Chapter 3: The Final Hunt: Year 15
Angel's POV: The Final Hunt
Five years have passed since my father died and I took up the mantle of the Reaper. Tonight's the night. Al and Wolfe won't let escape this time, and honestly I don't want to. Pier 13. Where it all began. This is the spot where my father took his first life, and where I take my last. I can see Al and Wolfe across the street in the alley waiting for me. I sent them a tip that the Reaper would be here at 11:00 PM. It's just about time.
Thirty minutes later, they're right on my tail. Herding me to the far end of Pier 13, a dead end ocean on one side and walls on the other two. I didn't plan for this but I should have known Wolfe would try it. Forced into a corner with Al coming in from my right with Wolfe coming in straight I know I'm trapped.
"It's over Reaper! Lay down your weapon and surrender." Wolfe say as Al lines up his shot.
"Make it easy on yourself Reaper." Al says stepping closer to me for a better shot.
"What makes you think I'd surrender?" I says drawing my scythe with a chuckle. "This game of ours has been too much fun to just give up." Wolfe notices a difference in my voice, a slight one.
Al doesn't notice it as he asks sarcastically, "Can't blame me for trying, can you?"
"Don't matter to me." Wolfe say flatly. "I'm bringing you to justice. One way or another. Dead or alive. It ends tonight."
I grin before answering. "You're right it does end tonight." I say as Al and Wolfe step closer. I attack before Wolfe has time to tell Al that something isn't right. Time seems to slow down as my scythe slices through Al's upper torso. As he hits the ground and I turn back to Wolfe and feel a change in him. I watch in growing fear and awe as his eyes go from silver to yellow and flames apprea around them, as his wings become dragonlike and his mane and tail turns to flame. I know he sees the fear in my eyes as he rushes me. He spins on his left foot and a knee collides with my gut and he follows through with a ki strike to my chest knocking me into the wall. I hear the sound of my ribs snapping and feel one puncture my lung.
As I hit the ground, I see Wolfe shift back to normal and rush to Al's side. "Detective Wolfefang, Unit 13 to dispatch. Officer down, immediate medical attention needed at south side of Pier 13. Repeat officer down."
Dispatch. We copy. Medical unit en route. ETA 10 minutes...
"Hear that comrade. Help's on the way." I hear him say kneeling beside him. "Hang in there for a bit."
"No can do Wolfe. The Pale Mare is coming for me." Al says with a sad smile. "Watch over my sister. Watch... over...Pinkie for... me. And tell her I died defending the innocent." He says softly as death claims him. I watch through heavy eyes as he pulls off his coat and drapes it over him. I let out a soft groan causing Wolfe to turn and look at me. I realize my mask has fallen and my cloak is all that hides my face now. He stands and walks to me; as soon as he reaches me he pulls my hood back. A gasp of surprise slips out as he see my face. I know he thinks I'm a decoy instantly think decoy.
"I'm not a decoy." I groan. "I'm the second Reaper. The daughter of the first who you killed ten years ago today. He made it home before dying and I found him clutching a journal still wearing his costume. I became the Reaper to finish what he started. Take the journal. Do what you wish with it."
He looks at me shocked before noticing the journal sticking out of the bag under my cloak. He grabs it as I look to the ocean, "My father planned on giving you that when you caught him. Or I should say the Reaper." I say smiling before everything goes black.
Third Person POV
It's a sad night as the ambulances sirens blare. Two lives lost this night to the legacy of the Reaper. Ponyoplis, a city of murder, deceit and lose. A dark and corrupt city that will lose its greatest hope this night with the retirement of Detective Wolfefang Ponyoplis PD Homicide Division Unit 13.
As he walks away from this scene stuffing the Reaper's Journal into his bag he looks to the sky as rain begins to fall, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it he heads to deliver the second hardest news of his life to his fallen partner's wife and daughter. The rain falls heavy on this city, as if the heavens themselves were mourning the loss of these lives.
Al's Memorial: the Next Day
It was a solemn event. The entire force was gathered at the Ponyoplis Fallen Hero's Memorial Cemetery for Al's memorial service. I lead the pallbearers in carrying Al's casket. It felt heavier then it should, I think it's because of the grief in the air.
We stood together, side by side
Brothers in arms. One goal in mind.
One goal in common. Defend the weak,
Uphold justice, and give hope to those without.
A local band came to play a tribute song to a fallen hero. They didn't have much time to prepare, but I think the meaning gets through all the same. We reach the grave and lower the casket onto the stand for the service.
"Those who knew Al knew him as a cheerful, friendly individual. Always willing to go the extra mile to help others, he always went above and beyond the call of duty. None know that better than his partner on the force, Wolfefang." I hear Chief Silverhawk say as she motions me to the podium.
We were unstoppable, invincible.
That's what we thought. Until that faithful night.
The night a hero fell. You defended the weak,
Upheld justice, and gave hope to those without.
With heavy steps I approach the podium. "For fifteen years Al and I worked together. There were hard times but he always found a way to lighten the mood no matter what situation we were in." I pause for a moment as I gather myself. I refuse to break down here. "No matter what happened he always gave his all. This last fifteen year, as we worked on the Reaper case he would go the extra step to find a lead. The survivors he kept in touch with, not out of professional obligation but because he cared. Al was my greatest friend and he was my brother."
A hero fell and the heaven's themselves
Wept at his loss. He gave his life to defend
the weak, uphold justice, and give hope to
Those without.
As the first drop of rain falls I look up, again it seems as if the very heavens mourn the loss of a fallen hero. I step away from the podium as they lower Al into the ground. Pulling out one of my .45s I toss it on top of his casket, it stays where it lands as the casket descends. After it reaches the bottom each member of the force grabs a shovel and begins the final solemn duty of lf laying a fallen comrade to rest. As the rain falls heavier I let the tears I've held back fall as do the rest of the force.
The world became a little colder when
A hero fell. It became a little colder the night
A hero fell. Though the Pale Mare came for him
, he shall live on in our hearts and souls.
As the final shovelful of dirt lands a cold chill passes through us all. I look and at the podium I see her, the Pale Mare. She says nothing as she passes through the crowd towards me. I'm the only one who sees her, and the only to hear her message, Do not let your heart be heavy brother, as one life ends another begins. A chill runs down my spine as she fades. Her message lightens my heart some. It's true, when one life ends another begins.
We will never forget when a hero falls
, the sacrifice they made for us. They
live on in our hearts and souls. When a
hero falls we become more then we are.
We strive to be greater, and when a hero
Falls another shall rise. And a hero is never
Forgotten….
I am the last to leave. I have one last thing to do before I go. Grabbing my bag, I pull out a 40, opening it a take a swig and then pour the rest over Al's grave. "Rest in peace my brother. And remember you will never be forgotten." I say to no one as I turn and walk away I hear a voice on the wind whisper, Stay strong brother. A grin crosses my features as one final tear falls.
End Chapter 3: The Final Hunt: Year 15
Epilogue/Author's Note: A Word from War and the Author
It was the next day that my better side left the PPD and Ponyoplis all together. Heading east to Ponyville we both had a heavy heart. And it wasn't over yet. We still had to deliver word of Al's fate to his sister. A task we did not look forward to. Those listening to this tale should know what happened next already.
Indeed War they should. If not I advise you find file 1 of the Reaper Case. I third file is in the works.
Yes and File 3 will feature more of me, the Apocalypse Pony of War, and perhaps one of my siblings will appear.
Don't give away too much War. Anyways, since I didn't mention it before, I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. All I own is the plot of the Reaper Case Files, Wolfefang, Almond "Al" Pie, Rose and RayneFox, The Reaper 1 & 2, and Ruby.
Don't forget the city of Ponyoplis.
Oh yes, thanks War. That to. Well till next time this is Wolfefang530 and….
War wishing you all a pleasant week and safe month.
End of Reaper Case: File 2