“Ready to go?” Aid asked, opting for a simple bow-tie to dress up for the occasion as he closed up his shop. Gabby had stopped by the local inn nearby to drop off her few items, then returning to meet in front of his store.

“Yup! Where to?” the peppy gryphoness asked as they walked along.

“Well, I thought we could get some dinner and then just talk? Maybe take a look at some of the neat attractions that are only open in the evening?” Aid suggested, and was relieved to see Gabby nod.

“Sounds good!”

The restaurant was but a short walk away- and thankfully had seats open (to which Aid had double checked a few hours prior.)

“They’ve got a few gryphon dishes mixed in with pony ones, so I figured it’d be nice. It’s not too fancy, but not a simple street vendor either.” Aid explained as they walked into the neat red-painted restaurant, oak tables scattered about with some soft music playing the background. Voices hummed in the air as various patrons enjoyed their meals, the smell of a dozen different spices lingering in the air.

Being seated at one of the side table, Aid glanced over the menu with a smile.
“Hmmmmmmm. What looks good? First date, I pay.” the unicorn remarked, eliciting a giggle from Gabby.

“Ok, but then I pay for the second date.”

Aid let out a soft squeak that would have better been suited for a mouse, his ears perking up.
“S-second date?”

A mischievous gaze was Gabby’s reply, the gryphoness nodding as she looked over the menu.
“I might try this shrimp dish…oooh and it has a spicy calzone-type thing with it? Deeefinitelly.”

Aid looked at the menu and nodded, setting aside the waxy paper.
“A calzone-type thing sounds good actually. There’s one with roasted vegetables and cheese.”

The waiter took their order before trotting off, leaving the two to sip at large cups of water.

“So, how’s the weather?” Aid asked, not able to resist a chuckle as Gabby giggled at the bland ice-breaker question.

“Pretty good actually. So, I’m curious…what are your plans, Aid? That shop is really neat! Do you like the idea of working at that for a while? You mentioned some other dreams in that cave.” Gabby asked, prompting Aid to nod.

“The shop is fun, as is working for the EDRF. I would like to try and jump-start my own organization though. But that would require a lot of money, more than I’ve got. I’m kind of just working towards that goal though, so that’s kind of the plan for the next little bit.” he explained. “What about you?”

Gabby now blushed, the gryphoness toying with a napkin on the table with her talons.
“Well, apparently they could use some help in the post office in Canterlot, so I was thinking of giving that a try for a bit, and see how I like it.”

Aid could only stare in shock; of the things he had expected, that was not one of them.
“Gabby, I didn’t expect-”

“Well of course you didn’t.” she said with a tender smile. “But I’m not about to let something, somepony really attractive get away. I’d…erm…like to see where this goes.” Gabby’s voice drifted off into a whisper, prompting the blushing stallion to blink.

“I just didn’t think you’d consider that already…”

Gabby shrugged her wings, then wincing slightly.

“Did I make you uncomfortable with that?” she whispered, eyes darting to the tablecloth. “I didn’t mean to overstep stuff, I just thought….”

“Gabby.” Aid said softly, shaking his head. “I’m not uncomfortable, I’m just surprised. I didn’t think I meant that much to…erm…”

The slight smile on Gabby’s features cut off any further words, Aid shrugging his own shoulders.
“I guess I was wrong about that at least.”

“Not so much wrong, as just, it’s not as big a deal as it may seem.” Gabby replied. “I think you’re super interested, and is why I was so happy you asked me on a date. If you didn’t want to see where stuff went, I’d just work here for a month and then head back to Griffinstone.”

“Smart gryphon…”

“Silly stallion.”

The two couldn’t help but smile, Aid’s initial surprise fading into a warm glow of affection.
“If today is any indicator, I really would like that second date option.”

A claw reached over and booped Aid on the nose, Gabby all smiles.
“How about first date first?”

“Wait, but you’re the one who said-”

“Can’t hear you. Reading the menu again.”

Aid let out a chuckle, shaking his head.
“I’m not even going to try to respond to …oh, hello food!”

The calzone-type-things were placed in front of them, the pair taking a bite and melting into their seats.

“Cheesy.”

“Shrimpy.”

“Goodness.” They finished in unison, digging into their meals. A soft huff caught Aid’s attention- the stallion glancing over to see a well-dressed mare and stallion glaring their way.

“Huh.”

“Oh, yeah, they’ve been like that for a bit.” Gabby mused.

Aid took another bite, shrugging in indifference. They seemed familiar somehow…
“Probably just bummed that we got our food first?”

Gabby nodded, the pair enjoying their meals for a time. Aid’s ears perked up as another similarly-dressed couple began to act in a similar fashion.
Oh.

Gabby seemed to pick up on his unsettled nature; and voiced no objection to paying and then heading out into the street.

“Hey, you ok?” she asked, prompting Aid to nod.

“Yeah. I just figured out why those nobles were acting so stuffy, and it’s frustrating.”

“It’s because of me, huh?”

Aid’s eyes widened to the size of saucers, the stallion shaking his head as they paused, sitting on the cobblestones briefly.
“No, it’s because they’re intolerant buffoons; very different. I was worried about this though, especially since I recognize them. They’re popular customers of my Father’s firm, so that’s a whole different issue. But it’s something I expected and am alright with. The question is…are you ok with that?” he asked cautiously, not able to look at Gabby as they walked a peaceful side street.

“I’m kind of used to such treatment, honestly. Other gryphons aren’t exactly the nicest creatures, and I’ve dealt with some nobles before.” Gabby replied, her wings sagging ever so slightly. A touch on her shoulder perked the gryphoness up, Aid smiling gently.

“That doesn’t mean it’s ok though.” he remarked. “I just- if a second date and…such happens, those type of nobles are going to be a common thing.”

Gabby now smiled, looking over into the stallion’s caring eyes.

“Aid, I’m ok. It’s a bit saddening, but not a deal breaker for me, if that’s what you’re wondering. Is it for you?”

Aid shook his head, gesturing down the side road. “I already live a life most nobles turn their noses up at; I’ve stopped caring what they think as long as I’m happy.”

Gabby’s heart fluttered in her chest as Aid glanced her way, a tender smile on his features. “And being with you, as a friend or otherwise, makes me happy. So…shall we?”

Walking alongside Aid, Gabby was all smiles as they meandered the streets; and the few glances that were tossed their way slid off her feathers like water. “So, what type of attractions are there to see in the evening?” she asked.

“Well, there’s this twisty tree in a park nearby that just got some new lights; that’s one stop. Then there’s a neat area in a garden where the cobblestones light up when you step on them. If… that sounds ok?”

Gabby nodded, taking a chance to briefly nuzzle her cheek against Aid’s. “Sounds good!”

She had never seen the stallion turn so pink so quickly. The affection in the stallions’ golden eyes refused to leave after that, never wavering even as he bid her a good night at the inn hours later.

*The Next Morning*

“So, I get to see these things work?” Gabby asked, looking at the odd contraption strapped onto Aid’s back, loose-fitting bags hiding the wings from a casual glance to either side of a bulky parachute.

I still can’t believe he MADE those!

“Yup! It’s a short walk to the cliffs, and then there’s a small platform underneath the tourist viewing area you can hop off of. It’s used by weather ponies and the like.” Aid explained, a slight blush now dawning on his features.

“Then I thought we could snag lunch? Second date?”

Oh Aid, I’m hoping for third and fourth dates too!

“Sounds good!”

Gabby’s immediate reply only made Aid smile wider as they trotted along the cobblestones, the stallion levitating his flying helmet alongside the pair. A brief explanation had the gryphoness in excited squeals, looking at the helmet excitedly.

“So that thing tells you the status of your wings? That’s SO. COOL!” Gabby squeaked, examining the piece of equipment.
So intricate. There are little strands of crystal that run along the inside and outside…I wonder how he made it? Making taking an existing bike helmet and adding to it?

“Yup! Magical displays and crystals let me know…if…” Aid’s words trailed off, a disturbingly familiar tingle seeming to run down his spine.
“NO!”

The scream that rang out from ahead of the pair made Gabby’s hackles immediately rise, the gryphon looking around for the source of the shout.

A blur of movement made her jump, and Gabby’s eyes narrowed as Aid galloped towards the tourist railing ahead where a few ponies were gathered.

Oh no…
Her own limbs forced the gryphoness into action, but Gabby knew she was too far away to help.
Go Aid!

Save Her! (Music)

Sparks flew from the stallion’s hooves as they pounded the cobblestones, Aid Chaser’s golden eyes narrowed in concentration. I know that scream.

His helmet was slid onto his head, the display immediately snapping into focus. Another spell left his horn- summoning a strange rectangular crystal. Please let me be wrong- but if I’m not… The spare manna crystal attached itself to his chest with a few sparks, Aid now close enough to see the source of the exclamation.

A light-pink unicorn mare still had two hooves outstretched, as though still trying to catch something…The look in her eyes made Aid’s blood run cold, the scream surging back to his memory.
The cry of a mother who was watching her world fall away….

“MOVE!” Aid bellowed, the smattering of ponies in front of him diving aside. Punching a set of buttons on his gauntlet, spells swirled around the unicorn as he aimed for a slightly-lower section of the guard rail; broken and worn from disrepair.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Aid dove off the cliff, the loosely-fitting fabric covering his wings ripping away. His breath came in short spurts, limbs threatening to shiver as he saw a small blue dot in the distance, now halfway between him and the rocky ground below.

Arcane energy surged through the wings, raw magic sending the unicorn rocketing downwards. A quick turn of his head indicated a few other Pegesi were following- as well as Gabby… They’re too far behind, and too slow. Aid’s eyes narrowed as his speed peaked- his jaw clenched in frustration. They’re too slow, I’m too slow!

He could see the pony now; and Aid’s heartrate doubled as two peach eyes looked at him through the magnified visor view. The unicorn filly’s horn was sparking in terror, her magic going this way and that. She would hit the ground before anyone could get her.
Just like before…I can’t grab her with magic.
No. Not like before!

Cutting the thrusting power to his wings, Aid wrapped the appendages around his body, hope cutting off the dread that began to rise in his throat.
“Aut viam inveniam aut faciam tibi. Ignium, Influunt, Volant, Tota die salutare Celestiabus!”

Arcane power wrapped around the unicorn’s frame, flames igniting around Aid’s entire body. His wings hummed with power, the spell draining half of his energy reserves in but a second.
I don’t need long!

“Volant!”

The spell activated, throwing out a flaming trail of arcane energy behind the unicorn as he sped downwards; a small meteor streaking down from Canterlot. The parachute on his back stretched, and the bag was torn from his body as Aid’s velocity continued to increase. Yet the filly continued to draw closer.
Faster!

Pressure began to build in his temples as the spell continued to drain his magical reserves, the ground still growing in size and detail. Aid was close enough to the filly to see every detail now; her eyes wide in hope, even as the unicorn flailed about.
FASTER!

They were seconds from impact now; and as the rocks and trees began to resolve themselves in detail, Aid wrapped a hoof around the falling filly.

GOTCHA!

Magical straps snaked around the filly’s frame, Aid’s wings now snapping out with a roar of power. I can’t stop- not with the small emergency chute I have. And even so, the wings would tear themselves to shreds…I can’t go down, so I guess there’s only one way to go!

Temples pounding with strain, Aid angled the wings upright, sending them rocketing laterally across the rocky water and small trees. The filly was now all smiles; clutching the harness with all her might.

Now, UP!
The wings were angled further, sending the unicorn soaring back towards Canterlot. His helmet flashed red; the reserves of magical energy reaching critical levels
A little more!

Aid could see the other rescuers now- all still plummeting down towards them.
If I can’t make it back to the platform, at least they’ll catch us when we fall!
The pressure on Aid’s mind now shifted, his display indicating a complete depletion of power.
No…NO!

Yet the spell continued. There was a spike of pain at the back of Aid’s skull; and their speed began to slow…And then held steady. The Unicorn’s breath caught in his chest, still flying upwards as the displays indicated he should be plummeting down.

The spell…
The pain faded, a strange sense of equilibrium spreading through Aid’s frame.
Did…it adjust? Is it using up my magic as fast as I can produce it?

The barest hint of a smile spread across Aid’s features, the unicorn aiming towards a secluded area of the tourist skyway, the smaller ledge underneath far too precise a target. His hypothesis seemed to hold true; even as exhaustion began to creep into the unicorn’s limbs. He was above the walkway now-

Cutting off the spell, Aid noted how his magical reserves jumped ever so slightly- his wings humming with power as he spread them wide.
Just enough to land! Up, out, down….

Crystal wings flapping slowly, Aid lowered himself and his precious cargo to the cobblestones, molten mineral now starting to drip off of the strained contraption.

As his hooves touched down, Aid slammed the harness release, gently helping the filly onto her hooves with a telekinetic touch. Two royal guards trotted over; and Aid waved them off, watching as the filly was swept up into the arms of her parents.
Safe and sound…and now I take my leave.

(end music)

As his sides heaved, the unicorn shrugged off the wing harness, only now aware of the glowing pieces of metal that were almost touching his skin.
No, HAD touched my skin. That’s going to hurt…

The wings then slumped to the ground; their magical energy completely spent as they splayed out into an undignified pile. It took the last of Aid’s strength to drag them out of the prying eyes of the slowly-gathering crowd and into a small alley behind some walls, the unicorn then flopping to the cobblestones with a gasp.

“Not bad…” he gasped, thanking the stars that the current alley was empty, hidden from the crowds with a twist and turn or two. Stars began to creep into his vision, and Aid let himself slump, trying to catch his breath as adrenaline left his body. His hooves now shook violently, the unicorn only barely managing to stay upright.

Two familiar feathered arms now wrapped around his exhausted frame, Aid letting out a sigh of relief into Gabby’s feathers. “She’s safe…” he whispered, a few tears now starting to trickle from his eyes. “She didn’t fall. I didn’t-it didn’t happen again. I got her…”

Gabby held him close, Aid’s side shaking as emotion continued to flow from his closed eyes.
“You saved her, Aid. You did it.” Gabby’s affirming words yanked Aid back to reality, especially as she pulled away slightly to look him over. “Are you ok? After I saw the parachute rip away, I thought…”

Aid swiped the tears from his eyes, nodding as he then took a moment to enjoy the feathery pillow under his cheek.
“Just…adrenaline crash, and then dealing with stuff from before. I’ll tell you later.”

“Well, I kind of put it all together, at least mostly. That’s for later though, right now, I just want to make sure you’re alright.” Gabby replied, letting out a gasp as she looked at Aid’s back. “Oh! We need to get those taken care of…you look like a grilled steak!”

“That bad?”

Gabby’s wince was all Aid needed to sigh, nodding slowly.

“Well, it’s starting to hurt, so that means only first or second-degree burns. I guess our second date is to go to the doctor first. Then lunch.” He then looked at the pile of metal and mana crystals, shaking his head slowly. “I’ll just…hold on.” Aid murmured, pulling out of Gabby’s continued embrace to draw a simple rune around the wings, sending them to a magical storage portal with a slight glow of his horn.

“Ok. Ow. Stupid.” he muttered, flopping against Gabby’s shoulder. “Magical burnout, but I couldn’t just leave those there. Can…um, you help me” he asked sheepishly, Gabby gladly supporting the exhausted unicorn as they walked.

“Of course. Speaking of leaving…why did you run off? Maybe the guards could have treated you?”

“Didn’t want the press, the questions…it’d turn into a big hullabaloo. It’s easiest if the headline is simply ‘oddball unicorn saves a filly and then vanishes.”

Gabby was quiet for a moment, then tentatively nuzzled Aid’s ears briefly.
“I think being an oddball is pretty great. I think it is at least. And I’d say a certain filly would agree with me too.”

Aid could only smile, the unicorn catching sight of a doctor’s office down the street.

“Thank you, Gabby.”

Author's Note

GO AID GO!
And yay adorable date times! Things are winding down for the concluding chapter!