//------------------------------// // Chapter Eight - Running Around // Story: Summer Bound // by Windsocks //------------------------------// There are lessons in life that you’ll never forget. This is usually because of the events that lead up to that lesson being learned. Some are sad while others are beautiful. For me, the simple premise of ‘do not throw things at Celestia’ was branded in my brain by nothing more than a small chase around the castle. 1 hour ago… My feet pounded at the marble flooring as I ran restlessly down the corridor. Not only had my actions caused Celestia to chase me, but a couple of the guards as well. It seems that they thought I was assaulting her, even though it was just a snowball. Nevertheless, since Celestia was hellbent on getting revenge, she had yet to alert them that it was nothing serious. So, long story short; I’m now running away from every single pony inside this castle. The only way out of this mess I could see would be to slip away, wait for Celestia to literally cool down, then come back out. A simple plan in theory, yet difficult in action. Sliding around another corner I come to find myself reaching a dead end. The corridor came to a halt in front of me with only a glass window. Thankfully, outside that window was a roof of another part of the castle. Putting myself into fourth gear I jump over the little ledge and onto the snow-covered roof. The blizzard was still raging, and the cold wind bitterly bit into my skin. I could barely make out where I was going as the snow obscured my vision. Taking my chances, I tilt my head back to grab a quick peek at who was still chasing me. I didn’t know my body was capable of shifting into fifth gear, but it did when I saw Celestia still hot on my heels. The snow on the roof melted as she landed, the snow instantly evaporating around her. That's right, it skipped the melting phase completely and just turned to steam. It was both a terrifying and exhilarating experience being chased by such a powerful creature. Shaking my head, I focus back forwards. The roof I was running on ended a couple feet in front of me. The only way down was a rather long fall. It was either jump or face the wrath of Celestia. Counting my losses, I skid to a halt by the edge of the roof. A few specks of snow slid off and fell down. “It’s time you learn some manners, Mr. Kenneth,” Celestia commented. She only uses prefixes for names when things get serious. The fact that she used it now made me rethink jumping off the roof. Moving closer to the edge I put on a sheepish smile. Celestia walks closer to me, her same smirk etched across her face. “It was just some harmless fun, I doubt it hurt that much.” “Harmless? You do realize that is considered an assault against the crown?” She questions stopping a couple feet away from me. I can feel the immense heat coming off her form. Even from here I could see little embers float around in the air around her. If she was any closer I could kiss my eyebrows goodbye. “With a snowball, you did the same to me. I was just getting you back,” I counter. “Oh, so like this?” Celestia questions picking up a large ball of snow, easily the same size as me with her magic. “Was your little stunt at River Breeze’s house off the record then?” I gulp, “Well,” I clear my thought, “I would like to think it is. Plus, my snowball wasn’t that big,” Taking a quick glance bellow I see my chance. A window had been opened by a maid as she dusted some sort of sheet. “I guess you won't mind me-” Was all she could say before I fell backward. Time seemed to slow down as I tipped over the edge. The look in her eyes was priceless as they changed from anger to worry and fear. Her mane instantly extinguished as she galloped towards me horn glowing. She was too late as I slipped out of sight. Time resumed to normal as I quickly grabbed the rug. The maid holding it was completely caught off guard but nevertheless held the other end. Looking up I come to see Celestia looking down at me. Her worried look was once again replaced with anger. Okay maybe faking my own suicide was not the best thing to do. If it was even possible, I think I pissed her off even more, I ponder to myself as I quickly climb up the rug. Not wanting to wait around for Celestia to come and get me, I run through the rooms main door. Leaving the maid behind me, still in a state of shock by the window. The rug still held tightly by her magic. Turning to my right, I am greeted by two stallions clad with golden armor. The moment they see me they charge at me. Turning the other way rewards me with the same result. It looks like staying in the castle is not going to get me anywhere but at the hoofs of a raging Celestia. Sighing I turn back into the room and run towards the mare. Grabbing the rug I twist it and throw it over a nearby support wire. The two stallions barge through the door and look directly at me. Their intentions clear as one of their horns lights up. Giving them a quick two finger salute, I jump off the window ledge and zip-line myself all the way to the castle wall. In hindsight, I should have seen what was coming up after I got to the wall. Many more guards were stationed here. Mentally face palming I bolt it towards the gate where two guards rush me. I could feel my adrenaline pumping through my veins. I felt as if I can do anything, for all intensive purposes I was James Bond escaping the bad guys. The guards halted as one brings his hoof back. It was all or nothing now, I pushed my legs to the limit as I aimed right between the two. Running right in between them, the stallion brings his hoof across my chest effectively clotheslining me. All the air that was once in my stomach escaped my lips. Crashing back down to the snow-covered surface, I let out a pained wheeze, “Fuck that hurt.” Note to self, life is not an action movie. I commented to myself as the other stallion levitated me back into the castle. Present… So, here I sit. In the throne room with the one and only princess Celestia. To make matters worse, she’d insisted that all the guards leave the room. For what purpose? I can only imagine as I twiddle my thumbs behind my back. Even now, I can see her stern expression locking on to me as she stands on the dais. As the last of the guards make their way out of the room, Celestia approaches me. The heat she is extruding is unbearable, but they have me roped to a nearby pillar, forcing me to inaction. At first, I thought she was going to vaporize me right where I sat, but then I realized my immunity to harmful magic. Which only caused me to panic even more as I started to think of how she was going to get around that fact. Thankfully, I was proven wrong, but not in a way I foresaw. As she looks towards me strapped to the pillar she lets out a soft, beautiful laugh. “Look at the two of us,” She states in between breaths, “Like little foals running around playing tag.” She wipes a tear from her eye, “If I had one wish it is that you never change Kenneth.” I raise my head to look at her, “I don’t plan to.” I comment as the heat dies down, “So, you’re not mad about the snow-” Was all I got to say before a white ball slapped me across the face, “-ball” “A princess always wins,” She chuckles. Rubbing my cheek, I reply, “I guess I deserved that.” “Indeed, you did, I really thought you had jumped off that roof with the intentions of killing yourself,” Celestia stated as she popped the ropes binding me to the pillar away. “But with our little ‘game’ out of the way. I really must be getting back to work.” She continues. Raising up from the marble floor I ask her, “What exactly do you princesses do?” “A lot of things, but my days mostly consists of signing warrants and listening to ponies complain at day court. I’m sure I’ll have a stack of scrolls waiting for me in my study as well as a line at court. Mother knows how many ponies are going to be there just to ask about the storm.” Celestia gets a long look in her eyes as she stares off into the distance. It’s clear -at least to me- that she already misses the adventure we went on. “If you really have that much work, you mind if I lend you a hand?” I offer. Breaking her thousand-yard stare, she looks towards me with a humbling smile, “You really wish to help me with my duties?” “Yeah, must be pretty boring doing it all by yourself. Least I can do is keep you company while you work.” I reply getting Celestia to wrap me up in her wing. This feeling will never get old, and each day that goes by I find myself wanting it more and more. Shaking my head out of the clouds I look towards Celestia. “So, what's first? Court or Paperwork?” “For you, neither. As much as I would like someone to keep me company, we must continue our search for the solution to the weather problem.” Celestia lectures as she walks us out of the throne room. The guards on the other side looked at me with awe sparkling in their eyes. I guess they expected to see a pile of ash, rather than their princess ‘wing hugging’ me. “Isn’t River Breeze already doing that?” I question as we continue down the corridor. Celestia nods, “Yes, but we cannot expect her to do all the work. Here in Canterlot, we have multiple ponies that are well qualified to study how magic affects you, and in turn the weather.” “All assuming that River Breeze’s assumption is correct,” I fix her statement. “Yes, assuming that River Breeze really was onto something,” She cemented, “So, as I was saying. I will escort you to the labs where some of our top scientists and mages work. Hopefully, with some extensive testing, we can solve this problem once and for all.” I glance over to her, “I’m not sure I like the word ‘extensive’ you used there.” “Think about the ponies lives that are in danger, Ken. The sooner we figure out the connection, the sooner we can find a way to sever it.” “What happens if you can’t sever it?” I ask the golden question. Celestia stops in her tracks as she looks deep into my eyes. I could see sorrow, fear, and guilt all wash over her as she responds, “we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” My translation for that was my execution. Who could really blame her though? I was an alien wreaking havoc on their once peaceful lives. It was a necessary evil for her to make in order to ensure the safety of her ponies. It was that part about her that I really admired. She would go that extra distance to save the ponies she cared about. Even now, she could easily solve this problem by dispatching me. Yet, here she is attempting to not only save the world but save my life as well. Nevertheless, the feeling of dread from that statement set in. Continuing our walk to the labs our conversations dwindled as the atmosphere turned dark. Not two seconds ago we were laughing and smiling. I guess reality always has to rear its ugly head around. The walk to the lab lasted no more than a couple minutes. The door we stopped in front of was like any other, but behind it was quite different. The walls were made of what looked like iron, each adorning strange markings upon them. Lab desks were scattered all around with beakers and test tubes. All the while ponies in lab coats ran in between them. It looked like the New-York train station, except instead of busy business people it was frantic science ponies. Clearing her throat the room hit pause. The ponies that were once running around all halted and turned towards her. Their eyes immediately snapping to me. Most with scowls, but some with curiosity. Saying something in her native tongue she pushed me forwards. Without a second to lose three unicorns stepped up. Each one with their horn glowing. A couple casts later and Celestia broke the silence, “These are my brightest scientist; Snowy Mist,” Which had a white coat just like Celestia. Her bright blue eyes and light pink mane seemed to suit her well. “Clever Spark,” Gave off a small scowl. His brown hair and olive green coat gave him a fairly serious look. “And lastly Rainy Day.” As her name would entail she had a navy-blue coat with a very light blue mane. All the ponies gave their own little welcome. It was quite nice to meet other ponies that could actually understand me. I guess Celestia had given up on the whole ‘integration’ process. With the introductions out of the way, Celestia left it up to the scientists to show me around and tell me what was going on. Saying her goodbyes she exited the lab promptly. “So, this is the guy that has been causing me to work overtime. I thought you would be more intimidating,” Snowy Mist comments. Clever Spark agreed with her statement, “Yeah, should have just stayed back on your own planet. Instead of bringing all your problems here.” I was about to step in, but Rainy Day pulled me aside. “Sorry about those two. Ever since the weather started up, the science department here has been given a really bad rep. Most of the ponies here,” She comments gesturing to her coworkers, “Are going to need a little warming up.” Looking down at her I give her a nice warm smile, at least not everyone here was pissed at me. “So I guess from what Snowy and Clever said, that everyone here puts the weather blame on me?” Rainy Day nods, “While Celestia has informed us that you are not doing it intentionally. You can’t expect ever pony to believe it right off the bat.” “I see you’re point. So, why aren’t you like them then? Why take my side? As you said, I could be lying.” I state as she leads me to her lab desk. “Do you want the sweet version or the honest version?” Rainy Day asks. I smile, “let's keep it real here.” “I wanted the source of the problem. What better way to get it then to kiss some flank,” Rainy replied. I roll my eyes, “ah, I see, having me with you will speed up your progress. In truth, I rather it that way. The sooner we figure this out, the sooner I can relax.” Rainy Day smiles, “I think you and I are going to get along just fine Mr. Kenneth.” “Please, just Ken is fine,” I smile back as we shake on it, hand over hoof. The day went by faster than I would have expected. Rainy Day had me on my toes the entire time. Performing everything from some simple movement tests to attempting to cast a spell. Needless to say, I completely flunked the latter. Clever Spark, and Snowy Mist both came by as well to perform their own hypothesis. Each one shot down in almost an instant. This, as you can imagine, only made my relationship with the two of them even worse. I guess you can’t win them all. Out here there will always be people -or in this case ponies- that simply dislike you for who you are. The only thing you can do at this point is smile and walk away. Nevertheless, a tired brain is often worse than no brain at all. So, by the time the sun started to set all the ponies in the lab started to pack up their test's and leave. “Well we at least crossed off a couple of theories. Hopefully tomorrow we can get you in the test chamber and perform some spells to see what exactly is going on inside you.” Rainy Day stated. Stretching my arms up in the air I yawn, “Yeah, maybe that will shed some light on the problem.” With our little exchange, we both head out of the lab and walk our separate ways. Luckily for me, the moment I turned the next corner I came upon a blue alicorn walking down the hall. A lone cup of coffee floating gently beside her. “Hey, Luna!” I called out to her as I picked up my pace to catch up. Letting out a sigh and rolling her eyes she responds, “What is it Ken, I have to get to night court.” “Do you know where your sister is? I need to talk to her about where I’m going to be staying while I’m here.” Luna raises an eyebrow, but answers me nevertheless, “She is currently in her study. I’m sure she’s still working on the reports and warrants that came in during your ‘adventure’.” She states taking another sip of her drink. “Which reminds me, you forgot this in the hospital.” She brings out her hoof to show me my cell phone. The screen was still covered in the same black and white static. Dropping it in my hand, the phone once again shocked me. “Son of a -” I bite my lip as I drop the phone onto the ground again. Luna chuckles at my expense as she slowly continues her walk away from me. Seeing her walk away I quickly shout, “Do you know-” “Down the hall, up the stairs, first door on the right.” She interrupts once again catching me completely off guard. I swear that these ponies do in fact know how to read minds. Rubbing my hand, I look down at the phone on the ground. I couldn’t just leave it here. Yet, at the same time, I’m not stupid enough to just reach out and grab it again. I wonder how Luna does it? Is it magic? No, it can’t be, the device is even more resistant to magic than I am. Hence why she had to hold it with her hoof. Pondering those thoughts around in my head I look around the hall. Nothing was out of the ordinary, pictures of famous ponies and beautiful vistas lined the walls, as candles basked the marble halls with their amber light. It was in all honesty, pretty relaxing to take in the beauty of the castle itself. Gazing over the walls, my eyes land on a tapestry. One that I’m sure nobody would notice if I took. Walking over to the small cloth mural, I unhook it from the wall and head back over to the phone. Is cloth a good insulator? I ask myself as I drop it over the phone. Guess I’m going to find out one way or another. I state wrapping the cloth around the phone and picking it up. Thankfully, the shock from the phone was unable to breach the thick fabric of the tapestry. Leaving me with a little bag that contained my phone. With that problem taken care of, I walk down the same hall Luna did, following her directions. Within no time at all, I found myself at the door to Celestia’s study. Not even bothering to knock, I open the doors to find Celestia on a cushion reading a book by a large fireplace. Hearing my entrance, Celestia’s ears perk up as she looks my way. “Ah, Kenneth, I presume all went well with the science team?” She questions. I nod with my little white lie, “Yeah, got a lot of tests done today. We’re slowly making progress it seems.” Celestia smiles as she motions for me to sit on the cushion next to her. Having no objections, I do as she commands. “You done with court and the paperwork?” I ask sitting next to her, my feet stretched out towards the fireplace. “Yes and no, I had way more work waiting for me then I had originally thought. It seems like the storm has done a lot more damage than it would seem. “Ponies everywhere, are asking for funds and or supplies to help them through the storm. Rationing all these supplies is really giving me a headache.” The pain of guilt set in, I was the cause for her and everyone else in Equestrians misfortune. I always like to stay optimistic, but at this point it was hard. Nevertheless, I hid my thoughts away deep in the reassess of my mind as I looked at her study. It was quite remarkable, hundreds of thousands of books and scrolls lined the many bookshelves around the room. A lone mahogany table sat off in the corner by a window that portrayed the city in all its glory as well as the storm that raged on. The floor unlike everywhere else was carpeted a dull gray, as the walls were made from dark spruce. Together they gave off a serious atmosphere. One of which suited the purpose of this room quite nicely. Whoever built this castle sure knew what they were doing. Letting out a dainty little yawn, Celestia went back to reading her book as I finished up my look around the room. Looking back towards her I come to see the book she’s reading. The text upon the pages held the same weird symbols that were on the wooden sign in Saddle Lake. The sight of it again, made me feel even more depressed. I was really starting to get homesick now. The fact that I hadn’t been able to teleport recently was nagging in the back of my head. Even now when I knew teleportation is impossible due to the spell swap, I wished that it would happen so I could see my world again. Maybe when this is all over, I would go back to River Breeze and ask to change back the spell. A small shove against my left arm rustled me from my thoughts. Looking over to Celestia I come to see that it was not a shove but her body leaning up against mine. Her eyes lids were shut as she breathed gently in and out. A small smile adorning her muzzle as she wandered the dream realm. Shuffling a bit to get more comfortable, I found myself at a loss. What was I supposed to do? Yes, it was cute, and at any moment I could keel over from how sweet the entire motion was, but was I just supposed to sit here till she woke up? I’m sure if I wandered through the halls carrying a knocked out Celestia, the guards would not be too happy. Especially since I tried to escape them earlier on today. Letting out a small sigh, I gave up. Leaning my head against hers I welcomed the idea of sleep.