I am no one. I am nothing. I have no name. I have a parent if that's is what you wish to call my Mistress. You know her as Death. After all it is she that I serve, and have served for eternity. Me, and my siblings if that is what you wish to call us. If you must call me by a name simply call me by my occupation. I am a reaper I guide the souls of the departed to the afterlife.
Not that I am permitted to cross that threshold though. So don't bother asking me of the other side because I couldn't answer that question. Even if I wanted to. I live within the borders of worlds. Some call it a veil some call it the beyond, or the void others have no name for it at all. Before you leave me for the other side let me tell you of what it is like to be a reaper.
First things first I guess let me tell you a little about myself. Well me, and my siblings. I am what you mortals call I believe the word is thestrals. Though not all of us are. Some ponies voluntarily take up the scythe after they die. Choosing to aid the souls on their last journey. We all carry a special silver bell around our necks that signals us when a life is about to end.
We also each take care of certain areas of the world. Mine is the kingdom of Equestria. I watch over all of them from the child inside their mother's womb. To the elderly who have lived a long fulfilling life. To even the so called gods that sit on the thrones. They are all my charge, and I love each, and every one of them. How could I not!? I have watched them all grow up. In a sense I am their protective older brother. Carefully watching them learn; and grow. Find love; and build a family of their own.
Today I will be making my way through one of my favorite places...Ponyville. I love coming here to watch ponies live their simple lives. Sometimes I like to wonder what it would be like to live among them as a pony that they could see, and touch. Maybe find that special some pony, and start a family of my own? However that is not my lot, nor will it ever be. Today I will be meeting at least a couple of ponies. That can at least somewhat feel my presence. First stop time to go to a funeral.
The air grows cold as dark grey clouds cover the sky. A bitter wind cuts through the bones of those that are in attendance. All are dressed in black and an elderly widow sits up front. A black lace veil covers her face as a pony commits the body to the ground. With the coffin being lowered to its final resting place. The congregation of ponies create a melody of hauntingly mournful weeping. Causing the air to grow even colder.
Today is the funeral for one of my previous charges. He like all those before him wished to stay so that he could console his loved ones. However that is not their responsibility. No that burden falls on my shoulders. It is not that I don't want them to say their final good byes, but rather this requires a gentle touch. One that they are unable to give. They only wind up causing more harm than good when they do it themselves. So I make their final farewells for them. Even though I am not obligated to do so.
The reaper goes from one pony to another consoling them to the best of his abilities. Even though they don't stop their crying the reaper can see that he has helped them at least a little.
Sometimes I whisper some kind words into their ear like. I love you, or it wasn't your fault something like that. It took me centuries to figure out what to say to which one, and how to say it. Other times whispering words to them would only hurt them. In those times I simply place my leathery wings around them, and embrace their soul as warmly as I can. Like this poor widow. That helps more often than not. Sometimes though despite my best effort to keep their flame alive. Their grief is too much for them too handle, and they snuff it out. Hoping to see their loved one in the afterlife. This always breaks my heart. As it is always sad to see a soul die before its time."
"Once the funeral is done ponies disperse heading back home to return to their lives. Some of them shiver as they pass through me. Mistaking me for the bitter chill, or the ghost of the one that had just passed. With my job here done I must return to my rounds, and observe those whose fire is dim.
As I walk the streets of Ponyville I watch three particular fillies play. I believe their names are: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. They always make me laugh; such joyful exuberance, and creative imaginations! Today however won't be like the others for they are going the exact same way that I am. I know why too. My next stop is the local hospital.
The cutie mark crusaders make their way towards a room where one of their school friends lies in a bed. A tiny male Pegasus looking pale, and weak smiles at them as they walk into his room. They hand him a get well soon card. Signed by every pony from school.
His name is Rumble he is here in the hospital for a serious case of pneumonia. Personally I hope that he makes it, but I don't know. His spark of life is very dim right now. At this point it will be up to him if he makes it or not. I watch over the little ones as they talk about what they are going to do once Rumble gets better.
The fillies play all kinds of games with the sick Rumble; and talk about things like what they learned in class; and who got their cutie marks. Rumble lets out a weak laugh as Scootaloo trips on her face. Even the reaper laughs at the little fillies antics.
Catching a faint glimmer of hope in his eyes I let out a relieved sigh. It would have been missed by a mortal, but not me. As they talk into the evening his spark starts to grow brighter meaning he very well may survive the illness. Thankfully he was the only one that I had come to see. With that settled at least for now I can check one last charge. Though this one is a little different, and a lot more serious.
In the center of town lies a crystal castle. A certain purple alicorn who calls it home sits at a table in the center of the library staring at the cover of an ancient book. Black leather binds the book as a sickly oak tree graces the cover.
This is Twilight Sparkle a prodigy of magic, and bearer of its element. Her curiosity has always been her weakness. Though her love of books in admirable some books are meant to be left alone. Such as the one that has somehow come into her possession. It is a book of dark magic, revolving mostly around necromancy, and the manipulation of spirits.
It once belonged to a powerful sorcerer in ages past. He used his dark magic to bind spirits to bone creating an undead army. If it weren't for a certain unicorn stopping the threat life itself would have ceased to exist. Since then we vowed to never let such an atrocity happen ever again! Since she has claimed hold of this book she has contemplated opening it. Though when the day comes when she crosses that line; and opens that book I will reap her soul without hesitation!
Though it seems that she has learned her lesson well because she never opens it. Some of my brothers believe that because she is the element of magic she can sense us. Maybe even see us, but if she can she has never tried to communicate with me. Part of me believes that my brothers are right; and that she can indeed see me. Hmm? Good she is putting the book back in it's vault I won't have to kill her tonight
A phantasmal bell chimes in the air perking up the ears of the reaper.
Huh? Well that is unfortunate. Until next time Twilight Sparkle. I have a job to do.
Back at the hospital Rumble's breathing has become extremely labored. The reaper stands next to his bed a tear rolling down his eye as he looks down at the pale Pegasus. Rumble's spark is flickering out. Placing a hoof on Rumble's head the Reaper feels the poor little guy burning up. Rumble lets out a very weak cry of blistering hot pain.
Unfurling his leathery wings to their fullest length the reaper looks back at Rumble's older brother sleeping in a nearby chair. Thunderlane has obviously been worried sick about his younger brother as heavy bags could easily be seen under his eyes.
Turning back towards Rumble the Reaper lets out a choked sigh; and with a gentle flap of his wings he extinguishes Rumble's spark. Taking his last breath his spirit leaves his body. When Rumble opens his eyes he is relieved that he no longer feels pain; but looking up he is startled by the scary looking pony standing next to him. Though when the reaper gives him a warm smile Rumble relaxes. It was as if this strange bat like pony was a long time friend. Maybe even an older brother? Walking over to his sleeping brother Rumble gives his brother one last hug good bye. Reaper smiles his approval, and they take their leave.
The two spirits walk out of the building into the cool night air. A beautiful full moon lights the starry sky. Smiling they look up into the night sky. Spreading their wings they take to the air one last flight through Rumble's familiar sky. Rumble smiles as he remembers all the fun times he had with his friends, and family. Although it seemed as if time stood still it was not long before their flight had to come to an end. The reaper stops in midflight. Ringing his bell a rift of blinding white light opens up behind him. He smiles at Rumble who closes his eyes, and nods. Taking Rumble by the hoof they walk into the light.
The rift closes as the reaper steps out of it. He sighs as he loses another charge something that he never liked. Walking the cold empty streets something catches his attention. A long shadow creeping down from a hill in the distance. There was Thunderlane standing on top of the hill looking straight up into the night sky. Tears billowing out of his eyes. The reaper cries as well as he makes his way over to him. Sitting down the Reaper places a wing over Thunderlane. They stare into the starry night sky in solemn silence.
Thunderlane will be alright though he will carry the sorrow of loss for the rest of his life. He eventually marries, and names his first colt after his little brother. After living a full life with his wife, and kids I will come for him. To reunite him with his brother in the afterlife. Hmmm? How do I know this? I just do. After all I am a reaper pony. Speaking of which are you ready for your final journey? Come let us go home your friends are waiting for you
Author's Note
Ok so this little story has been rattling around in my head for awhile so I finally decided to write it. It really doesn't have a plotline to speak of. What it is an account of what a reaper pony would have to do on a daily basis. Consoling the grieved. Helping the dead cross to the other side. Protecting the balance of life, and death from dark magic. I am sure some people could have written a better story, but it is what it is. I hope you enjoyed it.
cover art is by https://derpiboo.ru/971207
