Chapter Text
Air groove let out a sigh as she entered the doors to Tracen academy, walking towards the administration wing. The dark brown mare hadn't been at the academy since she suddenly left 5ish years ago. The hallways weren't filled with any students since the start of the school year didn't technically start for another whole week. Air groove dark brown tail swished nervously as she walked towards her destination. Tracen academy had expanded since the mare had left, adding more dorms and accommodations for students. Which in turn created more administration positions that needed to be filled. The number of students had almost doubled since Air Groove left the academy, and the number of students had started to become too much for the director and her assistant. So, a bunch of new positions were created to help the workflow and divide the administration duties. Air Groove was shocked when she got called by the director who had somehow tracked the dark brown mare down. The director herself had offered an administration position and seeing as Groove herself was out of a job it was an offer that the mare couldn't really refuse. Especially since the mare had two little ones of her own that needed to be taken care of. Being back at the academy brought back memories for Groove both good and bad. Arriving at the director’s office Groove knocked on the dark brown door, a reply came through the door.
“Director, good to see you”. Said Air groove opening the door to the office
Director Akikawa’s office hadn’t changed much since Air Groove had been a student at the academy. The director was sitting at her desk holding up a folder. The grey and white cat that was always with the director was curled up on top of the desk. Motioning for groove to sit down in an open chair across from the director. Sitting down in the chair Groove was facing the director who gave the dark brown mare a small smile.
“Groove I'm glad you got my message”. Said the director who had put down the folder she was looking at
“Of course I did, your message actually came at a good time.” said Air groove calmly looking at the director
“That’s good I assume you want to know about what your new job entails”. Said the director who was petting her cat who had moved from it spot to Akikawa’s lap
“That would be good you really didn't go over the specifics over the phone.” Said Air groove her tail swishing nervously behind her
“The position is very similar to when you worked for the student council. Some of your co-workers are some of your past classmates.” said the director excitement in her voice
“That’s good, at least I'll see some familiar faces”. Said Air groove who silently hoped that one specific classmate was still at Tracen
The sound of the office door opening caused Groove’s ears to twitch. A black-haired stallion came into the office carrying a folder in her hand. She went up to the director’s desk and set the folder on the desk. Turning to leave the stallion stopped in her tracks as she noticed Air groove was in the room.
“Groove, your back.” Said The black-haired stallion who had her arms crossed over her chest
“Brian good to see you, how have you been?” Asked Groove looking at the stallion, her tail swishing nervously
“I should be asking you the same thing you left without saying anything. You know Prez was really upset when you left.” Said Brian coldness in her voice as she spoke leaning against the wall
“It not really important where I went all that matters is that I’m back” said Groove looking at Brian
“It seems pretty important to me, groove. You left Rudolf without saying anything…….: said Brain her gaze accusatory at the mare
“Brian drop it your clearly making Air Groove uncomfortable” said the director trying to defuse the situation
“Fine I'm dropping this conversation for now but we're revisiting this topic later”. Said Brian walking out of the office slamming the door behind her
“Sorry about Brian’s behavior, you did leave quite suddenly. So, you can't really blame her for wanting to know why.”. Said The director apological looking at the dark brown mare
“I can't really blame her, I did leave without saying anything”. Said Groove her ears dropping slightly
“I'm sure you had your reasons for leaving, I know for a fact that. A certain Emperor would be very happy that your back” said Akikawa trying to comfort the mare
“Rudolf’s still here?” Asked Groove looking at the director
“Of course, you know how she is”. Said the director petting her cat who was purring happily
“I thought she was heading to America with her trainer?” asked Groove curiosity in her voice
“Rudolf’s trainer ran her ragged before her first race in America, it didn't go well”. Said the director a hint of sadness in her voice
Air Groove knew that Rudolf’s trainer was kind of known for running the bay colored stallion to the ground when training for a race. Especially, one as important as the first race in a different country.
“Rudolf retired after that race, you know and her trainer was furious. I know you and Rudolf were very close.” said the director who was looking at Groove kindness in her gaze
“Yeah, we were”. Said Groove her voice having a hint of sadness in her voice at the memories of her time with Rudolf.
The director and Groove continued to talk about the specifics of the new job. Groove would be working under Rudolf just like the student council days. The dark brown mare couldn't help but worry how the bay-colored stallion was going to react to the news that Air Groove had returned. After they finished their conversation, Groove gave the director a handshake and went to leave the room. Opening the door the dark brown was met by the sight of the one person she hoped to not run into today. The bay-colored stallion had raised her hand just about to knock on the door. In her hands was a stack of paperwork most likely for the director. Her magenta eyes were filled with shock and surprise at the sight of Groove.
“Groove your back.” said Rudolf her voice soft, her bay-colored tail swishing happily behind her
“Yeah, I guess I couldn't exactly stay away from the academy could I.” said Groove staring at the stallion regret in her gaze
Groove talked with Rudolf for a little bit explaining to the Bay colored stallion. That she was now working at Tracen. The stallion didn't ask about why the dark-haired mare had left suddenly, which Groove was grateful for. Saying her goodbyes to Rudolf and the director, Groove left the academy.
Arriving at her home Groove let out a sigh of relief, as she approached the front door. Opening the door, Groove was immediately tackled by her twin colts. Tokai Teio the older of the twins had brown hair with a white streak and had Groove’s Blue eyes. The colt was happily prancing around her mother, tail wagging excitedly. Rulership on the other hand had dark-brown hair with a streak of white and had magenta eyes. The colt was shyer than her sibling, preferring to hug her mother. Groove smiled at the two young colts' happiness in her gaze as she looked at her two little lights.