The Calm and the Storm

The skies are shown to be empty until a streak of rainbow shoots through the air, seemingly making a beeline for a large facility situated above the clouds with hundreds of Pegasi flying about.  This was the Wonderbolts Academy, where Pegasi from all over Equestria to hone their skills and become the best fliers they can be.  The streak lands on the ground and reveals itself to be Rainbow Dash, a cyan pegasus mare with a rainbow mane and tail as well as a cutie mark depicting a cloud shooting a red, yellow, and blue lightning bolt.  Upon landing, she reached into her saddlebag and took out the letter that was sent to her just a day prior.

Dear Rainbow Dash,

We have a new recruit for the Wonderbolts who passed the trials with flying colors, but we feel that he needs a bit more coaching.  So naturally, we thought of you and how you could help him to reach the potential that he has within him.  Please come to my office as soon as you can and we can discuss the situation in further details then.

See you when you get here,

Spitfire

Rainbow folded the letter back up and put it away as she walked into the main building of the academy and made her way up the stairs to Spitfire's office.  Upon arriving, she knocked on the door and she heard slightly gruff female's voice tell her to come in.  As Dash entered, she saw Spitfire, a yellow pegasus mare who's mane was in two different shades of orange and a cutie mark depicting a stream of fire, seated at her desk.  In one of the empty chairs was a crimson red pegasus stallion with a blonde mane and tail and a cutie mark showing a fortress wrapped in a tornado.  Rainbow Dash eyed the newcomer as she stepped forward and took a seat in the other chair.

Spitfire spoke first.  "Glad you could make it, Dash.  This is Tempest Stronghold, the pony I told you about in the letter."  She gestured to the pony next to Dash.

"Pleased to meet you, I'm Rainbow Dash."  Dash extended a hoof to Tempest, who accepted it and shook it politely.

"The pleasure is mine.  And please, I prefer Temp.  I must say that it is a real honor to meet a talented flier such as yourself."  Dash blushed lightly at the comment and cleared her throat before turning to Spitfire again.

"Ahem, so.  You said that Temp here needed some more training?"  Spitfire nodded.  "Yep.  We're thinking about doing this for a future program.  A new recruit is sent to train with a more experienced member for a while and hopefully, they can learn a few things about themselves."

Dash nodded as she listened closely.  "Well it sounds like an awesome idea!  I'd be more than happy to take this guy under my wing."  She then placed a wing around Temp's back.

"Well I for one am more than pleased to be under the guidance of one such as yourself Ms. Dash."  Rainbow blushed again.  "Just Rainbow is fine, or Dash if you prefer."

"Alright you two, you better get out of here so you can start your training.  Dash, I'm gonna give you one moon with this guy.  Make sure that you train him well." Spitfire stood as she gestured to the door.

Rainbow and Temp walked out as Rainbow Promised to turn Temp into a Wonderbolt worth letting in.  The two made their way outside and Dash led Tempest to her cloud home.

Along the way, she decided to start  some casual conversation.  "So Temp, where are you from?"

"Just outside Baltimare.  It's a very nice area with plenty of activities and attractions to keep one busy.  Oftentimes, I would fly around the city and lend my services to those who seemed like they needed it."  Temp sounded as if he was reciting a speech that was laid out right in front of him.

"Cool.  I'm from Cloudsdale and I know just how you feel.  I always liked to stick up for the underdogs and help others to be just as awesome as me."  Rainbow relayed while performing a few tricks in the air.  She noticed that Temp didn't seem too impressed with her quick display.

Soon, the two arrived in Ponyville and landed on the outskirts.  "Alright Temp.  Welcome to Ponyville.  It's one of the coolest places to be ever.  Let me show you around."  Rainbow began trotting into town as Temp followed behind.

"But would our time not be better spent training?  Commander Spitfire did inform us that we had no more than a moon."  Temp recalled.

"Hey, don't worry about it.  We can start training tomorrow.  Besides, I want to introduce you to my friends."  As Rainbow and Temp walked further into town, a pink blur suddenly shot out from seemingly out of nowhere and rammed into Temp.  While the impact caused him to stagger, it wasn't able to knock him onto his back.

"Hi there, I'm pinkie pie.  Are you new here?  What's your name?  How long are you staying?  Where are you staying?  Do you want to be friends?!"  Tempest was showered with questions from an earth pony mare who's mane and tail were in different shades of pink and cutie mark depicted three balloons.

Rainbow Dash then pulled the pony away and addressed her.  "Pinkie, chill out.  Remember what we talked about?"  Pinkie giggled awkwardly, but still retained her positive demeanor.

"Sorry Dashie.  But you know how I get when someone new comes to town.  So is he a friend of yours?"

Rainbow flew between the two.  "Pinkie Pie, this is Tempest Stronghold, but he prefers Temp.  Temp, this is Pinkie Pie."  She then moved closer to him and whispered in his ear.  "I know she seems really weird at first, but you'll get used to her after a while."  Tempest nodded and went to shake Pinkie's hoof.

"Hello there.  Rainbow already disclosed my name, but I can answer the rest of your inquiries.  I am new here, I'm staying for the next moon over at RainbowDash's house, and I suppose I would like to have you for a friend."  Pinkie noted Temp's hoof with immense glee and shook it with violent enthusiasm.

"Awesome!  Hey, you should stop by Sugarcube Corner later today.  Dash can show you where it is, right Dashie?"  Pinkie looked to Dash with expectant eyes.

"Uh, yeah, sure, I can show him there."  Pinkie smiled and bounced away happily.  "Sorry about that.  She loves meeting new ponies and making friends."

Temp held up a hoof in understanding.  "Not to worry.  She actually reminds me of some pony I knew when I was younger.  She would always look on the bright side of things."  He then sighed lightly as Dash shot him a raised eyebrow.  "Well then.  Shall we continue with the tour?"  Temp walked ahead leaving Rainbow to comprehend what he said.  She quickly dismissed it as she flew on to catch up with Temp.