It had been a week since my little breakdown during Phobos' attack on me, and things were settling back to normal. Celestia had told me that it was likely the deity would return, though not for some time to come. I was afraid at first, remembering how distraught I was from just his first attack - and only one day of it - but I resolved to be prepared this time. I began training my mind and emotions to resist the impact that fear would have on me, in an attempt to keep my sanity next time.

Now was not the time for that though...now was a time for celebration.

It was the day of Dashie's birthday and we were all preparing for a massive party at the library. Vinyl would be doing the music (which I was pleased with) and Pinkie of course, would be arranging the whole thing. My job that day was to keep Dash occupied while everything was set up, so I took her out flying. Who knew that something so simple could make her happy? I should have thought of this days ago. The cold air bit at my face, but a pair of goggles that Dash had let me borrow made it bearable. We spent nearly the whole day flying, and I got to find out just how much endurance for flying she has. We flew for hours before I had to stop, and she just lay on the cloud next to me, laughing.

"C'mon Steel, you're out of shape! You need to keep pushing, you got this!" she giggled.

I shook my head, breathing hard. "I never was in shape Dash, at least not as much as you. The only way I pulled off my Brightflash Wave was with magic. Being as I am now, I'm not even sure if I can cast the spell anymore, so you're back to being first again."

"I was always first, Steel. After all, I don't need magic to be awesome. This kind of coolness comes naturally." she smirked.

I shoved her off the cloud and lightly hopped on it, dropping a torrent of snow out of it. I looked off of the cloud to see a rainbow tail sticking out of a pile of snow. I chuckled and flew down to find a shivering Rainbow Dash within the pile.

"So Dash, how cool do you feel now?" I said in between laughs.

She snorted in annoyance. "Just shut up and dig me out, Steel."

We continued flying, but at a more leisurely pace, just talking about random things. I looked up at the sun at some point to find it was just starting to descend from the sky, meaning it was somewhere around 14:00, so we headed back to the library.

I had told Pinkie a new way to surprise Dash, as no doubt she would be expecting it as soon as we walked in. Instead, everyone stayed hidden until Dash sat down on the couch and I went to get her a glass of water. I handed the water to her and she took a big gulp, Pinkie deciding this was the perfect moment for everyone to jump out and yell "surprise".

Pinkie decided to jump right in front of Dash when they all said it, and she got drenched when Dash spit out her water all over her in surprise. I laughed loudly, and Dash joined in. Pinkie just wiped her now straight and wet hair out of her face before embracing Dash in a big hug, me following suit. Dash sat there and blushed a bit before pushing us away.

"Alright already guys, let's stop with the mushiness for now and PARTY!" she yelled.

Applejack had been kind enough to supply us with a keg of her fermented hard cider, so each of us had a few drinks. I noticed that most all of our friends were there, including Lyra, Luna, and even Celly made an appearance. Before things got too crazy, we set about giving Dash her presents.

She opened Rarity's first, to find a new pair of flight goggles with a rainbow strap and her cutie mark on the back. 'Oh, my gift will go perfect with that!' I looked over and Rarity and winked, and she nodded back.

Applejack's gift was a few jars of zap apple jam and a personal barrel of cider. Dash's eyes lit up at the sight of the barrel and she wrapped AJ in a bone-crushing hug.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!" she squealed while squeezing the orange mare.

AJ hacked, "RD...air!"

Dash let go of AJ with a giggle. "Sorry AJ, but really, thanks. You know how much I love your cider."

Pinkie's gift was next, and Dash opened the bright pink box to find a dozen rainbow-frosted cupcakes. She smiled and gave her pink friend a big hug.

Dash then grabbed a small yellow-wrapped box with a pink ribbon from Fluttershy. As she opened the box, her eyes widened as she pulled out a pair of dark flight goggles, signed by Spitfire, Soarin, Rapidfire and Fleetfoot of the Wonderbolts.

"F-Fluttershy...how?" the cyan mare stuttered.

The usually timid pegasus giggled. "I have my ways, Dashie. Happy birthday." She wrapped her best friend in a tight hug. The rainbow-maned pegasus closed her eyes and returned the hug with a smile.

Dash grabbed my present next, but I stopped her. "No Dashie...I want you to open mine last. Trust me." She nodded and smiled.

Twilight stepped forward next with a rainbow-wrapped gift box. Dash took it with a smile and tore off the wrapping. She opened the small box and pulled out a small bracelet with engravings of all of the Elements' cutie marks.

Dash smiled, but looked a little confused. "This is really nice Twi and I like it, but..."

Twilight smiled back. "Look at the inside of the band, Rainbow."

Dash read the inside out loud. "Soar through the sky, and into your dreams. To our friend, the pegasus that's 20% cooler." Dash smiled at Twilight, a tear in her eye.

Twi brought her pegasus friend into a hug. "It's for you to remember us when you become a Wonderbolt. You'll make it Dash, I know you will...we all do."

Dash actually started crying with a smile on her face. "T-thanks, Twi. I love you guys..." We all gathered for another group hug around her, but this time she just sighed contentedly and smiled.

My brother held out a present next once we all released the birthday girl, the wrapping of course being subpar. She ripped open the package to pull out a bright blue helmet that matched her coat. She cocked an eyebrow at him and he laughed.

"It's made of titanium. I found a new way to heat the metal using my own fire. It's very thin and light, but twice as strong. As you can see, it's also very aerodynamic. It'll make it easier for you to hit top speed while still keeping your vision clear, and it's hard enough and padded enough to protect that thick skull of yours when you're practicing new tricks." he explained with a smirk.

Dash shoved him playfully before pulling him into a hug. "Thanks a lot, Dark. I love it."

Luna stepped up next with a very large box covered in a shimmering gold wrapping paper. "This is from both myself and Tia. We hope you like it, Rainbow Dash."

Dash nodded and ripped open the package, then stepped back in awe. Inside was a white suit of armor, not unlike the royal pegasus guards wore. On the breastplate was etching of the Elements' cutie marks, as well as my own in the middle. Dash pulled out the helmet first, to find that it weighed next to nothing, and was surprised to find it shimmered in the light with the colors of the rainbow.

Celestia spoke up. "We know how protective you are of your friends, Rainbow Dash, and you have ended up in the hospital on more than one occasion because of it. This is modified royal guard armor, enchanted to be light as a feather. It is made of magesteel, a very rare naturally magical metal that is stronger than diamonds. This armor will not inhibit your flight capabilities, but will allow you to protect your loved ones fervently without endangering yourself too much. A perfect gift for the Element of Loyalty, I think...and one of the bravest - if sometimes hot-headed - ponies I have ever known."

Dash walked over to the two princesses and embraced them in a hug. "Thank you so much. This...this means a lot to me." The two princesses returned the hug to the pegasus and nudged her back over to me.

I finally passed my present to Dash and she opened the package quickly. Her mouth dropped open. Everyone stared at her and I nodded.

"What is it, Dash?" Twilight asked.

The rainbow daredevil smiled. "Wait here and I'll show you."

She grabbed the box my gift was in and Rarity's goggles and sped off to the study on the second floor. She returned a moment later with her new flight suit on and her goggles from Rarity. Everyone in the room gasped. The entire room was silent until Pinkie spoke up for us all.

"That...is...so...COOL! OHMYGOSH DASHIE! You look awesome!" Pinkie said with a massive smile.

Dash struck a pose. "Oh yeah, this is awesome..." She then tackled me to the ground. "Thanks so much Steel...this suit is amazing! It's so cool!"

I laughed. "Well give Rarity some credit too. She helped me come up with it, and of course she did the actual clothing work."

Dash then rushed over to Rarity and hugged her as well, nuzzling her mane. "Thanks, Rare. This suit is amazing."

The white unicorn hugged back strongly. "You are most welcome, Rainbow Dash. Only the best for Equestria's fastest flyer."

With all of the presents out of the way, we all started to mingle, dance, and all that stuff. Well...I didn't dance, but you know what I mean. All of the ponies have had a couple of drinks by now, so the party was loose and fun. I think I even saw Luna dancing with Twilight and Dash on the dance floor, but I just sat on the couch with a broad smile nursing my fourth cup of hard cider. It began to get a little hot inside, so I trotted up to the observation deck for some fresh air, leaving the booming bass of the party music downstairs.

I opened the glass shield and took a deep breath of the refreshing, cool air before I sat down with my drink and just stared out at the lovely winter day. I heard hoofsteps from behind me as well as what sounded like clawed feet. I turned to see Big Mac, Moonfang, and my brother coming up behind me. Big Mac was holding a bucket with bottles of hard cider in it.

"Mind if we join ya pardner?" the crimson stallion asked.

I shook my head with a smile. "Not at all, guys. Take a seat and enjoy the cool air."

They all nodded and took seats around the outdoor hearth. I levitated a few logs in with some effort and sparked a small flame that slowly overtook the fuel logs.

"So Moonfang, it's been awhile. What have you been up to?" I asked the wolf.

He took a sip of the sweet alcoholic beverage and smiled. "Things have been very good Steel, thanks. I just want to thank you again for doing what you did for me. It literally changed my life."

I nodded. "You're most welcome, Moonfang. How's life with Fluttershy?"

He looked down in thought, but smiled. "It's great. She's very kind to me, and for that I am grateful. I really like her. I wish I could find a mate like her."

I chuckled. "Well why don't you run that by her and see what she thinks of it?"

Moonfang looked confused as he responded, "I...I am not sure what you mean, Steel. I should tell her I want to find a mate like her?"

My brother rolled his eyes and tapped the wolf on his shoulder. "Dude, she likes you. I can't say how much, but that little pony is scared of everything. If she's that comfortable around you and lets you live with her, she obviously cares about you. Besides, I've seen you two in public, and she just loves to hug you, in case you haven't noticed. No offense, but you have wooden skin. If she's that hug-tastic with you, it's not because she loves to feel like she's rubbing up against a tree. 'Sall I'm sayin'."

He nodded and stood up. "You're right, I should speak to her right now."

I pointed towards the open door with a smile. "Right now would be good. Knowing her, Dash is probably getting her to drink. Give it much longer and she's just going to pass out. You better hurry." The wolf nodded and bounded down the stairs.

Big Mac chuckled, as did I.

"They grow up so fast." I said, wiping away a fake tear.

The dragon and stallion laughed at me. "Okay grandpa." said the obsidian dragon with a smirk.

I raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Hey you can call me old if you want, but who has three Elements of Harmony, a goddess, and a lyrist? This guy, that's who. Guess the ladies just like the older, cultured gentlecolt."

Dark kicked my chair and laughed. "Dude if you're cultured, I'm a rainbow-haired clown with a righteous codpiece."

I chuckled and turned to Big Mac. "So Mac, how are things with you and mum?"

The stallion suddenly got nervous. "Umm...well things are good."

I placed a hoof on his shoulder, as did my brother but with a claw. "Mac, don't worry. She's a grown woman. If we were going to kick your flank for dating our mother, we'd have done it already. Her business is her business. I'm just asking if things are going good."

He relaxed with a sigh of relief. "Eeyup, things are goin' good. I gotta be honest, Steel...I could see me an' her goin' somewhere."

I smiled and gave a playful slug to his side. "It's about time, Mac. Who'd have known it would take a mare coming from a different world altogether for you to finally find one you like? Well so long as you make her happy, I don't have a problem with it."

My brother suddenly got very close to Big Mac's face. "But if you break her heart for no good reason, they'll never find your body." He glared at the red stallion for a second before bursting out into laughter. "I'm just kidding Mac, I know you'll treat her good."

We kept drinking until all the alcohol was gone, and needless to say we were all very...relaxed. Big Mac stumbled towards the door, my brother following him to make sure he didn't take a tumble down the staircase. I continued to sit on the couch nursing the last of my drink, just thinking again about how much my life has changed in such a short time. This time last year, I was working at a dead-end job in a world I honestly hated. Being in Equestria, Earth seems so far away. I let my mind wander for awhile until I heard hoofsteps coming up, albeit a little unsteadily. I looked towards the staircase to find Lyra and Luna walking towards me, slight blushes on their faces and giggling as if they'd heard a funny joke. I could tell they were both a little drunk, so I quickly made room next to me so they wouldn't fall on me. Luna gracefully sat down next to me, while Lyra nearly fell on the couch. I could have sworn the unicorn must have fallen asleep almost instantly, as I heard soft little snores from her. I focused hard and levitated her to the bed behind us and covered her up. Upon release of the spell, I felt a little drained, and Luna noticed.

"Steel, you must take care not to over exert yourself. You are still building up your magic." the princess voiced with concern.

I smiled and nuzzled her. "I'll be fine Luna. I've never been known for being reckless."

Without thinking about it, I leaned against her and began singing a song to her...

"When I counted up my demons
Saw there was one for every day
With the good ones on my shoulders
I drove the other ones away"

As closed my eyes and began to sing, I could swear I heard the music playing...

"So if you ever feel neglected
If you think that all is lost
Well I'll be counting up my demons, yeah
Hoping everything's not lost"

Wait a minute...I could hear the music. What was going on?

"When you thought that it was over
You could feel it all around
And everybody's out to get you
Don't you let it drag you down

'Cos if you ever feel neglected
If you think that all is lost
I'll be counting up my demons, yeah
Hoping everything's not lost"

Luna noticed too, because her ears perked up and she sat up straight, looking around.

"If you ever feel neglected
If you think that all is lost
I'll be counting up my demons, yeah
Hoping everything's not lost"

I was compelled to finish the song, even though by now Luna was staring at me with wide eyes.

"Singing out
Oh oh oh yeah
Oh oh yeah
Oh oh yeah
Everything's not lost

So come on yeah
Oh oh yeah
A'come on yeah
And everything's not lost

Oh oh yeah
Oh oh yeah
Oh oh yeah
And everything's not lost

Come on yeah
Oh oh yeah
A'come on yeah..."

Luna closed her eyes and smiled, swaying to the rhythm of the song.

"A'come on yeah
Oh oh yeah
Come on yeah
Everything's not lost

Sing out yeah
Oh oh yeah
Come on yeah
Everything's not lost

Come on yeah
Oh oh yeah
Sing out yeah
And everything's not lost"

As I finished the song, I could see Luna suddenly realize it was over and start staring at me again.

"Steel, how did you do that?" she asked incredulously.

I simply shook my head. "I'm not sure. I just sang the song like I always have, albeit an octave lower because of my voice range. Strangely enough, I don't feel tired like I usually do after using magic. Do you think your sister would know what just happened?"

Luna placed her hoof on her chin in thought. "I am not sure, but it could not hurt to ask. She would be here still, so let us go downstairs and ask her."

I followed Luna's lead and walked downstairs to see Celestia...dancing? I stood there for a moment before chuckling. She heard me and turned around with a smirk.

"What...a princess isn't allowed to dance?" the sun princess asked with a giggle.

I shook my head with a giggle of my own. "I am just surprised that you're so good at it. I'm glad one of us is. Anyway Celly, I have something I want to show you and everyone else here. I want to see if you can tell me exactly what's happening." I looked over at Vinyl and she tossed me a mic. I have to be honest, I felt kind of nervous with a room full of ponies staring at me now, but I did the same as I did upstairs and closed my eyes...feeling the music within me.

"Birds flying high
You know how I feel
Sun in the sky
You know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by
You know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me

And I'm feeling...good
I'm feeling good"

Just like when I was with Luna, the backing music started softly, almost as if I'm imagining it. Until the brass kicked in...and suddenly ponies everywhere started to nod their heads and I could tell they heard it too.

"Fish in the sea
You know how I feel
River running free
You know how I feel
Blossom on a tree
You know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me

And I'm feeling good"

As I started to get more into the song I opened my eyes and stood up on my hind legs, moving around smoothly, as if possessed by the very music I was performing. Vinyl had taken her goggles off and was staring at me with her mouth open, Celly doing the same.

"Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That's what I mean

And this old world is a new world
And a bold world

For me.
For me!"

I stepped down into the crowd seeking out each one of my girls that were there, singing a bit to them. Pinkie nearly fainted, while Twilight did when I kissed her on the cheek. 'Ah, the power of the crooner...'

"Stars when you shine
You know how I feel
Scent of the pine
You know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life"

I stood in front of Pinkie and placed a hoof on her chin, looking right into her eyes. 'Okay, this is fun...I could definitely get used to this.'

"It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life"

I stepped back to Luna and Celly, singing in front of them before seeking out Dash, and making my way closer to her with each sentence. I grabbed her with my free hoof and started dancing with her. 'Wait a minute...I definitely can't dance usually. I could definitely get used to this...whatever it is.'

"It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
It's a new life
For me

And I'm feeling...good
I'm feeling good
I feel so good
I feel so good"

With the last word I dipped Dash and kissed her softly. She closed her eyes with a sigh and went limp in my foreleg. When she opened her eyes, she stared at me with a dreamy expression of bliss, while the entire room erupted in applause. I sat her down on the couch behind me to make sure she wouldn't fall or something, then walked over to Celly and Luna.

"So, what did you think?" I asked with a smile.

Celestia just stared at me in awe before smiling. "Well I think it's safe to say you've uncovered a talent of yours, Steel. I believe that if you didn't already have your cutie mark, you'd get a music-related one. Now about the spell - and yes it was a spell - that you cast...I've only heard rumors of such an ability in the past. It appears that your passion for the music you perform feeds into you, and in a way gives you life. The spell somehow feeds off of this passion you have within you instead of your magic, which is why you haven't collapsed from exhaustion. It works in the same way that Luna and I can raise and lower our sun and moon, as we have a passion for what we do."

I nodded. "So is it like I created another spell or did this one already exist?"

Luna shook her head. "No Steel, the spell you cast already exists. You just have the means to cast it while using little to no magic."

I frowned. "Y'know, I kinda wish I had a greater passion for the protection of my family. The music thing will be great and all, but I doubt it'll be all that useful in a battle-type situation."

Celestia laughed and shook her head. "The feeling needed to cast the spell the way you did must be pure, and non-violent. That is why it wouldn't work in a fight. Obviously a fight is quite violent."

I nodded. "Yeah that makes sense." It was then that I heard the crowd in the room shouting 'MORE, MORE, MORE!' and I sighed. "Guess they're calling for me." I turned to the crowd and picked up the mic. "Okay everypony one more song. For this one though, I'm going to need my guitar. Spike, you know where it is, it's the one that's shaped like a giant 'V'."
Spike nodded and headed downstairs. He returned a few moments later with my Gibson Flying V guitar. I had gotten it when I was just fifteen, and have had it ever since. I slung the old guitar over my head and shoulder then took the amp cord and plugged it into the soundboard of Vinyl's. She got the hint and asked me to test a bit, and she adjusted the levels.

She gave me a smile and a nod.

I then started to strum out the opening of Van Halen's "Panama" with the edge of my hoof, which luckily worked very well. I had to use magic at first for the frets, until I suddenly felt the strain be taken off of me when I started to feel the song.

"Uh!
Oh yeah!
Ah-huh!

Jump back, what's that sound?
Here she comes, full blast and top down
Hot shoe, burnin' down the avenue
Model citizen, zero discipline

Don't ya know she's coming home with me
You'll lose her in that turn
I'll get her!

Panama, Panama
Panama, Panama

Ain't nothin' like it, her shiny machine
Got the feel for the wheel, keep the movin' parts clean
Hot shoe, burnin' down the avenue
Got an on-ramp comin' through my bedroom

Don't you know she's coming home with me
You'll lose her in that turn
I'll get her

Uh-oh!

Panama, Panama
Wow!
Panama, Panama
Oh-oh-oh-oh

Woo!"

When the guitar solo came, I found myself shredding faster than I ever had before. My fingers had always spazzed out on this part, but my magic was more dextrous, oddly enough.

"Yeah, we're runnin' a little bit hot tonight
I can barely see the road from the heat comin' off
You know what I'm sayin'
Ahh, I reach down between my legs n' ease the seat back

She's runnin', I'm flyin'
Right behind in the rearview mirror now
Got the fearin', power steerin'
Pistons poppin', ain't no stoppin' now

Panama, Panama
Panama, Panama
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Panama, Panama
Oh-oh-oh-oh

Panama!"

I closed my eyes for a moment and stood up, before I was nearly knocked over by the thunderous applause of the ponies filling the room. I smiled and bowed before placing my guitar next to the DJ booth and stepping off of the "stage".

Pinkie ran up and hugged me. "Ohmygosh Steelie, that was awesome! I wanna hear more sometime!"

I chuckled and kissed the pink mare on the cheek. "Oh you will. Now that I know I can do this kind of thing, I'll be performing a lot more for you girls." She smiled and hugged me again.

By this time, it was around midnight, so the ponies started to filter out, including Celestia. We all said goodbye to the solar princess and she gave us all a big hug before she took off in the air towards Canterlot. Luna and Dash were both leaning against me in the doorway, watching her leave. After she disappeared into the night, we all got to cleaning up the library before heading to the shower and then to bed.

Lyra was already asleep on the top deck, so we all decided to sleep up there. Upon entering the room, we all just lay down on the bed, Luna on my right side and Twilight between us. Dash floated in and settled between us as well, but laying sideways against my leg. Pinkie and Lyra were already asleep on my left.

I looked at Twilight and then at Luna, and the night princess winked at me and I smiled. We both leaned in and kissed the unicorn on the cheeks, and she blushed madly and giggled.

Drunk Twilight was fun...

Strangely enough I had trouble sleeping, and found myself lying awake staring at the ceiling. It was aggravating as nothing in particular was on my mind...I just couldn't sleep. I felt Pinkie stir beside me, and she looked up at me with those pretty blue eyes.

"Steelie, why are you still awake, aren't you tired?" she whispered innocently.

I nodded. "I am very tired Pinkie, but I don't know, I just can't fall asleep."

She nodded and got closer to me, wrapping her hooves around me. This helped, and I finally felt myself start to drift off. Just before falling asleep, pulled Dash up against me and I kissed the birthday mare, whispering a simple “I love you”. The cyan pegasus opened one eye and smiled lovingly before both of us settled into merciful rest.

Author's Notes:

Songs mentioned: "Everything's Not Lost" by Coldplay on the album Parachutes. If you like Coldplay and want a great chill song, I recommend listening to it. Second song is "Feeling Good" as performed by Michael Bublé on the album It's Time. Third song is "Panama" by Van Halen on the album 1984.