> Interdenominational Travels Of Connor Shadows > by Connor Shadows > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter one: Talking Horse? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Interdenominational Travels of Connor Shadows By Connor Shadows Chapter 1 Connor Shadows was a simple spawn of corruption. He liked having fun, playing jokes, and occasionally causing chaos. He would go from planet to planet and dimension to dimension to make new friends, see the sites, and cause minimal to an ungodly amount of destruction. He was a living mass of darkness. His only facial features were his glowing violet, ever changing eyes and his sharp toothed, black grin. He had two short onyx horns atop his head that costly changed into different pointy shapes. The only clothes he wears is his long, flowing, tattered, teal, cloaked robe. At one time it had been a stunning garb but now after thousands of years of wear, it now was frayed, with an occasional bullet hole of slash in the fabric. The sleeves reached all the way down his arm leaving only a fraction of his hands were visible. It constantly moved and flowed above his writhing body. Where the robe ended a grey, inky haze rolled out, so when he moved he was followed by the darkness. The largest amount came from the bottom of his robe, it steadily poured out from the force of him propelling himself away from the ground so he could float; he had no legs. Connor was look over his latest playground, the planet of Tortallel, is what he thinks it was called. He surveyed the scene from fifty feet in the air with a disappointed look on his shifting face. Jet black lizard like creatures that were only three feet tall were wreaking havoc on the amphibian inhabitants of the swampy, water filled world. Groups of the demented monsters pounced on the citizens of the village of adobe brick huts, swiftly latching onto them with their teeth and then tearing at them with razor sharp claws. Many of the frog-like inhabitants ran from the small terrors with no regard of their fellow villager. Some even tripped others so as the creatures killed them, they could escape or at least try. “You think they would have at least tried to prevent this!” Connor angrily complained, in his slightly distorted voice. “All I wanted to do was meet the locals, find out about their culture, and make some new friends, but noooooo! They had to try and kill me just because of how I look I mean come on they’re frog people for cry-in out loud , you’d think of all people they wouldn't judge a book by its color or is it cover? Yeah its cover that makes more sense.” He swung his arm in a huff sending a mass of black sludge down towards the ground. When the mass splattered against one of the huts it quickly started to conform into the shape of five black humanoid, lizard creatures. It took them a moment to realize their birth, but when they caught the scent of blood the joined in on the frenzy of killing. After all the villagers were dead or being eaten alive Connor looked at the gruesome scene one last time and waved his arm. As he completed the gesture the lizards dissipated and returned to sludge that then seeped into the muddy ground. All that was left in the village was lifeless bodies. “The rest of the world will probably be like this village this planet is underdeveloped, they don’t even have metal weapons yet,” Connor assumed, let down that this planet would be no fun. ”Oh well! Time to move on then!” he exclaimed, with glee. “Let’s see dimension or planet.” He retrieved a small copper coin, which had bearded man wearing a suit on the front, from the inside of his robe. “Heads for planet, tails for dimension.” He flipped the coin and as it fell back down Connor failed to catch it, letting it glance of the side of his ghostly hand toward the marshy land below. His face twisted in anger, that was his favorite coin, the anger quickly left his face and he smiled and clapped his hands together. “Dimension it is!” With a toothy grin he focused black essence into his clasped hands; he then spread them apart letting a ball of purple, shining energy form between them. He brought his hand farther apart as expanded to his size. He quickly thrust his right hand into the center of the violet star letting black haze pour into it. As the shadows mixed with the ball, it began to swirl and deform into an oval shape. “That should be good.” Connor proclaimed as he withdrew his hand from the vortex of light and darkness. The vortex began growing brighter and it twirled faster, a starry sheet was now forming in the center. “And so I go!” He yelled as he flew into the portal. The gateway collapsed in on itself and shot off looking like a purple comet, with a trail of darkness in tow. Then another vortex opened just ahead of it engulfing it then quickly disintegrating into nothing. It was an especially cold winter day in Ponyville. The sky was clear and full of stars. There was a blanket of snow on ground, the full moon made it sparkle as if the ground was covered with diamonds. Pinkie Pie was taking a midnight stroll on the outskirts of town, wrapped up in a red scarf. “Why can’t I sleep?” Pinkie thought a little exhausted.” It feel like I’m gonna miss something, but everypony is asleep.” As she finished the thought a bright light flashed and lit up the ground in a lavender glow. She looked up and saw what looked like a comet flying through the sky. “Wow! That the biggest comet I ever seen.” Pinkie exclaimed; the strange satellite was now beginning to grow larger. Then it occurred her that it wasn’t big it was just close and getting closer. Her eyes grew wide as the cascading ball shot over head and into the woods. Connor smashed through snow coated tree limbs and then through trunks. “Can he stick the landing, hahaha?”He shouted laughing uncontrollably. He was almost to the ground when it occurred him, “Wait, I don’t have legs!” He smashed into the ground and plowed through the tree roots and rocks in the ground. “Owowowowowow!” He came to an abrupt stop when he splattered against a hefty boulder. Connor pushed himself away from the painful brake and pulled himself out of the icy trench a floated there in the snow covered forest rubbing his head. “I really need to figure out how to make legs for myself.” whimpered sadly. He quickly got of the shaky experience and began laughing hysterically while brushing off his abused cloak. “Bwahaha! I hope someone saw that!” “I saw it and that was crazy!” said a high pitch voice from behind him. Connor whipped around in surprise and saw a small scarfed pink mare standing on top of the boulder he smashed into. “That crash must have been worse than I thought, horses can’t talk.” “Well I’m a pony and I’m pretty sure I can talk” Pinkie said to the battered shadow. Connor’s glowing eyes grew wide. “Wait what? I’m not imagining you little talking horse thing.” He floated up to the top the boulder, towering over the pink pony he reach out and touched her on the head, his hand didn’t pass through her; she was defiantly real. “Holy-moly talking horse!” Pinkie Pie stood on her hind legs, “Stop calling me a horse I’m a pony.” she affirmed pointing at herself “What? How are you doing that?” “Doing what?” Pinkie asked a little confused. Connor floated around her and inspected her. “You’re standing. Horses…” “Pony.” Pinkie cut in. “Fine “ponies” shouldn't be able to stand on their hind legs like this. Or talk for that matter. Are you the only talking ho, pony that is like this, you know that can talk and everything?” “No everypony else can talk and stuff.” Pinkie responded while sliding down the cracked boulder onto the snowy ground. Connor matched her movement and went down with her. “Really are there any humanoid species here.” “ Huma-what-now?” “Never mind.” The weird word Pinkie had said earlier just registered in his mind “Wait what, don’t you mean everybody?” he said confused by the word. “No I mean everypony. What are you saying everybody? That’s not a word silly.” She chuckled. “Whatever guess I got a new word to use now.” Connor sighed dismissively. He didn’t want to have a grammar discussion especially one with a talking horse. He wanted to learn about this world of talking animals. “So as you can see I’m not from around here so would you mind giving me a tour and fill me in on your home.” He said this sounding like an ordinary tourist. “Sure I can show you everything! Let’s go!” she declared excited preparing to run but before she did, she asked “What your name shadow guy?” “My name is Connor Shadows, and who might you be my pink furred friend.” speaking in a regal tone bowing slightly, showing off his black grin. “I’m Pinkie Pie pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She said outstretching her hoof to shake, and trying to ignore the wave of drowsiness that was approaching fast. Connor reached out to the small hoof and grasped it, “Same here. Shall we,” he said releasing her hoof. Pinkie started lazily walking towards Ponyville “Yeah lets go before I….” After Pinkie‘s forth step she collapsed on the ground and began snoring. “Before you what?” Connor asked while floating with his head hanging over the curly haired pony. He stayed like that for a moment waiting for the sleeper to wake up, he then started poking her in the head, but she kept on snoring. “Man she is out.” He thought lightheartedly. He began to flow away from her when a frigid wind hit him. “I just can’t leave her there, that wouldn't be cool.” He laughed and concluded. “That would be cold.” That was corny but he didn’t care. He took off his cloak, exposing his dark, spectral form and picked her up. He then wrapped the sleeping package in the ragged cloak. With Pinkie in one arm he floated out over the canopy of snowy foliage and started looking for where she could have come from. He quickly noticed that he was near the edge of the wooded forest and was very close to a warmly lit city of mostly stone building with thatch roofs. An evil thought hit him, “Thatched roofs equals easy to burn.” He put that thought away for later, when and if he felt like starting a fire. Connor quickly shot through the air towards the town leaving a trail of shadow behind. “Let see if I can find where you live.” > Chapter Two: The Chapter After the First One > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2: The Chapter after the First one. Pinkie was in daze she was vaguely aware of the movement, but wasn't sure to where or for how long she was too tired to care anyway. She finally began to wake up when she heard the scream of a terrified pony and a door slamming. “Aw, come on I’m not gonna hurt you! I just want to ask you a question!” Connor’s strained yell waking Pinkie even more. “Uhg, what happened?” She nodded out, while freeing a hoof from the tightly wrapped cloak to rub her eye. “Oh great you’re awake.” Connor had been trying to find where Pinkie lived, but the three ponies he had tried to ask just slammed doors in his face. “You are awake right; I didn't imagine that or anything?” “No I’m awake,” Pinkie was still shaking away sleep, “what ..” Before Pinkie had finished talking Connor let a sigh of relief, “Great I need my cloak back.” With one quick flip of the wrist Pinkie was whirled out of the cloak, sending her tumbling into a pile of snow. The quick change from cozy to frigid made Pinkie come around rather quickly, she jump out the pile and start shaking the snow off frantically, “Ah! That’s cold why’d you do that?!” Connor had already put his cloak back on and had his arms crossed rubbing his shoulders to warm up. “It’s cold! You have that scarf I was freezing! I swear I got goose bumps and I don’t have any skin.” “You could’ve been a little gentler dude.” Pinky laughed at the shivering specter, while she wiped snow from her face. “Yes I could have but all that aside can we go somewhere, preferably warm?” “Of course let’s go to my place fallow me.” Pinkie chimed out. “Please don’t pass out this time.” “I won’t, I promise.” Pinkie took a look around taking in her surroundings to find out where in town they were. They were only a few minutes from Sugar Cube Corner. Connor began to fallow Pinkie through the abandoned streets of the sleeping town. “So where do you live.” “At the best bakery in all of Equestria” pausing for dramatic effect, “Sugar Cube Corner!” Pinkie exclaimed, forgetting what time it was. “Wait, you live in a bakery?” He said with skepticism. “Yeah.” “Do you own it?” “No Mr. and Mrs. Cake do.” Pinkie informed the question full Connor. “Cake, there last name is Cake?!” Connor laughed. “Yeah what’s so funny?” Pinkie usually got funny stuff. “You really don’t see it?” Connor had stopped laughing now and spoke slowly trying to get Pinkie to understand. “They own a bakery right?” “Yeah, I just told you that.” Pinkie said while hopping over a pile of snow. “And there last name is Cake, like you know cake that you bake, and they’re bakers.” Connor continued, trying to hold back his laughter. “You don’t think that’s funny?” “I guess maybe to you but I’m used to calling them that it’s not that funny to me.” “Fine.” Connor scoffed, “How much farther?” “Not far we’ll be there in minute.” “Will I know it when I see it?” “Oh yeah you can’t miss it, well I guess you could if you had your eyes closed.” Pinkie’s random thought made Connor shake his head. “You’re a little crazy aren't you?” “Naaahh, my friends had me tested.” Pinkie joked with her new friend. “Hey we’re here.” She pointed. Connors stopped looking at Pinkie and looked straight ahead to where Pinkie was pointing “Wow that looks delicious.” Connor gawked at the edible looking building. Its walls were made from the same white stone as the rest of the building in Ponyville, but it had a ginger bread house vibe to it. Its roof had shingles that Connor, at first, thought were made ginger bread cookie. He was tempted to float up and take a bite, but even he knew how foolish that would be. He felt the same way about the windowed cupcakes on the roof. The snow on the roof and cupcakes made them look like it was covering in powdered sugar. There was smoke coming from the strangely shaped chimney. One of the widows, who had pink shutters, was still lit. This made Connor think, “Pinkie are they gonna care about you letting me in here.” One thing Connor always worried about was going into other people’s houses uninvited. You never know Mr. and Mrs. Cake could be fire breathing serpents. That would be bad. “Yeah it’s ok they won’t care,” she assumed while walking up the few steps to the door. She then withdrew a key from somewhere. “Does her scarf have a pocket?” Connor pondered. Pinkie quietly put the key into the hole in the knob and turned. Pinkie opened the door, took the key out, and put it back in her mystery pocket. She opened the door and began to walk in and notice Connor wasn't fallowing. “You coming?” “No.” Was Connor’s simple answer “Why not I said it would be OK.” Pinkie reminded Connor. “I’m not going in unless they say its OK.” Connor shot back with a bit of fear. Pinkie rolled her eyes walked into the dimly lit store front of the bakery, even in the low light you could tell that the space was very decorated and had a theme of sweets and pastries. Pinkie could see that Mr. Carrot Cake was still awake. He was cleaning the counter of all things. “Oh Pinkie, I thought you were up there sleeping. Guess I’m not the only one who can’t sleep.” Said the lanky, orange maned, yellow stallion. He was still wearing his apron but not his trademark red and white baker hat and bow tie combo. Pinkie walked in, Connor took no chances and hid from Mr. Cake’s view. He was huddled behind open door and waited to see how this would play out. “Yeah I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk.” Pinkie told her employer. “Oh you went for a walk. Did you see that purple comet? It was so big and bright I thought it was going to crash into Ponyville.” He said while leaning onto the counter. “Yeah I did, and that bring me to a question you don’t mind if my friend stays the night do’ya?” Pinkie asked sweetly. Carrot thought this over for a second his under bite protruding even more than it did naturally. “What friend? I don’t see anybody with you.” “Oh he’s outside waiting for answer.” Pinkie informed Mr. Cake while saying it loud enough for Connor to hear. From outside they heard, “Don’t patronize me woman! It’s impolite to enter someone’s house without permission! This outburst cause both Pinkie and Mr. Cake to laugh. Mr. Cake who was still chuckling answered Pinkies question. “Sure he can stay come on in!” Connor bent over and streamed into the door, his dark essence spilling into the room. His glowing eyes shined mincingly in the darkly lit room. This imposing form is not what Mr. Cake was expecting. His eye grew wide and he made contact with Pinkie and squeaked out. “Th-this is your friend?” “Yeah! Mr. Cake I introduce you to Connor shadows.” “Nice to meet you Mr. Cake, Pinkie has told me, well she hasn't really told me all that much about you.” Connor babbled with his had extended in the friendly gesture of a handshake. “N-nice to meet you.” Mr. Cake stammered as he grasped Connor’s ghoulish hand. The feeling of Connor’s writhing hand was the last straw. Mr. Cake’s eyes shut and his legs went weak. He then promptly fainted. Connor let the hoof go letting it slide off his hand and it then slumped to the floor with the rest of Mr. Cake. He raised his nonexistent eyebrow at Pinkie. “You guys not get much sleep here or what?” Pinkie prodded Mr. Cake with her hoof. “No, it’s not that you just surprised him is all.” “Really you don’t say.” He grinned. He then looked back down at the unconscious baker. “Is he going to be alright here?” “Yeah I don’t see why not.” Pinkie said while relocking the door. “Come on I’m ready for sleep how about you?” “I could go for some shut-eye plowing through a forest with your face really takes it out of a guy.” Concluded Connor. Pinkie went for Stairs, walking past the candy cane support beams. “My rooms up in the loft you can bunk with me.” She chimed “Good, a loft that sounds nice and cozy.” Connor said as he shadowed Pinkie up the stairs. They reached the top of the stairs and Pinkie literally leaped into bed. “So tired.” She yawned. She threw him her other pillow. “Sleep where ever.” She then let her head slam into the pillow, making the muffled noise of air being push out of the cushion. There wasn't really much in the wood floored room. There was a bed which now contained it owner. There was an unpainted dresser, with a standing mirror on top. Connor looked out the window of the rounded room and could tell that where in the cupcake. “I’ve never been in food before.” Connor chuckled inwardly. “Thanks for the pillow Pinkie.” The only response Connor got was the Pinkies soft snoring. The small noise made him smile; he was quickly forming a soft spot for Pinkie. He floated of to the carpet in the middle of the room, now got to the task of falling asleep himself. He dropped the pillow, floated down to the floor slowly, and let his head be cradled by the soft down pillow. “This place is going to fun.” Connor concluded with himself.” With that he closed his dimming violet eyes and let the simple comfort of sleep take over. > Chapter Three. Let's get this Tour Started Already > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter three. Connor felt himself being pulled away from his needed sleep. He could tell from behind his closed eyelids there was a soft light shining on his face. He tried to doze but the persistent glow would not allow it. He thought of covering his head with his pillow, but as he thought this over he heard movement downstairs. Connor felt he might as well get his day started. He unsteadily righted himself with his arms and ascended up off the floor. Now knowing sleep was far behind him he opened his eyes. Pinkie was no longer in her bed, and Connor found the source of the light. Someone had opened the window’s curtains. The beautiful winter sunlight expertly targeted right where he had been sleeping. “Well that’s one way to wake someone up.” Connor went over to the window saw a snowy city full of talking and very sophisticated horses or ponies as Pinkie Pie insisted. He saw merchants tending to their customers, Ponies pulling large wooden wagons, among other thing, and all of them were wear some sort of wintery apparel. He took a closer looks at individuals finding distinguishing characteristics, and boy did he. “Holy crap unicorns!” Connor said flabbergasted, as he finished those words he saw a rainbow blur zip past. He followed it till it stopped at a small cloud. It was a blue, rainbow maned, winged horse. Its eyes were confident and a fiery shade of violet. He knew there was a name for this type of creature but at that time it escaped him, but that didn’t make the site any less amazing. “Wow it’s a, ah, thing! That’s so cool.” The living rainbow then did something Connor didn’t expect. It reached out to touch the low lying cloud, and when its hoof should have begun to faze through the watery mass it actually gave way when touched. Then the flying horse flew off with the cloud in tow. “What?” was all Connor could get out. Just then a sweet smell came to Connors attention. He turned away from the widow and fallowed the mesmerizing smell down the stairs. On his way down the stairs almost mowed Mr. Cakes over. For some reason he was on his way up. See Connor was still a surprise for him. “Uh… Uh good morning Connor, you sleep well?” “Yes I did.” Connor saw the worry on Mr. Cake’s face. “Look dude,” Connor placed his hand on Mr. Cake’s tense shoulder. “you don’t have to be scared of me I’m not going to hurt you. I may look scary but I’m a cool guy if you get to know me.” This seemed to set him at ease because his expression became less tense. Mr. Cake gave a nervous smile and said “Sorry, if Pinkie likes you can’t be that bad.” “Right, speaking of Pinkie where is she?” “She downstairs baking, you missed breakfast by the way.” Mr. Cake informed Connor With mock horror on his face he let out a pained cry. “No say it ain’t so!” “Pinkie Pie tried to wake you up but you wouldn’t have it.” Mr. Cake giving a small snicker, maybe Connor wasn’t all that scary after all. “I was actually coming up here to try and get you up again.” “Oh while I’m thinking about it, who opened the curtains?” Connor inquired, pointing at the still visible window. “I don’t know maybe Pinkie opened’em.” Mr. Cake said while adjusting his hat. Connor’s stomach gave a very audible growl. Connor looked around as if he wasn’t aware of where the noise came from. “Did you hear that?” “Yes, your stomach sounds a little empty” “Well then feed me Mr. Baker!” Connor pleaded. “Say no more follow me, I’m sure we can find you something.” With that Connor followed Mr. Cake down stairs. As Connor got to the bottom of the stairs he could see that bakery already had its fair share of customers. There was light blue pony with a mane that reminded Connor of cotton candy behind the register. She was wearing a yellow and pink frilly apron and large round pink earrings. “A horse wearing earrings, now I’ve see just about everything. Now if only I could find a psychic tandem war elephant. That would make my day.” Mr. Cakes waved at his wife. “Hey honey look who finally woke up.” Connor waved too and smiled. “Good morning Mrs. Cake.” That had to be Mr. Cakes wife why else would he call her honey. After hearing the friendly greetings Mrs. Cake look past her customer who also turned around. “Good morning Connor hope you slept well.” Connor’s appearance didn’t seem to bother her at all. The same cannot be said for her customer. “What the heck are you?!” The stallion Mrs. Cake had been tending to had the same reaction to the dark figure as most of the other Ponies that saw Connor. Connor ignored the unconditional fear and floated over to the frightened stallion. “Well now that you say it I’m not completely sure. But I do know one thing you look rather tender may I.” Connor showed off his dagger like teeth and making his hunger know to the shaking horse. It was safe to say Mrs. Cake was about to lose her customer judging by the horror on the stallion’s face. “G-get away from me!” He pushed by Connor and ran for his life through the door, out to Ponyville. Connor’s expression softened and he burst out laughing. “Did you see his face he thought he was gonna eat him, can you believe that.” Mr. Cake started laughing too, seeing somepony else being scared of Connor was a nice change. “Was I like that last night.” “No you just fainted, Mr. Cake, hahaha,” Connor held his laughter in for a second. “Dude what’s your first name? I’m tired of calling Mr.” “It’s Carrot.” “Carrot Cake? Your food!” Connor slapped his forehead kept laughing using Carrot for support. Mrs. Cake didn't think it was funny. “Well, while that is well and good what am I supposed to do with these muffins?” Carrot stopped laughing he didn't want his wife mad at him, so he tapped Connor’s arm silently telling him. “You deal with her.” Connor went over to counter stopping at the box of fresh muffins by the register. “First off too many words starting with “w” in that sentence, and second.” Connor pick up the box and opened it, they had some kind of blue fruit baked in them. They looked and smelled good enough to eat, so he did. He dumped the contents of the box into his mouth and swallowed. “What muffins?” He laughed showing Mrs. Cake the empty box. Mr. Cake covered his mouth to stifle his own laughter and walked out of the store. “That didn't solve anything” Mrs. Cake started but Connor interrupted her by throwing his arm around her. “Chill out girl, you’ll get more customers.” Just as he said purple unicorn walked in. “See told you, tend to your business madam.” Done with the conversation he left her and glided toward the back of the store into the kitchen. “Pinkie where you at!” “Who was that?” Asked the new comer. “Twilight, that is Connor, Pinkies new friend.” Mrs. Cake said while rubbing her head regaining her composer. “Really, how did she find him? He doesn't look like he’s from around here.” “She said he feel out of the sky and landed in the forest. You see that purple light in the sky last night? That was him.” “Wow, I’ve got to see this.” Twilight wasn't surprised, stranger things have happen and Pinkie Pie can make friends with just about anypony. She trotted behind the counter and followed Connor’s black trail to the kitchen where she found Pinkie and Connor talking. “What do you mean you’re supposed to be my tour guide remember. I’m sure they can manage without you.” Connor complained. “Fine I’ll ask if I can take today off but I don’t think I can today, we’re pretty busy this time of year. You know all the holidays and stuff.” “Actually I don’t. I just got here.” Connor recapped Pinkie. Connor got a mischievous look on his winding face. “You know what I’ll ask for you.” Connor went back to the front passing Twilight on the way, “Hey unicorn, excuse me but why are you behind the counter.” Before Twilight could get anything out Pinkie saw here and gleefully called her over. “Twilight I’m so glad you here!” “Really why?” “Oh, no reason it’s just good to see you.” “Likewise, but whose your new friend?” Twilight was eager to learn about the odd looking character. “Who Connor, you must mean him he’s the only new friend I’ve made in a while.” Pinkie rambled. Twilight grinned and rolled her eyes Pinkie was always so cheery it was hard for it not to rub off on you. “Yes him Pinkie. Mrs. Cake said he fell out of the sky is that true?” “Yep, I was out for a walk last night and I saw fly down from the sky and he took down like half of the forest with his face when he landed.” She was exaggerating of course but that made stories more fun. Pinkie was about to continue her story but a loud “I GOING TO EAT YOU,MWAHAHA!!” came from the front of the store coupled with the terrorfied yell of a pony and the slamming of the bakery’s front door. After the evil yell another rang out this time it was Mrs. Cake “Pinkie you can have the day off, just get him out of here till we close!” Connor popped back in the kitchen and proclaimed.” You herd her lets go Pinkie, you can come too Unicorn.” “Uh, Twilight not unicorn.” “Fine whatever lets go” Pinkie then withdrew a simple grey, billed hat that had the words “Equestria Tour Service” printed on the front in gold letters. Once again Connor had no idea where she got it from but he decided not to question. “Let’s get this tour start!” > Chapter 4: Magic? This is Quite Interesting. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter four: Magic? This is a Quite Interesting Connor and company had exited Sugar Cube Corner, and to Mrs. Cake’s relief they began their trek to show Connor Ponyville. The busy city was cover with the winter embrace of snow. Most all of streets and buildings were cover with the half inch thick blanket. The sun was shining brightly in the baby blue sky, though the snow showed no sign that it would melt any time soon. Phillies and colts were having fun making snow mares and throwing snowballs at one another. The adults were doing some winter shopping, shoveling snow, and other chores that needed to be attended to. Yes, it was business as usual in Ponyville. That is until till they saw Twilight and Pinkie Pie walking down street with a dark robed shadow. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited to take a tour.” Connor chirped. “Where to first Pinkie?” Though the question was for Pinkie Pie, Twilight is the one that answered Connor’s question. “We’re going to the library.” Pinkie and Connor both gave the same reply “What? No not books!” Twilight plant her hooves in front of the disappointed pair. “I want to go get Spike so he can meet you Connor.” “What makes you think he wants to meet me.” he said pointing out how the residents of the snow covered town were reacting to him. Some just avoided him, while others pull their kids as far away as they could reasonably get in the few seconds it took for Connor and company to walk by. To Connor’s surprise the kid didn’t seem to be frightened of him. “I guess that is what is to be expected from the young innocent minds of children, they are usually more excepting than adults. Older minds are far more closed off to the new and thing they didn’t understand.” Connor thought intelligently, though he acted goofy he wasn’t stupid. Thousands of years of life had brought him into contact much knowledge. Connor’s ever-changing face changed to a much more intellectual expression. Twilight saw the change in his face. “Is there something wrong Connor?” Connor looked away from his observation of the citizens, looking Twilight in the eye with a slight grin. “Nothing at all, on second thought I’d like to go see what knowledge your world has to offer.” This outburst of intelligent speech caused a raised eye brow from Pinkie towards Twilight and said. “Your smartness rubbed on Connor quit it.” After hearing this Connor chuckled. “I’m over three thousand years old, I think I’m entitle to a smart thought every now and again.” Pinkie hopped up and grabbed onto his left shoulder “Ah you’re getting worse do something funny.” She pleaded. “Maybe later I kind of want to stay in smart mode so I can read some books. Did you forget about the point of the tour?” Connor informed the shoulder pony while poking her “Equestria Tour Service” hat. “I want to learn about your home.” “Oh okay but I’m hitching a ride the rest of the way.” “That’s fine with me.” Answered Connor while he followed Twilight down the street. Ponies seemed to be getting a little more at ease now that they realized the strange visitor was with two of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, and soon they went back to business as usual. After a few minutes of weaving through Ponyville they were only a few moments from Twilight's home, Golden Oaks Library. They rounded the bend and the the tree like building came into view. The library's tree exterior was powdered with the signs of winter just like the rest of the town. Connor noted that there were quite a few of man-made, or pony-made, additions to the hallowed out tree. There was a few of protruding widows, they must add more living space to the strange library. Also built on top, was a small wooden platform with a lonely telescope sitting in the center. It was covered with snow as if no one had used it in a while. It was never too cold to star gaze in Connor's book, he may use that later and compare how the stars are distributed here compared to everywhere else he had been. "Is that It?" Connor questioned Twilight. "Yes that's it Golden Oaks Library, my home. Spike should be inside tidying up, I'll go get him so you can meet him. Before Connor was able to say something that singled to her that he had heard her she trotted ahead of them getting to the tree dwelling in a few seconds. Right before Twilight reached the door something happen that Connor hadn't seen in quite a while. Twilight's horn began to glow with of violet aura and the front door almost immediately copied her horn, shining with a matching luminous sheen. It then swung open just long enough for her to get through slamming shut behind her, it then ceased it's shimmering. "Magic?" Connor looked to his shoulder for answers. "Pinkie did she just use magic?" "Yeah." The Pinkie felt her tour guide duty's kick in. All unicorns as well as alicorns are able to use magic. The can use it to move objects, repel evil, teleport and lots of other stuff." Connor didn't know what an alicorn was but he let her continue to fill him in. "Twilight in particular is very talented in magical stuff. She told me once she can flip gravity that is cool! I mean walking on the roof would be awesome." Pinkie noticed saw Connor's eyes dim a little and he frowned a bit. It then clicked why. Connor didn't have legs he can't walk. "Oh sorry you float. Hey I know you could just float upside down, couldn't you? "Yes I could I suppose, but it wouldn't be the same. I really need to figure out how to make legs." After Connor had had his time to pout about his inability to walk Twilight opened the door of the library with a small purple scaly bipedal lizard next to her. It had round green ridges running down the length of it body. Connor shot forward quickly for seemingly no reason, Pinkie was thrown from her perch on his shoulder from the unexpected jolt of speed, right up to the small lizard looking him over with a strange intensity. "Uh you must be Connor, I'm Spike." he got out quickly a little weirded out by how close he had gotten to him he looked up at Twilight who gave him a stern look not to say anything rude. He took a step back away from Connor out stretching his hand to Connor "Nice to meet you. Hey what are you doin!" Connor had quickly reached down firmly grasping Spike's forearm and yanking him off of his feet bringing him eye level with Connor. “What is this! Someone stole my design!" Connor yelled, exasperated. "Put me down man." Spike grunted in annoyance. Twilight was quick to come to the rescue. "Connor put Spike down, "she demanded while enveloping Spike in her magic trying to tug him from Connor grasp. "But Twilight! He... they.... stole!" "What are you trying to say?" Twilight asked confuse, he was worse than Pinkie Pie Pinkie Pie was now getting out her daze from her rude landing on the snowy ground, and had totted over to the strange scene. "What did i miss? I was only gone for like a second." Connor looked over at Pinkie “Pinkie.... Spike him.... Design!" Pinkie had the same response to his strange babel as Twilight. “What?” Connor was too hipped up to speak full sentences so he decided to show them what he was trying to get across." Look." In the hand that didn't have spike in it, a black sludge began to leak out forming a wiggly ball. It stretched to only slightly longer then Spike. Connor dropped slimy goo on the ground landing with a sickening 'spat'. Twilight, Pinkie, Spike and the surrounding ponies that had stopped to watch how this would play out watched as the black mass began to jerk and squirm into a recognizable scaly form. It was jet black and had the same build as spike only sharper and more built. As soon as it had completely solidified it reared back its head and let out a bone chilling hiss. Its eyes then single out a pony away from the crowd not very far away from Connor, Pinkie Pie. It slowly started to creep it way towards her while Connor showed off how Spike had an uncanny resemblance to his favorite minion form. “See they ripped off my stalker minion design whoever made this, uh. What is he?" "A dragon! I'm dragon now put me down!" "Fine my point has been proven" after saying that he released Spike allowing twilight to float him over to her. "Finally thanks Twi." Spike thanked Twilight as he was set down gently next to her, her magic then dissipating "No problem Spike." "Uh Connor why is this thing looking at me like this." Pinkie said abruptly will a slight hint of worry in her voice. Connor turn his attention back to his creation, its eyes were full of blood lust, he had forgotten to alter its behavior before bringing it into the world. It had the “kill the first thing in site” mindset. He had used that mind so many times in that form it had become a habit." My bad Pinkie it just wants to eat you, no need to panic." "What!? That is the perfect reason to panic!" Pinkie yelled as she took a few step back to stay out of the reach of the little killing machine. Twilight was already priming her magic but Connor stopped her. “I got this your magic wouldn't work anyway. Only extreme light will affect it and me for that matter." "But I " "Twilight unless you can shoot pure sun energy at it you're not gonna hurt it." "I hate to interrupt but this thing is trying to eat me!" Pinkie squealed as she ran and dodge around the space in an almost comical manner with the evil spike chasing her slicing the air behind her with its claws, the only reason it wasn't funny was because she was in danger. "Don't worry Pinkie I'm commin" Connor shouted at her, how he shouted was little too casual for Pinkie’s liking though. "Shut up and save me!" "I am! “Connor shot back as he grabbed the crazed lizard's head. It didn't struggle knowing its master without having to look. Connor closed his eyes and his minion's jet black eyes began to change. The darkness in its eyes started brighten and turn the same shade of glowing violet as Connor's. It features became placid and it simply stood next to Connor and began follow him around after Connor had released its head. “Ok boy now be good and don’t eat any..pony? I get that right Pinkie?” “Yes but, that thing is gonna be nice now right and not try to eat me and stuff like that.” She asked a little hesitant to forgive the little monster. “Yep, it should be completely calm and open for verbal orders. I call it Canine mode.” Connor bragged while patting his follower on the head. “Think I’ll call him Dug Vinnie.” As if already knowing his name, Dug turned and looked at his master. “Dug I want you to go in that house, tree thing and find a way to get on that top platform with telescope and wait there till I call you.” “Ok boss.” Dug said in a surprisingly high pitched and squeaky voice. He then scampered by Twilight into her house. Connor then began to pass by Twilight in hopes of getting into the knowledge it housed. Twilight stepped in front of him slightly bewildered. “Are you going to explain any of that?” “Explain what?” “That thing you just made that wanted to eat Pinkie then became all nice and obedient like a ” “Like a dog” Connor broke in. “Yes, like a dog.” Pinkie Pie then put her two bits in. “Hey its cold out here and warm in there,so can we talk inside?” Spike and Connor then both quickly approved her idea. “I agree with Pinkie!” “Fine but we’re going to talk about Dug inside Connor.” Twilight sighed, putting her hoof on her forehead. “We’re also gonna talk about magic.” Connor proclaimed as he stooped down and went through the door to the library, Spike and Pinkie already inside. “Fine.” Twilight let out as she shut out the cold day. > Chapter 5 : Lets Learn Something! Maybe.... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5 : Lets Learn Something! Maybe… “So many books!” Connor bellowed, as he skimmed through carved in shelve of Golden Oak “Which one should I pick first!?”Spike And Pinkie Pie had left for the kitchen to make Hot Cocoa whatever that was Connor was unsure. One world he had been to Co-co was an explosive that was extremely volatile. He hoped the slight difference in pronunciation would be a good sigh they were not going to cooking things that explode. He was just about to pick a medium sized book with what look like fire on the front. He didn’t look at the title the cover just look cool. “Here try this.” Just then a thick black hard back book floated in front of his face. The front of it said ‘History of Equestria’. “This should tell you a lot about our home.” “Thanks Twilight,” Connor grabbed the paper brick out of the air and he opened it flipping through the first few chapter in a few seconds. He closed it and put it in his clock, “I’ll read the rest later. You guys used to treat earth ponies like crap, making them grow all the food just-cuz they can’t’ fly of shoot lasers.” Connor then plopped down one a small purple velvet love seat in the middle of a small sitting area across from the hearth. A fire was lit, its soft golden light and constant crackling gave the library a friendly feel. “Ok Twi let’s talk about that magic of yours.” Twilight’s eyes brightened a little she loved teaching others. She walked over from one of the many shelves of books and half trotted over to a match violet reading chair across from Connor. She took a seat and began to speak. “Connor the magic of our world comes from..” “I don’t care where it comes from I want to learn about what it can do and its application in your lives.” Connor already knew where most magic came from. It either came from the manipulation of the energy of the world or the focusing of one’s own energy. He had seen some that drained your life essence as you used it and it could kill you if you used too much at one time. There were some world that completely ignore technology and only focused on magic, these were few and scattered but they are out there. Magic worlds are Connors favorites. “Oh, well why didn’t you say so.” Twilight keeping her cheery tone. “I just did.” Connor murmured. As Twilight was about to begin telling her guest of magic Pinkie and Spike , with a brown liquid on their upper lips each of them in the possession of two steaming mugs. “Cocoa time!” they cheer as they practically skipped into the warmly lit room. Spike went over to Twilight and offered it to her and she took with her luminous purple magic taking a cautious drink, it hot after all no need to not be careful. “This is great Spike, thanks.” She chirped, patting her assistant on the head. “You’re welcome Twilight.” With that he sat down next to the stone fire place sipping his warm drink. Pinkie placed her own steaming mug on the floor and walked over happily hand a large mug over to the Connor. “Here try this it’s awesome!” Connor took the warm cup and look down at the skeptically at the sweet smelling brown liquid. “This stuff isn’t gonna get me high or anything like that right?” he knew it probably wouldn’t but you can never be too careful with local food. If Connor wasn’t in full control of his mind it could turn ugly very quickly for this place. Pinkie look at him with a raised eyebrow. “ What? No it’s just a sweet drink.” “Alright.” Connor took a quick sip. It was indeed sweet, but a little too sweet for his liking. Connor never like sweet drinks he wasn’t sure why. He loves cake and other bake goods. He put it down with a pained look in his eyes. “Gaaahh…. You can keep that stuff.” “You don’t like it? “ Spike asked, shocked that anypony wouldn’t enjoy cocoa on a cold night like this. “That’s just weird man.” “Spike everypony is entitled to their own opinion.” Twilight censured Spike. “No Twilight, Spikes right not liking cocoa is weird.” Pinkie wined as she slid Connor’s mug over to Spike. “Oh, shut up Pinkie I’ve never liked sweet drinks, I hardly ever drink juice” Connor explained Spike swiped the new mug and began drinking it. “Whatever dude more for us.” Spike slurped “Yeah.” Pinkie giggled Now that the drink conversation was over Twilight wanted to get to teaching Connor about magic. “Okay you ready to learn Connor?” “Indeed I am madam please start.” A few hours had passed and Twilight was still droning on about her magic studies and how Friendship was magic, and some other shit. Connor was just about fed up. “Is she ever going to shut up and wrap up this lesson.?” “Know onto the Princess, I don’t know why I didn’t bring her up sooner she and her sister are in char….” Connor stopped listening and looked over at the sleeping lumps on the floor. Spike had passed out on the carpet cocoa laced drool leaking from his mouth on to the floor. “I’m not cleaning that up.” Connor concluded to himself. Next to him Pinkie Pie had fallen asleep as well, she was on her back with one hind leg stuck up in the air twitching, all while she was softly snoring. “Wow, what the heck is wrong with that pony” Connor chuckled. After looking at the two for a few moments he was brought to the attention that Twilight was still talking. “Connor are you listening?” “No really you lost like an hour ago.” “Where exactly?” “When you stopped talking about the Elements of Harmony, which I don’t care for by the way. Needing six different individuals to use that power seems a little redundant and stupid.” He shouldn’t have said that. Twilights eyes grew wide. “How could you say that about the elements?” “Just my opinion sorry, look Twi please can we just stop for today or forever. I think I learned all I want about the magic here.” “Fine I’m going to bed.” She seethed, “Come on Spike.” she picked up the still sleeping with here magic and went up the stairs. A few seconds later the loud ‘thunk’ of door being slammed echoed through the building. “Holy moly, note to self don’t talk about the elements.” Connor felt a chill, “That fires not doin its job dag nab-it!” he looked around the room trying to find a blanket. He didn’t find any “Crap.” There was no way he was going to ask twilight for one. “Forget that man.” He curled up on the floor next to the fire and drew his cloak tightly around him. “Tomorrow I’m doing something fun.Yeaaah...”