“Hello, one day delivery service, at your disposal.” Robert said, knocking on Rarity's door.

“Good morning.” she said. She wasn't perfectly coiffed, but she had her hair tucked up tight. "I packaged it up, and stuffed the box with paper to keep it safe. Here's the address, and something to get you into the back of the theater.” She handed him a slip of paper. "Thank you ever so much.”

“Not a problem.” Robert tucked the paper into a harness he was wearing. "If you could put the box into the harness up here.” he nodded towards the center of the harness on his back. Rarity lifted it up and fixed the straps onto it. "Thank you. Rainbow helped me rig this up, so it won't fall off. I hope.”

“Here, let me check the straps.” Rarity snugged several straps and loosened a few others. Robert flexed his wings. "There, Rainbow Dash knows a lot about many things, but how to properly fit things is not at all among them.”

“Thank you. Now, I'd better get going, so I don't get there at night. I don't mind seeing the city over night, but I'd rather not crash into something because I'm gawking.” he grinned. Rarity smiled.

“Probably a good idea. Do you think you'll be back in time for the festival?”

“I don't know, but I've had to postpone the trip. One of the bears got some kind of stomach flu, and Fluttershy didn't want them to miss the trip.” Robert sighed. "So don't rush the flags if something else comes up.”

“I won't then. Good-bye.” she walked him to the door.

“Hello.” he said to Spike. The purple dragon raised an eye ridge. "Relax, I'm just making a delivery, not horning in on your girlfriend.”

“ROBERT!” the pair of them yelled at him, but he was already sprinting away to take flight. He got out of range of Rarity easily enough. She was talented but not too strong. Spike on the other hand, had range and power, and caught him on the tip of the tail as he took flight. He yelped, tucked a wing, rolled around and swooped towards them, the pair dove through the door, and watched him whip by, laughing like mad. He beat his way up, up into the sky. Several pegasi started as he winged by. A few broke off from what they were doing to fly alongside of him for a few minutes. He waved, but kept flying. After a couple of minutes Rainbow Dash appeared, and chivvied them back to work, before joining up on his wing for a minute.

“How's the harness?” she asked.

“Okay, Rarity adjusted the straps a bit.” he replied.

“Told ya she would. Hooves aren't really made for doing that kind of thing.” Rainbow grinned. "What happened to your tail?” he told her. She fell laughing from the sky until she smacked into a cloud. He shook his head, and continued heading away from town. The flight from Ponyville to Manehattan was not a short jaunt. It was three times as long as the flight to Canterlot. Since there was no rush at all, he took his time, enjoying the scenery. He passed several apple orchards as he went.

“I should probably see if Applejack is willing to be friends.” he thought it over for a minute. "Should probably also stop talking to myself.” he laughed and kept going. A low mountain range came into view. He'd not seen them on the map, but there they were. He tilted his wings, and angled upwards. He skimmed over the top of the mountains, and kept going. He nearly hit the peak, but flared his wings at the last moment, and landed on top. It was cold. Yet, it wasn't as cold as he'd ever been though, he was willing to admit that he didn't want to hang around. Fortunately, the mountains were not as high as Canterhorn, but still, they offered a breath taking view. He stared. Off to the east, he could see Baltimare, and Fillydelphia not far off course. He knew enough that the griffon lands were across the sea, and that those two places would have more griffons than he wanted anything to do with. After a couple of minutes of rest, while making sure to keep his wings moving so they didn't stiffen, he was ready to move on. He envied the fact that Pegasi didn't get cold the way he and other ponies did. Taking a running start, he leaped from the top of the mountain, spread his wings, and swooped down the mountain side, gaining speed to help him towards his target. He was sweeping out over the woods that dominated the area, when he came across a road. He turned and followed it, flapping his wings to gain altitude. As he did, he caught sight of something down a crossroad. He shifted his wings, and circled around. Two ponies were standing in the middle of the road, shoulder to flank, surrounded by a half dozen leather armored ponies. The two in the middle were unarmed, the armored ones had hoof-axes and short swords. Robert didn't consider a course of action for long. He pulled in his wings and dove.

The biggest of the brigands, suddenly found himself feeling like a Pegasus for all of the four seconds of his very short flight into a tree. Exhilaration and terror mixed into a potent cocktail for a moment before gravity and physics asserted themselves in the most painful manner imaginable, following a sense rattling impact with the tree trunk, with the mind-numbing pain of landing astride a branch. As though the universe had decided universally to put that particular pony through all the karmic justice it could muster, after impact, he fell sideways off the branch, into a patch of dense thorny bushes. The armor would do much to protect what it covered. What it didn't was in for a world of pain like nothing else.

The other ponies, started at the disappearance and flight of their leader didn't register that there were now three creatures in the middle of their circle, nor that one of the three was as big as the other two, and angry. And also comprised of a fair number of exceptionally pointy pieces. The first of the spear wielders found out just how dangerous this new occupant was, as he brought his spear around, only to find the end of it bitten clean off. A moment later, he screamed as he was jerked forward, pole vaulted over the occupants, and allowed to land on the pony on the opposing side.

The three remaining brigands shared a look over the top of the 'captives' and did some very quick mental math. In theory, the fight was now even. However, given the fact that he'd just wiped out three of them in rapid succession, even if the initial attack relied heavily on surprise, was enough to see them do the smart thing. They dropped their weapons and cantered into the forests. Robert roared after them, but didn't bother to give chase. There was no point, they'd lose him, or he'd get lost and worst of all, they'd circle back behind him. He turned to the two ponies he'd saved. They had moved around, and now the stallion was in front. Big and black with a white plow as a cutie mark, the stallion was nearly as large as Big Mac. The mare had a blue mane and red coat, but he couldn't see her cutie mark.

“Are you two alright?”

“Frightened, but unharmed.” The stallion managed after a moment. "Who are you?”

“My name is Robert. I'm a friend of Princess Twilight.” the name dropping did it's job, and both of them relaxed somewhat. Not completely, and he didn't expect it. No one relaxed completely around him, except Spike, since he was still an ingrained predator to the rest.

“Call me Plowshare.” The stallion introduced himself. "This is my wife.”

“Grape Juice.” he blinked. "Because my mane is blue and my coat is red. They make purple, and my parents are perhaps too clever for their own good.” she said, appearing from behind her husband. It took Robert a moment to place her cutie mark. "Yes, it's a wine press. And yes, I'm a teetotaler.”

“Tell me about it. My name was meant to make me a fierce warrior. he shook his head. And I end up as a shaman.”

“Robert's a little weird, but it's not that scary.” Plowshare offered helpfully.

“Yes, but that's the equestrian translation. In my tongue it means Fearsome Beast.” he sighed.

“That's a little more fitting.” Grape nodded.

“Thank you. So where are you two headed?” he asked.

“Merlot.” Grape answered, pointing up the road. “It's just a little ways past the woods. The ground is fantastic for growing grapes, and I've got a job working there.” she made a face. "Making wine.” Plowshare smiled and put a hoof on her shoulders.

“Don't worry, we'll save a little money, and start growing something else.” the stallion offered.

“You could always make grape jelly instead. Robert offered. "Same principle, but no booze.” Silence.

“This random stranger has a fantastic idea, we should listen.” Grape Juice said suddenly.

“Of course, it will be just that easy.” Plowshare replied.

“You're awfully smarmy considering I saved you.” Robert pointed out. The two ponies coughed. "I didn't mean right away, you've still got to learn to grow the grapes. Perhaps they already make grape jelly, and you can get transferred there instead.”

“Yeah, you're right.” Grape said, shaking her head.

“Sorry, just a bit of stress.” Plowshare said.

“Understandable. Would you like an escort to town? I'm making a delivery to Manehattan, but I can spare the time to walk with you if you expect more trouble.” Robert offered.

“To be honest, we didn't expect this trouble.” Plowshare waved. "I wouldn't want to keep you, but if you can spare the time...”

“I'd very much like you to escort us, if only we can leave before he wakes up.” she pointed to the bushes beneath the tree. There was no motion, but Robert got her drift.

“Then lead the way, and I shall watch our backs.” They started off, and compared to the ponies, he was silent. The trip didn't take more than a half an hour. The two ponies split off from him as he headed through town. He stopped and reported the incident to the Sheriff and gave him directions to the spot. The Sheriff nodded and sent him on his way, after finding out where he could be reached. Robert took flight from the edge of town, gaining height and then trading it for speed. It didn't take long to make up for the delay, and he swooped down towards the edge of the city just an hour before sunset. He landed, to avoid being trying to deal with the Pegasi who patrolled the skies. He doubted anyone flying into the city wouldn't be questioned, especially right before sunset. On top of that, an obvious predator would raise alarms.

Finally, it was simply easier to hold a conversation on the ground if someone did complain. It was either that or have to explain that he couldn't cloudwalk and then convince them it wasn't an act. The first pony he asked for directions to theater looked at him as though his brains had leaked out, which he was fairly certain was not the case. The second was a police pony.

“All roads lead to Bridleway.” the officer said. Robert glared at him. The officer laughed. "No, seriously, all the roads from the main gates lead to Bridleway, and the ones that run parallel are called streets.” he explained. Robert sighed at the pun.

“Right, can you tell me how to get here?” Robert showed him the address.

“Head straight in, then turn left, it should be about three blocks down.”

“Thank you very much officer.”

“No problem.” the officer moved on to another tourist. Robert headed into the city. The night life proper hadn't quite started, nor had the day completely wound down. He kept himself aware of the potential for muggers. Not that he was especially worried. The only thing of value he really had was strapped to his back. His bits were secreted about himself, in such a way that their retrieval required several moments of work on his part, or surgery on the part of anyone trying to take it without his consent. So while he kept an eye out, he wasn't too concerned about being robbed. He reached the main street and turned left. And nearly got run over by a wagon.

“HEY! WATCH IT!” the pony pulling the wagon yowled, continuing past. Robert took a breath, and decided not to make an issue. Getting arrested wasn't going to help anyone, least of all Rarity, or Twilight, when she came to bail him out. Or yell at him. Either way, he wouldn't enjoy the experience. Best to let water roll off his back. The crowd, he found, was completely unworthy of worry. They flowed around him, even the bravest of them only coming just within reach. Even so, had he felt like it, he could have taken down any of them with no chance of intervention saving them. He simply ignored it, since there was no reason to pay attention to it.

The theater was smaller than he expected, though in truth it was the same size as the theater in Canterlot. He knocked on the service entrance. A pony's head appeared.

“No Solicitors.” The door almost shut in his face. He jammed his foot in. The pain radiated up his leg as the door closed. The pony tried to open it so he'd pull the foot back, but he didn't budge. The door slammed again.

“I'm not moving, but that hurts a lot. Try it again, and I'm going to have pony for dinner.” he growled. The pony behind the door started. Robert limped through the door. "I am here to make a delivery to your costume designer. I was told to show you this.” he caught his wing on the door frame to steady himself, and used his now good leg to show the card Rarity had given him. The pony's expression changed.

“If you'd shown this first...” Robert's deep throated snarl cut him off.

“You didn't give me a chance. However, I am willing to forgive this considerable lapse in judgment and manners if you will direct me to the recipient.” Robert said.

“Oh, she's not here, you can leave that with me.” the pony said. Robert narrowed his eyes.

“I was given instructions that it was to be delivered to Miss Pommel. I do not know if you have heard of Rarity Belle, but I have and know her well enough that she is not to be trifled with, or disobeyed.” Robert was being perhaps more short than he should have been and realized it, but he was in considerable pain.

“She... she's gone home for the evening.” the pony replied.

“I see. Will she return in the morning?” he asked, trying to remain civil.

“Yes.” the pony said.

“Then so shall I.” Robert dropped to his three good legs, and limped out the door. He went a few steps down the alley, then spread his wings, or tried. It was too narrow for his span to get him up. He sighed, and leaped up to the fire escape on the neighboring building. Up to the roof. He looked around and found what he wanted. Two steps, hopped, and his wings beat downwards. The Hospital was pretty hard to miss from anywhere in the city, and Robert had had a pretty good view of it. He landed just outside the emergency room, and hopped to the door. A nurse appeared just before he reached it and opened it.

“Are you alright?” she asked stupidly.

“No, I injured my leg and I'm in rather a lot of pain.”

“Right of course, come in, and I'll grab a doctor.” she disappeared, and Robert settled himself on a bench. He'd expected a wait, but she returned in a few minutes, with a slightly older, and much calmer nurse.

“She said you limped up to the doors?” he nodded. "Left leg?” he nodded again. "Quiet or just in lots of pain?”

“The latter.” he managed.

“Alright, come with me. I'd offer a gurney, but we've not really got anything big enough for you.” she said. Robert nodded, moderately annoyed. Even Ponyville had one big enough for Big Mac and he was nearly the same size. He grimaced as he bumped his leg standing up. "Sorry, watch out.” Robert kept his thoughts to himself.

“Hello, I'll be your examiner tonight.” said a cheerful Unicorn mare. Her cutie mark was a moderately gruesome half a leg with an exposed bone. The deep blood red of her coat, and bone white of her mane did little to assuage feelings of discomfort. They helped him onto the bed and stretched his leg out on a table. The examiner's horn glowed and then so did her eyes. "Ooh, what happened?”

“Tried to make a delivery, and got a door slammed on it a couple of times.” Robert said. "Not the most pleasant of greetings.”

“Ah. A minor hairline fracture.” The spell changed slightly. "No nerve damage that I can see. Wiggle your...”

“Toes.” Robert finished and did so. “Argh.”

“Pirate impressions are not appreciated.” the pony said. "Does this hurt?” she wiggled one of his toes. He said something unprintable. "I'll assume that's a yes. she examined him for a minute longer. "There we are.” The pain began to subside.

“Thank you. What happened?”

“The blow pinched a nerve. It was radiating up and down the leg, probably in time with your pulse I would guess. So I just freed the nerve.” she smiled. "Probably should try and stay off it for a few days, give the fracture a chance to heal. And keep it out of doors.”

“I shall endeavor to do so with all available alacrity.” he answered. "I don't suppose you can recommend a not too pricy hotel for the night.”

“The Maremont is a couple blocks south. The Skybox is a little closer, but it's slightly more expensive.” she considered it. "The rest of them in the area are kind of disreputable.”

“The Skybox?”

“It's a Pegasi Hotel. Solid Floors, cloud beds. Incredibly soft. They wrap them in cloth so those of us who can't walk on clouds can sleep on them.” she smiled at a memory. "Been there a couple times. Nice place.”

“Thanks, I'll check it out.” he stood carefully, gingerly putting weight on the injured leg.

“Doubting me?” she asked playfully.

“Not at all, just making sure.” he replied. He limped to the door and nudged it open. He moved carefully to the desk, using his wings carefully to balance himself. "What's the charge?” he asked.

“Free.” the nurse said. Robert raised an eyebrow. "First physical always is.” she said.

“That wasn't a physical.” Robert pointed out.

“Yes, but it was such a minor injury, that it's not worth the effort of putting it down as anything else. Besides, this way I don't have to go through a bunch of paperwork.” she smiled. He smiled back.

“Thank you then.” he shifted his weight, and extracted a small pawful of bits. "Here, split this up between the three of you.” she opened her mouth. "For services rendered.”

“Okay.” the bits vanished off the counter. He turned, and whistled as he hopped out the door, not wanting to set his leg down until he was in bed. He leaped into the air, and flew upwards. The doctor's directions had been excellent and shortly he found himself following a couple of young pegasi into a landing pad.

“You're in luck.” the mare at the desk said. "You're the last of the late check-ins we've got room for.” she passed him a room key. It wasn't a normal lock key, but a unicorn enchanted crystal. It would open the door, and close it. He went up the stairs, and into his room. The bed was as insanely soft as he expected, and he snuggled into the blankets, without piling them on top of himself. He stretched his leg and fell asleep.