A Different Kind of Deal (Re-done after accidental delete)

I drifted through a sea of darkness, glad to return to the abyss, even if I wasn't alone. I could sense Grifith drifting along with me. I wasn't too concerned with his presence: I knew that if he had something to say, he would say it. As it is, I'm just glad I get to drift for a time being. I knew I fucked up with the way I had dealt with the ponies, but I had to say, it felt good to put them in their place, as it were. I'd need to make a plan of action for dealing with any potential fallout from what I had done.

Still, for now I'd just enjoy the time I had. After all, it wasn't very often that someone just got to drift through their own mind.

"Instead of simply sitting here, doing nothing, why don't you use this time to practice? After all, if what's happened is any indication, you're going to need it."

"Can't I just enjoy myself for once? It's been a hard enough day already, and I'd like to spend what little time I'll get to spend here resting. After all, I have a feeling that whatever comes next isn't going to be any easier."

"Very well, though I'd recommend against spending all your time here resting. After all, it's the perfect spot to perfect your powers."

"Understood"

I let myself drift for a while longer, just enjoying myself. I could slowly feel myself lose control over the darkness, and saw a small light begin to form in front of my eyes. Sighing, I tried to close my eyes and turn away from it, hoping to get a few more hours of sleep. I quickly realized that wouldn't work however, as the light just followed me. Knowing that I'd either get up on my own or be forced awake, I decided that getting up would be the easiest. Taking a deep breath I forced myself awake, ready to face whatever came next.
______

Twilight opened her eyes, trying to remember where she was. Feeling something poking her she looked down, her eyes shooting open as she remembered what happened. Spike was underneath her, breathing softly, but he was different. His skin had darkened, while at the same time his veins had become more easily seen then before. His claws had become longer, and sharper, changing in color from a clear white to an ash grey. The spikes that decorated his body had become sharper, becoming more like sword points. She remembered the effects the creature's magic had on itself, and began to ponder the implications. Perhaps the creature's power changed its form because of some sort of corruption? Or maybe the magic reformed the host to something more suitable to its needs? Looking down on Spike, she began to fear what other effects the magic might have had on him. Rising to a sitting position, she decided that the best thing she could do for Spike was to scan his body, and search for the energies the creature had left in him. The results scared her. The energy had bonded with Spike's body, fusing to his bones, spikes, and claws, creating his new body, Even worse, a large amount had gone into his face, meaning that his eyes and other vital organs may have been changed as much as his body. As much as she wanted to do a full examination, she knew that he needed his rest. She decided that she would ask the creature, seeing as he was the one who caused it to happen in the first place.

Thinking of the creature brought up a twinge of guilt, as she remembered her actions from the night before. The more she thought about what she had done, the more she began to cringe. She had threatened the creature, pulled him up by the hair, and most likely scared the daylights out of him. Even worse, she had no idea if the creature itself was wounded, meaning she could have killed him in her anger. She lowered her head, realizing that she hadn't acted like the princess she should have been. She remembered her pledge that he would get a fair trial, and she knew only one pony for the job.
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As I rose out of the bed I cracked my fingers, feeling relief flooding through them. The cracks seemed to wake my stomach up however, as it soon began to gurgle. As I thought about it, I felt starved, as if I hadn't eaten in years. Deciding that my first order of business was breakfast, I set out with a course to find a nurse and order some food. About half way to the door however, I decided that there was something I needed to do first.

As badass as my clothes looked, they weren't the best thing to show that I meant no harm. Remembering how they had mended themselves, I assumed they responded to my wishes. I looked at them, and willed them to become something I could wear to the mall. Before my eyes they changed. shifting into jeans and a tee-shirt. However the large chain stayed, wrapping itself around my body. Shrugging, I decided that I'd question it later.

Before I opened the door, I approached a mirror set into the wall, hoping I could see what I looked like. The sight before me surprised me. My hair was disheveled, my skin pale, and my eyes red. Not like what happened after I used magic, but like I competed in the Olympics while I had the flu. My stomach growled again, reminding me that I was hungry. Turning from the window, I went to the door just in time for it to open, the doctor from yesterday standing there in shock, like he was surprised to see me awake.

I hadn't really gotten a chance to see the doctor last night, considering what had happened, and I took the time I had to examine him. he stood at the height that most ponies seemed to, somewhere in the middle of four feet. He had light orange skin with a rust colored mane. the most interesting feature about him was the lack of a horn. I'd have assumed that most ponies doing something like this would be unicorns, but before me stood an Earth Pony.

"Good morning Doc." I said cheerfully.

Recovering from his shock, a smile began to adorn his face. "Good morning indeed! I'm rather surprised to see you awake! After all the strain your body seemed to be under, I assumed you'd be out for another day at least.

I couldn't help but smile, the doctor's words setting me at ease. "I guess I'm just a fast healer."

"You must be to have recovered so fast! Before we go any further, I'd like to do two things. First, apologize for last night." As the words left his mouth, his smile turned into a frown, shame finding his features.

"Regardless of who threatened you, I should have defended you, seeing as your my patient."

I couldn't help but laugh, a small chuckle escaping my lips. "Don't worry about it Doc, I'd have done the same, considering the circumstances! Miss Sparkle can be a rather...fierce lady when she puts her mind to it."

The doctor gave me an odd look before giving me a subdued reply. "Do you really forgive me that easily? Who knows what she could have done to you!"

"True, I shrugged, "but she didn't do any permanent damage, so no harm no foul, right?" I held out my hand for a shake, before remembering that without hands, it was pretty hard to have a handshake.

Before I could withdraw my hand however, the doctor had reached out with his hooves and gave my hand as strong a shake I had ever received. "Thank you. You don't know how much that means to me."

"Now that we got that out of the way, I'd like to introduce myself. I am Sunny Ore, resident doctor for Ponyville!"

Nodding my head and smiling I replied "Pleasure to meet ya Sunny Ore, my name is Connor, Connor Sheffield." Withdrawing my hand, I closed my eyes and streched, hoping to work out any kinks.

When I turned back, the doctor had turned and grabbed a clipboard from somewhere on his back, and was now facing me with a smile still on his face. "If it's ok with you, I'd like to examine you a bit, just to be sure that everything is up to snuff."

Sighing, I sat back down on the bed. "Can't say I didn't expect this doc, but go for it. Make it quick though, I'm starving!" No sooner had the words left my mouth then my stomach decided to prove my point, letting out a fierce rumble.

He laughed and approached me. "Don't worry," he said cheerfully, "I'll speed through this and we can go grab breakfast!"
______

The examination hadn't taken as long as I thought it would, and we had set out as soon as we had finished. We made meaningless small talk as we walked towards the cafeteria, me avoiding any and all questions about where I came from, how I got here, and where my powers came from; and him answering everything I asked him without a moments hesitation. As soon as we reached the cafeteria I felt a chill come over my body, and felt myself nearly collapse to the floor. I would have fallen over had the doctor not held me up.

Holding me up with his side, he began to walk towards the door, forcing me to follow. " I was worried about this." he said as we opened the doors to the cafeteria.

'W..Wh..What's wrong with me?" I stuttered out between breaths. I had never felt this way before, it was like someone came and punched me as hard as they could all over my body as many times as they wanted to.

"We call it magical exhaustion. Basically you've used so much magic that your body was forced to give up energy for your spell casting. If you use enough magic, you can kill yourself. As it is, you managed to severely drain your body's energy enough to require a week of rest. It's why I was so shocked to see you up this morning. The shock should have kept you down for at least the day!"

"I..Is there any way to fix it besides rest?" I said, hoping that he'd have another answer.

"No, only rest and eating will give your body back the energy it needs. There are ways to prevent it from happening in the first place, but they all basically boil down to physical training, mental training, or both. If you're strong enough, you shouldn't have to much trouble."

We approached a table and Sunny set me down. Turning he said "I'll be right back, I'm going to grab you some food, and maybe some vitamins to make sure that you're getting all the nutrients you need."

I couldn't even nod my head, I felt so tired. I knew that this was going to be a long week.
____

Opening her eyes, Fluttershy gave a small yawn before standing up and shaking her mane. As she stood there she thought about the events of last night. After the strange creature had caused her two friends to pass out she had searched for a doctor. relief had flooded through her after hearing that they had only gotten slightly singed, and after a night of rest they should be ok. Rarity had passed out from all the excitement, and Pinkie Pie was her usual self, despite the situation. It hadn't taken long for Fluttershy. tired after such a long night of fear and tense moments, to fall asleep on one of the couches near the room where Spike was.

Thinking of Spike brought up images' of the creature, and even more, how hurt his eyes looked. It almost seemed as though there were two beings inside him. Shaking her head to clear away such silly thoughts, she began to walk towards Spike's room, hoping to hear that he had recovered.

She opened the door quietly, hoping not to wake anyone up, in case they were still sleeping. It turned out to be unneeded, because as soon as she opened the door she heard Twilight call out " Who is it?"

Opening the door fully, Fluttershy called out meekly "It's me, Fluttershy. I just thought I'd check in on Spike. How is he?" Turning to look at the dragon, she was shocked by his appearance. His entire body seemed to have undergone some sort of change, turning Spike from the cute and kind looking dragon he was before into some sort of terrifying creature. His scales had turned a different color, his spikes had become sharper, and his claws seemed longer. And while the wounds he had had last night were gone, Fluttershy didn't know if this was much of an improvement, but knew that she shouldn't say anything to Twilight about it right now.

"He seems to be doing better, but I don't know." Twilight said, a small tilt in her voice.

Fluttershy could tell her friend was on the edge of breaking down into tears, and stepped up to the plate. Walking forward, she gently nudged Twilight.

"There there Twilight, I'm sure Spike will pull through. He already looks ten times better than last night!" Fluttershy said, still nuzzling Twilight.

Twilight smiled, and returned the gesture. "You're right of course Fluttershy. I shouldn't be so worried. It's just that seeing him like this...He doesn't even look like Spike anymore. It looks like something can and replaced my Spike with this creature, and I'm worried that when he wakes up he won't be Spike anymore!" She finished the last part of her sentence with a wail, and buried her head into Fluttershy's shoulder.

Twilight gently rubbed Twilight's head, whispering quietly into her ears. "Shh Twilight, it will all be ok. Just relax and take deep breaths." Fluttershy pulled her into her arms, knowing that she would be here for a while.
______

It had been a few days since I had nearly passed out at the cafeteria, and I was feeling much better now, though I could still feel my exhaustion deep in my bones. At first I was worried that this was some sort of sign that I had a deeper problem, but when I asked Sunny, all he did was nod his head.

"That's to be expected coming from a patient who is in your condition. Magical Exhaustion can stay with the caster for up to two weeks, or more depending on what the patient does."

I knew that he'd say something like that, but it was still depressing to know that I could be in here for two weeks, especially since they didn't even have a T.V in the room.

"Great, just fucking great" I muttered under my breath.

Sighing, I rested my head back on my pillow. Besides being forced to spend two weeks in the hospital, I had bigger concerns. I knew that the dragon was doing better, if the comments that the nurses had said were any indication, but none of them ever mentioned what was happening, or more importantly, if Twilight was still angry at me. I had a nagging suspicion that the Alicorn wasn't going to forgive and forget that easily, at least not when it concerned the health of someone who was almost a son to her. I had spent the majority of my time here thinking of ways to avoid having her cream me, but so far I wasn't having good luck. I guess I would just have to cross that bridge when I came to it.

I closed my eyes and began to relax. If I could get some sleep, I should be able to think a bit more clearly, not to mention I could get more strength back. However, as soon as I closed my eyes I heard my door open.

"Listen, I don't care who you are. If you don't turn around and let me get some sleep, we're going to have a problem."

Having said my piece I rolled onto my side, hoping that whoever it was would leave me alone.

"Now now, that's no way to treat someone who came so far to visit you, is it?"

I scrunched my face up, not recognizing the voice. Sitting up, I slowly opened my eyes. My jaw nearly dropped as I saw who it was that decided to visit me. Right in front of me stood Princess Luna. her ethereal mane blowing in a non-existent wind, her eyes glimmering like a jade in the sunlight. She had a kind, small smile on her face, her voice gentle and caring. Needless to say, I was completely surprised.

"Princess! What are you doing?" I asked, instantly wondering if I was going to be punished for what had happened.

"Relax, Connor. I have only come to speak to you." How had she known my name? Zecora! She must have spoken to the others while I was recovering, gathering information.

" I see." I said, trying to relax. I certainly wasn't going to be volunteering any information, unless it became necessary to do so.

"So, what can you tell of me of your fight between Spike and yourself that I don't already know?"

Ah, the golden question. What can I actually tell you that can't be used against me, but can only help me?

I opted for a partial truth. "The dragon came out of nowhere seemed to think that I could help him somehow. We fought, and the last thing I remember is him sticking his claws into my back while I looked for Zecora so she could help him. Then I woke up here, with Twilight deciding to use her magic to rip me out of my bed, before tossing me into a wall. "

Luna had watched my face for the entirety of the conversation, finally nodding her head once and smiling when I finished speaking. "I'm glad you decided to tell the truth. I was a little worried that you wouldn't."

I tried to hide my expression, but it clearly failed, if her response was anything to go by. "Don't be so surprised", she said, the smile still plastered on her face, "I had to be certain that you would tell me the truth."

"And you did this how?" I asked?

"Magic, of course! I simply read your thoughts and looked for any lies."

I shook my head, and inwardly wondered what good lying would do me. After all, either he attacked me, or I attacked him, and only one of those stories had a chance for me to keep my head where it was, or my freedom. Honestly, between Zecora and Spike, I'm pretty sure any lies I would have made could have been tossed out on their heads. What kind of question was that? As it is, the Vulcan Mind-Meld shit was just going to be annoying, but I could put up with it if it kept her happy. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and turned my head back towards Luna. It seemed as though she had read that thought as well, because she no longer looked as amused as before.

"One would think you'd be smart enough to remember something I told you only seconds ago."

My face turned a little red before I smiled and said "One would think that yes. Still, my point still stands." The smile came back, not as big as before, but there nonetheless.

"Yes, but still one should never take chances, should they?"

"No, I suppose not. After all, if I had lied you'd have seen what kind of person I was, and that knowledge is even more important than the truth now."

She looked away from me, towards the door. "Now, the question is what to do with you?" She turned back, looking quizzical.

"We know that you can fight, but so far you've only done it when attacked. Still, maybe that's just what you've been able to do so far. Even giving you the benefit of the doubt, we can't really allow someone who can do what you can do to just walk around without being watched."

"I suppose you have some ideas? Otherwise I have a feeling you wouldn't be bringing this up."

It occurred to me that I didn't really need to speak, seeing as she could read my mind, but still, it was nice to talk to something that didn't rhyme, try to eat me, or threaten to kill me.

She smiled, so I know she read my mind, but she didn't decided not to comment. "I decided to place you with Twilight. After all, who better to give you to? She'll always keep an eye on you, but after all her lessons she won't be too harsh. And if something happened to Spike, having you there, even if you don't know what to do, will at least give her something to take her anger out on."

As un-appealing as that sounded, I knew that it was probably the best option I'd get. Besides, if anything went horribly wrong, I'm sure I could jet out and not get hurt. Still, I didn't like my options.

"Not that you have much choice. And keep in mind, even if you try and run, we can find you before you get far. I promise you, we won't be happy, and you won't be healthy."

I suppose she couldn't get any more direct then that. Still I had one request.

"Stop reading my mind. It's rude and annoying. And unless you're going to consider me some sort of criminal, then I'm sure you're breaking some sort of law."

"As you wish. Remember however, that if you give me cause to, I will go back in."

"Read you loud and clear, Princess. Preparing to follow the rules in 3..2..1."

She gave me a weird look before shaking her head and muttering something under her breath.

"I shall have your room set up in a few hours. You should probably get some rest, we want you out of here as fast as we can, don't we?"

I rolled me eyes, before nodding and muttering, "Oh yeah, ASAP."
______________________________________________________________________________________________

Turns out I only needed to be in the for another few days. With help from Grifith I managed to replenish my energy and my life force pretty fast. Still, I wasn't really looking forward to living with Twilight, and I can't imagine that she would be any happier with me there. My only hope was that I'd be able to avoid her as much as possible without getting her angry. Still, no point in waiting around for her to come to me. I stood up, deciding to wear jeans and a shirt again. Until I went outside and figured out the weather, I'd hope this was warm enough. I had found out that the clothes responded to my wishes, but I had to be very specific. I tried to make armor, but it turns out that not only did it way a lot, it didn't offer any protection. Basing armor off video games really didn't help. At least until I found out I can make armor from games like Metal Gear Solid, at which point I tried going stealth and found out how fun it could be. It wasn't great, and I'm sure that magic would be better, but at least it doesn't take my energy to hide myself and it gives me a little armor.

As I stood around waiting, I decided to test how well my magic had come back. Grifith had warned me that I wouldn't be as strong as before, having lost my connection to Hell, but I'd still be strong. I'd just have to work myself back up, I suppose.

I chose to lift the bed up, on the off chance I dropped it, it wouldn't break. Besides, it's large and not to heavy, giving me a nice place to gauge my strength. I focused and lifted the bed, floating it through the air, before setting it back down. I didn't feel tired at all, which was a good sign.

"As good as it will get, with what you lifted. You'll have to practice more to see if you're still any good."

I should have known he would chime in, but he was right. I'd have to try on something harder when I had the time.

As soon as I set the bed down the doctor came in. He looked at the bed, eye raised. Shaking his head he turned towards me. "I'm glad your strength back, but please don't move the furniture."

"Sorry, I was just trying to get a little workout in." I said sheepishly.

"Oh, I'm sure you're anxious to try out your strength again, but take it slow. You're body is back to normal, but over the next few days any huge uses of energy will result in some sticky situations, to be sure. As in, your magic will malfunction and explode inside your body."

Before, I was tempted to try and use magic as soon as I could, but now maybe I think I'd wait awhile. Nodding my head to let him know I understood, I looked at the clipboard in his hands.

"I've brought you here to sign this paper so we can release you from our care. Your bill has been taken care of, and Ms. Twilight is waiting to get you, along with Spike."

Part of me wanted to run away right there and then, but I knew that wouldn't work. My only solace was that I had managed to learn how to protect my thoughts, meaning she wouldn't be able to stop me right away. Grabbing the clipboard, I signed my name, and handed it to the doctor.

"Anything else before I scuttle out of here, or are we good?"

"We're good. Have a good day, Mr. Sheffield." He reached out a hoof for a shake, and I grabbed it, remembering all the help he'd been.

"Even though you didn't help me with Twilight, you're still a good man. Or good stallion, I suppose."

"He nodded, embarrassed that I had brought it up. "I still am sorry for that, but well, she scared me....

"Don't worry, she does the same with me. And you don't even have to live with her!"

He grinned. "True, I suppose we better set up a permanent bed for you!"

I laughed, and walked out the door, turning around and waving once before walking out. I hoped I'd never be back here again. No offense to the doctors, but God I hate hospitals.
______________________________________________________________________________

Outside the hospital sat six colorful horses, all of who I recognized, along with a dragon, who looked faintly familiar. Black tinted scales adorned his body, and his claws seemed to be ash gray. His eyes seemed to be a little off, but I couldn't tell why. I realized that he was missing scales, and some of them seemed to be in the middle of growing back. Reminded me a little of toenails, actually.

None of them, dragon included, looked very happy to see me. Twilight refused to look me in the eyes, while Spike glared at me fiercly. Applejack squinted and spit, while Rarity grunted and looked away. Rainbow Dash lowered her head, looking as though she was going to charge. Fluttershy had hidden behind Spike, while Pinkie just looked confused at what was going on.

Sighing I decided to get this over with. "Look", I said, getting their attentions, " I don't want this anymore then you do, but I'm stuck here. I stay away from you, you stay away from me. Deal?"

"Oh, and how do you expect to stay away from us!" Spike yelled, leering at me.

I was tempted to smack him, but held my anger. "Simple, I'll just make sure that I avoid you when I'm at home, then get my own place as soon as I can. Hopefully I'll be able to get out soon."

Spike looked as if he was about to open up the debate with a fresh rebuttal, but Twilight decided to moderate.

"That sounds wonderful. Follow me and I'll bring you back home and take you to your room."

I was a little shocked that worked, but who was I to complain? I nodded and followed behind her, the others trailing behind us. We walked a ways before coming to what looked at like a giant tree house. I wanted to make a joke, but looking at the faces of the people around me I decided against it. She opened the door, gesturing me inside. I followed, and heard the door click behind me. Twilight stood there, a disturbing smile on her face. I knew I was in for Hell.