Trace stared out into space as he approached the system of his destination. It was dangerous to come here, but after the episode at the Kriken Empire, he was determined to complete his self-given task. He felt calm, but in the back of his mind, there was a small amount of panic. He would no doubt be battling stronger creatures than any other, and the Omega Cannon would be little help.

He knew of a single weapon still in existence that could help, but its location had been lost when the darkness had settled into the system. He examined the planet of his destination, a large planet covered by a dark cloud.

"Approaching the planet Abyss." his computer reported and he nodded, equipping his Imperialist. It was almost time to face the truth...and save the future.

Samus was, by an astounding coincidence, going to the same system. Neither hunter was aware of the other, but the Shadow system clouded every illuminating thing in shadows, including radar. Samus was also on a personal mission, for which she would therefore receive no monetary payment.

"Approaching Abyss and the destination moon." Her computer reported. Samus nodded to herself and prepared for landing.

Weavel watched Samus' ship with interest. The Shadow system wasn't Space Pirate territory, and it was a dreaded system. There were no stories about the place because no one ever returned themselves again.

The lucky survivors were cursed with madness, and unnatural fears. Most never came back. What did Samus know that no one else did? He considered following, but dismissed the thought. He was done risking his life on pointless ventures.

The Kriken Empire fiasco was bad enough. What about treasure, and revenge against Samus? Weavel thought and smiled. Maybe the venture had a purpose after all...

Kanden, ordinarily teamed up with Weavel, but thankfully rid of the pesky Pirate was curious. The Shadow System? The #1 system on the 'Go here if you're suicidal' list? Why was Spire going there?

The Last Diamont had avoided death at the hands of krikens less than a week ago, and he now going near the Shadow System? Kanden's curiosity finally broke. He aimed his weapon cannon at Spire, pressed a few buttons and fired. A tiny object was fired, striking the 'Avalanche' and activating.

"Tracer active. Hunter Spire traced." his computer reported. Kanden smiled. He'd figure out what that Diamont was up to, and Trace might pay him for Spire's location.

Spire absently flew towards the Shadow system. He felt a call to go there and his instincts hadn't steered him wrong yet. Of course, the whole idea of using Dark Armor to avenge his parents was a fiasco, but he hadn't followed his instincts there.

Of course, since then, Noxus had avoided him a little more, which was a slight improvement. At the same time, Noxus was the only hunter other than Samus that Spire trusted...a little. There was a sudden click sound, and Spire checked his radar, startled.

Was he being attacked? The radar showed nothing and Spire relaxed. Time to find out why his instincts had taken him here. Abyss' second moon loomed closer.

Noxus groaned in frustration. Of all the systems to be near when he was hunting evil, why was it the Shadow system? He chuckled as he realized the answer. The Shadow system was an evil place. Noxus remembered his last visit here...and shuddered.

Those days were over, the shadows should have vanished long ago. Noxus narrowed his eyes. Could the darkness have originated here, and still exist? Noxus sighed as he piloted his ship towards Abyss.

Sylux had also come to the Shadow system. Like Spire and Noxus, he had felt a calling to come, and he was skeptical as to the nature of the call. It wasn't a thought or a message, just an urge to go there. It made him uneasy.

"Abyss is the place to go...but why?" Sylux raged, then struggled to become calm. He piloted the Delano 8 towards the dark planet, shuddering slightly. He needed to know why he had been 'called'. What mysteries this planet held. What role he had in the events to come.