//------------------------------// // Chapter 11: Graduation and Retirement // Story: The Long Life of Breeze Rider // by Tyler-the-Brony //------------------------------// It had finally come. Graduation day. And Rainbow Dash, Derpy and Fluttershy had not only made it, but they were graduating top of their class. This was a very happy day for me, as well as the end of an era of my life. I had announced my retirement to the staff and students 3 weeks previous. When asked why, I simply stated that I was no longer needed, as the only class I had ever taught were all graduating this year. I had a secondary motive I didn’t reveal to anypony though. 2 months before graduation, I had gone to a secret appointment with the Wonderbolts. They had asked me to join them every 4 months or so ever since I had become a teacher. I had never told them “No”, I had simply said “Not right now.” After 2 years of replying this way, Spitfire had finally asked me what was more important that becoming a Wonderbolt right there and then. I simply answered that I had to finish prepping the Wonderbolt that would join after I did. They were certainly shocked to hear that. When pressed for details, I told them “You’ll know her when you see her yourselves. She has a very special calling card; the Sonic Rainboom.” That had really shocked them. None of them had ever achieved a Sonic Rainboom themselves. Not even Soarin or Spitfire. They agreed then that this was definitely an important matter, and chose to leave me to my own devices until I chose to contact them. 10 years after first telling them that, I had arranged a meeting with Spitfire incognito. We met at a donut shop in Canterlot, an inauspicious place for both of us. As I waited for her to appear, I kept myself occupied by looking at Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Derpy’s respective futures. I was happy to see that even after school, they’d remain close, both metaphorically and physically. I also saw that I’d have to help with that particular aspect. I made a mental note to get right on that just as I heard a bell ring and saw Spitfire walk in, sans her uniform. “Hey there Breeze Rider. You know, me and Soarin were beginning to think you’d forgotten all about us and our proposition what with all the ‘next Wonderbolt after me’ training.” Spitfire said as she took a seat across from me. I smiled, glad to see that Spitfire hadn’t changed from our last meeting. “Good to see you too Spitfire. Well, you and Soarin will be glad to know I’m finished with all that. And I’ve decided to take you up on your offer, if it still stands that is?” I inquired, cocking one eyebrow at her shocked expression. “Wow. Sure wasn’t expecting that kind of response.” She stated, simply continuing to look shocked. I didn’t press earnestly, merely jokingly prodding her for a full answer. “Well Spitfire? Is that offer still valid?” I asked again. She finally grinned up at me. “Of course Breeze Rider. We’ve wanted you to join us ever since we split at Graduation. When do you want to start? I know you don’t need any training. We’ve kept you up to date on our routines and you’ve kept yourself pretty well in shape.” She said, surveying me as though seeing me for the first time. “Better not let Soarin hear you saying things like that.” I winked at her. Spitfire immediately began to blush and look away. Then she looked up at me, looking truly girlish for the first time in a very long time. “How long have you known?” she asked, looking back down to her hooves. I smiled malevolently as I answered. “I never fully knew. I’d had plenty of hints and feelings, but I’d like to thank you for solidifying that idea.” As I finished, I felt her flare up in anger as well as in embarrassment. “You tricky foal. If you hadn’t just agreed to finally join us, I’d slug you.” “Relax Spitfire. I mean no harm. I won’t tell anypony if you don’t tell anypony I’ll be a Wonderbolt til I join.” She looked up quizzically at that statement, but answered rationally nonetheless. “Deal. What do you mean ‘when’ you join though? You never did answer me earlier.” I took my time in answering, choosing to sip my coffee some first. “I’d like to join in about 2 months. I have a little bit of teaching left to do. I’ve done all I can for my students, aside from more moral support for the final show and then graduation. I still need to let them and the faculty know though. And give them time to find a replacement for me.” Spitfire sighed and smiled, very content with my answer. “I wouldn’t have expected any different of an answer from you Breeze Rider. Fine. I accept your terms. Come to Manehattan in two months. It’s where we’ll be then. Now, as I believe we’re done here, I need to get going.” “Late for a date with Soarin?” I asked. “I told you’d I’d slug you and I wasn’t joking.” Spitfire hissed menacingly at me under her breath. “Relax. Kidding, kidding. See you there and then Spitfire. I’ve got get going soon too.” I replied. I saw Spitfire smile one last time before she exited the shop and took to the skies. “Well, it’s official.” I thought to myself. “I’m a Wonderbolt. Definitely can’t tell Rainbow for a while.” I silently added. I paid my tab, then left and took to the air myself. Lost in my memories, I realized I’d missed all the names of my students as well as Rainbow’s speech. Good thing I’d had the foresight to watch the whole thing through my visions to make sure I wouldn’t miss anything when it actually came about. As I finally came back down to my senses, I heard words I was sure I’d remember for the rest of my life. “And, as the ceremony comes to a close, I present to you this year’s graduating class of the Cloudsdale Flight School. You may now throw your caps.” The principal said. Even with the huge swarm of movement as the over 100 graduates stood and threw their caps in the air, I was able to pick out the 3 that mattered most to me. Derpy had ecstatically thrown hers straight up and over in an arch. Fluttershy had timidly thrown hers only a few feet in the air. Rainbow flew up, threw her own cap as though it were a boomerang, and then proceeded to retrieve not only her cap, but Derpy’s and Fluttershy’s from the crowd as well. I looked out at my students, happy as could be. I then proceeded to rise from my seat, knowing I had a long day ahead of me. I was after all, moving 4 times.