Author's Notes:

Well, the last story for know. I will be working on this as I work on the others stories. I just thought it would be nice if I had at least one other story up for people to read while I work on other stories. I am looking for an editor of this one, so if you know somebody or want to edit it, just send me a message.

So I do hope you like, and ponies will appear after our a few chapters. I want to set up the story before I move towards more of the mlp side of things. So as always: comment, like, follow, share and tell. I will see you all soon in my other stories. Enjoy!

Prologue

Sweat slowly rolled down my face. My fists slowly swung in and out as I kept striking the gym bag. My breaths were slow and calm as I punched away. My fists were tight as they made every hit count. I then let go of a big breath as I struck the center target. The punching bag went back a little, and I caught it as it comes back to me. I slowly breathed as I tried to catch my breath from yet another workout. My screen door open to let the crisp air from the sea breeze enter the room. I slowly wiped away the sweat from my brow and walked over to my water bottle and towel. I sat down and drank the cold liquid inside the water bottle. I used the cloth to wipe away the sweat on my face. I looked up at the clock to see that it read two o'clock in the afternoon.

I sighed as I got up and walked over to a wall with racks on it. I pulled off a training sword and took a stance at the training dummy set up in the room. I went into attacking it. I swiftly remember all the skills my mother taught me about wielding a sword. I breathed in and out to calm my body and make sure my strikes were on point. I stayed vigilant on all my moves and attacks. For even a miss step could be fatal in a real fight. I sighed as I finished up and walk over to the rack and put the training sword up. I pulled a bow staff from the shelf and began to use it.

After a while of training with it, I set it back up and looked at the clock. It now read three o'clock. I sighed as decided to go and take a shower and once again become an average human of Earth. I walked out of the training room and went over to my room. My house was a beautiful one story house, so everything was an excellent distant from each other. I opened my door to see my cat wasn't on the bed. I knew he usually snacked around three. I stepped into my shower and began to get clean. After showering away, yet another day of training, I went over and got dressed. I threw on a pair of brown cargo shorts because I just can't enough pockets. I through on a pair of white socks for my feet. I grabbed a green t-shirt from my closet with Michigan State on it. What can I say, I just love basketball. I then threw on my brown frame glasses, because I never liked contacts.

So I bet you're all wondering who I am. Well, the names Xavier Young. I'm a twenty-year-old man, living in the wonderful and hateful state of Maine. Well, offensive in the fact of winter. Now I love winter, but the story of hating Maine's winter is for another time. I stand around 6', modest height if I say so. I have bleach blond hair and boy do I wish it would get dark. I have sea blue eyes. My mother always said that I get the color because we are always so close to the ocean. I do believe she was right. I do have a vision problem, so I wear a pair of brown frame glasses. I never found the interest in sticking a strange piece of plastic into my eye to see. Well, I guess that's me, but my mother always did say that the glasses were the best part of me. I have a good amount of muscle on me from my training exercises. I love to play basketball, and I can jam it out on a guitar, but singing is way out of my league. I live in my childhood home with my cat/friend, Flame. But Flame isn't an average cat. But where is my mother in all of this, well that's an easy answer, she's gone.

When I was eighteen, she disappeared. For three months, the Maine police department searched for her, but nothing. The case has since gone cold as she has been for two years now. But I always remember her because of a pair of dog tags around my neck. My mother was robust because she had been a Marine. She was strict but loving. But she also had it hard, as she was an only parent to me. I never knew my father and my grandparents died when I was very young. So my mother has been my only family. But we made it through. But next to her dog tags were my own, but I never served. I received these specially made from my mother. They and her dog tags stayed around my neck at all times. I never hid them as I want people to know my mom served her country. But one last thing about me before we move on, I'm not an average twenty-year-old man.

Well normal to a point, I guess I should say. You see I'm a writer. I never went to college as the draft for my first book came first. The book easily made me enough money to survive. Sure people say that an author can't live on royals alone, but that always isn't the case. But I still have plenty of money, as my mother left me plenty before she disappeared. I write fiction, as I believe it to be more fun to write. Fiction can let your mind wonder to so many places that many other types of genres can't let you. Well, I have three books out at this moment and still working on plenty more. But that is not my only life as being a Young brings another. For I can see spirits and no, that doesn't mean dead people. I can see animal spirits, but not typical animal spirits. These spirits live in a world parallel to our own. This world is known as Fabalis, and the world is full of these spirits known as Fables. Fables take the form of animals on Earth. Now Flame is one of these Fables. He happens to be a Fable Cat.

The Young family line has been able to see Fables as long as our family line has been on Earth. But how and why is a mystery since a lot of the original manuscripts of the Young's disappeared in time? But enough is known about the Fables and us. You see each Young is given a mark at age ten. This mark is permanent to our hands. Usually, our non-dominate hand. So when I go out, I cover it up with a fingerless glove. I do where two since I do like the look of them. So, in turn, these marks grant us the power to see the Fables that walk Earth. Fables usually come up to rest and enjoy the views of Earth. But our family also has another task. We are the guardians of Fabalis and the Fables. For you see a great evil in the future will seek to take control of Fabalis and all the Fables. It is the Young family's job to stand up and fight this evil when the time comes. For you see, there is a legend that a Young will be born who will bring peace to Fabalis and all the Fables. But it never said when that would be. So after my thirteenth birthday, my mother began to train me. She trained me in all types of combat, but she also taught me to use my Fable powers, which comes from my mark. I'm able to create energy and use it in any way I see fit. But it has been written that the legendary Young can control other mighty ancient Fable powers. So my mother trained me to fight this darkness, but also to be ready if I am the legendary Young. Though, I'm not even sure I will ever see this great evil in my lifetime. But it's beside the point. I still have to be prepared, and my mother did that for me. Though, I am missing a sword to fight this evil and have no idea where to get one. But I'm not to worried as I said before.

I looked down at my gloves. They were a pair of black fingerless gloves. I looked down at my mark. Each mark is unique to the Young. For my mother, it was of two guns laying on top of each other. In the background was the ancient Fabalis castle, said to hold all the history of the Fables and the Young family. But sadly, it disappeared, taking with it all its history. Now, bullets formed around it in two circles, the one that holds the guns and the castle. Then the bullet tips go out to the outer ring. Even though the mark comes when we are ten, we normally just get the castle and the two rings. It isn't until much, later on, does the full mark appear. Now mine is of the same two circles with the castle in the middle in the inner circle. But the castle is on the front cover of a book that has wings coming out of the binding. Then around the inner circle are pencils and pens with the points, referring to the outer ring. My full mark came when I was eighteen. I slipped the gloves over my hands and walked out of my room.

I went into the kitchen and found Flame. Now he may look like any average house cat, but he isn't. He would stand about the size of an ordinary house cat if they stood on their hind legs. He is a little chubby for a cat but still lovable. His arms and legs are like anime stubs. But I guess that's just how a Fable Cat is. His fur is a fire red color with an orange circle on his chest. Then down the side of his body and arms are white stripes. On his back is one long rectangular white line. Instead of one tail, he has four. Each tail has as an orange flame with a light orange center hovering over it. But these flames also hover over each of his ears, one of which has a nice cut across it. His eyes are like any normal cat eyes with a green color, except his pupil never dilates to the cat form, so they are always large. Then around his neck is a small necklace with a picture of me, my mother and him. He keeps it as a memory of his new family. He also has a yellow belt around his waist. My mom made for him. It allows him to hold his more private items.

But you're wondering how he has a connection to my family. Well, that's simple. When I was ten, my mother and I found him. He was beaten up and barely breathing. My mom nursed Flame back to health. Well, while he was getting back to health, he started to know us, so much so, that he decided to join our family as a pet. But my mother thought of him more like a son. So he became her second son. Flame is about my age, and it was nice to have him around when I was growing up. Now, Flame is better than any normal cat you can own. For starters, no litter box. Flame is a spirit and not an average cat so that he can use a bathroom like any normal person. He also can make his food, but besides those two things, he is an ordinary cat. One big thing is the fact he sleeps most of the day away. Now, I think that you have enough of an idea of everything. I believe we can now move on with the rest of this story.

"Hey, Flame," I said

Flame looked up at me with a PB&J sandwich in his hands and his mouth. He swallowed before speaking to me, "Hey Xavier, so your done training for the day."

"Yeah, just another day of making sure that I'm ready for this great evil that's going to appear one day," I said

"Well, I guess that's something. So you're going to continue the search for your mother." Said Flame

"That's right," I was still searching for my mother. I didn't care what any cop told me; I know she's still out there. Though with no leads, I really can't keep pushing for the idea. "But I wish I had an idea where even to begin. I need something to help me start my search, and I have nothing."

"Well you never know, maybe something will appear to get you going. But, do you still think your mother is even out there." Said Flame

I closed the fridge door as I placed down the leftover chicken salad on the table, "I know my mother is Flame. I can just feel it. I'm not sure why I feel that she's still alive, but I just do. If anything, I think it goes to the mark on my hand and hers."

"Well, I'm with you a hundred percent. Brothers got to stay together." Said Flame

Brother was the right word for us. We didn't see each other as master and pet but as brothers. Sure I was the warrior, and he was just some Fable, but he still could fight. My mother had one simple rule in the house. Everybody had to learn to fight. She wanted to make sure we were ready for this great evil. So Flame is easily able to defend himself, just as I can defend myself. A Fable can be a potent threat when trained. So we are brothers in arms, and that's how we like it.

I started to prepare my sandwich, but the sound of the doorbell stopped me. I raised my eyebrow as I was certain that I wasn't expecting anybody or anything. I then heard a knock come to the door and another ring of the doorbell. I got up and decided to answer the door. I got to the door and opened it to find a UPS man standing at the door with a quite large package. He tipped his hat to me.

"Good afternoon sir, I just need you to sign for this package," he said gesturing to the box.

"Don't mind if I make sure it has my address on it," I said

"Not at all, sir." Said the UPS man

I looked at the shipping label. It had my address exactly right on it. I then looked for a return address, but there was none. I scratched my head as to what would be inside. I sighed, as I took the electronic pad and pen and signed for it. I grabbed the package and brought it into the house. I closed the door and went into the kitchen. I set the box on the kitchen table.

"Man Xavier, what did you buy that needs such a big box." Said Flame

"I'm not sure Flame, I haven't placed an order for anything in months. The last thing I did order, I got months ago. Not mentioning this package has no return address," I said grabbing a kitchen knife.

"Well, what do you think is inside?" Asked Flame

"Well I'm not sure, but only one way to find out," I said

I slid the knife over the tape on the top and slowly cut it open. I then snapped the last of the tap on the sides, as I opened the box. I looked inside to see nothing but clothing. I pulled the first article out. It was a short sleeve coat. It stopped right where my boots would begin. It was a brown color and reminded me of something an anime character would wear. The material made it incredibly light but still seemed thick enough to handle the winter cold. On the upper part was a crystal heart with twelve crystals around it. I raised my eyebrow at whatever it could mean. I laid it over a chair and then pulled out a belt. It seems whoever crafted the belt did it from a sturdy piece of leather. It buckled in the middle like western style belts. The middle had yet another image of the crystal heart. I then saw twelve empty slots where a crystal could go. I set the belt down then pulled a key from the box. Again the crystal heart, which this time was the handle of the key, showed up. I placed it next to the belt and pulled the last thing. It was a one-way plane ticket to England. Now I was confused.

"Why would somebody buy me a one-way plane ticket to England. Not mentioning the flight leaves tomorrow morning. Man, some great timing on this package getting here in time." I said

"Hey Xavier, you should check this out." Said Flame

I looked to see him coming out of the box holding a note. He seemed to be surprised by it. I laid the plane ticket down and took the paper from his hand. I unfolded it and began to read the contents inside.

Dear my sons, Xavier, and Flame,

I know it has been a long time since we last saw each other or heard from each other. I wish I could tell you everything that I need to say to you, but there isn't enough time. So I will only say what I must. The world of Fabalis is in danger. The great evil is coming, and I know where. But again, not enough time for me to explain it all. All I can tell you is that it is time for you to find your destiny. Everything you need to defeat this evil is in that box. Now I hope it all got to you in time. Now take the plane ticket and fly to England with a bag of stuff you wish to take with you. When you land in England, find the Forest of the Ancients. Inside is a magical stone portal. Make sure you have everything that I packed for you. Now I wish I could tell you everything, but I can't. But also no worries, I am safe and alive. We will meet again, my boys. But for now, find the portal and begin your journey Xavier and Flame. For you, Xavier, are the last hope of all Fable kind. Love, your mother.

I sat down as I held the note in my hand. Flame got on my shoulder as he took it into his paws. He looked at me as I felt a tear run down my cheek. She's alive, my mother is alive. I looked over to the coat, the belt, the key, and the ticket. I then looked at Flame as he looked at me. I knew the note was from my mother as I easily recognized the handwriting. I got up and grabbed the plane ticket. I held it in my hands, as I looked at the coat.

"It seems it's finally time I take the mantel as the protector of the Fables," I said

"But Xavier, are you sure about this. I'm not too sure what we will find when we find this portal," said Flame jumping onto the table.

"We have to try Flame. My mother is still alive. Plus it's my duty as a Young to protect the world of Fabalis and the Fables. If my mom says the evil that threatens you is coming, then it is my job to end it. For only a Young can bring peace to all Fables." I said

"Yeah, but how? I don't know if you have realized it yet, Xavier, but you have no weapon." Said Flame

He was right. I didn't have any weapon. But that didn't mean I was defenseless. I was ready for any fight that came my way. I knew I couldn't do much without a weapon, but I had to do this. I knew it was my destiny as my mother had pointed out in the note she wrote for Flame and me. I wasn't sure how, but I had a feeling I would find out.

"We'll cross that road when we come to it. But for now, we have to pack. We have a flight to catch in the morning. But first, Flame does that symbol on the back of the coat bring anything to mind?" I said

Flame looked at the symbol and looked back at me, "Not really, a lot of the ancient writings of Fabalis disappeared when the castle disappeared. I'm sure it would have been in that castle. I guess will figure it out in time." Said Flame

"So tell me, Flame, are you in or out," I said

"Xavier, your mother took me in and raised me like a son. She was the closest thing I had to a mother. So you can count me in, brothers have to stick together." He said

"That's the spirit, now let's get packing. We have a long trip ahead of us." I said

He nodded as he ran off to my room. I looked around the house as I knew in my gut, I would never see it again. So much I wanted to bring with me, but I couldn't. I walked over to a shelf with a bunch of pictures on it. I grabbed the one when I was seven. It was a picture of my mother and me at a marathon. I ran my finger over the picture of my mom. I looked at her smiling face as I held my medal with her. I grabbed the tags around my neck and held them tight. I set the picture down and looked at the dog tags in my right hand.

I'm coming, mom. I'm not sure what you meant in your letter about my destiny, but I know you say something is going to happen to me. I'm also not too sure about everything that is going on, but I know you have been preparing me for this. I'm going to find you, and we will be a family again. Nothing will stop me from seeing your smiling face again. I'm coming mom, so hold on tight.

I clenched my fist tight around the tags again before letting them go. I walked towards my room as I got ready for my journey. I wasn't sure where this journey would take me, but I had a feeling it was going to be one that defined me as a person. This adventure is where I will finally find my true destiny.