//------------------------------// // Chapter - 14 - Flash Bang Oh What A Picture // Story: I Treasure Your Love // by Hawker Hurricane //------------------------------// The following afternoon Connor was on his way to the Spa after being semi-forced along with Rarity and Fluttershy. Connor, like many men (and possibly some women), wouldn't be seen dead in such a place but he felt like he owed them something after the way they welcomed him into their town and all that followed. It no doubt helped ease the emotional burden of being ripped away from everything and everyone he's ever known and loved. During the flying lessons he had earlier, Rainbow Dash hinted that wing massages were rather.....enjoyable. So Connor decided to have one, mainly out of curiosity. The flying lessons went as you would expect. Connor got hurt a lot. Yes he had some degree of dexterity with his wings and could hover, but actually flying with them was another kettle of fish. Once when he was hovering, he attempted to fly forwards but instead flew into the ground. Which brought out a laughing fit from Rainbow Dash. The rest of the lesson involved more pain and wounded pride but after a few hours Connor could at least fly a few feet before falling on his arse. As Rarity and Fluttershy were entering the spa they spotted Connors' reflection in the door window and saw he was several feet away. They both turned around and saw him trudging along slowly. They stood and watched as he slowly caught up with them. Connor's expression looked like he'd been told Pizza had been banned. "Do I really have to go in a spa?" he groaned. "Yes darling you must. You are all sweaty and dirty from your lessons and your wings need preening. Now come on darling," Rarity replied as she opened the Spa doors with her magic. Connor sighed and started to slowly walk to his doom. "If you hurry up I'll get you some more bacon." Connor's head turned sharply to Fluttershy. "You really mean that?" Fluttershy nodded, "Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye." Connor walked quickly into the spa towards the front desk where he turned around to notice Rarity was still at the door. "Are you coming in Rarity?" he asked. Rarity shook her head back into focus and she and Fluttershy went inside the Spa and approached the front desk. "So," said Rarity, "A bribe of bacon is what it takes to get you to go the spa?" Connor turned towards Rarity and looked into her eyes, "It would seem so." At that moment a side door opened and the Spa Pony twins, Aloe and Lotus, walked out. "Aloe, Lotus how are you darlings?" "Miss Rarity, Miss Fluttershy so good to see you both again," replied Lotus. "And is this gentlecolt the human we have heard so much about?" asked Aloe. Connor nodded, "Indeed I am." The next moment the two spa ponies started walking around Connor like a shark circling its prey. The two twins were talking to each other, listing off things that to Connor, would erode his manhood one step at a time. Amongst the things they listed off include a full body wash, wing preening and a new hairstyle. Connor felt the colour drain from his face as he was lead into the spa treatment rooms. ------------------------------------------------------------ The treatments weren't as bad as Connor though they would be. They started with preening his wings, tidying them up and removing damaged feathers. After that he had a bath filled with a multitude of shampoos and was given bottles of mane conditioners for his hair. Connor wasn't sure if it would work but Rarity reassured him it should be OK. After this he was given a hair cut by Aloe and some highlights applied to give his hair a fiery look, similar to Spitfire's mane. Aloe also styled his hair and applied gel and gave Connor's hair a spiky look. After the treatments had finished he was lead to some changing rooms where he found his Wonderbolts flight suit and goggles waiting for him. Approaching the suit he also noticed a scroll. He unfurled the scroll and read it, noting the very refined writing. Dear Connor Whilst you were practising with Rainbow Dash I took the liberty of cleaning your flight suit, you'll need to wear it later. Twilight informed me that Spitfire and the rest of the Wonderbolts were arriving in Canterlot later to do a photoshoot for official Wonderbolts business and a press conference informing the nation of the new Wonderbolts Events Manager. There will be plenty of photos taken and no doubt interviews and questions. I know this may be an overbearing and a daunting prospect but remember you have your friends, fellow Wonderbolts and your special somepony to help you through. Also, Spitfire mentioned not to worry about your lack of experience in the role. She has arranged for an advisor to assist you and give advice and guidance. And consider the spa treatment as my treat. Your dear friend Rarity Connor put the scrolls down and got changed into the flight suit. After struggling for a few moments to get his wings through the slits he then zipped up the front of the suit, fastened the metal belt with Wonderbolt insignia buckle, put on the gloves and boots and finished with the goggles. He put them over his head and let them hang from his neck. He walked over to the mirror and took a look at himself. Even though he wore the suit yesterday, he looked even better in it now. No doubt due to the spa treatment. His wings looked more vibrant and 'fuller', he felt fresher and his hair looked awesome. The flight suit showed off his physique rather well. Connor wasn't hugely muscular but he did have some muscles and was about average build, about the same as a professional footballer. Satisfied that he looked awesome he left the changing room taking the scroll and his other clothes with him. He went to the main foyer to find the spa twins along with Rarity and Fluttershy. Walking up to the quartet he spoke up. "Ladies, how are you?" The four mares turned to see Connor walking towards them. "Connor you look truly magnificent darling," said Rarity. "Thanks. I feel good. Glad I did come here," he said before turning to the spa twins, "You did a good job ladies. I look and feel great and that massage was just epic. I never thought hooves could do that. And the wing massage.....I see what Dashie meant." "We are pleased you are happy. We look forward to seeing you again," said Lotus. The two twins walked away towards the treatment rooms to tend to other guests. Connor turned back towards Fluttershy and Rarity. "So ladies were to next?" "We're headed back to Twilights to meet the rest of the girls before we head over to Canterlot," replied Rarity. "OK, thanks for the Spa treatment by the way," Connor replied. "You're welcome Connor. Now come along dears, Twilight will be waiting for us." The trio walked out of the Spa and made their way back to the library. Connor caught up with Fluttershy and bent down to speak to her, "Do I still get the extra bacon?" "Of course you do. I Pinkie Promised." Connor grinned and hugged Fluttershy, "Thanks Fluttershy, you're a good friend." Fluttershy blushed slightly at Connor's affection, "You're welcome Connor." The trio continued towards the library, Connor once again getting a lot of looks from the towns ponies. Going to have to get used to being recognised now I'm a Wonderbolt in addition to being the only human. Connor sighed internally. How the bloody hell did all this happen so fast? Connor was taken out of his inner thoughts when he heard Rainbow Dash shout out. "There's my best buddy," she said as she flew towards Connor where the bumped hooves/fists. "Are you coming to Canterlot later?" asked Connor. "We sure are," replied Rainbow Dash, "I'm not going to miss another chance to meet the Wonderbolts." "Don't blame you. I'm not looking forward to the press though." "Don't worry about it Connor," said Rarity, "We'll be there to support you." "Thanks girls," replied Connor. The quartet walked into the library and found the rest of the gang inside. Twilight noticed them come inside and walked up to Connor. "Hi Connor, did you enjoy your time at the spa?" "As much as I hate to admit it, yes I did." Rarity's face lit up at this revelation and immediately formed a plan in her mind. "Then why not come with me and Fluttershy on our weekly visit. We won't mind, we rather enjoyed your company today." Connor though for a moment. He was a bit of a manly man. But he did enjoy himself today. And now he is a Wonderbolt he would need to look his best whenever out in public. "OK, I'll join you." Rarity's face lit up, "Thank you darling, you've no idea how much this means to me." "Glad I could help," he replied, "So Twilight, when do we head to Canterlot?" "We're getting the next train which leaves in about twenty minutes, so we better get going." Connor nodded, "OK, just let me get a few things from my room." Connor made his way upstairs to his room. He picked up his laptop, mobile phone and New Nintendo 3DS XL. His 3DS had several games downloaded onto it including Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time, A Link Between Worlds, Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons, Link's Awakening DX, Majora's Mask, New Super Mario Bros 2, Star Fox 64, Rayman and Kid Icarus Uprising. He went back downstairs and saw the girls and Spike waiting for him. "I'm ready if you are," he said. The group made their way out of the library and towards the train station. They weren't waiting long before the train arrived. They made their way inside and took their seats. There weren't too many other ponies on board so the group pretty much had the carriage to themselves. Connor spent the trip showing the girls and Spike his 3DS. Needless to say they were impressed with it. The non-stop journey lasted about ninety minutes and was pretty uneventful. As the train pulled into the station they saw a contingent of Royal Guards on the platform including Shining Armour. The train doors opened and the group made their way out but not before a purple blur whizzed past into the direction of Shining Armour. "BBBFF!" "Twily!" Everyone watched as the two siblings embraced each other. "Hi Shining," said Connor. "Hi Connor," replied Shining, "You look good in that." Connor laughed, "Yeah I've been getting that a lot." "The press event takes place later. First I'm to take you all to the castle. The Princess Celestia and the Wonderbolts are there waiting for us." Connor nodded, "Then let us not keep them waiting." The group made their way out of the train station and towards the castle under a Royal Guard Escort. Good thing as well as there were many ponies out trying to get close to the Elements of Harmony and Connor. He tried to tune them all out but was easier said than done. Connor wouldn't admit this to the girls but he was far from ok. He might give the impression he's fine but on the inside he breaking up emotionally. And he isn't sure how much longer he can hold it in. He's not sure how he's held it in this long. Yes he had that small breakdown with Celestia the night he arrived but that was nothing compared to what he's feeling now. So much has happened to him in so little time he doesn't know how to handle the situation. And in a short amount of time he'll be having a photoshoot and interview with the biggest and most popular national newspaper in Equestria. He'd have to keep up his cool and calm exterior in a major public relations event. He could always ask Celestia for help but she's done a lot for him already and she has a nation to run. He doesn't expect her to put all that aside to help one individual. Even if he is another-worldly visitor. The group continued on their way to the castle which didn't take very long. They went into the castle and taken to the throne room were the Princess Celestia and the Wonderbolts were waiting for them. As Connor and the gang approached, Spitfire flew up towards Connor and gave him a hug which Connor returned. "Hey Milkshake." "Hey to you as well Sleepyhead." Spitfire landed back on the ground and everyone turned towards Celestia. "Thank you all for coming on short notice. The press conference will take place soon in the Great Hall and after that you are all invited to tea. I have also prepared guest rooms for you all to stay the night. For now though we will go to the Ballroom where the photoshoot will take place." The group made their way through the castle corridors to the Ballroom. It is pretty much a carbon copy of the Ballroom in Buckingham Palace and was used for the same reasons. As the group entered the Ballroom they saw sophisticated camera equipment being set up by a few ponies. One pony in particular seemed to be in charge. He had a light cerulean mane and tail and dark blue fur. He stopped talking when he noticed Celestia and the gang walk in. "Ah, Princess Celestia I see your guests have arrived." "My little ponies, dragon and human; allow me to introduce my personal photographer Lens Flare." Lens Flare stepped forward towards the group, "Thank you Princess. And once again it's a great pleasure to do this for you." "You're welcome Lens Flare. I appreciate you doing this at such short notice." "Anything for you Princess," he responded before he saw Connor, "And you must be Connor." Connor reached out his hand and shook Lens Flare's hoof, "Pleased to meet you." "Pleasure to meet you to," replied Lens Flare. "So," Connor started, "What exactly is the photo shoot for?" "The plan is to do a series of official photos for your introduction to the Wonderbolts. The photos that will be taken will include ones with your fellow Wonderbolts, on your own, one with Group Captain Spitfire and one with Princess Celestia." "Sounds good, would I be able to have one with Princess Luna as well?" Lens Flare's eyes seemed to light up in delight, "Sure, I see no problem with it. As long as Princess Celestia has no objections?" Princess Celestia shook her head, "I have no objections, in fact I'm delighted you want to include her. Once the shoot begins I will go to her chambers and tell her." "So," started Lens Flare, "Shall we begin?" Lens Flare lead Connor and the Wonderbolts towards the camera set ups. He started with a group shot first which had Connor stood behind the Wonderbolts due to his superior height. After several photos were taken Lens Flare moved onto photos of Connor alone. The first ones had Connor standing in a dignified pose, the next had him in a more casual pose. The next photos had him sat down on a cloud, again with both dignified and casual poses. It did take some antics from Pinkie to get Connor to smile in front of the camera. As the photos with Spitfire were coming to an end, Celestia and Luna walked in. "Hi Luna. It's good to see you again," said Connor. "Likewise Connor. And might we say thou looks magnificent. Thou will make a great Wonderbolt." "Thanks Luna. Oh and while I remember I've brought some things to show you I think you may like." Luna smiled widened, "We will look forward to it." "So, which Princess is going first?" asked Lens Flare. "I will let Luna go before me," replied Celestia. "Thank you sister," said Luna as she made her way to the set up. The same procedure followed as before, dignified and casual, standing and sitting. Celestia watched throughout and could see that Luna was thoroughly enjoying this even if she wasn't showing it. She could also see that something was bothering Connor. He might be able to hide it from her subjects, but she isn't fooled. She knows he's hiding his emotions away and that she'll have to gently coax him into telling her what's wrong. "You're next Princess." Celestia made her way over to the shooting area, passing Luna on the way whom she gave a wing hug. She continued on to towards Connor were once again the same style photos were taken. After this was done Celestia requested Connor have his picture taken with Spike and the girls which prompted Rainbow Dash to very quickly take the space next to Connor. Once the photoshoot had finished about two hours had passed. Everyone thanked Lens Flare and his team for the shoot and followed Celestia to the press room. Just before they entered the room she asked Connor and the gang to wait outside. In the press room there were dozens of ponies all with questions to ask. Celestia walked into the room and the ponies immediately bowed. "My little ponies, thank you for attending this conference, and for your patience in meeting the human known as Connor. I know that the press has already reported his existence but hopefully this conference will answer some questions you and your readers will have. So, without further delay allow me to introduce Connor the Human." Connor took that as his cue to enter the room. He approached the table that had been set up and sat down on a chair that had been provided. No sooner than he had sat down did the questions start firing away. "What does it mean to be a Wonderbolt?" "How did you come to Equestria?" "Is it true you're dating Group Captain Spitfire?" "How did you get your wings?" Seeing Connor look tense Celestia spoke up and raised her hoof. "Calm please. Let's allow Connor to introduce himself first and he can then explain how he came here and how he finds life in Equestria so far?" She turned to Connor and nodded. "Thank you Princess," he started, "As you already know my name is Connor. Connor Wakefield. I am a twenty four year old human, who a few days ago appeared in the Whitetail Woods. How I go there I have no idea. After walking for several hours I found myself here in Canterlot where I eventually met Princess Celestia. After a short stay in the castle I was sent to stay with Twilight Sparkle in Ponyville." Connor saw a hoof raised. "Yes, you have a question?" he asked. "Yes. I'm Words Worth. Chief Wonderbolts Correspondent for the Equestrian Times. There is a rumour that you are dating Group Captain Spitfire. Is this true and if so how did you meet?" "I met Group Captain Spitfire after I woke up in the Castle Infirmary. After I arrived in Canterlot I was walking around trying to find someone in authority. Seeing the castle and assuming they would be here I walked over. As I approached I hear someone shout out and when I turned around the next thing I felt was a pony slam into me, which knocked me to the ground where I hit my head which knocked me out. I found out that the pony in question was Spitfire." All the press ponies were writing this down. "And yes, I am dating Spitfire." That seemed to please the press ponies as they excitedly wrote that down. Another pony raised their hoof, a Pegasus mare. "Sky Light, Chief Sports Correspondent, The Cloudsdale Times. There are rumours that your wings are the result of a spell. Is this true?" Connor nodded ,"Yes. Humans do not have wings. The wings are due to a modified spell cast by Twilight Sparkle. And to answer potential questions later, I can use them but I'm not very good at flying." Connor moved his wings in and out in a small demonstration of his wing dexterity. The ponies scribbled more notes down and some camera flashes went off. Another stallion raised his hoof. "Arc Light, Freelance. Is it true humans are non-magical beings?" "Yes it's true. In my world magic only exists in stories and on a related matter, in my world humans can't walk on clouds. But here it seems I can. How I can I don't know as I understand only Pegasi and Alicorns can walk on clouds without magical assistance. I found out I could stand on clouds before I got my wings." There was more scribbling of quills as the press wrote down notes. There were many more questions which Connor was able to answer. Celestia answered a few also. This went on for about another thirty minutes before another Pegasus mare rose her hoof. "Azure Blaze, Freelance. There are rumours that your appearance in the Whitetail Woods is connected to the disappearance and presumed death of a Pegasus mare who disappeared in the same region twenty five years ago. A mare by the name of Star Light. Do you know anything about this?" Connor was stunned into silence. Unable to answer. Fortunately, Celestia was able to answer for him. "I have heard of those rumours. I have a team of investigators examining the Whitetail Woods. We cannot confirm or deny anything at this point as we do not have sufficient information, but when we do have more information we will of course make an announcement." The mare nodded in understanding. There were no more questions to be asked so Celestia wrapped up the conference. Celestia and Connor made their way out of the room back to where Twilight and the gang including the Wonderbolts and Luna were waiting. "So," Twilight started, "How did the conference go?" Celestia, seeing Connor was preoccupied spoke up, "It went as expected. Now why don't you all go to the dining room. Connor and I will meet you there." The group nodded and headed off. As soon as they left Celestia approached Connor. Before she could speak Connor asked a question. "Who was Star Light?" Celestia answered as she and Connor walked towards a nearby bench. "She was a Pegasus mare, who twenty five years ago disappeared when she was in the Whitetail Woods. We don't know what caused her disappearance but there were some unusual magic energy in the area. Very faint and very difficult to detect." "Did the same unusual magic bring me here?" "We believe so. We didn't detect it at first but Arch Mage, currently the lead investigator, remembered when he was first sent twenty five years ago as newly appointed junior court mage. On a hunch he used the same detection spells that found the unusual energy and very quickly found that it was present again." "So you know what brought me here?" "Yes." Connor sighed. He now knew what brought him here he now wanted to know why. But another thing was bugging him. "Princess, how old was Star Light when she disappeared?" "I believe she was twenty seven, if she were still here she would have just celebrated her fifty-second birthday." Connor went pale. Very pale. "Connor what's wrong?" asked a very worried Celestia. "A few days before I appeared in Equestria, my mum had her fifty-second birthday." Celestia and Connor looked at each other in silence for several seconds before Connor spoke again. "You don't suppose that......." Connor was getting very agitated so Celestia pulled him close and wrapped he hooves around him, hold him tight, "I honestly do not know Connor. I wish I had answers to give you but I don't. All I can do is promise to look into the matter and tell you of any discovery that is made." Connor nodded and returned Celestia embrace and almost immediately broke down into tears. "I can't take this any longer. My parents have been keeping secrets from me, I've been ripped from my home for as of yet unknown reasons, I end up in a world of talking pastel ponies, I end up dating a talking pastel pony, I get a job I don't feel I'm qualified for, I end up a member of one of the most elite groups in Equestria without doing anything to earn it and I find out there may be a connection between my mother and Star Light. There's just too much happening too soon I don't know if I can cope." Connor continued to let the tears flow. Celestia, who has cast a privacy dome around them preventing outsiders from seeing and hearing things inside, just let Connor unburden his emotional stress. This went on for another couple of minutes. After Connor had finished, Celestia magicked a tissue in front of her and dried Connor's eyes. "Thank you Princess." "You're welcome Connor." "Sorry if it seems I'm complaining, I'm just frustrated about my parents. And I'm worried I won't be able to do my new job." "You don't need to apologize Connor and I understand your frustration. And in regards to your new job you needn't worry. As I understand it Spitfire has arranged for an advisor to help you. I am certain you will like your advisor. And on becoming a Wonderbolt, despite you feeling you haven't earned it? Then carry out your new role with enthusiasm and hard work to repay the faith and trust the Wonderbolts have placed in you." Connor nodded and hugged the Princess, "Thanks Princess, You certainly know how to make someone feel good." "Thank you Connor. Is there anything else you want to ask me?" Connor shook his head. "Then let's not keep our friends waiting." Celestia and Connor made their way to the dining room for some well-earned food. As they entered the room they noticed that everyone had taken seats already. There were two spaces left. One for Celestia at the head of the table and another for Connor part way down in-between Spitfire and Rainbow Dash. Connor had some gammon steak and red wine. He chatted to Spitfire and Rainbow about the history of the Wonderbolts which he found very interesting. For desert he had a bowl of mint choc chip ice cream with chocolate sauce and a large glass of banana milkshake. After the meal every one made their way to their rooms. The Wonderbolts had their own quarters and Connor was given the same room as before. According to Twilight his wings should disappear overnight due to the spell coming to an end. He wasn't to concerned, it was nice having them but he's managed just fine without them for almost twenty five years. The one thing that did nag him were how natural they felt, like he was supposed to have them. But growing up living at an air-force base could be responsible for thinking that. He drifted off quickly and had a very restful sleep. It was Sunday tomorrow so he was going to spend the entire day relaxing and showing Luna his cool human things. It would be a good day. ------------------------------------------------------------ BACK ON EARTH It had been several days since Connor disappeared. The police found no trace of him, only evidence that a tent had been pitched. Svetlana was sitting in her bedroom clutching a photo, lost in her own thoughts when her husband came in. "Sveti," said Alexander. Svetlana didn't respond. Alexander walked over and sat on the bed next to her. "Sveti listen to me, if he is where you think he is then from what you've told me he will be ok. We'll see him again I promise you." "What about her?" Alexander didn't need to ask to whom Sveti was referring. "You'll see her to," Alex said as he embraced his upset wife. He looked down to see the photo Sveti was holding. It showed an older pregnant female, and a very young female. "I promise."