As Twilight goes closer to the darkness she finds herself unable to turn back.
As Twilight goes deeper into darkness, she is lost in her own descent. Going deeper into the Royal Castle which was taken over by the Shadow of Chaos. Betrayed by her own teacher, Princess Celestia, she must find her way toward the heart of the castle. Her friends are no where to be found. Finding a note that only tells her that the friends she knew, may be changed forever. Everyone she loves is in grave danger. All because of her. She must fix this large error that she has created. The shadow she has unleashed. Losing her memory she will go through the descent into darkness... (Story line is based on actual game)
Chapter 1- A Shadow is Following you… -Editing done on 10/26/12- (Authors note- This is only a pre-recorded message. The following description below is the story told by a mare named Twilight Sparkle. This story is told by the point of view of this young mare. Not all information may be accurate. This is the first time that I have recorded something like this. So this may not be that exciting. Please understand that this recording is a first time thing and the genre is new to the author.) “Don’t forget… Some things mustn’t be forgotten. The thing is hunting me… I must hurry!” I felt extremely lightheaded as I stumbled back and forth on the dark stone walls with my week legs. I kept reminding myself of the thing haunting me and feeling my consciousness slipping away. But still I babbled uncontrollably. “Don’t forget! Don’t forget who you are! My name is Twilight Sparkle. I live in Equestira at… At Ponyville.” I crumbled on the floor feeling very weak, unable to hold myself up but I knew I must go further away from… From something… There was an eerie scream. Hollow but fearful… To take my life, my very soul…! “What have I done? This is chaotic. Don’t forget. I must stop her. Focus!” My eyes drooped and I bobbled my head back and forth. Every time I opened my eyes I was in a different room. Finally I saw a corridor and at the end there was a damp, dark room. I entered the room as the walls of the corridors cave in behind me. I collapsed on the dark wet stone floor below me. I needed to remember… But where was I? What am I… There was only one thing I could grab before my mind went intensely dark. “My name is… I am… Twilight Sparkle…” ------------------------------------------------------------- I woke up to feel the trickling sound of water falling lightly on my forehead. There was just enough light from the windows to show what the room looked like and where I was. Honestly it was definitely pitch black but my eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. Cramped by the aching pain all over me, I stood up as I blinked my eyes rather slowly. As my eyes focused, I looked at my surroundings. By the looks of the establishment it indicated that this was rather an old castle… I wasn’t hurt except maybe some cuts and bruises. I had no idea where I was and I hadn’t any clue of what to do. “Where… Where am I?” I rubbed my head and found something father odd. It was… A horn? I tapped the horn with curiosity and if by magic, I saw something glow on my flank. I noticed it was a small pouch and I quickly opened it to find a journal. Quickly skimming through it, I came to the page with only four words. I read out loud despite my dry throat, “Follow the liquid trail”. Looking around confused, I finally spotted a pink like substance. At first I hesitated… But something nagged me to follow. “What is this place”? I thought to myself. I spotted a rather large door. Despite my sanity telling me not to open it, but my desperation to find a way out took over. I pulled on the door, with a roar, a hallow scream vibrated throughout the floor and air. I quickly backed away and started to run. I trotted for my life. My focus was on the trail, no matter what came in the way. Only once I stopped to pick up something dry like wood. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew I would need it later. Constantly I heard these whispers filling my ears as if there was someone or… Rather something… Trying to tell me something. Finally I arrived to a flight of stairs. I moved quickly, noticing that it was lit. Why were there lit torches here? A second traumatizing scream filled the air. It seemed close. Rather closer than before. I fell down to my knees and stumbled on the floor. My vision started to melt and I saw the torches flickering on and off. It’s as if the screams were coming from the air itself. My ears pounded hard as the only thing I heard was the sound of my pounding heart, and a ringing in my ears. For a few moments I laid there, feeling dead. Finally, the ringing stopped, leaving me in utter silence. For a few more moments I laid on the hard stone ground. Soon I regained strength and made my way toward the trail again. Most of the castle was nothing but the remains of debris covered with cobwebs. The castle itself felt lonely, so unbearable that I felt as if I were alone. Occasionally I heard moans and the creak of floor boards moving from above. Clearly there must’ve just been some small creatures in the castle, but for the most part I felt completely alone. After hours of following the trail I was led in a room filled with scrolls. Trunks covered the room. I entered the room but suddenly the doors slammed shut. A strong gust of wind circled the chandler above me. I was more startled, then scared. This proved to be the least mind shattering moment of all events that had occurred. As I approached the table in the room, I noticed a bottle of ink and a note. I picked up the note and started to read. Something about it made it feel extremely important. And then I noticed something… Was it my name? “Dear Twilight Sparkle, I wish I could ask you how much you remember recent events. I don’t know if there will be anything left to remember after I consume this drink. Don’t be afraid Twilight. I can’t tell you why, but know this. I choose to forget. Even our dearest friends we may have forgotten and that’s how important this situation is. Try to find comfort and strength in this fact alone. There is a reason, a very important reason. For you are my final effort to bring peace back to the land of Equestria. Oh may harmony be humble upon you as you may show great anger to the name of Princess Celestia. If it doesn’t, this will sound terrible. Go to the sanctum of the Royal Castle; find Princess Celestia and kill her. Her body has no magic left. Yours may have it but you should not be able to remember how to control it. Even if this is a terrible fact, do NOT let the Princess have your magic. If you follow this one rule she will be at your hooves. Save us both, Twilight Sparkle. Descend into the darkness of the night where Princess Celestia will wait for you and kill her. Your former self, Twilight Sparkle.” I scratched my head with a hoof as I read the note once, twice, and three times. Finally giving up, I placed the note in my pouch. I noticed another piece of paper falling on the ground. I picked it up and I frowned. “Also note… Your friends are in grave danger. They may have already changed! If they… If they turn different, please either run away, or if necessary… Try and kill them… The chaos that follows you protects the ones who have changed. But use your wits to place harm against them. I am just glad that you may not know them at the moment. Be careful…” Friends? Who were my friends? I just remember getting up from a cold damp floor with an aching body. Also who in the world was Princess Celestia? My hooves suddenly trembled, and I felt a splitting pain in my head. I doubled over and just caught myself by placing a hoof on the table and another hoof on my forehead. I closed my eyes and my vision bursted with color. For a brief moment all I saw was a castle on the side of a mountain. The sky was bright blue and there was a village… The village was far below the mountains, passing through trees and rivers. The land appeared so peaceful. Then a dismantled figure, seeming to fall from the sun itself, I couldn’t make out her face but there was something abnormal about this mare. Her hair seemed to float with different colors; she had wings and a long horn, but a blank face. The figure walked up to me and placed its empty face near my vision. At first the empty face just stayed in place. Then it let out a cry. The space suddenly opened up, spilling blood and the head of a monster appeared. The crimson liquid floated to the air making the sky grow blood dark. The moans of the dead seemed to rise from below and chaos seemed to rain. The entire place itself started to become covered in some kind of red tissue and was consuming everything that matched its path. I looked at the ugly faced figure once again and this time, it let out a terrible cry. The same hollow, ancient scream that wanted me… But for what? What did I do… What did I do!? I closed my eyes and opened them again. This time my vision was in complete darkness, but suddenly it let imagines appear. I was on the cold stone ground and next to me was some kind of lamp filled with liquid. There was a switch and I flicked it. Light shimmered only about a few feet from where I was with the lamp but I didn’t care. I was extremely happy for some portable light source. I checked my pouch and took out the equipment I had. There were five tinderboxes and only two small bottles of oil. This wasn’t much but I knew that I would need everything with which to light. The actual question was how did I get here? Also how did I get all these supplies? This place was filled with strange things. I looked around once more with my lamp. Rubble filled the middle of the large room. Everything was made out of gray stone and some windows were here and there. I noticed that there were a long line of stairs leading to a different room. I started to descend but I was stopped by a sound of a thousand whispers filling in my head. My vision started to go blurry and I rubbed my eyes. When I opened them again everything was rather bright. The room was very colorful but when I looked out the window, the sky was blood red with thunder interrupting the clouds. All over the room there was chaos. Stallions with armor and weapons seemed to be preparing for what I thought was an invasion. Even the mare with wings and horns was here but this time she was standing right next to me. And her face was just beautiful! I didn’t know how but I knew that this is what my former self told me to kill. But how can I kill a kind looking mare like this!? “Everyone stay sharp! I want you all to barricade the draw bridges, barricade all the doors and keep the outside guarded at all times!” The mare yelled. It was who I thought was Princess Celestia. A guard appeared before her, holding a bronze spear. “Your highness, you said it yourself! This creature cannot be stopped! It’s nothing but a nightmare of destruction and we can’t even kill it because we can’t see it! It’s just trying to fight air-“ “I didn’t train you to be a royal guard so you can act this way! Your duty is to protect me and my student! From now on my sister will take care of all of you!” The Princess said pointing toward a doorway. A dark colored mare with a starry like mane appeared through the door. “I will take good care of everypony. Until we can find a way to defeat this creature once and for all, we will risk our lives to bring peace back to Equestria.” “What about Captain Shining Armor?” The same guard asked the princesses. Both of them hung their heads. Princess Luna seemed to be angered and disappointed at the same time. Almost as if she was about to cry, “He… He’s just changed. Let’s leave it at that. He’s nothing like the Captain we all knew and relied on…” “Is he… Dead?” Princess Celestia looked at the guard with roaring anger. “Go back to your post! Or I will have to fire you from the squad!” Without hesitation, the guard saluted with shame and dashed off to join a group of soldiers. The Princess waved a hoof at me. “Come… We have much to prepare…” I just followed the Princess down the steps and as if I wasn’t in control of the situation, I felt myself talking to the Princess. “So are you really going to stop the shadow of chaos?” Celestia’s expression was very grim and she looked at me with solemn eyes. “We will see my student. You are the key to saving and fixing what you have unleashed, even if it may destroy all of Equestria and all those who stand in its way.” I felt my face twist and turn into an expression of shock. “So the lives of all the people may be in danger because of me?” The Princess didn’t give me a nod, her expression turned harsh. “That may not be true, my student. The lives of only a few hundred could save thousands… Now come! We have much to do…” I opened my eyes and just stood there frozen for a minute, thinking about what I just saw. A shadow… Of chaos? Can’t be harmed by anything the Princess has said… But what? Suddenly I felt my coat stand up straight and I heard the sound of moving chains. Curious, I peeked up at the top of the stairs and my eyes widened. There was a figure… A figure moving rather quickly toward my direction… I raised my lantern and I screamed out in shock. The thing was a stallion but with its entire coat shredded apart and showing only bare muscles dripping with dark blood. The face twisted at an angle that was abnormal and the lips were so wide apart, they could have swallowed a colt in whole. I started dashing down the stairs, the creature following only steps behind me. The eerie sound of the hollow voice echoed in my ears. I felt extremely light headed all of a sudden and I was about to stumble down the stairs until I turned right. I opened the metal and quickly closed it behind myself. The creature banged on it relentlessly, trying to enter. I did the safety lock on it and backed away. The creature let out a moan of anguish. A few moments later, I heard the chains reside back on the stairs. I felt so relieved… I just wanted to go into a deep sleep… However I knew that if I slept, the shadow would haunt me even in my dream. Because… The shadow is following me… (End Note- I usually write over 3k words or 4k words but this was my first time writing a horror chapter. I don’t know if it will be good but I just hope you guys enjoyed. Please tell me what I can improve on to make this story better like does it need more detail? Dialogue? I would be very grateful for your support and help so I could make this chapter better, and make the next chapter even scarier.) -Edit done on 10/26/12- (Large credit to my English teacher Mrs. Picard for looking over the story, writing advice in my notes, and giving me courage to continue!) (Credits to my friend Abry for some important revisions) (Also credits to my friend Munchie on helping me edit on some parts)
Chapter 2- Key to the Wine Cellar (Going through re-editing)
(Authors note- This is only a pre-recorded message told in the point of view of Twilight Sparkle. Please note that not all information may be accurate and that this is a new genre to the author.)
Sometime later I fell asleep but woke up with a jerk, banging my head against the stone wall.
Everything seemed to be different here. Nothing was normal, descending into the darkness like this only meant my sanity will drain by the second. But I knew whatever I needed to achieve was within the darkness.
Sleeping was a large mistake. The voices seemed closer than before, the female yells were echoing in my head.
‘Servants of the dark’ I thought.
Checking my lamp if I had any oil left, I continued to go through the dark stained corridor. When it ended I appeared to be in a cellar. With it's wooden planks creating platforms of stairs, large barrels, and murky air the atmosphere sent a chill through my bones. I lit up my lamp and advanced toward a pair of wooden stairs leading toward the ground. Lighting up my lamp, I noticed another room. Of course I proceeded with caution and entered.
Going inside, I took note of my surroundings. Books, scrolls, and chests of documentaries littered the walls. Some of the chests were over turned and had large claw marks. It couldn’t have been the rats…The far side of the wall were covered with shelves lined with bits of torn paper and dust.
I looked right and noticed a chemistry set on a table. Four chemistry bottles connected all together by a pipe. Going toward my left I saw a small bottle. It seemed strong, sturdy, and it even had a label on it that read ‘Used for high temperature experiments’.
As I picked it up my mind started to become distant. Once again I found myself next to the Princess as she started pouring different bottle together.
“Now my student, watch carefully. You may need to remember this for the near future so I want you to write down some notes.”
I watched as the Princess continued to pour the substances together.
“There should be more Cuprite… Some Aqua Fortis…”
She clinked the bottles together and mixed the mixture around with her glowing horn and what I thought to have believed was magic.
Lastly she added in another two chemicals together “And finally some Calamine and Orpiment…”
I felt myself frown. “Wouldn’t this make a strong acid Princess? How can acid free me from the Shadow of Chaos?”
The Princess only looked at me and gave me a small smile, “This acid my dearest student, is a key to freeing yourself from the dark. But remember, this must be held with great care, and without any accidents or someone will get hurt…”
She quickly swirled the bottle around and with a dim shimmering of light, the contents inside bubbled and radiated heat which warmed a small space of the room. With it's deep green light it flashed and danced around the walls, revealing shadows from the air itself.
Opening my eyes again I noticed a note. The flashback must be telling me something.
Reading the rather long note, it was a page explaining about errors and how that it wanted to make something else, but made acid instead. It also told me that it was extremely strong and that it could even melt tissue and flesh itself.
Not finding much within the room I knew that I would have to go out of here. Crossing my hooves together in the hopes that the monster wasn’t outside, I exited the laboratory.
I quickly looked upstairs. I looked at a door right across from the laboratory and tried to open it…
Locked…
I checked my journal and wrote down my objectives.
‘Find the key to the wine cellar’ I wrote down noticing the sign next to the door.
‘Find the four chemicals to make acid.’
Placing the journal back, I once again took caution of looking around my surroundings. Everything was clear, nothing was changed except the atmosphere felt deadly. I must hurry!
Quickly I looked for a way to advance. I noticed a door at the top of some marble stairs. I entered and closed the door behind me and the feeling in the air changed for the better. For once I actually felt as if I wasn’t in danger. Of course not all the candles were lit, but most rooms had small amounts of light.
I decided to try and find supplies. Oil and tinderboxes, but as I entered a room toward my right, the door slammed shut behind me and the dim candle light was blown out by a sudden gust of wind.
A monstrous moan seemed to echo from just down the hall. I knew something terrifying and unnatural was just beyond the door. I started looking around frantically, trying to find a place to hide. The desk in the middle of the room was too small and the chests were too small also. I started to become terrified. My breathing quickening, my throat rasping for air! Once again I felt the terrible ringing in my ears. My head pounded with blood and my ears banged to the rhythm of my heart. I dashed around hearing the monster coming closer and closer. The small groans were very soft but that wasn’t the point. I was still going to die. I let out a small cry of frustration and desperation and I heard the monster becoming more alert.
‘For the love of harmony please tell me where to hide!’
I started trashing cabinets and drawers banging louder and louder by the second. Finally, I found a closet… Why didn’t I notice this before!?
The door started banging. I knew that the creature was trying to break the door so I snuggled deep inside the closet and closed both side doors.
Finally, there was a bang, and a crash.
I heard heavy breathing and loud footsteps of the creature. I dared not to even move a muscle or to even breathe despite my adrenaline rush. But for some stupid reason I tested myself to look at the creature.
I opened the closet doors, just a peek. The sight shocked me dearly!
This one was different. It looked like a female and not so… Dead… And I was more surprised by the fact that it could talk!
“Where are you my dear? Why did you leave me? I thought we were friends.”
She looked horrifying! Her mane was pink but tattered with blood and her coat was covered with long lines of stitches and crimson red was slowly leaking out the bonds of her sides. It seemed as if she just came back from the dead! The undead mare also had a long round, spiked, rusted collar around her neck. And her eyes were nothing but dark holes…
Accidently, I bumped into the side of the closet. The sound alerted the monster and I watched as she turned toward me or rather the closet… I was terrified!
“Is that you my friend?”
My ears were still ringing making me nearly deaf and this eerie sound of danger echoed in my head. My vision seemed so distant and blind. Images were distorted and pictures appeared in my mind.
I stared at the creature one last time. I looked deep into her eyes. Thoughts were swirling around in my mind. A clean face appeared showing innocence but suddenly disappeared and was replaced with the creature before me. I closed my eyes and I saw a cheerful mare with a pink mane and a yellow coat. Images of her smiling and taking care of animals filled my mind. Opening my eyes again… I knew who this mare was!
Ears still ringing and my eyes blinking rapidly, every second she came closer.
“Why did you leave me?”
Only a few feet away…
“Why did you leave me to die?”
Only inches away from the doors…
“Why did you kill us…”
Blood started pouring out of her eyes, her broken teeth showing with dark stains.
I closed my eyes, ready to be gutted and killed. But I waited…
One second, two seconds, three seconds… Nothing!
I opened my eyes again to see the creature walking away. The sound of a piano filled the air. I stood in the closet for a good few minutes and the time I stayed inside felt like hours for each second that passed. My heart was still beating at a million miles per minute, anticipating the moment that she’ll rush back inside. But the eerie sound in my head disappeared. Maybe… Just maybe this sense will help me tell if danger was near.
Ever so slowly I opened the doors of the closet. I just stared at the broken door way. Nervously getting out I took a few minutes to regain my breath. My hooves were shaking and my head was lightly pounding but other than that I was alright. The room became dark except for the dim light that was trickling out of the window.
That creature was my friend? I didn’t know how I even got the conclusion that this mare was a friend and also the fact that I don’t even know my friends… Or their names except this one…
I felt another splitting pain in my head and stumbled on the table, I remembered…
“No! The potion it’s… It’s fading! No, no, no! Forget everything! Forget just… Forget…”
I just laid, slumped over the table shaking my head… But now… What did I need to forget? What the heck was this place and… My name is Twilight Sparkle… Yes that’s right and I had a friend named Fluttershy.
I started to think. Think back to the flash back that I had in the rubble filled room. The Princess, or I said something about some stallion named Shining Armor turning different? And my friends… What the heck? Maybe this is what the Princess was relating to.
I opened up my journal to look at my objectives again.
“Find the key to the wine cellar and find the four chemicals…” I said.
As I reached the end of the page I also noticed another piece of paper right on the table. Of course it must’ve been a coincidence but this was just strange. It even said my name, Twilight’s Diary.
I placed a hoof on my head and scratched my mane. I had a Diary? Even if it were only a few pages I read them. Maybe they could tell me something about my former self. About how I got into this bloody mess.
“Dear Diary,
The unflinching humidity in the dark rain forests had continued to plague our expedition, making it unbearable to dig until sundown. How the top scholar in Canterlot managed to find the location in these vast areas of trees still remains very strange to me. When I asked him about the burial site, he told me about the legend of Eva Sly, “the creator of insanity”. An interesting story that is on its own hooves right now, but I can’t help feeling there’s more. Later that night, we uncovered a passage beneath the mounts of bushes and trees leading to a dirty-covered stone structure. The scholar was confident it was the tomb we have sought and ordered the others to clear the way, late into the dark warm night.
Tomorrow, I shall lead the crew into the ancient structure, hoping to reach the end of the burial chamber. No matter what the scholar is keeping from me, the dig should yield something interesting to bring back to Canterlot, and to Princess Celestia herself. Another power source to strengthen harmony she says… But I can’t shake off the feeling that there is a lot more…”
I just stared at the piece of paper that I was holding and I just tried to add things up.
‘I was in an expedition in the forest?’ I thought to myself.
This was only the first clue of finding about my past and how I got into a situation like this. But I felt as if there were more in this castle. Pieces of my past written and scattered around here! Taking out my journal, I wrote down another objective.
‘Regain memories through Diary entries’
After writing that down I continued toward my journey to find the key toward the wine cellar. There was only one way to go and it was toward a very vast room at the end of the short corridor. Where the creature I mean, my friend… Was standing.
The sound of a piano coming from the large room filled the air. The tune was extremely strange but it seemed unique at the same time. Scary, but unique to the ears. I entered the room with caution peeking to my left and right. The piano was right next to the door! I was about to panic but there was no sound coming from the piano. Instead it slammed shut, breathing out dust and grim into the musty air. This place was extremely terrifying.
I couldn’t decide where to. Not because I didn’t want to check the establishment out but because of the fact that the mare that was close to killing me was at this very floor… The monster she has become! I don’t know the full details but I needed to find out and that only way, was to go deeper. Of course I wanted to stop the darkness but this seemed like an important side quest.
Filled with motivation I dashed to my right heading for once again a long corridor. It was filled with paintings of Princess Celestia and random pictures of mares, stallions and young ponies all together. But the large pictures with faces, they seemed to follow me. Their eyes following my every step! The creepiness of this made my hairs tingle and set off my alarm that danger was very close.
Suddenly the terrifying scream of the ancient beast roared. I felt my ears ring once again and crumbled to the floor. The only thing that kept me going were the things appearing on the floors, walls, and across objects! Red things that at some points moved and were advancing on me extremely fast. I started running for my dear life. Lighting up my lamp, I didn’t really care if the Fluttershy creature noticed me and also tried to kill me. The darkness was already driving me insane enough. I turned a sharp left and headed for where ever I was going I just didn’t know! The walls of goo were coming closer and closer. I stopped and looked back. The rest of the corridor was blocked by a massive rock slide. The air seemed to roar at me and I was left to crumble on the floor once again and I laid on the musty rug, feeling tears swelling up in my eyes. What did I do to deserve this!?
As I wormed my way slowly on the rug the flesh like substance still seemed to want to reach me. Only few inches away from me, I didn’t dare move. I already knew that my life was going to end right here. I tried to remember if there were any good memories I could keep to myself, but all were horrifying. I didn’t even know my family, my past, and most importantly my friends… I just didn’t know where to start anymore. I was crying in the inside and the outside. At this point I would have let the Shadow of Chaos take me…
As I closed my eyes I let out a yell of sadness and frustration. Banging my back up and down against the rug and curling up into a ball of hopelessness.
There was one last screech and hollow cry… But there was also the sound of heavy falling debris that indicated intense impact. And the dust that scattered around my face, I started to cough and I got up instantly trying to get some of the better air.
‘Well’ I thought to myself ‘I just got lucky’
Quickly getting out of my emotional state I started searching for a way out. I looked at both rooms in the right and left. All I found were a few tinderboxes and a small bottle of oil. I poured more oil into the lamp and I settled down on a chair. I was in the map room and the place was a mess. Covered with littered books and large rocks, this place looked like a pig house. But I quickly got up and started searching for some more, any supplies, or even any Diary entries. And to my luck, I found one.
“Dear Diary,
My hooves tremble as I write this message. I feel as if I need to write this event for a future purpose for the fear that my memory would fail me if I keep thinking about this situation.
Today I took some stallions and descended into the dark ancient passages we have uncovered. Some stallions could use magic so they lit their way while others used lamps or candles. But as we continued down, they all started to become well… Unbearable…
They argued loudly and I felt as if their insanity was starting to become attached to me. I mustered my strength despite my stress and yelled at them to shut their traps and continue down the slopes of broken steps.
The crudely carved passage confused me greatly. This looked a lot older than the burial chamber the Princess described. The walls were lined with statues unlike any I’d ever seen before! Despite their unearthly quality I felt a strange familiarity toward them… Which caused my fear for this chamber start to expand. At the far end of the chamber, a great slab of stone sealed off whatever lay ahead. I gave the order to raise the rock and I pushed through with my magic despite the narrow space, but then the heavy stone suddenly dropped, sealing me in…
I was trapped…”
This wasn’t enough information… What was inside the horsen room after the stone dropped down behind me!? But all in all I knew I needed to move on. I had a feeling that later on I’ll find out. But I just needed to wait.
I noticed that there was a hole in the wall but was blocked by a few bricks of stone. Using brute strength, I ripped the blocks out of their place, despite having dust and some of my coat burning off from the friction. But as I worked I continued to think about myself on what I was doing. I acted very stupid and immature just trying to give up my own life to this Shadow. This wasn’t normal! This took lives and placed them in a bottle of darkness. Now that I thought about it, I don’t want to be floating in darkness for an eternity.
As I entered the small hole, I entered a library…
Suddenly as I got out of the hole, a thousand whispers seemed to tell me something. When I closed my eyes and opened them again, I was standing right next to the Princess. And as always, this was a flashback but I opened my mind wide and took notes on what the Princess says.
“Now listen Twilight Sparkle… You must pull all three books before the locking sound of chains. Or else you have to start all over again.” She said as she pulled out a book.
“But don’t you think this is a little to… Much?”
The Princess just gave me a grim face. “You can never be too careful my student…”
When I closed my eyes and opened them again I was in the dark except for my lamp. But taking the advantage of my fresh information filled mind, I quickly tried to find three books. It was rather easy to find actually! Since the books kind of popped out as if it were out of place.
Pulling the three books out I heard the cranking of gears, and after a few seconds, a bookshelf turned itself wide open. And behind it was a room and again, filled with books. But there was something that actually caught my eye…
“A key!” I said excitedly as I picked it up.
I read the label on it and it said ‘Wine Cellar’
I gave myself a pat on the back. I achieved something that my former self wouldn’t have been able to do… But what was that noise?
The bashing of wood… And the sound of a door going down…
I peeked over the door and found myself staring at a different monster. It was the same one that chased me down toward the laboratory! I quickly ducked back… At that moment I knew that I would be dead… This was impossible…
And in the end I turned off my lamp and wormed my way between two bookshelves and allowed myself to reside into some rest. Even if the position I was in was tight and uncomfortable, I knew that I would have a higher chance of staying alive. Unwillingly, I quickly fell asleep… A deep sleep…
And the dream was well… Let’s just say it was filled with… Friends…
(End Note- I’m not sure if this chapter was good or not since I think it’s kind of dull. Also I tried changing the writing format so it may be easier to read. If not I'll change it. I’m following the format of Amnesia but the room information will not be 100% accurate. I had to do additional research on the Shadow and to make the future chapters more interesting, I need information. I will add in my own ideas and things into this awesome pile of derp. If you have any suggestions on what I should do, feel free to tell me. And also tell me what I should work on to make this more frightening. Until then please wait for the next chap! And may you never play Amnesia at night…)
(Authors note- This is only a recording from the aspects of Twilight Sparkle. Please note that this is a new genre to the author.)
(Warning- This chapter has some minor gore)
I’ve never had a dream before, but the dream here, I see myself… But why would there be another me? I try to make contact with her/myself by saying “Who are you”. But all she did was shake her head… And all I could do was hear her voice.
“Darkness… Darkness… There is no light to be seen for what you need is in the dark. Trying to find something while blind is almost impossible. But the thing following you knows where the light is, and the attempts to stop you grow stronger by the second… One form of madness would be for you to see one of your loved ones… Well, let me just say for you to see them as a ‘different’ nature…
So wake up Twilight… It’s time to face the dark once again…”
With only those few lines she parted away from me. Her face seemed extremely grim showing off regret and sadness. As she disappeared from me fog started to roll in covering her passage. I tried to follow her but I came in contact with some invisible force. Suddenly everything went dark. Only the sound of eerie screams and cries arrived in my ears. But I knew what I’ve seen. The thing after myself disappeared. It may seem like nothing but it’s the darkness… The darkness itself haunts my dreams…
I opened my eyes wide as I made out the situation I was in.
‘How long was I asleep?’ I thought to myself.
Not too long ago I was facing the shadow, but why is my mind so clear? That question shall be answered later. For now I must move forward.
Wedging out of my cramped spot I still knew my objectives. I made my way out of this small library through the broken door that the monster has taken down, and I knew that it still lingers. Advancing quickly and quietly as possible I made my way toward the large open room where the piano slammed shut. The room seemed even darker then before even with my lantern.
Making my way through the room, thunder clashed loudly releasing another round of soft rain. Something about this room made my hairs crawl.
But as I continued past the room something mysterious caught my eye. Turning my head sharply toward my left I looked at the piano. It was… Glowing? I didn’t know why, but I was persuaded by its majestic glow and the next thing I knew I was sitting on the wooden bench. I had no idea how to even play this instrument… But I opened the handle to reveal a neat assortment of piano keys. I reached out to press one of the clean, slick white keys. But I hesitated. But I willed myself to at least touch it. As I did once again I found myself surrounded by a thousand whispers…
As I opened my eyes I found myself sitting on the bench but there was another mare next to me. As I looked out the window the sky was beautifully bright without a cloud in the sky.
‘This flashback must be from before the Shadow of Chaos...’ I thought to myself.
The mare next to me had a pink mane and coat. She smelled like cotton candy and she was playing the piano laughing and smiling.
“See Twilight!? If things are good or bad, you should always be happy! And if the sad and lonely times do come my laughter will live on!”
I stared at her and found myself smiling, “Where will your laughter live on Pinkie Pie?”
She just gave me a squee smile. “Well in this piano of course! I’m going to play until all my happiness and joy goes inside! Heck, I’ll leave my happiness and laughter everywhere!”
My vision suddenly became while and I blinked, finding myself once again all alone in this dark, cold room filled with dread. I took mental note of the flashback and thought to myself.
‘That pink mare’s name is Pinkie Pie… Is she one of my friends?’
As I continued my train of thought I touched the handle of the piano to close it but it slammed itself shut, shaking off some of the dust toward my direction. Startled, I fell backwards and landed hard on my back. Slowly recovering I got up and reached for my lantern that was only a couple of feet away from me.
As I got up I turned down the hall making my way back to the wine cellar until my lantern suddenly turned off…
I was pretty sure I had about a fourth of the lantern filled with oil. I frantically tried turning my lamp on again and again but not even a spark appeared. At this point I started to panic. The room even seemed darker then before and it kept getting darker and darker. I felt as if I was becoming blind!
Soon my line of sight was gone. I was glued on the spot, frozen from terror and fear. I dropped my lantern from my hoof and tried rubbing my eyes. But nothing… Just darkness… All I could do was hear myself breathing heavily with the all too familiar straining sound inside my head.
Danger was very close…
Thunder clashed and I saw something at the end of the room. At first I was relieved that I could see but was quickly replaced with fear. The thunder clashed again and I saw the figure coming closer.
My heart was beating at a spectacular pace.
The room lit up with thunder once again and this time, I made out the figure of the creature… She seemed pink but it was hard to tell since the light from the thunder was quickly extinguished.
Feeling my eyes becoming red and my ears becoming deaf I closed my eyes as tightly as possible and I tried to scream, but it was caught inside my throat. But as I opened my eyes again I could finally see. I let out a sigh of relief but I was glued in place for a good few seconds, ten at most. I finally got the guts and nerve to reach for my lantern and tried to turn it on. To my satisfaction it work and I was greeted with warm light. Despite my irregular vision I continued toward the wine cellar. But as I turned around a corner…
I let out a piercing cry. There was a mare right in front of me and I was petrified with fear. The mare had dark holes that replaced her eyes. Her pink coat tattered with blood and large gashes in her legs made it seem as if they were bent in strange angles. Her mane was greasy and tattered with dust and dirt, as if someone took her out of a grave. Worst of all…
She was smiling…
Blood dripped from her eyes and mouth. She just smelled like death.
“How are you Twilight?” She said.
Her voice sounded as if she were hypnotized. Was this Pinkie Pie? Was this my friend from my ‘former’ self?
I tried to turn away but she grabbed my neck and pinned me to a wall.
“You weren’t able to save me… Why? Why!?”
She raised a hoof and it had three long sharp claws attached to them.
“Why so serious Twilight?”
I felt my eyes growing wider. Death was coming and from some instinct I knew it.
“Let your friend Pinkie Pie put a smile on that face!”
The monstrous mare forced my mouth open and stuck her claws inside my mouth. Without warning she spread her claws wide and I felt my mouth ripping open. The pain was unbearable! I let out another terrible cry of pain but it only came from my throat.
The monster just giggled as she continued to rip my mouth apart…
“You seem so heavy… I’ll make you lose a few pounds!”
Next thing I knew she stabbed me with such strength I couldn’t even react quickly enough. My body couldn’t even register the pain but I knew that I was going to die. My legs shook as blood continued to pour out of my stomach and my mouth. I started to shiver and the ringing in my ears became louder and louder by the seconds that passed by.
Next thing I knew, I was on the floor crawling into a ball… My sanity was almost gone…
I laid on the carpet floor for a while, just thinking about why I was here. It took some time for me to realize that I wasn’t dead. There was no blood anywhere, and my stomach and mouth was still attached.
Was it a dream? Was it a hallucination?
I had no idea but I was glad I wasn’t dead. My sanity must’ve been really low.
But I’m going to slow. I must go faster!
Taking every sheer will power I had left I made my way toward the wine cellar. I quickly hustled down and over toward the cellar, unlocked it, and then marked it off my objectives. This sudden motivation was fueled by a few things.
First of all, I was pretty angered by the Shadow. I didn’t even know or should I say, remember what I did wrong! Second of all, I was angered by myself. Why am I scared of these monsters!? They must be nothing but illusions! I mean I didn’t even die from the last encounter. The Shadow is nothing but a creature behind a mask.
But as I took my first few steps down toward the cellar I stopped myself… What were the flashbacks about? And the letter from my former self. This couldn’t have been set up without reason. And the letter itself told me otherwise. The flashbacks and even the hints of my friends being in danger is all a little too extreme… And that’s when I realized. I should be a lot more careful. Not only because of the fact this all maybe real. But also the fact that in life you can only live once.
Even with all this hell I wanted to live… Survival is key.
As I walked down the steps I entered the cellar with ease. Of course I felt another shiver rush up and down toward my spine. The Shadow of Chaos was lurking everywhere and it must’ve been enjoying itself. Toying with my mind and laughing at me as I fall down to the ground while I suffer from insanity. These thoughts clouded my mind. Before I knew it I have collected all of the chemicals to make the ‘acid’ while taking caution of my surroundings. I was even more surprised by the fact that I haven’t encountered any monster down here.
Fueled with burst of joy I dashed off toward the laboratory. I quickly placed the bottle near the faucet and placed the four chemicals inside the test tubes. Turning on the burner I watched the chemicals turning into some sort of gas. After about a few seconds, the gases mixed together cooling down into a steamy, bright green liquid that oozed into the chemistry cup. Delighted I took a moment to enjoy my triumph. I took a couple of steps back trying to get a better look at my work of creation, but I accidently bumped into a few books. I looked behind me and saw that they were falling down into some sort of caged hole. I took out my lantern to take a better look but all I saw was water…
But when the books splashed into the water there was an ancient groan of anger. Something that seemed to come out of the waters! Even as the ripples from the books subsided the water continued to splash. I had no idea what was down there but I knew that as long as I was up here, I would be safe. But I knew that I would need to go down there to achieve something… Except at the moment I have overcame the shadow.
You hear me!? I have won this time Shadow of Chaos! I will overcome you and defeat you! Whatever happens to me… You shall disappear!
Even if I had this new motivation and confidence I still knew that as long as the Shadow was out there I would be at the ledge of death. But at the moment I was one step away from the cliff of the terrifying waters below. And I needed to hold that ground or else the Shadow could push me off by any distance.
I must go on!
(End Note- I know that this is a lot shorter than the last chapter but I need to pick the pace up a bit this week. I had to do the drafting in my spare time and I’m just busy. Next week the chapter will return to its normal size as I promised. 3 to 4k words at most. I know to some of the readers this chapter may seem a bit dull and honestly, I believe that the trip toward the wine cellar and back was very rushed and I admit that I have. As a writer I take responsibility for this and promise you that the next chapter will not be so disappointing. Until then keep away from the darkness…)
(Authors note- This is just a recording. Please be aware that this may hold great danger. Please note this is a new genre to the author.)
I just sat there… Sobbing… Just sobbing on the cold stone floor with torches burning down a corridor. I have escaped the shadow once again and I have escaped the monster. But I just held one of the monsters front legs. I tried to remember whose it was. But all I could do was sob and stare at the door. Blood started to seep slowly through the cracks of the door. I didn’t know who it was but it was someone I could trust. Someone I could rely on, someone that took care of me ever since I was a filly.
I stroked the front leg with my hoof. My emotional and physical tanks drained for the will to carry on. I didn’t want to live anymore. I didn’t know anything but why do I keep going? I’m already dead… Already dead in the inside… But what killed me?
When did this situation all begin…
-An Hour Earlier-
I gave myself a pat on the back carrying the bubbling acid out of the laboratory. I was truly proud of myself. Not only had I found a way to advance deeper toward my objective, but the fact that I also have found a way around the Shadow of Chao’s obstacle.
But I knew better then to put my guard down.
Taking the acid carefully like gold, I went down another set of stairs. I read the sign above the iron door that read ‘Refinery’. Opening the door I noticed the same thick, dark red tissue that blocks my path. I tried every means to destroy it by tools and hooves, but all has failed. With my better judgment I referred back to my notes. I took out the note from the lab and skimmed through it till I reached the point where it said ‘Creates an acid strong enough to dissolve tissue’.
Then I understood. I looked at the note once, and then I looked at the obstacle blocking my way.
Gently as possible I trickled the green acid on the tissue. To my surprise the acid started to react till it created large red bubbles and soon they popped. The process continued till all that was left was a clear stone passage way toward another door. With excitement I proceeded.
But not until I heard the same grunting noise of the monsters....
I looked behind me and gasped as I saw the same creature that I had first faced. I didn’t know what his or her emotions were due to the creature’s face being twisted and sewed together. But by the nature of it, it seemed ready to kill.
I tried to run but I stood in place as I watched the ‘thing’ creep toward me. Its mouth opening wider and wider getting ready to swallow me in whole. Its teeth stained with blood and its breath filled with the smell of rotten flesh. Blood was seeping out of the stiches around the body of the monster. I stayed where I was, frozen, terrified by fear. I tried to looked away and close my eyes, but my neck was frozen stiff. My eyes opened wide and I felt my vision become blurry and the ringing in my ears started to return.
The monster was only a few feet away and leaped toward me. I yelled in horror and I fell backwards hitting my head hard on the stone paved floor. I blinked once, and in the air I just saw a cloud of dust. As if the monster was disappearing back into the darkness and fading away.
I felt myself breathing heavily and I didn’t resist the urge to stop. Trembling from the event I tried to get up but stumbled due to the shaking of my front legs. After a few attempts I got up and made my way toward yet another iron door. Being more cautious I opened the door and peeked inside.
So far there was nothing except the darkness surrounding the walls, dust, and even the air. But as I continued a few steps along the ancient looking corridor the voices of a thousand whispers filled my head.
I blinked once and I found myself walking along next to the Princess Celestia herself. Still with her rather grim face posed on her face we continued to walk down the rotting hall.
“It sure is dark in here…” I found myself saying.
The Princess, without smiling only gave me a nod, “Yes, and there is a good reason for it. But you can light the lamp now if you wish.”
Looking at her funny I thought I had the lamp on. But found it turned off and with a flick of a switch I felt the warm barrier of light shining around us.
“Well what’s the reason? For the darkness that is?”
The Princess didn’t even bat an eyelash and with a hard face looked straight ahead. “Stay close- be careful not to stray.”
I found myself repeating the question, “But what’s the reason? Why is it so dark?”
The Princess finally snapped and looked at me with sharp piercing eyes, “Pay attention Twilight Sparkle! It’s important that you keep going straight and make sure not to stray… These deep parts of the castle were unused for hundreds of years. And they are filled with the darkness.”
I blinked slowly, and as I opened my eyes again, I found myself facing the deep hall with only my lantern for comfort.
Typical.
As I continued down the corridor this place wasn’t exactly better then upstairs. I would say it was even worse than upstairs. The walls with covered with peeling paint and there were bits of black here and there, but it looked as if it were dripping. And to top it all off some of the walls were covered with the same red tissue that I have faced just moments ago. Things were not turning to my favor.
And speaking of turns the hall makes a left turn!
‘Alright Twilight uh… Twilight… Twilight Sparkle! Just focus!’ I told myself, and I knew that if my old self saw me like this, she would’ve been really disappointed.
Focusing my mind on survival once again, I hugged the wall and turned off my lantern. Despite my hatred for the darkness I knew that if there was something there it would have come for me. Peeking with only one eye, I looked what was around the corner.
It was a little too dark to see but I made out some features such as rocks, some broken pillars, and to my already nerve broken mind, a misty doorway…
Taking cautious steps I crouched low and started to proceed toward yet another area of unexplored terrors. I peeked inside making sure that everything was clear then I started to make my way but strangely, it started to not become all that dark.
While I crossed the area only half way I heard a growl. In front of me, the same monster crossed the room just a few feet ahead. I held my breath and quickly dove behind a large barrel daring not to even move another muscle.
Seconds felt like minutes, and the minutes felt like hours. Yet I still held my breath hoping that the creature wouldn’t come this way. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I heard the sound of a door opening and closing.
I fumbled for my lantern and I accidently dropping it on the floor. I let out a gasp of worry as I quickly held it and inspected it. I let out a sigh of relief as I turned the lantern on and it released a small flame. I felt myself soaking in the light as I took a deep breath, steading my breathing.
Finally getting the nerve, I got up from my sitting position, and started to explore the ‘Refinery’ even further. I didn’t go far until I heard the eerie cry of the hollowed Shadow once again filling the room. I doubled back, but I pressed on. I was still afraid of the Shadow, I was very afraid. But I knew that if I didn’t quicken my pace I would be good as dead.
I turned to my left and I saw the door barely open. I knew that the monster would be around here somewhere but I just didn’t know where.
I had to be extra careful.
Opening the door ever so slowly I peeked inside, but all I saw was a table, some barrels in a corner, and a shelf filled with bottles of wine (which later on I found were empty).
I closed the door quickly and quietly. Then I started to rummage around for supplies. There wasn’t much here except a bottle of oil and a tinderbox but I thanked whoever was watching me for giving me this small gift.
At this point I would have taken anything I could get my hands on.
And still, with these small gifts, my life didn’t get any better. For long periods of time I was very cautious, peeking in from one room to another trying to see if the monster was anywhere in sight. But fortunately the creature was nowhere to be found. I checked all the rooms and even every corner of the area but found nothing.
Except this one door and the last door to be exact, I did all I could do with physical force. From pulling, pushing, and even daring to throw a chair at the door, but it wouldn’t even budge!
“Oh come on! What am I supposed to do!? Find a hidden entrance somewhere!? I don’t have time for this!”
I yelled out in frustration pulling on my mane as I paced back and forth until I tripped over some of the boxes next the closed door. I tumbled around on the ground for quite a bit and landed right on my head but the good thing was, I could finally move on! And the bad news? Well… The monster wasn’t actually gone…
Just one roar… And I screamed like a little filly.
The creature just entered right through the door toward my left and was closing on me fast. I had no time to waste and certainly no time for mistakes. Quickly moving I removed the boxes with such haste I didn’t even bother looking behind me. I just tossed the boxes behind me to try and delay the monster but all it did was stall ‘it’ for one second, then ‘it’ would start to advance.
The emotional pressure that weighed me down started to intensify and I felt the panic start to take over. I started to scramble for the small hole and wormed my way inside. I felt blood pumping inside my head that banged in my ears. I just managed to pop out of the hole just before the creature reached for my hooves. I shuffled back and looked around the room. Surely the monster would come through the hole any minute.
Just like the last room it was covered in some of the red tissue and large barrels. I started to become frantic, there was no way out!
There were sounds of claws scratching stone and I looked behind me, only to see the monster poking its ugly, disgusting head out.
‘Come on Twilight! You’re smart or were smart… But come on think! Think!’
I felt my eyes moving back and forth trying to find a way out. I took out my lantern and directed it toward the other end of the room.
And then I finally screamed in joy and horror. The joy part was that I found some rope that was tied to a floor door of some sort. But horror part was that the creature was half way through.
Quickly following the rope that lead to some kind of crank. Frantically I tried to turn it but it wouldn’t budge!
The monsters deep growl was penetrating and threatening. I resisted the urge to look but I knew that that thing would be out to cut me to pieces within a few seconds.
Following the pulley system I noticed that some kind of wood was jamming one of the gears. I tugged on the wood as best as I could and cracked it in half. Splinters and dust showered on me but I didn’t care. I ran for the pulley and started to crank the lever, my breathing becoming very dense and heavy as I turned the lever round and round. Every turn made me even more afraid.
Time was running out.
I turned for the floor door and just saw that the monster had only his calves to go. Just as I was about to jump down something caught my eye on the table near the monster…
‘Oil and a piece of paper!’
I knew that I could use the oil and that paper could be another part to my diary. I had to choose.
Risk myself for the paper, or the oil.
I was pretty sure that I had plenty of fuel stalked up in my bag so with terrified haste I dived for the piece of paper and held it tightly against my chest. The monster popped out of the hole and lunged for me, but I rolled back dodging the lunge and once again, dived for the hole.
I hit my head against the hard stone floor but I felt as if I escaped one of the Shadow’s traps again. But I knew that I wasn’t safe yet. I quickly dashed through the corridors and feeling the same buzzing sound in my head that danger was very close. But the eerie sound of the Shadow didn’t help my sanity.
I turned around to see that the monster was only a few steps away from me. I quickened my pace and after what felt like an eternity I saw a door at the end of the long corridors. As I came close the ground started to shake and for a moment I stopped and turned my head around once again. This time the creature wasn’t alone…
Surrounding the monster, dark, red tissue started to cover the walls and floors creating an insane effect. The Shadow seemed to be surrounding the monster in darkness as if advanced toward me, and finally I felt my ears ring… I wasn’t going to last long…
I reached the door as fast as I could and I burst it open, but to only fall all over again. As I crawled back on the floor I slammed the door shut with my left hind leg. But just as the door was about to slam shut, a clawed hand rapped itself around my right leg. I screamed in horror as I held onto my dear life with some loose stone. The pull of the monster felt like it was ripping my legs apart.
“Let go of me! Please let go of me!” I found myself yelling.
For a moment I looked into the small gap where the hand was grabbing me from. It was pitch black… But then the red mist started to come in and what I saw shocked me. What I expected to see yellow, snake like eyes, just for a second, just a split moment… The eyes were a beautiful shade of light blue. His eyes sparkled and showed grief, sorrow, and regret… Just like my own self in my dream.
There seemed to be tears in its eyes, but the tears quickly changed to the color of blood and the soft eyes turned into piercing knives once again. I quickly went back into a panic as I tried to pull myself out of its grip but it was hopeless. This monster was stronger then I and the note of my formal self-warned me that the shadow will protect it. I cried thinking that this was the end of my miserable life. If there was anything like an afterlife, then I wish I could go there instead of eternal darkness.
As I loosened my grip to accept the fate but just as I was about to give up hope, the iron door slammed shut against the monsters arm and I heard a terrible cry of pain. I quickly shuffled backwards and slumped myself against a wall. Breathing heavily I looked at my legs to see if there was any damage done. There were only a few scratches and bruises but other than that I was fine. And as a bonus, I had a decapitated front leg with me.
I jolted back in surprise as a banging on the door started up my instincts. The banging continued to grow louder and louder and I heard a sickening crunching noise like bones were breaking.
But what really surprised me was there was another voice. Deep, raspy, and empty but, rather sweet… Something really warm… Like someone that would take care of you and just hold you close. Like a big brother of some sort.
“I’m sorry…” The voice strained to say, “It wasn’t meant to be this wa-“
Before the voice could finish, there was a sickening crunch and the voice was no more. Nothing but silence followed.
I had no idea if tears were dribbling down my face at the moment, but I felt as if a big part of me was gone. Something important has gone missing. So I just sat there with my legs wide open and I just sat on the cold stone floor, looking straight at the door, and I let out a sniff. I just stared. There was no emotion. Nothing but a sniffing Twilight Sparkle if that was even my name. Nothing but a confused Twilight Sparkle. Nothing but a Twilight Sparkle who can’t do anything!
I don’t even remember who was talking to me. But I knew that he was important. Even if he did try and kill me… What did kill me?
The question… The question is still unanswered. Who did kill me?
Who was to blame? Myself? The Shadow of Chaos? Or even the monster that was killed by something. Was it the Shadow that killed him?
So many questions swarmed in my head I just sobbed like a zombie. Not blinking, not moving, but only the sound of sniffing and heavy gulps of saliva filled the air.
What did it matter? I was already dead…
(End Note- Well I tried to add something in there and I tried to put in some tragedy and sadness this time. I was normally going to do something else for the beginning but then when I came to the end I thought ‘Meh… Maybe I should try something different.’ And there you go! I tried it once and if you guys like it I’ll try and do it again. I hope you guys approve of this!)
Chapter 5- Just A Bit Wet (Authors Note- As the little boy screamed for his mother he saw her become consumed in darkness. The mother was being dragged away through the dark corridor and she screamed, “Run!” The little boy obeyed and started running. But not fast enough to block out the shrill screams of pain and her last words yelling, “I love you…”) What am I supposed to do getting all upset over this? My life has already turned around for the worst. Going deeper into the dark I try and find the light. But where was it? Life is now a mystery to me… I might as well give up- ‘Don’t you dare give up Twilight, don’t give up on me! Don’t give up on myself!’ The voice sounded faded and hazy as if it was a lost memory. It’s funny… I hear myself but I’m not thinking about myself. What killed me? Why can’t I just fall? ‘Just listen to yourself! The entire world rests in your hooves Twilight. You’re me, and I’m you. If you give up on me that means I’m giving up. All my efforts will be lost!’ My old self, we’re totally different dimensions. What can I do? Tell me what I have to do! The voice inside my mind goes silent… Was I only dreaming? ‘Listen carefully…’ the voice continued. ‘I can’t last long in your mind. I’m not supposed to be here. I’m not even supposed to exist but never mind that now! The questions will be answered later but listen to me! You must be brave… I don’t know what your tasks are at hoof, but all I know is that you have to get down to the Inner Sanctum. That’s all I can tell you. I am sorry that I can’t do much for you, but things will be more difficult with the Shadow of Chaos. The longer I stay in your mind, the weaker your mind will become.’ “But I want you in my mind! Don’t leave me, please come back!” I said out loud. This time the entire line went dead. My conscious might be no more, or could be only hiding in the safety/dangers of my mind. I realized my former self is right, I have to move forward. Getting up and wiping the tears away from my eyes I stood up and stayed strong holding both my front and hind legs firmly on the ground. As I took a small step forward the entire room started to shake violently. I let out a small gasp when my horn suddenly started glowing, blinking a small ball of light as if it were a bomb. Like a firefly flashing its shine to attract a mate or in a horrible case, to create a warning… My surroundings began to change. The bright torches were blown away and the walls were becoming covered with moss and slime. A shivering chill ran up my spine and my legs gave away. Next thing I knew, I fell face first onto the stone paved ground. Cracks started to appear and slowly, water trickled upward like small geysers. After a few seconds I was floating on shallow water. I got back up and stomped my hooves, creating a small ripple on the murky pool. There was an odd splashing noise, and surly it couldn’t have been mine. I stopped stomping my hooves and listened with my ears. The sound of trickling water stopped, and I felt the floor shift as if the cracks were being shut like valves. The sounds of impacting water became faster, first distant, than deadly close. I didn’t dare look behind me but I jumped, landing on a box which wobbled underneath my hooves. The hairs on my back were screaming with chills as I heard the splash’s stop. Somehow I knew that if I didn’t jump at the moment I would’ve been a dead mare. I looked at the flood of water. It was shallow enough for me to jump but to murky for me to run and after that experience I didn’t even want to set foot on the bog. There were boxes and chests scattered in the water and I just gave myself a reason to feel relieved. Taking my time I jumped from one box to another. On my fifth jump, I slipped and fell flank first in the water. I looked behind to see that something was coming for me. Even if it was too dark to see I scrambled for the safety of the boxes and chests, I panted as I hustled to get up. I was deeply troubled, was I being paranoid? Yet I still didn’t know what it was, the darkness still wrapped around me as I cautiously proceeded. ‘One box, two box, three boxes, four…’ I thought to myself as I hopped from one to another. ‘Five boxes, six boxes, seven boxes more…’ As I landed on another wooden crate, the entire thing shook and crashed underneath my hooves. The burst of water only grew louder and I started to dash forward. I couldn’t determine if the noise was getting closer or further away, my own hoof steps exploded underneath me. I forced my way through the bog like water and felt my hooves become entangled against what I thought might’ve been a brush. I looked forward and saw the ripples becoming closer and the sound of garnishing teeth erupted against the walls. I looked at my hooves and pulled to get away. I felt the hairs on my front legs tingle with anticipation and the sudden ringing in my ears didn’t help. With all my strength I pulled one last time, swinging my leg back as if I was about to buck somepony. I heard a satisfying SNAP and felt my leg become free but I knew that it wasn’t the time to celebrate. The sound of rippling water got louder and faster, the rhythm was like a steady drum beat, faster and faster it went. I pumped all my energy into my hooves pushing myself forward! I stumbled and fell, only to get up against my own exhausted bodies will. After what seemed like ages I saw what was at the end of the corridor. I quickened my pace once more and I flung my entire body at the gate. The sounds of pounding water behind me got louder and louder, with a sudden growl echoing inside my ear. I tugged, pulled, and even tried to lift the gate open but it was locked fast. I felt my eyes dart back and forth, trying to find a lever and if by magic I found a rusted wheel. I turned it and with every passing second, it was agony trying to get away from whatever was chasing me. Every second was like waiting to see if you got shot playing ‘Russian Roulette’; trying to get the gate open was a pain! I thought to myself for the hundredth time, ‘I don’t want to die!’ I closed my eyes, just waiting to be killed but there was a sudden loud click. I pried open my eyes and without hesitation, I launched myself through the gate and on top of another bundle of boxes. Behind me, the gate slammed shut with another growl that echoed through the water covered chambers. I swallowed gallons of air even if there was a lite stench in the air. As the monster left, the now concealed stone room seemed even colder. I was tempted to tread on the water, but was even more afraid that something lingered. My throat rasped, quizzing as I breathed in and out. My heart continued to race. The danger wasn’t over yet, I heard another splash in the room. ‘By Celestia’ I thought to myself as my eyes started to adjust to the darkness again, “Why can’t they leave me alone!?” Looking at the dark shadows I saw the same ripples like the invisible creature from before. “That can’t be right…” I said to myself, “The thing was trapped behind that metal gate unless…” The realization finally dawned on me as there was one last splash and it stopped. The monster was just waiting for me, sitting in the water just ready to bite my leg and eat me alive. There were more of them… More of those evil invisible creatures were roaming within the shallow waters of death. Only the boxes that were placed, or more like scattered, were the boundary’s to my death in the damp darkness. The room was partly covered in moss with a handful of broken debris on the far left side of the watered space. It was a little hard to see but I managed to read a few of the titles on the boxes. Some were labeled, ‘Wonder Bolts’ with faded pictures of a golden tipped arrow flashing with fire. Others had little labels with food drawn near the surface which I figured was making the rotten aroma. As I looked and observed my surroundings I saw another gate similar to the last. How was I going to get to the other side? I felt my heart settling down and I started to think. There seemed no other way to get to the other gate. I tried lifting the boxes but they were much too heavy. Shuffling my hooves around I felt something bump against my legs. I flinched letting out a small scream. I bucked my hooves and saw sail across the room. There was a small eruption of water… Without hesitation I saw large ripples of water charging toward whatever I’ve bucked. Looking down, I wanted to jump but held fast. Chopped up pieces of a pony laid all over the box, it was a wonder I never noticed it until now. The figure was too dismembered to tell if it was from a mare or a stallion. The water vibrated once again and I saw the creature coming back at the base of the box. For a minute I gasped, than allowed myself to let out a heavy sigh. I looked at the body parts and then back at the water, an idea formed in my mind… Taking a severed leg I threw it far across the room, as predicted the invisible creature dashed for the limb. The sounds of it eating, ripping at the blood filled leg greedily echoed through the room. Blood pooled around the area where the limb disappeared, and the monster started coming back. Sucking up whatever remaining courage I had, I grabbed another dismembered leg and tossed it across the room with all my might. It hit the far side of the left wall and landed with a heavy splash. Leaping off the box I charged for the gate. I listened to the monster chew and rip at the flesh. I felt my heart pound with madness as I fumbled with the wheel like lever. I heard the growling stop, and the next thing I knew the splashes became louder. The ripples touched my hind legs which egged me on as I turned and turned the wheel even though the rust cut through my hooves. Finally with all my efforts there was a heavy clink and I hurried through the gate, and finally opening a door which I slammed shut behind me. Not even caring about what the room looked like I climbed over more boxes and started to stumble. There were sounds of something banging and finally a crash, I looked behind me to see the door explode in a shower of sharp splinters. The shallow ripples became an explosive tyrant of water that showered the bog water like heavy rain. A rumble shook the room along with a hollow scream, the same deep ancient cry that yelled in anger. Blood like tissue started to cover the walls and underneath the water. I started to run… Opening another door, I came upon two paths, left and right, not even choosing I hurried for the left. The enigmatic cry continued to roar in my ears. My eyes widened as I saw blood drip from the walls. I turned my head to look behind me. Like a bomb exploding in front of my face, a blast of water propelled me forward as I landed head first into the shallow pool of now blood stained liquid. Starting to have the credence that I was going to die I quickened my pace. Up ahead I spotted some debris, I leaped over the pile of trashed items and threw a chair in pure desperation. Another shower of splinters erupted and mixed with the shower of water. After making a right turn I saw a metallic door just up ahead! The sounds of bricks being toppled down and the tittering of the corridor reenacted like a bridge about to break apart. Blood started to drip down faster and faster, dust started to fill the stained air. The invisible monster still didn’t let down. I jumped toward the door, opened it and closed it with all my might. I placed my back against the iron slab and listened to my own heavy breathing accompanied by the beating of my heart. I risked my life once again to save my own flank, and whatever the creature was it was gone… Just as I let out a sigh of relief a heavy force encountered the door and propelled me away. The gate was heavily indented. Red crimson liquid oozed out from underneath the door. I felt my head start to cram inside my mind, stress and tiredness over whelmed me and I collapsed on the floor. Before I knew it, I drifted off to deep sleep. Despite the sweat and uncomfortable floor I felt at ease. The room was pitch dark, nothing but the color black surrounded me. Finally, letting out a moan of relaxation I laid to rest… I was so tired that I didn’t even notice that there was a moving figure slowly making its way toward me. “Oh well…” I thought to myself. I dozed off as the figure came to my face with a smile. I felt its claws come in contact with my forehead and that was it… That’s when I knew the darkness has won…
