Some truth exist beyond the grave as well as many lies. Truths that tear the fabric of comprehension and lies that take the form of ensured truth. The stories of the past may be concealed by a lie taking the form of absolute truth and the real truth has ripped through the threads of reality ensured to drive anypony insane. I am about to find out what is true and what is meant to deceive.
I woke in an intersection of a long, ancient corridor. It seemed as though it was some ancient tomb. There were rusty torch sconces lining the walls containing in each was an unlit torch. The only light being produced was the circle of lit, wax candles around me. I decided to continue through the corridor using a simple light spell. As I walked passed a torch it ignited right before my eyes. I was startled by this of course, but after walking passed the next one, and the next one I started to feel comfortable with them, but I dread at what the next torch could reveal.
As I was cautiously creeping through the corridor I noticed a dark being in the corner of my eye. I fearfully glanced over at what it was, but no pony showed their face. The terrible odor of rotting flesh invaded my senses. I frantically glanced around, but to no avail. Suddenly a voice pierced the silence, "What do you seek?" His mere voice was filled with pestilence, "I do not sense death in you. Are you of the living? Is your soul still bound to your flesh? Has the silver cord not yet broken?" He said expecting an answer.
In a fearful voice I answered, "Yes, lively blood still flows through my veins." Still searching for this being I asked, "Where am I and why am I here?" I asked as my voice echoed down the corridor.
"You are in my guarded tomb. Death had it's victory over me countless years ago." I knew what was going on. I was speaking to the spirit of the pony who was buried here!
"Guarded tomb?" I questioned the dead pony. What he answered chilled me to the bone.
"You must escape this dreaded place! There are 4 evil spirits wandering this forsaken maze who envy the living flesh and their full interaction with this world."
I feared what I may have to go through to succeed my escape. In a fearful voice I asked the buried spirit, "How do I leave this place?"
He answered "You must encounter each spirit who lurk in each of the four corners of the sepulcher, destroy each of their soul-bound items, and they shall be sent back into Tartarus from whence they came. The first of the four is named 'Deception'. She is very sly, clever and knows her victims weaknesses and strengths on sight, and can take multiple forms. She mostly takes the form of a beautiful mare, but don't deceived by her beauty. Wickedness dwells in her heart and mind. Do not listen to a word she says for it is all a lie! For if you fall for her cunning speech you will feel remorse over your very existence. Take heed to your mission, young colt. I will join you on this difficult task hidden within your mind to mask me from the spirits' sight. I will instruct you on this fateful task within your mind."
I kept silent for a moment taking in all the information and then asked "So, where are these items I need to destroy? Are they close?"
He answered, "Each soul-bound item is held within the sanctum of each spirit's domain upon a pedestal. We are close, actually, we are in her domain right now."
The words he said made me tremble with fear. "Is she near?" I asked in a terrified tone.
"I do not feel her presence here, but keep your guard up for I know not of her current location. We must make haste, here, let me hide inside your mind." I could feel his presence make his way inside my mind.
"Go forth!" He urged me to move on through this hall as dark as sin. So as I slowly crept down the corridor my mind was tormented by what may be unveiled by the light of the next torch. I could hear my heart beat like a drum and feel it knocking at my ribs like is was to escape my chest cavity. I could notice the fall of my sanity. I was startled any noise that poked through the silence. At least the white noise of the dungeon slowed my mental degradation as it wasn't complete silence. I would call out for the buried soul to give me a reassurance of my safety, but to no avail.
Suddenly, I hear a faint trotting from down the corridor. I quietly asked in a shaky voice, "What does she want from me? What will she do to me if I get caught?"
He finally answered with, "Do not be ensnared by her cunning acts, for she will prevent you from seeing the bright, warm sun for all eternity." Surely I did not want that to happen, so I strayed the opposite direction from where I heard the trotting. I may not treasure my life as much as others, but as things are going I do not want to be killed by a wretched demon even if she does arouse me so.
Unfortunately, as I was going the opposite direction I tripped over some debris and made quite a racket compared to the silence of the dungeon. I heard the trotting noise hasten and I made a run for it. I turned a corner and did all I could to lose whomever sought after me. I wanted to see the sun again.
Author's Note
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