Conor Colton

Appleoosa. Cowponys, cattle, apple plantations and not to mention blistering hot air. Yes, this place never changed much, and to almost nopony was that more evident to at this time than to Colton Cloudkicker. This white coated, blue maned pegasus had found his way to this desert town, as always, close accompanied by his faithful bird; more specifically sparrow companion, Sparks. The two of them had ventured to this place in search of, what else, work. Colton had never frequented the town as much as he would have liked to believe, and despite a decent number of visits he never did get the lay of the land down to memory. Due to this, every time Colton visited this place he was practically lost, with no idea where to begin. However, this time things were different for the stallion and sparrow. They were in Appleloosa for a reason, being to get some money, from the irrigation industry. The two had picked up a flyer in the next town over, one that described an interesting offer. The flyer read "[colour=#40e0d0]Two weeks, work on irrigation systems. Pays handsomely for dedicated workers. The apple industry needs water, so the apple industry needs you.[/colour]" Colton read off as he and Sparks entered the town center. He then put the piece of paper in his saddlebags and spoke to his bird friend, resting on his shoulder, "[colour=#40e0d0]Usual corporate language, right? Eh, as long as we can get in, get some money and get out. We'll be okay.[/colour]" The stallion stated as he gave the sparrow a playful pat on the head. "[colour=#40e0d0]Soo...Where do we start?[/colour]" Colton asked as he looked over the busy town, not knowing where to start at all. The stallion and the bird both gulped nervously. "[colour=#40e0d0]Okay...Let's go I suppose.[/colour]" Colton stated with relative enthusiasm as he began his search. The pair started with a stroll down the main street, so they could get a vague idea of their bearings and where to begin, "[colour=#40e0d0]Okay...make note of everything here, little buddy...Vital importance.[/colour]" The pegasus emphasized with great concern as they both began making mental notes of where they were and how they would get where they needed to be. "[colour=#40e0d0]...A guide wouldn't hurt right now, huh, Sparks?[/colour]" Colton asked as Sparks shook his head in response as the two continued looking around, without the foggiest of notions where this venture would take them.

I'll go now

Wow, it took me another month again. Really, me? I am just...disappoint in myself ANYWAY! Story Update! Chapter Eleven has added to post #1 of this thread for your reading consideration That's about it this time 'round. Hopefully you guys won't have to wait another month to hear from me again

Dawn continued walking, acting as if nothing was or has happened. He didn't want to bring anything up to Promontory of the fear of getting shot down again, though there was always a lingering thought in his head that maybe he just wasn't being assertive enough. Dawn knew he wasn't the most forward stallion, in fact he even saw himself as calm and reserved. He continued thinking that possibly if he asked anything again, but did it more authoritatively he would get a much better result. He wasn't sure if this was a good idea or not so instead of just demanding an explanation if anything was wrong he went over in his head if it was really such a good idea. For instance, if nothing was the matter then Dawn would look rather foolish and even possibly paranoid. Another reason that he held himself back was a fear of making a scene. The pegasus wasn't blind or oblivious, he could see that if he got into a full scale argument in the middle of the street it wouldn't spell anything good for either pony, given that Promontory most likely wanted his job done and Dawn wouldn't want one of his last memories in Canterlot to be one he wouldn't favour. Regardless though, the feeling of curiosity in him was soon getting the better of him. "[colour=#b22222]Okay, I can't just stay silent like this. I need to say something. And if I'm saying anything I have to make sure I'm direct and I'm firm with it. I mean how hard is it to be assertive?[/colour]" He wondered as he looked back at the toast colored stallion and realized something, "[colour=#b22222]He is...a lot bigger...than I.....No, don't think like that, Dawn. You can tell this pony's in pain, you've seen examples of it multiple times! Don't let your fear and inhibitions cloud the facts. Even I saw how reserved and in denial he was, he probably just doesn't want to admit that anything's wrong for fear of being told off by me...[/colour]" The pegasus sighed, before turning around, "[colour=#b22222]Here goes.[/colour]" "[colour=#b22222]Okay, Promontory. I know something is up or that you've hurt yourself in someway.[/colour]" Dawn spoke quickly but firmly, in hopes Promontory wouldn't have the chance to disagree or interrupt, "[colour=#b22222]I know something's wrong and I don't appreciate being brushed off like before when I'm only trying to help. So listen, I'm not going to get mad if you got hurt, and either you admit something's wrong, and you know there is or at the very least accept some help...Or this job ain't getting done anytime soon.[/colour]" Dawn stated with a strong stance, standing right in the way of Promontory.

Conor Colton here with a very special announcement regarding a certain online MMO MLP game Legends of Equestria is live in Alpha! I really hope this doesn't put too much stress on their servers but... http://www.legendsofequestria.com/ Go! Enjoy!

Liam Neeson, am I? Ah I love you guys, great show yet again

Dawn sighed lightly at Promontory's response, the pegasus was only trying to help and yet he was met with frustration at every opportunity he did get to help. Regardless though, he nodded and conceded defeat since he honestly didn't know what else he could do at this point, "[colour=#b22222]...Okay...C'mon then, almost at the train station.[/colour]" The black coated stallion reminded as he continued walking to his destination. Dawn decided not to think too much about Promontory right now and instead focus on the matter at hoof, Ponyville. The stallion had never really been to the town though he had heard a lot about the little hamlet, more so than what would be expected of such a small settlement. Although, to be honest Dawn felt he would feel more at home and at peace in a small town where events happened rather than a large city with few and far between exciting events. Just the thought of what experiences or sights and sounds he would experience in his new home sent an almost noticeable chill down his spine and up his wings; the stallion just couldn't wait to get settled into his new place. He knew fine rightly that the arrangements weren't perfect but he was just glad there were arrangements to begin with. Dawn continued walking and musing over what would happen in Ponyville, to the point where he was literally lost in thought. However he was taken out of his train of thought when he heard a rather easily noticed cracking noise coming from Promontory, Dawn turned his head back slightly to see what was going on. He surveyed the boxes and the stallion as they walked, he opened his mouth for a brief moment...Then realized what the response to any inquiries would be and promptly shut his lips. They just continued walking, drawing very close to the train station, not saying a word.

Dawn raised an eyebrow at the stallion's reply. Something seemed off about it, though for the life of him, Dawn couldn't put a hoof on as to why. So ultimately, Dawn nodded and continued walking towards the train station, where he would be departing for Ponyville. As they walked though, the pegasus couldn't help but feel a slight concern for Promontory. To Dawn, not everything seemed alright; in fact, the pegasus could have sworn he saw something strange when Promontory lifted his hoof up for Dawn to inspect. The two of them continued their journey, trotting along the cobbled Canterlot walkways, all the while with Dawn's mind constantly lingering on the thought that something was wrong, he just couldn't shake the feeling. He continued musing over what the 'cause of such a feeling could be, constantly going over different scenarios in his head as to what could be causing the problem. It was at this point that Dawn decided to take all he knew into the situation and apply it to find a logical conclusion. "[colour=#b22222]Okay...So he was having trouble with the boxes...Then he started slowing down. He doesn't look like he'd have trouble with heavy lifting so it was probably more so the boxes were weighing him down...After we got the rope he still looks to be in pain...But the box's seem more manageable...Something must have happened, like he hurt a part of himself while carrying those boxes...Wait, come to think of it...Why would he want to show me his hooves before anything when I asked if he was okay?...[/colour]" That's when Dawn made a connection. He slowed down slightly and posed another question. "[colour=#b22222]Promontory, you sure you're okay? Didn't hurt your hooves or anything? 'Cause when you lifted it up to show me, something seemed off about it.[/colour]" Dawn stated, trying his luck for a breakthrough.

Most defiantly, Starry xD

Decimated cake, eh? Wooo!

AHHH! I'M SOO LAAAATE ON THIS! But anyway, congratulations, Mane. I know text can only express emotion soo far but I can say without a shadow of doubt in my mind that you deserve all the happiness in the world in your marriage. You have, as you've said, poured your heart into this site. Sometimes that can go unappreciated by some, and that is a real shame, it really is. Though I'll keep off the negative points Anyway, you've put your heart into this community as you've said and as a result of that you'be help build not just a community but a home, a place where friends can be made and all that good stuff My time on Canterlot has been invaluable to me and it still is, and I'm glad people like you made it possible. You have my thanks and I'm sure a lot of other's as well. In fact seeing all the trouble everybody's went to to show you care and appreciation on your special day really warms my heart. But I'm rambling now so, congratulations Mane. You deserve all the happiness in the world. From Ireland, me and all Canterlot residents

As Dawn slowed down to remain at pace with Promontory he couldn't help but feel there was something wrong. The stallion looked to be...well in pain, not surprisingly given the load he was carrying on his back. Dawn had to almost mentally fight back the urge to say anything, to the point he was constantly closing his mouth whenever he would go to speak or ask anything regarding the stallion's condition. Not long after the fifth or sixth time Dawn had done this though had he noticed the two of them had reached the place with rope. Dawn quickly darted inside, motioning for Promontory to wait outside. Dawn thought he would motion regardless that it was pretty evident that Promontory was not getting through that door with all of Dawn's things on his back. Dawn scanned frantically across the store, trying to remember where he had seen rope. After about a minute or so, Dawn had found a large strip of good quality magic woven rope and quickly purchased it and headed back out. With this rope in hoof Dawn gave Promontory one end to hold onto as the pegasus floated a fair distance upwards and began wrapping rope around his boxes; ultimately bringing the rope end of his back to the stallion with a smile. Dawn was fairly sure his things were much more secure. It was then though that he thought he should inquire to see if anything had gone wrong with Promontory, as he still looked to be in pain. "[colour=#b22222]Uhh...Promontory? I know you said you don't want my help, and that this is your job to do but...I'm not really offering to help, just asking a question here...Are you...okay?[/colour]" Dawn started. "[colour=#b22222]From the looks of things back there you looked to be...in pain...or agitated in someway.[/colour]" He finished.

Dawn backed off slightly at Promontory's reply, he could tell there was no helping at this point so he sighed and admitted defeat. "[colour=#b22222]Okay, I will.[/colour]" Dawn stated as he started making his way to the store he had previously mentioned. As they walked, Dawn wondered why Promontory wouldn't accept help and seemed completely and utterly objective to that whole concept, "[colour=#b22222]I can understand it's his job but surely a pony can tell when they need help right? Well...maybe he doesn't need help...Maybe he's done worse jobs than this and I'm just annoying him by offering to do his job for him...I guess that's reasonable enough. Okay, I'll just be quiet and not worry. He can handle this I'm sure.[/colour]" Dawn pondered. As the pair made their way there, Dawn also noticed a few ponies gawking as Promontory's shoes made loud clanging noises. Honestly the pegasus didn't mind, if anything he was used to it himself, "[colour=#b22222]Yeah look at what we have here, one stallion with loud feet and Darkest Dawn, the evil looking astronomer guy.[/colour]" Dawn sighed as he fixed a small misplacement in his mane and continued walking. He took a look back to see if Promontory was doing good, only making it a quick glance in case it looked like he was going to insist on helping again. As he did though he noticed the stallion was looking a tad in pain and was walking noticeably slower. Dawn was close to asking what the problem was but due to Promontory's reaction to Dawn's previous questions he kept his mouth shut and instead slowed down himself less he go too far ahead of Promontory.

Dawn couldn't help but feel uneasy as he saw Promontory lifting and no doubt struggling with his boxes. It made the pegasus feel guilty in a way; in the sense that it was his belongings that were no pressing down on this stallion's back, so Dawn couldn't help but feel a little bit responsible for the current situation. Dawn followed Promontory out the door and down the set of stair, standing right next to him. A few times Dawn instinctively lifted a hoof or a wing whenever he thought the boxes were going to fall over. Luckily they never did, which full credit for had to go to Promontory. The pegasus continued following down the stairs and out the front door, locking it behind himself and the stallion. He would have taken a few moments to say goodbye but he had more pressing matters at the moment, like making sure he didn't hear the sound of broken glass anytime soon. Dawn took a few steps down to street level before looking at Promontory and inquiring as to his current state. "You sure you're alright? Like seriously don't need any help? I could take a few boxes if you want, it's not trouble really. They are my things after all..." Dawn asked as he waited for a response. As he did he remembered that this was in fact, Promontory's job and he was seemingly prideful of it when he didn't accept any help lifting things earlier. Not to mention from one look at the stallion's face after Dawn mentioned that told him he should probably think of another way to help. He thought over his options until an idea hit him. He figured Promontory had the idea before him but one pony had to say it. "There's a place down the street that should have rope. Want me to go get some or you alright to walk the distance?" Dawn asked.

Dawn nodded as Promontory explained why he needed no assistance. Dawn's stubborn attitude though wasn't about to let that slide, "Well...If you want help, I'm alright to...do...that." He murmured, realizing his argument just sort of melted away there. He hung his head low for a brief moment before spring back into his normal mood. As Promontory started moving boxes Dawn figured he should do something constructive. He started looking around his home for anything small he may have missed. He began in what was both his office slash bedroom, picking up various framed photos and documents he could only feel were safe if they were right next to him in his saddlebags. With every photo of certificate he put away he could feel himself becoming less and less attached to the room he was in...Almost like he had never set foot in this place before...It was alien to him by the time he was finished collecting his things. The pegasus chalked this feeling up to that, simply...It was time to move on. Dawn took a few steps forward and sat on the edge of his bed, remaining silent for a time. He peeked into his saddlebags and looked over what was once the substance of this room...And it could all fit in one saddlebag. The pegasus sighed and walked back into the main room, wondering how Promontory was doing. Apparently Promontory opted to carry all of Dawn's things on his back. Now that Dawn thought about it, it made sense, he just had thought Promontory would have a had a wagon, or a cart or...something. What confused Dawn even further was when the stallion asked him for rope. Again it took Dawn a bit to catch on here but he figured out the reasoning. He shook his head though after having a look around. "Not any that I can see...Sorry." Dawn frowned.

Dawn couldn't help but chuckle slightly at Promontory's reply, it was refreshing for the pegasus to actually talk to somepony outside his family who wasn't very stuck up. Modesty is all well and good, but Dawn didn't just see that in Promontory, he saw something he rarely saw in these high end Canterlotians he would associate with...Genuineness . "Yeah I would suppose that's what most of those types of ponies would be expecting. Don't get me wrong, I've had friends in the past who were like that, but honestly...They had more dreams than money could buy them. See you're genuine in your travels, you go because you most likely need to. Those guys go because they want to, whole other story there, my friend." Dawn continued as he wondered over the fact that he just called Promontory a 'friend'. Dawn shrugged it off though, thinking to himself that there were a lot, A LOT worse ponies to have as a friend. The pegasus finally reached his apartment and took the small stair on the outside to the front door. Taking yet another key out of his saddlebags, Dawn unlocked said door and held it open for Promontory. After a few more staircases, Dawn had reached his own front door, with yet another turn of a key he was back inside. Again holding the door. "Well, here we are. The boxes and stuff are there in the corner. You want any help?" Dawn inquired as he pointed to said boxes.

As Dawn turned to head out the door he stopped dead in his tracks when Promontory offered him a piece of paper, claiming it was Dawn's. After a quick inspection, Dawn saw that this was in fact his. In fact it was a vital piece of information, it was Dawn's own little star chart he had made when he first entered the University; it had various calculations and star coordinates that were, dare he say, vital to his research. "Oh, thanks." Dawn stated as he took the paper and placed it in his saddlebags with the rest of them. "Don't know what I would have done without that, thanks for spotting it." Dawn continued as he smiled and continued out the door. Now it was just a matter of retracing their steps back to his apartment; Dawn having done this more times than he could think meaning it was a trivial task. As the two of them walked Dawn continually checked his papers over and over again in case he was missing anything. He couldn't see anything missing nor something that wasn't supposed to be there so he assumed he had all he needed. Dawn continued along the marble path leading out of the University and to the steep, strong metal gates that lined the outside. Dawn took one step on the threshold that divided the University from the rest of the city before turning around to face the establishment again. He looked it over for what was going to be the last time in a while. Years of memories flooded back to him as he surveyed the grounds, all the way from enrollment to graduation. After a while the pegasus merely smirked before turning back around and continuing on his way, deciding to put more conversation into this journey. "Y'know you may be a tad wrong about that nopony wanting to know about any other towns thing. Most of the ponies I knew in Uni wanted nothing more than to travel, to see the world and all that. Me I was fine there for the time being but whenever a well traveled pony would show up they wouldn't stop asking that pony questions as to what they had seen and what they had done...Though, I guess you have more of an argument here since you've been all around Equestria and my argument lies with a bunch of preppy Canterlotian students." He nodded.

Dawn kept looking through various records as he nodded along and responded to Promontory's reply to his earlier inquiry, "Aww that's awful sounding. The not being accepted anywhere I mean, the job itself doesn't sound like that much of a downer." Dawn stated as he continually searched. He kept digging and digging but as he did, he had a slight realization, something similar between himself and the toast colored stallion next to him. "Funny thing though, I don't feel that accepted, even around here, where I spent years learning. I mean I've shown no signs of meanness or hostility towards you but sometimes ponies rarely give me the chance. I mean not to point out the obvious but, black coat, red and black hair, the name Darkest Dawn..." He started as he pointed to both his side and his hair and then his face, "...Doesn't exactly call for the best of first impressions. Not to mention the whole astronomy thing. Don't get me wrong, it's a great profession and I love it but it's not exactly the most social job, y'know?" He added as he continued. "I mean you could probably talk for ages about the places you've been. When a pony starts belting out constellations in conversation though, you'd tend to be somewhere else, y'know?" Dawn sighed as he looked deeply into one cupboard, "Has to be here....Aha!" He exclaimed as he pulled out a few loose sheets of paper, some ordinary file paper and some star charts to name only a few. "Got 'em. Guess it's to the apartment then next, huh?"

Dawn didn't have any real notion of judging Promontory for what he said, he simply nodded and placed a hoof under his own chin. "Well, takes all kinds to make an Equestria, or something equally as philosophical." Dawn stated with one more nod and a smile before continuing to lead the way down the marble lined hallways. Dawn had seen these walls and these floors more times than he could even count, to think he would be away from it all for soo long seemed rather alien to him. Never the less he simply sighed quietly and continued on his way. Dawn took a sharp right turn down one hallway and spotted the room he was looking for, a records room. The pegasus approached a nearby desk and went behind it, he reached into a small pouch he had brought with him and took a key out, he unlocked a small compartment in the desk to reveal, yet another key, which he took. The pegasus worked his way back to the records room door and with a turn of they key and a slight clicking noise, the door was open. Dawn kept it open with an absent minded hoof for Promontory as he began surveying the room for his desired notes, he spotted a promising drawer and started looking through to see if he could find what he was looking for. As he did he couldn't help but pose another question to Promontory, he saw the pony wasn't at ease in this no doubt unfamiliar environment so he decided if anypony was going to be friendly to him, might as well had been Dawn. "So what's working on the rails like then, Promontory? Never really looked into that career myself so I have no clue." Dawn stated as he kept looking.