Chapter 6 Chicago Streets

Finally, I reached Chicago.

After another run-in with the police, a rather... interesting bathroom break, and accidentally getting lost somewhere in Wheaton, and adding to that the fact that it was past midnight, well, I was really ready for a break.

I zoomed down the exit ramp into the downtown area, passing cars and trucks, dodging taxis and leaping over traffic jams. The greyhound busses were especially fun, with two seperate cars, joined by an accordian tube of rubber. Fun, as long as you don't get your hoof stuck in the gap.

Then I saw the El train.

High above the street, a metal track suddenly swerved onto the road I was taking. I whinnied, a horse laugh, and charged toward the stairs leading to a nearby station. I took them in two bounds, then paused my sensitive ears flattened slightly at loudness of the screeching and rumbling that assaulted them. As a horse, my senses were much better than a human's making some sounds remarkably painful. I tried to ignore it, my eyes seeking one thing.

I found it.

When I had arrived, all the trains were either stopped, or just pulling up. Now, one began to move off of the platform, quickly gaining speed. I bolted toward it, ignoring the people that had stopped to stare at my sudden appearance.

I clattered across the first set of tracks, then leaped onto the second, putting on a burst of speed to keep ahead of the rapidly accelerating train behind me. It is ON!

My hooves thudded over the wooden rail supports, nearly drowned out by the roar of the silver cars behind me. I had to step carefully, very carefully, to avoid one of my legs slipping through the gaps between supports. That would mean an instant broken leg, not to mention getting run over by the train.

I glanced behind me. The train was gaining, quickly. We were already doing about forty miles an hour, and the train was still picking up speed.

Suddenly, I stumbled, nearly catching my leg in a crack. I need to be careful! I can't run any faster without taking a misstep. Maybe... The next stride, I completely changed my running style. I put both forefeet forward at the same time, as if landing from a jump. Then brought both hind feet forward, setting all four hooves on one support for a moment. Then repeated the process, taking long leaps, deer style. It was very uncomfortable, for a horse. But it worked. I began to gain on it, the roar and screech and flicker of it's headlights fading behind me. This is too easy! Maybe I should go to japan and race one of those super fast electric trains. Or maybe go a few rounds with Jeff Gordan at the Indy track. I grinned at the thought.

Finally, I spotted another station. I trotted down the stairs and onto the street, then took off toward what looked like the waterfront. That was AWSOME! I am SO doing that again!

The traffic was congested, but then, it was a city. Leaping over honking taxis and swerving through cars and trucks, I bolted around the corner at the end of the street. I had no idea where I was running to. I guess it was just instinct, like something was telling me to go this way. All I knew was that if I stopped, I would be seen.

I swerved along the waterfront, dashing between cars as if they were standing still. Suddenly, a flash of white in the sky caught my attention, and I looked up. I nealy stumbled and fell. There was something flying through the air, something large, very large, and white. With huge, batlike wings and a long, graceful neck. A puff of smoke flew from it's nostrils. A dragon?! No, it can't be. I must be hallucinating. All that running. But I don't feel that tired... I shook my head, then glanced over my shoulder one more time as I zoomed down the lane. It almost seemed to be watching me.

I shook my mane and kicked my heels out behind me, trying to rid myself of the strange feeling that I was supposed to turn around. Why would you turn around? That thing would probably eat you as soon as look at you! What you need to do is find a nice, quiet place to get some rest, and figure out what to do. Then, a sudden thought struck me. Wait... what if I could change back? Geez, I hope this isn't permenant!

I ran toward the south side of the city, then stopped when I saw what looked to be a large park near the road. A decent-sized patch of woodland was situated next to a small pond, with a gravel path encircling it. Park benches sat here and there, along with the occaisional trash can.

I sighed. I suppose this will have to do for the night. I walked into the woods, carefully stepping over thorns and around bushes.

I found a secluded spot, in a small hollow next to a boulder. Pine trees surrounded it, their branches hanging low to the ground, creating a protective canopy, while the inside was fairly clear. Dry pine needles layered the ground, the perfect place to rest.

I settled down with a grunt, folding my stiff knees beneath me. I had heard that horses could sleep standing up, but I was too tired to try it. My last thought before drifting off was, What am I going to do now?