//------------------------------// // Memories // Story: Sword, Shield, and Scabbard // by Shadowslash101 //------------------------------// Chapter 4 Memories “Blood pressure seems to be normal…” Roadburn heard a familiar voice echo in the darkness. “No signs of instability. Beginning procedure…” “Hello? Is anypony there?” He spoke up. A distinct humming noise could be heard from far away, “Twenty percent power…thirty…forty,” It continued to grow louder and closer. “Hello? Who’s there?” Fear began to overcome him slowly as the humming grew ever closer. A young colt’s screaming then fills the air, forcing Roadburn to cover his ears. “Who’s there? Go away! Leave me alone!” He turned around and used his speed to dash away from the noise as fast as he could. The darkness felt endless to him, and the noise and screaming of a foal continued to follow him! He immediately stopped and hit the cold floor under him and closed his eyes. “Stop it! Go away! Go away!” Then the sound of an electric zap silenced the noise. Silence lingered for a very long time as Roadburn began to softly cry to himself. The experience was just too much, and he had no idea what happened or where the screaming came from. To his surprise, he wasn’t the only one crying. He opened his eyes and he was no longer in darkness. Instead he was back in a past memory of his first days in foalhood after waking up. The area he was in was the forest and he could see his younger self crying on the ground in pain. He remembered that pain. This was the day that he learned about his powers and he wanted to try them out, but the consequences of his recklessness were brutal. He had accidently broke his right foreleg after tripping on an outstretched root, sending him flying forward onto the other trees and he had been scraped and cut in the trauma. He could see how small he was before. He could remember all the reckless ideas he had in his head before this. They all ended up the same result as now, but he came back up in the end. He watched as the Colt Roadburn’s wounds healed at an extraordinary speed. He stood up and sniffed from the earlier pain, and raised his broken foreleg. The Young Roadburn started to laugh as he bent his foreleg with no pain. It was healed. “Whoohoo!” The colt exclaimed in triumph. He jumped around like he was just given a new toy. He dashed off and Roadburn chuckled as he followed him. The path had never left his mind. He could remember it all the while. Colt Roadburn ran at an incredible speed turning left and right to dodge the trees in the forest, and Roadburn followed in the same form. Ahead of them both was a dead log that was vertically stuck between two trees. It was much larger than the Colt Roadburn heading straight for it. Roadburn dashed up beside his younger self. He remembered the thoughts that went through his mind during this daring attempt. “C’mon, Roadburn!” He shouted to the younger colt. “Just one jump! You’re fast! Undefeatable!” At that moment, the Colt Roadburn jumped and he flew forward, however it came off short, and he crashed into the dead log. His head stuck out the other side with a very disappointed look. “Oh! C’mon!” He shouted in fury as he struggled to free himself. Roadburn trotted around to watch what else happened. He had forgotten entirely of what happened earlier. As the Colt Roadburn struggled, he heard the giggling of a filly. He looked up to see a White Unicorn filly with a long, blue streaky hair. Her eyes were maroon and her Cutie Mark was an eight note. “Hey-o!” The filly greeted him. “What’re you doing?” “Uh…I was…” Roadburn watched as his younger self struggled for an answer. “I was running.” He struggled again to free himself from the dead log. “Running?” The filly laughed, “You look like you were shot out of a Bass Cannon.” Colt Roadburn looked at the filly confused. “Bass what?” “Oh, it’s just an idea I had earlier that’s all.” The filly climbed to the top of the dead log. “Let me help you, dude.” She laid her ear against the log and tapped it. “Ah!” She smacked her head on the log, and the colt’s expression was indifferent as nothing really happened. “Hold on.” She jumped down and begun throwing rocks and sticks at the log Colt Roadburn was in, endangering him to get hurt. “Hey!” The colt dodged a rock coming straight for his head. “Watch it!” “Just hold still!” The filly threw another rock at him. “This should work.” She threw another rock and it hit his eye. He exclaimed in pain as the filly gasped seeing it swell black. “Are you okay?” She asked him, scared that he may be injured. The eye immediately healed back to its original form and the filly stared in wonder. “See? I’m fine,” Colt Roadburn chuckled, “But please stop throwing rocks and sticks at me.” “R-right.” The filly climbed back on top of the log and looked around it. “Hmm…” She gasped as in idea came to her. “I know!” She jumped on the dead log and the older Roadburn watched as she jumped up and down. It was an adorable sight of the two friends. “It’s not gonna work!” Colt Roadburn spoke up finally. “Just trust me. This’ll work.” The filly insisted as she jumped again. There was loud crack and the dead log fell apart, burying the two foals under the broken pieces of wood. The filly and younger Roadburn both dug themselves out and shook the dust off of them. “Sorry, dude.” The filly apologized, shyly. “For what?” The colt asked her. “You got me out. So there are no hard feelings.” “Heh. You’re pretty cool, dude. What’s your name?” The filly asked him with a grin. “I’m Roadburn.” He answered as the older version sat down. It was clear that neither of them could see him. “Who are you…dude?” The filly laughed. “You don’t get out much do you?” She chuckled. “I’m Vinyl Scratch, and I’m gonna be the greatest DJ in Equestria!” “What’s a DJ?” Colt Roadburn asked her curious. “A Disc Jocky! They play and make all sorts of music.” Vinyl answered him. “It’ll be awesome!” She hoof pumped in excitement. “That sounds great!” “Y’know. You’re a pretty cool dude. Wanna hang out some more later?” “Sure!” “Great! So I’ll see you later at Canterlot.” “Canterlot?” The colt blinked twice in ignorance. “What’s that?” “It’s city not far from here.” Vinyl Scratch explained to her new friend. “I can show ya!” Colt Roadburn gave this all some thought, and Roadburn could remember what it was. “Well…I think I should get back to my Granny.” Colt Roadburn reasoned. “She might be worried about me by now.” “Oh! That’s okay.” Vinyl nodded in agreement. “We can meet back here tomorrow then, right?” “Yeah! Totally.” “See ya later, Burn.” Colt Roadburn’s new friend waved as she left. “Bye!” The colt waved back. Once Vinyl left, Colt Roadburn dashed off, and Roadburn followed through the forest again, and he knew where: home. They both dashed back and there was Granny Cookie, who was busy working on their shack, and she noticed the colt, not Roadburn, stop before her. Her mane was like Roadburn remembered back then, brownish with a black streak running through it. She had it wrapped into a ponytail as she worked. She was much younger as Roadburn remembered, and cute. “Granny! Granny Cookie!” Colt Roadburn greeted her excitedly. “Roadburn!” She laughed at the colt’s excitement. “What’s got you all excited?” “I can run, Granny! Really fast!” The colt ran around in a blurring circle in the front yard. “Yes, I can see that!” She smiled delighted. Roadburn began to notice that she wasn’t so surprised at this. It was as if she knew this before. “I told you, you were special.” “Yeah, yeah! There’s more!” “Oh?” She raised an eyebrow with her smile. “Yeah! I made a friend!” The colt shouted. “Who is this friend?” It was obvious to Roadburn that Granny didn’t look as delighted as before. “Her name’s Vinyl Scratch and she wants to be a DJ!” Colt Roadburn announced. “That’s a Disc Jocky! They play and make all sorts of music, and tomorrow I’ll be meeting up with her again so she can show me Canterlot!” “Roadburn!” Granny Cookie shouted. “I’ve told you to never go too deep into the forest. Now ponies will know we’re here!” “But I just made a friend…” Colt Roadburn looked at her sad. “A-and she--.” Granny Cookie interrupted him. “No, Roadburn!” She ordered him. “You’re not meeting that pony again.” She turned back to her work on the shack. “B-but…” The colt’s eyes filled up with tears. “I said, ‘no.’” Granny stood firm. The colt bursts into tears and ran into the shack as he cried. Roadburn could remember the emotional pain that he experienced that day. He just didn’t understand, and he noticed that a tear formed on his cheek. He rubbed it off and sniffed. It was barely overwhelming to him, and he didn’t like where this was going. The scene around him began to fade into darkness and all Roadburn could feel was warmth. The next thing he knew, he had opened his eyes and found himself laying on the ground of the metal shack. It was another dream, and it was also a memory. He looked at Granny Cookie and remembered her outburst way back then, and began to wonder why. It was still nightfall and Granny had fell asleep. He then stood up tossed some more firewood into the burning blaze and left the shack toward Canterlot. Meanwhile, in Canterlot Castle. “O------oh, where is he?” Princess Twilight worried as she paced back and forth in her room in Canterlot Castle. “I know tomorrow is the Winter Solstice, but can that dragon let me know he’s fine.” As she paced, Magi entered the room. “You’ve summoned me, my child?” The Old Sorcerer grabbed her attention. “Yes! Have you any word from Spike?” She asked him nervous of Spike’s current status. “No word.” Magi told her with a comforting smile. “But don’t worry, my child. I believe that Spike is safe.” “Can’t you contact, Gemini?” Twilight asked the Sorcerer. “I haven’t been able to contact him lately.” “My apologies, but the Star Symbols are silent at this time.” Magi answered her. “I cannot say why, but they are.” “Well, can’t you use your magic to find them?” Twilight asked again, desperate to know. “Calm yourself, Twilight.” Magi tried to comfort her. “It’s not like the dragon has gone far. He’s in Joyful’s and Rarity’s hooves. If anything happens, I believe that Spike will be protected. Besides, Spike’s probably staying there, wanting to participate in the Winter Solstice with your friends in Ponyville.” Twilight sighed in relief. “You’re right, Magi.” She rubbed her head, embarrassed. “I don’t know what came over me…” “It’s understandable, my dear.” Magi assured her he wasn’t unhappy. “I used to be that way as well about my baby dragon named Fudge.” “They actually made fudge over three thousand years ago?” Twilight asked him confused. “Well, no.” Magi tried to explain. “It was actually a common name at that time. Somepony else invented that chocolate years ago, and I have no doubt that the pony who made it named it after himself.” “Oh.” Twilight chuckled. “It was a cute name.” “And so was the dragon. He had many similarities to Spike,” Magi chuckled remembering the dragon, “Except he ate everything in sight. He had such an appetite for Apple Fritter’s cooking.” Twilight chuckled again, and so did Magi. Silence passed by briefly. “Y’know. I still haven’t figured out that crystal egg that we found some time ago…” Twilight kept the conversation alive. “You recognize something like this right?” Magi turned his gaze to the crystal, multi-colored egg, sitting on a stand in a glass dome. “I can’t say for sure, my dear. It is definitely a feat of superior magical craftsmanship. Something like this I could make, but it would take me forever to create. It’s also alive.” “Alive?” Twilight asked curious. “Yes, which means this egg is special.” Magi explained. “I’ll take it to my wing and I’ll study it in the morning.” The Sorcerer used his magic to remove the glass dome and take the egg. “It’ll be a great case of fine study.” “I’m sure it would, Magi.” Twilight nodded in agreement. “But first, I must make ready magic Kindergarten for their play.” Magi explained as he opened the door to exit, using his magic. “What’s the play about, Magi?” “Can you keep a secret?” The old stallion asked her. “Yes.” Twilight grinned, excited to know. “So can I.” He closed the door, and Twilight growled in anger. Magi has been keeping that play a secret from her and she isn’t allowed to find out from anypony else in the castle. Magi’s too smart for her to pull wool over his eyes. It’s virtually impossible to get any information from him above the Winter Solstice. Oh well. At least it’ll be fun to watch whatever he’s got planned for her. Winter Solstices are always something to look forward to in Equestria and she was proud to be leading it in the future. A knock came from her door and she opened it. “Yes?” She answered, and the little foal named Ginger Sprit was there to greet her with a bouquet of violets. The unicorn filly’s coat was a bright red and her mane was orange was yellow highlights. Ginger gave her the violets and the Purple Alicorn took them with a smile. “Thank you, little one.” She noticed that there was a card in the bundle. She took it out to read. “’For being Equestria’s next ruler. Thank you.’ D’aww.” “Magi told me that I should bring that to you as our apprefieation!” Ginger Spirit mispronounced her words, and Twilight chuckled at her adorableness. “It’s ‘appreciation’, dear, and thank you.” Twilight thanked the filly and she left skipping down the hall. It was such a nice treat Magi and all of Magic Kindergarten; a very good motivator that’s for sure. She closed the door and slipped the bundle of violets into a vase. She walked over to the balcony and she could see all the ponies below here in the streets, keeping themselves awake with one another. The streets were lit with torches and lights all around. If only her friends could see this. She soon spotted something among the crowds and she squinted her eyes so she could see it better. It was Roadburn! He came back to Canterlot. No doubt for the Winter Solstice. She immediately turned around and hurried to see him. Meanwhile, in the streets of Canterlot, Roadburn walked through the crowds and he heard a voice calling for him. “Roadburn! Come and join us, lad!” He turned to the source and it was Luckyshoes sitting at the table with Fancypants and three other stallions. Deciding he shouldn’t be rude, he trots over and sits with them. “Hello again, my good fellow.” Fancypants greeted. “I say, when we were talking to you and looked away for a short moment, you disappeared. Where did you go, friend?” “Oh, I just needed to return home to put up my food. Sorry, I couldn’t say good-bye.” Roadburn made up the excuse. “That’s fine, laddie.” Luckyshoes assured him. “We can introduce you to our mates.” The unicorn points to a buck-toothed, teenaged colt with a cream colt and brown mane covered by a Royal Guard’s helmet. His Cutie Mark was three turnips. “This is A.C. Turnip Top,” He points to a ginger-coated, short unicorn with a curly, light ginger mane. His Cutie Mark was a pumpkin with a knife stuck into it, “This is Jacko Lantern,” Luckyshoes the pointed to a Pegasus stallion with a light sky blue coat, and black mullet. His Cutie Mark was a bolt of lightning with wings outstretched, “And this is Soarin’.” “Everypony, this is Roadburn.” Fancypants introduced the unicorn and they all greeted him. “Where do you work, Roadburn?” Jacko asked him curious. “I don’t work anywhere.” Roadburn answered. “Where in Canterlot do you live?” Soarin’ asked him politely. “Oh. I don’t live in Canterlot.” Roadburn answered him. “Then where do you live?” “Not far from Canterlot with my granny.” “Where exactly?” Turnip asked him. The tension was growing on the Blue Unicorn. “Never mind that. Where do you all work?” Roadburn changed the subject. “I’m a Wonderbolt.” Soarin’ replied. “We’re pretty famous in the land, and we’re looking forward for the new generation.” “New generation?” Roadburn repeated, confused on what he meant. “I’ve heard. The new recruits are promising and Rainbow Dash is part of them.” Fancypants agreed. “I look forward to see her in action.” “Aye, I would pay to see that.” Luckyshoes agreed as well. “I’m Celestia’s Personal Guard.” A.C. replied. “I’ve been told to take the night off for now.” “And I work at an arts and crafts shop. It’s called ‘Jacko’s Arts and Crafts.’” Jacko added as he raised his hooves up to virtually picture it. “I get a decent pay.” “Sounds good.” Roadburn stood up. “If you’ll excuse me I have to go meet somepony.” “Ah, yes!” Fancypants nodded. “So long, Roadburn, and sorry for pulling you away from your business.” “It’s fine, Fancy.” Roadburn assured him. “Enjoy your time with friends!” He then left on his way toward Pony Joe’s. However, a voice shouted out to him. “You again!” Jet Set’s voice could be heard not far behind, and as Roadburn turned around, he wasn’t surprised to see Upper Crust with him. “Why have you come back? Humph!” “You say it like it’s a bad thing…” Roadburn stared at him indifferently. “Well, you should leave now!” Upper Crust demanded him. “The New Princess is back and if she sees you, she’ll--.” “I’ve already met this ‘New Princess.’” Roadburn interrupted her. “And she’s not what I expected at first. She won’t care if I’m dirty.” “You’re a liar and a bum!” Jet Set shouted at him cross, making a scene. “You have not met the New Princess and she would be repulsed by your ugliness!” “Now you’re entering an all-time low.” Roadburn added. “Get out of Canterlot!” Jet Set readied himself to punch Roadburn, but Pony Joe came to his rescue and socked the Rich Stallion’s face. Everypony gasped in shock at the violence, and Fancypants’ crew came to see what was happening. “You have no idea how much I wanted to do that!” Pony Joe shouted in somewhat triumph. He turned back to Roadburn. “You okay, Burn?” “I’m fine, Joe.” He assured his friend. Jet Set stood up from the street and he was holding onto his face. “Are you alright, dear?” Upper Crust asked her husband, concerned. “I’m fine,” He began to raise his voice, “But this bum must leave Canterlot immediately!” “What do you know, Jet?” Pony Joe argued. “He’s no different than anypony else!” “He’s filthy and poorly groomed.” Upper Crust replied. “He has to leave.” “And he lied about meeting the New Princess!” Jet Set added angry. “Now hold on just a moment, Jet Set!” Fancypants grabbed everypony’s attention and they all gasped in surprise that he has become a part of this. He walked over to the scene with his friends. “That pony you refer to and attack is a dear friend of mine.” “To all of us.” Soarin’ added. “And if you’re gonna throw him over board then you’ll have to go through us!” Luckyshoes also added. “All of us.” Pony Joe also added, and everypony else began to murmur and converse among themselves during Jet Set’s withdrawal. “Well, Jet Set?” Fancy asked him with a look of confidence that he would leave. “Fine…” Jet Set gave up. “Enjoy Canterlot, Roadburn.” The Rich Couple left the scene and everypony left their attention from the scene as they went onto their businesses. Fancypants and his friends came to see Roadburn and Pony Joe. “Jolly good performance, my good fellow!” Fancy complimented Joe’s bravery. “Knocking off Jet Set’s jaw was a work of art, I tell you!” “Thanks…” Joe thanked him. “We should talk in my shop. It’s less crowded there than here.” “Very well then.” Everypony followed Pony Joe and Roadburn to Pony Joe’s and they all sat at the counter, while Pony Joe gave them each a serving of one donut and hot chocolate. They each introduced themselves before conversing. “Jet Set and Upper Crust should really get lives.” Jacko spoke up as they ate. “Yeah, I know.” Soarin’ agreed with him. “Jet Set and Upper Crust has been on Roadburn’s tail ever since he first got here when he was a foal.” Pony Joe explained. “Somepony had to knock Jet’s jaw off some time.” “Yeah, I would agree with you, lad.” Luckyshoes sipped his drink. “Sometimes justice must be served.” “Heh, yeah!” Turnip agreed with him as he gulped down his drink. Pony Joe set him a donut and hot coca to join them. “Well, it’s nothing to brag about, guys.” Pony Joe insisted. He began to notice Roadburn’s silence. “Hey, Burn. Why’re you so quiet all of a sudden?” “It’s nothing.” Burn answered him. “Hey, Burn, if what Jet Set almost did bothers you, don’t worry about it.” Soarin’ assured him. “We stallions stick together like glue.” “Yeah!” Jacko nodded. “And if anypony shall lay a hoof upon Roadburn, we will be there to protect our friend!” Fancypants vowed with his cup up high. “Pals before gals!” Soarin’ added with his cup up high. “Hear, hear!” Jacko raised his cup with the others. They all made a toast, and gulped down their drinks. After slamming them down onto the table, a voice could be heard behind them all. “Wow!” They all turned around to see Princess Twilight and two Royal Guards with her. “You have many friends, Roadburn.” She remarked delightedly. “And they all stand up for you.” “Princess Twilight.” Fancypants greeted as he quickly got off his seat and kneeled to her. The others did the same, except Roadburn, who looked quiet confused. “Uh…” He couldn’t find the words to speak; he was so surprised to see her again here. “Please, stand.” Twilight insisted and they all stood. “Is there anything I can do for you, Your Majesty?” Pony Joe asked. “Anything at all?” “Just treat me like the usual Twilight, Joe.” TwiX insisted. “Of course, Twilight Sparkle.” Pony Joe nodded. “Tell me, Roadburn.” She walked over to the unicorn. “What tro--?” “Princess!” A Royal Guard ran in through the doors. “Your Majesty.” He kneeled to her. “Yes?” She asked him. “Magi has startling news and he asked for you to come quickly.” He explained to her. Twilight sighed in disappointment for being pulled away from Roadburn. “Very well.” Twilight turned back to Roadburn. “I must go. Goodbye.” She left after the others said their goodbyes and the friends all sat back with Roadburn. “So you do know the New Princess.” Jacko remarked with a smile. “That’s pretty big.” “Yeah, I guess.” Roadburn shrugged. “Hey, Joe.” “Yeah?” Joe replied. “You remember Vinyl Scratch, right?” “What about her?” “Have had any word from her?” “Look, Burn. I haven’t got any mail or rumors from Vin, okay?” Pony Joe explained kindly. “Even if I did, I’d share it with you.” “Right…” Roadburn looked down sadly. “You miss her too huh?” “Yeah…” “Wait. Who’s Vinyl Scratch?” A.C. asked curious. “She’s an old friend of ours who left on a trip to Applewood to get a record deal.” Pony Joe explained to their new friends. “Unfortunately we haven’t had any word from her in a while…” “I see…” Luckyshoes thought aloud, remembering to send to a letter to his crew on how things were for him. “I’m sure she’s made that Bass something-or-other by now.” Roadburn chuckled remembering his dream. “Who knows?”  Meanwhile, in the Diamond Dog mine. “What is the meaning of this insolence?” The Master growled through the dark shadows before him toward Rover. Rover was unable to see the Master through the thick absence of light, except for his two bright red eyes that made him fear the Master even more. “I-I told you, Master!” Rover bowed in fear. “My henchmen had disappeared along with the two ponies from earlier!” “You fool!” The Master shouted in extreme anger. “If that Earth Pony leaves this mine then my master plan for World Domination will be in shambles! You will capture him before he escapes!” “But, Master! He’s already left through the escape route.” Rover reasoned with obvious fear. “If we search now, he would already have escaped by the time we’re half-way in the route.” “Then you’ve failed me, in keeping the Earth Pony here, finding the Ice Diamond I require, and keeping your ranks in line!” The Master snarled at Rover. “I have no further need for you any longer…” A moment of silence passed by, and Rover began to grow curious of what was to happen next. He looked up from the ground, and he squealed in shock to see the Master looming above him, but he only got a glimpse. By that second, the Master reached down and grabbed his throat with his ice cold hand and Rover’s body began to wrinkle and shrivel. He was growing old and the older he became the stronger the Master had become. He tossed Rover’s aged body away and it hit a wall, scattering it into dust. The Master thought through this situation quickly. “It seems that I must put this into my own hands…” His body then changed into a dark flame and flew through the cavern, on the verge to destroy Eli.  Meanwhile, in Canterlot Castle, Twilight had entered Magi’s Wing. “Hello, Magi?” She called for him. “Are you here?” She found him studying on the table behind a large stack of books. He noticed her. “Ah! You’re here!” He quickly used his magic to teleport the books into the bookshelf to clear the desk and he summoned the crystal egg before him. “I had found something incredible about this egg.” He levitated an unlit candle on the table, and the egg shone dimly bright and electricity strikes the candle and it lights. “Incredible…” Twilight remarked astounded. “And you didn’t use magic, did you?” “Of course not, my dear Twilight,” Magi replied, “It has a mind of its own.” “Self-awareness?” Twilight asked curious. “Indeed. It can do magic on its own.” Magi explained. “I was returning back from Magic Kindergarten practicing their play here. I settled the egg on the table with the unlit candle and when I took my eyes off of it, it relit the stick of wax.” “Extraordinary.” Twilight remarked again. “I’m going to continue my research and I’ll call for you again once I have found anything else.” Magi told her. “Thank you, Magi.” Twilight left the Immortal Sorcerer alone in the wing. He grinned and blew out the candle and the egg relit it. He laughed.