Improve
Knowing why I’m here hardly helps lessen my anxiety as we wait for the doctor to return with the results. The visit, I admit, has not been as nerve-wracking as the previous, due in large part of now understanding the doctors, but not even the friendly word of assurance can make these white walls any less intimidating.
I look over to my brother as he sleeps in our father’s lap, a little tin soldier Grandpa got him set loosely in his hooves. The sight brings a smile to my face, despite the situation. He was absolutely adamant about coming with us this time, even after he was told how boring it would be, but he wouldn’t listen. “My little sister needs me,” he kept saying, and while I’m not a fan of being considered the little sister, even if I was technically born later than him, the sentiment is heartwarming nonetheless.
“How are you doing, sweetie?” Mom asks.
“Okay,” I mumble. “Just tired. When can we go home?”
“Well, the doctor said it wouldn’t take long to go over the results, so I’m sure it won’t be much longer.”
I hum and return to waiting. Ten minutes later, I’m on the verge of pulling my mane out when the doctor finally shows up. Dad looks like he wants to stand, but can’t due to the foal in his lap. His shifting however is enough to wake the colt and he yawns, smacking his lips and rubbing his eyes.
The doctor looks up from his clipboard and gives a smile. “Sorry for keeping you waiting, but I do have what I believe is some good news.”
All but Blueblood perked up at that. “Really, what is it?” Dad asks. “Has her magic grown much?”
The lab coat-clad stallion’s smile lessens a bit. “Not to anywhere near what would be considered an average level, but yes, it has grown quite substantially. Roughly three times in fact.”
“That’s… good… isn’t it?” Mom says, and I can’t help but wonder if it is. The mere idea that I could even have magic is still mind boggling. Magic is a myth; the tool of gods and legends, not for little fillies with no idea how to even use it.
“Well, I can’t say for sure how much it will help, but she should experience less discomfort from magic use now. Her advanced vocabulary should help us in that regard.”
“What do you mean?” Dad questions.
At this, the doctor appears to become nervous. “Well, to know how much or how little magic hurts her will require a… test.”
“Are… are you suggesting we use magic and simply ask her how much it hurts?” Mom says, aghast.
Both Bluebloods now look angry and on the verge of shouting, but I interrupted. “Okay.”
“Um, excuse me?” the doctor says, the first one to manage a word.
“Okay, let’s do it,” I clarify. “Somepony use magic.”
“Pure, you can’t actually expect one of us to hurt you,” Mom tries, but I won’t hear any of it. I’m not some sort of glass doll that will shatter at the slightest pressure. In my old life, I had been poked and prodded all over and asked if it hurt, and yeah, it sucked, but it helped the doctors with their diagnosis, so I suffered through it. This is the same thing.
“It’s okay, Mommy, magic never really hurt that bad, so if it hurts even less now, then I can handle it,” I reason, secretly hoping both I and the doctor are right. I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to trust him if he ends up putting me through this for nothing.
“…I’ll do it,” Dad says, setting his son aside and standing. “Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”
“Oh, um, perfect!” The doctor looks around a moment. “Okay, so, we don’t necessarily have a test designed for this sort of thing, so we’ll have to improvise.”
Mom looks to her husband and mouths the doctor’s last word, obviously perturbed. Dad can only shrug before the doctor claps a hoof on the linoleum, “I’ve got it! Just follow me, and we can begin.”
In only a few short minutes, I find myself back in the room with the machine that apparently read my magic. “This device can not only detect magic in reserve within a pony, but also magic output. All we have to do is stick a few of these sensors on your horn as you channel magic and it should tell us how much you’re using.”
“Seems simple enough,” mumbles dad as he shuffles uncomfortably from either what he was about to do our because the doctor was touching his horn. I’m guessing the latter, as the stallion is a bit too enthusiastic about the upcoming test.
“You know, this is the first time I’ve created my own procedure for something. Kind of makes me feel like a scientist more than a doctor.” He huffs a quick laugh. “Who knows, maybe if this works well, it can become an official test for those afflicted with mageiasthenia.”
Stepping back, the doctor flips on the machine and paper slowly starts to slide out. Leaning in he squints and starts adjusting some dials. “Mmm, there, sensitivity has been lowered to filter out background radiation. It’s showing a good baseline now. The next step is simple, I’m going to have you levitate my clipboard, Mr. Blueblood.” He looks to me now. And Pure, this is very important, sweetie, I want you to speak up as soon as you start to feel any pain at all. Do you understand?”
With a gulp, I nod, and he does the same. “Good. Mrs. Garden, you may place your daughter on the bed here.” Giving me a quick peck on the head, Mom does just that, and the paper cover crinkles beneath me.
Now that it’s actually happening, my resolve begins to falter. It’s ridiculous, I’ve been through much worse, but no matter how much I tell myself to stop being a baby, another part argues that I am, that at some point, pretending stopped being pretend. As the adults prepare to start, a shrill voice yells, “Wait!”
Little Blueblood, who Dad had passed off to Mom a moment ago, looked at me with a stony expression. “I want to sit with Pure,” he said. There was no room for argument in his voice, and so he is placed down next to me.
I’m less nervous when they go to start again. “Mr. Blueblood, if you would?” the doctor prompts, offering the clipboard. With a hesitant look in my direction, Dad complies and his horn takes on a silver glow, which is immediately shared with the clipboard.
All eyes are on me as the doctor removes his hoof, leaving the clipboard to float in the air. “So,” he says, “do you feel anything, Pureblood?”
I take a moment to be sure. “Nothing,” I answer, a small smile pulling at my lips. Was I really getting better?
“That’s good, right?” Dad asked excitedly, smiling similar to Mom. “Magic doesn’t hurt her anymore.”
“Relatively small amounts of it don’t,” corrected the stallion, glancing at the sheet of paper slowly spilling out of the machine, now brushing the floor. He places a hoof on top of the floating clipboard and explains. “I’m now going to start pushing down on the clipboard, what I want you to do is to keep it level as best as you are able, Mr. Blueblood.”
Sobering some, Dad nods, and I notice his eye twitch as the doctor begins. It’s nothing at first, neither face changes as the stallions work against each other, but soon, I can see the doctor's hoof tremble and the glow of father’s horn intensify. Strangely, I do begin to feel something, or more accurately, I notice something I felt as Dad began using magic now that the sensation is intensifying. There’s a pressure against the tip of my horn that is crawling down into my forehead.
A few seconds later, I feel the first inkling of a headache. “Stop!” I call, putting a hoof to my head, and am glad to see that they do. There is a shared wince as the clipboard hits the floor. Dad is in front of me in an instant, sensors removed and apologizing while the doctor is quick to flip the switch on the machine.
“its okay, Daddy,” I say, trying to ease his guilt. “It barely started to hurt when I said something, just like the doctor asked.”
“Yes, that was very good of you, Pureblood.” The doctor looks up from his paper. “Because of this, we now have a rough estimate of what you can handle. Your father’s output topped out at fifty-eight thaums before you began to feel it, which, if I am remembering my magic and mathematics class, is equivalent to levitating around two stone.”
“Really?” Mom perks up, apparently understanding more of the doctor’s gobbledygook than I do. “That’s actually quite heavy; more so than a pony would have need to levitate normally, anyway. Does this mean it’s safe to use magic then, as long as we don’t go over fifty-eight thaums?”
“Well, Mrs. Garden, you must understand that this wasn’t exactly an official test, and so it did not take into account all possible variables. Distance, for instance, would probably alter results, and I wouldn’t suggest using magic directly on her. However, I do think that this is definitely a positive sign for the future.
“Actually, I’ve been meaning to talk to the two of you about something since you first brought your daughter in and her condition came to light,” he continued. “I would like to take your daughter’s case to some acquaintances I have at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Since mageiasthenia is just as much a condition of magic as it is the body, I believe their input would be quite valuable. With so little known, things we learn from Pureblood could be invaluable for future sufferers.”
Mom and Dad share a look. “Well Doctor, while your intentions sound genuine,” Mom began, “We’d rather our daughter’s life be as normal as possible, and becoming a… subject of study sounds counterintuitive to that.”
The stallion blinked a few times before waving his hooves. “Oh, no, no, no! You completely misunderstand. As her doctor, I want only what’s best for Pureblood, and I believe the researchers at the school might be able help all of us know what that is. They could give us better guidelines on what sort of magic and at what intensity should be allowed to be cast around Pure for instance.
“I haven’t even mentioned your daughter to any of them yet, merely broached the subject during conversation. I’m sworn to doctor-patient confidentiality, after all. This is all just speculation for now, but I do think it will be better for Pureblood in the long run to get a better opinion than jury-rigging tests such as these.”
"We’ll think about it,” Dad says, obviously just as much on the fence as Mom or myself. I don’t like to doubt the sincerity of others, but I’d rather not become a guinea pig if I can help it, plus doctors already make me nervous as it is, so throwing more lab coats into the mix wouldn’t be ideal.
“Perhaps when you get more of a plan structured, you can send us a letter outlining it,” Mom adds. “But until then, we’ll have to wait to give you an answer.”
The doctor nods. “Of course, I wasn’t expecting a definitive answer right now, anyway, not after just springing the question on you. I will send you that letter though when I’ve gotten things more cemented. I hope you consider it.”
At this point, I’m just tired and tune out the rest of the adults’ conversation. I don’t realize my eyelids are drooping until I feel a brush against my shoulder. Looking over, little Blueblood is staring at me with what appears to be hope. “Um, so I can use magic around you now?”
I blink, processing the sudden question. Going over what had been discussed between the grownups, I’m guessing the only thing he couldn’t do was that crazy stuff from before. I don’t know what thaums are, but I’m guessing it takes a lot to teleport or phase through solid object. “I think… a little?” I offer, unsure.
Smile broadening, the colt whoops and throws his hooves in the air. Also going into the air is his tin soldier surrounded by a dark blue glow. Seeing that familiar hue, I realize I’ve not seen it in what feels like ages, and it registers how hard it must have been for him to always have to restrain himself in my presence.
To know he has gained back a little of the freedom I unwittingly stole from him makes me grin as well and I throw my hooves up alongside his, cheering as his toy dances through the air. Even if the pinprick of pressure at the tip of my horn was worse, I still wouldn't say anything that could end my brother's moment of happiness.
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Awesome!
I'm thinking magic kindergarten is a kindergarten that teaches basics of magic as well as normal kindergarten stuff. As for whether it's optional or mandatory, I'm thinking optional, but Pure should attend anyway so we can have cute Pureblood-Twilight shenanigans.
now i find myself looking forward to when she casts her first spell
Great chapter! I loved it!
I think magic kindergarten is kinda like physical therapy, but in reverse. Instead of too weak, they're too strong and uncontrolled. Its almost like toilet training really, but a school for it since magic can be much more dangerous. They learn basic "muscle control" over the flow of their magic, rather than letting it burst off in random uncontrolled spurts. And maybe they get started on learning some really basic stuff like levitation. It's optional, mostly for colts and fillies who are a little slow at figuring control out for themselves.
At least, that's my take on it.
you should call him Pill pusher because that sound like a trust worthy name
7514276
*snickers* It sounds like the name of drug dealer.
I'm thinking it is optional but meant as a gateway for future education, so with ...not so smart individuals because they're very young children. Very young children with powerfull magical surges that will cause a lot of colleteral damage. Still would be the best way to socialize and befriend the other foals at an early age.
How about Cough Sirope, Force Ceps or Labrat Study as names for the doctor.
I imagine in later childhood (CMC age) she will not have pain anymore and herself have the magic level of a foal (levitation and that's it), and then as an adult having the magic level of a CMC age child (so a few more basic spells but that's it).
Really been enjoying this story. I really hope Pureblood gets better. A unicorn that can't be around magic is just as bad as a pegasus that can't fly. T_T
On an unrelated note, I saw a mistake in there:
Should be "Your father's output". The rest looked good though. =)
Please, all unicorns go to Magic First Grade. Kindergarten's for eggheads!
I just thought of something. She's sensitive to magic, or rather the "pressure" magic exerts in the space around it, a bit like radiation given off by isotopes or the sound from a speaker. Would this means when that sonic rainboom hits, she's going to be in agony and/or knocked out from the shock?
Ugh... I really hope the magic of harmony is not like unicorn magic.
I really hope that Pure gets to use magic, she deserves to
7514529 OK IM a LITTle SCARed Now HOPEFULly YOur WROng But IT MIGht D:
Hope they accept this, since I imagine she would eventually stumble upon a very smart purple filly there...
7514529 Really hadn't considered that...
Perhaps since is magic coming from the elements there won't be a bad reaction...
For Pureblood, it may just have to be optional because she gets hedaches around magic. And if she is in Magic Kindergarten, the combined magic outflow of all the kindergartners may be too much for her.
Edit:. How about Dr. Ernest Remedy
7514529
Another daunting question; What if Pure's parents agree to the Doctor's proposal, and they are in the school at the time of the Rainboom and, subsequently, Twilight's surge?
What if the Rainboom/Twilight's surge helps her? I'm not saying that it would totally cure her mageiasthenia, but maybe it could up her tolerance enough that she can live relatively pain free around other unicorns.
The doctor didn't think what would happen when many unicorn were magicking together different items, if that would go over two stone.
7514695
That magic surge from Twilight would be the last place Rose should be anywhere close. That's unicorn magic turned up to eleven.
In a small way, her not having alot of magic, was a small blessing, imagine how freaky it would be for her to start having magic when she has no instinct for it?
I do hope she gets magic eventually though, just enough to be a unicorn, if not eventually normalizing that is, it would be cute to have her learning magic, and Celestia knows she deserves it.
7514529 Unless she is at Cloudsdale's flight camp, I doubt she'd be anywhere close enough to be affected. It is a very localised burst of magic.
There was one fic I read where Scootaloo has unicorn magic instead of Pegasus magic and goes to magic kindergarten. I forget all the details, but it was kind of like a boarding school. It's called One in a Million.
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!!!!
Magic Kindergarten might actually help Pureblood learn how to use her magic, as little as there is of it.
I think that Magic kindergarten is not a required thing but it's generally a good Idea, like Drivers Ed. Also, good job on showing Blue and Pures relationship I love it when siblings are written so well. And a suggestion at some point you should have Blue and Pure in a fight with each other, but something still small. Because you know siblings don't always get along.
P.S Because you got this chapter out surprisingly fast I will no longer hold your TV remote hostage.
Wow, Stones. Really weird unit.
Personally I think magic kindergarten is optional and I actually think it's more along the lines of a camp than an actual school (same with flight "school", although the show never refers to it as such). The parents definitely have the option to teach their foals magic, but they might send their foals to magic kindergarten for several reasons. If they're not able to teach their foals (don't have time, aren't unicorns, etc.). The educational quality may be higher (kind of like with tutors), and it's an opportunity for the foals to socialize. It's also something that's only really found in larger settlements or areas with a lot of unicorns. For example, as a small earth pony town, ponyville wouldn't have one.
Optional for Equestria. Expected for the foals high society unicorn families of Canterlot. There are social norms to uphold. Ponies might talk otherwise, can you imagine?!
good chapter!!! MOAR!1! The gaping maw of literature demands MOAR!
In your own time of course :P dont rush!
I just realized something... How would a friendship between Twilight and Pure work? I mean, if high level magic causes Pure pain, then how could she possibly be friends with a unicorn who quite literally uses it for everything, and is destined to become the freaking element of magic?
My guess is it’s either some place where unicorns go to help curb dangerous magical surges with procedures or exercises that are non to pleasant…. Or Twilight is just a social introvert.
Also since you've gone over 15000 words does this mean you will be switching intermittently between this and two dragons?
7516349 Twilight is capable of restraining herself. Remember, Spike was the only one offended by Winter Wrap-Up not using magic; Twilight seemed downright cheerful about it (at least until she realized she had no idea how to contribute).
...Well, adult Twilight is capable of restraining herself. After what happened in Twilight's entrance exam, I doubt anyone's going to put her in the same room as Pureblood anytime soon.
More! Please more, the feels just keep coming!
7517477
What can I say, I have a fetish for feels.
media.giphy.com/media/Qld1cd6a6QlWw/giphy.gif
7516658
That's a tough question. If I'm going on what will satisfy the most number of readers, this would be the story to focus on, but I did say I'd continue working on the other story when I hit 15,000. I actually started this for a breath of fresh air; writing Tale of Two Dragons was getting taxing after so long.
I guess I'll probably write more of Gilded Sister until I've started tiring myself out on it, then switch back to the other when I'm more refreshed for it.
7517570 Fair enough. though I hope it isn't too long considering where the last chapter left us.
I think it's a place were young unicorns learn the very basics of magic. Aka to keep control and levitation and that's it. Hence why Twi hated it so much.
7516349 Badly, and not even because of Pureblood's body reacting badly to Twilight's magic by because Twilight won't be interested in the first place. Remember that prior to the TV series Twilight was basically a social recluse only interested in studies and the constant approval of Princess Celestia, leaving her with no time for friendships.
7514944 Localized my foot, the Rainboom was felt all across Equestria. It cracked stone, blew clouds away, and the shockwave was felt in Canterlot to trigger Twilight's magic surge. If it did that to Twilight, I'm pretty sure it'd be felt by Pure.
7520216 In the show, Rarity is the only one that saw something being affected by the rainboom.
Applejack, Pinkie and Twilligths heard a sound and saw a rainbow.
Rarity is the only one that saw something that could count as outstanding, cracked stone. But we do not know the state of the rock and it's distance with the rainboom. If the rainboom could really damage that much a solid rock over distance, RD would've been oblitarated along side most of her surroundings.
7521255 I repeat, the shockwave was felt in Canterlot. I literally just re-watched that moment. And if the shockwave carried that far, it's quite possible the magic from the Rainboom could as well.
Woohoo, a higher tolerance to magic-induced pain! That's only good. She still won't be able to cast anytime soon (if ever) but this is definitely good news.
Awesome can't wait to see what happens next
mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw1287_SkRrW.gif
Well, that was a fun read. Despite the somewhat heavy subject matter, this was one of the most fun and enjoyable reads I've had here in a long time. I am really looking forward to seeing you continue this.
I love this story so far, and I'm looking forwards to seeing more!
The doctor's name is Strange Gloves.
I like to think the young Blueblood is the Blueblood from the show, because for some reason I like it if they can meet them, or impress them or something like that. To be honest I'm not sure, and I'm just tired right now.
Currently going through some... things, right now. I'm absolutely in major need of a cuddle buddy, but know no one who would do such an intimate thing with me. This story is helping take my mind off that subject a little though, and I'm at least grateful for that much.
With a heavy heart, I take my leave.
Sincerely,
Dustin
7681165 Believe me, I know how that feels, I came to this site for similar reasons.
7681165 I could hug you and call you friend
I would guess it's optional?
I would imagine that it's much like any other schooling: It's typically best if children are sent to schools to learn, rather than be home schooled. Certainly Unicorns would be sent to them for two reasons:
#1 To control their magic for their own comfort
#2 Learning control to safely use magic, as well as knowing better WHEN to use certain magic