“I’ll come back. I promise,” he told her.
 
She choked back her tears, trying to remain strong. Not just for him, but for herself. “You better. Otherwise I’ll kill you.” She offered a light grin, trying to reassure herself.
 
“It’ll be okay. Once this is all over, I’m coming back.” He lifted a hoof underneath her chin. “Think you can handle the rest of the Bolts while I’m gone?”
 
She chuckled lightly. “‘Course I can. I may be a recruit, but I’m still the fastest flyer around.”
 
“That’s my girl.” He kissed her forehead lightly. “Take care, Rainbow.”
 
“You too, Soarin.”
 
He gave her a salute, which she returned, and turned to face the horizon. He unfurled his wings.
 
“Soarin!”
 
He turned back to her to see her run up next to him, and she nuzzled his shoulder.
 
“Come back safe.”
 
“I will.” He nuzzled her once more, then turned to the sky. “Gotta soar!” He shot off into the sky in a blur, leaving the smaller Pegasus behind.
 
As she watched him fly off, she felt the tears she fought so hard to hold back, begin to streak down her cheeks. “I’ll wait for you.”