//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: The Adventures of Captain Stallion // by Captain_Stallion //------------------------------// 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------