Chapter 31: The Lodge
Edgar loomed over Kyle. For a few seconds she was struck by just how tall he was. Of course Dad was about the same height, but he never felt half as intimidating. Edgar, though…
She recognized him perfectly, but even so there was something strange and out of place about seeing him so close. He was supposed to exist in angry letters and half-heard phone calls, not the real world.
“You’re not terrified of us?” Kara asked, sliding past Kyle without slowing for a second. She spoke with her same cheerfulness, though Kyle couldn’t imagine what there was to be excited about. What about everything you left behind? Did you stop being upset? “We’re crazy animals that sound like your family. That should be weird.”
Edgar chuckled amicably, though he didn’t actually come closer to them. He remained safely in the shadow of the bunker. “It is every bit as weird as you suggest it should be,” Edgar agreed. “And more I haven’t yet. But that’s partly the benefit of coming here, Kara. You’re here to take advantage of the expertise of others, just as I often do.”
You didn’t even blink. His moving people had barely slowed down either. They all seemed to know there was something supernatural going on, except Kyle and Kara themselves. “Have you seen magic before, Grandpa?”
Edgar’s smile widened. “Why don’t you come inside? My people will worry about unloading your possessions. I’ll show you to where you’ll be staying while you’re my guests.”
Fay hadn’t started screaming, anyway. She hadn’t reacted with the same kind of fury she’d shown their doctors, either. Maybe she was just tired from the trip, and happy to be out of such a confined space.
Or if I’m trusting her to gage the people I’m around, maybe she doesn’t think Grandpa is so bad. He was family. Maybe being sinister was just something that happened once you made too much money.
Edgar stepped aside, showing a ramp leading down. It seemed like a recent conversion, because it was steep enough that anyone in a wheelchair would probably only get one attempt.
Kara was the first through the doorway. “Mom and Dad are already down there?”
“They’ll meet up with you later,” Edgar said noncommittally. “You both have been with that creature long enough to know how dangerous she is. My son and his wife are undergoing a brief quarantine. They’ll join you as soon as I can be certain that they won’t hurt any members of my staff by exposure.”
Kyle hesitated near the doorway, glancing down the mountain. She felt a brief, overwhelming urge to turn and gallop away as fast as she could. It didn’t matter that there was barbed wire and probably lots of other dangers she couldn’t even see yet. Could the unknown be worse than the danger right in front of her?
She didn’t run, though. Even if she could survive out in the woods by herself, she couldn’t do that and care for a baby at the same time. More importantly, she couldn’t leave Kara behind.
It’s probably just animal instinct. Horses would rather run than be inside.
She followed Kara, and heard the grinding of metal as Edgar settled the heavy blast door shut behind them. It locked into place with a resounding click, and he followed at an energetic trot.
For all the intervening years, Grandpa could keep up with them easily, and didn’t seem winded by the bottom of the ramp. He did have a cane—polished white, with a metal handle always concealed in one hand. But he didn’t lean on it so much as gesticulate with it when he spoke.
“I’ve done everything I could to make this comfortable, spared no expense. Finding somewhere far enough from other people to keep everyone else safe while we’re trying to help you… that was tricky.”
The little entrance ramp led them through several rooms of old equipment, all in various stages of decay and covered with plastic.
Then they reached a vast open space, so high that every hoofstep echoed. Their hooves settled on plastic grass, passible enough that she made it a few strides before even realizing it was fake.
Soon enough they reached a plastic barricade, easily ten feet tall and thick enough to stop a determined hockey player. It opened automatically as Edgar got close. “The living area is past here. Not that I have any doubt about the two of you now, but I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first heard about this.
“Don’t worry though, the accommodations will be comfortable. As spacious as we could manage, while still maintaining a way to conceal you from the world at large.”
You know there are others looking for us. You might be one of the people Monday was warning me about.
The other side of the barrier had an apartment of sorts, easily twice the size of the wing they’d left behind. There were bedrooms, a common living area with various entertainment devices, and a huge open area with more fake grass.
It would’ve been fantastic housing, except for a single central flaw: it was all completely open. Aside from a bathroom door, the actual walls were made of clear plastic, letting Kyle see from one side to the other at a glance.
At least I can piss in peace.
“Well this doesn’t scream ‘demented mad scientist’ at all.” Kara took a few steps past the plastic barricade. Maybe she was trying to process the same bizarre mismatch of different worlds that confused Kyle so much.
The kitchen was lavishly furnished, right down to one of those fancy new soda machines that assembled thousands of possible flavors. There was a little theater off to another side, with cloudy plastic that cast the section in shadow. There was a table-tennis section, a gaming setup that made Kyle’s mouth water even from afar.
You just asked a dozen people what kids like and bought all of it, didn’t you?
“I know it’s a little frightening. Those clear upper panels can be swapped with opaque ones, once we’ve determined the extent of… well, that’s not my field.” He walked right through into the large exercise area, tapping his knuckles against one of the walls. “As soon as we know the two of you are safe, we can begin rotating some of this out. There’s only so many readings and observations we can take before the hard work of curing this must take place on our end, instead of yours.
“But please, be patient with the discomfort for a little while.”
He said it so politely, so friendly. But would that smile crack if Kyle tried to refuse?
She might not remember much about dealing with the family, but one thing still remained prominent. So long as we don’t step out of line, so long as we cooperate, he’ll give us everything we ask for. As soon as he feels like we’re disloyal, we’re screwed.
“It’s creepy as—”
Kyle shoved Kara, hard enough to interrupt her. “It’s going to be uncomfortable to be on display like this. But if you think it’s going to be useful for finding a cure. I just don’t understand how anyone could cure this. We’ve been transformed. There’s no drug to cure being a horse. I’ve heard about gene therapies to cure lactose intolerance, but this has got to be way harder.”
She glanced briefly back over her shoulder, but there was little to see from Fay. The foal had her eyes closed, and seemed to be sleeping.
Kara shoved her back, glaring daggers. But she didn’t actually interrupt. So you’re still you down there. You’re not about to shut up and just let it all happen.
“You’re absolutely right,” Grandpa said. “There’s no medication I could arrange for you to fix this. There is no instrument of conventional medical science that could restore you. But that shouldn’t be terribly worrying—there is much that medicine cannot do. Modern medicine did not change you, so it will not be required to restore you.”
He retreated a few steps, gesturing back across the glass. “The team I’ve arranged for this task will not be in the same bunker, but in a facility just down the hill. Exposure is a terrible risk, as both of you learned firsthand. But they will make periodic trips, and consult with you virtually whenever they have something useful to contribute.”
Kyle’s tongue burned with curiosity. She probably would’ve kept her mouth shut anyway, letting Grandpa believe they were just blindly grateful for the rescue and ask another time. You think this is dangerous, but you came yourself to welcome us here. Some part of you has to care.
“You’re talking about magic, aren’t you? That’s what changed us. You must have some… magic people working for you.”
She thought about repeating some of the new words she’d learned from Monday’s messages. What was it they called themselves, Willworkers? But she stopped at the last moment. At least until Grandpa had given them more reason to trust him, she would keep quiet about that.
“I can’t think of anything else to call it,” she went on, nodding towards the one on her back. “Transforming me like this. The way I can move things with my mind. I know the word probably sounds stupid…”
Edgar leaned on his cane, looking thoughtful. “I’m not one to balk at semantics, child. The word is… effective enough at describing what you’ve seen. And yes, you’re right to suspect the powers that creature manifests reach beyond the physical. They are supernal, with power of a magnitude so great that few could appreciate it rationally.
“I wouldn’t have believed it myself, a decade ago. Look at the long history of mankind, and you’ll see pretenders to the unknown or the divine just as long. The ‘magic’ is always one donation away. Just a little more faith, and anything is possible.”
He laughed, then marched right back past them, into the kitchen. He began opening drawers with the cane, one at a time. The space was well stocked, with a fridge full of produce as well as shelves with plenty of junk food.
“Then events led me to change my perspective. The specifics don’t matter to you right now. Let’s just say that supernatural abilities don’t mitigate physical needs. I have certain friendships, and resources at my disposal. I make those available to those who appreciate my patronage, and in return they grant me the use of their services.
“Now the talents of many turn towards helping you. Magic is a crude word, but it’s enough for today. Why don’t you let me show you the rest?”
“Do you think we can do magic too?” Kara asked, as soon as Edgar had finished taking them through the bedrooms. There was no attempt to separate Kyle from the baby either, but a crib placed right beside one of the beds.
It would’ve been perfect, if they weren’t locked underground under bright lights and who knew how many hidden cameras.
“I suspect so,” Edgar said. “My first examination of your brother was not detailed enough to confirm. But the next ones you meet will be more than just doctors. I should give you a chance to settle in. Your belongings should be here in a few minutes. Expect a call from your parents later this evening.”
He backed away, through the plastic divider. It slid automatically back down into place behind him, vanishing back up the ramp they’d taken down here.
Could be worse. At least he didn’t put us in a stable.
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I don't trust him. Not one bit...
It... it actually legitimately is.
Well done, by the way.
Grampa is ex-villain of equestria and/or HiE that was sent back unsatisfied and wants/needs magic / alicorn imortality cause old / dying / wants power / greed. alternatively has previously summoned and/or contacted beings from equestria for contract based magics? dunno, guesses at this point. something shady, i know that much. yadda, yadda, emails online magic friend, friend warns him about grandpa, something, something, daring escape scene, finally meet sparklebutt, etc
10277754
alternatively, consider that people with sociopathic tendencies are actually wired to succeed at capitalism.
10277761
That's not what those studies indicated...
10277763
meh, not discounting the studies at all, just proposing an alternative, one that might even run parallel to the effect mentioned in them.
just to clarify. prob, shouldn't have instigated politic in comment section, please forgive.
10277756
maybe he the merchant
10277764
Eh, no problem. You had a valid point.
I'm hoping he's trustworthy, if only because it would be more interesting than the 'evil scientist' trope that seems do prevalent.
I for one don't think that this person is actively malicious. He is, however, definitely pragmatic and calculating, every move weighed and considered to see what risks and benefits it could bring. Helping Kyle and Kara would be a bonus, but he's not in this purely out of goodwill, he wants power – and knowledge has always been power.
He's the kind of person who won't involve themselves in unnecessary dramatics, but if you do somehow manage to stand in their path, woe betide you for they'll swat you like a fly that came too close.
At least there’s that. Overall, he doesn’t seem like a vampire, but I’ll withhold my judgement for the time being.
Tempting Murphy was never a good idea Kyle.
Keep the man at a distance, I suppose. He doesn't appear to be a threat or someone who'll take advantage but be cautious. He apparently has a history of extracting or expecting things of value from everyone. So there's no reason to believe he isn't partially doing this out of self-interest. Being guarded is an appropriate response.
A grandfather named Edgar... Now I'm getting entirely different card game vibes. Has he been experimenting with angel blood?
And now, with the cane gesticulation, we've gone full Jurassic Park.
There is no way this will end well. I look forward to seeing specifically how it goes awry.
Grandpa is secretly John Hammond in disguise.
He claims that they're under quarantine, but their parents were supposedly assured that quarantine was unnecessary a few chapters back, and he came personally to greet them. Something smells like a convenient excuse for extreme isolation...
Oh, so their parents are worthy of quarantine but the Team Rocket doctors from before, truck assistants, heck even he himself isn't worth such "preferential" treatment? Bah Tis but a ruse to excuse their eventual dismissal. They probably won't ever see their parents again.
They are now just a high-value asset, kept hostage in an attempt at a comfortable cage and encouraged to ask no questions. It's a good thing Kara kept her mouth shut. As of before they even got on the truck they are now prisoners, and adding good for the warden is the best course of action for now.
Here's to hoping Kyle's laptop doesn't get bugged.
Keep going! ;)
10277747
I trust him as long as his interests are compatible with mine but never where the interests are crossed.
10277754
And suddenly a lot of things start to make sense. Great article by the way, thanks for sharing it.
As long as his interests align with yours... you are good. Once they diverge, then you need to be worried.
But I don't see this ending peacefully.
So many red flags waving you think it was a communist rally
Oh hey, Grandpa's giving off some major Weyland-Yutani vibes over here.
Grunkle Stan is that you
SOUND THE DRUMS OF WAR
Been a long time since I've seen the word "gauge" used, even improperly spelled as it currently is.
I don't trust him.
i see so may huge flags and they are all red.
That man is a conniving prick.
Ok so, I suspect foul play here. But, not in the way i think everyone is expecting.
There was an initial warning, ignored. And a bunch of red flags from how everyone is acting. But the one thing that seems to remain a theme is that he’s civil. He doesn’t seem to be deceptive - at least not anymore than your average Joe - and yet there’s suspicion that he’s hiding something. All the stuff that’s happened so far leads to paranoia and suspicion, but I think Grandpa actually wants to help. It’s the resources he uses, that I think will be the problem. He’s in contact with others, no? Doubtless in contact with a magical company or large part of a magical community. From his own admission, he’s (supposedly) only a supplier. Of course, that simple fact in and of itself is a huge red flag all things considered, but as said I’m more worried about who he’s supplying.
This is an under-the-radar community. One with (supposedly) limited magical abilities. I have no doubt that someone is going to try and take what they want.
10277861
Now I'm wondering how he dies, in his bed of old age like in the movies or torn apart by a pack of ponies in a... theatre like the book.
I think the hype of him being potentially evil is a red herring. Or at least, I hope it is. If he's just another evil Mustache twirling rich villain looking to exploit anyone and anything for power, it won't be nearly as interesting as an evil Mustache twirling rich villain looking to exploit anyone and anything for power...who also cares about his family enough to legitimately want to help them on the side.
Okay, who the heck is this old man?
It's Dr Hammond, oh no.
This guy has basically unlimited resources, doesn't he. I think my Jurassic Park joke may not have been that far off. Good thing the ponies are fairly unlikely to start eating humans alive. Except for Cadance, maybe.
Mild concern.
More than mild concern.
I love the story, new and interesting.
Thank you for what your doing.
I do see most comments are positive.
"Spared no expense..." every time I see or hear that phrase I want to spear someone.
In case readers of this comment didn't know, the character who said that was quite the contrary to this. The only thing constant is that he's Scottish. He was a Scrooge like miser whose sole passion was wealth and nothing else, and would cut any possible corners to save a few pennies, and criminally underpaid workers. It was inevitable a few were going to betray him and sell him out or steal his assets.
It would appear to me this grandfather is more like the lighthearted film character who was paternal, loved his family, and simply had blind spots that would bite him in the rear later. More incompetent and lacks understanding than being mean and stingy. Is it a front, and he actually is like that?
While "supernal" is a word, I think you meant to say "supernatural".
I have a REALLY bad feeling about this. I feel like they just walked into a prison... And i feel like the grandfather is a mob boss or some other very powerful and very dangerous type of man.
somehow this made me think of the "monster hunter" novels.
note that the author is a MLP fan, who slipped in at least one outright reference, and a few subtle ones, like a demon whose name translates as "Disorder".
Quoted for truth.
Oh my gods, Kyle, you're not an animal! Your grandpa's just creepy.
I mean, you are, but not that kind.
Two words. Donald Trump.
Pfft. Yeah, maybe it could be worse. You could be strapped to a table.
Found an error:
> passible enough that she made it a few strides
Should be "passable".
Can't help but imagine 'grandpa' as christopher Lee, kinda the perfect face to play the "totally not shady rich old man"
11148901
Imagine him carrying an experimental plasma based sword with him. With a curved hilt. Wearing a cape as well.
Now that would be something.