Being the captain of Equestria's most renowned aerobatics team is a stressful, and sometimes thankless, job. Her joints ache; her muscles are taut; her mind reels from the sheer responsibility. But, like any professional, Spitfire takes it all in stride with a grin.

That is, until a certain rainbow-maned mare started mouthing off. Being accused of 'Camera Hogging' was the final straw. Spitfire finally lost her temper, dumping every ounce of that responsibility on an unwitting rookie and leaving for a single day of respite.

This story details her day of (mostly) relaxation.

(A/N: Spitfire's Day Off is a side-story to Blitz, taking place parallel to "A Very Long Day" chapter arc.)
(I was unable to locate the source of the cover image to give proper credits. Needless to say, it's not mine.)

Edit 03/07/2012: Changed format from triple-asterisk to Horizontal Rule and Sub-Chapter number. Looks much better, in my own opinion.

Deep in the Royal Library is a book. A terrible book that is said to send whoever reads it mad. A book so dangerous that it has to be hidden away and secured with chains to prevent it from ever being opened.

A book which has just been accidently checked out by Spike on behalf of Twilight Sparkle.

The Star In Yellow is rising once more, and only Rainbow Dash and Spike can save Twilight before it's too late. Ideas live forever. Ponies do not.

This fic is loosely inspired by the 19th century story 'The King In Yellow'.

This story is a sequel to The Retribution of Chrysalis

Queen Chrysalis has spent the last few weeks living with Twilight Sparkle, hiding from the public eye and awaiting news of Princess Celestia's changeling relief effort. When Shining Armor discovers a critically injured changeling on the outskirts of Appleloosa, to Chrysalis' infinite delight, her hope for her race's survival is instantly reinvigorated.

But then the Canterlot hospital refuses to properly care for the changeling, leaving Cadance to provide the love he requires. The publicity forces Chrysalis to reveal herself to a fearful populace, driving her into the hooves of a fellow outcast. And perhaps worst of all, the awakened changeling has forsaken his queen. In his eyes, and in those of all of Equestria, Chrysalis must once again redeem herself.

Cover art by Nocturnal Melodies (No_M), drawn at my request for the story.