Chapter 1
Kuriosity
Written by: Deverer
Edited/Preread by: Shinzakura, BlueBastard, and Cody Fett
Chapter 1:
Karl O'Donnell sat smiling in the small broadcasting room along with another man, a woman, and a unicorn stallion. The present crowd was currently calming down from laughter, each of them reaching for a glass of water in front of them. Behind him, a bright 'On Air' sign was shining bright over the semi circle desk that was being surrounded by boom microphones.
Karl leaned closer to his own microphone as the rest of the group all went silent. “So yeah, last night I went to go see Toy Story 7. Now, for those of you who are still blossoming, Toy Story is a movie franchise that was beloved by many during its initial run. This one though, like the last three... well, just imagine a pegasus losing their wings mid flight- BOOM!”
“Stunk, huh?” the other man in the room asked. He was wearing glasses, a green shirt, along with a white undershirt and tan pants.
“Kind of good analogy here is pulling out your old toys from the attic, but then you remember why you locked them away in the first place- you don't want anyone to suffer in their presence!”
“Most folks though put their toys away for storage and nostalgia.”
“Really? That seems to be the case for these movies- just pull them out of their rear ends for the nostalgia, ha!” The man talking slammed his hand on the desk in front of him, the sound muffled slightly by his black, fingerless gloves.
“Okay, so we got about a few more minutes left, any other comments you have for us?” the stallion asked. He was coated dark yellow, with a salmon red mane.
“Actually, yeah. Went to a Equestrian-themed theater last week. Place looked alright at first, it was about some reenactment of the origins of Equestria's Hearth's Warming Eve holiday.”
“And your thoughts on that?” the woman asked, a smile on her face. She herself wore a blue shirt with black pants.
“I wish I had gotten indigestion instead.”
“Really? That bad? And why indigestion specifically?”
“Indigestion gets better later at least, hiyo!” He clapped his hands as the other began laughing, the other man chuckling slightly.
As the laughter died down, the woman spoke up again. “Wait, that line sounds familiar... something about puppets...” she began to snap her fingers, trying to process her thoughts.
“Ah, that would be my inspiration, or inspirations: Statler and Waldorf.”
“Yeah! My grandfather introduced me to that show!”
“The funny thing, even though they were puppets, they were a helluva lot more real than the actors on stage! Another thing too, I couldn't even use my phone inside the building!”
“Dang, must not have had a big budget for building that place,” the stallion piped in.
“Actually, don't think it was an accident. I think they made sure you couldn't get a signal so you wouldn't call the police!” Karl snapped his fingers and leaned back in his chair. “And with that, unless you guys have anything else to say, my time is just about up for this week.” He glanced over to the others, each of them straightening and calming themselves down.
The stallion placed his glass down, and lifted a napkin with his telekinesis. “No, Karl, I believe I've run of steam myself for this segment. Susan, William, you guys?” he asked.
“I'm fine, Wavelength,” answered Susan.
“Same her- oh, wait- we got a caller actually!” William proclaimed. Each one of them leaned in as William pressed a flashing button on the call in front of him. “Hello, caller, you're currently on air for WVLX radio- the first show and by extension station to be brought to you by humans and Alter-Earth species!”
“Hello? Testing... hello?” a feminine voice rang through.
“We hear you loud and clear, dear,” Susan replied.
“Uh... yeah, hello. Sorry, still getting used to telephones, I'm calling from my FiMPro house in Washington currently.”
“Oooh, a fellow pony!” Wavelength chirped in.
“Yeah... anyway, I was wondering if I could ask a question to Mr. O'Donnell?” Karl smiled a little more, leaning his elbows on the table in readiness.
“Ask away, I have enough time for some questions,” he replied.
“Okay, may I ask: who do you think you are?” Karl's smiled immediately dropped, the resulting pout enough to put the others in a state of unnerve.
“Pardon?” Karl deadpanned back, staring directly at the control console where the guest's voice was coming out of.
“Who do you think you are coming on radio each week and making fun of the hard work that many people do to make movies and plays? Not only that, you have the nerve to denounce the origins of one of Equestria's most important holidays that Blessed Cadenza herself revels in? What right do you have as a being to demean the image of everything for the sake of cheap jokes?” Wavelength shook his head, a forehoof rubbing against his other one.
Susan looked to William, slicing her hand across her throat to signal him to cut the call. William himself nodded and reached forward to the console.
“Hold on,” Karl half whispered, while leaning away from the microphone as to not broadcast it. The rest of the group felt the temperature in the room drop as he pulled the microphone closer to his scowling face. “May I first ask who you are?”
“My name is Sugar Song and-”
“Alright then, Ms. or Mrs. Song,” Karl interrupted. “I'll have you know that I dang well know that I am Karl O'Donnell. I'm twenty four years old, six foot four, black hair, hazel eyes, and my job is working part time on this segment of the WVLX broadcast. I also work outside this time on the station's website which I will reference in a bit, otherwise I have another job as your typical desk worker.
“I think that if I were to look up 'oblivious' in the dictionary, a picture or reference of you would be there. For you are oblivious to the fact that I come on here to attempt to make people laugh by pseudo-heckling current media put out in both worlds. People like a good laugh, and if I'm not mistaken, laughter is very important thing on Alter-Earth. Is it not?
“By the sound of your question, you seem to have heard me quite a bit; so it also seems like you're oblivious to the fact that I have my own region on the station's website dedicated to serious reviews on what I can get my hands on. You're also oblivious to this: you do not use a guest privilege on a show to harass the ones working on the show- especially me. Doesn't seem all that harmonious of you to attack me like that.
“Speaking of 'harmonious,' didn’t the first visitor from you world marry quite a while ago? To a human nonetheless? Daisy or something? Wish I could remember who they were off the top of my head, but I hope they are happy; and the rest of this joint species station wish them the best! Anyway, I hope that answers your 'question,' and I hope you have a good life, Sugar Song.” Karl slammed his fist down on the desk, William immediately cutting the call afterword, a hand on his forehead.
Wavelength leaned into his microphone. “That concludes this portion of our broadcast, we'll be back for 'Music of the Day' after a few words from our sponsors.” He pushed the microphone away, the “On Air” sign dimming, and a groan being released from Karl.
“You could get in trouble for that y'know, right?” William spoke up. “We get our fair share of jerks abusing calls just like any other station, but you really seem to snap. The higher ups may not like one of their spokesman attacking guests.”
“After she jerked my chain?” Karl started, his eyes snapping to William. “Makes me wish 'ass' wasn't put on the profanity filter. Did you hear how high and mighty she-”
“We heard, Karl,” Susan intervened, a hand held up. “This is why we usually just cut calls off, instead of striking back.”
William spoke up again, adjusting his glasses. “The only reason I didn't cut it sooner was so that you could let out all of your anger. If I did, you probably would have directed at me; which is a big no-no for this station.”
“Yes, sir, aye aye sir,” Karl replied in monotone. “Still though, something's wrong with both worlds when people like this commonly rear their heads in like that.” He tilted is head back, fingers being rubbed against both of his temples. “I mean, there was definitely gonna be some conflicts with ponies and humans alone; but just to see these still popping up after ten years...”
“I'm just as surprised as you too,” Wavelength spoke up. “I remember being there in Canterlot during the War of the Elements. I was one of the ones who supported Sandalwoo- er I mean… Daisy Jo’s... desires.” He placed a forehoof on his chest, sighing slightly. “Seeing all that... dismissiveness... it made me and still makes me ask.” He leaned backward, sighing and looking away from the group. “What ever happened to tolerance?” He looked away, and gave a sigh, his ears dropping. “Reminds of the hate Dusty got… when he was… with us.”
Karl’s scowl lessened. “Yeah… I’m really sorry ‘bout that, man.”
“Don’t worry… little bro’s happy now.” He forced potential tears down, and a smile up. “Just try and get by. Despite, again, wondering what happened to tolerance.”
“What happened indeed,” Karl agreed, standing up from his chair. “No offense, Wave, but ponies really don't like to take criticism.”
“None taken,” he replied back, shaking his head.
“I mean, you say one thing that even sounds like an infringement on the 'sacred image' of pony history, and they flip their shit.”
“Just like you flipped yours, again,” William spoke up. “Look, Karl, you're caught up on your quota and then some for current movies and plays. I think maybe it would be best if you were take next week off,” William suggested. “Maybe it can help you focus on your other job, and also clear your head. I know you like doing this, but I think you should go dark for a little bit to not stir more controversy.”
“Fine, fine,” he surrendered. “I'll... see you guys whenever.” He got up from his seat, and began to walk out of the booth.
“If it makes you feel any better, the movement to have review copies of movies sent to you has been approved; it should be processed in a few weeks time.”
“Oh really? Nice, I get some real food instead of that theater crap. It’s the freaking twenty thirties, and there’s still no regulations on this shit?”
“Hospitals got priority, as well as the airlines.”
He gave a shrug. “Meh.” He then continued out of the room.
“Hey, you leaving in just that?” Susan called.
“No, I got my boots and jacket with me.” He slung a backpack onto his shoulders. “Just gotta stop and slip them on,” Karl called back.
“Alright, be careful!” Wavelength called as well.
“You too!” Karl closed the door, and began to make his way to the outside world.
As Karl stepped outside the building, he immediately zipped his jacket up as he felt rain fall down upon him. Walking directly across the parking lot, he reached for his keys and stepped up to his ride home.
Unlocking one of two outer boxes, he pulled out a black full face motorcycle helmet. Despite his attire, Karl never considered himself an athlete. At best, he could be considered slender, but he was by no means a rough and tough biker gang member. At the same time, despite this part time job- he wasn't a full on critic. This was a job he did more for fun rather than to pay the bills.
Aside from this radio station job, he had never thought of anything more ambitious. The most spontaneous life choice he had made so far in life on his own would be the motorcycle as his main transportation. Even then, on nights like this, it reminded him of what his colleagues had pointed out about him and decisions. Though, he was glad he kept his old car on standby in his garage.
“Maybe I could look into actually being the one to beta test the games.” He pulled a towel out of the box, wiping off the seat before sitting himself down. “Aw, who am I kidding? I'd have better luck if I were a gryphon shooting straight for designing the dang things. I should count myself lucky I'm stable... that is what mini-pessimist me wanted at the least. Now he's me, and his wishes were fulfilled.”
He grasped his sleeve, pressing a small button embedded in it. His jacket then lit up with green neon stripes going down his front and back over his shoulders. After adjusting each leg of his pants, he started up the bike, and then began his journey home.
Between the time he had left the station and gotten onto the service road, the light drizzle had evolved into a full on downpour. Luckily for him, he was able to legally use his high beams as it seemed everyone else was taking to the highway. It was most likely due to this convenience, that he was able to spot someone walking, or trudging, down the road.
Time slowed down for Karl as he contemplated what he was seeing. This was obviously not normal, and it reminded him once again of vocal discomfort in the world. Being attacked over radio was one thing, but also being apparently forced to walk home or wherever in weather like this?
Karl switched his high beams off, his decision made. “Well, time for my good deed for the day, as ridiculous as this is going to make me look. At least it's in good intentions, unlike that whiner today,” he said to himself out loud. Slowing down his bike, he gradually inched closer to the hunched over figure, who seemed to all but accept the downpour of rain. Karl looked behind him, seeing no other traffic behind him, and decided to pull up next to the figure.
As the noise from his bike died down, he made sure to keep a good distance away as he gently tapped the horn. The figure regardless still jumped in fright, and spun to face him. He slowed down to a complete stop, lifting his visor to better calm down the situation. He couldn't make out anything of the figure, he or she was bundled up in what looked like something you would scrap together for the unexpected weather.
“Excuse me... er... this is going to sound very weird but... do you want a lift out of the rain?” Karl called out over the downpour. He took a quick glance behind him again, still seeing no incoming traffic.
“Wait, did I hear that right?” the figure called, in a female's voice. “You're offering me, a complete stranger, a ride out of this rain?” Karl inwardly groaned.
“This sounded waaaaay better in my head. Well, almost everything does.” He cleared his throat, also sticking his hand out slightly as if he were about to shake hands. “This highway goes on for quite a while! You're gonna probably catch pneumonia well before you get halfway back to civilization!” The figure visibly looked between his hand and his face, causing Karl's heart to beat fast in waiting for what she would do next.
“I... I would very much appreciate that!” she called out. “But, you can just pull over? I really don't want to get on in the middle of a lane!” She backed up away from the road, Karl nodding slightly in agreement and understanding.
“Alright, I'll pull up over there!” He pointed forward, signaling where. As he accelerated forward slightly, he let out another groan. “Knowing my luck, she'll jump or shank me because she's actually a criminal on the run, maybe.” As he pulled onto the shoulder, he activated the hazard lights and stepped off the bike. As he turned to face his potential hitchhiker, he looked over her silhouette. “Dang, she's tall,” he commented.
“I've heard that this was a relatively friendly area, but I never thought I would see this kind of generosity and kindness,” the figure said aloud, her voice more stable.
“You can find saints out there- it's just the jerks are more vocal,” he replied, as he reached down to open one the storage compartments. “So why are you out in this weather like this?”
“My rental car broke down. I was driving along just fine, when suddenly the steering gave out! I ended up going through some random bushes and ran into the cliff of the treeline. I'm... fine...” she trailed off, her voice being engulfed by the noise of the rain.
“A crash?” He stopped what he was doing, looking over and edging toward her. “Holy hell, you okay? Do you need to see a doctor?” he asked.
“I said I’m fine!” she barked back, causing Karl to recoil. Soon after though, she began to clutch at her chest. “Okay… maybe not…”
“Yeah, I thought so.” He walked back up to her slightly. “I’m calling an ambulance, right this second- unless you want to do so?”
“My phone is dead, I didn’t have a car charger for it; otherwise, I would have called them up.”
“Duly noted- I don’t think it would be a good idea to drive you on this thing. Wait right here,” he ordered. Turning back to his bike, he fished out his phone and began the process of getting her medical attention. Meanwhile, he couldn’t help looking her over as a whole.
She seemed to be another victim of unfortunate circumstances, yet that inside nature of hers was really being undermined by her current outside appearance. Shutting off his phone, ambulance on the way, he walked around the other side of the motorcycle. Unlocking that container, he pulled an umbrella out, presenting it forward. “Here, you want this?”
“Oh, thank you!” she called. What happened next nearly caused Karl to jump as her makeshift wrapping began to glow cerulean, and shortly after the umbrella he was holding did as well. His mouth, thankfully covered by his helmet, was hung open in shock. “Holy crapola... that's one big mare. I've never looked even stallions around here eye to eye. Wavelength himself says he's at the average and he barely reaches my neck.” As the umbrella floated over to her, Karl immediately did a double take on the current situation. How did he not notice she was a pony? “Blame it on the rain and darkness,” he thought.
As the soaked linens floated out of the way, what looked like the colors of goldenrod and dark azure were the first two colors revealed, the light from bike not enough to fully confirm. She looked him in the eyes once they were reveal. He stared into her own cyan colored eyes as she held a face of confliction.
“Is something the matter?” she deadpanned, causing his eyes to snap back to attention.
“No! Well... actually, yeah! I mean... ergh!” he lightly punched his helmet, trying to get a coherent thought out. “I didn’t expect telekinesis!”
“Oh, is that what's on your mind? My bad,” she replied back. Karl sighed in relief, there was no need to tick off another pony. “By the way: no, I couldn’t have used magic to charge it. It takes a lot of talent to make magic electricity the same as science electricity; talent I ain’t got.”
He shot his hands up in fake surrender. “Okay, that did pop into my head,” he admitted. He dropped his arms back down. “My name's Karl. What's yours, and where were you going?” He looked back to his bike, wondering if even that would be prepared for a non-human passenger if he had took her. He had managed his cousins and even parents on occasion, but never a pony- let alone by far the tallest and/or biggest one he's met in person.
“Name's Carry On, and I live just slightly north of the expressway near Medford.” She shifted herself, bringing some of the cowl back over her. “You know where that is?”
“Yeah, I actually live just south of the expressway.”
“Gotcha. You wanna take a seat maybe?” He patted his hand on the seat of the bike to emphasize.
“I’m fine, I can live for a few minutes.” Karl nodded back, and took a seat himself. Soon after, the siren of the ambulance was heard in the distance, and the flashing lights of it following. Carry was then taken in, and then he followed it toward the hospital.
Karl sat waiting indoors, wondering what was going on with Carry. After they arrived, he had to find his own way inside aside from the drop off area. He was able to find out her general area, and hoped to catch her leaving.
Said hope was answered as he heard the somewhat muffled clops of hoofsteps walk toward him. He turned and found her walking directly to him, a small smile on her face.
“Hey, again,” he greeted. “How was it?”
“A freaking busted rib,” she answered. “Thank god for modern medicine, just a few hours off my time.”
“Ouch, the worst I’ve gotten thus far would be a fractured wrist.” He stood back up, and took his first full on glance at her.
He was right in the colors he saw before- a goldenrod mane and a dark azure coat. He still couldn’t shake the intimidation she passively brought by staring basically eye to eye with her.
“Apparently, a taxi has been called for me already, so I’ll be home soon.” She gave a small huff. “My car has also been towed already, so I’ll need another to head to the towing company, and then the dealership- that’ll be fun. But... I guess this is where I say ‘thanks’ and we move on with our lives?”
“Not quite.” He shook his head. “I’m seeing this to the end. Call it… what’s that term? White knight… something. No… um…” He began to snap his fingers. “Umumumumum…”
“You just want to make sure nothing else happens to me? Don’t want Marephrey’s law to happen?”
“Uh… oh! That would be Bella’s law! Yeah, that,” he agreed. She gave a small chuckle.
“Don’t think you have to, but I really appreciate it. I just don't know how to repay you.”
Karl gave a wave of his hand. “Eh, don't worry about it.” Carry's eyes widened in surprise.
“Really? Not even a drink or something?” she asked.
“Nah. Maybe... I dunno, maybe I could visit you sometime and we could hang out or something?” He shrugged his shoulders, not sure how to answer.
“That sounds great actually. I'm usually home, just give a knock in the evening or weekends.”
“Right-o. Now, when’s your taxi coming?” he asked.
“Should be here any second now, just outside the nearest exit.”
“I’ll bring my bike around then. You can hang onto that umbrella for a little while longer.” He turned and started to walk out, plan set.
As he departed his ride, he took note that Carry’s house seemed to be more of a tiny apartment. There was only a small shed, and two visible windows that he could see.
He put that aside, and watched as Carry made her way in from departing the taxi.
As he stepped up the stoop, he found Carry just inside; her jacket and rags off, as well umbrella discarded. She was vigorously wiping a towel across her head with her fore-hooves.
As she turned back, she gave him a shrug. Karl unbuckled his helmet and slipped it off, his head being assaulted by the night air. Carry grasped the umbrella with her magic, floating it upward as she walked to the door.
“Thank you so much again,” she said to him. “Now that I think about it- it could have been really bad for me if I didn't get your help.” She smiled slightly, as she handed back his umbrella.
“Pleasure's all mine,” he answered back, taking it from her. “What were you doing anyway? Why didn't you have an umbrella or something more than a jacket and rags with you?” he asked.
“I was heading home from work- I actually forgot about the weather report so I didn't prepare properly in case something like this happened. All I had were these rags for padding the floor, but I never used them.” She looked away, an embarrassed smile on her face. “That car I've been continually renting.”
“Gotcha.” He turned and looked back outside. “Well, it's getting really late, and the rain looks like it's picking up.”
“No kidding,” she commented.
“You're all set now?” he asked, turning back to face her.
“Y-yeah, I'll see what I gotta do. I should be fine.” She backed up, queueing herself up to close the door. “Have a good night, and thanks once again!”
“You too!” he called, as she closed the door. Karl immediately semi-bolted for his bike, wanting to get out of the rain. Almost throwing the umbrella back into storage, he hopped onto the bike, and started it up.
He slipped his own helmet on, and secured it. As he began to adjust his gloves though, he took a glance downward. What he saw did not make him happy.
“Ah, FUCK!” he screamed, slamming a fist onto his leg. He stared straight at the fuel gauge, which was pointing directly to E. “Crap, I've been basically running on fumes this whole time. I'm not close enough to a station, I'll be the stranded one then if I head off.” He practically ripped his helmet off, hoping the drops of rain would temper him.
Karl looked back to the house, considering his options. He looked to the shed, wondering what was inside; like possibly something for his bike. He then looked to his bag, clothes and other items like his phone in there.
The sound of thunder rang overhead, and he inwardly groaned. “Well, time for more outlandish actions.”
He forced himself off the bike, also grabbing his bag out of it. Throwing his normal helmet in storage and locking it up, he headed directly to the door. He steeled himself for the upcoming awkwardness as he knocked on Carry's door. A muffled voice came from inside, which caused him to inadvertently grab one his own arms. A moment later, the door opened and was he was greeted with a confused looking Carry.
“Uh... hi again...” he half whispered, as he put his arm in a vice grip.
“Er... hi, what's wrong?” Carry said back, also looking over his shoulder.
“Eh... I'm kind of out of fuel, and... well... yeah.” He took a deep breath, and straightened himself back up. “Look, unlike you, I could maybe call for help. But it's really late, and I definitely don't want to go through the trouble of calling a company or a friend at this hour. I know I said it was no trouble, and you don't have to do anything but-”
“You want to know if I'll allow you to possibly spend the night here?” she finished. Karl nodded back, also looking away and to the ground in preparation for a negative response.
“Yeah...”
Carry gave an exasperated sigh, folding her forelegs over each other and leaning into the door frame. “That sounds like a ridiculous offer- truth be told if you were just normal guest of mine I would have turned you away given my current situation.” She then put on a small smile. “Of course, you aren't just a 'normal friend.' You're a pseudo total stranger who did something a true friend would have done. Hell, a really good person even.” Karl snapped his gaze back to her, a hopeful look on his face. “It's the least I can do anyway for now, come on in. I got a small couch for you, but I'm sorry about the mess... very, sorry.”
“Thank you.” He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Looking around, he found himself already in a living room of sorts. He spotted the aforementioned couch, as well as a small television. To his right was a small walk in kitchen, as well as what looked like a closet. On his left, a small hallway that lead to the rest of the house.
“Bathroom is to the left, at the end of the hall. However,” she snarled, causing Karl to immediately give her his attention. “I need to shower badly. If I catch you peeking, both during and/or just after I get out, I will throw you out with my telekinesis.” Her horn flared with magic, though nothing around him was moved or manipulated at all.
“Yes, ma'am,” he squeaked.
“It's 'Carry On,' or just 'Carry.' I have no fucking idea why I was named that. Not interested in bags, or that slogan from your second world war.” She shook her head. “Look, you're probably tired, I am too; you can just grab a blanket from the closet and head off to sleep. Switch is right here.” She tapped the wall behind her. “Anyway, good night, I guess.” Karl watched her walk away, and disappeared into the hall. The sound of doors being opened and closed happened, and then the sound of running water.
It was at this point he noticed the mess that Carry had mentioned. Some scraps of trash we everywhere, and sizable chunks of food like chips were embedded into the carpet. In the kitchen, there was a small pile up of dishes waiting to be put into the dishwasher below it.
Karl pushed the images out of his mind, and unzipped his bag to reach for his indoor clothes. As he changed, he silently hoped that the wish for privacy worked both ways. He wondered if she used that as an excuse to give her leeway to spy on him.
Tossing his bag and boots into a corner, he hung his jacket on a coat-rack next to Carry's. He opened the closet door, and stepped back as some blankets fell out. He looked and found most of it severely unorganized- like it was just stuffed in without a thought.
Karl forced the thoughts again out, pinching himself to do so. He grab the blankets on the floor, and closed the closet. When he reached the couch, he found it to the first thing that looked spotless- though still unkempt. He gave the blankets a quick sniff each- nice and clean, not used and tossed back in. Dropping both of them onto the couch, he smoothed them out, and then sat himself down.
The view of the hallway was virtually none, so he had no fear of accusation. He stood back up, walking to the switches, making a safe path back in his head. He flipped the lights off, and then laid himself down. With a forced yawn to help him relax, he drifted off to sleep.
“ARGH!”
Karl snapped awake, practically jumping to his feet. As he landed, he ended up tripping on his blankets and landing face first on the vacuum neglected carpet. He forced his head upward, and looked to the direction of Carry's room. As he strained his muscles, he heard more sounds coming from her apparent room- sounds of things being threatened to be broken.
“Carry?!” he yelled, pounding on his door. “What's going on? Did someone break in?” He pressed his ear against the door, but quickly became confused when there was no more noise from inside.
“I'm... I'm fine!” Carry called back. “I'm sorry for the noise... I just... just...” her voice trailed off. He cupped a hand over his ear, hoping to hear if she was just whispering. Suddenly, the doorknob became engulfed in her magic, and the rest of the door opened. Karl yelped as he found his support moving forward, almost repeating his actions of when he was shocked awake. As he stumbled in, he found Carry laying down on her bed oddly like ponies that didn't take to human ways. She was staring a laptop screen, and there was a box of tissues next to her.
“Uh...” Karl started, taking his first intentional step into the room.
“I'm not fine actually... in fact, I may be done in,” she cried out. Karl walked around the bed, noting only a nightstand and lamp were the only other pieces of furniture in the room. As he got into position to view her front he nearly choked at the sight of her face and mane stained with tears, her eyes red, and the amount of tissues on the floor. He also out of instinct threw a hand in front of his vision as he saw her shirt off, bandages from the hospital exposed.
“You can stare and do whatever, I don’t give a crap at the moment. I’m not exactly covering up anything right now,” she spoke up.
Karl gave a slight nod, before lowering his hand away. He tried his best to keep an even tone as he relayed back the two words that interested him the most, “'Done in?'” He knelt down onto one knee, putting him face to face with her.
She physically moved her laptop with a forehoof, while she levitated another tissue over her eyes quickly. “I may not have a home soon. The art design company I'm working for is withholding my paycheck since most of my projects were collaborations. I said this before to guys at the hospital and the tow truck: they have this fucking stupid policy where collaboratory projects give you zero unless you meet a quota, which I didn't.” She sniffed hard, new tears forming in her eyes. “I'm already dealing with college loan debts, ones I got suckered into getting and I foolishly used part of that to initially rent this house. Now I'm not going to make payment, and I also have to deal with not having reliable transportation. I'm too much in debt to keep living here... I may have to go back to Equestria.” The built up tears began to flow as she finished, her head being buried into the blanket.
Karl scratched his arm nervously, not prepared to deal with someone about to fall off the track of finance. “Well... what about-”
“I may have a green card, but I need to keep this job. That job though is not paying me, and I need money to have a place to live. I probably won't be able to hold that job because I can't live anywhere. In order words... I'm en route to the next portal passage out of Human Earth. I don't have much of a window to find another job and living quarters in time before I'm forced back to Equestria.”
Karl stared in silence at Carry, as she continued to weep directly into the bed. Only occasionally did she lift her head up to take a breath of fresh air.
“I don't want to leave... I love it here in America and Human Earth... I've loved it ever since me and my parents came over here for FiMPro- the first one where they offered whole families. We managed to find a school here during our initial stay, and they were able to enroll me there complete with a dorm when the next fall came around after our visit.” She lifted her head up, resting it on her forelegs, and staring toward Karl. “The freedom and choices here just appeal to me so. I didn't even hit puberty yet when I attended high school here.” She forced out a small chuckle. “I bet you probably wonder how I'm so tall and/or big for a unicorn mare,” she added. Karl inwardly shivered, and had to force a blush downward. “There was the hormones... and well, let's just say one of the reasons I love it here... I love meat, hehe...” Her gaze drifted upward, a faux smile on her face. “I ate it practically every day, quite a few times with every meal some days and... well, protein piles up over time. But who am I kidding?” She immediately reverted back to her previous moping state. “I guess I should take satisfaction that I got a lucky nine years here, huh?” She looked back to him, foreboding leaking out to him.
“It doesn't have to be,” he spoke out almost immediately after her question.
“Huh?”
Karl took a deep breath. “Okay, think carefully over a snap situation for once man. As that saying goes that grandpa said to Margaret: 'Big girls don't cry.' Though... she is a fucking big mare and she's practically obligated to cry with all the- FOCUS!” He blinked, and placed a hand on the bed near her forelegs. “My landlord is pretty lenient with guests. I think I could convince him to give you a place to stay for a while, that would solve your rent issue.” He shifted his other knee down to the floor. “I think your car issue can be brought to a court of some kind- maybe that can allow you to take an official leave or some shit like that. Something to give you time to get stable.
“As for your work...” he braced himself for the bold move he was about to take. “Make sure they're your designs. I don't know what kind of company does this shit, but it's obvious the risk is too much for a reward that you'll get delayed for.” Both of them stared at each other for what appeared to be agonizing minutes, the only sounds were the occasional sniff from Carry.
“You... you really mean that?” she spoke up.
“I've been a victim of unfortunate circumstances as well and... let's just say that you need help that I feel that I need to start the ball rolling on now.”
“I don't have any initial help here... I haven't spoken with my parents in a long time. Aside from them, I only have my grandfather as a living relative. What’s sad about him and I, is that we’re apparently supposed to be part of some famous mage line.” Karl didn't respond, inwardly noting that she was going off on another tangent. “It’s funny… instead of the magic of… magic, I’m trying and failing the magic of the American dream. So much for living up to the Kimo… Kimi…” She shook her head. “Heh, look at me, can’t even remember my family name.
“The point is though that I am scarce for help and... between this and helping me home here,” she moved a forehoof and placed it on his hand. “'Thank you' isn't enough in this case.” She managed to put on a smile, Karl managing to return one. “May I just formally ask who you are?”
“Karl, Karl O'Donnell,” he answered. Carry's ears perked upward.
“The Saturday Night Ranter?” she asked. “I... I listen to your bit,” she admitted with a small blush on her face. “It really puts a smile on my face, a little light in my dark times.”
“'Saturday Night Ranter?' I got a title?” he asked back. “Well... I'm flattered. If you heard me a little while ago... well, that kind of made me want to really shove some good back into reality.”
Carry leaned herself closer. “I don't exactly care, I'm thankful that you're helping me.” She lifted her other foreleg up, and wrapped it around him, pulling him in for a hug. Karl remained still, especially as she rested her head on his shoulder. Never before had he been hugged by a pony- and never had he been hugged by someone that he just met a few hours ago that wasn't a relative.
Yet, despite that, he didn't stop his other arm from reaching around her neck to complete the hug. He didn't even stop himself from giving her a small pat and stroke of her mane.
“Hrk!” she cried, causing Karl to pull away immediately. Carry looked physically in pain, the forehoof not around him clutching her chest.
“Sorry!” he yelped.
“I'm a big fucking girl, I can take it. Though, the patting of my hair was really unnecessary.”
“Don't look at me, you're the one who gave me free reign. ‘Do whatever’ you said.” She gave an annoyed groan in response. “Hey, I'm a smart ass, what do you want from me?” Her eyes widened, and mouth opened in shock at his statement. “Yes, I said 'ass.' Now, tell me now if you have any donkey or mules friends you care about; because I loved using that word so much before it was classified as a racist term. Otherwise, I'm about to use it a lot here.
“Look, I'm an asshole, a pretty big one. But you know what? I'm an asshole who actually gives a fucking shit about people around him! I may think that everyone is potentially an asshole before I get to know them- but it makes me care more for the ones who aren't!” He pointed a finger to her. “Like you, and I mean an asshole like myself. I fight fire with fire, but have a stash of water ready for the fire I bring around.
“Now, I could have been a fucking ass and just gave you only some small words and said that you technically owe me. I didn't because I don't want to be an asshole who only cares about kicking others while they're down just to raise themselves up. I'm one who will actually obeys the speed limit to keep others safe, and piss off people who do want to break the law.
“The bottom line, and to stop being a potential racist: I'm a bastard. A cynical, pessimistic, bastard. And this bastard wants to help you out, something some other random guy would most likely not even do. What do you think of that?! So are you gonna shut up and look at the details here?!” He splayed his arms out to emphasize his rant.
Carry just stared toward him, face frozen in shock. As time passed, Karl's own face loosened, realizing what he just did.
“Oh... fuck me, I snapped to the completely wrong fucking person...” He dropped his arms, slumping down slightly. “Look... I... don't know what to-”
“No... you're right,” Carry interrupted. Karl looked back to her, seeing her sitting in thought. “Okay, 'right' maybe isn't the right word, but I get what you're saying.” She reopened her eyes. “Let's... well, we can't exactly ignore that, but let's just calm down. I... really want your help, because I do need it.” Karl looked back, saying nothing. “What's that saying? 'Don't look a gift horse in the mouth?' That really applies here. Look, I'm sorry too. Can we... just, well, make a plan or something? Preferably before one us breaks again?”
“How about this- and this is off the top of my head,” he spoke up. “You’re a bit wound up, I really think we should get some rest. Then in the morning, we’re gonna head to your car, dealership or whatever. You got a message or something?”
“Yeah… I got an email and text, I know where it is.”
“Okay, we’ll get that sorted out wherever; we’re gonna cover our bases here. What’s your work schedule again? You gotta work tomorrow?”
“No, but I have to be there the day after when I present the sketches for the projects themselves- so I can make corrections and what not right there. I would work from home otherwise.”
“Noted. Then... well, we'll go from there. Oh! My backup!” Carry titled her head in confusion. “I have a backup car in case of emergency weather or otherwise- you can use that to get to work.”
“Oh, wow... that sounds great!”
“Alright. I guess... well, I'm heading back to bed. We got a plan, let's not do something to make this worse.” Karl began to walk for the door, as he stepped through, he stopped and turned back around. “Just... be prepared in case it doesn't go in our favor, alright?”
“Yeah... you never know. No matter what happens, just... thank you.” She turned herself around, presenting a smile to him. “May I just ask, why are you doing this all for me? We haven't known each other even six hours yet.”
“Let's say, well,” he paused for a moment. “I really need a friend. I also need something new in my life. Maybe creating a new best friend by being a financial life saver is something I needed to do.” He flashed a smile, and then closed the door. As he walked, he realized what they both said. “Holy fucking ass crackers. With what I've done, place me under the definition of 'crazy, ridiculous,' or whatever else.” With that, he practically fell onto the couch and went back to sleep.
The next morning, Karl and Carry were at the towing company that had messaged Carry. Karl was talking on his phone outside of the main office, while Carry stood inside at the main desk observing him. She was currently waiting for the last of the documents to take the car off her metaphorical hands officially.
She then saw Karl hang up his phone, and then walking inside. “Hey,” he greeted with a smile. “Well, we got some good news! You got a place to stay!” A smile immediately flared on her face. “Once we're done here, we can start bringing your stuff over- no way am I renting a moving truck.”
“My biggest needs really are my documents, clothes, laptop, and phone. The only big things I have are some kitchenware, and some of the furniture and shed stuff. Other than that, it came with the house. By the way, what made you choose a motorcycle primarily over a car?”
“For the fun, that's why.” He flashed her a smile. “I know it’s like one tap and I'm dead... but the thrills are worth it. Except I get no thrills on icy days like I mentioned, that's when the backup comes in normally.” He leaned over to look at the desk behind her. “What'd they say?”
“They said that due to the circumstances of the crash, I won't have to pay for any damages. After that, we called up the dealership I rented the car from. I told them I would be using you car, so they won't send a replacement. I'll get a call in case something else pops up down the line.” She ran a forehoof across her forehead. “Of course, I just wanna freaking relax and do some sketching.”
“I wanna relax too. But first, we got a bit of lifting to do.”
Hours passed, but it was worth it as Carry levitated the last box into Karl's house.
“Once again to you, why is your car so tiny?” she asked, rubbing her head.
“It covers what I need it for, which is hardly anything. Plus, having parents still pay the insurance for it helps.” He clapped his hands. “So, you want lunch, or you wanna go do your drawing?”
“Bring me lunch so I can get more sketching done,” she answered. As she walked off, Karl stood silent, even after she closed the door to what was now the guest room.
“What have I gotten myself into?” he asked, rubbing his temples.
Weeks passed by, and both of them went about their lives. Karl continued to rant, type, and data manage, while Carry continued to draw. As the days rolled by, they each shared more and more details about their previous endeavors and families.
Karl was the middle of three. His older sibling being his brother, Harry, and the younger his sister, Margaret. After finishing high school, he attempted to do college, but withdrew from his first semester after not being able to handle further academics. Due to his withdrawal, the repayments that his parents received allowed him to get started at his desk job, which soon led to his own home and so on.
After taking the radio job, he was allowed some leeway and luxury in his life. Eventually, soon after buying his own motorcycle, he was able to move up to his current position at the office. Harry was currently living in Griphonica, while Margaret was across the pond in Germany.
Carry meanwhile had reestablished communication with her parents, letting the floodgates flow of her situation. As a single child, she had received a lot of support from them in her ambition to live the human way. Now they were aware of the support she needed, and what she had gotten via Karl.
Karl learned from her reconnection that she was a unicorn born to non-unicorns. She never got the parental springboard of learning magic, and had self taught herself the basics. It was just before and during her stay on Human-Earth where she picked up her interest in art and design. However, she never confirmed nor denied that designing was her talent or mark.
That though, was something Karl definitely knew not to press about; considering how much she ragged on ponies disrespecting non-ponies. Usually when he struck up a conversation at a meal they happened to have at the same time, she would usually mention how the treatment against The Lost Foal was disgusting.
The occasional butting of heads though was still present. Karl eventually had to step in and lay down rental rules for both his car and her utilities. Some hearing was nearly lost on both ends due to buttons being pushed, but ultimately she agreed. It didn’t help that Carry had her own needs and still had her own lingering problems that were established from the beginning.
The biggest solace Karl found in the experience for both their sanities was that Carry’s parents had taken some burden off her. They had made her last payment for her house, and made a significant dent in her most recent college debt demand- yet all of them knew that it was a long road ahead.
One day on that very road though, Carry had stepped up to Karl, and mentioned that she never got him that drink. That drink had led to a bar where Karl refused alcohol, which led to Carry mentioning that to be the equivalent of eating sushi without fish.
Which led to them both immediately going to a sushi bar and having a genuine laugh for once as more than just ‘roommates.’
From that, it led to more conversations about their days, and sessions in front of the television or Karl’s laptop. For Carry, she realized that she was having fun in her life again, instead of trying to make ends meet. As for Karl, he enjoyed the spontaneous changes she brought- it was just nice to have someone to blow off steam with.
During one of very sessions making fun of How to Train your Dragon 4, Carry’s phone rang off. Annoyed, she paused the movie, while Karl sat and listened right by as she answered.
“Hello?” Carry spoke to the caller.
“Ms. Carry On?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“Hello, my name is Christine Farrell, I'm an attorney at law.”
Carry’s ears perked upward in shock, “Attorney?”
“Yes. I’m hear to talk to you about your rental car that was towed in about six weeks ago.”
“My car? What do you mean? I thought that was taken care of.”
“I've taken a look at the damage to your car, and I've noticed it was bearing similar cause of crash to other cases. I've done quite a bit of cross referencing from other attorneys, both company and family across the east coast...” Carry continued to listen, Karl just sitting and watching.
“A class action lawsuit? My case to be the representation?”
“This has been in the works for some time now, your case in particular may be the breaking point needed.”
“What… what do I need to do?” She fell silent, Karl sitting and staring at her. He only heard muffled talk from the phone, and the small murmur of confirmation from Carry. “Oh… okay then. I’ll call back, thank you…” She hung up her phone, clutching her head and leaning back into the couch. “Oh my… oooooh hell.”
“Uh…”
“A freaking court case?” She looked over to him. “As if I don’t got enough to deal with. I’ll have to put out a temporary leave from work, since we don’t know how long this’ll take. I could be embarrassed in front of a bunch of people, and I don’t know what benefit I’ll-”
“Carry,” Karl butted in. “Deep breath,” he ordered. She did so, with him reaching over and grabbing a glass off the table in front of them. “Look, I have no freaking idea how this kinda stuff works, I’ll admit that.” The glass was grabbed with her telekinesis, which was then almost forced down her throat with the speed she placed it to her lips.
After a big gulp, she placed the glass back down on the table. “I don’t know, Karl; just the idea alone unnerves me. I’m still dealing with all the bullshit at my job, this could really throw my off my psyche too much.”
“You got me, ya know. You don’t have to do this by yourself.” He spun his whole body toward her. “Look, speaking from a… selfish or… opportunity perspective, I dunno. This could be a big financial break for you.”
“It’s not just about money here! Even if I do get something, how much? Then there’s the preparation that may cut into my work- which will be less money in the meantime.”
“Then we’ll ask! You said you would call back, didn’t that lawyer explain some details to ya?”
“Well,” she said with a blush appearing, “no. I guess she assumed I already knew.”
“This ain’t gonna happen tomorrow. I think there’s gonna be ample time to get ready.” He held out his hand, palm open. “I’ll help you out- I think my testimony would help anyway.” Carry looked between his hand, and his face. Slowly, she raised her forehoof, and placed it into his hand.
“Deal.” She gave it a shake, and then she suddenly leaned in and gripped him in a hug. Almost right after, she pulled back, another blush on her face.
“Okay, what is it with ponies and hugging?” Karl blurted out with a hint of anger. This was followed quickly by a small jump and a blush of his own appearingblush himself. “That wasn’t racist, was it?”
Carry shook her head, chuckling a bit. “Nah, don’t worry. It’s a really bad habit I need to get rid of.” She picked up her phone, activating it. A holographic number pad appeared in the air, and she began to type with her hoof. “Just… thanks for helping me through all of these times, Karl.” She gave a small smile to him, before putting the phone to her ear. “Hi, is this Miss Farrell?” She asked. “Yeah, this is Carry On, with the car lawsuit thing. Yeah… I’ll do it, but I really need to know a lot of things. I’ve never done this kinda thing before.”
Karl stood up, and began to walk out of the room. “I’ll just order a pizza then, this may take a while.”
She moved the phone away from herself before speaking, “Sausage, and no olives this time.”
Another two weeks passed by, and after calling in to their respective jobs, both Karl and Carry found themselves sitting in court.
The two remained silent throughout most of the ordeal, Karl called up only once to explain how he found her and the car. Carry meanwhile spoke out multiple times to cross reference other cases brought to the trial.
The biggest shocker, which almost caused Karl to scream, was how it was found out Carry’s car was knowingly sold with faulty parts. Apparently, the company had a shipment of defective parts, but didn’t want to lose money through not using them. The attorney speaking for Carry only continued to rub salt in the car company’s fresh would.
After seeing basically the same kind of accident multiple times from across the country, the judge spoke up on his own terms.
“I've heard quite enough. Not only did you knowingly sell the victim a defective car, you sold one of many that you knew were defective- essentially endangering many lines across the state and country. All cases in the class have reports of broken steering due to the aforementioned broken parts.
“This court rules in favor of the prosecuting class represented by Ms. Carry On. I hereby order the mass recall of every model and sub-model of the victims’ car, and the payment of legal, compensatory, and punitive damages to all victims. All other customers that are in current ownership of the recalled product must receive compensatory payment as well. Court adjourned.”
The sound of the gavel being slammed rang across the room, Carry sat in her seat with wide eyes and an open mouth.
“Carry,” Karl whispered. “Time for you to be happy.”
“I'm more than happy at the moment,” she replied. “Do you know the pressure taken off of me? I can possibly keep the college loan offices off my back for a while!”
“Let's... wait until we see what we can see. Meanwhile, we hit the café across the street.” He stood up, stretching his limbs. Both of them soon departing the building after the round of congratulations and legal affairs.
Sitting down, both Carry and Karl took in the sun and the activity of the town. Not as quiet as the suburbs where they lived, but definitely not as noisy as New York City.
Carry had mentioned before that she herself wanted to see the city, but Karl voted against it. To him, the city was nothing but frustration that made the grand spectacle not worth it. He claimed to have visited Grand Central Station and ate some of the best sushi he’s ever had and the trip wasn’t worth it.
Soon though, after receiving drinks in addition to water, the topic went back to their living situation.
“I guess so long as I keep at it with my projects at work, I'll be back to my desired status quo,” Carry began. “Still have a long way to go, though. Plus, the payments here won’t come right away, so I can’t relax just yet. On top of that, just the sacrifices made to come here will put me in a weird position until that payment comes to make it up.”
“Excuse me? Ms. Carry?” a voice called. They turned their heads, seeing what looked like another lawyer walk up to them- only she was a zebra to their surprise. “My name is Zadi. Do you have a moment? I've been working in the background for you, and I need to relay news to you.”
“'Background?'” Carry asked.
“It's about you and your company, Ms. Carry. Now, you would have been informed in time regardless, but I felt the need to tell you in person. Do you mind if I sit here?”
“Sure, grab a chair,” Karl spoke up. “You want my water here?” He pushed a glass forward.
“Don’t mind if I do, thanks!” She dragged the glass to her, before her smile fell into a neutral frown.
“Ms. Carry, I’m here based off reports I received regarding your accident,” Zadi began, her tone dropped. “Specifically both the hospital report you gave, and the incident report given by the towing company. I’m here based off your mention of how the car was more salt in the wound for you regarding your financial situation.”
“Wait, what? I don’t understand. I just mentioned them because I was freaking pissed that I had that to deal with on top all the other stuff.”
“Officially, those mentions helped play into the… ‘accident’ nature of your crash. There's one other thing I want to bring up, Ms. Carry.” She leaned in slightly, a semi-scowl on her face. “I somewhat go off on my own way whenever something seems up. This is kind of the case when I caught wind of your docked paychecks- or at least the payment from your joint projects.” She opened her briefcase, and pulled out two packets. “I want you to compare the marked paragraphs, read the one on the left first.” She placed each one of the table in front of Carry, who began to scan both of them.
“This is... my company policy. And you marked the collab project bullshit.”
“Yes I... did. Now take a look at the other one.”
“This is... wait, are these the same policies? Wait... why do they...” She began to dart her head between them.
“The one on your left is the policy you personally received. The other is the real policy of the company you are working at.” She gave a sigh. “I'm so sorry to say this, Ms. Carry, but you've been the victim of a hate crime.” The group went silent, Karl looked between Carry and Zadi, the former shaking slightly.
The silence was broken by a snort from Carry, Karl jumped slightly and saw her beginning to crumple up the papers.
“That... fucking... son of a-” she stopped, as Karl quickly threw an arm around her. She responded by driving her head his shoulder. He cautiously wrapped his other arm around, letting her weep into him.
He looked back over to Zadi. “How do you know exactly?”
“We received testimony from her co-workers, most specifically her collaborators over the past weeks. Her boss has a history of bigotry, and non-humans have been recently added to his list. It didn't help that she was taller than him, according to his own confession, he hates those taller than him.
“Since her being hired, there were background changes to the data access. He made sure she couldn't find out, or any other non-human that was hired. He used the threat of unemployment on others, and specifically scared her into not questioning his changes. Not only were you supposed to be paid, but this change was from a bonus that the company offered; so you were denied payment twofold.
“I... I was scared of calling him out, asking others about the policy,” Carry added. Karl leaned into her slightly, comforting her some more. “It was my first real job on my own, outside of college-assisted hiring. I didn't want to screw it up, so I took everything at face, and tried to roll with the punches.”
“You should know that he's in the process of being taken into custody, and the company is being shut down.”
“What?!” Carry yelped, breaking away from Karl. “But I-”
“Hold on now, I’m not finished yet,” Zadi interrupted. She cleared her throat, also taking a quick sip of water. “I think you should probably look at this.” She produced an envelope. “This is the royalty damages, since he unfairly made more money by not paying you for your work.” She placed it on the table, sliding it over to them. “Have you ever considered maybe becoming freelance? Do commission jobs starting at maybe places like Deviantart, Behance, LinkedIn, 21designs, and working up?”
“It would be nice, but that would... wait a second.” She grabbed the envelope, and opened it up. “Wait, HOW MUCH?!” She looked between Zadi and the check. Karl leaned over and took a glance at it.
“Holy fucking bum crackers,” he blurted out. “I guess you don't need me anymore, huh, Carry?”
She looked back to him. “You kidding? After you got the ball rolling and then some, you think I'm gonna be gone that easily?” She draped a forehoof around him, pulling him in closer. “You've helped me start over, there's no way I'm running off just like that.”
“Hold those thoughts, big lawyer moment now,” he whispered. He turned back to Zadi. “Sorry bout that.”
“It’s no problem,” she said with shake of her head.
“What’s gonna happen in the fallout though?” Carry spoke, taking her foreleg off of Karl. “I don’t think the company just shutting down isn’t gonna have me just being handed a slip of paper!”
Zadi cleared her throat, adjusting her collar. “There may be some more investigation into the matter. At the very least, you may receive a few more phone calls,” she stated. “Most likely not from me, but rather the department. At most… you may end up standing in another court.” She took a quick sip of her glass of water. “Don’t expect any more checks though.”
“Damn,” Carry cursed. “I mean… this is significant, but me trying to go straight to freelance? I’ve heard of the hells and demands it has.”
“Be lucky you got a guy who provided you with a place to stay, and only demands your half -- a fair half -- of the rent and utilities,” Karl piped in, elbowing Carry.
“This’ll only be coverage for what I would normally make for so long, and I may be heading into an unreliable job!” She shook her head. “I dunno, perhaps I should just try applying to another company, my degree helps.”
“If you ask me,” Zadi spoke up. “I’d say you got a good opportunity.” She leaned over the table somewhat. “Look, to drop the lawyer speak for a moment, Past Me would have jumped at the chance to do this. Just replace ‘designer’ with ‘law school,’ and you have my situation. I dunno what your true desire or talent is exactly, but-”
“Don’t. Ever. Mention. ‘True’ and ‘talent’ in the same sentence again, ever!” Carry growled, causing the other two the shift away from her. “I’m not some lost filly who only seeks a destiny to make sure that her brand is what she works around! I’m just a mare who wants to get by, meet some goals, and do the JOB she loves to do!” She slammed her forehoof on the table. “I’m not some victim of destiny, I’m not dictated by society or tradition!” Both Karl and Zadi stared at Carry, seeing her move up and down with each heavy breath.
Karl glanced around, seeing some other customers and passer-byers looking their way. He frustratingly waved them off, scowling slightly to them. As they soon after began to go about their own agenda, he turned back to Carry.
He cleared his throat before saying to her, “Well, that was enlightening.” Carry looked to him immediately. “I’ll… just order us some burgers maybe?”
“Double stack for me. Make sure there’s no cheese on it, I fucking hate cheese on burgers!”
“Documented,” he replied, taking a deep breath. Zadi meanwhile, took another drink from her glass.
“Saved for later for me as well,” she said. “The decision is yours in the end, but I’d say go for it. Not sure about all the other factors, but I see a golden opportunity here. You’d be surprised at the amount of demand for creative art has cropped over the years. Even this many years since First Contact, art commissions between both worlds are still rising.”
Carry gave a sigh. “I’ll… think about it. Maybe the temporary free time I have now can help me make my decision.”
“I believe my work is done here then.” She stood back up, closing up her case. “Good luck to both of you, and if something should perhaps come up again…” She reached into her coat, and pulled out a card which was handed over to them.
“Thank you so much, Zadi,” Carry said as she took the card. She reached out her forehoof following.
“All part of the job, and then some. That’s I what I like about here- encouraged to go beyond just some mark or expectation.” She shook her hoof with Carry, followed by Karl. She gave one last smile and nod before walking away. As she disappeared, and Carry placing the checks in safe keeping, Karl poked her to get her attention.
“So... may I ask what happens now between us personally?” he started. Carry looked away, surveying the buildings in thought. Her eyes snapped open fully and she turned back to him.
“Can we stop at a library first? My gears are working here, and not just for my new career opportunity. I finally have a chance to do something I've always wanted.”
“What's that?”
“Something a little personal...”
It was a month later when the next major celebration came for them. Karl was sitting at his own computer, when an excited Carry came skipping into the room.
“Whoa, what's going on here?” he asked. He looked back to his computer, pressing a key on it before speaking. “Pudge, can you possibly gank bot lane? We really need to kill this Terrorblade and Sona, Thresh has his ult.”
“You remember that 'me time' I wanted to take today?” she spoke, draping a forehoof across him.
“Okay… you seem excited. You manage to get some advertisements out?”
“Well… I got a couple of interested clients, so it’s a start. But, that’s not the ‘me time’ I was talking about.”
“Nevermind, Pudge, their Enigma and Malzahar just showed up,” he said to the game. “Sorry, so… what? That time over today anyway or something?”
“Over and done.” She placed a sheet of paper in front of him. He picked it up and read it over, his eyes widening in shock.
“You... you-” His eyes began to dart between Carry and the piece of paper.
“Perfect score, ceremony is in six months.” Karl looked back to his laptop, and then closed it up; deciding that abandoning one game of League of the Ancients was worth the moment here. Carry's other forehoof went around Karl, and he began to hug her back as well. They both pulled away, looking at each other point blank. “Karl... so much has happened thanks to you... I just...” She began to harshly blush. “Well, I mean... oh god, why can't I speak?” She slapped herself slightly with a forehoof, trying to clear her head.
They continued to stare at each other for a few moments, then the next thing they both knew, their lips were connected. Seconds later, Carry forced herself back. “K-Karl! I- I didn't mean-” she stopped as he placed a finger on her lips. His hand moved under her chin, and that was used to guide her back into their previous embrace.
As they broke away, they each smiled to one another. “You've always felt nice, Carry,” he commented. She blushed harder, and grabbed a chair to sit herself down.
“So does this mean were boyfriend and girlfriend finally?” she asked.
“'Finally?' Since day one we were basically that the way we acted!” he snarked.
“Oh shush you, don't heckle at time like this.” She leaned in and kiss his cheek.
“We got lots of time before your ceremony.” He took one of her forehooves in his hands. “Time together, lots to do, and what we could do.”
“Like what?”
“Like maybe you sleeping with me instead of on the fold-out couch.”
Six months later after their committed relationship, Carry walked excitedly over to Karl, the words she hoped one day to say aloud just recently recited. She just wanted to be with him to celebrate, as now was one of those times where she wanted to indulge in their relationship.
“Hey there, Car- RY!” Karl yelped, as he was pulled forward by her telekinesis and into a bear hug.
“No more Green Card, no limiting hoops.” She planted a kiss firmly on his lips, which he gladly accepted. “I can truly experience The Dream. I really wish Mom and Dad could have come along...”
“They know, and you know they're happy. My parents send their congrats as well.”
“Karl... I...” She placed another kiss on him. “As cheesy as it sounds, and I think we both know cheesy, my life has really turned around since I met you. I... well, can we go home first? I need to lie down from all this excitement.”
“Sure thing, you deserve it.”
On the ride back home, Karl could feel Carry extra jumpy. He could also hear her excitement given how much she shouted her glee. Heck, he even tasted her excitement as her breath went across his face when she leaned over to talk to him when they stopped.
As they pulled in, Carry departed the bike before they even stopped fully. He looked over and found her levitating herself slightly, though it didn't last as she dropped down. Despite her grasping her head in pain slightly, she immediately ran inside, documents in hand.
“Gotta love her...” he whispered, as he powered off the bike. “Oh wait, I do love her, and she does me.” He gave a chuckle and began to make his way to the door. “I just need the perfect opportunity, I want it to happen with the right amount of excitement, joy, whatever. I just need to make it special.” He opened up the door, and found the lights off. “Carry what are you-” he stopped as he felt the pull of her telekinesis, and was brought in for a hug and kiss.
The next thing Karl knew, they were both suddenly in the bedroom.
He also found out that her cutie mark was three aquamarine, four pointed stars of different sizes placed on top of each other- though off center. The smallest one had lines of popout in the center.
He also observed that she strangely smelled of chocolate, yet he also didn't care about that.
The morning after, Karl sat eating a bowl of cereal, and reading the news on his computer. The sound of Carry's footsteps caused him break away and turn his attention to her. “Morning, babe,” he greeted.
“Morning to you as well,” she said back, kissing him just before she sat down.
“This is certainly an interesting turn of events.” Carry scowled somewhat.
“'Interesting turn?'”
“Yeah, we were so busy the past few weeks, we missed out on this.” He turned his laptop to her, showing her the news he was reading. Carry's eyes widened in shock.
“DJ and her husband managed to have a kid? And ambassador Lyra a week after with twins? When is this dated?”
“Three weeks ago with DJ’s kid, I just saw the title and couldn't believe it.”
“I bet you couldn't believe last night.” She gave a wink to him.
“In lots of ways. The only thing I could say and keep it PG would be that finding out what your mark is, and means.”
“You hush up about that, okay?” she growled. “Only my parents, grandpa, and a select few who probably don't remember it at this point only know.”
“Lips are sealed harder than the doors to a torture theater. Like the ones at Frozen 5 most likely were.” He pushed his cereal aside. “So how did they have kids? Does it say? By the way, the husbands’ names are Mike and Paul.”
“Well according to the article,” she started. “It's some kind of... genderstone spell? Wait...”
“Sounds more like something for- er...” he turned and blushed away. “Sixty three... ugh,” he whispered. He shook his head before looking back.
“Oh! Here we go!” She turned the laptop to face him, pointing to specific part of the screen. “The genderstone is actually a tool that was used for DJ since she's an earth pony. And I say 'tool' because the stone was made to hold a modified amniomorphic spell.”
“The hell is that?”
“It's... I dunno.” Karl threw a deadpanned glare her way. “Hey, I studied art. Aside from levitation and the bare bones basics; I've never studied into magic.” She glanced back to the screen. “The spell apparently allows you to have your body modified down to the genetic level.”
“Wait, it doesn't do that already? I've heard of other ponies turning into humans. I always wrote off there being no... children like that, as them not having enough time to hold a child with matching DNA.”
“No, all you need apparently is enough time for your modified DNA to start the process with this. Yet, the modified genes will still retain part of you. I dunno, it doesn’t go into full detail here. All I know is that spell makes you and your partner able to have a baby.”
“Rewrite your whole being, huh? Sounds kinda creepy and fascinating at the same time. Makes me wonder if down the line we’ll use a spell like that to end world hunger by turning dirt into food..” He pulled his chair back, standing up. “Speaking of dirt, I'm hitting the shower.”
“Mind if I join you?” Smiles grew on both of their faces.
“Oh, Karl!”
“Yes, Carry?” he called back, as he was typing his latest review.
“I got something to show you!” she crooned in a sing-song fashion.
“Another surprise, just for me?” he asked, as she took a seat next to him.
“Just shut up and read.”
“Fine.” He took the paper she was holding, and nearly choked at what he saw. “Karyn ‘Patricia’ Miles?” he asked aloud, turning to her in confusion.
“That’s my name,” she quipped. “You better get used to it, if you still want me around that is.” She winked at him.
“Uh… well,” he scratched the back of his neck. “You do realize how close it is to my name, right?” She only continued to smile at him. “Right?”
“I do,” Karyn said back. “There are a lot of names that sound or look alike. You can say ‘Carry’ is now my nickname, just with a ‘K’ now, heh!” She poked him with a forehoof. “Come on! Smile for me! I got a human name now! This is what I’ve wanted!” She dragged her chair closer, leaning against him.
“I am happy for you… it’s just… well…” He looked her over, seeing her face and body radiate content and happiness. “This is my perfect opportunity…” He placed the sheet down, and leaned into her as well. “How about this then, you and me, sushi? I know this place my dad used to take me, tomorrow night?”
She responded with a peck on his cheek, “I would love that, like I love you.”
The following night, the couple eagerly stepped inside the aforementioned restaurant. Karyn immediately took to one of the booths, gesturing for Karl to sit next to her.
“I assume you’re hungry, dear?” he asked, as he sat down.
“I skipped lunch on purpose, just so I could get as much as possible out of this,” Karyn answered back. Both smiled to each other, and scanned the menu. Moments later, they were approached by a waiter and they ordered their drinks and some soups to start off. As time went on, both of them could hardly sit still at the possibilities they could go for.
Both of them agreed to just order a mass collection of rolls they both enjoyed, piled up on one plate for both of them to take from.
“Is that all for now then?” the waiter asked, penning down the last of their order.
Karl answered, “I think that'll be good.” He looked over to Karyn, flashing her a smile. “For now.” He gave a wink, and she returned a small chuckle. The waiter smiled back, and walked away toward the kitchen. A moment after he was out of sight, Karl spoke up again. “Wait, I just thought of something. Maybe we could ask them to scramble the pieces around.” He brought his hands, tapped different sides of their table. “Y'know, so we don't have to possibly reach across each other if there's a specific roll we want.”
“It couldn't hurt,” Karyn agreed. She give him a small peck on his neck. “Just hurry back, let's say I'm... not just hungry for the presence of fish.” He gave her a small poke on her muzzle, before sliding himself over and stepping away from the booth. As he stepped out of sight, and as he approached the chefs, he reached into his pocket.
“'Scuse me?” he called, the chefs looking to him in response. “Hey, sorry guys. Listen, I'm from the table that ordered that big pile up of various rolls.” The chefs acknowledged his statement, one of them pointing to the slip order in front of them. “Well, we were hoping to just have them scrambled around, not just one roll in one place if that's no trouble.”
“Ah! That's no problem at all!” one of the chefs said back.
“Great!” He took a sharp inhale. “And, I was wondering...” He pulled his hand out of his pocket. “If you guys could possibly hide this in the pile.” All the chefs' eyes went wide, followed by smiles all around.
Karl, back at the booth, sat with an arm around Karyn. “You sure they were working on ours?” she asked, shifting around friskily.
“Patience, Iago,” he replied, deepening his voice. His reward was a small jab on his hip. “Hey, at least he's a comedy relief character done right! Unlike ninety percent of those today, especially on kids shows...”
“Hey, I thought you left Mr. Cynical Critic at home.”
“So long as you left behind Ms. Life Story,” he countered. Both faux glared at each other, before they each leaned in for a kiss. “Love you too.”
Karyn looked away, and immediately saw their waiter carrying their order to them. They both thanked him, and right away began attacking the pile with their chopsticks. Karl's heartbeat began to increase in small increments as they gradually made the food disappear.
As time went on, and as they both made attempts to slow down as the actually enjoy the meal; he looked for amble opportunities to contain himself.
“I still don't know how you can stand soy sauce.”
“Same here with you and wasabi,” Karyn countered. “Then there's also you and alcohol.”
“Hey! You know I'm allergic!”
Then there was also actions completely out of nowhere.
“Why do you think they call them 'chopsticks?' You don't 'chop,' you 'grab.'”
“Are you really going to ask that now?”
“Another thing, my grandpa once told me that ginger was always dyed pink. You think they stopped because it was almost another red M&M case?” he asked as picked up a piece of the aforementioned product.
“Karl O'Donnell, da fuck is wrong with you?” she asked harshly.
He froze as he saw her irritated face. “I...” he looked back to the food, seeing the center almost broken through. “Sorry, I just... sorry.”
“Can't we just have a pleasant dinner? I fucking love sushi, and frankly, I really love this place you picked out. I don't really want to hear the wise guy in you either tonight.” She reached out and picked up another piece, Karl felt his heart stop as he saw what it exposed. “I would say you would need a nice cold one, but that wouldn't work. You need another soda to calm down?” She threw the piece into her mouth, turning back to take another piece. She paused mid reach, as she saw what Karl was staring at. “Hmm?” she gave a quick gulp, as to talk. “What's this?” She began to push pieces out of the way, Karl released a breath he was holding as she levitated what both he and Karyn observed.
It was a small, jade green box. Karyn stared at it in confusion, stopping her levitation and holding it in her forehoof to examine it. Karl took the opportunity to grasp her other forehoof, and to take hold of the box with her. She looked to him, her mouth half open as she struggled to say something.
“Karyn...” he spoke up, as he pulled the box open. She gasped as she was greeted by the sight of a ring with a simple, azure gem in the middle. She looked to him, tears welling in her eyes. The look in his eyes alone was enough to silently tell her what was he was doing.
“Yes...” she answered, diving in for a kiss. She pulled away quickly, heavy breathing accompanying her. "YES!" she yelled, diving right back in and throwing one forehoof around Karl. Her grip tightened as Karl slowly managed to navigate the ring into his hand, taking up a good portion of his palm. Even as she leaned into him harder and the smell of chocolate reached his nostril, he managed to maneuver the ring onto her horn. The action of putting it on was what finally repelled her back. “I love you...”
“I love you too, Karyn.” He pulled her back in for a hug, both of their head being rested on their respective shoulders.
“When... how...?” she whispered.
“Karyn,” Karl began, breaking away and taking both of her forehooves in his hands. “I don't care if we have to marry on a normal balcony with the just company with the priest or whatever. I could be on my deathbed, and I will marry you.” He placed a hand on her cheek. “That is, so long as you want to, to me. But come hell or high water, I'm going to make sure you are my wife.
“If you haven't figured it out by now- and I'm not in any way saying you're not smart- I'm a guy who does not believe in one-night stands or any shit like that. In fact, I think it's fucking disgusting. I can't imagine getting so close to someone and then being able to live with possibly ending that... closeness. It just seems so... uh... it like, makes that time for nothing.”
Karyn kissed him again, hugging him tighter as well. "That sounds like you pulled it out of a bad romance film, which you probably did. And I don't care..." Soon, the waiter approached them, and received the news. Then soon the rest of restaurant was aware, a mass cheer was shared all around. As the two finally managed to pull away from each other completely, Karyn wiped her eye as the two smiled to each other. “Now, can we get back to eating fish wrapped in seaweed and rice?”
Karl and Karyn laid down together in bed, Karl stroking Karyn’s mane while she rested her head on his chest. She continued to stare between him and the engagement ring, which she held with a forehoof.
“Mrs. O'Donnell… Mrs. Karyn ‘Patricia’ Miles-O'Donnell even. I never even imagined the day where I could be called a ‘Mrs.’”
“I never imagined I’d marry at all even,” Karl added. “I was content with living alone… afraid that if I pursued a romance, I’d end potentially breaking a heart.”
“May I ask something?” Karyn’s magic flared, the ring being wrapped in her telekinesis and floated over to a nightstand on her side of the bed. “Your… vow, back at the restaurant… you truly meant that, right?”
“What?”
“Well, I mean… do you… I don’t think this is the best word but; do you trust me in a married sense already?” She blushed slightly.
“Er… if you mean… would I consider you my wife already, without papers and that crap?” he asked. “I… well…”
“Look, I don’t think I should have asked that, but…” She shifted herself, moving most of her frame over Karl. “I’ve done a bit of research…” She tugged at her shirt, sweat dripping down her head and body. “And… I… kind of… ‘learned’ the gene spell that allows ponies and humans to have children.”
It was Karl’s turn to blush, as well as widen his eyes. “Wait… you want to… now?” he blurted out. “Wait, waiwaitwaitwawawawawWAIT! Just after I proposed?!” He glanced away, Karyn resting her head just below his neck. “I… well, a child… I mean…” He looked back to her. “Are we even ready for that? I mean, despite all that’s happened…”
“I think we’re ready,” she answered. “You’re stable with your desk job and all, and can only really go up if you get time offers. I’m getting constant commission deals, and I’m on a roll with extra work.”
“You’re not looking at the details here. What about you and… what’s the word? Maternal callings?”
“And you’re not looking at the big picture,” she rebutted. “I just said that we’re stable here. Your work alone paid the bills before I came around here, and that still applies. My income- aside from my half of the bills- is extra for both of us. We also got eleven months to prepare… plus well the time to… when I… get ready.” we’ll be able to do it.”
“I-I… well…” He closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around her. “I meant every word I said before, I do love you. I want to tie this knot, fully be with you. A child could help tighten it and… being a father…” He opened his eyes, a few tears leaking out. “I… I don’t know if we’re ready… but a kid… I mean…” He turned away, laying his head down on the bed. “I’m sorry, Karyn, but I don’t think I want to talk about this anymore tonight. I gotta get some rest prepare to work the customer service desk for John tomorrow.”
“That right there shows signs of moving up though if they’re asking you to-”
“Stop! Karyn! Please!” he interrupted, putting a hand up between their faces. “I already went through a lot proposing to you… don’t put any more pressure on me as is.” Karyn frowned, sliding herself off of him. As she laid herself down, she observed him staring off into space. With a sigh, she flared her magic and turned the lights in the room off.
The next day, Karl sat at his temporary new station, begrudgingly listening to a customer rant into his ear.
“Sir,” he began, pinching his nose. “Your supposed ‘towel trick,’ not only is a violation of your warranty due to tampering- but you did it to the wrong console that trick was made for. If you would like to further appeal your case, I can give you the number to our-” he stopped, a scowl appearing on his face. “Alright, goodbye then.” He practically slammed the phone down on the receivers. “Freaking morons everywhere.”
“Tell me about it,” a voice said next to him. Karl glanced over and saw the dragon in the next desk over to him. He had dark purple scales and spines, with chartreuse wings, and yellow hair- or what was called ‘hair’ for drakes. “Reminds me of back when I was a teenager. Granted, I still ain’t an adult, but-”
“Can it, Crush,” Karl interrupted, rubbing his temples. “Not exactly in the best mood at the moment- dealing with what I dread a lot isn’t helping either.”
“Take it easy, man. Taking stuff too seriously got my hide tanned a good while ago.” He picked up his own phone, mumbling something into it. He gave a sigh quickly after, before pressing a button on the device and then hanging it up.
“Look, I dunno how many of you guys listen to me on Sunday nights on this side of the department but…” Karl inhaled deeply, taking his hands off his face and turning to Crush. “First off… I’m getting married.”
“Dude!” Crush yelled, causing Karl to flinch. “That’s awesome! Who’s the lucky lady? Or, is it a-”
“She, her name’s Karyn,” he butted in. “I’ve known her for about over a year.” He stuck up a finger. “You should know though, she’s a mare.” He raised another one. “And yes, she changed her name from her pony one.” He raised a third finger. “She’s also presented the idea of having kids already!”
Crush merely stared at Karl for a few moments before speaking, “Ooooooh… that would be something to get riled up about.” He scratched the back of his neck, his wings folding in. “Ya need some water maybe?”
“I would very much-” Suddenly, the phone at Karl’s desk began to ring. “Damnitall…” He answered the call.
“I’ll just get those waters…” Crush quickly picked himself up from his desk, walking away from Karl.
“Sir, the Xbox Mobile holographic keyboard hasn’t been invented yet. Are you referring to perhaps the home console peripheral?” He paused, drumming his fingers on the desk. “So… this is something you made then? And it caused your device to lock up?” He placed his hand over his eyes. “I’m afraid that we cannot assist with unauthorized modified equipment. If there’s a-” He stopped, a scowl being plastered on his face. An audible click was heard from the phone, and he promptly hung it up. “What is with these idiots?!”
“You oughta keep your voice down there, man,” Crush’s voice came. Karl turned and found him standing by, a plastic cup extended to him.
“Thank. You,” he forced out, taking the cup and quickly taking a gulp. “Mmm… I swear, the way you see people handle things in the world, it’s a wonder they haven’t blown themselves up.”
“Gotta roll with the punches, it’s a real vocal minority these days.” Crush sat himself back down at his desk. “In my experience, a vocal minority caused a political backlash back on my Earth.”
“Still a bit too loud for my tastes.” He placed his cup down, pressing a button on the desk, a blue holographic keyboard and screen appearing. “I mean, four cases in a row where I get idiots. Two of which who didn’t have common sense, and the other two for trying fix a problem they caused!”
“I get a lotta those too. But, hey, makes my job easier. Makes the reports we type up easier to fill out.” Crush activated his own terminal. “So, you were saying before?”
“Oh, right- my future.” He sighed, leaning back in his chair. “I love her… I freaking do. But… I really don’t want to upset her. At the same time… could we do it both physically and morally?” He spun himself and his chair toward Crush. “You know how long I had to save for the ring and dinner? I don’t even wanna risk buying a holographic keyboard and reflector boots ‘cause I’m so concerned about money.
“Before I met her, I got by fine with my current standings. Sure, her part helps play a role, but we still gotta factor in her expenses that she brought and brings. How much time, money, and sanity- if I may be negative here- do we sacrifice if we want to have a kid? What about our wedding?”
“You got every right to freak out there, dude. If there’s one thing I’ve learned: time really does heal all wounds. Took me time to rekindle my friendship with Garble, Gulp, and Crackle. Heck, took me time to get forgiven by not-so-little-anymore Spike. During that time, I had family to help me through that.” He turned his head over to Karl. “You got family you can talk to?”
“A brother on Alter-Earth, and a sister in Germany. Parents are on the other side of town. Oh, frick, I still need to break the news to them.” Karl placed his head in his hands. “I just wish for once she didn’t have these crazy ambitions.”
“If I may be blunt, sounds like you’re afraid of ‘em.” Karl picked his head up, and began to scowl at Crush. Another phone call at Crush’s desk interrupted their exchange, Karl snorted slightly and turned back to his desk. He began to stare at the screen, looking over the report he left behind.
His phone then relayed to him, “Karl O'Donnell, you have a phone call from Karyn Miles on line three.” He snapped out of his stupor, reaching over and pressing the talk button.
“Thanks, Erin.” He picked up the phone itself, pressing the appropriate line button. “Hello?”
“Hey there, sweetie.” Karyn’s voice came.
“Hey, Karry.” He smiled slightly.
“How’s work treating you?”
“Like crap, I got a lot of idiots.”
“So the usual? Well, I think you should know: my parents have been informed of our engagement!”
“Oh, hell…” He grabbed his cup. “And…?”
“What do you mean ‘and?’ They’re happy! They really want to meet you as soon as possible!”
“I’m sure they do.” He quickly gulped down the rest of his drink.
“You got a lead pipe up your bum again? What’s wrong? This a bad time?”
“Was just talking with my new co-worker here about life between calls.” He paused a second, taking a deep breath. “So… are they… gonna come here?”
“Oh! Oh, no. They can’t afford a trip to this Earth at the moment. I kinda meant like in a ‘goal’ kinda way.”
“More ‘goals’ there, babe?” He thought. “Well… we could do the next best thing- my parents.”
“Oh yeah! It’s been a while hasn’t it? When was it?”
“About a month after you passed your citizenship test.”
“Now I remember- your dad mentioned trying to barbecue some ribs, but your mom talked him out of it. But… well, it’s strong, but my stomach ain’t built for that.”
He smiled a bit more. “I’ll give them a call after work. Maybe we can see them this weekend.”
“Sounds good! See you later then!” The line clicked, and Karl sighed as he placed the phone back on the receiver.
“That sounds like the break you need there,” Crush spoke up.
“It does actually,” Karl turned and smile to him. “Thanks for the tip, man. Or… drake?” he asked.
“‘Man’ is fine. Ya ask me, it should be the norm. It’s the most general term like using ‘anyone’ instead of ‘anypony’ or ‘anydrake.’ Just feel more… streamlined and respectful.”
“I know! Right?” Karl grinned harder. He turned back to his computer, eagerly typing away.
“Hey there, Carr- er, I mean Karyn. Or should I say, my future daughter-in-law?” a man greeted. With open arms, both him and she embraced in a hug, with his head level with her snout.
“Nice to see you again, Matt,” Karyn said back. Both of them pulled away, a smile on Matt’s face.
“Hey, you start calling me ‘daddy.’ Karl there still does it!”
Karl himself snorted. “Hey!” Karyn looked back, a sly smile on her face.
“So that’s why you looked so awkward saying ‘dad’ and ‘mom’ last time we were here.”
“I thought that’s what he was doing. Didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of his girlfriend. Too bad that’s our job anyway!” a voice called from inside.
“Are those burgers I smell in there, Jenny?” She paused, a forehoof being placed near her mouth. “I mean, ‘mommy?’”
“ERGH!” Karl grunted, face-palming.
“Aw, come on! It’s cute!” She leaned over, placing a kiss next to Karl's lips. “Come on, I wanna see if she has the homemade barbecue sauce again!” She skipped inside, leaving Karl and Matt alone.
“Hey… daddy.” Karl semi-growled out. His father sported his own black yet graying hair, but had blue eyes and a beard.
“Getting married… not surprising since you two met before Harry met his girlfriend.”
Karl lost his anger and embarrassment, immediately tiling his head in confusion. “Huh?”
“First off, we just found out too. Just wanted to surprise ya. Apparently, he’s found himself a gryphon. Who knows, maybe they’re about to tie the knot given how quickly they fell in love according to him.”
“‘About to?’ Gryphon? Damn.”
“Well, that’s the thing. He can only send us written letters since he doesn’t have reliable access to the tech that allows emails and stuff between worlds. That’s reserved for the ‘important people’ over there in the gryphon lands.” He waved in Karl. “Come on, come out of the evening air.”
Karl nodded, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. “Still can’t believe how quiet it is here without everyone else,” he commented.
“I kinda miss the noise, actually. Who knows, you can give me grandkids to make some noise!” Karl froze, grasping his arms and looking down to the floor.
“Uh, yeeeeeaah, about that. That’s… something I need… help with.”
“‘Help?’ What are you- wait, actually, seats.” He pointed towards the couches to the right of the door, Karl nodding and walking over to them. “I’ll get Jenny to grab us some drinks, you get yourself relaxed.” Matt walked off, Karl going over and slumping in the center of one of the couches. Moments later, Matt walked back in and sat in the seat opposite him.
“She’ll be right in. Karyn wants to learn how to make Jenny’s burgers.” Karl smiled at the comment. “So, what’s on your mind, boy?”
“Kids,” he answered right away. “Karyn’s… already thinking about kids.” He slumped his head down. “She proposed it the same night I proposed to her- six days ago!”
Matt gave a sigh. “You know, I was in the same position as you, boy.” Two pairs of footsteps was heard, both men turned and saw Jenny and Karyn over to them, the former holding drinks. Jenny stood just under Karyn’s eye level, had Karl’s hazel eyes, and also red hair.
“Hey boys, guy talk?” Jenny asked, as she placed the drinks down on the table between them.
“Yes, babe. How come the burgers?” Matt asked.
“Should be ready in about fifteen minutes. Though, I think with how Karyn here is excited, I may have to make another batch!”
“Hey, I like to take advantage of a fast metabolism!” Karyn added.
“Runs in the family here! You should see Harry or my brother!” Matt commented.
“I remember how uncle Louie used to hit his head on the doorframe on purpose to give us all a laugh, hehe.” Karl spoke up.
“Well, we’ll leave you two at it,” Jenny said, before leaning down and giving Karl a kiss on the cheek. “Love you, son,” she whispered, also giving him a pat on the shoulder. Both Jenny and Karyn walked out of the room, with the remaining two looking back to each other.
“You were saying?” Karl asked, grabbing his drink.
“I remember when me and Jenny were dating, about a month before I proposed, she already talked about kids.” He grabbed his own drink, a beer bottle, different from Karl’s glass of soda. “I admit too, I was freaked. But… then I thought about it. Based on how me and her were going about it, it was inevitable that we would be together.” He began to take a drink.
“How was your living situation though? You’re a physicist, mom’s a nurse- though, retired. I work at a desk job, and a once-a-week radio show that’s more for fun. She’s a freelance artist. So far things have been alright on her end. Then there’s also-”
“That’s exactly the kind of thoughts I had.” Matt interrupted, putting his beer on the table. “Look, boy. I won’t say that you should do it, but you should really think about the big picture. There’s gonna be good times and bad- you’ve always focused on the bad.
“Hey, I’m a proud pessimist.”
“And in your own words, you prepare for the worst. If I know you, I think you could prepare for anything at this point in your life.”
Karl paused, looking down at the table. “But… what about our marriage? Shouldn’t we wait?”
“It’s up to you, boy. You’re your own man now.” Karl looked back up to Matt, seeing the look of a parent being given to him. Karl merely nodded, with Matt standing up. “I’m gonna go set the table. Jenny’s also got fries and broccoli.”
Karl smiled right away. “That’s mommy for ya, remembering her son who wasn’t afraid to eat veggies.”
As Karl and Karyn pulled up to their home, both filled with his parents’ dinner, his thoughts were swirling with the advice he had gotten. As Karyn got out of the car, he looked and observed her walking inside. A spring to her step, and a smile on her face. He looked down to his lap, thinking about the two of them. So far, they didn’t have any major developments for the two of them. Yet, they didn’t have any major hindrances to them.
Despite this, they were still able to partake in the occasional luxury. Plus, he remembered the point Karyn made about the small attention he was getting at his desk job. As time passed, he felt the cold of the night creeping into the car. He shivered a bit, and the stepped out of the car. Stepping out of the car and locking it, he walked up the door of the house, and stepped inside. Taking off his coat, he walked right to the bedroom, seeing Karyn already tucked in with her laptop.
“Hey, what took ya?” She asked him.
“Just doing some thinking, also taking in the fun we had,” he said back.
“I really hope I paid enough attention to Jenny’s cooking, I really wanna try cooking burgers sometimes. Instead of simple things like heating cheese for quesadillas, and packet foods like mac and cheese.”
“Heh, we don’t do that all the time.”
“Yeah, we also order out.”
“Hey, I like your cooking too.” He slipped off his shoes, laying himself down on the bed. He gave a yawn, also pulling the covers over him. Karyn closed up her computer, stretching and laying down completely. She looked over to him, giving him a warm smile.
“Good night, I love you.” She said. Her horn flared, and the lights were clicked off right after. After a few moments, Karl scooted himself over, wrapping his arms around her. “Hmm?” He leaned in, kissing her neck in the dark.
“That thinking I’ve been doing…” he started. “I… well… uh…” he cleared his throat. “I want to remind you, that I want to be with you no matter what. We make each other happy, and…” He inhaled deeply. “I was never against not wanting it… but… I think…”
“Karl?” He suddenly leaned over more, laying himself across her chest.
“Karyn… deep down, part of me wanted it. It’s just the rest of me spoke out loud against it. But… ergh!” He slapped himself. “Kid!”
“Wha?”
“I…” he began to tear. “You and me… I… want to have a child.”
Karyn gasped quietly. “Karl… I… but-”
“I love you, and I know what I said.” He kissed her on the lips. “The wanting just was too quiet. I… this was a time I should’ve been more open.” He kissed her again, Karyn’s forelegs then wrapped around him. “We can do this, and we have our families to help us. There’s help and aid for both of us.” Karl soon laid the majority of his self back on the bed, both of them falling asleep in each others’ embrace.
Weeks later, Karl and Karyn sat in bed facing each other, all their clothes removed.
“So... I just sit here and wait for you to be done?”
“Yeah... it was said to not touch each other- though that won't have any permanent damage regardless. Then we... well,” she blushed.
“I'm ready whenever you are.” He let go of her forehoof, sliding himself back away from her. She took a breath, and closed her eyes. The sound of magic filled the room, and a light began to build on the tip of her horn.
Seconds turned into minutes for both of them, the light slowly intensifying, and the breathing from Karyn becoming heavier. Sweat visibly began to run down her coat, her forelegs clenching tighter. Her magic began to envelop herself, the light beginning to crackle slightly.
She let out a growl, and then a slight cough. Karl reached out an arm on instinct, but pulled back immediately. “You okay?” he asked.
“I-I’m fine… just…” she snorted, and then sniffed harshly. A tear came out one eyes, and she wiped a forehoof across her nose. “K-Karl! I- I think I'm gonna-” she stopped, as she lurch forward in a sneeze, the light on her horn and whole self branching off and striking Karl.
Meanwhile, a human female jumped in fright. She looked around the room, and then began to trace her hands on the ground.
“That's... odd? No... weird? No...” she said aloud. “I... could have sworn... no, it couldn't be. If it were Kuzu's turf, then it would be... less worrying. But...” she trailed off, and then whispered under her breath, a phone appearing in her hands shortly after. She quickly dialed a number, scanning the room as she waited for the receiver to answer.
“Hello?” a somewhat tired voice answered.
“Hey, horseface,' she said, as she began to look out the window. “You okay? I don't exactly expect you to be tired.”
“Oh, hello, Emmé. Sorry, Greg and I just had a long day of exploration around our new home town.”
“Okay, quick off topic question, Faust. When are you two gonna have a formal ceremony?” Emmé asked.
“Most likely in the coming months, after we are integrated more into the community. I… well, such truly amazing things can happen, especially here.”
“Things like that is why I'm calling. Listen... this is going to sound insane, like your chaotic buddy when he somehow gets drunk levels of insane. I think...” she took a sharp breath. “I think I felt human magic.”
“What? Hang on, let me just... okay. Sorry, just wanted to make sure I didn't wake Greg. Now can you repeat that?”
“I think I felt human magic. Like, a sharp prick, and now I think a little drizzle of unnerving.”
“Okay... that... is a pretty worrying thought. But that's just it though, a thought.”
“I know what you're gonna say, and I know. Look, you're Creation, and you can sense a time spell possibly threatening creation and causality being cast on the far side of your Earth. This though... this is kind of my territory- a territory I wish I didn't have to tread again in this vein.”
“Okay, suppose it is happening- and I'm not saying you shouldn't look into it. What if it was just one of Kuzu's followers just mishandling something? Or even one of them accidentally stepping on a dormant ley line?”
“Then I would know it would be her, which I know she could handle. That's all white noise to me at this point because I know it's being used properly.” She turned and began to walk across the room. “This... it felt completely new, yet not new at the same time. It's like... I can't describe it exactly.”
“You have all the reason in both worlds to be worried. I'd say keep an ear to the ground. I think it will only really become a wing and horn problem when I start to sense it.”
“It's still a problem nonetheless, a very big one.”
“And I agree. I'll be standing by. Right now, just try to track where it's coming from, if at all. See if it's not from Kuzu, then continue from there if it comes back.”
“Gotcha, horseface. Talk to you later. Oh! Remind me to stop by so I can see Jon- congrats once again.” The call was cut, and she placed her phone down. She looked back out the window. “There's some poor soul out there. 'Poor' as in he doesn't know what he is dealing with; or that he is gonna have to have a frank discussion with me.”
“FUCK ME, FUCK ME, FUCK ME!” Karl screamed. He looked down at his arms, and also to Karyn, who was looking at him in shock and amazement. “I'M A PONY! HOLY SHITBALLS!”
“Sweetie just-”
“CALM DOWN?! I DIDN'T GROW UP WITH SHIT THIS LIKE THIS!!” Karyn gulped as she looked him over. His black hair was still the same, yet now technically classified as his mane. His skin had grown navy blue fur, and the masks of comedy and tragedy were his new cutie mark. Of course, the biggest additions aside the additions of hooves colored a charcoal gray and a muzzled head, were a unicorn's horn and a tail.
She... found it cute. She found it... still him. Still...
“I MEAN, WHAT. THE. FUCK?! THAT SPELL WAS AN ACCIDENT! WHAT IF IT MADE ME LIKE THIS PERMANENTLY?! OH, SHIT, I'M A FUCKING PONY RACIST! MY BRIDE TO BE IS A PONY AND I'M HATING BECOMING A PONY! I-” his screaming stopped as Karyn made her move to him, pulling him into a hug.
“You're still my Karl,” she whispered. “You were there for me, I'll be here for you.” They both sat in silence, Karl completely frozen and just accepting Karyn's embrace.
“...And you're my Karyn,” he said with a slight rasp. He pushed himself back slightly, looking to her eye to eye. “I... I'm sorry. I was-” Karyn's forehoof was placed on his muzzle.
“Just stop right there. Look, I was prepared to change, you weren't. I wouldn't like it either if I suddenly got changed into a gryphon. I'm not mad at you.” She began to poke him with a hoof each time she spoke a new word, “I'm. Not. Mad.” Karl’s eyes looked down to her forehoof, and then back to her. A tear escaped his eye as he began to wrap his own forelegs around her in a hug.
“Love you… so much…” he whispered. Karyn began to return the hug, stroking his new mane. As time passed, both of them slowly laid themselves down on the bed, merely holding one another. “I’m scared… do they know if this has happened before?”
Karyn grimaced slightly. “I’m… not sure. I mean, the spell is made to change around the DNA so both partners can have a child. It should wear off, but… there was a report saying it may last for a week if there’s an accident.”
Karl hugged her tighter. “Promise me you won’t leave me alone.” He kissed her neck, also nuzzling into it.
She began to blush slightly. “I promise,” she stated. “To Hell, Tartarus, and back through both of them- I won’t leave you.” She tightened her own grip on him, nuzzling him back. She took a deep breath, continuing to comfort him through his occasional whimpers.
Soon though, Karyn felt sweat coming down both their bodies, and Karl sliding his forelegs across her body. She moved herself away slightly, putting them face to face with each other again. Right away, Karl leaned in and pressed his lips against her. The action soon evolved into Karyn pushing him back down flat onto the bed.
She pulled away, looking into his eyes. “Human or not…” she whispered.
Karl snapped awake, a slight headache accompanying him. He reached a hand and began to rub a temple with his fingers and-
Hands? Fingers?
He pulled his limb away from him, seeing his precious palms and digits returned to him. A smile slowly formed on his face as brought the hand to his face, feeling his proper nose and lack of fur.
“Oh thank you, Lord Above…” he breathed out, collapsing back onto the bed. Karyn groaned slightly, yawning and stretching.
“Wha hahponned?” she asked through her yawn. As she relaxed, she forced her eyes open, and looked to Karl. “Uh… oh!” Her eyes snapped open. “You’re back to being human!” She smiled slightly.
“I’ll never take my hands and fingers for granted ever again.”
“You wear fingerless gloves when you’re not at your normal job. Didn’t you already appreciate them?” she snarked. Karl responded by kissing her on her forehead.
“All I know is… I’m glad that’s over with.”
“Not exactly.” She shifted herself upward, leaning on her forelegs. “Don't forget, we're not done with this until I'm confirmed.” She gave a wink to him.
“When does... 'this,' happen again?” he asked.
“They say to wait at least two to three days, depending on the user. Since I basically only use my magic for levitation, we only have to wait two.”
Karl looked up to the ceiling. “There's one thing though that interests me... do you think I could have done magic while a pony?”
“Uh...” She placed a forehoof on her chin thought. The spell was on the genetic level, and pony genes were tied into their magic. Physical proof of that came with the infamous noble zebra line and how they inherit cutie marks. Did any other couples have the human transform? All she did was just hit him with the spell. “It's... a possibility.”
“Do you think we can try it?” She shot him a look that questioned his seriousness. “Look, babe. Magic's always interested me. I want to at least try it.”
“Just why, that's all I'm asking.”
Karl gave a shrug. “Call me... well, genuinely curious.”
“After that episode you had last night?”
“This time I’ll know it’s coming, right?” He placed a hand on her forehoof. “Look, I’m still sorry about how I acted. Maybe this could be my way of walking a mile in your shoes?” She looked to him, considering his words.
“Well… if you’re willing to do it again like that…” She put on a smile. “Okay, we’ll give it a try.”
Two days passed, and both of them found themselves ready to try to repeat history. Karl had insisted to be off the bed, giving Karyn more room to breath.
“Okay... here we go,” Karyn began.” There's no guarantee this will work. I don't think a random fucking sneeze is gonna happen this time. I'm going to just release the spell as soon as I feel it hit that same peak as when that sneeze did happen. There’s also the issue that this spell was supposed to be used on me. All I can really do is just think of you to pony.”
Karl nodded, and her horn began to glow. Both of their hearts thumped harder as the light grew more and more. Moments passed, and the intensity grew over time. Finally, when it hit a singularity of sorts, she forced it forward to Karl. He yelped as the light hit him, and both were blinded by the following light.
“Hn!” Emmé grunted, clutching her head. She shook her head in an attempt to clear away the sensation. “No doubt anymore, there’s human magic festering. But...” she gave a sigh, looking down at her surroundings. “Of course it's somewhere in New York, of course.” Currently, she was standing on top of the southern Twin Tower, glancing around all the buildings and seeing all the activity down in the city. “Good news is that it’s giving away its position. Bad news: Every-fucking-thing else about it.”
As their vision cleared, both looked over the results. A satisfying smile appeared on Karyn's face as she found Stallion Karl standing there upright. Karl himself however, had a face of shock as he fell forward from imbalance.
“Okay, did not think this far ahead.” He pushed himself up, and then stood up onto all fours. He looked behind him and saw himself for the pony he now was. He flexed each leg, stretching them out and in. “Okay, seriously, having your arms and legs be the same length feels weird.”
“You’re weird,” she quipped. “So let’s try your ‘experiment’ first then, because… well…” She blushed, while patting the bed for him to climb on. As he made himself comfortable, she pointed to her own horn. “The key is to want the magic to come forward. The saying goes: ‘Magic doesn’t happen without a reason.’ It’s like… um…” She glanced around the room. “Er… well, just… maybe try imagining you’re pushing a box and you can only use your head.”
“Huh?” Karl deadpanned.
“Look, if I didn’t study it that much, I’m as sure as hell not gonna be able to teach it. If I remember right, it’s different for all unicorns; maybe even pegasi and earth ponies with how they do their own things. Maybe just… scream in your head: ‘Magic, magic, magic! Spark, spark, spark!’ You need to start at a buildup with all spells, just try something! I’m getting restless here!”
“How do you think I feel?” He took a deep breath, a forehoof tapping his horn. “Okay… so…” He closed his eyes, his teeth being clenched. He hunched downward, bracing himself against the bed. Grunts popped out as he began to sweat.
“Focus on your horn, like maybe you’re clenching a fist that’s on top of your head.”
“Trying!” he snarled. “Come on, bitch…” His head curled upward as he continued, his teeth starting to grind against each other.
Carry shook her head, “I don’t think it’s gonna happen. Maybe the spell-” she stopped as she heard a twinkle of magic. Both their eyes went toward Karl’s horn as a cobalt blue light emerged, and a single spark fell down toward the bed and disappeared.
They sat silent for a few moments, a smile appearing on both of their faces. “Aha… I… I did it! Holy crapola I made magic!” He threw his forelegs upward in victory, and subsequently collapsed down onto the bed. “Oh… damn, that took quite a bit…” Karyn crawled herself over, laying herself down next to him.
“You better not give out on me now…” she whispered, as she took a nibble on his ear.
Karl practically leaped off his bike, another successful round of radio talk in his mind. He was also excited because he received a message that Karyn had another successful commission deal. That deal then led to five more commissions put forth for her, on top of the daily ones. Right before he drove home, she already said she was done with two.
He reflected slightly on his routine before meeting her. While it was true in a way he still did radio talk, and still had a desk job- now he had someone who helped make that monotony more than baseline satisfying. Between just talking of life, their work projects, and of course just cuddling at the least- they loved it.
They knew that they were living the average life. The court cases were one thing, but it seemed to be all but a distant memory to them and even the world. Now the world was focused on the three chimera children now introduced to reality over two months ago, on top of other rumors like the first potential marriage between a stallion and woman happening across the pond. Not just the not-so-uncommon-anymore relationship between a human and pony- but marriage.
He didn't feel the need to ask for a promotion, he didn't need to demand for more air time. He mentally noted that those steps may need to be taken, and more; but he knew life would throw a wrench in their way inevitably. Karyn could hit an artist's block, or he himself could not be in a casting or desk job working state.
On top of that, they were getting married- and both of them wanted a child. The questions of ‘how’ and ‘when’ still rang in his mind. It was very possible that the planning alone could take months, and even then, how to make it happen given their current situation. At the moment, the only plans they had were conceiving the child itself.
A familiar excitement came back to him as the thought came to him. While he knew the main reason he changed into a pony, last night he had managed to turn the page of a book. Just from a tiny spark, to that. The possibilities of what he could do just added on to the sentimental satisfaction of his current state.
“I'm home!” Karl called, as he stepped into the house. “How was-” he stopped as he was engulfed from behind in a hug. “Hey, babe,” he greeted his fiance. Still in the hug, he turned around to face her. He was greeted with a content smile, and slightly teared eyes closed in joy.
Karyn opened her eyes and looked to him, “I'm pregnant.”
Emmé scoured the landscape, seeing a long stretch of highway in front of her, and trees near the horizon. The city of New York was a good distance behind her, but she knew that she had to keep going east.
“I'm gonna find you, you just keep rearing your head back in. Two weeks, seven pop ups, and those instances of what felt like spreading. This is going to end, even if I have to kill you and those involved.”
Chapter 2
Kuriosity
Written by: Deverer
Edited/Preread by: Shinzakura, BlueBastard, and Cody Fett
Chapter 2:
Karl sat with a wide smile as pulled his microphone toward himself. "Okay, time for me to truly, truly blow your minds guys," he said. "I actually liked something."
"Suuuurre," Susan said back. "You said that fifteen minutes ago just to get a laugh out of the shock we all had, now you're gonna pull another fast one."
He shook his head. "I ain't kidding here. For once I liked a modern movie."
"And like I said before,” spoke Wavelength. “Hell and Tartarus will freeze twice over each if that's the case. So humor us, and also convince us that you're not desperate to get another sadistic fix."
Karl clapped his hands together, wrapping his fingers together and pointing both his index fingers forward. "Iron Jawed Alicorns."
"Huh?" William deadpanned.
"Wait, that sounds familiar..." Wavelength added, placing a forehoof on his chin.
"Same here," Susan commented.
"It's a ponified remake of our movie," Karl started. "Replace the movement for women's suffrage with the movement for stallion representation. Also replace World War Two with the Lunar Rebellion- or Moonfall, or something. Sorry, can’t remember it at the moment."
Wavelength slammed his hoof against the table. "That's it! Dang, I forgot to go see that!"
"Ya should. Not joking, no actual rants; go freaking see it. But if I do hafta rant- of course that's mah job; the same things about the original apply to a degree. For one, if ya don't know the history, you're gonna get lost harder than Disney's creative direction. Seriously, Cars 4?
"Also, what the heck happened with the end? It was a literal freakin’ cliffhanger! We just see the main character looking off into the sunset and then a group of other ponies approach him- then boom! End! And this was after the credits!
"I tell ya folks, it was more jarring than the faces on my friends here. So much so that it seems I gotta be the one to talk us to the conclusion here. So folks, hope Wave gets the subliminal message here as I say," he faux-kissed his palm before speaking in a higher pitch, "good night everybody!"
Wavelength blinked, quickly leaning to his own microphone. "What the man said, amend that we'll resume our schedule after these messages." With the push of a button, he ended the broadcast. Susan and William both began to chuckle, with Karl taking a drink. "Damn, Karl. Didn't know what would come first; you liking a modern movie or you liking modern music."
"I’m probably the only person on this planet who listens to music from the seventies, eighties, and nineties- born in post two thousands that is. If I'm wrong, may god," he quickly pointed a finger to Wavelength, "or goddess; send a message to me in person."
"That's a lot considering you." Wavelength flashed a smile of his own.
"I just can't get behind the whole 'alicorns are goddesses' thing." He shrugged, Wavelength doing the same. "Speaking of 'alicorn,' could you possibly explain the ending for me of the movie?"
"I'm curious as well," William added.
"Same here, Billy," Susan spoke.
Karl quirked an eyebrow. "I thought you said only those who quote on quote 'love' you can call you that." William merely smirked, tilting his head down slightly to make a faux glare. Karl's eyes widened. "Aaaahhh..."
"If you're ready for a history lesson then," Wavelength interjected. "What they portrayed was Adept Polarity's death. After the nobility gave stallions their rights, he was murdered by 'disapprovers.' Mostly mares, but also a few stallions who were subscribing to the 'Mare Master' mentality.
"Celestia herself took time away from dealing with the rebellion to mourn him, even giving his wife, Wisteria, a seat in the nobility. They say if he were an alicorn, he'd be the Avatar of Equality- or was it Balance? One thing's for sure though, when his friend Lucid Burns became the first stallion General, he really took out his rage on the rebellion.
"Anyway, so yeah, big turning point in Equestria's history. People say Equestria could have turned into a polygamous-focused society. Perhaps where each stallion is sacred to the mares involved, but still looked down on at the same time to the public if they tried to step up."
"Imagine if we contacted like that," Karl commented.
"Frankly, I don't want to imagine it. That's one Alex fantasy I don't want to imagine anyway." He clapped his hooves together. "So, Karl. You said you had some news to share with us?"
"Do I ever, my nerves are all over the place. No, seriously- I've been feeling itchy lately." He began to rub one of his arms. "And no, it's not the wool on my gloves here."
"Well, what's this news then?" Susan asked. "Maybe it'll justify it."
Karl took in a deep breath, pausing for a moment before releasing it. "You all remember my girlfriend, Karyn?"
"And how she surprised you by coming onto the broadcast just after your birthday?" Wavelength asked. "Although not nearly as much as how big she- OOF!" He clutched his side, Susan pulling her arm back, shaking her head at him.
Karl shot a miniature glare before continuing, "Well... a month ago..." He took another deep breath before finishing, "she agreed to marry me." A second later, the other three roared with their own cheers.
"Congrats, man!" William yelled.
"When's the ceremony?" Susan asked.
Karl chuckled a bit before he spoke, "Well, that's the thing. We don't know when... 'cause... we're having a child." He gripped his wrist.
Susan gasped. "Oh... oh my..." She placed a hand over her mouth, the silence that followed making the air around them all tense.
"Oh wow..." Wavelength said. "I knew they released the spell details about half a year ago- but that's the first I've heard of a couple actually using it."
Susan looked over to him. "What do you mean?"
"There may be quite a few pony/human couples nowadays- but that doesn't mean they want to have kids. You ask me, one of the reasons deep down the relationships happen is because they don't have to fear unexpected kids. No offense, Karl."
"None taken," Karl answered back.
"Even then, I think there's not even five chimera kids in the- er... 'making' outside of the few announced. Most of the couples don't want to have kids that way- and that's not counting the ones who didn't speak up or decided not to go through with it. So... yeah, this is interesting for me considering... well..." he tapped his horn with a forehoof.
"I getcha," Karl shot back.
"Though... already thinking of kids?" Susan asked.
"She's already pregnant," said Karl, Susan's reaction evident through her eyes widening. "Yeah... I'm... gonna be a father." He breathed outward, a hand being placed on his forehead. "Don't know what's easier, saying it out loud or in my head."
"We're not the ones to answer that. Still though, already?" She said, waving her arms out as she asked.
"Yes, ‘already.’ My uncle Patrick had my cousin Kevin for five years before he married his girlfriend finally, according to my dad."
Susan shot her hands up. "Alright, alright, not judging here. Just... observing."
"Wait, how do you know she's already pregnant?" Wavelength asked.
"Modern tech," William answered, looking over to him. "Seriously, bud, there's lots of things that your magic doesn't trump yet. Nowadays you can find out the process has started basically the day after."
"...And if I recall correctly, the spells we have currently aside from X-rays take at least two weeks. Alright, touché."
"Speaking of spells," Karl spoke up, also rising out of his chair, "that... ann... anio... um, ‘gene spell,’ is really something else." He walked across the room, grabbing his pack.
"Oh, I bet. I'm tempted to take it out for a spin just for walking around like one of you guys. Would do the organic version, but I'm tempted to experience the whole thing."
"I can sympathize, it was a whole new experience for me as well; just wish the first time it wasn't such a shocker for me." He shrugged, stepping to the door. "Alright, I'd better clear out of here now. Seeya guys next week!" he called out as he stepped through.
"Later!" Wavelength called to him.
After the door was shut, Susan spoke immediately, "Did you really have to bring up your shock of Karyn again? I have a feeling she herself may be sensitive about that."
Wavelength looked over to her. "I can't help it, okay! I'm at the average for stallions, that would put me like half a pony head above the average mare. Then she comes walking in and rocks my world." He began to rub each of his eyes. "I... I just... I'm sorry. But when you have a mare that stands I think just an inch or two under Princess Cadance when both are on all fours- it's a real eye opener for anypony. Even then, I can easily be wrong about that part.”
William cocked an eyebrow as he spoke, "You sound obsessed. Did you really do your homework on this?"
Wavelength gave his flank a quick tap. "It's in my nature to be simpactico if you know what I mean.” He gave a shake of his head. “I bet Dusty would wonder if she was cross bred with a bulldozer and-" he stopped, eyes widening and his head turning to the door.
"What's wrong?"
"I... Karl. Did he say he was the one who morphed for their… you-know-what?"
Susan curled her lip in thought. “Um... don't know. Does it matter?"
"It does, actually." He turned to look back at them. "It doesn't work both ways- well, it can. The thing is though, the spell… let’s say ‘streamlines’ chromosomes to make genetic compatibility. The easier route would be to streamline the one with more chromosomes, in this case the pony. To streamline a human, more genetic material is needed. Trust me when I say it’s common knowledge that the spell is designed to go one way at the moment.”
William shrugged. "Eh, the guy's got a lot to deal with. Maybe he just misspoke. Either way, I think based on what you said: Nothing should have happened. I mean, I think nothing’s happened to them if she’s pregnant."
Wavelength froze for a second, before he gave a slow nod. "Mmmmm... yeah, that's true. Every unicorn should know that, and Karyn's definitely not an idiot. Heck, she's smarter than me."
"Maybe you should relax yourself, take a backseat this cast for the music."
"Alright, alright. Let's get started."
Karl sighed as he dismounted his bike, also shuddering slightly despite the merely brisk air. His first broadcast on the countdown to becoming a father. He locked up his equipment, stretching himself out and heading to the door. A rush of wind passed by him, generating another shiver from him.
“Okay, seriously. First the itches, and now the chills. I better not be coming down with something here,” he said aloud. As he approached the door, he added to his comments, “Bad enough with Karyn pregnant. I just… fuck…” He placed a hand on his head. “I’m gonna be a dad… fucking… dad! I’m not even married yet! Jesus!” Shaking his head, he stepped inside the house, sighing in relief as the inside heat almost seemed tropical. He dropped his pack on the floor, heading immediately for the kitchen. As he leaned inside the fridge, shivering again as the cold hit him, he heard footsteps approach him.
“Welcome home, sweetie,” Karyn greeted. Karl smiled a bit as he pulled out shredded cheese and pre-cut chicken.
“Hi, Karyn,” he said back, as she brushed a foreleg across his back. He turned and placed both packages on the counter, also turning on one of the electric stove burners. “How was your day?” he asked, as he leaned back into the fridge.
“Just peachy. Took a drive to stock up on our food, also got my eyes on a new draw screen for my computer, wireless to boot.” She walked past him further, opening a cabinet and pulling out a frying pan. “I missed the broadcast, how was that?”
“Fun as usual- I blew their minds when I told them how I liked a movie.” He closed the fridge door, holding a bag of tortillas and an already open can of sliced olives.
“Even I'm surprised.” She placed the frying pan on the burner as Karl placed his items on the counter. A bottle of olive oil was uncapped then poured slightly into the pan via Karyn's magic. Then like clockwork, they each stepped into each other and embraced. As moments went by, Karyn's magic directed the contents on the counter into pan, with Karl snuggling into her. As the food sizzled, Karl began to involuntarily massage Karyn's stomach, causing her to moan slightly- as well as causing her magic to fizzle.
“Oop, watch it!” Karl yelped, breaking away from her. She blushed and chuckled as he placed each of the items back onto the counter. “Can you get me a spatula and two plates?” he asked; she nodded, opening up the respective cabinets to do so.
Meanwhile outside of their home, a lone figure walked along the streets, its head darting back and forth. Once in a while it would shoot out a limb, and a small glow of green would produce. As it passed by their home in particular, it paused to gaze at their abode. As it walked into the light, passers by would see a green eyed, blonde haired woman. Though in reality, there was more to Emmé than at first glance.
“I'm close... so, so close,” she whispered. “It's around here somewhere... I can feel it in the air. I'll put an end to this.Aidez-moi donc, par mon propre nom de Emeraude.”
The next day, Karl and Karyn sat at the kitchen table next to each other, both gazing at Karyn’s laptop. Karl himself held disinterest, with Karyn holding general excitement.
“So... I'm not sure how we want to approach this,” Karyn started. “Do we want to start planning on furniture? Or perhaps actually tackling the room layout first?”
Karl groaned a bit, scratching his arm. “Do we need to do this now? We still got ten months or so, right?” He leaned back in his chair, also adding, “If anything, all we really need to do for now is just start a separate savings for the baby.”
“There’s more than just that, dummy.” She glanced over to him. “A budget would help us be prepared for this, sure, but there’s a lot of other things we gotta do. I mean, I myself gotta deal with my bodily changes and all that crap.” She looked back to the computer. “Apparently, it’s not recommended that I walk upright in my last three months- that’s gonna be a pain. I hope that doesn’t mean I can’t drive.”
“Why now though?” he asked again. “Karyn, we may be able to do this on paper, but we gotta focus more on getting to that point.”
She looked back over to him, her eyes squinted somewhat. “What do you mean by that?”
“I’m just saying that we’re worrying too much right this second perhaps? Look, I’m well aware we can’t take this lightly, but there is such as a thing as too much focus.”
“‘Too much focus?’’” Karyn echoed, her teeth also showing somewhat in a clenched format. “We’re having a kid! Don’t you kind of think this deserves all of our focus and more?” She shot to him, also pivoting her chair in his direction.
“I’m well aware we should focus on this!” Karl snapped back, also turning his chair to her. “Don’t forget those ‘bumps in the road’ that we talked about!” He raised a hand up, curling a finger out. “We get this planned out here, that doesn’t mean it will take into account financial woes down the line. You still got your college loan payments.” He raised another finger. “Then there’s also changes to the plan itself since we’re thinking about freaking furniture right now!”
“What’s wrong with that though?”
“We’re not even a freaking month into this!” Karl yelled, leaning himself forward. A scowl was present on him as he continued, “Honestly, did it occur to you that perhaps your grand plan may have hitches on the way? Did your previous career account for a faulty rental car and a bigoted boss?”
Karyn flinched slightly, but took a breath before speaking, “No, but why can’t we start laying groundwork?”
“Groundwork this early though?” Karl asked, his hand pointing toward her computer screen. “Karyn, your income depends on your mood most of the time; you’re gonna have hormones in, like, a month or something and then we may start hitting dry spells. We need to know what kind of groundwork we can lay when troubles like that come around.”
“Then let me bring this up to you then,” Karyn started, a scowl of her own now visible. “If you brought up my previous job and planning; did you not think of this conversation when you showered me with emotions on that night we agreed to this?”
Karl snorted, smacking his palm on the table, “I did, but this early?! Why do you form these fantasies in your head all the time?!”
“Excuse me?!” Karyn yelled, standing up out of her chair. “Are you saying I got a problem here?”
“You’re damn right! You don’t think ahead here! It’s bad enough with all the shit I gotta deal with daily! Now I gotta deal with making you happy by having a kid I don’t know we’re ready to have!”
“What was that?!” Karyn yelled, reeling herself back. “You… you aren’t fully committed to this?!” Tears began to form in her eyes.
Karl froze, clenching his fist. “I- ERGH!” He stood up himself, his own chair sliding back somewhat. “The day we get engaged, you already start thinking of kids! Do you not expect me to have doubts and hesitation about this?!”
“You’re the one who said you wanted it! After you said you thought about it over time!” She stomped a hind hoof on the floor. “I… I can’t believe this! I thought you were better than this, Karl!” She knocked a chair over as she began to run out of the kitchen. Before she left his sight, she turned back to him. “You know, I guess you enjoyed becoming a pony more than actually making me happy with us having a kid. So you know what? Fuck it! We’re not doing our magic sessions since that seems to be what you clung to the most!” She stormed out of the kitchen, Karl kicking the overturn chair slightly.
“Fine! In hindsight, what was I gonna do with the magic anyway?!” He heard the sound of a door slamming fly by him. He spun around with a grunt and began a fast walk toward the back of the house. He opened a closet, and pulled out a green camouflaged carrying case. As he carried it with one hand, he also ran by a pile of recyclables and plucked out a few plastic bottles with the other.
He stepped out into the backyard porch, shivering a bit as the wind blew past him. He set the case on the ground, and walked to the opposite railing, placing the bottles in a line. He huffed and practically ran back to the suitcase, opening it up and revealing an old AR-15 rifle with a chrome finish and a jet black colt 1911. He picked up the pistol, and pulled the chamber open- revealing it to be empty.
He responded by picking up a magazine out of the case and inserting it. “Pays to have these things preloaded.” He snapped the chamber close, and pulled the hammer down. He immediately aimed to one of the bottles and pulled the trigger. He watched as a plastic pellet grazed one of the targets, causing it to merely wobble. “I really can't thank you enough for these, grandpa,” he muttered. He raised the gun again, but snapped it back before he pulled the trigger. “Mask… always gotta put the mask on.” The click of him setting the safety on rang right before he reached back down to the case. As he stood back up, he looked over the mask. It was similar to his motorcycle helmet, minus the covering of the very back of the head. The mouthpiece was also held more holes, though smaller. The visor also dropped down somewhat where his eyes would show, and there was a skull’s teeth painted across the mouthpiece. Karl recalled somewhat that his grandfather really loved the design, as did he himself, and just laughed whenever someone accused either of them of it being from an old video game.
Snapping the mask in place, he disengaged the safety and raised the gun back up. He placed his other hand on it, staring down the sight. He pulled the trigger again, this time hitting a bottle square on. As it wobbled back, he pulled again, causing it to fall over. “Can't fucking believe this, I can't fucking take her looking so far ahead!” He gritted his teeth, and began to rapidly fire, nearly all of his shots missing the targets. The sound of clicking reached his ears soon after, he growled a bit and placed the pistol back into the case. As he brought the rifle out, he adjusted the firing setting, placing it to semi-automatic. Though in Karl’s case, it was ‘BANG!’ as emphasized by the silver engraving.
After sliding in a magazine, he began to repeat his angered history, each pull of the trigger firing a single pellet. Seconds later, after the bottles were over, he huffed and looked around the area. As his eyes drifted, they eventually landed back at the house itself. His thoughts of what happened came rushing back to him, and the conclusion of which rang in his mind: he just made Karyn upset. A tear suddenly threatened to escape one of his eyes like a poorly secured pipe. He crouched down toward the ground, placing the gun down and wrapping his arms around himself.
“Oh, god, what have I done?” he whispered. “Me and my fucking mouth. Are we ready for this? If I'm asking that does that answered the question?” He sniffed slightly, pinching his arm. “Focus... focus... maybe it's just a bump in the road.” He stood back up, taking a deep breath. “I'll let her vent her feelings, guess this'll be my first 'sleep on the couch' punishment.” He cracked a slight smile, leaning back down to pick up the gun. ‘Who am I fucking kidding? This could all be fucking over… a marriage ruined and a child involved...’ A rush of wind blew past, causing him to shiver again. “Okay, what the fuck? It's fucking August! Why is it so fucking cold all of a sudden?”
As he asked the question, he felt all his hairs immediately stand up on end all at once as if he were in complete fear. He stepped away from the case, also furiously running his hands up and down his arms. After a moment, he broke his arms away and reached to his head to pull off the mask. Ignoring the wind now passing his exposed face, he reached back down for the case- only to find his arms tinted somewhat blue.
“What the fuck?” He dropped the mask and brought his arms closer to his face, and then began to hear the twinkle of magic not unlike Karyn's own. “The fuck?” He looked around, also turning his whole body to scan the area. “Someone there?!” he yelled. He continued to look around as the sound of magic continued to resonate. As he did, he stole a glance back down to his arms, and also found a cobalt blue light on them. “Hn?” He waved his arms over each other, finding that a shadow was cast away from his face.
He cautiously moved a palm toward his eye, his whole body shaking slightly as the cobalt blue intensified. With a yell, his whole body jerked straight, the sound of what might be mistaken for a twig snapping accompanying it. Both of his fists were balled up, his eyes clenched tighter than a bank’s safe, and his whole self tensed as he screamed more and more with agony.
Meanwhile, Karyn snapped to attention, quickly wiping tears from her eyes. She took a few quick, deep breaths and quickly ran out of the bedroom. As she neared Karl's position, his screams only became louder. She swore she heard what she hoped wasn't bones snapping as she drew closer to him. The moment she got within a position to see him, she stopped and gasped at what she saw.
Karl was a pony.
Not only that, but she saw him doubled over, and a glow escaping through his eyelids. Hyperventilation began to overwhelm her as she looked him over. While most of his clothes were just loose on him now, yet his tail seemed to be forced out through the back of his jeans; his gloves were off, though fine. She looked back and forth between him and the inside of the house. Taking a quick breath, she dropped to her hind knees quickly, and leaned in to whisper, “I’m getting an ambulance, hang on…” He responded only with a groan, his forelegs wrapping around himself. She choked slightly as she got up to run back into the house.
Across the street, hidden in the shadows of the trees, Emmé looked dead-on at the house. She clenched her fist, the inside glowing slightly with magic.
“Finally…” she whispered. She took a step forward, but stopped as she heard more yells in the air. She glanced over and saw neighbors both young and old running toward their house. “Damnit!” She stepped back, crouching down as well. “I can’t make a scene, I can’t just up and take it down. They might not be involved…” She breathed outward as she saw them approach the front doors, seeing Karyn open it up and conversing with them. “A unicorn? Is she involved in some conspiracy?” She reached a hand out, glowing slightly with magic. “Okay… I hear you all now…”
Karyn herself wiped sweat away from her forehead and she talked with the neighbors. “I don’t know what happened. Karl and I…” She paused for a moment. “We… just went our separate ways for a moment, and then I just heard him screaming his head off. The next thing I knew, I found him turned into a pony!”
“A pony?” a man in the group asked. “How?”
“No idea. I don’t think Treble and his wife are that sadistic.” She shook her head. “I’ve already called an ambulance. I think he’ll be in good hands, they have non-human specialists here.” The distant sound of the siren began to reach all of their ears. “Listen, I need to go tend to him. Just get them updated on what’s happening, I need to go see him.” Another of Karl’s screams was heard, Karyn looked behind herself, a tear escaping her eye. She immediately ran from the group, and back to Karl.
As she approached the back porch, she stopped and gasped as a cobalt blue blast of magic rushed past her. She ducked down and looked over to Karl, seeing his horn eradiating sparks and struggling to stay fully lit.
“That… that didn’t feel like any magic I’ve ever seen…” She looked to where the blast hit, seeing a section of wall not so much as destroyed, but vanished completely.
Another scream from Karl snapped her attention back to him. She winced as the sickening sounds from before came back. She found herself covering her ears as his fur receded, horn and tail meld back into him, and his proper limbs grow back in.
“Ahaaa…” Karl wheezed out, as he fully reverted back to normal. Karyn took in a quick breath and rushed to his side.
“Karl? Karl, are you okay?!” she screamed aloud.
He groaned again, opening her eyes to look at her. “K… Karyn…” he forced out. Moments after, footsteps and mumbling was heard. Karyn turned and found dispatch personnel running into the room.
“Ma’am, we’re going to need you to step back,” one of them, a stallion said. Karyn complied, watching them suddenly beginning to lay out a stretcher. The stallion’s horn began to flare, the light from it scanning over Karl. “There’s definitely some kind of magic at work here, but… I’ve never seen this before.”
“Are you suggesting a new kind of outbreak perhaps?” a woman in the group asked, who was at the stretcher.
“It could be possible. Signal a hazmat team, prepare a possible-” he stopped, as suddenly Karl jerked upward, his eyes glowing again. “Oh Celestia above…” He looked over to Karyn. “Ma’am, we need some questions answered from you.” He looked back to Karl, but still spoke aloud. “Have the local department see if they get in contact with the Mage Guild, maybe they can scan the house too. Put out a preparation for possible quarantine.”
“On it!” the woman replied, stepping away from the scene out of the house.
“Okay crew, fall in!” the stallion called aloud, as he levitated Karl onto the stretcher. The rest of the dispatch encircled the two of them. He looked back to Karyn. “Meet us at the ambulance.” She nodded, and then they all disappeared in a flash of his magic.
Back out front, Emmé continued to watch, seeing Karl and the dispatch materialize in front of the house. She focused her gaze on Karl himself, her muscles tensing up as she did so.
“You…” she growled. “I would very much like to just get up close and personal.” She glanced around, looking at the neighbors and the ambulance crew. “Too many witnesses…” She slammed a fist into the ground. “What do I do?!”
“Maybe you could use some help, perhaps?” Emmé jumped to her feet, spinning around to see who just spoke to her.
“Faust?” Emmé squeaked out. “What the- when did you-”
“About ten seconds ago,” Faust started. “I actually would have been here sooner, but I had to…” she sighed a bit, looking away. “‘Convince,’ the Conclave to let us handle this.”
“Huh?”
Faust looked back to her, her face devoid of emotions as she spoke, “This time, I felt it. This is actually more than just entering Wing and Horn business now. If we let the Conclave do this, we may have to disappear for well over a thousand years given the rise of technology and magic.” She stomped forward slightly. “Believe you me, after finally finding love, I am not letting that happen.”
Emmé growled a bit, looking to the ground. “We may be too late: He’s in public hands and we can’t cause a scene.”
“What do you know?”
“Two people, man and a mare, are involved; he’s being taken away on a stretcher, and a team is being signalled to inspect the house- they’re gonna find out.” She looked back to the house. “Unless you want me off to off the lady with the radio, I don’t see how-” she stopped as a flash of white light emitted past her. She turned back around and found Faust now standing upright as a pink unicorn with a white mane. “What are you-”
“Leveling the playing field,” she interrupted. Her horn flashed again with white magic, clothes appearing around her. “I’ve studied my ponies enough here on this Earth to know how they’re working nowadays. I want you to follow them to the hospital; we’ll rendezvous there.” She walked past Emmé, looking over the scene.
“What about you, Hornhead?”
“Covering our tracks,” she stated back, disappearing in another flash of light.
Emmé shook her head. “And you call me unpredictable…” She watched as the ambulance with Karl in it began to pull away. She waved her hands as she began to run after it at unnatural speed, her body disappearing from sight as the magic washed over her.
Faust dropped back into reality, directly in front of her target.
“Whoa! What the heck?” the woman from the dispatch said aloud. She moved her radio away, while also looking over Faust’s form. “Wait… how did you-”
“Let’s just say I’m… really on the clock,” Faust interrupted, holding out a badge. “I’ll take over from here.”
The woman gave a tentative nod. “Yes, ma’am.” She quickly brought her radio back to her mouth. “Cancel the request,” she spoke into it.
“No interruptions, go around the house while I work.” Her horn flashed again with magic, the light beginning to scan over the area. The woman merely nodded again before she ran off. As Faust watched her leave her vision, she stopped her magic and gazed over the house as a whole.
Definitely human magic… but there’s not much of a lingering presence. She leaned down next to his case, eyeing the guns inside. She levitated one up with her magic, turning it over back and forth. Built for humans, recently used… yet… barely any trace of the stuff. No wonder she didn’t find them quicker.
She placed the gun back in the case, running her magic over the area next to the case. I’m guessing this is where he was last… some trace… She stood back up, stepping inside the house, her magic scanning the whole of the room. As the light passed over the hole in the wall, she froze for a split second. She immediately ran up to it, placing her hooves near it. “Oh my… this… this is probably what I felt,” she whispered. It’s… this… oh wow. It could be mistaken for one my pony’s spells, but… so human in execution. A perfect union of the two. She stepped back, clutching her head a bit. “Okay, get the rest of the crew away from here… then meet back up with Emmé. First though...” Her horn flared again with magic, a blast shooting off and striking the hole itself. Leave no trackable trace of this. To them, this was a pony spell now.
Emmé watched as Karl’s ambulance pulled right into the drop off area, all crew immediately flying. She scowled as his stretcher started to depart the vehicle.
You idiots… you’re bringing a ticking time bomb into a hospital! And that bomb is as dangerous as a nuke! She practically slapped her face as she clutched the bridge of her nose with two fingers. Think, Emeraude… think dammit! She removed her hand from her face as another flash of magic came next to her, she turned and saw Faust standing next to her, still in her disguise. “Well, we’re boned here, Faust. We can’t just go in, kill it and teleport away- they’ll track us down. What are we supposed to do? Just ask for him nicely?”
“That’s actually exactly what we’re going to do,” Faust replied. Emmé looked back to her, crossing her arms.
“Seriously?” she deadpanned. “It may be my bias against direct approaches along those lines, but do you care to explain how that’s going to work, oh Avatar of Creation?”
“We’re not going to be the ones who ask,” Faust started. “We’re going to assume custody of their patient. Get yourself dressed up, hope you worked on walking on hind hooves. First though, did you find out anything interesting about him?”
“Just that possibly his first indulgences into magic involved shapeshifting. Guess he has ponies on his mind.”
“That unicorn mare may have something to do with this then, so make sure she comes along,” Faust advised. Emmé nodded, snapping her fingers and a flash of magic erupting from her.
Karyn watched with slightly teary eyes as Karl was navigated toward the door. She began to walk to him, but was stopped by a staff member, a man.
“Ma’am, I’m gonna need you to stay back,” he started. “Civilians aren’t authorized beyond this point. I’ve been informed that we have all the information that we need from you by my co-worker.”
Karyn scowled slightly, directing it at the man. “That’s my fiance right there!” she yelled.
He shook his head. “Rules are rules, you aren’t allowed through those doors.”
“Then let me speak with her while I’m still outside them!” Both of them turned to the source of the voice, realizing it was Karl who yelled it. As he leaned his head up, visibly straining, he looked around. “Ten seconds… that’s all I want. Just. Ten. Fucking. Damn. Seconds!” He snapped back to Karyn, desperation projecting to her.
The man sighed, stepping to the side. “Ten seconds,” he whispered, waving his arm. The moment he did, Karyn immediately bolted to Karl, some of the staff stepping aside. She immediately took his hand in her forehoof.
“Karyn…” Karl breathed. “No matter what happens… I love you… and…” A tear fell from his eye. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry… for the promises I broke to you…”
A sad smile forced itself upon her face. “I love you too,” she whispered back. She leaned in close, but stopped as footsteps approached them. She choked slightly as they began to wheel him away. The doors opened, and they all started to practically sprint.
But stopped as a flash of emerald green magic appeared in front of them, a tan unicorn with an emerald green mane standing in its place.
“Everyone, stop where you are, now!” she yelled. She reached for a pocket on her coat, a badge being presented. “I’m officially overriding this operation and assuming control of the patient in the name of the CDC Exotic Outbreak division.
Karyn herself scowled at the new arrival. “What?! He needs attention now!” she yelled out.
“And he’ll get it.” She turned back and found the man from before walking up to her. “That unicorn there, she’s… well, let’s just say ever since we got magic involved with medicine and special diseases; there’s been a lot more success with saving patients in cases like these. Her being here is basically special help for you.”
“‘Special help’ indeed,” the unicorn said aloud, stepping toward the stretcher and Karl. She placed a forehoof on it, and then looked over to Karyn. “All of you step back- except for her. I need her to come with me.”
Karyn gulped a bit. “R-right! Okay!” She ran up to the stretcher, retaking Karl’s hand in her forehoof. The other unicorn nodded, taking a glance around. “As you all were- this is our business now.” Her horn flared with green magic not unlike her mane, and suddenly they were all gone.
As they all landed back in reality, Karyn crouched down, nearly breaking away from Karl. “Oh… god, I never fucking liked teleporting.” She shook her head, standing back up. The footsteps of the other unicorn rang as she looked around. “Wait… this doesn’t look like any hospital room,” Karyn commented. She looked around, seeing walls coated in what looked like metal plates. It didn’t feel like a hospital, but a prison.
“It’s not,” the other unicorn answered back. “Faust, where are we? I got here based on your magic signature.” Karyn and Karl looked over, seeing her walk up to- to them- a red haired woman.
“Fifty miles away from the Long Island Expressway, deep in the forest preservation,” Faust answered. “Now that you’re here, we can put up a shield to hide magical and electromagnetic signatures.”
“Good.”
“Hey!” Karyn yelled. “What’s going on here?! Karl needs help here!”
“Oh, he does alright.” The unicorn lifted up a forehoof, Karyn gasped as it began to glow. A flash of magic came nearly after, another woman dropping in the unicorn’s place. “He needs mental help for indulging in human magic, and help from my wrath!”
“What the fuck?” Karl whispered.
“The fuck is going on here?!” Karyn yelled, stepping away from Karl and holding each foreleg out in a gesture to shield Karl. “What do you want from us?! Who are you?!”
“You don’t need to know that,” Emmé answered. “But what I need to know, is how this whole incident started, so I can prevent it from happening again!”
“You are you talking about?I have no fucking idea!” Karyn yelled. “I was hoping the hospital could help! And then you came along here!”
Emmé groaned. “Of fucking course this is an accident!” She began to walk toward them. “Let me put it lightly: Either tell me something of interest, or I’ll just off him right now, and possibly you!” Karyn froze, her scowl quickly turning the opposite direction.
“Emmé, stop!” Faust yelled, running up to her.
“Why should I?!” She looked over to Faust. “You know how dangerous human magic is!”
“If used incorrectly!” Faust started. “There’s always a chance to correct a wrong!”
“Not in this case!”
“What about Kuzu?” Emmé visibly flinched. “She indulges in it, she’s fine, and her followers are fine.” Faust stepped between Emmé and Karyn. “We all need to calm, down.” She poked Emmé with a single finger as she spoke, “Let me take over for now. Just observe, and we can contain this.”
Emmé groaned, also shaking her head. “The minute something goes wrong here-”
“We’ll figure this out,” Faust interrupted. Karyn continued to just stare at the two, her stance drooped down somewhat and her body seemingly more relaxed. She jumped as Karl began to groan again, his body pushing against the restraints of the stretcher. The sound of fingers snapping whizzed by her, and she jumped again as Faust suddenly teleported on the other side of the stretcher.
Faust’s hands hovered over Karl, a white light emitting from both of them. After a few seconds, Karl’s groans began to subside, and he relaxed back into the bed.
Karyn turned back to Emmé, who was crouched onto the ground, her hand planted onto it as it glowed with her magic. Karyn’s expression crossed as she asked, “Okay, what the fuck is going on here?! The last time I checked: humans can’t do magic!”
“You’re actually wrong,” Faust said aloud, causing Karyn to snap back to her. “Humans can do magic- but the word you’re looking for is actually ‘shouldn’t.’ Most, if not nearly all humans shouldn’t do magic; otherwise you end up with situations like this man here.” Karyn paused for a moment, as if she were temporally left behind by time. Faust snapped her fingers again, a metallic table appearing. The stretcher was engulfed with a white light, and was then levitated up onto it, the legs folding up.
“Wait,” Karyn started. “Then why can you two do it?”
“Because I’m special,” Emmé answered, “and in her case… well, I’ll let her explain.”
“I’m special too,” Faust echoed, causing Karyn to scowl once again. “Let’s just leave it at that. All you need to know is that we’re special cases: unlike this man here.”
With a shake of her head, Karyn spoke, “For the record, I’m Karyn Miles, and his name is Karl, both with ‘Ks.’ O’Donnell is his last name.” At the mention of his name, Faust paused for half a moment, Emmé herself cocked an eyebrow at the motion. Karyn though continued on, “And would you care to tell me what’s happening to my fiancé?”
“You two are engaged?” Emmé asked, as she stood back up. “Shield should be up now, Faust. No one will detect our magic here.”
Karyn paused for a moment upon hearing Faust’s name, but shook it off quickly. “We are,” Karyn started, turning to face Emmé. “We’re also having a child, whom I’m pregnant with at this very moment.”
“Wait, what? A kid already?” A smirk forcibly appeared on Emmé’s face. “He must be dumb in his own way then if you’re going that fast.”
“Shut it,” Karyn snapped back. “At least we didn’t get married in some kind of quickie wedding!” Faust suddenly blushed, Emmé seeing it out of the corner of her eye.
“Alright, touché then.” Her hand suddenly glowed with magic, Karyn taking a step back. “Though… that does lead into the question if his magic sank into you then…”
“What are you-”
“Relax,” Faust interjected. Karyn turned her head halfway around to look to her. “I recognize that spell makeup. She’s just going to quickly scan you, perhaps even tell you if you’re having a boy or girl.” She gave a wink, which Karyn didn’t respond to.
“I’m not seeing anything here,” Emmé stated. Karyn looked back, shading her eyes with a forehoof as the emerald green light washed over her and moved down. “She doesn’t seem to have any signs of human magic contamination in her, I guess it’s just-” Emmé froze as the light passed over Karyn’s stomach. “What… that’s…”
“What?” Faust asked.
Emmé’s voice cracked slightly as she spoke, “She’s… they’re… it’s a foal.” Faust’s twinkle and shine of her magic suddenly ceased.
“Please tell me you’re joking,” Faust said with a lack of emotion. Karl started to groan again, Faust’s magic immediately starting again which was followed by silence from him. “If… if you aren’t… then…” She took a breath. “If I’m thinking along the same lines as you, then I think I know how that magical blast happened back at the house. Are you absolutely sure, though?”
Emmé nodded. “It’s early, but I’ve watched over enough births to know that’s not a human fetus forming.” Emmé glanced up to Faust. “He’s not just being corrupted, he’s being changed. A union of pony and human DNA, and with that, magic. Since they have no idea about human magic, he didn’t change himself,” she paused, pointing to Karyn. “You did.”
Karyn jumped slightly at the accusation, “I… well…” She took a quick breath. “Y-yeah! When we… ‘conceived’ our... child; I used the amniomorphic spell on him accidentally! He transformed, so I thought nothing of it! Then we did it again, and some more… and then… kid! What’s wrong with that?”
“Lots of things, you idiot!” Emmé yelled. Karyn cringed backward at this, Faust shooting her friend a glare. Emmé took notice of this, taking in a breath.
“I guess I should explain then,” Faust started. “The amniomorphic spell- which I’ll refer to as the ‘gene’ spell, is what you did use. The abridged, technical version, is that it’s supposed to lock down chromosomes of one of the partners for child compatibility.” She looked up to Karyn. “In short, the pony is supposed to be the one to change, not the human.”
“But… then how did it work? I mean… if it was supposed to work on me…” She hung her head down. “I just… assumed that since it worked on him, it was fine…” She looked away from the others. Karl was right, I really don’t think.
“Well… it’s not.” Faust sighed slightly. “Under normal circumstances, that spell would have defaulted to an organic transformation- possibly going to you also due to extraneous magic. I think I remember seeing an article about that. However, this wasn’t a normal circumstance.”
With a groan, Karl asked, “What are you talking about?”
“Humans have forty-six chromosomes, ponies have sixty-two. Dialing back genetic information follows the rules of physics and magic just fine, since the chromosomes being shut off can be redistributed to help shape the new body, or just be kept locked for the process. Dialing up though…” she paused. “Well, that requires an additional source aside from the trigger magic.
“That source,” she looked down to Karl, “Came from inside you. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but there are still traces of magic here on this Earth. They’re dormant, but still there. Likewise, that goes for humans themselves. They have magic stored inside them still, just locked away. Think of it like your appendix- it’s there, but not doing anything. Because it’s locked away, it’s a hidden trove of resources that are available.”
“Wait, slow down a second,” Karyn spoke up. “What about innate magic inside say… a gryphon? Or hell, one of you guys? Couldn’t that be used to… dial up?”
“Magic is tied to genes,” Faust answered. “I’m… guessing you don’t know about magic fully.”
“I’ll say,” Emmé snarked. Karyn shot her a glare, Faust as well. Emmé merely rolled her eyes, crossing her arms as she continued to watch.
“All magical creatures, they have what is called ‘ley cells.’ These cells are the genetic source of magic in all of them. However, typically non-magical species, such as humans, and sapient donkeys, do not have these. The gene spell… well, works with genes. The magic itself cannot be the source of new material- you cannot create something from nothing.”
“And before you bring up conjuration magic,” Emmé spoke up. “That still applies.” Her hand glowed, and suddenly a piece of paper appeared in it. “This may look like a piece of paper- but it’s really magic, and in this case some air, formed to look like it. Now, I could write something down on it. Heck, even with a conjured pencil. However, it only serves as a visual and placeholder substitute- not a practical one.” She brought her other hand to it, and gave the paper a slight tear. The piece of paper burst into green stars, which floated up into the air. “A real piece of paper can at least endure some punishment. At best, maybe your conjured paper can survive a flamefax trip or two.
“Going along those lines- that’s why no one conjures food. No matter what, it’ll just be a wallpaper of that food. I could it eat it, maybe it’ll taste like it- but I’ll be getting nothing from it. Heck- conjuring food for you to eat is a waste of energy. Simply put, conjured stuff ain’t no substitute for the real thing. There are very few exceptions since some stuff can act like the real thing like say… metal, but that requires a lot of magic. Only someone like Faust there, who kinda specializes in that area, could make a good copy. Even then, the real thing would always be better.”
“Gee, thanks a lot,” Faust commented. “I thought you liked my conjured croissants.”
“I’m just saying,” Emmé shot back. “As for myself, it would still be impossible. The difference between him and I is that I had magic tied into myself already.”
“That leads us back to him,” Faust spoke up. “I don’t know how exactly, maybe your mindset or something about him, but your spell cast somehow brought his dormant magic into fruition. If he was a balloon being filled constantly by say… pipes, a bunch of new pipes that were supposed to stay closed were opened again. Suddenly, he had more material to work with. Let’s just say sixteen or so new ones were added that could make him a pony.
“Now… said pipes that were supposed to stay closed… well, they’re still open. You can over inflate a balloon maybe a few times. But too many and…” she pause, closing her eyes. Karyn gasped, Karl choking a bit.
“He’s gonna… die?” Karyn asked, tears nearly escaping her eyes.
“Actually, worse,” Emmé spoke up. “Truth be told, if somehow his human magic didn’t make itself known- that genetic transformation probably would have killed him.” She took a few steps toward them. “There’s a true reason why human magic died off- a damn good reason: because it’s a corrupting influence- there’s a reason the term ‘absolute power corrupts absolutely’ exists. Unless you’re resolved enough like I am, it will eat you alive. If you’re lucky, your mind will be twisted into having villainous and evil intent. If you’re not… it turns you into something that defies the laws of nature.”
Karyn sat silent for a moment, choking as she asked, “But who are you?”
“To the public, I’m known as simply Emmé ‘Rubella’ Saffron living in Montreal, who went to college in Cleveland with Faust there to become a nurse. In reality…” She brushed her hair back. “I am the Queen of Sorceresses, Emeraude. Across history, I’ve also been called Cavatina and Titania.” Her gaze hardened into a glare. “Also across history, I’ve dedicated myself to ridding this whole planet of human magic. And I’ll repeat history with your fiancé there if this problem isn’t fixed.”
Karyn’s jaw fell open. “You-”
“Centuries yes,” she interrupted. “No way in hell I’m telling you how to do that.”
Karyn growled a bit. “Wasn’t going to say that, but since you did- because a fuck ton of magic,” Karyn scoffed, looking away also. “Just like alicorns- they live long because they have a fuck ton of magic. They’re not gods!” She looked back to Emmé. “Speaking of ‘gods,’ and going back to what I was actually going to say: who the fuck gave you the right to decide if he should live?!”
“The ones who decide to indulge in evil, intentional or not, like him there!”
“Emmé!” Faust shouted. “That’s enough!”
“Well, are you fixing this problem then?!” she shouted back.
“I… no…” Faust conceded. “No matter what, I can’t contain it. He has ley cells in him now, ravaging his body. If there were a few, maybe I could. But there’s too many, possibly from the amount of times he transformed.”
“If it helps you… clarify,” Karl strained. “I… when I was also a pony for our… you know, I kinda… wanted to learn about magic.” He took a breath. “During… that time, Karyn taught me. I… I was able to do some levitation before we stopped entirely.”
“And that only served to dig your hole deeper,” Emmé commented. “That wasn’t pony magic you were doing- that was human magic. Bringing it out like that only sped this thing up, and is what’s leading you to a fate worse than death.” She crossed her arms again. “Normally, maybe you’d just go mad with power and feel the need to burn off excess energy- but not in this case. You went full-on pony, with magic that is now in you trying to make itself at home. Pretty soon, you’re not gonna be human- you’re going to be a literal monster. That magic came about by genetic manipulation, and now that’s all it’s focusing on because you can’t control it.
“And because also Faust there can’t stop it.” She held out her hand, it glowing with a swirl of magic. “Get out of the way.” Karyn’s eyes went wide.
“Emmé!” Faust shouted, running around the stretcher and table.
“You had your chance, Faust! He needs to go! Him, and the foal!”
“WHAT?!” both Faust and Karyn yelled.
“That foal being conceived was made possible by human magic! It’s going to carry those corrupted genes Karl there passed on with it! If it wasn’t for ponies naturally separating the two’s signatures, she would be corrupted too!” She stepped closer to Karl and Karyn, the latter pressed up against the table. “So get out of the way, you maudit oversized mare!”
Karyn flinched, a flash of anger appearing before she spoke, “I… I won’t!”
“If you don’t, I’ll take you all then!” Her other hand began to glow. “After this, I’m going to make sure that this won’t happen again! Apparently the right push of magic in some way can unlock human magic and-” Emmé froze, the magic from both of her hands disappearing. “Wait a god damn minute…” She hesitantly looked over to Faust. “Sarah… and Jon… this could happen to them.”
Faust froze for a second, the mentioning of her childrens’ names sending her nerves out of control. “W-what do you mean?”
“They have your genes… ley cells in them… if they activate… this could happen to them. They have a human makeup… that means they’ll be carrying corruption too that can be easily be exposed because of their pony halves.”
Karyn blinked, looking over to Karl. “That other one’s a pony?” she whispered. Karl merely grunted, before his eyes clamped shut. Karyn took his hand in her forehoof, looking back to the other two.
“Emmé! That’s not going to happen!” Faust shouted.
“It might, and I will not risk it! They may have your guidance- but you couldn’t guide this!” Emmé screamed. “Them… and all other chimeras… I’ll do it if I have to!”
“They’re my children!” A tear fell from Faust’s eye. “You and I never found even a trace of human magic in them! They could be carrying pony magic!”
“It could very well just be sealed away!” Emmé stepped past Faust toward Karyn again. “I’m done with this! This is your last chance!” Both her hands ignited with magic again. “Move. Now,” she demanded. Karyn closed her eyes, her teeth gritted.
A moment later, she opened them, both of them glowing white. “No!” she stated, before a cerulean light erupting from her horn and washed over the whole room. Both Emmé and Faust raised their arms to shield their eyes, the latter stepping back slightly.
Faust blinked somewhat, dropping her arm down. “Did she-” she stopped as a thud happened on the ground. She jumped backward as something suddenly snatched Emmé up off the ground. She blinked again, and looked up at what had grabbed Emmé, gasping a bit.
It was Karyn, only about four to five times larger.
“I WON’T LET YOU HURT HIM!” Karyn boomed, punching Emmé into the wall with one hoof. She reeled her other hoof back, her horn also flaring again with magic.
Emmé herself coughed slightly from the impact, she looked up directly to Karyn with a mask of rage. As Karyn’s hoof started to come forward, a green light exploded out of Emmé. Karyn herself yelped aloud, which echoed outward. With a step back that caused a vibration, she cringed downward with her affected hoof held by the other.
As Emmé dropped back down, both her hands ignited again with magic. A blast was fired from one hand, striking Karyn in the chest. Another scream came from her, and she turned away from Emmé slightly. Emmé unleashed the second blast, this one striking her in the flank.
Karyn yelled once again, and started to tumble back. Her whole body flashed with cerulean light. When the light disappeared, she was back to normal, tumbling straight into the table. Emmé growled a bit, both her hands glowing again.
“We’re done with this…” she growled. Both her hands released their held magic at the same time, flying towards the duo. They both screamed as it came within meters of them.
The magic was stopped as it collided with a white shield, both of their screams dying off soon after, being replaced by words and breaths of relief. Emmé blinked as she saw Faust standing in front of them, her hand held out and glowing magic.
Emmé’s jaw dropped open. “The fuck are you doing, Faust?” she yelled.
“Stopping you from making a mistake,” her friend answered back, her tone even. She looked over her shoulder to see Karyn struggling to push herself up, groaning as she did so. Faust turned back to Emmé. “Everyone deserves a chance, these two included.”
“We already gave them a chance! And then she decided to go monster herself on my hide!”
Karyn growled, causing Faust to turn her head back around. She watched as Karl leaned over slightly, despite his restraints, before he wheezed out, “Damn… I didn’t know you could do it on yourself.” As he finished, he immediately snapped back to his laying position, a groan escaping him.
Faust quickly glanced toward where Emmé had struck Karyn, seeing burns through her clothes. Her chest was exposed, as well as her cutie mark. Faust’s eyes widened as what it was registered in her mind. ‘That mark… it looks inherited, a family line?’’
Karyn chuckled slightly, looking over to Emmé with dreary eyes as she sat herself upright. “‘Monster’ she says… hehehe…” She lowered her head, and then shot it back up with a scowl. “What’s the use hiding it anymore?! Size magic! My special talent is fucking size magic! Are you fucking happy now?! Is your morbid intrigue or whatever satisfied?!” Karyn pushed herself up slowly with one forehoof on the table, heavy breathing accompanying it. “Do you know how fucking embarrassing it is having a talent like that?!
“How do you think I felt when putting your talent on your job application was fucking required?!” She stomped a hind hoof on the ground. “And the stares… all the fucking stares when people found out, and it still fucking continues to this day- even you did it! I remember those whispers very god damn well. ‘Hey, there’s that mare! She always feels the need to be standing tall!’ ‘Damn, mare, you realize stallions don’t like to be literally belittled, right?’
“But they’re wrong! They’re all fucking wrong! I’m all fucking natural here! Yeah, fucking fine: I’m probably the tallest mare in both worlds who’s not a fucking alicorn! It’s also served to remind me of this fucking thing! Like the universe wants to remind me day in and day out that I got this thing!” She pointed a forehoof out to Emmé. “That leads me to this and you: Fuck destiny!” She stomped the ground again. “I’m not some slave to a cosmic force! I’m the one who makes my fucking life! Not you, or some kind of fur pattern! And I’m not gonna let some destiny bullshit about human magic make you take my future husband and my child away from me!” Karyn snorted, also beginning to breath heavily from her mouth.
All of them sat in silence, the only sounds coming from Karyn, or the occasional loud breath from Karl. After what seemed like minutes, Emmé herself merely sighed. Karyn snorted again to this, her horn glowing with magic.
“Well, I’m sorry for all the stares and whatnot,” Emmé began. “But it still doesn’t change what the situation is here.” She snapped her fingers, and suddenly she was right in front of Karyn. Both she and Faust gasped as Emmé held an orb of magic right to her face.
Faust’s own eyes suddenly flared with light. “Enough,” she stated, her voice echoing across the room. Like a supernova, the whole room was engulfed in a bright light. Both Karyn and Karl screamed as everything melded into each other. Moments, later the light died down, which was immediately followed by a gasp from Karl.
“Oh my fucking god!” he yelled. “It’s the god of ponies!” He and Karyn looked with open jaws as they looked upon Faust’s true form, with Emmé grasped in her magic. Faust turned her whole frame around, swinging Emmé back to the far wall, and slamming her back into it. She stepped up to it, looking at Emmé head on.
Karyn herself found her legs give out on her, her eyes firmly locked as Faust as she whimpered, “It can’t be…” She slowly began to shake her head. “It’s… I… she’s- I thought the name sounded familiar. But… holy shit…” She began to rock herself back and forth, trying to process who she was actually seeing.
Faust herself stared firmly at Emmé, before closing her eyes and touching her horn to her friend’s head. “Listen to me, Emeraude, your emotions are getting the better of you,” she began. “Just as you’re afraid of letting this magic take over, you’ve let your own feelings overtake you in that same regard.”
Emmé felt Faust’s own magic wash over her, and suddenly she began to watch her own history unfold. By herself or by Faust there memories coming back she didn’t know, nor care. Her rise in her kingdom, the constant wars that tyrants all around waged, her own father dying because he held back his magic for her sake.
She relaxed slightly as more images came back. Her own coronation, declaring her first siege- and subsequently winning that very siege and war when she herself struck down the tyrant who threatened her.
She remembered when she faked her own death and began to assume her self proclaimed title of the Queen of Sorceresses. From there, all she would do was hunt down other tyrants of magic, fighting off the urges her own magic gave her. She took in the fascination of her people truly starting to develop out of the dark ages, and deep down; she credited herself and her efforts for it.
Of course, in the regard to magic, she remembered where it suddenly came back around the twelfth century, hitting her like a speeding train. After discovering the backlash to be from a ravaged pre-Tachogi. From there, she dedicated herself to tracking down this threat.
Yet, that escapade would be interrupted by the Hundred Years war. With her homeland under siege, she took up mantle once again and stepped forth for the French army. In what would become playful banter today, Emmé remembered well the tension that arose from one figure- Jeanne d'Arc- or Faust in actuality. Back then, Jeanne of that time seemed to absorb all the attention from others, all because she seemed to radiate some kind of ‘holiness.’ It drove Emmé up the wall that she seemed to inspire the armies more by words and presence, rather than action as she herself was trying.
When she visited Jeanne’s grave, she found traces of magic surrounding it- but not of the human variety. Struck in awe, she quickly faked her death and again, and began a trek to find this new source. A few years later, she would find herself in the Venetian Rupublic, where she would finally claim friends to grow alongside.
It started as a chat between a woman and her doddering aunt. As they talked though, Emmé could feel the strange magic emancipate off the younger of the two- though a nagging feeling came off the elder. Damning the consequences, Emmé soon cut right to it and let out that she knew the younger’s secret.
To Emmé’s own surprise though, they both knew all along of her own secret. After slipping out of public eyes, they found themselves sitting in a lone room in the Torre dell'Orologio, discussing their own experiences. Though initially tense, due to magic being the topic, she was struck awe by their own secrets. Faust and Kuzunoha, not only two users of magic, but also not human.
Of course, then when their magic nature was revealed, Emmé suddenly recognized the magic from Kuzu being from the Tachogi incident. Emmé wanted right there to end Kuzu, yet… she saw Kuzu for who she was. A kind woman with an inner fire, with many years of wisdom beyond her own to guide people and her descendants.
Descendants… children… children that proved to be able to tame the human magic. Cases where her life’s vendetta brought about exceptions. Emmé forced her eyes open, managing to steal a glance at Karl and Karyn before she let the memories continue to flow: the accepting of Kuzu, watching the world grow without magic, the start of America, the rise of technology and machinery, First Contact.
Emmé then found herself looking over Faust’s grief of not being able to return home. Like Kuzu forever cursed to be without her fox form completely, Faust was still banished from her home. They all questioned why the Rules restricted Faust in this regard, but herself and Kuzu were exempt.
Emmé suddenly gasped in revelation. Exemption… so much was staring her right in the face. Greg staying with Faust despite her true nature, Kuzu’s descendants: all given a chance and turning out fine. Herself being an exception to the destiny of human magic she preached, she was a special case, and Karl and Karyn… they were a special case. She began to smile as the message either her mind run amok or Faust was relaying finally set in.
“Emmé?” Faust asked.
The sorceress opened her eyes, content coming out from them. “I don’t like this at all, I really don’t like it truth be told.” She took in a breath, and released it before she admitted, “But I’ll give them a chance.”
“Do you mean it?”
“As much as I can. I don’t know what kind of chance we’ll give them… but, we’ll give them one.”
“If you mean my children, and the other chimera children... you’ll let them keep going. Kuzu’s descendants have been just fine. I think it’s fair to say that children born from pony magic have a safer chance in their lives.”
“We’re not dealing with a human born from pony or human magic though; we’re dealing with a pony being born from human magic.” Emmé chuckled slightly. “Like I said… I’ll give it a chance… but you better make sure you figure something out. Start by telling me what the chance is exactly, because you and I both know what’s going to happen soon.”
Faust nodded, releasing Emmé from her magical grip. “Stay back,” she ordered, as Emmé landed back onto the ground. Faust turned and trotted slowly over toward Karl and Karyn, the latter of which was staring up at her with her eyes holding a sense of both wonder and emptiness. Faust neither smiled or frowned as her horn flared with magic, which quickly washed over her.
Karyn gasped a bit as Faust stepped up to her again, only much shorter than her previous form. Karyn mentally guessed that Faust was maybe her own height if on all fours.
“From a current mother, to a future one,” Faust began. “I promise you I’ll do what it takes to save your future family.” She reached a forehoof down, Karyn hesitating in taking it. “I can’t promise you though it won’t come without pain, as he’s already enduring a lot, and there’s more to come.” Karyn reached her other forehoof around to the table to push herself up to her full height, also letting go of Faust’s own hoof. Karyn looked away from her, only staring back to Karl- who looked to be fighting back pain. Faust frowned, quickly adding, “You hold your doubts, don’t you?”
Karyn tentatively nodded. “It doesn’t help that you’re… you. I always look for miracles, and meeting Karl was definitely one of them.” She looked back to Faust. “Yet… well… I can’t explain it.”
“My mere presence makes you question reality?” Faust asked. Karyn didn’t budge, merely looking away from her.
“If… you ask me,” Karl spoke, causing both females to look to him. “Now I’m suddenly thinking I’m about to go to hell, since you’re here.”
“Karl, please…” Karyn pleaded, kneeling down slightly to be at his level. “Don’t force yourself, just…” she paused. “Just…” She hung her head down, no words coming out, small whimpers instead.
“I don’t consider myself a god,” Faust stated. Both Karyn and Karl immediately looked back to her. “Truth be told also? I’ve never liked what you described as ‘destiny’ either, ‘prophecy’ is the word I use. Take it as you will, but powers greater than I have dictated my own life, and I’ve hated it every step of the way.
“I’ve always struggled fighting against it, trying to find some way to break it. Throughout the years, I slowly lost that will. Slowly, I began to just accept my fate and just play the hand I was dealt. But… it’s people like you, and my husband, who I envy so.”
Karyn blinked. “Wait, you’re jealous of me?” She stood back up, wiping away potential tears. “Jealous of a simple freelance digital artist? While you’re a fucking alicorn queen or whatever? Why?”
“Because of what you remind me of, and what I appreciate so much: will.” Faust smiled as she continued. “Like my husband having the will to love me for who I am, you showed me a similar will to stand up for who you are. It’s that kind of will that gives me hope to shatter prophecy. It’s also the kind of will that I think will help solve this.”
Karyn paused, processing the words. She looked back to Karl, and then back to Faust. “What do you mean?”
“Well… if the prophecy revolves around human magic, which I know for a fact has been broken before, then we can break this.”
“I’m all for fixing this, I really fucking am.” Karyn looked back to Karl. “But I’m kind of at the end of my rope, and… he…”
“Stop,” Faust said in a firm, commanding tone. “That’s not going to fix this.” Her horn ignited, and she turned back to her human form. “Like you, I was at the end of my rope around when I met my husband… my Greg…” She walked up to Karyn, placing a hand on her shoulder. Karyn herself looked back and down to Faust. “What Karl is to you, my husband Greg is to me: A miracle. In a way for me, it was an unintended miracle. We can make this intentional.”
Karl gasped, sweat beading down his head. Karyn shook her head as she looked back down to him. “What can I do though? You gonna say some bull like ‘have hope?’ This ain’t some fairy tale or sci-fi epic.” Faust froze, Karyn’s word derailing her thoughts. “Look, there’s literally nothing I can do but hope for him at this point. So whatever it is you’re planning…” She turned back to Faust. “At least tell me so I can pray in some way it can work.”
“I actually don’t know,” Faust blurted out, Karyn’s eyes dulling even more. “If his process is a rapidly spreading cancer, than the normal thing would be to isolate it. Unlike actual cancer, there isn’t a miracle cure that is well known. Yet… once again, ‘miracle.’ If we see this through… we can perhaps find an opening.
“I don’t know how he’s going to turn out, maybe he’ll die when it happens, or maybe not. If he doesn’t… there have been cases where an overwhelming force has been purged from others. Perhaps…” Her eyes lit up. “We can purge it… yes!” She clapped her hands together. “Purge the magic, and we fix him! It’s the magic that allowed his change to happen! Isolating is one thing, something I couldn’t do because there was so much. Purging it though, that can let us isolate it!”
“That actually sounds plausible.” All eyes turned to Emmé, seeing her walk up to the group. “As much as I doubt it, I could see it possibly working. Don’t know how we’ll do that, I’ll probably just try to end it before this becomes too much, but that’s something.”
Karl let out a yell, a small crack skin to maybe someone cracking their knuckles following. All eyes turned to him as he railed against the restraints somewhat. “Fuck!”
“Karl!” Karyn yelled, running up to and kneeling beside him.
Karl forced his head over to look at Faust. “You’re… you’re a part of the Royal… F-Family, right?” he wheezed out.
Faust blinked, looking and back forth as if she lost where she was. “Yes…. why?”
Karl maneuvered his head to Karyn, squeezing her forehoof. “M-marry us…” All eyes went wide, Karyn taking in a slight gasp.
“What?”
“Marry us!” he yelled, choking as he jerked around a bit. “I made a fucking promise to her…” he inhaled sharply. “And I’m making sure I don’t break it!”
“Karl?” Karyn asked, her voice mimicking her own feeling of uncertainty..
He looked Karyn in the eye. “Come hell… or high water…” He gave her forehoof another squeeze. Karyn’s eyes started to water, the words of his promise ringing in his head.
“Emmé,” Faust started, looking to her. “You’re our witness.”
Emmé suddenly did a double take. “What?!” she yelled.
Faust didn’t say any more as she stepped up to the duo. She placed her own hands on top of theirs. Karl on her left, Karyn on her right. “In holy matrimony these two souls are here to be joined,” Faust began, as if rehearsed. “They both have consented to this union, and now we are gathered at this ceremony to finalized in the face of the world and its selected inhabitants.
Despite Karl’s groans and Karyn’s rapid breathing, Faust continued. “May they always be devoted towards each other, holding integrity pure to one another. Through compassion and charity before that brought them together; let us and them continue to hold the optimism to keep this harmony each other through time. But let us not forget, that their own magic wants to make this union complete.
“Let us judge this union before the inhabitants: what is their judgment? Do any speak out? Or shall their silence let this time not be interrupted?” Emmé remained frozen, her mouth hung open at the display. Karyn looked back to Karl, a sad smile forcing its way onto her. “The inhabitants have judged, no deterrence presented.
“The judgment of the world, rests with the souls to face. I call upon their names: Karl O'Donnell, and Karyn Miles. Two souls to be joined, and now for them to echo their wish to the heavens.” Faust looked toward Karl. “Karl O'Donnell, do you take Karyn Miles, to be your wife henceforth? To love, to protect, to care for her? To be at her side where and whence needed? To let her harmony be a part of yours?”
Karl put Karyn’s hoof in a vice grip as he stated. “I do.”
Faust looked back over to Karyn. “Karyn Miles, do you take Karl O’Donnell, to be your husband henceforth? To love, to protect, to care for him? To be at his side where and whence needed? To let his harmony be a part of yours?”
Karyn sniffed a bit, tears dropping of her head as she answered, “I do.” The couple look to each other, a sad smile on each of their faces.
Faust looked upward, bringing her hands up. “Then by their decree, and through the power vested in me, let it be so. By my crown of Equus, as queen sovereign, I declare these two: husband and wife.”
Karl yanked Karyn over to himself, Karyn completing the motion and joining their two lips together. Faust stepped away and swayed her arms outward, letting the two share their moment.
Each of their floodgates were opened completely as the continued their embrace, neither breaking away from each other nor showing any signs of wanting to. Faust lowered her arms, stepping back further.
Emmé stepped up to her side, “I can’t freaking believe this happened and you actually did it.”
Faust looked back to her with a smile. “If I recall, you said those exact words when you found out Greg and I had our first marriage.”
“No time for jokes here, A’licorne,” Emmé snapped back. “Remember what we’re dealing with here.” Faust’s smile dropped, both her assumed last name and the matter at hand tantamount to that. Both of them looked at the couple, time slowing down for them as the moments passed.
Their embrace was broken by groan from Karl. Karyn reluctantly stepped back as Karl’s whole body snapped straight.
“Karyn…” Karl moaned out. “Love… you…” he drifted off.
Then it began.
Karl screamed outward as his body forcibly shifted, each accompanying snap causing the rest of the to garner more unease. Faust and Emmé stepped past Karyn, each fanning out their limbs in order to give makeshift cover for her.
The whole table and stretcher shook as Karl’s body continued to flail with each movement, more and more it seemed to curl as the intensity increased. His eyes lit up with cobalt blue, soon crawling its way across his body. His hands began to darken, the normal skin shifting away and this new substance ending just past its wrists, ending up a charcoal gray.
All over his still exposed skin, navy blue fur forced its way to the surface. The strands were spread out, still showing his normal skin through the newly presented filter. From underneath him, a swath of black not unlike his hair snaked out, resembling a pony’s tail.
From just above his scalp, a horn began to arise, carrying the same navy blue like his new fur coat. His ears shifted upward, fur covering them completely as they began to sharpen, but still remain on the side of his head.
The light covering his eyes intensified, and then it spread outward covering more of his face. Each of these new formations were the size of a pony’s eyes, the glow seeming to be both under and on his skin at the same time.
Finally, the thing that was formerly Karl collapsed back down. With each breath, it sounded ravenous and empty. With a growl, it curled its head upward, gazing down at itself. With a roar that echoed the neanderthals and hunter-gatherers of old; it began to rebel against the restraints. All eyes watched as it roared and fought, seemingly barely held down.
With a sudden glow of magic around its arms, it tore straight through the restraints. It fell of in its hubris, landing onto the floor. As it picked itself up, the connection of its hands to the floor made the sound of a pony’s clop. With a snarl, it turned to the stretcher, grasping it with both hands, and throwing it across the room.
It then looked back to the table, staring at it for a few moments. It roared again and brought both arms up. It swung downward with both, striking the table with no effect. It repeated the action and with a minimal dent. On its third go around, magic surrounded its arms again, and then the table snapped in two.
As it breathed outward from its task complete, the remains of the tables suddenly exploded into white stars. It craned its neck around, looking to the remaining group. With lumbering steps, it turned itself around to face all of them. The eyes of both parties were locked on each other as it breathed outward.
Then it charged forward with another roar.
Author's Note
Who knew moving to another country across the world could take a lot out of you?
Anyways folks, here's the second chapter at long lost. Next one shouldn't take as long since I'm settled down now. Hope you all enjoy!
Constructive criticism is welcomed and encouraged.
PS: I moved to South Korea from the USA.
