me a favor if you killed me… but why choose Michael?”

She growled deep in her throat. “Because our sister already chose the one we were going to choose.”

He laughed. “Too slow I guess, what a pity. Poor Lulu didn’t get her toy…” He chuckled again. “And what makes you think he would have given in to your demands?”

“Power clashes with power.” She grinned. “Everyone knows that he is the stronger of the two and power can be easily perceived and controlled.”

“Too bad it didn’t work out…” He turned around. “But whatever happens, Michael won’t die.”

She looked at him. “We both know he won’t be around for much longer. Either he’ll take of the medallion or stupidly stick his snout where it doesn’t belong, just like he did with the UEA and Martin’s old order.”

He chuckled and looked over his shoulder. “I saw what happens, but I chose not to let it happen. A very special person taught me to choose for myself.”

She coughed and gagged. “Oh please, don’t tell me you’re finally listening to that hag… it only took what, six thousand years to sink in?”

“I only needed the right pony at the right time, at least I live for something instead of being a shell of demands like you…”

“We are not just a shell of demands! We are the night!”

He raised an eyebrow. “The night? Kiss my arse Luna, you already were replaced before. Celestia can both raise and lower the sun and moon alike.”

Nightmare Moon slammed her hoof down onto the ground, magic exploding in a wave, causing even John to take a step back. “WE HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED, MERELY STALLED! Celestia can barely raise the sun lately and we’ve taken the slack.”

“‘We have not been replaced, merely stalled.’” John repeated, mocking her.

“THOU SHALT NOT MAKE FUN OF US!” She yelled again, her eyes glowing. “Be warned mortal, we have given you enough chances. Be gone from my presence or we’ll kill everypony even remotely we think you hold dear… and of you won’t take their souls, then we’ll continue to kill them till nothing is left but their bloated corpses!”

John chuckled. “Farewell Luna, who knows… we might get to see each other again soon.”

“For your sake, we hope not.” She said, her eyes returning to normal as her body shrunk. Luna shook her head a few times, holding a hoof to head.

He paused and glanced at the medallion and turned to it. “One last thing though…” He raised his foot and smashed the medallion before he grinned and left Luna. She stared at the remnants before time went back to normal, the guards shocked at the crack in the floor.

The castle disappeared and Michael and John stood in the abyss, the pegasus pale. “Cheer up Michael.” John said as he walked through the darkness.

Michael shook his head. “Oh yeah, easy for you to say… you just didn’t find out that you were pretty much useless, that’s the second time.”

John’s eyes widened. “Useless? You are the love of another pony’s life! And you dare call yourself useless!?”

“True…” He said, looking at the ground. “I just don’t like that she thought it was ok to use ponies… even me…”

He smiled at the pegasus. “Forget Nightmare Moon, she is nothing. Now, how about I send you back to Fluttershy?”

“That’d… that’d be great… just, one more thing?” I smiled at him.

“Yes?”

He held out a hoof for Death. “If ya ever want to chat, you know where to find me.”

John smiled and bumped his fist against the offered hoof. “And I have a word of advice for you, don’t let her moan so loudly ok? Even the dead heard that.” He laughed as Michael’s face turned red and the abyss faded away.

Michael opened his eyes, the cottage ceiling reassuringly back. He leaned forward, catching his breath and looked around, happy to be back home. He turned to Fluttershy, who was sound asleep, the sheets slowly rising and falling. He smiled, leaning down to kiss her cheek before he laid down again, sighing as he stared at the ceiling.

Fluttershy rolled over, snuggling under his hooves and chin as she rested her head against his chest. He smiled, his hooves wrapped around her as the smile quickly faded, Veronica’s smile coming back into mind. He rewatched the scene over and over again, her final speech replaying loudly in his mind. I know I can’t do anything but I-

“I wish I would have done something too…” John stood at the end of the bed, smiling at him.

Mike quickly looked at the figure, jumping at the voice. “John? W-what are you doing here?”

He looked at Fluttershy. “Well… you said if I wanted to talk…”

“But didn’t we-”

“Is the offer still open or not?”

“It is… it is… Just… umm…”

“Make sure she’s safe. Love is something very special.”

“With my life.”

John nodded and reached into his pocket and pulled out the golden locket. “Give this to her, I have no use for it.” He said, tossing it.

Mike caught and looked it over in detail; it was a simple locket, a few scratches, but otherwise polished. A rose was carved into the gold, small rubies formed the petals. A small button on the top and the chain was made of gold. He faintly smiled. “Thanks John.”

John grinned and turned around, staring out the bedroom window. “Maybe some day, I’ll get to see her again.”

“You will, I’m sure of it. She misses you, you know that right?”

“Yes… and she’s been waiting for long enough. Eventually, time catches up to all of us.”

“Aye…”

He opened the door to the abyss and walked into the darkness. “Sleep tight Michael.”

“Goodnight John.” Michael said, putting the locket on the bed table and snuggled up again to Fluttershy.

John glanced at him once more before he closed the door. Sleep quickly took Michael, the pegasus exhausted from his adventure.

=

Michael groggily opened his eyes, a pillow greeting him. He yawned and turned, Fluttershy’s warmth missing. He leaned forward, running a hoof through his mane as he staggered out of bed and into the bathroom. When he got out, something wafted upstairs and he could smell food. He made his way down stairs and Fluttershy stood in front of the stove. He yawned again and snuck over to her, kissing her cheek. “Good morning.”

She turned her head and kissed him back. “Good morning Michael…” She said with a smile.

“Whatcha making?”

She turned back to the stove, making sure she didn’t burn it. “Some scrambled eggs and some bread.”

“Sounds wonderful…” He paused. “I’ll be right back.” He said and trotted back towards the stairs. She shook her head and checked on the bread, making sure she wasn’t burning it. He quickly hopped in the shower and when he dried off, grabbed the locket from the table. He hesitantly made his way downstairs. “Um… Flutters?”

She looked at him. “Yes?”

He held out the locket. “A friend gave me this… and I-I wanted you to have it… said to give it to the mare you love.”

She blushed and looked at the locket, careful of the reflected sunlight. She grabbed it and looked over the carving. “This looks wonderful Michael…” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Thank you...”

He blushed as well. “W-want me to put it on for you?”

She nodded, her face still pink. He unclasped the back before gently putting it around her neck. He moved her mane to one side and fumbled with the lock for a moment before it snapped together. He let it go and fixed her mane, the locket swinging idly on her neck. He smiled, grabbing the locket and centered it on the chain. “Looks beautiful on you…”

Her face went even redder as she pulled him into a tight hug. “Thank you…”

He hugged her back, resting his head on her shoulder. “I visited Death again…” He whispered after a moment.

She let go and looked at him surprised. “W-what?”

He nodded. “I helped him heal Fluttershy, I guess. He gave me that.” He grabbed the locket. “To give to you, saying give it to her and protect her… Make sure she’s safe.” He smiled slightly. “You know, he’s not a bad guy, just got dealt a real bad hand…”

She was silent for a moment, watching him before a smile grew on her face. “If you say he is, then I believe you.”

“He’s a nice person, if you can get around him being Death and all.” He chuckled and kissed her again. “Don’t worry, everything’s ok.”

She nodded as a faint burning smell quickly grew stronger. Her eyes widened. “Oh no!” She quickly turned around and turned the stove off.

Mike grimaced and opened the stove for her, a big puff of black smoke pouring out. “Whoops, sorry Flutters…”

Fluttershy sighed and shook her head. “It’s ok, we can just eat the other bread.” She flew into the air and opened the cupboard. She got another loaf of bread and put it on the table. “Thought it’d be better if I could make my own…” She said, grabbing two plates and forks on the table before grabbing a knife and started to cut up the good bread.

He grabbed the pan and poured equal amounts of egg onto their plate. He watched her for a moment before going back and grabbed the burnt bread before he sat down. He stared at it before taking a piece and eating it. He chewed it for a moment. “You know… not that bad. It’s like… really overdone toast.”

She giggled and leaned over, nuzzling him. “It’s ok Michael, we don’t have to eat it.”

He ate a little more. “But I don’t like food going to waste.” He gulped before putting on a smile. “Especially food you make.”

She smiled. “Only if it’s ok with you..”

They sat down at the table, eating quietly. He reached out for her hoof and squeezed it reassuringly, smiling. After they finished the eggs and bread, she took a piece off his plate and tried some. “You’re right… it’s not that bad…”

“Yeah, I mean… a little overdone but still pretty good.” He chuckled.

She smiled before she got up and grabbed their plates, walking over and washed them. “I’m going out with Rarity today… y-you might be here alone for a few hours…”

He nodded. “Alright, I might go hang out with Martin for a bit, maybe catch up with him.”

He got up as she trotted towards him, grabbing his hooves as she stared into his eyes, her face going red. She leaned forward, kissing him passionately. His face turned just as red before he broke it, a smile breaking out on both of their faces. “Y-yesterday was special for me…” She muttered.

“M-me too…” He said and leaned in to kiss her again. “I’ll always love you, ok Flutters?”

She nuzzled his neck, resting underneath his chin as they embraced. “I’ll always love you too…”

He kissed the top of her head. “Remember, my heart is yours, no pony elses.”

Her mane drifted and covered her face. “T-thank you…”

He nodded and with one last squeeze, let her go. “I’ll see you later ok?”

She kissed him one more time. “Don’t get yourself in trouble.” She said, walking over and opening the door.

He gave her a lopsided grin. “Never would’ve crossed my mind.” She giggled and shut the door behind her. He sighed and shook his head, wandering over to the refrigerator. “Alright, gotta find some carrots for Angel…” He muttered and grabbed a hooful and started the hunt for the white rabbit.

He sat on the fence, lost in thought as he stared blankly at the Everfree Forest. “Angel, you ok?” Michael asked as he walked up the rabbit. He placed the bowl on the ground in front of him.

He looked at the pegasus and nodded, jumping off the fence and eyed the bowl.

Mike grabbed it with a wing and held it for him. “Just a small thanks for everything lately. If you ever wanna talk, I’m here for you, ok?”

The rabbit nodded and launched himself into the bowl.

He chuckled and looked at the sun, trying to figure out the time. “I better go make sure the other animals are fed.” He muttered, walking back inside and checking on them. They behaved normally, usually ignoring him unless he brought them food. He smiled, making sure they were happy before heading towards the door. I wonder what Martin’s up too…

Author's Notes:

So... I apparently never published this and it's just been sitting on my computer, finished. Sorry about that! And sorry I haven't updated anything lately, been real hectic here. Any who, hope you enjoyed, leave a comment if you spot an error or you wanna yell at me for something in the chapter. Till next time.