Darkness Rises

A grey stallion stood in front of Celestia’s throne who was shaking in fear. This pony has witnessed something very traumatic and the princess knows he's dying to share his story.

“Please, tell me what happened. You’re safe now.” Celestia said with such a soothing tone that instantly calmed the stallion. He took a deep breath.

“I-It was the abyss, it was so horrible. We... we tried to escape, but my friend sacrificed himself so I could make it out.” Tears were pouring out from his eyes.

“I tried to help him but the... things were getting closer and closer. So I just ran, faster than I ever had in my life. I dared not to look back, thankfully I made it out and immediately sealed the place up. Light would’ve wanted me to do that.”

Princess Celestia’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Your friend, you said his name was Light? She asked, dreading not to hear that name come from this terrified fellow Equestrian.

He nodded. “Yes your majesty, I’m sorry to tell you this but there’s no way he could’ve lived. I’m just extremely grateful that his kindness saved my life.”

Celestia’s heart stopped, her breathing became shallow, the whole world around her seemed to stop. Princess Luna examined her big sister closely, and what she saw worried her. She put a hoof on her shoulder.

“Sister, are you alright?” Luna asked. Celestia shook her head and got up to leave. “Forgive me I... I need a moment.” She looked towards the pony in front of her and smiled.

“Your welcome to stay here in the castle for as long as you need, one of my guards will escort you to a room. Don’t worry, you’re perfectly safe here. Please try to get some rest.”

He smiled gratefully and nodded. “Thank you your majesty.”

Not a moment sooner after she left the throne room she sat down and leaned her back against the wall. A single tear escaped her eye.

“Light.... no.” Was all the words that could escape the Princess before her cries echoed throughout the hallways.

The Abyss

Light’s emerald green eyes instantly opened, hideous groans and terrifying screams plagued the death ridden environment. Blackness consumed his vision with not one once of light to be seen.

“No...no...no! This can’t be real, it’s only a myth!” Light didn’t want to believe it but here it was, the beginning of the end. The darkest depths of the void itself. A nightmare turned reality.

He has entered the abyss.

Here he was, a weak terrified unicorn all alone. Put to the slaughter, awaiting his inevitable death. However, fear was soon overtaken by anger, anger turned into rage, and rage turned into madness.

The environment around him instantly responded to his troubled state. It was practically feeding off his fury. The shadows were calling to him, only two words could be heard through out the darkness.

”Release it.”

Light couldn’t hold it in any longer, he roared and released his hatred in the form of the darkest magic that any unicorn could create. This dark magic was more sinister than King Sombra’s and the shadows knew it.

This was its plan all along.

A dark crimson red bathed the darkness around Light, the whole place vibrated with such intensity. Light temporarily gained control of himself after noticing the violent tremors that have suddenly occurred.

His heart was racing and he quickly looked around for a way out. Unfortunately, knowing the abyss, there was never a way out.

After a few seconds a bright light blinded his vision, he shielded his eyes and prayed for a miracle. But his prayers were never answered, the light and the vibrations died down only to be replaced by a colossal portal.

Light regained his vision and his eyes widened in complete horror. What he saw next would change him for the rest of his life.

”I know what happened to you Light, such a tragedy. It’s time you get revenge, and I shall help you.”

Dark tendrils shot out from the portal and latched onto him. A piercing cold could be felt inside his chest, almost as if something has awakened inside him.

”Come, embrace your destiny.”

Not a moment later the tendrils pulled light into the portal, he closed his eyes, accepting his fate.

Canterlot castle

The throne room doors bursted open as the princess of friendship came running across the room with haste. “Princess Celestia! I came as soon as I got your letter.” She said as she stopped in front of the throne catching her breath.

Celestia smiled and walked up to her faithful student. “I’m glad you came in such a hurry, unfortunately I have some bad news, very bad news.”

Twilight did not like seeing the princess so worried. Whatever she was about to say was serious.

She sighed heavily. “I... I had a student Twilight, it was shortly after what happened with Sunset Shimmer. He was very unique compared to you two. His name was... is Light, and he has a gift.” Celestia paused for a moment as she examined her student who had a look of overwhelming curiosity.

“What was his gift Princess?” She asked, for some reason fear crept at the back of her mind.

The princess closed her eyes and took a deep breath, preparing for Twilight’s response.

“He is extremely gifted in dark magic.”

A long silence filled the throne room as Twilight’s eyes widened with her mouth agape.

“WHAT! Princess Celestia, you knew about this the whole time but you still made him your student?! Didn’t you know the risks?”

She nodded. “Indeed, I knew the risks very well, but I saw something in him. He was a very conflicted pony with darkness enveloping his heart. However, deep inside the void, there was a light. It was very faint but I knew it was there. I tried my best to light the spark so that it would shine brighter than the sun itself so his soul could be pure and maybe find peace. But something has happened to him, and that is where you come in my faithful student.”

Twilight gulped nervously but she stood tall and proud. “What do you need me to do?” She asked.

“Go to Shadow’s Rest, it’s up north to the Crystal mountains. Your map will show you exactly where it is.” Celestia gently placed a hoof on her student’s shoulder. “I fear I won’t know what will happen once your there. But please remember this Twilight, where you are going is one of the most evil and terrifying places in Equestria. Once you unlock that door to the cave, there is no turning back. If there is any trouble whatsoever, write to me and I will come immediately.” She took a deep breath and gave Twilight a warm hug.

“Please be careful Twilight, that place it’s... it’s not meant for ponies to enter. I fear Light may not have much time left. But I know you can save him, trust in yourself and your friends as I do. Good luck my faithful student.” She smiled as she released Twilight from her warm embrace.

“Me and my friends will save him Princess Celestia, I promise.” She said with impressive determination.

Indeed she has meant every word. But was she truly ready for what is to come? To enter such a place so vile, teeming with corruption. There was only one way to find out.

Only one thing is for certain, this was going to be her most challenging quest.