{Author Note: I'm sorry for having a weaker chapter than normal. I'm also sorry for such a long delay in new chapters. I wrote this in an attempt to break my writer’s blocks }

"Play this game they, it'll be fun they said. This is why I hate everyone." The black Alicorn muttered to herself as she hid behind a stack of small boxes. The monstrous pony like creature tearing the room apart, in its desperate search to find her. Nightmare was quickly becoming aware that this game wasn't just nice dark scenery and cheerful music.

"Hide and seek, hide and seek" came the distorted voice of the creature, the sound of its cries sending a shiver down Nightmares spine.

"Okay its blind" Nightmare said staring at the creature, were its eyes once were, there was now only black pits. Its lower jaw was missing yet it still managed to speak.  "So, all I have to do is move silently and I can get away from it."

Slowly Nightmare stood up making sure not to cause even the slightest bit of noise, sadly even her virtual flank was apparently larger than she had thought. She could only watch in completely horrors as box atop the stack began it’s loud decent to the bottom slowly coming to a stop in front of the creature's feet.

"Found you!" it growled with sickening glee

Nightmare sat in shock as the creature approached broke into a limping sprint

"Oh fu-" Two hours earlier

The sun had just set over Equestria and the moon had taken its place as the rightful ruler of the night. The creatures of Equestria had begun their usual routines before they packed it in for the night. The Streets of Canterlot were one of the few exceptions to this almost clockwork schedule. The streets were still alive with ponies and griffins alike as they all enjoyed the wonderful night brought by the lunar goddess.

Meanwhile in Canterlot Castle, The other half of the night was finally beginning to relax. The horrific events of the day slowly shifting to the back of her minds and yet she continued to snap back to those horrific hours.

Once again Nightmare Moon had found herself on the battle field; it had been a thousand years since she had taken part in combat as glorious as the battle that had occurred inside the castle library. Discord had claimed the eastern wing along with the traitorous Princess Luna. Nightmare found herself surprisingly allied with Celestia. Luna and Discord had fought valiantly however they were easily slaughtered by the combined powers of pure dusk and dawn.

Book forts are serious business.

Nightmare was abruptly knocked back into reality, as she was pelted with an apple.  Casting a glare to her attacker she felt a tinge of glee as she looked at the bandaged Luna. During the battle of the previous afternoon, Luna had sought to attempt a sneak attack, However dropping a bookshelf onto her, thwarted any plans. Sure she didn’t enjoy inflicting pain on Luna, as she enjoyed inflicting it on Celestia or Discord, but all is fair in love and war.

“Do you require something?” Nightmare asked doing the best to suppress her anger from the apple strike.

“Oh no, I was hoping we could just talk, you’re normally so silent during our meals and tonight I find you are my only companion.”

Nightmare was surprised by the request; normally a request from either Luna or Celestia had a catch to it, that usually ended in her severely injured and quite a few times she found herself dead.

“Very well, I see no reason why we cannot converse during our meal. What exactly is it that you wish to discuss?”

Luna shrugged as she prodded her salad with a fork

“Well we haven’t really “talked” since you were still stuck in my head, and every other time we get a chance to talk it seems something extremely stupid or ridiculous is happening within the castle.”

“You can say that again.” Nightmare said with a groan as she took a bite of the apple, it had hurt her head, so she ended it existence. “But what exactly do you want to talk about?” She asked

“Have you found you’re self a hobby yet?” Asked the cheerful Lunar Princess

“You’re kidding, right?” scoffed Nightmare “Between dealing with you three and all the tasks you’ve given me, I don’t have the time to have a hobby.”

Luna thought about Nightmares response. Celestia and Luna had indeed been giving Nightmare a very large portion of work. However, it was not without reason, they needed to be sure Nightmare was willing to take the opportunity that had been given to her and so far she had proven herself quite well.

One of Luna’s personal favourite accomplishments of Nightmare’s was a peace treaty between Equestria and the “Griffin Nation” Many creatures across Equestria refuse to accept Celestia and Luna as the leaders of the planet that is Equestria and many attempt  to start their own nations. Something that both of them completely encourage, it was nice to see their children take charge of the world they live in.

However, the “Griffin Nation” had deemed themselves better than the rest of the griffins and refused to acknowledge any griffin that follow Celestia or Luna as their equals and had begun attacking the smaller griffin villages. After several attempts to contact them, Celestia had managed to call set up a meeting to discuss a possible agreement.

Their leader had waltzed into the castle the day before the planned meeting demanding that their terms be met or they’d lay siege to Canterlot Castle. However, the poor idiot stormed the wrong room and managed to wake Nightmare from her sleep. Though Luna had not actually seen what occurred she heard the explosion. Within the two days that followed “Griffin Nation” had declared peace with Equestria and deemed Nightmare their Goddess of War.

“That’s my favourite flash back as well.” Nightmare said with a chuckle

“Hey!” Luna shouted accusingly “When I took you out of my head, I expected you to stay out of it.”

“Fine, but if you really want to know what happened I could tell you.” Nightmare said with a wicked grin “That poor foal didn’t stand a chance.”

“That won’t be necessary, it seems my little flash back used up all the time we had. I have to get to my royal duties.” She said as she returned her crown to the top of her head.

“Do you not mean, “We” have to get to our royal duties?”  Asked the curious mare

Luna shook her head “No, you’ll be taking the night off, head back to your room I’ve got a little surprise for you.”

“Hey if I’m doing anything wrong you need to tell me, I can’t help you two if I’m not told when I make a mistake.” Nightmare said with a growl as she stood up from her seat “I’m just as capable as you.”

“I know you are” Luna said with a smile as she magicked their plates away. “This night off isn’t some form of punishment, it’s something you’ve earned. Now don’t try to argue with me, technically I’m older than you, so you have to listen to me.” With a flare of her horn both Nightmare and she were sent on their way.

Nightmare once again found herself her room, shifting her gaze around the room she was able to see that her disguise spell was still activate, the walls remained black and all her things remained hidden from any intruders view.

With a flare of her own horn the spell was released and the once black walls returned to their pink colors the once empty walls were replaced with shelves and several paintings of different areas of Equestria. However there was something odd about the room.

Originally there were only two doors in room, the obvious one leading to her room and one leading to her balcony. However, now there was a third one that sat by her bed. Cautiously Nightmare pulled the door open and was greeted by a familiar sight.

Luna’s gaming room, during the short time they shared a mind back in Equestria. Luna had become quite addicted with “Video games” she had even gone so far as to create a small void in time and space where she could play in peace. It seemed now that Luna had wanted her to do the same thing.

Nightmare slowly approached the large set up, large Television sat on the middle of the desk. Nightmare chuckled, a Television, such a strange device. It allowed ponies to witness event that happened in the past and some that had never even occurred and if she remembered correctly, it served as display unit for Luna’s games. Nightmare took a seat in the large cushioned throne. Upon closer inspection she came across a note.

“Dear Moony

I’m sure you remember this room; we did spend a good portion of our time back in Equestria here. If I recall correctly you enjoyed horror games, I recently stumbled upon one that is even too much for me, though given your darker nature I’m sure you’ll be able to find some joy in it.

Do not worry about the technical aspects of the game, I already set up the entire system all you have to do is press the button on bottom of the TV and pick up the controller that sat on top of the note. I trust you remember the basic controls.

Good luck

Sincerely Luna”

Nightmare was able to spot the small on button at the base of the TV and with a blinding flash of light the Television sprang to light, allowing Nightmare to begin the game.

“Amnesia: The Dark Decent” She read the title aloud “That doesn’t sound too spooky.” Picking up the controller Nightmare gave a smile, though she had never played a game herself, it felt natural and with very little trouble she began the game.

Let the Game Begin

Nightmare staggered down the large stone halls, her vision blurred and her path dark she continued to lose herself in the darkness. Slowly she could feel her memories slip away as her consciousness went with it.

"Don't forget.... Something mustn't be forgotten." the muttered to herself as she clumsy stumbled through the halls. "The shadow is hunting me.... I must hurry. My name is Dusk Star, at...at Hayfair." Blurted Nightmare as she lost track of time once again.

"What have I done? This is crazy. Don't forget, don't forget. I must stop him. Focus, my name is.... I am.. Dusk." with that Nightmare collapsed to the ground

Several hours past and eventually life returned to the unconscious pony.

Wow, it's only been two minutes and I've already seen more darkness than game it’s a good thing he didn't bother to tell me what I had to do before he passed out. Nightmare told herself sarcastically

Slowly Nightmare climbed back to her hooves as she glanced around the room, she had no knowledge of where she was or why she was here, the only thing obvious was the fact that she was inside some form of castle.

*Boom*

The crack of thunder sent Nightmare's heart into overdrive as she quickly fled from the large loft like area into a small hallway.

Okay calm done there moon, it's just some lightning in a video games, we're not a scared little foal.

Nightmare slowly started to make her way down the hall. Without any warning the wooden door to her left shot open, stopping Nightmare dead in her tracks

Nope Nope Nope

Quickly she darted down the hall past the door doing her best to avoid any more possible scares. However, she once again found herself on the ground as a roar shook the halls and sent her to the floor in fear. After several minutes of working her nerves back up Nightmare had managed to work up the courage to continue down the path.

After traversing the halls for several minutes she was eventually able to stumble upon a useable lantern, however the oil inside was quite low.

Good I'll save this for the darker areas

After several more minutes of searching around she was able to find a crumpled up piece of paper, slowly she unrolled it and began to read.

19th of August, 1839.

    I wish I could ask you how much you remember. I don't know if there will be anything left after I consume this drink.

Don't be afraid Dusk. I can't tell you why, but know this..I choose to forget. Try to find comfort and strength in that fact. There is a purpose, you are my final effort to put things right.

Celestia willing, the name Silver Hoof of Brennenburg still invokes bitter anger in you. If not, this will sound horrible.

Go to the Inner Sanctum, find Silver and kill him. His body is old and weak, and yours, young and strong. He will be no match for you. One last thing. A Shadow is following you. It's a living nightmare, breaking down reality. I have tried everything, and there is no way to fight back. You need to escape it as long as you can. 'Redeem us both Dusk. Descend into the darkness where Silver waits and murder him.

    Your former self,

    Dusk.

This Darkness sounds like my kind of thing

Several Hours later

You know what darkness? I hate you; in fact I'm going to bring about eternal day, just so I never have to deal with you. Hissed the angry mare of darkness

Nightmare had been slowly progressing her way through Brennenburg castle, slowly finding pieces of her old self in the form notes scattered throughout the castle. Slowly making progress through the stone halls in a search for any surviving members.

So far she had learned that the darkness was a complete donkey that only enjoyed opening doors and blowing out her candles other than that, there appeared to be no actual threats. This revelation had served to put her nerve to rest

However, this sense of safety was quickly shattered as the wooden door the room was assaulted by an unseen force in a moment of utter panic Nightmare quickly darted behind a small stack of boxes that stood in the corner of the room. With one final mighty swing the door gave way, revealing a creature of utter disgust.

"I know you're here" Hissed the creature as he began to destroy the room, the closet being his first victim.

Play this game they said, it'll be fun they said. This is why I hate everyone. The black Alicorn muttered to herself as she hid behind her stack of small boxes. The monstrous pony like creature tearing the room apart, in its desperate search to find her. Nightmare was quickly becoming aware that this game wasn't just nice dark scenery and cheerful music.

"Hide and seek, hide and seek" came the distorted voice of the creature, the sound of its cries sending a shiver down Nightmares spine.

Okay its blind Nightmare said staring at the creature, were its eyes once were, there was now only black pits. Its lower jaw was missing yet it still managed to speak. So, all I have to do is move silently and I can get away from it.

Slowly Nightmare stood up making sure not to cause even the slightest bit of noise, sadly even her virtual flank was apparently larger than she had thought. She could only watch in completely horrors as box atop the stack began it’s loud decent to the bottom slowly coming to a stop in front of the creature's feet.

"Found you!" it growled with sickening glee

Nightmare sat in shock as the creature approached and broke into a limping sprint

"Oh fu-"  Nightmare bolted.

For a blind creature he's really good a following me She mentally screamed at herself

Nightmare did her best to lose the creature quickly following the winding hallways and stairwell in a blind attempt to get away. Several minutes of running later Nightmare was finally sure she had gotten away. She turned around and there he was.

Game Over

Nightmare screamed and in a blind panic she blasted the Television leaving her in utter darkness. Slowly her horn sparked to life as she casted a basic lighting spell. Painting she did her best to calm down.

"You shouldn't have done that." came a distorted voice of the creature voice from behind her. She didn't even turn to see its source with a blinding flare of her horn she was gone.

Leaving only an angry Princess Luna "Serves you right" she muttered to herself. "Who blasts someone’s computer?! Though I wonder where she went."

Meanwhile on the moon

Nightmare laid curled up in a ball, they couldn't find her here. This was her home and they had no way to find her. However, she would not let down her guard.

"They won't get me" she told herself as she continued to pet her tail.

The Next Evening

Nightmare had finally returned from her self-imposed vacation to the moon.

She sat in her bed, she couldn't sleep, and if she slept they'd probably strike. No, she'd wait for them and when the time comes she'd strike. A tingle of fear shot down her spine as the sound of approaching hoof steps echoed down the halls she was ready for this she told herself, she was the queen of darkness and she wouldn't be scared of some monster.

"Hello?" rang the regal voice of Celestia as she slowly opened the door. "Nightmare? Hello?" She repeated as she entered the room. At first glance it appeared the room was vacant. However, upon closer inspection she could see the small wisps of ethereal magic slipping out of the closet it door.

"Nightmare? Are you in there?" Asked the concerned Sun Goddess

"Ye..Yeah" came the stuttered response of Nightmare

"Are you okay? Why are you in the closet?"

"I'm trying out a new sleeping position one of the guards recommended"

"Are you sure? Why don't you just sleep in your bed? is it not to your liking? I can have them send you a new one."

"No it’s all right; I'm just trying this out for tonight"

"Okay I'll leave you to your rest then."

'"W..w..wait." stammered the mare of darkness

"Yes Nightmare?"

"Could you um... Could you please leave the light on?"

"Okay" Answered Celestia as she exited the room making sure to leave the light on.

Celestia pulled her head out of the room as she slowly shut the large wooden door and turned to face her sister who had been listening in on most of the conversation.

"Good job, you managed to break her." Celestia said as she glaring at her younger sister

"How was I supposed to know without me she's apparently a chicken? Don't worry sister, I can fix this."

With a bit of focus, Luna focused her magic into a single spell which she released on the chamber doors.

"What did you do?" Asked the curious Sun Goddess as she peaked into the room. Darkness had engulfed the room, flipping the switching the lights on revealed that the mare of darkness was now in her bed and no longer in a state of hiding.

"I sent the entire room back two days, she has no memories of the events of the last 2 days."

Celestia paused "So, after her Dark Decent, you gave her Amnesia?"

Luna gave a chuckle and shrugged "When you've got godly powers it's good to abuse them every now and again. It helps keep the mortals in check."