Aviation (AiE Short)

>The large barn echoes with the clinking of metal and tightening of bolts.

>You dig your arms down further, almost elbow-deep into the engine, making what are hopefully the final adjustments.

>Big Mac watches from a small distance.

>His hooves and face are coated in engine grease and oil, as are your own arms, hands, and face.

>He yawns.

>It's been a late night.

>With one last crank of your wrench, you lift out your arms and wipe your hand across your forehead.

"...Alright. That should be good."

>Big Mac nods, and begins to walk over.

>You pull out your once-white cloth and wipe down your hands.

>"D'ya think ya finally got it?" he asks, peering at the engine block.

>You close down the hood and nod.

"I hope so."

>You put your cloth back into your back pocket and move away slowly from the front of the machine, walking around the side.

>Months of close-but-no-cigars and failed start-ups have made you wary.

>But you haven't given up hope.

>You duck under the two protruding wings from the side and peer over into the cockpit.

>The familiar knobs and gauges greet you.

"Alright..."

>You say, reaching toward the ignition.

"Let's see if this old crop duster can still purr for me."

>Big Mac smiles.

"Can you give the propeller a push for me, buddy?"

>He nods, and places his hoof on one of the blades. "Eeyup."

"Alright, ready?"

>"Eeyup."

>You start up the biplane, the engine vibrating the entire machine and giving a low growl.

>Big Mac simultaneously pushes down hard on the propeller, assisting in the start up.

>It spins for a little bit, sputtering an odd noise, then stopping.

>Mac reaches again with both hooves and cranks down as hard as he can.

>The propeller spins once more, but this time, it catches.

>It begins to spin on its own; quickly, rapidly, blurring the blades til you can't tell which is which.

>The entire plane moves with a healthy vibration.

>The barn contains and multiplies the sound of the machine's low rumble.

>As you lean into the cockpit, you smile.

>A feeling of joy and success wells up inside your chest.

>You lean out with a big grin on your face, give Big Mac a look, and raise your arms up in the air.

"...We did it!"

>He hops up a bit and stomps his hoof to the ground.

>"Yee-haw! And it's about time, too!"

>Your smile could split your face in half.

>Finally... after all of these months...

>After the damage your poor crop duster took when you arrived in this magical land...

>You can fly once more.

>You peek back into the cockpit.

>The fuel gauge catches your eye.

>It's only a little above halfway full.

>...

>You quickly reach in and shut the old bird down.

>The propeller sputters a bit before slowing to a stop.

>The growl spirals quieter and quieter until the barn is settled again in silence.

>You back away from the craft and admire it.

>...You breathe in deep, then let out a content sigh.

>Big Mac walks up and joins you in your admiration.

"...Thanks, buddy."

>You finally say.

"I couldn't have done this without your help, or your space here."

>He nods.

>"Anythin' for a friend."

>You smile, then walk out to the entrance of the barn.

>As you observe the beautiful night sky, complimented by Luna's full moon, you pull out your cloth once more and wipe your face down.

>The open sky seems so endless...

>Big Mac again joins you.

>"...Ya think she'll be excited?"

>You look down to him, then smile, laughing a little bit.

"She'll be ecstatic."

>You give your plane a quick glance.

"She's been waiting for this forever. Since I got here. Wanting it so bad... hell, probably more than me."

>He nods.

"I'll have to tell her first thing in the morning."

>Big Mac laughs.

>"Tell? Why not just show?"

>You wipe your hands a little more, then hand the cloth to Mac.

>He nods in thanks, and begins wiping down his hooves.

"Like a surprise...?"

>You think for just a moment.

"...Yeah. Yeah, that sounds even better."

>Big Mac smiles, then hands your cloth back.

>"Good. Now go git some shut-eye, Anon. Ya got a big, exciting day ahead of ya tomorrow."

>You let out a breathy laugh.

"I sure do."

 

>8:30 am.

>Your alarm starts buzzing loudly, signaling your waking.

>You sit up in bed and take a deep breath, then reach over and shut it off.

>Absorbing the morning for a bit, you gaze outside at the beautiful, sun-lit landscape.

>A smile graces your lips.

>It's going to be a great day.

>You throw your covers off and stretch your legs out, then stand up on your feet.

>Better hurry.

>Rainbow Dash will be here in about half an hour.

>You quickly get dressed, finding an appropriate shirt and pair of pants to don for the day.

>You scope out your leather flight cap and flight goggles and store them in your bag, throwing it over your shoulder.

>The wooden stairs of your house thump as you climb down, then scurry to the kitchen and grab some breakfast.

>You throw a pot of coffee on, and by the time you just finish your meal, you have a cup of black gold to idly sip on.

>The caffeine only seems to add to your anticipation as you sit down at your table, waiting.

>...

>9:00 am, on the dot.

>A knock is heard at your door.

>You smile, placing your cup down and walking over to the source.

>You swing the door open.

>There she is, Rainbow Dash, greeting you in the morning as she almost always does.

>She sees your happy demeanor and smiles.

>"Hey Anon," she announces happily, "you seem real upbeat today."

>You laugh a little through your nose and nod.

"Yeah, I think today's going to be a pretty special day."

>She grins.

>"Oh yeah? I do too. I have, like, four new moves to show you! I've been working on them all week!"

"That so?"

>You say nonchalantly, adjusting your backpack for comfort.

>She nods.

>"Yeah! So, wanna head over to the field now?"

>You drum your fingers against your doorframe, poking your tongue into the side of your cheek.

"Mmm... in a bit. I need to stop by Sweet Apple Acres for something real quick. Want to tag along?"

>She spreads her wings and takes to the air.

>"Sure. Let's not take too long though, I'm already all warmed up!"

>You close the door behind you and begin walking.

>Rainbow Dash hovers at your speed next to you.

"Oh, I don't think it'll be too long."

>You two make idle chat as you walk through town.

>The other p0nies up bright and early smile and wave at you two as you pass by.

>It isn't long before you find the path down to Applejack and Big Mac's farm.

>You two snake down it, and soon, the endless sea of apple trees are in sight.

>Your eyes fall to the big, red, Apple family barn.

>Big Mac is already up, doing some miscellaneous farm work and rearranging some equipment.

>He spots you two coming from a distance.

>You can see his smile from here.

>Your chest is starting to well up with excitement once again.

>"So what are we getting from here, anyway?" Rainbow Dash asks.

>You try to hide your smile.

"Oh, I bought some apples yesterday, but I'm only picking them up now."

>She nods slowly, but squints her eyes a bit when she notices you two approaching the barn.

>"Hey... isn't your machine stored in there?"

>Your facial muscles give, and your smile broadens across your face.

>You don't respond, opting to keep walking.

>Dash looks at your face and pouts.

>"Hey! What's so funny? What are you actually doing?"

>You close in on the barn, and Big Mac gives a wave with his hoof.

>"G'morning, Anon. Hiya Rainbow Dash," he greets.

>You wave back.

"Good morning, Mac."

>Dash flutters next to you, confusion on her face.

>"Y'all ready?" he asks, beginning to unlock the barn.

>You laugh a little.

"Yeah, I think we're ready."

>He nods, and grips the door in his teeth, pulling it open.

>"Anon," Dash begins, "honestly, what is going on? Why are you--"

>She cuts herself off when the door finally opens completely.

>Your old crop duster is in full view, completely repaired and ready to fly.

>Dash's mouth gapes.

>You and Big Mac look at each other and smile.

>"A-Anon... Is that your machine?"

>You cross your arms and laugh.

"Sure is."

>She zips into the barn and starts inspecting it all over, at a rapid pace.

>"B-But the wing here! It was completely demolished!"

"We fixed it."

>You say, walking in with her.

>"And... and the engine! You said it would take half a year to finish!"

"We found a way."

>"The rust! The giant scratches and holes in the side! They're all... all--"

"All gone."

>You pat your old bird a few times.

>You look Dash in the eyes.

"We did it, Dash. She's all fixed up."

>Her eyes begin to well over.

>"Does... does that mean that we can... that you and I can..."

>You gaze deeper at her, a broad smile completely overtaking your face.

"She's all ready to fly."

 

>The excitement on her face was absolutely priceless.

>Ever since you first crash-landed in Equestria, she's wanted to fly with you.

>To share the sky together, to see how your people have actually modified themselves to do things they normally can't.

>Fixing your plane was originally in your own interests.

>It evolved into a hobby, almost.

>But the last few months of working on it... they've been for her.

>You push the back of your plane as hard as you can, getting out into the open field the Apples have.

>Applejack and Big Mac pull with ropes from the front, and the plane slowly makes progress to the makeshift runway.

>Applebloom and Granny Smith watch from afar with interest.

>Time to see what the hunk of junk taking up their barn space is for.

"Alright, here should be good!"

>You call.

>Mac and Applejack look to you and nod, then drop their ropes.

>They untie it from your plane as you place your bag down onto the ground.

>You pull out your flight goggles and snap them onto your face.

>Ahh... it's been too long.

>You take your flight cap out and do the same.

>Rainbow Dash flies circles above you in excitement.

>"Are you almost ready!?"

>You look up to her and smile.

"Just about."

>You walk over to your plane and open the cockpit.

>You climb in and close the door, securing yourself in safely.

>You look over to Big Mac.

>He smiles, already knowing what to do.

"Alright, we're ready to get started!"

>Applebloom, Applejack, and Granny Smith all cheer from their spot.

>Rainbow Dash lands back to the ground next to your plane.

>You ready yourself, physically and mentally, and hover your hand over the ignition.

>Big Mac places his hooves on the propeller.

"Alright... let's go!"

>You press the ignition.

>Big Mac pushes down the propeller with all his might.

>The engine catches it, and the propeller begins spinning rapidly, beautifully just like last night.

>The plane hops a bit and vibrates, the engine growling perfectly.

>Rainbow Dash smiles.

>You take a deep breath, then exhale.

>You look out to the vast, straight land ahead of you.

>Perfect...

>Your eyes trail down to the fuel gauge.

>In the same spot as before.

>Your eyes linger on it, and you give a soft sigh.

>You'll worry about that when it comes.

>You give the old biplane some gas, and the mass of metal begins to slowly roll forward.

>Rainbow Dash hops in excitement and begins trotting next to it, matching its movement.

>The engine purrs a little louder as you gain speed, rolling at a nice pace down the flat surface.

>Rainbow Dash's trot turns into a run.

>You continue accelerating, bumping and swaying a bit in the cockpit as your wheels run over rocks or dip into uneven surfaces.

>You're going very fast.

>She's full-on galloping beside you now.

>When you've hit the optimum speed, you pull up.

>You can feel the force push you back softly into the seat of your plane.

>Your craft tilts upward, the air catching underneath its wings, and you begin to lift up into the air.

>The engine bellows its entire cry now: a high-pitched, growl-like roar that radiates throughout the sky.

>Your p0ny flight companion takes off with you, her own wings carrying her into the air.

>The plane continues to climb, crossing over apple trees and pulling leaves off as the air sucks past them.

>The landscape broadens around you, and the land grows lower and lower.

>Everything starts to get smaller.

>Blue begins to surround you.

>You look over to your right, spotting the cyan p0ny.

>She's focused, but smiling, staring right ahead.

>She tilts her head to meet you.

>Your eyes lock.

>The cool wind barrels past your face, whipping into your clothes and dancing around your limbs.

>It does the same to Dash's mane, the mess of rainbow colors spiraling beautifully around her head.

>You give her a happy nod, then return your focus ahead of you.

>You're plenty high in the sky now, so you begin to bank to the right.

>Your craft tilts, shifting the landscape ahead of you sideways from your perspective, and you begin to turn.

>Rainbow Dash matches this movement, turning in synch with you.

>The miniscule town of P0nyville crawls into your sight.

>You smile, and stop your turn, straightening back out.

>The blue mare follows, but, once you're on a normal path again, breaks off and begins spiraling around your biplane.

>She leaves a rainbow trail that corks around you.

>You let your eyes wander for a moment to observe its beauty.

>She catches onto this, smiling at you, before zipping back up and above you.

>She lands on the top of your plane, just in between the two wings, and lies down.

>You crack a smile.

>The town grows closer.

"Hey!"

>You call, grabbing her attention.

"How about an aerial tour of P0nyville?"

>She laughs, resting her head onto her hooves.

>"Sounds great! Please, show me!"

>You laugh as well, pulling down on your controls.

>The plane begins to gracefully dip downward towards the town.

>The land around you grows larger, and P0nyville gets closer and closer.

>You pick up some speed as you drop, and Rainbow Dash stands to her hooves, her mouth open and smiling in excitement.

>You smile yourself.

>Despite doing this herself, not to mention much, much faster, she seems to be having a lot of fun.

>The plane continues to drop and pick up speed until it's about 150 feet above P0nyville.

>You can easily make out the buildings and p0nies that walk about them.

>You pull back up, and your aircraft straightens out, soaring above the town.

>The cry of its engine whines and radiates between the buildings and throughout the village.

>All of the p0nies drop what they're doing and look up, gazing with awe and confusion at the flying contraption above them.

>Rainbow Dash cheers loudly as you cross the town, then pull up right as you reach the town's limits.

>You begin your ascent once more.

>"That was amazing, Anon!"

>You laugh and shake your head.

"Oh trust me, you haven't seen anything yet!"

>You continue to climb, as high as before, then just a little higher.

>A ceiling of clouds sits above you, and your plane passes through it, the fluff pushed up onto and then off of your machine.

>Several weather pegasi, about their daily jobs, stop and gaze at the loud machine that flies by them.

>You wave at every awestruck p0ny.

>When you reach the end of the sea of fluff, you dip back down, again dropping and gaining speed.

>When you get a little faster, you pull back up.

"Get ready!"

>You call to your pegasus companion.

>She straightens her wings and takes off to the air once again, gracefully and seamlessly transitioning from on top of your plane to flying beside it.

>You press to the left on your controls, tilting your plane but keeping it level.

>The landscape begins shifting to the side again from your view.

>You can feel the gravity of the planet pulling you toward it, seemingly on your side.

>You keep it going, tilting the plane even further.

>The land soon appears to be upside down, and your head gets slightly lighter.

>You finish up by continuing the tilt, rotating the plane completely around, finishing your slow roll.

>Rainbow Dash zips ahead of you, clapping her hooves together.

>You smile, the cool, fast wind blowing into your face and moving your smiling lips a bit.

>You raise your finger toward her, as if saying "one more."

>You pull up and to the side, moving your craft in a diagonal direction.

>The engine roars as you continue this trend, moving up and to the side, then, flipping upside down, twirling to the other side.

>The entire world shifts around you like a rolling ball.

>You fly upside down, moving to the side, corkscrewing through the air, before moving back down to where you started, leveling out.

>A successful barrel roll.

>You did them all the time back home.

>Dash claps again, then emulates your move, something she's probably done a million times.

>Her rainbow trail corkscrews in the air, leaving a gorgeous, breathtaking path in the sky.

>You grin.

>Moving your plane toward the trail, you begin to follow it, corkscrewing and barrel rolling in its wake, as if following Dash.

>She catches on to this, and you two play in the air for a bit.

>She leaves a trail for you to follow, and you copy her as best as you can with the limitations of your aircraft.

>Soon, she breaks off and slows down, matching your biplane's speed.

>You look to her and smile, and begin another barrel roll.

>She follows the exact opposite way, mirroring your move.

>You spiral together in the air, continuously rolling as you swirl around one another.

>The p0nies on the ground look up in bewilderment and wonder at the mysterious air show put on before them.

>You break off the stunt and level out, flying straight once again.

>Rainbow Dash spirals around your plane, then flies up to the cockpit.

>As the clouds blow past your craft and the wind graces your face, the cyan p0ny sits herself onto your lap.

>"Anon!" she cheers, "This is the most fun I've had in so long!"

>The smile looks beautiful on her face.

>Her eyes are closed happily, in the style of genuine content and joy.

>You smile back, and take one hand off of your controls, petting down her mane.

"It's been a blast!"

>She smiles, and settles into your lap a little more.

>And it has.

>You gaze out to your side, looking down at the far away landscape of Equestria.

>You look ahead, seeing the distant mountain and the city of Canterlot.

>The thin air that you breath... the cool wind against your face...

>It's been so long since you've flown.

>You smile, and let out a content sigh.

>...

>Your eyes trail to your fuel gauge.

>The needle almost sits at E.

>...

>You tap Rainbow Dash on the neck with your finger.

>Her head looks up to meet your eyes.

"We need to head back now."

>You call over the wind.

>Rainbow Dash sighs.

>"Already?" she says disappointedly.

"Afraid so. Will you fly back with me to Sweet Apple Acres?"

>Her mouth curls again into a smile, wiping the sadness from her face.

>She stands up in your lap and stretches her wings, the hops out into the air, acrobatically spinning around your plane.

>You smile. A soft, bittersweet smile.

>You look down to your fuel gauge, just one more time.

"Alright..."

>You mutter to yourself, turning your plane to the right, back towards P0nyville.

"Let's get this thing grounded..."

 

>As you descend lower toward the ground, the red dots on the apple trees become clearer.

>You can make out the Apple family at the end of the makeshift runway waving toward you.

>You dip the plane lower, keeping it level for a nice, steady landing.

>Rainbow Dash mimics your movements next to you, gliding with her wings toward the ground.

>The runway approaches quickly, and your wheels touch down nicely to the ground.

>Your plane hops a bit, rattling you around in the cockpit, but they place down again softly and properly, and you speed on the level Apple family territory.

>A perfect landing.

>Dash lands next to you and gallops alongside.

>You slow the hunk of metal down as efficiently as you can, at first speeding quite quickly, but by the end, rolling to a nice stop.

>You cease movement right by the Apples, and the clap their hooves together happily and cheer as you switch off the ignition and climb out of your plane.

>"That was amazing, Anon!" Applebloom cheers as you take off your goggles.

>You smile at her, trying not fall over.

>Need to get your land legs back.

>Big Mac walks over and pats the machine he helped repair.

>"Eeyup. Ah'd say it was all worth it."

"Definitely."

>You comment, removing your flight cap.

>Rainbow Dash takes to the air and zips around you, spiraling to the top of your head, then hovering.

>"That was awesome! It was exactly how I imagined that machine would be like!"

>You smile and lean against your plane.

>The poor thing, worked so hard.

>"When can we fly again?" Dash asks in excitement and hurry. "Can we go again tomorrow? Or! We could go again tonight, if you're up for it!"

>Your smile slowly fades from your face as you look to the excited mare.

>The excitement and high in your chest quickly whittles down.

>She grins widely, but her own happiness mellows when she sees your change in expression.

>You sigh, then look over to Big Mac.

>He as well has stopped smiling.

>You look to his eyes.

>...He nods.

>...

"Dash..."

>You start, rounding around your plane to the cockpit once more.

"...I'm afraid there isn't going to be another time."

>Her expression doesn't change, but she looks to you, her magenta eyes slowly moving back and forth between your own two eyes.

>"...Wh... What do you mean...?"

>Big Mac closes his eyes, then leaves the plane, returning to his family.

>You pat your aircraft, a solemn mood suddenly overtaking you.

"...That was my plane's first and only Equestrian voyage..."

>Rainbow Dash slowly flutters toward you.

"...She won't be flying again."

>She looks over your plane.

>"What's wrong...? Is it... is it damaged somewhere?"

>She examines the outside, the wings, the propeller.

>"B-But you can repair it, right? You and Big Mac can--"

"No, Dash, it isn't the plane itself."

>She looks to you and hovers over.

>She peers over your shoulder, and you lean into the cockpit, tapping the fuel gauge.

>It sits completely on E.

"It's what goes inside it."

>Her face hangs stoic.

>"I don't... I don't understand..."

>You sigh.

"My biplane needs fuel, Dash. Only a specific kind of fuel will allow it to fly."

>You look over to Big Mac.

>He's happily chatting with his family.

>Trying to avert them from your conversation with Dash.

"Mac and I tried to find an alternative, but... nothing worked."

>Rainbow Dash lowers herself to the ground, then sits.

>Her eyes begin to water as she stares downward..

"I just used the last of the fuel I had with me from Earth."

>She looks up to you, her lip beginning to slowly quiver.

>"Then... Then why did you waste it? Why just mess around in the air doing tricks?"

>She lays her head down.

>"...Now we'll never fly together again..."

"Hey, hey,"

>You say, walking over and sitting down beside her.

>You pat her back.

"I didn't waste my fuel. Not in any way."

>Her eyes slowly rise to meet yours.

"Flying in the air once more, after so long... sharing the sky with you, interacting as we maneuvered together..."

>You smile.

>It's so bittersweet...

"It's about the best way I could think to use it."

>She closes her eyes, trying to conceal her emotions.

>She sniffs, then places her head on your lap.

>You place your hand on her back and begin to pet, looking at your old crop duster.

>You let out a breathy laugh.

"The old bird may never fly again... but her last flight was a damn fun one."

>Rainbow sniffs again, then snuggles into you a little more.

>"...Th-Thanks for sharing your final flight with me, Anon..."

>You laugh, then rustle her mane.

>She playfully flinches and looks up to you.

>Her tears are juxtaposed by the smile on her face.

>You return it.

"...Now come on. I believe you had some tricks to show me, didn't you?"

>She wipes her eyes with a hoof, then nods happily.

>"Uh-huh. Come on, let's go to the usual field."

>She widens her wings and takes to the air.

>You sit yourself back up and stretch.

>You glance over to your trusty airplane...

>And smile.

"Thanks, old bird."

>You then turn around, and begin your walk to the field with Rainbow Dash.

 

The End