Legacy: Season One

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…