Legacy: Season One

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…...