Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. -Thomas A. Edison

The blanket of the morning was beginning to be pulled back by the ray-like fingers of the sun, Canterlot still shrouded with clouds. Spires pierced through the thick billows of moisture as a smaller shape slowly rose above them. The morning weather crew shift hardly paid mind to the event; for while such a sight had once been interesting and nuanced, it was now just a weekly occurrence.

In fact, a rather large betting pool surrounded the slowly-ascending pony, his gyrocopter powered by hooves and glowing crystals alike.

Music echoed from inside the unicorn’s helmet, each hoof pressing down on four pedals in time to the beat, head bobbing back and forth to the tune. If one removed the pedals, gears, and the gyrocopter itself, it would look like Aid Chaser was simply trotting in place while climbing straight up. It was an efficient system; keeping the turbine above his head spinning while latent magic from the unicorn’s horn was fed into the dozens of mana-gems embedded into the metal.

Shutting off the music player strapped to his left forelimb, Aid grinned through his crystal visor as a snow-white Pegasus flew close, his blue fetlocks waving in greeting.
“Hey dude! Another test flight?” Wind Shear called, slowly following the gyrocopter upwards.

“Yup! Pretty sure this one will be interesting. It took me a good four hours to recalibrate all of the movement gems.” Aid replied, not able to resist a smile at the amused Pegasus.

“Thanks again for letting me use you as a model like, a month ago. I still can’t thank you enough. Having the wire imitation move as I modified the harness really has helped.”

Wind Shear brushed back his grey mane, exaggerating the gesture with a wide extravagant wave.
“Well of course. Who better looking to do it?” The weatherpony chucked, eyes flickering over the unicorn in amusement.

The dark tan vest was a stark contrast against Aid’s dark blue fur, and even more so to the golden strand that stood among his black mane. The vest was even a further fashion statement (or eyesore, depending who you asked,) due to the dozens of hoof-sized crystals embedded into the thick material.

“So, what’s the betting pool today?” Aid asked, gold eyes looking around and flicking a large switch on the gyrocopter’s main mast, situated behind him.

“The usual, but quite a few in the weather team are changing their tune. A full five are betting it’ll be successful, and now only ten think a total failure.” Wind replied, not able to resist a smile as his best friend laughed in the clearing air.

“Not including you I hope?”
The Pegasus shot the unicorn an abashed look, swiping a hoof across his brow.
“The nerve!”
“Hey, you DID bet against me once!”
Wind laughed, nodding as he gestured to Aid’s machine and large backpack.
“Yeah, once, before I even knew you! And I quickly learned to never bet against a certain somepony, no matter how crazy his ideas may be! In terms of success, there’s varying degrees of betting. I’ll have you know I’m the only one betting a fully successful flight!”

The weather pony’s expression then shifted, concern entering his amethyst eyes.
“Hey, Aid. I won’t push, but you doing alright? You left early from that party last week.” Wind remarked, prompting a pleasant smile from his friend.

You probably don’t know how much that means to me. One of the few ponies to check up on me for those nightmarish six months…
Thankfully that was a year ago. I’m more than glad to move on from that.
“Doing pretty good honestly. That time…erm, well I honestly just had an idea I didn’t want to forget before I got to the workshop.” Aid Chaser replied with an embarrassed wince.

The answer quickly made Wind perk back up as he laughed, shaking his head slowly.
“Of course you did. Well good to hear it, just, y’know. Wanted to check.”

Aid smiled, shifting slightly as he glanced to a small watch on his right arm.
“Thank you though, really. Hmm.” His brow furrowed slightly in thought.
“I’d better get this done. Getting up here took longer- could barely see with this fog. Speaking of which….”

Wind waved a hoof dismissively, gesturing to the quickly-clearing sky, a few more members of the Canterlot morning weather team blowing away the thick mist.
“I got my section done first, so I could chat for a bit! But yea, best I get back to it too. Best of luck dude! See you tomorrow, hopefully not today!”

“Tomorrow, not today indeed!” Aid called.

With a wave, Wind Shear was off, helping a new member of the team with a particularly thick bank of fog off to the right, leaving the unicorn with a happy smile.The odd farewell was a common phrase uttered from the Pegasus- and it had spread to other members of their second job too.
I guess we never never do hope to be called up for an emergency- but we’re here just in case. I’d rather see him at times like this than in at a disaster zone.

Aid now looked at the small metal gauntlet on his left limb, multiple buttons and switches adorning the metal device. None of them were physically connected to anything- but each were toggled to an activation spell of some sort, as well as a few handy readouts.

I’m so happy to not rely on those cruddy old spells. The upgrade cost was totally worth getting an experienced mage to do them for me.
Funny, I suppose. The owner of my own enchantment shop going to another for spell help. But my life is certainly worth it!

Tapping a switch, the inside of Aid’s helmet lit up with a few simple graphs; altitude, speed, and how much stored mana was left in his crystals being the primary displays. They were all simple spells, but cementing a spell to an action, or readout, was a tricky business.
I don’t trust myself to perform those sorts of spells perfectly, not yet at least. But give me another year…
Pulling on two simple toggles that hung at his sides, Aid exposed what appeared to be a folded-up ladder on each side of his torso, hanging at his sides loosely. Also sparking with gems, each stone was expertly cut in a semi-long but angular shape.

If one looked close enough, the mana crystals would almost resemble feathers. Both imported and mined from inside Equestria, the artifacts were, in simple terms, magical batteries. One could dump raw energy into them, and the specially-cut minerals would retain the energy for a near-indefinite period of time. They could also be enchanted to work with various spells, as Aid eagerly utilized with most of his work.

Checking the time once again, Aid mentally ran through the morning flight schedule- and looked around to confirm his spot. The airspace around Canterlot could be crowded on occasion, so he had booked a certain time and area for his ‘adrenaline-junkie’ activities.
I mean, it IS a rush, and probably the best way to phrase it.
Speaking of which…

Flicking a final switch on the gyrocopter’s main panel, Aid set the machine to automatically land, the main turbines spinning just fast enough to set the craft down safely. A simple guiding spell kept it on track, at least enough to avoid houses and trees.

(Flight Music)

Tapping the music player on his arm, the stallion now couldn’t keep a silly smile off his face. Shifting off of the gyrocopter’s seat, he double-checked the readings on the instrumentation panel, as well as the bulky emergency parachute strapped to his back.
Thank heavens for lightening spells. This stuff must be a third of my body weight.
…Tally ho!

With a laugh, Aid Chaser dove off the now-descending machine, the wind rushing past the stallion in free fall. Quickly building up speed, the pony angled his flight to the south-east to avoid most of Canterlot’s spires. Leading him past the green cliff-side parks and then to the eventual rolling hills beyond Canterlot, it was the perfect path for a test flight. No trees to snag on, and the cliffs provided a nice landmark to guide him all the way to the landing site in the grassy hills.
And then a nice long walk back to my apartment, and then prepare for dinner with the parents.
Ugh.

Such thoughts were pushed out of Aid’s mind as he punched through the dwindling fog, the full expanse of Equestria now laid out before him. How Pegasi never marveled at the sight every time they flew, Aid didn’t know.
It never gets old.

The clear air filled the stallion’s lung with a chilly greeting, Aid grinning as the constant pressure of the wind against his chest began to level out. Up here, it was just him and the sky. Having wind for company and clouds for conversation was a strange but exhilarating freedom.

I could stay up here for hours, not these few minutes.
Eventually!

His speed stabilizing to near terminal velocity, Aid reached over and flicked two switches, then depressing a large green button on his gauntlet.
With a snap of magic, the metal bars at his side extended- crystal feathers shining brightly in the morning sun. Tendrils of awareness dug into Aid Chaster’s mind, the two new appendages feeling like two new limbs on his back.

That always is weird- feeling two new limbs.
But now…

Eyes narrowing in concentration, Aid guided the artificial wings into a gliding arrangement, slowly angling upwards. His display blinked, indicating a drain on the mana crystals above normal.
Still need to optimize the spells I see, but that’s better than before! Last time I nearly drained half my power just by opening the things.

A slight pressure began to build into his temples, the strain on the wings makings itself known as the unicorn settled into an even glide.
Ok, spells stable, glide achieved. Little to no drain just gliding! Is that right?
A double check on his helmet readout confirmed the stallion’s hopes, the unicorn laughing happily.

“YES!”
Aid’s voice was carried away by the wind as he soared along the cliffs, noticing only a few of the high-altitude parks being occupied.
Banking left and right, the stallion furled his wings, dropping sharply before extending them again with a joyous laugh.
Sudden drop and extend; passed again!

No doubt the cackling stallion that zoomed past a park was quite the sight to any early risers; but Aid couldn’t help but continue and laugh. Two successful maneuvers in a row, and the joints weren’t even straining!
They’d better hold! I spent five hours tuning them yesterday! Of course, now comes the actual test…
Well, in a bit.
Every flight was a joy- and not something he wanted to ever take for granted. How many unicorns were able to see this outside of an airship or hot air balloon?

Now passing over the outskirts of the city, Aid Chaser waved to a few curious royal guards flying nearby, the ponies stationed on one of the many perimeter gates at the base of Canterlot.
Focusing on his wings, Aid moved them forwards- willing them to move down, back, and then up again.
Not up and down. Forwards, down, back!

A strange ache spread through his back- like when nearing a hill on a marathon. The difference was that Aid’s physical wings had no muscle to become sore. This built up as a pressure in the stallion’s mind; the stubborn limbs refusing to move at first.
Come on!
The wings shuddered, then swept forwards and pushed the Unicorn up with a downward thrust.
“YES!”
One flap.
Then two.
The stallion couldn’t help but laugh, the wings pushing him higher as they continued to sweep back and forth.

TEN! IT WORKS!
Only now did a red indicator start to flash on the gauntlet- indicating a severe strain in the right-side joints. Even the warning failed to dim Aid’s spirits, the unicorn all smiles as he continued to descend.
More indicators now flashed- the wing now starting to move out of sync with the other. Aid barely had time to punch the red button on his panel before the appendage completely buckled as the magical joints failed.

Yanking the ripcord on his chest, Aid then punched the air triumphantly as he drifted down, one wing hanging limply at his side as a parachute deployed above his head.
“TEN FLAPS! How’s that for success!” he cried to the heavens, limbs still shaking from adrenaline as the stallion touched solid ground.
(End Flight Music.)

“Looks like you get that betting pool Wind. Ten flaps…I barely managed two a week ago!” the stallion said to himself, shrugging out of the harness and igniting his horn. A dull golden aura surrounded the wings, the mana-crystals slowly easing back into their retracted position.
“Oh. Right. After flight notes.” he muttered, activating a recording spell that led to one of the many crystals on his vest.

What would I do without these mana crystals? Well, I lived without it for years. But it makes things so much easier!
And to think, they thought this ‘handicap’ would render me magically useless…
Stubborn Unicorn, a million points. Totally wrong doctors, zero.
Gathering up his parachute and wings, the stallion packed them back onto his torso, beginning the trot back to Canterlot in the distance.

“After flight report, prototype eight, attempt one-hundred and five. Successful glide with minimal to no drain on mana crystals. Opening and closing maneuver was flawless. Managed ten flaps before right wing buckled due to strain. Odd out of sync motion was noticed beforehoof. I’m guessing there’s a joint spell not synced up correctly, the more I use it, the more disparate the issue becomes. But a complete success! Wind Shear will be happy- he bet on that today.”

Trotting along the increasingly well-kept road, Aid ran a cursory check of his mana crystals- noting their drain was significantly less than previous flights. Considering his own mana reserves were…unique, the vest and accompanying crystals were nothing less than an essential part of his wear.
I have to admit, being able to teleport and cast a big shield would be nice, but I’ll make do, as I always have.

Sweat dripped from his brow, black and gold mane sliding in front of Aid’s eyes as he trotted- the exertions of the flight finally catching up to him. Despite being in shape, the mental and physical strain of such an activity was always surprising.
At least I’ve got a while before meeting mother and father.
Even the thought put a sour taste in Aid’s mouth, the stallion shaking his head sadly.

I wish it was like before, when I didn’t dread visiting them. I don’t think I can keep doing this. It’s just not healthy.
No matter how much I hope to see change, it’s always the same thing, ten years of it. Ever since that scandal with grandfather…

The stallion’s cloudy thoughts were pulled away by a strange tingling that ran up his spine, the sensation then focusing on his cutie mark. The red medical cross enshrined by two golden wings began to itch- prompting the pony to look around.
Hmmm. Somepony’s in trouble. What could- oh.

Seeing a cart on the side of the road, Aid Chaser trotted over and looked at the tan earth pony sitting next to it.
“Hey there, everything ok?” he asked cheerfully- despite noticing the slight bruising on the pony’s front left limb.

The stallion nodded, wincing as he stood up and gestured to the cart.
“Yeah- ok no, not really. I tripped on one of those stupid raised stones back there. I thought I could walk it off, but my leg is not feeling so great.” The pony muttered with a shake of his head.

“Ah, mind if I take a look at it? I’ve got some medical training” Aid asked, and kept a positive expression on his face as he continued.
“You headed to Canterlot?” Aid asked, running a diagnostic spell over the pony’s limb.
“Y-yeah.”
Aid nodded, gesturing to the cart briefly.

“Well, looks like you’ve got a deep bruise, but nothing fractured. A few days rest and you’ll be fine. Being an earth pony, you’ll heal from it fairly quick. But walking on it, I wouldn’t recommend it for a time.” Aid then shrugged off his gear- the items hitting the ground with a thud.

“Want to climb on? I’m heading that way anyhow. You may not be able to walk, but I can pull.”
The stallion blinked in surprise, finally nodding and climbing into the empty cart.

“Seriously? Thank you- but you don’t even know my name.”
Aid smiled, hitching himself up to the cart and beginning to trot. A passive lightening spell helped the load a bit- the unicorn very glad it was only a few miles to the outer Canterlot sprawl. In shape or not, he just didn’t have the stamina of an earth pony.

“Well, I don’t have to know somepony’s name to help them. I’m Aid Chaser by the way.” The unicorn remarked, the tan stallion’s ears perking up.
“Trail Wheel here, and thanks again. Wait a minute, are you Bit Chaser’s son? Like, the big accounting guy?” Trail asked, prompting Aid’s ears to flatten slightly.

“Yep. That would be my father.”
Should have expected that I suppose.
“Huh. Small world. I use to do my taxes with his firm, back…eight years ago. But it changed, doesn’t feel the same.” The tan stallion mused.
Interesting…

“No slight against your father of course- but just a personal preference.”
“Of course- everypony has a preferred method or provider.” Aid replied, then hearing the shifting of metal.
“Whoa. Waaaaait a minute. You’re that unicorn who wants to fly? I guess I never connected the two.”

“Yup! Same one!” Aid replied cheerily- having long since gotten past any discomfort or embarrassment (mostly,) about his hobby.
“That’s really cool actually. What’s it like?” the curious pony asked, prompting a smile from Aid. It wasn’t often a genuine question wasn’t accompanied by a sneer or laugh- at least in Canterlot.
“Just…freedom. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s just you and the sky up there. It’s unforgiving- you make a mistake, and down you go. But it’s so worth it. I got farther along today than the past years combined.”

Speaking between increasingly raspy breaths, Aid still couldn’t keep a smile off his face as they continued down the road.
“So many failures, but when you’re up there with the clouds, it’s all worth it. The clean air, seeing all of Equestria spread out before you. It puts things into perspective- silly things I worry about just vanish into the wind.” The stallion continued, then heard a slight chuckle sounding from the cart.

“That sounds incredible- I’m actually rather jealous.” Trail mused.
“Well, keep it up, Aid Chaser. I’ve seen more than one colt in my village with cardboard wings on his back and intending to jump out of a tree. It’s become a game every now and again- a Pegasus helping the unicorn or earth pony. Rather adorable actually.”

Aid nearly tripped over his own hooves at that, drawing the cart up to a series of buildings at the edge of the road. The guard station served as one of many small outposts to assist visitors heading up to the main Canterlot Spawl.
“Wait what?!”

Hopping out of the cart with his injured leg held up slightly, Trail grinned and bowed his head in thanks.
“Yup. Quite a few have heard of the Unicorn who wants to fly, including the youngsters. Some scoff, but more often than not, it’s out of whimsical jealousy I think.”

Aid Chaser could only stare, a few guards coming out to check things out.
“Thanks again Aid, I owe you one.”
And with that, the injured stallion was taken inside by the medic, leaving a stunned Unicorn to gather his items from the cart.

As he trotted down the road towards the spires in the distance, Aid couldn’t shake Trail’s words from his mind.
The confusion slowly gave way to a warm glow that buoyed up his tired limbs, the weighty pack and wings seeming a bit lighter as he headed home.

Author's Note

Welcome to the adorable adventure that is Pedal Powered Hearts! This was just an idea that popped into my head and....well, just took off. Here we meet our stallion of interest, who is quite a unique pony indeed!