One Soul, Two Worlds

by Sparkleman

Nest of Problems

"Dylan, Dylan wake up man," I heard someone say as they shook me awake, "dude wake up this isn't funny!"

"What Will?" I said rubbing my eyes before opening them. My surroundings were a little fuzzy still as I looked around, but it didn't look like the airship.

"Dude, we're back on Earth!" Will said panicking.

"What!" I almost yelled snapping awake. He was right, we were back in our dorm room. I looked at the clock and it read that is was only eight. "How did we end up back here, I thought the gods stopped time here so we didn't need to come back."

"I don't know, I thought maybe you would."

"Nope, clueless."

"Well, at least only one night has pasted here while we were in Equestria," Will said sitting back down on his bed.

"Really," I took a look at my phone and sure enough he was right, "so the gods did freeze time here, but that doesn't explain why we're back before Prometheus is defeated."

"Beats me, I wonder is Trevor is here too." Just then we heard a knocking on our door. Will got up to answer it and sure enough there was Trevor, still dressed like he should be in bed. Will and Trevor walked back into the room both taking a seat on Will's bed.

"Guys any idea why are we back on Earth," said Trevor calmly.

"We were just discussing that," I stated, "and we have no clue as well."

"Shit," said Trevor, "do you think that the gods slipped up or something?"

"I don't think so," said a voice from the doorway. Luke, Alex, and Andy were all standing there. "I think we're in some sort of dream state sharing a dream or something," continued Luke, "that would explain why we're not in our dorm but our rooms look the same."

"I see," I said as the three entered the room and took seat in the chairs we had around. I took another look at the clock and saw that the time hadn't changed even though it had been at least five minutes or so since I woke up. "The would explain why the time on the clock hasn't changed, but now I'm even more confused on why we are here."

"That's because I've gathered you all here," said a voice before a explosion of smoke appeared in the center of the room. When the smoke cleared I say it was Theseus visiting me in dreamland, again. "I have something very important to tell all of you."

"And what would that be..?" said Alex trailing off.

"It's Theseus. My ancestor," I answered him before turning to my very old relative, "but what is the information you need to tell us?"

"The Elements of Man," said Theseus, "and what they are too you."

"The Elements of Man. What are those?" asked Trevor.

"The six Elements of Man are the human equivalent of Equestria's Elements of Harmony," said Theseus, "they are Courage, Wisdom, Strength, Compassion, Determination and Heart. I do not know who carries these elements or even if they reside inside yourselves, but each of heroes from when I came to Equestria exemplified one of the elements."

"If I may, what element were you," I asked.

"I was the element of wisdom," Theseus said smiling, "but that does not mean that you are it as well."

"How come the gods never told us about the elements?" Asked Andy, "it seems like a pretty big thing."

"That is because they can be used against you," spoke a voice from the door. In the doorway stood Zeus, arms crossed with a stern look on his face, "I thought I told you Theseus to never bring this up to them. We have no mortal records of their existence for that reason."

"I am sorry Zeus, but they have the right to know," argued Theseus, "if they can harness the elements power then their ability to defeat Prometheus will be even higher."

"But so will the chances of failure," Zeus argued back not stepping down for an instant. Theseus didn't reply back with words, only with a look of determination. Zeus sighed before continuing, "but if you six do find out what your Element of Man is, promise to never use it's power unless need be. They can be as unstable as the human mind itself."

"We promise," said all of us together.

"Now, your time here is almost done," said Zeus, "there is one last thing I must tell you. When you finally face Prometheus, and if any of the old heroes stand against you, do not hesitate to kill them again." Zeus looked at Theseus on the final line.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," agreed Theseus.

"We understand," I said standing up, "thank you both for you time, but Zeus, can I have a word in private."

"Certainly my boy," said Zeus. We walked out of the dorm room as the hall changed form. The dorm hall was nowhere to found, instead we were back in the void from before, "so what was it you wished to speak to me about Dylan."

"It's the whole patron god and goddess thing," I said, "I don't think it's going to work."

"Why not?" asked Zeus, "it seems to be working quite well so far."

"That's the thing, so far," I said, "but what if in the future we need help from another god or goddess that's not our patron, will they help?"

"Of course," said Zeus, "the patronization was mainly to give our patron a little extra boost in certain areas, like Trevor with the wings, Twilight with rationalization, and Will with his creative mind and work hands. Don't think that Ares wasn't watching over your battle with that dragon now."

"So that's why I was able to win, with Ares's help,?"

"Not all of it," said a voice from behind me which I was guessing was Ares. I turned around and sure enough it was, "you put on quite a show. I kinda just helped at the end to keep your sorry ass alive."

"Thanks for that," I said before turning my attention back to Zeus, "so I can count on the others help?"

"Of course," replied Zeus, "now I think it's time for you to return to your friends, it's time to get back to your quest."

"Of course," I said turning once more to Ares who had now come to his father's side, "and thank you once again."

"Yea, sure, just remember that I'm watching over all your battles, especially Alex," said Ares, "now wake up."

With that my eyes closed rather quickly and I could feel myself free falling. Everything was dark for what seemed like an eternity before I heard someone calling my name to wake up.

"I'm up Andy," I said sitting up and rubbing my eyes as he continued to harass me to wake up, "I'm up damn it."

"K, just wanted to let you know everyone's saying their goodbyes to the people who are leaving. So you better get out there."

"Thanks for the warning."

I conjure one of my outfits walked to two floors out of the airship. I covered my eyes as I exited the ship from Celestia's sun. I saw the party had gathered a few yards away from the exit of the ship. I went over and said my goodbyes to those who where leaving. It seemed like Coldfire and Bloodfighter had decided to join the groups, with Coldfire going with Trevor's group to the griffon and Bloodfighter with Pinkie's group to the buffalo. Though much to Coldfire's demise, Fluttershy and Luke talked him out of going because of his injuries. Pinkie's group climbed onto Bloodfighter before he took off toward the South. Trevor's group took off into air heading North-East, but more North. I couldn't help but snicker a little as Trevor carried Luke on his back. After the two teams had left our view we turned our attention back t the airship.

"So, how are we suppose to get the supplies to fix this?" Asked Andy.

"Or the fabrics and materials to refurbish the inside of the god awful mess?" Added in Rarity.

"There are some newer sea faring ships that you could tear apart for the wood in my den along with so very fine gold furnishings I've gathered," said Coldifre, "here, I'll lead you to where they are." Rarity, Andy, Will, Hawk Eye and Applejack followed him leaving Twilight and I by ourselves.

"So, want to see if there are any rare texts in Coldife's cave to read up on," I suggested, "in all a few new spells could be nice."

"Sure," agreed Twilight, "Celestia knows I have read a book for a while, well other than last night."

"Yea, come on," I said as I motioned for Twilight to join me. We entered the cave hoping to find something that could help us.

Four Days Later

"Finally, it done," said Will whipping the sweat off of his brow, "it took a little longer than expected because somepony wouldn't stop fussing."

"I say," said Rarity, "though the ship is magnificent in itself, you don't expect a lady like me to sleep in something as damp and dreary as that. It needed the sprucing I did."

"Not throughout the whole ship Rarity," argued Will, "it doesn't even look like a warship on the inside anymore, more like a luxury cruise vessel."

"Now who's arguing like a married couple?" I whispered to Twilight making her giggle a little. Both pair of eyes turned to me glaring. I just shrugged in response before laughing myself. I had to hand it to Rarity though, she did make the ship a lot nicer. I'm just surprised how she could turn old furnishing and random fabrics she found around Coldifre's cave into decorations that beautiful. Twilight and I also got to look around the den the past two days since we finished charging the crystal quickly. We didn't find any new spell books, but I did find a golden sheathed rapier I could use, along with some new newer light armor to replace what I had lost.

"So, are we ready to ship off now or what?" Asked Hawk Eye bluntly, "I've been bored these past few days."

"That's because you didn't help at all, you lazy bum," replied Andy, "all you've done is sleep and practice archery."

"Guys, don't argue," I said, "lets just load up and start heading towards the buffalos to pick up Pinkie and them."

"Yea, yea, whatever," said Hawk Eye boarding the ship.

"I wonder if either of the groups ran into trouble?" Asked Twilight with a worried look on her face, "we haven't heard back from either of them.'

"Don't worry, they're fine," I said looking up into the sky. I spotted a small dot that was getting bigger by the second. I watched as it got bigger nothing that is was a pegasus with a familiar color scheme.

"Is that Rainbow Dash?" Asked Twilight noticing what I was staring at.

"I think so," I replied. "Hey guys, get over here," I yelled to the others. The others gathered around just as Rainbow Dash landed falling over immediately and she didn't look like she was in good shape.

"Dash, Dash," said Twilight now panicking, "what happened?"

"Griffons...armed...took....barely....away," stammered Dash.

"What was that partner," asked Aj.

"Wait, I have a better way of finding out," I said as my hand became engulfed by a dim blueish-purple glow. I placed my glowing hand on Dash's head as here memories flooded into my mind. After all her recent memories entered my mind I looked up to the others and said, "When the group arrived to the Griffon capital they found the griffons were armed and attacked the group. They took Trevor and Luke, but not without a fight. Rainbow here barely managed to get away in time."

"We 'ave to go an help 'em!" Said Applejack.

"No, we stick to the plan, and Rainbow is in no condition to fight," I said, "Twilight and I will go and figure this out."

"Why only us?" Asked Twilight with a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"Yea why only you two?" Added in Will.

"Because we're the only two that can teleport out of there if things get too hairy along with our ability to take on a large group of enemies at once with our magic," I explained, "they also won't be expecting us to come so soon, and too appear right in their capital city."

"That's a mighty far way to teleport hon," said AJ, "you sure you can do it?"

"Don't worry Applejack, Dylan and I did some serious teleporting training with Celestia. We coould teleport from Canterlot to Appleloosa," Twilight said.

"Just be careful ok dears," said Rarity.

"Don't worry we will," I said calming the group down, "some on Twilight lets go." I gave Twilight an image of where we were heading, and the next instant there was a flash of light around us and we were gone.

"I hope nothing too bad happens," thought Andy.

One Crazy Far Teleport Later

"OK, we're here," i said looking around. We were in a city that looked like it was interwoven with a mountain side. On the other of the city I saw a large castle that looked almost like it was carved strait from the tip of the mountain. Looking up into the sky I noticed a lot of griffon air patrols in full armor.

"Dylan, I think we should get out of the open," said Twilight nervously.

"I agreed." We ducked into a nearby alleyway before continuing our conversation. "Twilight, you still remember how to cast that invisibility spell?"

"Yes, but why do we need..." Twilight sentence was cut sort hen she realized why we should do it. She cast the spell while I conjured a spell so we could still see each other. "Ok, it's all set," said Twilight.

"Let's go," I said. We started to walk but discovered a fatal flaw in out plan. Even though we were invisible, we weren't silent. Twilight hooves clicked against the ground every step.

"What should we do?" Asked Twilight.

"We fly with the wind," I said smiling. I started to conjure up the wind around up to lift us off the ground. Once we were airborn I spoke again at a whisper, "Twilight, do you have you're communicator on?"

"Yes, why?" Asked Twilight in a hushed voice.

"See if you can get in touch with one of the others, maybe their communicators are still intact," I said.

"Ok, give me a second," replied Twilight. She turned on her communicator and began whispering into it. "Luke, Trevor, are you there, if you are reply."

There was a few moments of silence before we heard some static feed through our headsets. "This is Trevor Twilight, what are you guys doing here?"

"We're here to rescue you," Twilight replied, "how's Luke?"

"He's fine but his communicator got smashed in the fight before our capture."

"I see, do you know where you are?"

"Yea, the castle dungeons. Be careful though, two of the old heroes are in the city."

"What," I said jumping into the conversation keeping my voice down, "do you know who?"

"I don't know who, i just overheard some of the guards talking about them being good or something."

"Shit, Prometheus got here first then," I said, "worst case is that we have to fight them, but we'll deal with that when the time comes. We're on our way to rescue you now."

"Ok, seen you then, Trevor out."

There was the short sound of static before the headsets became quite again. I turned to Twilight who was facing me before saying, "thing just got a lot more difficult."

5 Minutes Later Inside the Castle

"I can't believe those griffons," I said, "they were way too weak to be castle guards. At least now we know how to get to the dungeons." When we landed two guards came around the corner. A little hit to the back of the head of one and Twilight's sleep spell knocked them right out. I used my memory spell to figure the layout of the castle and we were on our way. We also ditched the invisibility since it was draining Twilight's magic reserves.

"Where do we go now?" Asked Twilight.

"Around the corner there should be some stairs leading to the dungeons," I said, "and be careful, it's been too quite in here. You would think there would be more guards patrolling."

"Yea, I noticed that too," agreed Twilight, "Canterlot Castle usually has guards in every hall."

"Then this is too easy," I added in, "but lets just free the guys first."

The rest of our journey to the dungeons was met with little resistance. We came across two more guards in the dungeon that were the key keepers. After a minute or two searching, we found the guys.

"Trevor, Luke," I said see them, "you two ok?'

"Yea," replied Trevor, "but we have to get out of here fast!"

"Why?" Asked Twilight.

"Because they somehow know you're here," said Luke, "and they're surrounding the castle as we speak!"

"Damn it, I knew this was too easy," I said unlocking the prison gate, "once we get outside, we'll teleport out of here."

"Why not now?" Asked Trevor.

"Teleport doesn't work very well when done underground," said Twilight, "it safer to do it outside."

"Ok," replied Trevor.

The four of us made our way outside coming across no guards in the process. On the way out we found the armory, and to our luck Luke's and Trevor's armor and weapons where inside. When we opened the front doors though everything going in our favor changed. In our way was what seemed like a legion of griffons on he ground and another in the air, all fully decked out with weapons and armor. At the head of the army were two humans,a male carrying a great axe and a female carrying a spear and shield, along with a griffon that was undoubtedly the king. If his full gold armor and crown didn't give it away, what he said definitely did.

"By my word as king, you humans and single pony are hereby put under arrest for working with the great evil name Prometheus. Surrender your weapons peacefully and no harm will come to you," said the Griffon King.

Wait. WHAT! He thinks we're working with Prometheus. Maybe we can clear this up. I took a step forward, right hand on my rapier and left hand up in a signal as I mean no harm.

"Your majesty, you have been deceived," I said, "we do not work for Prometheus, we are here to stop him. My name is Dylan Sparks, and these are Trevor, Luke, and Twilight Sparkle. The last being a bearer of an Element of Harmony. The two besides you are the ones working for Prometheus."

"He lies your lordship," said the woman, "do not trust one with a silver tongue." I don't lie, the silver tongue thing on the other hand.

"Trust us," spoke up Twilight, "I am the star pupil of Princess Celestia of Euestria, and here is my proof." Twilight pulled out here Element of Harmony tiara and showed it to the king. His reaction was that of surprise before he recomposed himself.

The female whispered something in the kings ears before he replied. "That does look like the element of magic tiara Celestia showed me on our last visit," he said, "but how do I know you didn't steal it or that it's a fake."

This is getting no where, if only I could prove we were with Celestia. Wait that's it. "Guys, I need to get to the king," I said, want to keep them busy. We're about to escalate this into overdrive."

"Hell yea," said Trevor with a grin letting his wings open, "I call being air support!" He flew up into the unsheathing his twin longswords looking like the war angels of old.

"I'll back up Twilight on the ground," said Luke.

"Lets do this," I said running forward unsheathing my rapier and conjuring up a fire spell in my left hand.

"Crimson Whirlwind!" I heard Trevor yell above me. The next thing I know I see dozens of griffons fall from the sky.

"Firara Furgago!" I heard Twilight yell behind me. A dragon of flames suddenly appeared next to me, flying forward to the left flank of griffons.

"Attack!" Yelled the Griffon King. The griffons on the ground let out a war-cry as they charged me and the flame dragon, the distance getting ever shorter. I noticed that the humans weren't going forth but staying put with the king. Then the griffons let out their own war-cry after recomposing themselves from Trevor's attack. I took a quick look up to see Trevor completely surrounded but still dropping them like flies before looking back down toward my objective.

"Shit," I thought, "if this continues the griffons won't be much help to us." Then the gap closed, Twilight's dragon getting the first hit. Dozens of griffons in front of me screamed out in pain as their bodies were engulfed in fire. I leaped over them stabbing my rapier into the nearest griffons head before casting my spell.

"Shildal Fira!" I yelled. My body became engulfed by a purplish-white flame. It did not burn me, but I couldn't say the same for the griffons around me. As there bodies burned the others realized that I couldn't be touched anymore. I heard griffons around me screaming orders not to touch the flaming human and focus on the lavender pony and her friend, but that didn't stop me. I began running forwards through any foe that was foolish to get in my way, stabbing my rapier into griffons left and right, letting others burn to a crisp. I heard a yell above me. I took a second t stop and look up, and gasped at what I saw. Trevor's right wing had been cut off, and he was now falling to the ground.

"Winra!" I yelled letting the wind carry me into the air. As I approached my falling comrade, I dropped my fire shield and sheathed my sword. I barely managed to catch Trevor, but when I did I teleported to Twilight, who was also getting pushed back. When I arrived back to were we had begun, I quickly conjured a barrier around us.

"Luke, get over here!"

"What happened?" He asked seeing Trevor.

"One of those bastards wing blades caught me in the wing," Trevor replied,grinning, "didn't even see 'em."

"Can you help him?" I asked keeping the barrier up from the attacking griffons but letting Twilight shoot beams of magic.

"I need medical supplies from the ship," said Luke, "if I can get back to the ship he'll live."

Crap, that means we're either going to retreat and lose the griffons support or I'm going to have to fight by myself. I made a quick decision. "Twilight," I said sighing, "get out of here. Teleport Luke and Trevor back o the ship."

"What about you?" asked Twilight.

"I can buy you a few moments to channel the energy to teleport the three of you that distance," I said smiling, "but i'm going to have to drop the shield in order to do it."

"No, we're not leaving you behind," said Luke, "we're all in this together."

"Don't worry," I said still smiling, "I'll rejoin once this mess is over. Twilight, prep the spell."

She was almost on the verge of tears. "You promise."

"Yes, I promise Twilight," I said facing her on one knee, "now be good and get them out of here." I stood up and took a deep breath. I folded arms over my chest before shooting them out to either side of me resulting in the barrier to expand sending griffons withing a hundred feet of us flying. The barrier died down as I prepped two more spells in my hands.

"The barrier is down," I heard griffon yell, "get them!"

"Nobody. Hurts. My. Friends!" I yelled, "Figara Metesto!" I large pillar of flame surrounded myself and the party burning a five hundred foot radius of griffons around and above us. After the flames died down only a handful of griffons remained, and they began fleeing from the battlefield. I fell to my knees panting before turning my head. "Go!" I yelled to Twilight. Twilight nodded before a flash of light. I covered my eyes with my left hand and when I moved it the three were gone.

"What just happened!?" Yelled the Griffon King towards me, "Where did they go!?"

"Someplace far away," I said standing up. I grabbed the amulet that Twilight gave me and pulled all the magical energy from in to replenish what I had just used, "so where we're we?"

"You were killing my soldiers," replied the king.

"No I mean before that."

"You were trying to convince me you were with Celestia, but now I don't believe that one bit."

"I know a way that could though."

"And how is that?"

"I'll show you the memory of the two besides you."

"You will do no such thing villain," spoke the female.

"Why not let the king speak for himself?" I asked, "or is that to much to ask my dear Atlanta?"

She was taken aback at the name I said. "How do you know my name?"

"Because the only female hero of old that came to Equestria was Atlanta," I said grinning, "and this is were we say hello, and goodbye." I shot a fireball forwards towards her. She was still in shock so didn't notice what was coming to hit her, but her friend did. The man leaped across and pushed Atlanta out of the way with ease. He proceeded to pull out his axe and block the fireball, making him skid backwards a few feet.

"You dare attack the heroes that will save us so boldly villain," yelled the Griffon King, "know your place."

"Oh shut up," I said now completely disregarding making the griffons into our allies by speaking. The man began to approach me twirling the large axe in his right hand with ease that no normal human could do. Wait, he's buff and strong, I facepalmed when I put two and two together.

"Finally figured out who your facing?" Asked Atlanta a little to cocky.

"Heracles, the most famous hero of the Greeks, and the best," I said groaning, "out of everybody, why did it have to be him?"

"Because I'm the only one that could do this," he said speaking for the first time. He rose his left had that wasn't holding the axe and brought it down on the Griffon's King head. I heard the distinct sound of bones breaking before watching the king fall down limp. I knew that the impact had instantly killed him.

"You beast," I said rage building inside of me, "no one deserves a death like that. You are not even worthy to hold the name Heracles." I began to unsheath my rapier.

"We want no of that now," said Atlanta waving her finger, "we want to witness you fight a little more." With that bodies began to rise from the ground, old griffons along with some pony corpses in armor began to rise. Some of the griffons we had just killed began to rise up and take arms.

"Damn it," I thought, "it's just like Canterlot."

"Do you like our pawns, no matter what you do, they will rise again and again," said Atlanta laughing, "we've killed two birds with one stone here today, we had you annialate the griffon army today as well as show us your strength.

I sunk my head down as I conjure up an unsheathed katana in my right hand and it's sheath in the other. "Giving up are we," continued Atlanta now laughing like a mad person, "at least you know your limits. Hey, how about this, if you join us now we won't hurt your friends until they arrive at our doorstep. We also won't kill you."

I rose my head up with a newly determined look that seemed to scare Atlanta. "what happened to you two?" I asked.

"What do you mean?" Asked Heracles.

"What happened to your pride of being a hero? The heroes that I've read about and looked up to would never act like this. Where is you honor? Where is your pride?"I asked now on the verge of tears. I yelled out the last part, "WHERE IS YOUR HEART!?" At this point I began to glow as tears rolled down my cheeks as I thought of the useless violence that had occurred today for nothing.

"What, what's going on?" Asked Atlanta now even more in a panic. I looked at the foes that surrounded me before locking Heracles dead in the eyes letting the tears stop and dry away. I sheathed my sword and took a deep breath never letting my eyes leave contact with Heracles.

"Atlanta, it's time we leave," said Heracles calmly.

"No, we can win," she screamed letting fear and madness now take over her, "everyone. ATTACK!"

The undead griffons and ponies charged at me. I took another breath before speaking. "Quick-draw style, third form, thousand leaf dance." In the eyes of Atlanta and Heracles I disappeared to the left, with the sound of wind rushing through the undead forces. I reappeared in an instant to my foes on the other side with my sword barely drawn. I sheathed my sword, and when I did the forces behind me be a fountain of blood. I had cut all of my enemies heads off, the only true way to kill zombies.

"How, that's," stammered Atlanta, "no normal human could do that."

"Good thing I'm not normal," I said realizing where my power had come from, "I'm just like the original heroes of old. I am an Element of Man. To be exact, the element of Heart."

Heracles grabbed Atlanta before saying, "Odysseus get us out of here." There was a sudden flash of light and when my vision had cleared Heracles and Atlanta were gone.

"Guess that means I should get back too," I said still a little adrenaline pumped from the battle. I closed my eyes, set my mind on the deck of the airship and a channeled my energy. When I opened my eyes I was on the ship with Twilight, Luke, AJ and Rarity running towards me.

"What happened?" asked Twilight.

I had a solemn look on my face as I broke the news. "the griffons won't be helping us," I said, "the man and women who were there was Heracles and Atlanta. They killed the griffon king after we killed off the army. The griffons empire is now in ruins."

"Are you hurt?" Asked Luke, "you seem pale.

"Don't worry abou..." The world began to fade to black before I was able to finish my sentence. The last thin I remember was hitting the ground then passing out.

--------------------------------------------------------

Yea, new chapter.

The Elements of Man have finally been announced. Who is what element? Did I actually discover mine? And what elements where the original six?

All this and more will be reviled in later chapters of One Soul, Two Worlds!