My name is Apple Eden.

I am a simple farmer from Ponyville.

I tend to the fields.

I buck the trees.

I even sell our apples in the market every day.

It is a thankless job, but somepony has to do it.

But I have one problem.

I saw them everywhere.

Those flickering spectres that haunted my every step.

With every step a new horror.

With each step a new sin crawling upon my back.

Every action a reaction.

Every choice a consquence.

Mother knew I can see.

That familiar mile long stare.

She says my eyes are like hers.

I can see death's design at work.

She calls it a blessing.

I called it a curse.

I would cast my sight away.

If only it meant I could be alone.

But that would solve nothing.

It would change nothing.

My name is Apple Eden.

I tended the fields.

I saw them standing there

I bucked the trees.

I heard them whisper.

I sold apples in the market.

I felt her breath upon my neck.

With quivering legs I ran.

Beyond the fields.

Beyond the Forrest.

Through forgotten paths I trot.

Stone gave way to dirt.

And dirt caved under pressure.

As was I.

I coughed and sputtered.

I watched as faulty beams filtered through fleeting cracks.

Darkness overcame me as debris filled the void I had created.

"I am sorry."

Those were the words on my lips.

But they were not my own.

It was there with eyes closed shut I really saw her.

Rising Aria.

She was one of my friends years ago.

I always regretted that day.

The day I didn't save her.

I had the strentgh.

I always had it right there in my hooves.

But when it came time to use it.

I ran.

I was a coward then.

I am a coward now!

I am buried in the same hole that flipped her carraige.

"I am sorry."

Those words were mine now.

But she would not leave me be.

I felt a hoof upon my own.

It was cold as ice.

I felt Aria come for me.

She had a message for me.

"I forgive you."

My eyes shot open.

My hoof grasping onto her's.

I heard her message loud and clear.

"Not today."

I could not save her then.

But I could save myself.

I was afraid.

Not of my own strentgh.

Not anymore.

I was afraid of dying in this hole.

Afraid of never seeing my mother again.

I will not die today.

She called to me.

She encouraged me to fight.

She told me not to be afraid.

My dearest friend.

My lost friend.

I trusted her.

My head found fresh air.

I breathed deep the relief.

I saw them standing there.

Aria and all the others were waiting for me.

For once I was not afraid.

I was so close to death myself.

Now I see them for what they really are.

That mark on my flank reminds me every day who I am.

My name is Apple Eden.

I speak for the dead.

I tend to the graves.

I ward off graverobbers.

I even guide lost spirits to the afterlife.

It is a thankless job, but somepony has to do it.

But I have one problem.

Some ghosts are still scary.

But thats okay.

After all not many are lucky enough to choose how they die.

That is Death's design.

Author's Note

And now for something completely different.

I hope you all enjoyed this brief tale.

Apple Eden is a mare of few words anyway.

She would not want her tale glammored up.

At least not this one.

Stay tuned because the next chapter is going to be a special one...