“S-so, what do I do?” Scootaloo asked. She was standing in Twilight's lab. Rainbow was on one side, her grandfather on the other.

“Nothing at all, just stand right there.” Twilight said. "Test of Dill Whips Dazzling Dweomer-vision, take one.” Twilight's eyes, glowed brightly, and she looked over each of the ponies. "Well. You're all Pegasi.”

“No duh Egghead.” Rainbow said with a laugh.

“Sorry. Just gotta adjust the spell.” she closed her eyes. "Test of DWDDv take two.” she opened her eyes, screamed and closed them. "Okay, wrong way.” she took a breath. "Right, take three.”

“Twilight?” Gold wing asked. "You okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah, it's just hard to describe this. I'm seeing your power. Every pulse, every shift and jolt as it moves. The magic flowing through your veins, the magic that lets you fly.” Twilight took a breath. "It's like seeing rivers of power, coursing, rising and ebbing.”

“Umm... Twilight?” Scootaloo seemed concerned. "What are you talking about?”

“The power flowing through you.” Twilight answered.

“How can you see that looking in the mirror?” Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight said a naughty word. Fortunately, it was in griffon, a language which only one other pony in the room spoke. Gold Wing had to be helped off the floor after he finished his laughing fit.

“What's so funny?” Rainbow asked.

“What she said. I'll tell you later.” he coughed, and resumed his position. Twilight turned towards them. She spent half an hour looking at the three pegasi, careful to keep Robert and Spike out of her line of vision. She didn't want distractions, and so far she'd been unable to look at Spike directly. It was worse than a half-caught glimpse at Celestia. It had taken her several minutes to concentrate well enough to end the spell. At the end of her examination, she faced away from them all and ended the spell.

“Well?” Rainbow Dash asked. "What's the verdict?”

“There's definitely something odd with Scootaloo's magic.”

“Yeah, duh.” Rainbow said. "Do you know what?”

“No.” Three defeated looks. "However, I don't think it's anything wrong with Scootaloo.”

“What do you mean?” the orange Pegasus asked.

“All your magic is right, but it's... like it's not developed yet. At the same time, it's like it's... being constrained somehow. It's not unlike the inhibitor rings used in hospitals or on unicorn prisoners.” Twilight tapped her chin.

“Could it be something she's been exposed to very often?” Robert asked. "Perhaps something in her house that she touches or walks near?”

“It's possible. Captain, do you mind if we take a look?” Twilight asked Gold wing.

“Not at all.”

---

Searching through the house turned out to be more intensive than originally planned. So much so that soon both Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were recruited, which helped, even if the latter would occasionally scream 'My Muffins' and vanish for a few minutes.

“Okay, so we've narrowed it down to three things.” Twilight said. "The bedstead, the bathroom sink, and the statue.” The bedstead was a huge four-poster, with canopy and inexplicably pink hangings.

“I don't want pink, but every time we change them, they turn into this. It was the shade of bubblegum pink after it's been chewed for a few hours. Even Pinkie thought it was awful.

“Hmm...” Twilight stared. "Oh. One of these. she pointed to a dusty plate.”

'My Little Princess, magical marvel bed.' it read. 'Manufactured by Discordant Industries, Canterlot'

“At some point, some ponies decided that all little fillies liked pink and so they made several hundred of these beds enchanted to turn anything attached to it pink.” Twilight shook her head. "It'd be a collectors item, but the spell is worn down. Let's see.” She laid down and launched a globe of light under the frame. Ah, there we are. Bibbidi, Babbidi, Boo. for a moment nothing happened, then the pink shaded hangings turned into a vibrant metallic pink. Several previously almost white ones near the base also turned into the same metallic pink. Scootaloo reached up and pushed Rainbow's jaw closed.

“Awesome.” Rainbow said, catching every eye in the room. "What, I like pink. It's the one color I don't have in my hair, and besides, metallic colors are way cool.”

“So, I take it's not the bed?” Gold Wing asked.

“No. Although, this is rather a rare one. The manufacturing number on it is eleven.” Twilight said, looking closely at the plate. "Rather rare if you ever decide to sell.”

“I think I'll keep it.” Scootaloo grinned, giving Rainbow a hoof bump.

The bathroom sink was next. It was pure cold iron.” Twilight burned her hoof just touching it. “Okay, so not nice, but definitely not the culprit.” She nursed the burn for a moment, before Gold Wing returned with some ointment.

“So that leaves the statue.” Everyone headed to the entry way. "In a way, I hope we're wrong about it.” Gold wing said.

“Yeah.” Scootaloo nodded.

“Why? What's special about it?”

“It was a gift, when my...” the old Pegasus choked up for a moment. "when Scootaloo's parent's died.” he excused himself for a moment. The statue depicted a pair of pegasi, wing to wing, inflight, holding up a cloud. The base contained a plaque: In Memory of Moonrise Light, and Flash Wing, heroes both.

“Grandpa doesn't like to think about what happened.” Scootaloo explained, tears in her eyes. Rainbow laid a wing on her back.

“I don't blame him.” Robert nodded. "If you'll excuse me.” he disappeared in the same direction as the old Pegasus. Twilight waited a moment, then reached for the statue. Her magic slipped off like it was trying to grip water.

“What in the world?” she asked no one in particular. Pinkie's eyes narrowed.

“My Muffins! then she was suddenly gone. No one commented. Then Spike spoke up.

“Twilight? Give it a blast of number 13.” she blinked, remembering the spell. A ball of light leaped from her horn, and hit the statue. For a moment it slid away, and then it turned blue.

“Nethreminium.” Twilight smiled. “And we've found our culprit.”

“Whosawhatium?” Rainbow asked.

“Nethreminium, is a particular alloy of iron, nickel and unrefined Adamantine. It's normally used in small quantities in inhibitor rings, because it can't be affected magically, and it disperses normal magical energy. It's very, very hard to work with, because even Earth Pony smith's aren't strong enough to forge it. Usually, it's wrapped in a special chemical coating that stops it's effects long enough for it to be worked into shape. This however, is untreated. It's almost pure, and I'd guess naturally occurring. I'll bet the entire statue was carved from a single piece. It's not particularly hard, so carving it isn't difficult.”

“Wait, how can it be hard to forge, and easy to carve?” Rainbow asked.

“It saps magic, so as the smith is trying to use their strength to hit it, it's fighting back and absorbing the strength being used. Carving it uses finesse, rather than brute strength, so there's nothing for it to sap.” Twilight explained.

“Ah. So we have to get rid of it?” Scootaloo asked.

“Not at all. In fact, I know an earth pony who might be able to help with the chemical treating process.” Twilight shook her head. "It's a bit expensive, but I can put this one on my expense report as a health and safety issue. Can't have a pegasus who can't fly.”

“That's very kind of you princess, but I think I can cover it. You've done more than enough already.” Gold wing said, returning with Robert. "Besides, it's only right that I do it.”

“That we do it.” Scootaloo said, hugging her grandfather's leg.

“So, does this mean Scoot's will be able to fly?” Rainbow asked.

“Yes, not right away though. She's been exposed for quite a while, so it'll take some time to catch up. One of the positive effects of Nethreminium is that it's very much not permanent.” Twilight smiled. "That's why it's used in the rings, because sometimes they have to be kept on for long periods and something that degrades permanently wouldn't be any good. Plus I suspect you'll have a magical growth spurt that comes along and mostly counteracts the effects. So Rainbow very much needs to keep up the flying lessons so you don't accidentally take off and hurt yourself. That would be very bad.”

“Yeah, trust me, as awesome as it looks crashing is no fun at all.” Rainbow said, and smiled. "Especially when you end up in the hospital.”

“Don't worry, I'm going to keep wearing my pads for a while until I get the hang of it.” Scootaloo grinned.

“That's the way.”

---

“War Master?” Robert called softly. The graying Pegasus was standing on the balcony. "You okay?”

“No. I thought I was.” he shook his head.

“Does it get any easier?” Robert asked, stepping alongside the ex-soldier.

“No, I am afraid it does not.” Gold Wing sighed.

“Ah.” they stood for a few minutes, then Gold Wing fluttered his wings.

“Let's go see if they've finished.” the gray Pegasus suggested, turning away. Robert nodded and followed him.

---

The next morning seemed brighter than ever, and not just because of Pinkie planning the best birthiversary party in ever. Robert promised to return in time for the party, and winged his way north towards Canterlot. His first stop was Trixie's apartment. He knocked, but she wasn't home. He dropped to the ground floor, and found her on stage, giving a performance. The audience was filled with colts and fillies, and he saw a sign. “Charity performance for Canterlot Orphans.” he smiled, and dropped some bits into the container. Trixie caught the noise, and smiled. She called up two volunteers and threw everything she had into the finale. Princess Celestia appeared to arrive on stage, and fling candy out to the audience. Then she disappeared in a flash of light and fireworks. The applause was thunderous. The chaperones filed the children out, and Trixie set to clearing the stage.

“That was an awesome finale.” Robert complimented. "I could have sworn that was really Princess Celestia.”

“I never miss a charity event.” Robert spun. There was nothing there.

“Trixie is also a ventriloquist.” the blue unicorn laughed. "I owe you a thanks.”

“For?” he asked.

“The most wonderful night I have had in a long time. she said. "I have not been the best pony around, and yet you went to all that trouble.

“Bah. I just flapped around. Rarity and Twilight did the hard work.” he retorted. "Besides, it wouldn't have worked without you.”

“Yes, but we would have spent years not getting around to it.” Trixie replied, glaring. "You will accept Trixie's humble and magnanimous thanks.”

“One of you would have slipped up soon enough. And then poof, Romance.” Robert pretended to swoon. Trixie let him thump to the ground. "Ow.”

“Serves you right for ignoring Trixie's heartfelt and sincere apology.” she said, sweeping more of the glitter up.

“Those are synonyms.” Robert said, rolling to his feet.

“Trixie is inarticulate and uncreative when she is angry.” she snapped.

“There's the Trixie I know and love to irritate.” Robert grinned. Trixie blushed. "Much better.”

“Right, yes, I'm still thanking you, but I also need to thank the others. she said, finishing the stage. A lamp floated into the center of the stage and clicked on. "There, now come up stairs and I'll tell you all about it.

---

“It went fine. We got the Princess Table, and we talked for a few hours.” Then they closed the place and we tried to pay. They wouldn't let us. Something about the meal being comped. It would have been fine, but they wouldn't let me fight to pay the bill, and Ghost Light started yelling, and then I was yelling at him, and the next thing I know, we were back here, and...” she turned bright red.

“I can guess.” he laughed. "So?”

“So what? We're going out again this Friday, after the late show. He says he remembered the dinner this time.” she smiled.

“So, is he as great and powerful as Trixie?” Robert asked.

“No one is as great and powerful as Trixie.” she snorted. "But he's pretty great.” she admitted.

“And powerful?” Robert asked.

“In his own way.” Trixie said with a flush. "In his own way.”

“Good. I think he agrees with you.” the Tiger smiled, and offered a hug. Trixie made a show of looking around, then wrapped a leg around him. “And now, as much as I'd like to stay, I have to go get a present and get back before Pinkie comes looking for me.”

“Oh?” Trixie asked. "What's the occasion?”

“It's Rainbow Dash's... Birthiversary.” Robert said. Trixie raised an eyebrow. "Her birthday, and the anniversary of her coming to Ponyville and Pinkie's doing an extravaganza to celebrate both of them. And after the events of the past few days, I completely forgot to buy a present.”

“Rainbow Dash...” Trixie tapped her chin. “The pegasus? Obsessed with animals?”

“That's Fluttershy.” Robert smiled. Trixie shrugged.

“Trixie cannot be asked to remember everyone she once tried to destroy utterly.”

“Of course.” Robert smiled. "She's the Pegasus, obsessed with the Wonderbolts.”

“Really? Ah, I have an idea then.”

---

“The EUP military forces museum? Robert asked. Are you sure?”

“Trust me, The Amazing and Inspired Trixie is always fantastic at gift selecting.” she flicked her tail in his face and started into the museum. Robert shook his head and followed her. She led him into the museum, and then through the Giftshop. It was organized by general merchandise, and the individual services. The back section contained replicas. Trixie led the way back against the wall, and pointed.

“Trixie, you are a genius.” she buffed a hoof.

“Trixie knows.” she smirked.

---

The party was just kicking off as Robert glided into the town. He ducked under a group of pegasi singing, and landed near the Library. The package strapped to his bags shifted as he landed and he stumbled. A tan and brown pony caught him. He said something Robert didn't catch and disappeared. Robert maneuvered through the party, avoiding the worst of the fun. Twilight appeared nearby at one point, and staggered up to him.

“Too much fun.” she moaned. "I've been getting drug from whip to whip for two hours. as though summoned, she was suddenly grabbed by another one. She reached out for him, but missed. "Help me!” she called before disappearing. He laughed. After a few near misses, he took wing and found Fluttershy and a few others sitting on the roof of Carousel Boutique, enjoying a much smaller, much calmer party. It was far less fun, which as Fluttershy pointed out, was the reason she was up there. Rainbow showed up part way through.

“Hey, why aren't you guys down enjoying the party?” she demanded. "They went to a lot of work.”

“I have been, but my ears were bothering me.” Robert shrugged. The others had similar complaints.

“Oh.” Rainbow's face fell.

“Don't worry about us. We're just enjoying it our own way.” Fluttershy said. "Besides, Pinkie keeps bringing us snacks.” on cue, Pinkie arrived with a tray of cupcakes, and a Flugelhorn on her head.

“Dashie, I think the band is getting out of hand.” Pinkie said, setting down the cupcakes and extricating herself from the horn. "Better go make a request.”

“Oh, yeah, right.” Dash grinned and vanished in a burst of rainbow light.

“How's everypony doing?” Pinkie asked. At the various affirmatives, she grinned. "Great. Don't forget to come down for cake.” she disappeared.

“Cake on top of cupcakes. Ugh.” Blossomforth tumbled over backwards, leg twitching. Bulk Biceps just shook his head. A pair of Pegasi took the opportunity to be sick. Fluttershy giggled and had another cupcake.

“Lightweights.” Robert chuckled. Bulk looked at him. "Metaphorically speaking.” Bulk nodded. “Come on, this can't be the first Pinkie party you've attended.”

“It's not.” Cloudchaser said. "Except, Pinkie usually exercises some restraint.”

“Since she was trying to out do Cheese Sandwich, she didn't.” Flitter explained. "So she's gone even more berserk than usual.”

“And then she expects us to eat cake.” Blossomforth said, then made it to the edge of the roof just in time. After a few moments. "When did I eat a party streamer?”

“Don't worry, I've been throwing them up since yesterday.” Fluttershy shrugged. Everyone stared. Including a just materialized Pinkie and Cheese Sandwich. "It happens at every party. The bigger the more often.”

“I'm sorry, I didn't know.” Pinkie opened her mouth to continue apologizing, but Fluttershy jerked her into a hug.

“It's fine. I expect it and the earlier I find out, the better the party.” Fluttershy looked her in the eye. “And don't apologize Auntie Pinkie.”

“But you're a year older than...” Pinkie glared for a moment. “Cloud Kicker?”

“Yeah.”

“Then where's Fluttershy?” Not Fluttershy pointed a hoof. Fluttershy was down by the stage, dancing with Twilight. Or rather, Fluttershy was dancing around Twilight's flailing hooves. She seemed to be trying to get Twilight to stop, but wasn't talking loud enough to be heard over the music. Pinkie laughed. Then she disappeared, only to reappear in place to startle Fluttershy into the air. The ponies on the roof, Cheese Sandwich included shared a laugh. Robert chuckled, and leaped into the air on the other side of the roof. Rarity was sitting at a table, breathing heavily, and obviously taking a break from the dance floor.

“Hello my dear.” she said, raising her cider glass to him. He smiled. She was abstaining from drinking this evening, that he could smell. "So, have you heard from Trixie?”

“Just today. Her date went fantastic. I was going to tell you about it, but I didn't get back before the party started.” Robert proceeded to regale her with the tale of the evening as he knew it.

“Oh my, it sounds like they enjoyed themselves.” Rarity said. “Anything about the dress?”

“Alas, no, though I only spoke to her. I didn't see him. I'll find out eventually. Robert said.

“Oh darling, you needn't go to any trouble.” Rarity said.

“No, no, I want to know too.” Robert smiled. "Besides, ladies don't kiss and tell, but I'll bet I can pull the story out of him.”

“You're awful.” Rarity said, but she smiled.

“Rarity? Might I have this dance?” Spike asked, coming up with a bouquet of daisies. Rarity smiled.

“But of course.” She stood and he led her out onto the dance floor.

---

Rainbow was on her way, slowly towards her house when Robert caught up to her. “Rainbow!” he skidded to a halt. Even Rainbow Dash was too tired to fly more than the distance from the ground to her house.

“Hey Robert, I'm just about to turn in. What can I do for you?” she said, tail dragging as she turned around.

“I didn't get a chance to give you your present earlier, and I didn't want it to get swept up in the others.” he reached up and pulled the package from his back, and set it on a table from the cafe they were passing. Rainbow looked at it.

“Looks like clothes.” she said.

“Just open it Birthday Girl.” he rolled his eyes. She leveled a look at him, but she could barely hold it. She reached up and ripped open the paper in which it was wrapped. Her jaw opened. Sound came out, but it was several moments before it worked.

“I don't believe it.” she held up the jacket. It was a replica of the jacket worn by Commander Easyglider, but it wasn't just a jacket. This one was signed by the entire active roster of the Wonderbolts, with Spitfire and Soarin' near the top. "This is...”

“Awesome?” Robert suggested.

“Beyond Awesome.” Rainbow slipped the jacket on. "How do I look?”

“The jacket is cool. You make it at least twenty percent cooler.” Robert grinned. "Plus it fits perfectly.”

“Yeah.” she smiled. "Thanks.”

“You're welcome. Happy Birthday.” Robert reached out and bumped her hoof.

“Thanks a lot.” Rainbow stood up and stretched her wings. "I hope I can get up there.”

“Want a wing or two?” Robert said, and flexed his.

“No thanks, I'm not up for a piggie back ride quite yet.” the cyan Pegasus laughed. "But, I'd take a wing mate for the flight up.” she admitted. "Nice to have someone to talk to.”

“Lead the way.”

“Always do.” Rainbow spread her wings and rose into the air. Her usual pep wasn't completely gone, but she wasn't moving at top speed. Robert followed her up. He paced her without much issue. Halfway there, she rolled over, and looked at him. "You know, you'd be a lot more flight worthy if you picked your legs up.

“Yes, but I'd be much less able to catch a certain drunken Pegasus.” he pointed out.

“I am not drunk.” She hit her head on a cloud. "Okay, I'm not very drunk.”

“Yes, so there's that.” she rolled over, ducked under a cloud and landed on her porch. "Want to come in for a few minutes?” she asked.

“No thanks. Have a good night.” she nodded, and he wheeled away.