Conor Colton

"[colour=#40e0d0]Hunter's instinct? What does that even mean?[/colour]" Colton asked before sighing and making a hoof gesture as a way of saying 'never mind'. He followed Gerrard, taking smaller and smaller-and quieter and quieter steps. When the two of them reached the door to the general store, which appeared to be the back entrance, Colton went to open it. To the pegasus' dismay however, the door was apparently locked. Colton sighed and turned to Gerrard, "[colour=#40e0d0]You have anything that can get through a lock?[/colour]" He asked, wondering if he would even get a positive response to that. What happened next however, Colton didn't even think of.

Sparks flew off his master's head and began pecking at a rusted segment of the lock that hung on the door, Colton wondered exactly his pet was doing before it hit him. Sparks was indicating they should just break the lock, "[colour=#40e0d0]Good idea, buddy.[/colour]" Colton stated as he looked around, and found a rock with a sufficiently flat enough side and positioned it parallel to the lock's rusted section with his mouth. He mumbled through the rock he was holding to Gerrard.

"[colour=#40e0d0]Okay, be careful if anything's in there, this door's gonna fly open when the lock's done...Just a heads up.[/colour]" Colton stated as he lifted his head, positioning it carefully so the rock would collide with what he wanted. He knew if something potentially dangerous was on the other side of this door then this lock had to come off as quickly as possible. He lifted his head, braced himself and slammed the rock down; once. Twice. Three times in quick succession then the metal gave way and the lock broke, along with the door drifting open and Colton and Sparks proceeding in, "[colour=#40e0d0]Reckon we should call out or something?[/colour]" He asked

Aw dang it!

Did I miss it?

Must. Be. There.

Will make. Every effort. To be there!

OH! OH!

Jester, would you do me please?

Coloured please :Rarity:

If that's too much trouble then I'm okay with lined as well :Rarity:

It'd be much appreciated, Jester

Colton followed carefully as himself and Gerrard made their way into the derelict, run down ghost town. Even Colton had to admit that this place gave him the creeps. Despite this, the pegasus continued to converse with the griffon. "[colour=#40e0d0]You're from the University, eh? Must be one heck of a gig...Pay must be great too then, I'm guessing?[/colour]" Colton questioned as he paced forward and forward into the empty town. Or at least, he hoped it was empty. The pegasus continued conversation, even if it was only for the sake of his own sanity in this off-putting place, "[colour=#40e0d0]I have to wonder though, why do they have you out here if you work and report to all the way back in Canterlot? Surely they'd have somepony sending reports on water Canterlot's way, right?[/colour]" Colton had to question as the two continued on.

As they did so, Colton couldn't help but feel he heard something, multiple times. He couldn't shake the feeling that he heard somepony speaking, which was of course, absurd to think, "[colour=#40e0d0]Why would anypony else take a detour through a place like this?[/colour]" He kept asking rhetorically to himself, sure that he was just having tricks played on him by his imagination. However the noises persisted, and it came to a point where Colton couldn't help his curiosity. The pegasus sighed in frustration at himself as he spoke up to Gerrard.

"[colour=#40e0d0]I think...I think I heard something over there...One second.[/colour]" Colton stated as he walked towards a building where he determined the most sound was coming from. The pegasus approached the ruined door and promptly began to slowly open it. As he did however, the age of the door started to take it's effect. The rusted hinges broke away and the door fell right onto the ground in front of Colton, creating a large banging noise as wood collided with wood. Colton turned to face Gerrard again with a slight look of regret on his face, "[colour=#40e0d0]...Sorry. False alarm.[/colour]" He meeped. As Sparks just glared with a smirk.

I too sadly don't have anything to give you for your birthday, Dav

But I'll give my best of birthday wishes to hopefully compensate.

HAPPY (Late) BIRTHDAY!

Known you for quite a bit of time and I'm glad to give my birthday wishes

Dawn continued sorting his plan out, not paying much mind to Promontory's confused expressions. The pegasus knew he would likely get this reaction so instead of dwelling on it he simply got on with what he thought was the best option. Dawn checked over the wagon a few times to secure all his luggage, all the time not even giving Promontory a passing glance, though he knew the stallion would no doubt be confused about what was going on.

When Dawn had finished securing and re-securing everything he went over to the stallion, the back of the wagon still open and addressed him, "[colour=#b22222]You didn't fail any job, heck I should tip you for going through all that discomfort for the sake of my stuff and a payment. And the reason I'm helping you is that we're here near Canterlot train station, a long ways away from any nearby hospital or clinic. Celestia knows I don't think the ponies around us would want nor be in a position to help you so I'm doing the best I can with what I got. A wagon, a few boxes, enough money for two tickets and a deadline for when that train's gonna leave. Now trust me, I don't consider this a waste of my time, now you can stay here and dig a shoe further into your hoof or you can hop on this wagon and do the sensible thing.[/colour]" Dawn stated as he went to the front of the wagon and secured himself into the pulling position.

"[colour=#b22222]Your choice.[/colour]" Dawn ended with, hoping Promontory would see reason.

Colton was actually intrigued by Gerrard's question. He wondered over it for a moment or so before actually responding. Sparks nodded in approval as his master attempted conversation, "[colour=#40e0d0]Yeah, I'd like to ask about yourself, Gerrard. Where do ya come from? You been in the mainland for a while? And...Well what exactly is it that you do?[/colour]" Colton asked quizzically, actually eager to hear the response. Despite things not getting off to the best of starts, Colton was keen to try and make friends with this new individual. He couldn't exactly explain why so he chalked it up to an old bit of philosophy he heard on his travels. Better to have more friends than more enemies.

When Gerrard brought up the subject of a 'Ghost town' Colton was visibly interested. The pegasus' ears perked up and his eyes widened slightly as he the prospect of seeing something cool or exciting on this job made his day all the more better. Colton pulled out his own map and looked on it to find a relative direction towards the ghost town. He realized this was completely irrelevant since Gerrard had the directions sorted out, but sometimes Colton just loved the adventurous feeling of plotting his course on a map. And also he wanted to see if he could get there any faster. With a newly found spring in his trot the pegasus continued on.

"[colour=#40e0d0]Cool, ghost town.[/colour]" Was all he had to say.

I should really comment on these Podcast episodes more often.

I thoroughly enjoy them, they're pretty awesome

And yay, Phil xD

Keep up the good work, all y'all

Thanks for spotting this date, Rosie. I had no idea

Anyway...

WOOOOOOOOOO!!

I was first introduced to the show through a series I usually watched on Screwattack.com called 'Death Battle'. People will know what I'm talking about if they've seen it

Here's to more ponies, more years and more bronies!

Dawn inwardly sighed in relief as his plan seemed to have worked and Promontory admitted something was wrong. Dawn had guessed there would be an injury and no doubt blood involved, but when he got a glance at the stallion's hoof he couldn't help himself but to cringe and step back a little. Almost right after this though, the pegasus stepped forward again and examined the injury, "[colour=#b22222]Ouch, that has really got to hurt...Hmm...[/colour]" Dawn wondered as he tried thinking of a solution to this problem. Then luck and inspiration hit him all at the same time. He noticed they were only a block or so away from the train station, and Dawn's awaiting train so he had an idea.

The pegasus spotted a nearby pony pulling an empty wagon, no doubt once used to carry bags of grain, vegetables and other related goods, "[colour=#b22222]Okay, wait here.[/colour]" Dawn stated as he went over to speak with the wagon puller. After a brief conversation and an exchange of bits, the pulling pony walked away, leaving Dawn with a wagon. The pegasus wheeled it over towards Promontory and opened up the back. Dawn then proceeded to lift box after box from Promontory's back and placing them into the wagon.

Once he had done that the pegasus tied it all down securely then went over to Promontory. "[colour=#b22222]Now before you say anything...Here's how things are gonna happen. You and my things are gonna sit in the wagon, I can manage to pull that a few blocks no problem. Then, on my train, I'm gonna pay you onto it. I can't have you walking around Canterlot on that hoof. Either on the train or when we get off in Ponyville we'll get you to clinic, since I don't see any around here. That okay?[/colour]" Dawn asked, still in that stern voice and dominant stance from earlier.

Colton stood and watched as Gerrard made his way into the blacksmith's to gather no doubt something for Colton to carry. The pegasus opened his mouth to speak during this brief window of opportunity when it was only him and Sparks present, "[colour=#40e0d0]This guy's a rare one, ain't he?[/colour]" Colton asked rhetorically to his sparrow companion, the bird nodding anyway. "[colour=#40e0d0]It's weird, he seems nice just...He acts like he enjoys messing with ponies...Is that a griffon thing? Is that even a thing?[/colour]" Colton wondered out loud as he continued musing, "[colour=#40e0d0]Well...best thing I can do is not give him any more material to work with, and just be friendly.[/colour]" Colton ended.

Sparks then whispered a few chirps and cheeps into his master's ear as the pegasus grew more and more confused as the bird continued, "[colour=#40e0d0]I don't really get what you're saying, buddy. Good natured fun? I don't really think ya understand Sparks. If this guy's soo intent on making a fool of us then that's his concern, I'd just rather not have it.[/colour]" Colton replied as the sparrow continued, leading to another reply from the pegasus, along with a sigh, "[colour=#40e0d0]Yes, Sparks I will make an attempt to be friendly. Though to be honest I'd rather not talk to the guy if that could just give him more material to work with.....But...fine. I'll make an effort...Somebody has to.[/colour]" Colton admitted defeat as he saw Gerrard exiting with a few saddlebags.

Colton listened as Gerrard spouted off something that no doubt sounded inspirational to him. Colton on the other hoof was less than eager. The pegasus picked up his share of the load by scooping his head under the bags and shifting them onto his back. Colton almost felt the need to hover slightly just to show that these bags could be carried whilst flying, though he quickly realized how much of a non option that was when he noticed he had placed the saddlebags...Directly in front of his wings. "[colour=#40e0d0]Okay, Gerrard...Lead on.[/colour]" Colton stated.

Now this is an interesting topic, I could have a field day with this one

While I agree the Changeling's are just like animals wanting food I don't really approve of their methods. Y'know, espionage, holding ponies against their will in green goo and generally causing havoc; that sorta thing.

In a way I could forgive the Changelings. They seem to operate like a hive mind, which is no doubt added to by the fact they have bug wings and look generally...Buggy

So I think it's just a matter of the Hive's brain, the queen being either out to get Equestria or just wanting food and using her control and superior intellect to the rest of her Changelings to gather food as she sees fit. Who knows, maybe it's normal for Changeling queens to do this, maybe Queenie's actions were justified in some way, there's still a lot we don't know about her so I can't say for sure.

All in all, I can forgive the Changelings, as a whole anyway. My opinion, they didn't know better

Ah that WAS fun

Colton raised his eyebrow as Gerrard defended Sparks. The pegasus was rather confused. He and Sparks would just consider there banter to be lighthearted fun, with no underlying tones of nastiness behind their words and or actions. They looked at each other for a second, merely shrugging as they followed Gerrard to their next destination. Colton was still trying to wrap his head around this griffon, for the life of him the pegasus didn't know how he should react to anything Gerrard would say or do. He just decided it'd be best if he just, went along with it.

Colton also couldn't help but spot that Gerrard was holding back a lot of laughs and also laughing at situations that, well weren't exactly humorous. Which made the pegasus wonder if he had missed something. At this moment Colton had no idea what to think or to do. Gerrard seemed legitimate in the sense he was offering them a job, and a following pay. But he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something he was missing, the griffon just seemed a tad...Off, to him. It didn't make matters any better when the griffon put an arm around Colton's neck and said his next sentance, almost sounding like he was threatening him. And that's when it hit Colton.

"[colour=#40e0d0]Why that little...He's messing me about to get a reaction, he thinks it's funny.[/colour]" Colton realized as he sighed and removed the griffon's arm from around his neck. Colton had been in these sort of situations before, and honestly, he couldn't stand them. He seriously contemplated just walking away and not being made a fool out of. But instead he merely came to his own conclusion in his head, "[colour=#40e0d0]He wants a reaction? How about I give him nothing.[/colour]" Colton thought as he responded to the griffon's question.

Colton simply nodded coldly with as little expression as he could. Sparks took the same attitude. When Gerrard said Colton was the only pony to respond, the pegasus just have him a glare similar to the one he had given him earlier, "[colour=#40e0d0]This is gonna be a looong job.[/colour]" Colton thought.

As Colton shook the griffon's talon he observed the other feathered creatures fierce gaze. The pegasus kept a pleasant and straight face though, not wanting to offend unwillingly. Sparks however gulped rather loudly and nervously, only to receive a slight glare from his master. After the shake was over, Colton cleared his throat and replied in turn to the griffon revealing his name, "[colour=#40e0d0]Very nice knowing ya, Gerrard. And uh...resume...? Uh...Credentials?[/colour]" Colton wondered as he looked at Sparks for clarification. The sparrow merely shrugged. "[colour=#40e0d0]Oh well aren't you a huge help.[/colour]" Colton whispered sarcastically to his bird.

Colton raised yet another eyebrow when Gerrard came off with the strange statement that he had misplaced his monocle. This got Colton thinking, "[colour=#40e0d0]...Can guys who can fly even wear monocles? Is it a formal land thing? Should I have one?[/colour]" He asked himself absentmindedness as Sparks just rolled his eyes at his master's contemplation. What Colton got in the next few seconds though was something he didn't really expect, but most likely should have saw coming. When Gerrard revealed he wasn't quite as formal as he let on, Colton breathed a sigh of relief; especially since Gerrard didn't care about credentials or resumes anymore; the most Colton had in that line of reasoning was a journal. The pegasus chuckled shortly after the griffon before calming himself and realizing this griffon probably wasn't as imposing as he had previously seemed. Following this, Colton replied to Gerrard's questions, "[colour=#40e0d0]Yeah, Pegasi are pretty good at that. If nothing else we can get something somewhere fast.[/colour]" He stated confidently before replying again.

"[colour=#40e0d0]And yes, we are interested in the job, so long as that bag of bits you got there means business.[/colour]" Colton stated as he stood tall and proud to make himself look like a hard worker as he intended to be, "[colour=#40e0d0]And 200? Nice. We've worked on irrigation before but never for that much. Not saying it's a bad thing of course.[/colour]" Colton retorted, having let down any notions that this griffon may have ill intentions; however his natural skepticism was still there, waiting.

Colton wiped a bit of sweat from his brow, exhaling deeply as the pair continued walking. It was at this point that Colton was starting to realize he may just need to ask for directions. This was always considered very embarrassing by him so he only resorted to this when he really needed to. This instance being an example of that. The pegasus looked around for anypony that could possibly know where he was supposed to be heading. What he got though, was rather unexpected.

Colton heard an odd thudding noise from behind him, slowly followed by a voice. The pegasus continued staring forward for a bit longer before turning around, realizing this figure was talking to him specifically. When he turned though he saw something he didn't expect; that being a griffon. And something even more unexpected; that being the proximity of the feathered citizen's beak to Colton's person. The pegasus backed up slightly with a slightly raised eyebrow, wondering if this griffon was being genuine. He examined the figure from beak to talon and couldn't help but feel, not at ease. Colton didn't assume the worst in individuals though, it wasn't in his nature. So instead, he responded with some greetings.

"[colour=#40e0d0]Ah, hi. Nice to meet you. I'm Colton Cloudkicker, and this here is Sparks.[/colour]" The pegasus stated as Sparks gave a slight bow, but was just as uneasy as Colton, "[colour=#40e0d0]And a bunch wouldn't be a bad idea. Not exactly what we were expecting but, I guess it'll do.[/colour]" Colton smiled as he extended a hoof to the figure, "[colour=#40e0d0]Your flyers then, eh? Y'know I meet most of my employers at a work site or some other generic place. Nice to see a griffon taking personal interest in his employees.[/colour]" Colton chuckled light heatedly; still unsure on how he should see this new character.

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.

Colton, I'm sure it was more like this

Most defiantly, Starry xD