//------------------------------// // Chapter 21: Visiting the Element of Kindness // Story: The Long Life of Breeze Rider // by Tyler-the-Brony //------------------------------// It took me a very short time to reach the cottage, though it looked different from the last time I had seen it. There had been several additions and refurbishments that made it far more accessible to the surrounding wildlife. It truly looked like the house I would’ve expected to find Fluttershy living in. I walked up the path towards the cottage while recounting all this and proceeded to knock on the door. I heard a shuffling on the other side and saw the door open a crack. “Y-Yes? How can I help you?” Fluttershy asked me, clearly not recognizing me in my new attire. I decided to use this to my advantage for a moment. “Yes ma’am. I’m looking for a Pegasus pony named Fluttershy. I trust you know who I represent?” I inquired, relishing this moment. “Y-Yes sir. I can tell you’re one of the Wonderbolts. I’m Fluttershy, but I believe you’d be better off looking for Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy replied, nervously pawing the ground and barely glimpsing up at me for more than a second at a time. “Oh? And why’s that?” I asked, preparing to end this charade soon. “W-Well Rainbow Dash is faster, and stronger and braver than me.” Fluttershy said whilst blushing. “Miss Rainbow Dash never stood up to a fully grown dragon and told him off though did she?” I inquired, clearly shocking her with my information. “H-How d-do you know a-about that?” She asked, visibly scared. “I like to keep up on my former students happenings.” I replied simply. Fluttershy stopped pawing the ground, to finally fully look up at me. “B-Breeze Rider?” she asked, already knowing my answer. “Do you know any other who would know all that and call you one of his favorite little students?” I asked. Fluttershy immediately galloped forward and hugged me once I finished. She then immediately began blushing, and pulled away, realizing her possible faux pas. “S-Sorry for that.” “You never change Fluttershy. At least, not in the ways I expect. No need to apologize for being happy to see me again. I’m happy to see you too.” I told her, moving forward and moving her hair to the side of her face so she could see me. Fluttershy looked up at me, now smiling. “Do you mind if we catch up?” I asked her. “I also have a gift for you if you want it.” “Of course. Come right in. Just let me go get Angel. I’m sure he’d love to meet you.” Fluttershy said. I came in and looked around. It was simple, but very nice. I took a seat on Fluttershy’s couch and waited to meet this “Angel”, while shuffling through my saddlebags for her gift. “Hope I didn’t make you wait.” I heard Fluttershy said. “This is Angel Bunny. Say Hi to my old teacher Angel.” I took notice of the rabbit, Angel. What an ironic name. That bunny couldn’t have looked less angelic if he had horns. He waved quickly at me, and then hopped away. I turned to look at Fluttershy. “Don’t mind Angel. He’s like that with everypony.” Fluttershy told me. “He really is quite helpful to me though.” She smiled while saying. I began to take notice of how Fluttershy had changed these last few years. She was a bit more confident in her steps, and her hair was longer that I had last seen it. She also seemed to finally be the thing I had wished most for her; happy with everything she was. The true reason I felt such happiness at seeing Fluttershy again wouldn’t reveal itself for a long time. Over the next couple of hours, we recounted tales between each other. Fluttershy, telling me of the various animals she had and still cared for as well as more about the various ponies she counted amongst her best friends. I had heard much about the other ponies of their group, but Fluttershy had different perspectives on them than Twilight had possessed, so I listened eagerly. When she had finished her tales, I gave her an overview of how my last 4 years had gone. I didn’t bother to go into too great of details, knowing I would save that for Rainbow Dash. Once I had finished, I gave Fluttershy her gift. She was quite overjoyed. “Yay! I’ve wanted this book for quite a while. Twilight doesn’t have it in her library and there’re so many animals that could use care I don’t know how to give. Thank you so much Breeze Rider.” Fluttershy told me, proceeding to hug me again. She didn’t back away this time, and neither did I. "Well Fluttershy, I’m sure Pinkie Pie will be by soon enough to invite you herself, but I still wanted to invite you personally to my ‘Welcome-Back’ Party tonight. Pinkie will have the rest of the details later I’m sure.” “I’ll be sure to be there. Will Rainbow Dash and Derpy be coming by too?” Fluttershy inquired. “Well actually, I was about to go and catch up with them and invite them as well. If you don’t mind that is.” I added, not wanting to make her think I just wanted to up and leave without explaining myself fully. “It’s quite alright. I have a couple of otters I need to help anyway. I look forward to seeing you and them tonight at the party.” Fluttershy told me. We quickly said our goodbyes and went off to do what we needed to. I knew of a cyan Pegasus that I’m sure wouldn’t begrudge a visit from a Wonderbolt.