My mother told me when I was born, the doctor was too dumbstruck to do anything other than hand her the wailing package she’d spent the last few hours delivering. My father, being the strong stallion that he was, fainted dead away, while the nurse just galloped out of the room in a panic. My mother took a look around the chaotic room, then smiled at the newborn red-coated, purple maned colt crying his lungs out and nuzzled him.
“I just know you’re going to do great things. The sky’s the limit for somepony like you.” And just like that, I got my name. I’m an earth pony, my parents are both pegasi, and my name’s Sky Limit. Crazy, huh?
*Knock knock knock*
I looked up from yet another attempt to start a record of my life as I heard knocking at the door. Knowing who it has to be, I sighed and got to my hooves. I trotted over and, taking a deep breath, opened the door to allow the yellow and white comet to rocket into my house. It swirled a miniature cyclone in the middle of the room, pulling all the notes and sketches tacked to the wall from their designated places.
“Morning Storm, what’s up?” I tried not to let my annoyance enter my voice at once again having to re-organize my workshop.
The comet stopped in place, wings beating a mile a minute as it looked at me.
“What do you mean what’s up? How could you forget, the Summer Sun Celebration party starts in ten minutes! Come on, we’re going to be late!” Storm Singer shouted, the pegasus blurring out the door.
I shook my head at his antics, and trotted over to my work desk to retrieve a pair of goggles. They looked just like the replica Wonderbolts goggles you can buy at any of their shows, but I’d made some additions to them to turn them into my work goggles. The left lens now sported a magnifying glass mount that can take a variety of custom lenses, and the frame is reinforced so that it could be thrown across the room in frustration and not break.
Slipping them over my head to settle just over my eyes, I trotted back to the door and took one last look around to make sure everything was in place. Half-finished inventions and notes filled the room, though most of the notes were now swirled into a pile on the floor thanks to Storm Singer. I debated trying to organize them, but decided to head to the Celebration and do it later.
The streets of Hoofington were mostly deserted, the last few stragglers rushing to Town Hall so they wouldn’t be late. Joining them, I made it through the doors with a few minutes to spare, the building already packed near to capacity. Spotting Storm hovering next to a pegasus guard, I started to weave through the crowd in that direction. He barely acknowledged my approach, too preoccupied in battering the poor guard with a tidal wave of questions, all delivered in his usual rapid-fire fashion.
“So are you all related? How do you make that funny noise with your wings? Do you guys really have to sit still for hours at a time? I couldn’t imagine sitting still for that long, can you Sky? Oh, I forgot, you do that all the time anyway. OH! They have actual Sweet Apple Acres cider here? I’m gonna go grab some while it’s still here, want some?” Not even waiting for my reply, he was already across the room by the time I had started to nod.
“Sorry for that, he does get a little hyper at times.” The guard didn’t say anything, but I saw his left eye twitch a little.
“I am curious about the thing you do with your wings though, is it a special feather sheath, or some magic trick embedded into your feathers by the unicorns?” The remainder of my question died in my throat as the guard turned those blue eyes to stare at me.
“Sorry kid, that’s classified.”
“Alright then, sorry to bother you.” Excusing myself, I made my way over to where Storm Singer was buzzing in place, the pegasus taking a long swig from a flagon of cider. The other flagon he was holding was balanced precariously on a hoof, and I took it from him, lest it fall and spill.
“Oh, hi there Sky! When’d you get here?” Storm’s eyes were crossed a little from the effect of the cider.
“I’ve been here for a little while now, try not to drink too much cider tonight, remember what happened at the Spring Festival.” I cautioned before taking a drink of the cider. The liquid hit my tongue and exploded with flavor, the scent of apples flooding my nose while the spices blended into it burned their way smoothly down my throat. I swayed a little on my hooves as my brain just packed up for a vacation. When it eventually came home, I blinked a couple times and looked to see the flagon was empty, and somehow the goggles had fallen to hang around my neck, joined by a stray ribbon of silk that must have fallen off the ceiling. Looking over at Storm, I stifled a laugh as I beheld what had apparently befallen him. His normally wind-tossed mane was now perfectly groomed, and his eyes were half closed as he swayed in time to the music that was playing.
“I’ll tell you, that Apple family sure knows how to make their cider. I heard from a friend that the one of them can snap a tree in half with a single kick! Can you believe that?”
I shook my head. “Not likely, that pony’d have to be built like a manticore to even stand a chance of doing that. Although, if he had something to boost his leg strength and shield his hoof, it could be done…” I trailed off, my mind already whirling with the ideas. I was snapped out of the whirl of thoughts by Storm’s warning tone.
“Careful, Tornado and his toadies are coming this way.”
I winced, trying to look for a way out, but before I could slip into the crowd a familiar voice called out, dripping with condescension.
“How’s it going Sky Limited? Surprised to see you out from your cave of a workshop.” The voice came from a pegasus stallion, coat a dusky blue and mane that shade of red-violet you see at sunset. Behind him stood two other pegasi, one a light teal with a dark green mane, the other red-coated and orange maned. All three of them had expressions of disdain carved into their muzzles.
“Of course, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” I replied as nonchalantly as I could, “Though I’m surprised you could pull away from your marefriends long enough to find your way here.” I indicated the other two pegasi with a toss of my head, and abruptly regretted it as all three pairs of eyes narrowed angrily and they took a step towards me.
“What did you say you filthy little ground pounder? I’m gonna teach you a lesson you won’t soon forget.”
“Actually, I think he’d love to teach you something first.” I pointed with a hoof at the guard from before, who was now staring directly at us, on his hooves instead of sitting. Tornado looked at him for a moment before the wheels clicked and he gave me another condescending glare.
“Forget it; you’re not worth my time. Keep enjoying being stuck on the ground, dirt-eater.” With that the trio turned on their hooves and trotted away. Storm tried to buzz after them, but I gripped his tail in my mouth and hauled him back to earth.
“C’mon Sky! Let me at those jerks for once! They got no right making fun of you for being an earth pony!”
“Storm, it’s not worth it fighting with them over it. They’re right, to a certain extent anyway. I am an earth pony, and that’s not changing anytime soon.” Despite my best efforts a note of irritation found its way into my voice and Storm looked at me sympathetically.
“Well, for what it’s worth I think you’re pretty awesome. I’ve never seen anypony come up with as many ideas as you have! Granted, you haven’t finished all that many, but they’re still some of the coolest things I’ve ever seen!”
“Thanks Storm.” I said, hiding the feelings better this time.
The rest of the Celebration went as well as could be expected. I’d danced with a couple mares, though my heart just wasn’t in it. I could still hear Tornado’s voice in the back of my head, and even though I was used to his insults the words still stung as I nosed open the door to my house. Looking at the pile of papers, I sighed and trudged past them, flicking my tail idly and tossing a few of them into the air. One of them reached the height of its climb and soared down to land under my worktable. I tilted my head, the faintest glimmers of a new idea starting to tease my brain. I bent down and picked up the piece of paper, tossing it into the air again. Watching as it fluttered down, the teasing became a burn as the idea burst into life. I shut the door and hurried back to the table, my exhaustion forgotten, and Tornado’s voice now just an annoying fly in my ear.
“So I’m just a dirt-eater eh? I’ll show you what a dirt-eater can really do!”
I reached up and hauled my drawing arm down into position. The device was a custom build, so I could draw straight lines and angles much easier. Picking up a pencil, I scrawled a short title in the top left corner. ‘Flight Model Mark I.’ I leaned back, looking at the blank page before me, seeing all the possibilities that it could contain. It practically mirrored the blank parchment on my flank, and I smiled as I leaned in to make the first line.
“Just you wait; I’ll be the one who gets the last laugh.”
After what seemed like a few hours of effort, I heard somepony knocking at the door.
“Sky? You in there? I haven’t seen you in two days. Are you sure you’re alright?” Storm Singer pushed open my front door and recoiled.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked as I trotted towards him, only for him to take a couple steps back.
“You look like you died, got buried and then somepony dug you back up and brought you back to life!” He leaned forward and took a couple sniffs. “And you smell about like that too.”
“I do not!” I protested as I sniffed at my side, only to sneeze as the smell assaulted my nostrils. “Well, I guess I could use a shower.”
I trotted into the small bathroom and drew the curtain behind me. Tugging on the rope to start the water, I yelped as the initially cold water splashed on me. Then it started heating up and I sighed happily as I leaned into it. Picking up the soapstick in my mouth I started to vigorously scrub my coat, wincing as I watched the water go from clear to brown as layers of sweat and grime came off.
“So what are you working on anyway? Looks like a whole bunch of random pairs of wings.” I heard Storm call from the workroom.
“Well, you remember what Tornado said back at the Celebration? I was walking past that pile of papers on the floor when I absently flicked one of them up into the air. Watching it float down I got an idea, and think I might be on the right track.” I bent my head down to finish scrubbing my barrel, and then bent the head on the soapstick to be able to reach my rump. A few more minutes and I tugged on the cord to shut off the water. Shaking myself vigorously, I climbed out of the shower, stamped my hooves a few times to dry them off and trotted back into the workroom.
The previously blank sheet now bore a wide array of designs, from pegasi wings to bird wings, even a rough sketch of dragon wings could be seen. Various notes filled the spaces in between, and overall the whole page looked like a disaster.
Except for the center. It bore a single design, marred by innumerable erase marks. A pair of sweeping wings spread from the shoulders of a crudely drawn pony, a rod with a second set of wings extending past the rear legs.
Storm Singer hovered in front of the drawing board, peering curiously at the central design. I joined him and gazed proudly at what I’d spent the last two days working on.
“So, what do you think?” I looked over to see him tilt his head and blink a few times.
“I think you’re crazy.” I waited expectantly, and he didn’t disappoint. “How can I help?”
“I’ve got just the job for you.” I smiled conspiratorially as I pulled down the old page and pinned it to the wall to make room for a new page. “Let’s get started.”
“So you’re really sure this’ll work Sky?” Storm Singer asked me a week later, as we stood on the ridge overlooking Hoofington. I was tugging the last strap tight and double checking the wing surfaces. Fortunately for me the clothing shop in town was used to getting odd requests from me, and I only got several dozen odd looks as Storm and I had hauled the Flight Model Mark I out of town and up the hill. Tornado and his followers had given me their best insults, but I didn’t even care. I was on a mission.
“Well, not really. But that’s how we make progress. Besides, if things go bad, you’ll be there to catch me.” Storm blinked at that and opened his mouth, but then closed it after a few seconds. Taking this as a sign of my being right, I heaved the Mark I into position. “Storm, remind me after this test to make the Mark II out of more lightweight materials.”
“You got it. And Sky? Please be careful, you’re my best friend and I don’t want you getting hurt.”
“You know me, Storm.”
“Yea, and that’s why I’m worried. I know I get hyper at times, but you sometimes let your ideas get ahead of you. Remember the automatic breakfast maker?”
“My mane grew back…”
“And the automatic mail-fetcher?”
“Hey, only one mailbox was burned down…”
“And remember that one time…”
“We both swore never to speak of that again.” I snapped, glaring at Storm. But after a few seconds both of us burst out laughing. Wiping a tear of mirth from my eye, I looked back over Hoofington and took a deep breath, feeling the wind starting to pick up. It was time.
“Storm?”
“Yeah Sky?”
“Thanks for helping me with this.” Breaking into a gallop, I leapt off the edge and hoped for the best.
There was a time back when I was little, that my dad took me flying. I can’t remember how high he took me, but it was really up there. The two of us were laughing and having a great time, but when he looked back he didn’t see me in the saddlebag carrier. Looking around frantically, he saw me dropping away from him like a stone. He raced down and caught me, obviously, but he never forgot the ear to ear smile I had as I tried to mimic him flying.
The smile on my face for the first thirty seconds or so would have beaten that. It felt like what every pegasus I’d grown up with talked about when flying. The wind in my face, the way my eyes wanted to squint shut, my mane billowing wildly behind me; it all came together as an experience I’ll never forget.
Then the wind died.
I felt it a split second before gravity reasserted itself and I started to tumble. I heard the buzz of Storm’s wings as he leapt after me, but my attention was focused on finding the release strap I’d included. Unfortunately, trying to find a strap when you’re plummeting to the ground is a little difficult.
Fortunately for my sake, I’d briefed Storm on exactly why it was important to know where the strap was. As he sped in toward me, he flipped me over so my back faced the ground, pulled the strap with his teeth, and hauled me away from the harness. As he leveled out into a hover, I was able to turn my head in time to see the Mark I crash into the ground below, one wing splintering into pieces. I closed my eyes and looked away.
“Sorry Sky.”
“Yeah… well, like I said, that’s progress for you.”
Spiraling down, Storm set me on the ground and together we examined the pile of wreckage that was the Mark I. I trotted over and nudged the broken wing, which creaked and fell off completely. I sighed and secured it to the rest of the frame with the straps.
“Alright then Storm, let’s haul this back to the shop and look at what went wrong.” Together we hefted it onto our backs and started the trek back to town when I heard more wingbeats approaching. Looking up I saw a familiar three shapes descending from the sky towards us.
“Oh ponyfeathers, not now. I really don’t need these jerks right now.” I muttered as Tornado landed in front of us, his two friends taking their usual formation behind him.
“Hey there Sky Limited. Looks like you’re having some trouble there. Maybe you should learn your lesson and just stay on the ground where you belong.” Tornado scoffed.
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you? This is just a little snag. I’ll be flying before you know it.” I replied haughtily as me and Storm dragged the debris toward my workshop.
“You couldn’t fly if Celestia herself lent you her wings!” Tornado shouted after us as we continued on our way. I did my best to ignore him, but the words still hurt.
“Well, I think the Mark I did good while it had the wind, but I couldn’t control the wings when I lost the wind, so I slowed down and stopped. So I think with the Mark II, I’ll need some way to control the wings, but how? Ropes maybe?”
“I don’t think that’ll work Sky, you can’t hold four ropes in your mouth.” Storm said, idly flicking at a loose page on the floor.
“You’re right… no, I’ll need something else… perhaps tied to my fore and hindlegs? What do you think?”
“Well, it’s worth a shot I suppose.” Storm said idly.
“Alright, let me draw some schematics and I’ll let you know when it’s ready.”
“Say, do you have the bits to afford all this? I mean we did spend a lot on the last one...”
“Well, I’ll just need to take on a few extra jobs here and there, but this is too important.” I said, my eyes flicking back and forth as my pencil raced across the paper.
“If you say so Sky; just keep in mind what I said about your ideas getting ahead of you,” Storm said as he trotted outside, closing the door behind him before taking off.
I continued working long into the late hours of the night, trying idea after idea, but none of them seemed to pan out. The problem was the rope; it always came back to the rope. If the rope was thick enough to withstand being yanked on it was too thick, and if it was thin enough to fit in my mouth it would snap. I needed something both thin and strong to make this work right if it was going to work at all. I tried to use the spare piece of silk from the aftermath of the Summer Sun Celebration, but it frayed and broke when I tried to pull it. I was about to give up when I noticed something sitting on the shelf across the room. I wearily got to my hooves and shuffled over to get a closer look at it. My parents had sent it to me as a gift for Hearth’s Warming Eve when they were on vacation in Fillydelphia. It was the same kind of souvenir one would find sold all over Equestria. I’d appreciated the gift, but what caught my eye now was the thin grey strand that emerged from the top of the oblong red ornament. I reached out and took the ornament in my mouth, carrying it back to the work table.
“Now this is something I can work with… I’ll just need more of it.”
“So what in the world is all this now?” Storm asked as he pushed through the door and surveyed the mess that had overcome my shop. It had been three weeks since my test flight with the Mark I, though it had passed like a blur for me as I refined my design and ordered what I needed.
“It was right in front of me the whole time Storm; I’m surprised I didn’t see it sooner.” I grabbed a spare piece of the braided gray material from the desk and carried it over, spitting it into my hoof. “It’s wire, braided wire. Thinner and stronger than using rope and twine. I can use this for controlling the wings and somewhere around here… aha! Here it is.” I picked up a straight length of metal and showed it to him. “This I can use for the actual wings, cuts the weight by over two-thirds. I’m planning to have the Mark IIs first test run soon, will you be free for it?”
“I guess… why are you so fixated on this anyway Sky? Tornado’s made fun of you for years and you’ve never let it get to you like this.” Storm asked as he stood in front of me.
I sighed, putting the metal rod back into its box. “To be honest, it’s got nothing to do with Tornado anymore. I’ve just always felt like I let my parents down by being born an earth pony. It’s silly I know,” I added quickly when Storm’s eyes narrowed, “but it doesn’t change the fact that I still felt like that. So I’m going to finish this, and prove to everypony that the skies can be open to anypony who dreams of getting there.”
Storm looked a little uncomfortable at that, and dug a foreleg at the floor.
“Storm, what’s bothering you?”
“Oh, it’s nothing, just…”
I stamped my hoof and fixed him with my best stare. “It’s not nothing. Tell me, I’m your friend.”
“Look, I’ve supported you so far with this, but if you keep it up you’re going to either hurt yourself or spend yourself out of your house. You’re getting out of control with this idea; maybe it’s time to let this go.”
“Let this go? You were the one who told me I keep leaving things unfinished! Not this time,” I said as I turned back and pushed the box back over to the worktable, “this time I’m going to finish this, no matter what.”
“Sky, listen to yourself! The test of the Mark I would have killed you if I hadn’t been there!” Storm protested, his tone growing steadily more upset.
“And I was perfectly safe precisely because you were there. But even if you weren’t, I’d have gone ahead with the test. Don’t you get how important this is to me? Do you even care?” I shouted. Turning to face him, I stopped cold as I saw the tears beginning to form. “Storm, I’m sorry, it’s just…”
“Sky, you’re my best friend, of course I care. But I guess…” he looked up and sniffed the tears back, his eyes becoming harder, “if you really think that I don’t, then you can just finish this stupid project on your own!” He shouted angrily as he stormed out the door and took off.
“Storm, wait!” I hurried out the door but he was already gone. I hung my head and shuffled back into the house. Looking at the designs, I made the last few adjustments to the drawing and decided to go to bed. I could start building in the morning.
“Alright, harness secured, wings attached and strung properly, control cuffs fitting snugly.” I ran through my mental checklist as the wind blew steadily up the ridge. There was a storm scheduled for the later afternoon, but I was confident that I could finish the test and land before the weather got any worse.
“Commencing the test of the Flight Model Mark II, Version Eight. This version uses modified winding pulleys to allow for more complex control of the wing surface…” I trailed off as I felt the enthusiasm dwindle with nopony else standing there. It had been like this since Storm Singer left a week ago. I’d done a few simple tests to refine the Mark II for this day, and it was as ready as I could make it. The wing design had gradually shifted to more resemble a dragon’s wings, since that let me run more metal rods through the wing to help stabilize it. The cables that let me control the wings ran along the arm and into the back harness, then out and down my forelegs to hoofcuffs. I wasn’t yet sure how well I could control the wings, but I could get them to angle up and down and side to side.
I looked over the edge one more time, wishing that Storm was here. The pegasus had been my best friend since we were foals, and had even helped me figure out my cutie mark. Shaking my head to clear the depressing thoughts out, I took a few deep breaths and leaped over the edge. The wings snapped taut against the wind, and I yelped as I started spiraling upward. After flailing for a few seconds, I managed to calm down enough to steer the wings in unison and started actually riding the gusts of wind that buffeted me. I looked down and could see Hoofington far below me, the town reduced to being a blur of lights obscured by the occasional low cloud.
As I gained more altitude, I started to well and truly panic. The wind shouldn’t be picking up this fast, the pegasi had said the storm wouldn’t start until much later in the afternoon. Had they moved the time up and not told anypony? Or more likely, they had tried to tell everypony, but I was already gone trying to test this moon-cursed invention. I should have waited for better weather. Maybe Storm was right and I needed to slow down. By the Sun I wished he was here right now…
I kicked myself mentally and wrestled my fear back under control. Losing it now wouldn’t help me get to the ground safely anyway. I turned my eyes back forward and focused on keeping control of the wings, which were trying to flap around in every direction on their own. As I wrestled for control, I could hear noise coming from below me, and angled my head to peer down and behind me. It took me a moment, but I could see a yellow and white blur speeding upward through the clouds towards me. After a few more moments the sound resolved into words as Storm caught up with me.
“Sky! Sky! You need to get down to the ground now!” The panic in his voice started getting to me, and I tumbled head over hooves as a strong gust of wind hit me.
I managed to level out and shouted back, “What’s wrong?”
“The pegasi built the storm up too fast, and it’s starting to feed itself!” Almost as punctuation to his words, there was a bright flash in the distance followed by a peal of thunder. I very nearly lost it at that, given the fact that I was wearing a full arrangement of metal rods on my body.
“Storm! I need you to stick close to me, I’m going to dive!”
“Alright, I’ll be right next to you.” He positioned himself as I waited for the wind to die off for a second, and with a deep breath I angled myself straight down.
For a single, weightless instant everything froze as I hung there, muzzle pointing toward the ground. Then I started dropping like a stone, the wind slamming me side to side as it tried to throw me into a tumble. With Storm’s help I managed to keep myself more or less pointed down until the last possible minute. Feeling Storm hook his forelegs around my shoulders, the two of us pulled up together and managed to turn my suicidal dive into a slide that terminated on the downslope of the ridge. Storm released me right before we made contact and I ended up skidding to a stop at the bottom of the hill. I tried to stagger to my hooves but I felt my knees give out and I just collapsed, breathing heavily and really enjoying the feeling of solid ground under me.
Storm landed beside me and quickly took the harness off, dragging it a short distance away. He hurried back over and laid down beside me, bumping his head against mine.
“Well, there was one positive thing I can say about all this.” I commented tiredly.
“What’s that?”
“I got to fly.” The two of us looked at each other for a moment and then fell into laughing uncontrollably, before another boom of thunder made us both go rigid.
“Think I can stay at your place for the night?” Storm asked nervously.
“Sure, let’s grab the Mark II, there’s a strap that’s long enough to drag it and not have it near us.” Storm nodded and grabbed the strap, too tired to argue with me. Together we dragged the battered Mark II back into town while the storm raged overhead.
After we’d gotten back to my workshop, the sopping wet Mark II was left in the middle of the workroom floor to dry off, while Storm and I were in the living room just lying on the cushions trying to unwind. Storm was still berating me for trying the test solo.
“If I hadn’t come looking for you, you’d have been caught in that storm and likely killed! Why were you trying to test at all today?”
My ears pressed flat against my skull and I stared at the floor. “I didn’t expect the storm to blow up so fast. I’d planned to have the test done before the storm was finished, I just wanted to make use of the extra wind.”
Storm glared at me for a few more seconds, but then sighed and got to his hooves. Dragging his cushion closer, he settled back down and started to nip at my mane, which was tangled like a patch of thorns from the storm. I relaxed into it as he set about tugging the knots out and was soon snoring like a log.
I woke up the next morning still on the cushion, my mane now straightened for the most part. I looked around the room and couldn’t see Storm anywhere. Getting to my hooves with a yawn I made my way to the kitchen, where a note was sitting on the counter. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes before peering closer at it.
'Sky,
Went out for lunch. Will be back soon.
Storm.’
I debated going out for some lunch of my own, but I’ve never been one for eating as soon as I wake up, so I settled on entering the workroom and making some sense of the Mark IIs test. The wings had worked in getting me airborne, but I needed better control over them. I sketched out a few new ideas for controlling the wings, but they all broke down where the cable entered the main pack.
“By the Sun, how difficult can this be?” I shouted in frustration as Storm trotted through the door, a bag held in his mouth. He set it on the table in the kitchen, then entered the workroom.
“Still having trouble?” He asked rhetorically.
“It’s so close Storm. I just need something to sense how I’m moving my legs and respond to it with the wings.”
Peering closer at the diagrams and notations that occupied the center of the drawing board, Storm shook his head. “I don’t know how I can help Sky, it all looks like the writing the unicorns use when making their books.”
I froze, tilting my head slowly as a new route opened up in my brain. “Storm…”
He looked at me in confusion. “What’s with that look?”
“You’re a genius!” I exclaimed, seizing my pencil and jotting down a few theoretical additions to the design. “If there’s something that the unicorns could cook up that would do the job, then I could install one each here where the wires enter the pack. Then by laying the other end of the cables along my back, maybe then that’d work.”
“But I thought you wanted to do this project solely as an earth pony?” Storm asked, his face still twisted in confusion.
“I did, but then I started thinking after yesterday. If you hadn’t been there to help, I wouldn’t have made it. Maybe that’s a sign that I need to stop trying to do this all on my own and get help from anypony who’s willing.”
“Well what are waiting for? There’s plenty of unicorns here in town, maybe one of them could help?” Storm offered, his eyes getting wider as he looked at the notes.
“As much as I’d like to ask the unicorns here, you know as well as I do none of them are that skilled in magic. No, if we’re going to find a unicorn capable of helping us, there’s only one place in Equestria that they’d be.”
Storm turned his head to face mine, the realization writing itself across his muzzle. “You don’t mean…”
I grinned as I started to carefully roll up the paper, sliding it into a case I’d made for just such an occasion. “Feel like a trip to Canterlot?”
As we got off the train, I was struck speechless by the graceful architecture of Canterlot, the elegant curves each a masterpiece in their own right. Ponies trying to get past me onto the train gave me funny looks and mutters of ‘tourist’. Moving slightly out of the way, I continued to stare dumbly at the buildings.
“So where to now?” Storm Singer fluttered out of the door behind me with a yawn. Somehow, he can nap anywhere anytime; it seems to be something most pegasi inherit. I admitted to being jealous on occasion, but let it slide this time.
“Well, my guess would be the Canterlot Library. If they have anything on this kind of magic, odds are it would be there. Not to mention I’m sure we can find a unicorn who can help us there too.”
“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Storm started to fly off, only to loop back when he realized I was still standing on the platform. “What’s the holdup?”
“I just wanted to thank you for coming along with me on this. I know I sometimes get out of control…” Storm fixed me with his best skeptical look and I laughed, “alright, I get out of control more often than not, but this time feels different. I just know I’m close to figuring this out, and I don’t want this to just be another half-finished idea in the corner.”
“Hey, you’re my best friend. I know I said some mean things back then, and I’m sorry for that. But I got your back, you know that.” We high-hoofed and he smiled cheekily at me, “Besides, if I wasn’t here to keep an eye on your sorry flank I’d have to explain what happened to your parents, and your dad scares me.”
“It’s my mother you need to watch out for; she’s a lot worse than Dad ever was. Now come on, let’s get to the library.”
Trotting through the maze of city streets, I wondered if my head would twist right off from trying to look at every building. Storm satisfied himself by floating lazily above the street and occasionally zipping off to look at something that caught his eye.
Finally forcing myself to pay more attention to where I was going after bumping into the fourth passerby, I noticed that there were very little, if any, earth ponies here in the capitol. I didn’t know whether I should be annoyed or not at it though. Most of the earth ponies I knew from Hoofington were more concerned with doing more practical work, so I decided to put that thought on the mental shelf for now and focus on why we were here.
Eventually the towering edifice of the Library stood before me and Storm, both of us looking at its enormous door in awe. Swallowing nervously I trotted up and pushed it open, the door ghosting open silently on well-oiled hinges. The smell of old paper wafted out and I took a deep, appreciative sniff; Storm Singer just sneezed.
“Well, let’s get searching.” I said confidently as we crossed the threshold into the building. We trotted up to the librarian, who looked at us with a frosty gaze.
“Names?” Her voice was just as cool as her eyes, and we quailed a little under her stare.
“Sky Limit and Storm Singer.” I spoke up quickly.
“Each wing has its contents posted visibly. Certain wings require special permission to enter; permission is obtained from this desk with a detailed explanation of what it is you’re seeking.” The librarian said, already turning her gaze to her ledger.
Storm and I looked at each other and shrugged before making our way through the stacks of books. I’d never seen so many books, and all of them bore confusing titles that were probably meant to obscure their contents.
“So what would we even be looking for Sky?”
“I don’t even know anymore Storm. I’d hoped to find somepony who could help us a little more, but that librarian scares me.” We turned the corner and continued down that aisle, but nothing really jumped out at me. “This could take a lot longer than I thought.” I was preoccupied with scanning titles and almost tripped over a moving stack of books encased in a cloud of pale purple light. We waited expectantly for the unicorn levitating so many books and were shocked to see a filly a few years younger than us trot by; utterly engrossed in another text she was levitating in a second field. She continued on her way, stopping at a closed door with a ‘Restricted’ sign on it. A third field appeared around the handle and she slipped inside, closing the door absently behind her.
“Who in Equestria was that? I’ve never seen a unicorn be able to levitate like that back home.” Storm asked incredulously.
“I don’t know, but she’s obviously somepony important if she can get into the restricted wings on her own.” I replied, my expression just as surprised as his.
“Her name is Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia’s personal protégé.” A voice from behind us said sternly. We both jumped about a foot in the air, Storm staying there while I hit the floor with a thump. Turning around, we were met by a pair of hard brown eyes as a unicorn in the armor of the Royal Guard trotted past us and entered the restricted wing. He took up position just inside the door and sat down facing away from us, yet we both felt that he knew exactly where we were without needing to look.
“The Princesses’ personal protégé, and we almost trotted right over her.” Storm said in a daze, still staring into the restricted wing.
“I’m definitely feeling out of my league here.” I said, suddenly feeling like I was a colt again.
“Do you think she’s single?” Storm asked, then it was time for both of us to jump again as the unicorn guard turned his head slightly so his eye could see us. He gave a slow shake of his head and returned to looking directly forward. “Okay, that was creepy.”
“I think we’d best get going. The next section’s labeled ‘E’, so we might have some luck there.” Together we both hurried off.
It took us about half an hour longer, but we finally found something that looked promising. Hefting the heavy tome onto my back, we found a table and set it down gently. Blowing the small amount of dust off, I scanned the title again and nodded.
“Principles of Thaumatic Engines: A Summary. This might not be exactly what we need, but I bet it’ll point us in the right direction.”
“If you say so Sky. I’m going to go get some food and check out more of the city, alright? I’ll come back in an hour or so, see how you’re doing.” Storm started trotting toward the door as I gave him a half-hearted wave of my hoof, my attention already sucked into the book. I first read the sections that detailed the initial attempts at a thaumatic engine, and how somepony named Bevelmiter had pioneered the first thirty prototypes. Reading onward, I started to see that I didn’t need the hoofcuffs if I used a thaumatic engine that was properly attuned to the pony using it. Unfortunately, the power in the prototypes listed wasn’t sufficient for an earth pony to use, and even if it was I couldn’t control the wings fully. I flipped back through in the hopes of finding a schematic for a more advanced thaumatic engine, but found nothing. I closed the book with a frown, and went to search for more. Scanning the shelves I was disappointed to find that nothing else was there that referenced Bevelmiter. I put my book back and made my way back to the librarian’s desk.
“Excuse me, I was wondering if you had any other texts on Bevelmiter’s work. The one book I did find doesn’t have anything else on his later work.”
The librarian looked up to the ceiling for a moment in thought. “Bevelmiter’s later work was moved to the Canterlot Archives on Princess Celestia’s personal order two hundred and fifty two years ago. If you wish to view them you must submit a request to the Master of the Archives in the castle.”
I tried to hide my disappointment. “Alright, how do I get to the Archives from here?”
“You head out the door and up to the castle. There will be a guard station there. Tell the guardpony on duty where you want to go and they will guide you to the Archives.” She said tersely.
“Thank you for your time then, this library is truly amazing.” I said, hoping to at least leave on a good note.
“Have a good day.” She didn’t exactly smile, but the perpetual scowl she’d had lessened slightly.
I nodded my head and hurried outside to find Storm. We were on the right track for sure now.
I wondered if somewhere there existed a book that held all the rules for a proper bureaucracy to function, and every page started with the rule ‘be as obstructive as possible to everypony you meet’. We had spent the last two hours being shuffled from bureaupony to another and had yet to find somepony who could grant us an audience with the Master of the Archives. Finally giving up we had retired to one of the castle’s open gardens to take a break.
“Forget it, this is impossible!” I shouted as we walked along one of the paths. Storm Singer hovered alongside me, tapping a hoof to his chin in thought.
“Well, you got a look at the prototypes, right? Might you be able to use them in your model?”
I shook my head. “Bevelmiter’s prototypes were all cylinders. They’re good for powering simple devices on their own and more complex ones if the user has innate magical ability. But for something like this…” I found a stick and started drawing on the dirt beside the path. “You would need something that combined the internals of prototypes twenty-one, twenty-nine and thirty; and instead of a cylinder, you would need something like…”
“A sphere!” A new voice exclaimed. We performed our dual jumping act yet again that day and turned to see a blue-coated unicorn stallion in a tan vest peering at the crude design I’d been sketching. He leaned in closer, brushing some of his off-white mane from his eyes as his eyes traced over the design. “My word, your sketch is simply wonderful. Tell me, what interest do you have in Bevelmiter’s work?”
I took the rolled up plans from my case and spread them carefully on the ground. “I’ve been designing these wings to allow a pony to try and fly even if they’re not a pegasus. My first two prototypes experienced some… technical difficulties.” Storm snorted a laugh and looked away as I shot a glare at him. “But I have a feeling that if I can get a look at Bevelmiter’s research notes in the Archives, I can set spherical engines at each point where the wings connect to the frame. If what was talked about in that book in the Library was correct, I could in theory attune a powerful enough engine to my body’s muscles, and then be able to control the wings as if they were my own.”
The unicorn peered at my design again, tapping a hoof against his chin in thought. “Yes… you just might be on to something there!”
I shook my head regretfully. “Unfortunately I can’t seem to find anypony who can grant me access to the Archives. All I’ve been told is it’s somepony else’s responsibility.”
Straightening his vest, the unicorn smiled. “Well then you are in luck! Not only can I grant you Archive access, it would be my pleasure to do so!”
It took me a few seconds to process what I’d just heard, but once it made its way through my brain, I surged to my hooves and shook his enthusiastically. “Thank you so very much! But, if you don’t mind my asking, how can you grant access like that?”
The unicorn’s smile only widened as he leaned in conspiratorially. “My dear boy, the Archives staff can hardly refuse a request from the Headmaster of Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Bastion Yorsets, at your service!” he proclaimed with a half flourish. I sat there staring blankly at him, and he let his hoof hit the ground. You’ve never heard of me, have you?”
“Sorry, but no. My name’s Sky Limit and this is Storm Singer.” I replied sheepishly. Storm blushed in embarrassment and scuffed a hoof at the ground.
“Well, no matter! The important thing is that I can help you get into the Archives. I dare say the idea of flying without using wings or levitation magic is intriguing.” I put the diagram away and he led us towards the castle, rambling the entire way.
“…and the Baroness’ face was red for weeks!” Bastion finished his tale with a laugh as we approached the Archive doors. The unicorn guards stationed there gave Storm and I peculiar looks, but Bastion stepped in front of us and waved disarmingly.
“It’s alright, they’re my guests. I shall accompany them the entire time.” The guards nodded and opened the doors with their magic. Together we trotted into the Archives, the entryway sealing shut behind us with a dull thud. The room before us was much the same as the Library, even down to the librarian’s appearance. Then she lifted her eyes and fixed us with a glare at least twice as severe as the Library’s librarian.
“Good morning Ivory Scroll, just showing my two new friends the Archives! We promise to behave ourselves.” Bastion replied cheerfully as he made his way deeper into the towering stacks of books, the two of us following along closely. “Let me see now, where were those old things… aha! There we are!” He led us another two rows in and to the left, coming to a stop in front of a dust-covered shelf. Bastion’s horn lit and gently brushed the dust away, his eyes flicking across titles until he found what he was searching for. Lifting the book gently in his magic, he lowered it so that the three of us could see its title.
“The Accumulated Works of Bevelmiter: Thaumatic Engines and Their Applications,” I read aloud, “this is perfect!”
There came a sudden hissing shush as the librarian appeared from around the corner without warning. The three of us jumped together as she slunk back around the corner.
I looked at Bastion, “Does she do that often?”
“All the time.” He muttered back quietly. “Now, let’s have a look at this book and see what we can dig up. We found a secluded table and opened the book in front of us, putting the diagram beside it. We started to read our way through the theoretical side of thaumatic engines, and within twenty minutes Storm was fast asleep on the bench. Ignoring him, Bastion and I pored over the pages, until we suddenly found ourselves at the back cover, with a final note scribbled on the page. I read it and my face fell as the meaning came across to me.
‘I sadly was not able to manufacture any more of the prototypes. The piece of star metal I used to forge the first thirty simply wasn’t large enough. If somepony is reading this and can locate more star metal, perhaps you can continue where I could not.
Bevelmiter.’
I stared desperately at the scribbled note before I slumped down onto my haunches. “I was so close…”
“Don’t give up yet Sky, we just need to find another piece of that star metal.” Storm tried to mollify, but even he sounded like he was on the verge of surrender as well.
“Do you know how hard it’s going to be to find star metal? I don’t know anypony who would know where to find some, do you?” I said dejectedly, hanging my head in defeat. “It’s over.”
“Wait a minute, I remember hearing from Celestia a few months ago, she received a letter from a friend of hers who had recently come into a most marvelous acquisition, a piece of the stars that fell to the earth near his home… but where was it? Trottingham? No, shorter, I know it started with a ‘T’… Tacksworn, that’s what she said! Now about the name, I believe she said his name was Sharp… Sharpie, that’s his name! I think if you are able to go to Tacksworn and explain to this Sharpie fellow the purpose of your quest, he might well be willing to part with a piece!”
“You’re certain of this? Tacksworn’s an awfully long way to travel.” I dug my pouch out of my saddlebag and counted out the bits. “And I don’t have enough to get more than one pony there.”
“Well, then you’ll just have to go by yourself Sky.” Storm said as he heaved himself up off the bench.
“I couldn’t leave you; we’ve come so far together!” I protested.
“Believe me, this has been one wild ride. But I have responsibilities in Hoofington that I can’t let go like you can. Don’t worry,
I know you’ll be able to make it there on your own.” He draped a hoof around my neck, gesturing with the other towards the ceiling. “Besides, it’ll be that much cooler when you come back to Hoofington on your own wings. We’ll have to go flying together for real that day.” He turned away and wiped at an eye with a forehoof. “Stupid dust gets in my eyes every time I go into a library.”
I smiled and bumped my head against his. “Take care Storm. I’ll be back home soon.”
“Well, what in Equestria are we waiting for? Let’s get to the train station. With luck you can be on the last one that leaves for today.” Bastion said as we all stood up and walked toward the door, the unicorn pausing to set the book gently back where it belonged.
I leaned against the window of the train car as it rattled its way down the tracks. The conductor had come through ten minutes ago to say that we should be arriving in the town of Tacksworn soon. The dry environment stretched in all directions I could see, had I really been looking.
Saying goodbye to Storm Singer at the train station in Canterlot had been the toughest part of the journey yet, even more so than finding out that Bevelmiter hadn’t made any more prototypes after number thirty. Bastion had graciously agreed to let him stay at his house for the night and catch a train first thing in the morning.
The squeal of metal on metal snapped me out of my daze as the train gradually pulled to a stop. Getting to my hooves I threw the saddlebags over my back and trudged off the train. Looking toward the front I could the stallion pull-team being unhitched and taken to waiting water troughs.
Trotting into the station, I saw the information booth across the room, a bored looking griffon rapping his talons on the table. As I drew closer I realized that there were actually small divots being dug into the wood with every tap.
“Welcome to Tacksworn, the most diverse town in Equestria, can I help you?” The griffon asked tiredly.
“Uhh yes, I’m here looking for somepony named Sharpie?” I asked tentatively.
“Don’t know anyone named Sharpie... only Sharp I know is old Sharptooth. Go through town and follow the path, you’ll see the signs leading you there. If you have trouble, someone in town will be more than happy to help you.” The griffon went back to idly rapping its claws on the table. I took it as a sign to leave and trotted off. After finding the pony in charge of the luggage, I worked out storing the bag containing the rest of the MARK III parts at the station. Soon after that I was standing on the porch of the station looking down the main street.
The town seemed like any other town one could find in Equestria, the difference lay in its inhabitants. As I cantered down the street, I saw ponies walking next to griffons, griffons talking to diamond dogs in hushed tones, and a pony and a diamond dog getting thrown out of a bar, getting to their respective limbs and laughing together. All in all, it seemed like a nice place, though I think I’d settle for just the one visit. I didn’t have anything against the griffons or diamond dogs, but being around that many sharp teeth and claws was not something that particularly interested me.
I eventually came to a simple path that made its way into the mountains looming over the town. Sighing to myself irritably, I started the long hike to the top. “Well, I’ve been on my hooves all day, what’s a little longer?”
“What kind of pony lives this high up and away from town? And for that matter, what kind of name is Sharptooth?” I asked myself rhetorically, breathing hard as I finally climbed onto the ledge that marked the path’s end. There was a cave carved into the mountainside, and I could see a massive door, easily wide enough for a dozen ponies to walk through side by side. I slowly trotted up and stared in awe at the door, wondering how in Equestria anypony would be able to lift a door that size onto its hinges, let alone balance it so that it could swing open and closed. I could see a large bell on a pullcord to the side and gripping it in my mouth I gave it a few hard tugs, letting the sound ring out. Taking a few steps back, I waited for whoever this Sharptooth was to open the door.
"Coming, coming," called a loud, rumbling voice from deep within the strange mountain-clad home. There was the sound of a latch - an impossibly large latch - being lifted, and the door swung open. A large green snout, bedecked with a plethora of sharp teeth, poked out inquisitively.
I started backing up, brain working at overtime yet standing still as I watched what was definitely not a pony emerge from behind the door. “Y-you’re not a pony.”
There was a gasp, "I'm not? Quick, somebody alert the authorities!" The creature stared down at me and raised an eyebrow, "That was a joke..." The dragon shook his head, chuckling, "I guess you're new here?"
“Uhhhh.... Um. Yes?” I said, my legs still furtively asking the rest of me why I was still standing here when they so desperately wanted to leave. “M-my name is Sky Limit and... I-I’d heard that somepony named S-Sharpie might be in possession of some star m-metal and I need some for this project I’m working on and...” I trailed off, not entirely sure of what I had been going to say next.
The dragon looked down at me. "Star metal, hmm?" He tilted his head, sniffing. "You don't look like a unicorn, and forgive me, but it does tend to lend itself best to more arcane uses." He sat back on his haunches expectantly, one eye-ridge raised, waiting for me to explain myself.
I managed to cobble what was left of my courage together and stood a little straighter. “Well, you see... I’m actually working on something to allow a pony to fly. I visited Canterlot looking into thaumatic engines, and learned about Bevelmiter’s thirty prototypes. But none of the prototypes would work for somepony who doesn’t have innate magical ability. So after some more research I came up with the theory to make a new prototype that might. But I need more star metal to make the inner structure out of, which is why I’m here now. If that’s not a problem, I mean.” I finished rather weakly, hoping this dragon wasn’t one of the ones from the scary stories that ate ponies.
"Ah, an aviation enthusiast! And an earth pony, no less. Well, you might as well come in. Star metal is rare, hard to come by, and very, very useful for the type of engine that old Bevelmiter was working on. Why, I remember blowing the glass for the very first prototypes - it was his enthusiasm that got me started on modelling. Dragonfire is the best for precision thaumatic work, at least when you have the opportunity with its application. Most dragons aren't well-known for their... shall we say 'ability to work in a group'?"
“You actually knew Bevelmiter?” I asked, fear rapidly losing ground to curiosity. If that were true, this could be the breakthrough that would make the Mark III a reality.
“For a short time we were- ah, well, I guess it was quite a long time, for a pony. I sometimes... forget.” Sharptooth stepped back, ushering me in. As I passed, it seemed he was momentarily somewhat subdued. Hundreds of years, I realised. Hundreds of years had passed since a pony he had known quite well had become an acquaintance, built something marvellous, and then been forgotten entirely.
Despite the small voice in the back of my head trying to say it was a bad idea, I felt the old confidence coming back, knowing... well, almost certain that this dragon was not going to eat me, and that with luck he’d be willing to part with some of his star metal. But as I entered the cave, I realized that I felt... sorry for him. Not something I expected to feel for a dragon, but there all the same. I tried to imagine what it must have been like, must still be like, and just felt numb. I literally couldn’t picture the enormity of the time that must have passed.
The dragon disappeared into a room I guessed was a kitchen. My hunch proved correct when a voice called out, “Would you like some tea? I'm afraid I don't have any fresh greens. I, uh, don't eat many of them myself and don't often entertain ponies. We don't have many pegasi around these parts and I get even less visitors.” Did I detect a hint of strain in the dragon's voice? I shook my head, had to be my imagination.
“Tea would be great, thank you. I’m sorry for the way I acted earlier. Just from what I’d heard I assumed it was a pony living up here.”
“Quite alright. Now, what did you say your name was?” The dragon reappeared with a tea-tray in his claws, upon which was an oddly ornate brass teapot, two cups, the sugar bowl - at least I hoped it was sugar - and a small jug of milk. The dragon placed all this on a small table and stoked the fire. I blinked; the fire seemed to be nothing but rocks.
“Sky Limit.” I said, my attention riveted on the rocks. Theories whirled as to how they worked as I took a step closer to get a better look. The dragon seemed amused as I took the poker in my muzzle, he sat and watched with what I took for a warm smile on his snout as I gingerly prodded the rocks. At an odd hissing noise, I looked away from the furnace before me, and back up at the dragon. An orange flame from his muzzle was playing over his paws, heating the teapot. He was slowly turning it, the flame making almost the exact same noise as a blowtorch. It glowed gently, not that this bothered the dragon.
I took another glance back at the rocks, then set the poker back and trotted over to sit at the table. I peered closer at the other items on the tray, marvelling at the precision of the detailing. I wasn’t even sure if my finest-pointed file would be that precise.
The dragon set the now-steaming teapot down, nodding at the tray's contents, "I made those, long ago. Before he would let me anywhere near his precious star metal, or his thaumatic engines, I had to learn to sculpt."
I nodded, suddenly appreciating the age of the things in front of me. “If it’s alright for me to ask, what was he like?”
The dragon paused again. I found myself holding my breath, the weight of history almost palpable. Eventually he poured two cups, pushing one towards me. "He appreciated a good cup of tea." The dragon added a single sugar and some milk, stirring deliberately. I opened my mouth to consider my next question, but shut it again. I was beginning to understand this creature, somehow. There was a right way to make tea, when Sharptooth prepared it. An appreciation for the methodical application of ingredients would be something to foster in a scientist. The dragon nodded, taking a sip. "So, star metal. You must really need it if you would brave a dragon's den for it. Show me."
I reached into my saddlebags and withdrew the case that contained my diagrams. Opening it and sliding the paper onto the table, I carefully unrolled it before pushing it across the table.
Sharptooth hummed happily to himself, maneuvering saucers the size of dinner plates onto the edges of the diagram. He smoothed it out gently and reverently, nodding his great head appreciatively, "If I didn't know better, I'd say you've studied his work - did you get a look at the earlier volumes, or the later Accumulated Works? He worked on those for most of his life, you see. The thaumatic engine... it appears you've modelled yours around one of his earlier second-generation prototypes for generating the thaumic field, with a governor and relay system from the last two?" The dragon was excited now, not babbling but talking animatedly, scanning my diagrams with gusto.
“Yes, if I read his notes right, when all three are combined in that pattern there, they should be able to provide enough resonance on their own without needing the user to contribute. This would allow them to synchronise with... well, theoretically any living thing. At least, that’s what I thought. It would need to be recharged every so often, and a large charge initially, but I’m sure it’ll work!” The last part came out a little stronger than I intended, but I stuck by it.
Sharptooth laughed heartily, "Ah, you little ponies, always so adventurous. You've tried it already, haven't you? Let me guess, you crashed?" He flicked his tail in mirth, "It just so happens I've a passing interest in model gliders. Nothing so fanciful as this, but I've quite possibly encountered a few pitfalls you'd do well to avoid."
“Well, I did get around two hundred feet in the air with the Mark II... the problem was getting down, the weather team got a little out of control with their storm. I did have a friend to help with that part at least.” I took my first sip of the tea, decidedly enjoying it.
Sharptooth laughed loudly, thumping himself on his chest in a most familiar motion. "I wish I could have been there. Earth ponies and flying lessons, whatever next?" He dried his eyes with a paw, chuckling, before speaking again. "I believe I may know where some of that star metal is." The dragon sipped his tea again, "No doubt that's the real reason you're here, seeing as you had no idea of our mutual history." There was an edge to his voice that made me blush.
“Yes, umm... Bastion Yorsets back at Canterlot mentioned he overhead Princess Celestia saying to some unicorns that wanted to study a piece of star metal that had fallen near Tacksworn, that her old friend Sharpie was the likely taker, and that it would be safe in his keeping.” I said meekly, taking another sip of my tea.
“And now you find your prize locked deep within a dragon's hoard, eh? Well, those stuffy fuddy-duddies in Canterlot have tried sending letters demanding samples 'for the good of Equestria', but not a single one has bothered to come visit. I think I can spare some of my star metal for a fellow aviator.”
The initial feeling of the bottom falling out of my stomach gave way to a rising sense of hope. “You will? Really?” My muzzle was split by a smile as I took another sip of the tea
“Star metal is potent, and hard to work with. It requires a steady hoof and a steady heat,” Sharptooth warned, waggling a paw, “and I don't know how rich the meteorite is...”
I had another question pop into my head, and actually opened my mouth to ask it before the rest of me caught up and closed my mouth. After a second I opened it again, managing to ask quietly, “Ummm, I know asking you to part with even some of it is a lot, but given that you have experience with it, I was wondering if... if you might…” I trailed off, still worrying about the possible reaction he might have, but hopeful he might be willing to help given his prior behavior
Sharptooth smiled, “Truth be told, little pony, I think I would enjoy it. I have a draconic forge in my hoard somewhere, and transporting solid rock would be a chore. Improperly refined star metal would not benefit an audacious machine such as this. Drink up; if you are rested I can show you around my home, otherwise I can prepare some guest lodgings?”
I took another sip of my tea, about to answer when he spoke again
“One word of warning, however," The dragon glared down at me, fixing me with a steely gaze that bored into my soul, "my hoard is off limits. A dragon's hoard is... private. Only kin and slaves are permitted within its boundaries, and you are neither.”
Freezing under the power of that stare, I nodded feebly. “I understand. No problem.”
Smiling wryly, the dragon nodded, ‘You would not be the first to attempt entry. None so far have succeeded.”
Swallowing hard, I managed to find my voice. “If it’s all the same, I think I’ll pass. I’d like to be able to show my parents I can fly as well as they can someday.”
“And fly you shall. Now, make yourself comfortable, I will find the meteor and my forge. Then we can get to work.” The dragon lumbered off down the tunnel and out of sight.
As soon as he turned the corner I sagged a little, very glad that I’d managed to keep control of my bladder. As nice as Sharptooth seemed, I doubted he’d look kindly on someone soiling themselves in his home. I took another sip of the tea and looked around the cave curiously, since I’d never been in a cave at before, let alone a dragon’s. It wasn’t what I’d expected a dragon’s cave to look like; the floor was swept and the walls cleaned. And from where I sat I could see the kitchen was in a similarly orderly condition.
I heard Sharptooth making his way back up from his hoard long before he turned the corner, a dusty forge held in one paw and what could only be the meteor in the other. Setting both objects down, he took a box from the inside of the forge while I got to my hooves and inspected the meteor curiously. Most of it seemed like normal rock, but I could see glittering traces of metal buried within it.
“Now, there is something that must be done before we begin to work the star metal.” Sharptooth said as he lifted three blocks of a light grey material from the box. I took a tentative sniff and grinned as I recognized what they were.
“So we’re lost wax casting?” I said, already thinking of which tools I’d need.
“Precisely, an astute observation. We will make the molds first, and once they’re completed will we begin to work with the meteor itself. Now, do you have your own tools?”
“Of course.” I replied as I trotted eagerly to my saddlebags. I pulled out my two bundles and carried them back before spreading them out on the floor. First was my magnifying glass bag, from which I took my goggles and settled them over my eyes. Unwrapping one of my medium lenses, I carefully slotted it into place. I then unwrapped my tool bag and slid both of my hoofrings on and selected my first tools, a fine-tip carving blade and a small, padded brace. I dragged the design closer and looked at it for a few seconds before nodding and attaching the tools. Gently taking hold of the first block, I eyed it from a few angles before settling on where to make the first cut.
Lowering the blade into the wax carefully, I slowly shaved off a small section of the block, soon followed by others as I found my rhythm. I was aware of Sharptooth circling me as I worked, occasionally nodding or making suggestions, but the majority of my focus was on the gradually forming shape in front of me. After what felt like a few minutes I finally lifted my hooves away and looked at the result. A small, multi-edged starburst of wax sat on the table, still attached by one point to the bottom of the mold.
Sharptooth lowered his head and peered at it closely for a few minutes before nodding. “A fine first attempt, but not quite correct. Your axis here and here need to be corrected slightly, like your diagram shows here.”
I looked closely between the diagram and the model, and saw that he was indeed correct. “Shoot, and I thought I’d gotten it right. Well, might as well get to work on the next one.” I started to reach for it when my stomach growled angrily at me.
Sharptooth laughed. “Little Sky Limit, perhaps we should retire for the night and have a meal. I went into town for some fare that you would find edible while you were working.”
I looked up at him in confusion. “When did you do that? I was only working for a few minutes, an hour at the most.”
Laughing again, the dragon shook his head. “Celestia’s sun set over an hour ago.”
“But that’s impossible, that means that…” I trailed off in shock. Had I really been working that long?
“Indeed you have, your attention to detail is impressive. He would have been proud to see such a dedicated worker continuing his work.” Sharptooth said, again with the slight diminishment in his tone.
“Thank you. I suppose taking a break couldn’t hurt.” I said, getting to my hooves with some effort, my legs protesting from having been in one position for so long. I followed Sharptooth into the kitchen to see a table almost a foot taller than I was, set for two. A low bench that I could sit at was along one side, while the other was the perfect height for Sharptooth. Climbing up I smiled as I saw my plate filled with a mouth-watering salad, while Sharptooth’s bore a curious mix of cooked vegetables and what appeared to be something shiny… “Are those… gemstones?”
“Why yes they are. I suppose I should watch how much I eat, but when one gets as few guests as I do, the indulgence is worth it.” Sharptooth said with a smile before digging heartily into his meal, the accompanying crunches making my jaw twitch. I took a bite of my salad and nearly choked, the flavors of the different ingredients combined with whatever else Sharptooth had blended it with practically overloaded my taste buds.
When the flavor high had worn off, I heard Sharptooth chuckle. “That recipe is nearly as old as I am, and takes a delicate touch to make properly. I take it you found it to your liking?”
“I don’t think I’ve had anything this delicious since I was a foal!” I exclaimed, meaning every word of it. Sharptooth just laughed again. The rest of the dinner passed in relative silence, and once finished Sharptooth began to clean the dishes while I sat there not sure of what I should be doing next.
“Now, it’s been quite an exciting afternoon for us both, so please follow me to the guest room. I apologize for its current state, but I haven’t entertained a guest for many years, so it’s become something of a storage room, but the couch is comfortable. I think.” He led me to a smaller door, through which I could see a few boxes stacked in the corner, and several delicately built model gliders. “My personal collection. Do be careful, some of them are quite fragile.”
“I will.” I said as I yawned inadvertently. “Sorry, it’s been a longer day than I thought.”
“It’s no problem at all. There are extra sheets in the box under the couch should you desire them. I will see you when the sun rises.” Sharptooth trudged off toward his own room and I took stock of the couch. It was enormous, obviously sized for a dragon. I clambered up onto it and slowly stamped about until I’d found a spot that felt right. Settling down, I found myself soon dozing off.
It felt like I’d barely closed my eyes when I was awoken by the sound of somepony humming some nameless tune. Stretching, I stumbled off of the couch and made my way to the kitchen to see Sharptooth cooking something on the stovetop. I reeled back as he suddenly breathed a gentle stream of emerald fire across whatever was up there.
“My apologies, I didn’t see you there.” He said as he tilted a large frying pan, sliding what now smelled like…
They were, as Sharptooth lifted an enormous plate piled high with the fluffy golden treasure, setting it down on the table. “My own trick, I call it flash cooking. Seals in the flavor, you see.” He lifted a few and set them on a smaller plate, sliding it across to me. “Go on, give them a try, it’s a new recipe.”
I took a tentative sniff before biting into the haycake experimentally. That first bite was followed by many others as I devoured the helpless breakfast. “These are really good! Thank you very much for the hospitality, by the way.”
“You are quite welcome. And I’m glad you enjoy the haycakes, I don’t usually make them except for special occasions.”
We ate quickly, the dragon sprinkling some powder on his haycakes that I initially took for sugar, but when a larger piece fell out and started refracting the light I decided that asking for some would be a bad idea. Once we finished and the dishes were put away, we sat back down at the low table with the second and third wax blocks. Putting on my goggles and hoofrings, I started my initial cuts.
Three hours later I set down the last block and switched for a more powerful magnifying lens, comparing the new starbursts to the diagram before I nodded. “Alright, I think that’s the correct shape, what do you think?”
“I think it will work perfectly. Now, let me prepare the forge and I will begin refining the star metal while you make two molds for your engine.” With that, Sharptooth picked up the forge and the meteor, dragging them across the room towards the door to the ledge. Opening the door with a practiced flick of his tail, he set the forge and meteor down. The spikes on his tail stood up and with a sharp crack, he struck the meteor directly on the top, shattering the stone into pieces and leaving chunks of star metal scattered across the ground. He began to pick up the pieces while I stared in awe.
Finally shaking myself free, I set the finished models into two prepared boxes. Setting the lids on, I slid a pin into each hole to allow for the pouring of the star metal. Mixing a batch of the plaster, I carefully poured it into both boxes and secured the pins. I looked over to see the furnace glowing a cherry red as Sharptooth breathed a steady stream of white-blue fire into the intake. Letting the fire die out as he took a breath, he looked over to me with a small smile on his scaled muzzle.
“So I take it the plaster is poured?”
“Yes, I’m expecting to be able to melt the wax sometime tomorrow. How are you doing?” I asked.
“The star metal refinement is progressing well, it will be done before much longer, and then we can simply melt it again once the plaster has set.” He turned back to the furnace and began to breathe another stream of fire. Once the furnace was glowing red hot again, he looked at me. “I would hope that you brought more than just your saddlebags, if you intend to build your design.”
I nodded. “I do have a luggage bag being held down at the train station. I didn’t want to carry it all the way up the mountain if it turned out you didn’t have the star metal.”
“Well, once I finish here, we shall go and retrieve it. I need more supplies anyway if you are to stay here another night.”
“Oh I couldn’t impose; you’ve already helped far more than I had hoped…” I trailed off as Sharptooth fixed me with a yellow eye.
“And I will continue to help as much as I see fit. I for one wish to see if your design will actually work. Not to mention we have yet to work out the terms of your repayment for the star metal.” Cracking a small grin at my sudden discomfort, he continued, “Oh no need to look so crestfallen. The price I have settled on is a complete drawing of the final design and a list of components so I may try my claw at building my own. Does that seem agreeable to you?”
I started to agree, but then a thought occurred to me. “I don’t know, that seems a little skewed in my favor. Drawings after all take very little effort to complete. So, I’ll give you the drawing and parts list, but I will also come back to visit you sometime. My friend Storm Singer would enjoy meeting you, though he can be a hoof-full sometimes.” Sharptooth lifted one eye ridge slightly, before laughing uproariously.
“You have a deal young Sky Limit. You drive a hard bargain, but I suppose I can suffer the pitter patter of hooves on my floor again.” Extending a clawed paw, he and I shook on it.
Another two hours passed before Sharptooth declared the star metal refined enough for the time being. I passed the time by making some minor adjustments to the MARK III to more reflect Sharptooth’s wings, and once satisfied I drew a copy for him, listing all the parts on the back. That only took me an hour, so the rest of the time I spent sitting at the edge of the plateau overlooking Tacksworn enjoying the view.
“I always did enjoy the view around here. Having some measure of privacy didn’t hurt either.” Sharptooth said as he sat down next to me with a thump. “The star metal is refined, so let us go and fetch your things.”
I got to my hooves and began to turn towards the path when a massive green paw suddenly wrapped itself around me. Barely had I processed this than with a surge of motion Sharptooth flung himself into the air. I was pretty sure I screamed despite myself, but the wind howling past my face kept me from hearing it. As Sharptooth leveled out, I looked around and managed to calm down enough to shout up at the scaled head. “You could have given me some warning!”
“Ah, my apologies," the dragon said, though his eyes twinkled with mirth, "but walking down the path is far longer than a quick flight down. Next time I shall ask.” Sharptooth mollified as we spiraled down into town. Landing on the edge of town in a flurry of dust, he gently set me down and started to walk down the road. “I shall purchase my supplies while you retrieve your bag. Meet me back here once you do and we shall return to the cave.”
I nodded and made my way down the street, watching from the corner of my eye as Sharptooth lumbered towards what must be the town’s market. I was again struck by how all the different species in the town seemed to just get along, nopony seemed at all disturbed by the sight of a dragon in town. I trotted the rest of the way to the station and retrieved my bag, thankfully none the worse for wear. Hauling it behind me, I slowly made my way back to the rendezvous, only to find I had arrived ahead of Sharptooth. Letting my bag drop to the dirt, I looked around to see a couple young ponies playing what appeared to be hoofball with a trio of griffons and even a few diamond dogs. There were three goalposts set up, though the youngsters seemed less interested in scoring and more in just tussling with each other. The ball soared out of the scuffle and rolled to a stop next to me. I picked it up as one of the griffons can running up. Turning it over in my hooves I could see the ball had obviously been built with all three species in mind, as the grips could be handled by paw, talon or hoof without difficulty.
“Yo, are you gonna give us our ball back or what?” The griffon asked irritably, obviously a female from her tone.
I gave her a steady look and then tossed it to her with a small grin. “My apologies, I was just interested in how you ball was built. I invent things too, it’s actually why I’m here in the first place.”
“Yea, whatever.” The griffon hurried off, throwing the ball at one of the ponies as she got closer.
“I see you’ve met some of the local offspring.” Sharptooth said as he ambled up behind me.
“They certainly seem… animated.” I said, turning to grab my bag only to see it held in one of Sharptooth’s paws. I looked up to see the other one overhead, and sighed in resignation.
“Unless you’d prefer to walk?” The dragon asked cheekily as he scooped me up and took off.
After we returned to the cave, Sharptooth set about making dinner while I inspected the plaster to see how it was doing. Finding it to be satisfactory, I trotted into the kitchen, where Sharptooth had mixed a plate of his cooked vegetables for each of us, though mine was decidedly less shiny than his. Taking an experimental bite I found myself digging in, the smoky aftertaste not at all unpleasant.
“I’m going to have to try to come up with something to replicate this back home, this is fantastic.” I said in between bites.
Sharptooth laughed, “I am glad you are enjoying yourself. Once we finish, I would like to see your completed design, without the engines of course.”
I nodded as I chewed, and once dinner was finished and the dishes put away walked back into the living room to my bag. Opening it and getting out the first bundle of steel rods, I laid them out carefully while I began to explain the idea behind the MARK III. “Basically, the MARK II was a step in the right direction, but the frame was still too big and unwieldy. That’s when I decided to see about a mechanism to allow the wings to retract, but needed magic to provide the energy to do so. Normal fuels like coal would be far too inefficient, so me and my friend Storm Singer went to Canterlot to try to figure out designing something to power the wings. Which is of course what led me here.” I said with a small laugh. “I made a small change to the design of the wing frame after getting a chance to look at your wings, the original might have worked but now I’m certain it will.” I took out the main back unit and set it to the side, before beginning to attach the wing rods to the joint pivots.
Leaning over the slowly forming wing, Sharptooth extended one of his own wings and compared the two, nodding as he saw the similarity.
“And of course you’ll get full mentions for the use of your wing’s likeness in the final notes.” I added with a chuckle, before I gently pulled the membrane fabric over the skeleton. I slid it into the specially made groove in the top of the main wing rods and tightened it down, which would prevent the fabric from pulling free. I then snapped the braces over that to make doubly sure and set the completed wing to the side, dragging the pieces for the other one closer.
“Now what is this membrane made out of? It’s not a fabric I’m familiar with.” Sharptooth asked as he picked up the completed wing.
“It’s something the weaver back in Hoofington, Fine Weave, came up with. I’m not sure on the specifics, but this fabric can have three stallions suspended on it and not rip. He told me it was something in the way he wove the strands together, but not much more.”
“I see, I might have to place an order for some of this fabric from him.” He said as I continued to assemble the other wing, soon looking at two wings laying on either wise of the main pack.
Carefully sliding them into position, I pointed to two hollows with a metal cage over the top. “That’s where the thaumatic engines will sit, there’s a cable directly under the hollow that connects the wings to the frame, which in theory will allow me to flex them using my back muscles.”
“I see, an interesting theory. Now, I suggest we get a good night’s rest. Tomorrow we’ll pour the star metal and finish the assembly.” Sharptooth said as I yawned, suddenly aware that the sun was almost completely below the horizon again.
I awoke feeling more energetic than the day before, the impending completion of the MARK III giving me a spring in my step as I entered the kitchen.
“Well, someone seems excited this morning.” Sharptooth observed, even though he seemed as animated as I felt, sliding another plate of haycakes toward my side of the table with a small flourish.
“Of course, the MARK III is going to be finished today, aside from getting a unicorn back in Canterlot to provide the initial charge.” I looked up as Sharptooth held the frying pan to his chest, a frown pulling at his muzzle despite the twinkle in his eyes.
“You wound me. We shall have you flying by the end of today. Did you think that I intend to allow someone else the honor of seeing your first flight before me?” He pointed the pan at me indignantly. “No, I will provide your initial charge, and then we will see you spread those wings and soar!” He half shouted as he tossed the frying pan expertly over one shoulder to land in the sink with a clatter.
I opened my mouth to say something, but decided it’d be a better idea to nod and finish eating.
Once we’d finished our breakfast, Sharptooth descended once again into his hoard and returned with a long tube and a wrapped bundle. Unwrapping the fabric he revealed two delicate spheres formed of some material that looked like glass, but sparkled like diamond. “This is what we shall use to house your thaumatic engines. I call it crystalglass for its appearance and resilience.” He picked one of the spheres up and suddenly hurled it against the wall. I winced, expecting it to shatter on contact, but could only gape as the sphere embedded itself into the solid rock. Sharptooth walked over and tugged it free with a grunt, lowering it to show me its unblemished surface.
“But how will we get the engines inside the spheres?” I wondered aloud, but Sharptooth only chuckled as he set the sphere back onto the fabric with its twin.
“Allow an old dragon his tricks. Now, let us check the plaster, I believe it will have dried by now.”
It had, and we set about gently melting the wax. Sharptooth handled this part with a gentle stream of heated breath that was almost fire, two small puddles of wax soon forming on the ground. Once the trickle had stopped, Sharptooth set the two blocks gently next to the forge. He lifted a padded metal rod with a bucket on the end and held it out to me. “Once the star metal has melted, you will need to fill this bucket and pour the metal into the molds. Pour one mold at a time, then refill the bucket for the next.”
“Wouldn’t this part be better suited for you?” I said, nervous about having my muzzle be so close to molten metal.
“Perhaps, but if you desire these engines to be attuned to you as much as possible, you must be the one that forms them. There is more to magic than what unicorns are capable of. It is a primal thing, where intentions carry as much weight as the bones of the world itself.”
I gulped, still worried about having the star metal that close to my face, but managed to stand straighter. “Alright, I’ll do it.”
“Excellent, let us begin.” Sharptooth took a deep breath, and blew a stream of the white-blue fire into the intake. The forge was soon glowing a bright red, and I could hear the pops of metal melting coming from within. Eventually Sharptooth nodded and I moved close to the opening, bucket held firmly in my mouth. The heat was blisteringly intense, and I could feel the hair on my face beginning to crisp. Dipping the bucket into the pool of orange-white liquid, I carefully maneuvered it to the first mold and carefully tipped the bucket. The metal poured in like syrup, though where it hit the ground it hissed and spat angrily. Moving slowly, I dipped the bucket into the molten pool again and carefully began to pour it into the second mold. A stray glob hit the ground and spat a single droplet toward my leg. I nearly jumped and spilled the bucket, but managed to avoid it by lifting my leg awkwardly. I wobbled and almost fell, but managed to finish pouring the metal before staggering back.
“Excellent reflexes. Metalworking is a dangerous profession. I should have looked for something to pad your legs with.” Sharptooth said apologetically.
“It’s alright; least I didn’t spill the star metal.” I laughed, though my legs were still a little shaky from the near miss.
“That you didn’t. Now, let’s double check your engines and prepare them to be placed into their spheres.” Sharptooth picked up the two blocks of plaster and held them for a few minutes, eyes half closed in concentration as he gauged the temperature. Finally nodding to himself, he dug his talons into the plaster and cracked it down the middle. The four pieces fell to the ground and shattered, leaving two dark pieces of metal in Sharptooth’s paws. He held the two of them up and inspected each one closely.
Finally he turned his head to mine and smiled. “I present to you your thaumatic engines, the Sky Limit prototype Number One.” He gently placed one of the starbursts of metal in my hoof, some heat still radiating from it.
I sat down hard and stared at it, an ear to ear smile forming on my face as I rotated the shape in my hooves. “So now what?”
“Now? Now we begin the last step. Bring your tools out here.”
Once I’d laid out my tools Sharptooth looked them over and indicated a tooth-edged file. “Use that to cut the flashing from the actual engine, then your smaller files to smooth any rough patches that are left.”
I nodded and fitted my hoofrings on, slotting the file into the right ring, and a tong into the left. Taking the starburst in the tong, I carefully began to file through the flashing and it soon snapped off. Switching for the fine-tooth files, I methodically smoothed the flashing until it was flush with the rest of the starburst. I gently set it down and got to work on the second one, soon finishing it and setting it next to the first.
Sharptooth nodded and picked up one of the starbursts and a crystalglass sphere. He closed his eyes and began to hum softly, an emerald glow beginning to form around his talons that held the starburst. He slowly moved the sphere toward the star metal, and actually moved it into the sphere. Letting the starburst go, he withdrew his talons and held out the crystalglass with the starburst now safely contained inside it. I took it gently and stared as he repeated the process with the other one.
“An old spell, though the principle is a fairly simple application of will. I’d expect even an infant unicorn could accomplish it should they so desire. Now, let us charge your spheres. Place your hooves on them and I shall get to work.”
Confused, I followed his instructions anyway as he placed a single talon over each hoof. Again, the emerald glow enveloped his talons, but this time flowed into my legs and then to the spheres. My hair started to stand on end as I realized I could actually feel the starbursts beginning to vibrate from the power flowing into them. My heart started racing in time with the vibrations, and my vision swam before the power suddenly disappeared in a rush. Sagging, I looked up at Sharptooth tiredly as the dragon nodded. I let my head fall as I lifted my hooves from the spheres, seeing the starbursts actually floating inside, a soft green light shining from within the metal.
“Well, it looks like they were a success. Let’s put them into place and see if they’ll work.” I said as I gently picked the spheres up and carried them into the cave. However, I barely made it five paces before I felt my legs giving out. Something caught me and picked me up.
“Rest, Sky Limit. We can always test your wings at a later time.”
I tried to protest, but the cushions I was being laid on were so very comfortable and taking a short break seemed such a wonderful idea…
I started awake, flailing madly as I fell off the couch to the floor. I looked around, finding myself in the main room. The wings were where I had left them, and the spheres sat serenely on the table, still glowing green. I started to get to my hooves only to wince as every muscle in my body felt overused.
“Take it slowly, the magic took more out of you than I expected it to.” I heard Sharptooth say before the dragon came into view, a plate of haycakes held in one paw. “You slept for nearly a full day, you know.”
I was shocked, but the rest of my body had its own plans and dragged me to the table, while Sharptooth set down the plate in front of my muzzle. As I ate, he picked the cushions I had knocked off the couch up and put them back.
Once I’d finished, I wiped my muzzle with a hoof and sighed. “That feels better. So, shall we begin testing the wings?”
Sharptooth laughed, slapping a paw on his knee. “You are indeed a carefree soul my friend. Very well, connect your thaumatic engines and we will see how well you fly.”
Smiling now, I dragged the MARK III to the middle of the floor and gently picked up the first engine, slotting it carefully into its hollow. Next was the cage, which snapped into place with an audible click. Repeating the procedure with the other sphere, I looked proudly on the now completed MARK III. With Sharptooth’s help I settled it into position over my withers and back, tightening the straps to hold it in place. I rolled my shoulders and felt a bizarre twinge, almost like when your leg falls asleep. This twinge however seemed to come from the area right behind my shoulder blades. I suddenly heard a series of clicking noises and looked to see the wings folding themselves in, finally settling snugly into the slot designed for them along my flanks.
I looked giddily up at Sharptooth. “They… they work!” I rolled my shoulders again and felt the same twinge as the wings began to unfurl, the thaumatic engines spinning rapidly inside their crystalglass spheres. Once they were fully extended I flexed my back and jumped as the wings suddenly flapped, lifting me a tiny bit from the floor. “They work! I think I can get off the ground!” Flexing my back harder the wings snapped up and down, lifting me a good inch off the floor. “This is incredible!” I kept flexing my back and soon settled into a rhythm that had me hovering almost a foot off the floor. The two diagrams fluttered wildly before being blown across the room.
Sharptooth was laughing, wiping a tear of mirth from his eye. “Excellent work, though the indoors are a poor place to try real flight.” He gestured to the ledge outside the cave, and with a sheepish smile I relaxed my back and dropped to the floor.
“That’s going to take some getting used to.” I said as my back muscles started to complain about the unusual activity. I rolled my shoulders to let the wings furl and started trotting toward the door, pausing to grab my goggles and set them on my forehead.
“Ah, but in time you’ll be a natural.” Sharptooth added as we made our way to the edge of the plateau.
I stood there for a moment, looking out at the town far below me. The sun hung high in the sky, and the wind blew gently through my mane. I closed my eyes and felt my legs twitching forwards, as eager as my mind was to just take that last step. I felt my shoulders roll slowly and the wings started to extend, and I again felt that phantom twinge, almost as if I could feel them. I made a note to investigate this phenomenon after the flight test, and started to flex my back hard. I felt the whipping of the wind against my sides as the wings snapped up and down, my hooves losing contact with the ground with each flap. Stopping for a moment and settling to the earth, I opened my eyes and pushed my goggles down over them. I took a few deep breaths and flicked my ears back.
“This is the inaugural test of the Mark III Flight Model. After this, nothing will be the same.” I wasn’t sure where the second part came from, but it felt right. Taking another deep breath, I broke into a gallop and leapt off the edge. The wind howled as it tore past me, my mane snapping back and forth as I dropped like a stone. For one terrifying yet beautiful second I just wanted to fall forever, and then my back flexed, the wings snapping out and catching the wind. My suicidal nosedive became an arc that saw me curving back up towards the distant sky. As my momentum slowed I began to twitch my back and drive the wings hard, soon passing the level of the plateau. I saw Sharptooth roaring something, and then the dragon flared his wings and dove off the ledge, opting for a shallower dive before he raced upwards toward me. I turned my head back toward the sky and continued to ascend rapidly, soon going far higher than I’d ever been before, even as a colt. I slowed the climb and began to hover, looking around in awe at the panorama spread before me.
The landscape of Equestria was spread out before me like an enormous canvas; tans and greens stretching in one direction toward Canterlot, while the other direction was white snow and grey rock interspersed with pine trees. Clouds scudded past me and I let my hoof run through one, laughing as my coat became soaked. I felt tears beginning to prick at the corners of my eyes and let the wind take them as I angled forward again. I saw a towering mass of cloudstuff and arrowed toward it, leaning to the side to carve my way around it in a graceful curve.
“SO! THE EARTH PONY HAS FINALLY SPREAD HIS WINGS, EH?” Sharptooth bellowed as he surged up from below me. “HOW DOES IT FEEL?”
I grinned wildly and tipped over backwards, twisting into a corkscrewing dive toward the distant ground. I heard Sharptooth’s booming laugh as the dragon plunged past me, but I didn’t care.
The sky belonged to me now, and I to it.
After an indeterminate amount of time, I felt my stomach rumbling and a sudden ache in my shoulders. Gesturing with a hoof toward the plateau, Sharptooth and I angled in for a landing. I started to flex my back to slow my descent when the muscles suddenly cramped. I started to flail in an attempt to slow myself before a green-scaled paw caught me.
“Every hatchling botches their first landing. But you did well for your first true flight.” Sharptooth set me down gently and I nearly collapsed. My legs were trembling, my back burned from the effort, and I’d never felt better in my life. Wearily rolling my shoulders, the wings folded themselves in and I slowly trudged into the cave. Barely pausing to take the Mark III off, I slumped onto the couch and felt sleep beginning to claim me.
A few seconds later my nose twitched as the delightful scent of seared vegetables reached me and dragged me into the kitchen. Sharptooth was busy at the stove, a flash of green fire lighting the room as he prepared another batch.
“Well, I was wondering when you would awaken. You’ve been twitching on the couch for an hour now.” He said as he turned, holding a plate of the delicious food in one paw. I merely groaned in reply, my back aching. “I remember well the pain after one’s first flight, but it is a good pain.”
“If you say so.” I muttered as I began to eat, feeling more energetic with each bite. Sharptooth only laughed in response and joined me at the table. The rest of the meal passed in silence, and it was as Sharptooth carried the dishes to his sink that he asked the question I knew was coming.
“So when do you plan to leave?”
I swallowed the last bite and looked at the floor. “Well, I was planning to today… but I could stick around for a few days longer.””
“Then come, you will miss the train if you delay.” Sharptooth said as he lumbered into the living room.
“Well, I don’t have to leave right away…” I trailed off, realizing that I was actually going to miss the dragon when I left.
“Nonsense, how can you expect to repay me with another visit if you never leave? I’ve lived for centuries with no visitors; I believe I can go a few months or years without seeing you.” The dragon’s words were harsh, but delivered kindly. “I’m sure we’ll see each other again sometime.”
I nodded, getting to my hooves and wearily trudging into the living room. Together we carefully packed the diagram into its case, and the remaining supplies from the Mark IIIs assembly into their bag. Sharptooth picked up his copy delicately and took it down to his hoard. I slid the Mark III onto my back and started to walk the long thirty feet to the plateau as he came trundling back up.
“Are you sure you’re feeling up to it?” Sharptooth asked teasingly, both my bags held in one paw. I stared at him for a moment while the wings unfurled with their usual clicking sound.
“I’m tired, sore and weak-kneed. But nothing’s keeping me tethered to the ground again.” I said as I tumbled off the side, my wings catching the wind as I glided toward town. I heard Sharptooth laugh as he took off after me, the two of us making quite an unusual sight.
Arriving at the station, I paused for a moment and turned to face the dragon with a small smile. “Thank you Sharptooth. For everything. I wouldn’t have been able to complete the Mark III without your help.”
“Indeed you would not have. But you are very welcome. Now, don’t try to skip out on our bargain, or I will have to come visit you. Farewell, Sky Limit. May the skies always be clear for you.” The dragon grinned toothily before taking flight in a blizzard of dust.
I sneezed once before turning and trudging into the station.
I spent most of the train ride sleeping, the exhaustion from that first flight deeper than I thought. I nearly fell from my seat when the whistle blew as the train drew into the Hoofington station. Collecting my bags I trudged off onto the platform, only to be broadsided by a yellow and white comet.
“SKY LIMIT! YOU’RE FINALLY HOME!” Storm Singer shouted as he lifted me into the air and spun around.
“It’s good to see you too Storm. Now perhaps you can put me down?” I felt the grip around me release and fell to the platform with a thud.
“So how was your trip? Did you complete the Mark III? Ooh, let me get a look at it!” He raced around behind me, peering closely at the thaumatic engines and poking at the wings with a hoof. My back tingled when he did and I shied away.
“Hey, that tickles!” Both of us froze and looked at each other.
“That is really cool. Creepy, but cool.” Storm said as he landed on the platform.
“It’s something that I need to examine in more detail. But let’s get my things and go back to my shop, I’ve been gone from it for too long.” I said tiredly as I walked toward the baggage collection station. We picked up the bags and began to walk back to my house. I smiled at all the friendly faces of ponies as they waved, but then heard the distinctive laugh of Tornado as he and his cronies dropped out of the sky.
“Well well well, if it isn’t Sky Limited, dragging his sorry flank back home. Finally realize that trying to fly is a waste of time for a dirt-eater like you?” He said tauntingly, only to scowl as I walked around him. “Hey, I’m talking to you!” He started to grab for me, but I dropped the bags and rolled my shoulders. The thaumatic engines spun faster and the wings clicked as they extended to their full span. Turning, I faced him with a steady glare.
“I’m not in the mood for this Tornado. I’m going home to drop my things off, so go find somepony else to bother.” Not even waiting for a reply, I turned and continued on my way, leaving three dumbstruck pegasi as I rolled my shoulders again to furl the wings.
“Now that was pretty cool Sky. So when will I get to see them in action?” Storm asked as I opened the door to my shop.
“Well, I just want to grab a quick bite to eat; the train food isn’t exactly filling after all.” I set the bags down by the door and trotted into my kitchen.
“Oh I agree.” Celestia said as she smiled at me from the other side of my table.
Once I’d picked my chin up from the floor I stared blankly at the Princess of the Sun as she rose to her hooves and crossed around the table. “P-Princess? What are you doing here?”
“Well, I received a letter from an old friend of mine, detailing the young earth pony who’d come to pay him a visit with a fanciful notion of flying. He mentioned that this pony would be returning to Hoofington, so I decided to come pay a visit and see for myself. So this is your device? How marvelous!” She said as she paced around me, peering closely at the thaumatic engines. “Yes, I do recognize Bevelmiter’s work in this, very impressive that you were able to develop a new engine despite not being able to use magic.”
“T-thank you your Highness.” I managed to stammer out.
“If it is not too much trouble, might I be able to watch your demonstration as well? If you can accomplish something as marvelous as this on your own, the School for Gifted Unicorns could easily use a pony of your talents. And please, there is no need for honorifics on a day like this.”
I was struck speechless by what she had just offered me. “But… I’m not a unicorn, what use would the School have for somepony like me?”
“The School’s purpose is to search out ponies with gifts, the majority of which are unicorns. But I doubt the Headponies will turn away a pony with your potential. And should they try, I’m sure either myself or Bastion can put in a good word for you.”
I gaped, remembering how to talk when Storm elbowed me in the side. “I… I’d be honored to accept your offer Prin... Celestia.”
She smiled demurely. “Well, the offer is of course predicated on your device actually working. It does work, yes?”
I managed a small grin. “Just you watch, I’ll show you.”
And so I found myself standing on the ledge overlooking the town below me. The wind blew softly through my coat and the furled wings at my sides. I reached up and pushed my goggles down over my eyes, taking a few deep breaths as I rolled my shoulders. The thaumatic engines began to glow a vibrant green while the wings began to extend with a series of clicks. I closed my eyes and smiled as the events of the past few months played through my head again, all the effort having lead up to this moment. Thanks to the help I’d gotten from my friends both old and new, the chance of a lifetime was now within my reach; all I had to do was leap forward and seize it.
So I did.
