"So...wanna run that by me again?"

Standing beside Twilight at the train station, Spike couldn't help but stare at the alicorn beside him with wide eyes that shone with both amusement and a touch of disbelief.

"You saw some sort of skeleton creature that nopony else was able to see?"

Twilight couldn't fault Spike for being hesitant to believe her, especially since she wasn't sure what she saw that day either. Three whole days had passed since the sighting of that...thing. She had watched it look up at her with its hollow eye sockets and a cold grin. But when she had managed to pull herself together and teleport outside, it had already vanished and all the mare had managed to do was shock one of the passing flower sisters into passing out. Apparently nopony had seen or even registered the fact they had walked through the cloaked figure that had been out in the middle of the road.

"I know it sounds ridiculous, but I can't pretend what I saw was any sort of hallucination or a part of my imagination. Whatever was outside my house that day had to be real...even if I'm the only one who could tell it was there for some reason."

Stretching his arms behind his head, Spike leaned against a lightpole as he thought it over. After all the threats they had faced until this point and crazy villians with absurd and magical powers, was it really outside the realm of possibility Twilight was being watched by some sort of creepy undead guy?

"Well, I can't say it's impossible. I mean, we know a chaos lord who can cause literally anything to happen at random with a snap of his paw." Spike reasoned as he looked down the tracks for any sightings of their train. "Best thing to do would be to talk to the princess. We're already going up there to speak with her about your alicorn stuff, might as well ask her about that thing as well in case it's something else from a thousand years ago."

Giving a nod, Twilight reached into her saddlebags with her magic and pulled out the letter Celestia had sent via dragonfire. The princess had let Twilight know she could come by during the weekend, as her mentor had convinced her sister to watch over the royal courts so Celestia could meet with Twilight. With it finally being friday, Twilight got herthings and reference books together and was ready to learn more about her new responibilities as princess.

"She's going to be waiting for us to arrive in her study, so once we arrive at Canterlot I'll teleport us there to save time." Twilight said as she triple-checked the letter had said to come today. Finding the ink still bearing the same time as the other two times she checked, Twilight turned her gaze back to Spike. "Though I still feel a odd about just casually going to see someone I considered my teacher all my life."

Making sure the parchment was nice and neatly re-rolled, Twilight let it fall back into her saddlebags as the train whistle sounded off in the distance, signaling its timely arrival into the station and interrupting Twilight's line of thought.

"See, told you it would be early today!" Twilight chirped happily as she trotted up to the entry zone along with Spike following from the side. As the train pulled into the station, the mare passed Spike his ticket, who barely grabbed it as he had been preoccupied watching the ponies exiting the train.

"Think the princess will have lunch for us at the castle? We didn't exactly eat breakfast in your rush to get here so early." Spike stated, a hungry glance in Twilights direction.

"If she doesn't, then I have no doubts she wouldn't mind having a lunch break when we get there...but for now this should keep your widdle tummy from rumbling." Twilight said in a tone Spike recognized as almost motherly if not for her goofy grin letting him know she was messing with him, though he stopped any rebuttal he had prepped as she floated a decently sized ruby his way.

Snatching it out of the air Spike quickly took a big bite of it, sounding off a muffled "Thank you!" while Twilight rolled her eyes at the dragons instant devouring of the gem. As they got onto the train and took their seats in the empty train car, Twilight watched as Spike began to hiccup.

"This is why we savor our food, Spike. You ate it too fast!" Twilight told him with an exasperated sigh as said dragon started to hold his breath. "Did you even taste it?"

Letting out his breath sharply after a moment, Spike waited a second to see if he would hiccup before answering.

"Of course I did, it tasted li-Hiccup- Dang it!"

Laying back on the seat Spike looked up at the ceiling with a groan, hiccuping in random intervals between each breath.

"The price of enjoying myself for once! Woe is me!" The dragon lamented dramatically as Twilight looked on with no sympathy, having seen Spike do this to himself far too many times to be concerned.

"You'd think you would learn after doing it every time someone gives you gems to eat." Twilight said as she levitated a book from her saddlebags and sat it before her, loafing her forelegs beneath her as she glanced at the title.

Supernatural: Myths and Legends of old

"Couldn't hurt to see what I can find out about that thing I saw...if it was some sort of ancient being or entity then I should be able to find some sort of origin for it." Twilight whispered to herself, opening the book in a lavender glow as the train began to move, trying to tune out the hiccups from the dragon nearby. "What I saw that day wasn't my mind playing tricks on me, I'm sure of it...all that's left to do is figure out what it was and go from there."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Appearing in a veil of shadows, Death stepped from the darkness into the shining marble of what he recognized as Canterlots very own castle. Pulling his parchment from his robes, Death opened it and saw the name Feather Duster written in red.

"A maid, if the their namesake is to be taken literally." He mused, rolling up the paper and returning it to his robes as he began to walk down the halls. Death had gotten quite affiliated with the layout of this castle over the years, and since the sun princess never was the biggest fan of change, the locations of places such as the barracks and quarters for the staff tended to always be in the same locations in the castle no matter how much time passed. Even if he wasn't used to the location he had a sixth sense for locating those who's times had come.

After all, none could escape death forever.

Walking through a pair of big doors Death let his hood drop as he walked past guards, maids, and noblepony alike that were none the wiser to his existence before them. As he turned a corner however, Death noticed an older looking guard following his movements before Death phased through another doorway, not quite able to see him but sensing something was moving among the crowd.

He looked quite a bit more seasoned compared to these other guards...wonder if he's seen actual combat or death?.

Other than the changeling invasion from almost two years ago, most ponies didn't know what actual warfare looked like. Even then, the changeling invasion had been one isolated instance, and it mostly affected the castle anyway. None of the younger generation had to live in a time of war, not since Celestia forced a peace treaty between the ponies and the griffons after the latter faced a sudden decline in their economy during the conflict between the two races.

Some sort of lost idol or something...whatever it was, it's dissapearance caused a dissonance between griffons. To Death however, it meant saving him the time of having to wander anymore battlefields to send off souls of the damned. After all, just because it's his job doesn't mean he wanted creatures to die. It's just a part of life's cycle, and he happened to be the ferryman to the other side.

After a few more turns and phasing through closed doors and walls, Death found his way to the quarters where the maids resided. Slipping through one last doorway, the hooded figure found himself in room consumed by what was best explained as organized chaos. There were maids galloping about in mulitple directions, some with cleaning supplies and others with food trays and fresh bedding. Ponies exited in and out of the room in waves, each going to do their assigned task for the day or coming back for reassignment.

Among the chaos an elderly maid stood atop a wooden crate, barking orders to any maid that passed by. Wearing a similar uniform to the maids that stood out on her pink fur, the main difference was her maid uniform had no frills and was ironed out, along with a nameplate made of Gold, showcasing the name Death had been searching for on its plating.

"Princess Celestia is planning to have a guest during the afternoon, so make sure the dining hall is empty and the kitchens are ready to serve lunch if the princess so desires it." The mare barked at a pair of maids who recently returned from whatever they had been doing before. Said mares gave a salute as they quickly exited out the door they just entered.

As Feather Duster prepared to bark out her next series of commands, her eyes fell on the looming figure by the doorway. As her mind registered the skull staring back at her the older mare gulped nervously, able to guess what the intimidating entity wanted, a look of fear crossing over her face before it was soon replaced with reluctant acceptance.

Stepping down from the box without a word, some of the maids watched with confusion as their usually stoic boss entered her office looking more rattled than they've ever seen her, though nne dared to follow after her and risk failing in their duties. However, each of the maids in the room felt a chill run through their bones, and while they could not see Death walking past or through them it felt like the room itself had turned several degrees colder with every step Death took past them.

Phasing into the office, Death found the mare sitting in a rather lavish office chair, her forelegs folded on the birch desk in between the two of them. To Feather Dusters credit she was quite composed for a pony facing down Death straight on. It was as if she was conducting a business meeting with a associate of hers.

And in a rather morbid way, it kinda was.

"I assume the fact that only I was able to see you amongst my subordinates means you've come for me at last?" She asked, the earth pony's voice shaky as she took a deep breath. '"I've been in her majesty's service for over a century, so I've been well aware that this day was coming and have already made the preparations necessary for my passing."

Stepping up to the desk Death gave the mare a single nod, his hollow eyes boring into the mare as the cloaked one traced a boney finger across the wood.

"Have a replacement already trained then? How prudent of you." Death spoke as he walked through the desk and knelt beside the mare, placing a chilled hand on her shoulder. "You've lived a long and productive life, Feather Duster. Not many can claim to have the level of loyalty and devotion to their job and life as you have shown here. Be proud of the legacy you will leave behind."

Tearing up, the elderly mare sniffled as she wrapped her hooves around Death, placing her head on his shoulder as she tried to control her breathing.

"W-Will it hurt?" Was her single question, spoken in a shallow whisper only Death could hear. Bringing a hand up he ran it gently across her back as the figure shook his head.

"Your death will be a peaceful one, little pony. Rest well, and enjoy what awaits you on the other side." Death assured as he opened his coat and wrapped it around the crying mare, feeling her embrace him tighter for a moment before a soothing light shone from within the coat.

Sitting still for a moment, Death slowly undid his coat from the mare before him as the mares body leaned back in the seat. Standing up, Death smiled as he saw the content smile on the mares face.

"If only every passing was like this one...painless and with them feeling content with how their lives ended." Death whispered, turning and walking through the desk as the doors to the office swung open. Phasing through the pair of mares that rushed into the room Death paid them no mind, pulling out his parchment once more as the name Feather Duster faded away from the document.

"Another life sent on." Death said, putting the paper away as he exited the room and entered the halls once more, making his way towards the throne room. "now, since I've got the time I should drop in on the Alicorns...but which one?"

Coming to a stop Death thought it over for a moment before summoning his staff. With a coy smile Death tapped it on the ground as the shadows engulfed him once more, and as he reappeared from them Death found the marble hallway he was previously in replaced by crystal, a smirk on his face as he continued his walk.

"Cadence should be in her throne room right now...wonder if that husband of hers is there too?" Death mused as he phased through the crystal doors blocking the way into the throne room. Coming through to the other side Death found himself barging in on what seemed to be a rather interesting meeting between the princess and a green pegasus wearing gardening clothes.

"Princess, the agricultural association wishes for your majestys permission to boost the amount of fertilizer we put in our crops by at least ten percent. Even with the evil gone from the kingdom our fields will need extra effort to be put in order to return them to the splendor they once yeilded."

Said princess, while eager to listen to what was being said, it was clear that she didn't know too much about the subject. However, for as long as Death had known her Cadence always seemed capable of thinking outside the box and finding a way to reach out to those she wanted to help.

"The crown hears your plea, Windy Gales...I'll have your request put before the head of the council of nobles and see what type of fertilizer and how much of it should be used before we proceed." Cadence stated, getting a bow from the pegasus before he flew out through the opened doors behind Death. As soon as the guards posted by the doors closed them Cadence let out a soft sigh and slumped back into the crystal throne a bit.

"And to think I used to skip out on my earth pony studies back when Aunty was raising me...I really should've paid more attention to those lessons." The pink alicorn muttered before glancing up, seeing Death from across the room as she sat up instantly. "G-Guards, leave the chambers for now, I wish to be alone."

Giving the princess a nod the two guards exited the room in a uniform manner. As they left Cadence hopped down from her throne and trotted up to the robed figure before her, a happy yet guarded smile on her face as she greeted Death.

"It's been a few weeks since we last spoke...your not here for anyone I know are you?" The princess hesitantly asked, and when Death shoke his head her mood picked up tremendously, all lingering fear gone in an instant. "Oh thank Auntie it's just a friendly visit, you need to send me some sort of letter ahead of time or your liable to give me a heart attack one of these days."

"Death does not let one know when he arrives." Death spoke with a smirk before booping her nose. "Besides, you've known me long enough that you shouldn't be afraid of me anymore."

"You spent six years of my childhood pretending to be the monster hiding under my bed, you should be grateful I wasn't traumatized." Cadence retorted as before her eyes widened in realization. "Wait, Twilight became an alicorn last week right? Don't tell me you put her through the same jumpscare routine you did when you introduced yourself to me."

"No, I've yet to introduce myself actually, though she did see me in Ponyville a few days ago." Death informed the princess as he chuckled lightly. "She seems like the type to overthink things, so I should probably introduce myself to her soon before the thought of me drives her crazy."

Hearing his words Cadence couldn't help but be worried for the filly she had babysat once upon a time, and knowing Deaths rather...crude way of handling situations the alicorn was worried he might genuinely spook Twilight.

"When you do introduce yourself...could you ease her into things? She just became an Alicorn and likely doesn't realize the full weight of what our extended lifespans mean yet, let alone the effects we have on the world itself." Cadence asked, walking over to a window and peering out into the courtyard below where a white coated unicorn could be seen running drills with the guards. "From what Auntie's letter told me Twilight's ascension happened without her even knowing it would occur, and while Twilight is an extremely intelligent pony she can get overwhelmed pretty easily at times...so please, do let her into it gently? For my sake and hers."

Appearing beside Cadence in a whirl of shadows Death leaned against the wall and peered down below at the prince as he led the guards in what appeared to be laps around the courtyard. That damned stallion was quite the lucky guy, surviving run ins with a changeling queen and an evil darkness-powered unicorn? Death knew damn well the normal citizen would've had their souls passed on by now, but Shining Armour had managed to push through those tribulations and earn his spot by his wifes side.

Death could respect that level of determination and grit. It's what seperated honorable warriors from those who only sought glory.

"I'll keep from scaring her or anything on purpose, but reality isn't something that can be eased into, Cadence." Death stated, turning to the princess as her expression fell slightly. "It's better shes informed now of the effects of being an Alicorn. Hiding it or attempting to soften the blow for her now will only hurt her later when her friends start to pass on."

"I...I guess thats the best I can ask for." Cadence relented before a knock sounded off at the doors nearby. "Oh! Looks like there's another pony here to see me, so I'll have to get back to work."

Giving a nod Death put his hood back on and summoned his staff once more, tapping it twice as shadows engulfed him before the figure vanished from sight, leaving Cadence to quickly trot to her throne. Landing on it with a rather elegant 'plop', the alicorn glanced at the spot where Death had been, a nervous glint in her eyes as her mind wandered to what Twilight must be feeling about her recent change.

"I hope Twilight, for your sake, you can learn to understand and shoulder the burden of being a princess...because whether you feel like your ready or not you'll need to learn how to do so."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reappearing in the Canterlot Castle, Death found himself standing right outside Celestia's personal chambers... a location he had not been trying to go to. Raising his staff to his eye socket level, Death let out a small growl as he saw a glimmer of white light shimmer off the engraved ruby on the staffs paw before fading away without a trace.

"Someone is tampering with my magic...and whoever that someone is will find their lives cut very short if they don't stop." Death threatened the empty room as he turned his gaze to the bedroom door of the sun monarch, hearing voices from the other side.

"Speaking of which...have you felt any tension in your wings? Anything feel like it's not in the right place since they appeared?"

It was definitely Celestias voice, and while he couldn't hear who's voice was on the other side Death could guess who the princess would be concerned about when it came to new wings. Glancing once more at the staff in his hand Death decided to let the issue be for now, as whatever was messing with his staff seemed to really want him to meet this new princess.

"Well, no time like the present. let's see how much Celestia really taught her student." Death said with a grin, his staff disappearing into the shadows as Death walked through the doors and into the room where the newest alicorn awaited her rude awakening...even if she had no idea it was coming.

Author's Note

Ta-da!!! Thanks for waiting!

Oh, and thanks for all the support for the story! I'm glad you all like it so much!