Connor: The Untold Folktale (An Erma Fan-Fic)

Chapter 1 (The Beginning)

On a glorious Friday morning, the sun's gentle rays peeked through the curtains, creating a warm, golden glow that bathed Connor's peaceful slumber. Nestled in his cozy bed, he lay motionless, his chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm, completely immersed in the realm of dreams. Outside his window, the leaves rustled softly, their delicate sound weaving a soothing melody that serenaded him deeper into his restful state.

But, alas, tranquility never lasts forever. Like a mischievous sprite, Erma, Connor's closest friend and secret crush, materialized beside his bed in her ghostly form. Hovering above the floor, her stringy hair drifted like ethereal waves in an unseen breeze. The glimmer in her luminous, eerie eyes betrayed her playful intentions.

Erma, always one for mischief, took immense pleasure in teasing poor Connor whenever she had the opportunity. And today was no exception. With a giggle that echoed through the room, she leaned in closer, her translucent hand reaching out toward Connor's unsuspecting face, ready to deliver her ghostly scare.

In that suspended moment, time seemed to freeze. Erma's ghostly fingers grazed Connor's cheek, sending a chill that traveled through his veins. His eyes fluttered open, startled by the unexpected touch that had shattered his peaceful slumber. The room was drenched in an otherworldly glow, casting eerie shadows that danced playfully upon the walls.

A rush of emotions flooded Connor's heart as he beheld Erma, her ghostly form suspended before him. Despite the initial shock, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. By now, he had grown accustomed to the supernatural occurrences that seemed to follow Erma wherever she went. Her presence had become an integral part of his life, filling it with a delightful concoction of wonder and excitement.

"Erma, you scared the living daylights out of me!" Connor exclaimed, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and amusement. He couldn't help but marvel at the way her pale skin seemed to radiate in the morning light.

Erma, unable to speak in words, expressed her apologies through her unique language of hand movements. With a playful flick of her wrist, she conveyed her remorse, her eyes dancing with mischief. It was simply impossible to stay mad at her for long – her infectious spirit had a knack for lifting even the heaviest of hearts.

As Connor's feet touched the cool, wooden floor, he reluctantly rose from his bed, stretching his arms high above his head. The remnants of sleep clung to his mind, but he quickly shook them off, knowing that another eventful day awaited him at Blair-Wood Elementary.

With steady movements, Connor got himself dressed, the fabric of his clothes hugging his form snugly. As he stood before the mirror, his reflection stared back at him with a mix of excitement and anticipation. He couldn't help but smile, with his buck teeth showing out clear as day, as he was going to start another day at school. Blair-Wood Elementary was the kind of school that was anything but ordinary, filled with an array of unique and special students. And then there was Connor, who found himself somewhere in between. Unlike his classmates Erma, with her supernatural abilities, or Sydney, the half-human half-rat hybrid, Connor was just a regular, ginger-haired eight-year-old boy. With his meek nature, buck teeth, and a sprinkling of freckles, he blended in with the rest of the school. But there was something that made him stand out from the crowd - Connor was a level 1 on the autistic spectrum.

Even though Connor didn't possess any extraordinary powers or physical traits like his friends, he was anything but ordinary. His autism brought a unique perspective to the world around him, allowing him to see things through a different lens. His gentle spirit and tender-hearted nature made him a cherished friend among his peers, despite his skittish nature.