//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: Old Scars // Story: Kurai the Forsaken : Rise of The Abyss // by Seth Typofather //------------------------------// The creeping mist of the accursed Abyss plagued the chasm, rising upwards to create clouds of corruption that hung. “Show yourself, Manus! In the name of Lord Gwyn I shall smite thee!” Called out Artorias, standing on a cliffside with the swirling fog gate behind him. Stepping forward to peer over the edge and into the chasm he was beginning to doubt wether this was the resting place of the Father of The Abyss himself, growling impatiently he drew his blade which was dripping with the corrosive sludge of The Abyss alongside his armour. The darkness below roared in reply to his presence, the creeping mist now a torrent of destruction shooting upwards into the chasm’s ceiling. A giant hand connected to a swirling mass of humanity for an arm snaked it’s way up and gripped Artorias in it’s clutches, dragging him down into the chasm below. Upon impact with the ground everything was black, his fatigue or the darkness of the chasm he will never know. The mist returned to it’s creeping state, creating visible light through unknown means to reveal multiple broken columns and two red glowing eyes in the dark staring right back at him. More red piercing eyes filled the void before the Abysswalker followed by a rumble, the owner of the eyes stepping forward. The beast himself has accepted the challenge, lumbering forward using his catalyst and abnormal arm for balance, his tail acting as a counterweight to his gigantic frame. Manus grumbled a few Latin phrases, a long dead language that even Gwyn in his great age has forgotten in the swirling sands of time. Raising his blade Artorias let out a battle cry as he charged forward, consequently getting swatted by Manus into the base of a broken column. The Primeval Man snorted a series of times, mocking laughter. Having none of it the knight rose to his feet, struggling to keep his balance after such a heavy strike. Raising his colossal arm to the ceiling Manus swung down, his hand getting embedded into the ground just before Artorias rolled out the way and began swinging like a maniac at the stuck hand until Manus recoiled enough to pull free. Roaring, completely enraged the Father of The Abyss swang just as wildly at Artorias with his abnormal appendage and catalyst, if possible, with more ferocity and destructive intent. Dodging the first two swings the knight swung at Manus, a fatal move. His opponent swung the malformed hand upwards, knocking Artorias into the air before leaping up and using both his hands to hammer the Abysswalker into the ground. A mumbled Latin phrase, once again, incomprehensible. Stabbing the catalyst into the ground Manus used his least malformed hand to lift Artorias, his red beady eyes staring at his sword arm. While in the beast’s grip he began swinging at the wrist hoping to cut it off, before he could though the grotesque hand wrapped around Artorias’ left arm. A wicked grin formed Manus’ face, he began tightening his grip on the arm. A loud snap with the cracking of bones followed, gritting his teeth in pain Artorias attempted beating the hand wrapped around his arm like a boa with his free hand but to no avail. The cracking of bones echoed through the chasm before Artorias let out a mighty howl as blood pooled between the fingers of his soon to be executioner. Releasing his grip he let the Abysswalker dangle uselessly by his limp arm, unfortunately for Artorias this was the end of the fight. He had been defeated and shamed, to make matters worse, Manus allowed him to live to suffer the full extent of his shame. All that could be seen now were the beady red eyes glaring back at him, another series of snorts before a full roar of laughter. —————— “NO!” Panted Artorias, shooting up from what should have been a restful nap. Gripping his head with both his hands he hyperventilated from the nightmare and cruel reminder of his shame as Luna who had been observing his dream outside the room stared blankly in horror. “What did you see?” Whispered Celestia, careful not to raise her voice too loud. Turning her head slowly to the hall, Luna trotted slowly towards the throne room where the mane six were waiting. She stopped to turn to her older sister. “It shall be best if I show you all.” Luna weakly replied, shaking. Trotting towards the throne room once more she collapsed in the middle of the hall, convulsing and shaking erratically. “Luna?!” The Princess of the Sun called out. “Sister! Speak to me, please!” She panicked, shaking her sister by the shoulders. Bursting out the room to the commotion Artorias stared at what was going on. “What happened to her?” “S-She was taking a look into your dreams to find out more about you and then she collapsed!” Celestia replied, tears forming in her eyes. “Somepony! Call a doctor! Please!” She called out to the guards within earshot who galloped off to find a doctor or better, Twilight. “It’s okay dear sister… stay with me here…” Celestia softly cradled Luna in her hooves. “Why is she having such a violent reaction?” He knelt down to their level so he could help if necessary. “Luna experiences huge emotional fluxes when she observes a nightmare, the more terrifying a nightmare the heavier her emotions become. Whatever she saw in your mind disturbed her to the breaking point… to my knowledge she was always collected.” She explained, nuzzling Luna closely once the convulsing calmed down. “If she could not handle it, it should be best you do not observe it.” Shaking her head slowly Celestia’s horn released a golden aura. “The emotional fluxes are limited to her because of it being her natural talent, imbedded into her. Taking a look into memories or dreams can be taught but it requires a huge amount of effort, especially to share dreams and memories.” Placing her glowing horn onto Luna’s all the memories of the dream entered her mind, her eyes glowing a bright white as Artorias stared in wonder at what was going on before him. Sorcery as such was never attained even by Seath. Breaking the connection Celestia recoiled much like her sister, turning to Artorias. “This is what you had to deal with?!” Hoof steps were heard down the large hall with voices, coming into view they all seemed frightened to see not only Artorias but Luna laying on the ground cradled in Celestia’s embrace. “What have you done with Luna?!” A cyan blue pegasus flared her wings while a lavender alicorn had her horn at the ready if Artorias made any sudden moves, whatever happens he was at least ready with his bare fists. “Stop, it’s not his fault!” Celestia interjected, standing between them with a stern glare. “This is Sir Knight Artorias.” Rarity squealed with glee at the mention of a knight. “Oh my gosh! He looks so handsome, though I can’t see his face. But look at that body! Strong, slender and courageous!” The white coated mare flicked purple mane back with a flutter of her eyelashes. Shivering with disgust he turned his attention to Luna, lifting her. “Where is your hospital wing?” Twilight pointed down the hall. “Keep going straight…” She stammered, trying not to show the fear in her voice to the knight who easily towered over Celestia. “Please follow him, girls, I need to rest myself for now.” The Princess of the Sun slumped against the wall as they left to the hospital wing. “This is too much…” —————— Seated patiently Ciaran awaited Kurai’s spell to work, having recently used it the time limit was still in effect. Sif tilted his head curiously to the architecture of the main lobby, taking a bite from the manticore meat placed before him in a bowl. Gough was inspecting his greatbow, dusting off any carving shavings as well as testing the strength of the rope. Two souls sparked and floated in synchronised circles on the chandelier, Gwyn’s soul igniting the candles while Gwyndolin’s extinguished the candles. Being souls didn’t leave much to do, so this was the best idea of fun they had to pass the time before they could be projected in a solid astral vision. “Alright, the spell’s ready.” The two souls floated expectantly in front of Kurai who readied his crystal catalyst, speaking the incantation out loud the souls glowed brilliantly. Floating down to the ground once again was Lord Gwyn and his son, Dark Sun Gwyndolin. “Lord Gwyn.” Bowed Ciaran. “Please, do not bow for me-“ His little speech was cut short by the sound of hooves at the door, alarming all to face the intruder. “Relax.” Kurai walked to the visitor. “Sorry for the rude 'hello', Zecora.” Zecora stared past Kurai and into the small group behind them, she was at a loss for words. Shaking her head to clear her mind the zebra regained her composure. “I apologise for interrupting, but I can not help but notice a king.” She stared at Gwyn with wonder.