Chapter 31: Into the Abyss

After having his neck snapped, Hunter finds himself floating in the 'Outer Darkness'. This dimension, this place he finds himself in is shrouded in absolute darkness and the space between Universes and Multiverses. Unable to make out anything, not even the form of his own body, Hunter at first even thinks this place to be the afterlife.

''So it really happened...'' He suddenly hears an old husky but dominant familiar voice state. ''... The hunter was taken down by his pray truly disappointing.''

That said, Destiny, still controlled by the Darkness appears in front of him, holding a seemingly indefinitely burning match.

Seeing Destiny, Hunter asks him. ''Where am I? Why did you send me out to fight that abomination, knowing that it would kill me?''

''I sent you out, hoping that you wouldn't threaten his woman. Despite him snapping your neck, you died by your own hands. The Moment you told him the woman would die, you predestined your death...'' Tells the Darkness, borrowing Destinys body and voice, Hunter. ''... As for where we are, this place has various names including 'Outer Dark', 'Abyss', 'Limbo', 'Bleed' and the 'Void'. This dimension is home to Higher Beings like the Haemovore Kings of the Outer Dark; Demons of the third class, including the N'Garai and the Old Ones.''

Irritated and frustrated Hunter asks. ''Why am I hear?''

Holding up two fingers the Darkness tells him. ''Two reasons... The first being you had your Multiverse teleportation device removed and second you have some work to do here.''

''I have to get a weapon to kill that abomination...'' States Hunter, before asking. ''... What other job do I have to do?''

Hiding his evil smile the Darkness explains to Hunter. ''You will have to convince 'Many-Angled Ones' also known as the 'Old Ones' to release 'Dax Novu' otherwise known as 'Mandrakk the Dark Monitor'.''

Frowning Hunter asks. ''Why him?''

''Because he has to resent feasting on Dark Matter by now...'' Explains the Darkness, feeling his control over Destiny slowly slip. ''... You have to know that the monitors used their abilities on Mandrakk, changing his physiology, forcing him to feed on Dark Matter, while at the same time nullifying his capability to feed on the Bleed. Following that, they cast him in into the Dark Multiverse, now his new dominion to rule and prison.''

''What is Bleed?...'' Asks Hunter, a bit confused. ''... Didn't you say this place was also called Bleed?''

''Clever boy...'' States the Darkness struggling to keep Destiny in check. ''... The Bleed is an interdimensional plane that forms the barriers to parallel dimensions. It is also spatially connected with the Multiversal Nexus and the Nanoverse. As an interdimensional object, it is also a substance... You could say it is existence itself...'' Explains the Darkness, retrieving an impressive black armor and greatsword...

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(An annoying pain in my ass)''Wait, wait, wait! This Pool has something to say... Wait who are you calling 'An annoying pain in my ass' narrator!''

(Narrator) ''What do you want?''

(An annoying pain in my ass) ''First thinks first change my name in between the brackets to 'President I am not building walls'...''

(Narrator) ''F**k you! Go away I have a story to tell... Ok. You win!''

(Not Donald Trump) ''Good, good very good. You have earned yourself some gummy bears. Here take them...''

(Narrator) ''Keep your gummy bears. I can see where you keep them... Why are you here pestering me in the first place?''

(Not Donald Trump) ''I don't know... Where where you writing again in the story?''

(Narrator [slamming his head into his keyboard]) "... I was at 'Explains the Darkness, retrieving an impressive black armor and greatsword...'...''

(Not Donald Trump) ''Yes, now I remember it again. Why the fuck is the Armor and the Greatsword the Darkness is handing Hunter identical to Sir Artorias Armor and Sword from Dark Souls? Don't you have any imagination?''

(Narrator) ''...''

(Not Donald Trump) ''What speechless?... What are you doing?... Stop typing... I mean it...''

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''... You could say it is existence itself...'' Explains the Darkness, retrieving an impressive black armor and greatsword. ''... Here take these. The armor protects you against the Old Onse and the blade can damage even ghosts, wearing both lets you join a covenant with the creatures of this place... Hahaha. Hahaha. Hahaha...''

Saying that the Darkness teleports itself and Destiny away, only leaving the Greatsword and Armor behind for Hunter to wear. Realizing that his stepfather's cape, as well as his mother's sword, are gone, Hunter decides to put on the surprisingly comfortable armor and carry the sword.

Looking at the blade, he tells it. ''Since Destiny didn't give you a name, I will call you 'Abyss Watcher' from now on.''

That said a dark shadowy ring appears around Hunter's right-hand ring finger, symbolizing the covenant with the creatures of the abyss, foreshadowing a tragic destiny.

Wearing the helmet included in the Armor given to him by the Darkness, he now is able to get a proper look at the Bleed and all its glory, looking beyond the all-encompassing darkness of this place. Armored and blissfully unaware of the corruption taking place in his very soul, Hunter steps forward into the Abyss.

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Having left Hunter in the Bleed, the Darkness is able to get out of it, before Destiny finally ejects him from his body.

''Get out of me you dammed entity!...'' Screams Destiny, while forcefully separating himself from the Darkness. ''... What have you done?! Releasing the Dark Monitor from Abyss you are putting all existence in danger.''

''I am aware of that possibility, but if it allows me to destroy a future threat to me this way, it is worth it...'' States the Darkness, once again in his sphere form and separated from Destiny. ''... Don't you think so?''

Realizing what the Darkness is planning by taking a sneak peek into his Book of Destiny, Destiny is shocked by what he reads. ''You want to take over Mandrakk and absorb the boy's divine properties... Are you mad? He has those because it was willed by the Presence!''

''Oh, I know, but here is some insight...'' States the Darkness. ''... The Presence is not in charge of everything. Ever since Lucifers Rebellion the people in charge of the universes day to day business are, Michael Angles. Since the Watchers and Monitors remain neutral in every aspect, you can guess how much I fear the Presences.''

''Since you were able to take possession of me, you must know that the path you walk will sever your bond with this Multiverse...'' States the Destiny of the Endless. ''... By now even the Book of Destiny is unable to predict your destiny. I guess you are free of the shackles this Multiverse subjugates its children too.''

''True freedom one can only gain by becoming independent from the One Above All...'' States the Darkness, before admitting heavy hearted. ''... And what kind of existence would one be than? I don't want to find that out...''

''Farewell...'' States Destiny, as he slowly vanishes. ''... And good luck in your endeavors.''

Seeing the old man gone, the Darkness decides to follow after Hunter since it has nothing better to do...

Before returning into the Abyss, he admits to himself. ''I can't wait to get my hands on a new body... Being only thought really is shity!''