The Sins of One's Past

by MasterLuke07

Rating: teen
Tags: Human, Romance, Adventure
Length: 9731

Copper learns of his past self and how it shaped Equestria's history.

Copper, a small orphaned colt, was found by the young Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle as a way to test their parenting skills. On his 10th birthday however, he went with his uncle to explore the mystical world of Equestria. Years later, his past comes back to haunt him as little by little, it reveals itself to him as he struggles to save the land that he loves.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-01-04 21:10:02 UTC

Chapter 1

The Sins of One’s Past

By Captain Binoculars

Prologue

It was a rainy day, the sun barely visible through the thick layer of clouds as an older earth pony stared out her office window. She had a white coat with a graying brown mane. She wore a thick pair of black glasses on her snout. Her cutie mark showed a little heart and the silhouette of a pony next to it. She stared at her desk as she went over bills for the "Three Winged Orphanage”, an orphanage she ran alone. She was lost in her thoughts when she heard a loud “thud” on her wall.

“That didn’t count! It hit the wall first!” One of the fillies said.

“Oh come on! You didn’t say it was against the rules when you explained the game!” Another filly replied.

Those young ones, it's a shame they can't play outside today. She sighed as somepony knocked on the door. "Come in!" She said, loud and clearly.

A mailpony entered as he turned the fading golden door knob. He had a short, slightly spiky golden mane and tail with bright golden eyes. He had a dull gray coat that seemed to be going silver. His cutie mark was an envelope with wings. A half held together dark blue bag hung off his side, full of envelopes. His coat and wings were dripping wet, with his mane drooping into his face. He gave her a bright smile. “Good day Mrs. Lovelast; you look as young as ever.”

She gave him a blank stare before giving him a small smile. “Why thank you Mr. Hooves but I know myself that I’m not as young as I used to be.” she said with a little sigh.

“That’s a matter of opinion but let’s get to business.” He said reaching into his saddlebag. He pulled out a little package and hoofed it to her.

“Oh my… I almost forgot about that.” she said with another small smile.

“That’s what I’m here for.” He looked out the window as sighed as it rained harder. “Well I better get going, still have loads of work waiting for me.”

“Be careful… it’s dangerous to fly in this weather.” She replied concernedly.

Mr. Hooves nodded before heading towards the door and closed it behind him as he made his way downstairs.

Mrs. Lovelast looked out her window in concern. She stood there for a few seconds before she snapped out of her thoughts. “Oh well… I better get to work myself-” She was interrupted as the door flung open hitting the wall with a loud “BANG!” that made her flinch. She looked to her door to see Mr. Hooves standing in the doorway with something in his hooves. “Mr. Hooves!? What is the meaning of this?” she asked confused.

“Mrs. Lovelast, look what I found outside on the entrance!” he said slightly out of breath and with panic in his voice. He hooved what he found to her.

“Oh my…” She looked in shock at a foal wrapped in a towel. The colt had a light coffee colored coat with a short dark brown mane. He opened his eyes momentarily and stared at her; his eyes were a leafy green. “Was there a note or anything?”

“I’m afraid no …” He said sadly as they both looked at each other.

4 Years later […]

It was a sunny day and all the foals outside playing. The house was empty except for three ponies that sat in Mrs. Lovelast’s office. She sat at her desk while two ponies sat opposite of her as they discussed something privately.

“Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle, is that right?” She asked with a raised eyebrow and a strict tone as she looked at the still quite young couple.

“Ah yes… that’s us.” Mr. Sparkle answered nervously.

“You came to adopt one of my foals … if I’m not mistaken. But why come here when your medical report it says you can have foals of your own?” she skeptically asked looking both of them in the eyes.

“Oh well…” Mr. Sparkle started as he looked around the room nervously before his wife took over

“We want to have foals of our own… but we aren’t sure if we’re capable of raising them.” Mrs. Sparkle said quickly.

“Is that so…?” She asked them as she took off her glasses to clean them with a handkerchief. They both nodded. “Well it seems you are reasonable enough to gather experience before rushing into such a tricky world. I'm certain you'll find a foal that you think belongs into your family.” She said with a sweet smile on her face. “Did you already look at the different foals?”

“Yes…” Mr. Sparkle said as he looked at his wife with a smile.

“…and I think we already chose.” Mrs. Sparkle added.

Mrs. Lovelast looked at them as she put her glasses back on her snout.

“We’d like to adopt Copper.” They said together.

“Ah yes Copper; he’s a charming one isn’t he? Even though he is a bit of a troublemaker, but I believe that you two will be able to handle the little trouble he causes.” She looked at them with a smile.

“Thank you very much. What can else you tell us about Copper? When was he born?” Mr. Sparkle asked happily.

“I wish I could tell you, but I’m afraid we don’t know exactly when Copper was born… He was left on our doorstep without any sort of information; it’s sad but true. We celebrate his birthday on the day we found him, the 25th of October.” She said as her smile disappeared.

“Who would leave a filly alone like that?” Mrs. Sparkle asked, shock and sadness in her voice.

“I’m afraid we'll never understand…” Mrs. Lovelast said as she gave a little sigh before she grabbed a microphone. “Copper … would you please come to my office.” Her voice echoed through the entire building.

Copper was outside playing catch with some of his friends as he heard his name.

“OH boy… someone must be in trouble…!” one of the fillies said to Copper.

“But I didn’t do anything…” Copper said slightly confused.

“Don’t make her wait or you might make it worse.” Another filly said with an evil grin.

Copper slowly started walking inside the building with a worried look. I didn’t do anything….what could she want? He arrived in front of her office and gulped as he slowly opened the door and entered. He looked around the room and saw Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle as he gave them a confused look.

“Ah Copper I have wonderful news for you… you already met Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle didn’t you?” Mrs. Lovelast asked sweetly.

“Yes… I’m not in any trouble am I?” Copper asked, worriedly.

“Oh no; of course not Copper. I asked you to come here so you could meet your NEW parents.”

Copper’s eyes doubled in size and he started crying. Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle got up from their chairs and walked over to him. The new family hugged as he continued to cry in the hooves of his parents.

“We will care for you… we will be there when you need us… we will make sure you’re safe…” Mrs. Sparkle whispered into Copper’s ear. He stopped crying and saw his parents smile at him.

“Come on… we’ll help you pack your things.” Mr. Sparkle said with a big smile on his face.

Copper nodded and ran to his room; he got his suitcase from under his bed and started packing his things. He didn’t own much but he got everything he had and put it in his suitcase. He was finished as his father appeared behind him.

“Let’s get going… son.” he said looking down at Copper who looked back at him with big eyes.

“I still have to say goodbye to my friends…” Copper said, hugging his father.

“Of course.” Mrs. Sparkle said as she stood next to the door.

Copper smiled at them and ran outside to his friends. He told them everything that happened and all of the other foals listened in excitement as they gathered around him. His parents went outside to look for their son; and saw him tell his story. They listened to him as Mr. Sparkle laid his hoof on his wife’s shoulder and looked her deep in the eyes.

“This day… is the beginning of a new chapter in our life.” he said. They shared a passionate kiss, and stopped as they heard Copper gallop towards them. Mr. Sparkle got Copper’s suitcase and made it levitate with his magic. They all left the orphanage as everypony cheered for Copper and his new parents. They all waved goodbye as they left.

Several Hours Later […]

Mr. Sparkle was in his office with Copper asleep on his lap. He used his magic to grab a sheet of parchment and a quill. He started writing as the moon rose high in the sky.

A few days later […]

Dear Blaize,

I know it’s been some time since my last letter but I have wonderful news. As you know, Libra and I always wanted foals and weren’t sure if we could raise a foal of our own. We decided to adopt a four year old foal named Copper; who has already found a place in our hearts. You always supported us and we are very grateful and I want the same thing to happen to you; you need to visit so you can meet him. This letter will be shorter than I expected but do me a favor and don’t buy him anything that could kill him, I don’t have to remind you of my 16th birthday now do I? I hope this letter reaches you fast.

Love Crescent

PS: If you buy something make sure it’s safe BEFORE you give it to him.

“Bloody Hell!!!!” Blaize said as he finished reading, a big grin appeared on his face. The letter fluttered in the wind as the train continued to increase its speed. “Guess I better get goin'!” he shouted. “Now how do I get off this bloody train?” He looked around scratching his beard.

“Oi, you there!!! Trying to get a free ride or what?!?!” Blaize looked down and saw the train conductor looking at him angrily.

“…Maybe…” He said still with a big grin on his face and his eyes quickly looking from left to right.

“How about you get down here and I beat that grin out off yer face!!” The conductor yelled at Blaize fury in his eyes.

“I’d rather not, but I’d appreciate it if you’d slow down a little so I can jump off.” he asked politely with a sheepish smile.

“I don’t think that’ll be necessary." The conductor pointed to the upcoming tunnel. "You see that tunnel? I don’t think you’re gonna make it.” The conductor smugly said as Blaize’s eyes widened in shock.

“Oh well… I have the strangest feeling hitting that tunnel will kill me… I guess I have no choice but to jump…” He said after a short pause. “Well I’ll see you in hell Mr. Train Conductor.” He waved his hoof and jumped aiming for a bush. The conductors eyes widened in terror.

“Sweet Celestia!!!” was all he could say before Blaize landed in the bush. “Oh pony feathers!!!!” Blaize yelled in pain as he landed in the bush. He slowly climbed out with thorns scattered all over his body “Bad… planning… I hate roses… hate them so much…” Every movement hurt as he continued to pull out all the thorns he could reach.  “Sometimes I should question my own ideas BEFORE I do something stupid!” He walked down a small dirt path, his body still struck with pain every time he moved “I have to be strong… I have to… for my NEW NEPHEW!!!” He yelled as he started galloping.

Every now and then there was a little “ouch!” or “ahhhh!” as he ran but he never stopped. He ran for hours and the moon rose before he could finally see Canterlot and he sighed in relief. “Oh boy, I hope all this was worth it.” He said as he started to slow down until he came to a halt and he was breathing heavily.

He moved towards the city gates as the guards looked at the stallion that was still covered in thorns. They looked slightly confused as Blaize walked passed them into

“What? Never seen a thorny pony before?” He asked the guards standing in front of the gate.

“No…?” One of the guards asked who still wasn’t sure what was going on.

Blaize walked past them without breaking eye contact. He headed through the city he grew up in looking for his brother’s house. He was wandering for what felt like hours in his opinion but he eventually found what seemed to be his brother’s house. He walked up to the front door and knocked. He waited a few minutes for the door to open. The door opened -

“Crescent!!! It’s so good to see you!!” He shouted as he pulled his brother into a hug, whose eyes widened in surprise

“It’s good to see you too Blaize, why don’t you com- OH MY CELESTIA are you covered in thorns?!?!” Crescent asked in terror.

“Oh yeah, now that you mention it… this hurts really badly; maybe you could help me pull them out?” he asked sweetly as he grimaced in pain.

“Course… follow me.” Crescent said as he led his brother into his house and turned the lights on in the kitchen. “How long has it been since we last met?” He asked his brother.

“5 Years… and let me tell you something… you haven’t changed at all!” He told his brother with a big grin on his face.

“I can’t say the same about you…” He looked at his brother. Blaize had a peat brown coat with a black mane, he had a beard that covered most of his face, his eyes were sea blue and he was slightly taller than Crescent.

They both looked to the stairs as they heard Libra ask; “Crescent…who is that?”

“It’s Blaize don’t worry.” He replied as he looked at his wife who had just come down the stairs.

“Hello Libra… haven’t seen you in quite some time…” Blaize said with a smile.

“Blaize… do you know what time it is?” she said angrily.

“Nope but I do know what I’m here for.” He looked behind Libra and saw a little colt next to her. “Hello little chap… I’m not sure if you know but I’m your new uncle.” he said with a warm smile.

“Go one Copper… he’s not going to bite you.” Libra said as she pushed Copper towards Blaize with her hoof.

“You don’t have to be scared. I promise I won’t hurt ’cha…” Copper slowly walked towards Blaize and looked at him with narrowed eyes.

“You look funny!” Copper said as he smiled at his uncle and hugged him.

“Did you hear that… he just insulted me… well at least he tried!” Blaize said playfully as he grinned at his younger brother.

“Don’t you spoil him Blaize… I’m warning you.” Libra said pointing her hoof at him; he lifted his hooves in the air defensively.

“I wouldn’t even think about it.” He said with a smirk.

“I’ll be watching you…” Libra said with narrowed eyes.

“I think it’s time you go back to bed Copper.” His father said as he picked Copper up with his magic and placed him on his back.

“But daaaaaaaaaaad.. .I’m not tired at ahhhhhhh-" Copper yawned before he could finish his sentence.

“Oh really, I think you’re barely awake right now.” Libra said with a smile on her face as she looked at her son.

“I can tell you a story tomorrow morning little fellow.” Blaize said to him.

“Alright…” He yawned one more time before he sighed and let his father carry him upstairs into his room. A few minutes later Crescent came back down and rejoined them.

“So… you might have forgotten but I’m still covered in thorns.”  He grunted in pain.

“Oh my… I didn’t even notice. Where did those thorns even come from?” Libra asked as she used her magic to pull out a single thorn at a time.

“Well I – OUCH – be careful… anyways I landed in – Ahh - a bush of roses.” He explained as he flinched in pain every time Libra pulled out one of the thorns.

“And how did you land in the bush?” Crescent asked curiously as he got a bottle of vodka and to clean the little wounds that now covered his brother’s body.

“Oh well… I had to jump of a moving train and I didn’t want to break all of my bones so I chose to jump on a bush… I didn’t know it was a bush of roses though.” Blaize said as he looked over to his brother who was levitating the bottle of vodka in front of him. “Ah you got me a drink to get over the pain. Thanks a bunch brother!” He said with a big smile. He held his hoof out to grab the bottle but Crescent hit his hoof.

“This isn’t for you to drink. It’s for your wounds.” Crescent explained in a strict tone.

“Oh boy… that’s going to burn. Sure I can’t even have a sip?” He asked as his smile faded. Crescent gave him an honest look. “I guess that means no…” Blaize said with a little sigh.

“Libra, could you please hoof me the cloth?” Crescent asked sweetly. Libra walked into the bathroom and grabbed the cloth with her mouth. She walked back to the other and gave the cloth to her husband. “Thank you very much… now Blaize I need you to stay still. This WILL burn.” Crescent said as he soaked the cloth in vodka.

“Oh my little brother worries about me… isn’t that sweet. I assure you I’ll be just

fin – " Crescent slightly brushed one of his wounds  with the cloth. “BY CELESTIA'S SUN BURN!!!!” He yelled in pain as a tear appeared in his eye.

“I thought you were going to be JUST fine…” Libra teased with a smirk on her face.

“Buck it woman, have a heart.” He said as he wiped the tear out of his eye.

Several painful hours later […]

“Thank Luna that's finally that’s over!” Blaize grunted as he walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa.

“I think it’s time we all went back to bed and get some shut eye.” Libra said as she looked at her husband he nodded in agreement.

“I guess I’ll sleep on the sofa…good night you two. And I don’t want to hear any PRIVATE things, if you catch my drift!” Blaize said staring at both of them.

“Don’t worry you won’t hear anything.” Crescent said as he walked towards the stairs.

“Ohh - I didn’t have to know that!” Blaize said slightly disgusted by the picture that popped into his head.

“Well good night Blaize.” Crescent said with a big smirk on his face as he walked upstairs.

“Oh – to hell with ya!” Blaize shouted as he laid on the sofa. “I’m tellin’ ya... I won’t be the one spoiling Copper!”

He soon fell asleep without being woken up by anything… PRIVATE.

The next morning […]

Blaize was still on the sofa with his eyes closed. Crescent and Libra were already awake and ate their breakfast in the kitchen. They decided to let Blaize rest; he had a long journey behind him. Copper came down the stairs, still half asleep and yawned as he rubbed his eyes with his hooves. He noticed Blaize still asleep and snuck up on him without his parents noticing. He got his face as far as he could into his uncle’s and started to tickle his nose. A smile appeared on Blaize’s face as he slowly opened his eyes.

“Oh Celestia's ghost!” Blaize shouted in surprise as he saw his nephew who stopped tickling his nose.

“Rise and shine!” Copper said with a big smile.

“Can’t a stallion get some rest no more!?!?” He asked in frustration.

“NO! And you still have to tell me a story.” Copper replied with a grin.

Blaize got up and stretched his legs.

“Look who’s finally awake.” Libra said as she walked over to Copper and picked him up to hug him.

“Ah Blaize good you’re awake, what do you want for breakfast?” Crescent asked as he came out of the kitchen.

Blaize’s eyes widened as he saw what his brother was wearing. Crescent was wearing an apron that said “A Real Man’s Clothes”  “What the BUCK are you wearing!?!?” Blaize asked as he started laughing. Libra covered Copper’s ears as Blaize talked. Blaize continued to laugh. “OH Luna…*hysterical laughter*…please tell me Libra bought that for you.” Blaize said as he held his stomach.

“No…I did ‘cause I think it’s cool.” Crescent replied.

Blaize fell on the floor and continued to laugh. “Ok… ok… I think I’m good again…WOW…” Blaize still had a huge grin as he tried to not start laughing again. “So breakfast…*cough*…give me whatever you want.” Blaize said has his grin disappeared.

Libra took her hooves of Copper’s ears. “Don’t you talk like that when Copper is around. Ok?” She asked with a serious look on her face.

Blaize nodded and followed his brother, who had walked in the kitchen to make his brother breakfast. After a few minutes Crescent gave his brother a plate with pancakes.

“There you go.” Crescent said as he hoofed his brother the plate.

“Thanks a bunch…!” Blaize said as his eyes doubled at the sight of his food.

Copper sat next to him, eating a smaller portion of pancakes. They both enjoyed their breakfast. After Blaize finished he put his plate in the sink and rinsed it with water. He walked back to the sofa and sat down. Copper sat next to him and looked at him with big eyes.

“Why are you staring at me like that little chap?” Blaize asked in a sweet tone.

“You said you would tell me a story today! Remember?” Copper was still staring at Blaize.

“Oh yeah… of course! Let me think for a moment…” Blaize said as he scratched his beard. “What kind of a story do you want me to tell you? ‘Bout my adventures or your father when he was young?” Blaize asked after he stopped scratching his beard.

“Tell me about daddy!” Copper demanded as he jumped on the sofa in excitement.

“Ok. It was your fathers 16th birthday; he was really excited. 16 is a big number you have to know. I thought I’d be good if I brought something home for him from my last adventure in the rainforest. I thought it might surprise him when I bring him something rare he could study or something like that… I was looking everywhere and I found this plant, well at least it looked like a plant. I put it in my saddlebag and returned home after a few days. On his birthday I gave him the plant and he was happy at first until… he watered it. It started growing rapidly and I thought what was its fruits… well turned out those “fruits” were its mouths. They opened and revealed a mouth filled with poisonous fangs. It destroyed everything but your father saved us all... well at least more or less he did. He used his magic to cook it with a fire beam. It turned out to be a bad idea, ‘cause it exploded shortly after and let’s just say it had acid instead of blood. I learned a valuable lesson that day; don’t give rare things to you father… he always bu-screws things up.” Blaize told Copper who laughed at his uncle’s valuable lesson.

“What did daddy do then?” Copper asked.

“Oh well… we had to clean everything but believe me it was harder than you think. Our brooms kept melting so we had to use magic. And I am terrible when it comes to magic… I tried to levitate a book once. It vanished… it was just… GONE.” Blaize said as he looked at his nephew who was still listening in excitement.

“You said you got his present on one of your adventures, right? Can I go on an adventure with you?” He asked with begging eyes.

“I would take you were ever you’d want to go. But I don’t think your parents would want that… at least not yet.” Blaize explained to Copper.

Copper sighed but nodded in agreement.

Later that day [...]

“Sir I can’t do that, I’m sorry but if I agree I won’t be home for a week. I can’t leave my son alone.” Crescent said.

His boss got up out of his chair and walked over to the window. “Crescent… *sigh*… we both know you need the money. I am truly sorry but I’m afraid you don’t really have a choice.” His boss said with a sad tone.

Crescent looked at the floor, sadness in his eyes. “Well… I guess I’d better go tell Libra.” He said and looked at his boss who nodded in agreement. He walked out of the office and sighed.

Crescent was on his way home, as he thought about how to best tell Libra that he has to go on a business tour for a week. He sighed as he realized he stood in front of his house. He opened the door and heard Copper run down the stairs.

“DADDY!!” Copper yelled as he ran into his father’s hooves and hugged him.

“I missed you.” Copper said as he looked up to his father with a smile.

“I missed you too Copper. Where’s your mother?” He asked with a fake smile to hide his sadness.

“I’m here.” She said as she walked over to her husband and gave him a little kiss. “How was work?” She asked sweetly.

“Well about that… I have to tell you something. Could you please come in the kitchen?” He asked. Libra looked worried but nodded.

“What is it Crescent? Did something happen?” She asked in a worried tone.

“My boss decided to send me on a business tour.” He said as he looked at the floor.

“But isn’t that a good thing?” She asked confused.

“Well it would be but I have to go for an entire week.” He replied with his head hanging.

“Well… when do you have to leave?” She asked curiously.

“In two days.” He said with a sigh.

“Two days? Isn’t that a little short notice?” She said with fury in her voice.

“Maybe… but I have to go and you know why.” He replied as he looked at his wife.

“But that means Copper will be alone for a week!” She said with her hoof in front of her mouth.

“Why… aren’t you here when I’m gone?”  He asked his wife in a confused tone as he raised one of his eyebrows.

“No…my friend's coltfriend broke up with her and she wanted me to visit her.” She explained. “I told you yesterday evening when we went to bed.” She said in an annoyed tone.

“Who’s going to look after Copper?” He asked his wife.

“We could ask Blaize…” She said.

Crescent’s eyes widened in horror. “Blaize… are you serious. I’d rather give him to Discord.” He said in a sarcastic tone.

“Oh come on. He can’t be that bad…” She asked as she looked at her husband who gave her an honest look. “Really… that bad?” She asked in terror.

They stood there for a few moments as they thought who else they could ask to foalsit Copper. They couldn’t think of anypony.

Libra looked at her husband. “Let’s hope he isn’t as bad as you say he is.” She said with concern.

“There has to be somepony… I – I mean we can’t leave our SON with Blaize… not with him… anypony but him!” Crescent said as he tried to think of somepony in panic.

Libra put her hoof on his shoulder and looked him in the eyes to calm him down. “Maybe you should give him a chance…” she said with a smile.

“Maybe I should… I’m still worried.” He said. He looked at his wife in concern. “Well I guess we should tell him before I change my mind…” He walked out the kitchen with Libra following him into the living room. Blaize was sitting on the sofa. He held Copper in his hooves and lifted him high over his head to make him fly.

“Look dad I’m a Wonderbolt!!” He yelled with a big smile.

Crescent looked at him and forgot about all the worries he had. He looked over to his wife and she made a movement with her head pointing at Blaize.

“I hate to interrupt… *cough*… Blaize can I talk to you for a moment?” He asked waiting for his brother to put Copper down.

“Sure thing, sorry little fellow I have to go talk to your dad for a moment… I’ll be right back.” He got up and smiled at Copper who was a bit disappointed.

Crescent and Blaze walked into the kitchen.

“Blaize, I have to ask you for a favor. Libra and I won’t be here next week. Would you foal sit Copper while we’re gone?” Crescent asked as he looked at his brother hoping he’d say yes.

“Of course!!! I’ll be more than happy to do it.” Blaize said, his eyes full of excitement.

“Thank you so much. You’re really helping us out.” Crescent said as he got pulled into a tight hug by his brother. “Air… *cough*… I need air.” He said choking.

“NO! I am the one who has to say THANK YOU!!!” Blaize yelled as he let go of his brother who was glad that he could finally breathe again.

“We better go tell Copper then.” Crescent said to his brother.

They walked out of the kitchen and into the living room to tell Copper about the coming week. After they told him he was sad at first because his parents won’t be there for a week but he cheered up quickly as Blaize told him he’d be looking after him.

The next two days passed quickly and Crescent and Libra were getting ready to leave. They all stood in front of their house. Copper stood next to Blaize and waved his parents good bye.

“Bye mommy! Bye daddy!” He said as he waved his hoof.

“Good bye Copper, be a good boy ok?” Libra said as she walked down the stone path with Crescent by her side.

“Don’t worry you too. I’ll look after him. I’ll make sure he’s safe.” Blaize said with a confident smile.

Copper and Blaize stood in front of the house and watched his parents slowly disappear behind another building.

“Come on little fellow… let’s go inside.” He said to Copper.

Copper had a sad look on his face but nodded in agreement. They went inside and closed the door.

The day passed quickly; Blaize and Copper were playing with action figures as he noticed the moon in the sky. He looked at the clock on the wall and gasped. It already was 10:50 pm.

“Geez…look at the time. I think it’s time for bed.” Blaize said with a small smile.

“Ohhhhhhhhh…” Copper said in disappointment. But he knew well enough that it was WAY past bedtime for him. He got ready for bed and cleaned his teeth. Blaize was in the kitchen and got himself a bottle of beer. He took a big sip and put the bottle on the table. He saw Copper walk up the stairs to go to bed and he decided to follow him. He saw his nephew sitting on his bed as he let out a heavy sigh. Blaize noticed how sad Copper was; he walked over to him and sat next to him.

“Hey little fellow; still sad that your parents aren’t here?” He asked as he put his hoof on Copper’s shoulder.

“Yeah…*sigh*… I miss them.” Copper said with a little sob.

Blaize thought of a way how to cheer him up. As he scratched his beard he had an idea. “How about, we go on a tour through Equestria? Just us two and the dangers of the wild! Sound good?” He asked with a grin.

“You mean… you’d take me on one of your adventures?” Copper asked with big eyes.

“Why would I say no? You are my nephew. I would take you wherever you’d want to go.” He replied as he looked down at Copper.

“Yippee!!!” He yelled in delight as he jumped up and down on his bed.

“But we have to leave early tomorrow so you better go to sleep. Either wise you’ll be far too tired.”  Blaize said in a strict tone.

Copper nodded and laid down on his bed.

“Well… sleep tight.” Blaize said as he patted Copper on the head.

The next morning […]

“So… do you have everything you need?” Blaize asked.

“Yep! I double checked everything!” He replied with a confident smile.

“Alright, let’s get going!!!” Blaize yelled as they started to gallop towards the train station.

Blaize bought two tickets for the next train. He then returned to Copper, who he told to wait on one of the benches. He sat down next to him and gave him a train ticket.

“Where are we going first?” Copper asked curiously.

“Ponyville, it’ll be our first destination and it’ll be where we eat breakfast. I’ve been there before and I ate at the bakery there. The cupcakes they make are absolutely amazing! The best I ever ate!” Blaize explained as he dreamed of the delicious treats.

Copper nodded and waited for the train impatiently. After another 5 minutes the train arrived. They chose to go in the passenger cart. They walked past the train conductor.

“Good morning.” Blaize said as they walked past him.

“Mornin’ .” The conductor replied without looking at him.

Blaize’s eyes widened as he recognized who he was talking to. It was the pony who made him jump into the bush of roses. Oh crap! He walked away from him as fast as he could. Copper was waiting for his uncle to sit next to him. Copper noticed his uncle rush towards him. He gave him a confused look but ignored what he saw.

They train arrived in Ponyville after an hour. They got off and headed for the bakery.

“Here we are… Sugarcube Corner!” He said pointing his hoof that the large building.

Copper’s eyes widened at the sight of the bakery.

“Come on… let’s get some breakfast.” He said to Copper who was still staring at the building.

They went inside and bought a couple of cupcakes. They decided to eat in the park before they continues their journey.

“Woooooooow… this place is amazing!” Copper said as they arrived in the park.

They sat on a bench and started eating. Once they ate, they got up and walked back into Ponyville to go buy some things at the market. While Copper looked around, Blaize bought several things they needed for their journey.

“Come on Copper… let’s get going. We still have a long way ahead of us.” Blaize said as he put everything he bought into his saddlebag.

Copper nodded and they both followed a dirt path that led out of Ponyville. It was late afternoon when they stopped for a break near a river.

“This is exhausting…” Copper said as he laid down on the ground to rest.

“Are you already giving up?” Blaize asked Copper who shook his head no. “Well we better get going. We only walked one third of the way and the last third goes uphill.” Blaize said as he pulled a loaf of bread from his saddlebag.

“Where are we going anyways?” Copper asked in a slightly annoyed tone.

“We’re going to a friend of mine who lives near the Dragon Fall Mountains. We’ll be sleeping in his shack.” He explained to Copper, whose mood didn’t change after hearing what his uncle said.

Blaize tore the loaf of bread in two pieces. He hoofed one half to Copper and kept the other himself. They ate and continued their adventure.

Every now and then Blaize had to carry Copper because he was too exhausted to walk but Blaize didn’t care. He was happy to spend time with his new nephew. Copper was lying on Blaize’s back when Blaize looked over his shoulder and noticed he dozed off. He smiled at him and continued to walk down the dirt path.

He felt Copper move on his back. “… *yawn*… are we there yet…?" He asked still half asleep, he rubbed his eyes with his hooves.

“Not much further. Be patient ok?” Blaize replied with a smile on his face as he looked back at Copper.

Copper looked around and noticed a fork in the path in front of them. “What now… which way do we go?” He asked Blaize.

“Well both paths lead to our destination BUT one path leads through a part of the Everfree forest.” Blaize said while scratching his beard. “I can’t remember which path it was though.”

“I don’t know; they both look the same to me.” Copper replied after he looked at both paths in concern.

“I think it was left but I might be wrong…” He said with a concerned look on his face.

They both decided that left, must be the right way, even though neither knew if they chose the best rout. They walked for an hour before they noticed that they had entered the forest.

“I think we chose the wrong way…” Copper said in a scared tone.

“It’s too late to turn around now.” He said to Copper with a sigh.

They both looked at each other. They stopped and flinched as they heard a loud roar somewhere around them. Copper hid his head in Blaize’s mane as he started shaking in fear.

“Blaize… I’m scared…” He said with a sob.

Blaize looked at him with a look of terror on his face. He knew what kind of animal made that roar. He knew if they’d stay in the same spot for too long they’d die for sure.

“Don’t worry little fellow… I’ll protect you. I’ll be there for you whenever you need me. I’ll kill whoever tries to threaten you! You hear me. I won’t let anything happen to you!” He said with a confident voice.

Courage and anger built up in him. He looked around and looked for the source of the roar. There was another roar and Blaize saw their eyes in the dark lurking closely behind them. His eyes widened and he felt his body freeze in fear but he knew all he could do was run or risk, the death of his nephew. He started to gallop as fast as he could with Copper on his back. He heard them jump out of the darkness and follow him. He didn’t dare to look back but Copper didn’t know what followed them he wanted to know. As he grabbed onto his uncle’s mane he slowly turned his head to look at their predators.

“TIMBERWOLVES!!!” He screamed in terror. His eyes widened in fear and shock as he saw the giant wooden wolves.

Blaize continued running until they reached a sharp curve. As he ran around the curve he used the short time he wasn’t in sight of the Timberwolves to jump behind a bush next to the path. He hid in the bush with Copper in his hooves. He was shaking in fear. Copper was still in shock and didn’t move or blink. Blaize was rocking back and forth to calm his nephew. He could hear the wolves run past them. But the worst was their smell. It was the smell of rotten flesh and death. As the footsteps faded away he gave Copper a tight hug.

“Don’t worry… they’re gone… they won’t hurt you… I won’t let them hurt you… I will protect you… always.” He said to Copper who started crying silently.

They hid in the bush for a few more minutes before he got up and laid Copper on his back and continued to walk down the path. They soon came to where the two paths joined again. Copper calmed down as he saw they left the forest but he was still shaking. It was getting dark and they could see the shack in the distance. They both sighed as they saw Blaize’s friend waiting for them.

“Finally… I’ve been waiting for some time.” He said to Blaize and Copper.

“Sorry mate… we took the wrong path and had to go through the Everfree Forest.” Blaize explained to his friend.

“Oh; did something happen on your way?” He said as he noticed the shaking filly on Blaize’s back.

“Yeah… we met a pack of Timberwolves on our way here. The little chap is still in shock.” Blaize explained.

“Hmm; well there’s no reason to stay out here. Let’s get inside.” He said as he walked back to the shack and opened the door for them.

Blaize nodded and followed him. It was warm and cozy inside. Blaize’s friend left to let them rest as they got ready for bed. Blaize noticed that Copper wasn’t shaking anymore, he seemed happy to be inside the shack.

“Copper… I’m sorry for what happened today… I-" Blaize couldn’t finish his sentence.

“It’s alright… I’m an adventurer now; you don’t have to blame yourself. You couldn’t have known the timber wolves were waiting for us.” Copper said as he gave Blaize a confident smile.

Blaize was surprised to hear Copper say that. But he walked over to him and hugged him. “Thank you…” He said to Copper who hugged back.

A few minutes past and Copper had already gone to bed, but Blaize was still awake. He was sitting at the table and was writing something in a book.

Day 1, Journey from Canterlot to Dragon falls

I started my journey to the Dragon Falls today. I took my nephew with me even though I’m aware of the dangers. I want him to see the world. He mustn't think he’s bound to that town; he’s not bound to anything. If he doesn’t know I’ll teach him what it means to be free. He’s still young, maybe too young but this was the perfect opportunity. I hope everything goes as planned. It was lucky that those Timberwolves ran past us today. They could have easily found and killed us. I hope Copper can cope with the encounter as good as I. We have four days left before we have to return to Canterlot. I hope we’ll make it in time.

The next morning […]

Blaize was already awake and ready to go. He just had to wait for Copper to wake up. Several minutes later Copper woke up and got ready to continue their journey. Blaize gave him a confident smile as they both left the shack.

“Where are we going today?” Copper asked in excitement.

“We don’t have a REAL destination we’re heading for tonight. We’re heading for a camp that we can stay at. It’s called the Dragons Lair.” He explained to Copper.

Copper nodded and they continued walking and enjoying the view every now and then. They arrived at the camp during the night. The next few days past quickly and they arrived at the last camp before they were heading for the Dragon Falls.

“Copper this is important so listen.” He said to Copper as he rolled out a map in front of them. “You know we're heading for the Dragon Falls; the way there is dangerous though. There is a clear mountain path but it’ll be very steep and if you fall you WILL die.” He explained in a strict tone as he glared at Copper who nodded slowly. “But if we manage to go up all the way, we’ll be given the most beautiful view in all of Equestria. Nothing can compare to it… NOTHING!” He said with confidence in his voice.

“Alright let’s do this! I have to be fearless as an adventurer!” Copper yelled in excitement.

Blaize smiled and rolled the map back up. He put it in his saddlebag and they both left the camp.  The way to the mountain path was easy but now they had to face their possible death. They both nodded and continued up the hill. Copper struggled sometimes but his uncle was there to help and make him more confident.

“Never give up before you tried Copper! You have to know your limits so you can do better than ever before!!! Never walk away from a challenge if you know you CAN do it!!!” He yelled to give Copper strength.

Copper continued climbing, he couldn’t give up now. He came all this way to see the Dragon Falls. Giving up was NOT an option. They climbed higher and higher until they reached the top and their eyes widened. They saw the giant waterfall that led into a valley. Dragons were sitting near the waterfall but Copper ignored them. What he noticed was that the entire mountain was shaped like a dragon. Its mouth was the source of the waterfall.

“It’s amazing isn’t it?” Blaize asked Copper as they both looked at the astonishing view.

Copper had no words to describe what he was seeing. They both stood at the top for a few minutes.

“Come on Copper. Let’s go… we have to go and rent a boat if we want to get back to Ponyville.” Blaize said as he pointed his hoof at a hut that stood next to the river that led into the valley.

Copper nodded and they both climbed down. It took them about an hour but once they were on the ground they walked over to the hut. A pony was sitting in front of it in a rocking chair. “Hello there young travelers…” The pony said in a female voice. “Are you here to rent a boat?” She asked them.

“Yes.” Blaize answered as he looked at her.

She smiled and walked over to the river. She loosened a rope that was attached to one of her boats and threw it on board. “There you go. My Daughter will be waiting in Ponyville.” She said as she walked over to her rocking chair and sat down.

They both nodded and sat inside the boat. Blaize kicked them off the shore and they started moving with the flow of the river. “Relax Copper… this is the best part.” He said as he laid back to rest.

Copper looked around as they moved down the river. He saw a lot of animals; birds, bears, fish and even a dragon. It was a long boat ride. About two hours later they arrived at the end of the valley and he could see Ponyville in the distance.

“Blaize wake up! I can see Ponyville!” Copper yelled as he shook Blaize around.

“Wh-what? Oh yeah… I must have dozed off.” He said in a sleepy tone.

They got close and closer to Ponyville until they could see the mare waiting for them by the shore. She waved at them. Blaize saw her and took the rudder in both hooves and started pushing towards the shore. Their boat hit the shore with a loud “THUD” and slowed down. The mare held out her hoof to stop the boat and tied it to a wooden post next to her.

“Thank you.” Blaize said to the mare.

She nodded and they both got out of the boat. They headed back into town to get some cupcakes at Sugarcube Corner. They entered the cake like building and walked to the counter and rang the bell. A teenage mare walked over to them. She had a sky blue coat and a rose pink mane that was styled like cake frosting. Her cutie mark showed three cupcakes and she was wearing a yellow apron.

“Can I help you?” She asked sweetly.

“Hello, we’d like to buy a few cupcakes; how about three blueberry and two chocolate cupcakes?” He asked Copper who was barely visible.

“I love blueberry!” He said with a big smile.

“Alright then we’d like three blueberry cupcakes and two chocolate cupcakes.” Blaize said to the pony behind the counter.

“I’ll be right back.” She said to Blaize and Copper.

She came back with a paper bag filled with what they ordered.

“Here you go. That’ll be five bits.” She said as he hoofed Copper the bag.

Blaize reached into his saddlebag and got out the amount of bits he had to pay. They left the shop and headed for the park. They walked past a giant tree with a door on it. Copper looked at it with a raised eyebrow.

“What is that” He asked his uncle.

“What… you mean the library?” Blaize said to Copper.

“That’s a weird library…” He said as they walked past it and into the park.

They arrived at the spot they were last time and sat down on a bench. They enjoyed their cupcakes and the singing of the birds. Once they were done eating Blaize got up.

“Well, we better go to the train station.” He said as he started walking back into Ponyville.

Copper got up and followed him. After they arrived Blaize bought two tickets and hoofed one to Copper. They got on the train and enjoyed the ride back to Canterlot. It was about 11:20 pm when they arrived. They walked up to their house talking about what they did on their adventure. They opened the door and before they could enter they heard Libra yell.

“Finally you are back!!” She said as she ran over to Copper and hugged him tightly. He was begging for air. “I thought I might never see you again…” She said still crushing Copper who slowly turned blue.

“You won’t if you keep squeezing him like that.” Blaize said pointing a hoof at Copper.

She gasped and let go of him. “I’m sorry sweetie…” She said as she turned to Blaize with fury in her eyes. “What were you thinking?!?! Taking Copper to the Dragon Falls? You know how dangerous that is!!!” She yelled at him. “You could have gotten him killed!!” She paused, taking a breath.

Blaize looked at her. She looked as if she would kill him any second.

“Mummy, don’t yell at Blaize. He made sure I was safe all the time.” He said to his mother.

She looked at Copper and sighed. “I’ll let you get away this time but you won’t be looking after him again, you hear me!!” She yelled as she wrapped a hoof around Copper in protection.

“But I want to go traveling with Blaize again. I had so much fun… I want to go again!” He said to his mother.

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Y-you want to do what?" She asked in disbelieve.

“I enjoyed traveling with Blaize. I never had so much fun in my entire life. I know I’m just four years old and I still have my entire life in front of me but I truly enjoyed it.” He said looking at his mother.

“Libra maybe you’re overreacting… Copper wasn’t harmed on their trip. He has a right to see the world and there is NO PONY better than Blaize when it comes to seeing the world and its true beauty.” Crescent said to his wife as he walked towards them. He smiled at Blaize. ” Thank you for looking after Copper.” He said to Blaize who looked a bit confused.

“You think Copper should go traveling with Blaize?” Libra asked in shock.

“Yes… but not yet. He’s still too young for those sorts of trips. But once he is, I’ll let him go if he still wants to.” Crescent explained with a confident smile.

Libra nodded in defeat. She knew that her husband was right. She sighed. “You may go traveling with Blaize once you’re old enough.” She said in a sad voice.

“You may go after your 10th birthday. That’s the age your uncle started traveling.” Crescent said to Copper who’s eyes widened. “Blaize will you take Copper with you after his 10th birthday?” He asked his brother.

“Of course… I’m just a bit… you know… surprised.” Blaize said to Crescent.

“You are my brother… and as long as Copper is happy with you looking after him, I will be the same.” Crescent said as he put his hoof on Blaize’s shoulder.

“Well… I guess I’ll see you in six years my friend…” Blaize said with a chuckle as he started walking away with a big grin on his face. “Before I forget…” Blaize stopped and turned around. He pulled something out of his saddlebag. It was a white scarf. “Here you go. It’ll keep you warm and it looks stylish as hell.” He said as he wrapped the scarf around Copper’s neck. “Make sure you always wear it when you travel in cold regions.” He said to Copper before he walked away into the night.

Several hours later […]

Day 6, Journey from Canterlot to the Dragon falls

We arrived in Canterlot without any problems. Libra wasn’t all too happy about our journey. I can understand why she was upset; I took her son on a dangerous trip that costs multiple ponies their lives every year. But he has to understand that the world has so much more to offer than Canterlot. I hope he’ll understand once we start traveling after his 10th birthday. I will show him the wonders of this world.

Blaize finished and put his quill on the desk next to his traveling journal. “Let’s hope he’s able to understand what I’ll teach him.” He whispered to himself as he got up from his chair. There was a single candle on the desk. He walked closer and blew it out, leaving him in total darkness.

Six years later […]

Copper was sitting in the living room. He played Wonderbolts with his friends while they waited for their parents to pick them up. After the doorbell rang one last time his friend Chopper left. They both said goodbye to each other as he leftbefore Copper went back inside. His parents were sitting on the sofa. He walked over to them and sighed.

“Didn’t you have fun sweetie?” Libra asked as she looked at the son.

“Of course I had fun… but where is Blaize… he said he’d return on my 10th birthday. He still hasn’t shown up. Maybe he forgot.” Copper said with a sad sigh.

“Don’t worry Copper. Blaize said he’d come. I have no doubt that he’s on his way here right no-" Crescent was interrupted by the doorbell.

They all looked at each other. Copper’s sad face turned into a huge smile. He ran towards the door and opened it… there was no one there. He looked from one side to the other but there was nobody but Copper saw a note on the doorstep. He picked it up and read the sentence written on in.

Look up little fellow!

He looked confused and raised an eyebrow but he did as it said on the parchment. His eye’s widened. There was a hot air balloon floating over their house.

“Hello down there!” A familiar voice shouted. “Happy birthday little fellow! I’ll be right there.” As he yelled the balloon started descending until it hit the ground.

Libra and Crescent stood behind Copper and shook their heads in disbelief. Blaize jumped out of the basket and walked up to Copper and his parents.

“Hello you lazy lot, did you miss me?” Blaize asked with a big grin on his face.

“Blaize!” Copper yelled before he hugged him tightly.

“Sweet Celestia… you changed little guy.” Blaize said in amazement as he looked at Copper. He grew quite a bit and his mane is longer. Well no wonder, it’s been six years. “Libra, Crescent. It’s so good to see you.” He said with a smile as he walked up to and hugged them.

“It’s been too long brother.” Crescent said to him.

“We thought you wouldn’t come for a moment… well at least Copper and I did. Your brother never gave up hope.” She explained to Blaize.

“Well I hope Copper already packed his things.” Blaize said as he looked down at Copper who was standing next to him with a big excited smile.

“I packed everything yesterday.” He said as he walked inside to get his saddlebags.

“Please be careful and keep him away from danger ok.” Crescent said to his brother who nodded.

“And make sure he writes letter to us… at least once a month.” Libra said with a sob.

As they spoke Copper came back downstairs with his saddlebags. He walked up to his parents and hugged them tightly. “Good bye mum. Good bye dad.” He said to them before he walked over to the balloon and threw his saddlebags into the basket.

Libra started crying. “Good bye sweetie; look after yourself and don’t do anything stupid.” She said as tears rolled down her face.

“Look after Blaize ok… make sure he stays away from danger.” Crescent said to his son with a grin on his face.

Copper looked back at them and nodded. “Don’t worry… I’ll protect him with my life. He’ll be safe.” Blaize said to make them feel better.

He turned around and helped Copper into the basket before he jumped into it himself. “I’ll see you in a few years.” He said as he put his flying goggles back on his snout. “Here Copper, you’ll need those.” He handed another pair of goggles to Copper. “Good bye.” He said before he pulled on a rope and the balloon started to ascend into the sky.

Copper waved as they disappeared into the dark blue night sky.

“Where are we going?” Copper asked in excitement.

“We’re heading for the ocean.” Blaize said in a confident tone.