Great fic, intruging to say the least. I noticed somewhere in the beginning is a point instead of a question mark.

after a quick search, I've found it:

Why has it not frozen over like this town and hardened to the guilt.

>>119556119556

Thanks for noticing that, I'll fix it right away. And thanks for reading!

I really enjoyed this story. It's interesting to see the Reaper Pony contemplate things and feel bad about what he is. But it's also nice to see him able to continue on with his job, even if it is one he'd rather not do. The Gatekeeper was a nice touch too, always trying to reach out and ease Death's burden but having Granny Smith do it was a much better idea :).

I know this is a one shot story, but I'd enjoy reading about your Pony version of Death again. Perhaps in different time periods or maybe when he has the unfortunate task of Reaping one of the Celestial sisters. Would also be curious to know if he reaped Nightmare Moon's soul? would she count as a spirit? Gah I'm over-analysing this brilliant story .

Anyway's just a few ideas I thought I'd throw out there. Watching you now and hoping for more stories by you Ravenwood

Meh

Simply put, a joy to read.

This... this is good. I like the style and idea of other-wordly forces, especially since it is something we already know of.

You, sir, have earned 5 stars and a watch.

It's a nice short story, I can give you that.

Solid and well conceived.  Good job!

very good, wish you could have continued it

>>119643119643

Thanks for the compliments dude, it made my day. I am currently writing something and did this just spur of the moment, meaning it to be a one off, but you've given me some ideas. Maybe I'll do more with Death.

And thanks to everyone else who commented and read

Truly astonishing work, and the first since I've read 'To be an Alicorn' I've teared up on, and I read that when it came out.

I'm now going to go play some robot action game with guns and explosions to replenish my masculinity for I do believe crying over a fanfiction of ponies does not put many points in my direction.

TL;DR:

;~;

I like this saying:

"Don't cry because good times are gone; laugh because they happened."

This is giving me Steed Reaper flashbacks. Did you take the concept from chapter 5 of "My little evil tales" by any chance?

The book thief was on my summer reading list. I honestly think this was written better than the book. I have no reason to lie to you.

I think this is very well-written!  Great job!

>>120835120835

No, I've never read that fic but I'll check it out. As I stated in the Author Notes I took the idea from a book called "The Book Thief" which is narated by the Grim Reaper during WW2. (awesome book btw, go read it)

>>120881120881

Wow, thanks for the compliment. I liked that book a lot so that means loads to me.

Good read, I enjoyed it thoroughly!

It's so good it made me cry...

Fantastic.

great read, can't wait for more!

no words can express how i feel........

well done and continue on with your writing

Some spelling typos but I am in the middle of my first fic

but this story was beautiful

This is some of the best work i have ever seen

>>121076121076

Typos? In my fic? LIES! Oh well, blame my editor...oh wait, that's me. CURSES!

Damn. This is the first time in a fairly long while that I've teared up as hard as I did reading fan fics. (I had to stop reading for a minute to go find a box of tissue paper so I could continue breathing...)

You get all the Fluttercry/sad's:

You also get all the Flutteryay's for being epic:

(Previous post emotefailed)

Damn. This is the first time in a fairly long while that I've teared up as hard as I did reading fan fics. (I had to stop reading for a minute to go find a box of tissue paper so I could continue breathing...)

You get all the Fluttercry/sad's:

You also get all the Flutteryay's for being epic:

Wish there were more like this. Twas a great read.

Also, "He and Granny Smith exchange a few words which I won't repeat here; it's not your place to know them, and then walks up to the portal, ready to cross over." I really like how realisticly death-like you made it, if that makes any sense.

Excellent work!

I've been haunted and scared for the past half-year about death, and I'm only 19. It's sad that I'm facing this now...it's much too early. Thank you though, after reading this I feel as though I can sleep tonight.

Thank you so much.

Image: http://pcmedia.gamespy.com/pc/image/article/969/969431/team-fortress-2-20090403042617913.jpg

Be polite. Be efficient. Have a plan to kill everyone you meet!

My... another reaper pony story?

I feel unoriginal now.

But ow well, it goes a totaly different course than my very long and gory tale.

Was a nice read. Good style.

And if I got you curious, look for Maledictum Insania.

Raven, That was simply amazing. I dont even know you and im proud of you. This is one of the best fics I have read on this site. Its brilliant. I would love to see more from you. Im definatly going to keep an eye on you my friend.

>>121126121126

Thanks man! To be honest I had trouble even writing certain parts, had to push myself through.

>>121226121226

Glad I could help good sir!

>>121437121437

Thank you for the compliment, I hope I can live up to everyone's expectations with my next stories.

Wow simply amazing, people have different perspectives on life like Death and Granny Smith and I truly agree, it's not how you die, it's how you live and when I said that I felt sad for EverGreen knowing that she didn't have a life to live

Thanks for this wonderful story I hope you continue though, I tracked just in case

amazing wonderful story! but a little weird as you played with tenses a bit

Nonetheless, very emotional and awesome story.

Manly tears have been shed.

I read this last night but didn't have time to type a response, you sir have earned a watcher. This story was pure gold, bravo!

This was a very beautiful story and a rather interesting one.

Have a good one.

Aww man, i was gonna write a story about Death. But you beat me to it. And did a fine job writing it

>>121847121847

The tenses was really weird to write too. Often I'd find myself slipping into past tense, and have to rewrite a hole paragraph. Also, glad to hear my story is evoking such strong emotions!

Why does the title keep reminding me of a phrase I know: "I am become death, the destroyer of worlds."

hey im glad to find someone besides me who liked 'THE BOOK THIEF' i mean it was an awsome book but your the first person iv met to actually mention it and after the first paregraph i was instantly reminded of the book thief

Is this anything like Near Death Experience for anypony who's read it?

MOAR!!

Dark my ass, this is the happiestnthing I've seen yet.

I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of Death learning a life-changing lesson, and it's one that we can all learn!

Such a good story, I think I'll share it with my non-brony friends (fingers crossed!)

Loved it, Raven. 5 stars. I hope you write more, even if it isn't Death.

>>122384122384

I actually considered that for the title, but decided to go for a shorter title instead. I like that quote though.

>>122580122580

It IS a fantastic book. I like that author's style of writing and storytelling. It's very unique.

>>123008123008

Maybe....

>>123204123204

actually if I remember correctly that death quote was worded slightly difrently and was from the Creator of the atomic / nuclear bomb

you did a great job with this. seriously. i have led the life of a general crybaby (nothing serious, just got bullied a lot), and while I don't cry at all anymore this fic had seriously came close to making me cry. also, as a side note the narrative is perfect. i never thought to look at death in these fics the way you portrayed him. keep up the good work!

Interesting. But I got to ask how did you make that Reaper pony for the cover of this story?

Clap, clap, clap.

Well done, I enjoyed reading this, and not just because it had Death in it, but because it has a very true moral. What those Ponies did was awesome, and I was told that if my Mother died, she expected a Party, not a Funeral. Your portrayal of Death was good, and his emotions were believable. I mean, killing hundreds of ponies every day for... god knows how long must break you down, or something.

One thing though, this didn't make me tear up or feel sad, didn't make me feel anything, really. Except a massive urge to write this comment, give the Fic five stars and proceed to stalk, I mean, Watch you. x3

I really did love this story, the only improvement I could see would be for you to make it sadder. Forgive me everypony for bringing this up, but My Little Dashie did it somehow, but I think it's just me being able to relate to Dash's emotions, or Dad's, I guess.

+ 10 Respect, 5 Stars and a Watch. Sweet job!

- Dark Star

I cried! I had to stop reading to clear my eyes.

You sir, are

AMAZING!

Discworld.

Read that before even trying to make a proper Death character. (And no, it's not a fanfiction. And pretty human.)

Well, that was OK anyway. 4 stars.

>>123590123590

I am a TERRIBLE artist so I used the Pony Creator on Deviant Art. It's a really awesome tool, but I'd like to replace the cover someday with actual art.

>>123695123695

Thanks for the compliment and thanks for the watch! I plan to have more out in the next week or two. I think also with My Little Dashie the author did a really good job of creating emotional connections to the characters. I hope to create that same kind of bond for stories to come.

Brilliant... It's sheer brilliance...

This reminds me of "Death" from "The Colour of Magic".

When the hero was at the edge of a waterfall and almost drowning, Death was sitting in a chair, reading a book.

"Don't mind me, I'm just reading." Death had said.

Very well done!

Absolutey heartbreaking and uplifting all at once.

Wow. Great story!

*Tommy Wiseau looks up from screen*

"Hahahaha! What a story, Ravenwood!"

But seriously, 5 stars for you.

I'm not sure what i expected going into this, but it blew me away to say the least! Great work

>>124922124922

Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FMfQ_Zgesg/Tuo0QwFqylI/AAAAAAAAFi4/mB2-XPh6lwg/s1600/tommy-wiseau.jpg

Raven, you have created something truly brilliant, and I'll admit, this made me tear up.

Bravo sir, bravo

Amazing story. It's rare that I read one that actually manages to make me cry. So touching and inspiring.

I... That... I'm... That was amazing. I know it sounds weird for me to say this, but "thanks" Amazingly written

-Glassed

I would be interested in a "Death refuses to do his duty" or "Someone cheats death" kind of chapter. Good writing by the way.

good show good show i think you deserve my stars

Nice

In response to the first chapter:

I started crying when it got the part with Granny Smith. Something that no book- let alone fanfiction- has ever made me do.

And even though i was crying, I had to laugh at "What is this? I don't even..." XD

And in response to this chapter:

I like how you describe Rainbow Dash's parents, and the conflicting emotions Death feels about taking them.

This fanfiction is very deep, and does make one think a bit.

You are a very good writer, I look forward to much more of your work ^.^

Weekly updates to a story with such an interesting character adds another thing I look forward to in my weekly schedule . I enjoyed this chapter it was a well structured self contained story, and I look forward to reading more, admittedly by limiting yourself to only doing stories in the timeline before Chapter 1 is limiting but it gives you plenty of time to show Death in all sorts of conditions. From his prime to his worst. (I dunno if he was at his worst in chapter one but it would be interesting to explore)

You could even do a chapter explaining the consequences of Death refusing to do his job, and what happens if souls if he doesn't do his job, admittedly that would require a retcon as you said he never refused to reap a soul but he nearly did. Also you could explore the deaths of many famous Ponies in the MLP universe like Starswirl the Bearded or maybe attend an execution, and reap the condemned before they were executed, a small act of mercy on Death's part.

Also I can see potential to explore some of the other mane 6's parents deaths, Fluttershy and Applejack definitely but ever other pony's parents are still alive as far as I know.

Just the fact that the chapters are named after Blind Guardian songs makes me wanna read it even more!

>>134588134588

Thank you very much for the compliments. I'm glad someone noticed the "What is this, i dont even..."

>>134623134623

I decided to make all the new stories before the first chapter as I thought there would be more character conflict for death. I plan to have Death interact with both known and unknown ponies in the series. Hope you enjoy the next chapter!

>>134805134805

Tee hee. I didn't think someone would notice so fast!

hmm, I would like to see when rainbow dash meets death... i liked this chapter very much... -man tear-

The first chapter was excellent standalone. When I saw that there was a second, I immediately it the Track button. Your writing style is very deep, very powerful, and quite unique. Every time I read this, I lose myself in the story, and the activity around me fades as my mind is absorbed into the visions coursing through it, fed by your words. Your character building is also very nice, and I could literally feel my heart sink as lightning struck the hose, and the drive as Rainbow made her promises to herself. These reasons are why I give you five stars and favourited your story. Excellent work.

yes...excelent

I've always wanted to write something that explores the idea of Death itself, but I just...never got to it. BUUUUT, I don't think I have to, or COULD, anymore, because of this, right here! I might actually feel like I'll have to credit you if I ever decide on dong stuff with the concept of Death again, because I do that quite often in my stories. Anyway...

Anyway...ideas? I have one: You mentioned something about some of the living having the ability to see Death, right? Well...what of an encounter of just that! I was thinking of maybe while on a job, somepony sees him and tries to stop him or reason with him to not take the soul of the near-dead. OR, perhaps somepony..."crazy," an outcast or some kind of insane pony (I'd say Zecora, but she's not really insane...still, your story) and just have some kind of cynnical or odd conversation strike-up between them. Death would be all like, "I really gatta gooo..." and the other would be like, "Am I bugging you? Oh, I see...so what's it like? " Of course...Pinkie Pie would be an interesting subject for this. Just...you don't have to take from any of these ideas, I'm just using Inception to get you thinking...QUICK, DON'T THINK ABOUT ELEPHANTS!

Artemis- I would love to have a chat with him...really, I REALLY WANT TO.

>>135194135194

Rainbow Dash is best pony. I will never kill her, she is now immortal. Deal with it.

>>135463135463

Often while writing I lose sight of my abilities from an objective viewpoint and have to wonder how good I am, or if I'm any good at all. Thanks for the encouragement!

>>136878136878

Man I have so many ideas right now I don't know what to do with. I do plan on exploring the whole 'pony can see Death' aspect so worry not. Also for some reason I think I'll write a story about elephants...

I actually have nothing to say. This chapter, it's rendered me speechless. All I can do ask for more.

>>136997136997 Good, good, but lemme ask you this:

Do you remember how you got here?

...Marvelous, almost poetic. I'm too emotionally drained at the moment to write how amazing this truly is.

I love how you've managed to explain Dash's character; the reason she's on the weather team now, and her asperations to be the fastest flier, why she hates to be alone etc. I wonder why she chooses to have rainbows trailing from her own house though? Considering they were basically the reason for her parent's death..

Anyway, this is beautifully written. The idea is fantastic; there's so many places you can go with this. Keep up the good work, I'm really looking forward to the next chapter

>>143644143644

She has rainbows on her house in defiance of Death, showing she isn't afraid. Also they look pretty and Dash likes shiny things.

holy balls, this is good

great chapter, I really enjoyed it. I was worried Lulamoon/Trixie would die. But this stroy gives her a great motivator to do better than her sister/parents. Good job

This was very good, I have always been interested in stories with an anthropomorphized death; Mort, On a Pale Horse, Death, a Life ect. Looking forward to more chapters.

beautiful just beautiful

Very unique idea as to why Trixie's mannerisms are the way they are.

YEEESSSSSS. Oh GOSH I was hoping this would happen. When I realized that Trixie was going to die I was like, "Lula is ganna impersonate her! " and I was REALLY hoping I was right!...well, I didn't say it like that exactly, but...paraphrasing.

I am SOO glad "The Great and Powerful Trixie!" didn't die! She's one of my favorites, honestly...and Lul-er, I mean, Trixie is just awesome for killing herself to honor her sister. This is just an amazing set of stories and I always look forwards to updates!

Also, 2 am? SO I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT DOES THAT, HUH.

>>175153175153

Thanks man!

>>175178175178

Me too, that is why I wrote this story.

>>175617175617

2am is best time to write/edit!!

Also I wasn't about to kill The Great and Powerful Trixie off, she too cool.

wow, amazing story. i do like how the story played out. the REAL Trixie is dead and the "Trixie" we know is just her sister taking her place. nicely written and I applaud you for that.

PS: I did spot one extra word in the beginning, "For some the numerous family and friends they accumulate in life ensure that memories of them will live on long after they I come for them, though eventually they too will be left by the wayside of time." The they that I underlined probably shouldnt be there. Just a heads up

>>175617175617i do it at 4am

makes so much sense!!!!!! oh my celestia!!! saddness!!!

>>176560176560

Dohoho, one-upper! All nighters are much more fun though...I don't do that anymore unless it's a special occasion.

>>176708176708latest iv bean was 5am than i got up at 6am...for 2 days straight and i didnt nap now i get about 3 to 4 hours of sleep most nights some say im insane and say im not insane...im insane and extremly paranoied

>>176727176727

Join the club! Some of my best stuff flys out in the early hours, actually...

DAT ENDING.

I'm loving this -- so happy you finally updated!

>>175939175939

Fixed. Thanks for spotting that!

>>177222177222

Thanks man, I'm glad I finally got that out. Was kinda worried how people would like it after such a long incubation period but I didn't need to worry, you guys are awesome.

>>177296177296

well I should hope so  

This..was...BEAUTIFUL!!! Have all my monies and internets and ponies, as long as you keep writing such beauty. I do not care if you write one of these only every month. As long as they are of this quality I will wait patiently, for years, for an update. I am humbled to have read such beauty. You have rekindled my love of writing.

>>175387175387 >>177727177727

Image: http://lunachan.net/g/src/132537778185.jpg

>>177850177850

What Jamacob said.

I don't think I need to add more.