Meet Your Soul
As they arrived at the bearded man's hidden headquarters, the air was quiet, heavy with the scent of pine and ash. The bearded man dropped his pack and said calmly
"I'll make a fire. Cook some dinner."
Thomas lit up. "Yes! I'm starving."
Luke nodded. "I could eat."
From above, the raven circled once and cawed:
"Caw caw! War! Caw caw!"
Thomas's smile faded. His eyes sharpened.
"You're right, bird."
The bearded man looked at him. "What do you expect to do, Thomas?"
Thomas clenched his fists. "Fight. That's what."
"Fight for what?"
Thomas hesitated. looked down. Then raised his head, voice firm.
"For the people."
The bearded man scoffed. "The same people who hunted you like a dog? Who tried to kill you? Those people?"
Thomas paused. His jaw tightened. After a moment passed Thomas said.
"Yes. For those same people."
He stepped forward, voice rising.
"For the ones who judged me. Lied about me. The ones that tried to take my life. Those people."
The words hit like thunder. Luke was stunned. The bearded man stared, silent.
This guy, Luke thought. He's something else.
Could he be the one? the bearded man wondered.
After a long pause, the bearded man nodded.
"Alright, Thomas. You'll fight. But not tonight."
"What? There's no time to waste!"
The bearded man's voice turned sharp.
"You'll start training in the morning."
"The army's here tonight! There won't be a tomorrow!"
The bearded man stepped forward, aura flaring.
"There will be a tomorrow for you. I guarantee it even if I have to tie you down. You're not stronger than Light. I came to buy time. You need to get stronger."
He paused.
"But first… you've got to meet your soul."
Thomas blinked. "My soul? What are you talking about? Beard man, you hit your head or something?"
The bearded man grinned. Then, in an instant, his aura exploded wild, golden, untamed.
His voice shifted twangy, southern, full of swagger.
"Your soul, stupid!"
He made a gun shape with his hand, aimed at Thomas, and fired.
A blast of force knocked Thomas backward.
The bearded man tipped his imaginary hat.
"Name's Steve. I'll be your guide for tonight's session."
He cracked his knuckles.
"Strap up. It's about to get rowdy."