Twin Souls

by Elmoz

Rating: mature
Tags: Adventure, Human
Length: 28811

Celestia never expected a visit from him, but who could ever predict that?

Celestia receives a visit from someone special.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-11-19 17:09:58 UTC

Zoor

Father

Written by: Original Name

Editing and Proofreading: Switches

Chapter 1

Zoor

To get where I am now one must consider that all things are possible. Though highly unreasonable, the idea that the idea is wrong was personally shattered when I discovered it. It's entirely crazy to picture the situation I have found myself in. So then the question comes to questioning why it was myself. Of course, there is no possible way to achieve such answers without someone delivering it to you, but seeing as how I am the only one here, that is immediately ruled out. Getting back to the main topic at hand, on what exactly is happening. Wait, I don't know what is happening, though I'm sure I know what caused it. I think.

The first thing I noticed was the drastic change in the color spectrum. If I knew anything about the world I lived in, which I didn't, then was it really a change? The only thing that caused me to think of such a theory as the first thing that happened was the blinding light. You know when your eyes hurt for a moment when you step into the light after being in a dark room for so long? It's like that, of course your eyes just need a few minutes to get used to the light. So with that fact in place it was obvious I was previous in a place with different brightness, or have just emerged from somewhere without light.

The realization came to me right then and there that I actually have no idea where I was just a few seconds ago. Is this normal? Should I be worried? I don't feel worried, so I guess I shouldn't really bother to figure out what happened. I know that if I tried to pursue any kind of questioning of who I was that my brain would start to form paradoxes or something. There is one thing I know. I am not from this place. Why? Well I don't exactly remember small horse-like creatures being so colorful. Not to mention being able to...should I say sit in such a position?

The mint teal colored horse thingy which I was observing simply stared at me with wide eyes. So, what now? Am I supposed to provoke a reaction from it? Well it is a horse...I think, I don't want to scare it.

I blinked. She blinked too. "Hi?" A voice said, in kind, yet worried tone. Am I hearing things, cause if anything, my brain was telling me that horse just talked. Of course, that whole idea is pretty stupid. I mean, a horse, talk? What is this, a fairy tale? I stopped myself, putting my fingers to my chin. Then again, I don't really know anything about this place, so maybe it was normal for horses to talk here? I just feel like I've always been taught that horses aren't capable of such things.

I blinked again, my mouth agape as the realization hit me. No...There is no doubt now. That horse just talked. W-What do I do? Should I..."Hi." I said returning the greeting. I was really hoping I wasn't insane, or maybe I was just greeting some odd creature in this...Odd world. Silence reigned for the next few moments before I lost it. "What am I doing?!" I shouted in confusion. Frightened by my outburst, she sunk into her bench, whimpering in fear. I felt a tinge of pain, and regret over what I did. I didn't want to scare her..."I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." I said. I looked at her with pleading eyes. "I'm just very, very confused right now." I finished with a smile.

She gulped, nodding her head slowly in understanding. Looking for a way out, rather to not be eaten by this strange monster, she hastily darted her eyes around. I could see her fear radiating from her and it only served to make me feel more alien to this place. I could understand being afraid of something like me but I've never been in a situation where something was so afraid of me, it would run away. Though I don't even have the space of memory to even support any other type of situation. I was not going to let her run away. I'm not going to let her fear me either. She is the first...pony I've met, and I'm not about to screw this up!

I sat down on the ground in front of her in a criss-cross position. I looked up to her fearful gaze with soft eyes. "I know you are afraid of me, and trust me I can't blame you." I motioned at my body. I was at least three to four times bigger than she was. "But I don't want you to be afraid." I stood up slowly, moving closer to her. She no longer had a fearful sight, but was still curious as to what I was going to do next. "Despite my limited knowledge of who I am, or what this place is." Her eyes went a little wide at that, which I chuckled slightly to. "I know that, I would never, for the hope of the God of such mercy." I said softly, getting on my knees so I was eye to eye with her. "That I would never harm something so small, and kind." I said, wrapping her in a warm hug. She yelped in response to the sudden action, but gave no resistance.

Lyra, wide eyed at the spectacle before her, questioned her actions in confusion. Why had she not scream and ran away? She felt the warmth of the hug, and the sincerity of the strange creature overtake her, as she found a new gaze which to address this creature with. Friendship. She smiled, and finally returned the hug, much to the overwhelming happiness of the creature. Perhaps he wasn't so scary as she previously thought.

I broke the hug, feeling slightly guilty for taking advantage of the mare. But when I saw her smile, it all but vanished. I don't know much of anything, but I do know one thing. I just made a new friend. I smiled back to her, returning to my kneeling position. I was shocked when she patted the bench with her left hoof, offering me to seat next to her. Such kindness, almost made me break into tears, but I managed to keep myself together. I smiled, nodded my head, and sat down next to her on the bench. I would have said things were awkward but I was too caught up in the moment of shear confusion and happiness to care.

"Thank you." I managed, in a short quiet tone. She said nothing, just smiled before returning her gaze to the forward of herself. Silence came over the both of us, as I simply had nothing to say. During this time I was thinking about it all. The question continuously popped into my head. Who am I? What am I, and where did I come from? These thoughts continued reappearing before I noticed the slight movement to my right. The mare had pulled a lyre from seemingly nowhere. The thought of where she got it made my head hurt, but was instantly soothed as I heard the most beautiful melody played beside me. I stared at her in shock and wonder as she played the instrument with perfect expertise.  I hadn't noticed it before, but it soon came into view as I saw a strange aura around the instrument. The strings pulled and contracted on it's own, much to my confusion. Despite my size, I hadn't noticed the strange pinnacle of bone from atop her mane. I went mouth-agape when I saw it. Though despite my brains recent efforts to explain the logic of things, I just turned to accept it. She was without a doubt, a unicorn. Such things only perform in myth. I sighed, smiling at her. I sure do make strange friends...

"It's beautiful." I said, complimenting her work. She stopped her played, as she gazed up to me with those mint eyes. I think there was something I used to say...My heart exploded? I could see the red in her cheeks as she turned the other way. "You think so?" She asked, unsure of her own work. I chuckled, "You're really good. Keep playing please." I said with a kind smile. She nodded, continuing her melody.

I had not noticed the cold air sweep by me. I glanced around us, gazing at the white abyss in which we sat. This was...Snow? I looked around in interest at the sight. The snow had a meaning to it. It felt sad, empty and cold. Though despite these tragic emotions, I couldn't help but stare endlessly into the distance. The mixture of her song with the snow was fitting. I didn't notice her stop playing until several moments later.

"Well it's getting late. I should be going." She said, hopping off the bench. She looked back at me with a mild surprise look. "O-Oh! I didn't even introduce myself!" She blushed in embarrassment. "My name is Lyra."

Lyra? What a fitting name...

I smiled back. "My name is..." I stopped myself, realizing I had not known my own name. "My name is..." I trailed off, my response must have gone unheard as she smiled genuinely, turning to take her departure.

A part of me died inside as I wished she would have asked, or given me some assistance. An ember stoke a small flame as she quickly stopped herself. Facing me again, she wore an worried look. "You're not from around here...Do you need a place to sleep for the night?"

My heart warmed in favor over such request as I gladly accepted. The snow continued to fall as we made our way to her home, side by side. The area around us was hilly, covered in the white sheet of snow. I love the snow. Despite it's stereotypical cold, deathly definition, it is something different through my eyes.

"Do you like the snow, Lyra?" I asked, glancing down at her. She had a thoughtful expression planted on her face.

She smiled. "I do enjoy the fall the most, though the cold air always gives a crisp, fresh feeling." She says heartily.

I laugh silently, happy. "Despite the bitter cold, it always gives me time to think. It's always quiet when it's snowing." I say, looking down at her, motioning to the area around us. "Though it may be cold, it's a sort of bitter-sweet peace. It's just..." I trail off, my brows lowering. "A sad, lonely peace."

Her smile fades as I release those words, as she comes to terms with the thought of my words. She nods in agreement, but pokes me in my side. "That may be so, but you had somepony to share it with today, right?" She asked, an adorable smile planted on her face. My heart fluttered, as I quickly looked ahead of us. "Y-Yeah...I guess you're right."

I wanted to quickly take my mind off her for a moment. I had not the slightest what I just felt, so I decided to find something else to think about. I then noticed just how bad the snow shower was. The winds were quiet, but we still couldn't twenty feet ahead of us. It was strange, but some part of me felt like this was heaven. Pure white scattered the hills, the air was cold but there was no wind...And to top it off there was an adorable girl to accompany me. Could she be an angel, guiding me, a lost soul to his final resting place? I chuckled slightly, realizing the full foolishness of such an idea. My soul isn't lost...Besides, I'm almost certain I'm not dead...Yet.

We continued walking for several more minutes before I noticed a rather large shape of a home hidden behind the constant snowfall. It was fairly large, with two floors, perhaps a basement. Did she live with someone? We approached the door, which she opened with her magic. I found it very strange that the door had a door knob as it's handle. These ponies have hooves, do they not?

As soon as I entered the home I felt the warm blast of heat envelope my body. It felt good, to be honest. I gave a single look around, studying the interior of the home. Directly in front of the main door was the staircase. This, of course, lead to the second floor. There was what i presumed to be a dining room to the right. I was almost sure of it due to the way the...chairs were set out by the table. To the left of the staircase was a rather large room, which I realized to be the living room. It also seemed to mixed with a kitchen in the back of the house. There was a fireplace to the far left corner, it's fires burning strong and hot. I would have to study the upstairs later.

Lyra gave me a welcoming smile as entered the home. I hadn't realized it before, but my clothes were soaking wet. I needed a shower. Lyra saw this, and giggled. I looked at her with a small smile, as I shivered in my freezing clothes. She was laying by the fire.

"Do you ponies have a bathroom?" I asked, choosing my words carefully. She frowned. "Of course we do. We aren't savages." I felt slightly bad for assuming that they didn't but...How was I supposed to know? "Sorry, I just..." I apologized, though I was cut off. "It's alright. I understand. It's upstairs on the right. If you want you could leave those down here to dry?" She asked innocently.

I felt my face run red hot, as I quickly declined the offer. "N-No! It's fine...I'll just..." I trailed off. What was I going to do?

"Why not?" She questioned.

I chuckled awkwardly. "We're different." I gestured to myself. "Unlike you, we always have to wear clothes. We just...do!" I said, quickly shaking my head, heading upstairs. Lyra, confused by the argument she couldn't understand. A sly smile formed on her lips as she was determined to find out.

. . .

The hot water poured down my body, as the sensation of it all made me shiver with warmth. I made a note, a mental one that is, to thank Lyra for this later. I climbed out of the shower, turning the nozzle to cut the water from the pipes. As I climbed out I noticed something was terribly wrong. My clothes. In a frantic haste, I searched all around the room for them. I was certain I had lay them out on the counter by the sink, but to no avail I could not find them. My brow furrows deeper as I come to realize what has happened. That mare took my clothes.

. . .

Lyra, gnawing on her lip as she ascended the stairs, took thought as to why the creature was so hesitant to reveal itself. What was so different from it, then from herself? Perhaps it was some cultural diffusion? The creature was certainly odd, this she knew, but she couldn't help but feel warm from it's presence. Sure, it was strange in many ways, from it's body structure to it's ideals but she had just made amends for friendship with it.

It may be big and scary, but it wouldn't hurt a fly...Right? That's what he said after all. She sighed, shaking her head at her questionable theory of the creature. With the newly warmed clothes in mist, she opened the door, sending the clothes inside. She heard the creature sigh in relief as he discovered the location of his personal belongings. His, well, only belongings.

"You should warm me next time you attempt to steal my clothes!" She heard a muffled shout from behind the door. He wasn't angry, just a tad bit annoyed. She giggled lightly at his annoyed tone as she managed a quiet apology. As she ascended the stairs, she glanced back at the door. She could hear, feel and sense the magic waves fluxing through the air, as the dry wooden plates shook with the movements of the human. His weight was, with no doubt, a new thing for this house. She sighed happily as she congratulated herself for buying a house meant for a griffon.

Her small smile faded as she had an idea travel it's way into her head. She thought about it, then simply nodding in agreement with her second self. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she headed towards the fireplace, taking a roll of paper and an inkwell from the stand beside the door. Sprawling out on the floor just in front of the fire, she quickly got to work.

. . .

With my clothes warm, dried, and scented, much thanks to the mare below deck, I quickly descended down the stairs. I nearly slipped down the steps with my socks on, but I managed. I could already feel the warmth of the fire blazing throughout the room. The mint colored girl was sprawled out across the floor, seemingly writing something. I was...Interested to say the least. No, more like intrigued. Knowing it wasn't my place to encounter her, nor to read such things, I walked over to the couch and sat down. I was surprised as she had not noticed my presence. Perhaps I was little sneakier than I thought?

My body, even with such distance from the fire was blasted will the full force of the flame. It warmed my whole body, much to my satisfaction. My eye occasionally glanced down at Lyra as she nearly finished her letter. I couldn't read the writing regardless so it was useless to try. I expected an entirely different species to have the same literary terms. Yet, we still speak the same. Isn't that strange?

She still doesn't even notice my presence as she folds the scroll, tying it shut with a small bow before doing something with her horn. The letter starts the fade and soon enough just disappears entirely. I would question it, but I really don't feel like knowing how something like that is even possible. She sighed, turning around to take a seat next to me; but immediately locks up. I think I scared her.

"H-How long were you there?" She asks, not fear, but mild surprise in her voice. I smile gently. "Just a few seconds or so." Her eyes wander around nervously. "You look really scared to know that I could have read that letter. Don't worry, I wouldn't read your love letter to whoever, besides, I cannot even read your language. So feel free to write to your hearts content." I say, a tad bit of joking in my voice. She laughs, coming over and laying down on the couch next to me.

A few awkward seconds pass before she breaks it. "Would you like to learn to read?" I nearly choke in surprise on such a request. "For the sake of those love letters, I don't think it would be such a good idea." I say sarcastically, which she giggles in return.

"They aren't love letters. They are important notes that I sent to a friend of mine. She is going to help us out."

I cock a brow, "Help us out?"

"Yeah. You had the look of confusion on your face the whole time at the park. Not to mention, you can't even remember your own name. There's something wrong here." She says worriedly.

I process the information of another possible pony-creature coming to see me. Got it. "Understood. Thank you very much. I hope she can help me recover my memories." I respond with a kind smile. I feel a yawn coming and I soon react with it. Lyra notices my tiredness, gets up, and heads around the corner, returning with a pillow. A huge one in fact. Well, huge for her size, but perfect for mine.

"Upstairs on the right, down the hall to the left. There is a guest room. Here is an extra pillow for you. Ponies tend to have smaller sizes so it would be quite uncomfortable!" She laughs. "But don't worry none, the bed's in this house were meant for griffons, so I'm sure you'll be just fine." She finishes with a smile. I smile back as I take the pillow from her...Misty stuff.

I look back at the mint flavored girl, my brain switching from confusion to understanding and gratefulness. "Thank you, Lyra." I say, a small flame of life empowering in my eyes. "You took me in despite my monstrous appearance, dried me, and gave me a place to sleep." She looked on curious as to what I was going to say. Her smile growing as I continued down the list of objects she willingly gave to me. "It feels strange, but it feels like back home, kindness such as this doesn't exist." I say sadly. I see her smile fade, but I wouldn't have any of it! "But it means so much to me for you to do this. Good night Lyra, I hope this friend of yours can help me recover what's left of my memories." I say, giving her a quick hug before heading up the steps. She says nothing, but continues to stare at me as I ascend the steps.

I reach the room with ease, opening it with the door handle. I decided I wouldn't question those things either. Perhaps there is a lot of weird things in this world I have yet to see? I chuckle at the possibilities of this new world. I am without a doubt, a long way from home. I feel my adventurous side coming back as I quickly push it back. It's time to sleep, not for conquest of this strange new land. Which brings me back to the same question. What is home? Where is it? All I know is white. White, and sad as snow. That doesn't make very much sense since it doesn't really add up.

I sigh, as I enter the room. It's pretty basic. It's fairly large for a guest room, with a queen-sized bed in the center. To it's left is a small table with a lamp sitting upon it. On both sides of the bed, there is a window. On the right side of the bed, tucked away to the wall is a desk with a chair...Again with those chairs. Upon the desk I see several rolls of paper with some ink, or charcoal type substance. To the left and right of the desk is bookshelves, covered in books. Each row was filled with several different books of many colors and sizes. I silently curse myself for not knowing how to read their language as I remember that I love books. The whole aspect of literature has always had a place in my heart. Perhaps Lyra likes to read? I remember there being several papers of various notes and books scattered across the floor of her home, but being the modest person I am...Complaining about a mess is simply absurd. Especially if it's in somebody else's home.

To the far left corner, there is a closet, wardrobe if you must. i undress myself to my boxers, gently tucking away the warm clothes into the wardrobe. I tuck myself into the bed, feeling sleep's embrace coming to discover me. A small tinge of pain enters my heart as I realize how alone I am in this world. I just have one hope. I hope there is someone else out there like me. My hopes and thoughts are covered up in a flash of time as sleep finally wraps her calming embrace over me. Being easily seduced, I fall right into her loving embrace.

. . .

Owlicious 'ooed' once more, signaling the passing of another hour. The royal protege moaned loudly, most of the sound muffled by the mountain of books surrounding her. This certain scholar was busy trying to decipher the lost knowledge of a myserious creature only known as 'Father'. There is not a soul alive of the general public who would know of him.

The lavender-mixed student had tried every book, from every source, but to no avail. This 'Legend', was in fact real, but dated back to the first era. The mare, with her muzzle glued to the tomes, felt a migraine coming on. About to lose her mind, a small flash of light green to her left pushed back the pain. With the new found anthestetics known as interest, she hastily opened the scroll. "A letter from Lyra?"

Without further question, she began reading. her eyes moved across the letter with insane speed. But as her pupils grew in size, so did her speed. As her eyes came across the last few worlds, she paused. A thousand possible situations, a million questions, with a billion answers. She darted from her spot, grabbing a roll of fresh paper, and the finest ink.

Dear Princess Luna,

I am once again sending another letter regarding the studies of Father. I am sad to inform you that no matter how many scrolls, tomes, and notes I look through, I cannot find any record of the strange language. However, I have a feeling I am coming close to finding something that can.

On another report, I have just received word from a friend of mine, Lyra. She has taken responsibility to shelter a creature that she described to be walking on only two legs. I am to visit this creature in suns rise, in order to investigate its origins. Despite this, I still feel that the similarities between this new visitor and the legend are uncanny. I will report everything I find on Father, and this new creature to you as soon as possible.

Under your moon,

Twilight Sparkle

Wunduniik

Chapter 2

Visitors

I woke up feeling the familiar sensation of cold. I found myself tossed around the bed, various pillows on the floor. Wow. I’m a rough sleeper. Besides the amazing wake up call, I felt great! If I knew anything about being tired I would say I must have ran ten miles, climbed the highest mountain and well...You get the picture. Wondering where the amount of deathly frosty temperature was coming from, I noticed my door was opened slightly. I did the math, assuming it was coming from downstairs. I got up, dressed myself, and made my bed. I felt a little better with clothes on but the cold was persisting to bite through them. I had not entirely noticed the design and layout of my clothes. It was all some sort of dark leather hide. It was strange, as when I would put it on it would shroud itself, blending into the darkness of the room. To top it off, there was a cloak as well, with a dark wool to cover over my face. I could just barely see out of it.

Nothing at all seemed different about these clothes, but one thing made me worry. If it was pure white with snow outside, what kind of idiot would wear full black? If these were intended to blend in with darkness, why would I wear them in the white snow? Feeling a bit stupid, I felt a little more stupid when I felt the need to use the restroom. Just when I put my clothes on as well...

After my release of unnecessary toxins and other various sorts of objects, I found myself hastily putting my clothes back on myself. I completely forgot about the cold air. Deciding it was be best to search for the source, I headed towards the door, but stopped when I saw what was in the reflection. What did I see? A badass, that’s for sure! This leather armor is so sick! I looked like some sort of stealthy assassin. I felt my childish imagination coming as I felt myself switching into the mindset of a ninja. I laughed at my silliness, heading down the stairs.

When I reached the bottom, I noticed that the fire was out. It became obvious to me how to solve this problem. Next to the fireplace I saw an axe, which was pleasing the eye. Can’t chop wood without an axe, right? I headed out the front door to be greeted with a dark blue colored world. The ice stood out greatly, but it had now occurred to me that it was very early.

“And I thought I got a lot of sleep...” I mumbled.

Glancing to my left I saw a faint cluster of trees. Knowing nothing less, I ran towards the firewood. Despite the obvious temperatures outside, I only felt a small twinge of cold actually touch me. Perhaps there’s something more to this leather? I reached the trees in under a minute. Seeing nopony else around, I went about my business. Chopping the tree down was hard work, though cutting them into several pieces was much easier in terms of time consumption. I thought back to the house. Then it hit me. If the house was that cold, then was Lyra...? I decided to pick up the pace, chopping the final block of wood. I could only fit eight pieces of log into my arms as I found a place to store my axe. On my back I found a small slot designed for a weapon. I decided not to question it, and hastily ran towards Lyra’s.

On arrival, my heart was beating out of my chest. I pushed through the tiredness, stepping inside and closing the god forsaken door shut. I noticed the cold was just about the same in here as it was outside, which was bad. With even greater haste, I tossed the logs into the fire pit. I needed fire, and I needed it fast!

Panicking, I did what any idiot would do. I rubbed some sticks together. However, much to my own surprise, I managed to get a small ember of flame. Feeling warmth cover me up, though not literally, I gently placed the ember under the logs, adding small sorts of timber and over various pinestraw kind of things to get it going. I felt like a coltscout, though I couldn’t understand what that even meant. Shrugging it off, I continued managing the fire. Eventually, a small flame enveloped the fireplace, and I could finally rest. Getting back on my feet, I felt the warmth of the fire soon filter throughout the house.

I sunk back down into the couch sighing with great content. In a sudden burst of fright, I nearly shreiked when the fireplace blasted with blue flame. I was shivering, unable to contemplate the situation. Blue...Flames? I chuckled slightly, sinking right back into the chair.

“Odd world,” I shrugged, “Remember?”

I wasn’t going to lie to myself. I couldn’t understand any of it, but at that point in time, I was used to getting surprised. Though I pondered something to myself. If I knew nothing about this world, or any of it’s...physical possibilities, then why was I surprised, as if I knew what was ‘normal’? My brain started to strain from the painful search so I tossed it aside. Feeling tired, I let the warmth take effect, and slowly drifted off into the realm of dreams.

. . .

Lyra awoke from a bad dream. She groggily got herself from her bed, taking a look at herself in the mirror. Her mane was in a mess, to say the least. Another nightmare...She thought dreadfully. Skipping the idea of a shower, as food came first, she quickly combed her hair into the correct style she prefered. Which was the same one as before. During the winter, she prefers to have her mane combed in a single purely straight manner. Besides, it’s not like she even leaves the house much in the winter anyways. Nopony does.

Her stomach growled with furiousity, throwing herself into a limbo of mental confusion. It was minor, as she assumed everypony would experience this after not eating for so long. Despite the small disorientation, she managed to find a way down the hall toward the stairs. It was then she noticed the strange scent of familiar wood in the air. Though her brain couldn’t process much without proper sustenance, she knew this scent. Soulfire trees, as they are commonly called.

Even so, this particular topic confused her the most. She didn’t remember gathering any such wood recently. It was very strange. Trotting down the stairs, she met gaze with the full blast of the suspected source...Soulfire. The powerful blue-almost twilight flame blazed in the fireplace. The heat was much hotter than that of normal flame. Then she noticed it.

Upon the couch was the creature, fast asleep. She pieced it together quickly, though much to her disappointment of course. That idiot! He went outside in that cold, all himself!?

Angered by his act of idiocy, she couldn’t help but smile. A huff of air passed through her snout, signalling a small sense of humor from her. Despite her anger towards him, she knew what he had done. She figured she would have to go gather wood herself for the day. She never expected such generosity from this creature. Rarity would be impressed!

She trotted past the sleeping ancient, heading towards her kitchen. Arriving at the culinary workshop, she made herself a simple, easy, light breakfast. She wolfed it down without haste, savoring it while it lasted. By the time she was finished, she noticed the air was settling. Sighing, she came over and sat next to the creature. She started endlessly into the twilight flames, pondering over the events of the past few hours. These, revelations, however, were interrupted by a deep voice coming from another sentient being. Well, a cough to be more exact.

“So...” It started. “I have questions.” Lyra nodded, understanding the reason behind the statement.

The creature shook his head. “Despite the fact I know absolutely nothing about this place, or myself. One thing intrigues me to no end.” He pointed at the fire. “Why does it glow like that?”

Lyra found herself tripping over her own expectations. Out of everything else, he wanted to know this? Lyra shrugged, “I’m not quite so sure myself. Some say the trees are enchanted by the magic flow in the air. However, old stories say it burns with the souls of the dead. Something creepy like that.”

The ancient raised a brow, though behind the dark clothing, she couldn’t possibly see that. “Souls of the dead...?”

“Yeah,” She laughed. “It’s pretty strange, stupid in fact. But stories say the seed gathers the souls of ponies buried in the ground, taking it’s energy and sprouting a tree. Hence the name, Soulfire was given to it.”

The darkness in the room nodded. “Pretty sweet name if you ask me.”

Lyra shrugged, “Pretty dark.”

A few moments passed before Lyra realized something important. “You know nothing about yourself and neither do I, since I’ve, well...Never seen you before! So how about we make you a name. Something to call you while you try to find your true identity?” Lyra asked.

The creature pondered over the subject. Finding it obviously necessary, he nodded. She smiled gently, as she conjured up possible names. “So what do we call you...” She trailed off into thought.

“Why not just Soul?” He asked, glancing at the fire. “I think the name of the fire is pretty cool, so wouldn’t that be a good name? I mean, Lyra! Lyre! We all see the similarities, right?” He moved his appendage over his body. “I know there’s nothing...Soul-ish about me, but it’s a name, right?” Lyra thought about for a second. He, without a doubt, loves the fire, so maybe his special talent is fire?

“What does your cutie mark look like?” She asked. The creature started at her like she was insane.

“My...What?” He responded, confused. She then considered the possibility that this species doesn’t have a cutie mark. “N-Nevermind.” She said. The creature nodded, throwing the topic away with ease.

“Anyways, Soul is a fine name. It suits you well. Mr. Soul Fire!” She added enthusiastically. The ancient smiled behind the mask.

Lyra’s smile faded as she gazed up at Soul. “Say...Do you always wear that covering over your face?” She asked.

Soul pondered over the question. He thought of removing several times, but it was like something was stopping him from doing so. It just didn’t feel right. “Yeah. I guess I don’t feel comfortable letting others know what I look like. It feels weird. It’s just...Natural to have it on, always.” Lyra nodded, before a loud knocking woke her from her premature daydream about what Soul really looked like.

With haste, she answered the door. Behind it, was the guest she was expecting. Twilight Sparkle. The lavender unicorn greeted Lyra before being invited in. Twilight looked around to her right, noticing some changes from her last visit. Then her gaze slowly came to the left before stopping completely. Her pupils shrunk as she noticed the massive dark figure standing before her. It towered over her, its dark gaze set solely on her. She felt a small tinge of fear enter her, and found herself slowly backing away from the monstrosity.

Lyra, uneasy by this frightening sort of introduction glared at Soul. He found her serious glare, turning his creepy position into a polite bow, before kneeling down to Twilight’s level. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Sparkle.” Twilight responded with a polite nod, though she was quite skeptical about the whole thing. She wasn’t as surprised as she thought she would have. An odd sense of familiarity flowed through her, but she quickly ignored it.

“Yes...A pleasure to meet you as well, Mr?” She asked.

“Soul,” He interrupted. “Soul Fire. So...What brings you here?”

Twilight glared at Lyra, silently scolding her for not informing him of the visit. Lyra started to sweat, embarrassed. Twilights thoughts were interrupted by a hum coming from the elephant in the room.

“I trust you are the one whom Lyra send that scroll to?” He asked clearly. Twilight nodded, hastily. “Sorry to interrupt your questioning, but may I come in?” She asked, shivering all over. “It’s kind of cold out here...” Lyra jumped. “Y-Yes, of course! Come on in!” She welcomed Twilight in, who headed towards the ethereal fire, presumingly using it to warm herself.

Soul found himself upon the couch once again, staring at Twilight. He was without a doubt interested in this creature. It bore the same features, as far as body structure to the bone instrument required to cast these spells. Her colors were however different. Soul found it strange the colors these ponies could take form of. From mint green, to the obvious scholar being a deep shade of lavender.

The two mares continued speaking to each other, much of it ignored by Soul. He was too far in thought. Sure, he knows her name, but the question still rang in his mind. Just who is this purple spellcaster? Something about her made him uncomfortable, though he couldn’t tell what. Soul’s eyes grew darker, becoming skeptical about the mare sent to this house.

She was supposedly here to help him recover his memories, but he couldn’t help but think otherwise. Lyra was the only pony she could trust. Soul pondered over Lyra’s decision before deciding to throw the suspicion away. If Lyra thought she could help, I suppose I could trust her...Soul thought, slightly unsure of what the mare was preparing to do, exactly. The lavender scholar approached Soul, her eyes beaming with excitement. Despite Soul’s horrifyingly dark appearance, to the mind of a historian, this was something of interest. Soul couldn’t help but chuckle lightly, his heart nearly exploding from the sheer cuteness of these creatures.

“Oh! I’m sorry, I came here for a complete different reason, but I just can’t help myself.” She apologized. Soul stood up, giving her a wider observation to him. She seemed to be entirely intrigued in his clothing, not so much his anatomy. Soul caught this as very strange, wondering if that it could be possible this wasn’t the first time she’d seen his kind?

Twilight mumbled something to herself before quickly casting a spell. The ball of light shot into Soul, giving him a slight tingle. He remained solid still, while the waves of light passed through his body, as if something was scanning him. “Amazing...” Twilight mumbled.

“This is amazing!” She shouted, scaring both Lyra and Soul. After silent apologetics, the small ball of light left Soul’s body, heading back into the tip of her horn. With her data stored, she could now fully review it whenever she wanted! She squealed in excitement, causing an uncomfortable stare from Soul, and a facehoof from Lyra.

Twilight noticed Soul’s little attitude, chuckling a little. “I just casted a scanner spell on you. It let’s me gather a large amount of information on you in an instant.” Soul nodded, realizing with the powers these unicorns had, a spell like that could exist. Perhaps she could shoot fireballs? Soul kicked himself for letting his childish side take over.

“A large majority of it was your basic anatomy, which well...Isn’t much of a difference between the diamond dogs. The only part the spell didn’t work on was your brain, which proves you’re a far more intelligent creature than the others. Probably just as smart as us!” Probably? She’s got some nerve...

“That isn’t what intrigues you. Get to the point.” Soul rudely stated. Twilight cringed, but couldn’t blame him.

“Yes well...While I was scanning you, I noticed something remarkable. As you know...Or, don’t know.” Twilight laughed, “All unicorns have a basic mana pool that resides in the base of our horn. It is what allows us to cast spells.” Soul saw where this was going.

“Are you saying I have one too?” He asked. Twilight mumbled something to herself. “Yes....And no. The thing that caught me off guard was the clothing you are wearing. It’s enchanted.”

Soul knew what enchanted meant, but what exactly did she mean? “What do you mean, enchanted?”

“The...I shouldn't say clothing, considering it’s obvious by the padding that it’s not clothes. The armour you are wearing, though light, has been protected using a rare and complicated form of magic. Otherwise known as Enchantment.” She finished, rather interested.

Lyra could do nothing but stare wide eyed at the ancient. “It all makes sense now...Twilight!” She shouted. “Earlier I felt a large gap in the magic fields when he was around. Do you think the armour is what caused it?” Twilight nodded, confirming Lyras theory.

“So...What is it enchanted to do?” He asked, curious. Twilight shook her head slowly.

“I do not know, sadly. I’m just a student studying the magic of friendship. Though I do study magic from time to time, it’s mainly to know spells. The only way for us to figure out what your amour does is to find an enchanter.”

“Well surely there is an enchanter of such nearby, correct?” He asked. Twilight shook her head. She took in a deep breath. Lyra cringed, knowing another history lesson was about to commence.

“Enchanting is long gone. The last it was used was during the second and third wars, which dated around three hundred to four hundred years ago. During those days, war covered the land. Ponies steel was strong, but not nearly strong enough. So the rulers of our kingdom sought help from the dragons, the creators of magic. The dragons have always been a neutral race, but luckily, the princess knew a certain ancient well. She managed to get the dragon to teach her the art of enchantment. Thus, she taught it to all her greatest scholars and court wizards.”

“But as I said, that was four hundred years ago. I doubt even the princess remembers how to enchant something, not to mention how to read an enchantment.” Twilight finished.

Soul laughed. “Wouldn’t she be dead though? You just said that was four hundred years ago.”

Twilight shook her head again. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are immortal. They have been alive for several thousand years.” Soul blinked.

“Right. Sorry, should have expected that.” Twilight giggled. “There is a lot of things you don’t know. “But it’s a first step, right?” Soul nodded, though not exactly full of energy.

“Hmm...I didn’t find a single shred of memories in your mind, other than the most recent events...” Twilight trailed off, pondering something closely to herself. “Perhaps the princess might know you! I know just the thing to do. Stay still, we’re heading to canterlot!” Twilight excitedly said.

Despite the obvious rudeness of performing such a dangerous spell in someones home, Twilight charged her horn to its greatest extent. The space around the three started to twist and became distorted, almost as if being pulled into a central point. Soul, though confused, furrowed his brow, not expecting great results from this new spell of hers. The air thinned and in a flash of light the three were gone.

As result of this surge of energy and power, Soul blacked out. The remaining two managed to stay conscious but appeared slightly off course from their intentional direction. In other words, straight into the canterlot gardens.

Twilight rubbed her head, groaning in agony. “Note to self...A minimum of two passengers next time!” She said, nearly fainting from the small reserves of energy left.

Lyra growled, “Next time you decide to do this, it’s considered polite to at least warn us!”

Twilight sheepishly laughed, “Sorry. I was just so excited to test it out!”

“Whatever...Say where’s Soul?” Lyra asked, glancing around the small area around them. Soul was nowhere to be found.

Twilight gulped, “Uh oh...”

Lyra stared her down. “What do you mean ‘uh oh’? What happened to him?!”

Twilight gulped again, clawing the ground with her hoof. “Well, the spell was designed for two...There is a chance Soul was flung off into some different direction. Or worse, is stuck somewhere between the walls of the universe.”

“Are you saying he’s dead?!?” Lyra shouted.

Twilight sniffed, “What have I done?”

“Nope.” Soul said, appearing from behind them. The two jumped, frightened by his sudden appearance.

“S-Soul, what, where, how...” Twilight babbled.

Soul shook his head. “I woke up behind those bushes over there.” He said, pointing at the finely cut bushes beside the various statues of Equestrian heroes. Soul looked around, taking in the scenery around him. “This is canterlot, then? Let’s get moving.” He demanded, already heading his own direction. Twilight would have stopped him if he had not been going the right direction. Lucky guess.

“Soul?” Twilight began, “I must warn you, the princess is a little different than what you would expect. I suggest yo-”

“I have a feeling.” He interrupted her.

“What?” She asked, confused by his random outburst.

“I have a feeling I already know this. We must hurry.” Soul responded, his tone changing into a strange accent. Before Twilight could question his attitude, he began running straight to the throne room. How he knew where it was, Twilight could not figure out, but decided to follow him.

The castle was deserted, so to speak. No guards stationed outside the throne room door, which surprised Twilight and Lyra. Soul payed no mind, heading straight to the large door in front. He stopped at the door, scanning it’s various markings and designs. Twilight and Lyra barely managed to keep up.

“Soul, what has gotten into you?” Lyra asked between various pants. Twilight nodded. “You’re acting very strange. Not only do you know where to go, but you’ve been saying weird things.”

Soul glanced back at them. “I know. Trust me when I say that I’m not quite sure myself, but this feeling just won’t go away.”

Twilight sighed. “What are you feeling?”

“Warmth. The sun. The closer I get, the hotter it becomes.” He said. He mumbled things to himself, as if he was talking pure cryptic code. He put his hand on the door. “These doors...Not metal. Reflects sunlight. Of course...” He laughed. “Your princess, immortal god of some sort. Name...Celestia?” He asked. Lyra and Twilight nodded, though still very much confused as to what his incoherent sayings meant.

With a surprisingly powerful push, the doors flung open. Soul charged inside, glancing around at the display of ornaments and decorations. As he charged down the hall, he forced himself to stop, taking notice of the extreme heat. Twilight and Lyra followed him, before hastily bowing to their knees before a royal presence. Soul gathered his senses, switching his gaze to the source of the heat.

“Celestial. Earth, moon, stars...” He slowed his words, staring in amazement at the creature that stood eye to eye with him. “But more importantly...The Sun.” He finished. Soul could no longer understand his own situation, and just decided to give in to the strange feeling controlling him. “Celestia. Your sun burns brighter than any I’ve ever felt. I...My name is Soul Fire. I assume you know why I am here.”

She smiled brightly, “Of course. Despite the limited knowledge of yourself, you pursue a single topic in hopes to regain your identity.” She glanced at her subjects, allowing them to rise. They did so with order, their eyes filled with the interest of a thousand scholars.

“Sadly, I cannot say I know your identity. My apologies.” Soul nodded slowly, clenching his fist in frustration. “However, you also seek the one who enchanted that armour of yours.” Soul nodded. “I am also sad to inform you that I have lost all knowledge of enchanting. Seeing as it was used for nothing but war, I sealed it away within the care of something very powerful. Still...I do have various scraps of memories left behind from its effects.

“That chest piece you wear, you say you feel could my warmth radiating from it?” She asked. Soul nodded. “I know this much then. The chest is enchanted to detect the magical element of the opponent. I raise the sun every morning, thus I have naturally inhabited the element of the sun. This explains how you were able to sense me, and find my location.”

Soul nodded, pondering on what to do next.

“You no doubt seek your identity. The key to it is without a doubt, sealed within that armour. I know what you wish to do next. The knowledge I so preciously sealed away is guarded by an ancient even older than I. That armour you wear was not enchanted by the magic of ponies.” She shook her head.

“Then what is it?” Twilight asked.

Celestia chuckled. “Twilight! My dear student, you of all students should know this! That armour was enchanted by none other than the founders of magic.”

Twilight gasped, covering her mouth with a hoof. “Princess...You don’t mean?”

Celestia nodded. “Yes, I do. The ancient guardians of this world. The dragons.”

Despite all that has happened to Soul, this subject in particular interested him the most. What was it about dragons that intrigued him so much?

“Using their voice, or Thuum, they can apply several different forms of magic to almost anything.” Celestia finished, glancing back at Soul. “Soul! I know very little of the world beyond this, but one thing is certain. You must seek out Void, the ancient of death. There he will teach you the many forms of dragon tongue and the meaning behind your armour.” Celestia said, rather serious. “I must warn you. He will test you in a series of trials. If you cannot pass these...Then I cannot guarantee your reincarnation.” She finished, her tone sad.

“What do you mean?” Lyra asked. Soul furrowed his brow, suspicious of the alicorns meaning.

“He is the ancient of death. He lies within the realm of the dead. In more simple terms...”

“I must first die.” Soul interrupted, his tone dark, serious. Celestia cringed slightly, nodding.

“It sounds highly illogical, but Void is the gatekeeper for the souls of the living. He has the ability to send souls back, should he feel the need.” Celestia said. “I can of course, end your life with close to no pain whatsoever. Remember, this is all your choice. One last thing, should you confront him, tell him I sent you. He will understand.”

Soul looked back at Lyra and Twilight, feeling a little selfish for taking a risk like this, but his desire to find his purpose, his reason for existence was far more consuming.

He looked back at Celestia. “Do it.”

Vul Sahkrii

Chapter 3

Vul Sahkrii

In a mixed blur of vision and distorted sound, the clueless warrior awoke from his slumber. Looking around him, he noticed the landscape of the area was quite simple. White, endless, and seemingly spoke eternity. A strange sensation of emptiness clutched his heart, drowning it in sorrow. He felt his heart, breathing in slow, heavy takes. Yet, the longer he tried, the more it became noticeable to him. His heart was not beating.

His pace would have increased if there was such thing to begin with. He then remembered why he was here. The dragon, Void. Looking around once more, this time below him, he found himself atop a rocky formation of some sort. Processing the increased amount of information became difficult but he strove to find a way to understand. Using sheer wits, he managed to ignore the confusion, turning around slowly. His eyes shrank, as he stumbled to the ground.

Behold before him was the ancient himself, Void. Wrapping around the mountain, his gigantic size made Soul feel like a grain of sand before him. He had imagined dragons to be as big as a home, but this dragon was the size of three hundred castles. With a planetary size such as this, Soul felt weaker than ever before.

The dragon, presumably sleeping, snoozed away. His nose picked up a small scent, thrusting his eyes open. The massive black dragon had various cuts and wounds that seeped white flames which flung themselves around like solar flares on the sun. His monochrome colors were strange, even for a dragon.

“Papa...” He whispered, surprisingly not even audible to the ears of the human.

“Come closer, Sil." His voice echoed throughout the realm, reaching the ears of the human in frightening volume. “I am Wuthsulomsah...Or Void as your kind says.”

Soul barely managed to keep himself on his feet as he slowly approached the dying ancient. As he neared his maw, the dragon sniffed the air around him.

“That brat sent you, didn’t she? Does she not know this place is not for the living! She cannot run from me forever. I will not accept your soul...BEGONE!” He roared.

“I-I come to seek answers!” Soul yelled. The dragon pondered whether to let him speak or to send him back.

“I seek help for finding my existence! And she...” He gulped. “Says you can help by deciphering the enchantments on this armour!”

The dragons eye grew in surprise. “You...Come here seeking my help? What makes you think you are worthy of such an honor?” The dragon asked, clearly angered by the humans treachery.

“I...” Soul started, unable to finish his sentence. Who was he to ask a god for assistance? “What if I did something for you in return?”

Void mumbled various whispers to himself. “Your armour does indeed hold secrets, this much is true. And I am in need of some assistance...Listen closely creature. I was once a dragon of pure darkness. But even we, the ancients, age. The light of the mortal souls have rubbed off on me, weakening me.” Soul nodded, barely he managed to keep himself together. This dragon was scary!

Void closed his great eyes, sighing. “With the disappearance of Father, I am prolonged to die as well.”

Soul wondered who this...Father was, but was snapped back into attention when the dragon growled. “If you complete the task, I will consider not sending your soul to the pits of Tartarus.”

“W-What do you want me to do, my lord?” Soul asked, feeling extremely inferior to the demi-god. The dragon chuckled deeply. “Your kind has always been bound by honor and loyalty.” Soul opened his eyes. His kind...Bound my loyalty and honor. Not so bad. At this moment, Soul felt a sense of pride burn within him as he served his new master.

The dragon smiled. “Because of this, I will teach you something very important. A piece of information to aid you on your quest.” The dragon blew a small wave of fire toward Soul, slightly frightening him in the process. The fire instead engraved a strange language into the ground. Strange...But familiar. Soul found himself unconsciously reading it, as if he knew it by heart.

“There are few who know of our tongue. You were always an exception. To inherit the abilities of a dragon, some call them dragonborn. But you have not the soul of a dragon, but one of a race not of Nevra. I can tell you this much.”

“So then Kaal, what do the words say?” Void asked, smiling as his newest champion studied the hieroglyphics carved into the stone.

Soul moved his finger over the symbols over and over, barely spelling it out in his head, let alone his voice. After several tries he managed to get the first word.

“Vul...” Soul spoke slowly, his words flowing out like he was screaming. Shocked, but astonished at the sheer power of the word, he tried it again, but this time with another word.

“Vul...Feyn...” He said, a little louder this time. The air around him grew heavy, as a dark mist snaked around his arm before vanishing.

Soul looked back at the symbols, trying to decipher the last word. His mind was trapped, twisting and turning in confusion over the last word. The ancient spoke loud and true. “The last word is Paal, which means Foe in their tongue. It saddens me you do not fully remember our tongue, champion. As you have seen for yourself...You actually once spoke only Rotmulaagge.

“Though it saddens me deeper as the Rotmulaagge is all but near legend now. The dragons of Nevra, with the exceptions of the ancients, all speak their demonic, Draconic. But enough of that...Speak the final word my champion...” The dragon muttered.

“Witness the power I have given to you!”

Soul took a deep breath, shouting all the words at once.

“Vul...Feyn Paal!” He shouted, almost as loud as the cataclysmic ancient before him. The air around his arm blew intensely, as the mist returned. The mist slithered to his palm, forming into the shape of a devastatingly twisted sword.

“Tol los un zahkrii, Sil...” The dragon spoke. “Made from the darkest of souls, to the sharpest of tongues. Use it however you wish, but do so in my name!” Void snorted. Soul smiled, giving the twisted longsword a few swings.

“Werid, Sil! Zok werid!” The dragon smiled. Void then suddenly frowned as he noticed something was amiss.

“Tiid los oblaan’an, Qahnaarin...Paak.” The dragon sighed, focusing his gaze on Soul once more. “Time is short, Sil. There is one last thing I must tell you before you must leave. Your Qah, your armour, is linked to ancients in more ways than you can imagine. The Rotmulaagge blesses each piece, though each belongs to another. That hood of yours, does not belong to you. It was my brother’s, Vokunriiknahlot. The ancient of stealth and sneak. It will be a difficult task to find him.” The dragon closed his eyes in frustration. “Though with luck, you may be visited by him yourself. He knows of your search. I do not doubt.”

“Wait!” Soul called out. “What about my side of the agreement. You never told me what you wanted. My lord, I will do whatever is necessary to bring you to your former glory.”

“Krosis, Sil. I have already given you the items for the quest. Nevra is full of souls to be reaped. The darkest of them all with restore my state. Slay those who would dare harm the life of innocents, sending them to me, where I will judge them to an eternity in sorrow.” Soul discarded the feeling of guilt, realizing that this was his path. As long as he was getting rid of evil souls, it was righteous in his cause.

Soul felt uneasy as his vision distorted. “Rah rein, Qahnaarin. Krosis...” Soul could do no response as his body was snuffed out from the realm of souls like a candle. The ancient sighed, smiling as he rested his head back on the platform.

“Nos nu, Qahnaarin....” He gazed off into the empty abyss. “Draal...Horvutal viir.” He mumbled, falling back into a deep slumber, awaiting the next soul to appear.

End of ChapterTranslations:Sil - Soul

Nevra - Equivalent of Equis, or Earth.

Kaal - Champion

Vul Feyn...Paal! - Dark Bane Foe

Rotmulaagge - Word of Power

Tol los un sahkrii - This is my sword

Zok Werid! - Much praise!

Tiid los oblaan’an, Qahnaarin...Paak - Time is Ending, Vanquisher...Shame

Qah - Armour

Krosis - Apologies

Rah rein - Gods roar

Nos nu, Qahnaarin... - Strike now, Vanquisher

Draal...Horvutal viir - Pray...Trapped dying

Vokun

Chapter 4

Vokun

“Faal jul los Faasnu...”

Celestia became worried. It had been more than a couple hours since Souls departure into the realm of the dead, and he still wasn’t back. Twilight sat around, studying hard into several resurrection type books, hoping she could help in any way. Nevertheless, the alicorn never lost her cool. She sat atop her golden throne, her eyes closed, waiting in perfect patience. Well, almost perfect. Inside, she was battling her conscience for murdering a living creature. She knew it was his choice, but how could she shrug off something so important.

Celestia felt a pinch of fear enter her system as she remembered her old ‘friend’, and her promise to him. She knew what he wanted, and that was her soul. It would be the finest amongst the dishes, despite its dominate holiness. The thousands of years of mixed decisions and feelings would be a perfect mix between heroic and wicked. She gulped, knowing very well the secret to her success.

She felt a large blast of pain as the most tainted of her memories flooded back to her. Her meeting with the face of death was a memory not able to be forgotten. For every second she lives, it reminds her of her deal. A deal with the devil. The pain grew as it all played out before her once more...

The blade sunk deeper into her shining white coat. The final blow was dealt, and she had little time to see the world around her before her life flashes before her eyes. The forest was overrun, the castle under siege, her followers and strongest knights falling to the knees of their enemies. She looked back at her opponent, her eyes shrinking to peas. The looming figure was shrouded in dark mist, making it’s form unseen. A claw of some kind shot out of the mist, grabbing her around the neck, nearly snapping it. She could tell it was smiling devilishly behind its cover. It’s voice reached her ears, it’s demonic taint corrupting her drums. It’s voice poured thousands of years of war and hatred into a single phrase.

However, the words fell on deaf ears. Her vision faded as the monster yanked the blade from her. She lay on the ground, drowning in her own blood, wishing she could do something to stop it. She knew it was too late, as the sky grew dark and the rain fell with the blood of her fallen. Her vision was nearly gone as she gazed at the shrouded figure. Sucking in the cold air around itself, it shouted at the sky with intense power. The whole of Equis shook as the once beautiful celestial body that shined the world fell into a blood-red form. It shook violently, as it slowly grew larger. She soon realized what exactly was happening. The moon, the very mother of this world, was falling straight into it. Her sorrow, her anger, and her regret faded with her as she found herself in the realm of the dead.

With no time to recollect her thoughts, she hastily searched her area, hoping for an escape. She had not died, did she? She did not want to believe it of course.

“Four hundred years, and you still had one to go. What a waste of precious life, Key. Even so, you are still Joor.” A voice came from behind her, scaring what little remained of her sanity. She opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the ancients growl. “Do not speak. You are far from worthy to speak to me, Key. Normally, by now, I would have sent you to the heavens to embrace with your fellow Keys.” He stopped, cringing at the aspect of paradise. “Disgusting. But Father has other ideas. The shroud which threatens your world must be destroyed, and you are going to be the one to do it. But there’s a catch, little Key.” He chuckled. “Do you wish to save your pathetic kind, no matter the cost, oh loyal Joor?” He teased.

She nodded furiously, ignoring the deal she was about to make. “Then sign this contract, and you will receive power unlike you have ever seen before. You will return with the power of a god, and even the lifespan of one as well. But all of this...” He smiled. “Comes at a price.”

“I accept this deal, whatever the cost; I need not hear it, just give me the power to save my ponies!” She shouted, much to the amusement to the dragon. She had just accepted to the terms of a soul-bound contract. The dragon laughed loud and freely, realizing he had just made the greatest catch of his entire existence. A soul of a alicorn? Worth a billion souls!

“So be it little Key. Just know that when you return here, you will be mine, and mine forever.” He smiled devilishly, giving the pony no time to react before she was snuffed from the empty space, leaving the dragon happy as can be.

“PRINCESS!!!!!” Twilight screamed, waking the shining monarch from her consistent gaze into the void. She blinked several times, apologizing to her student. Twilight found this very odd, as she did not recall any times her immortal master taking such time to ponder something to herself. She knew something was troubling her, but knew even better as to not push farther into the problems of a god.

“He’s awake, Princess. Has been actually, for the past five minutes.” Lyra said, nuzzling Soul’s side, as he stared off, dreaming. Though he couldn’t admit it, he was in shock. So much information poured into oneself tends to cause such things, of course. Most prefer to take things in slowly, letting the information soak as they understand its purpose, but the ancient had little time to care for Souls well-being.

Soul swallowed a gap of air in his throat, slowly pulling himself to his feet. He gazed back at Lyra, feeling a twinge of pain as he noticed the tone of her eyes. They were bothered, slightly red from what he could assume was tears.

“Were you crying?” He asked, a hint of sorrow in his voice. Despite his previous goal of finding his feet, he knelt back down to the level of Lyra. He approached her cheek with a hand, but she quickly swiped it away.

“I’m fine. Just glad you’re okay.” She said, if not hastily in a sense. Soul felt the longing to draw happiness from this mare, no longer wanting to extract worry and confusion.

“I know it may not make sense to you,” He said, his hand slowly moving toward his face. “But I know, and promise that I...” He changed his words into a soft caring tone, drawing Lyra’s grand eyes.“Will be just fine.”

Giving Lyra a warm hug, that she admittedly wanted to last forever, he squeezed her tight. She nuzzled his chest, releasing thousands of friendly endorphins to embrace within their temples. Getting back on his feet, he switched his loving gaze back to his cold-deathly stare, directly at Celestia.

Celestia received his piercing stare with no recoil, but simply wondered how something so dangerous could be so loving. Snapping from her trance, she coughed loudly, just enough to gain the attention of her smaller subjects.

“I’m glad to see you’re awake.” She said warmly. “I have no doubt what you saw and learned was in fact that of Void, as I will not dare ask what you experienced. That is none of my business.” Twilight reared back in surprise. What could not be her business? She’s the princess of course! Surely she had to know...Right?

“I can sense your determination building up inside you.” She switched her gaze to her subject, Lyra. “Though while you stay in my country, you are still not one of my citizens. Your origins are completely unknown to even myself, to be honest.” She reversed it back to Soul. “So it falls down to the knowledge of one last pony. That being my sister, of course, Luna.” She sighed, trotting off her throne towards Soul.

“Much to our fortune, she is not with us at the moment.” She groaned, sarcastically finishing her statement.

“Do you know where she could be, great ruler?” Soul asked. Despite his direct orders from Dinoksolumsah, he was curious as to what this relative of hers could have that would aid him. Celestia stopped a few yards from him, examining his body closely. Almost instinctively, she casted a spell, despite her current observation of the creature.

“Yes. Though she is quite far from here.” She said, as the various lights finished collecting around the space between them. When it was formed, Soul could see an almost three-dimensional map of the country before him. “Is this Equestria?” He asked, pointing at the giant space of flat land, surrounded by trees.

“Correct. The safest place in all of Equis.” She smiled, grateful her ponies were always safe from the horrible monstrosities that roamed from beyond the forests. Soul, palm to chin, examined the map thoroughly. From outside the large plain of land was a massive forest, one side leading to an ocean, the other to an extensive mountain range. Though he couldn’t see it before, directly south of both sides was a passage leading downwards into a gray-ish unreadable landscape.

“What is all this?” Soul pointed out the gray features, making Celestia shake her head. “I was getting to that. This is the most dangerous place in Equis. The Dead Lands. The capital of Nevra, home of the dragons.” Celestia said, closing her eyes in grief. “Countless wars were fought there, even the one deciding the fate of Equestria, around two hundred years ago. The same war we used those enchantments for.”

Celestia approached Soul, the map disappearing into nothingness. When she was a mere foot away, she whispered into his ear. “We share the same pact, creature. I know what you are thinking, and you will most likely find him there.” Celestia trotted past him, yawning slightly. “In fact, my sister went to the very same place to find the same thing. Finding her will be hard, no doubt. But I believe she was looking for a place called, Shadows Depths.” She glanced back over her shoulder, ignoring her two pony subjects.

“Still. It is dangerous to go alone. Even with power such as yours, you will not stand a chance against dragons.” Celestia stopped herself, pondering to on how she could help. “I must catch up to my duties. I will provide an escort back to Ponyville where you will stay for the next three nights. This should give me enough time to properly think out this situation.”

Celestia nodded, exiting down the hall of gold and silver. The doors slammed behind her, leaving confused ponies, and a foreigner. Shortly after her departure, a squad of royal guards came to assist the few in returning back home. The two mares came willingly, though Soul was hesitant for the moment. His unrest finally gave in to the vibrant glow of the sun’s guardians.

They left in a carriage pulled by two pegasi. The two mares sat in front talking about various things Soul couldn’t understand. It’s not like he wanted to anyway. Soul sat in the back, the very back, his mind in other places. His mind wandered from how two relatively small creatures could pull something as heavy as the carriage, but magic floated its way back into the missing section for logic. He started to think everything in this world revolved around magic. As if logic lost it’s way into the world.

He shook his head, remembering that he had no previous knowledge of the world anyway. So why was he thinking that all this magic was illogical? If there was anything he could confirm from these thoughts, it would have to be a single fact. He was not from Equestria.

His eyes wandered from the vast forest below him to the rocky mountains surrounding the peaceful country. Perhaps his home was elsewhere? He had initially lost hope when Celestia told him she had never seen a kind like his before, but that discerning faith was destroyed when she also said she had never set hoof outside the country. It gave him a slight hope, something he desperately needed.

On the outside, he looked like an iron wall to the ponies. His gaze deathly, void of emotion. Unmoving, straight to his desire; but inside...A battle to be won, one that he has no experience fighting. His one goal, his one desire. To find another like him.

He didn’t want to admit it, but in all honesty, Soul felt really uncomfortable around all these ponies. Sure, they were friendly; ones like Lyra, who took him in despite his differences. She was perhaps the greatest friend he had.

“What’s wrong Soul?” A familiar voice called from the front seat. Soul looked at Lyra with confused eyes.

“To be honest...Just about everything.” He replied, sighing. Lyra frowned, taking a seat next to him. Twilight gave him a look of worry, surprisingly feeling sympathy for the dark shadow in the car. He rubbed his forehead, his gaze on the floor, unwilling to face his friends.

“One moment I’m trying to get help from the gods of this world...” He said, his body filling up with artificial anger. Slamming his fist into the seat beside him, he groaned loudly. “The next, they don’t even know, and I’m getting damn super powers from giant supernatural dragons!”

“Soul, it’s okay, you just need to calm down.” Lyra softly cooed, trying to calm the raging ancient. Soul shook his head violently.

“Calm down?! How can I make sense of things anymore? I don’t even know what’s normal, what’s real, and what’s...WHAT!”

“I know it must be rough for you, but please calm down. I...” Lyra started, finding herself incapable of finishing her sentence. “I can’t do anything to make your memories come back, but I can help you find them.” She finished, nuzzling Souls side. Soul felt his rage subside, giving in to the warm mare’s motherly embrace. Realizing his outburst, he sighed, stroking Lyra’s mane gently.

“Forgive me. I’m not getting any closer acting like that. Sorry you girls had to see that. From now on...” He sighed, a laugh coming from deep within surfacing lightly. "I start anew!"

Souls gaze switched back to the wide open landscape, his mind wandering back to his origins.

End of Chapter

Translations

Key - Horse

Sahsunaar

Chapter 5

Sahsunaar

The bell echoed throughout the hallways, corridors, and spaces between, giving notice that class was now over. Students of all shapes and sizes, colors and forms exited their rooms, heading preferably back to their dorms or someplace else. Out of the herd of students, one in particular followed the teacher of the classroom she was just occupied in.

"Professor!" She called out, scurrying to keep up with him. "Professor, may I speak to you please?"

The stallion ignored her requests, pursuing his ongoing target, the staff buffet.

Easily angered by his rude response she charged her horn, and in a flash appeared in front of the old stallion. "Professor, I would like it if you speak to me."

"Oh, Miss Far, good to see you again." He said sarcastically, before moving around her and continuing his journey to the magnificent spectacle of food set for him and his co-workers.

Miss Far grunted, charging her horn once again, but this time levitating the professor back to her, holding him in place. He squirmed around, shooting daggers at her eyes.

"I demand you put me down this instant! I could get you expelled for this!" He shouted, only loud enough for the both to hear.

Miss Far, in return and revenge, ignored his requests and brought him closer. "And I demand you speak to me about it."

The two stared at each other for what seemed like ages until the old stallion finally gave up. "Look Miss Far, I've already told you this, I have nothing else to teach you!" He implied.

She pouted, but then remembered. "What about those other classes? I saw you teaching some colts around campus, what was that?"

The old stallion laughed, "Those were personal classes, and they are far too advanced for you."

She was shocked, "Too advanced, I-" She was cut off by his dismissing hoof.

"Look, you may have been taught by Celestia, but if you haven't figured out yet, some of the Mages in this university are more magically advanced than even her. You must learn from the best to be the best, which is why you are here." He said.

Hearing the tough truth about her mentor was much, but understanding that she must spend another two years in the same classes before she could move on was even worse. She had already aced all the tests so far, she knew all the material, so what's the point?

"Professor, I have done everything this school has to offer, I have passed every class in every nook and cranny of the art of magic. So why won't you let me learn what those other ponies learn?" She begged.

The professor sighed, putting a hoof on her shoulder. "You should respect and love your youth. For the final magic we teach is far too dangerous for you to learn."

Miss Far blinked, confused. "My youth...Dangerous? What do you mean dangerous?"

"Miss Far, this entire time you have been learning defensive and conjuration magic. The only kind of magic any average pony would need right?" She nodded. "But beyond that is what we like to call offensive magic. It is the most dangerous kind. The power to conjure flames at will and incinerate your enemies..."

He sighed, continuing. "But it doesn't stop there. The most ancient kind of magic we teach is only available through the headmaster,  Professor Weavehoof. He is sort of a nut, to be honest.” Far frowned, much to the professors amusement.

"Teaching Rotmulaagge, as they call it!”

Far’s mouth dropped, "Y-You mean?"

The professor nodded, "Yes, the dragon’s language. Not draconic, but old dragon. Starswirl could barely catch a glimpse of its true power."

Far gulped, but then remembered. "But why study it if we cannot use it?" She asked.

The professor nodded, “True, in a sense, my dear. Though through much study, and practice, if you remember correctly, Starswirl managed to shout a few words in his lifetime. Of course, it took him thirty years to master it." He said, trying his best to scare the young mare from trying it.

Far spent a few seconds to re-gather her thoughts, but by the time she was back to ask more questions, the professor was gone. She looked around, calling his name. She heard a bubble sound next to her. She turned around to see a conjured message bubble. She cocked a brow and popped it, waiting to hear its contents.

"I'm sorry Miss Far, I must be going, the buffet awaits me. Ta ta!" A voice replayed.

Far blinked, turning back around to the hallway, still filled with hundreds of students. "Rotmulaagge...I know what I'll be writing to the princess about tonight." she squealed, heading back to class.

Within the company of her dorm-mates, who were busy, well studying, she opened a letter from her greatest friend, the personal protege of the princess, and fellow student under the ruler of Equestria as well, her greatest friend, Miss Twilight Sparkle. They had been friends for as long as they could remember, reaching far back into the lights of their childhood.

Of course, due to certain complications, they were separated when high school came around. Fars parents decided to send her to another school, all much to financial issues. She was, of course, disappointed to leave her friend, but as soon as college came around, they were both thrilled to see each other sharing the same classes. Though today, Twilight was on hiatus due to the recent events of the crystal empire.

She quickly read the letter with haste, her eyes growing wide in interest and surprise. Her friends noticed this, deciding to push for the reason. When she wouldn’t answer, they started throwing various objects at her, which she dodged, laughing at her friends silly actions. “Stop, I’ll read it!” She laughed.

Her friends smiled, listening to the letter about to be bestowed unto their ears.

“Apparently, she has been excused from classes for the time because of a project assigned by...By Stars beard, by Princess Luna herself!” She squealed, along with the rest of her friends. “So lucky!” One said. “I wonder what it is?” Another asked.

“Shh, shh, wait, I’m getting to that!” She glared at the alabaster mare, who quickly shut her mouth, though a small excitement behind her disguise surfaced.

“It says that Luna has recently left Equestria on a trip to find more about the...Dragons!” She shouted, surprised. Her friends ooed in response, interested in what could provoke the mare to do such things. “While on her trip, she managed to snatch a piece of advice from the local dragons. It says she found an ancient language engraved on various stones across the valley of death.” Far’s eyes grew fearful reading that title.

“The dragons call it ‘Father’. Oh my...Wow...What’s this?” She read on. “She has direct orders from Luna to research more about this language for her. The dragons said that a ‘bearer’ of Father is roaming Equestria.” She looked up from her letter, exchanging glances with her friends. “No idea what that means.”

She continued to read the letter, nearing the bottom. “Sorry girls, that’s all, the rest is all personal.” She smiled. The girls moaned, though a few squealed in excitement over this lucky turn of events. She laughed, turning her head back to the letter. As her eyes read over it, she whispered it in a hush tone.

“Far, I’ve recently met with a creature from an unknown origin. A good friend of mine, Lyra, found him wandering the park a few days ago. He stands on two legs, like a diamond dog, but is covered with black scaly armour. He looks like he just came from a war or something. Even so, that isn’t why I’m telling you about him. The reason is because his armour. It’s enchanted.” Fars eyes grew small to the size of peas.

“Enchanted? But that’s impossible...” She whispered.

“The only creatures known to pony who could have done these things were dragons. They invented enchantment in the first place. Okay, no big deal right? It get’s even more interesting. After visiting Celestia, in hope she could decipher the enchantment’s, she sent him into the afterlife to chase after some dragon that supposedly guards the gate to hell.

“As much as this sounds insane, it’s all true. We managed to find that his chestpiece can detect magical energies, which explains how he knew exactly where Celestia was, but...Something about him bothers me. It’s like he’s hiding something. I feel so terrible for thinking this way, as he remember close to nothing about himself, using Lyra, perhaps his only friend for support. Before you know it, he’s back from the dead, completely different, and utterly silent. Before you know it, Celestia tells him to travel south. Yes, that south. I don’t know about it all, Far, but I know he can’t survive on his own.

“Look. There is a reason why I’m writing this letter to you. I know what you’ve always wanted to do, but never got the chance. You’re the adventurous mare, aren’t you? There is no pony else in the whole world I trust more than my bestest friend. Would you go with him to the Dead Lands?

“It’s a lot to ask for, I know. To endanger yourself like that. But I-” Far closed her eyes, putting the note aside. The other girls noticed her strange change in behavior, giving her worried looks. She faced them, her face void of emotion. Suddenly, without cause or reason, she jumped into the air, screaming, “ADVENTURE!!!!”

The middle aged professor finished his meal, sitting down at his desk. His eyes moved over the hundreds of papers that had yet to be graded. He moaned loudly, much to the amusement of a certain monarch which had found herself into the room.

“Grading is never that much fun is it, Books?” She asked quietly. The professor jumped up in shock at the surprising appearance of royalty.

“My word Celestia! You almost gave this old coot a heart attack!” He said, bowing respectfully at her before moving his attention back to the papers.

She laughed, “You’re not that old, Books. Besides, I’ve got your blood pumping now, haven’t I?” She asked, stifling a laugh. Books, unmoving from his papers, blushed. “I-It seems so...” He gazed to the window, his heartbeat picking up from the presence of her royalness.

“You’re so adorable, Books.” She whispered from directly behind Books. He yelped, shooting out from his desk, to the window, leaving a giggling schoolgirl in place for a ruler. His nervousness changed into slight anger as he pouted. “What do you want, Celestia!” He trotted back over to his papers, occasionally exchanging glances with her. “I am quite busy, you know that right?”

His face heated up as she closed in on him, her smile growing seductively. Once the warm breath of his ruler was upon his neck, he ported a few desks away with the papers.

“Keep this up, and I won’t be able to tell you from a harlot!” He shouted, his face blood red with embarrassment. Celestia fixed herself a childish laugh. Books glared at her, unamused. With a soft finishing chuckle, she coughed to gain his attention.

“We always shared something special, Books.” She said warmly. “Besides, you’re still as handsome as always, if not cuter.” She flirted, much to the annoyance to the professor.

“The very moment I became Court Wizard, you flirted with me on many accounts.” He laughed, “Even tried to court with myself if I recall.”

“Can you blame me? You were the sexiest stallion of thirty-fourteen...” She recalled.

“Yes, and that was...What? Twenty years ago? You know something Celestia?” He asked. She cocked a brow, unsure.

“Yes?”

“Minus running the country, you act like such a foal around me. Honestly, it’s like you’re some teenager with a crush, who can’t manage to conduct herself in an orderly fashion. Then again...” He laughed. “Teenagers!” She laughed as well, knowing all too well about the behavior of an average teenager.

“So where would you like to go tonight?” He asked, a stallionly tone invading his box. She gasped. “A date? Are you asking me out?” She asked innocently.

Books laughed harder. “You’re quite the actress, my dear. But enough roleplay, what shall it be?”

Her smile grew as she gathered a list of various places she would love to spend the evening with him. An idea popped into her head as she remembered her favorite restaurant. “How about Cataclysmic Cafe?”

Books smiled, “Your favorite, of course. I shall meet you there at eight?”

Celestia nodded, parting his presence with a peck on the cheek. They’ve been unofficially dating for years, and yet he cannot stop himself from heating up whenever she even grazes him. He sighed, his happy attitude letting him plow through the rest of his papers, and eventually head home to tidy up for the night.

God

Chapter 6

God

Business was booming, so to speak. Obviously with the arrival of an extremely unexpected guest, though regular, but still unexpected on the certain time date, it was the word of the town. Yes, the town, in fact the small town of Ironwing, just off the coast of the waters that met Equestria. A town only for the richest of the rich, it sat creeping over a ledge above the sea, held up by obsidian obelisks. These obelisks were constantly under spell to keep the whole place from coming down, but regardless, most tourists would say it’s a magnificent sight.

With a population of around fifty, the small village was close to nothing in terms of being an actual settlement, but none of that mattered. It’s true purpose is to guard an old statue of an ancient war hero, stationed at the center. His name was, not surprisingly, Ironhoof. Perhaps the greatest earth pony who ever lived, as historians say. He fought in the dead wars to the south several hundred years ago. His fellow brothers, both pegasus and unicorn were stationed elsewhere in their own respective cities. He was taken home when he was sealed by Screecher, the dragon of a thousand glares. Trapped within stone, they haven’t the slightest if he shall ever be released, much less alive.

Many historians claim that he could not be alive, mainly due to the fact that he isn’t a spirit. Others asked why this claim was to be considered. As accepted by mainly all who know of it today, the fact remains that a mortal body cannot last, even when imprisoned in stone. The entire reason other ancients, such as Discord could live was because he is immortal, and is a materialized spirit. With his recent turn in ways, they were able to discover that without his chaotic magic, his material body would fade into nothingness and his form would be lost forever.

When questioned, he simply said that there are hundreds like him, spirits just floating around the world, searching for a body. He was extremely lucky to be granted a body himself. Not obtained, but granted. Though when pushed further he wouldn’t say anything about who gave him the body, as if he was hiding something.

Small buildings inhabited the town, most of them untouched from the hundreds of years of history. Some were rebuilt under the kind care of those more fortunate. In fact, only select individuals were allowed to live in these houses. Selected by none other than Celestia herself. Speaking of Celestia, as where she sat, awaiting her date with uncertain patience.

He’s five minutes late...She thought to herself, becoming impatient with her date’s tardiness.

As soon as the thought passed, the doors opened revealing a stallion dressed in a typical black tuxedo. His not-so vibrant red fur was a simple result of old age. A mane inflicting the color of paper, giving his name purpose. Burning Books, as he was called. With the coat of fire, which seemingly destroys the tomes of knowledge in his hair. Though his entire name was quite ironic. A professor who indulges himself in books, wishes not to burn them. Then again, what sort of lifestyle would that be? A special talent? Nearly silliness in its greatest extent.

Greeted by, well, greeters at the front, the stallion politely made his entrance, already heading by instinct to the reserved table. His gentle sight met his mate, excitingly waiting his presence. Dressed in beautiful solar white dress, topped with several gold trinkets. Taking a seat across from her, he met her warm gaze.

“Where have you been? You’re five minutes late...” She said, a little disappointment in her voice.

Books coughed, “My apologies, my lady. It seems the mages had not the aptitude to keep the gates working. So I had to port myself here, one tiring spell at a time.” He finished with a frown.

“..You managed to get all the way here? How long ago did you leave? Are you okay?” She asked, worry in her tone.

Books waved a dismissive hoof. “It’s no problem my dear. I’ve been studying in that field for my whole life, had you not forgotten. The arcane of teleportation is still a mess to me, but regardless, I can manage to get twenty or so miles per spell.”

He laughed, “Better than any other spellcaster out there!”

She smiled, agreeing with him. “Surely you must be tired though. You’re not as young anymore, and as I would imagine, the act of several spells with that magnitude would do much to you.”

Books shook his head. “I was the greatest spellcaster in the country at one point. My pool is much larger than that. It would take much, much more to take me down.”

Celestia smiled, though faintly as her brow furrowed. “But what if you discharged? You can’t control yourself like you used to. If you did, even the thought...” She couldn’t finish, as her voice started to choke up.

Books grabbed her hoof, clutching it tightly. “My dear, have you forgotten who you speak to?”

“I am Burning Books, granted Master of Arcane. Magic is my life, as the thought of me losing control is unreasonable. I have seen the masters of magic, and have even spoken to Him. Do you think that blessing would go to waste?” Celestia shook her head, smiling again.

The two continued to eat, catching in moderate conversations about politics and various...Immature topics at moments. Lovers tend to do these things regardless. When their meal was finished, Books paid, as the conduct always goes.

“So, what troubles you, my dear?” Books asked, clearly knowing what she was hiding.

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb now dear. I know of the creature.”

“H-How did you?”

Books laughed. “Yes well, He told me. Knowledge of such interest doesn’t fly past Him.”

“I suppose I have no choice. The creature is named, ‘Soul’. To be honest, I have not the slightest what he is, nor his origins. What makes it worse, neither does he. I...sent him to Void for answers. I don’t know why, but I did!” She nearly shouted, confused from her own actions. Books grabbed her hoof, comforting her.

“He talked to him. Mentioned his armour that he wears had enchantments written in Rotmulaagge.” She said, Book’s eyes shrinking to peas.

Books opened his mouth to speak, but something...else forced it shut.

“I’m sending him south to the Dead Lands so he may find my sister. If anything, she might know about his enchantments. After all, she was the first to discover Him. Books, my love, I cannot get this feeling from my system. Something about him, it’s strange, it just isn’t normal. He is leaving tomorrow at dusk, though I wish him not to go alone.”

Books stood up from the table, staring into her eyes.

“This will not do. I suppose it’s time I take a vacation.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Celestia asked, afraid.

“The Dead Lands is not for just any pony. Without somepony with experience he will not last a moment!” He excused himself from the table, helping Celestia from her chair. “Besides! I haven’t visited Him in years! It will be a nice trip.”

She sighed, giving Books a peck on the cheek. “Ponyville. Much to my information, you will be joined by a mare by the name of ‘Travel Far’, and of course, Soul.”

Smiling, Books bid his date farewell, heading towards the door, but was stopped by a familiar mist. Turning back to see the despair and worry planted upon his mate’s face was enough to know what she meant. “Please be careful...And please help that child. I know he is still lost.”

Trotting back over to her, he gave her a quick kiss. Their muzzles joined together, Celestia felt a little better. Saying nothing, he winked before fading into the air. Celestia managed to keep herself together, heading back home to the sleeping city of Canterlot.

”Soul? Somepony is here to see you,” said Lyra. Soul closed the book he was reading, switching his gaze to the pony next to Lyra. Just by the colors, he could tell it was a girl. An earth pony, her colors shining like the sun. A yellow coat with a orange mane. Soul wondered if her name was ‘Vibrant Sun’, or something around those lines. All these ponies seemed to have names relating their colors.

“This is Travel Far,” she said, smiling. “Travel Far, meet Soul Fire.” She nudged her friend who was busy gaping in awe at Soul. Though he felt slightly uncomfortable at her strange gaze, he managed to keep himself together. Lyra nudged her again, a little harder this time.

“Oh! Sorry,” she giggled. “My name is Travel Far...Of course you already know that, so why would I say that? Oh man, I’m so bad at entrances, I hope I didn’t make a bad impressi-” She said, cut off by the raised hand of Soul.

“It’s quite alright. Good to meet you Miss Far. So what brings you to me? Sorry, but I don’t accept autographs...” He laughed, though much to his confusion, she did too.

“No, no, no, I’m not here for that! Twilight sent me a letter saying you were going on an adventure, a quest of some sort, so she asked me to tag along.” She responded, smiling. Soul was dumbstruck.

“You’re the help I’m getting?” He asked, unaware of the insult he just made.

Far frowned, offended by his comment. “Yes, I am? I’ll have you know I’ve been to the deepest reaches of Slavern, the highest peaks of Gryphon, and-” She said, though was cut off by Lyras hoof.

“Soul, she’s an experienced explorer. Not to mention, fighter as well. She will help protect you on your journey.” Soul stayed quiet for a moment, pondering whether or not to trust this mare, but if Lyra said so...

“Sorry, I’m still kind of skeptical about this whole thing.”

“It’s okay, I can’t blame you.” She replied kindly.

Soul was an honest soul at heart, and this whole thing was quite perplexing to him. Regarding his loss of memory, the mere fact that things were moving so fast, and he had not the slightest problem with it, well, surprised him. He always thrusted it aside, knowing he knew nothing about this world. Perhaps his ability to adjust extremely quick to almost every situation was an attribute of his?

“Lyra?” Soul asked.

“Yes, Soul?”

His expression, though hidden, changed from content to worry. “And where will you be? What are you going to do?”

Her smile grew larger. “I’ve decided I’m going to stay and help Twilight research this ‘Father’. There are a lot of places in Equestria, so I’m sure there’s something here that can help us!”

Soul nodded. “That’s good. Keep in touch, okay?”

She nodded as well. “Exactly why we have but one more member of your team arriving soon. He is a unicorn, so you will be able to write back!” She smiled. “His name is Burning Books, a largely accepted, powerful professor at Canterlot University.”

Far’s smile faded as soon as she heard that name, slowly turning her expression into overwhelming shock. “The Professor is coming as well?!”

“Indeed I am, Miss Far. This adventure will directly affect your grade, so I suggest you study hard.” A voice came from behind them. Lyra and Far jumped at the scare, but Soul remained unwavered. Soul switched his gaze to the elderly pony standing at the library door.

Must have let himself in...How appropriate...He thought.

“I did not let myself in lad, the door was wide open.” The professor sharply replied.

Lyra gasped, “So that’s why it was so cold in here...”

Souls eyes widened at the reply of the professor. He had not said anything, yet it was if he had.

You and me have much to discuss, my boy. Follow me up the stairs so that we may talk in peace. The voice intruded his head once again, a sharp pain following. Though he could not understand what was happening, he nodded hastily, slightly intrigued by the power of this unicorn.

“I’m sorry ladies, but if you will excuse me and Soul for a moment. I wish to have a word with him.” He politely excused himself, trotting up the staircase. Soul glanced at Lyra and Far, who gave him mixed glances, clearly unsure. Trusting the unicorn’s wisdom, he followed after him, closing the door in the upper room, leaving the two alone.

“Greetings, lad. My name is Professor Burning Books, good to meet you. But you may refer to me as The Professor, or simply Professor in nicknames.” He smiled. Soul opened his mouth to do the same, but felt it forced shut. “No need for your’s, I know it already. Besides, you don’t know anything about yourself to begin with anyway.”

Soul would have been angry for this unnecessary force, but he felt the need to agree. The professor WAS right.

“So then lad, now that introductions are out of the way, let us get down to business. I can tell just by your biological force, that you are quite young. Being young, I want you to understand these ground rules. Rule number one, I am your guide. What I say, is what is, understand?” Soul nodded, feeling no need to disagree.

“Professor, sir, if I may.” He bowed. “I am but an alien to this world. Your tone seeps wisdom, and I can tell you know much about the land ahead. I do not wish to die, so please, lead on, and I will follow.”

The Professor smiled, though slightly disappointed he didn’t get to finish his rules, he was nonetheless happy to hear those words. “My boy! You and I are going to get along just fine.” He laughed, patting the creature on his waist.

His laugh faded, and his smile disappeared as well. “Though that mare...” Soul eyed his worry, unsure.

“I will keep her under control, Professor. I have my way with mares, as odd as that may sound.” Soul offered, laughing lightly.

The Professor took this news happily. “Well you certainly wooed that Lyra mare into letting you sleep with her!” He shouted a tad bit too loud, much to the discomfort of Soul.

“W-What?! No! I slept at her house, not with her!” Soul replied hastily, shouting just as loud.

The Professor laughed, patting the ancient once more. “I know, lad. I was just pulling your knee. You...Have one of those, right?”

“Yes.”

“Ah, good then. Would have been embarrassing should it not.” The Professor chuckled nervously.

Soul began to like this old coot. Despite his scary power, he had quite the sense of humor. Soul began to sense a small spark of friendship between the two, though a banging on the door wanted to have a turn at speaking. “Just a moment!” Burning shouted, turning back to Soul, his eyes as serious as when he first arrived.

“Lad. One last thing.” He said, his tone serious.

He sighed. “My boy, I bring you grave news, and exciting news. The bad news is that I know of your little deal with Void. I can say that you are an idiot, without a doubt, a bucking moron.” He said harshly, Soul recoiling off the words.

“Though, it was unavoidable. Destiny has a way of doing things. Anyways, the bad news is that Void lied to you.” He said. Soul couldn’t find the words to respond.

“Void knows what you are, and he also knows who you are. Though for reasons unknown, he is unable to tell you. I know you must be wondering how I know all this.”

“My boy, I am the greatest spellcaster in all of Equestria. You are quite lucky to meet me, let alone travel with me. Void has many brothers and sisters, all of which know something to do with you. I’m sure you’ve heard it before. The dragons speak his name, Father.”

Souls eyes widened, remembering that name.

“Father is the dragon god. The original, and the first. He was the father of knowledge. After my recent trip to the Dead Lands, I found many different stone tablets which contained several sentences of text regarding Father. It explains how Father began Nevra, with a single shout containing four phrases. According to the tablets, he was the only one who could use four phrases in a single shout, while the rest are bound to three.

“But most importantly, I also found something increasingly strange. When Father was finished, he created his first children. Void is one of those children. From there he created all the other mortal races. When he saw all was good, he vanished off the face of Nevra. He spread his knowledge between his children, locking some of it away, and allowing the other mortal races he created to obtain it as well.

“My boy, I am telling you this because through the tablets and other...resources, I was able to find what you are. That is the good news.”

Souls heart nearly jumped from hearing the news. “After studying the tablets over and over, I managed to translate them into Equestrian.According to the tablets, it was Father's last words. I found many sentences, but this one in particular caught my attention when I heard about you.”

He took a deep breath. “Four word shout will once again crash mother and father. Knowledge spread, pieces of puzzle, all together yet all lost. Final work, harbinger, I call it, Human.”

“Amongst other tablets I found, they described the creature to be upright, and walk on two legs. It’s other two legs, though keep in mind the word ‘arms’ didn’t exist yet, sprout from its upper body. I think we have come to a conclusion.”

“My boy. You are Human.”

End Of Chapter

Yol

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

Shadow

Chapter Eight

Shadow

Soul awoke to the sound of hoofsteps from a few feet away. He tried opening his eyes but was only met with a dark embrace. He saw various vibrant lights shining through what he assumed was snow covering his entire body. Yet he laid still, curious as to what was outside. Without sight, he relied solely on his sense of hearing. His eyes instinctively darted around to where the sound was being made, some from his left, others to his right. No voices, just steps coming from someponies.

Soul hadn’t the slightest where he was, but he knew from instinct that in his current state, he was most likely camouflaged from the other pony’s view. Soul calculated the amount of hooves moving at the time to be an exact number of twelve, meaning three ponies were around him. Two of them moved to his right, somehow managing to get higher in elevation until he heard a small slam of what he presumed to be a door.

He then remembered where he was. The inn. He cursed himself for spending the night on a bench outside instead of in the comfort of a warm bed. For the strangest reason, he felt no desire to move his body, just only to stay where he was. He knew there was a single pony left behind, only he wondered where it was, and what is was doing? Perhaps it noticed him?

A few seconds passed before he felt a small hoof poke his leg. A muffled voice came from the other side, which he recognized to be from the little filly from last night.

“Mister!” She yelled, wiping the snow from his face. Soul looked at the little ball of cute with wonder. She smiled awkwardly, “You’re kind of strange, Mister. What are you doing out here?”

Soul coughed, shaking the ice from his body. “I fell asleep, accidentally of course.” She giggled.

“That’s funny! Do you like falling asleep where it’s freezing?” She asked, curious as to the weird habits of the human. Soul smiled.

“Yeah, I like the cold. Don’t you?” He asked. She nodded. “I’ve lived here all my life. It always snows here in the mountains.” She clawed at the snow on the ground. “You get used to the cold after a while. Especially when you got these enchanted necklaces!”

Soul froze. Did she just say enchanted? Perhaps he was hearing something? No, he was almost completely sure she said what he thought she said.

“..Enchanted?” He asked slowly, choosing his words carefully. She nodded, switching her gaze upwards to the mountain behind her. Soul looked as well, gazing at the gigantic mountain that stood before him. The peak was far beyond the clouds. It was amazing.

“Yeah! Don’t you know? Mister Arcane who lives on the mountain enchants these things for us so we don’t feel the cold! It’s so cool! Too bad I’ve never seen him, though my uncle Scales has, and he’s a dragon!” She shouted excitedly, much to Souls confusion and amazement.

“A dragon? How can you have a uncle as a dragon?”

She sighed, “A lot of ponies ask that, but what makes family, right? I don’t think it’s by blood, but by who you love. He’s the mountain guide, taking supplies to Mister Arcane, which in return we get enchanted stuff, or goods, as mommy says.”

Soul smiled warmly. “Such wise words from a small filly. I think you’re right.” He nuzzled Cerulean, which giggled in response. He thought to his friends, which he presumed to be inside. The Professor, Spike, and Far. If anything, Spike saw him as a full-blown brother. Soul had to be honest, so did he. They both shared the same abilities, though slightly different in effect. The Professor stuck out as a faint father figure to him. His wisdom was immense, and he always seemed to know how to handle the situation right. He felt thankful to have him guiding him.

Far? He didn’t know what to think of her after that incident. He just hoped she was okay.

“Do you know where I could find your uncle?” He asked the little filly, who now sat atop his lap. He looked down at her icy colors, noticing the small necklace around her. A simple leather string with a stone. He was shocked. Upon the stone was a tiny inscription of Rotmulaagge which read, ‘Resistance’. This was the real deal.

“He was in Canterlot just yesterday. He’s probably in Ponyville as we speak. If you want to go to the peak of the mountain you’ll have to wait another day. Man, I’ve always wanted to go to Canterlot.” She aimlessly spoke, dreaming about the various riches of the capital. “I’ve heard the streets are paved with gold, and I don’t even know what gold is! Sounds nice though...” She giggled.

“Yes, she’s always wanted to go there...” A small chuckle voiced, surprising both Cerulean and Soul. The hearth’s mare approached Soul, smiling. “I see you two have made friends.”

Cerulean nodded furiously, hopping from her spot, running to her mother's embrace. She nuzzled her mother's leg, giving small ‘purrs’ as she went along. Her mother smiled warmly at Soul, which simply stared back in response, void of emotion.

“The Professor told me all about you, Soul. I must admit, you are quite the hero.” Soul blushed for reasons he couldn’t define.

“Mommy! Uncle Soul wants to see Uncle Scales!” She shouted, pawing at her legs.

Soul coughed. “U-Uncle?”

The filly giggled, running back inside the home, leaving Soul and her mother to speak. Soul felt slightly uncomfortable. “I’m sorry for the unwanted addition to a family.” She chuckled sadly. “Ever since her father died, she’s been trying to make up for empty holes, one could say.” Her smile faded, a tear rolling down her cheek.

Soul felt his heart wrench, feeling for the small filly. Feeling bad for the innocence, he nodded.

“That’s alright. She taught me that family is not by those of blood, but who you love. If she loves me as much as real family, then it would be heartless for me to decline.” He said warmly, the mare wiping a tear from her muzzle.

“Thank you. It’s been rough these past few years. It’s good to see Burning stop by every once in awhile, especially bringing a gift such as yourself.” She gestured at him. He laughed gently, switching his gaze back to the white void.

“By the way, that dragon of yours kept telling me about how much of a role model you are for him. He called you his biological brother.” She chuckled. “You must be some strange kind of dragon.”

“Mama! I need help starting the fire!” A voice called from inside. The mare apologized, and excused herself. Soul got up to follow her, curious. He followed her inside where The Professor was tending to the fire. Well, if there was a fire. Cerulean smiled when she saw Soul, but changed her attention to her mother.

“We’re out of kindling...” She mumbled. Her mother sighed, distressed.

The Professor, unnoticing Soul, sighed deeply. “I’m sorry, but I can’t seem to get it to work without a kind of material to start...It” He finished slowly, a coy smile growing as he gained sight of Soul.

“Say my boy, would you mind giving us an ember to work with?” He asked, much to the confusion of the mare and filly. Soul shrugged, uncertain, but didn’t mind either way.

“Yol,” he whispered. A small ball of white flame danced from his mouth to the base of the wood. The mare nearly jumped in surprise, as the filly squealed with excitement. The wood ignited instantly, sending the logs into a full blown fire. It burned as bright as white, if not brighter, nearly blinding to the sight.

“W-What was that?!” The mare asked. The Professor laughed, “that would be Soul, my dear. Let’s say he’s a very talented creature.”

The mare laughed lightly, patting Soul on the back. “Well then, it seems your little brother wasn’t as crazy as I thought. What kind of dragon are you?”

“I’m not dragon.” He said in response, confusing the mare to no end.

The Professor coughed, “He’s an entirely different species, though closely related!” The mare nodded slowly, occasionally giving strange glances to Soul. He, in return, simply stared back.

The group sat around for a few more hours, The Professor and the mare discussing various things ranging from travel to studies. Soul ignored most of it, as he was too busy staring off into space. He worried for Far, but knew she was in the care of somepony capable. Regardless, he never opened his mouth to express his thoughts, even when the mare asked him.

Growing increasingly bored, Soul stood up. He walked past Burning and the mare without a word, and headed out the door. Soul heard the calls of worry from The Professor but ignored it. Once outside, Soul immediately picked up on the scent of fire, along with the sight of a black pillar of smoke rising to the east, deep in the woods. Curious, Soul ran after it.

The snow fell harder the deeper he went, but the smell was getting stronger. Running faster, his feet barely had enough time on the ground to make a print. The trees became thicker and thicker the deeper he went, but soon enough he could see the smoke leaking from within the trees. It was strange. Soul heard no fire, but there is was. A deep, black as night flame danced upon a lone bush in the center of the surrounding trees. Soul approached carefully, knowing this wasn’t natural.

The flame flickered lively. The bush, for some reason, was not being consumed. Soul watched the bush closely before it snapped out at him. The fire scorched his hand, but he felt no pain. The fire laid there on his hand, dancing freely. It almost didn’t even seem real to Soul.

Already increasingly curious, Soul held out his hand to touch it again. The fire spread all the way up his arm before he yanked away. Still no pain, just...flame. Was this even fire? Soul couldn’t understand a single thing that was happening, but was still entranced by the flame’s behavior and properties.

The flame suddenly spread across his whole body, shrouding him in shadow. Soul was surprised, but didn’t show it. He was awestruck at the properties of the flame, wondering just what its purpose was. His thoughts were interrupted by a chuckle from behind him. Surprised, he turned around to face the foe, but was only met with something that both confused him and shocked him.

Before him stood himself. Or at least, a copy of himself. The human smiled behind the same shrouded mask, his whole body violently shaking like the flames. Soul, still covered in flames, tried to open his mouth, but felt resistance.

“I see you found my flame, and accidentally me.” It spoke, though its lips unmoving. “Don’t try to speak. You can’t anyways. Once you shroud yourself in my darkness, your form is lost. That means no mouth, lips, or just about anything. Of course, you keep the shape, just not the form.” It said, laughing a little.

“Let me introduce myself, creature. We’ve actually met before, but you wouldn’t remember. My name is Shadow. I am dragon, though my form was lost long ago.” He bowed, then pointed at Souls head. “And that hood is mine. Or at least, was mine until you stole it. No matter though. I’ll teach you how to use it.”

“Right now you are covered in my flame. Nothing can see you, despite the color difference. But they can see me! The only way is to see through the lenses of my flame, which you are.” Shadow said, still void of movement. “Oh here’s the best part.” He finished unexcitedly.

“That hood, cloak, or whatever you want to call it has a special enchantment. Oh wait, you already knew that, didn’t you?” He asked, tauntingly. Soul couldn’t respond due to his form not existing, much to Shadow’s amusement.

“Normally, I would have stolen this form and ran off, but seeing as how we know or knew each other at one point...Friends are special cases, I guess.” He shrugged, “Anyways, I’ve got things to do and places to be, so let me at least show you how to use something that I gave you. Doesn’t that sound nice?” Soul said nothing, just staring at Shadow.

“Want to know something cool? The hood you’re wearing is made from the hide of a dragon that you killed a long time ago.” Souls eyes widened in shock. Shadow just laughed. “No, it’s true! What was his name...?”

“Shattareth! Yes! Mighty fine dragon he was. Too bad he fell to the dark side though.” Shadow said, glaring at Soul.

“Bah, I’ve said too much.” He shook his head. “The reason I tell you that is to help you understand why you feel such resistance against natural weather. You’re as pink as a pig! Take those pieces off and you’re as good as a cherry popsicle!” He laughed.

Soul was slightly surprised at the humor of an ancient. He expected Shadow to be a little more...Dark? Instead he was just as normal and cheery as anypony.

“What? You look confused!? Hey, unlike my brothers and sisters, I’ve been spending the past thousand years with ponykind. You tend to stick to their cheeriness.” He said. “How you ask? Well, same way with you. Some unlucky little pony falls into my trap, and I steal his form for the body’s time. Sad, isn’t it?” Soul rolled his eyes.

“Yes, well, we’re getting off topic. Back to my hood.” He pointed at Souls head. “That hood is enchanted with my flame. When you shout my name, the seal releases, covering you in shadow flames. You will become invisible for a time until the flames wear off.”

He nodded. “Plain and simple, Human. Here, I want to see you try it.” He snapped, returning Soul’s body to him. The flames around him disappeared, revealing his armoured body. He turned back around to see the burning bush, still flickering as lively as ever.

Taking in a deep breath, Soul focused his Thu’um on a single verse. “Vul!”

Soul felt his entire body being taken over by the dark flames once again, this time sprouting from his body, not the bush. The flames soon covered his whole body, as he could once again see into a darker version of the world. This time however, he was met by a massive dragon dressed in flickering black flames with white eyes. The dragon had to be about as big as Void, if not bigger.

“I thought you said you had no form.” Soul whispered.

The dragon shook its head. “Welcome to my realm, Human. The realm of shadow. Take a look around.”

Soul scanned the area around him, noticing small blots of darkness that moved aimlessly around. They moved intelligently, as they floated around each other instead of colliding.

“Souls, Shades, or simply Ghosts. Those who have not met the requirements to leave Nevra stay here with me.” The ancient whispered.

Soul returned his gaze back to Shadow. “Here in my realm, I am trapped. My physical form was slain thousands of years ago. So I wander in shadow form, taking the form of ponies to live amongst them for eternity.”

Soul opened his mouth to speak but Shadow roared. “No questions must be asked. You will meet my brother soon, a master of modern magicks. Tell him of my fate, so that he may help me. That hood was the last gift I gave to our kind. You must help me.”

The flames disappeared off Soul’s body and the image of Shadow vanished in an instant. The burning bush stayed, ever burning. Soul sighed, heading back to the inn with newfound knowledge in mind. Though one thing in particular bothered him the most.

“He said he was thousands of years old. So then I must also be.” Soul shook his head. “Just who am I?”

Malevolent Nightmare

Chapter Nine

Malevolent Nightmare

Soul found himself back at the lodge soon enough. His encounter with Shadow was unexpected and he was pushing it as far away from the tip of his mind as possible. Entering the wooden inn, he noticed the group of familiar ponies sitting at a table, along with Far, eating breakfast. Spike heard his arrival, and jumped from his seat to greet him.

“Hey man,” He started, approaching Soul. “Where’d you go?”

“I took a walk.” He responded. Spike nodded, heading back to his little stool, munching on what Soul assumed to be diamonds.

He thought it was a little weird for dragons to be eating something like diamonds, or any such jewels. Must be some sort of vegetarian preference for them. Destructive too, as diamonds don’t grow back.

Snapping from his daze, he switched his focused lenses on The Professor. Hearing the ruckus, The Professor nearly spat his food in surprise.

“Soul, my boy! Where had you gone?” He asked. Soul simply glared at him, providing no response. “I-I see, lad. Don’t want to talk about? That’s quite fine.” He finished solemnly.

Far waved a hoof at Soul, who which in response stared back. Soul felt different. After that meeting with Shadow he didn't feel as much human as before. Of course, what defined human? He barely knew anything about himself, and it only frustrated himself further as the various dragons he encountered knew him better than himself.

He suddenly felt further away from his friends then before. It was like he couldn't understand them, as much as the universe around him.

Soul bit his lip, putting a hand to his head to soothe his new headache. It was all too confusing for the human. He suddenly felt weak, his limbs giving out before being caught by The Professor.

“Are you alright?” He asked, genuinely concerned. Soul felt an unfamiliar anger enter him as he pushed The Professor away.

“Don’t touch me, pony. I don’t need your pity.” He spat, much to the surprise of everypony at the table.

Elsewhere in the room, an unsettling smile formed from the darkest corners of the lodge.

Souls anger grew as the ponies continued to stare at him. In his eyes, they were glaring at him with disgust. They laughed with hatred in their tones. Soul clenched his fist as he felt the familiar presence of his masters’ power build up around him.

The evil smile curved into a mad grin as Souls’ aura of flames started to form in dim sparks. The ponies slowly backed away from him in a growing fear. Soul felt the rage of a berserker flow through him. The bloodlust grew stronger and stronger....Until he blacked out.

His body fell to the floor with a thud, leaving slightly fearful, but overall confused bystanders.

“What,” Spike started, gulping. “Was that?”

“I’m not sure, but we should get him a bed. He might be sick.” The inn owner said, dragging his lightweight body up the stairs. They laid him on a warm bed, armour and all. After several tries at taking off his protection, they left it. It was like the armour was glued to his body. The Professor confessed that he has never actually seen his face before, much to the surprise of the mare.

With the armour on, there was no accurate way to test if he was sick or not. Burning assumed he would be alright, so they left him alone to rest.

The room, illuminated by a single candle was dark. A single chair sat in the corner, covered by darkness. It rocked slowly, as a long snake-like form sat there, watching the warrior sleep. The shadow snickered, whispering something to himself before shooting a small bolt of light into the man's head. Soul immediately felt the magic take control of his sleeping form, shooting waves of explosive pain through him. As Soul turned in agony during his slumber, the shadow slid under the door, disappearing.

A few hours passed before Soul awoke from his sleep. With a blank mind, he walked down the stairs slowly. The group sat at the same table, discussing various Equestrian politics, completely unknowest to Souls presence at the table. Soul took a seat, crossing his hands in frustration. The Professor, currently next to him, nearly jumped from his seat from the appearance of the human.

“What a dream, I tell you...” Soul whispered to nobody in particular. “No...More like a nightmare.” He said, gripping his hands tighter.

The group looked at each other cautiously, before Far decided to speak. “Are you alright, Soul?”

“Seeming as how I can’t really seem to remember how I ended up asleep,” Soul frowned.. “No, I’m not feeling so swell. What happened?” He asked, curious.

The group traded more unsure looks, but before anyone could speak, The Professor coughed loudly.

“You felt tired so you went to get some rest, surely you remember?” Soul shook his head.

“Well whatever,” Soul pouted, “I’m sure I’ll remember soon enough.”

The Professor nodded. “While you were sleeping, our escort arrived!” Spike excitedly shouted.

Soul changed his attention to the mass in the room. Soul recognized the scales to be of a winter flight, teal blue, with white stripes down the middle. What Soul presumed to be a dragon, was a much larger version of spike. It stood on two legs, though its back was slightly arched. As tall as Soul, if not taller, the dragon chuckled weakly.

“Greetings cousin, my name is Frozen Pond, by Equestrian tongue.” He said, blowing a small puff of his icy flame into Souls’ face.

In that moment, Soul felt an overwhelming sense of information flood his senses. He stared back up to the dragon in mixed confusion, and understanding. No longer did he feel the need to question, but the idea was still strange to him.

Frozen laughed, “The Elder told me of your...situation. Think of what I just did as a greeting. Like how the ponies shake hooves, we dragons share each others flame. So, give me a taste?” He said, asking curiously. After the story he heard about Soul, he was very interested in hearing his word.

“I see...” Soul whispered. Facing the dragon, he blew a small spark of his blinding light into his face. The dragon absorbed it with ease, taking in every property.

“For a greeting, that seems very, intimate.” Far said slowly, adding a strange frown to her expression.

Frozen laughed, “I see what you mean, but only a pony would think such things. Mates naturally swallow each others flame to signify their union, acquaintances briefly share a glimpse.”

The mare nodded in response, her confusion clearing up. The Professor seemed less interested with this, furthering to question the escort.

“I was hoping we could begin the trek soon, Frozen.” He said, glancing out the windows into the blizzard. “I think it’s for the best that only Soul goes with you, speaking in efficient terms.”

Soul raised a brow, “Why are you not coming?”

“Ah well, you see, it’s been a few thirty or so years since I’ve climbed that mountain.” He laughed nervously. “Besides, Far is still injured, so I must stay to tend to her.”

Soul nodded, turning his attention to his escort. The two were about to make a departure before a tug on Souls legs stopped him. He glanced down to see Spike clutching him with all his might.

“W-Wait for me! I want to come to! You can’t leave me behind?” Spike pleaded.

Soul smiled, leaning down to his eye level. “Oh and why is this?”

“Because! It’s like a dragon field trip, and I want to come. You can’t leave me behind!” He shouted angrily.

Soul cocked his head slightly. “Aren’t you a little too young to be climbing treacherous mountains.”

“It’s fine,” Spike said with a sly smile. Taking advantage of the position Soul was in, Spike quickly mounted his neck, putting himself in a piggy back ride position.

“Besides, you’re going to carry me!” He stated, digging his claws into the thick, scaly hide.

Soul laughed, standing upright. Spike held on for his life. “Leave no drake behind I suppose.”

He switched his attention to The Professor who was eyeing them curiously. “We’ll be back soon, and with some more of those ice wards that these ponies wear. Just about enough for you two.”

The professor nodded, “That would be best, the winter is unrelenting in its efforts. Oh, Soul! Whatever you find up there, or more specifically whoever you find up there, do be cautious.”

Soul nodded, turning his attention back to Frozen. “Let’s go.”

Entry 1

Chapter Ten

Chapter Special

Entry 1

Before I left Ponyville, I asked Twilight for a hundred pages of paper. I intend storing all my thoughts into this journal, or so diary, whatever you may call it. Unlike others, I hope someone may find this someday. Perhaps then I will be gone. I haven’t given much thought to my fate, but what pony does such?

My vocabulary with my native language has increased significantly, so much to the point of where I can have a normal conversation with just about any of my kind, minus the little green flight, Spike. He seems to know only around two or three shouts, though I can say I’m faring much better.

Our meeting with Frozen was the reason behind this boost of intellect. Immediately as we left the tavern, he spoke in our tongue. Though I could understand just about everything he said, the responsive actions were the hardest for me. It’s like a child; I know what they are saying, but I cannot respond.

Eventually I formed words enough to the point of where it made sense to him. As if that was enough. He sighed, waving me off, still a few feet ahead of me and Spike on the trail. I was surprised to see Spike laughing along with some of the remarks Frozen made about ponykind. Perhaps he knew more than I thought. I just know he couldn’t speak it.

No longer regarding language, the trek up this cursed mountain has taken quite a toll on me. This is the third stop I’ve had to take in the past six hours. I guess my human form isn’t quite adapt to scaling high mountains while it can barely breath. Did I mention how low the oxygen level is here? I’m crossing out sleeping for this one, for I don’t really feel like having nightmares about drowning.

We decided to set up camp inside a conveniently placed cave nearby. It was good in size, so space was not a problem. The only problem I was having was warmth. Don’t get me wrong, I know what you're thinking. The armour I wear is frost resistant, but that just makes it a normal level of temperature. It’s not like this thing is a heater. So naturally, I was slightly freezing to death inside the mouth of the cave, unable to get any rest. Thus came the noticing of the oxygen, no sleep this night, ect.

It’s been three hours since I wrote anything, and I decided to try for sleep anyways. With the two fellow members already asleep, and no source of tinder, I suppose I have little to no choice.

Dreams are illusive,

Soul

giant castles

To say we woke with relative ease is quite an understatement. It was more like being ripped from the wonderful realm of dreams  and forced into the cold air once again. Why? Apparently whatever lives at the top likes to perform his experiments in a dangerous magnitude. My tour guide or my general light up this forsaken mountain explained that it was his Master doing his daily tests. Honestly, what the hell kind of tests is this man doing?

Spike slept through the quake with ease, which is complete nonsense in my opinion. I couldn't get him to awake, so I stuffed him in the sack I was carrying. If anything he was just dead weight. Thankfully I managed to pull a few apples before putting Spike in there. I gave two to Frozen, and kept the rest to myself. He thanked me, devouring the whole apple in a single bite. I ate quickly before following him up the mountain.

I'll skip most of this trek. It was entirely boring as hell. Frozen didn't talk much, but then again, neither did I. When we finally reached the peak, we approached what seemed to be a castle of some kind. After seeing Canterlot I wasn't really surprised. To say the least the castle was massive. So was this mountain though. Everything is big in this world I suppose.

The castle was in ruin. Degrading, slowly becoming nothing but a bunch of hollow stone and metal. Rust covered the majority of the doors, making it nearly impossible to even open them. I was surprised this whole thing wasn't blasted off the mountain already, considering the inane amount of wind battling against it.

"Stay close, Soul." Frozen commanded us, which I gladly obliged.

"Lok!" He shouted, tearing into the air.

All the wind, snow, and air around us immediately scrammed from our presence, leaving a gentle breeze. The storm died down if not only for a few seconds, but by then we were already inside.

"What was that?" I asked, curious to his example. He snorted. "Something drakes learn to better help them find the way back home." I nodded.

We stood in a massive hall, pillars all around us. Various old artwork of stained glass covered the sides, painting pictures of ponies.

"What good would the ponies have up here?" I asked frozen, gesturing to the glass. He shrugged. "I'm not sure. This castle is very old. The Master found this place a few hundred years after he was born. The entire history of this place is quite the mystery if I do say so myself."

He lead me to the end of the hall where a large door with some sort of mechanism was built into it. Pipes made of steel twisted around, focusing on a seal of some kind. Whatever it was, it wouldn't let us through.

"The hell is this?" I asked. He nodded, "A door to somewhere I suppose. I've never figured out how to open it. Why don't you take a look at it?"

I placed my hand on the door, feeling the pipes. There were two different pipes, both identical, twisting and turning in the same fashion. On each side, an large hole was framed into the pipes. I then noticed the inscriptions and illustrations carved into the door. One side had a deep, dark, almost black flame shrouding its own side, while vibrant, pure white flames battled against it. Neither of them unbalanced, both perfectly in harmony of the door. I have to say, whoever created this masterpiece did a wonderful job.

"I haven't got a damn clue." I said, shrugging.

Frozen sighed, "Well so much for that. Come on."

I followed him up a extremely long staircase. It twisted upwards for what seemed like an eternity before I nearly had a heart attack. Not from the workout, but from the feeling of an earthquake shaking the entirety of the castle.

"W-What the hell?" I shouted. Frozen continued up the staircase, not even phased by it. "It's just the Master, Soul. Come on."

I managed to get a grip and quickly followed Frozen up the stairs until we finally reached the last step. Another door lied before us, this one weirder than before. The door was surprisingly small, which confused me greatly. I know dragons as old as his Master grows to insane sizes, yet this door defies this logic. Maybe he just coops himself inside all day?

Frozen approached the door, bursting into flames. Putting both claws inside, he turned something inside the door. The entire thing lit up in flames before turning to ashes. We walked inside before the door materialized back into its metal form again. I don't even want to know.

"Master, I've returned." He bowed to a pile of books. "Oh, and I've brought him as you asked."

"Splendid!" The voice came from behind the books. Suddenly, the books cleared away, carried away by some invisible force. Magic, whatever, I don't care. Behind it sat a cerulean unicorn. Talk about anti-climatic.

"You're just a pony?" I laughed. He smiled.

"Welcome Soul. My name is Arcane. It's finally good to see you again," He said, approaching me before bowing on his knees.

"...Likewise?"

Rotten Information

“How did you know my name?” I asked. He grinned. “Word gets around fast. It isn’t every day the other races see one of your kind walking around.”

I narrowed my eyes, “And what do you mean again?”

“Oh...I shouldn’t be surprised.” He walked back to the pile of books, neatly stacking them in a color code fashion. “It was hopeless anyways.”

“What are you talking about?” I followed him, helping him gather the books.

“Thank you,” He smiled, sighing deeply. “I guess it’s been a while. A few good years does that to you.” I was growing frustrated with his puzzles, but I found myself interested in his choice of words.

“You know Soul...A lot has happened since you left. The worlds gone to shit.” He said sadly. I cocked a brow.

“Great.”

“The Gardens are nothing but a wasteland of bones and dust. You can thank the ponies for that.” He grimaced. “You talked to her didn't you?”

I nodded slowly, “By her you mean…”

“Celestia, yes, she is mostly responsible for that.”

“I thought she was a holy immortal?”

He laughed, “Immortal? Nothing is immortal, Soul. Not even us.”

We finished sorting the books, which he thanked me for helping with. The books floated back to its original place upon the massively tall bookshelves. When the books were placed, he took a seat upon one of the little plush mattresses.

“That’s a story for another time though. Her sins have been forgiven at least.” He changed his gaze to Frozen.

“Go get the scroll, please.” Frozen nodded, heading away from our presence.

“A scroll?” I asked, curiously.

He nodded. “Yeah. Before you leave, I was going to teach you something first. You’ll most likely need it later.”

“What’s on the paper?” I asked. He shrugged.

“Don’t really know to be honest. You wrote it in some strange language a while back. You refused to teach me the language-Which by the way, will you ever do that?” He pleaded hungrily.

I smiled nervously, “Maybe some other time?”

His eager smile faded slightly, “I suppose so.” He noticed the scroll was before him, thanks kindly to Frozen. “Here it is. Go ahead and read it.”

I took the parchment from Frozen, opening it. Bah! It was plain English, how could they not understand it?

“This is in English, Arcane. How can you not read this? So much for the all-knowing gimmick.” I taunted, frowning.

He snatched the scroll from me and walked around the room, presumably in frustration. “That’s just the issue, Soul. This is English. Never, not even once in my long extensive life, have I ever come across any kind of language called English. How do you know this?” He glared at me, perhaps in jealousy. I chuckled.

“Random chance?” I offered, not much to the amusement of Arcane.

“Nothing is random,” He mumbled, “perhaps this is just another mystery for me to solve.”

Focusing my attention back on the scroll, I noticed it was a letter of some sort.

“Undoubtedly, there are only two of us that can read this.” I started aloud. “I know that by the time I am reading this, which is you, that everything will be different. If everything is as it had to be, everything we once were, is not any longer. If all is this way, then she must also be cleansed. Whatever you, or I call myself now, you must look for her. She is strong, but very weak. I exist, as she exists to stay together. Without her, the piece of the puzzle, all is lost. Soon I will go through it, and come back different. This difference is you, and she will suffer the same fate.” I read carefully, keeping each detail. The next few sentences caught my eye, so I read them silently. “Trust nothing, not even him.” My eyes floated to Arcane who was staring confusedly in return.

“Without a doubt, you have already been tricked by Void. I expected him to take advantage of this situation, but don’t worry. He is a fool. The truth behind his existence is that he is cursed to the afterlife. Betrayal and hatred guide his every movement. The story behind him is a bit too much to fit in this paper, so I’ll keep it short. Don’t listen to him, find a way to break free, and if you can, kill him. Together, he doesn't stand a chance, but alone, he will obliterate the world.

If you can, find Shadow. He’ll fill you in. Good luck to myself I guess.”

I folded the paper, and slipped it inside one of my pockets. I took a deep breath, and sighed.

“So you weren't kidding?” He said, clawing at the floor. He shook his head, “That idiot…”

“Hey! You’re talking to him you know!” I growled.

He glared at me, “If it’s true that you can’t remember anything, then I’ll be damned. I in fact know where she is, but the question is do you know her?”

“What even is she?”

“A human like you. I only remember you two though.” I froze.

There is another like me? I thought the professor stated I was the only one left? I have to find her!

“She was quite the beauty, still as young as you are, despite how much actual time has passed. Strong too, actually, she could completely kick your ass if I remember correctly.” He smiled, chuckling.

I sat down on the floor. “Arcane...What happened?”

He was silent for a few seconds before sighing. “Not sure...You told me you were going home after the war, and didn’t come back for another four hundred years.” Four hundred?! That’s insane right…?

“Which by the way, how did you two get separated?” He asked. I shook my head, frustrated. “I have no idea who she is or how we split ways. Everything before Ponyville is lost to me.”

Arcane sighed once again, trotting over to a gigantic window by the sides of the bookshelves. I soon joined him, gazing down at the small shack at the base of the mountain. “Truth is,” Arcane started. “I don’t really know myself. Look’s like we got a lot of stuff to do, wouldn't you say?”