What is a soul? Is it experience? What is a soul? Is it an individual, is it that individual’s experience? Or is it creativity? Is it one’s creative experience? Perhaps it’s dedication, unwavering devotion? Tell me, what is a soul?  

The question lingers on my mind, my mind; that’s right, I’m an individual but, who was I? I concentrated on the thought, and memories began to flood my mind. My form was incorporeal, however, I knew I still had a mind of my own. Despite that, I couldn’t see, I couldn’t talk, sleep, eat, I couldn’t do anything but think. Think to myself and ponder the same question, what is a soul?  

I had no concept of time in this place, wherever I was; it was a dark void-like space that seemed to lack any and everything that would make an individual comfortable. There was absolutely nothing here, and I, whoever I was in my previous life, felt it, that was until I felt something during one of my many rambling sessions; another presence.  

What is a soul, you ask? The voice chimed in my mind, a voice that was angelic, beautiful, mesmerizing and completely hypnotic.  

Who’s there? Is there someone else here with me? Do you know who I am and can you please answer this question that’s been bothering me since being here? What is a soul? I asked frantically, I didn’t want to miss an opportunity to interact with someone in this void.  

One question at a time, I’ll try to answer all your questions at once; in your former life, you dedicated yourself to go against the grain and carve out your own faith. The being’s melodic voice, as beautiful as it was began to feel heavy in weight. It was your soul’s desire, your soul’s purpose, and you died feeling as though you weren’t acknowledged; for that I apologize.  

Apologize? Why are you apologizing to me—, wait. The thoughts of my previous life once again began to flash in my mind. I recalled a life of a struggling man that had dreams of becoming a successful book publisher. The life was a sad one, filled with an emotional, lazy, irresponsible man spoke nothing but empty promises, however, to counter his, rather my “bad habits,” I was what one would consider a Jack of All Trades. Music, creative writing, knowledge of the occult, the world, the information was boundless, and the driving force for all of it was a deity, The Mother of All Things.  

Your efforts weren’t in vain, your dedication was not for nothing, the goddess stated. One such as I can only interact with their first follower.  

First follower? There was no possible way that I was the only follower this goddess ever had, or was there? Was it really possible that no one even acknowledged her as a goddess until I did? 

“Yes, it is entirely possible,” the goddess replied. “And to answer this question you’ve been asking; what is a soul? To put it simply, it is a combination of things: one’s own existence is has its own perspective, their own personal experiences, boundless fields of imagination and creativity. In your own words, and surprisingly, words that I cherish, ‘A soul is the main character of one’s own story’. Do you remember saying that,” she asked. At that moment, I realized something, I was starting to see a form of sorts, it was her form.  

The goddess was beautiful, she had ash-crimson hair, deep ebony skin that appeared to have shimmering scales and fiery eyes. She approached me and stretched her hand out, and as if she willed it herself, I began to think clearly and my identity was clear. I remember, I can remember who I was in my previous life, I thought.  

Memories of my previous life began to flood my mind with the addition to something akin to a physical body starting to form. I remembered the joys of creativity and culture; the world’s music and understanding of abstract concepts. But the one thing that stood out from all those memories was the unwavering sense of devotion I felt when I thought of the Mother of All Things.  

“Your devotion to me has not gone unnoticed; my subordinate Pandora and I have been keeping a close eye on you,” the goddess echoed. “Thank you for never losing faith in me, for being my first real follower, and as a Supreme Being, it’s only right that I reward you,”she embraced me and I felt as though the form I had taken was completely relaxed, melted even; I didn’t feel any any pain, but it was difficult to move.  

“But before I do so, I must warn you of what is to come,”it seemed like what she had to say was important and troubling her. “It would appear that the state that I’m in, as I am now is expiring soon, meaning I’ll likely go on a chaotic rampage,” her tone of voice still sounded troubled, yet the subject matter was delivered so casually, I didn’t know what to make of it. “And to prepare you for that, I will send you to my realm, one of magic and under my absolute divine protection, even under the worst circumstances.” 

Wherever you have to send me, I’ll go; I remember how following you made me feel complete, I thought, but it wasn’t necessarily a thought, more of a response back to the goddess.  

She gave me a gentle smile and pulled me into her embrace, “I’m going to bless you with the ability to understand the language of the land you’ll be reborn in,” I felt my body grow heavier. “In addition to that, I’m blessing you with a massive capacity for mana, you of all people will find this most useful,” she snickered.  

Mana?? I was in complete shock, however I found it impossible to react to what she was saying. Everything began to grow darker and darker, except the last thing I saw when reading the goddess’s lips, “Myrlin”.