The two Pegasi made their way into the Neighagra Falls hospital, and stopped to take a look around. It was a nice place, built with the comfort of its patients in mind. There was a rather large reception desk against the back wall, but other than that, the place generally resembled other such institutions. The walls were painted a nice shade of blue, with bright white trim covering the top and bottom. There were comfortable chairs situated in all the appropriate spots, and different ponies awaited their turn with the various medical personnel that worked there. Magazines and newspapers lay in a somewhat organized fashion on the small tables in front of them, though they had probably been much better coordinated at the start of the day.

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo trotted along the carpeted floor until they reached the reception desk. A rather pretty young mare sat behind it, busily sorting and filing different patient cards. Since computers and technology as we humans know it does not exist in Equestria, everything must be kept to the highest standard of organization and care. When it comes to medical areas, it was crucial that nothing, and nopony, slipped through the cracks. It was so crucial, in fact, that Celestia had passed a law requiring all hospitals and clinics to have their records thoroughly inspected every single month. They would be fined a certain number of bits if they were found to have performed lackadaisically.

This particular mare was in the middle of nosing through the letter “E” when Scootaloo and Dash showed up. She didn’t pay them very much mind at first, as she was so engrossed within her world of files. But then she suddenly popped up and looked them dead in the eyes. She was fairly attractive, with bright blue eyes and a perfectly coiffed mane of pink hair. Her cutie mark was that of a file with a traditional red cross etched behind it. Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but think that she was in the perfect field for her talent.

“I’m so, so sorry for ignoring you!” The receptionist chirped, “welcome to Neighagra Falls Wellness. My name is RN Filer. Did you have an appointment?”

“Uh…yes,” Dash responded, “the name is Scootaloo.”

RN took a quick look through her list of engagements and immediately found Scootaloo’s name. “Ah-ha!” She said, “here we go! It says you’re gonna see Dr. Hoovesy today. You’ll like her. If you’ll just take a seat, she’ll be with you in a moment.”

Scootaloo and Rainbow trotted over to some adjoining seats and plopped down to wait. Rainbow amused herself by picking up one of the magazines and flipping through it. This one held particular interest to the Cyan Pegasus, because she was on the cover. It was the monthly edition of the “Smithponyan Air & Space” magazine, and she wanted very much to see the spread. She had been quite the fighter at the shoot itself, and Rarity still had yet to forgive her for bucking her in the nose. But they had gotten the photos, and she had to admit that she looked very sleek and sharp.

Even though I despise dresses, she thought, I’ve gotta give credit to Rarity. She really knows how to make somepony shine.

“Scootaloo?” A voice suddenly asked, breaking into Dash’s thoughts.

The eager filly bounced over to the door, with her new mother following close behind. Dash couldn’t help but notice the way that Scoot’s wings buzzed in anticipation. She sounded like a small bumblebee. Dash had to stifle her giggles, but then remembered just how much was riding on this visit. If a ninth doctor told Scootaloo that she’d never be able to fly, Dash didn’t know what she’d do. She might withdraw into a deep, dark depression…or worse. Rainbow gulped as she thought of all the terrible things that might happen should Scootaloo receive another negative response.

After testing Scoot for her height, weight, and blood pressure, they were led into a very bright room. An examining table lay in the center, with small chairs backed up against the white walls. Cabinets hung above a clear, silver sink, accompanied by jars and bags of various medical implements. Rainbow Dash took a seat in one of the chairs, while Scootaloo used the nearby stepping stool to hop up onto the table’s metal surface. She shivered a bit at the cool touch, but then sat up straight when the doctor came in.

“So…you must be Scootaloo,” the mare asked, “I’m Dr. Hoovsy.”

She seemed very kind, with a gentle face and bright green eyes. Her mane was blue to accompany her aqua coat, which shimmered underneath the bright lights above. She was wearing a traditional doctor’s coat, with a stethoscope slung around her neck. A clipboard sat in a small pocket on her right flank. This compartment was specially designed so that ponies who weren’t magic users could still grasp things like clipboards and other necessities. She turned and pulled out the board, setting it on the counter under the cabinets.

“Hm…it says here that you’ve come to me regarding your flight,” she continued.

“Yeah!” Scootaloo said as she quivered with excitement, “I’m ready to get in the air! I mean, I’m old enough, aren’t I? My problem is that my wings just won’t grow! I was hoping you could give me some kind of miracle cure…or maybe some kind of procedure that could help me.”

Hoovsy smiled back at Scootaloo. “Alright, then,” she said, “let me just check your wings.”

The doctor proceeded to give the filly a thorough examination. She lifted the wings, checked to make sure that the feathers worked properly, and rotated them to ensure that they weren’t causing any pain. Then, she had Scootaloo flap them. When the wings began to buzz, the doctor understood what the problem was.

“Ah, buzzing wings,” she said, “that’s common for a pony in your condition.”

“My condition?!” Scootaloo asked, suddenly frightened, “what condition?!”

“Don’t worry, my filly,” the doctor said nicely, “there’s no need for any alarm. You have a disorder that’s common among some Pegasi fillies. It’s called DWS, or Degenerative Wing Syndrome.”

“Whoa-whoa-whoa,” Rainbow Dash asked, suddenly rising, “you mean that Scoot’s wings are…degenerating?”

The doctor nodded sadly. “I’m afraid so. Unfortunately, there is no cure, and we don’t have the medical technology set in place yet to offer prosthetics.”

“But…I…I want my wings to work…” Scootaloo said as tears burned her eyes again.

The doctor took pity on the filly and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Listen, Scootaloo. I know this is difficult to hear, but…you’ll never be able to fly. I’m so…dreadfully sorry to have to be the one to tell you that, but…it’s true.”

Scootaloo’s tears fell all the more. She was so sure, so certain that this time would be different. She felt in the very depths of her heart that this doctor would give her some good news. But it was the same response as all the others. She would never be able to fly. She would never know what it was like to soar through the sky with the other Pegasi. She wouldn’t ever be able to try out for the Wonderbolt Academy. But worst of all, she’d never be able to follow in Rainbow’s hoof steps. She worshipped those hoof steps…and all she wanted was to be like her.

“Oh, Scootaloo,” Dash said, “I’m so sorry…”

“That’s what you said the first time, and the second time, and all the times in between…” Scootaloo said, “…but…you aren’t hearing it.”

“Forgive me for interrupting,” Hoovsy said, “but…what’s all this ‘first time and second time’ business.”

“The truth is, doctor,” Dash said, “we’re actually from Ponyville. We’ve been to eight other doctors all across Equestria, and none of them told Scoot she’d ever fly. All she’s ever wanted was the same talent that other Pegasi have…and I wish I could give her.”

“Well…there is a procedure…”