//------------------------------// // Epilogue: Opening Doors // Story: Broken Sky // by Fyn16 //------------------------------// Epilogue “So that’s it? Just a straight line?” Nimbus was carefully studying the program Storm Runner had passed him only five minutes ago. They were waiting behind the Canterlot Sports Stadium, which had been chosen as the alternate location for the graduation of the Royal Equestrian Air College’s latest students. REAC was undergoing massive construction, and most ponies believed that holding a graduation ceremony at an old, crumbling, and smoking building wouldn’t go over well. Storm Runner eyeballed the program, walking over to Nimbus. “Yeah, you’ll fly a straight line over the field when your name is called. Then you’ll circle around and land in line with everypony else.” “Sounds simple enough,” Nimbus said. “Fly over at the sound of my melodious name… I can do that.” Storm Runner snorted. “Good grief, Nimbus. You don’t get bragging rights yet- you only helped save Canterlot.” Nimbus chuckled a bit, but settled into silence as Storm Runner fixed him with a serious expression. “Nimbus,” he said at last, “maybe it’s too soon, but… did you ever… did you find…?” Nimbus felt a twang of pain in his heart. He knew what Storm Runner was going to ask. Nopony knew who he’d fought above the Canterlot Palace, and he’d hoped to keep it that way, but blatantly lying to his friend- was that really worth it? “Sun Blaze, right?” he said at last. “Yeah.” Nimbus sighed, preparing to go through with what he was going to say. “I saw her,” he said at last. “She was killed, Storm. The pony I flew against killed her, but she died serving what she believed in.” Nimbus gulped, “you would’ve been proud.” Storm Runner hung his head “I think I knew all along… somehow I knew. Nimbus-“ he paused, then hesitantly looked his friend in the eyes, “that’s it, right? Nothing else happened? I think I know you well enough that you’d tell me if there was something else about the circumstances surrounding that night, right?” “Of course,” Nimbus said, the lies tasting like venom on his tongue, “she’d be proud to see you out here today.” From across the field, Winter Breeze, the college Primicerius, passed a diploma to the last of the non-Aviator students, then motioned to Colonel Dusk Shine. It was time. Dusk Shine took the podium and addressed the crowd. “This year, I had the privilege of teaching no less than the finest ponies this institution’s Aviator Training School has ever seen. At the beginning of the year, I challenged them to remain in this difficult program, despite whatever difficulties they might face. Only six left the program. The camaraderie I’ve seen these ponies display is nothing short of admirable. They’ve accomplished tasks and exceeded standards that they never would have thought possible only a year ago. From field training to this day, these ponies are more than worthy of the title of ‘Aviator.’ But enough rambling. It’s time for me to introduce the stars of this event. First, from the city of Cloudsdale, Cadet Storm Runner.” “Knock ‘em dead… figuratively,” Nimbus said, patting his friend on the back. Storm Runner winked and leaped into the air, soaring over the crowd and dipping a wing to his family in the audience before circling around and landing in front of Dusk Shine. The Unicorn stood in front of him as Storm snapped to attention, and pinned his set of Second Lieutenant ranks onto his uniform’s collar. The audience applauded so loudly, Nimbus almost missed the next pony that was called up. He decided to relax a bit; he’d been told that his name would be called last earlier, and saw no point in standing if he was going to be at attention for a while in front of everypony. He took a seat on a sports bench behind him and watched as his classmates stepped through the door to their future as Aviators. “Well, well, well.” Nimbus turned around. Spitfire was standing behind him, grinning down at him. She’d pocketed her sunglasses, and for the first time, Nimbus felt she no longer looked intimidating. “I’d be lying if I’d say I was impressed with your progress,” Spitfire said. Nimbus blinked confused. “I’m not impressed,” Spitfire continued, “I’m awestruck. I wanted to see you become an Aviator. You did that, sure, but you saved Canterlot, helped save both of our rulers, and to top it off, won the Cloudsdale meet.” “Technically it was a tie,” Nimbus said, trying to be modest. “It was a tie for first,” Spitfire said. “I knew this day would come, one way or another. I had two speeches planned- one in case you failed to make it, and one if you did make it. The thing is- you’ve done so much else besides reaching your goals that I don’t even know where to start. You’ve earned my respect, Nimbus. Not many ponies can say the same. Hay, not even all the Wonderbolts have my full respect. You told me once that you’d learn from your mistakes, and you’ve not only done that- you’ve exceeded the standards you set for yourself.” Spitfire smiled down at the ground, then went straight-faced and stared Nimbus down. “Cadet Nimbus, tench-hut!” Nimbus was almost caught off guard by the command, but snapped to attention regardless. Spitfire drew closer, reaching into the pocket of her own blues uniform. Nimbus didn’t dare shift his eyes, but he saw a glint of gold, and knew exactly what was about to happen. There was a slight pressure on his chest, followed by the faint slide of metal on fabric and a quiet “click.” Nimbus felt a tear roll down his face. He couldn’t help it. “At ease, cadet.” Nimbus looked down at his chest. Below his uniform pocket was his Wonderbolt pin, polished and shining brighter than it had been on the day he’d received it. He looked up at Spitfire, his mouth splitting into an enormous smile as he tried to stutter the words out. “I- it’s- this is- it’s really- thank you so much, ma’am!” “It was my pleasure,” Spitfire said, “I’m truly glad to have met you, Nimbus.” She straightened up her uniform and turned on her hooves, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a graduation of my own to attend later. Stay in contact; you can come fly with us any time you need a break from the rigors of the Air Force.” “Yes, ma’am,” Nimbus said, “thank you!” Spitfire trotted away, out of the stadium. Nimbus watched her go, practically bubbling over with pride. He looked down once more, to ensure he wasn’t dreaming. The pin was still there. “From Hollow Shades, Cadet Nimbus.” Nimbus jumped up from the bench, flaring his wings. He’d almost neglected to realize that he was the only one who hadn’t been called. He launched himself into the air, rolling and righting himself just over the center of the field. When he passed over the line of newly-minted Aviators, he rolled inverted and pulled back, leveling off just above the soft turf where he touched down. The crowd’s applause was deafening. “Showing off a bit, are we?” Dusk Shine whispered as he approached Nimbus, pinning his ranks on. “I can’t blame you.” He looked down at the Wonderbolt pin on Nimbus’s uniform. “And it seems Spitfire had the chance to see you before leaving for her cadets’ graduation. Good. You made my first year of teaching a good one, Nimbus. Well, except for the school being destroyed, of course. I was glad to have you as my student.” He extended his hoof towards Nimbus. The orange Pegasus accepted it, shaking it vigorously. “Thank you for teaching, sir,” he said, “I look forward to serving with you.” Dusk Shine rolled his eyes jokingly, “sappy to the end. Take care out there, Nimbus. It’s a rewarding career you’re headed towards, but keep up the good work once you get there. It pays off.” Dusk Shine turned back towards the audience. “All of these cadets were shining examples of future military leadership over the course of last year. I’d also like to finally take the time to call up a few ponies to join these new Aviators, starting with Starlight.” He read off names quickly, and several other ponies joined the Aviators in a line. Nimbus was confused until Dusk Shine finished his list and spoke again. “These ponies went above and beyond the call of duty. When the college was attacked on the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration, all of these ponies assisted in taking the school back from the grasp of those who wished to do us harm. If these ponies would please remain standing, I’ll turn this back to the Primicerius for a few words.” Dusk Shine stepped away as Snow Breeze took his place, first looking down the line of ponies with pride, then turning to the audience. “This year, I could see something was different about the students coming to our outstanding institution. There was a fire in their eyes- a drive to not only learn about their respective professions, but to be the best citizens of this nation they could be, whether they intended to become civilians or military. Many of my colleagues have asked me what I think is in store for Equestria, once it is in the hooves of the next generation. Looking at this fine group of mares and stallions, I can assure you that Equestria has never had a brighter future. Be proud of your graduates- they have distinguished themselves, and this is their time to shine. To this year’s graduating class, I congratulate all of you on a job well done. Carry your skill and determination with you to your careers, and nothing will stand in the path of your success. Oculos ad caelum- eyes to the sky. That is our motto. Though you may face challenges, and you may wonder if the road you took was really worth it, remember that phrase. Remember where you’re headed. Good luck to all of you.” Snow Breeze stepped away- the signal that graduation was complete. Hats flew into the air- some mortarboards and others military flight caps. Nimbus yelled until his voice was completely hoarse, watching the hats fly into the air. “We did it, Storm!” he said as he bumped into Storm Runner. “That’s right,” Storm Runner cheered, “we did!” Life had never been easy for him, this much Nimbus had come to realize. He’d learned lessons the hard way, but those lessons had been valuable. Because of them, he was here today, happier than he’d ever been. He had friends, and now he had a commission. As he drowned in a sea of laughter and excited shouts, Nimbus smiled and gazed up at the clear, blue sky. He’d done just fine after all. It was time to open a new door, a new chapter in his life. He was more ready for it than he’d ever been.