//------------------------------// // Chapter 25: Downward Rainbow // Story: The Long Life of Breeze Rider // by Tyler-the-Brony //------------------------------// The rest of my time off had gone by way too fast. It seemed like just the next day I was already heading to Cloudsdale with Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Derpy for the Best Young Fliers Competition. Derpy and Fluttershy weren’t competing. They were just there to offer moral support to Rainbow Dash. And Rainbow needed every bit. Being her old teacher had its advantages. I was able to pick up on the subtle things most others wouldn’t. Her eyes darted often and her back legs twitched whenever she was nervous. The quicker and more frequent the twitches and darts, the more nervous Rainbow was. And she was doing those telltale signs the fastest I’d ever seen. “Relax Rainbow. You’ll do fine.” We had told her again and again over the past few days. She never seemed to fully hear us though. I only hoped Twilight and Rarity’s surprise would perk her up enough to do what I knew she could. “Come on Rainbow. I know you’re nervous, but I also know you’re the best flier here today.” I told her, hoping that my different wording would warrant a different response. “I’m just worried. I still haven’t been able to recreate the Sonic Rainboom. And with you saying that the way you are now, it really doesn’t perk me up all that much.” Rainbow said dejectedly, looking over at me with envy. I was flying in my full Wonderbolt attire, with 2 baskets of apples on my back, courtesy of Applejack. Today was the day I was intending to present Sweet Apple Acres Apples to the other Wonderbolts, in hope that they’d like them and give Applejack a new cliental. I suppose I could see her point, but gave the answer I’d intended to anyway. “This stamina and strength didn’t come easy. It took years of relentless training to get. You’ll see one day. But for now, just keep looking ahead and keep your mind focused on your flying and not on anything else.” I told her. Rainbow nodded and sighed. I knew she’d heard and understood my response, but probably wouldn’t grasp how good of information it was until after the Competition. “I wish I could stay, but I have to go meet with Spitfire and the others to get ready. I can’t act bias during the competition itself, but know that I’ll be cheering you on from the inside okay?” I told Rainbow. Rainbow nodded, seemingly indifferent to anything I could say. I looked over to Fluttershy and Derpy, who both picked up and came to fly next to Rainbow Dash. “Don’t worry Breeze Rider. We’ll make sure she’s okay for the Competition and makes it there.” Fluttershy said, reinforcing what she said with a determined face. “Alright. See you later.” I replied, turning off towards where Spitfire had told me to be. I touched down shortly after leaving the girls, coming up right near Spitfire, who looked like she was ready to do what her name implied. “You’re almost late Breeze Rider. What took you?” Spitfire demanded, venom dripping from every word. “Sorry Spitfire. I come bearing gifts and information though.” I said, indicating to the apples on my back. Soarin instantly came over to help take the baskets off my back and take part in them. He certainly sounded like he was enjoying them. I dared not look away from Spitfire to check though. “Hey! These are great! Where’d you get these? I could deal with a few more baskets!” Soarin asked me, before Spitfire continued. “We can worry about that later Soarin. You said you had information too Breeze Rider. What is it?” Spitfire asked, seeming to calm down as she watched Soarin enjoy my peace offering. “Of course. You all remember the ‘Sonic Rainboom pony’ I’ve talked about for a while right? Well, she’s here in the Best Young Flier Competition. And I guarantee a Sonic Rainboom.” I told Spitfire, seeing her jaw drop at my news. She clearly hadn’t expected news like that. Content that she wouldn’t smite me down if I looked away now, I turned to view the expressions on the other Wonderbolts. Soarin was partaking of the apples again, clearly not as shocked at my news as the others. Afterburn also looked a little un-nerved at my news. Fleetfoot looked happy, excited even, to finally meet this pony who I had bragged about for so long. Rapidfire was over to the other side, doing his pre-show routines, seemingly unaware to anything that had just transpired. Spitfire finally stopped gaping to respond. “Well then, I’m looking even more forward to today. I’ve wanted to see this so-called ‘Future Wonderbolt’ of yours. I hope she can deliver what you promise.” Spitfire asked, cocking her eyebrows. “She can. I bet my goggles on it. She may be a bit shaky at the start, but she’ll show her true colors for sure. All the ones in the Rainboom at least.” I replied, seeing Soarin and the others enjoy my word play. “All right. Let’s get to the podium. We don’t wanna be late. Ponies might get disillusioned with us.” Spitfire said, directing her voice mostly to Soarin, who was again into the apples, and Afterburn, who was nervous at her first judging event. I walked over to Afterburn and put my hoof on her shoulder. She looked over to me, confused slightly. “Don’t worry Afterburn. You’ll do fine. You just might regret not bringing padding later.” I told her, satisfied I’d confused her thoroughly.