Chapter - 1 - There's Always Something Magic
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Chapter - 1 - There's Always Something Magic
The sound of faint beeping could be heard along with the smell of disinfectant and anti-septics. Though exceptionally tired, Connor could still make out the smells and sounds. He couldn't as of yet see anything as his eyes were too heavy and he felt drained of energy, like he'd ran a marathon of marathon's.
Memories of the previous night came back as he remembered the pain in his back and him running to the throne room before collapsing. He doesn't remember anything after that but judging by the sounds and smells he can see and hear, and the seemingly soft bed he got the impression he was in hospital.
Something felt a little off to him though he couldn't quite work out what. Like when a teacher walks into the classroom and all the students are sat quietly in their chairs waiting for the teacher, denying they were up to something when asked by the teacher. The teacher knows they were up to something but doesn't know what.
He again tried to open his eyes but was unable to do so. He tried moving his body but again it came to nothing.
He couldn't do anymore other than just lay as he was, hoping someone would come along eventually and explain everything.
Fortunately, he wasn't waiting long.
Hearing the sound of hooves he decided to speak up, "Hello, whoever you are can you explain what's going on?"
The startled nurse jumped in fright, "Oh my, I didn't know you're awake. I must inform the doctor and Princesses immediately."
"Wait, could you please explain what going on and why I feel so strange?"
"I'm sorry but I have clear instructions from Princess Celestia that she is to be the one to explain everything."
Connor sighed tiredly, "OK, but please hurry."
"I'll try not to be too long."
Connor could hear the sound of hooves getting fainter and fainter, leaving him alone again. Feeling a little tense he decided to stretch his limbs. He stretched out his arms slowly and almost immediately felt something was very wrong.
He couldn't feel his fingers.
His heartbeat slowly started to raise as he tentatively lowered his arms and moved one arm over the other. He slowly moved one arm towards the other and felt something very.....unhuman.
What he felt was soft and furry before ending at the end with a harder feel.
Connor's heartbeat slowly got faster as decided to feel the other arm. He felt the same furry and hard things as before which caused Connor to start worrying something fierce.
Please...no. This better not be what I think it is. I really hope not.
He again, tentatively raised his arms to his face and what he felt all but confirmed his worries.
What he felt on his face was a muzzle.
Humans don't have muzzles.
Realising what was going on he started to hyperventilate, causing his heart rate sky rocket resulting in alarms on the heart monitor to go off. The sound of thundering hooves rushing into the room followed moments later.
"CONNOR!" shouted the unmistakable voice of Celestia.
The Princess rushed to the bedside and spoke in a firm but calming voice, "Connor! I know you're frightened but I need you to calm down."
"WHAT'S GOING ON?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?!" he cried out on anger.
To Celestia, this question clearly implied that Connor was aware of what happened, or at the very least had a feeling something was different. She gently draped a wing around Connor and spoke in a calm and gentle tone in a way only she could.
"Connor, I promise I will explain everything but you must calm down."
Connor could feel Celestia's wing around him, her soft wings and soothing voice calming him down in a few seconds. His breathing steadied and he felt much calmer, he wasn't sure why but something in Celestia's voice made him feel safe and protected.
Looking down at the calmed down Connor, Celestia spoke again.
"Are you feeling calmer?"
"Yes Princess. Sorry for yelling at you."
"You have nothing to apologise for, your distress is entirely understandable."
Connor remained silent as he composed himself for the elephant in the room.
"I'm a pony aren't I?"
The bluntness of the question threw Celestia off slightly but she quickly recovered. Sighing deeply, she gave the answer.
"Yes."
"Why can't I see?"
"The nurses placed bandages around your eyes as a precautionary measure in case you suddenly woke up and started to.....panic when you saw...."
Celestia didn't need to finish that sentence.
"Can you remove it please?"
"Of course, close your eyes."
Connor closed his eyes and felt the bandages being removed.
"OK, you can open your eyes now," said Celestia softly.
Connor slowly opened his eyes and bright light slowly faded as everything came into focus. He looked around the room and he saw everything in much higher detail than before. It was like his vision had gone from Standard Definition to High Definition.
"Connor, are you OK?" asked a concerned Celestia.
Connor looked over the Princess and nodded his head, "I'm OK, more or less."
Celestia smiled softly, "That is good to hear. We realise this is going to be difficult and none of us will pretend to know what you're going through right now, but know that we will be here to help you."
Connor simply nodded as he started looking over himself. He had dark maroon fur, brown eyes and a black spiky mane and tail.
Bloody hell I have a tail.
Connor played with his new appendage by scooping it up in his hoof and letting it fall to the bed. He did this several times which brought out small giggles form Celestia.
Connor looked to Celestia with a scowl.
"My apologies Connor, but it was quite adorable to see you do that."
"Thanks. How do I use it anyway?"
"It will come to you naturally I presume."
Connor sighed and decided to get straight to business, "How did I become a pony?"
"My theory is that when Twilight cast the Wing Spell on you, she unintentionally activated your dormant Pegasus genes. Why you have been transformed though is a mystery, there is still a lot about magic we still don't understand."
Connor looked at Celestia with a blank expression, "What Pegasus genes?"
"We have discovered you have Pegasus DNA within you. They have remained dormant until recently, our guess is they started to activate after you arrived in Equestria."
Connor nodded in understanding, "That would explain my cloud-walking ability."
Celestia nodded in agreement, "Yes it does. My personal guess is Twilight activated the rest of your Pegasus genes and sped the process up."
Connor cocked an eyebrow, "Sped the process up?"
Celestia nodded, "From the readings we took from you we believe this would have eventually happened. Twilight just sped the process up, albeit unintentionally."
Connor could only sit there, from what he could tell becoming a pony was inevitable.
"Why do I have pony DNA?"
Celestia sighed and looked at Connor with a sympathetic expression, "I think you already know the answer to that."
Connor looked down at his hooves, "My mother."
"Your mother," repeated Celestia, "While you have been unconscious I have looked into the matter and I believe I have some answers for you."
"What answers?"
"You are correct in your assumptions about your parents. Your mother was indeed a Pegasus by the name of Star Light."
Connors' vision became blurry as tears started to form. He felt Celestia's fetlock wrap around him and pull him closer to her. He buried his face into her and wrapped his hooves tightly around her neck.
"I was right," he sobbed, "I knew it."
Celestia just stood there and smiled gently as her newest little pony cried his eyes out, gently stroking the top of his head. After a couple of minutes he stopped crying and pulled himself from Celestia. She dried his eyes with a tissue
"Would you like something to eat?" asked one of the nurses.
"Some vegetable soup, some bread and a glass of water please," he replied.
"I'll have them sent to you," she replied as she left the room.
Connor and Celestia were left alone together. The Princess looked at the little pony on the bed and had to admit he was quite cute and adorable. She would have to tread lightly though, this has most likely scared him a great deal and he'll need a lot of support from his friends to get through it. She would need to make an announcement to Equestria of course, let the populace know that the Connor the Human is now a pony.
She felt sorry for him. He didn't ask for this, to be forcefully changed into a different species against your will.....it goes against the very sanctity of harmony itself. The only reason she could think why he changed into a pony was because the natural magic of Equestria sensed his Pegasus genes and believed they were correcting an abnormality. Which is technically true since Connor would have been born a pony had events turned out differently.
"I've brought you your soup and water."
Connor and Celestia looked towards the nurse who brought the soup and water. She placed it on the trolley and rolled the trolley up to Connor.
"It smells nice," Connor observed.
"Indeed it does. Enjoy and remember if you need anything just ring the bell."
"Yes ma'am," he replied with a smile and mock salute.
The nurse giggled and left Connor to his soup.
He immediately encountered a problem.
He's not used to handling things with hooves. He tried to hold the spoon but couldn't grasp it. After several futile attempts Celestia picked the spoon up with her magic and offered her assistance.
Connor reluctantly agreed.
The soup did taste nice and the smell filling his nose seemed fuller than before, no doubt due to his heightened pony senses. Connor felt less groggy than before but he was still a little queasy.
"Are you feeling better Connor?"
"A little."
"Excellent. I spoke to the doctor earlier, he's allowing you to leave when you're feeling up to it."
"OK, I may as well go now. No point in staying cooped up in a hospital."
"Indeed. You have been here for two days after all."
Connor's eyes widened in surprise, "TWO DAYS!"
Celestia giggled, "Yes. It is now Wednesday."
"Do the others know?"
"Yes, as does Spitfire. They are all devastated at what's happened, Twilight believes she is at fault due to the spell she cast on you. It took a while but I managed to convince her she did nothing wrong."
"I'll have to talk to her myself."
"I shall contact them and let them know you are awake. Now, how about a walk in the gardens?"
"Sure, it looks nice outside."
Connor got off his haunches and shakily kept his balance on his four legs. He moved one of his forelegs forward followed by a hind leg, that is as far as he got before losing his balance and collapsing into the bed.
"It looks like I'll have to learn how to walk again."
"There is time for that later," she said gently as she levitated him onto her back, "Now let us go for our walk."
Connor rested on Celestia's back, with his hooves wrapped around her neck, as she walked out of the hospital. Connor thanked the doctors and nurses as the passed them to which they acknowledged gracefully.
Celestia slowly walked through the castle corridors away from the castle hospital towards the gardens, as they did they passed several of the guards and maids. Whilst the guards remained stoic and unresponsive, the maids couldn't help but make innocent comments about Connor.
"Awww he looks sooo cute."
"He's adorable."
These comments made him blush and try to hide behind Celestia's mane.
It only succeeded in drawing more 'cute' and 'adorable' comments. Celestia and Connor entered the garden and made their way over to a large oak tree. Celestia lit up her horn and a blanket appeared, she levitated Connor gently down on onto the blanket where he sat on his haunches followed quickly by Celestia.
She lit up her horn again and a large wicker basket appeared, opening it up Connor saw it was filled with cakes and pastries. Celestia levitated out several plates and placed the cakes and pastries onto them, followed by two empty plates for herself and Connor. Within a minute a maid arrived with a large pot of tea and set it down on the ground.
"Thank you Dusty."
"You're welcome Princess."
Dusty walked away merrily while Celestia poured herself and Connor a cup of tea with milk and sugar. Connor took the liberty of filling his plate with cakes much to the delight of Celestia who quickly followed suit.
"This is a nice place," commented Connor, noting the serene surroundings.
"Indeed it is. The garden ponies do a wonderful job in maintaining it."
"Do you come into the garden often?"
"Not as often as I'd like to," she replied a little sad, "But enough about me, how are you?"
"I'm not too bad, all things considered," he replied carefully taking a sip of tea, holding the cup with both hooves.
"That is good to hear, if you ever do need help please don't hesitate to ask. Myself, Luna and the rest of your friends will do anything they can to help you."
"I'm sure I'll be OK. Besides, had my mother not appeared in my world I would've been born a pony anyway. In a way I'm back into my normal form."
"In a way, yes. But you grew up entirely as a human."
Connor sighed, "It probably won't dawn on me how different things will be until later, but for now I'd just like to enjoy a nice cup of tea in the presence of a beautiful princess."
Connor's eyes immediately went wide.
Way to go brainiac, you've been a pony for less than two days and you've already mucked it up. Clap clap Einstein.
"Thank you kindly my little pony," she replied as she kissed the top of his head.
After several seconds Connor's brain rebooted itself and normal operating procedures resumed, "You're welcome Princess."
Connor didn't mind being referred to as a little pony, technically it was true. He had noticed everything looked a little bigger than before, due to him no longer being over six feet high. Another thing he felt was the feeling of security when he was around the Princess.
When he was around her as a human he never really worried about his safety but in the short time in her presence as a pony, he felt safe and that the Princess would protect him no matter what.
"Have you tried unfurling your wings yet?"
"My wings?" he asked in confusion.
Celestia pointed to his side where he noticed his red feathery appendages, "MY WNGS!"
He excitedly jumped up and down trying to unfurl them, after a few seconds he managed to do so.
"They look splendid Connor, and quite large for a pony your size."
"I'll have to ask Rainbow and Spitfire for flying lessons. I'm sure they won't mind, I'll ask them when I see them back in Ponyville."
"Why don't you ask us now?" came a familiar voice.
Connor looked round to the source of the voice and spotted the Main Six, Spike and Spitfire.
"Milkshake?"
Before he could react Spitfire launched herself into Connor and hugged the life out of him, tears streaming down her face.
"I was so worried about you, when I heard what happened I didn't know what to do."
"It's OK," Connor replied, "I'm fine now and I'll get through this."
The two ponies continued to hug and nuzzle each other, oblivious to their audience, "You look good as a pony," commented Spitfire.
"Thanks," Connor replied.
"Your mane looks a bit like Soarin's," observed Spitfire.
Connor laughed, "I'm sure he won't mind."
The two let go of each other and sat back down on the blanket along with the others, who now had their own tea and cakes. Connor sat close to his special somepony, very close.
"Hey Connor, you're looking awesome," said Rainbow Dash enthusiastically trying to keep Connor's spirits up.
"You look quite a handsome young colt if I may say so," added Rarity.
"Thanks girls. Though I feel like I should apologise to Rarity though."
"Whatever for darling?" asked a confused Rarity.
"Well you made that Wonderbolts flight suit for me and now, I won't be bale to wear it anymore. You made all that effort to make it and I only used if for a couple of days."
"You don't need to apologise darling, what happened was out of your control."
"Thanks Rarity," Connor replied, "Besides, I did feel great when wearing it."
"So did I," added Spitfire, "It certainly showed off your physique."
Connor was thankful his fur was maroon otherwise his blush would have shown through.
"Thanks Spitfire. You don't look too bad yourself in your outfit."
"Well in that case I'll wear it more often," she replied with a sultry smile.
Deciding to change the subject before he became all hot and bothered he looked up to Twilight and noticed she was looking a little glum, "Hey Twilight, you OK?"
Twilight looked up, "Of course I'm OK, why wouldn't I be?"
Connor could see straight through her lie, she was clearly upset at what had transpired and letting her know he didn't hold her at fault was important to him. She had to know he still thought of her as a friend, "It's not your fault what happened Twilight, I don't blame you. In fact I'm quite thankful."
Twilight cocked an eyebrow, "Thankful?"
"What's happened to me has irrefutably confirmed my suspicions that there was more to my parents than they let on. My dad would never discuss the matter and my mum obviously had something to hide."
"Are you angry with them?" asked Twilight.
"Yes and No. Yes because they kept such important information from me, but no because I believe they did what they thought was best."
"Do you have family in Equestria?"
Connor shrugged his shoulders, "Errrrr...I...don't know."
"I believe I can answer that," said Celestia, "Follow me everypony."
The gathered ponies all got up and followed Celestia, Connor stumbled a couple of times but quickly gained control. To him walking on all fours wasn't to different from crawling. He followed the Princess with the others through the castle into one of the many reception rooms. The Princess instructed the ponies to wait on the room while she went to get something.
Connor sat on his haunches on the floor next to Spitfire, patiently waiting for the Princess to return.
Whilst the others talked amongst themselves Connor just sat quietly.
That quietness was abruptly ended when the reception room doors opened showing Celestia and two other ponies. A tall charcoal Pegasus about the same size as Luna, and a smaller Pegasus that looked like...
"CARA?!" shouted Connor in surprise.
Cara launched herself forwards towards Connor, pile-driving into him hugging him very tightly and crying her eyes out. The impact knocked Connor onto his back.
"Cara what's wrong?" he asked worriedly.
Cara pulled her head back slightly and looked into Connors' eyes, tears still falling from her own.
"Nothing's wrong," she replied.
"Then why are you crying?"
"Because......because you're my baby brother."
Connor went numb.
This couldn't be happening could it?
"Your brother?" he asked on the verge of tears.
The tears started again as Cara hugged Connor with all her might.
"I never want to lose you again baby brother," she cried, "Never again."
Connor pulled Cara closer and hugged her harder, "And you never will."
Tears started falling from Connor's eyes as the two siblings affectionately embraced each other. Connor looked up to notice the stallion from before approach.
"Connor," started Celestia softly, "Allow me to introduce Vulcan."
The charcoal Pegasus stepped forwards closer to the siblings.
"Connor, as the Princess stated, I am Vulcan."
Connor saw tears were forming in his eyes to.
"I...I am..."
The floodgates opened as Vulcan burst into tears and joined the hug. A confused Connor looked at Vulcan, then Cara and then to Celestia who he saw was smiling. Connecting the dots he came to a conclusion.
"Dad?"
Vulcan looked Connor, his vision blurred from tears.
"It is good to finally see you...son."
Connor immediately put a foreleg around Vulcan, now embracing both his sister and father.
The trio continued to embrace each other for a minute longer before finally releasing each other.
Cara looked at Connor and went back to her usual bubbly self, "You look different to when I last saw you."
"Yeah," laughed Connor, "I think there's something funny in the water here."
Cara gave a light laugh, as did the other ponies in the room.
"This is unbelievable," continued Connor, "There's so much happening I don't know what to say."
"Then don't say anything," said Cara softly as she nuzzled he little brother, "Just enjoy the moment."
"I HAVE AN IDEA! WHY DON'T WE HAVE A PARTY!"
"A party sounds a fantastic way to celebrate Pinkie Pie," replied Celestia gently, "Why don't you go to the kitchen and liaise with the cooks and prepare a banquet of cakes. We can have a the party tonight, present company invited of course."
"Can Luna and Shining come? And what about the Wonderbolts?" asked Connor.
"I will ask Luna when she awakens later. As for Shining Armour, he is currently away on duty. And I will leave it to Group Captain Spitfire to invite the Wonderbolts."
"I'll get right on it Princess," replied Spitfire, "I'll see you tonight Connor."
She gave Connor a peck on the cheek and flew away out of the room.
"Bye Milkshake."
Connor looked to the other ponies when he noticed them giving him odd looks.
"What?" he asked confused.
"Milkshake?" asked Cara on the verge of a giggle fit.
Connor went wide-eyed and face hooved. He just called Spitfire by his pet name for her.
"Err....yeah. It's.....my pet name for Spitfire," he said scuffing the carpet with a hoof and avoiding eye contact with everyone.
"Awwwww, my little baby brother is in love," teased Cara as she hugged Connor.
Conner rolled his eyes in mock annoyance and returned the hug, he could see from her cheery smile that her antics would bring great amusement to him. The two siblings released each other from their embrace and focussed their attention back on everyone else.
"So, what happens now?" asked Connor.
"What happens now my little pony is you all shall go and enjoy yourself in Canterlot while Pinkie Pie prepares tonight's party."
"Right away Princess," said an excited Pinkie Pie as she bolted away out of the room and towards the palace kitchens.
"Well little brother, shall we?" asked Cara she pointed towards the door with a hoof.
"Of course, big sister," he replied nuzzling her.
The two siblings walked out together side by side followed by Vulcan, Spike and the Main Six sans Pinkie.
"Twilight," Celestia said quietly, "A word with you quickly."
Twilight walked over to her mentor, curious as to what she wanted.
"Yes Princess?"
"I'd like you to keep an eye on Connor. Whilst he panicked a small bit upon realising he was a pony, I am concerned he may fall into depression. Suddenly becoming a pony when he has lived his life as a human could have caused problems we are unaware of."
"I'll watch him Princess and make sure he's OK."
"Thank you Twilight. But remember, whilst being a Pony is his true form, he has lived his life as a human. He may find it hard to adjust to being a pony."
"I promise we'll do everything we can to help him."
"Thank you Twilight. I have some paperwork to sort out so I will see you tonight at the party, go and enjoy yourselves with your friends."
"I will do. I'll see you tonight Princess."
The two nuzzled each other and went their separate ways. Twilight quickly caught up with the gang whilst Celestia went to her study to arrange a special gift for a special friend.
Chapter - 2 - There Ain't No Party Like A Pinkie Party
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Chapter - 2 - There Ain't No Party Like A Pinkie Party
Connor sighed internally. He stood alone outside the banqueting hall inside Canterlot Castle, mentally preparing himself for the party that awaited him. He didn't particularly feel like a party but Pinkie is..........insistent. The trip into Canterlot earlier went more or less smoothly. Connor quickly got the hang of walking on four legs and being a lot shorter than before. Being a pony though, felt both right and wrong to him. Right as it was his true form but wrong in that he was born human and lived his entire life as one.
Connor was given a tour of Canterlot and what he saw impressed him, when he was first in the city he only saw a small part of it. The tour took his mind off becoming a pony but reality kicked in again. He started worrying about adapting to his new form and what he would now do with his life, he couldn't exactly return to Earth now even of he wanted to. He spoke to Spitfire and it was mutually agreed that Connor wouldn't be the Wonderbolts' Events Manager. Connor had enough to deal with right now and the last thing he needed was a job with a lot of responsibilities.
The girls, Vulcan and Spike though all agreed to give Connor their full support. Applejack even promised Connor a job at the farm which he accepted. But back to the matter at hoof, he stood staring at the floor waiting to be invited inside.
Just remember, enjoy yourself now and have a mental breakdown later.
His ears twitched as he heard the door open. He looked up and saw Cara walk out.
"Hi Cara."
"Hiya Connor," she replied giving him a hug.
"So," Connor started, "Is it time to go inside?"
"Yep, come on in Baby Brother," she said gleefully.
Connor walked over to the door and went inside the dark room.
"SURPRISE!"
The lights came on and in the room where the Princesses, Twilight and Co, Vulcan and the Wonderbolts. Connor wasn't surprised though. He knew what was going on hours ago. He was there when the party was suggested and agreed upon without his input. The next thing Connor saw was a pink blur bounce towards him.
"WHEREYOUSURPRISEDAREYOUEXCITEDDOYOULIKEBEINGACUDDLYPONYDOOYOU-"
"PINKIE!" Twilight yelled, holding Pinkie in her magic and levitating her away from Connor, "What did we say about bombarding Connor with questions?"
Pinkie rolled her eyes and groaned, "You said not to do it. Sorry Connor."
Connor laughed, "It's alright Pinkie. Apology accepted."
Connor walked over to the centre of the room and took in the decorations and the food. There was a lot of astronomy themed cakes again as well as Wonderbolt themed ones. Whilst salivating at the cakes a familiar voice spoke up.
"Hey Sleepyhead."
Connor turned around and saw Spitfire in her Wonderbolt flight suit.
She looks so good in that.
"Hiya Milkshake."
"What do you think of the set up?"
Connor took a look around the room. Whilst he may not particularly like parties, Pinkie did know how to arrange one.
"It looks great, Pinkie did a good job sorting it out."
"Indeed she did Connor," Celestia said approaching Connor, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm not too bad. Handling things better than I thought I would."
"That is good to hear, but remember if you ever need help then please don't hesitate to ask us for it."
"I'll remember that."
"Before we begin I would like to make an announcement to everypony first," Celestia said.
Celestia walked over to where all the food was laid out ready to be devoured by ponies and began speaking. Everypony was listening keenly to what she had to say.
"My little ponies, thank you for attending this party as we celebrate the return of one of Equestria's own. Connor, though born a human, has pony parents. His mother is the Pegasus Star Light who disappeared from Equestria many years ago, through unknown means she transformed into a human and gave birth to Connor. Connor lived his life as a human and until few days ago that is the only world he knew."
Celestia took a sip of tea before continuing.
"When Connor appeared in Equestria, he saw from his perspective a new life and a new civilization and boldly went where no human had gone before. Equestria. He very quickly made an impression on many of us and has already made many excellent friends. And a special somepony."
Connor blushed in embarrassment again and pretended he wasn't hearing anything, Spitfire kissed him on the cheek causing his blush to go redder.
Connor ignored the 'awww' coming from the assembled ponies.
"But he also met two other ponies who understandably believed they would never meet their long lost relative. Caramel Fudge and Vulcan, the sister and father of Connor, have been reunited with him in what is without doubt one of the finest moments of my reign."
Celestia slowly walked over to Connor. Spitfire was still stood next to him holding his hoof, Cara and Vulcan were stood next to him as well.
"Connor, as you are the offspring off Equestrian citizens and would have been yourself had things happened differently; I see no problem with granting you this."
She teleported into view official looking documents and continued to speak.
"Connor Wakefield, I Princess Celestia; Sol Invictus of the Sun and Diarch of the Day, do hereby grant you full Equestrian Citizenship and all the rights it pertains."
She levitated over a small booklet. Connor looked at it and it was an Equestrian Passport, with his mugshot in the back.
I guess that explains why the girls insisted on going in that photo booth earlier.
Connor took the passport and looked through it. It looked like the British Passport of old with blue covers. It had his D.O.B. according to the Equestrian calendar. The day and month were the same but instead of 1990 is was 975 ANM (After Nightmare Moon). He would be celebrating his 25th birthday in the same year as Luna's return, 1000ANM.
Connor felt a hoof gently pull his chin up and he saw a pony smiling. It was Celestia.
"Welcome home my little pony."
Connor's vision started to blur.
Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry, don't cry.
He firmly hugged her forelegs, a few tears falling down his cheek. The feeling of acceptance and belonging overwhelmed him, he truly felt like he belonged here. He felt like he fit in and could achieve anything in Equestria. Maybe he could even join the Wonderbolts one day as a performer.
"Thank you Princess."
Celestia gently stroked Connors back, "You're welcome Connor."
After a few seconds Connor let go of Celestia and went back to Spitfire.
"So, what are we going to do now?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"WE'RE GOING TO PARTY!" yelled Pinkie, blasting everyone's hearing away.
She launched herself at the tables and started filling up a plate by throwing pastries into the air and catching them with a plate with speed and pin-point accuracy. She wasn't even looking at where she was throwing.
Connor just watched until he felt something touch his hoof. He looked down to see it was Spitfire. Clearly implying she wanted to hold his hoof he lifted it high enough for her to grab. It was an odd sensation holding hooves, the closest Connor could compare it to would be how you hold hands for an arm wrestle.
He looked at the held hooves and then up to Spitfire who was smiling warmly. He didn't realise he was staring at her.
"Are you going to say something Sleepyhead?" she asked.
Connor gave an answer before actually thinking about it first, "Your hoof feels nice."
Spitfire's eyebrow's went up in surprise, "Not exactly what I expected but thanks anyway."
She gave him a kiss in the cheek causing him to blush profusely, fortunately his dark red fur camouflaged it. Spitfire laughed a little bit and took Connor over to the tables where they filled plated up with food, mostly cake.
Connor sat at a table with Spitfire, Cara and Vulcan. Each had their plates piled high with cakes and pastries, Connor and Spitfire unsurprisingly shared a super mega extra large banana milkshake complete with scoops of banana ice cream.
"So Connor," Cara started, "How does it feel to be a pony?"
"Strange, it feels right and at the same time wrong."
"I guess that makes sense considering your situation."
He looked at his hooves and sighed, "I miss having fingers though, playing the piano will be harder with hooves."
"I wouldn't worry about it too much," Cara said comfortingly, "There are pony versions of pianos you can play on."
Connor was intrigued. He wasn't sure how a pony could play complex musical pieces with only two hooves, it would be like a human playing with only one hand. Yeah you can put a tune together but nothing complex.
"I'll have to give it a try sometime."
"So what are your plans Connor?" asked Vulcan.
"I'm not too sure, go back to Ponyville for the time being and get used to being a pony. Learn how to fly and try to settle down in my new life."
"So what do you do for a living?" asked Connor.
"I'm a retired blacksmith of the Royal Equestrian Air Force. I mostly made armour and weapons for Pegasi soldiers."
"Officer or soldier?"
"Officer. Retired with the rank of Group Captain."
Just like dad......this is going to be awkward.
"Connor," continued Vulcan, "I realise this is awkward for you, it is to me as well. Biologically we are father and son, but I feel wrong in calling you it by which I mean I wasn't in your life until very recently. And by the same token I wouldn't feel right if you called me dad, I didn't raise you and as such have no right to be called as such by you."
"I understand what you mean. Honestly I feel like if I called you dad that I would be disrespecting my.....step dad....," Connor ended prematurely with a sigh.
"Connor," Vulcan said intervening, "You don't have to refer to your stepdad as such, you can call him dad, I won't mind."
"Are you sure, you won't be offended?"
"I'm sure. It's clear he's done a good job raising you, your mother too no doubt," he paused for a moment as he remembered the last day with his wife.
"She's doing well, she's a brilliant mother and an excellent cook. No-one ever went hungry in my house."
Vulcan laughed heartily, "Yeah that sounds like Star Light alright. Such a cute little thing she was when I met her."
"Now that I know she was originally a pony it would explain her vegetarianism, she would try to convert me to it but I could never join the dark side. I like my bacon sandwiches too much."
"You eat meat?" asked Vulcan inquisitively.
"Yep. Spitfire told me Pegasi occasionally eat Tuna."
Vulcan nodded, "We do, in addition to other fish as well. We can consume other meat also but we tend not to, Earth ponies and Unicorns get real squeamish for some reason when they see us eating meat. They can consume meat but they choose not to."
"Oh well, more meat for us."
Vulcan grinned, "That's what I like to hear. Tell you what, when you're feeling up to it why not visit us in Cloudsdale. There's a great fish restaurant I visit every week, you don't have to come but it would mean a great deal to me if you did."
"Sure, I'd love to. Can Spitfire and Cara come?"
"Course they can, we could go next week if you like?"
"Sure, I'll look forward to it. Do they do Tuna or haddock?"
Vulcan nodded, "The best in Cloudsdale"
Connor loved Tuna baguettes. On Earth he would get freshly baked baguettes and fill them completely with lots of Tuna. Just Tuna, no salad in sight to ruin the taste.
They continued to talk a while more, periodically joined by other ponies in attendance including the other Wonderbolts. They were disappointed that Connor decided not to be their Events Manager but understood his decision and agreed for now it was the best decision. They did challenge him to join the Wonderbolts one day as a performer. Connor declined saying he wouldn't be good enough, but after a few chicken noises from Rainbow Dash he quickly changed his mind and accepted their challenge.
As Spitfire lived at the Academy and had no other accommodation of her own, Rainbow Dash offered to let Connor live with her in her cloud house. Connor was reluctant as he felt it unkind and rude to leave Twilight so soon but she was cool with it, as was Spitfire. Rainbow was excited about Connor moving in as not only did she have a new flying buddy, she potentially had a new partner in pranking.
The rest of the party went like any other Pinkie party. Celestia ate more cakes than everypony else and Luna fiercely hoarded the Jammie Dodgers, only sharing them with Connor and her pet Opossum Tiberius. Connor wondered if he should have a pet, maybe a lion called Montacord.
Connor laughed at that, it would be brilliant to unleash him at unwanted double-glazing salesman.
His good spirits though were ruined by a familiar voice.
"What is going on here?"
Everypony sighed and turned to see Blueblood. He strutted in and scowled.
"Did you not hear me peasants? I demanded to know what is going on and I order you to answer me!"
Everypony was gritting their teeth at Blueblood's behaviour. They were all getting sick and tired of his crap, looking down on everypony as if they were beneath him. One day Karma will strike.
Not getting an answer he looked around the room and spotted Connor, though Blueblood was unaware it was him. All he saw was an adult blank flank.
"You there, the simpleton blank flank, what is going on here?"
Connor scowled and looked over to see Celestia about to roast Blueblood, but a look from Connor asked her to stay back.
"ANSWER ME YOU BLANK FLANK FOOL!"
Connor decided to have a little fun.
"You talking to me?" he asked imitating Robert De Niro.
"YES I AM TALKING TO YOU, YOU WITLESS CRETIN!"
"Oh silly me," Connor replied chuckling and shaking his head, "Why didn't you say so?"
"I DID SAY SO MANY TIMES BLANK FLANK! NOW I ORDER YOU TO TELL ME WHAT IS GOING ON!"
"You walk into a room full of ponies and cakes and you don't know what's going on, and you call me a witless cretin?"
"HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT COMMONER!"
"That's exactly how you talk to everypony else."
"I am Royalty. I can speak to anypony how ever I please."
Connor sighed, "You've got your head so far up your own arse you could chew your food twice."
There were a sea of open mouths at Connor's insult with some of the ponies, notably Rainbow, Cara, Spitfire, the Wonderbolts and Luna all trying their best not to burst out laughing. Blueblood however, went ape-shit.
"HOW DARE YOU!"
Blueblood swung a hoof and was about to strike when he felt his hoof in a magical hold. He tried to fight it but whoever the caster was was very strong.
"WHOEVER IS CASTING MAGIC I ORDER YOU TO STOP AT ONCE!"
"You do not give me orders Blueblood," came the venomous tone of Celestia.
Blueblood looked like he was about to lay a chocolate egg.
"Auntie Celestia, I didn't realise-"
"SILENCE!" boomed Celestia.
The entire room fell silent. Blueblood seemed to go a pale shade of white, quite a feet given he already has white fur.
"You will leave this room this instant and return to your bedchambers, is that clear?"
Blueblood nodded, "Yes Auntie Celestia."
Celestia released Blueblood from her hold and bolted for the door. With Blueblood now gone Celestia walked over to Connor.
"Are you OK?"
"I'm fine Princess, don't worry."
Celestia simply nodded and went off to get more cake. Luna and the others could no longer contain their laughter and lost control, filling the room with hair curling belly laughs.
"THAT WAS AN AWESOME INSULT CONNOR!" yelled Rainbow.
"Whilst I don't condone such language I must say it was nice to see that ruffian put in his place," added Rarity.
"Well I wasn't going to take his crap, besides, compared to some other 'ruffians' I've dealt with in the past he got off lightly."
Raised eyebrows from many ponies wondered what that implied.
"What did you do to these other 'ruffians'?" asked Cara.
Connor sighed. They wouldn't like to hear it and it may give Celestia reason to consider him a threat. But in for a penny in for a pound. Besides, he didn't have to tell every detail, just the juicy bits. Sighing he started his explanation.
"Long story short I got bullied a lot at school for reasons I'd rather not go into. The other children at school found out something about me and I was mercilessly bullied for it. It happened for years until I went to a different school. In my teens when I was at yet another different school, where I had an unfriendly reunion with the same bullies who wasted no time in spreading around the school the 'hilarious' details about me."
"That is awful, didn't the teachers or your parents do anything to stop the bullying?" asked Cara.
"They did what they could but it made the situation worse. It got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore."
"What happened?" asked an increasingly concerned Celestia.
"One day after a PE lesson, we were getting changed in the dressing room. One of the bullies asked a condescending question in relation to something about me and my mother, the other students all laughed at me."
"What happened after he said that?" asked Spitfire
Connor paused for a moment, "I punched him in the face, hard. Broke his nose in the process."
All the ponies gasped in shock.
"It didn't stop there," Connor continued.
"What do you mean?" asked Spitfire.
"I proceeded to punch and kick him hard. I absolutely beat the crap out of him. He ended up in hospital with a broken nose, a dislocated jaw, bruising on his torso and arms and a black eye. Oh and I knocked one of his teeth out."
The ponies were shocked. They would never have expected such violence from Connor but after years of bullying, it was only a matter of time before he snapped.
"What happened to you afterwards?" asked Cara.
"I got suspended from school but no criminal charges where brought against me. Something about my dad having connections in high places. Surprisingly my parents didn't ground me, though they didn't condone what I did they understood I put up with the bullies' crap for years and something would have happened eventually. If I'm being honest I got the feeling my dad was secretly pleased I took no crap from a loud mouth."
"Well, at least the bullying stopped," she replied, "It did stop didn't it?"
"Oh yeah. After I went back to school the bullies never bothered me again. If anything they were terrified of me, I don't think they ever expected someone like me to beat the crap out of them."
"Indeed not. You haven't resorted to such measures again have you?"
"No, that was just a one off."
"That is reassuring to hear," Celestia said, "Though I don't approve of violence, your methods in this instance worked. That and things work differently on Earth, so a 'Pony' approach will probably have failed."
"What would a 'Pony' approach entail?" asked Connor, genuinely intrigued.
"Talking to your bullies and offering them the magic of friendship."
Connor just blinked, "You're kidding?"
"No. Is that not a viable option on Earth?"
Connor shook his head, "If you went up to someone on my world and offered them the 'magic of friendship' you more than likely wouldn't get a friendly response."
"What response would I get?" asked Celestia.
"You'd get told to fuck off."
Connor's bluntness shocked the ponies. We're humans really that cold and unfriendly?
"It's not that we don't like you," he continued, "We just don't want to be friends with everyone we meet. And where I'm from you don't become friends straight off the bat, instead friendships are forged over time."
This clarification seemed to ease the ponies worries as it seemed from the way Connor explained it, humans much preferred to establish long time friendships that meant something.
The party went on some more with Connor speaking to the others, including thanking Pinkie for organising the party. She was appreciative of the gratitude if the body crushing hug was anything to go by. Connor made sure to stop by the kitchen later and thank the culinary staff also, people too often forget the work that goes on behind the scenes.
The party guests played a few games including 'Pin the Tail on the Pony' and 'Pony Piñata', the latter of which Connor won. He was particularly pleased with the large bag of Rhubarb and Custard sweets that fell out, made by Bon Bon.
On the subject of sweets, Connor was roped into occasionally helping Cara out at her fudge shop. He was reluctant but the not-bribe of free mint and chocolate fudge persuaded him otherwise. He would still be able to work at Sweet Apple Acres as well allowing him to increase his income.
Connor was laying on a soft cushion eating a Wonderbolt themed slice of cake when he felt something rest on him. He looked down and saw Spitfire resting her head on his side. Looking up he saw other ponies holding a hoof to their mouths trying not to laugh at the adorable sight.
Connor looked down to Spitfire, "Do I look like a pillow?"
"No," Spitfire mumbled, "But you feel like one."
Connor couldn't disagree with that, he fur did feel soft and cuddly.
"How are you Milkshake?" he asked with a smile.
"I feel great," she replied snuggling closer to Connor, "What about you?"
"Definitely handling things better than I thought I would. That might change though in the future."
"Well if you ever need support, just remember I'll help you. The same goes for the other 'Bolts and your other friends."
"I'll keep that in mind," he replied eating some more cake, "Spits, do you think I could visit the Wonderbolt Academy sometime?"
Spitfire sat up and placed a hoof on her chin in thought, "Yeah sure, why not. Family and close relations are allowed to visit."
"Thanks Spits," he replied smiling and nuzzling her cheek.
Spitfire's Wonderbolt flight suit hid her blush.
The party went on until the late hours by which time almost everypony was asleep. Celestia levitated Twilight and Co to their guest quarters whilst the 'Bolts made their way to their barracks. Connor and Spitfire went to Connor's bedroom. Sitting himself down on the bed, he watched Spitfire as she removed her flight suit.
"Spits, can I ask a favour?" he asked nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Sure," she happily replied as she put the suit in a duffel bag.
"Could you......preen my wings?"
Spitfire just stared at Connor. To be asked to do something so personal was no small thing. She looked at his wing and could see they could do with a bit of tidying up, so she would be the first to do it. She felt a lump in her throat. She loved Connor and having the honour of being his first was a big thing. Tears started to fall down her cheek.
Fearing he may have upset her, Connor rushed over to Spitfire and placed his hooves on her cheeks.
"Spits I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you, I'll make it up to you I promise," he said, voice quavering.
Spitfire looked up at Connor, tears still falling.
"Upset me, what are you talking about?" she asked drying her eyes with a hoof, "Do you realise what you've just asked?"
"I asked you to preen my wings?" he asked unsure.
"It's not just that. To preen another's wings is an intimate act carried out between very close friends or......lovers."
"Oh yeah, I guess I forgot."
Spitfire smiled, "I'd love to preen your wings."
"Thanks Milkshake," Connor replied hugging Spitfire.
"Turn around Sleepyhead and sit down. Spread your wings out as well."
Connor did as she said and Spitfire went to work on his wings, starting with his primaries. She tidied up several of them and carefully pulled out ones that were too tattered to be of any use. There were a few feathers with blood inside but according to Spitfire those were still growing and shouldn't be removed if it can be helped.
After his primaries, she did the same treatment on his secondaries and tertiaries. After finishing, Connor went over the mirror and admired Spitfire's hoof work. She did a fine job and his wings looked more tidy than before. Spitfire promised to give Connor lessons in wing preening and proper wing maintenance.
It was very late and most of Equestria was sleeping. Connor and Spitfire had snuggled up together in bed, embraced lovingly in each other's hooves. Both were having a very restful sleep and sharing an exceptionally rare occurrence.
A shared dream.
When they happened it was usually between lovers. They were so rare Luna could recall each and every one, all thirty-two of them. Connor's and Spitfire's was the 33rd.
Luna watched a bit of the dream incognito before leaving. She didn't need to witness it all, primarily because it was exceptionally inconsiderate to intrude on such an intimate moment.
She would be on standby just in case and make sure nothing disturbed the shared dream.
