Chapter 27: Packed
“You’re kidding,” Kara said, her voice far less respectful than Kyle had ever seen it. “You can’t really be suggesting that we’re moving in the middle of junior year.”
Mom only sighed, reaching over to rest a hand on Kara’s shoulder. “Sweetheart, I know how much you care about… everything, but I think you need to look in the mirror for a second. Staying here isn’t going to help fix you, or anything else for that matter. I think it’s safe to say that praying for a miracle has failed. The only option left is to try and make our own. Your grandfather—”
“Sent assholes to do this to me in the first place!” Kara yelled, backing away from her. “This is stupid! Going over there isn’t going to do anything but give them more of a chance to poke us like we’re science experiments! The only one who can fix this is the baby, and she’s terrified of them!”
Mom retreated from the doorway, her hands up defensively. Kyle could hardly blame her—Kara was bigger than she was, and looked about as sturdy as a block of granite. Even if she didn’t have mythical powers, she could still be terribly dangerous. And for all they knew, she did have mythical powers.
“This isn’t a discussion,” she said, remarkably brave despite the clear differences between them in ability. “Kara, your father and I are just as upset about this as you are. But think about what would happen if that—creature—did something large enough for the neighbors to notice? Or if one of your instructors wants to come here and check on you. It’s only a matter of time before your absence raises suspicion. We would have to make the trip even if there wasn’t hope for a cure, and there is. A slim hope is better than anything you have in that wing.”
She spun around, vanishing into the house before Kara could keep arguing with her.
Kara scraped at the floor with one hoof, nostrils flaring. But no amount of anger was going to change just how right they were. Kyle might have no friends, and might make no impression on any of his instructors. But Kara was vital to half a dozen teams. She was so loyal she would probably still be at practice if Mom and Dad let her.
Kyle reached over, extending a wing over her shoulder. She was bigger now, all those feathers had to be good for something. She didn’t say anything—she knew better than to try and comfort Kara when she had nothing good to offer. She just stood there, until her sister gave up and slumped against her, fighting back tears.
“Aren’t you going to tell me she’s right?” Kara whispered, her voice cracking. “Of course we have to run away, right? It’s the only way or whatever?”
She shook her head. “This is worse for you than me. I’m sorry you got dragged in.”
Kara cried for a few moments more, and might’ve continued breaking down if it wasn’t for Fay. She’d apparently just noticed them there, and decided on that moment to approach.
Through means that Kyle herself still hadn’t mastered, the baby took off effortlessly, flying up to Kara and holding something towards her. The stuffed ferret, taken from the nursery they’d set up in an empty storage closet.
You understand the pain of others and you want to help. Damn you’re terrifyingly smart.
Kara only chuckled, pushing the baby away. “Th-that’s enough,” she said, stifling a laugh. “That’s nice of you, kid. But I think you need that more than me. You’re gonna hate where we’re going.”
Fay showed no sign of recognition, only giggling at the attention. She did seem relieved to take back her toy, zooming back with it into the nursery. “Guess we should pack or something,” Kara went on. “She didn’t actually say what we’re going to do about that. Move out in one day…”
“They must plan on coming back.” Kyle wasn’t sure it was true, but it made her feel better. It wasn’t like she could imagine the family wanting to move completely into Grandpa’s life again, where they’d be subject to his strange whims. It was probably just for the duration. Once they changed back, they’d come back to their lives here.
Assuming they ever could get their old lives back. Kyle’s success with one spell didn’t mean Fay’s work could be easily undone.
“I’m gonna go inside and grab some stuff,” Kara said. “They can’t honestly expect me to just wait here and get onto a truck tonight like it’s nothing. But you probably shouldn’t bring Fay back inside. After what she did to me… they’ll freak out.”
Kyle considered for a few moments. Under any ordinary circumstances, she could think of a few things she’d want to prepare for a long trip. But she didn’t wear clothes anymore, and anything she really needed would be out in the nursery or in her wing already. It didn’t even seem possible to bring the artifacts of her old life along. The laptop was the only exception, and she already had that.
“I don’t need anything. Maybe a bag I can throw the rest of the diapers in, along with some bedding for her. I already have everything I need.”
Kara nodded, slipping back out the way she’d come. Probably she would be using this as an excuse to yell at Mom and Dad a little more, maybe even try to convince them to change their minds. Kyle didn’t expect anything of it. When she returned with a suitcase an hour later, smelling like sweat and anger, Kyle wasn’t the least bit surprised.
The next message from their mysterious benefactor arrived around nightfall. This time there was no request for her to wait while they got something ready. The message followed with a document at least two dozen pages long, each one apparently scanned from an ancient-looking book.
“You’ve demonstrated that there is at least some reason to suspect your new species is capable of the same spellcasting mortals comprehend. To fully resolve that question, we will need a more comprehensive test. I’ve sent you the vocabulary of magic commonly reached by the novices in the craft, as well as those who either do not aspire or lack the talent for greater achievement. I do not give you a spell this time, but wait for you to create one of your own.
“Take the pieces I have given you, and use them to construct an artifice that accomplishes something useful. When you have successfully cast this spell, send me an image of your creation as well as an explanation of what you’ve done and why.
“I would normally wait years to trust an apprentice with this, but something tells me you will not have years. I have already heard a rumor of a long-extinct creature reappearing somewhere on the eastern seaboard of the United States. That is not terribly specific, but I also doubt any who discovered you would wish the more specific descriptions of your location to escape before they could catch you.
“One final word of advice: if it seems you’ve met someone with abilities you don’t understand, your best bet is to frighten them away. Willworkers of every school prefer prudence to extreme daring, or they would be dead by their own art already. Frighten them and flee, if you can. If this is not possible, then do not hide and wait for rescue. Anyone with the power to catch you is beyond any help I can offer.
“Monday”
It was hardly the most encouraging message Kyle could’ve received. At least we’re already moving. Assuming Monday didn’t just make up those rumors to frighten us into compliance.
But the longer she was in touch with Monday, the less suspicious Kyle felt. A light spell might be basically useless, but all these parts… As she skimmed through the document, it felt like she’d just been handed an authentic 1950s chemistry set. There were detailed explanations for each symbol and pattern, but no adult supervision while she did whatever she wanted.
A cursory inspection did not lead her to any “transformation” rune, or any approximation of it. But she wouldn’t let that weigh her down. These twenty pages alone might make for weeks of experimentation. Here were variables she could use to scale a spell’s effects. Here was a way to apply a vectored force based on energy input. Here were symbols she could use to make measurements about a substance’s composition.
This came from an introduction-level course for a science I don’t understand, she realized, when she’d printed off the textbook-like pages. Her printer did a terrible job, but there was no telling when she’d have the chance to sit down with her laptop and study where she was going.
Not that night.
She had only just finished packing her garbage away when she heard the sound of an oversized engine down the drive, and boots crunching on gravel. A glance out the front window proved it wasn’t just a moving van, but an entire semi-truck with attached trailer. It wasn’t rented either, but covered with branding and images from a local grocer.
Four men in generic blue overalls exited the cab, each one wearing gloves and winter gear that obscured their faces. They went for the proper entrance to the house. Kyle watched the front door open and the crew step inside.
She left her bag by the door, then slipped into the makeshift nursery.
Nothing as nice as what Fay had out in the old stable, though the bed itself was inside. The baby squirmed as she came in, shifting before finally sitting up in bed. She watched Kyle wearily, obviously fighting her tears. However magical she was, she still seemed to need as much sleep as any other baby. She wouldn’t be awake for long.
“Sorry, sweetheart,” Kyle whispered, lifting her out of bed and wrapping her in one of the altered blankets. “We’re about to do something you’ll hate. Just be good, okay?”
She showed no sign of recognition, but at least she wasn’t fighting. She let Kyle wrap her up without objection.
By the time Kyle emerged, Kara was already up, fighting to get a pair of suitcases over to the door with her mouth. “You think it’s weird that they didn’t get a farm truck?”
She shook her head in response. “There’s a lot of holes on those. What will people think when they see us?”
Kara giggled tiredly. “I’d love to see that. Maybe I’d take some pictures… except I can’t. No hands.” She let go of the bags, looking expectant. “Come on, big brother. Could you help me with these?”
“I thought you were the older twin,” Kyle countered, her voice soft enough that she didn’t provoke the baby. It wasn’t that hard really, as long as she kept from getting too loud.
“A few minutes older, yes. But not bigger. Now come and help me.”
She did, though moving her suitcases and holding a bundle of horse-baby at the same time was a fresh strain for her concentration.
The front door banged open abruptly, fast enough that the baby jerked awake again, making a few nervous squeaks and trying to shield her eyes with her wings.
Two of them carried flashlights, the other two just wore moving gloves. “In the back,” one of them said, though his voice caught as soon as he got a good look at them. “O-oh… damn. It really is animals in here.”
“Not by choice,” Kara said, sticking her tongue out. “We’re still people, or almost.”
The man grunted in response. “Alright then, almost people. Get all the way into the back of the truck. These things yours?” he glanced down at the small pile of bags. “Horses with suitcases. I’ve seen everything.”
“Not yet you haven’t,” Kyle said, trying to soothe Fay with a gentle stroke from her hoof down one side. “Not until you piss her off too badly, and she decides to blast you like she did us. You should keep your distance.”
They did, backing away from the three of them as they made their way out the open door and into the crisp night air.
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The siblings have no reason to trust this and every reason to go against it both logically and emotionally. Why in the nine hells are they going along with it?
At this point, I think it's safe to say that "Monday" isn't dealing in anything dark, and is entirely on the up and up... but still definitely not familiar with Equestrian techniques. Or Equestrian anything for that matter. Of course, that conclusion has the obvious followup of Twilight finding out about this alternate mana system whenever she finally figures out which world her niece is in.
10229894
they dont really have a choice if the implyed control of ther grandpa is as large as implyed they might have reasond that denying him will lead to more problems and the fact they are near civilisation so the best bet for them is to run and hope or go and hope
Welp. Into the jaws of the beast I guess.
10229894
I don't know other countries' culture, but is it that easy for the parents to dismiss their children who did nothing wrong except having the wrong look? They did't even come to say goodbye.
The biggest danger I can see here is that if Grandpa does something permanent to Flurry, her bio-mom is going to flip. And as shown by Miss Midnight Sparkle and Nightmare Moon, fallen Alicorns could be planetary extinction machines. And with the resources being put behind it, when she's found that's when things will get very interesting.
Well, the country should be a good place to experiment, I suppose. Just hope Flurry keeps calm on the trip.
I though ponies were a bit smaller than humans. Kyle's supposedly larger than Kara, and the cover art seems to suggest his size wasn't too altered. I guess Theresa's a small woman.
Might not be useful on it's own but may inspire Kyle to explore his own Equestrian magic.
What is this about?
I'm betting that someone will end up being Twilight, which would certainly be the opposite of productive. Or Cadance, which would be an act of war...
I'm hoping Kyle doesn't do that to Twilight. A literal pony that pops up saying the baby belongs to someone they know might not look fully trustworthy but is probably more credible than some unknown sorcerer/sorceress hidden in the depths of the internet. Not to mention the positive response Flurry will probably give once she sees someone she recognizes.
10230027
They didn't come to say goodbye because they're going too.
So is the Grandpa going to be some super rich and slightly unhinged person who believes magic is real and has been trying to prove it?
Or something else? Curious to see how that goes.
10230068
Plot twist: Grandpa is Monday!
Banging in like wannabe S.W.A.T. is not a good impression. For hives sake scaring the foal is what triggered the last incident, you'd think they'd learned!
Since they don't even know where they're being stolen off to, they can't leave any cryptic pictograms or anything, but boy howdy are they making things harder.
High time for Kyle to start feeling out those wings, her potential is probably sloshing inside just waiting to be used. But hey, at least she's doing better with the levitation.
Hmmm, what kind of novice spells would be considered useful? By definition they're beginner... Perhaps fire? It's a parallel extension to light.
We're disappointed in Monday. Still being so hidden and cautious. Wonder what his day job is that's interfering with his much-needed assistance? Granted not everyone can just drop and go, but an explanation or excuse would be fine. Heck he mentioned the rumors we if it was a different continent, so at least he could be apologetic that he can't get a plane over there. Perhaps once they're relocated the subject will be brought up.
Keep going! ;)
10230097
Nah, Grandpa would be Wednesday.
10230161
That's so corny I must laugh. 
I keep thinking that the mysterious messenger is Sunset Shimmers
A minimum of six feet.
This isn't good
Thos is so stupid to go. This will end badly. Come on Twi hurry up
10230586
10230403
AGREED!
I can’t wait for them to get a yelling at from Cadance...
it is time to run really fast and fare.
Doesn't really mesh with the "Mages will back off if you go 'boo'" advice.
Complete with a real chunk of uranium!
Printing off a bunch of introductory magic runes seems like a really bad idea. I know using the laptop isn't feasible in the short term, but it'll be real easy for the wrong eyes to find the printout.
In any case, Grandpa's hospitality is sure to be... interesting. Looking forward to seeing just how disturbing it gets.
10229894
What alternatives are there? Do a sit-in and wait for suspicion to arise at school? Run away into the wilderness with barely any survival skills and no thumbs?
10230161
No, Grandpa would be Gomez. The Addamses would hardly be out of place here.
10230161
Wouldn't that be grandma? I bet they have a big butler too.
I get frustrated with myself when a story goes "It's not [more reasonable thing], it's [less likely thing my mind immediately jumped to]"
Well, I guess the move is serendipitous. Still nervous about it though.
That magical text could open up a lot of doors for Kyle, assuming he has enough time to look through any of them.
Way too many strangers have seen the horses at this point, it's gonna leak.
10244036
It already has did you read Monday’s message?
It’s pretty much confirmed. Monday is good, Grandpa and co are bad.
10230065
>What is this all about?
Unicorns, of course! Maybe a more "traditional" kind - I don't expect Earth Unicorns to have been anything like MLP ones - but still, horned horses = unicorns. Nurse Mars called Flurry an extinct creature when Ismet chewed her out for not using the right dosage of sedative, remember?
Wait how big is Kara? I thought she was mlp pony size
Kyle is assuming alicorn size which I figure was actually horse size, I figure Kara would then like come up to Kyle's shoulder so....I guess maybe about waist high to a person
I wonder if Monday is Merlin, they both start with 'M' haha
The only thing I don't like about this story is the size you describe the ponies to be in relation to humans. It goes against everything we've seen in official media and in the vast majority of fan art. Ponies are 3 to 4 feet tall when standing on all fours. Princess Celestia is roughly 5 or 6 feet tall. Any deviation from these sizes messes with my enjoyment of a story or art. I'm willingly ignoring this and pretending that they're normal pony size. It (them being huge) doesn't have any significant effect on the story anyway, so it's easy to disregard.
10298563
I honestly don't care for that. It infantilizes them to some degree that makes me uncomfortable.
500 pounds is actually pretty little as far as ponies go.
"stay away from people with unknown powers"
Grandpa makes odd requests.
Yeah, he's either a Hidden Master or a very powerful mage, and his... Niece and nephew? Just caught his eye.
This can only go good places.
10298563
Yeah, the show isn't called My Little Pony for nothing.
They're tiny.