Animal Magick 5
Chapter18: One More Run In
"So if your mother is a witch, are you one too?" Chris asked.
"No, I don't have any of the powers she has. If I did, I would turn you guys back right now," Becky replied. They had successfully gotten train tickets for a train that allowed 'livestock', but Becky would have to make sure the animals were properly restrained, and she would have to sit with the other passengers. They had an hour to kill before the train left, and Becky led the guys to a hardware store so she could pick out various size cages.
"This is so humiliating," Justin grumbled as they stopped outside. "As if it wasn't bad enough that we're walking around naked, now we have to be penned up like regular animals!"
"Well, for the time being, you are regular animals, so don't take it personally," Becky said as she pushed open the door. "Now you guys wait here while I go buy this stuff. And you are going to pay me back when I get you changed back."
"Yes master," Joey teased. They watched Becky go in the store and disappear down the 'Livestock Care' isle. "Is it just me, or is she kinda hot?" he asked.
"I knew that was coming," Lance laughed.
"It's just because the only thing that would date you now is covered in fur and eats out of trash cans," Chris teased.
"Ain't nothing wrong with that," Joey smiled, showing his sharp teeth.
"Looks like we're finally reaching the other end of the tunnel," J.C. interrupted, placing himself next to Joey's huge tail.
"And what a long and twisted tunnel it was," Joey agreed.
"I think I'm gonna miss this body," Chris said, cleaning his tail with his small paws.
"Why?" Joey asked. "I hate raccoons. They're so clumsy."
"No, that's just you," Chris replied. "I actually though it was an improvement."
"Haha, well you're not any funny in a squirrel body," Joey shot back.
"No, but seriously, being a squirrel isn't that bad. I'm cute, quick, and fast."
"Then try being a turtle," J.C. said.
"I wonder why the witch picked the animals she did," Lance asked. "I mean, do I remind you guys of a rabbit?"
"Yeah," Justin said. "You're quiet, cuddly, and little girls want you."
"Thanks," Lance said sarcastically. "Well at least I'm not a goat."
"What's wrong with a goat?" Justin asked.
"Nothing," J.C. said. "It fits you pretty good, I think."
"Really? Why?"
"You have those big blue eyes, an annoying bleat, and you get noticed everywhere you go," Joey said.
"And I'm a turtle because I'm serious, slow and like to sleep?" J.C. asked.
"Exactly," Chris beamed, blinking his oil-drop eyes.
"Okay guys, I'm back," Becky said, interrupting them. "Miss me?"
"Joey did," Justin said, nudging the raccoon with his hoof.
"Well, here's your supplies. We better see if they're the right size while we're still here." She unloaded the cart one by one, starting with a shoe box size Tupperware tub. "This is for the turtle," she said, picking up J.C. "It just occurred to me, I don't know who's who here."
"You're holding J.C.," Justin said. "I'm Justin, the rabbit is Lance, the raccoon is Joey, and the squirrel is Chris."
"Well at least mother matched you to suitable animals," Becky replied, setting J.C. down in the box. She then pulled out three small vari-kennels, setting them down in front of Chris, Lance and Joey.
The guys looked at the crates in disgust. "Those aren't for us," Joey said sarcastically.
"I'm afraid so guys," Becky replied, bending down. She gently nudged Lance and he hopped inside, then turned around. "Do you have enough room?" she asked.
"I guess," Lance mumbled, feeling even smaller.
Joey slowly walked forward and stepped in his crate. "This really sucks," he complained. His crate was larger than the other two, and it fit him perfectly. The darkness made his face invisible except for the sparkle in his eyes.
"Good," Becky replied. "Now Chris, you try out yours."
Becky reached out to grab the squirrel, but Chris ducked out of the way at the last minute. "You are not getting me in there!" he squeaked, darting out of the way as Becky tried to catch him again.
"Chris, you have to," Becky said, chasing the gray ball of energy down the street.
"No!" Chris yelled back, scrambling to stay ahead of Becky in the crowded street.
Suddenly Chris ran into something hard and that smelled like cologne. A hand reached down and picked him up by the scruff of his neck, raising him off the ground until he was eye level with…
"AJ?!" Chris yelped, feeling totally helpless as he dangled in front of the Backstreet Boy's annoyed face.
"Well well, what do we have here?" AJ grinned menacingly. "Looks like the little rodent that ruined our show the other day. Where's your little friends now?"
Becky ran up to AJ with a worried look on her face. "Please don't hurt him, it was my fault," she said, trying to catch her breath.
"Who are you?" AJ replied.
Nick steeped up beside AJ and said, "So you're responsible for this squirrel?"
Becky thought for a second, waiting for a response from the petrified Chris. "Uh, yeah, I guess."
"Do you know how much trouble he caused us today?" AJ asked.
"I'm sorry for whatever he did, he just got out of my hands for a second-"
"Where are the other flea-ridden animals he was with?" Nick asked.
"What animals?" Becky covered, trying not to smile when she saw Chris's tail curled up between his hind legs.
"Oh, I believe there was a goat, a raccoon, a rabbit and some kind of lizard or something," AJ replied, still glaring at Chris relentlessly.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Becky said. "Now can I please have my squirrel back?"
Nick and AJ looked at each other. "I don't know," Nick said. "I'm sure the other guys would like to have a rematch with this little furball."
"You can't have him," Becky said stubbornly. "He's mine."
Chris's heart was racing, pushing his little chest in and out with stunning speed. But Becky's courage was boosting his, and quick as lightening; he twisted around, biting AJ on the hand.
"Ow! God damn squirrel!" AJ yelled, throwing Chris to the ground. He inspected his bleeding hand as Chris scampered through the crowd and back to the others.
"Stay away from my squirrel," Becky warned, then she turned to follow Chris.
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Chapter 19: All Aboard!
"Well I hoped you learned your lesson," Becky said, shaking her head as she wrapped Chris's tiny paw.
"I was doing fine until that ugly excuse for a human threw me," Chris replied. "He didn't have to throw me that hard."
They were on the train, and Becky was preparing them for the long ride to Pennsylvania. The little animals were in their crates already, and Becky had bought Justin a pony-sized halter with matching lead. He was securely tied beside a chocolate brown cow and white ranch horse. Becky continued wrapping Chris's paw to help ease the pain from his sprained paw. When she was done, she gently placed him in his crate and shut the door. "Now you guys be good, okay?"
"I'm hungry," Joey whined.
"Me too," the others chimed in.
"Fine, I'll get you all something to eat. You do look a little thin," Becky replied, getting up and heading for the door.
"I want a steak," Chris called after her.
"I bet," she laughed, heading back into the train station.
Justin looked at the soft-eyed cow next to him. "Hi," he said.
The cow turned her large head to him. "Hello," she replied softly.
"What's your name?" Justin asked.
"I don't have one," she replied. "I’m just a milk cow."
"Everyone has to have a name," Lance said from the darkness of his crate.
The cow shuffled her feet in the hay. "What should my name be?" she asked, blinking her large eyes at Justin.
"Something sweet," Justin replied. "How about Daisy?"
"That's a good cow name," she replied. "I like it. Thank you."
"Your welcome," Justin said, turning away for a second.
"What's your name?" Daisy asked.
"My name's Justin," Justin replied. "These are my friends, Chris, Lance, J.C., and Joey."
Daisy swung her head around to view all the crates. "Nice to meet all of you," she greeted.
Then Justin looked up to the muscular horse. "How about you? What's your name?"
"I'm Magick," the horse replied.
"Nice to meet both of you," Justin replied.
There was an awkward moment of silence before Becky returned, carrying boxes of food. "Okay guys, dinner is served," she smiled, sitting in the middle of the circle of animals. She took the lid off of J.C.'s box and put in a handful of salad.
"Thank you," he replied, the drug himself to the lettuce and began slowly chewing on it.
Becky smiled then opened Lance's crate and emptied a bag of carrots in front of him. "It's a good thing I like carrots," Lance sighed, but nuzzled her hand in appreciation.
Becky shut the crate before moving on to Joey. "I figured raccoons eat whatever they can find, so I got you some apples and a hot dog."
"That'll do," Joey replied, eagerly taking the offered food. "Thanks."
"Sure," Becky replied, shutting his cage door. Then she came to Chris and emptied a bag of mixed nuts into his crate. "I know squirrels love nuts," she smiled.
"No one better make any smart remarks," Chris warned as he grabbed a walnut.
"Don't worry, that's too easy," J.C. said.
Becky got up and stood in front of Justin. "I have no idea what goats eat," she said. "But I hear you're not too picky, so I got you some bread, lettuce and apples."
"Sounds fine to me," Justin said. "Thanks."
Becky saw the horse and cow watching her longingly. "I didn't forget you two," she smiled. She walked over to them and emptied to boxes of salad in front of them "There you go," she said.
Daisy mooed in response, then began nibbling the lettuce. "Well," Becky sighed, "It's about time for the train to start. You guys need anything else?"
"Uh, I do," Joey said quietly.
"What?"
"I have this strong urge to wash my food, and its really bothering me," he said. "Can I have a bowl of water or something?"
"I guess," Becky sighed. "I'll be back."
The other animals looked at Joey as Becky left again. "What?" he asked.
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Chapter 20: A Nice Ride Home
The guys ate their food and were lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of the train as it ran over the tracks. They had a peaceful sleep during the four-hour trip that took them to a small town in the heart of Pennsylvania. When the train finally screeched to a halt, the guys woke up rested and full of energy. A railroad worker opened the door to the boxcar and placed a ramp at the edge. A gruff looking farmer walked up and untied Daisy and Magick; them led them down the ramp.
"Goodbye!" Daisy called behind her.
"Bye!" the guys echoed.
Becky came up the ramp next and grabbed J.C.'s box. "You guys have a nice trip?"
"It was dandy," Joey yawned.
Becky handed the box to the railroad worker, who placed the box on a luggage mover. "I'm sorry I can't let you guys out yet, it's the railroad policy that you have to stay in there."
"We understand," Lance said.
Becky handed all the crates to the man, then untied Justin. She led him down the ramp and through the busy station, the worker staying close behind as he pulled the rest of the guys behind him. Becky led the way out into the parking lot and found her van. She folded the seats down and loaded all the animals in, then thanked the man for helping.
Beck got in the driver's seat and looked back at the animals. "You guys okay back there?"
"Peachy," Joey panted. "How long has this van been sitting in the sun?"
"A couple of days," Becky replied, turning on the van. "I have air conditioning though, so don't worry."
Justin had to crouch to fit and the other crates were stacked on top of one another. "How long is it until we get to your mother's house?" Justin asked.
"Only about twenty minutes," Becky said. "Can you last that long?"
"I have to go to the bathroom!" Chris yelled.
"I'm hungry again!" Joey added.
"You guys are teasing, right?" she asked.
"Not really-"
"Just drive," J.C. interrupted. "They'll live."
"Okay," Becky shrugged. They hit the highway and had a fairly smooth ride. Justin tried lifting his head up to look out the window, but the hot sun warmed his face, forcing him to keep close to the floor. Soon the van smelled of animal breath and fur, so Becky turned the AC off and rolled down the windows. "We're almost there," she yelled over the wind.
The van slowed and turned onto a less busy road. "Uh oh…" Chris squeaked.
"What?" Becky asked.
"I uh, I kinda had an accident…"
"But we're almost there!"
"I couldn't hold it any more!"
"Good job Chris," Joey teased.
"Shut up fatty," Chris shot back.
"Guys, don’t make me stop this car," Becky scolded.
The guys remained quiet until Becky pulled into her driveway. She got out and went around the back of the van, then opened the back door. "Good job, now it smells like urine," she groaned.
"I'm sorry!" Chris defended.
Justin was the first to jump out of the van and into the warm sun. Becky let the others out of their crates one by one, saving Chris for last. All four paws were wet, and Becky let him get out by himself. "Jeeze, how big is that bladder of yours?" she teased when she saw the thin layer of liquid on the crate bottom. She saw him standing on the tailgate looking down and urged, "Go ahead and jump. I'm not touching you."
"I can't," he whined. "It's too high."
"Oh please, you're a squirrel," Becky laughed.
"No, he seriously does have a problem with heights," Joey said, looking up at Becky.
"Fine then," Becky sighed, setting Chris on the ground. "You big baby. Now lets go find mother."
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Chapter 21: Face to Face
"Mother?" Becky called, opening the door. She led the guys into a very large hallway with a stone floor and crystal chandelier that gave off a soft glow. The hall stretched out about twenty feet, then branched off into separate halls, each with numerous wooden doors. The place looked ancient and smelled slightly dusty. The air was cool except for warm spots created by small windows that lined the hallway.
Justin's hooves echoed as they followed Becky down the hall. "You live in here?" he asked, trying to lighten the dark feeling the house had cast.
"Since I was born," Becky replied. She reached the end of the hall and turned left. The guys stayed close together, afraid something would jump out of the shadows. "She's probably in her spell room," Becky said, opening the second door and starting down the new hallway.
"Should we be following you?" Joey asked. "I mean, this seems kinda personal."
"You'll have to meet her sooner or later," Becky replied.
The hallway seemed to grow cooler as they traveled further down it. At the end of the hall was a large wooden door with some sort of drawing on it. Without hesitation, Becky opened the door and grabbed Justin's halter, pulling him inside also.
"Becky!" an old woman smiled, running forward to hug Becky. Her frizzy hair was gray and her black robe was tattered. She walked with the aid of a wooden cane, grasping it with old fingers and yellow nails. At her side was a midnight black cat with glowing yellow eyes that looked wearily at the newcomers.
"Mother! Good to see you!" Becky smiled, returning the woman's hug.
"How was your vacation?" Haggitha asked, studying her daughter.
"It was…interesting," Becky said, moving aside so Haggitha could see the group of frightened animals.
"What have you here?" Haggitha asked. "More pets?"
"No mother, these are special animals. They are really Nsync. You wouldn't know anything about this, would you?"
"Ahh, I remember now. They got what they rightfully deserved," Haggitha snapped.
"Why?" Becky asked. "What did they do?"
"I saw how heartbroken you were that they canceled that concert here," Haggitha replied. "You cried all night. That is why they must suffer."
"Mother, things like that happen," Becky replied. "You can't go changing everything into animals because they don't do what you want."
"You mean you're not angry with them?"
"No, not anymore," Becky smiled. "They have made up for it in our trip back here." Haggitha studied the cowering animals as her cat sniffed Justin's hooves. "Please change them back," Becky said.
"Fine," Haggitha huffed, grabbing Justin's halter and pulling him forward. He tripped over the cat, which ran into the shadows. "Stand here and don't move," she ordered. Becky and the others watched as the witch grabbed various jars off of dusty shelves. She started taking various amounts out of each jar and mixed them together in a large wooden bowl. The powders and liquids began to spark, and Haggitha started chanting in a foreign tongue. The room grew darker and cooler, but Justin stood his ground. He looked down and noticed he was standing in the middle of a large red star.
Haggitha continued her chanting, then threw a handful of the potion on Justin. He glowed brightly before slowly taking human shape again, then fell to the floor, unconscious. Becky ran forward to pull Justin off of the star, then yelled over Haggitha for one of the others to go.
The room held it's intensity and the magic was thick in the air. Joey was the next to leap forward, and Haggitha repeated the procedure, transforming Joey also. Joey dropped also, and was pulled off the glowing star by Becky. Becky then yelled for J.C., Lance and Chris to go at the same time. Haggitha was starting to loose her hold on the magic, and the star was loosing it's blinding color.
Chris and Lance pushed J.C. on to the star and waited, then felt the burning of the potion being thrown on them. Their bodies began to stretch claws and paws being stretched back into fingers. Their bodies grew taller and increased to a blinding yellow glow, then all three were thrown into darkness and they fell to the ground.
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Chapter 22: A Whole New Perspective
Lance slowly opened his sea green eyes, glad to wake up from his dream. He blinked, letting his eyes become used to the dim light, then realized it was no dream. He immediately felt his head for the long soft ears he had been carrying for the past week and was relieved to not find them. A huge smile crossed his face as he pulled himself up off the cold stone floor.
The others were still sleeping beside him, lined up along the dirt wall. They were dressed in the clothes they were last wearing, thankfully. Lance looked around the dim room and saw Becky sitting in the corner, petting the black cat as it lay curled up in her lap. "Glad you're awake," she smiled, not moving.
"Was all that real?" Lance asked. "We were really animals?"
"I'm afraid so," Becky laughed. "But you can go anytime you want now. I promise she won't do anything like that ever again."
Joey stirred in his sleep, waking himself and Chris up in the process. They immediately looked themselves over, also not believing all that had happened. They looked from Lance to Becky with questioning brown eyes.
"Yes, it was real," Lance said, answering their wordless question.
"How?" Joey asked.
"I don't know," Lance replied.
Justin woke with a start, kicking J.C. and waking him up too. "I'm human!" he beamed, feeling his chest.
"That was too freaky," J.C. added, looking around the room.
"Can we get out of here?" Chris asked, standing up on wobbly legs.
Their eyes fell on Becky and they softened. "Thanks for helping us," J.C. said, steeping towards her.
"It's okay," she smiled, pushing the cat off her lap and standing up.
"How can we repay you?" Justin asked.
"Well, while you guys were out, I figured up your bills," she smiled. "You each owe me fifty dollars."
"Done," J.C. replied.
"Well, I guess I'll show you out now," she said, turning and going down the dim hallway.
The guys looked around and Lance said, "Even though we're human, this hallway is still the same size."
Becky smiled to herself but didn't say anything. "I guess I'll drive you guys to the airport," she said, leading them outside.
"Thanks for everything you've done," Joey said as they followed her.
"Hey, it was my fault anyway," she replied.
They got in the hot van and were nearly gagged by the strong smell of urine. "Oh yeah, I forgot," Becky said, turning to Chris. "First, you gotta clean your crate."
Finish!
Epilogue:
The guys returned home safely and were strongly welcomed by their search parties. Millions of questions were asked, and the guys made up a story about how they just wanted to get away for a week. The guys wanted to share their adventures with everyone, but nobody would believe them anyway. As promised, they returned to see Pebbles the Newfoundland dog, and Rosie, who received new glasses. Although they could no longer understand his barks, they knew he remembered them.
They keep in touch with Becky and she grew to be close to all the guys. To keep on her good side, the guys send Haggitha birthday and Christmas presents every year.
Nsync's lives were always exciting, but nothing would ever compare to their brush with Animal Magick.
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