//------------------------------// // A Start // Story: "The Traverser" // by TheTwins //------------------------------// “The Traverser” Chapter 1 “A start” “I would like to begin this story with a typical once upon a time, A story where a hero triumphs over a great challenge and saves the princess. However, this is no such story and there is no true triumph. Instead, allow me to tell you a tale about a pony who wanted something very important, but forgot that nothing is ever free. This is my story. This is the tale of the Traverser.” “Long, long ago, there was a creature that lived in another world. What he was or what his real name was are not important and have been lost in time long ago. If he had anything, it was a loving family and a successful life. But despite this, he was never happy with these things. Like many he had dark desires with good intentions. He desired something that in the end was not as important as the things it would cost him. This is how it began.” “It was a warm summers night and the sky was as clear as it had been in some time. Insects created music in the darkness and a gentle breeze pushed through a curtain into a silent home. In the home lay a creature lost in thought. His face emotionless to the outside world but inside his mind, great storms raged with the ideas of his fate. For hours he would lay every night wishing and demanding to the world to give in to his selfish wish. He was seen as a success, but to him, it all meant nothing without power. Yes, that is what he or should I say I desired at the time. I desired power and complete destruction of my enemies. But back then, I had yet to realized the measure of my selfish desires and the tremors it would cause in all existence. I recall an old saying that one who desires something they truly do not need, are certain to receive it when it is most inconvenient. I got just this, in the form of an unceasing labor of the worst kind. This is when it happened.” For the past few nights, I had been finding it impossible to get any rest. I had been so absorbed recently in my thoughts that sleep would not take me until the late hours of the night. To make matters worse, every time that I began to slumber, I would have strange dreams. I do not know if that’s the right word exactly as they were more like a vision. This vision was of a creature quite dark. Its form seemed to lack any boundaries and resembled static but clearly, it was a creature that had a menacing presence. It had a deep voice that gave me chills to recall but sounded like a male. The only parts I could see of him were his torso to his head. But on his head were the most terrifying features. Perched on the top of his head were long pointy ears and his eyes were a glowing white that pierced your soul. The rest of him seemed to match with long arms and fingers with what I assumed were claws at the end. The creature wore a cloak and hid the rest of himself. As terrifying as he was, what made these dreams seem so real was when he spoke. His deep voice spoke simple words but they began to become clearer and clearer with time. “Realize your potential, come to me…” The dark figure spoke holding out its hand as if he were grasping for my body. The only thing I could do in my terrified state was slowly shake my head back and forth denying the creature of its wish. Then, his eyes narrowed and it let out a bone-chilling laugh shaking the darkness. “You will come, it is fate!” The creature yelled and then swiped at me with its arms. I practically jumped out of my sheets as I awoke from my nightmare. I had sweat dripping down my face and was gasping for air. “What in the hell was that…thing.” I look at the clock on my desk seeing that I only had a few more hours till I would have to be ready for my day. “These night terrors just keep getting worse and worse, I need sleep or I am going to be in trouble.” I crawl out of bed and make my way to the kitchen warming up a glass of milk. While drinking the rich nectar, I gaze out the window into the darkness. Past the tree line in the darkness, the moon was full lighting up dimly the world of its time. But after a moment my eyes became heavy once more and I needed to rest. “I just hope I can get some peaceful rest. I really want to work with some silence for once.” Just as my family had been doing blissfully, I crawled back into my bed, pulled the covers over my face and began to drift into deep slumber. But as I closed my eyes for the last time, the moon that was once a waxed white appeared to be a light shade of red. “Drifting to sleep is something every creature is forced to do at the end of every day of their existence. It is not a choice, at some point sleep will overpower you. You may hide for some time, maybe even days, but you will eventually succumb to the silence of slumber. It is the hope that one will awake the next day and be the same as before their rest. I was not so fortunate.” My eyes opened slowly to a dark room. I cannot make out much at first, but slowly I adjusted to my surroundings. Realizing that I was dreaming, I look around my newfound dreamscape and see that I am in what appears to be a foyer or lounge of sorts. The walls are painted black and look as though you could walk through them into a realm of shadows. The floor is wooden yet carpets are placed in various areas around the room. One such carpet sits beneath a small coffee table which is brightened slightly by a light fixture mounted on the wall. It is covered in dust and appears to have been for some time. Beside the table is a single chair and in the seat is a neatly folded piece of paper. I walk up to the table and observe that it itself was extremely clean contrary to the rest of the room. I then gently pick up the piece of paper and notice my name at the end of the writing. “Reserved for ______. That’s my name, I wonder what kind of dream this could be?” Below the writing, a single letter seems the stand in as a signature an S in bold ink. I think for a few minutes about the soundless place I am in but eventually, I sit in the chair and cross my arms laying my head down and trying to go to sleep. But as I try and relax, I hear a noise. It sounds like air blowing out of a pipe and suddenly the wall in front of me begins to form a dark rectangle that oozes pitch black muck. The ooze slowly dissipates and its place a door now takes form. I stand to prepare for what might come through when the nob begins to turn and slowly creeks open. Inside the doorway a very familiar creature now stands. I can tell it is grinning as it looks at me with its terribly piercing eyes. “Who are you?” I say curious as to what this creature haunting me actually was. The creature walks in wearing his old cloak and creeps’ half way to the table. “Why do you mean me, my friend?” He snickers and shakes his head. “Why who I am is of little importance my associate, but what I have to offer you, now that’s something you ought to hear.” He continues walking until he stands opposite of where I was sitting. His movements more of a transition more than his limbs moving him this direction. It gave me an eerie feeling as he looked down on me. “Me, what in the world could you have to offer me?” I stand up and start backing up in the opposite direction but come in contact with the wall behind me. The creature laughs and snaps his fingers making a second identical chair appear across from mine. He motions for me to be seated once more. He sits delicately and folds his arms. “Do not worry, I am a friend of yours, and I bring gifts you see. He unfolds a dark appendage and holds a silver item in his palm. He notices my hesitation and sits the item on my side of the table. “I know you have been seeing me, but why don’t you trust me for just a moment. You might like it.” After a moment of deliberation, I slowly sit down and look at the item while keeping an eye on the movements of my so-called associate. “This is just a watch, how in the world could I have a use for this? “He grins widely. “It’s quite the nice timepiece is it not?” As he talks, the same muck that formed the door drips where his teeth should be and a deep darkness like I have never seen before makes up his throat. “Just tell me, what do you see?” Realizing I was staring at his maw. I look down and analyze the watch more closely. Its encased in a beautiful silver and from it, a chain hangs down glistening. I open it and inside I can see mechanisms turning. The watch had normal hands one for the hour and the other for the minute as it should, but something strange stood out. The glowing rune-like figures that took the place of the numbers. It was unable to be read by myself. “Well um… I cannot understand any of these numbers but it's beautiful. Is this really the gift you have for me?” Upon looking at him, his gaze emotionless I begin to sweat. The creature holds out his hand stopping my speech. “That is only part of what I have to offer you, the main attraction I am about to present.” He smirks and his body shakes in what seems like excitement. “I have heard that you wish for power, is that really true young one?” Upon hearing his words, I feel a cold chill run down my spine and I look him directly in the eyes. This dark being has just spoken of my deepest most dark and secret desires. “How in the world could you know that? Thinking for a moment I sigh and look to the side. “This is just a dream is it not?” Upon hearing this, the creature begins to laugh uncontrollably. The room begins to shake causing me to hold onto the table for support. “Well, I certainly believe you will find out soon enough when you awake. For now, let me offer you something special. I have heard your cries for strength and victory against all who oppose you. I will make this happen happily.” I stand up quickly mouth gaping. “What, how could you possibly do that!” Looking back now, I realize that enthusiastic was the last feeling that I should have had. I look at the darkened creature as he stands. “I shall not explain to you how it will be, what I need to know, is if you wish it to be.” He holds out his hand and grins once more. “Shake my hand and you will have what you desire.” The room somehow manages to go darker and the light flickers as he yells his next line. “and all your enemies shall feel our hellfire!” For a moment, there was nothing I could say. I was doubtful of the possibilities. “I cannot believe that this is real, as soon as this crazy dream stops, everything will be normal once more.” I stand up and start to walk back from where I came but his eerie voice fills my ears. “You are not destined to be normal young one, leave here and a different fate shall be yours. But if it’s as much of an illusion as you say, then what risk is there in playing the game of your dreams own creation? What do you say?” I stop and realize that whether it was him or my own psychosis reeling me in, I was in agreement with his statement. I turn back around to come face to face with him. I gulp and quickly dispel the lump in my throat. “Well, I suppose that even as crazy as this sounds, at least you make a fair point.” I reach forward and shake the dark appendage. “What’s your name by the way?” Unlike his entrance, the creature starts to become translucent and starts to vanish. “That’s a wonderful question, perhaps in the future, we will make that known. But for now, why don’t you see just what you can do. Farewell, my associate. I know you will put my gift to good use.” With one final chuckle he vanishes completely and to my surprise so does the room. Leaving me falling faster and faster and faster. I jerk out of bed once again covering myself with sweat. I begin to look around the room but everything appears to be just as it was. My clock on my desk, the curtains gently moving from the entering breeze, and a warm ray of sun massaging my back. I slowly slip out of the covers hearing a loud thump below me. Looking down, a small object rolls a few feet in front of me. Immediately I recognize it as the watch given to me by my dreams associate. “How is this even possible?” I reach down to collect the item but notice something about myself. My body was harder than usual. My muscles were bulkier and I could have sworn I was now taller. I quickly go to the mirror and analyze myself with my eyes. It was just as I thought. I was in a sense, a newer and better version of myself. But there was a strange feeling inside my gut. I had never felt it before and it made me sick for a moment. Holding my breath, I feel the watches chain rub against me. I hold it up and see the same unreadable runes as before. In my head, the creatures’ words of encouragement ring and I realize what this new feeling is. It's actual power. Not the kind that plays in politics or use of words. This was the real strength. Physical and bottomless. I had what I always wanted right here. I stared above my mirror and see my sword. I take it down and pull it from its scabbard. It feels lighter and much deadlier. I then glance back at the mirror into my own face and I smirk. Maybe a little too much than I should. “Well then, I suppose its time for me to make my move.” “I realize now that of all the mistakes I could have made, the worst was that of shaking the hand of that dark creature. He could be no less than a demon I am sure, as he cursed me for my greedy desires. It took me no time to realize that his words were true. My body became stronger, my mind sharper, and my abilities as a warmer unimaginably immense. At the start, I was overjoyed by this and began my own crusade across my homeworld. I toppled countries overnight, destroyed long established empires, and yes, I killed so many. I did this believing that it was in the efforts of justice. But no, it was simply a fool’s desire for power and corrupted mind. After some time, I came to realize that what I had done was wrong. I went into the shadows vowing never to raise my sword again. But something I never imagined happening to me finally reared its head. I who had power beyond imagination did not have the ability to protect all. And on the final day, I came back home to a sight that devastated my soul. I stood there in shock not quite sure as to what was truly happening. I could not speak, move and I drew no breath as I gazed at the giant crater before me where the beautiful family home I once had stood. I approached the crater stumbling and seeing broken and burning scrap. There was once a swing set that would creak when used. A lovely blue mailbox that made an inviting feel surround you. But now, I could not imagine this giant hole of scorched earth as the home full of people I loved. I thought of my family and prayed that a few or all might have been out at the time and survived. I waited for hours and no one showed up. Those hours turned into desperate days waiting. The rain soon came and formed a small body of water at the center of the crater. I knew at this point, there would be no survivors. At some point, my body began to wander around the crater searching for bits and pieces of a once stable life. I began to think about my past and how this might have changed if I had simply not signed my soul away to that creature. I then lost my footing and began to fall down and slide to the center of the new hole. My body was soaked and my spirit was broken, I lay there sobbing. Glancing up I notice a broken picture frame with a picture on the verge of dissolving. I could make out the faces of my father, mother, and siblings. But I could not cry anymore. Instead, I buried my face in the mud trying to feel nothing. “I didn’t have the chance to say goodbye…” I spoke softly as I rolled on to my back trying to sit up. “I had all this power, no one could hurt me…” I looked around grimacing. “At least physically.” From the rain, a stream had formed carrying loose soil to the bottom with me. In the stream, the familiar watch had made its way to my side. I glanced at it and gained a sickly feeling. My ailment quickly turns to anger and I grab the object standing up and rear back throwing the watch as hard as I can. I did not notice however that as I grasped the watch it glowed very brightly and upon its release, in an instant, I was back in the dark room of the creature. The watch flew into the wall and warped past it into nothingness. I stood there confused and numb to any emotions. I looked around a familiarized myself with the room once more. The same black walls, rugs, light, and of course the muck constructed door. I calmly walked to the chair and took my place. I breathed slowly waiting for something to happen. Surely enough, within a few minutes, a knock came from the door. Then the deep voice of the creature spoke. “May I come in?” The voice asked from opposite of the door. He then proceeded to knock once more and turn the doorknob. With a creak, the door slowly opened revealing like a memory the dark creature that had set me on this path. “Sorry, but the door was open you see and it has been raining all day so I let myself in.” I look at his features mouth agape from his relaxed and almost sarcastic expression. I tighten my muscles looking at the creature a warm flame quickly growing into a wildfire of emotions. I felt hate, pain, and disgust tearing its way to the outside. “Your gift was a curse, my family is dead now because of this gift!” I stand up and toss the table aside swinging at the creature with all my might. I continue to strike but the blows simply phase through him. Despite this, I continue to assault his ghostly form until my body becomes tired and I am out of breath. “Why did you do this!” The creature smiles and phases through me making its way to the table. It once again gives itself a place to sit while fixing the table back in place. He looks at me as I walk around to my usual spot. He waves his appendage and begins to speak to me. “What do you mean, you are the one who asked for this, you were the one who desired power. I simply gave you the wish you demanded of the universe. It’s no ones’ fault but your own. But while I was watching you, I suppose you realized there was a price tag attached.” I stand before him taking in his crazy banter anger rising wondering how I could kill this beast. It then dawned on me that my first instinct was to attack him, to destroy and end his life. He did not put these thoughts in my head. My anger began to dissipate as I realized that he may have given me the tools but I destroyed my life. I sit down broken and look him in his piercing white eyes. “Who are you?” As if he had remembered where we left our conversation, his pointy ears perked up and he became relaxed. He rubbed his chin and let out a puzzling hum. “Well now, this question has been on hold for a bit hasn’t it. I do not really care much for titles or such, but my other associates have called me silence before. So why not use that.” He seems to pick up on my confusion and chuckles. “You're curious as to why they call me this I see.” He smirks as two coffee cups appear before us. Both appearing to have no contents of any kind. He reaches and picks up one with his long fingers taking a sip. “Well, they say it’s an effect I have on others, kind of how they start to act after spending much time with me.” He laughs and drops the cup, but when it shatters, it makes no audible noise in the slightest. “See what I mean. And by the way, don’t leave this lying around.” He brings forth my watch and places it in my hand. After hearing his explanation, I gaze at the silver pocket watch in my hand. “So, what am I supposed to do at this point? Everything that I dared love and needed to fight for are gone.” I think of my family, the horrible decisions I have made and the giant crater that is now in my heart. For a moment, Silence looks at me and then rises. “Well, since you seem to be out of work I have something for you to do.” He materializes my sword and tosses it to me. “I suppose you should make sure to carry this along on your journey.” I look at him confused and grasp my sword. “What is there left for me to do?” He nods his head up and down. “Well, you're quite right about your wish being granted to you. You have had your fun now. However, its time to get to work on your new job.” I am confused but try and understand what is going on so suddenly. “A job, what do you mean Silence?” The Silence that was calm just moments ago straightens up and glares at me coldly. “This job is your way of paying off your debt to me for your gift. From now on, you have your own title. Welcome to existence, my new Traverser.” He grins and raises his arms. “ Its simple really, I will save you the time and tell you what your job entails. From now on you will travel to different universes exploring the worlds and learning about their cultures. Especially that concerning their abilities in combat. You will become stronger and then I will learn as well. Finally, in the end, you will find the new Traverser.” I stare at Silence completely unsure of what had transpired. I thought of my new occupation and what he had spoken but nothing came to mind. My movements and lack of speech gave meaning to his name. “So, I get to travel the universe and learn, what do you need me for?” He begins to walk around the room and eventually finds himself at a wall which he makes into a window. It shows through to a dark abyss no different than the pitch-black walls. He gazes through and scratches his head. “Let’s just say I enjoy it when learning is shared… Yes, that’s what it is.” I take his words along with the tragic events that have befallen me in recent times. I think how I might make amends for myself and find a possibility. Even though I have left a scar on the world of my origin, I have the chance now to protect those who are elsewhere. That’s what I thought I should do to redeem myself. I smile slightly and walk up to Silence. “You have a deal, I will be your traverser.” I can tell my words affected him as he shakes his head and looks at me. “Do not take this the wrong way, but I wasn’t exactly asking that you be willing. But, if you're so accepting of your fate so easily all the better. In fact, why not get started.” Silence directs his hand to the door he came through and it starts to glow. “ When you are ready, step through the door and your time as the Traverser will begin. Good luck…” With this, he began to vanish like previously, but I could have sworn that I saw him smirk as he finally became nothingness before me. I took a breath and looked toward the door. I remembered something my mother once told me. “When you go into a dark place, remember that light shines brightest where the darkness is greatest.” I walked to the door and opened it seeing a bright new world. “ Well, maybe a job will be good for me.” I walk through the door and notice just how beautiful the world is, or how beautiful it was. “There are some days when one decides that they have had enough of something and take action against it. Sometimes that option simply is not there. The latter is the situation I had found myself in. After that fateful day, I did exactly as I was instructed. I traveled to many exotic and beautiful world. I met creatures that were extraordinary and learned many things. There was one catch, however. After going through the time to learn about these new creatures, I learned of a secret part of my job. When it was time, Silence would appear in my dreams and present me with his personal sword. From that point on, I was not in control of my body. Then, using my body as a vessel, Silence would challenge the greatest warriors of the worlds to a fight, testing the world for its right to survive. So far, I have never lost and so far, none have passed Silences test. Losing, of course, meant that the universe was destroyed. Each time killing countless numbers of beings and resetting my job like clockwork. The only proper way to describe what I did was that of a never-ending torture where you are the one who is doing the torturing. Before long, I began to stop attaching myself to the worlds and my powers grew. I became terribly strong, making my job much easier with each universe brought out of existence. However, despite all this, it is time for our story to truly begin. This time in the magical land of Equestria. This time with a young earth pony names Silver Watch. Allow me to tell you an epic about when time forgot the saddest of tales.