Abysswalker: The Darkness Grows

“He has returned.”

Three words, three simple words echoed throughout Creation itself. The one who spoke it, had no face, no name to be given. Some might believe it belonged to the Creator who crafted all reality.

Whomever it belonged to, those three words spoken, were neither in hate or joy…

Rather they were spoken almost as if they were in fear.

Fear of something that predated Creation, had chosen to leave the confines of their abysmal realm that rested beyond time and space, beyond light and shadow, and casualty itself…

Something that had disappeared eons ago had returned. Something Neither God nor Daemon wanted to draw the eyes of.

“Glad to know I haven’t been forgotten.”

Hearing those three words reverberate throughout the white noise of creation, the timeless thing just took a breath as he opened his eyes. Not even bothering to focus on the dirt that filtered from one part of this warehouse to the next. Instead his gaze was turned to the sixteen stones that were dancing around him, forming two loops that met at only two points as the engraved stones brushed against one another.

Light meets Darkness.

Fire meets Water.

Wind meets Earth.

Creation meets Destruction.

Spirit meets Body.

Order meets Chaos.

Loyalty meets Treathery.

Kindness meets Hate.

Generosity meets Selfishness.

Trust meets Betrayal.

Honesty meets Liar.

Laughter meets Sadness.

Trust meets Deception.

Love meets Hate.

Empathy meets Apathy.

Magic meets Science.

Each meeting of stone brings a contradiction, but without the one the other can not exist. One can not understand light without darkness, one can not understand love without knowing hate, and so on and so forth.

Still disregarding that faint thought, the figure taking the form of a young man simply breathes, closes his eyes for a moment and feels the stones continue to meet and part from the rotation brought by his will. Then with another breath they disappear, seemingly burning out of this reality as he gets to his feet, doing a bit of stretching as he did so. He rolled his shoulders before reaching for his bag and pulled a flask from its confines. With his teeth he uncorked it, and took a swig before sighing in relief.

Ah~ that’s the stuff.” He mused as he took another drink. Soon as he was done he glanced off somewhere staring off into the distance. “Relax.” He stated before wandering off. “I’ve no interest in causing trouble here.”

“At least not yet.”

The Whisper in his head replied.

“You will though.”

“We’ll see.” The youth took another drink before putting his flask away and stepped outside. Canterlot City, that was what a newspaper called this city. It was relatively large, but seemingly resting in a clearing surrounded on almost all sides by short mountains. Regardless it looked nice, certainly a nice change of pace from the blackness that ate the edge of creation. “It’s been a while since I felt a gentle breeze.” He muttered, raising a hand to his head and brushed his hair back. “It’s nice.” He smiled slightly. “Still.” His smile disappeared. “Let’s see what the gradual mutation of mana has done to this realm.” He walked on, hands in his pocket as he started to wander the city. Taking in the sights as he did, like a tourist just wandering about.

Technically he was, so… that was an easy role to play.

Sunset Shimmer’s House

It was Sunday morning, and Sunset knew exactly how she wanted to spend it.

Being lazy.

Every Sunday was supposed to be her lazy day, where she’d just relax, take some time to unwind without any distractions and just chill before the new school week started.

Admittingly enough this was a habit that hadn’t changed even before that Fall Formal so long ago. A part of her past that she just couldn’t get rid off.

Not that she wanted it gone either.

Still…

Sitting on her couch Sunset Shimmer, former student of Princess Celestia, just sighed before folding her hands, looking at the pictures that rested on her table. Each one bringing back a memory of how these past two years had played out.

The first was of her, drunk on power and transformed into the fabled She-Demon of Canterlot High.

The second was a set taken from the Battle of the Bands ranging from when the Dazzlings first made their appearance in the cafeteria to the finale when a giant ethereal alicon made its appearance.

The third set was of the Friendship Games, from the incident on the dirtbike track to the birth and defeat of “Midnight” Sparkle and her own unique transformation.

Lastly there was the events at Camp Everfree.

“Gonna have to thank Photo Finish for these.” Sunset muttered as she stared at the photos then grabbed the geode that rested before her, raising it towards the light before turning it. “Magic seems to be popping up everywhere nowadays.” She mused.

That in itself was something that was both terrifying and exhilarating all the same. “Why though?” That was the big question though right? For four years she’d been in this world, but the magic only started popping up just last year. “Or has it been longer?” She fingered her geode. “According to Twilight, the Dazzlings had to have been here over a thousand years. And they could use their magic.” The teen muttered. “Could they have something to do with it, or could it have just because I brought Twilight’s crown here?” Or was it something else? “Was there magic always here and only now we’re starting to be able to access it?”

Questions, but no answers.

The teen sighed to herself as she let her geode rest on her table before she chose to lean back on her couch, grumbling something incomprehensible as she dropped to her side and just laid out. A pajama covered leg was raised over the armrest as she brought an arm to her head.

“If I could figure out how and why this is happening now, maybe I can figure out how I get us all prepared for it.” She muttered before crossing her arms. “That’s the thing about magic though, you ain’t gotta explain shit.” She chuckled slightly, thinking about that old meme. “Still, Twilight managed to make a device that detected and stored magic, how did she even do that?” She asked herself. “I could ask her, maybe It can help me figure this out.” She mused. “But Twilight still seems a bit uncomfortable talking about magic.” A shame too. But even with their help “Midnight’s shadow” was still lingering over her, and it would take more than magic geodes to help get past that.

It certainly took more than getting hit with a magic friendship laser to help Sunset get past her own issues.

“Still wish it were that simple sometimes.” The teen muttered before hearing her stomach growl and she patted her belly. “Guess I’m hungry.” Well she had been up for a few hours already. “Well, when the belly calls, answer.” Getting to her feet, Sunset headed over to her fridge before pulling it open, and glanced inside. “Ugh~” Looked like she was going to need to do some food shopping today. “Well, guess I’m heading out.” She told herself before pulling out some yogurt before nudging the door closed.

Canterlot High

“What a mess.”

Sitting on the statue that rested before Canterlot High, the figure out of reality lightly kicked out with his feet as he made a noise.

“It seems that all the mana really does seem to focus in this location.” He made another noise. “And it spreads outward into the rest of the city.” He stared at the school. “I shouldn’t be too surprised, this is where the gate is afterall; Equestrian mana naturally spills into this area.” He stopped kicking with his feet. “And this place…” He muttered before looking down. “This whole city… was built on a ley line, it's a wellspring of mana, so it's no wonder the mana from Equestria was able to melt into it so easily.” He mused as he jumped off the statue and crouched down, running his fingers along the cement. “But this world Ley Line… It’s rather weak. The mana was nearly gone up until a while ago.” He muttered. “The introduction of Equestrian Mana, it’s acting as a catalyst to revitalize the esoteric half of this world.” He got to his feet.

“And because it’s “otherworldly” it’s causing a mutation of sorts.” He didn’t frown, he didn’t smile, he didn’t even sigh in resignation. He just crossed his arms in thought before leaning against the statue. “If there’s anyone willing to take advantage of that though, things aren’t gonna turn out well for this place.” This time he sighed, annoyance on his face as he rubbed his temples. “Who am I kidding, of course someone will try taking advantage of it.” He watched someone leave the school and walk towards him.”For good reasons or bad, they will.”

“You know which side will take advantage of this revived wellspring.”

“I know.”

“Excuse me.” A tall, lithe woman stopped in front of him, a gentle look on her face that hid a hardness and caution her body didn’t. “You’ve been standing in front of my school for some time, can I help you?” Her voice sounded like silk, but he heard that faint edge that rested beneath it.

“This woman…”

The outsider bowed, actually bowed in respect before looking at the woman that was just a bit taller than he was.”I’m sorry.” He told her before rising to his full height. “I was taking in the sights and just got lost in thought.”

“I see.” That caution was still in her voice. “I’m sorry, but we don’t usually get people just staring at our school.”

“I don’t intend to cause a scene or make you nervous, it’s just…” He paused looking around. “I have some things on my mind and I tend to forget that I’m not alone.”

“Oh is that it.” The woman seemed to relax, but still stared at the figure that rested across from her. “As long as you have no intention of causing trouble.”

“Madam I give you my word, I have no interest in bringing harm to your school.” He told her as he gave her a weak smile.

“You might do it anyway though.”

“Well, that’s wonderful news.” She remarked, and he noticed her glance at the statue behind him for a second.

[“She knows.”

“I assure you I’m not from that place.” Her eyes darted back to his face so fast he was surprised her eyes didn’t pop out of her face.

“I’m sorry?” Instead of answering properly he tapped the statue.

“You know what this is.” The woman just stared at him for a moment longer, before glancing at the statue again.

“So…” She began. “You know about what’s been going on here.”

“Actually I don’t.” He told her. “Not yet anyway.” He ran his fingers along the statue's base. “But I understand magic and mana.” The woman just looked at him a bit longer.

“We should go to my office.”

“As you wish.”

The walk into Canterlot High was quiet, as was the walk towards the Principal’s office. In that silence Celestia could do nothing but think. This was not how she expected to handle her Sunday morning. She came in only to finish a bit of paperwork, now she was escorting a young man towards her office to talk about either the other world or magic.

“I should have just brought my work home with me like Lulu told me to.” She mused as she glanced at the figure walking with her.

He was a relatively tall and handsome young man, well built too. Hair as white as snow draped itself over his shoulders, and striking gold eyes rested on ash grey skin. He dressed himself in these purple-brown boots and dark grey pants, a tight blue turtleneck t-shirt and a grey trenchcoat, and lastly a cowl that rested around his throat.

Realizing she was staring Celestia turned away, looking at her office door before opening it for her guest. He thanked her,wandering inside as she followed after him.

“I’m sorry for the mess.” She told him circling around to sit in her desk before stacking up the papers that she had been working on not too long ago. “I was in the middle of paperwork before coming out.”

“It’s fine.” Seeing she had the only chair available the figure just leaned back as if to sit, and Celestia watched as something seemed to burn into reality behind him.

He created a chair out of thin air.

Celestia blinked, obviously taken back by the action and made to ask what, and how he had done such a thing only to stop herself. ‘Let’s start from the beginning girl.’ She told herself. “It would be best if we start with introductions, my name is Celestia Stella. And you are?”

“My name…” He mused for a moment before putting his hands in his lap. “It’s been quite some time since anyone asked me that.” He admitted before staring off into space. “And yet my name- my true name is of no consequence, as most just use my titles.”

The Exiled Son…

The Tainted One…

Planesblight…

The Trespasser…

“What shall I call you then?”

“Abysswalker.” He whispered after a while. “That name, that title will be as good as any.”

“I see.” Celestia fell silent as she stared at the “teenager” before interlocking her thumbs. “Abysswalker…” Bit of a mouthful. “Are you… from that other world?”

“No.” He admitted before glancing elsewhere. If Celestia was being honest, she could have sworn that her guest was looking through the wall itself. “But I’m not from “this world” either.”

“You’re not?”

“You sound surprised.” The Abysswalker looked back at her.

“I really shouldn’t be.” Celestia rubbing her temples. “Ever since the Fall Formal last year, I’ve slowly grown to accept that there is magic, and other strange things out there.” He started to giggle slightly in thought. “Princess Twilight even told me that I was a pony princess in “her” world.” She admitted, amused at the memory. “Regardless, there’s a second world/realm out there, so why wouldn’t there be third?”

“Trust me, there’s more than just three.”

“I believe you.” She really did. “Still, what brings you “here” of all places?”

“I needed no, I chose to close a door.”

“Excuse me?” Celestia stared at the teen. “The door? You mean the portal to Equestria?” She felt a pit settle in her stomach. ‘Does that mean Princess Twilight won’t be coming anymore?’ That didn’t completely sit well with her. Princess Twilight had friends on this side, and now was her access to this world gone? “Why did you close it?”

“Truth?” Abysswalker began. “That door should not remain open as long as it had, so long as it remains open, the Mana from Equestria will drift into this world, and it’s causing some…” He paused as he tilted his head from side to side. “issues” with this one.”

“What do you mean?”

“To begin, how many magic based issues have occurred in this city?” He asked her.

”At this school, three so far, and that’s not including Camp Everfree.” Celestia admitted, already catching on to what the teen was saying. “Are you saying it's related?”

Your city is built on a ley line.” The Abysswalker admitted. “I don’t know how you describe it in this world, but it's a wellspring of mana, it draws magic-sensitive beings and events towards it.” He paused. “That’s how it works normally anyway.”

“Normally?”

“Your wellspring was near bone dry for quite a while.” He admitted. “But the introduction of the Gate, it being forced to stay open; it’s been replenishing the well, bringing magic back into this world.”

“And that’s not a good thing.”

“It is and it isn’t.” The Abysswalker told her. “Magic can do great things, at the same time it can bring great horrors.” No doubt you’ve seen what can do.”

She has.

She remembered the girls “Ponying Up” as they put it, being given amazing feats of strength, speed, flight and obviously magic.

At the same time she remembered Sunset’s transformation, the school wall being destroyed and the very girl responsible being blown into a crater.

She remembered what she could of the Dazzlings near tearing the school apart.

She remembered the Friendship Games when Twilight - their Twilight went mad and started tearing holes open in reality itself…

“So you closed the door to stop the flow.” She stated. “So will the magic fade in time now?” A shame, the girls seemed to be enjoying their newfound magic. Especially Sunset…

“In time.” The teen admitted. “But the mana that flowed in is acting like a much needed catalyst. It’s spreading throughout the well and traveling to the roots.” He raised his hand seeming to stare at it. “Magic will return to this world, it will stay for a while, and though I closed the Gate that let it endlessly flow into this world, know it won’t change what has been done already. Or what will come.”

“I see.” She paused. “Is…” She paused. “Our world, is my world in danger?”

“The worlds are always in danger.” The teen stated with a sad smile. “From the outside things gnaw at them like a swarm of hungry piranha, biting and corrupting everything they set their eyes on.” He paused. “Inside? Well… look at your history, tell me if none might seek to use the return of magic to their favor.”

She didn’t want to.

“Even if you disregard them, know this; you have only lived and experienced half of your known world, the other has retreated to the shadows waiting for something to let them resurface.” He told her. “That day is coming, or maybe it has come already.” He paused as if in thought. “And your city will be at the heart of all this.” Celestia went silent. “Till then; know that in the shadows, things are watching you and they’ll come out soon.”

Streets of Canterlot

Sunset Shimmer yawned, tugging at her shopping bags as she made her way home. Crossing streets and passing alleyways, she failed to notice that something was lurking in the dark corners of the alleys and seemingly watching her.

“Who… who are you?” Celestia paused. “What are you?”

“I am something who wanders the valley where shadows forever lengthen, those passages that prey upon the weak.” He told her. “My soul, stained beyond absolution. I live within the abyss and hunt that which crawls out those unbreaking shadows. I am unsung and unrewarded for my deeds. I am the Abysswalker, and know I am neither your savior nor your destroyer.”