//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Long Lost Tomb // Story: The Tales Of Spike - Empress Of Evil // by Spyro_Story //------------------------------// At this desert land which is the middle of nowhere, there were a dig sights where pony diggers are digging everywhere, led by three archaeologists from Manehattan Museum. A stallion Professor Fossil Dig, a mare Professor Map Reader, and another stallion Professor Konmen. "It has been two long days, and still no sign of any ancient artifacts or ruin temple anywhere of this wasteland. I don't know why were here." Professor Map Reader said in sigh while taking a drink of water. "Don't worry Professor Map Reader, whatever it is we are looking for, should be here and now." Professor Fossil Dig said. "Although I have to agree with you, what's the reason why exactly are we here Professor Konmen?" "Well the reason why, is because I discovered a hidden tomb in this desert land where is was buried for centuries." Professor Konmen answered Fossil Dig's question while pointed a spot on the map. "It has took me years of research and my calculations has to be conclusive." "I do hope you are right, Professor." Map Reader said when she have faith in him. But on the inside, she feels a bit doubt for this purpose like a bad feeling. "PROFESSORS, WE FOUND SOMETHING!" a pony digger shouted to them. The three of them headed towards the dig sights to see what they have found. Their eyes widened to see a bottom hole that appears to be a door way for the inside and outside. "I... I can't believe this, you are right." Fossil Dig said happily to Professor Konmen. "Ah, at last." Konmen said when he puts a smile on his face. "Keep on digging, we need a big entrance so we can go inside the tomb." They nodded to him and then continuing digging the sands out of the door hole. A couple of hours later, they finally managed to dig off sands out of the door. The three archaeologists have prepared their tools and camera for whatever lies beneath this ancient tomb. But suddenly, they stopped their track because they heard the sounds of flapping coming in front of them. The cave bats popped out of there, causing everypony and diggers to duck or avoid it. "Dont panic everypony, these things are gone now." Fossil Dig said while he makes sure if there is more. They now calm and continue their exploration inside the tomb and some of them remains to stay outside. By the time when they're in, they begin their exploring the old hallway, covered and block by Spider webs and dusts. Map Reader taking a photos of this place, even taking photos of ancient drawings and corpses that lay on the ground or stand. "This is incredible, I've been many tombs in my time, but I never seen anything like it." Fossil Dig said while looking around. "You're right." Map Reader nodded for agreeing to him. "There's a story writings and drawings in these walls." She took a photo of it. "There's plenty more discoveries lies ahead." Professor Konmen said. "Of course, let's keep moving." Map Reader nodded. "Why don't you all go ahead, I'll stay there to read these hieroglyphics." Fossil Dig said while they nodded and continue to explore more. The path is getting much darker for them to see everywhere they go. Luckily, Professor Konmen is a unicorn to light up his horn with magic. They now see clearly to their path. Map Reader find herself a torch hang on the wall, she grabs and light it up. They spotted a stairway, could be the way of chamber down below. When Map Reader goes in the stairs, unexpectedly, she get caught by the wire on her hoof, quickly popping out the razor sharp spikes from the ceiling in front of her face. "EEEP!" Map Reader shout in panic, causing her to collapse back. "Are you alright?" Professor Konmen asked in worry, lifting her up on the stairs. "Y... yes I'm quite fine." Map Reader answered while she tries to calm herself. "These things nearly killed me." "Indeed, whoever set those traps, they knew they would never let anypony know what lies beneath." Professor Konmen said while the spikes pulls back to the ceiling slowly. He takes his chances to cut the wire it will never activated again. "Now let us keep moving." By the time when they're made their way down, their eyes widened to see what's in front of them. In front of them is a statue of an alicorn, looking all angry by its stands. "A statue?" Map Reader said in confusion while Professor Konmen slowly walk towards it. She looks around to see many corpses pointed their spears at the alicorn statue. Suddenly, the sound of hooves steps coming from the stairs, and it appears to be Professor Fossil Dig rushing in. "Professor Fossil Dig, what in Celestia's name are y-" "Map Reader, there's something I must tell you before I tell Professor Konmen." Fossil Dig said while he catches his breath. "While you two were gone, I've looked on every places I go. There are no treasures and no artifacts. Just only chains and lock cell." "What... what are you saying?" Map Reader said in confusion. "What I'm saying is, this isn't a tomb... it's a prison." Fossil Dig answered, causing Map Reader eyes widened to hear it. "Prison... prison for who?" She asked. "Empress Ravahna." Professor Konmen spoke up the name to the statue, making Map Reader and Fossil Dig to get his attention. "At long last, I have finally you for years of search, my empress." "Professor Konmen?" Fossil Dig said to him in confusion. "Ah, I forgotten about you two there." Konmen said to them. He use his magic on himself to change his true form. He change with a black cape, whitish coat with red linings on his face, and a dark grey cutie mark. Fossil Dig and Map Reader eyes widened in fear of him. "I wanted to thank you two for helping me. And now, your services is no longer required." He walk towards them. "Wh- who... are you?" Map Reader asked in fear. "I am the sorcerer... Nemnok." He introduces with his real name. It makes sense because Konmen is backwards for Nemnok. "Do not worry, I won't end your lifes. But you will not remember anything." Nemnok chuckles when he uses his magic to wipe their memories, causing them to feel the effects and collapse to the ground unconscious. After he is done with those two archaeologists, Nemnok once again uses his magic open the big portal. Coming out of the portal were three black hooded unicorns with a shadow face and growing red eyes. "The time has come for Empress Ravahna to be freed from eternal torture, and then... we shall rule this Equestria." Nemnok said after he laughs menacing. .... Meanwhile at Starswirl The Bearded meditation chamber, a wise old wizard is meditating by floating himself with his magic while he's concentrating. Until suddenly, he sees an images on his mind. The images of war, destruction, and most of all... Ravahna. He opened his eyes widened in panic and fall to the floor. "No... impossible." Starswirl said in worry, believing that the ancient evil he once feared most... has returned. To Be Continued...