Tony walked into an abandoned warehouse with a long case in hand. Inside the warehouse was a single table and nothing else. Putting the case on the table he opened it revealing a well loved violin, a blanket, a few candles, and a lighter. He laid the blanket down and lit the candles on the table.
Tony looked over his set up and nodded before he grabbed his violin and turned toward one of the windows to wait for the sun to set. After only a few of the suns rays were left he raised his bow and began to play.
"Hello darkness my old friend," Tony sang. "I've come to talk with you again."
As the song continued the shadows cast by the flickering candles seemed to dance. They swelled and swirled around him, gliding across the floor and twisting around his limbs. The further along in the song he got the darker the shadows became, more corporeal.
"Whispered in the sounds of silence," Tony finished, the shadows rushing around the room like a cyclone.
He let the last not ring out, watching the shadows as they moved with a fond expression, before he gently sat the violin down on the table. Behind him the shadows curled and coiled into itself forming into the shape of a man.
"Hello, my old friend," Tony greeted with a soft smile as he turned around to face the dark figure.
The man was tall and lean, wearing a cloak of shadows with the hood up covering his face allowing only the glow of his red eyes shine through the darkness.
"Hello Anthony," the shadow said. His voice was soft but despite that it seemed to echo around the empty warehouse.
Tony strolled up to the figure with out a single hesitation and hugged him. The man returned the hug wrapping the smaller figure in shadows.
"I missed you," Tony muttered into the mans shoulder. The man just hummed and stroked Tony's hair.
"So, How goes your domain?" Tony asked cheerfully as he pulled away.
"It is well for now. Unfortunately soon many will be forced into my arms do to some... unfortunate and unpleasant encounters."
"Is there any who have had a pleasant trip into your domain?" Tony teased.
"One or two," the shadow replied with a chuckle.
Tony led the man to the blanket where they talked about anything and everything well into the early hours of the morning.
With only a few minutes left until dawn Tony leaned into the shadows shoulder with a sad sigh.
"Do I have to ask?" Tony asked the shadow, reluctance clear on his face.
"You must, I'm afraid," the man replied. "It will help you in the future."
"Then let's get this over with. What is to come?" Tony asked, resigned.
"Danger approaches, an enemy like you have never faced. It will come with an army and relics more powerful than any others. Those who seek to avenge will help you but they will hurt you as well. Some will smile with daggers hidden behind their backs, some will hate you for things out of your control, some will betray your trust, and some will just leave. Despite all the danger you will face before the danger arrives, you will be there to greet it. So remember, when all your plans turn to ash, you are a creator so build your salvation like you have so many times before."
Tony stared at his friend solemnly and nodded, "Thank you."
"Our time together is almost up, Anthony. Will you play for me one more song?"
Tony smiled and picked up his instrument, "For you? Always."
The song ended as the sun rose chasing the shadows away and leaving Tony alone in the abandoned warehouse. He let out a deep sigh and relaxed, then he put up His supplies and walked to the door.
"Goodbye my old friend. Till next year."