//------------------------------// // Chapter 20: Catching Up // Story: The Long Life of Breeze Rider // by Tyler-the-Brony //------------------------------// I certainly caused a commotion, just like I’d intended. It’s not every day a Wonderbolt comes to visit any town, let alone one like Ponyville. Almost immediately after I finished asking Pinkie about my party, she lit up at my presence and pounced on me. Pinkie really does remember everything about everypony. After that, Pinkie set about introducing me to Twilight who was delighted to meet not only somepony as well recognized as one of the Wonderbolts, but also one of Rainbow and Fluttershy’s old teachers. Pinkie then assured me that she’d have the party all ready by tonight. I asked her if she could try and get Mayor Mare there too. She said she’d do her very, very best and said her goodbyes, bouncing away as only Pinkie can. Twilight stayed and offered to take me around town while letting me know all about the other girls and major events that had happened in my 4 years away from Ponyville. It turns out quite a lot had happened just since Twilight herself had come to Ponyville. It turns out I had missed out on many things, the least of which including a Parasprite Invasion just before a visit from Princess Celestia, an “Iron Pony” competition between Rainbow Dash and Applejack during the Running of the Leaves, and 2 fashion shows put on by Rarity to impress the well know fashion designer from Canterlot, Hoity Toity. I was also very impressed by the story of her and her friends standing up to a full grown dragon whose smoke was polluting Equestria. I could hardly believe that Fluttershy had stood up to a full grown dragon, being full aware of her former fear of them myself. I knew that she would become stronger while I was gone, but I hadn’t expected her to become nearly THAT strong. I also learned about Rainbow Dash a bit. Nothing truly notable had happened with her, aside from my learning that she was in fact Leader of the Weather Ponies like she had predicted so long ago. I also found out that she was preparing herself to enter the Best Young Flier Competition. What a surprise it would be when she found out I would be judging alongside the other Wonderbolts. “…and I believe that covers most everything of importance that has occurred since you left and since I arrived that I’m aware of. I hope I was helpfully informative.” Twilight said, looking up at me with a happy smile on her face. “You were most helpful Twilight. I had no idea so much had happened while I was away. It would’ve taken me days to find all that out on my own. I thank you for saving me that precious time. I do only have 2 weeks off after all.” I responded to her, seeing her light up even more. “Thank you sir Breeze Rider.” Twilight said, mildly bowing to me. I laughed, not insulting, just jokingly. “You can just call me Breeze Rider Twilight. I may technically be a member of the Royal Court and the Godson of Princess Celestia, but I was never a fan of my ‘sir’ title. I’ve barely been back to Canterlot at all in 20 years, aside from a show at the Grand Galloping Gala these last 4 years.” I explained, looking over at her, expecting her to be there. Instead, she was a few feet back, a shocked look on her face. “Twilight? Have I said something wrong?” I inquired. Twilight took a little while to respond. When she did, it was slow and broken, as though she were still comprehending it while she spoke. “You’re…Princess Celestia’s…GODSON!?” She practically yelled. Ah. So that was it. “Well, yes. I was found in Canterlot as a newborn colt. Princess Celestia was the first one who found me. She also helped me find my adoptive parents. They asked her if she would mind being my Godmother, and she agreed. Ever since then, I’ve been allowed to call her Aunt Celestia if I want. I’d kind of forgotten how big a deal that was. It’s been many years since I told anypony.” I replied to her almost apologetically. Twilight shook her head to come back down to her senses before responding. “Oh. It’s quite all right with me. I was just a little caught off guard was all. I’ve never heard any of that before.” Twilight said, almost seemingly hurt by Celestia’s lack of forthcoming. “It’s not such a big deal anymore. It’s been nearly 25 years since the colt you see before you was found in the middle of Canterlot. It was quite a scandal for the first couple of years, but then quieted right down. I doubt anypony would recognize me if I were to go out without my Wonderbolt suit on anymore. And I’m quite glad for that. Don’t blame Celestia for any of this. It’s not that she didn’t want to tell you. She just didn’t see it as overly important to your studies.” I explained. Twilight seemed content again after I finished. She at least had a smile on her face again. “Alright. Is there anything else you would like to know by the way?” Twilight asked me. “Just one thing Twilight; can I count on seeing you at my party tonight? I’d very much like all my friends to be there, if I can count you as a friend that is.” I asked her. Twilight nodded, happily realizing this was yet another chance to study the magic of Friendship. “Certainly. I promise you that I will be there. Now, if you’ll please excuse me, I must attend to my daily research and work with Spike. I hope that’s alright?” Twilight asked, almost afraid of offending me. “Don’t worry Twilight. I showed up quite unexpectedly, even to myself. I couldn’t expect you to not have your own plans and duties to attend to. I’m happy as long as I can see you again tonight. Besides, I think it high time I went and visited my old students. Goodbye for now Twilight.” I nodded to her as we reached her library. “And the same to you Breeze Rider.” Twilight replied. I watched her go and pondered who I should first visit. Deciding that she was closest, I trotted off towards the house that I had given to Fluttershy as a gift many years ago.