The Adventures of Captain Stallion

by Captain_Stallion

Rating: everyone
Tags: Princess Celestia, Crossover, Alternate Universe, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Adventure
Length: 15718

The effort to remain good, after everything is the Challenge .f

Cadfael never saw himself as a hero. In fact he was just a slave of the Diamond Dogs forced to dig for them in their tunnels.
Now fate has called upon him and powers beyond his comprehension have placed the mantle in front of him, and all he has to do is accept it.

Published 2016-05-20 22:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-05-28 05:29:19 UTC

Chapter 4

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

A large orange mare with a golden mane opened the door, and peered out at the two ponies on her porch. “Good evening, what can I do for y’all?”

The Royal guard bowed. “Princess Luna would ask you to give shelter to this colt, we will return as soon as possible!”

The mare stood tall. ”We would be pleased as punch to assist the Princess.”

The Royal Guard bowed. “Thank you.” He then turned and quickly ran back to the others, in the front yard area.

Applejack and Cadfael could see that a flight of Royal Guards had just flown into the area, the empty coach was flown back by a single pony, but the others flew away towards the west.

Cadfael now felt a tapping on his shoulder. The mare Smiled at him, she seemed very friendly. “Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres yong’n, she now lead him into a big room, where several other ponies were gathered. They appeared to be listening to the youngest one reading a story.

Applejack turned to him. “I'm sorry young’n, but I forgot to introduce myself, I'm Applejack, that big guy over there is BigMac, my sister Apple Bloom, and GrannySmith, and your name is?”

The little colt rubbed his head. “I'm Cadfael.”

All at once all eyes were upon him. The orange mare then spoke up. “Why young’n, your the one that saved my Cousin Mountain Rose. Now we can’t have you think’in yourself as a strange because your now family.” She took him by the hoof and lead him to the coach where everypony was. “Why my cousin Dayton was talking about asking the Princess to allow you to stay with them.”

“Thank you Ms Applejack.” Replied Cadfael.

An older mare that had appeared to be asleep was now waking up. “Applejack is this the colt?” Applejack gave her GrannySmith a nod. The old pony looked his way. Then in a kindly voice spoke. “Come here colt, let me see you better.”

The colt stepped to The older mare.

GrannySmith gave him the once over. she even asked if she could see his teeth. Cadfael felt no harm in going along with her request, and so he opened his mouth as wide as he could. After a moment she spoke up again. “Best fix up the guest room for this colt till he has a place to go.”

BigMac got up, but GrannySmith put up her hoof. “Sit yourself down BigMac your needed here right now!” she then turned to the little filly. “Apple Bloom would you do that.”

“Yes, GrannySmith.” And she ran to the stairs and with broom and dustpan and disappeared.

GrannySmith again turned to BigMac and just nodded. BigMac picked up the colt.

Cadfael was thinking this is the biggest Stallion he had ever seen, bigger than even Dayton. His bright green eyes looked him over, and without a word. The stallion now nodded to the old mare, and the colt was passed to Applejack. she like BigMac held him in front of her and looked him over, then put him down. “I reckon he's a mite skinny, but nothing sitting at our table wouldn't cure.”

The old mare now spoke again. “Then it's settled, I'll begin a letter as soon as I make sure this colt get some more food in him.” The older mare got up and left the room.

Cadfael was a little overwhelmed, the big stallion put his hove on Cadfael's head, and roughed what little hair he had. Applejack was looking at his scar, she winced in pain a little from the size and location,

“Colt was that the wound you got from the night before?”

“Yes ma’am, I don't know why but it's healed now.”

Apple Bloom came back. “The room is all clean, and I opened the window to air it out.”

Cadfael offered his hove to Apple Bloom. “Thank you very much.”

“No problem.” she took her seat by Applejack again and waited for GrannySmith to come back.

A few minutes later GrannySmith appeared at the doorway. She was carrying something in her hooves, a large slice of Apple Pie and a glass of milk for their guest. With a smile, she placed it in front of him.

It took him only a few moments to eat the pie. they all looked at him, and then BigMac started chuckling. “He eats like an Apple.”

They all laughed, Cadfael wouldn't get the joke for a day or two, but he didn't mind, this was a great family.

A tub of warm water was made and Cadfael got to take a bath. He washed, and afterward, GrannySmith dried him off. He had become quite tired after the busy day.

Apple Bloom walked him to his room. “Remember this is your room as long as you with us.”

“I really like you ponies, your such a wonderful family. I'm not sure if.” he paused a moment and thought about what he was going to say, but Apple Bloom spoke up.

“My GrannySmith has decided you're a member of this Family when you were passed between my brother and sister they looked for any reason not to have you as a member, and also you would know the members of the family, and they didn't have any. So as far as I'm concerned you're my new cousin.”

She turned to walk away but turned back towards Cadfael again. “I'm sure my friend Sweetie Belle has plans for you.” pausing a moment, she rolled her eyes. “She can be a little nutty, plus her sister Rarity may have given her ideas about the whole hero thing.”

Cadfael just rolled his eyes once again. “But I'm not a hero, I'm me.”

Apple bloom just shrugged her shoulders. “Well just expect her to be hanging around a lot for the next few days.”

Somepony else to play with. “OK.” He paused a moment and then he said it. “Good night cousin.”

Her smile just beamed at him. “Night cousin.” Replied Apple Bloom, and she turned and walked down the hall, she spoke out loud. “That colt should work out just fine.”

Cadfael went into his room and looked about. He had a bed, a dresser and a desk with the lamp on it. There were a few boxes in the corner, but that didn't matter. He climbed the top of his bed and then into it. He laid back and looked out the little window. He spoke out even though there was no pony there to hear. “This is the best place in the whole world!”

Cadfael laid awake well after the lamp in the room, and the house lights were put out. The farm was very quiet. And as tired as he was could not sleep. He got up and looked out the window. The moon was high, and the bright full moonlight washed over the farm and trees.

But something was bothering him, and it was something he could not put his hoof on. He needed to think, and so he went outside and stood in the moonlight. Then he heard the old pony talking to him again, and he remembered the word to call the thunder and it will answer, and obey you.

He moved a distance away from the farmhouse. The colt was glad no pony was around. “I hope what I saw was true” He lowered his head took a deep breath, and then throwing it back he shouted the ancient word for lightning that had been given to him. “SHAZAM!”

A flash of lightning in the dark, and now in Cadfael's place stood a full-grown stallion. He looked himself over, and he noticed that he still bore the same scar as in his colt form.

He looked about and saw a white piece of cloth drying on the line. He told himself he would return it later, and took it and then tied it around his neck and draped it slightly over one shoulder as to cover his scar “That is the best I can do for now.”

He saw himself in the reflection of the farmhouse window, and his eyes grew big. “Wow, I'm almost as huge as BigMac.” He saw his mane was back as well, and he gave his head a shake.”

He looked to the west. “I wonder.” He thought, and he began to run maybe Luna and Guards were not too far ahead. He could still be some help to the Princess.

As he broke into a gallop, he saw the view around him as a blur, and he could no longer see the farm behind him. “Wow, I'm fast.” he began to run even faster. All at once he saw he was about to run into a fallen tree ahead, and he leaped to avoid it. It only took him a moment to realize that he could now see the canopy of the Everfree forest below him! “Wow I'm Strong.” then his focus changed, now noticing he was hovering. Now shouting. “I'm flying.” And with that, he began to go in the direction of the princess had taken.

Cadfael was exuberant. “This is fantastic, I'm strong, fast, and I can fly without wings, and all I had to say was SHAZAM!”

Cadfael now found himself tumbling towards the ground and it was coming up fast, he closed his eyes, and at the very last moment just above the forest canopy, he yelled again.

The lightning again lit the night sky...

Cadfael just hovered for a moment. “Wow, that was close, better be more careful with my choice of words.” He now looking around, he figures out his bearings and speeds towards the direction the Princess took earlier and he was off once again.

Luna raised her head high and yelling at her opponent. “More royal guards are on their way here at this moment, you best give up now.”

Suddenly a huge bolt of energy is stopped by Luna's shield spell.

Luna turns to one of the wounded Royal Guards beside her. “Corporal are you alright?”

The Pegasus answered her. “I'm hurt, but not out of the fight yet your Highness.”

Several more of energy struck Luna's shield, and for the first time, her enemy came into view.

Luna had seen the Queen of the Diamond dogs before. Although Grizelda was no less repulsive than before. She was many times larger in size than even the largest diamond dog, and better than several times her height she towered over the rest of the field.

Griselda entered the area being drawn on a flat cart pulled by more than a dozen ponies under the whips of her attendants.

She now looked over the battlefield and glared at Luna and her troops. Luna sent a blast at Griselda, but it failed to get past her shield spell.

The Diamond dog queen now barked for her generals to approach her.

“Generals, I shall keep this pony busy.” She glared at her own troops and spoke coarsely towards them. “The rest of you Kure's flank and take out her guards, now go.”

They quickly advanced upon Luna's position. But as they prepared to charge something fell from the sky and landed hard between the two groups, the earth shook, and a large cloud of dust was raised, and a dark pony stepped out of the crater.

The dogs were impressed by the Earth Pony's size, but he was still only one Earth pony. Cadfael had hoped he could stop this by showing his strength and presents. “OK, it’s time for you to leave before there’s trouble.”

The Diamond dogs looked for a second, and then let out a round of laughter at Cadfael. This got Cadfael more than a little upset, but they didn't care they were going to deal with him first.

Cadfael shook his hoof at them. “I'm giving you one last warning, you better.” He didn't get a chance to finish before they took action.

The Diamond dogs held their ground, and let lose a volley of spears at the dark Earth pony.

Cadfael held his ground, and even though he knew he was safe, he winced just a little. The spears just bounced off of him off his body.

The Diamond dogs were dumbfounded and just stared at this, an earth pony, with some sort of magic to protect him.

But any quick victory for the Captain was cut short. All at once a beam of energy lanced out at Captain Stallion sending him flying backward beyond even Luna's position.

The blast had come from Griselda, and the smile on her face was from dealing with another pony problem. Her dogs barked and cheered on her apparent victory.

But a voice out of nowhere filled the air above the combat area. “You were warned.”

Both Dogs and ponies turned their eyes skyward. The dark Earth pony was still alive, and now hovering above the Diamond dogs.

Cadfael now dropped into the middle of the mass of Diamond dogs and used his speed to herd them to the center and pile the dirt around them, packing till it was rock hard trapping them at least for the moment.

Now in a harsh voice, the Captain told the dogs. “Stay, and don't move.” A hush fell over them.

Luna and her guards were dealing with the dogs now herded up, and the Cadfael now walked up to Griselda and just glared at her. She now appeared to be shaking and hiding her face.

Griselda threw down her staff and used both paws to hide her face. “Please don't hurt us!”

Cadfael walked up to Griselda only inches from her face. “Wait here, and do not move.” He then picked up the staff and turned to walk back to Luna.

Luna's guard was ready to defend their Princess if need be. But Cadfael just walked pass them and placed the staff at Luna's hooves. He then bowed. “I’m called Captain Stallion.” He then rose and walked back to Griselda.

Now in a harsh tone, he addressed her. “You'll look at me when I talk to you.”

Griselda uncovered her face and looked at the dark Earth pony.

“Before you are allowed to leave, my Princess Luna will dictate her terms.”

Luna bore an angry face, not just from the Diamond dogs, but was upset at this upstart. She had not asked the stallion to herald for her, but he had set the stage. She walked passed him, and again he bowed, she would have been lying if she said she was not a little afraid of this Captain Stallion.

Luna now cleared her throat. “Griselda you shall make good on all damages and injuries that require reparation, a sum will be tallied and demand of monies expected.” She paused for a moment. “Is this understood?”

Griselda only nodded her head.

A group of guards released the ponies that had been harnessed to Griselda’s cart.

The Captain then saw something else close by. Several ponies had been tossed in a wagon with iron bars. The Captain took the lock in his mouth and twisting it off. he was soon met with a flood of hugs and thanks.

Luna now examined Griselda’s staff the ancient dragon bone was encrusted with Alexandrite. It was a very powerful artifact, far to powerful to be left with the Diamond dogs.

Cadfael wanted to make a good impression on the Princess. He now approached again and bowed low to her, and spoke. “It has been an honor to serve you, Princess of the night.”

Luna then stomped her hove, causing the ground to shake. “We did not need your assistance, we were in control of this matter, and you will now answer my questions” and she stared right in his eyes. “What is your name!”

Cadfael quickly stepped back. “I am Captain Stallion, my Princess.” He had angrier her, he wanted to speak, to ask why, but fear overtook him, and he launched off into the night. His speed was such that even Luna could not think of catching him.

Luna's guards were aware that she felt she had lost face in front of her soldiers. Although they were just happy that injuries were few and could be dealt with easily.

High over the Everfree forest, Cadfael hovered. He was now more worried than ever, he had angered the Princess. She could send out troops to find him, and what would happen to the Apple Family. Now thinking out loud. “I can't take any more risks, I have to think this out.”

He turned towards the farm and landed half a mile from the farm, and he then became Cadfael again. It was then he noticed the sheet he had taken was ruined. He took it and laid it on the table outside of the house and went back in the house.

He closed the door, and that's when he heard a deep voice.

“Couldn't sleep either I take it.”

Cadfael turned around and looked at the stallion, and answered. “No sir, I went for a walk.”

BigMac stood up and continued to talk to Cadfael. “There are a lot of beasts out there that would like a young colt as a midnight snack. and so if you want to go out again, stay in the yard close to the house.”

Cadfael nodded his head. “Yes sir, sorry.”

The big stallion now smiled at him. “That’s OK, hey let's have a slice of pie and some milk that always makes me tired.” The big red pony walked into the kitchen and lit the lamp and opened the pie safe.

“Thank you, sir,” Cadfael replied.

The big stallion continued to walk into the kitchen, but he turned his head to look at Cadfael. “And that sir business has to stop, I'm BigMac.” Now cutting a wide slice of pie and now do the same for Himself. “You can call me cousin BigMac, or just cousin if you like.”

After pie, it was easier to settle down and fall asleep.

Applejack and GrannySmith had seen he was not in his bed earlier, but BigMac had found him and told them. “He was OK, just a little bit nervous about the new place.”

Applejack and GrannySmith went to check on him and watched him sleep.

GrannySmith turned to granddaughter. “That little colt is going to make a fine Apple if he’s given a chance.”

Applejack smiled. “We passed him from one family member to the other, and now it's up to him if he wants to stay.” They both began to go back to bed, but Applejack turned around one last time and commented out loud. “And if he’ll be allowed to stay is now the question.”

They closed the door, and Cadfael began to snore.

The sun-filled the room, Cadfael had kicked most of the covers off of him and was still snoring.

Apple Bloom knocked on the door And then cracked the door open so he could hear her. “Cousin, are you gonna sleep the day away?” She now had to laugh a little, the colt was no doubt tire, and would be recovering for a while.

Cadfael sat up with one eye open. “I'm up, I'm up.”

Apple blooms voice was much nicer than having a Diamond dog bark in your ear.

she smiled, the idea of a new cousin was very appealing. “Are you gonna want breakfast?”

Cadfael was trying to climb out of bed and found his hove caught in the blanket. She had to laugh as she heard a heavy thud. Not knowing the heavy thud was caused as he hit the floor face first.

Apple Bloom knocked again. “Are you OK!”

Now washing his face in the basin. “Yes, I'll be right there.”

The whole family sat at the table in the kitchen waiting for their food. Apple Bloom and Cadfael started a conversation, and shortly they were laughing back and forth.

Applejack came to the table with a plate of something that smelled great. “We got wheat cakes this morning, so how many you want Little fella?”

Cadfael didn't know what would be polite, and he didn't want to waste any that would look bad as well.

BigMac spoke up for him. “Better give him four to start with.” BigMac now spoke to Cadfael. “If you want more there will more in the oven.”

Applejack was a little stunned. With yesterday and this morning, this was weeks worth of conversation from BigMac. But she just smiled and put four wheat cakes on Cadfael’s plate.

He looked up after breathing in the smell. “Thank you, they smell wonderful.”

Applejack smiled back at him. “We’ll thank you kindly young' un.” “She began to walk away from the table. But turned back around towards him. “Best eat up, we won't be back for a while, lots of work to do on a farm you know.”

Then Cadfael's mouth was full of Wheat cakes and Blackberry jam. But he spoke up. “May I please help Ms. Applejack, since I'm family now.”

Applejack looked back at the little pony, he was mostly skin and bones, but she knew he wanted to do something. “Well your family, you best call me Applejack. and you feel up to it, sure we would be glad to have your help!”

Cadfael smiled. “I promise to do my best.”

And the family headed into the field for the days' chores.

Cadfael turned to Applejack. “I messed up the sheet that was outside, I'll pay for it somehow.”

Applejack just chuckled. “Young’ un that's the dog's blanket, but thank you for being honest about that.” She now roughed up his short mane.

Luna was in a foul mood. She lowered the moon earlier. She had made sure her guards under her command from last night's mission, had been gone to the hospital. She now wanted to sleep and put last night behind her. She simply drew her blinds and turned down her bed, climbed in and started her daily rest...

All of a sudden her eyes went wide. She hit the ground in a run, and she re-donned her crown and armor She galloped up the hallway she knocking several senior officers against a wall in her rush, and several other barely escaping being tramped. finally, she found herself outside the royal barracks.

She pushed the large doors open, and in her Cantrelot voice, she called for the two Pegasus that had helped her the day before. “Cloud Pounced and Mountain Star, get your kits, we're out of here in five.” The two Royal guards she had called, had only just gotten to bed.

A figure walked up behind Luna. “Sister, let them rest, we need to talk!”

Both sisters now were seated in a private chamber having breakfast.

Celestia looked at her sister. “Do not worry, I have sent a message to Twilight that you were busy, and she has informed the Apples their guest would be there longer than expected.”

Luna seemed still worried. And she spoke in a tone Celestia has not heard in over a thousand years. “I do not want to abandon Young Cadfael.”

Celestia raised her hoof. “Nor I, but our concerns should be directed to the matters of last night.” She sipped her tea, the spoke again. “The Diamond dogs were caught, but the stallion that assisted you.”

Luna just shook her head. “I can not explain to him, he arrived and without permission assisted myself and my guard.” She took a bite of her cinnamon roll followed by a drink of tea. “Then after dealing with the Diamond Dogs, he then surrendered Griselda’s staff, bowed and retreated.” She now placed a bag on the table, which Celestia poured out upon the table.

It was a twisted steel lock. “If you look close sister you will see teeth marks.”

Celestia dabbed her lips. “Did you note a Cutey mark?”

“Yes, a lightning bolt.”

Celestia now commented again. “Not uncommon among Pegasus,” Celestia added while taking another drink her tea.

Luna again commented. “That was another point, it was not a Pegasus, they were an earth pony, I'm sure of it.”

Celestia put down her tea. “A Unicorn, could do a flight spell, but an Earth pony?”

Celestia paused and asked another question. “What was his appearance sister?”

Luna looked at her sister. “He looked like my...” she paused a moment and reworded her statement. “He looked like a Western Pony, dark of body and socks, and white of face and neck, much like Einion!”

Celestia put her tea down, and her eyes went wide. “That was a name I never expected to hear again.”

She looked at her sister Luna

“In my eyes, he appears to be safe, and means nether Equestria, or ourselves any harm, but we should request his presence and for safety, both of us should be there.”

“I am in agreement sister, but now that we know the Diamond dogs took prisoners, we need to see that we have found them all.”

Cadfael had been at Sweet Apple Acres for almost two weeks, and he was still thin, but With Applejack and GrannySmith he was showing improvement.

Applejack joked with the others at the breakfast table, she commented. “The way Cadfael eats Biscuits and Zap Apple jam he has to be an Apple.”

Cadfael only responded giving a wide smile that was all rainbows and causing everypony at the table to laugh.

Applejack appeared in a good mood, and she talked to BigMac about the farm. “Well, the chores are ahead of schedule.” She showed a list of chores to BigMac and the others. “Were ahead of schedule with almost everything save the pumpkin patch.”

BigMac responded to his sister with his usual. “Yup!”

Now Cadfael and BigMac were getting close. The two Would often without talking, could hold a conversation.

After three weeks of hard work, the farm was in full swing.

Cadfael took a big spoon of porridge in his mouth and enjoyed the honey that had been poured over it, but looking at BigMac started the things. “BigMac, can I help with the plowing.”

BigMac chewed his food and nodded. “Sure, it's not a really big job.”

Cadfael spread some zap apple jam on a biscuit and took a big bite. “Then I could do it?”

BigMac took a drink of his coffee. “Plowing is hard work, you sure your up to it?”

Cadfael placed the other half of the biscuit in his mouth. “Yes, cousin.”

BigMac taking another drink of his coffee paused a moment before taking a fried Apple in his mouth. “OK, you can use my old harness.”

Cadfael chewing his food, and his eyes went wide. “Thank you BigMac.”

BigMac placed his coffee cup down and sat there for a moment. “Then let's get busy.”

Both ponies got up from the table and headed out the door...

GrannySmith now came over to the table clearing away dirty dishes. She gave her head a little shake. “I thought those two would never stop yakking!”

Poor Applejack and Apple Bloom just looked at each other with a puzzled expression...

BigMac and Cadfael had to work with the old harness. BigMac got it to fit Cadfael, and Cadfael was all set, he started. BigMac watched from the side before he got busy with other chores.

Cadfael found out it was not so easy as it looked it was a lot harder. He kept pulling and working at it, his first row or two were a little off, but Cadfael figured out what he was doing, and he kept chugging along, till lunch. BigMac had just finished some other chores, but he had to come back now to see how Cadfael was doing.

GrannySmith joined her grand colt at the fence to see how Cadfael was doing. “He’s almost done, maybe an hour, or two.”

BigMac measured his progress. “Yep!”

Now GrannySmith started looking a little cross towards BigMac. She spoke up, and her tone carried a note of displeasure. “He looks like he could use some water.”

BigMac just responded. “Yep!” A moment later he realized what she was talking about. Then looking over at GrannySmith he saw she was a bit upset for him not paying more attention to the little colt. BigMac picked up the bucket and walked out to Cadfael.

BigMac walked towards the colt, he saw him coughing, but it lasted only a few seconds. BigMac put the bucket down for Cadfael to drink his fill, and afterward, he poured a good amount over his head to cool him down. “You want me to finish up out here?”

Cadfael seemed to catch his second wind. Cadfael replied. “Nope. I'll finish what I started.”

In just about an hour later Cadfael finished the plowing. BigMac helped him out of the harness. He complimented the job Cadfael did. “A good job, with still sunshine to spare!”

GrannySmith came out and rang the large triangle. “Stallions wash up, it's dinner time.”

BigMac nodded at the colt and gave Cadfael a wink. “That's us!”

BigMac and Cadfael washed up in a bucket with a block of bar soap, and cold water, then dried off, and they began to head inside.

GrannySmith spied Cadfael's neck. She made the. Lot stop while she checked it out. “Oh you poor dear, your all chaffed!” She now gave BigMac a glare.

Cadfael was quick to BigMac’s defense. “I asked to do it, and I wanted to finish the job, so it's really my fault.”

GrannySmith patted the colts back. “If you say so, now everypony gets up to the table, we're having something special tonight.”

Granny left for the kitchen and a few minutes later comes back with a warm pie.

“A Zap Apple pie for Cad!”

But as she arrived at the table everypony was smiling and looking towards Cadfael. He had fallen asleep with his fork in his hove.

The burden of work eases up as the crops were in and bucking Apples was not a chore, as much it was a game. Both him and Apple Bloom played most of the time, but they did do chores, and finally, a letter from the Princess came for The Apples, Cadfael would be picked up on the 7th of May.

Over the last weeks, Cadfael had gotten to know both Dayton and Thimble. Both ponies wanted the colt to come to stay with them as their son. Although the Princess said she would be coming for Cadfael. In truth he had hoped she would forget him, he had begun to spend more time with Dayton and Thimble than with BigMac, and BigMac started visiting Cadfael almost every day.

In less than two months Cadfael had filled out a bit, he was much stronger than when he first got to the farm. Most of the local farm ponies knew Cadfael, and he had lots of friends. When he had spare time he hung out with cutey mark crusaders, mostly for laughs as they were always trying something crazy.

Sweetie Belle had renamed him Caddi because Cadfael was just to strange a name to be real.

The CMC had a new goal as well. they were trying to find out the Identity of Captain Stallion. One quiet afternoon when they were just sitting around clueless. When out of the blue Cadfael told them the truth. “Guys if you want the truth, I'm Captain Stallion!”

All eyes fell on him and for a moment everything was still. He was met with silence, but a moment later laughter broke out among all three fillies.

“That’s what I love about Cadfael, he has a great sense of humor.” laughed Apple Bloom then wiping away a tear with her hove.

But finally came the last day at Sweet Apple Acres for Cadfael.

Apple Bloom came to his room, and she knocked on the door. The door swung open freely, and she just peeked inside and found Caddi sitting on his bed. Cadfael appeared very dejected he had his bag packed right beside him. His mane had grown back some it was neatly brushed for the moment, but she knew it wouldn't last.

Caddi looked like he had lost his best friend.

Apple Bloom didn't know if he had heard her before. So she knocked again. “Hey Caddi, I hope you come back real soon for a visit.” She gave him a hug and moved back to the door. “I have to meet the fillies, just take care.”

She walked down the stairs and wiped a few tears away, and thinking to herself. “Why can't they just leave Caddi here, we’re nice ponies.”

Cadfael got up and picked up his suitcase. He now stepped out of the doorway to his room and closed the door behind himself, and then slowly walked down the hallway to the kitchen.

There Applejack, GrannySmith, and BigMac were sitting and talking. As he entered the room, they all became quiet. Big Mac saw Cadfael first, and he stood up and blocked Cadfael's way, and in one scoop he grabbed Cadfael up in a big hug.

Cadfael returned the hug. “I'm going to miss you too BigMac.”

BigMac now placed him back on the ground he then turned and walked out the doorway that faced the yard. The kitchen which was normally abuzz with activity was now again quiet.

Applejack followed BigMac and hugged Cadfael. She reached behind him and tied a bright orange neckerchief on to him. “Sorry I don't have any monies to send with you, but Apple Bloom and I made this for you.” She caught herself beginning to cry. “You be good, I have to get to work, bye Cadfael.”

She walked out the door, as he has seen her do for several weeks, but it felt like it was the last time he would ever see her. she was more like a big sister to him than a cousin.

“Yes, ma’am.” But she was already out the door.

With everypony off working, or go to school. Cadfael just sat at the big table alone, GrannySmith was still canning Zap Apples. She told him the history of the Apple family. How she and her parents had been some of the first settler ponies in this area.

A stack of wheat cakes all hot and ready had been cooling on a plate in front of Cadfael, and normally he would have just picked up his fork and started eating, but he saw this as his last meal at the farm, and he began to cry...

GrannySmith stopped doing what she was doing, and came over to Cadfael and put her forelegs around him in an effort to comfort him.

“Cad, don't cry child, just come back when you can, your always welcome.”

Cadfael felt a lot better and managed to eat most of his breakfast. Afterward went to stand by GrannySmith, and he leaned on her a little just enough to know she was there.

Granny looked out the window. “Cad, their here to pick you up.”

Cadfael turned to leave when GrannySmith placed something in his back, he looked to see a new set of saddlebags.

“Everypony helped make them, even BigMac, and we wouldn't let you leave without making sure they were full.” GrannySmith opened the flap and showed him the were full of jams and pies.

“Thank you GrannySmith!”

Cadfael walked outside and climbed aboard the coach. The lead Pegasus adjusted the colts harness making sure he was securely buckled up. Once done with that they turned the coach into the wind and soon were leaving the ground, he turned and waved goodbye to the farm as they climbed high into the clouds.

Author's Note

I'm still looking for someone to proof read, and edit my stories, I promised payment before the work, and nothing so far.

But I'm not giving up...

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Celestia had left the small chamber to the balcony in an attempt to escape from her sisters Luna's rant,
but it only lasted for a moment. She took a deep breath and while she enjoyed the cool evening air the Winter weather was not completely at an end, despite the fact some of the smaller Earth pony villages had just finished celebrating the winter wrap up, but a sudden gust of a chilly winter wind caused her to turn around and go back inside where stood Luna with a very cross expression, and waiting to finish her rant.

Luna continued scowling, and she began her rant anew. “Sister it is very important that we take action!” Soon Luna's tone caused Celestia to wish she had stayed outside even with the winter wind still keeping most ponies still inside.

Luna had gotten impatient waiting for the military to take any decisive action on the Diamond Dogs. She had gone over a need to conscript for more Royal Guards to keep their army large enough to keep Equestrian borders protected. Although the army of Equestria has only conscripted during times of war or in the face of a disaster.

Now without looking directly at her Celestia spoke to Luna. “Sister I know your intentions are good, but we can not take the actions you desire without evidence. It could bring hostilities to both our countries.”

Luna turned, and she now was faced the doors of the chamber. “We’ll talk about this later, I wish to do something about it.”

The Unicorn Royal Guard bowed and opened the chamber door for Luna, and once she had stepped out of the chamber he closed it right behind her.

She had only taken a few steps down the hallway when a Pegasus Captain of her personal guard stepped forward. “Your highness, I have assembled a score of your best personal guards. We just await your command.”

Luna knew these few guards were her best soldiers, and loyal without question. She then turned and spoke instructions to her Captain. “Rally at platform eight.” Platform Eight was normally used to move cargo and the mail to and from other locations.

She went to her chambers and donned a helmet and a coat of light armor. The trappings may have hid her cutie mark, but not her identity by any means. She was determined to find the cause of the missing ponies. These were her ponies, the citizens of Equestria, and she would find some answers.

She teleported to the landing pad and waited for her personal guards to arrive. She didn't have to wait long they were exactly on time, all in light armor. She saw their eyes burn with a desire to prove themselves in her sight.

Luna nodded towards them and then spoke. “Come, I shall take the lead, and we’ll fly until we reach a small village of.” Luna stopped and looked to the Captain.

The Captain without checking the map knew exactly where she was heading, “Sunnydale. It's a small quiet area close by the area you wish to inspect, Your Highness.”

She nodded to her personal guards. “Good, let us go.” she leaped into the air, and the guards followed in pairs their eyes open because they didn't want to meet another patrol. This expedition had not been approved by Celestia, and all involved could be in serious trouble should they be found out.

Princess Celestia watched her sister leave the platform with her personal guards following. She knew that she should have called them back, and reprimanded them all. Although she was worried as well. The Diamond Dogs had said they had looked for the missing ponies, but they had not allowed her or her military to search the area with them.

She was sure of one thing her sister would find the truth, and if they were prisoners, then she would bring war upon a weak enemy at best. Still, many ponies could be in danger.

Something was just outside her chamber window, and for less than a second, it just touched her field of vision. Celestia teleported across the room in a blink of an eye. now looking about the chamber's balcony. She had even readied a spell, but if anypony had been there it was now gone.

Princess Celestia turned her attention to the guard by the door, who now seemed to be now on edge. Celestia's voice was calm/ “Would you come here please.”

He approached and bowed. “How may I serve my Princess?”

The Princess looked at him. He was young and untested in actual war, and he had only been on the castle guard for a short time, but this duty was not given to the lazy or foalish.

Something seemed familiar about the guard, but she could not see his cutey mark as it was covered by armor.

The Princess’s secretary made a note as fast as she could. “Please have the guards travel in pairs tonight!”

The guard responded to her order. “At once, Your Highness!” And with another short bow, he was gone from the room. She was more worried about their safety than her own.

Celestia could hear her personal royal guard now calling the Sergeant of the Guard to make her request known. She was sorry if some poor soldiers were going to do without sleep, but better to be safe than sorry.

Once again Celestia stepped out on the balcony. She looked about, but quickly came back in and closed the doors behind her. the Princess then noticed her secretary yawning.

“Oh, I'm sorry your highness.” and bowing out of respect to the Princess.

“It's all right Ms. Scribbles. You have been with me since before the sunrise.” She now looked out the window. “And here it is right after Sunset.”

Now turning to her personal guard once again. “Please, escort Ms. Scribbles to her chambers.” she placed the pad and quill on the table. ”Tomorrow, we’ll look into getting another two mares to assist you, but for now get some rest.”

Scribbles bowed and then left with the royal guard.

Celestia now retired. If her sister and her personal guards saw anything she would know of it. Right now she needed to rest.

A figure looked into the chamber from the balcony. They wore a smile upon their face and appeared to be happy to see the Princess. It had been several hundred years since he had last talked to her. But he had to take this matter unto himself.

He now thought back to how she had lost faith in him, and only her kind heart kept had kept him around at all. Although he knew he would not only be serving her all Equestria. But after only a few hundred years she had taken others to her Council, and the old pony was treated like an old and senile uncle. For her sake, he had never lost faith in her, but he knew that the only real hope for Equestria was the pure heart.

The figure flew high into the night sky, the spell on him keeping him hidden from the Pegasus that flew patrols at night, and with a little luck that would include Luna's personal guard as well.

For over a thousand years he had searched for the Pure Heart, but the signs had not been made clear until recently. The return of Luna to the castle and the two sisters ruling one land was the last sign. This old pony had lived well beyond a thousand years, just wondering who the pure heart would be, a unicorn mage, or a bold warrior Pegasus, or maybe even a stout Earth pony. Right now it was a mystery even to him. Although before the night was over he would know.

The old pony alighted upon a tall rock and scratched several runes into the rock, and waited for the magic to find whom they were looking for. The wind picked up to more than a slight breeze and the gentle sounds of little bells and his flapping cloak he wore on his cloak filled the night around the rock.

The magic did as the old pony commanded. It wormed and snaked into the earth, searching deeper and deeper. The magic reached into the earth, around rock and gem, searching.

At last, the magic found what it was told to search out. The old pony then again took to the air, flying over hills and mountains, over fields and farms. Finally coming to a large pile of earth, after examining the dirt he knew this is the key to gather the information he needed. The old pony drove his staff into the piled dirt. He cast a spell that began to look into the hill and seeing whom maybe there...

Deeper and deeper the vision looked into the mountain, and finally, he came upon the subject of his long hunt: a small dark brown pony with a bald face. The cloaked figure chuckled the fates can, and most of the time they will play tricks on those who follow the signs.

At first, the old pony thought he had made a mistake, but it was true, this was the Pure Heart, and for awhile the cloaked pony watched, but now something blurred the magic slightly. His attention was now drawn down the outside of the huge earthen pile, he looked down, and he could see shadowy figures fighting.

Princess Luna, a Princess of war, and action. Yet of dreams and soft evening breezes. The older pony had always been fond of her in his youth. Thinking to himself. “Those days were long behind me.” He watched now as scores of Diamond Dogs poured out of the hills and caves surrounding them. He couldn't help, he had more important things to attend to.

The small pony the Mage had seen earlier crawled through a tight tunnel. He had used it to his best advantage for several months. At least he thought he remembered it being at least months, if not years he had been in these caves. He had seen the surface, but that was to dump earth and stones dugout by the ponies the dogs kept him and other ponies as slave labor. Although he had even gone outside without being seen, only if he had left, the dogs would do the worst things imaginable to them, so to keep the others safe he always came back, but he used tunnels and cracks to raid the kitchen, and the garbage for extra food, because most the Dogs like to keep the ponies hungry, more out of cruelty than anything else.

The little pony moved through the tunnels his bag snagged on a rock. It had almost ripped open, and after some effort, he was able to get it unhooked and start moving again. This had cost him time, and it was not long before they were going to have to start digging. He had found it always easier to dig with something in his belly, and finally, after his long trip the small pony climbed out of the tight exit, and then reached back inside and pulled the sack out after him.

Using his hoof to knock some of the dirt off. he gently called to the other pony prisoners that had been resting in the dark. “Hey wake up, I've got some food.” The other ponies stirred, and he poured out what looked like more a collection of trash or garbage, but it was met with hungry eyes and drooling mouths. Now, of course, some of the others were naturally greedy, and in truth, no one would have blamed them, but the pony that had brought the sack made sure everypony got a fair share. And presently he was trying right now to take care of a small unicorn filly that had come to them a few weeks ago. The filly was really too young and far too small to be useful for digging. And accidents seem to happen and so now she was hurt he had gotten the dogs to bandage her legs and to ensure her safety he kept her with him, and now she was the first to be fed.

A ginger pony whose mouth was full of food asked the dark pony that had brought the food a question. “Hey, Cadfael you got lost tonight?”

Cadfael looked back after making sure Mountain Rose the little unicorn filly was able to eat the slop he had found. “Don’t know why, I grabbed the pail, and the scraps from the tables and got back as soon as I could,” he turned for a moment and grabbed a piece of dry bread. “But it felt like some-pony was watching me.”

Another pony suggested they should rest a little longer until the dogs came for them,

Ginger agreed. “Sounds good if they're busy, we could rest another couple of hours before they come.”

Cadfael laid down on an old dirty blanket to rest a little longer and Mountain Rose. came over to Cadfael and getting as close as she could, using him as a pillow. It was only a moment later he could hear her crying. Cadfael patted her head. “Stay calm Rosy.”

Cadfael and Mountain Rose seldom talked to the other ponies, normally just each other. She finally got a few words out between sobs. “I miss my Mama and Daddy.”

Cadfael had not stopped patting her head. “I know Rosy,” replied Cadfael, now nuzzling her a little. “I miss mine too; though I can't remember their faces.”

Mountain Rose looked at Cadfael, her eyes still wet with tears. “I'm sorry Caddi.” And she gave him a small hug.

Cadfael gave her a little smile, “I remember my Mama, she was a unicorn like yourself, only white, and her mane was almost silver, and her eyes were light brown, almost a gold.” He lowered his head and softly spoke. “She just disappeared one night.”

Cadfael saw that Mountain Rose had fallen asleep. It seemed to be an uneasy sleep. He was worried about her legs they were not getting better and if she couldn't dig she would be taken away, and no way he was going to let that happen. He would hide her and blame it on another group of dogs.

So most of the other ponies made a small pile and rested as long as they could many of them coughed in their sleep the dust often took its toll quicker than the dogs' acts of cruelty.

The cloaked figure was sickened by the conditions of the young ponies, and now looking at Cadfael as he rested, “Yes, this is the pure heart.” but he knew the first of several tests were coming, and he let a thought wander down to the dark pony through the tunnels and passages of the hill, and finally found the dark pony.

The message was clear and simple, but he would have to act on his own. “It's time to leave if you want to save this filly!”

Cadfael sat up. He had heard a voice telling him to move now that the chance they had waited for to escape was here. If he did not take it now he would live out his short life in these caves, and so would the others...

Cadfael now stood up and looked about again, and a spark of courage came to him. “Guys wake up, I think this is the time, if we move now we can get out, I'm sure I can get us out.”

The ginger pony Nutmeg raised his head, a look of fear was in his eyes. “Cad do you know what they will do if they catch us.”

Cadfael looked back. “I do, but I can see no future if we stay here.”

Mountain Rose now stood as best she could, and hobbled over to Cadfael.
“You won't leave me behind will you?” Her eyes held a look of fear they may have to leave her behind to escape.

Cadfael nuzzled her face. “No, I want us all to leave.”

As they got ready, Cadfael saw that little Rosy was only going to get out if she was carried. Cadfael turning now to tell Nutmeg. “Help me get Rosy on my back, I'll carry her out.”

The ponies formed a line with Cadfael in the lead, and Nutmeg at the rear. There were ten young ponies in all. He had tied the work rope to each of them but left it loose enough that they pull away if need be. They headed up in the dark as quickly as they could. Fortunately, luck was on their side the only two dogs they encountered thought they were a work party, and they were to busy to bother with them.

As the ponies finally reached the surface. The dusty air of the tunnel disperse, and they could breathe. Cadfael had them drop the rope, its usefulness was over. Nutmeg spit at the rope as it fell to the ground.

The figure on the hill watched as Luna and her personal guard fought a battle that most would have thought a foal’s task, but they held their own. The cloaked figure thought to himself as the ponies fought the dogs. “If this was the old 13th brigade they would have won this battle, and been drinking cider at their base by now.”

The cloaked figure now used his magic to cover the colt’s escape until the Pure Heart passed this test, at last, he saw the little ponies come out of the cave, and now thinking to himself. “Now to get him away from the others. They are not important to what needs to be done.” But before he could advance towards him, the others had taken shelter in some rocks. Although the pure heart took off after some of Luna's personal guards in pursuit of some of the Diamond Dogs. The scene now became chaos and the cloaked figure lost contact with Cadfael.

A string of curses passed the older pony’s mouth he would later be sorry about. He wanted no negative energy and wanted himself not to be the cause of it. “No I have to leave the area now, and get ready for his appearance, oh please don't let anything happen to him.” as he took to the air again and moved towards the old castle of the sisters in the Evergreen Forest.

On the outside, Cadfael had quickly found a place to hide his friends and then went off in pursuit of two of Luna's guards. But it was impossible to catch up. They moved far to quick for him to follow. When they landed ahead, they came back into view.

Cadfael now found himself standing on a ridge which overlooked a small clearing. All once he became quite excited. In the shelter of the clearing was Princess Luna, and even though he had never seen her it could no pony-else. He wanted to call out to her, but that could distract her. He began looking for a way down while she was talking to several of her guards. He couldn’t find a way down, and he was about to go back when he saw to his right not twenty yards away a group of Diamond dogs had moved in. and were reaching a point they would be able to threaten the princess. What happened next has always been in question, and even Cadfael was not totally sure of what happened. But a shrill voice in the night cried. “Look out my Princess!” This caused them all to be alarmed, and when the spears and sling stones came they found no targets, but another group of them was still there.

Cadfael backed up as far as he could and made a run for more momentum and made a leap towards the lead dog. Cadfael then found himself beginning to tumble, but for his luck, he landed on the lead dog and knocked him to the ground. The rest of the dogs fearing an attack ran when their location was found. The lead dog shook himself off when he found that he was unhurt. but now he was angry to have lost face in front of the others, and then reaching down he recovered his fallen spear and lashed out at Cadfael, and then turn and ran from the scene.

Two of the personal guard went after the dogs while the third remained with the princess. When she saw colt she advanced quickly went to help him,

“Lieutenant this one needs our help, get the medic quickly!”

The officer responded, ”Yes Your Highness,” and the cry went out for the medic.

Luna used her magic and lifted the colt out of the bushes and into her forelegs. “Were you the one who yelled the warning?”

Cadfael nodded his head slightly.

Luna smiled at him. “Then thank you for your warning young colt.” Luna looked at the colt there was something she saw in his face, she had known it before, but how.?

Cadfael began to see blurry images, nothing was clear. His condition was not looking good and as he tried to speak. Little droplets of blood could be seen as he tried to speak. “ The other...” Now coughing again. “The other ponies?”

Luna's order came out loud and clear. “Lieutenant begins a search for these ponies.”

The officers returned a “Yes Your Highness, as he spun and took off calling the others to form on him. Now from all directions, they went looking for the missing ponies.

Luna turned to Cadfael, she stroked his mane and face. “You are a brave colt. what is your name?”

Cadfael began to cough again more blood than before. Luna's eyes grew wider. “You'll be OK!” What was less than a minute was an hour to Luna, thinking to herself, “where is that damn medic?”

Cadfael raised his head. “Is the Princess alright?”

Princess Luna smiled. “Be still your injured, and she is unhurt.”

Cadfael coughed again, but he gave the Princess a smile. “Then it's OK!” At this point, Cadfael fell limp in Luna's forelegs and passed out.

The Princess's eyes were already wide and now she held a dying subject, one that had offered his life for hers. A few months ago another colt had told her she was his favorite princess.

By this time the officer shows up to find the princess holding the young pony. “We have the young ponies, your highness.”

Luna leaped into the air and yelling at her personal guards. “The dogs are in retreat, get the young to safety, and everypony else as well Lieutenant.”

Luna now sped towards the lights of a small village ahead, the medic may not have come in time, and she was having trouble feeling this colt breath. “Please hang on little one, I can see Ponyville is just ahead”

The doors to the hospital were secure, with a note to ring the bell for assistance. Luna did not feel she had the time to waste, she used her magic and forced the doors open,

Upon entering, Luna used a small bit of her Canterlot voice. “Assistance, I require assistance!”

Had it been anypony else the staff would have reacted much different, but Luna could see a figure coming up the hallway, and lights beginning to come on, the pale mare wore the uniform with the cutie mark of a medical member.

The nurse was talking in a soft voice in the hopes that Luna would follow suit. “I'm here to help you, Your Highness.”

Luna was no longer yelling, and looking the pale mare in the face and almost pleading. “This colt is in dire need!”

Two interns came up One arrived in the hallway wheeling a gurney, and taking Cadfael and securing him to it. “We’ll do what we can the Doctor has been called for, it will be just a few minutes”

A doctor arrived, and two more nurses as well. In the hospital staff took Cadfael away for examination.

The Doctor now turned spoke, to Luna. “We’ll do everything we can for him!”

Luna now goes to sit down and glances at the clock, just after ten-thirty,

The nurse came up slowly to the Princess as not to startle her. “your Highness, we should send for his parents, can we have his name?”

Luna looked at the nurse, “I don't know his name, or if he has any parents.”

Luna then thinking to herself and responded to the nurse. “To die alone, and with no name.” a tear showed in her eyes...

The nurse who had to tell bad news to ponies before now looked at the princess shedding a tear on an unknown pony. She pulls a tissue from her pocket and offered it. “I'm sorry, it's all I have.”

Luna smiled at her. “Your very kind to share with me.”

The nurse smiled back. “Let me get you some tea, please.”

After a while, the clock showed it was just after two in the morning. The doctor stepped out of the room and walked towards the princess with the most somber of expressions.

The Doctor bowed as he approached. “Your Highness, we did all we could, but I fear it was not enough.”

Luna had seen many ponies born, live their lives, and pass away. And in truth, an average pony live was barely more than a candle to her and her sister. But now Princess Luna had become tearful. again “Then he is.”

Doctor replied. “No, Your Highness, but I fear soon. We've made him comfortable as we can.”

Luna raised her head. “I would like to see him, please!”

They escorted her to the room, but the Doctor and staff then stayed outside, and let Princess Luna say goodbye to the colt.

Luna had been touched by the colt's devotion. She then touched the brow of the colts head gently with her hoof, she then leaned forward and kissed his cheek before leaving the room.

Luna turned and walked out of the hospital. It was the middle of the night, with no sign of the coming sun.

The Doctor and nurse re-entered the room where Cadfael has been taken. The nurse looked at the colt, and before covering his face and form with a sheet she spoke to the doctor. “He was so young.”

The doctor responded. “Yes they were, I'm sure they will receive a hero’s funeral for services to the Princess.”

Both Ponies then left the room and they turned out the light as they exited.

The room was then dark and quiet with Cadfael laying covered with a single sheet on the bed.

The shadow of Luna fell across Canterlot she flew directly to the royal land pad and began her walk to the chamber both her and her sister sat in a few short hours ago. Luna's mood caused all to just bow and no one attempted to speak to her

As Luna finally entered into the royal chambers she was greeted by Celestia who must have known something of her mind then greeted her.

Celestia spoke. “your personal guards have already been reporting. I took the liberty of reading their input on the mission. I must say your feelings were right.”

Luna walked to her pillows. "Greetings my sister." Then Luna lay down, but almost rolling to one side.

"What happened was not your fault! You could not see what would have happened, but only two injuries on such a mission, truly your lucky stars shown tonight.”

Luna stood and stomped her hoof, her face showing signs of anger. "He should have not done that!"

Celestia’s voice didn't change. “No, but he did. Now we need to honor him for his sacrifice."

Luna now began to sob gently in her pillow. "I believed that no pony cared or loved me, and now this little one..."

Celestia now held up a letter. “I have the officers report, The young colt leads the other young ponies out of the tunnels, and they have informed me his name was Cadfael.” the letter went on, but Celestia had stopped reading

There was a long pause

Luna went to read the letter to herself. “Such an old pony name.”

Celestial now placed the letter. on a short table, and turning to a royal guard saying. "Please dispatch two fliers to return the colt."

Royal guard now bowing. "At once Your Highness!"

The orders the Princess gave were passed from one officer to another until finally, the office on the flight deck received them.

Two Royal Guard Pegasus is being fitted to a black coach.

Cloud Pounced turned to his partner. "I really hate this duty!"

Mountain Star commented back. “You didn't hear did you, It gets worse because this is a colt!"

Cloud Pounced placing a hove to his head. "Oh great!"

The Pegasus on the deck motioned for the pair to line up and wait for take-off signal, it was only a moment incoming, they made speed quickly and climbed like a rocket into the night sky.

The two Royal Guards could be seen flying away from the platform. Just the sound of their wings fading as they flew towards Ponyville.

Chapter one, well that was fun!

Author's Note

This is the first thing I have written in many man years, and I am so rusty, I feel like I'm frozen solid.

I promise to work harder, and find someone to assist with editing.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Cadfael found himself in a wild forest, the ground was damp. And he didn't know most of the smells Of the area. Although he figured he must have been close to where he lost consciousness.

As he began to move about, his hooves sank in slightly in the soft ground. The squishy sounds of earth and water displacement as he walked about.

He had been calling out since he woke up here. Although his calls had been unanswered so far. He began to wonder if he had really seen the princess.

He was totally disoriented as well as trying to figure out where he was. But he had to admit that he was not as knowledgeable of the world beyond the caves. Cadfael knew the ground outside of the tunnels had been normally dry if he remembered correctly. And now it was soft and dark.

He was brought back by the sounds of something moving near by. Cadfael began to hear hooves steps. He felt he had little choice, but to call out. “Hello, I'm lost could you help me please.”

The sound began to come towards him if he wasn't mistaken, and they did seem to be getting louder. Now at the edge of the clearing, a shape could be seen moving. It was large, but the shape was hidden by the mist. It had not moved against him. A few moments later a large stallion wrapped in dark cloak appeared from the mist. The figure then turned to walk directly towards him, but just within a few feet they came to stop, and stood completely still.

Cadfael was a little wary, and more than a little frightened. He brought himself to take several steps towards the stallion. And now looking almost stright up Cadfael said. “Excuse me sir, my name is Cadfael I have just escaped from the Diamond dogs.” He paused a moment trying to think how to best tell them, and then figured just tell him. “I have no idea where I am, could you show me how to get back to a town, or anywhere.”

The stallion appeared to smile, he also appeared to be bald like Cadfael, and this calmed Cadfael. He began thinking. “We could be kin, maybe.” The stallion then used his head to motion for Cadfael to follow him as he walked back into the forest.

The trail was rough and uneven, and the light of the moon was mostly blocked out by the forest’s canopy. The young pony stumbled a few times, but did his best to keep up. They seem to walk a good distance before the forest gave way to show the ruins of a old castle just ahead.

Cadfael turned and said. “Thank you sir, I should be able to find help here.”

In response, the large stallion shook his head yes.

Now it was at this time the colt noticed the ravine separating him from the other side. “Do you know of a way across?”

The large stallion made a loud whinny, as he stood between two stones. The stallion stood as still as the stones he had shown to Cadfael.

It only took a moment, but the colt now saw what he was trying to show him a rope bridge to the other side. “I guess I still needed your help, after all, thank you.”

Cadfael placed a hoof on the bridge, and the ropes creaked as his weight now caused stress on the bridge. He looked back towards the silent stallion to see if he was also coming, but he had already begun heading back into the forest that he and Cadfael had just come.

Cadfael waved and yelled. “thank you for your help.”

Cadfael went back to crossing the bridge. It didn't look very strong, but he had to go that way if he was going to find any assistance.

As he took his first few steps crossing the rickety planks and ropes. It made a frightening song as if it was going to give way at any moment. But finally, he crossed and thinking to himself that was scarier than the escape from the tunnels.

He walked towards the castle, calling hello as he approached. But there were no lights, and now not even the sound of the insects. He reached for the heavy door and pushed on it. A section of the door collapsed and a large hole appeared where he had touched the wooden door. He took a deep breath as he carefully stepped through the makeshift doorway working up his courage as he pushed onward,

The moon was all the light the castle had to illuminate its walls and stairs. Cadfael had figured there was no one here. But decided to press on. If nothing else maybe he could rest here at least for the night. Finally, he came to a hallway, and towards the end of it, he could tell there was light.

The colt figured this is why the stallion had brought him here for. He started up the hallway, and in a softer voice, he called. “Hello is any pony there?”

A voice from the hallways then called out to him. “Please come forward Cadfael, and do not be afraid.”

Cadfael stopped for a moment and then asked out loud. "O&, but how does somepony in this castle knows my name?” He now continued to move forward towards the direction of the voice.

Cadfael could see the cavern was widening, and he found himself in a large cavern so large, that he could not get a feeling of its size. But before he could go any farther, there on his left were seven tall and evil-looking statues. He now walked passed them, not knowing what the words carved into the stone read, but the images caused him some dread.

The figure at the end of the hallway spoke out. “You wonder who these statues are of. They are the seven deadly evils of pony kind, pride, envy, greed, hatred, fear, laziness, and ignorance.”

Cadfael could now make out the form of an older pony lighting a torch. The light of this single torch lit up the chamber quiet well.

The older pony just stood there, his hat brim pulled down enough to hide his face from view.

Now working up the courage the colt walked to and asked the older pony a question. “Sir, may I ask where I am?”

The older pony now raised his head and smiled at Cadfael. “Yes you may, but first let me introduce myself.” The older pony moved around Cadfael quicker than he thought a pony of his age could. “I am Star Swirl the Bearded, and for over a thousand years I have searched for one with such a Pure Heart.”

Cadfael was more than a little confused at the actions of the old pony, he looked both ways and behind him, even glancing at the ceiling, and then asked the older pony. “Who?”

Star Swirl now bending overlooking The young pony in the eye. “Why you!” Now touching the pony’s chest with his staff.

The older pony now stepped back from Cadfael. “You don't believe you are such a pony.” He now turned and walks away from Cadfael, and taking a few steps to a stone chair, which seemed to come from nowhere. He turned around again to face Cadfael with a smile. “Well, you are!”

Cadfael was left standing for just a moment but found himself moving quickly up the stairs towards Star Swirl...

Suddenly stopping in from of the old pony. “But I’m only one small pony!”

The older pony just grinned again at Cadfael. “Oh, you are more than that, you are Equestria’s new champion!”

Cadfael's eyes went wide, and his voice cracked as he spoke. “Me!”

Star Swirl raised his hoofs and Cadfael found himself lifted into the air. Then all about the room lightning cracked and sparked, a light brighter than any The colt had ever seen, flashed over and over again, and striking Cadfael repeatedly. Cadfael did not yell while lightning danced about him. After a moment he soon found himself in some discomfort, but on the floor again. He looked at his limbs and body for all he suffered, he was unharmed.

Star Swirl turned to Cadfael. “I am sorry for what I have put you through. If not for the pure heart you would be but ashes.” Now the older pony seemed a little unsure of his hoofing. He caught the arm of the stone chair and seated himself. “It is done, for you have now been imbibed with the wisdom, strength, courage, stamina, power, and speed of the immortals!” The old pony’s look became very intense. “Henceforth you are now Captain Stallion!”

The older pony now seemed to slump, but sat upright as quickly as he could, as if to keep up appearances, and looked again at Cadfael.

The olden pony now rose from the stone chair. And appeared to be a little unsure of his hoofs. “Just call upon the Lightning and it will answer and obey you, I have given you a word of power to call upon it.”

Cadfael took several steps forward. He now stopped short of reaching him. “But sir, I don't know how to be a champion!”

The olden pony began laughing a little at Cadfael. “I'm sorry young captain, but answers to your questions will have to wait.”

The olden pony appeared to have something else to add, but he paused for what seemed to be for hours, and then he leaned in close...

And finally, he spoke. “It's time to wake up!”

The medical team entered the young pony’s room, it was time to make the assessment of his condition.

The Royal Guard Pegasus from Canterlot stood by, and knowing after this they would be moving the colt to the coach,

All heads were bowed, and the nurse pulled the sheet from Cadfael’s face.

He laid there on the bed, it seems that he had no life in him.

Suddenly as if triggered by a spring, the colt then sat up, his eyes fully open, and he gasped for breath...

At first, the doctor was startled and moved back, but quickly moved to the doorway and yelled. “Get the senior physician in here the colt is still alive.”

At the time of the doctor's request to help a high pitched scream was heard coming from the room. The royal guards said it had been the nurse, although the nurse was not happy with their accusations, and insisted it had been them.

The doctors and nurses began to enter the room, and running checks on Cadfael began from head to toe. The machines were wheeled back into the room, and their beeps told the medical personnel the colt appears OK.

Cadfael was quite confused at this time and more than a little bit hungry. And finally working up the nerve and spoke. “I'm sorry, but I'm really hungry, but is there anything to eat.”

The doctor looked at the colt, he smiled and patted Cadfael on the head. “I'm sorry, but no food till you checked out!”

At this time Cadfael took notice of the two Royal Guards, one on each side of the bed, and they appeared to have that well know Royal Guard scowl working.

Cadfael slid back under the covers of the bed. Not wanting to get in their way. And raised the sheets only enough so you could see his eyes,”

One of the Royal Guards turned to the doctors and nurses. “Please, dispatch a message to inform Princess Luna that the colt has recovered.” Both now flanked the colt. “we need to remain Here.”

For several hours the doctors ran their tests and finally, he was allowed a breather from them. Only one machine was still hooked up to him, and all it did was go “ping” every few minutes.” Cadfael looked at the Royal Guards. ”I guess that one must be the one that tells everypony I'm still alive.”

Only the two royal Guards remained in the room, and they had been instructed to call the nurse if he should show any problems. Now one of them; apparently the senior of the two looked at Cadfael and asked a question. “I just want to know what you were thinking, no armor, no weapon, and yet you go charging into a pack of Diamond Dogs”

The young colt wasn’t ready with an answer but gave one anyway. “I guess you think I'm really dumb!”

The two royal guards look at each other and a moment later begin to laugh. One wiping a tear from his eye, the other placed a hove on the colts head and realized there is not enough hair on his head it had been cut off short, more than likely by the Diamond dogs to use as stuffing or something.

The other royal guard now chimes in, “Hey, don't take it wrong colt, you've got what it takes!”

Cadfael did not understand him, "He's got what it takes?”

The senior royal guard now seems to be a lot friendlier than before, I'm sure the Princess will make you at least a cadet when you come of age!”

“Why?”

Both guards again look at each other and then give him a wondering look.

“The princess is on her way here to see you shortly!”

The other guard added, “she is sure to be happy about your recovery, and you’ll sure to be rewarded, and your parents are going to be proud.”

Cadfael looked towards the guard. “I don't have any parents.”

The senior guard lowers his head slightly. “Oh I'm sorry colt, but things are going to get better, and I'm sure of that.”

The other added. “Now we’re going outside, we’ll be right back!”

Cadfael sat up in bed. “Before you go, can I ask you a question?”

The younger of the two responded, “Sure, what's on your mind colt?”

“Did anyone get hurt during our rescue?”

The senior guard, Cloud Pounced made a comment. “Two got hurt, but their now back at base recovering.” he really didn't know if this was true, but the colt had more than enough on his mind, and he didn't need to know if this was true right yet.

The two Royal Guards then left the room, Mountain Star turning to his partner. “He’ll be so surprised when we get back.”

Cadfael now sat up in the bed, his stomach now growling something like a wild timber-wolf. He felt couldn't greet the princess with his stomach possible shouting over the princess. Then he thought that he would just slip out find something to eat, and would be right back. he had done often enough in the tunnels, why not here.

He slid out of bed, and with all the skill he had developed hiding in the tunnels. he stealthy avoided the hospital staff and found an exit out of the hospital and into the town.

The Royal Guards lead the way for the princess towards the room, the senior guard, Cloud Pounced was allowed to herald of the princess's arrival, he cleared his throat. “Behold the Princess of the night!”

Luna appeared to have a displeased look upon her face, and the two royal guards looked into the room, the bed was empty, and they now looked back towards the princess, but she had already gone.

“You know Mountain Star.” Cloud Prancer commented putting his hoof to his head. “She is not going to be happy with us!”

The Mountain Star only placed a straw of hay in his mouth and replied. “Nope!”

Now Cadfael had never been to a big town like Ponyville before, even before being taken prisoner by the Diamond dogs. He really didn't know how to socially interact with the other ponies he could encounter.

So many ponies, so much color. His eyes were wide with excitement. But his growling stomach told him he was hungry. So sightseeing would have to wait till he found something to eat. He had no bits, or whatever ponies traded for things, something he remembers from a big pony telling him while in the tunnels.

He also now noted that his bandage was getting loose so he stopped to check it. The bandage was rather nasty, but he didn't have a wound, and so he dropped it into a trash can,

The bandage had caused him to think. “The thing was a mess, but I'm OK?” It didn't add up, and so he stopped to check out his side, a scar, but no wound.

But he just continued to look and check the area out.

No food would be seen except in the shop windows, but again he had nothing to trade for the food, so he kept his eyes open.

Cadfael now heard a pony making strange sounds, or at least he thought it was a pony. As he advanced, and he now stuck his head around a corner. He was just in time to see a bright pink pony who was making the noise.

Pink pony's tongue was sticking out of her mouth, and she was shaking her head. and she dropped a half-eaten muffin in a trash pail. “Yuck, Mr. Cake what were you thinking!”

The pink pony now bounced back into the building, not walk or jump, but bounced.

Cadfael came up as quietly as he could, he figured if she threw it away, he could have it. he reached up to the lid of the pail and removing the lid. He now reached in and pulled out the muffin, it was already covered with other pieces of trash, but Cadfael didn't care because the food was food. He blew on it and was about to take a bite when the Pink mare returned and lifted it out of his hooves.

The pink Mare now looked him right in the eye and made a comment. “Don't eat that; it's nasty.” Something made the Pink mare stop and look at the little pony. She saw he was dusty from digging in the trash can, and his mane was uneven, it looked like it had been hacked off with a knife. Although what affected her most was she could see how thin he was, just skin and bones.

She then disappeared back into the building. Now Cadfael was beginning to think maybe it was best if he left now.

Then he heard her voice again. “Mr. and Mrs. Cake, we have an emergency!”

Before Cadfael could move. He could see the face of three adult ponies, with their heads sticking out of the doorway, just looking at him.

The older female was the next to speak. “The poor dear, Pinkie bring him in.”

The bright pink mare moved faster than he could react. She grabbed him and brought him to the building. He could not see much, but she moved so fast, and he could barely follow what she did. Though after she placed him down, and he found himself sitting at a seat. Cadfael now had a napkin tied around his neck with a fork in one hove, and a spoon in the other before he knew it.

Cadfael had to be honest with these ponies. “Listen I don't have anything to trade for your food!”

Mr. Cake came up and patted the young pony on the shoulder. “Silly colt.” Now running her hoof where his mane should have been. “Heroes can always eat here!”

Cadfael sat up. “Hero, you have me mixed up with somepony else!”

The bright pink pony now placed a plate of food in front of Cadfael. “I don't think so.” She showed him a piece of paper, he could not read the writing on the paper, but it had a pony's face on it, which he figured must have been his face.

Cadfael attempted to say something else when Pinkie Pie stuck a spoon in his mouth.

The Pink Mare grinned almost ear to ear. “Silly, eat now, you can brag later.”

In all his memories, he could not remember any food this good, Cadfael began to happily eat. Although he started to tear up, and then softly cry. His words were barely understandable. “It's so good.”

Mrs. Cake quickly leaned over and embraced The little pony, and kissed his cheek. “It's OK!”

Cadfael hugged Mrs. Cake back, and had no desire to let go, she just let him hold her. He buried his muzzle into her taking in her smell. A single thought came to him while he held her, Mama!

It took a hug from Mrs. Cake and her smell to assure him this was real. After a moment he thought to himself. He raised his head and looked at her. “You smelled like a Mama.” Mrs. Cake just held him as close as she could and kissed him on his brow. She was able to get him to go back to eating his food, although the tears didn't stop right away for either of them.

All at once the Pink Mare appeared from the front of the shop. “Hey Cadfael; you have guests, in fact, you have a crowd!”

Cadfael realized he had been away from the hospital for longer than he meant to be. Now he figured he maybe in some sort of trouble.

But there in the doorway were his friends from the escape, Cadfael jumped down, and ran to embrace his friends.

Nutmeg was the first to meet Cadfael. “Thank you, Cad, my parents are coming for me and”... Nutmeg was interrupted by another pony, and then another until all but one had thanked Cadfael.

Many other ponies from the area showed up at Sugar Cube Corner. Offering gifts, and flowers so many flowers and thanks for his actions. All in all, it was all a little overwhelming for Cadfael.

The last pony there was wheeled next to him. It's was little Mountain Rose she tried to stand, but Cadfael’s hug kept her from getting up from the wheelchair. “Thank you for carrying me out on your back!”

Cadfael blushed. “Well I couldn't just leave you there, your almost a sister to me!”

The large stallion that had rolled Mountain Rose in was just standing by, but now just reached down and scooped up the little colt in a hug. Then nuzzled his cheek, Cadfael could hear him crying as he talked to him, “Thank you, for bring our Mountain Rose back to us.”

Then Cadfael felt a pull on his leg. Looking down he saw Mountain Rose was pulling Cadfael from the wheelchair. “Would you like to be my big brother?”

The large stallion held him up to his face and looked him in the eyes. “Yes, you could stay with my family till your own comes for you, or if you like you could stay with us, and we’ll be your family. I would ask you to be a new Apple in my family.”

The little colt had tears in his eyes. He looked at the large stallion, and a thousand things ran through his mind, what to say, and how to say it, but all he said was. “Yes.” And he returned the large stallions hug.

The moment was perfect. Cadfael was pull down and was ready to go with them. Then he heard a voice from the side door.

It was Cloud Bouncer “Hey colt if you don't mind the princess is waiting.” He had an angry tone in his voice and a very sour look on his muzzle.

He just stood by the doorway waiting and tapping his hoof.

Cadfael took the napkin from around his neck. “I didn't mean to cause any problems!”

He turned and faced everypony that was in the shop. “Bye everypony, I hope to come back really soon.” he had taken a few steps, but ran back to give Mrs. Cake a goodbye hug, and a thank her for the kindness.

He walked beside the Royal Guard, Cadfael could see that there was a crowd of ponies at the front of the shop. He saw a mare at the edge of the alley, she had several fillies with her. But he turned to the coach of the Princess now being made ready. At the coach, he now saw the young fillies approaching.

Luna also took note of the fillies and looked towards Cadfael. “It will take a few minutes to harness my guard.” She motioned towards them. “You have time to say goodbye to your friends.”

Cadfael Turned to them and stepped up to meet the fillies.

The white unicorn spoke first. “See girls a hero and a blank flank like us,” she was all smiles...

Cadfael just blushed, “I'm no hero, just Cadfael”.

The bright yellow Earth pony smacked him in the shoulder. “I'm going to tell my big sister I met you, and thanked you for saving my cousin.” And with that she took her to leave running back to a white unicorn.

The orange Pegasus also punched his shoulder. “The next time your in Ponyville we have to hang out!” And then also took her to leave following her friend.

The remaining filly a white unicorn with light purple and pink mane watched as her friends left.

Cadfael then turns to her. “Thank you, I...” But The little unicorn gave him a quick peck to the cheek.

And before she left she smiled and said. “I hope to see you again soon.” Then ran off as well, but she began making squeaky giggly noises as she ran away...

Cadfael had seen they all were walked up by a white unicorn with a dark mane, her face was all smiles, but it took on a sad expression before she left.

As Cadfael returned to the coach, he bowed and entered the coach, and was harnessed for the flight,

Luna took a moment. “Such a lovely little unicorn, is she your sweetheart?”

Cadfael makes a sour face and gave a defiant expression. “No, yuck!”

Luna turned and giggled, she would soon be if that little unicorn had her way. She thought as the coach took began to take to the air.

Luna now turned to Cadfael. “Before we return we need to stop by the hospital. Make sure they do not any special instructions for your well being.”

They stop at the hospital only lasted half an hour. The doctors gave Princess Luna some pills for the young colt should have any pain. The royal guards and Cadfael waited for the princess to raise the moon in Ponyville, and once again they took to the air.

Luna was scaring the coach ponies. The Princess was talkative and laughing. “My young colt, you will love Canterlot.” But all at once a flame appeared, and from the flame appeared a scroll.

Cadfael was dumbfounded, he had not seen much magic like this in his life.

The princess read the scroll and appeared to think for a few moments. She then called to her coach ponies. “We need to land, that farm should provide what we need.”

The coach landed softly, and Luna turned as she undid Cadfael's harness. “I need to deal with important matters, but you should be safe here.”

The Royal Guard called to Cadfael. “Come with me.” They then walked to the door of the farmhouse.

It had not been a request, and without question, he had followed. The royal guard knocked upon the door, and then Mountain Star turned to Cadfael. “This is the home of one of the elements of harmony, you'll be safe here till we get back for you.”

Rarity had earlier dropped Apple Bloom off at Sweet Apple Acres, and then Scootiloo for Rainbow Dash to gather. Then she and Sweetie walked home. Sweetie Belle seems to notice her sister seemed to be upset.

They finally arrived at Carousel Boutique and she moved about her kitchen table preparing dinner. She then wondered how a young colt could have come to being treated so badly.

She thought of his distended stomach, and probably the first decent meal he ever had.

She planned to stay close and assist with him in any way she could.

Author's Note

i couldn't leave you guys hanging.

I hope to post a few piece of art related to the story next time.