Sweet Dreams, Luna

"I've got him distracted! Now might be a good time to RUN!" Dreamcatcher yelled to the circle as the crazed wolf stepped towards them.

Twilight yelled back, "What, and leave you with the wolf?!"

"This wolf has rabies! If he bites you, you won't live out the month!"

"Rabies!?" The ponies all blanched at the word.

Rainbow Dash darted up and away, "You ponies go back, we'll take care of this!"

"But what about you two?"

"GO!!!" with that the ponies broke and ran back to the trail, except for Rainbow Dash and Dreamcatcher.

"Rainbow, see if you can distract it, but stay out of range!"

"Got it!" The blue Pegasus darted back in forth in front of the wolf, yelling insults.

"What's wrong, you big stupid mutt? Can't you hit me? Am I too fast for you?" The wolf swayed as he tried to follow Rainbow's movements. The blue pegasus rushed in and slammed a hoof into the wolf's jaw, but the rabid animal barely registered the attack. He snapped at RD, forcing the mare to retreat back into the air. Dreamcatcher darted in behind it and slashed at its legs in an attempt to hamstring it. The wolf turned with amazing speed and nearly caught him with a savage bite, but he pranced out of reach at the last second.

"Careful Rainbow Dash, he's a lot faster than he looks!"

Rainbow nodded her understanding, and began circling the wolf at high speeds. The creature seemed dazed, and the second Rainbow Dash broke off, Dreamcatcher was there, his tomahawk flashing. The wolf snarled in pain as the blade edge left a long gash in the bark of his flank, and his attention shifted to Dreamcatcher. The Navapony's eyes narrowed as the canine rushed at him with a sudden burst of speed. Just as he reached the stallion, he sunk his head and snapped low, at Catcher's feet. The earth pony barely managed to jump in time, landing solidly on the wolf's back. The predator bellowed in rage and shook himself violently, sending Catcher flying.

Rainbow Dash had taken advantage of this melee to gain altitude; altitude which she used to her advantage as she dove straight at the wolf. At the last second, she pulled in her wings and curled up, effectively becoming a pony cannonball. This cannonball struck the wolf with the meaty thud of flesh against wood, and the wolf was sent sprawling. Audible cracks were heard when he hit the ground, and when the beast staggered back to its feet, the ponies could see multiple broken branches of it's body. Dreamcatcher sidled up next to Rainbow Dash, and the two ponies stared in shock as the timber wolf began to stumble towards them yet again.

"What in the hay does it take to keep this thing down!?" RD yelled in exasperation.

Dreamcatcher muttered, "The wolves where I come from are naturally very tough. I dunno about these wooden ones, but I'm guessing they're just as hard to deal with. They can take a lot of punishment before retreating, and a wolf that's gone mad with rabies wouldn't even notice the pain it has!"

Rainbow Dash tensed as the wolf approached, "Great. That's freaking wonderful. So what do we do? We can't keep dancing around it; one of us'll get bit eventually!"

Dreamcatcher sighed and replied, "Yeah, you're right. I think we're gonna have to kill it."

Rainbow gasped, "What? Is that a bit much!?"

The stallion grimaced, "I don't want to, but a creature with rabies is a threat to everything around it. Ms. Rainbow Dash, you take to the air. See if you can distract it for me. Catch it's attention, and make it turn to the left. When you do, I'll come in from the right."

"And do what?"

Dreamcatcher's brow furrowed in disgust. "Do my best lumberjack impression... "

Just then, the wooden canine's eyes managed to refocus on them, and it began another shambling run that closed the last bit of distance between them. Rainbow Dash galloped forward to meet it, before rolling to the left at the last second. The wolf ignored her, instead going straight for Dreamcatcher. The Navapony managed to roll the right just in time to evade the canine's slashing fangs.

Rainbow Dash growled in exasperation, "Come on! Follow me already!" Jumping into the air, she swooped towards the wolf, coming so close that her wing brushed it's ear. The wolf spun at the sudden contact, and it's gaze followed the reckless mare. As she made another swoop at the wolf, she got a little too close, and the beast reached up and swiped her with its thorny claws. Rainbow Dash cried out and fell to the ground, her right wing bent irregularly. The wolf's burning eyes focused on the fallen pegasus, and it lunged forward, foaming mouth agape.

"Not today you piece of firewood!!"

It was in mid-lunge when Dreamcatcher hit the wolf with a stunning tackle that carried them both into the bushes. Rainbow Dash staggered to her hooves, as the bushes shook with snarls and cries, from both wolf and pony. She heard a terrible crunching sound, and Dreamcatcher cried out. Then the bushes went still.

Rainbow Dash staggered forward weakly, "C-Catch? Dreamcatcher? Are you okay?" At that point, a long mournful howl rose from the bush. The blue pegasus fell back with panic as the timber wolf emerged from the bush… or more accurately, the wolf's body. Dreamcatcher crawled slowly out after pushing it off him.

"Rainbow… I could use some help," he whimpered weakly. His entire body was covered in scratches, and he had several bad gashes in his side. The mare rushed over and helped him to stand up.

"Are you okay?" She asked shakily.

"Yeah, he didn't bite me, these are all claw wounds," he mumbled painfully.

"What about the body?"

"...Anypony need some kindling?" Dreamcatcher managed to snark before his vision faded, and he blacked out.

_______________

"We can't move him in this state! What good is he to the Princesses bleeding and battered?" Is that… Melody?

"I know, but we can't leave the Princesses waiting any longer! They were expecting him yesterday!" That… sounds like Twilight…

"Are you crazy, Twilight!? That wolf nearly tore him apart! It looks like he got in a fight with a thorn bush and lost!" That's definitely Rainbow Dash.

"True, but Princess Luna is suffering as well, and a gentlecolt simply does NOT keep a mare waiting." And there's Rarity.

Then a new voice spoke up, albeit very softly, "Oh no, you can't just move him! He's still much too weak!"

"But darling, we have a place to be, and it is so rude to be late! Let's at least check to see if he's woken up yet."

"Wait Rarity, you mustn't! He needs his rest to recover. If you aggravate him now, his wounds could reopen and get worse!"

"Oh, Fluttershy, you're simply overreacting dear. I'm sure a strapping young stallion like him is more than recovered."

Dreamcatcher slowly cracked an eyelid, and looked around at his unfamiliar surroundings. He was lying in a large comfy bed in a room practically covered in animal care items. Birdhouses, food bowls, and animal books littered the room. The stallion slowly examined his body, noticing that his wounds had been cleaned and bandaged at some point. Just then, the door opened and Rarity gracefully stepped into the room.

"Oh good Mr. Catcher, you ARE awake! I just came in to-"

Just then the yellow pegasus flew in, landed in front of Rarity, and Stared at her. "He is my patient and you. Will. Let. Him. Rest."

Rarity withered under the mare's Stare and slowly backpedaled, "Oh, uh, of course Fluttershy. It is your house after all, hehehe. I'll just leave him to sleep then."

Fluttershy turned and saw Dreamcatcher looking at her. "Oh no, I'm so very sorry we woke you! I was trying to let you rest, but I'm afraid we got too loud."

"It's all right," the Navapony croaked, "Really, I feel a lot be-", he stopped coughed, his mouth painfully dry.

Fluttershy bolted out of the room and returned with a bowl of water in her hooves. "Here, drink this." As Dreamcatcher gulped down the water, Fluttershy fidgeted for a moment, then spoke up. "Um, I just wanted to say thank you for helping the others save me and Angel Bunny. You risked your life to save us when you didn't even know us, and it's gotten you is hurt." She looked at his bandaged form and tears sprung in her eyes.

Dreamcatcher lowered the bowl and cleared his throat, "Hey, don't worry about it, miss... Fluttershy, right? Really, don't cry, I'm glad that I was able to help." He glanced down at the bed he was in, "Uh, sorry about bleeding on your sheets and stuff…"

Fluttershy wiped her eyes and smiled. She stroked his mane gently, "Now, now, you just focus on getting better. I'll take care of everything else."

Why do I get the feeling I'm being treated like a sick pet? "Um, okay." Catcher replied lamely. "Uh, where are we? And how did I get here?"

The cute pegasus said softly, "Well, after Rainbow told us to run from that poor wolf (poor wolf? Dreamcatcher thought), we came back here to drop off the bunnies before coming back for you two. But as we got ready to leave, Rainbow Dash showed up with you on her back. You had such horrible injuries, why, I had to take care of you immediately!"

Dreamcatcher painfully pushed himself into a sitting position, "Where is Rainbow Dash? Is she alright? Her wing-"

Fluttershy gently raised a hoof to his mouth,speaking as if to a wounded animal. "Don't worry, she's fine. You can see for yourself later. For now," she cooed, "you need to get more rest." With that said, she firmly pressed him back into bed and quietly left the room, closing the door behind her. Dreamcatcher leaned back in the bed, and feeling the pull of sleep on his aching body, he gratefully closed his eyes and succumbed.

________________

The next day Dreamcatcher awoke feeling refreshed, if a little stiff. He slowly got out of bed and gingerly put on Sunray's necklace and the tomahawk from where they hung on the bed post. He heard the other ponies downstairs and as he descended the staircase, Applejack poked her head out of the kitchen and grinned at him.

"Well, howdy sugarcube! Now don't you don't look like a regular ol' war pony! Have a seat; we'll bring the food out in a jiffy!" Dreamcatcher looked down at himself. He thought he looked like a mess, swathed in bandages, but he sat down with the other ponies at the wide table.

Melody leaned towards him, her face scrunched with worry. "Are you okay, Catch? You've recovered alright?"

Dreamcatcher shot her a wry glance, "Next time you ask me to follow you somewhere, remind me to punch myself really hard."

Rainbow Dash burst out laughing. "Melody, I thought your job was diplomacy! I think your approach needs a little work!"

Dreamcatcher looked over at the speedy pegasus. "How's your wing doing Rainbow Dash? I hope it's not still bothering you."

Rainbow Dash held up her bandaged wing for him to see, "Naw, its fine, just strained. I'll be airborne in a day or so, just you wait and see! By the way, you gotta tell us how that fight went down! I didn't really see what happened, but I bet it was awesome!"

Dreamcatcher smiled sadly, "I'm afraid there's not much to say. I wish I didn't have to do that. We Navapony believe that all life is fleeting and precious; to take it prematurely is a sad thing." Just then Rarity walked up to Dreamcatcher with a glass of orange juice.

"Really, Rainbow Dash, could we not discuss that during breakfast?" she said reprovingly to the pegasus, before addressing the earth pony. "Here you are Mr. Dreamcatcher! I'm sure you must be thirsty. Um, I also wish to apologize for my previous behavior. It was so inconsiderate of me to barge in on you when you were recovering, and I'm terribly sorry."

Dreamcatcher took a gulp of orange juice and replied, "Hey, it's all good. Don't worry about it, I was barely conscious anyway." Rarity flashed a knee-weakening smile, and that was the point when Applejack and Fluttershy came in with breakfast.

"Soups on, everypony!" The orange pony declared. "Now Catch, we got apple fritters, apple pie, apple tarts, apple pancakes, apple toast, apple bagels, apple strudels, and mah new creation, Applejack cereal!"

Twilight picked up some of the cereal and chewed it. "Uh, no offense Applejack, but these are shaped like circles, not jacks. And they're cinnamon flavored; they don't taste like apples."

Applejack shrugged, "Details, Twilight. Ah made 'em, so ah'm gonna call 'em Applejack cereal!" The other ponies laughed and dug in to the spread. For the next hour they ate and talked about each other's pasts and homes. The ponies were fascinated to learn of Dreamcatcher's nomadic tribe, and they stared in mild disbelief as he explained his "talents". Dreamcatcher himself was surprised at hearing of their lifestyles. As a nomadic pony, the idea of living and working in one place was just strange. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the time with his new friends. You know, I could get used to this. Maybe I'll spend some more time here in Ponyville later.

Twilight looked at the clock on the mantle and signaled to the other ponies. "Well ponies, it's time to get going. The carriages will be here any minute, so go get your things. Dreamcatcher, I have your stuff all here with mine."

Dreamcatcher sputtered for a second, "Wait, you all are coming to Canterlot with us?"

Rarity nodded, "Of course darling, we wouldn't pass up a chance to go to Canterlot with a new friend!"

Dreamcatcher looked at Twilight, "But what about your library, and the other ponies' jobs?" Twilight smiled, "Don't worry, my dragon assistant Spike can manage the library, and the other ponies have found others to take care of things while we're gone. Now let's get going!"

___________________

Just a few minutes later they were on pegasus-drawn carriages, soaring towards Canterlot. As the crossed over the city, Dreamcatcher looked down at the multitudes of bustling ponies, completely dumbfounded.

Twilight looked at Melody with a puzzled expression. "He's a little overwhelmed by big cities," Melody explained. "His tribe is pretty small, so seeing this many ponies is a new experience to him. Don't worry, he'll get over it in a sec."

The carriages arced upwards, above the ramparts of the Royal Canterlot Castle. They circled once, then landed in a small stone courtyard, where a dark blue unicorn with glasses and a clipboard waited for them.

As they got off, Dreamcatcher turned to the pegasi, "Thank you for your help in getting us here." One of them grinned at him and replied, "No problem bro." The unicorn bustled them into the castle, where attendants grabbed their saddlebags and took them to the rooms they would be staying in. They were then led down a massive hallway towards the royal throne room. As they entered, a brazen fanfare sounded, and a pony stood up and announced their arrival. Dreamcatcher's eyes were going everywhere. This was a huge change from his little tepee in the plains. The hall itself was easily as large as his whole camp, and everywhere he looked there was impressive gold ornamentation. The vaulted ceiling rose high, and beams of sunlight shot through the windows that made up much of the side walls. Hanging from the ceiling were mulitiple banners, each one depicting a crescent moon inside a radiant sun, the royal emblem of Equestria.

He gazed up at the royal thrones, where the two Rulers of Equestria sat, crowned in light from a magnificent stained-glass window behind them. One sat tall and proud, her white mane seeming to radiate its own light. Her mane and tail were a mass of warm colors that billowed out to the side, as if by a breeze. On her head gleamed a golden crown, and her hooves and chest were adorned with shining regalia. Princess Celestia smiled down at the guests, her expression radiating warmth and light.

Next to her, not as large, but still equally beautiful, sat a deep blue alicorn. Her hair glistened with what Dreamcatcher thought at first were dewdrops, before he realized with a jolt that such wasn't the case. Those lights… those are constellations. His attention focused on the alicorn who must surely be Princess Luna. She sat next to her sister, but her stance was more stiff, as if she were unsure how to act. She wore regalia similar to that worn by her sister, but hers was a deep obsidian color as opposed to Celestia's gold. She was a good bit shorter than her sister, maybe an inch taller than Dreamcatcher himself. She peered at the ponies with aqua-green eyes that seemed to carry a lingering sadness. For a moment she and Catcher's eyes met before she quickly glanced away.

The Princesses stood up, and gracefully approached the group. Dreamcatcher could do nothing but stare as the royal sisters approached, and was only half-aware that everyone around was bowing low. He recovered slowly and bowed as well.

Celestia smiled gently at them, "Rise my little ponies, there's no need for pretense here." She looked at Dreamcatcher with a warm expression. "Young Dreamcatcher, it is a pleasure to finally meet you, and thank you so much for coming all this way to help my dear sister. I understand that you have had quite an ordeal already since beginning your journey. I am deeply sorry that my request has brought you such harm." She glanced at his bandages with a remorseful look on her face. Dreamcatcher was caught off-guard by the concern of the equine monarch.

"I-it's no trouble, your Highness; I'm glad that I can be of service. Forgive me for coming so late." Celestia lowered her head and gently touched her horn to Dreamcatcher's head in a silent benediction.

"After what you've gone through to come here and help my sister, I am deeply in your debt." She said gratefully.

Princess Luna stepped forward. "Allow us to add our thanks as well," she added royally, before visibly catching herself. In a quieter voice she continuedm "I appreciate you coming all this way just to deal with my little problem." As she said that, she smiled, but when Dreamcatcher looked at her, he saw anger flash in her eyes. Princess Luna turned to her sister, "Forgive me sister, but I'm feeling tired. I think I will go and try to sleep again."

Celestia nuzzled her sister. "Of course, Luna. I'll take care of our friends here. You go and get some rest, dear sister." Luna turned away and slowly walked down a side passage as Twilight began talking to her teacher about her studies.

Dreamcatcher interrupted them, "Excuse me, your Highness. Would it be alright if I had a word with Princess Luna alone?" Celestia frowned, but nodded.

"Of course, but why do you wish to do that, my little pony?"

Pinkie Pie spoke up, "Because he wants to know what's making Princess Luna such a grumpy grouchytail! She's being nice on the outside, but on the inside she's all frowny faces!!" All the ponies, including Celestia, stared at her with surprise.

Dreamcatcher nodded absently, still staring after Luna, "Good eye, Pinkie. That mare has her mane in a twist over something. Uh, forgive me speaking so bluntly, Princess."

Celestia smiled, "Believe me Dreamcatcher, I never begrudge a pony for speaking their mind. And it is best that you two get to know each other anyway." Dreamcatcher nodded his thanks and went down the hallway that Luna had passed through. Celestia turned back to the others. "So, my little ponies, what are your opinions on our new friend? Do you think he can help?"

Rainbow Dash exclaimed immediately, "You bet your hooves he can! He's a little weird, but he seems solid to me! Anypony willing to fight for his friends is okay in my book!"

Rarity nodded. "I haven't seen his abilities in action, and he's quite primitive, but he's willing to do what he can to help others. I believe that he will try his hardest."

Applejack hesitated, then spoke: "Ah don't mean to be rude, but ah'm not sure. He's a fine pony, but to be honest ah ain't seen him do anythin' you can't Princess."

Pinkie Pie giggled, "I think he'll be okay. Maybe if he threw Luna a party, she'll feel better. Oooh, or maybe a joke! Jokes always make ya feel better!! Wait, I got one! So, a frog and mouse walk into a stable…"

Fluttershy scuffed her hoof on the floor, "Well, um, I don't know much about dreams, but he was kind enough to help me and Angel Bunny. I-I believe that he'll try his best."

Twilight pondered the question carefully. "In the end, it all comes down to these abilities of his." She said finally. "Not that I don't think he'll try his hardest, but it all depends on how much power his 'talent' really has."

Celestia smiled at them. It was just as she expected. "How fitting that each of you would give an answer befitting your Element of Harmony. For myself, I think he can help. Now," she continued briskly, "how about you all tell me what you have been up to for the last few months. Twilight's messages are so sparse in the details, and your adventures sound so exciting. Why, I'd bet they'd make a great show!" Twilight blushed and stammered an apology as they all left for Celestia's private lounge.

________________

Dreamcatcher didn't have to look very hard to find Princess Luna's chambers. The mare left an aura of troubled energy in a wake that even an earth pony like Dreamcatcher could feel. As he approached her door, he thought over how he should address the princess. What if she's sleeping? Should I really wake her up? Maybe I could leave a note or something. Finally he muttered, "Screw it," and simply knocked on the door. There was no response from the other side. He knocked again and called out, "Princess Luna, its Dreamcatcher. You know, the one Princess Celestia asked to help you? I was wondering if I could talk to you for a second." Still no response. Dreamcatcher's eyes narrowed. No one falls asleep that fast. Especially if they're afraid of recurring nightmares. She's avoiding me. He turned around as if to leave, then abruptly bucked the door loudly with his hind legs.

Finally Luna opened the door, "Such impertinence! Was that necessary!? Do you normally go around kicking other ponies' doors!?"

Dreamcatcher shrugged, then winced. Ouch. "Nope. But then, we don't have doors back in my tribe," he said pointedly.

Luna sighed with frustration, then opened the door wide for him to enter. "Look, I'm sorry if I seem angry, but I'm tired of my sister's 'consultants' telling me how my dreams mean I'm repressing childhood memories, or that I'm suffering hormone imbalances, or that I'm just being too negative. I'm tired of being treated like some fragile doll that'll break if touched!" The princess realized she had raised her voice, and quickly went silent.

Dreamcatcher stepped inside the room, and was quickly struck by its beauty. The room itself was round, with a soft, deep blue carpet and a black domed ceiling that twinkled with stars and swirling nebula. Around the walls were several lamps that let off a dim, comfortable light. Off to one side was a huge bookcase packed with ancient tomes, and a small yet luxurious desk. Next to this desk was a plush seat, angled at the moment towards her bed, which in itself was of a monstrous size. The huge piece had a multitude of pillows that all but covered the soft blue silk sheets. There was a window, but at the moment it was covered by deep purple drapes, which darkened the room so that only the lamps produced any light.

Catcher felt himself becoming drowsy just by the ambiance. He shook himself and eased into the soft seat facing her bed. He was still sore from his fight with the wolf. He responded nonchalantly, "Oh, great, because I'm way too tired to do that." Luna looked at him with surprise as he continued, "I've had to leave my tribe, travel for a week on foot, get mauled by a wolf, and travel several thousand feet in the air on a Pegasus carriage." He grinned at her impishly, "Frankly, at this point, all that sounds just more tiring than I can take. Besides, doesn't all that bowing and scraping get annoying?"

Luna wasn't quite sure how to respond. No other pony had ever spoken to her in such a way. It was like he was speaking to an average pony, not a princess! And she couldn't help but agree with his statement, despite the earth pony's complete lack of respect for royalty. She had thought the same thing many times, but whenever she brought it up with her sister, Celestia had just laughed, "Luna, don't you think I've tried to stop it? No matter what I do, these ponies always end up acting like that! I gave up trying to persuade them long ago. Besides, it seems to make them happy, so what harm could it do?" The princess sighed. She hadn't found that to be a good excuse at all, but her sister was almost always right.

Luna shook herself, realizing that Dreamcatcher was still waiting for a response. She said quietly, "Um, then… How did you intend for us to address each other?"

Catcher shrugged, "Well, can I just call you Luna?" The princess froze for a moment. To hear somepony besides her sister or Twilight say her name with such familiarity was… strange. Very few ponies had ever used just her name, even before her banishment. It was always "your highness" or "Princess Luna". She narrowed her eyes, remembering whom she was talking to.

"You- why are you acting like this? Is this some new therapy Celestia's consultants have made up?" she asked suspiciously.

Dreamcatcher tilted his head, "Stars above, you really don't like them, do you? If they annoy you so much, why not just talk to somebody else about it?"

Luna looked him exasperatingly, "Like who, exactly?"

"Oh gee, I dunno, your sister for one. Or maybe your friends?"

"My sister has enough troubles with running a kingdom, and here in Canterlot I don't..." Luna stopped, the irritation in her face melting into sadness. She turned away from the young Navapony. "I-I do not wish to talk about it, alright? Now if you don't mind, I need to get ready to raise the moon, so if you could please leave..." Dreamcatcher said nothing as he departed. He stood outside her door for a moment, listening her stifle a sob, then quickly made his way to Princess Celestia's lounge. He knew what Luna had been about to say:

I don't have any friends…