Chapter 15 Brain Freeze

I woke with an arm wrapped around me.

It was a nice feeling, like I was being protected. I groaned and rolled over, blinking, to see Duncan's face pressed into my back, snoring softly. I rolled my eyes. "Pssst. Duncan."

He continued to snore.

I nudged him with my elbow. "Duncan!" I said louder. He snorted a bit, then droned on.

I huffed. The kid had ears like a rock. I squirmed around until I was facing him, his arms still locked around my torso. I took a deep breath. "DUNCAN!!!"

He mumbled something, blinking his eyes open slowly. He squinted at my face for a moment, then suddenly, his eyes widened, and he jumped straight up, like a cat who got it's tail stepped on. Landing on his feet, he backed up several paces, blushing. I sat up.

"What's wrong with you?"

He blinked at me. "What...? You mean, you didn't mind?"

I gave him my best perplexed expression. "What do you mean? Didn't mind what?"

He plopped down on a bale of straw. "Well, I had my arms wrapped around you and we were sleeping and I thought it was kinda awkward and-"

I cut him off. "You've really never touched a human before, have you?"

He shook his head.

"Well, it's alright. We just fell asleep next to each other. No biggie. Some humans might not see it that way, but I'm pretty laid back about that stuff." Mostly because I've spent the majority of my life in an overcrowded orphanage. I really couldn't care less who shares my personal space, at this point.

He sighed, seeming relieved. "Alright... if you say so."

We made our way downstairs (downladders?), where more bacon was frying in the kitchen. Raven had recently purchased a minifridge with her first paycheck, and we had been able to enjoy the occaisional perishable meal. Contrary to what you might think, I was perfectly fine with eating meat in human form. I had never actually tried eating anything as a horse. I suppose I should do that sometime.

We were evidently the last ones awake. Everyone looked exhausted. Raven came in from the kitchen with a plate of bacon and eggs, which she plopped down on the 'table' (a couple of bales with a board placed across them) before taking a seat next to Fiona. we all mumbled a 'goodmorningGodblessthisfoodamen', before tucking in.

After several minutes of silence, Dane spoke up. "So, guys, I've been thinking..."

"Oh, no." Fiona sniggered. I rolled my eyes. Dane elbowed her in the shoulder.

"As I was saying, I think we should move. And before you protest," He held up a hand, silencing Raven and Fiona, who had opened their mouths at the same time, "I have several reasons for suggesting this. The first and foremost is that you really have no reason to stay here."

Fiona gave him 'the look'. "We have plenty! First off, we have no money for anywhere else. Second - "

Dane interrupted. "Actually... I can take care of the money issue. You can pretty much live anywhere you want to."

We all stared for a moment. Then, Fiona's eyes widened. "Ohhhhh..."

I glanced between Raven and Duncan. "What is she talking about...?" They shrugged, looking as mystified as I was.

Dane cleared his throat, shifting embarrassedly. "Well, it's kinda like this... er... I suppose I should just tell you..."

"Spit it out already!" I said impatiently.

His shoulders slumped. "I'm a billionare."

For a moment, silence ruled. Then I laughed and took another bite of bacon. "Why don't I add 'playboy, philanthropist' too? Heh heh heh..." I stopped laughing, and looked around at everyone else. "Ummm... is he serious?"

Fiona nodded.

"..........."

I blinked. Then I said, "Okay, if all you guys are going to do is mess with me, I'm going back to bed." I stood up.

"Wait!" Dane jumped up. Raven popped another peice of bacon in her mouth like it was popcorn at a movie. "I can prove it!"

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, yeah. I gotta see this."

He pulled out his cell phone, Which we all had now, just in case the earsets stopped working for some reason. He dialed a number in. It rang for a moment, then I heard it pick up. "Hello, this is the Syeriys residence. My name is George, how may I help you?" I could hear every word on the other end. Excellent hearing and all.

"George! It's good to hear your voice again!"

The voice on the other end sounded shocked. "Master Dane! Where are you?! I shall send the car for you at once!"

I raised an eyebrow. I wonder who they got to play the 'butler'? Whoever it is, they're good.

"No, that won't be neccisary, George. I just need you to have someone drop my Ferrari off at the base of the Hancock center, in Chicago. The green Ferrari, if you please?"

"But sir-"

Dane cut him off. "I'm sorry George, but that's an order. I'll be back soon, anyway. I just needed some time to... sort some things out." He glanced at Fiona. She blinked back at him, an amused grin on her face. She's in on it.

"All... all right sir. Just be careful. I will look forward to your return."

"Thank you George. I'll look forward to my return." Dane hung up, and turned around.

I crossed my arms. "Still not impressed. How much of our grocery money did you pay that guy for that performance?"

He sighed. "Come on. If you're still not convinced when we get there, then I don't know what will convince you. Just reserve judgement until then."

"Where?" I stared at him suspiciously.

"To the Hancock center of course." Dane walked toward the door. "We should get going anyway. Who knows what kind of trouble the city is getting into?"

Everyone else stood up and followed him out the door. I sighed and followed.

Outside, all the Changelings assumed their various shapes, except Duncan, who walked over to me after I had shifted.

I eyed him, warily. "You seriously want to come with me again?"

He nodded. I huffed. "Fine."

I was not in the greatest mood.

We all took off, Raven flying alongside Fiona, who was carrying Dane. He waved at me from her back. "I'll meet you at the Hancock!"

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. But I still don't believe you!"

I shot off, Duncan clinging to my mane. Dodging through early morning traffic, I made it to the highway in record time. I was determined to beat them to the building.

I could feel Duncan cling to me tighter as I put on another burst of speed. The entire world around me was just a blur. I bared my teeth, pushing myself to the limit. Suddenly, it was as though I had bit a bubble, and it popped. A loud bang sounded in my ears, and I realized with elation that I had hit the sound barrier. Then it happened again. And again. The air around me grew colder and colder, and suddenly, I realized, I was glowing. Everything seemed to ripple. I left a trail of ice shards behind me. Every time I hit another barrier, I steamed.

Then, everything rippled. And froze. With a final crack, exactly like ice breaking, everything stopped. It was like before, when time slowed down, and I jumped through that ferris wheel on Navy Peir. Except this time, everything was literally frozen. It was rediculously cold. I could feel ice form in my lungs. My breath cam out as cold as the air around it. The very air around me was almost like glass. I slowed down, trotting to a halt. My breathing was harsh, echoing in the completely immobilized world around me.

I shuddered suddenly, and nearly collapsed. With a crack, like an iceberg shattering, everything returned to normal. A huge gust of hot wind whipped around me. The cars on the highway screeched and honked. Duncan slumped against my shoulders as I staggered over to the side of the road.

"What the heck was that?" He clutched my neck.

I shook my head, wearily. "I have no idea... I was just *huff huff* trying to get to the tower really fast..."

He sat back up, slowly. "Yeah... are you alright to continue? You look really tired." I liked the concern in his voice.

"I'm alright. I'll make it. I just need to rest when we get there."

I set off at a trot, then broke into a canter, and finally, a slow gallop.

What WAS that? It's like I just... froze time...