Of Steel and Steam: A Limited Edition Anthology

by Pauline Creeden

  “It works,” the woman in purple said. “I watched him ride it here.”

  They knew. Matt bit his bottom lip, opening a crack born from extreme dehydration. His thirst was gone, but the ordeal causing it still lingered in his mind. A metallic salty taste was the penalty for the negligence of forgetting.

  “That means nothing,” the one dressed in pink argued. “He merely stumbled on to something by accident. Their race has no hope.”

  “Then why did we save this world?” the woman in purple asked, her hands placed firmly on her hips.

  “Idiot!” the lady in blue bellowed, smacking the other two on the backs of their heads. “We are part of this world too. If we let the surface die, we’ll be next. That’s the reason why. Tend to him and get rid of him.” She walked away, disappearing in the shadows.

  The one dressed in purple approached Matt. “You’re awake,” she said. “I thought you’d be asleep for a few more hours yet. I’m Amethyst. This is Coral. We are going to help you heal and go home.” She turned to speak in whispers to her companion.

  Matt gasped. That was the first time he noticed her wings. Were all the stories about fairies true after all?

  Chapter 13

  A new room. He’d passed out at some point again. It was obvious he’d been moved during that time. Matt sat up, hand instinctively going to his head—a sudden throbbing pain coming in waves. That wasn’t going to help his vision any. Squinting his eyes and gritting his teeth, he used sheer will to chase the headache away. There simply wasn’t time for him to wallow in self-pity. He had a job to do.

  Matt turned onto his side, shifting his weight. His eyes crossed, coming face-to-face with a mechanical rodent. It scooted backward a few inches, head twisting from side to side. It blinked. He jumped, landing on the opposite end of the mattress, knees bunched in front of his body. A second critter moved in closer, before rushing off on its one wheel. He shook his head. This wasn’t real.

  “You’re up again.”

  It was the woman in purple. He’d almost thought she’d been a dream. “Where am I? Who are you?”

  “You seem a little better off now that you’ve had some rest. I’m Amethyst,” she replied. “You had some rather nasty wounds.” Delicate wings fluttered gracefully behind her back.

  Matt never considered what a fairy looked like before. If he had to hazard a guess, he would have said small, brown hair, silver wings, and large black eyes. The one before him was nothing of the sort. There was no camouflage or hiding. They were brighter than a rainbow and equally as colourful. The closer she came, the more she sparkled, glowing bright hues. Even her smile dazzled the eyes.

  “Hmm.” Amethyst leaned in, body tilting from one side to the other as she examined every inch of his face. “You seem less talkative today. Perhaps you slept too long.”

  “How long was I out?” Matt croaked, clearing his throat right after. His lips were dry, but the cracks on them had healed. The bandages he felt before were missing as well.

  Amethyst sighed. “We don’t count time as you do. I suppose it would be a couple of your weeks.” One hand extended with a metal chalice. “Drink this, you’ll regain your strength.”

  A couple of weeks. That was bad. If it was true, he’d wasted over half of his time for building the racer. He glanced at the cup and its contents, having no choice but to accept it. It was directly under his nose, after all.

  “It’s not poisoned, if that’s what your worried about,” Amethyst said, flipping hair over her shoulders. “If I wanted you dead, I could have left you outside with the bandits and your wounds. It would take a rather foolish child to rescue someone only to turn around and to murder them, don’t you think?” Her face was inches from his again, body bent over at the midsection.

  “Maybe you wanted the thrill of doing the deed yourself,” Matt mumbled. “I heard your friends say you don’t like my kind.”

  “That’s true.” Amethyst straightened up, holding one finger in the air. “But you aren’t like most of your race. I can tell.”

  “How could you know that?” Matt asked, taking a sip and regretting it immediately after. “What’s in this?” he sputtered, coughing.

  “It’s a special blend of nutrients,” the fairy replied. “I made it myself. Do you like it?”

  “No,” Matt complained, wiping his mouth with one sleeve. “It’s terrible. That aside, what makes you think I am different?”

  “Your contraption, for one,” Amethyst answered. “You are smart. Most of your kind lack the basic knowledge to build such a unit.”

  “You mean my bike?” Matt’s eyebrows rose. “I’ve been working on it for years. I’d hardly call me a genius for that.”

  “It shows ingenuity,” Amethyst declared. “And at a level we never anticipated from your species again... after the catastrophic event, that is.”

  “Then it is true,” Matt said, hanging his head. “The molten core is dead and fairies saved the world by filling the space with some sort of a turning mechanism.”

  “Yes,” Amethyst sighed, sitting beside him on the mattress. “We have been keeping the rotation going. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough of us. We lose a smidgen more time with each completed cycle. We have the tools. We have the spare parts. We have the skills. We just don’t have the hands to bring everything together in harmony. Now that we know there are those like you, who possess the required skill, we have a chance to change all that.”

  “That’s why you saved me,” Matt muttered.

  “Yes!”

  “I’m sorry,” Matt said. “I can’t help you right now. I made a promise to my family... to my friend. I have to finish my job. I have to change the world.”

  “How are you going to do that?” Amethyst asked, mechanical critters cuddling in the nape of her heck.

  “A race,” Matt explained. “I’m going to build the fastest and safest vehicle anyone has ever seen... one like my bike. I’ll show the city dwellers what we surface folk can do. I’ll make sure we win and turn the tables on their elite operations.” He stood, his fists balling at his sides.

  Amethyst blinked. “And then what?”

  “What do you mean?” Matt asked, cocking his head to meet her gaze directly. “We’ll be the winners.”

  “And?”

  “And what?” Matt’s face was as quizzical as his words. “There’s nothing more important than winning.”

  “Huh?” Amethyst crossed her arms over her chest, sporting a frown of her own. “What exactly are you winning?”

  “Is this a trick question?” Matt asked. “I’m trying to win a race, of course.”

  Amethyst shrugged. “If you do, what happens? I don’t see how that changes the world at all. It’s a small victory, perhaps.”

  “Everything revolves around winning,” Matt argued. “A team built without a single sponsor... a driver who has been scarred by misfortune... a junior mechanic on his own. When I pull this off, it will open everyone’s eyes.”

  “You’re the only one with your eyes closed,” Amethyst snapped. “You may be praised for a time after, but do you think the bigger teams will give up so easily? Will these cities grant access to everyone because one runt won a race?” She sighed. “Probably not, especially since everything hinges on you being successful... which isn’t a given in your current state. That’s not the bigger issue, though. This world is dying. You can help save it. Stay and fulfill your destiny.”

  Matt’s head lowered. “I can’t. If I don’t go, I’ll be no better than the men you saved me from. I need to do this.”

  “All right,” Amethyst huffed. “I’ll help you build your winning contraption.” She paused. “I really do hope you find a way to change the world.”

  “Is that fair?” Matt asked.

  Amethyst chuckled. “Are there any rules against you having your own team?” A smile twitched its way into the corners of her lips. “I didn’t think so. Nor do your rules say a fairy can’t be part of said team.”

  �
�Thank you.” Matt’s cheeks flushed red. “I’ll come back after the race. I’ll fulfill my destiny. I promise.”

  Chapter 14

  Matt skipped forward a few paces—the smack on his back being harder than he expected. In the past, he’d always wondered what it felt like to have Padico’s approval, now it seemed more than he could handle.

  “I was afraid you weren’t going to make it.” Padico’s smile remained the same as always, despite the scars marring one side of his face. He’d grown the bangs to cover one eye, hiding the beast lying in wait. “So this is it?”

  “It is,” Matt replied, glaring longingly at the racer. A part of him wished he had the nerves of a driver. He didn’t though. Building things was his strength.

  “What’s the fuel source?” Padico asked, circling the vehicle. “Where is it kept?”

  “Condensed air,” Matt answered. “There is no direct fuel source on board. I’ve added lightweight canisters, there are more than enough to finish two of these tracks at full speed. They are over there,” he pointed, “in the cooling block. The racer is a stick, just as you wanted.”

  “I guess this is my last chance to prove I am still the best.” Padico removed his jacket, showing off a specially made uniform underneath. One side was sleeveless—the other—the part of him covered with burns—was hidden by material, right down to the glove.

  “Did you...”

  “My partner did,” Padico answered quickly. “He’s been waiting for a chance to show off his designs since the day I started racing. Telling the ladies in the sky I was taken wasn’t good for my career. We’ve kept it hush-hush, if you know what I mean.”

  Hush-hush. Was that even possible? Matt had concealed his family and still the sponsors knew all about them. How was it they missed a relationship that important?

  “Drivers to their lines!” an intercom announced.

  “That’s me.” Padico grinned, holding out one hand.

  The keys lobbed through the air. “Have a safe race,” Matt said. “Dust won’t bother her, but be careful on loose rocks.”

  “Got it,” Padico replied, pulling a pair of goggles over his eyes. He gave his mechanic a thumbs-up. “Let’s make history.”

  “I’m counting on you.” Matt smiled. “Go out there and change the world. Winning is everything.”

  Chapter 15

  Not knowing was the worst feeling. The eyes in the sky all had cameras to keep them up-to-date on every thing happening. On the surface, start and finish line were the same. The territory in between them, however, was a mystery. During those hours, no one slept; no one ate. Unfolding suspense kept people from their everyday lives.

  It was another scorcher, perhaps even a bit hotter than the day of the accident. He’d been right in thinking the temperatures were changing—the rotation was changing. Matt’s mind wandered to Amethyst. This was faster than even she had anticipated. Extreme highs meant even worse lows were coming. Any way he looked at it; the world was in for disaster. Improving the situation in the core meant risking the destruction of sky cities. One would fall after the other with the changes. They’d have to be warned somehow. He shook his head. This wasn’t the time to worry about the far future. There was a race to won.

  Matt rubbed his hands together ignoring his own calluses and burns. They weren’t as bad as Padico’s, but they were there nonetheless, each causing pain when pressed on the wrong way. He couldn’t remember the first time a blister had popped up, there had been so many over the years. Now having them was second nature to him. Winning was all that mattered.

  And then what?

  The question was stuck in his head. She was in his head. Both haunted his every move. Would winning really make a difference? He’d be off the hook, his family too. But for how long? Memories faded. The fairies were proof of that. When a current win disappeared from minds, he’d be a sitting duck for the sky dwellers to use the tactics mercilessly against. His designs—his work—they’d take it all, leaving him with nothing but a few scraps to share with his family.

  Padico was the one who stood to benefit. If he could prove he was still the one to beat—if he could move past the burns—he’d change the status quo. Talent wasn’t equal to appearance. With that in mind there was still hope for everyone. That was the message people needed to hear.

  Matt shielded his eyes, glancing at the position of the sun from behind strong goggles. It was almost time. The celestial orb wasn’t precise anymore with the rotation changes, but it was close. For the last leg, he was determined to have a front row seat.

  A cloud of dust appeared in the distance. The leader was on his way home but remained unidentifiable by the crowds. A smirk crossed Matt’s face. The sound was one he was well acquainted with, having built it himself. There was no doubt Padico was in the lead. How far back the others were was the question.

  Despite the scarf over his nose and mouth, he held his breath. The next few moments were the ones legends were made of. The lead racer was faster than the eye could see, yet appearing in slow motion as it crossed the finish line. History had been made. Padico was the winner, without a second challenger in sight.

  Bookies tossed papers on the ground, stomping on the results. Cheers were silenced by shock. No one believed their misfit team could pull off the win, but they had. He felt a tug on one arm. The summons from above came swift on the heels of victory. Matt wasn’t the only one in the elevator, swooped away from the moment. Padico was there as well—celebrations cut short.

  “Welcome,” Gerone said, extending his arms. “Congratulations on a race well won. I watched the whole thing. Come this way, please.” He opened a door to a meeting room.

  “We aren’t dressed,” Matt said. “Won’t it offend your people?”

  “Not today,” Gerone replied, holding one gloved finger in the air. “The sponsors are most anxious to speak with you.”

  “Welcome,” the chairman announced, putting on his best smile. He nodded. Another man handed them each a glass. “A toast to your win.”

  Padico placed his drink on the table. “Cut to the chase. Why are we here?”

  “Why?” the chairman laughed. “You’ve proven yourselves to your backers once again. We are happy to have a winning car on our team. We’ll put up everything you need to make the future just as exciting as today was.”

  And then what?

  “It was all in the driving,” Matt blurted out. “Padico deserves the credit, not me. Anyone can build a racer. Without him, I never could have pulled off the win.”

  “That’s very bold of you, all things considered,” the chairman said, his voice firm. “We gave you six weeks to prove you weren’t the one who mishandled the last race, and you admit this to us?”

  “If he were the guilty party, do you think I would drive for him?” Padico asked, his frown deepening. “He’s the one I should have listened to. The accident might not have happened if I had. I won’t make that mistake again. Ricky is no longer a mechanic of mine.”

  “Very well,” the chairman agreed. “And this one?” He pointed at Matt.

  Padico turned to Matt. “I’d like for you to join my team. There’s a master mechanic’s position open if you want it.”

  “I appreciate that,” Matt said, frowning. “I’m afraid I can’t accept, though. I want to make a difference. I want to change the world. I can’t do that from here. Winning isn’t enough for me. Instead, I’ll leave that to you.” He placed one hand on his driver’s shoulder.

  “You have a family to looks after,” the chairman said. “We can sweeten the deal to include their well-being.”

  “They all have lives of their own,” Matt mused. “That means they can make choices of their own. I can’t change who they are any more than I can this city. It’s up to each of us to decide where we are meant to be. I, for one, have that answer.”

  Chapter 16

  Matt stood staring at the shack he called home. “Are you positive you won’t come with me? I’m sure there would be a
place for each of you.”

  “I think you hit your head too hard,” his father snapped, using a stick as a crutch to hobble away. “Fairies...pfft.”

  Matt sighed. “Are you absolutely...”

  “Don’t mind him,” his mother said, waving one hand at the old man, while interrupting her son. “He’s set in his ways. This is our home, after all. Things changed while you were off on your quest. Your sister flew the coop. Your brother found a good paying job. The age they accept workers keeps lowering. I suppose manpower has to come from somewhere.” She shook her head. “Don’t be upset, though, your father and I are happy, regardless. With the winnings you are leaving for us, we will make it into old age without worries.”

  Matt nodded. “I guess this is goodbye then.”

  “I suppose it is,” his mother agreed. “It’s not my place to say this, but I hope you know what you are doing.”

  “I do,” Matt chuckled. “I’m saving the world in my own way. I think that’s what I was meant to do all along.”

  “Good luck,” his mother said.

  Not a tear was shed, nor a kiss blown. It was simply the end of their time together and the beginning of his life abroad. In a year no one would remember him—the phantom mechanic who changed the course of racing history. None of that mattered, though. He was never looking to be a hero. He never wanted to stand out in the crowd. That was Padico’s job.

  Together they’d changed things for the better, but it was still baby steps. As a driver Padico could continue on that path, altering the way people thought and acted. He had the personality for the job.

  Matt glanced over his shoulder for one last look at the shack. He wasn’t meant to be the leader of a revolution, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t save the world. With Padico fighting on the front lines and his skill working toward a better place to live, future generations had a chance. That was something he never had and something everyone deserved.