Twin Souls

Chapter SevenYol

I’m...Human? Why does that sound so familiar? If what he says is true, then am I really the last creation of this dragon god? I’ve wanted to know for what seems like eternity, but now that I’m hearing it, I simply don’t believe it.

“You believe in this dragon god?” I asked, unbelief in my voice. The Professor nodded.

“You met Void, my boy. There is proof enough.” He replied.

He’s right...Void was there. He was in my afterlife. Only something of a god could be there. I just...I don’t know what to say. Even if I am this final creation, what does the rest of that phrase even mean? Four words, mother and father crash? Mother? Is there perhaps a goddess?

“You’ll have plenty of time to think on the journey. For now, keep this information between me and yourself. The mare is simply an archaeologist, she has no need to know such things. Understand?” He commanded. I nodded in response, though hesitantly at first.

“Professor, sir, I must ask. If I know what I am, then what use is this armour?”

The Professor shook his head. “The armour will help us find the other ancients, and otherwise discover your identity. You may know that you are human, but what of your name? Who were you before Soul? These questions can only be answered through deciphering those pieces.”

“I don’t understand.”

“It’s very complicated, yes, I know. We’re going to take a detour at first, straight to someplace that will help us. Perhaps He will be able to tell you what you need to know.” The Professor said, opening the door and trotting downstairs.

I wish I could understand it all, but I guess some things are just so complicated. I shrugged it off, trusting the old coot, walking down the staircase after him.

. . .

Soul nearly tripped on the last step, once again nearly injuring himself as he narrowly ducked the small door from the entrance to the library. Frustrated, and annoyed by the small space he just exited from, he switched his gaze to the beautiful white snow. Outside was both his comrades, along with Lyra and Twilight.

Soul saw the sadness in Lyra's eyes, and moved closer to comfort her. He knelt down to her level, giving her a long hug. Releasing her from his grip, he stared into her green eyes, a smile forming on her face.

“Thank you, Lyra. We’ve only been friends for a few days, but you’ve shown me the kindness of a true mare. I know it may seem odd, but I love you. I promise I’ll be back as soon as possible.” He said warmly, hugging his greatest friend again.

“How long will you be gone?” She said, wiping the tears from her eyes.

Soul smiled, removing the mask from his face, revealing his face for the first time. His smile was strong and loving. “Not long.” He finished, moving the material back over his face.

Ahead he could see the Professor already speedily walking onwards, the mare right beside him. Feeling a sense of adrenaline and refreshing air filling his lungs, he ran to catch up.

The trio walked forward for a few minutes. Soul glanced back to catch another glimpse of Ponyville, but was saddened when he couldn’t see anything but a small dot.

“Eyes ahead, lad. Even though we might be in Equestria, many creatures still lurk around.” The Professor said, scanning the area around them as they walked. The mare obviously didn’t care, as she was busy studying a map.

“Like what?” Soul asked, curious as to what else Nevra could have to offer.

Burning took another deep breath, making the mare sigh. “You just had to get him talking didn’t you?” She mumbled, though the professor didn’t seem to notice. Soul wondered what she meant.

“Well, to be honest, determining our location I would say we are in danger of Ice Wyrms. Nasty little creatures! Nearly impossible to sight in a blizzard, and have teeth so sharp it can cut metal. Though if pacified, they are quite formidable allies. I remember my first journey through here, it was fantastic. I was guided by an old unicorn and his wife. Trully remarkable ponies, I must say!

“Anyways, we had unfortunately encountered one of those buggers, and as nature would have it, it attacked us. I was young then, so I was quite terrified, and very inexperienced. Luckily, the guides wife used some sort of calming magic on it, and before you know it,” He laughed. “It was as friendly as a domesticated pet dog!”

Soul smiled, intrigued about The Professors stories. He wanted to hear more.

“And then?” He asked, awaiting the story to continue.

The Professor smiled. “Well it followed us for a while, that is until we reached the forest. After that, it parted ways, leaving behind a small trail of arcanic essence.”

“Arcanic essence..?” Soul asked.

The Professor laughed. “It’s essentially the waste of the creature. Poop, in other words.”

Soul cringed, regretting the question. Though a small flame of humor twitched inside of him, finding that so typical of a pet. “Should have potty trained it.”

“Haah! My boy, as if!”

“Would you two quiet down? I’m trying to figure this thing out.” Far said, studying the map.

“But my dear, if you simply listen to what I’m about to say, you wouldn’t need that map!” The Professor said, momentarily distracting the mare from her map. It was long enough for Soul to catch a small scent, and a faint sound growing. His eyes hastily shot around in distraught, trying to find the source.

“Both of you, quiet down. Something is coming.” Soul said, motioning both the ponies to stop their argument. The Professor stood in front of the now worried mare in a defensive position. Soul continuously looked around the area for the opposed creature that was approaching. Narrowing his eyes, he caught the approaching blur of shadow.

He pointed at it, the Professor charging his horn in preparation. Realizing his unarmed situation, Soul decided to leave this to the Professor. Quickly stepping behind the old geezer, he heard the Professor chuckle, his horn glowing a bright red, almost fiery.

The shadow grew larger, and Far started to hear a faint shout of distress coming from the blob of black in the white void. The voice she soon recognized to be a dear assistant of her greatest friend.

“Mr. Burning, lower your horn.” She commanded, much to the confusion of Soul and The Professor himself. He obeyed willingly, letting the spell fade as the shadow came into view. A small purple dragon ran after them screaming for them to, “Wait! Please wait!”

Souls cocked a brow in confusion staring at the tiny little thing. He tried to process how thing could be a dragon. Compared to Master, this little drake could barely fit the job. What did he want, anyway?

The small drake finally caught up to them, stopping himself to catch his break. “Just a sec.” He said, heavily breathing. “Almost...”

“Okay! Please don’t leave without me. All winter I’ve been longing to find something to do, and when I heard Twilight say that a bunch of travelers were heading towards my homeland, I just couldn’t resist! Please, you have to take me!” He pleaded, begging from his knees. Soul couldn’t bare to look at the little thing, his dragon eyes clenched on his heart.

“Spike, I don’t know...” Travel started, unsure whether or not to take the dragon.

Spike cried, “But Twilight said I wouldn’t be alone! I would have another dragon with me, and a bunch of ponies so it wouldn’t matter to my safety. You guys would protect me.” Spike looked around the group, as if searching for something. “By the way, where is that other dragon?”

Professor Burning Books laughed, “He’s right here. Though maybe not dragon, he’s a close cousin.” The Professor pointed at Soul, who switched his gaze back to the little dragon with hesitation. For once in his life, he felt like he could just pick the little thing up and hug it to death! Thankfully, he managed to control himself.

“Cousin..?” Spike stared at Soul curiously. “What kind of cousin?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Soul said out flat.

Far turned to The Professor, unsure. “What do we do? Should we let him come?” She asked. The Professor shrugged, “He may accompany us to the next stop, then I will send him home.” The old stallion said, getting a sad sigh from Spike. Soul nodded, heading back in the direction they were going before this little drakes arrival.

Far motioned Spike to climb atop her, which he refused to. “I’m a dragon now, not some baby!” The Professor smiled inwardly at the arrogance of youth, remembering how he used to act like so. Caught up in memories, The Professor lost his sense in direction, but was snapped from his act by a nudge by the mare. He apologized, catching up with Soul.

“My boy, had you not forgotten you have no idea where you are going? I think I should stay at point.” He shouted, flashing in front of Soul. The human stared at The Professor for a moment before nodding. He let the old coot take the lead, slowing his pace just enough to be beside Spike, the mare in front beside The Professor.

Spike used this oppertunity to strike up conversation. “Cold isn’t it?” He said, shivering, almost act-like.

The creature smiled, patting Spike on his head. “We’re cousins, remember? I can’t feel it either.”

“Whoa! Is that your scales?” Spike said, feeling Souls armour. Soul never noticed it, but the armour was indeed composed of leather and dragon scales. The scales, dark as black, shined in the sunlight.

“Yes.” Soul said in response. He couldn’t really say much. He obviously didn’t want to admit it, but without his ‘scales’ he would probably freeze to death.

Spike gasped, “That’s so cool! I’ve never seen a dragon so..Dark! Are you evil, or breath flames of black?” He pestered Soul like some sort of fan pests a celebrity. Soul could definitely confirm this dragon was only around eight or nine.

“Sure, why not.” Soul said sarcastically, hoping the dragon to catch on...Nope.

“That’s so awesome! Let me see your fire, please!” Spike begged. Soul could hear a giggle from Travel Far ahead of him, much to his annoyance. She eyed them both, taking a moment from her studies to see what Soul would do next.

“Alright, you first though.” Spike frowned. “I want to see a real dragons flame.” Spike smiled madly, taking a deep breath.

“Yol!” Soul watched curiously as the dragon whispered a phrase simultaneously as the vibrant green flame poured from his mouth. Soul found it odd that he heard a word, instead of a roar or some sort. He turned to The Professor, “Did you hear what he said?”

The Professor cocked his head, “Why yes, he roared like a giant! Quite impressive my boy!” Spike blushed, clearly happy by the recognition. Soul stopped himself, confused by The Professors response. Roared? Didn’t he hear him say that word? What was it, Yol? He thought, curious as to why this was happening. Then it clicked.

“That was...That was quite impressive Spike. Great job!” He said, patting his little brother on the head. Spike smiled, poking Souls legs. “Okay, okay, I did my flame, now it’s your turn!”

The Professor laughed, “Well, he may be your cousin, but that doesn’t mean he can throw flames from his mouth. I’m sor-”

“Yol!” Soul shouted, a gust of blinding light bursting from the gap in his hood. The light passed directly through The Professor and Far by a hairs length, striking the nearest tree head-on. The tree was incinerated, leaving a charred stump behind, smoking. The group rubbed their eyes, trying to process what just happened.

The first to recover was Spike, who was screaming and jumping for joy. “That was so awesome! You really are my cousin!” He shouted, hugging Souls leg. Soul could barely believe himself.

“Great scott! Remarkable!” The Professor shouted, closely examining the burnt remains of the once dead tree. Luckily it was winter, so the ‘fire’ didn’t spread, just caught red handed by the cold snow, only to be snuffed from existence.

Far rubbed her eyes, barely able to open them due to the blinding light that shrouded her vision. She whimpered in pain, slowly opening her eyelids to meet the destruction of the flame. “Was that...Fire?” She asked weakly.

“Yeah! It was Soul's fire. Wasn’t it awesome?” Spike bounced, excited by his new relatives amazing example of dragon power.

“Professor...” She started, receiving a nervous chuckle from the old guide. “You didn’t tell me anything about him being able to breath fire! What even is he?!” She shouted directly into the face of the stallion. The Professor stumbled back, caught off guard by the mares sudden outburst.

“M-My dear, if you would just calm down-” The mare stomped her hoof on the ground in anger. “Calm down? I nearly was blinded! Tell that...” She glared at Soul. “Ruffian to watch his breath.” She pouted, picking her map off the ground, shaking the snow from it. With a swing of her tail, she was on her way, leaving a confused dragon, a scared, but amused human, and an awestruck stallion.

Spike tugged on Souls legguards. “Is she okay? She seems upset for some reason.”

Soul shrugged, “Mares. You were Twilights assistant? I’m sure you know how dramatic they can be.” Spike laughed, nodding in agreement.

Soul walked over to the Professor who was still staring in the space in front of him. Helping him up, Soul stifled a laugh. “Real smooth, Professor.” Spike giggled, as the guide fixed his mane. “ Never-mind that, my boy. Mares are quite the creatures. Anyways,” The Professor started. “You must tell me how you pulled that off. How did you?” He asked, curious as to how something that wasn’t dragon could perform something made specifically for dragons.

Unfortunately, Spike interrupted his train of thought. “It’s simple, he just said it!” Spike nodded, apparently thinking Burning understood what he meant.

The Professor cocked a confused expression. “He said it?”

Soul sighed, “I’m afraid it’s impossible to explain it to you in the fullest. The way dragons shout their flames is an easier way of saying it.”

“Shout?”

Soul nodded, “Yes. The shouts are essentially old words of dragon language said in an order of three. Of course, as you just saw,” He glanced back at the charred tree stump. “It can be just one word.”

“My boy, I’m intrigued but I can’t say I understand. I heard you roar like a dragon. There were no words.” The Professor said, confused by the explanation Soul gave him.

Soul shook his head, “There were, you just can’t hear them. It seems like anyone who doesn’t speak it are not able to hear it.”

The Professors eyes widened, “Are you saying that you can speak it?” Soul nodded, though hesitant at first.

“I don’t know much, but I can understand what a dragon is saying to me when he speaks to me.” Soul said, gazing ahead at the mountain in front of them.

The Professor nodded, putting away his journal. Soul wondered where he even got it from, but shrugged the thought when it disappeared in a flash of light. Soul looked back down at the little purple dragon below him, following his side obediently.

“Well I can’t wait to see more of this power of your-” The Professor started before he was stopped by a frightening shriek from ahead of them. Soul recognized the voice to be of Fars.

“Where is she?” Soul shouted, looking around them with haste. “She was just right in front of us!”

Spike hugged Souls waist tightly as he sprinted forward after the mare. When she came into view, she was surrounded by what Soul assumed to be bandits. Two ponies surrounded Far, one of them laughing madly as Soul noticed a growing member between their hind legs. One with a jet black body, and mane held Far against the ground. The other, an alabaster pegasus slowly approached her. The Professor said nothing, watching Soul as he let Spike down on the old coots back. Spike closed his eyes, shivering as he watched the mare being held against her will.

Soul felt a raw surge of anger course through him as he walked toward them at a disturbingly fast rate. Far noticed him coming, and shouted through the gag they placed in her mouth. Tears came down her muzzle as she worked against the black mass, but to no avail.

Souls anger grew as he whispered a few short words. “Vul, Feyn Paal..” The words came out like thunder, the familiar dark snake slithered around his arm, forming into the ancient sword. The Professor watched in awe as the human approached the still unaware bandits, nearly an astonishing ten feet away from them.

Finally, the black one reared back in surprise at the sight of such an odd creature, giving Far enough time to sprint back over to the Professor who held her gently. The white pegasus turned his head too slowly before he was a head of his buddy. The slice was clean, and fast, the liquid painting the snowy floor. Kicking the still standing body to the ground, he approached the dark one who gritted his teeth in a mix of confusion and anger.

“What the buck are yo-” He started, before his supply of air was cut short. The rapist set his eyes on the twisted blade that stuck into his throat, choking in fear as his life faded away. Souls rage subsided as he noticed a small dot of red light enter his sword from the body of the two bandits. This must be what Master meant when he said to gather the souls.

Soul said nothing as his sword faded into a black mist. His worries came flooding back to him as he rushed to the crying mare’s help. Taking occasional glances back at the bodies, he felt no guilt. They deserved it for what they were going to do. The Professor managed to calm Far down to the point where she wasn’t much upset.

She bit her lip, holding back the tears, “I-I’m sorry Soul. I called you a ruffian, and you saved my life.”

Soul gave Far a loving hug, letting her know it wasn’t her fault. “I’m just glad I got there before anything happened. I’m sorry you had to witness that.” He said, sorrowfully. Switching his gaze to Spike, he pat the top of his head. “You too Spike. I don’t know how old you are, but I’m sure seeing something like that could be scarring for you. This is why you shouldn’t come along. Things might get...Worse from here on out.”

Spike nodded, wiping the tears from his eyes. “Thanks, but like I said, I’m a dragon now. I know how dangerous it’s going to get, and I’m not afraid of a little death.” He finished rather bravely, surprising both Soul and The Professor. Soul, as always, quick to accept things, nodded, turning his attention back to the mare. Her breathing was slow and heavy, and she was most likely recovering from shock.

“Look, Professor, lead the way, I know for a fact you ponies can’t stay in the cold for very much longer. Is there a inn nearby?” Soul said, looking worriedly at Far, who gave weak glances back at him.

The Professor nodded, “Yes, just a few miles down the road, at the bottom of the mountain pass. I suggest we stop there for the night, and resupply. We can send Spike home then.” The Professor said.

Soul nodded, “Alright. Far can barely stand, so I’ll carry her. Little bro,” Soul said, catching a exciting smile from Spike. “You’ve got our six. Shout if anything is coming.” Spike nodded maliciously, making Soul smile.

“As for Spike, Professor, he will be joining us to the Dead Lands. I need another dragon to have my back.” He winked at Spike, who winked back.

The Professor pondered Souls decision before giving up. “Alright, but he’s your responsibility, Soul.”

Soul picked Far from the ground, whimpering in response. She wrapped her hooves around his neck, her hind legs around his waist. He noticed various cuts and bruises on her hooves. She set her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes to fall asleep. Soul commanded for the group to begin the trek.

“Hurry Professor, she’s injured.”

“Then let us make haste, my boy!”

Soul followed The Professor at lightweight, his feet not even sinking into the snow. Soul glanced back at Spike, who was following glady, not a single breath of heavy weight slowing him down. Thankful for not having to carry another creature, Soul kept his stare set on the old guide ahead of him. During this time he was able shut out all his other senses, taking keen to a single one. His hearing improved greatly, as he was able to pick up every sound around him. The hoofsteps of The Professor a few feet ahead of him, to the continuous breaths of Spike behind him. Every twig in the forest cracked with the ice breaking them, as it sounded like thunder to Soul. The world seemed to slow down as the only thing he could hear was the slow, forced breaths of the mare he was carrying. The wounds around her body bled more, as he could hear the drops of blood hitting the snowy floor. Fars eyes were closed, presumed asleep by Soul. He gripped her hooves tighter, picking up his pace.

The night sky was clear as can be. Another snowy equestrian night. The cold air made Far chatter her teeth, her body shivering all over. Soul glanced at the universe above him, the moon much larger than he expected, as if it was moved. Shaking his head in denial, he focused on The Professor ahead of him. The Professors breaths were getting harder, and he was losing the speed he started out with.

“Damn this old age!” He croaked, his speed decreasing by the second.

It was then when Soul heard the sound of fire, and the smell of smoke invaded his nostrils. From the thick of the forest, he could see a large log cabin, presumed an inn by Soul. It’s wooden frame was pelted in snow, the windows glowing yellow with light shining from them. The chimney was made of stone, the black smoke rising up from within the bowels of the inn.

With haste, he slowed enough to scoop Spike up in one arm, clutching the mare with the other. Sprinting past the old coot, who was now walking toward the cabin in relief, Soul burst through the front door. A wave of warmth relished over him, as he looked around the interior of the inn. In front of him was the front desk, where a surprisingly young filly sat at. Her icy blue mane with a simple white coat glazed over her body accompanied with a smile.

To his right was a wide open area with tables and chairs. Various unidentified ponies sat around, drinking their cider, paying no attention to the giant two legged creature that just stepped in. To his left was a staircase, which Soul assumed lead to the rooms. Wasting no time, the creature confronted the filly only to be interrupted by a clearing of a throat.

“Cerulean! My dear, how have you been?” The Professor kindly proclaimed, stepping in front of Soul.

The little filly jumped with excitement. “Mr. Books! I’m feeling great, thanks. Would you like to see my mommy?” Burning nodded, waving the smile child off with a dismissive hoof. Moments later a much larger version of the filly, dark grey colored mane, with a grey coat approached them. She gave a quick hug to The Professor, who gladly returned it. Her eyes switched to Soul, glaring at him for a moment or two before noticing the hurting mare. Her eyes widened with surprise, hurriedly taking the mare from Souls grasp, and laying her on one of the spare beds upstairs.

“She’s got frostbite,” The mare said, probing a dark blue area around her hooves. “What are these?” She said, noticing the cuts and bruises. “Quick! Get in here, hurry child!” She screamed. Moments later another mare with the same color scheme as Cerulean, just a lighter shade of blue for her mane stepped in. She sprinted past the strange creature, straight to the injured mare.

“Ah, Quick Revive, how have you been, child?” Professor Burning asked.

The mare shook her head, “Not right now Professor, she’s badly infected.”

Burning apologized, taking this chance to talk to Soul. The human met his gaze, knowing exactly what he wanted. As the three, including Spike who was just as invisible as a ghost, were about to leave the room, the inn mare stopped them.

“You three can use the room next door, free of charge. Burning,” She began, winking at Burning. “You owe me.”

The Professor smiled, “Thank you Charcoal.” The Professor along with Spike left the room to their respective room for the night. Soul however, stayed behind. The old mare stared at him curiously as he approached Far. Quick Revive was busy working on her wounds, before a light touch to her shoulder stopped her concentration.

“Take care of her, okay?” Soul said, his eyes filled with worry. He did not plan on losing a friend to infection the very day of his journey.

Quick smiled warmly, “Of course. You go get some rest, carrying mares all day long can be quite tiring.” She winked.

Soul nodded as he left the room, but decided to take a quick break before going to sleep. Walking down the stairs, he gave a quick pat to little Cerulean. Walking out the door, he sat on the bench on the bottom of the inns steps. He gazed out into the sky, awestruck by the beauty of the stars. Just sitting down brought him great relief, and without notice, he was fast asleep, the cold of the world not able to touch his skin behind his enchanted hide.

End Of Chapter