Legacy: Season One

Chapters

Episode Two: Welcome to Equestria
Episode Three: Friendship Is Optional
Episode Four: Mindcape Of Chaos Pt. 1
Episode Five: Mindscape Of Chaos Pt. II
Episode Six: Shingeki No Poni
Episode Seven: Cold Steel
Episode One: The Portal

Episode Two: Welcome to Equestria

Legacy

Episode Two: Welcome To Equestria

Written By: Fluttashift

Origins. Everybody has one. Some are told with great splendor, while other’s in a saddening tone. My origins are simple. Loser receives superpowers. I don’t want to bore you with those monotonous details. This isn’t about me. I am writing this for the future generations of superheroes. To do that which seems impossible, deliver true justice.

LEGACY

“I asked you a question, and I expect an answer. Now please...” Celestia trailed off, gesturing for me to continue.

“I…” I couldn’t find the words to explain myself as my thoughts were focused upon my impotent powers.

Snap out of it, Shift! Time for hero mode!

With an imperceivable shake of my head, a cocky smile formed upon my face. “I am Shift of Earth. I have come to your world to both help and seek answers to the questions that I have.” I slowly trotted up to the throne causing the guards on either side of me to cross their spears, determined to not let me pass. “There is an impending threat to both of our worlds. A threat that, if left unmitigated, could cause countless deaths and irreparable damage.”

Celestia pursed her lips, sitting down. “As dire of a threat as that sounds, I have no reason to believe you. You are a stranger to me and Equestria. As such, you have not garnered any trust. You come to me, speaking about threats that I have no knowledge about, and have no evidence of this so called threat. How do I know you are not lying; how do I know you, yourself, are not a threat to my kingdom?”

Clever horse.

I backed up a bit from the throne, relaxing the guards. “I could see why you might think that, smart, actually. The thing is though, your world is not my problem. I have no obligation to help you. I only tried out of good will, alone. If you are going to forsake my warning, then I will make my leave.” I turned and began trotting out the door, but I turned my head back to face her. “Just remember that if I leave and this threat spreads doomsday upon your world. You, and you alone sent away the only one who could help.”

Her eyes met the ground as she looked deep in thought. The guards remained still; acting as ever-vigilant statues. “You do seem to have a good point,” She cleared her throat, “Threat or no threat, I need to think of the safety of my kingdom. If there is a threat and you can stop it then I must gain all the facts before ponies get hurt or worse. I will grant you temporary entrance into this land. Welcome to Equestria, Shift.”

Pony?! I can’t believe that I’m a damn pony! This is so degrading.

Turning around, I looked up at the Princess as she questioned me, “Now then, what is this threat that you speak of?” Sitting down, she put on an impregnable mask of stoicism that only a lifetime of ruling a kingdom could grant a pony.

“Her name is Queen Gadget. She is a villain from the world from which I come. I guess I should start from the beginning,” I sighed, having to recall the story again in more detail. It was almost unbearable, but I found the strength within to endure. Out of sheer force of habit, I began pacing back and forth as I spoke.“Five years ago, Mastermind, another villain of my realm, caused the Mindscape to collapse.” Celestia tilted her head slightly, but otherwise showed no outward signs of confusion, so I went on. “Gadget, or Violet, was the center of this Mindscape, holding it all together. It links to all human minds and acts as something we call imagination. Are you familiar with the term?” I stopped and asked.

Celestia simply nodded, still holding her perfectly neutral face.

Beginning to trot again, I continued. “She had to give up her human form and mind to protect the rest of my kind, causing her to become trapped in that world. The Mindscape ‘control center,’ of sorts, was located within her mind, with her being the ruling psychic and all. If she hadn’t given up her state of being, the Mindscape would have used her body as a vessel to do it’s bidding. To shape the world the way it wanted. To completely and totally rule the Earth.”

“Violet wandered the desolate wasteland, once filled with life and creativity. Soon, she became angry. Her anger led to madness the more she wandered. Violet became obsessed with the idea of vengeance, obsessed that my team and I were the reason for her imprisonment. She began to forget the good memories and filled those gaps with dark, brooding contempt. Then, the Omega Metal came into the picture.” I shuddered at the memory, pausing in my pacing for a moment.

“She began chasing after this metal, which was rumored to be hidden within the core of the Mindscape, she found what she was searching for, but with deadly consequences.” I stopped, clearing my throat, feeling moisture begin to accumulate in the corner of my eyes. Clenching my jaw, I closed my eyes trying to fight back my emotions.

This is no time to get all worked up.

“Is everything alright, my little pony?” The princess asked sounding concerned, giving me a sympathetic look.

“I-I’m fine...but, could you please not refer to me in that manner?” I blushed and shifted nervously, being reminded of my awkward predicament.

She laughed, remembering I wasn’t from this world. “Nevermind, please continue.”

“Right… So, after a few months, Violet’s obsession began to drive her insane. Soon, she became fused with the metal.” I paused to give a mirthless chuckle. “Turns out that it was actually not just a metal; it was a living organism. It soon took over her thoughts, it literally became her mind. That’s when she became Queen Gadget. Escaping her prison, she attacked my team. One by one, she came after us and broke us. As if that wasn’t enough…” I trailed off while letting out a shuddering sigh.

“Gadget captured my girlfriend, Sarah, her sister, and was going to use her powers to fuse the Mindscape with Earth, which in turn, would mean she controlled the world. I was able to defeat her, but before she was sent back, she killed Sarah and promised deadly recompense. She now resides in a maximum security facility within the Mindscape, designed specifically for psychics,” I completed my story, having practically walked a trench into the castle floor.

“I see. I am sorry to hear about your misfortunes. Still…” She paused raising an eyebrow, “What does it have to do with Equestria?”

“I’m not exactly sure. That’s why I’m here. All I know is in my dream--actually I’d go as far as to call it a vision, a... premonition, if you will. In it she told me about this place. About Equestria. It appeared as if she was threatening this world, mine, and many others,” I explained.

“How would she know of Equestria? In fact, I’ve been meaning to ask: how did you manage to get to Equestria?” Princess Celestia seemed to have interest in this.

How does Gadget know of Equestria? Has she been here before?

“I don’t know how Gadget knew. She just told me about this place, but that does beg the question. As for how I got here, I came through a portal in a warehouse.”

“I may have a solution to your problem, but first may I ask what is your cutie mark?” Celestia pointed a hoof at my side.

“Cutie mark?” I asked her incredulously. I turned to look where she was pointing. “Oh, I thought that was a tattoo or something. Cutie Mark. Thats a… an interesting name for it. That,” pointing to my hip, or at least, what I can equate to my hip on this equine body, “is the logo for H.E.R.O. A sword encased in a shield. It’s where I work back home. See, believe it or not, I’m a superhero where I come from.” I inadvertently puffed my chest out a little with pride. I’m pretty sure that habit comes with the job.

Celestia’s mask cracked for a split second, revealing shock on her otherwise neutral and motherly face. “H.E.R.O.,” she said almost under her breath, “Heroic Enforcement for a Righteous Outcome,” she said a bit louder with a withdrawn and perplexed expression.

Waitwhat.

“Uh, yeah, how did you know that?” I questioned curiously, my eyes widening as I turned back to face her. A stupefied look on my face.

“I’ve dealt with a hero named Swan, in the past. She assisted with some interdimensional matters,” She explained.

“Swan? I trained her. She’s a member of my team I told you about.”

So, Swan has been here before. What matters do ponies have that could possibly call for a superheroic presence? Well, I’m here, so I guess anything’s possible.

“Really? Interesting. May I ask what your powers are?” Celestia appeared to be intrigued by this turn of events.

I shuffled about nervously. “Well...you see…my powers are kind of... not working... Normally, I can shift parts of my body into objects I picture in my head sort of like a shapeshifter, but different, in a sense. I can’t seem to get my hoof to transform, no matter how hard I concentrate on the image in my mind,” I confessed hesitantly.

She’s a princess and a pony. What could she do to cross me? Why would she?

Still, I had to consider the possibility. This world is new to me, alien, even. I cannot trust easily no matter how adorable these ponies might be or act. Any one of them could be a back-stabbing traitor, like Gadget.

She tapped her hoof on her chin thinking. “Hmmm.. Have you tried picturing something of this world?”

I shook my head. Closing my eyes, I saw nothing but blackness. Soon, an image began to form in my mind. The shape was long and stick-like with a spear at the end of it. Clearer it got, until it looked like the spears the guards had been holding. It was as if it was right in front of me, ready for me to reach out and grab it.

From the ether I pulled at the image. Slowly feeling the ever strange sensation of deformation and reformation, my hand… no, hoof began transforming.

Opening my eyes, I could see my right hoof was now transformed into the object from my mind. I shifted my weight to my remaining three hooves and swung the spear. I even jabbed it forward before turning it back into a hoof.

“I haven’t had to focus like that since I first recieved my powers. So, guns must not exist in this realm. That makes things... difficult. I need to learn more about this place and gain some experience before I set off blindly on a journey,” I thought aloud, not even realizing it.

“I see. This land must have limitations on your powers then. Have you ever experienced this before?” Celestia asked sounding a bit concerned, which both startled and comforted me.

I shook my head. “Never, course I don’t really do interdimensional travel often, only when it’s needed.”

Celestia cleared her throat and stood up. “It’s almost time for the sunset,” She remarked, glancing out the window, “I do have a solution to your problem, though, I believe.”

“Really?!” I practically leapt in excitement, my eyes gleaming with hope, “what is it?”

“Princess Twilight and her friends have helped many ponies across this land, even my sister and I. I believe they will be your best bet to gain knowledge and find the answers you seek. I’m sure they would be happy to help,” Celestia explained with a beautiful smile, “I will call for them to meet you here. In the meantime, my sister will be raising the moon at any moment. Why don’t you talk to her while you wait?”

“Raising the moon? It doesn’t just rise on it’s own?” I asked quizzically, a bit confused at what she had said.

She simply shook her head and walked off into a hallway to my right. This place was strange. Stranger than I had imagined. Talking ponies, limited weaponry, and impotent moons that needed help rising.

What could Gadget want in a place like this? It just seems strange. Just like everything here. Having to adapt to my powers to new stipulations is going to be arduous. How am I going to re-master my powers quick enough? It took years in my world to truly understand them. H.E.R.O helped a lot in that process. Maybe, I should contact Elliot at some point, but how?

A black coated princess had walked in, but I wasn’t really paying attention to her. I was lost in my reverie. So caught up in it that I didn’t even see her use her magic to raise the moon. The sudden darkening of the room caused me to look up.

“Art thou the one Our sister speaketh of?” The Princess said in a soft voice, even softer than her sister’s. She had a long flowing dark bluish mane with little stars twinkling in it, and now that I was paying closer attention, I noticed that her coat was not, in fact, black, but a soft, midnight blue. Just like the sky on a clear summers night.

“I am. Shift’s the name. What’s yours?” I responded with a nod curt and a bow. I figured I should show at least a modicum of reverence to the rulers of this land.

“Princess Luna. Thou mayst refer to Us as 'Luna,' if that is thy preference. My sister has told us of thine endeavors and We believe her decision was most wise,” she said nodding, turning to gaze at the night sky.

The night sky was beautiful. Stars glittered along a sheet of near blackness lit only by the comforting glow of the moon. The air was cool and warm. It looked like the sky back home on Earth. So familiar, yet so alien.

_________________________________

The Princess of the Night, as she called herself, wasn’t much of a chatterbox. It had been a little over what felt like a few hours. I had mostly been shifting back and forth on my hooves while occasionally talking to the princess. She disappeared a few times and told me she could enter the realm of dreams. I had jokingly referred to her as Freddy Krueger, but this only confused her. I guess that doesn’t exist in this world, either.

The doors behind me opened. Turning, I saw, who I assumed to be, the ponies Celestia spoke of. The one at the front had a horn and wings and appeared taller than the others. I assumed that this was the ‘Princess Twilight’ that I was told of. She had a straight, lavender mane, with a trail of pink and dark purple coloring it. To her left, the pony had a snowy white coat with a styled violet mane and tail as well as beautiful, blue eyes. She only had a horn, as opposed to the purple one. Next to her was a rainbow maned pony with a cyan coat. This pony seemed to only have wings as did the pony next to her. However, the other pony had a long, slightly curled pink mane and tail as well as a light yellow coat. She was looking at the ground, but I could still make out her teal eyes.

On the Princess’s left were two other ponies. One was pink on pink. Her mane and tail very poofy as well a shade or two darker than her coat, with light blue eyes, and was bouncing up and down excitedly, as if on a perpetual sugar high. The last one was orange with a blonde mane and tail both tied at the ends. Upon a closer look, I noticed that this pony was actually an inch or so the tallest. These two seemed to not have either wings or a horn. The orange one wore a Stetson and a warm smile. In fact, now that I notice it, they were all smiling at me. Frankly, I was a little intimidated and I wasn’t easily intimidated.

I noticed all their cutie marks in order as well. A large pink star with smaller stars around it, three blue gemstones, a cloud with a tri-colored lighting bolt coming from it, three pink butterflies, two blue- and a yellow- colored balloons, and finally, three red apples.

Why do they look happy to see me, They don’t even know me? I guess peop--... ponies from this universe are just friendlier.

“Hello, how do you do? My name is Twilight Sparkle. You must be Shift, right?” The purple pony spoke up after an awkward silence permeated the air.

“Yes, you must be Princess Twilight, then.” I walked up to her and shook her hoof. Which turned out to be a very awkward gesture for a hoof.

“I am, but you could just call me Twilight,” she responded with a sheepish smile.

I nodded, glancing at the others. “And who are these ponies?”

“Darling, where are my manners,” the white one walked up to me, shaking my hoof, “I am Rarity.”

“Ah’m Applejack. Nice to meet ya, Shift,” the cowpony said with a southern twang, tipping her stetson at me.

“I’m Pinkie Pie!” the pink one said from behind me, coming seemingly out of nowhere, “I know everypony, and since I don’t know you, that means you’re a new pony, and if you’re a new pony, I have to do two things: first, ask you to be my friend, then throw a huge party!” The pink, spastic pony spoke fast and excitedly.

“I’m sorry, but I’m looking for help not friendship right now,” I shot her down as gently as I could.

“Pinkie, let’s finish the introductions and not rush him into anything. I’m sure he’s tired and he doesn’t know much about our world” Twilight explained to Pinkie who in turn nodded as a sign she understood. She did look slightly deflated, though, as in, literally. Her mane and tail both seemed to be less voluminous than before. Odd...

“I’m Rainbow Dash! The number one flyer in all of Equestria!” The rainbow maned pony said enthusiastically as she flew upward, hovering in the air.

“I-I’m… F-F-Fluttershy...” The final pony answered in a soft, timid whisper, cowering low to the ground in uncertainty. I couldn’t even make out what she had said her name was.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t hear you. What’s your name?” I asked her.

“That’s Fluttershy. She can be a bit shy when she meets new ponies,” Applejack answered, comforting her friend with a hoof.

Upon my face formed a beaming smile. “Well, I have to admit it is nice to meet such inviting people….er… ponies?” Twilight nodded as I said this, and I continued, “...ponies, then,” I said under my breath.

“It’s not everyday you meet a pony from another world. First impressions are important,” Rarity chimed in.

“So, then I’m guessing the Princess informed you of the reason for me being here in this world?” I quickly changed the subject, glancing to the floor.

Just cause they’re nice doesn’t mean they can be trusted. Who knows what they are capable of. If there’s one thing I know, it’s never underestimate anyone. Or anypony, for that matter.

“Yes,” Twilight shook her head as she spoke, “She told us of the threat and your need to understand our world to regain control of your powers,” she recounted.

“You’re a real superhero? That is so AWESOME!” The chromatic mare looked at me, excitedly flying up close to my face.

“I am but, we should focus on the task at hand..”

“Hoof,” Rainbow interrupted, correcting me.

“Whatever! Hand, Hoof. Same difference. Anyway, the point is we need to get started on this mission. It’s top priority for the safety of multiple worlds,” I snapped, perhaps a little louder than I should have. She became angry, glaring at me.

“What’s your problem?” The mare growled.

“In my line of work, you learn not to trust so easily. Miss Dash,” I locked eyes with her, not looking away for a second until the purple one, Twilight I think, snapped us out of it

“Well, it’s late and I thought we should bring you back to Ponyville and figure this out in the morning. After all, superpowers would be a great new thing to study as well as your kind,” Twilight interjected, putting a hoof on both of our shoulders, tentatively separating us. Rainbow and I gave each other one last glance, filled with all the stubbornness we could muster, before turning back to the group. “So, we’d love to help.” she said with a glance at Dash that was a little more reproachful than necessary.

“Alright, Twilight. Sounds like a plan. Problem is, though, I don’t have a place to stay,” I remembered that I had nowhere to call home; no bed to lay in; no fireplace to keep me warm. No place in this world.

Twilight narrowed her eyes in thought and then smiled at me. “You can take the guest room at my house,” she said brightly.

She just met me... and already she’s invited me to stay in her home. I am really going to have to get used to all this… kindness.

“That’s really nice of you. Thanks, Twilight,” I returned an uneasy smile.

Suddenly, her horn lit with a magenta aura. She strained herself, deep in concentration. Soon, it felt as if I was being taken apart piece by piece and then being reassembled, molecule by molecule. My head was throbbing with pain and I placed my hoof on my forehead. There was a queasy, nauseous feeling in my stomach. The pearly castle walls had transformed into buildings and the marble floor into grassy earth.

“What the hell was that?” I asked feebly while I regained my bearings. “Where are we?” I asked as I tried to process what had happened.

“Teleportation spell,” Twilight answered turning her head to me.

“Spell? As in magic?”

“Well duh, what else could it have been?” she said playfully, but then the dull shock of realization crossed her face. “Why? Can you not do magic in your world?” Twilight tilted her head in confusion.

“Well, in my world, it’s classified as superpowers, but few people have this power. I have faced a few magic-based villains before, so I am familiar with the concept of teleportation. I’ve just never been teleported myself, is all,” I explained to her.

“How interesting!” She said excitedly, “learning about your world sounds like it’s going to be fun!” Twilight cheered, her eyes bright with a decidedly nerdy sense of glee.

FUN! This is serious business. It’s no time to be thinking about fun!

Treading onward, that word kept floating around in my head. Fun. Every time I thought about it, phantasmagorical images would furtively appear in my mind. Whether they were of the past, future, or something else entirely, I could not say. Each time I reached out to solidify them they would bleed back into the ether of my mind. Shaking my head slightly, trying to dispel the images, I focused on my surroundings. We passed by a few remarkable buildings. One was a beautiful, white boutique shaped like a carousel, which Rarity explained she owned.

“Really? You own this place? That’s quite impressive, actually. It’s a beautiful building. So, you make dresses and suits and the sort, then. correct?” I stared up at the gold ball atop glinting beautifully in the moonlight.

Quite the building for a land of ponies. That castle was some amazing architecture as well. Wonder how they do it?

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something, Princess Twilight,” I turned my head to the right to look her in the eyes.

“Please, just call me Twilight. What did you want to ask?” She said, turning her head slightly to face me.

“Well, some of you have wings, some of you have horns, some have both, and some have none at all.” I shrugged, “I’m guessing different races? I mean, come on! I’ve seen every damn mythical horse in the book.” I laughed at that, but didn’t realize it until I received stares and even a glare from Rainbow. “ Heh, umm… So could you explain it a bit to me?” I asked, trying to recover from that nugget of obnoxiousness.

“Well, winged ponies are pegasi, horned ponies are unicorns, and the ones without either are known as Earth ponies. I am an Alicorn. To put it simply, it’s the three of those smashed together, but not literally smashed together. That wouldn’t feel very good. Is it even possible? Hmm…” Twilight receded into her mind as we past yet another interesting-looking building, obviously contemplating on how best to smash ponies together.

Heh, Smash Ponies. Sounds like a Nintendo ripoff.

This building was designed to look exactly like a gingerbread house. Atop was a cupcake with a candle sticking out of it. My stomach began to growl and I clutched it, blushing. I was rather hungry.

Damn. Of all the times I forget to eat, it’s before interdimensional travel.

“You must be super duper hungry!” Pinkie said ecstatically, leaping forward and flipping around to face me. “This is the place I work at, Sugarcube Corner, cute name. Am I right?” She put her hoof around me in a friendly manner. “I could whip up a batch of cupcakes in a cinch if you want me to,” The pink pony winked.

What in the hell. Why are these ponies so friendly? So kind and generous. It doesn’t make sense. They seem like they that could be easily taken advantage of or conquered. Then, my eyes widened. Gadget, what she said in my dream. Even worlds that haven’t been exposed to suffering’s charm, wasn’t it? And something about choosing a realm I’d like ever so much? She wanted me to find this place, but why?

“You okay, Shift? What’s the matter? Do you not like cupcakes?” She gasped, “you don’t, do you!” The mare accused. “But... frosting,” Pinkie began shaking me, “Think of the frosting!”

I snapped out of my thoughts quickly as I felt her shake me. “Pinkie, I was thinking. I’d love some cupcakes,” I said causing her to stop.

“Good, then allons-y!” Pinkie leaped in the doorway, causing the door to open.

That’s some security.

I rolled my eyes as I trotted into the dark room. Pinkie flicked on the lights revealing the cash register and display areas for baked goods.

Must be a bakery, then.

She lead us into the blue tiled kitchen and began gathering the ingredients for the cupcakes. Pinkie began mixing them in a bowl and whipping the batter. It was interesting to see how ponies could do something like this. They mostly used their mouths to hold their utensils. Interesting. Soon, the batter was ready to be placed in the tray, and she slowly poured it in, guiding it with a wooden spoon.

Yanking the oven open, Pinkie placed the tray in and set the timer. “That was interesting,” I remarked.

“Why?” Twilight asked cocking an eyebrow.

“In my world, ponies can’t do things like that at all. But with the way your race is sentient and the way you use your utensils and how remarkably wonderful your buildings are structured, it’s just quite astonishing is all I’m trying to say. I mean no disrespect by it,” I couldn’t quite find the words I wanted to use as I said this.

“Oh,” Twilight said with a smile, “are you interested in learning of our world, too?” she asked curiously.

“That wasn’t my express purpose for coming here, but after seeing some remarkable things I think I’d like to,” I admitted.

With a buzzing sound, the alarm went off. Pinkie slammed the button on the top and it ceased its noise making. With a hoof-shaped, blue oven mitt, she took the tray out and began decorating the pastries. Pink frosting and rainbow sprinkles. I licked my lips at the finished product and sniffed the delicious air. The scent of freshly baked goods and sugar permeating it.

I snatched two and began eating, trying to make as little a mess as possible with my unfamiliar appendages. They had cooled down during the decoration phase. The others took a cupcake and ate them as well. After I finished, I gulped down some of the lemonade she had quickly made while we were chowing down. I burped loudly, covering my mouth with a hoof.

“Sorry,” I said blushing. The girls just snickered as they drank their lemonade.

After finishing the snacks and beverages, Pinkie placed the dishes in the sink and we trotted out of the building. The thing that still bothered me was when I stepped onto the road, there was wasn’t exactly a road or sidewalks. It was mostly grass and dirt paths. Twilight led us to her house which appeared to be a large tree with a house carved inside of it. Two balconies protruded from different levels, in which one was a large telescope, pointed up to the night sky.

“Well, this is where we must say goodbye till morning, darling,” Rarity said as we approached the door.

I turned and nodded, saying my goodbyes. The other five ponies trotted off in separate directions. Twilight opened the door with a nudge of her head.

“Coming?” She asked turning back to face me.

I quickly spun around. “Oh. Yeah, I am,” I nodded following her in. I noticed the inside was all wooden as Twilight flicked on the lanterns and light began to fill the room. Inside the clear lanterns were fireflies. Books, organized on shelves all around the room, lined most of the walls. A green couch and table sat in the middle of the room. On the right side of the room was a writing desk. Atop it sat rolled up pieces of parchment and an old-fashioned quill sitting in an inkwell, just waiting for someone to come by and allow it to create a letter, document, or story. At the far end of the room was a staircase leading to the second floor.

“Wow, nice place you got here,” I commented as I gazed around the room.

“Thank you, Shift. Now, I’ll introduce you to my assistant and little brother, Spike. He will show you where you can sleep tonight,” she trotted off into the kitchen.

A few moments later she emerged with Spike. Only Spike wasn’t a pony, he didn’t even have fur. He was a bipedal, short dragon. By dragon standards he had to still be an infant. He had purple and green scales, with a beaming smile on his face.

Again, they’re so damn happy in this place! I just don’t get it.

“Hello,” he greeted me with a wave, “I’m Spike, Twilight’s number one assistant!” He announced, puffing out his chest, “So, you’re staying here for awhile, then?”

“For a bit, Spike. Just until I learn what I need,” I said with a nod.

“Alrighty, I’ll show you to the guest room, then,” Spike turned using his clawed hand to gesture me to follow him. Trotting towards the staircase, he made a right turn that led us to a door located just before it. Spike opened it revealing, a small room with a bed, lantern, night-stand, shelf of books, and a writing desk.

“Wow, cozy,” I remarked as I climbed on the bed.

“If you need anything, just give one of us a shout,” Spike said, closing the door softly.

First thing in the morning, I need to contact Elliot, and I think I have a way. Twilight has the ability to use magic. She may have some form of contact spell to reach other worlds. I’ll have to talk to her in the morning.

I yawned and layed back on the bed, stretching.

These ponies are nice, but I can’t let my guard down too much. Just enough to get what I need. Then, I’ll be able to save them. All of them.

____________________________________

I soon drifted off into slumber. Blackness was not my fate tonight, though. Another dream began swirling around in my mind, propagating itself. A large desert devoid of sound with a smoldering sun, sizzling the desert sand, shaped around me. I could feel the sun beating down on me as sweat poured from my forehead. The dream was becoming lucid and realistic to my eyes.

“I see you found Equestria,” A familiar voice pierced through the silent air.

“Gadget!” I yelled, instinctively shifting my hoof into a spear.

I’m still a pony? Why? Even in my dreams?

“Awww,” she purred, forming a few feet in front of me, “How adorable. What a lovely gray coat, Such a charming green mane. And those yellow eyes! I prefer you much more as a pony,” Gadget giggled with a devilish smile.

“Go to hell! What do you want?!” I stomped my hoof on the desert sand.

“You gave me part of what I wanted already. You came here, to Equestria. Thank you ever so much,” she said with an evil grin.

“Why do you care about Equestria?” I asked quizzically, cocking a brow.

“Elliot didn’t tell you?” Gadget feigning a shocked look. “The metal was created here,” she answered with a cocky smile.

“Here?!” My jaw unhinged as my eyes widened.

“Yes, and now that you know it’s time for a little fun. For old times sake,” Gadget said seductively with a sadistic smile as her serpent-like claws sprung up. The ones on the right and left lifted her off the ground as the one in the middle extended under her and outward, like a stinger. The middle claw lunged for me. I was frozen, unable to move.

Here? The root of all my suffering, all my problems. Is here?

To Be Continued...

Episode Three: Friendship Is Optional

Legacy

Episode Three: Friendship Is Optional

Written By: Fluttashift

Friend or foe? The question often comes up when you lead a life devoted to the greater good. Trust is either something a hero has, or doesn't want to possess. The one mistake a hero can make easily is not trusting anyone. I have made this mistake more than once in my time as a hero. Heed my warning, it’s always good to have friends, but trust is always an issue, because you never know who your friends truly are or what they’re capable of. Trust is a thin rope to walk across, but it must be done. To do that which seems impossible, deliver true justice.

LEGACY

Phase’s voice rang through my head. “You can’t give up, Shift. You’re a hero, whether you believe it or not. You can save them all. All you have to do is try.” It was something she always said to cheer me up. It brought a tear to my eye to hear it again.

I leapt to the right, rolling across the sandy ground, and scrambling onto my hooves. Shifting my back hooves into propellers, I hovered a few feet above the ground as they rotated slowly. I then proceeded to shift my right hoof into a spear and sped the rotators faster, speeding forward. Gadget smirked and raised the middle claw. She slammed it down, hard, and a sharp pain exploded through my back as I slammed into the sand, skidding to a stop on the small granules. Sand was in my eyes and mouth, and I spit some out, pulling my head off of the burning hot ground.

Narrowing my eyes to slits, I flew upwards and shifted my hoof into a large, muscular fist, made of stone. Gadget pushed off with her claws and flew through the air. Using her metallic pincers, she grabbed onto me with her right and left claws. I struggled against them as the pincers dug into me, causing blood to trickle slowly out of the lacerations. They were so sharp they might as well have been needles. Landing, Gadget threw me into the coarse sand for a second time. I struggled to get to my fe-hooves, spitting out blood as I rose to my full height. Gadget began sauntering towards me, walking on her claws, a maniacal smile upon her face.

“You can’t win, hero. I’m too powerful for you, now,” She laughed hysterically.

“Funny,” I said weakly, as I struggled to my hooves, wobbling a little, “It don’t feel like you’re more powerful. In fact, you hit... like a good guy,” I smiled cockily at her.

“You’ll regret that!” She snapped, swinging her right claw. It smashed into me and I was sent hurtling into the air. I landed on my back, skidding across the sand. Pain seared through all of my fresh abrasions.

I can win this! I can beat this bitch! I’ve done it before!

Struggling to my hooves once more, I saw Gadget charging at me, middle pincer drawn and ready to slice me to ribbons. “You’ll die!” She shrieked sadistically, her eyes burning a fiery red. The pincer shot forward and I jumped upward. I landed on the claw with four stone hooves. Gadget was yanked forward and thrown over my head as the claw ripped apart with an electrical sound. Wires stuck out of it as sparks burst forth. Gadget slammed into the sand dune ahead of me. I galloped over toward her.

“Any last words, Gadget?” I asked confidently.

“Yes; ‘regeneration,’” she said as her middle claw began reforming and rebuilding itself. Laughing, her head turned. With a swift swing, her claw impacted me, once more sending me flying backwards into the adjacent hill, but this time I didn’t get up.

Gadget got to her claws and pulled her Gear Whips from their slots. “Time to get to the real fun,” Gadget hissed. She swung her whips back then forward as they came soaring in my direction. The sharp spike-like metal smashed into my shoulders as blood gushed freely. They began to wrap themselves around me tightening as if a snake had crawled along my body. The spikes dug into me as she came forward looming above me.

“AHHHH!” I yelped in pain.

“What’s the matter, Shift? I thought you liked this game. Don’t be such a bad sport!” She mockingly scolded me, laughing maniacally afterward. Gadget leaned down until she was right near my ear. I could feel her warm breath on my neck. “Don’t worry, sweetie, Mommy will make it quick,” she whispered seductively into my ear.

She grabbed either side of my head, my futile struggles not impeding her in the slightest, and twisted my head in a swift, violent, jerk. I heard a popping sound, and the world began to bleed away. Leaving nothing but her ineffable laughter in its place.

________________________________

“Rise and shine!” Twilight called from the opened bedroom door.

I shot awake screaming, panting harder than I ever have in my life. My heart thundered in my chest. I didn’t know what to think. My body ached from the lucid battle and bruises could be seen on my body, but other than that the more severe injuries stayed in my mind.

What just happened? What are these dreams trying to tell me? Then, there’s the issue of trust between me and these ponies.

“W-what?” I jumped back as I saw Twilight looking at me from the doorway.

“You okay?” She sounded concerned as she rushed to my side, “You’re sweating.”

“I’m fine!” I snapped, causing Twilight to back away, “I’m sorry… you just startled me, is all.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean too. Breakfast is almost ready and then we can get started on figuring out how to help you out in the fastest and most efficient way. See you in the kitchen,” With that, Twilight trotted out of the bedroom.

Swinging my hooves around, I sat up on the bed. My covers were on the floor; I had kicked them off the bed at some point during the dream. No, that was a nightmare. I rubbed my eyes feeling a bit groggy.

I hate mornings. How can these ponies be so cheerful at all times. Must be something in the water. Still, my dream. The battle with Gadget. She has gotten stronger.

I shrugged it off for now as my stomach announced its displeasure with my lack of nourishment. I climbed off the bed and onto my hooves. Trotting into the living room, I closed the door behind me. As I approached the kitchen, I smelled the scent of cooking food that reminded me of Sarah’s cooking.

Smells good. Wonder what’s for breakfast?

I nudged the kitchen door open and entered. Spike stood on a chair, cooking some pancakes, wearing a little, white chef’s hat. Twilight sat at a small table, using her magic to raise a cup to her mouth. She sipped it slowly while reading a large book. Glancing up, she used her magic to shut the book.

“Hello. Why don’t you come join me?” Twilight patted a chair next to her.

Nodding, I trotted over and said a ‘good morning’ to Spike. After Sitting down, a plate filled with sweet smelling pancakes was placed in front of me. I licked my lips and dug my face into the plate. I scarfed it down quickly and tentatively asked for seconds.

“Hungry?” Twilight asked with a giggle.

“Yeah... Thank you for your hospitality,” I bowed to her. She was a princess after all.

She blushed. “Oh, please don’t bow. It makes me feel special. I just want to be treated like everypony else.” As she spoke she examined me, but then she noticed something, gasping she said in a worried tone, “Where’d you get these bruises, Shift? Are you alright?” Concerned eyes met mine as I glanced over to her.

“I had a dream. It’s personal but, it was lucid, and these things tend to happen to me,” I explained softly with reassuring eyes, trying to ease her stress.

Since my connection with Phase allows me to dream within the Mindscape, I have a special talent, one that few humans possesses who aren’t psychics. I’m a lucid dreamer, often too.

“Oh, still it looks rough. You’re sure you’re okay?” She asked still sounding worried.

“I’m fine.” Spike placed another serving of pancakes in front of me. I dug in and soon devoured the second helping. “Believe me... I’ve been through worse,” I said in between mouthfuls. After finishing that plateful, I decided I was finally full. “Good cooking. Thanks, Spike. Actually kind of reminds me of the pancakes my girlfriend used to make,” I complemented Spike as he collected the plate.

“Thanks,” Spike smiled, cheeks reddening and went to the sink to begin washing the dishes.

“Used to make?” Twilight tilted her head, “I assume by girlfriend you’re referring to something my world would call a marefriend. What happened to her?”

“She died,” I said bluntly, frowning as my tone became somber.

“Oh,” Twilight said sadly, looking away. “I’m so sorry!” She put a hoof on my shoulder. “I didn’t mean to pry into your business. I’m sorry about your mare… uhh, girlfriend.”

I shrugged her foreleg off. “Thanks. It’s okay, don’t worry about it.” I forced a smile.

“So,” Twilight cleared her throat, “Do you have a plan on how to go about this?” She asked, changing the subject, her eyes not being able to meet mine.

“Well, yes, as a matter of fact, I do,” I answered, “First, I need to contact my boss and I was thinking maybe we could utilize a spell to accomplish this. Then, I need to learn more about this world, especially to find a better way to utilize my limited arsenal. So, a bit of cultural exchange and an investigation and I should be out of your hair,” I chuckled.

“Mane, but I know what you mean,” She smiled. “Well, first of all, I would have to look for a spell along those lines and if it did exist, I may be able to pull it off. What kind of investigation, may I ask?” The mare tilted her head slightly, narrowing her eyes in curiosity.

“I have to make sure Gadget isn’t trying to resurface here, in this world,” I answered recalling my dream.

If the metal was created here, she might have some sort of connection to this world. I can’t rule out any possibility.

“Here?” Twilight gasped. “Why in the wide world of Equestria would a villain of your world care about ours?”

“She may have a connection to this realm that I wasn’t previously aware of,” I said trying not to give out too much detail.

“I see,” Twilight paused, as if thinking about what to say next, “I’ll look for that spell. Why don’t you head to Rarity's Boutique. She has some clothes she made for you.” She trotted into the living room. I followed and she began shuffling through the books on the shelf.

I headed for the front door and exited the house, closing the door behind me. At that moment, I forgot that I had no clue, whatsoever, as to where this ‘Carousel Boutique’ was. The sun shone beautifully against the colorful town. It looked different in the daytime compared to the night. Ponies of all races bustled about greeting each other. Some even greeted me as I passed by them in the town square. There were many wooden stands selling various items set up throughout the town. One I noticed was run by Applejack. I greeted her.

“Hello, Applejack. You sell apples, huh?” I remarked as I saw her apple cart.

I want to make a joke about her name so badly right now. Probably would be a bad idea to snicker...

She smiled and nodded. “Yup. Sweet Apple Acres has the best darn apples in Ponyville!” She exclaimed snatching an apple and tossing it lightly to me, “Try one for yerself, on the house.”

I caught it--only fumbling a little… these damned hooves…-- and tasted the sweet nectar of the fruit. It was delectable, to say the least. For an apple, it was the best I’d ever eaten.

“That was delicious, Applejack. ‘Best darn apples is an understatement,’” I said as I quickly finished it, absently noting that I ate it core and all.

“Aww shucks, thank ya kindly, Shift. Reckon yer headin’ on over to the Carousel Boutique, then, huh?”

“Yup,” I nodded, “I’m heading on down there to pick up some clothes Rarity made for me. Awfully generous of her,” I commented thinking of the kind act.

Why are these ponies so nice and trusting? It’s so weird. Nobody is like this back home. Is it a trick, A trap, A set-up by Gadget, or simply the kindness of strangers. The fact that the latter sounds the most ridiculous to me says something about where I’m from.

Applejack laughed. “That is her Element, sugarcube,” Applejack explained.

“Element?” I cocked a brow.

“The Elements o’ Harmony are Equestria’s greatest weapons and one of it’s only means o’ defense. I’m the Element o’ Honesty. Rarity is the Element o’ Generosity,” she said, chuckling slightly, I assume at my naivety to the subject.

“Oh, that explains a lot, actually. There’s magic to keep the peace here. Enough white magic, at least. White means good, by the way. In my world, there is mostly black magic for the few humans who can utilize the stuff,” I explained.

She nodded, though I’m not sure she completely understood. “Well, I reckon ya better get on over there. Rarity’s waiting,” Applejack handed me another apple. “Fer tha road, sugarcube,” she justified.

I thanked her and trotted to the carousel-shaped building I had seen the other night, which Applejack confirmed was Rarity’s building of commerce. I opened the door and a silver bell chimed above me as I entered. The inside was even more beautiful than the outside. However, I was distracted from the details by a voice.

“I’ll be right with you!” Rarity called as I walked up to the register.

The snowy white mare trotted into the room. “Oh, it’s you Shift. So happy to see you, darling. I just had to make you some clothes for your stay here in Ponyville,” She gestured me to a set of pony-shaped mannequins. They all had black suits with gems and ties on them. Different colors of gems glittered to form a rainbow sheen. The suits were elegant, albeit overbedazzled.

“Those are lovely, Miss Rarity,” I said to her with a smile.

“Why, thank you, dear, such a gentlecolt, too,” She blushed at the compliment, giving me one in return.

“Well, I don’t know about that,” I laughed at that.

“So, go ahead, try them on, darling,” Rarity nudged me toward them. I quickly tried them all on. She had managed to get my measurements perfectly.

Impressive. All that, just from looking at me. That or she creeped into the bedroom at Twilight’s house and measured me in my sleep... I’ll just go with the former and try not to think about being measured in my sleep.

“Wow, you got my measurements just by looking at me?” I asked just to be sure.

“It’s a gift,” She smiled and used her magic to float my clothes into a blue gift bag, “And so are these clothes. I expect no payment for them.”

“Thank you... So, can all unicorns use magic?” I questioned curiously.

“Just like all pegasi can fly,” She said levitating the bag to me.

“Oh, okay, interesting. So, I’ll be off, then,” I smiled, taking the bag.

“Won’t you stay for some tea and biscuits?” She asked, batting her lashes. “It’s not every day you get to meet a pony who isn’t a pony. I’m sure I would love to hear about the attire in your world.”

Well, she is a white magic user I guess she can be trusted. After Gadget, though,it’s just hard to let people in. Friends don’t always exist in my line of work. Still, she went to all this trouble…

I glanced at the outfits, gleaming in the sunlight and then to Rarity whose eyes looked so full of hopefulness.

“Uhh..maybe some other time… I have to… uhh...” I glanced around trying to think of a decent excuse.

“Oh, but I insist, darling.”

I sighed. “Sure, Rarity. I’ll stay for a bit, but then it’s off to learn.” I smiled, following her to the kitchen.

The mare returned the smile as she escorted me to the blue checkered colored kitchen. A wooden table sat in the middle with a purple cloth over it. Two chairs were neatly pulled in. I trotted and pulled one out, taking a seat.

“Oh, do make yourself at home, dear,” Rarity magicked a tray laden with biscuits, cups, and a teapot off the kitchen counter and onto the table. She took the seat across from me as she levitated a plate in front of both of us.

“Thanks for your generosity. You know you didn’t have to make those outfits for me,” I blushed as I grabbed some biscuits. Rarity poured both our cups of tea, with her magic, of course. I began to get a niggling feeling that most unicorns were severely reliant on their magic.

“Nonsense, it was my pleasure.” She waved a dismissive hoof.

I couldn’t help but gaze into her eyes, blue as the ocean. She was a rather attractive mare-- Snap out of it! She's a pony! I slapped myself. I need to get out of this body as fast as possible before I end up wanting to bed a freakin’ pony.

Rarity stared at me in shock with a raised eyebrow. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, perfectly fine,” I smiled, an idiotic grin and chuckled awkwardly, but I think it helped, “So…” I trailed off, taking a bite of the biscuit, “...you a big fashion mogul or something? You really got the talent.”

She blushed once more. “I’m no mogul, but I am quite popular around Ponyville and it is a big dream of mine to one day become a big name in fashion design,” she spoke with such conviction, her eyes filled with stars. It reminded me of Sarah’s dream to become a chef... A dream she never got to experience. Because of me. I couldn't save her.

“Well, I hope you get to fulfill that dream, someday,” I smiled, finishing the snacks and tea. “I better be off. This was nice, Rarity.”

“Do come by any time, darling,” Rarity gave me a warm smile in return as I left the Boutique.

_____________________________

“Good news, first,” I answered Twilight. I had returned from Rarity’s and she explained to me how she found a spell that could do what I needed.

“Good news is the spell exists,” She gave me a beaming smile that, frankly, looked forced.

“Then, what’s the bad news?” I asked shrugging.

“I’ll have to use my alicorn magic, and that takes a lot more out of me. I’m not sure I’ll be able to do it, and if I can, I know I can’t hold it for long,” She explained lowering her head as if she let me down.

“Can you try?” I begged.

“I can try but I can’t guarantee anything,” Twilight picked her head back up.

I nodded and gave her a reassuring look, “Good enough for me.”

Twilight glanced at the book sitting on the table in front of her. She closed her eyes and began straining herself; with how much she was concentrating, I wouldn’t be surprised if she started blowing steam out her ears, considering the physics of this world. Her horn began to glow a brilliant golden color with wisps of magenta. It was almost blinding. I had to squint to keep my eyes from hurting. As she finished casting the spell, she opened her eyes, but where her irises should have been there was only the same gold color seemingly flowing from them. In front of my face, a circular window-like mirror appeared in front of me. The image was blurred and fuzzy at first, but soon became a clear picture. Twilight had done it. She made contact with Elliot through her magic.

As Elliot’s face solidified I could see a look of pure confusion etched on it. “Shift?!” Elliot exclaimed after a few seconds. “Where the hell are you, and what the hell are you!? Are you a... pony? Nevermind that, I have half of H.E.R.O searching for you!” He hollered at me, pointing his index finger. Suddenly, I missed my fingers…

“I’m in Equestria. I'm contacting you through a spell,” I explained to him, my face expressionless.

“You’re in Equestria? Why the hell are you there?!” He continued his ranting.

“I followed your advice! You wanted my obsession to end! This is how!” I began yelling back.

Elliot sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose as if annoyed. “It wasn’t meant to be taken literally! Just…” He let out a sigh. “Fine. You have one week! Status report. Now,” Elliot ordered, changing the tone in his voice.

“I arrived roughly twenty hours ago. The locals don’t seem like a threat in fact they’re very kind and helpful. My powers are compromised which means I have to train a little. I had another dream of Gadget as well,” I reported, rubbing the back of my neck. Nervously, I began the rest, “I believe she’s coming quicker than we imagined. She’s gotten much stronger. Elliot, she told me the metal was made here in Equestria,” I looked him in the eyes, “Is that true?”

“Yes,” He answered nonchalantly with an expressionless nod.

“Why didn’t you tell me?!” I snapped at him.

“Because, Shift, it wasn’t necessary for your mission. In fact it’s high above your clearance level.” Elliot informed me coldly.

“You son of a bitch!” I yelled at him, moving closer to the magic screen, not noticing Twilight wincing. She must have been struggling to keep the portal open.

“It’s the truth! Like it or not!” Elliot raised his voice in an authoritative manner, giving me a stern look. “Now, you have one week to figure this thing out, be it an obsession or some crazy premonition, you have one damn week.” He pointed at me. “And I’m docking your pay for it too.”

“Docking my--” I began hollering louder, but the mirror dissipated and Twilight fell over. I became worried and ran over.

What a dick! I swear that guy is just out to drive me nuts! Twilight, must have been straining herself too much. I hope she’s okay.

Twilight was panting as the aura around her horn dissipated. She slowly climbed to her hooves. “I-I’m o-okay,” she said weakly with a smile. I rushed over and helped her as she slipped.

“You’re sure you’re alright?” I looked at her with sympathetic eyes, a worried tone that was very unlike me could be heard in my voice as I spoke.

The lavender unicorn nodded as she sat on the couch, her breathing slightly elevated. It seemed she was struggling to hide her panting. I simply gazed at her with an unsure smile, my mind focused upon the puzzle within my head.

I need to learn of the weaponry. Create an arsenal from scratch, store all the images in my mind, so I can have them at my disposal, then it’s investigation time.

“Hiya, Shift!” A familiar cheery voice said enthusiastically from seemingly nowhere.

“Ahhh!” I yelped, leaping backwards, a look of terror upon my face.

“It’s just your friendly neighborhood party planner!” Instantly I rolled my eyes at the revelation. It was none other than that energetic, Pinkie pony.

“Oh, hello, Pinkie,” I said, forcing a smile.

“I’m Pinkie!” She bounced into the air as if her hooves were made of springs. “So,” she landed, continuing to trot forward in my direction, “where is the trigger?!” She yelled, getting in my face before backing up and giggling. “Just kidding! How goes the search to enhance your powers in a world full of talking ponies?”

“How did you know all that?” Twilight interjected. “I didn’t tell you everything the Princess had told me yet.”

“Just a hunch,” Pinkie shrugged.

“Right...” I said sarcastically, “Twilight, “ I turned to face her, “I need to know all about the weaponry in Equestria to better establish my arsenal.”

“I have some books on that. Do you mind if I study your powers?” She cheerfully asked with a beaming smile.

“How?” I cocked a brow.

“Just by taking some blood samples.”

“I don’t know…” I trailed off, not looking her in the eyes,

“Please, Shift? It would be really wonderful to be able to study something so new like this! Please!” The mare was practically begging me now.

They are trusting me with weapons and they did allow me to be here, not locked in some dank dungeon, awaiting brutal interrogation, in the first place. I guess there’s not much harm to be done by this.

“Ugh… Fine. You win. You can have some blood,” I sighed; the look she was giving me nearly sending me into diabetic shock with how damn adorable she looked.

I just hope the villains back home never find a way to weaponize this adorableness… Then where would we be?

“Goodie!” She clopped her hooves together.

_______________________

As I initially thought, weapons were limited to basic knives, spears, arrows, blades, and bludgeons. However, tapping into a pool of my own creative ether, I managed to salvage some interesting choices: a rather large pair of stone hooves, turning my mane to spikes which could be shot off from my body, and even a nifty set of propellers to glide with or slice something apart. Of course, in the morning it was going to take some practice to getting used to using the arsenal with some rigorous training.

I must have drifted into a deep slumber, as I found myself floating. I was surrounded by darkness; pitch black nothingness. With a blinding flash of white, I appeared in a meadow.

Colorful flowers and green grass glistened in the sun. A tree cast its shade over a red and white checkered picnic blanket, which appeared seemingly out of nowhere under my hooves. A wooden basket came next, and then…

“Sarah” I whispered, trying to confirm what I was seeing. Her long blonde hair, untied as she lay on her side, her cheek pressed against her hand. She smiled up at me.

“S-sarah?” I fell to my knees, all four of them. Tears began flooding down my cheeks. “I’m so, so s-sorry.” It’s all I could say as I buried my face shamefully in my hooves.

“Shift, it’s okay. I love you. I always will.”

My head shot up as tears rolled down my cheeks. “Sarah? I can hear you!” I leapt onto my hooves, a smile forming on my face. “Your lips aren’t moving though,” I added, a little confused.

“I am speaking through your mind. Listen closely as I can’t stay for long.”

Her sweet, soothing voice rang through my head. Then, my eyes grew wide. “You can’t see me like this! As a pony!”

“It’s just an outer shell, my dear. I still remember what you look like. I will never forget. Now, please, sweetie, listen.”

Sarah had a stern tone to her ethereal ‘voice’. “Go ahead, my love,” I said smiling and sitting on the blanket looking into her emerald eyes and nestling myself up against her form, glad to be able to touch her again. I was slightly put off, however, at the size difference; normally I was taller than her...

“I have a message for you. Listen, closely. “

Perking up my ears, I drank in every word she uttered.

“To unlock the truth, chaos you must provoke.

A world of the mind will undo all.

Utter the words the guardian spoke.

All will return where the snow falls.”

With that, everything began to swirl around me. The vivid image became distorted, slowly fading. I cried out unintelligible words as the dream became naught but darkness once again.

What does that mean? Sarah! Are you still here! Sarah! I thought as hard as I could, hoping to hear her in my mind, but she was gone. Opening my eyes, now tear-filled after losing my love yet again; again being powerless to stop it, I noticed the darkness had a name written in white light.

It read: Discord

To Be Continued…...

Episode Four: Mindcape Of Chaos Pt. 1

Legacy

Episode Four: Mindscape of Chaos Part 1

Written By: Fluttashift

Something locked away, hidden deep within your heart. Some call them personal demons, others call them flaws, I call it redemption. No one is perfect, not even a superhero. We feel, we get hurt, we love, we die, but there comes a certain calling. A call of duty; of honor; of sacrifice. It serves to motivate us forward into the battle ahead. Why am I telling you this? Never lose faith in who you are, no matter your past sins. It may be the only way you can do the one thing we so desperately need: to deliver true justice.

LEGACY

Rain poured down every inch of my coat and mane, leaving me soaked. I remained stock still, staring straight ahead. A streak of lightning shot across the sky in the distance, followed by a cackle of thunder. My breathing was heavy, as I had been training for hours, but despite even my best efforts it seemed as if I could not do combat within this body; this form. I couldn’t help but contemplate my certain downfall. No matter what I tried, every attempt was a failure.

Just like me. I couldn’t save Phase. I can’t save anyone anymore, It’s as if fate is telling me to give up,

When it had started raining, I had stopped for a second to catch my breath. The rain was chilling; it was a good chill. After a while of standing there I started shivering, However, I ignored the storm, keeping my eyes trained forward, staring at nothing of importance, deep in thought.

The riddle. What could it mean? That name too. Discord.

That’s what I tried to think about, anyway. I tried to push Sarah’s voice to the back of my mind, yet it rang through as if she was still speaking to me.

I heard her voice. I’ll never hear it again. Only in dreams. How could I call myself a damn superhero? My eyes could not meet my own reflection’s as I formed a look of disgust upon my face, trying everything but to look down at the puddle in front of me. I’m nothing. I stomped my hoof in the puddle, splashing water upwards.

“Shift!” Twilight’s voice called from behind me.

I turned to see her standing inside her house with the door open. She had concern in her eyes, gesturing me inside with a hoof. “Come in! You’ve been training long enough! You’ll catch a cold in this storm! If you catch a cold your physical strength could be reduced up to 45%.” She yelled over the gusting wind swaying the branches of her house. “Thats not even taking into considerat-”

“-I have to push myself. I have to save them,” I said suddenly, cutting her off, bursting into tears not even thinking about the words spilling out of my mouth.

“Save who?” Twilight gave me a confused look, but changed the subject, “Nevermind,” she shook her head, “just come inside and we can talk about it!”

What does it matter? No matter how many I save, I still didn’t save her. I dropped to my knees. The one person I loved most. Might as well just stop for today. I let out a deep sigh, lowering my head.

Getting back up after a long pause, I trotted into Twilight’s house, head hanging as a towel was magicked over me. I heard the door shut and turned to Twilight. “Thanks,” I said curling the towel around my equine waist. Weird, still, being a pony and all.

“Of course,” Twilight smiled warmly. “Now, what was bothering you?” her expression changed to one of sincere concern.

“Well,” I paused, sighing. Might as well... I need her help, whether I like it or not. “I had a dream last night and Phase communicated with me. She’s done it before, but never to tell me something like this. She knows about Gadget too. Even from beyond the grave, she’s my guardian angel,” I stopped beginning to sob once again, my eyes closing while my head hung low to the ground.

I felt a hoof on my shoulder. My eyes shot open as I saw it was Twilight’s hoof, “W-what are you doing?” I asked wiping my eyes.

A warm smile formed upon her face. “Comforting a friend,” she said simply in a soft motherly voice.

Friend? Do these ponies really, sincerely think of me as a friend? “Thank you,” I said smiling back. I still need to be on guard. They can’t be trusted. Not yet.

“Now, what did Phase tell you?” Twilight asked, changing the subject.

“She gave me a message. A riddle. A name too. I was hoping you’d know who this person or pony was.”

“What’s the name?” A look of intrigue could be seen on Twilight’s face.

“Discord,” I answered causing her to gasp and then shake her head.

“Isn’t he always involved,” she muttered sarcastically. She seemed to be thinking out loud, speaking under her breath at a volume I could barely still make out.

I tilted my head. “You know him?”

“I do, in fact, he’s a friend. Why don’t we pay him a visit and maybe he can help with this riddle.”

I only nodded, and with that Twilight went to go and get her friends to join us. This only caused me massive amounts of confusion. Why do we need them, exactly?

“Twilight, why do we need your friends for this?” I asked trying my best not to sound rude.

“Discord can be very dangerous, that, and I always bring my friends along for big adventures. You never know when an extra hoof can come in handy,” she replied teleporting away afterwards leaving me standing alone in the library.

______________________

“Twi, remind me again why you ain’t jus’ summonin’ Discord with that spell the Princess gave ya?” Applejack asked, looking rather confused as all five of Twilight's posse were now gathered in the library.

“Well, I could, but going to Discord’s home was Shift’s idea,” she replied pointing a hoof at me. Applejack turned her head in my direction and asked me the same question rephrased.

“I believe it would be best not to jeopardize Twilight’s home. The Mindscape can be a very dangerous thing,” I responded emotionlessly, without even looking at her.

“Minescape?” She raised her brow questioningly.

I shook my head. “Nevermind!” I snapped, “There’s no time to explain!”

I received a glare from her and Rainbow after speaking to them like that, I don’t blame them. “What is your problem?!” The cyan mare snorted, stomping her hoof on the ground looking like a raging bull ready to charge.

“I’m sorry. I just…” To my surprise, I heard Twilight’s voice interject.

“He’s not used to our world or our ways, Rainbow. He probably thinks you’re just as weird as you think he is. I know how he feels, because I felt the same way when I ended up in that other world, through the mirror,” She said in a sweet, but stern tone.

At first Dash looked angry, but she soon sighed, backing off. “You’re right, Twilight. He doesn't know about Equestria,” She agreed still shooting me a quick glare.

If only they knew the half of it. I can’t fight in this body. I can't walk on these four hooves much longer. I still faceplant when I get out of bed in the morning!

Without thinking about it, I stood upright on my hind legs. The other’s turned to catch a glimpse of what I was doing. It felt more natural to me as I stretched my two hooves out, a little off balance. Looks of shock crossed the ponies faces in a mix of utter confusion and speechlessness.

Rarity was the first to speak up, “Shift, dear, why are you standing that way?”

“Yeah, what gives?” Dash chimed in next with a glare and shrug as she hovered in the air.

“In my world, I’m bipedal, which means I stand on two legs. It’s more natural for me to stand this way,” I explained with a roll of my eyes, and then proceeded to fall flat on my ass.

Twilight nodded with a giggle, “I ran into a similar race in the other world when I went to look for the crown. Now, we should probably get to Discord’s. I’ll just teleport us there,” she smiled as the other’s just shrugged, exchanging glances.

Right, I’m the weird one.

Twilight’s horn lit up and once again the world began to swirl around me seeming to be a blur of colors and sounds. Soon, the world spun slower and things began to from seemingly out of nowhere. A wooden floor spread out under me, as the walls and ceiling began constructing themselves. The sensation stopped and my head began throbbing in pain. I clutched my stomach with a hoof as I got the same queasy feeling I had during the first travel. Blurriness turned to vivid image and I saw the strange house I now found myself a guest in.

Note to self. When I get out of this mess, never take any magic cases. Ever again!

Spinning, counterclockwise, a few feet above the ground, was what reminded me of a coffee table. The couch was an odd, long, misshapen, mess. The walls seemed to move up and down very slowly as eyes in the pictures of mythological creatures followed your every move.

“What is wrong with this place? Somebo--… er… pony take one too many shrooms?” I gazed around, my stomach growing significantly sicker every time the walls moved.

The ponies simply look confused at my comment as I found only myself chuckling. What an idiot. “This is Discord’s house. Things are always chaotic like this,” Twilight explained in a matter of fact tone of voice, as if everyone was supposed to know this.

Oh, yeah, sorry, I didn’t get the we’re visiting a mental case memo.

“Oh my, Fluttershy, it’s been too long!” came a rather ecstatic voice. “And you brought all your little friends along. How adorable!” A strange form appeared in front of me. He was long and serpentine with a horse like head and a body made up of a mishmash of various animals. Discord gazed upon the others and then his red eyes turned toward my direction. “And who is this?” He disappeared with a ‘pop’ and reappeared directly in front of me. I leapt back a bit in shock. “ I don’t believe we’ve met before. The names Discord, lord of chaos charmed I’m sure.” Discord said as a monocle appeared on his eye out of nowhere.

Narrowing my eyes to slits, I pressed my face against his. “I don’t care who you are, comedian. I need to know things, and I need to know them now!” I said to him a little louder than necessary.

Discord reared back as if he was about to attack me. He raised his fist in the air and then threw it back in a fit of laughter. “That is priceless!” He managed to say in between his chuckling.

“What’s so funny?!” I rebuked, seething.

“You don’t even know who I am or what I am capable of, yet you still get in my face and challenge me. On closer inspection,” He rose upward and peered through a large magnifying glass, which poofed out of thin air, down on me, “I can see we aren’t quite the pony now are we? Is that the symbol for H.E.R.O I see? My goodness, dear Celestia, I think it is!” He remarked mockingly, raising a finger, as if he had made a new discovery, but kept a chaotic mix of insult and intrigue to his comment.

“That’s right, Discord!” Twilight said in confident manner, “He isn’t from this world, so you don’t know what he’s capable of either,” she stared at him as she spoke, keeping a certain empowering seriousness to her tone of voice.

She’s trying to outsmart him? Get him to do what she wants with some kind of blind threat? No she seems too smart for that.

Another ‘pop’ and Discord was suddenly smaller in size and sitting on Twilight’s back. “I know more about H.E.R.O and it’s wonderful boss,” he shot me a glance as he said this, “Elliot,” his gaze returned to Twilight’s who had reared her head around to look at him, “then any of you possibly could. There’s things out there that even Celestia and her little princess pals don’t know about.”

I smirked. “You’re sadly mistaken, Discord. Celestia knows about H.E.R.O,” a confidence had returned to my voice as I shook my head, eyes close, still grinning.

Twilight turned her head to face me. “She does?” Twilight asked sounding confused.

A third ‘pop’, now Discord hovered in front of Twilight’s face at the same small stature, staring into her eyes. “And there’s things she doesn’t tell her little ponies either. And here I thought you were her prize pupil,” the mashup monstrosity muttered menacingly.

Twilight shot him a glare as she stomped her hoof. “Enough! Discord we need your help, well,” she pointed her hoof at me, lowering her voice, “he needs your help.”

Discord appeared, normal size, standing on the ground. “Awful way to ask for somepony’s help.” He folded his arms.

Fluttershy trotted up to him and he looked down at her. “Discord, can you please help him? If you don’t mind of course. You don’t have to if you don’t want to, though I’d really appreciate-”

“Oh, come on!” Dash facehoofed, cutting her off

Discord sighed. “Fine,” ‘pop’ and he was hovering in front of my face, “Whatever could a pony from another dimension want with little old me?” He shrunk as he spoke.

“I received a vision from the Mindscape.”

“The Mindscape? That place collapsed didn’t it? A desolate wasteland filled with chaos? Am I getting warmer?” Discord held a smirk on his face.

“So, you know of it. How?” I asked cocking a brow.

This guy’s a real freakin’ winner. He’s like the unholy lovechild of Charlie Sheen and the Chesire Cat.

“The same way I know about your place of employment.”

“And how exactly do you know about that, smartass?” I broke my serious look, gritting my teeth, and stomping a hoof.

“You’re no fun! It’s all ‘serious business’ with you. Even I say lighten up, and I used to be solid stone.” He folded his arms. “H.E.R.O has been here before. It’s heroes have dealt with me in the past. It’s as simple as that,” he pointed to Twilight, “of course, they would tell you not to trust me. The Mindscape is here in Equestria as well. Not many ponies have the ability to enter it. But it just so happens that I can.”

My jaw dropped as I stared at him in disbelief. “You can get me in there?” I shook my head, “Wait, I also recieved a message. It’s a riddle.”

Discord clapped, “My favorite!”

I closed my eyes, trying not to focus on the soothing sound of Phase’s voice. I tried to focus on the riddle. Just the words that were spoken and not who they were spoken by. I recited,

“ To unlock the truth, chaos you must provoke

A world of the mind will undo all

Utter the words the guardian spoke

All will return where the snow falls.”

With that I opened my eyes.

“Brava!” He clapped mockingly, “Wonderful performance. Your delivery could be better of course,” ‘pop’ and he was in the middle of the room, “I can tell what the first two lines meant. ‘Come to Discord’ and ‘the Mindscape is out on the prowl.’ The last part, I couldn’t possibly know, you see,” he suddenly had on a winter jacket and scarf, “I hate the cold.”

“Is that supposed to be funny?!” I growled at him.

“I am telling you the truth, Shift,” he suddenly appeared next to me wrapping an arm around me, “I didn’t give the message, did I?”

He has a point. I hate him, but he has a point.

“Then, I need to go to the Mindscape,” I nodded at my decision.

“What?” A look of shock spread across Twilight’s face, “Why?”

“The only way to solve this riddle is to investigate that place. I have no leads and no idea. It might just be the push, the challenge I need to get in touch with this pony form,” I sighed, my head dropping. “You saw me training, Twilight. I can barely fight.”

“If this is something you need to do,” Twilight stopped letting out a sigh.

“He’s not doing it alone!” Dash stomped her hoof when she said this.

My jaw dropped as I turned my head to face her. “Why do you want to help me, of all ponies? I’ve been nothing but rude since I got here.”

“It doesn’t matter. You never abandon your friends.” Dash looked at me, not with anger, but for the first time, with deadly seriousness, “ No matter how much of a jerk they are,” she said with a smirk.

“Even friends with major trust issues!” Pinkie announced happily.

“That’s really sweet and all, but you ponies can’t enter the Mindscape. Only psychics and people connected to them can.” I explained.

Discord now curled on the couch which fit his serpentine shape, said, “He’s right, but I can always give you a view into it. You’ll love it! It’s like me, times ten.”

“Enough chat! Get to it!” I snapped at him.

“Ooh, so bossy, the nerve. Fine,” he ‘popped’ and then appeared on front of me. Snapping his fingers, a large sheet of glass levitated above my head. “Close your eyes.”

I shut my eyes tightly and he snapped his fingers once more. For a few seconds, I could not hear anything. Opening one eye, I peered around. The floor was a violet, rocky, cave-like structure. It stretched onward, zigzagging about, cracks visible on it’s surface. There was no sky; no sun; no moon; no stars, just an eerie blackness. It surrounded me, making me shift about uncomfortably. It had been so long since I had been here last.

I forgot how eerie this place is. So emotionless, colorless, lifeless.

I began to walk forward on my hind legs, noticing in an instant that I was still a pony even within the Mindscape. This confirmed that my form was indeed changed to a pony through interdimensional travel and not by some kind of trickery of the mind. I breathed a sigh of relief, realizing my mind was safe from harm at the moment. As I walked forward the floor began to get narrower and narrower, no walls to the sides for me to put a hoof onto. My heart began to thud in my chest as I stopped, scanning the area ahead of me. My fears had manifested into reality. Ahead of me was a cliff, with a drop possibly endless. This was the Mindscape afterall. I shook my head and continued the trek until I came to the edge of the cliff, kicking pebbles off as I got closer. Peering down, I saw sand.

Sand? It’s not even that far down. I might be able to glide down there.

Breathing outward, I closed my eyes. The image of two, steel, plane propellers came into my mind. I had learned they were used for airships and the sort in Equestria. Dipping into the pool of my mind, I drew out the image. My mind was clear and the silence permeating the air allowed for me to only hear my calm breathing and my thudding heart. Suddenly, my hind legs began to transform. Once again the ever strange feeling of deformation and reformation washed over me. Opening my eyes, I looked down to see I was hovering above the ground, the propellers rotating ever fast. A confident smile spread across my face.

Just maybe...I can do this. I can be what I once was. Just maybe…

I began maneuvering forward at a steady speed and descending downward towards the sand. Almost instantly, the temperature began rising. Sweat began beading on my forehead as I got closer to the sand. The blackness in the sky began to morph into a blue. A blazing sun appeared nearly blinding me as I covered my eyes with a hoof shifting my view to the sand below. Heat and humidity began to fill the air. The propellers began to spin faster and faster, forcing me forward at an ever increasing speed. I flew through the air in an uncontrollable blur as I hit the ground, skidding across the hot sand. The ground gave way under me and I began to tumble down a hill. I hit the bottom with a meaty thud, pain searing through my body. My hooves had turned back into hooves as I struggled to them, brushing the sand off my coat with my free hooves.

Dammit! Another desert?! Of all the places I could of ended up, it had to be the damned desert?! I still can’t use my powers properly! What the hell should I even do?! I have no idea, no clue, and barely any powers! I kicked the sand in frustration.

Shrugging it off, I walked forward, holding a hoof up and bended to shield the sun out of my eyes. The heat was almost unbearable as I continued on through the scorching hot sand. No matter what, I still had to find answers. I still had to try and be the hero I always was.

What just happened. What was it called again? A… Morph? Yeah, the ripples of thoughts and ideas create a sudden change in the environment around you. Its completely random, uncontrollable, and chaotic. I guess after the collapse it got worse.

“Shift! Are you alright?” I heard Fluttershy speak up for the first time since I met her. She had concern in her voice. Her voice seemed to be ringing through my mind.

“Fluttershy?!” I exclaimed, my jaw now unhinged, “How are you talking to me?” I asked dumbfoundedly.

“Discord set up a mirror that let’s us see everything through your eyes and we can talk to you as well,” Twilight explained.

“He did take quite the fall, didn’t he?” Discord’s voice rang through my head next, of course, he was mocking me, “Instant replay! In slow motion! Encore!”

“I’m fine, Fluttershy. Thanks,” I said to her in a soft voice, then raised it at Discord, “And Discord, shut up!” I growled.

“What’s the plan, then, Shift?” Dash asked.

“Phase has a distinct strand of thought, which I can pinpoint now that I’m deeper within the Mindscape.”

The next couple of minutes felt like hours, as the sizzling sun heated the desert air. The sand was hot to the touch. Soon, a ghostly, white line appeared in front of me, stretching onward, leading farther into the desert.

Phase. She must know I’m here. This must be what she wanted me to do. Why? The very question that haunted me to this very day was one I found myself always asking.

Sweat streamed down my forehead, my mouth felt dry. The humid air was making it even harder to breath. Trekking over a hill, I saw the desert continued to stretch onward as far as the eye could see. The line led forward and with my limited options, I trotted and trotted. As more time passed, the heat began to nag at me, causing me to fall over on my side. Burning sand heated my coat as the land around me became a blur. Faintly, I could hear the ponies screaming my name, but I couldn’t move.

Am I going to die? Is this it? Where’s a damn Morph when you need one!

The world faded to blackness as I fell into unconsciousness. The cries of the ponies drowned out as everything became soundless; motionless.

_____________________________

“Shift!” Twilight’s voice rang throughout my head.

Groggy, I slowly opened my eyes. Struggling to my hooves, I blinked to clear my vision. Around me was a meadow, the very same meadow from my dream last night. The same tree stood tall casting it’s shadow over me.

How did I get here? This place… Phase’s favorite picnic spot. Her escape from the world. I must be in her Mindscape.

“Shift! Thank Celestia, you’re alright, darling!” Rarity sounded rather worried as she spoke.

“W-what happened? How did I end up here?” I asked as I walked through the meadow.

“Well, Discord here ain’t no help,” Applejack sounded infuriated.

“Don’t point the hoof Applejack. I couldn’t help him even if I wanted too,” Discord said, “Your little girlfriend came and scooped you away. How sweet!”

I shook my hoof in anger, my arm trembling, my right eye twitching. I felt like exploding, going off on this creature. “Who do you think you are! My girlfriend is dead! She was much more than that! She…” I couldn’t finish my sentence. Tears formed in the corner of my eyes, beginning to flow down my cheek like a waterfall.

I... I proposed to her. The day before the Merging Day. She said yes. I... I buried it; suppressed it.

“... she was my fiance,” I finished quietly, in between my sobbing.

“Your fiance?!” Rarity proclaimed with a gasp, “I-I’m so sorry, darling.”

I wiped my tears away, sniffling. I had stopped in the middle of the meadow. Suddenly, I heard hoofsteps behind me. Turning, I shifted my hoof into one made of stone, significantly bigger in size than a normal hoof. My jaw dropped as my eyes widened.

No... No... How? This... can’t... be... real. It’s a trick of the Mindscape.

“It isn’t,” came a voice I recognized all too well.

In front of me was a mare, with a coat the color of the ocean. She had a long, flowing, golden mane and tail. Her eyes….

I’d recognize them anywhere.

The very same emerald green as Phase’s. I stared for a moment unable to speak, frozen in place. It was too unreal; too dreamlike; too vivid.

“Shift, it’s me,” she smiled warmly, “Or do you need a little more proof?” She said seductively, walking up and giving me a passionate kiss on the lips.

I melted into that kiss; savored every moment of it as if it were my last; after all, it could easily be.

“P-phase? H-how are you alive? W-why are you a pony?” I managed to say when we broke the kiss.

“Well, after that… bitch killed me, my soul was sent into the Mindscape. When psychics die, this is our afterlife, though those who aren’t dead can’t actually see those who are. I was reborn into Equestria and became a sort of Guardian here,” she explained, still holding her beautiful smile.

“Why didn’t you tell me? Contact me?” I tilted my head in confusion.

“I wanted to, oh, you have no idea how much I wanted to. You don’t know how it pained me to see you so down, not believing in yourself, contemplating giving up being a superhero. The thing is I couldn’t. If I had, I would have risked melding Mindscapes. I’m sorry, so, so sorry,” She finished as tears welled up in her eyes.

I hugged her tightly as she cried. “I love you, Phase. Is this why you sent me the message? The riddle?” I asked.

Suddenly, she stopped crying. “Riddle?” She asked sounding confused. “Why would I send you a riddle? I hate riddles, you know that. It’s why I kick Quiz’s ass harder every time we face that creep.”

If she didn’t send me the riddle who did?

“A great question,” Discord spoke up. “Remember that question I asked before you entered the Mindscape?”

I nodded. “You asked if you gave me the mess--...” I paused, my eyes widening in sudden realization. “You sent me the riddle?! Then, what does the last part mean?”

Discord fell into a fit of laughter. “Oh, that was such a good prank! Sending you a message from your not-dead fiance, tricking you into entering the place, so you could see that she’s actually alive! And a pony at that! Priceless!” He continued his snickering.

“Discord!” I heard Twilight yell.

“What does the last part mean?!” I demanded an answer, stomping a hoof to further my point.

“The last part of the riddle was meant to be for Phase.” Discord answered.

“Me?” She asked in utter confusion.

“You can hear him too?!” I questioned in shock.

Phase nodded her head, smirking. “I’m a psychic, remember?” She teased, sticking out her tongue, “Now, weird voice, tell me the riddle.”

“They’re made for each other. Both so bossy. The nerve of someponies!” Discord sounded offended, but obviously was just being a sarcastic jerk, “The last part is simple. Utter the words the Guardian spoke, All will return where the snow falls.”

Phase tapped her chin with a hoof, deep in thought. “Guardian… guardian... wait!” Phase proclaimed, remembering something, “I am a Guardian. It’s a title given to certain psychics within the Mindscape. The Guardian is an old wise man and boss of the rest of us. Not that there are many of us, it’s just me here in Equestria, but I know how to get to him.”

“Great! Then, maybe we can get an answer to this snowfall thing,” I felt myself smiling. An expression I haven’t really enjoyed or truly felt in a long time.

Five years… I thought she was dead. She’s a Guardian, here, in Equestria. So, she’s been confined to the Mindscape and tasked with detecting anomalies from within.

“Phase,” I asked after breaking away from the confines of my thoughts, “How did you get reborn?” It was puzzling me ever since she had first mentioned it.

“Oh, rather boring question for a reunion, hero boy,” she teased, folding her arms, a soft smile upon her face. “It kinda happened fast. After I died, I wandered this shithole for what seemed like forever. Then, the wise man came to me, told me he was a Guardian, and offered my rebirth. I gladly accepted and I was sent here, to Equestria. It’s a very confined Mindscape compared to Earth. There’s only one pony here who can utilize psychic abilities and this pony isn’t even aware of these abilities,” She explained to me.

“Just curious. We should probably hurry and see this Guardian,” I said, newfound determination in my heart.

“Now, there’s the Shift I know. Always springing into action! Come on, then,” she turned and gestured me with a hoof, “First we have to get out of my this meadow and into the Mindscape. Follow me.”

“One problem, Phase,” I said in a rather low tone of voice, my head hung low, “I don’t know how to fight well in this body. I trained all day earlier and I failed. I crashed into the sand earlier when I first entered this place.”

I heard her giggle. She shook her head and said, “Sweetie, you don’t understand your powers well, do you?”

“You know I never understood my powers fully. It never made sense. None of us could ever figure it out. My shape shifting abilities only work on parts of my body.” I recited as if off a boring textbook.

Phase turned to face me. “What am I thinking?” She asked.

“What?!” I asked alarmed at her question. “I’m not psychic!”

She came closer and narrowed her eyes. “What am I thinking?”

“Phase, I’m not psychic. I can't read your thoughts.” I shook my head.

Then, she slapped me silly. Pain spread throughout my cheekbones; I guess it slipped her mind that hooves hurt a lot more than hands. “I’ll ask you one more time. Look me in the eyes, concentrate on only me. What am I thinking?”

I looked into her emerald eyes, becoming lost in them. The world around me seemed as if a blur, sound absent to the ear.

“You’re a psyshifter, my love.”

I heard her thought clearly in my head. My jaw became unhinged as a look of shock crossed my face. “I’m a ps-ps-psychic?”

“Finally!” Discord groaned.

To Be Continued...

Episode Five: Mindscape Of Chaos Pt. II

Legacy

Episode Five: Mindscape Of Chaos Part II

Written By: Fluttashift

What is a gift? By standard definition, it is simply a natural ability or talent. The thing is, depending on whose point of view, a gift can also be seen as a curse. Is a gift a curse? I believe a gift can be, but only both of these at once. Superpowers for example, are seen by some as something given by a higher being to protect and serve, while others believe they are just causing more instability within a collapsing world. It is both of those things intertwined in an ironic web of balance. With good, there is evil. With light, there is dark. With love, there is hate. With a gift, there is a curse. We must find a balance if we hope to do that which seems impossible: deliver true justice.

LEGACY

My brain could barely process the information now running wild within my head. The very thought that I had had these abilities for so long, not knowing it, just made me question my superheroic abilities even more. Even with this newfound knowledge, there was no guarantee that I would be able to master my powers.

How did she know?

Phase’s smile turned into a frown, a saddened expression now plastered on her face. Letting out a deep sigh, she remained silent for a few moments. “We… a-always knew...” she said in a soft tone of voice that almost reminded me of Fluttershy.

W-why am I thinking about these ponies? And what the hell does she mean we always knew?

“And just what the hell is that supposed to mean Phase?!” I hollered, stomping my hoof in anger, “You knew? This whole time?!” More tears came gushing down my cheeks as I gave into my angered and terrified emotions.

This whole time I’ve been a hero, I didn’t even know my own powers well enough! Those visions I get; images. They must be premonitions. That explains my ability to lucidly dream within the Mindscape. What is a psyshifter, though?

“I did know, yes,” Phase nodded, daring not look me in the eyes. I could see tears dripping down her cheeks as well, hitting the floor as they slid off. “I wasn’t allowed to tell you. None of us were. Violet, Swan, Slayer. None of us could, no matter how much we wanted too.”

“Why? They’re my powers! I have a damn right to know!” I raised the volume of my voice, my eyes bulging, my face red with anger.

“You don’t think I know that?!” Phase raised her voice, looking back up at me with a glare, “I wanted to tell you! Everybody did! Elliot ordered us not to under the direct order of H.E.R.O Headquarters themselves!” She spat, shaking her right hoof as if it were a fist.

Elliot! That bastard knew this whole time and didn’t tell me? Why? What does headquarters care anyway? My thoughts were interrupted by more screaming from Phase, who must have read my thoughts once again. I hate it when she does that.

“Shut up! It’s hard for me to control the thought reading, as it will be for you soon too! Psyshifters are powerful and there hasn’t been one in generations. They were believed to be extinct! Headquarters didn’t want your powers getting out of hand because there was no one qualified to train you!” Her face was redder than mine. Phase cleared her throat after her rant, composing herself.

“Oh,” I said simply, lowering my head and splaying my ears back.

Phase smiled and reached her hoof out, placing it on my shoulder, looking directly into my eyes. “It’s time you knew. With what’s happening, we might just need your untapped potential. I no longer work for H.E.R.O., therefore, I can disclose any classified information I want and Elliot can kiss my fuzzy, blue ass,” she said in a soft, soothing voice, a beautiful, if impish, smile upon her face.

I looked up from the ground, a smile now forming on my face, as I asked, “So, what is a psyshifter?”

“A psychic who can use the images in their mind to create any object they desire. You were told by Elliot and headquarters, that you could only shape parts of your body to further you from the truth. They also came up with the cockamamey idea you were some kind of weird shapeshifter. You can also read thoughts, receive visions and premonitions, and enter the Mindscape,” she explained with a passionate flame in her eyes. She was always like this when she explained how superpowers worked.

“What, like the Green Lantern?” I asked with a smirk, rolling my eyes.

“Haha, smartass. Similar concept, different execution. You fabricate the images with psychic energy from the Mindscape and your imagination does the rest, solidifying the object into reality. The Lantern uses an alien ring to create images from his mind, he isn’t psychic.”

“I just like hearing your voice.” I blushed, turning my head, and clearing my throat, “Anyway, we should get to the Guardian and then, figure out the last part of the riddle so we can stop Gadget from coming back.”

Phase let out a surprised gasp. “You knew too? Your powers are starting to surface. You've suppressed them so long, I’m surprised it didn't happen sooner.” With that, Phase began to walk forward and I followed suit behind her. As we made our way up the hill, we soon stopped at the tree from my dream.

Suddenly, a strange rumbling sound emitted from the tree. Oddly, the ground wasn’t shaking nor the tree. A large slit started from the middle of the tall tree and made it’s way to the bottom, revealing an elevator door. Slowly, the doors slid open and Phase entered. I simply stood stock still, staring in awe at what had just happened.

“Coming, hero boy?” Phase ushered me in with a giggle.

Shaking my head, I nodded, walking into the strange elevator. Glancing around, I noticed, there was no button panel or railing. just hollowed out tree. Then, the floor began to move upwards, causing me to stumble, almost losing my balance. Darkness filled the elevator as we ascended farther and farther upwards. After a while, the elevator came to an abrupt halt and the doors slid apart, revealing the shine of sunlight.

Weird. Note to self. Never take tree elevators.

Phase let out a giggle which caused me to roll my eyes. Stop reading my thoughts.

“I can’t help it.” I read her thoughts once more, which was quite the odd feeling, by the way. It was as clear as someone talking to you yet there was no face to the voice, yet there was always just enough of a whispering quality to make it sound ethereal.

We walked out of the elevator, stepping onto the hot desert sand. Behind us was another tree, that sunk into the ground, sand filling in the hole and hiding it. Phase closed her eyes, focusing her power. Her eyes shot open and she smiled, turning to me.

“He’s not far, just a few miles east, passed the desert,” she said pointing her hoof in the direction she spoke of.

Not another damn trek through the desert!

“Oh, calm down, you baby!” Phase teased, punching my shoulder.

Ow! I rubbed my shoulder, now throbbing in pain.

I heard Twilight speak up in my head, “So, what will you do after you find this ‘Guardian’?’” She asked curiously.

“Hopefully, find the place the metal originated from, or at least investigate this place where snow falls,” I explained to her.

“That’s the plan, other weird voice,” Phase confirmed with a nod.

“Oh, sorry. I’m Twilight Sparkle. Nice to meet you.” The unicorn greeted Phase.

“Oh, Shift, isn’t she just gorgeous!” Rarity’s cheery voice rang through our heads next.

Phase blushed and said, “Thanks, third weird voice,” she turned to face me, “How many voices do you have in your head?”

“Six... and then there’s Discord,” I told her.

“Hey! If it wasn’t for Discord, you wouldn’t have a clue about any of this! Thank you very much!” Discord defended himself.

After brief introductions, we set off on our way, heading east. The sand began to change color slowly, from yellow to white. Around me, snowflakes began to fall from the sky. Chilling winds gusted as I stopped. Scanning the area, all I could see was a blanket of snow. In front of me, a large building began to form from the ether. Building itself from scratch, I watched it it become a structure. A circle of red coloring appeared in the middle and spread, coating the entire building.

Where am I? What is this place?

A voice called to me from the distance. I couldn’t quite make it out, but I could tell it was a girl’s voice. I turned my head right and saw a pony trotting toward me. I couldn’t make out what she looked like or who she might be, but I gasped at what she said next.

“They’re coming. The Gears. Find me in Canterlot,” With that, everything swirled around me in a white blur.

“Shift!” Phase screamed in my ear.

“AHH!” I leapt back as she startled me. “What? You didn’t just see that?”

“See wh--” Phase paused as a look of realization spread across your face. “You got a vision didn’t you?”

I nodded, though it was strange to acknowledge that it was indeed a vision. “The pony, the psychic one, I’m guessing. She said the Gears are coming. That I have to find her in Canterlot.”

“"Canterlot? I grew up there. In fact, it's only a couple hours' train ride from Ponyville." Twilight spoke up.

“Then when I get out of this place, we need to find her. She may know something.”

Twilight agreed as Phase proceeded onward, seemingly ignoring the conversation. I followed not too far behind and soon caught up walking side by side with her. She turned her head, lightly kissing my cheek as we continued onward. It had been so long since I was able to feel, to love and even now to truly understand. What the future held was uncertain; deadly even, but as I stared into her eyes the world around me seemed to be less threatening; less terrifying. The moment wouldn’t last forever, I knew, and as fate would have it, we soon arrived.

“We just gotta cross over into the next Mindscape and then, the Guardian’s Dojo is a right turn away,” Phase announced, turning her head forward while pointing in front of her.

Looking ahead, I saw nothing but endless desert stretching far and wide. I squinted, yet could still not see anything of importance. Confusion riddled my mind. “Phase, all I see is desert,” I pointed out the obvious.

“It has been a while since you’ve been here, huh?” She asked, cocking a brow, folding her arms, sitting on her haunches as she continued, “We are at a Merge Point. A Merge point is where two Mindscapes meet. They are usually visible, though, after the collapse, things became distorted and chaotic.”

“I really do need to visit that place sometime. Sounds like quite the experience!” Discord said enthusiastically.

“An’ right up your alley,” Applejack muttered.

I couldn’t help, but laugh. “True, AJ,” I snickered.

“Uhh… Did ya’ll jus’ call me ‘AJ?’” Applejack asked sounding dumbfounded.

“No!” I denied, ignoring her, “Let’s get going, Phase.”

With a nod of her head, she stepped forward, rippling the desert in front of me. She disappeared into the neighboring Mindscape. I followed suit, stepping through, and scanning the next Mindscape. We now found ourselves in a narrow cobblestone hallway, lit only by the torches on the wall. A few feet ahead was the right turn Phase had mentioned.

Good, the Guardian is right on ahead. Maybe I really do got a shot at redemption. For what I did... I could never tell Phase. I still can’t believe she isn’t dead, but that doesn’t change the fact that I couldn’t save her. That I have no clue about how to stop Gadget or how to properly use my powers.

Phase respected my thoughts as, even if she had read them, she remained utterly silent. Turning the corner, we saw soon the entryway to a rather gigantic room. I glance up to see the ceiling was three stories up. The room itself was a pale gray made of cobblestone bricks. A large chandelier hung on a long gold chain from the ceiling. It’s candles were ignited in flame, burning brightly, illuminating the room rather well. To the sides were no exits, only stone wall. Straight ahead, twenty feet or so, was a large green set of doors. In place of the usual knobs, were hanging steel rings.

“Just ahead, the entrance to the Guardian’s chambers,” Phase pointed out what I had already deduced.

Thanks, Captain Obvious.

“Shut it, Captain Gonna-Get-His-Ass-Kicked,” Phase retorted teasingly.

“I take it back, I like her!” Discord chimed in.

“Well, well, well,” came the voice I was beginning to despise even more.

Gadget! How? She must’ve escaped the prison!

Dropping down onto her outer two claws from seemingly out of nowhere, was Queen Gadget, herself. She glared at us, but kept a maniacal smile plastered upon her face.

“If it isn’t my old superfriends. What a beautiful reunion, truly, it touches my heart. Well it would,” she smiled a toothy grin, “if my heart wasn’t frozen solid that is.”

Phases arm trembled. “You… You… You… Bitch!” Phase growled, taking an aggressive stance and baring her teeth as she shot her sister a glare. The position honestly looked like an angry dog about to pounce. I quickly abandoned that train of thought when Phase’s intimidating, ireful irises briefly turned my way.

“Oh, how dramatic! How have you been my dear sister? Not as dead as we once were, I see,” she chuckled, holding her vicious smile.

“I’ll kill you! You hear me? I. Will. Kill you!” She spat, screaming at the top of her lungs.

“Phase, don’t even bother with her petty insults,” I intervened, speaking softly. Turning to Gadget, I spoke much angrier, “How the hell did you escape the prison?”

Gadget threw herself back breaking into a fit of laughter. “Did you really think that prison could hold moi? That Mindscape is a collapsed mess, it’s Guardians gone,” Gadget came close to my face still held up by her claws. “This Mindscape has suffered the same fate due to lack of attention. Only one pony with the ability to enter here and she doesn’t know. That’s why I need her.”

I pressed my face against hers glaring into her hazel eyes whilst gritting my teeth. “I’ll find her before you do,” I smirked as I spoke, ever so confidently.

Gadget reared back. “Really? Good thing your vision was all I needed to see. Being the ruling psychic, even of a collapsed Mindscape, grants you so many neat little side powers. Like the ability to see another psychic’s visions.”

“So, you know who this pony is?” I cocked an eyebrow, “I couldn’t even see her.”

“Ahh, but I have Vivid Vision, Shift. Something all other psychics, save my sister, lack.” Her menacing smirk returned.

“I won’t let you!” Phase screamed, charging forward.

Gadget’s free claw shot out and grabbed her sister by the neck. Phase let out gasps for air as she struggled, grabbing onto the claw with her hands. She was lifted off the ground, her legs kicking furiously, and brought to Gadget’s face.

“Tsk, Tsk, dear sister. We mustn't rush into a battle we cannot possibly win. You of all heroes should know that.”

Phase laughed and then spat in her sister’s face. “Got to hell, you traitor!” She growled menacingly with a look cold as ice upon her face.

“How could I have forgotten how much I loathe you. dear sister of mine? Such a disgusting breed. The cowards of the psychics, like Mom.” Gadget then proceeded to fling her sister into the nearby wall. Phase slammed into it with a meaty thud as she fell to the ground, yelping in pain. She struggled to get up, crawling, maybe even squirming, as she breathed heavily. I watched in terror.

“This is awful!” Twilight sounded as if she had just seen a scary movie.

“How barbaric!” Rarity sounded disgusted at the gruesome sight.

“Kick her flank, Shift!” Dash yelled, snapping me out of my frozen state, shaking my head. “We know you can do it!”

Gadget had skulked over to her sister, now holding a deadly pincer to Phase’s neck. “Hey, Gadget!” I yelled, beginning to dip into the ether within my mind. A pool of images flashed slowly. Propellers, Stone Hoof, Sword, Stop. As the image of the sword entered the pool, I scooped at it tugging on it’s energy. You’re a Pshyshifter, my love. Phase’s words rang in my head.

Think about it differently. Focus, breath, dig deep. Hero time. This is for Phase! For the love of my life!

Then, it was as if the world came to a pause. Movement ceased, sound dissipated, everything still and motionless.

“You’re friends are here with you.” Celestia’s voice rang in my head. “To answer the question you will ask, there are actually two ponies who can use psychic abilities, albeit mine through magic, though no other pony knows how to tap into it and even if they did, none have magic powerful enough to do so.”

Celestia?! You’re a psychic?! Wait how did you know about all this? About what’s been going on? You’ve been following my Plain Of Thought, haven’t you? You’re the ruler of this Mindscape, aren’t you? Only Violet could ever do something like that.

“Yes.” Her voice had a motherly comfort to it. “To tap into your abilities, better understand your powers, and control them properly, you need loyal friends. I’ll explain more when you come to Canterlot.”

Then, Elliot must have contacted you, knew Gadget was gonna return. He wanted me to tap into these powers. He knew it was needed to stop this. It’s a test.

“But the bonds you will forge are real, the other’s do not know and cannot hear me. We will talk more, sooner than you may think.” With that, her voice was gone, no longer present within my mind. The world was then suddenly put back into motion, returning to normality.

“What?!” Gadget spat, rearing around to face me, middle claw drawn, ready to strike at any second. Her eyes were a fiery red, her teeth gritted as she glared down upon me.

My hoof transformed into a sword, as I smirked, and said, “Like Father, like daughter, isn’t that how the saying goes?”

“I am nothing like that scum! I have vision, reason, right!” She growled inching closer.

“You’re just a sad, little girl, crying for attention,” I rebuked with a chuckle.

“Oh… you… are… dead!” Gadget lunged her middle claw at me, the sharp pincers headed straight for me. I leapt to the side, rolling across the stone ground, as her pincer slammed into the ground where I had once stood, creating a small crater, debris flying upward. Gadget proceeded to pull her Gear Whips out, eyes wide and reddened. She slammed me against the wall with her right claw. “You gave me everything I needed. I lured you here to the Mindscape, you sorry excuse for a superhero! Who do you think gave Discord the power to enter when he isn’t even psychic? Not that he knew it was me. Who do you think organized this little reunion with my beloved whore of a sister? To think you still haven’t told her what we had.” She cackled evilly raising her right hand, readying the whip. “Now, you die, finally.”

I closed my eyes awaiting certain demise, preparing for my inevitable death. Over time the idea of death, while no less savory, became much less scary. I guess I’ve just accepted it. After all, it was bound to happen sooner or later with the lifestyle I led. Then, a loud banging came from ahead. I opened my eyes to see the doors to the Guardian’s Chambers had burst open and Gadget had turned to see what the noise was. Standing in the doorway, was none other than Princess Celestia herself, her horn aglow with a magical aura, whilst her eyes were narrowed in anger.

Celestia is the Guardian?! Phase told me it was an old wise man. Just what the hell is going on here?

“You will leave this Mindscape, Gadget! You have no right to be here!” She boomed in a rather loud voice.

“A Guardian and a ruling psychic? Interesting…” Gadget seemed to be frightened, but kept the same vicious grin that only a being of pure evil could pull off. She turned back to me. “You get to live another day, hero. Heed my warning, I will kill you. For what you did to me, to us. I loved you…what you did broke me; made me suffer worse than any physical torment. And you call me the villain.” With that, she vanished into thin air.

I... I... never wanted to think about that again. The guilt buried so deep. I loved them both… I… had to chose at some point. Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes, as I saw the snowy white mare approaching me, holding a comforting, motherly smile. Suddenly, she nuzzled me.

“Get up, Shift. Do not worry about the past, for there is a future at stake. Come to my chambers and we can talk,” She whispered soothingly as she comforted me. Celestia stopped, turned, and trotted back through the doors she had appeared from moments ago..

Scrambling to my hooves, I galloped over to Phase. She was unconscious causing me to become worried. Not again! Not again! I pressed my ear to her chest and could hear her breathing lightly. Thank goodness! I scooped her onto my back and trotted into the chamber doors, which, upon entrance, slammed shut in the creepiest possible way behind me.

Her chamber was surprisingly reminiscent of her throne room. In fact, upon further inspection, it was a carbon copy. The same red velvet carpeting that led forward, up a small flight of stairs, to her golden throne. To my sides, carpet stretched to hallways leading to different areas of the so called ‘dojo’. I turned to face Celestia as I sat down. “I have so many questions, Princess.”

“I understand, but we only have a short amount of time. Discord’s hold on the Mindstate won’t last long,” she kept the same bright smile that made me feel as if the world wasn’t so bad; as if I could be a hero again.

“Celestia?!” Twilight exclaimed in utter shock as the other’s gasped.

“Well, the twist could’ve used a touch of chaos, but I am rather surprised. Tell me Celestia, how long have you kept this from everypony?” Discord asked sounding rather intrigued by the turn of events.

“The Mindscape is dangerous Discord. It wasn’t necessary for ponies without psychic abilities to know about. That could’ve led to another Queen Gadget, and Equestria didn’t need that kind of threat,” she looked deep into my eyes, “Now, that Gadget is free, however, we need a hero. Both of our worlds.”

“Why did Elliot keep this from me? Why go to such a great length?” I questioned, cocking my right brow.

Celestia let out a sigh, clearing her throat before she spoke. “Your powers require strong bonds to unlock and control them. Elliot discovered this secret when he found out about Gadget’s imminent return in some old H.E.R.O files dating back centuries. A prophecy of sorts.”

“What kind of prophecy?”

“Two psyshifters of different worlds must join to defeat the Omega. It’s all that the scroll said.”

“So, find this other psychic in Canterlot, unlock my powers, stop Gadget. Pretty straight forward, for a prophecy.”

“Omega. Defeat the Omega is what it said. The metal is the true evil. Not that I am denying Gadget’s villainy,” Celestia corrected me, explaining the prophecy.

“Do you have any idea where it was created? Who is was created by? And this last bit of the riddle, All will return where the snow falls. What does that mean?” My questions spat out like bullets from a machine gun.

“While I have no idea where the metal was made, I do know it was made long before my sister and I ruled over this land. After it was discovered, many ponies tried to harvest it’s power. Some for the greater good, and some for evil intent. We soon found out it was sentient, it lashed out and tried to take over the minds of everypony it touched. The metal was locked up and sealed away in a distant land that not even I can recall the location of. As to the riddle, I believe the only pony who can answer it is this other psychic.”

“Have you any idea who it might be?” I asked, hope in my eyes. Of course, things were never that simple, if my years of service have been any indication.

Celestia shook her head. “I’m sorry, but that is something you must discover on your own, Shift, for it will make the bond that much more meaningful and real. I know who the pony is, but it is imperative for your own self-discovery that I don’t tell you.”

What a dick move! So, all I have to go on is this Canterlot place and her voice. That’s not much, ‘course, I did come in here completely blind.

“How will I know if I can really let someone in? If these powers can even be properly controlled? Then, there’s the question of who will train this other psyshifter. At least tell me that you’ll intervene if Gadget makes things dicey,” I pondered out loud, glancing around, pacing back and forth.

“You will train this pony. They will be your apprentice, but the goal is for you to learn from each other.” She had a look of seriousness upon her face as she spoke.

“Let me ask you a question,” I walked closer to her, narrowing my eyes accusingly, “How long has this little secret test been going on? Since I got here?”

Celestia turned away as if guilty, her eyes wandering as if thinking. “To tell you the truth, ever since Phase’s death. Her resurrection was the first step toward fulfilling the prophecy. I’m sorry about all of this subterfuge, but it was strictly necessary.”

“What do you mean?!” I growled at her.

She turned, her eyes meeting mine, as she spoke softly and said, “Shift, there’s more to the prophecy. It goes ‘Two psyshifters of different worlds must rise to stop the Omega. A resurrected psychic must forever preserve Guardianship within the Mindscape to ensure survival.’ Phase is that psychic.” Celestia explained.

My eyes widened as my jaw dropped to the floor, a look of shock now upon my face. “W-what? She can’t leave this place?”

Celestia shook her head, eyes closed, and simply said, “No, I’m sorry.”

“W-Why?!”

It’s like losing her all over again! And how do I know I can train this pony psychic?

“She has no physical body outside of this place and we need her to keep the peace within the Mindscape, if the prophecy is any indication.”

“Wait why would Gadget have given Discord the ability to enter the Mindscape? She works with machines, barely ever with any living creatures.” I turned my head around to see Phase passed out on my back. “Can I at least say goodbye before Discord’s magic wears off?”

“Celestia gave me the way in here,” Discord began snickering.

“What! Why didn’t you tell me?!” I snapped at him, gritting my teeth.

“Oh, Shift, you are such delight!” Discord continued his laughing.

Real funny prank, jerkoff.

“Yes, you may,” Celestia interrupted my thoughts causing me to snap to attention.

“Thank you, Princess.” I smiled at her.

With a nod, Celestia slowly trotted up to the unconscious pony on my back. Lowering her head, she placed her horn gently upon Phase’s forehead. The princess's horn lit up with a magical aura, spreading slowly around Phase. Phase slowly began to move around on my back, her warm fur rubbing against mine as she stretched herself out. Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking. Phase let out a small moan as she rolled off my back and got to her hooves. The mare shook her head.

“What happened?” Suddenly, she began scanning the room around her, on guard, looking cautious. “Where’s Gadget?”

“She’s gone for now, my little pony” Celestia said.

Phase’s face twisted in confusion. “You’re the Guardian? You don’t look like an old wise man.”

Celestia giggled. “Why thank you.” She smiled warmly at Phase.

“Wait,” I turned to Phase. “You’ve never even seen the Guardian before?” I held an unamused, annoyed look on my face.

“Hehehe… Well, no, but I hear his… er… her voice in my head, and I am alive,” Phase pointed out, rubbing the back of her neck with a hoof.

“Listen, Phase,” I spoke in a low, sad tone of voice, my eyes now focused on the floor below me, “I love you with all my heart, you know that, but you can't leave here.” My vision got blurry. “We can’t ever truly be together.” I broke into a fit of sobbing crying more with every word, tears dripping to the floor.

“I-I can’t leave here?” Phase sounded shocked and heartbroken at the same time. I found it hard to look at her, so ashamed of what I had said, what I had done, guilt and pain in my heart.

“No,” Celestia confirmed in a rather low tone of voice. “I’m afraid not.”

Phase began to cry, burying her head in her hooves. “I-I…” Phase trailed off, her words inaudible as she continued to cry.

I walked over and hugged her, wrapping my two forehooves around her. She returned the hug squeezing me tighter, crying into my shoulder. “I love you, Phase. I will find a way for us to be together, no matter what it takes.” I lowered my voice, now whispering into her ear, “Just wait for me.”

Phase’s tears stopped, her crying becoming hiccup-latent giggling. “W-where am I gonna go, hero boy?”

I heard six ‘awwws’, and one groan in my head coming from the ponies and Discord. I simply smiled, embracing the warm, comforting hug, then, I kissed her on the forehead. She dipped me and gave me a passionate kiss. It was if the world had melted away as I savored the kiss. A gagging noise came from my mind this time and Phase broke the kiss.

“Oh, shut it, Discord!” Phase rolled her eyes.

Suddenly, my hoof became distorted, vanishing into thin air. My heart began to thud as I noticed, my eyes widening. I backed up as more of my arm began disappearing. “W-What’s... g-going... o-on?” I asked barely able to speak my mind focused on the site in front of my eyes.

“Your time here is up,” Celestia explained. “Find the pony in Canterlot.”

Phase gave me a warm smile. “ I love you Shift. I know you can do it. Save them all, hero boy, and deliver true justice.”

I found my mind entranced by those three words. ‘Deliver true justice’. Something about those words made them feel like so much more.

I nodded, closing my eyes. “I love you, too. I will try to be the hero our worlds deserve.” With that, I soon found myself back in the chaotic house of a certain mismash monstrosity. I opened my eyes to see all the ponies smiling at me while Discord simply ignored my arrival, relaxing on his couch. The six rushed over to me.

“Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m sorry about Phase, dear,” Rarity chimed in with a seemingly forced smile.

“Any idea how we should go about finding this pony?” Twilight spoke up trying to change the subject.

“I’m okay, and thank you, Rarity. Now,” I walked over, shoving Discord off his couch roughly, and leapt backward onto it. “Everypony listen up! We have to get to Canterlot. Any ideas of how we can find this pony are welcome.” I spoke in an authoritative voice, a stern look on my face.

“Hellloo, I was sitting there!” Discord called, “You are simply rude!” He actually sounded angry for once, then turned his gaze to Twilight. “Come to think of it, you told me you didn’t even know where I lived. How did you find my humble abode?”

“Fluttershy told us!” Pinkie answered quickly, turning her attention back to me. “Oh, Oh!” Pinkie raised her hoof, leaping up and down. “Pick me, Pick me!

“You don’t have to raise your hoof, Pinkie. Go ahead,” I said glancing at her.

“We just go to Canterlot and ask ponies if they’re psychic.”

I rolled my eyes and said, “Any other suggestions?”

“I’VE GOT IT!” Rarity screamed suddenly, causing all of us to look at her with shocked expressions and wide eyes. She blushed, clearing her throat, “I mean... perhaps I have a solution. The Grand Galloping Gala is a huge get together. Anypony who’s anypony will be there. Maybe that’s a good place to start.”

“Brilliant, Rarity!” I complimented leaping off the couch and walking closer to the group.

Suddenly, Discord’s front door burst open causing all of us to turn our heads. Spike came running in, clutching his stomach with a claw. He burped a small cloud of smoke and green flame. After it dissipated, a rolled up letter appeared, Twilight grabbing it in her magic. She unrolled it and brought it to her face, slowly reading it.

“Good news,” Twilight said with a smile.

“What?” I asked curiously.

“We all have tickets to the Gala courtesy of Celestia.” Twilight magicked eight golden tickets out of the letter. I found myself strangely disappointed that no free chocolate and candy was associated with them. Then, a voice rang in my head. It was the psychic pony I heard in my vision.

“Hurry, they’re coming. The Gears. They’ll kill us all.”

To Be Continued…

Episode Six: Shingeki No Poni

Legacy

Episode Six: Shingeki No Poni

Written By: Fluttashift

Tragic things occur when in the line of duty, as common sense would easily suggest. Death is a plague you see around you, it is something terrifying at first, but over time it’s impact fades into what seems like a simple incurable illness. Loved ones will die; the innocent will die; heroes will die; villains will die. Being a superhero is akin to that of being a soldier in a war. A war of good against evil, a tale old as time itself. You have to learn to hide the pain, the emotion, the feelings, and bury them deep down, bottling them. Though most would tell you the opposite, it serves as a way for a superhero to focus on his future rather than dwell on his past. I dwelled on my past far too often and all it did was lead me astray. Listen to these words so we can do that which seems impossible: deliver true justice.

LEGACY

“Ow!” I yelped as Rarity pricked me with the needle she just pinned into the tuxedo she had me dressed in. Two days had passed since my visit to the Mindscape. I was beginning to get a tad bit used to being a pony…just a tad.

“Oh, now, Shift, don’t whine. This suit has to be magnifique, and I wouldn’t accidentally prick you if you would just stop moving, darling.” Rarity’s left eye twitched at her last words, her tone sounding agitated, but kept a certain sweetness to it.

I blushed, lowering my head, a goofy smile plastered on my face as I said, “Oh, right, sorry.” Then I pulled my head up. “I just don’t see the importance in what I wear. I am on a mission, remember?”

“Yes, dear, I remember, but you can’t go looking like some pony off the street now can you? It’s a very formal event and you must wear the proper attire. Now, please, stop moving.” She said those last words with a bit more agitation than was absolutely necessary, but she shook it off and proceed with her tailoring, which, in all honesty, is quite impressive.

Suddenly, the door to the boutique burst open. The silver bell hanging over it ringing so hard it nearly broke off. Rarity and I whipped our heads around, pupils dilated from the sudden outburst, to see that Pinkie had bucked the door open. The manic mare turned, eyes wide, panting as she began to speak.

“I… have… some… good…. news… everypony!” She said between breaths, catching her breath yet keeping the same ecstatic happiness to her tone of voice.

“Pinkie, what on earth are you on?,” I snickered at that.

“I’m not on anything, silly. The only kind of high I get is a sugar high!” Pinkie snapped into her usual cheery attitude as she bounced up and down toward us. “So, you wanna hear the news? Huh, do ya? Ooh, I know you do!”

I rolled my eyes, giggling to myself. “Sure Pinkie, we’d just love to hear it.” I said sarcastically.

Pinkie sat there quietly with that ecstatic grin that seems to forever be etched onto her face. Rarity and I looked at her expectantly, waiting for this seemingly important news. After what felt like a minute of utter silence from the otherwise obnoxious mare I decided that enough was enough.

“Soooo…are you going to tell us this so called good news?“

Nothing.

After a few more moments Rarity’s concerns are easily seen on her face. As Pinkie, unmoving, continues to smile at us with that all consuming happiness that just seems to emanate from her, I slowly trot up to her and give her a tentative poke. To my surprise what I thought was Pinkie Pie falls over at my touch, turning out to be a really realistic cardboard cut out of her. To my even greater surprise a pink blob of enthusiasm jumps out of nowhere from behind us.

“Surprise!” Pinkie all but screams in my ear. “Ahhhh!” Rarity and I yelp in tandem. “ Jesus, Pinkie! You damn near gave me a heart attack,” I say, trying to steady my heartbeat. “Darling, I love you, but never do that again!” She said the last part a bit more unladylike that I would of expected from Rarity.

“So now that you’re done trying to give a heart attack to the one pony that can save both of our worlds would you like to tell us this news?” I snapped at her with mirth. Even if it scared the crap out of me I have to admit, it was a good joke.

“Well duh, of course I’m going to tell you. Why else am I here?” She said, seemingly completely oblivious to the stunt she just pulled.

“The Gala has been moved to tonight!” She exclaimed in utter joy.

“Tonight?!” Rarity exclaimed with a shocked expression, gasping, “How will I ever finish the rest of the outfits in time?”

Tonight! Why did it have to get moved to tonight!? I just lost two whole weeks of training. I can barely control my powers as it is, and now I’m getting thrown out of the nest. Lets just hope I can learn to fly before I hit the ground.

“Has this sorta thing happened before?” I asked curiously, looking from one pony to the next.

Pinkie shook her head, holding her beaming grin, and simply said, “Nope!”

“It is quite odd th--” Rarity began to comment until she was interrupted by a loud bang coming from the window to the right of us. We turned our heads to see the chromatic mare, Rainbow Dash, plastered against the window. I couldn’t help but laugh. Rarity trotted over and unlatched the window, despite the pegasus still being stuck to the pane due to sheer force Rarity pried her off with her magic, causing Rainbow to fall in and hit the floor with a gentle thud. The cyan mare stood up shaking off her injuries.

“Nice landing, Rainbow,” I snickered at her.

She shot me a glare. “Hey, shut it, Shift!”

“Dashie, darling, why are you colliding with my window this time, you do know that I have a door, right?” Rarity interjected, cocking her left brow.

“Training for the Equestria Games, but I guess I got a little carried away,” Dash chuckled stupidly, rubbing the back of her neck with a hoof. “Anyway,” she changed the subject, flapping her wings, and hovering into the air, “the Gala got moved to tonight at eight. Twilight wants us all to be ready at the Library by seven.”

“Dashie!” Pinkie whined, stomping her hoof, “Stop stealing all the dialogue! He promised me that I could do the exposition!”

Dash shot me and Rarity a confused look. “Uhh…“ After several seconds of confused silence Dash decided to go with an eloquent approach, “wha-- I just… you. He?”

“Oh now, dear, let it be; she’s just being Pinkie Pie,” Rarity waved a dismissive hoof and trotted back to me. The snowy white mare inspected me and finally nodded, “Okay, I believe everything should be perfect now. You can take all that off now so I can get to designing the finishing touches. It’s going to be simply fabulous, darling!” Once again, she spoke with such a fiery passion, that I swear I could see stars twinkling in her eyes. Twinkling eyes… I laughed lightly at that and turned my head trying to hide the moistness that was starting to fight its way out of my tear ducts. Those eyes remind me of Phase when she set her mind, body, and soul on something. That subtle hint of determination buried in a sea of passion.

Oh, Phase. You’re alive, yet I can't see you, touch you, or be with you. We’re closer than we have been since you left earth, but at the same time we couldn’t be farther. There has to be a way. I will find a way. No matter what it takes I will. And just maybe... I could tell you... just maybe.

“So, Shift, how do you plan to scout this psychic pony out?” Dash asked turning to me.

“Easy! We ask!” Pinkie suggested.

No,” I shook my head, “Psychic Mindscapes are like magnets when close to one another. The Planes of Thought are on a slightly higher level, compared to people or ponies who cannot utilize these abilities, thus when we are close to one another, our powers are sort of... pulled out of us more, amplified, in a sense, and we are compelled towards one another,” I explained with a smile, thinking of how happy Phase would be to explain all this information.

“Planes Of Thought?” Dash cocked a brow, a look of utter confusion plastered on her face.

“A Plane Of Thought is the sort of ‘timeline’ of a being’s thoughts. Psychics have it backlogged in their mind for easy access, and that is also how we receive premonitions or visions. We skim through this timeline, but without the Vivid Vision feat you cannot see everything clearly. We also have access to timelines of others. Non-psychics cannot access this timeline as they don’t have the specific genes that give them the ability to do so. Do you follow me?” I asked, talking rather quickly. I received mostly dumbfounded, confused looks.

“You sound like Twilight talking about magic when it comes to superpowers. Didn’t know somepony could actually make superpowers sound so… lame,” Dash replied shaking her head.

“If you don’t mind me asking, darling, what exactly is this Vivid Vision that you’re speaking of,” Rarity asked with a tilt of her head and a quizzical wave of her fetlock.

“Oooo! Is it when a psychic can see their visions as well as the timeline itself more clearly, causing their power to get stronger?” Pinkie asked narrowing her eyes as if she knew the answer, a proud smile on her face.

“Precisely! Finally somepo… ny...” I stopped as my jaw dropped to the floor, “How?” I was utterly dumbfounded.

“Just a hunch,” Pinkie shrugged, turning, then proceeded to bounce out of Rarity’s Boutique whilst humming to herself. Soon, she vanished through the front door.

“That is one strange mare,” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head, but Rarity must have still heard what I had said.

“My, Shift, your use of our colloquialisms get better by the day,” she said taking the suit, I had taken off, with her magic as she trotted off into another room. The comment went completely over my head; I never realized I was slipping into the ponies’ different word-bits, in speech and in thought.

I trotted to the door, only to find Dash was now standing next to me. I turned to face her and said, “You leaving, too?”

“Yup, gotta keep on practicing.” She nodded with a smile, then shook her head and held a confident smirk, “Not that I need it. I’m awesome.” With that, Rainbow opened the door and took off, soaring into the blue, cloudless sky.

Weird, how the pegasi have to control the weather and create it. Back home it’s all natural. Mother nature and the sort. I still can't completely trust these ponies yet. Not just that, I’ve already caused enough pain. With how I chose Phase over Violet. The cheating, the lies, the utter cruelty of it all. I drove them apart. I’m not fit to be a hero.

“Shift, darling, are you alright?” I snapped to attention, turning to see Rarity had spoken up, staring at me over the rims of her glasses.

“Yeah, I’m alright. I’ll just head on over to the Library. Big night tonight and all,” I chuckled idiotically, as I turned rather awkwardly and trotted out the door.

_______________________________

Another ocean of books lay on the floor of Twilight’s home as she ran to and fro searching for something. She magicked up books, flipping pages quickly, muttering to herself, and continued on trying to find whatever it was she was searching so desperately for. As I made my way through the sea of knowledge and literature, Twilight turned away from a book and looked up at me.

“Oh, hi, Shift,” she said emotionlessly, before snapping her focus back to the pages in front of her. I noticed over my few days of staying here that Twilight only ignored you like that if she was reading a good book, studying, or frantically searching for a spell. With how nervously she was galloping about, I was willing to bet it was the latter.

“Hey, searching for something?” I asked, cocking a brow.

“Yeah, a spell on how to detect superpowers to help out for tonight. No luck yet. It isn't in any of my books,” Twilight said, frantically flipping through pages with her magic.

Called it.

“Twilight, hakuna matata, okay,” I said gently.

Twilight tossed the book aside haphazardly, reaching out for another, before twisting her head while raising a questioning eyebrow. “Hakuna ma-what-now?”

“It’s mean no worries.” I tried not to crack a smile at my thoughts.

For the rest of your days. I began singing the tune from a certain classic film in my head, trying my hardest not to hum it out loud. It’s our problem free philosophy! Hakuna Mata-- I cut off that train of thought sharply. Oh god, these ponies are rubbing off on me. Soon, I’ll be bursting out into song like Pinkie. I shuddered at the thought.

“Do you have some kind of plan then on how to find this pony?” Twilight asked.

“Psychics can sense each other when close. It’s a sort of magnetic pull that can also enhance our powers,” I explained, not wanting to get into great detail like at the Boutique, because I knew that if I started, Twilight would never let me stop.

“Oh, then, never mind,” Twilight smiled, blushing, as she magicked the books on the shelf.

Spike walked in as Twilight magicked the books and folded his arms. “Let me guess, I have to organize those,” he said in a rather annoyed tone of voice, rolling his eyes.

Twilight nodded, causing Spike to groan as he nabbed a ladder and got to work. The dragon grumbled to himself as he organized the shelves. Twilight and I glanced at each other, giggling. Spike just shot us a glare as he went about the mundane task. Twilight trotted over to her writing desk which had a letter on it, snatching it in her magic. The mare levitated it toward me.

“Princess Celestia sent you a letter. I haven’t opened it yet,” she explained as her magic unrolled the parchment in front of my eyes.

Magic. Still has to be the strangest superpower ever. Genes that allow you to cast spells and make potions. Weird. I wonder if it’s natural for unicorns or just different than how a human would be endowed with such abilities.

Reading the letter, my eyes darting to and fro, following the words, it read:

“Dear Shift,

It was imperative I moved the Gala up to today. The pony in question will be leaving Canterlot tomorrow. You must convince them of their abilities or we face certain doom. I have faith you can achieve this goal.

P.S. Phase loves you.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia”

Phase. I love you too. I thought aloud in my head hoping for a moment her soothing voice would enter my realm of thought. A smile spread across my face as I imagined such a scenario. I’ll make it up to you. I’ll find a way. I’ll save them all. I’ll deliver true justice. Maybe… I glanced up at Twilight, thinking about the other five. ...these mares can help.

Twilight noticed me looking at her and opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off with an according answer, reveling in my new-found powers.

“The Gala getting moved up was necessary for my mission. That’s what the princess wanted to tell me,” I told her before she had a chance to ask.

A smile hesitantly formed upon her face as she said, “Practicing your psychic-ness, I see,” Twilight turned and reared her head around to face me, “Come on, I have something to show you. It involves the blood samples from a few days ago.” Her gaze returned forward as she trotted toward a door.

I shrugged and followed behind her, trotting to the wooden door. Twilight magicked it open, beginning to descend down a flight of stairs. As we walked down the steps, I pondered what she had to tell me. What could be so important? My hooves met the floor as I gazed around the room.

It looked very much like the other rooms in the library. Scattered around was various scientific equipment. Test tubes, beakers, machines blinking different colors, printing out results on parchment. I was utterly awestruck to see that part of Twilight’s library had electricity. Learning how rural Ponyville was, I didn’t think there was a single plug in the whole town nor had I ever seen one. The bigger cities have it or so I’m told.

These ponies are so much like us. Like humans. It’s hard to believe, very hard, but it seems to be the case; the truth. Still, humans can’t be trusted. I’m human, so I know that’s a fact, for damn sure. So, what’s to say ponies are any different.

“Why do you look so surprised?” Twilight questioned, curiosity in her voice.

“Well, I didn’t know there was electricity in this town. How did you get it hooked up to one room?” I asked, still glancing around, thinking to myself.

“Oh, well, I needed some for my scientific studies. It’s magically powered electricity. The power box is over there,” Twilight pointed her hoof to a black, square box hanging on the far wall, “Take a look if you’d like. I’ll get the results and tell you my theory.” She trotted over to the results which had finished printing from the strange machine.

Trotting to the box, I used my mouth to open it. Weird. I tasted cold steel as I pried the box open with my teeth. Inside, instead of the usual switches was hollowed out space. A large purple aura emanated from a small orb suspended in the middle of the box by two golden screws. Magically powered electricity, huh?

I swung around, gently nudging the box closed with a back hoof. Trotting over to Twilight, I saw she was still reading the results, pondering to herself. I cleared my throat to get her attention. The mare glanced up at me from the parchment.

“How does magic work here? How can you use it as a source of electricity? How does that thing even work? How is it even possible to convert magical resonation into electrical current?” I rapidly fired my questions at her. The way things like this work in this place always nag at me. You always need to know the flaws to defeat a potential enemy.

“I’m glad you asked,” she said, levitating the parchment to a nearby table, setting it down, a smile now plastered on her face, “Magic comes from the heart; from emotions. You have to study it to learn how to properly use it. It’s something natural that all unicorns are born with. A simple self-sustaining electricity orb isn’t that hard to make actually. It’s a mix of spells for higher level unicorns, such as myself and the other princesses, that counteract each other and keep a balance so it lasts for long periods of time.” Twilight spoke with the same fiery passion as Rarity and Phase. She must really love magic and apparently studying.

“Self-sustaining? Wow, that’s incredible. Honestly, it’s something we could use back home,” I lowered my head, letting out a sigh, “Knowing my race though, with what evil we’re capable of, it’d end up doing more harm then good.”

“Hey, ponies aren’t perfect either, you know. In fact, there’s been a fair number of villains in our history as well,” Twilight spoke in a reassuring tone, placing a hoof on my shoulder. I raised my head, smiling at her as she returned the gesture. “How does magic work on your world?” Twilight changed the subject, retracting her hoof.

“Genes. It’s how all superpowers work. Specific genes that endow you with powers. I have Psy Genes and magic users have Mage Genes. They are passed on from generation to generation or they can be given. For example, my powers were obtained through an orb known as The God Hand. My genes were transformed into those with superheroic traits,” I explained to her causing her to gasp.

“Really? That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. Your genes are different from all other psychics. Elliot sent Celestia some samples for me to compare and contrast. Even your parents genes aren’t the same as yours. But,” Twilight grabbed the parchment and checked it over, “going back to five years ago, you’re genes were different. Similar to your parents. It’s weird. I can’t seem to place my hoof on why one hundred percent, but I have a theory.” She looked up from the paper, “What’s The God Hand?”

“Oh, that,” I rolled my eyes, sighing, “It’s an interdimensional artifact of unknown origins, currently held within the H.E.R.O Headquarters. It was my first case, actually. After I got my powers, I tried to stop a drug cartel who was involved with a villain named the Warden who was trying to use the artifact to collect superheroic energy from heroes and convert it into a WMD. Basically, the object itself contains superpowered energy that never expires.”

“Wait, what’s a WMD?” Twilight asks in an innocent tone. I knew that this would not be a fun thing to do as soon as the words left her muzzle.

“Umm… How can I put this simply… WMD stands for Weapon of Mass Destruction, and that is categorized as a chemical, biological, radioactive, or nuclear-- although the last two are pretty similar, as far as I know-- and they are designed to cause massive damage to people or places or both… Umm, Twilight? You okay?” At some point during my little explanation, the lavender mare went stock still, ears splayed and pupils mere pinpricks. It occurred to me that these ponies haven’t anywhere near the level of atrocities that humans do; I was pretty sure I traumatized her a little.

Twilight blinked a couple times before shaking her head vigorously. “N-no, I’m fine, Shift… I just… never expected so much destruction from your world…” She still looked a bit shaken up, but I was pretty sure she’d be fine.

Something Twilight had said was still nagging at my thoughts. My genes changed? Was I not psychic before? How is that possible? Five years ago... was... Merging Day.

The eerie silence ended as quickly as it had started, and Twilight was back into what Rainbow Dash called her ‘egghead mode,’ talking once again about the experiments she had run. “After running some tests, I’ve come to the conclusion that your genes could only have changed because they were dormant. Hidden within substitute genes. Why they came out and who, or what, activated them is still a mystery.” Twilight said after finishing rereading the results.

I let out a gasp, a look of shock now visible on my face. “Substitute genes?!” I exclaimed.

“It’s the only thing that makes sense. Your powers must have been hidden from you.”

“Then I know who and maybe even the why.” I began pacing out of habit as I explained my thoughts aloud. “Phase’s powers were hidden from her as well with substitute genes. When they started coming out, accidents happened, and they locked her away in a mental institution. Turns out, her father had hidden her powers to ensure her a better life, but later we discovered that was a lie. Phase’s father, Arthur Prescott, was Mastermind.”

“Oh my,” Twilight let out a gasp, “The villain who collapsed the Mindscape? It was her own father? Then, who hid Phase’s powers?”

“Violet did. Believe it or not, before she was Queen Gadget, Violet was a generous, loving, and courageous woman. She wanted to ensure her sister did not remember her father for what he truly was. The monster who killed their mother in front of their eyes. Of course, Phase was only an infant at the time.”

Violet I really did love you. I really did. I continued my pacing, back and forth until Twilight reached out a reassuring hoof, stopping me.

“How could he be so cruel? So evil?” Twilight had a look of horror etched upon her face.

“He was greedy, power-hungry, and ruthless. A sociopath who cared for nopony-- er, nobody-- but himself. Not much too it, honestly,” I shrugged as I went on pacing, “Anyway, the point is I believe Violet hid my powers, too, though why I’m not entirely sure. She’s about the only psychic I know that can do such a thing. During Merging Day, they must have surfaced when the Mindscape and Earth touched rifts. It must have cause some kind of negation of Violet’s cloaking.”

“Merging Day?” Twilight cocked a brow.

“Oh, it happened five years ago. It’s a day when the edge of the Mindscape and the edge of reality meet. These collisions have some convoluted scientific-sounding term, but they are more commonly known as Rifts. Violet, well, Queen Gadget, to be more precise, was trying to fuse the worlds together so she could truly rule the planet by controlling the entire thing with her mind,” I explained only to hear the basement door swing open.

“Twilight! Shift! The others are here!” Spike called down.

It’s time. The Gala. I have to find this pony, convince them that this is all real. We have to make sure the prophecy comes to pass or we face another possible Merging Day. Then, Phase’s words rang through my head.

“Save them all, hero boy. Deliver true justice.”

I won’t let you down. Not again. that’s for damn sure.

______________________________

The seven of us were now standing outside of Twilight’s home. The mares were all dressed up in their colorful dresses, each matching their distinct personalities, almost ironically. I had to admit for ponies they looked stunningly beautiful. A few feet in front of us was, ironically, a horse drawn carriage, being pulled by Rarity’s generous neighbors. I got the ‘feeling’ that they both had some modicum of a crush on Rarity and were trying to get on her good side; one of them was so deluded as to think he would get into her pants. It took all I had not to burst out laughing at the stallions.

“My, Shift, darling, you look simply smashing,” Rarity exclaimed, making me blush.

“You do clean up well,” Dash added with a smile.

“Thanks girls, but there’s a mission at hoof. Let’s get going,” I said trotting forward and hopping into the carriage as the other’s soon joined me.

The two stallions at the front trotted forward, pulling the carriage, the wheel’s beginning to spin. Jerking into motion, the carriage was pulled along toward the Gala. The ride was bumpy, the carriage occasionally hitting some small pebbles or holes, bouncing it around. We passed colorful houses and a forest, soon going over a small bridge toward Canterlot. I gazed out the window watching the scenery while the mares conversed among themselves. Spike was gawking at Rarity, as per usual when he is around her.

Soon, we ascended up a mountain, Canterlot Castle could be seen in the distance as we climbed further up. The carriage ride felt much longer than I thought it would. When we finally arrived at the gates of Canterlot, it had felt as if a few hours had passed. Guards stood vigilant near the gates, one signaling for another to open the gates. As they opened, the carriage began moving forward and we soon entered the city.

We passed houses, shopping centers, and soon came up a long, pearly white cobblestone street. Other carriages shaped like a variety of fruit and vegetables came into view as the carriage slowed down. As I heard gasps from the girls, I looked over to see a large grassy hill leading up to a huge mansion. It was exquisite, colored with purple, gold, and white. The doors were solid gold, stain-glass windows much like those in the castle were visible. The carriage in front of us pulled away and we came to our stop.

“We’re here!” The drivers called out.

The mares climbed out first, then Spike, and I was last, my hooves finally meeting the grassy ground after so long. I saw ponies of all colors, trotting to and fro, some gossiping with friends, others taking romantic strolls. They were all dressed in formal attire, mares in elegant dresses, and colts in suits. Suddenly, I was somewhat glad I hadn’t come looking like some homeless pony with how fancy this event seemed to actually be.

Still, the mission is much more important than what the hell I’m dressed in. Phase would be laughing at me right now if she knew I was even thinking about fashion. I smiled at the image in my head, Phase smiling warmly, giggling at me. Somehow...

I trotted behind the girls, up the same cobblestone path which led to the large gold doors. As we approached the mansion, a large drawbridge led across a small moat filled with water, ponies in front of us seemingly waiting in line. I was beginning to get the notion this might be some sort of small castle rather than a mansion. The line moved slowly, I groaned, wanting to skip all these ponies in the way of the task at hoof, but it would be quite rude.

Damn, ponies, move the hell out of my way. I don’t have time for this waiting in line shit. I rolled my eyes, letting out small groan.

“Oh, now, Shift, quit yer’ bellyachin’, we gotta wait in line just like everypony else,” Applejack said as she must of heard me.

“Thanks for the newsflash, Applejack,” I muttered sarcastically as the line began to move.

Finally, we entered the large, white building that reminded me mostly of the castle once more. Red velvet carpeted floors, the same pearly glistening. Dozens of fancily dressed ponies littered the room, most talking, some in line to greet the Princess farther in the room up a small flight of steps. That’s when I saw Celestia, our eyes meeting, a smile forming on her face.

“You can do this, Shift. I believe in you. Phase believes in you. Your friends believe in you.” I read her thought perfectly and it brought a bright smile to my face.

I turned to Twilight who was standing to my right. “You girls go have fun, I’ll track down this psychic pony,” I said as I trotted further into the room before she could object.

Politely pushing my way through the sea of ponies, I came to a small stage. I stood in between two ponies as I stopped to gather my thoughts. I gazed around. The stage was small, a round oval shape, and blue in color. Behind it was a large window with a strange design, red curtains hung over it. Onstage was a pianist, cellist, somepony playing the tuba, and another on a beautiful, golden harp. The music was soothing, soft, and very reminiscent of the classical genre. What struck me as odd was nopony was dancing.

What kind of dance-event-thingy is this? They're all just gossiping and being fancy. This is so damn boring. I feel like James Bond, not Batman.

“Help. They’re coming. The Gears. They’ll kill us all. We’re all dead!” I snapped to attention out of my frozen state, my eyes were suddenly focused upon the cellist.

Did... she... just... I could barely process what had just happened. Psychics usually know when they’re communicating through thoughts, yet this gray mare had no idea. She stared back seemingly clueless, narrowing her eyes in confusion. It must’ve seemed as if I was gawking at her, with how I realized my jaw was unhinged and I had been staring straight into her light purple eyes. The mare turned her head away, her long black mane swinging as she did. Closing her eyes, she continued playing her instrument.

She’s the psychic and now she probably thinks I’m some crazy stalker. Great. Wait... my powers... maybe I could reach her through my mind.

“Hey, you, cello mare. Can you hear me? What’s your name?” I thought, concentrating my Plane of Thought.

“W-w-what? Is there a v-v-voice in my head?” I heard a thought that sounded like a voice. Her voice, if I wasn’t mistaken. With the way her eyes shot open and a shocked expression was now plastered upon her face, I was willing to bet I was right. The mare continued to play her cello awkwardly, holding the expression, drawing whispers from the crowd.

“No, we’re reading each others thoughts. Act natural. I’m Shift, the pony you probably thought was staring creepily at you.” Her expression became relaxed as her eyes met mine.

“Octavia Melody. Who are you? Why can you read my thoughts? Why can I read yours?” She asked rapidly, sounding frantic and scared of this revelation.

“Believe it or not, I’m a psychic, so are you. Come see me after your performance is finished. We need to talk.” With that, I turned and trotted away. I searched for one of the girls. Twilight, Rarity, AJ, anypony who I could tell.

“Okay... I guess... hard to dispute, I’ll give you that.” I was shocked she agreed, but I guess it’s hard to argue with someone talking to you through their mind. The only reason we had such control though was because of how our powers became amplified when near each other. A psychic phenomena commonly referred to as Twin Telepathy, though you don’t actually have to be twins with the person, common misconception.

My eyes became trained on a familiar being. The manic mare, Pinkie Pie, was slurping punch straight from the bowl as she went about babbling strange nonsense to random guests. Of all the mares, I was hoping it not be Pinkie, but I needed to tell somepony the news. I trotted up to her, she suddenly swung around, her face now pressed against mine.

“Hiya, Shift!” Pinkie greeted, the usual large, beaming smile sat upon her face.

“Hi,” I said as I backed up a ways, “So, Pinkie, I found her.” My tone changed to one of content.

“Her?” Pinkie gasped, her smile growing, as she narrowed her eyes, “Your soulmate?”

“No, Pinkie, the psychic,” I facehoofed.

“Oh, who is it? The pony playing the tuba? She looks nice.” Pinkie asked, though, I still believe she was referring to my ‘soulmate’.

“No, the one playing the cello. Octavia Melody. We--” Pinkie cut me off.

“Do you want me to go talk to her? I’ll get her attention.” She began leaping up and down. “Yoohoo--” I grabbed her and put a hoof over her mouth.

“Shhh!” I scolded, “No, she agreed to meet after the show. I spoke with her through my mind,” I explained, releasing my grip on the energetic mare.

“Okie Dokie Lokie!” Pinkie said, trotting away.

Well, that was… strange. I glanced over to the stage. Octavia had stopped playing her cello, and was leaning over whispering to the pianist. She must want answers sooner rather than later. I don’t blame her, especially after Pinkie’s little stunt. Embarassing…

The mare trotted downstage and began making her way through the crowd, towards me, now across the room. I watched her as she moved forward, my eyes meeting hers. She’s… My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her voice.

“I need to know what’s going on. How can this even be possi--” Her thoughts were cut out as a strange whirring noise emanated through the air.

What the hell?! I swung around to see a ight I had hoped to never see again. In front of me was silver-plated robot. It hovered a few feet from the ground, jet fire bursting from the bottoms of it’s ‘feet’. The thing stood 8 feet tall, it’s eyes had red beams, it’s head shaped like a robotic skull. In the middle of it’s chest was a circular purple plating encased in glass.

The Gears. The warning was about the Gala!

All the ponies in the room were frozen stock still staring up at the bulking behemoth in terror. The window behind the Gear shattered as four more flew in and lined up side by side with the first. The robot in the middle spoke through his speakerbox mouth and said, “Give us the psychics or face annihilation. This is your only warning.” Then, it looked down upon me. “Queen Gadget sends her regards.”

“Yeah!” I yelled up at it, my face reddening with anger, “Tell her she can suck it!” I turned my head and screamed, “Run!”

Everypony began screaming and panicking, galloping frantically about. Most made their way to the doors while the Princess narrowed her eyes, her horn igniting with a magical aura. Now that the crowd was clear, I could see Octavia was in the middle of the room, her eyes a ghostly white as her pupils rolled into the back of her head.

“They're coming… The Gears… We’re all dead… They’ll kill us all… We’re dead!” She said loudly as she fainted, falling to her side.

“Octavia!” I shouted, rushing over to her. The other’s came rushing from across the room. Twilight gritted her teeth and stomped a hoof. Her horn lit aglow with the same aura it always did. Both her and the Princess had magical beams charged and ready to fire at the line of robots.

“No! Don’t shoot--” My warning fell upon deaf ears as the two unleashed their rays of magical energy. The beams collided with the robot in the center of the group. A purple aura surrounded it as the Gear seemed unphased. Soon, the aura soaked into his encased plating, dissipating into it.

The Gears can absorb energy of any kind. Magic being one of the many. Only brute force beats these guys. I shook my head, collecting myself. Hero mode!

The Gear’s purple plating lit up with a large purple aura, charging it’s power, growing in size and shape. A blast twice the size of Celestia’s erupted and flew toward the Princess herself. Lighting her horn aglow quickly, she shielded herself, bracing for the inevitable impact. She still stood confident, her eyes narrowed to slits, one forehoof in front of the other, a look of seriousness etched on her face. The blast penetrated the shield, causing a sound similar to shattering glass, as the energy collided with Celestia, throwing her backwards, into the air. She smashed into the wall, falling onto her side with a meaty thud. Debris and dust fell from the now cracked wall.

“...energy at them,” I finished, my eyes wide as I witnessed what happened. I snapped myself out of my frozen state with a shake of my head, turning to Twilight. “You girls watch Octavia, make sure they don’t get near her. I’ll deal with these jerkoffs.”

“Be careful.” Twilight and the others nuzzled me. “We’ll take care of her.”

Dipping into the pool of images within my mind, I sorted through them. Sword, Spiked Mane, Spear, Stone Hooves, Stop. I halted the spinning wheel of images and tugged at the stone hooves. Drawing energy, I began to imagine them being drawn, sketched on me. Slowly, my forehooves transformed into two large stone hooves. My eyes shot open and a smile formed upon my face. “Wanna play?” I taunted the Gears.

Their left arms transformed into silvery, metallic, gatling guns. Aiming them at me, I quickly imagined my back hooves were propellers. As they transformed, I sped to the right, bullets beginning to rain from their barrels, flying through the air as the guns spun violently. I flew through the air zig-zagging as the bullets shattered windows, blew tables to wooden chunks, and caused dirt and debris to burst from the floor. Making a sharp turn, I flew around to their backs, causing their shooting to cease.

I smashed the Gear in the middle with two stone hooves to the back, denting it’s metal. The robot swung around and slammed me with a fist. Pain shot through my body as I flew through the air, my hooves shifting back as I collided with a nearby wall. My entire body ached, blood trickling down my forehead as the Gears hovered over to me. I heard somepony calling out to me.

“Shift! I may not be able to shoot them with magic, but I can use it to help you!” Twilight yelled, aiming her horn at me, and blasting me with a ray of magic. “There! Now you’re wounds are healed and you have a shield, but one hit and the shield breaks!”

I nodded as my entire body now felt rejuvenated, filled with energy. “Thanks!” I yelled back, a cocky smile forming on my face. “Now where were we?” I said, turning my attention to the robots hulking over me. “Oh, yeah, ass kicking time.”

Shifting my manes into sharp spikes, I stood up and lowered my head. Charging to the nearest gear, my spikes stabbed through it, as I reared my head back and flung the gear forward. The robot slammed into the ground a few feet away, skidding across it, bringing up the floor under it. The Gear exploded into a fiery ball of metal.

“Who’s next?” I chuckled as I spun around to see the other four had shoulder rockets aimed at me. “Hehehe… shit!” I yelped as I leapt to the right. Rockets propelled forward almost impacting me. I was missed by an inch as the four rockets collided with the wall, blowing it outward, revealing a small glimpse of the outside.

A dozen guards piled into the room, tossing their spears at the robots, some blasting magical energy. The Gears absorbed it and blasted it back at them, blowing the ponies to nothing but dust and ash. The second wave of guards retreated, galloping about, scared out of their wits, screaming in horror. One Gear shot a rocket at the wall above the door, causing it to explode and collapse. Large chunks of debris fell on the guards, sealing some out.

“Oh my god!” I exclaimed as I shot into the air, my back hooves now propellers once again. “That’s enough! Time to put you rustbuckets in the damn scrapheap!” I growled as my hooves turned stone. I propelled myself forward, slamming my fist into one’s head, denting the entire right side inward. It’s head blew off and the robot fell over erupting into flames.

“She’s awake!” Twilight exclaimed whilst the others gasped.

“Huh?” I turned my head to see what all the commotion was about, my attention now unfocused on the enemy.

A robotic fist slammed into my backside, shattering the shield; I flew forward smashing into the ground. I skidded across the ground, slamming into the stage, fresh wounds now bleeding. I groaned as I struggled to my hooves, dirt on my face, dust falling from my coat. I coughed as I smiled weakly. “That all you got, robo-dicks?” I laughed, wheezing a bit.

“Shift!” Twilight called, blasting another wave of healing magic at me. “I can’t keep doing this! It’s taking a lot out of me!” The lavender unicorn yelled out in concern.

I saw Octavia begin to climb to her hooves. She was groggy, wobbling a little as she stood up. The mare put a hoof to her head, saying something I couldn’t make out. Then, the debris covering the front doors was bucked forward. In flew a line of pegasus guards, I counted about ten, give or take. A line of ten or so unicorn guards appeared out of seemingly nowhere, teleporting inside as the aura glowing around their horns dissipated.

“No!” I cried out, rushing toward the guards. “Don’t shoot them with magic! They absorb it!” I warned coming face-to-face with a unicorn guard. He turned his head, glaring at me.

“We need to do whatever is necessary to protect the Princesses!” He growled, turning his gaze back to the remaining three Gears.

“He’s right! Listen to him! Please!” Twilight cried out from behind me, catching the guards attention. He let out a sigh, and nodded.

“You heard the Princess, no magic!” He ordered and the other guards nodded in agreement.

I ran over to the seven mares, Octavia’s eyes were wide as she watched the display in front of her eyes. “W-what is going on?” She asked, a look of horror on her face.

“The Gears. You were receiving premonitions and you didn’t know it. Listen, it isn’t safe here. We need to leave,” I explained as I trotted up to her. I stopped, staring into her eyes, “Now.”

“Shift, what about the giant, meanie meanpants robots, huh?” Pinkie asked pointing her hoof to the metallic henchmen behind me.

Twilight smirked as she said, “I think I have an idea.” I looked and saw her eyeing their shoulder rockets. They shot them at the line of guards. Twilight magicked them, surrounding them in a pink aura, grabbing onto them. She closed her eyes, and strained herself, turning the rockets around, and releasing her grip on them. The rockets backfired at the Gears, impacting their chests, blowing them into a mix of fire and scrap.

“Wow, good work, Twilight. Thanks, I owe you one… er… three,” I rubbed my neck with a hoof, chuckling.

“No problem at all. When Equestria needs me, I’m there. Also, I’ve told you that it’s what friends do, remember?” She smiled warmly.

Friends... They really are my... friends. So helpful... so kind... Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes. I don’t know if I can do this friend thing. I... I-I... can’t trust... I don’t... want to hurt anymore...

“Yeah, now, Octavia,” I turned to face her, “This may be hard to believe. Crazy even, but you saw the robots, I talked to you through my mind, and theres a Princess here who can back me up. Proof enough?” I asked, cocking a brow.

“Well… I… er… this is just… a lot to process… and… well... I guess it’s hard to argue with it. I don’t want this, but what’s a pony to do? I already have to move to Ponyville tomorrow…” She lowered her head, sighing, “Ponies just don’t listen to classical music anymore. It’s all Dubstep and the sort. I'm out of a bucking job.”

My ears perked up, “You’re moving to Ponyville? That’s one hell of a coincidence. I sorta live there at the moment.” I blushed, chuckling idiotically.

“Really? You don’t say. Me and my roommate are moving there as of tomorrow morning. So,” her tone became softer as she gazed at the ground, “what does all this mean? Me being psychic or whatever?”

“It means,” Celestia said walking over, all of us kneeling before her, “that you will train under this other psychic. Learn from each other and work as a team. The fate of Equestria is in your hooves, as you saw tonight, this threat is all too real, my little pony.”

“Train?! Fate of Equestria?!” Octavia’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping to the floor, as panic struck her face. The mare looked as if she was about to faint right then and there.

“Yup,” I said, “You’re my new apprentice, but I’m afraid you’ll have to come with us tonight.”

From behind came a huge explosion. I turned to see ten Gears fly in through the now demolished right side of the building, chunks of it lay on the floor, some had crushed the unicorn guards. “Give us the psychics or face extermination. Queen Gadget sends her regards,” They all said in unison aiming their gatling gun arms at us.

I narrowed my eyes, baring my teeth in a threatening manner, staring up at the metallic menaces. “That’s it!” I screamed in anger drawing stares from everypony in the room. “Gadget sent you, then. Why?! How?!” I stomped my hoof, snorting, demanding an answer.

Suddenly, the Gear in the middle began to shake violently. It then came to an abrupt halt. “Shift, my little pony, so nice to hear your voice!” Gadget’s voice emanated from the speakerbox.

“Gadget?!” I backed away, my eyes wide, “How the hell are you doing all this? Where’d the Gears come from? How’d they get into Canterlot?”

Gadget giggled, “Silly filly, maybe you should ask your little cellist marefriend. She’s the one with the answer to the riddle.”

“Go to hell, Gadget!” I growled at her, “What does the riddle have to do with any of this?”

“The place where snow falls… hmm… maybe,” she acted as if she was pondering the riddle, teasing me, as I believe she knew the answer as well, “...the metal’s birthplace?”

I gasped, now frozen in place. “Where?! Tell me where!” I demanded, glaring into the emotionless eyes of the Gear.

“Ha, as if you moron! Gears, do as you did the ponies who stood in your way at the gates. Blast them all to bits. We have a date with some snowfall,” Gadget chuckled as her voice slowly faded away.

Celestia’s horn lit up as did Twilight’s causing me to panic. I frantically warned them once more of the Gadget’s absorption ability, but they simply ignored me. A golden aura surrounded us all and the world spun, colors fading, sound dissipating. I knew this feeling all too well with my time being here. Teleportation.

We appeared outside the Gala. Celestia, the mares, and me, but not the Guards. They must have stayed behind to courageously battle the evil threatening their land, protecting their princesses. Valiant, noble; I admired it.

I need to be in there with them. Fighting, helping, saving! I’m a hero not a coward! Damn it! I stomped a hoof as I stared up at the castle. We were farther away now, down the hill, and on the cobblestone street where our carriage was parked, now abandoned.

“What’s wrong?” Octavia asked, sounding confused and concerned, “We’re safe now.”

“She’s got a point, ya know,” Dash said.

“I need to stop them. I’m a hero!” I spun around, growling at them.

This took them by surprise, shocked expressions now plastered on their faces. Celestia stepped forward. “Gadget doesn’t have an army, not yet. The rest of Canterlot is safe for now. You and Octavia need to get to safety or our worlds have no hope of survival.” She explained in her usual motherly voice.

“No!” I shook my head, snapping at her, “I refuse to run!”

Behind us, the entire castle erupted in flames. A large ‘boom’ sounded as fire engulfed the pearly white structure. Chunks of the building flew in every direction, some still burning, looking reminiscent of stone fireballs. In seconds, what once stood was gone, the guards nowhere to be seen, as fire and smoke burned what remained to ash. I watched in horror as did everypony else including the Princess. In place of the castle, a large, silver, metallic pyramid began rising from the ground. The earth beneath us shook violently as the structure rose, soon standing taller than the castle had. The shaking stopped and gasps came from around me.

“What is that thing?” Dash asked sounding frightened which in my opinion was very out of character for her, but I don’t blame her. The guards had died and now a Spawner stood before us all.

“That’s a Spawner. Gears of all kinds, not just the ones we saw at the Gala, spawn from it. It’s a powerhouse of machinery. The Omega Metal is filled with self-sustaining energy. Gadget built the Spawners with the same metal she wears, the same metal as the Gears. Canterlot is doomed.” I closed my eyes, lowering my head, sighing.

How? How could this happen? I shot my head upward, my eyes opening, a confident smile spreading across my face. No! Gadget won’t win! I’ll save them all! For Phase!

“Listen up!” I shouted spinning around to face the ponies, “Gears will start pouring out of that thing at any minute. I need to get inside it if I hope to shut it down. I need help though. Who’s with me?”

Twilight, Rarity, AJ, Pinkie, and Dash stepped forward. “We are!” They shouted in unison, saluting me with warm smiles. Fluttershy squeaked and attempted to hide behind the line of her friends. Rainbow noticed this and assured me that that was essentially a yes by her standards.

I turned to Octavia. “I may need you as well.”

“Me?!” She exclaimed with a gasp, taken aback at my words, “Why?! How could I possibly be of any assistance to you? This is all… well… this is all so crazy!”

“When psychics are close together, our powers are amplified. I need you because, I fear without the enhancement, I may lose control of them as I did before.” I looked deep into her eyes. “Please, I’m begging you. For Equestria. Help me.”

Octavia sighed and nodded her head. “Fine. I’ll help you.”

“Thank you.” I turned and galloped to the carriage. “Come on, everypony hop in, I’ll pull this thing. I have an idea,” Then, I narrowed my eyes in determination, “We have a city to save.”

To Be Continued…

Episode Seven: Cold Steel

*Legacy

Episode Seven: Cold Steel*

Written By: Fluttashift

Hope. It’s something we cling to in times of desperation. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel; the happy ending to a story; the peace after the war. Humanity needs this feeling; this determination. It gives us the will to stand up; the strength to fight; the ability to push our limits. Hope is survival, and survival is hope. Hope can also be shattered, broken, or taken away. That is the will of the opposing side, the enemy, the villain. To break you and take away the hope of victory; of survival. This is something that must never be taken from a hero no matter how high the stakes or how tragic the loss. It is the only way we can do the one thing we so desperately need: deliver true justice.

LEGACY

I glanced up to see the sky filled with Gears, all sporting menacing weapons ranging from guns, to rockets, to swords, and even laser cannons. The robotic behemoths were soaring out of the top of the metallic pyramid known as the Spawner, like ants out of a humongous anthill. Some were the normal silver while a few were gold plated and their heads shaped more like a pyramid than a skull. These Gears known as Generals had glowing green eyes instead of red. Forming a large circle around Canterlot, one robot flew to the center of the group.

Celestia turned to face me, her eyes wide, her expression one of sheer panic, as she yelled, “Go! Now! All of you ponies! Luna and I will hold them off. Destroy the Spawner and find the answer to the riddle!” As if on cue, in the distance, Princess Luna came soaring toward us.

Twilight climbed into the carriage, followed by the rest. Octavia stopped, staring into the open vehicle. She was shaking, her eyes wide, a frightened look plastered on her face. I swung my head around to see her cowering as the others gestured her in with their hooves.

“Hurry! Octavia! We don’t have time for this!” I snapped, stomping a hoof.

“T-they’re all dead. The guards… they all… d-died…” she muttered, stock still, frozen in place, “T-the… sky… it’s… filled with…” Her eyes went that same ghostly white, beginning to roll back into her head.

“Oh, my!” Fluttershy gasped, putting a hoof to her mouth.

“Jus’ grab her and get her on the carriage. We need to get a move on if we wanna stop these Gears,” Applejack suggested.

Finally, somepony with some bucking common sense! Still, what’s wrong with her? Another premonition? Another message?

“Our death is certain! Only our past can stop the future! Cold Steel! Cold Steel!” Octavia hollered, turning her gaze toward me. I stared into her pupiless eyes, struck with a feeling of horror. “Cold Steel!” She screamed one last time as she fainted, falling onto her side once more.

Cold Steel? The hell is she talking about? Only the past can stop the future?

Then, everything around me froze, slowing to a halt. My eyes grew wider and wider, as I mumbled inaudible words under my breath. The world faded to blackness as I closed my eyes. Instantly they shot open as I stared into the infinite darkness. Forming around me was a vision of the past, I stood in the snow, my hooves crunching as I left hoofprints. The wind gusted violently, blowing my mane forward. I shivered, the cold chilling to the bone. Trying to trot, I found myself frozen in place.

A large rumbling shook the ground beneath me. Glancing forward, I saw a temple begin to form. It was a large ice-sculpted building that looked reminiscent of an old chinese design. Sculpted dragons made of ice sat like gargoyles on the slanted roof, the doors were gigantic and had the yin-yang symbol in the middle. A large row of steps led up to them. WIth another rumble, the doors slid open slowly.

Soaring out of them was a figure I’d never thought I’d see again. The mask, the cape, the boots. I’d know the outfit anywhere. Hovering in front of me was Mastermind. He wore a long flowing red cape, a green and orange suit with black boots, and a steel helmet with only eyeholes. I gritted my teeth as the villain approached, but soon realized he didn’t notice my presence. Mastermind stopped and raised both arms into the air, his head moving up in the same dramatic rhythm.

He doesn’t see me? How? What’s going on? This must be a look into the past? What Tavi saw. I must be getting the Recoil of the premonition. When psychics are close together Phase told me something about visions bouncing back and reflecting off the other psychic’s eyes. Weird…

“Windegos! I call upon you! Awake from your slumber!” He yelled as a blast of psychic energy shot from his hand. The best way to describe what psychic energy looks like is to compare it to a laser beam, much like the rays of unicorn magic as well, but different properties.

Windegos? What the hell is talking about? Why is he even here in Equestria to begin with?

From the ground around me, the snow shot upwards as three creatures flew out of it. It sounded as if an avalanche was happening around me as I held my ears with my hooves, the earth shaking beneath me. The creatures flew around Mastermind in a circular formation. They seemed to look like horses, not ponies, made out of wind itself in solidified form, their manes long and spike-like.

Three eerie voices whispered to Mastermind, sounding like the gusting wind, “Why do you awaken us? Who are you, human?”

Mastermind threw his head back laughing. “Who am I? Why I am no one, nobody, nopony important. I released you in hopes you would grant me a favor.”

“A favor?” The three stopped their circling, one leaning into Mastermind’s face. “What do you wish of us, stranger?”

“Simple, really,” Mastermind cleared his throat, “You can have all of this pitiful land, filled with bickering pony tribes, if you give me the one thing I desire most.”

“And what is that?” The voice whispered.

“Have you ever heard of Cold Steel?” Mastermind asked.

Blinking, the world had suddenly returned, in motion around me. My ears rang as my blurred vision became clearer. Turning my head slowly, I saw Twilight frantically waving her hooves and yelling something at me I couldn’t quite make out. Gazing up, I gulped as I my heart began to thud in my chest. Coming closer towards the carriage was five or so Gears, one a General, all toting gatling guns and shoulder rockets. Sound began to return as I heard Twilight’s pleading.

“Shift! Hurry! They’re coming!” She cried.

Oh, shit, I’m back here. I hate the after effects of those intense visions!

Noticing Luna and Celestia, I saw guards were lined behind them. All of them including the princesses had their horns glowing with a magical aura, ready for action. There eyes narrowed, teeth bared, as the robots descended down upon Canterlot. I couldn’t help but feel I should be staying here and helping them fight. I knew that only I could take out the Spawner, but seeing as there’s already so many of these Gears around it, I had to devise a plan.

Lead as many Gears as possible to the edge of town, lose them, round our way back, rush for the Spawner, take it out from the inside. Destabilizing it’s core should do the trick. Then there’s the whole mess with Octavia, training her while mastering my own powers. Why hasn't Gadget come for us yet or even escaped the Mindscape? Why send her lackies? Here and now? What’s the endgame?

Six loud yells snapped me to attention as I swung my head back around. I managed to catch a glimpse of Celestia tossing a carriage at a Gear, smashing into pieces on impact, sending the robot soaring backward just by the sheer force of the throw. Celestia was shielded, bullets bouncing off her and Luna’s as the Gears blasted their weapons at them.

I galloped forward, jerking the carriage into motion behind me. The weight strained my body, but I pressed on, keeping my head forward. Keeping the pace, I turned to see four Gears following, aiming their guns at the carriage. The barrels spun slowly, then faster, and faster, until bullets sprayed from their holes. Raining down a shower of lead, I galloped faster, swerving the carriage right as I took a sharp left. The bullets missed impacting the ground behind me, bringing up the debris from cobblestone street. Changing their aim, bullets began impacting the ground around my hooves. Glancing from side to side, I could see them shooting past me. As my eyes began to move back forward, I saw an alleyway to the left side of me. Grinning, I swerved the carriage once again as I sharply turned into it, the bullets missing me by mere inches.

That was close… and lucky. I won’t be able to outrun these things. Time to think of another plan… and fast!

“Ya sure this carriage can squeeze through the entire alleyway?” Applejack questioned doubtfully from behind me. “Looks a might narrow at the end.”

“Applejack, we’ll fit through, it’ll be fine, let me think,” I said emotionlessly.

“Ya that’s real… uh… reassurin’... if you say so.” She spoke sarcastically whilst shrugging.

Wait! Twilight’s magic! She can’t hit them with it, but she can use it against them for sure!

“Twilight! Use your magic to stall them! Teleport em, hit em with something, it doesn’t matter. Just distract them, until we get to the edge of town!” I ordered, quickly shooting my head around to look at her.

“Um...I could do that, but what about the carriage?” Twilight asked.

“Just slice the damn top off!” I snapped, galloping as fast as my hooves would take me.

“Are you nuts?!” Her and Dash cried in unison.

“Just do it!” I snapped back.

Geez, they complain yet they say they’ve gone on countless crazy adventures.

I heard the top of the carriage slowly rip off as Twilight held it in her magic, tossing it at the Gears, as I also heard the wood collide with their metallic plating. As I gazed forward, I saw the alley was in fact getting narrower.

Please make it, please make it. Damn it, we have to!

I galloped fast, my head and eyes trained forward, building speed. I heard smashing and explosions behind me which led me to think Twilight found a nice way of disposing of these metallic bozos. The sides of the carriage soon hit the walls, the ponies panicking, as I braced for what would happen. With a loud cracking, the back tires broke off, slamming the carriage onto the ground. I was now literally dragging it, slowing me down. I tried turning, but the carriage simply skidded to a halt as I was jerked backward by the reigns. I stared in horror as six rockets came soaring seemingly out of nowhere in our direction. The world around me began deforming and I knew I was being teleported as I watched the carriage explode into pieces.

________________________

“Cold Steel? Why would a human be interested in Cold Steel?” The eerie, wind-like voice of the wendigo asked.

Back here? The vision isn’t finished? Octavia must be having these while unconscious. It’s trying to show her something, but... what?

“Cold Steel has a unique use. You could say it really is quite the lively metal, is it not?” Mastermind answered with another question, his cape blowing as the wind gusted with such furiosity.

“Ahhh… The human knows of the metal’s awareness,” The creature mocked, glancing at both the others before he returned his gaze upon Mastermind. How do you know such things?”

“I see all, through the Mindscape. I am a psychic, not just a mere human, you see. Why keep an evil so powerful locked away? Why not harness it, use it?”

Evil? Cold Steel? Metal? Wait… the Omega Metal! Octavia must be seeing a glimpse of Mastermind’s past! Why?

“It is uncontrollable, those who did seek to harness it, were driven mad. Tell us human, what makes you think it will not do the same to you?”

Mastermind began laughing hysterically, throwing his head back. “Because… you see… I am mad.”

“Very well, for our release, you may have the metal.” The wendigo began circling again, a small ghostly mist of purple formed from the wendigos slowly creeping it’s way toward the temple.

Slithering out of the temple, was a long snake like metal. It slinked down the steps and crept it’s way to Mastermind. Curling up, the metal formed itself into a ball, hovered off the ground and landed in Mastermind’s hand.

“What do you seek the metal for? Great evil? Or just a collector’s item?” The voice curiously asked.

“Well, as one being of evil to another, yes in fact, you see, the Omega Metal, or Cold Steel, as it’s codenamed in this realm, is an ancient psychic relic. Long ago, the first generation of psychics were at war with the first generation of mages; magic users. This metal was forged as a super suit to enhance psychics’ powers, but was soon taking over their minds as it developed one of its own. As a result, after peace was restored, the metal was cast out into a dimensional rift, never to be seen again. It wandered and wandered, making it’s little home right here in lil’ ol’ Equestria. How humble, how sweet, how pathetic. A god damned abomination of a realm, a happy-go-fucking-lucky little hellhole. A succubus of peace and harmony littered with evil hidden from it’s own citizens’ eyes. Oh, how this world will change,” He paused his rant, balling his fist. raising it into the air.

That’s when I noticed he was human, not a pony. Why am I a pony then? What is going on exactly? What is the damn endgame? Why am I seeing this? What’s going on back in Canterlot? My brain was racing with riddles I could not solve on my own. I needed help, I needed allies, I needed friends.

I can’t... How? How do I let anypony in? Wait... the wendigos are evil? Twilight said their were villains, these wendigos, maybe... our pasts! They must be linked! It’s a bucking Dual Vision!

“How they all will change, Mastermind continued on with his speech, “Psychics haven’t been able to forge with the suits since the first generation, though, it’s a sad little detail. A minor speed bump, then my daughter was born…” Mastermind paused for dramatic effect.

Violet! He... this bastard! He... h-he... planned this whole thing. With Violet, with the collapse, he wanted his own daughter to fuse with the metal. Idiot, his plan backfired, of course, metal made her a psycho, or is that what he wanted? This guy, always with the damn head games. These wendigos don't even care about his plan, he knows that. Mastermind always did like to put on a show.

“... and now everything is set into motion. I see the past, present, future. The only psychic who could ever see it like this. Now, I’m off. Thank you, kindly,” Mastermind laughed and disappeared as the wendigos flew off, disappearing in the distance. With that, the vision ended.

________________________

Around me, the world reformed, my vision clouded once again and my ears rang. I shook my head and closed my eyes, composing myself and taking a deep breath. Looking up, I saw Twilight and the others standing in front of me, Octavia lay on Applejack’s back, still unconscious. Fire crackled from the demolished cart next to me as smoke drifted up into the air. Above the ponies, hovering with aimed weapons, was a dozen Gears, two Generals.

“What happened, we were so worri-” Twilight began saying frantically; I cut her off, pointing my hoof upwards. “What?” She asked as she followed my hoof, gazing up to see the menacing robots. “Oh… run!” Twilight yelled.

The ponies gathered behind me, as I gritted my teeth, staring up at the mechanical henchmen. “Make your move, scumbag,” I spat at the robot.

“Shift, darling, maybe it wouldn’t be best to anger the giant robots,” Rarity sounded scared, her voice shaking as she spoke.

“Right, ‘cause you’re the superhero here,” I muttered sarcastically under my breath, rolling my eyes.

Suddenly, Dash shot into the air, flying fast, gaining speed. The cyan pegasus turned around and used her wings to fly backward. Her back hooves outstretched, she flew down at lightning fast speed, bucking one of the robots in the chest. On impact, it’s entire chest was dented inward, making the sound of metal crunching. The chest piece shattered, glass and purple plating falling to the floor. The Gear flew backward, impacting another, the two titans smashing into each other as they toppled onto the ground, rolling as they fell apart, exploding into a ball of flame.

My jaw was unhinged as I stared at the mare now looking down upon me. She flapped her wings, a cocky smile on her face. “Let’s get this battle over with! We’re with you, Shift!” Rainbow said as she landed in front of me giving me a warm smile.

“Alright,” I nodded, “Let’s do this, but you might wanna watch out for the robot swinging it’s sword at you,” I warned nonchalantly with a smile, pointing my hoof, watching as the robot reared it’s right hand back, morphing it into a sword, and swinging it down upon her. The polychromatic mare was predictably stunned by the turn of events, she was clearly expecting the metal behemoths to be the ones stayed after her offensive.

They won’t hurt her! They won’t hurt them! They won’t hurt my friends!

My mane began deforming and morphing around looking like plasmic goo. As I spun the image wheel, I stopped at Spiked-Mane. Drawing the image from my mind, energy surging from my brain to my nerves, my mane began to solidify into sharp spikes.

Lowering my head, I blasted them at the Gear threatening Rainbow with a blow from it’s deadly blade. The spikes impacted it’s head and chest, causing it to stumble backwards, skidding across the cobblestone road, and finally smashing into a building. The building collapsed on top of the chromed construct, chunks of it collapsing along with smaller debris and dust, mutilating the mechanical monstrosity.

“Woah! Thanks! Guess I... owe ya one…” Dash said, chuckling.

“There’s about half a dozen more, don’t thank me yet, Dash,” I frowned, transforming my mane back.

The mare nodded and flew to the sky, going for another robot. I turned to Twilight. “We need a plan and fast!” I said to her with concerned eyes.

“I got just the thing!” Twilight exclaimed. “Old tunnels under Canterlot built during the Tribes era for war purposes. we can use them to get to the Spawner without Gear interference!” I couldn’t tell if she was more excited to explain the history or save Canterlot, but I nodded.

“I’ll get these rustbuckets outta the way and you take us to these tunnels,” I said, spinning around to see a gatling gun in my face.

Buck no, it’s on!

In the blink of an eye, my back hooves were propellers and I was now hovering at a similar height to the ‘bots. My forehooves were now weapons, the right a long silver blade, the left a metal shield with the H.E.R.O logo imprinted in the middle. I opened my eyes, smiling cockily at the Gears. The one thing you don’t do is push me or threaten people or ponies I care about. These bastards crossed those lines and Octavia’s powers coming in at full force were boosting my powers even further, still, I had to be careful.

I’m only human-- pony, as the case may be. I still have limits. Plus, my powers aren’t fully back under my control yet.

Letting out a battle cry, I sped forward, soaring at the Gear in front of me. I stabbed my sword through it, the robot exploding as another began shooting from ahead. Bullets soared in my direction as I zig-zagged toward it, dodging the shower of lead. As I reared the my left hoof back, the Gear slammed me from the side with a robotic hand. Pain impacted the entire right side of my body as I yelped, flying toward a shop window. Shattering the glass, I skidded to a halt on the shop floor, up against the counter. More pain exploded through my senses as the glass shards cut into my skin, blood trickling from the cuts.

Struggling to my hooves, I fell again, hitting the ground with a meaty thud. Once again, I pushed myself up, finally standing up, teetering a little. I turned to see a rocket flying in my direction, my eyes widening in fear. A purple aura of magic surrounded it and it was redirected back at the Gear, blowing it to a thousand bits of metal shrapnel. Then, I saw Dash come soaring, bucking another behemoth into oblivion, now only two Generals stood in our way. I smirked as a light bulb flicked on in my head.

I galloped forward leaping out of the demolished window and back onto the road. “Twilight!” I called to her, turning my head to face her. The unicorn met my gaze as I said, “Send a blast of magic my way, full force!”

“Are you nuts?! Why do you want me to hit you with magic?” Twilight gasped, shocked at my request.

“Just do it!”

With that, the mare nodded soaring into the sky, igniting her horn with a magical aura. Closing her eyes, she strained herself, charging the blast causing it grow larger and larger. Twilight let the blast go as the Generals trained the weapons upward, raining a hellfire of bullets into the sky. Dash zig-zagged in the air distracting and taunting them. I morphed my hoof into a slender tentacle, worming between the crevices in the Gear’s chest plating and into its inner workings, while absorbing Twilight’s magic within my body. The rush I got was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I knew the timing had to be perfect, so I struggled to hold back the ever more restless tide of energy that was permeating my very being.

“Now!” I yelled up at Dash, “Smash their chest plating!”

Dash zoomed down and quickly bucked the plating, destroying it and denting the robots chests, but only slightly. Generals had tougher armor than average Gears. I blasted the magic into the golden robots, now that I had circumvented the magic-absorbing plate armor the Gears are equipped with, blowing them to bits and engulfing their entire bodies in a ball of fire. My hoof changed back and I smiled, then turned my head to look back at the group, only to see more Gears heading in our direction.

“Twilight!” I yelled, rushing up to her, “We have to get to the tunnels, now!”

She nodded and almost immediately, I found myself getting that annoying nauseous feeling once more. I saw her horn light up, the world dissipating around me as it spun, swirling in a strange vortex. Then, just like that, as if on cue, I was immersed within another vision.

_______________________

“Don’t you dare speak to me that way, Susan!” Mastermind’s voice was raised as I watched him slap an middle-aged, heavily pregnant woman who looked nigh exactly like Phase.

Glancing around, I found myself in a small room, painted to look like the night sky. Next to me was a crib, a small, human baby, crying from the noise. To my other side, was a bed, on it, a small girl clutching a teddy bear. Her eyes were wide as she sat up, her bedsheets still partially covering her. I could hear her breathing heavily, sensing she was frightened beyond belief. I tried to speak, tried to comfort her, tell her everything was alright, but no words came out of my open mouth.

I could see Mastermind, not dressed in his normal super villain attire, but in turtleneck sweater, thick rim glasses, and khakis, standing in the hallway. He had short black hair from what I could make out, it was dark in the room, the moon could be seen out of Violet’s bedside window. The woman was standing in front of him, her petite hand holding the side of her face where she had been struck. She had long blonde hair and freckles, she looked like Phase’s mother, but I guess that’s because it was her mother.

V-V-Violet... and... Sarah‽ What is going on? Am I in their room... when they were young? What does this have to do with anything?

“Arthur! Don’t do this, you’re drunk!” She cried back.

“You think I’m drunk, woman? Mad? No! I’ve found what we as a race, we as psychics need!” He pointed his finger at her, screaming, his face red with anger.

“That is your daughter! The metal is dangerous! I can’t risk my Violet’s sanity for some crusade! The mages have kept the peace!” Susan argued back, placing her hand on her hip.

“For how long do you suppose? The mages are below us to begin with! We are the master race in the legions of Supers, not those potion-brewing, demonic spawns! We need to strike the first blow to them, for it will be the last!” Arthur spat back, slapping his wife once more after he finished. “You whore! You care for that mage friend of yours! Slutting around with the magic users, what a pathetic excuse for a psychic you are!”

“Arthur, stop this! I would never cheat on you! I love you! Don’t, the kids will hear us!” She sighed, lowering her voice to a whisper, “I can’t be a part of this. I can’t risk Violet’s life or sanity. She’s my daughter.”

Arthur simply threw his head back and laughed. “It’s a good thing I can risk it.” He looked at her, unsheathing a blade from his pocket.

Susan’s eyes went wide as she began slowly backing away, placing her hand in front of her. “N-N-No Arthur, not again, don’t hurt me.”

“I’m not going to hurt you, sweetheart,” Arthur spoke in a sickly sweet tone of mock sincerity as he walked forward staring at her, “I’m going to kill you. And you know what? I’ll enjoy it, too, you whore.” His voice gradually lost its sweetness and quickly became a bloodchilling growl. He cackled maniacally as he grabbed his wife’s arm, pulling her forward.

“Arthur! Please! Stop this!” She screamed as she struggled to get out of his grip.

“Don’t worry, sweetie, Daddy will make this nice and quick. You’ll barely feel a thing… Maybe…” He whispered as he slit his wife’s throat and began stabbing her in the stomach repeatedly, a demonic gleam in his eye.

I stood stock still, eyes wide and stomach churning, as I watched every gruesome detail in horror. There was so much b-blood… so much. I numbly heard Violet screaming next to me, while Sarah wailed pitifully in her crib. The poor thing was probably unable to comprehend anything beyond ‘scared’ and ‘danger’. Mastermind turned and began stomping out of the room. With that, everything faded and the vision ended in the color red.

_________________________

I found myself standing in cold, murky water, my hooves drenched in it. As the side effects of the vision wore off, I looked around noticing, we were in what looked like a sewer. It even had rats and roaches scurrying about. I heard a shriek from behind and saw Rarity panicking, her mane drenched in water.

“Twilight, darling, next time, maybe, tell me when we going into a sewer!” Rarity yelped shaking her hooves. “It’s so filthy down here. And I just got a new manedo, too! Why ever would they build these tunnels?”

“For quick escapes and ambushes during war times back in the three tribes era,” Twilight explained, “Sorry about that, Rarity, I didn’t know these things were sewers. I’ve never used them myself before, but I’ve seen the Princesses use them.”

I swung my head around. “Did you say three tribes era?” I asked, cocking a brow.

“Yes, why?” Twilight asked tilting her head in confusion.

“Well, Octavia seems to be having visions in her unconscious state. They’re lucid and vivid because of how close we are to one another and with her powers coming out at full force like this, I’d say she’s in the same boat as me right now.” I explained, sighing. “I keep going all frozen because I’m getting the recoil of her visions. Our pasts are intertwined, so we both get glimpses of the past, it’s commonly referred to as a Dual Vision.” I walked up to Twilight as I spoke. “I saw Mastermind awaken some creatures called ‘windigos’ and get the Omega Metal from them.”

“Our pasts?! Windigos?! Wait, a minute, you’re telling me that Mastermind released the windigos and they gave him the metal? How? That was more than a thousand years ago?” Twilight looked dumbfounded and shocked at the same time.

“One thousand years ago?!” I repeated with a gasp, “Mastermind can see all he said. Past, present, future or some crap. He must’ve projected himself back in time to get the metal… but why?”

Twilight shrugged, “Why would the windigos give it to him in the first place?”

“There was no use for it in Equestria. Apparently, it’s some psychic artifact that was lost to this world after some war between mages and psychics, long ago. It was a favor for their release. Mastermind spoke of tribes, I’m guessing they’re the three tribes you’re referring to,” I explained, recalling the vision.

“Hmmm… if our pasts are connected, maybe that’s why Gadget is attacking Equestria too. We need more information especially to know why Mastermind went to such great lengths to ensure Equestria’s fate be tied with yours. Can you purposefully enter these visions?” Twilight asked, looking at me, although she was distant, as if deep in thought.

“No, they come and go. Besides, we still have to get to the Spawner and destroy it before Canterlot is a wasteland.” I turned to face forward, “You know how to get there?”

“I can guide us there,” a voice spoke up that made all of us gasp. Rolling off of Applejack’s back, Octavia stretched out, rubbing her head with a hoof.

“How?!” My jaw dropped. I had thought that Octavia would be unconscious for a large portion of this ordeal, if not the entire thing. She had still missed a good chunk of action, but that was probably for the better.

“These tunnels aren’t exactly secret. My roommate, Vinyl, and I used to venture through these tunnels all the time when we were fillies. I can get us to the Spawner thing.” I gazed into her eyes as she spoke, her lips forming into a warm smile.

She’s...

“Shift! We should go, ya know,’ Dash nudged me with a smile.

“Right, sorry, I was... thinking.” I turned back around as Octavia walked up to the front and led us.

I stayed close behind her, wanting to talk to her about our powers, the visions, the apprenticeship, about everything. Still, no words came out of my mouth and anything that came to mind sounded borderline idiotic to say the least. Truth be told, I had no bucking idea what to even think of having my own apprentice. I’ve trained heroes for a specific mission or two, but never once had a full on apprentice.

How do I train her to save the world? How do I know I can even learn about my powers, myself? How should I even approach this situation?

“So... uhh... Octavia,” I spoke up, glancing around as I spoke, trying to think of the right words to say.

“Yes?” The mare asked, turning her head to face me as she continued to trot.

“We need to… well… talk about this apprentice thing…” I said unsure of myself, as my eyes flicked around the dull tunnels, trying not to look at her directly.

“What about it? The Princess was pretty clear about the whole thing, besides, I’m moving to Ponyville anyways and Vinyl and I could use some friendly faces in a new town,” She smiled as she turned her head back around.

“So, you’re okay with it?” I asked, stopping, my jaw nearly hitting the dirty, damp floor.

Octavia giggled. “It’s not that I’m okay with it, it’s more like my hooves are tied. What am I going to do, right? You’re a superhero, I figure when you first got your powers, you couldn’t do much with ‘em. Am I correct?” Octavia shot me a curious glance.

“Yeah, I guess that makes sense…” I chuckled stupidly and fell silent, trotting along.

She’s taking this a lot better than I expected her to. Maybe I shouldn’t judge just cause she’s some fancy looking classical musician. I mean usually anyone with this kind of gig is a stuck up snob.

Twilight and Rarity’s horns were glowing as their magical auras, pink and blue, respectively, lit up the path ahead. It was still quite dark and damp, a draft coming from seemingly nowhere. Our hooves splashed in the water as we trotted through it. Rarity still complained every now and again, though soon the water became solid ground. The strange, sewer-like path lead to a small cave with a low ceiling, quite narrow, but the right size to just barely fit a pony. It spiraled up as we trotted along until a tunnel could be made out up ahead, moonlight pouring in.

We raced out onto a grassy field, eager to escape the dreary sewers, a few trees and some shrubbery lined about. Around us, animal life bustled, birds chirping in the trees and flying from one branch to another. Deer, skunks, rabbits and other woodland critters could be seen, some looking at us, while others scurrying about. There was even a fair sized pond with a small school of herring going about their business.

“Hmmm...yup, I was right,” Octavia said, a smile forming on her face. The mare twirled around to face us all as she spoke happily, “This tunnel led to the small cave that leads up into the garden surrounding the Gala. One time,” she said trailing off, looking away, smiling as she reminisced, “Vinyl and I snuck into the Gala when we were younger. We got caught, but it was still fun. Stupid, but fun.” She giggled.

“That’s a funny story and all Octavia, but maybe the time for smalltalk could be saved for after we defeat the Gears invading Canterlot,” I said teasingly.

“Haha, very funny, hero. You’re right, though, we need to stop these things,” The mare nodded, turning as we began trotting further out of the Garden. Soon, instead of beautiful trees and lush grass, we saw debris, dust, rocks, and cracked earth. Gazing up, we all gasped, as we laid our eyes upon the Spawner more closely. It was a large silver pyramid, three green rings suspended around it with a large opening at the top of the pyramid, letting the Gears out.

Octavia turned to me, eyes wide, as she asked, “So, what’s the plan, then?”

“Well, we find a way in this thing and buck the shit out of it’s core, destabilize it, and then we haul flank out before the thing explodes. Simple stuff, actually, compared to what missions I’ve been on before,” I explained, brushing my hoof against my chest in a slightly self-important manner.

Octavia frowned, cocking her brow, “Simple stuff? There’s nothing simple about blowing up a giant pyramid with robots coming out of it!” She snapped, her breathing becoming heavy as she turned away, “I… I’m sorry… I-I’m just nervous about all this. It’s borderline insanity to say the least.”

I shook my head, holding my smile, “It is crazy. I understand how you feel. I’ve just been doing this for a long time. There are some things that you see enough that nothing seems truly insane or shocking anymore. You get used to it.”

Twilight muttered a short “Don’t I know it,” under her breath, though any further statement was ignored in favor of paying attention to the giant pyramid spewing out a fresh wave of Gears.

“I see… well... we should get going inside.” The mare trotted on as I followed her with my eyes before getting up and trotting onward, following closely behind.

Why does she seem so... familiar?

We came up to the Spawner, which, as I predicted, had no door or means of entering it. It wasn’t really built to be entered. I smirked as I closed my eyes, spinning the image wheel. Stone Hoof, Shield, Sword, Propellers, Stop. I drew the image of the propellers, tugging at it, pulling it from the pool of energy in my mind. My back hooves began to deform, morphing around as the energy surged from my brain to my nerves. The propellers formed, solidifying as I know hovered above the ground.

“Wow,” Octavia exclaimed staring at my transformed hooves.

“I reckon ya got a plan, right Shift? There ain’t exactly a doorway into this place,” Applejack pointed at the Spawner with a hoof to further her point.

“Well, yeah, now, that there isn’t Gears surrounding us, I can soar up, take em by surprise, soar back down into this thing, buck the core, and fly back out before it blows up.” I smirked, making it sound as if it were but a simple, mundane task.

“And you’re certain your powers won’t act up?” Twilight asked sounding worried.

“Well, I’m not exactly sure, per se, but I have to try,” I sighed, soaring up, ascending higher and higher. I watched as Gears continued pouring out of the top of the Spawner while I miraculously remained unnoticed. As I neared the top, I morphed my left hoof into a sword and the right into a shield. I flew up until I could gaze down at the flood of robots and the hole at the top of the pyramid. It was a large circular hole leading into a metallic tube. Diving downward, I slashed at the robots, slicing them to pieces as I descended into the Spawner. I dismantled any Gear coming forward as I flew deeper and deeper into the tube. Gears passed me by passively, continuing their ascent to the top as they were programmed.

Soon, I saw a faint glowing of blue. It became brighter and brighter until I came to a large blue sphere held up in the center of the tube. The Gears were spawning from it, multiple tubes connected all leading to the same destination. I gazed at the blue object, a smirk forming on my face.

Time to save Canterlot! This... this is for Phase’s mom.

Speeding forward, I gained speed, slicing and dicing Gears as I made my way to the center. At the last possible second, I shifted my back hooves back into hooves, letting momentum do the work for me, and, spinning around in mid-flight, I bucked the sphere with force as I could muster, fracturing it. I heard it cracking as the Spawner began to shake violently and rumble. The Gears ceased movements and not a single new one spawned. The stock still robots began exploding like popcorn as the Spawner became increasingly unstable. I knew that the exploding robots would catalyze the chain reaction to destroy the Spawner from the inside out, so I shifted my hooves back to propellers so I could make my timely escape.

Suddenly about a halfway up the large, central chamber, my propellers began acting up and jerking me in different directions, before they morphed back again. My fore hooves changed to normal as well, causing my eyes to go wide. All I remember is a bright white light as the Spawner erupted in a ball of flame and sharpnel.

__________________________

“What connects our worlds?” A familiar voice asked. It was Elliott. I found myself in his office, gazing around. He had an oakwood chair and desk, piled with papers and various files, a gold name plate sat at the edge. Filing cabinets lined the back walls as well as large windows overlooking a grassy meadow. Next to the desk was a trash can and a fake plant sat in the corner of the room near the door. The office itself was painted the same shiny gold the rest of the building was coated with whilst also being large and quite roomy.

Elliot was standing by the window, arms folded, gazing out of it, speaking to a long red haired girl. It was Swan, or Jessica Waves when off duty. She was dressed in her white gown, cut to look like a skirt, wearing her black mask.

“Yes,” she nodded, “I visited Equestria, again, per your instructions. The reason I ask this question is because… well… we sent Shift in there blind, lying to him about Gadget. Why hasn’t she come yet? What does she care about Equestria? What connects us to that realm so much?”

“You see,” Elliot turned to face her, “Mastermind intertwined our fates for reasons unknown. Shift needed to be sent in blind, he’ll understand, eventually… or at least stop trying to find out why. Gadget hasn’t escaped the Mindscape because she cannot until Merging Day. It’s the only time the Mindscape will be connected to the Earth itself along with Equestria,” He explained to her.

Equestria?! What does he mean? Merging Day is between worlds as well? I must be having some form of vision. This must be something I need to see, to further connect the dots.

“Merging Day isn’t for another couple thousand years Elliott, Gadget isn't that patient!” Swan snapped, “And what’s this I hear about Canterlot being under attack?!”

“Gadget has plans to escape early and I believe after some digging I found out what it is. We need to contact Celestia right after I tell you this,” Elliot walked over to his computer, moving the monitor as Swan leaned in to look.

“Soul of an immortal? What the hell is that supposed to mean? It’s sounds like a bunch of supernatural gibberish to me,” Swan waved a dismissive hand.

“Gadget needs the soul of a being who can live for eternity to unlock the gates to the Mindscape before it’s natural occurrence. Equestria more than its fair share of those, remember, the princesses and the chimera? And it’s easy pickings, considering those ponies don’t have a clue nearly how insane this woman really is or what she’s truly capable of.” Elliot shook his head, sighing.

“What shall I tell, Celestia?” Swan asked, folding her arms.

“Tell her their lives are in danger and the only lead I have is from the Dual Vision readings. Tell them Antrotica is where the snow falls.”

I gasped, my jaw nearly dropping to the floor, as I was frozen stock still. He was studying the vision... but... how? It doesn’t matter... I need to get to Antrotica.

Then, everything around changed, morphing around in a similar fashion as when my hooves or hands transformed. Still, it was awkward and strange to see magnified times ten in the world around you. The world began changing from Elliot’s Office, to a dark factory. Gears turned, metal workings making loud noises below, machines manufacturing Gears and other weapons lay under me, below the catwalk I found myself upon. Behind me was an expansive pathway leading to a few flights of stairs that lead down to the mess of conveyor belts and engineering machinery below. In front of me was none other than Queen Gadget. A Gear General was knelt before her.

“My queen, Canterlot was a success, the Dual Vision generated enough energy to power the Gear Factory,” The robotic voice emotionlessly reported to her,

This isn’t a vision of the past, this is happening, right now. Same thing when I saw Elliot. Something’s up... but what?

“Excellent, General!” Gadget exclaimed, a wicked smile forming on her face, that same demonic gleam I had seen in Mastermind’s eyes shimmered in hers. “Shift, the fool, didn’t even know I had dispatched legions of Gears to other dimensions long ago to store up for Merging Day. The Spawner was right under the Gala the entire time! Now, onward,” Gadget looked at me cackling maniacally, “...to Antrotica, before it’s too late and I rip the hearts out of everypony you care about.” Gadget threw her entire body back holding herself up with her claw, laughing a laugh I’ve heard many a time before The laugh that sounded just like Mastermind’s. Her father’s laugh.

_________________

My eyes shot open, as I breathed heavily. I could see the ponies all looking down at me, even Luna and Celestia. They all had worried eyes whilst mine darted around in different directions. My mind raced as I tried to process the intense vision I was just pulled into, while my heart thudded in my chest.

“They’re dead… the princesses… they’re going to die!” I screamed.

To Be Continued…

Episode One: The Portal

Legacy

Episode One: The Portal

Written by: Fluttashift

Falling. The sensation gripped me as my eyes remained shut. Why I was falling escaped me, but the air around me felt cool. No matter how hard I tried, my eyes would not open. Was I dreaming? Could I have actually been falling? To this day that question remains unanswered. My name is Shift, and, if you are reading this, I am dead. It comes with the superhero lifestyle. What I am going to tell you is my legacy, in hopes to shape the new generation of heroes with the right state of mind. To do that which seems impossible, deliver true justice.

LEGACY

“That is a load of shit and you know it!” I bellowed at the man I had pinned to the brick wall of a building.

A dark alleyway was where I found myself. One light flickered above us. A trash can lay against the building I pinned the man to. The air smelled of garbage and rot. Rats squeaked and rustled through the detritus.

The man in front of me was caucasian with a brown hat on. He wore a jacket with a shirt which had a graffiti design in it. I felt him struggle as he gripped my arm, trying to break free. The man kicked and my free hand snatched his leg as he did so. I slammed it against the wall causing him to yelp in pain.

“Nice try,” I cocked a smile, concentrating my eyes on his. “Now, tell me something useful for I break the damn leg!”

“I’m telling you the truth, Shift.” He spoke in a New York accent. “Ain’t no psychics been on this side of town for over a year now. Let me go, man.”

Sighing, I released my grip and the thug dropped to the floor with a meaty thud. He shook his head as he brushed himself off. Lifting with both arms, the man got to his feet.

“What do you care anyway, hero?” He questioned.

“I had a dream. A premonition. I know she’s coming. I came to you because you’re one of her only human acquaintances.” My tone turned calmer as I backed up a ways.

“You really think Gadget’s coming? Getting paranoid, I see. No, she’s been locked away in that crazy psychic prison for over five years now. She ain’t bustin' out anytime soon, Shift.” The man shook his head laughing. Placing his hands in his jean pockets, he strode off into the blackness of the night.

Been dealing with that low life for years. He isn’t worth my time just a high-end drug dealer but, that isn’t superhero business. I’ll let the cops bust that scum. I have worlds to save. I let out a sigh. Queen Gadget is coming! My boss thinks I’m nuts and now even a criminal. Violet, what do you have planned?

I shook my head and walked onto the sidewalk. Cars zoomed to and fro, their headlights beaming bright as some beeping could be heard. Stoplights were strung up blinking different colors to signal the drivers. Streetlights lit the dark, gloomy street as the moon cast an eerie glow onto the building windows across the street causing them to shimmer. Turning left, I began walking down the street.

That dream it was so real. Lucid even. I rubbed my eyes as I tried to forget the memories. She died again.

My steps were loud as a few pedestrians passed, but not many people were out this late at night. The air was chilled and a few clouds moved slowly across the sky. The smell of coming rain permeated the air. My house was only a block away, luckily.

That dream. I have to remember it. I must recall every detail. This is crucial.

I closed my eyes as I continued my walk home. Using my other senses, I guided myself along as I began to think. Deeper and deeper I descended into my thoughts. Grasping on to the memories, I began to replay them in my mind. The memories became so lucid it was as if I was watching a recorded VHS tape.

_________________________

“You couldn’t save her,” A female voice chuckled.

My hazel eyes shot open. In front of me stood a brown haired girl with eyes that matched in color. Her hair was long extending down to her lower back. She wore a metallic suit starting at her breasts. The shirt-like suit shimmered silver as it extended down to her long legs. It shot off into metallic spikes acting like a skirt. Atop her head was a golden crown with a red ruby in the center.

“Q-Queen Gadget?” I questioned fearfully. I gulped as I slowly began taking soft, careful steps backward. My back pressed against a hard wall-like structure. Looking up, I saw it stretched farther upward and was part of a cavernous structure. The cavern led all the way up in a spiral shape but, the top had a circular opening. Red moonlight poured into the cave illuminating the center of the room.

“Well, hero. Here we are once again. The Mindcape. Where it started it shall end. Not now, of course, but in the future. Your demise will be my triumph.” Gadget stepped forward holding a wicked smile. Her amber eyes seemed to glow orange with fire. “I will create a new Mindscape.” She leaned in closer to my face. “A new existence.”

“You can’t! I won’t let you! You traitor! You’re locked away!” I shouted, balling my fists in anger.

“Ha! You believe this true? The Mindscape is mine to control now. All I need for the ceremony is an item from another realm,” Gadget rebuked.

“What realm?”

“I chose one you’ll like ever so much. You pathetic hero. You have no idea what’s coming,” She cackled maniacally.

From her back rose three long, serpent-like, metal claws. Each had three razor-sharp pincers. She pulled her Gear Whips from their specially crafted slots in the back of her suit. The two long metallic whips spiraling downward to the cavern floor.

“Watch your whore die once again,” Gadget spat as a form began to appear to her right. It flashed in a bluish orb of light and began to morph into a more human form. In a bright, blinding flash of white, another girl appeared. This girl looked identical to Gadget except for her emerald eyes and blonde hair. This was because it was her twin sister, my girlfriend.

She’s dead! Gadget is toying with me! It looks so much like her, though. My Sarah...

“Phase?!” I yelped in shock, my jaw now unhinged. “You don’t have to do this Gadget. She’s already dead. Don’t torture her soul even more!” I spat facing the Queen.

She laughed, snatching Phase by the back of her light, pink shirt and tossing her to the ground. In the glow of the crimson moonlight, I could see her perfectly. Her once life filled eyes were now dead, without expression. They were wide and ghost like, but kept the emerald sheen. She was pale, her freckles barely visible as her face lay flat and emotionless.

“S-Shift?” The girl managed to say in a weak tone of voice.

“No!” I dropped to my knees, fighting the tears attempting to well up.

She’s already dead, Shift. Get a grip. This is just a dream.

“So,” Queen Gadget continued, slowly walking forward closer to her sister. “Here we have the two lovers, Shift and Phase. The world’s top two heroes. One already deceased, the other will be in the near future. Sooner than his simple mind may think.” She paused, placing her right hand on her hip and forming a cocky smile upon her face. “It’s time someone taught this world a lesson but, not just this world. No, that would be too kind. Many worlds need to experience the suffering I’ve endured. Some that haven’t even been exposed to it’s charm.” Gadget began an evil giggle, placing the back of her hand to her chin. Her fiery eyes remained trained on mine.

“What are you hinting at, you traitor?! We were a damn team! It was the top five heroes, remember? Are you still so blinded by your hate?” I shot my head up and asked her in a serious manner. My eyes became concentrated on hers.

“Hate? My dear, Shift, you misinterpret. It isn’t hate, it’s vengance. For what became of me,” she answered in a sweet, sickly tone, moving in perfect sync with her speech.

“It was Mastermind that caused the Mindscape to collapse! Not Phase! Not me!” I screamed, scrambling to my feet. “We were friends! We trusted each other and worked together as a team! Do you not remember any of it?”

Her evil grin turned into a frown. “I remember all of it!” Gadget rebuked. “Every sickening second! We were much more than friends at one time, hero.”

“Then why do you come after us again? Why did you in the first place?” I asked in between sobs. I had begun crying as I remembered what she and I once had.

“You know this suit cannot be removed nor would I ever want it to be. I descended into madness because of it, and I rather like it,” She purred as her cocky smile returned. “It allows me to see you heroes for what you truly are. Nothing but wishful thinking. Did you even care to come help your so called friend? Friends, the very word is sickening to the ears. There is no such thing. You taught me that, Shift.”

The middle claw rose up and one sharp pincer shot out. Driving it forward, the entire claw stabbed through Phase. I witnessed it all as my face froze in absolute terror as if it had happened for the first time.

Not again. Not again. Not again! You bitch!

My hand became distorted and deformed as it shifted around. Soon, my entire hand was now a pistol. I aimed the pistol at her while closing my right eye. Leaving the other one open, I aimed down the sights, scoping her head.

“You’ll die, Gadget. For what you’ve done, you deserve it. Or maybe it’s too kind an offer,” I spoke in a deep, angered tone.

“Our time is up, Shift. I do have a message for you, though,” she said as the walls around me began to fade. “Ask Elliott about Equestria.” With that, the dream ended, her last words echoing repeatedly in my head.

____________________________

I stood in a small elevator, listening to some disturbingly horrible music emanating from the speakers. It was some old jazzy sounding song. Leaning against the gold bar lining the back wall, I sighed. The elevator was moving slower than usual, going down deep into the ground.

What could Elliot be hiding? The hell is Equestria? What does it have to do with Gadget or the Mindscape?

Racing thoughts ran laps in my mind as I stared up at the ceiling. I could see my reflection. Short, brown hair, hazel eyes, chubby, caucasian. I was never a fan of my looks. I often wondered what Sarah even saw in me. Self-confidence was never another one of my strong points either. I blinked, fidgeting with my rounded glasses. My attire was the usual; a blood red shirt covered mostly by a leather biker’s jacket and jeans.

My thoughts were interrupted by an annoyingly loud ‘ding’ from the elevator as the doors slid open. I walked into the main room of my workplace. As always, the floor was buzzing with activity. Men and women sat at high-tech glass screens that displayed images and acted as computers. Villains were handcuffed with special cuffs and being walked to the custom holding cells in the back. Workers walked to and fro, holding papers and files, rushing to reach their destination quickly. The entire room was shiny and solid gold, reflecting the bodies of the workers in it . In the center on the floor was a large symbol: a large sword encased in a larger shield. This was H.E.R.O, or Heroic Enforcement for a Righteous Outcome.

In the middle of the chaos stood the man I was looking for. He had short blonde hair, blue eyes, and had a tall build. He wore a black shirt, with our logo, and khakis; he stood with his arms folded. I hated him, but who doesn’t hate their boss?

Mister pretty boy over here! I rolled my eyes as I approached him. Always keeping secrets! Always lying!

“Shift,” Elliot shook his head as I came up to him, “What are you doing shaking down thugs? That isn’t superhero business. You know this.” He let out a sigh.

“You know damn well why Elliot! I needed a lead to stop Gadget’s return!” I yelled.

“We’ve been over this! She isn’t coming back!” He rebuked sternly, while staring at me unflinchingly.

“Then tell me this: What. Is. Equestria?” I asked, cocking a brow and narrowing my eyes to accusatory slits.

Elliot suddenly became quiet. He shuffled a bit uncomfortably. “W-where did you hear that?” He stuttered.

“My dream last night, except I think it was a lot more than just a dream. It felt so real; so lucid, like I was actually there, in the Mindscape. Gadget told me to ask you about Equestria…” I paused, fighting tears at the remembrance of watching my beloved die once more. “...after she killed Phase again.” I was much quieter now.

Elliot put his hand to the bridge of his nose, rubbing it. “Look, what happened to Sarah was horrendous, to say the least. She was a valuable member of this organization and a friend. I’m sorry for your loss, sincerely, but Shift, it was just a dream.” He waved at me dismissively. “We need you doing things that actually bring justice, not chasing ghosts.”

I gritted my teeth while my eyes burned with anger. “Answer the question!” I demanded. “What the hell is Equestria?” I balled my fists.

“I have no idea how you heard about that. It’s another dimension. Nothing to concern yourself with.”

“You’re a damn liar!” I shouted receiving stares. “I’ll just go there myself!”

Elliot was getting impatient. “If it’ll make you feel better and stop this obsession, be my guest!” He hollered as he turned and walked toward his office.

That’s it! I’m going to this place to figure this all out. Screw him! It isn’t the first time I’ve gone against him. I seem to recall that’s how I saved the world a few times.

I turned and left without speaking to anyone else. The stares stayed with me until I reached the elevator. It wasn’t until the door shut that I felt like I wasn't being watched by a thousand eyes.

She’s coming. We’re all doomed and nobody knows it. I have to save them. I couldn’t save her. I have to save them all.

Tears began to flood down my cheeks. I couldn’t meet my own eyes I saw within my reflection.

I couldn’t save her. I couldn’t save Sarah. What good am I as a damn, hero?

Slamming my fist against the wall, I broke into a full sob and dropped to my knees. “Why?” I whispered to myself, “Why did she have to die?” A memory flashed in my mind.

__________________________________

Bright sunlight shone into the open window in which a breeze carried through. The tan walls and hardwood floor seemed a distant memory. The smell of cooking food lingered in the air. I read the newspaper in my hand, flipping the pages in boredom. I placed it on the table, folding it, smiling at the sight in front of me.

Standing over the stove in her usual red cooking apron was Sarah. Her long blonde hair was tied back to keep it out of her face as she prepared the meal. She always dreamed of one day settling down and leaving H.E.R.O for good to pursue her dream of becoming a chef. I loved this idea but, I couldn’t bring myself to tell her that a superhero’s work is never truly done.

Sarah flipped the pancakes in the frying pan causing them to sizzle when they fell back into the pan. “Breakfast is almost ready, Shift,” she called, not noticing I was already sitting at the checkered-cloth covered table.

“Right here, sweetie,” I said laughing and shaking my head.

“Oh, shut it. You never wake up when the alarm goes off. Is today special?” She questioned with a sarcastic tone and smirk to go with it.

Placing the pancakes on a plate, she walked over to the table setting it down upon it. I nabbed some pancakes and began chowing down after spreading butter and pouring syrup on them. Sarah was much more proper with how she ate. She acted as if she was attending a special dinner party every meal.

“Shift,” Sarah said softly as if unsure of what she was about to say.

“Yes, dear?” I asked, curious as to what she was thinking.

“I’ve been thinking…” She paused hesitant to say what she had to.

“You can tell me anything, Sarah, You know that,” I smiled at her.

“I want to settle down. This time I’m serious. I can’t take this life anymore. Being next in line to rule that horrid place. Living in constant fear of death and vengeance. It’s no life!” Sarah spat out fast, taking deep breaths after her rant.

“Sarah, we will. Not today. Today, we have a new mission. It involves your sister.” I turned my head away, lowering my eyelids in sadness.

“What?!” Sarah got up, slamming her fists on the table. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Did they find her? Is she alive?” She looked me in the eyes, a glimmer of hope present in hers.

I let out a long sigh. “She’s alive and well but, she almost killed Swan last night,” I answered in disgust of the words spilling from my mouth.

Sarah placed her hands over her mouth and her eyes went wide. Tears began to fall down her cheeks. “W-why? Why would Violet try to hurt Jessica? They’re best friends,” She shook her head.

I got up and hugged her tightly. “I don’t know, Phase. After this mission. After this closure. We’ll settle down. I promise you that,” I whispered into her ear. She sobbed into my shoulder.

________________________________

The last morning I ever got to talk to her. I promised her so much. Look how it all turned out. What kind of hero can’t even save their own loved ones. But, that’s why I keep fighting. I can save them. I couldn’t save her.

I lay upon the elevator floor on my side. Sobbing, I just stayed reminiscing while wallowing in my own self-pity. The thought kept replaying in my mind like a broken record as it always did.

I couldn’t save her.

_______________________________

I looked out the window of the chopper, staring at the trees and streets down below. They looked so small at this height. It had been two days since my visit to H.E.R.O and I found what I searched so desperately for. A way to Equestria. I turned to face the soldier sitting across from me.

“So, you’re sure this storage facility has the portal?” I asked.

He nodded. “Yup. I know what I am assigned to guard,” He spoke in a deep voice.

Good thing I’ve got clearances and connections.

I simply nodded, glancing back out the window. I returned to my thoughts as the ride continued. The propellers and roar of the engine could be heard, and I felt it in my chest.

The Mindcape... A world created by the thoughts and feelings of humans. Basically imagination, in a way. It was managed by psychics, and only they can enter it in fear that, in the wrong hands, it could be devastating because it is linked to all human minds. Violet Prescott was the Lead Psychic. After Mastermind collapsed the Mindscape, she gave everything to save the lives of every human but, in turn, Queen Gadget was born. What does she want?

I recalled the story of how this all started to try and gain a fresh perspective. Before I knew it, the helicopter ceased it’s movements and we were on the ground. I got to my feet as the soldier yanked the door open. Gesturing for me to get out, I climbed down the three steps leading to the ground. The whoosh of the propellers followed by the sound of the engine confirmed that the chopper was taking off behind me.

Green grass surrounded me as it seemed nothing was around for miles, except the facility. It was a large square building with no markings or designs. No logos or lettering, just a plain, white building. I walked up to it and noticed the single white door with a golden handle. I turned it slowly and opened it.

Inside the building was pitch black except for a single light bulb hanging from the center of the room. In the center was a mirror. It looked like a normal bedroom-sized mirror. It had a golden framing with a crown-like design atop.

Through the looking glass, eh? The hell is on the other side of that thing?

I walked forward and came up to the mirror. I didn’t see my reflection. This was no ordinary mirror. It was definitely a portal. I touched the glass and it rippled as if I had dropped a pebble in a pond.

Well, it’s a portal. At least it’s not a trap... Right?

Cautiously, I stepped through. Instantly, it felt like I was spinning round and round. It was like being in a whirlpool. Then, I felt the sensation of falling. My shrieking could not be heard even though my mouth was wide open. Finally, I blacked out.

_______________________________

At first, my vision was blurry, but after blinking a few times, it became clearer. I was on the ground, except it wasn’t dirt or cement. It was a soft velvet red carpet stretching to the end of the hall. The walls around me were pearly white and stain-glass windows with events showcased on them lined the walls.

Where the hell am I? This must be Equestria?

I got to my feet but they felt wobbly for some reason and began to buckle. Straightening myself out, I looked down. In place of two feet were four hooves.

What the hell?! Am I a horse? I guess it could be worse. Just been a while since I was on all fours. I shrugged. I hate dimensional travel and it’s weird side effects. Pretty much why Swan gets those missions. Wonder if she’s ever been to this place before?

Suddenly, the door a few feet in front of me burst open. Beings that I think were horses of some kind dressed in golden armor rushed in. They held spears, and some even had wings. Six of them formed a semicircle around me. The guards held glares upon their faces.

“Who are you? Why do you come to Equestria?” A snowy white coated guard boomed in an authoritative voice.

“I am Shift, of Earth. I come to help and seek answers, but I need to speak to the one in charge,” I answered keeping my cool. It’s not like this was the first time. I’m used to crazy.

“... Very well. Princess Celestia makes the final judgement anyway,” He begrudgingly answered, pushing me toward the door. The other guards followed behind him as he pushed me forward. We turned down another hallway until finally we came to a set of large white doors. The guard nudged them open and gestured me in with a hoof. I nodded and walked in.

Sitting on a gold throne at the end of the room was a snowy white horse with a long, flowing multi-colored mane. It stood up and it was quite tall. It had a horn and wings as well as a sun mark on it’s rear.

What the hell is that? A horse tattoo?

“Who are you? Why do you come here?” She boomed.

I gulped nervously. I tried to shift my hoof into a weapon, but my powers seemed to be on the fritz. No matter how much I thought of and pictured a gun, my hoof would not transform.

My powers?! What the hell did I get myself into?

Little did I know, it was a lot more than I had originally anticipated, and my journey was only just beginning.

To Be Continued...