Trinity of Time: Fate and Change

"So tell me, Disconnection, what do you think of the surface?" Quite frankly, I'm shocked! This isn't like anything I've every been told. This place actually seems decent. Still, I'm curious as to why there is a sunlit sky in the first place. I thought the cloud barrier covered everything.

"It does," added Silver, sipping a glass of finely aged wine. How does he do that?! Can he read my thoughts? "Not really. Your face just tells me all I need to know." What?! You can tell everything just by my facial expressions?! They're so subtle though... "I know they are. Let's just say it's a gift of mine." A smirk on his face, he put down the glass of wine, and invited me on a stroll around the city.

"- Ai, get a coat ready for our guest.

• Nah! It's okay! I don't really need a coat...

• Precautionary measures. You have wings and a horn. I just don't want to give others the wrong idea."

That's right; nopony has implants down here! Ai came in the room, reluctantly handing me a black cape. I had to subtly tug it off her hooves. She hated me. I can't blame her; after all, the relationship between the Surface and Neo-Equestria seems a little shaky.

"- By the way Disconnection, do you like your new wings?

• I love them actually! They feel so much lighter than before!

• Yeah, well that's because SkyMetal is kind of heavy. I've taken the liberty to replace some of the missing parts with Surface Ores, as to lighten the load, all the while avoiding detection."

Detection? Surface Ores? SkyMetal? Hmm... Ai mentioned that last one earlier... "May I ask you a question, Silver?"

"Ask away," he replied ever so casually. Everything about him was non-threatening. He was so laid back in his attitude, displaying little to no worry about anything. "What is 'SkyMetal?'"

Ai stopped in her tracks. Everypony stood still. For a moment, you could hear the calm wind, whistling by. I don't know if my question shocked Silver, or he was just trying to find an appropriate reply. Either way, I think I landed myself a higher spot of Ai's potential "to kill" list.

"SkyMetal is a special kind of lightweight steel, that is both incredibly durable, and flexible. Now, if you ask yourself why these Surface Ores in your wings feel much lighter and responsive, then I would have to give you a full lecture about the Surface's history. Unfortunately, we don't have time for that right now. Besides, I am in a rather cheery mood, and would prefer not have something ruin my 'mojo.'

Nopony said anything. I just stared blankly into his grey, amber eyes. "What? It's still a term, right?" No, it isn't. You are a few centuries late, my friend. "Well then, in all seriousness, let us walk out of this place. I am in need for some fresh air."

And I am in need of fresh answers.