//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5 
// Story: Traveler 
// by totallynotabrony 
//------------------------------//

	After staying the night in Ponyville, Nika and I went back to the doorway facility and got a transfer to Canterlot.  I didn’t know how we would get in to see Celestia, and did not really care.  Those who were important seemed to be able to find me when they wanted me for something.  I figured that if we showed up at the castle, that would be good enough.
As we departed the doorway hub, Nika subtly bumped my side with her hip.  I turned on the street corner and we walked a different direction.  I didn’t know what might cause her concern, but if she wanted to check for a tail, I was fine with that.
We didn’t see anything, or at least not at first.  Being a pegasus myself, I should have thought to look up sooner.  I studied the patterns of flight overhead.  There seemed to be a steady cycle of traffic.  I picked out one or two ponies that looked suspicious, but not enough to really make me worried.
We returned to our original course without spotting a tail.  There were a couple, though.  The Equestrians couldn’t be expected to play by the rules, of course, and it turned out they were using magic for disguises.  Nika and I suddenly learned that when a pair of unicorns stepped in front of us and decloaked, revealing their true appearance.
I swore and rolled my eyes.  “You know, you could have just met us at the terminal.”
“We wanted to make sure you were alone,” said one of them.
“You don’t trust me?”
“You’re mercenaries,” he said, looking at Nika too.
“Private contractor,” I muttered, although not very insistently.  He seemed like the kind of guy who wouldn’t change what he called me just because I objected to it.
“Come along, the Princess wants to meet with you.”
Despite my consternation, at least we were getting somewhere.  Nika and I followed along.  I tried to find out a little more so I would be prepared.  It’s never a good idea to be caught unaware when meeting with a head of state.
“What’s this all about?” I asked.
“Princess Celestia is not pleased with you,” said one of the stallions.  “Apparently, you broke some sort of contract.”
Was that how she saw it?  The three mares had told me to retrieve the bag from the other side of the doorway and I had failed.  I retorted, “It’s not like I didn’t try.  There were fighter jets shooting at me.”
“The way I understand it, you put your woman over the mission.”  The both threw Nika a look that wasn’t quite hostile but certainly not polite.  I gritted my teeth and managed to say nothing.  It wasn’t easy.
We went up to the palace on the mountain.  It was an Equestrian landmark, but I had never been so close before.  The two unicorns handed us off to a Royal Guard who escorted Nika and I the rest of the way to Celestia’s office.
“Sorry, but only you can go in, Mr. Canvas,” he said.  I had no idea whether he held the same feelings for me that the other two stallions had, but he maintained military professionalism regardless, and for that I admired him.  I’ve always preferred to deal with the military—anyone’s military—over civilians.  They’re usually more predictable.
I nodded to Nika and she leaned back against the wall to wait, crossing her arms.  The guard opened the door and I stepped through.  Celestia’s office was actually decorated to about the same level of swag as the Oval Office.  Plush carpet, tasteful trim, and a big wooden desk.
Celestia looked up like she hadn't been expecting me.  I wasn't sure the reason for the act, but I had given up on trying to figure her out.
“Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. Canvas,” she said, gesturing me to a chair.  “We have a few things to discuss.”
I sat, feeling apprehensive.  Knowing her reputation, Celestia probably wouldn't scream.  She wouldn't threaten me.  I was still guessing that this was going to be unpleasant, though.  I asked, “Where should we start?”
“How about with your contract?”  She levitated a piece of paper from her side of the desk to mine.  It was what I had signed.  It still had the same untidy writing produced by my mouth holding the pen.  Celestia stared at me.  “Mr. Canvas, why did you break the contract?”
“Would it be crazy to say love?”  I watched her face.  Her pupils might have dilated a little, but the rest of her features were as still as stone.
“It might be,” she replied after a moment.
“I'm not going to apologize.  Nika means a lot more to me than you do.”
Celestia sighed.  “I can't fault you for that.”
“You're trying to.”  
“Mr. Canvas, I know what happened.  I wish you had done something else, but what’s done is done.”
I didn’t like her disappointed tone.  It felt like she was my mom or something.  I pulled a plastic card from the band on my leg and placed it on the desk.  “Do you see this?  ‘Sail Canvas, Driver's License, Issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.’  What is that phrase I’ve heard you say on TV - ‘My little ponies?’  Well, I might be pony, but not one of yours.  Stop treating me that way.”
Her expression changed slightly.  I went on.  “You asked me to do something, and I failed.  I'm genuinely sorry for that, but I'm not going to roll over and let you guilt-trip me, Princess.  The contract only specifies payment for performance.  I failed, so I don’t get paid.  My girlfriend means more to me than money.” 
She studied me for a moment.  “Well, I suppose you've made your point.”
“Can I go?”
“You can.”  She cracked a smile, surprising me.  “Or you can stay and sign a new contract.”
I blinked.  “Really?”
“I can also offer something to help with your personal relations.”
“What does—”
She pointed her horn at me, and with a sudden flash of magic the picture on my driver's license was wrong.