Rainbow Dash didn’t know it was me either at first. The second she saw me in my Wonderbolt costume, she simply began to freak out BECAUSE I was in my Wonderbolt costume.
It took her about 5 minutes to calm down and come back down from the sky to finally figure out which Wonderbolt I was. She was even more shocked to find out that it was me, who she merely considered ‘her boring old flight school teacher who could maybe keep up with her.’
“Is this what you were talking about on grad night 4 years ago?” Rainbow asked me.
“Yep. I didn’t want to tell you and ruin the surprise. I did promise you a surprise when I came back.” I told her.
“Awesome! What’s Spitfire like? How’s Soarin? Oh! Oh! You gotta tell me about…” Rainbow started.
“Hold on a sec there. I can’t really tell you all that. We promised not to intermix our personal lives with our work.” I told her, seeing her ears and eyes droop at that.
We sat silently for a moment.
“But, I do have a gift for you. Courtesy of the other Wonderbolts.” I told her.
Rainbow instantly picked back up, almost as if she had never been sad in the first place.
“What is it? What is it?” She begged.
“This.” I told her, extracting the poster from my bag.
I’d done it. I’d made Rainbow’s day, probably even her whole week. She spent a full 20 minutes just looking at the poster before she looked up.
“Hey. Your signature’s not on here.” She said.
“There’s a reason for that. I’d hoped I could sign it for you now, in person.” I calmly replied.
Rainbow would’ve fallen through the cloud she was sitting on if Pegasus magic was anything like Unicorn magic.
“Would you really? Oh thankyouthankyouthankyou! Breeze Rider, you’re the best!” Rainbow bounced up and down as she said this. Very uncharacteristic for her.
I took the poster back for a moment. As I thought for a moment, the perfect signature came to mind.
To Rainbow Dash,
Keep aiming high. I expect you to take my place someday.
I’ve been bragging to Spitfire about you for years now. She interested in seeing the pony with the “Sonic Rainboom calling card” as I’ve called you when talking with her.
Can’t wait to see how you do at the Best Young Fliers Competition.
Always on your side,
Breeze Rider
As I finished my signature, I handed the poster back to Rainbow. I immediately saw her eyes go right to it. I saw immense happiness, and then some worries creep into her features.
“Anything wrong Rainbow?” I asked, worried I’d accidentally worded something the wrong way.
“Not really. It’s just…I haven’t been able to do a Sonic Rainboom again yet. I’m worried I won’t be able to when I try at the Best Young Fliers Competition either.” Rainbow said, clearly speaking what weighed on her heart.
I had a monumental decision before me. I knew that if I didn’t do what I was thinking of, her depression might carry over to her routine during the Competition. But I didn’t want her to get bullheaded either. I knew what I had to do.
“You really don’t need to worry about that Rainbow. I know you’ll be able to do a Sonic Rainboom and wow the Wonderbolts, myself included.” I told her, sure she would interpret it the way I guessed she would.
Rainbow didn’t disappoint me.
“You’re just saying that cause you’re my old teacher.” Rainbow said dejectedly.
“No I’m not. I’ve seen your Sonic Rainboom at the Competition myself.” I replied.
I saw the gears begin to turn in her head, trying to comprehend what I said.
“What the hay do you mean? The Competition hasn’t even happened yet.” Rainbow questioned.
“I know that. I can see the future you know.” I finally told her outright.
She seemed too stunned to interrupt, so I powered on.
“It’s how I chose my students, how I saw their potential. It’s how I found Derpy first when she ran away and how I knew you and Fluttershy were there. And,” I paused, still deciding whether or not to go through with this. What the hay. “It’s how I know you’ll be the next Wonderbolt to join after me. I saw this years ago. I never told you because I didn’t want you to get arrogant. If I didn’t tell you now though, I know that you wouldn’t do as well as you’re able to in the Competition. So there it is.” I concluded.
Silence followed for a few minutes. I chose not to try to break it. Rainbow would have to make the first move here.
“Wow. I can’t believe it. I know it’s gotta be all true, but still…” Rainbow said after a few minutes.
I waited, knowing there would be more. I definitely wasn’t wrong about that.
“You really…you really think I’ll do that great?” Rainbow asked me.
“No. I KNOW you’ll do that great.” I replied.
After a few minutes, Rainbow perked back up to her usual self. Maybe even happier.
“Thanks Breeze Rider. Is this something I’m not supposed to tell anypony else?” Rainbow asked me, turning her head to the side.
“If you don’t mind. If everypony knew, I’d never get any rest. I’d be giving out fortunes left, right and center.” I explained.
“Okay. I Pinkie Promise not to tell anypony else unless you say it’s okay.” Rainbow said.
“Thank you Rainbow.” I began “Speaking of Pinkie, she’ll be by later to invite you to a ‘Welcome-Back’ party for me. Can I expect to see you there?” I asked.
“You can count on it. I’ve never missed a Pinkie Party yet, and I wouldn’t miss a party for you either.” Rainbow blatantly said.
“Cool. I’d like to go and catch up with Derpy too now if that’s cool.” I turned checking to see her reaction.
“That’s fine. I need a nap before I get to my Weather Pony duties anyway.” She said, dozing off at the end.
I laughed to myself. Rainbow never changes the ways I expect either. And now to go find that lovable grey Pegasus sister of mine.