Spitfire had never slept so well. Clouds were so plush, soft, comforting and warm, but this bed felt special. Spitfire didn’t normally sleep on beds, except in times where she would go out of town for an air show, but there was something exquisite about this one.
Maybe it was the mattress that conformed to Spitfire’s form. Or better yet the firm yet yielding pillows, that had barely mussed up her mane.
Or…
Maybe it was the sight of a silly alicorn princess on another bed, with her wings stiff and upright, her blanket tossed completely off her. When Spitfire had woken up to that sight, she couldn’t help but chuckle.
There was something innocent about it, and it was hard not to find it endearing. She knew the wings were a new addition to the mare that lay in front of her, but it was still awfully funny how she didn’t have any more control over them than a filly would.
Spitfire stretched her form over the soft mattress, almost feline-like. Her wings sprouted to life as she stretched them out, too. It felt amazing after a good night’s rest. The captain’s wings were larger than that of an average pegasus’, which allowed her greater flight times and speed. It saved her points in endurance, too, because she didn’t have to exert as much energy as some of the other ponies.
This advantage was a tremendous help in her line of work. Plus, it was even better for keeping her warm.
After glancing at the window, Spitfire realized that it was far too early to wake up her student. It was bound to be cold outside, and low temperatures cause muscles to tense up, increasing the likelihood of an injury. Twilight Sparkle wasn’t prepared for different conditions. Not yet.
So, Spitfire decided she could use some time to herself. She tiptoed over to the window, pushed it open, and let herself out. The cold air woke her up and made her feel alive. Her wings carried her up, up, up… She didn’t know where she was going, but it was relaxing.
Eventually she settled back, clasping her hooves underneath her head, and allowing her wings to take her backwards. The wind through her mane, through the creases in every feather of her wings, rustling against her fur… It was amazing. Unicorns and earth ponies had no idea what they were missing out on. She wouldn’t give her wings up for the world.
Spitfire mused to herself about the past couple of days. She wondered if she’d been too callous on the princess, if maybe she should let up. She remembered how she learned how to fly: A strict teacher who ingrained into her mind every single vocabulary term associated with flying by forcing her to rattle them off while she tried to get off the ground. Not only that, but when she messed up, she would be punished.
It was tough, but it was what made her into such a formidable flyer. Determination and the want from within to succeed.
That was what she needed from Twilight Sparkle.
And—ha!—that chicken costume! Oh, that was a laugh. Spitfire smiled to herself. The attire did indeed have a purpose besides looking silly and a little bit cute. The material she asked Rarity to make it out of was very breathable, and lightweight. It conformed to the wearer’s body on the inside, helping to perfect any movements you make and to create the least amount of resistance possible. Not only that, but it had an air bubble, trapped within the fabric. It helped keep you airborne, and made it easier for you to lift off.
Like Spitfire had told Twilight, it was necessary. She was being harsh on her, but she needed to be. Everything had a purpose. As a teacher, she had her own methods… But as a pony…
“Woah! Spitfire?!”
Oops. Cover blown.
The sound of air being displaced as the pegasus dashed over to her left a sour taste in Spitfire’s mouth. The peaceful morning flight was out.
Spitfire righted herself to meet the pony who had addressed her. She hadn’t thought anypony would be out and about at five in the morning.
“Wow, my Wonderbolt sense really was tingling!” the mare chattered excitedly, “Have you finally come to enlist me?”
Oh, right, Spitfire remembered this pony. It was Rainbow Dash. “Sorry, kiddo, maybe next time.”
“Kiddo?” Rainbow Dash’s nose crinkled up. Moments later, her eyes lit up. She clasped her hooves together and said quietly to herself, “She called me kiddo!”
Spitfire was not a stranger to admirers. She did not reply to Rainbow, and rather focused on the sun behind her.
Rainbow Dash said, “So what are you doing here, then, if not for me? Oh! Is there a show?! Where? When? I want to see it! Wonderbolts show, here I come!”
The mare pumped a hoof into the air.
Spitfire thought it was funny how this pony was acting around her. She ran a hoof through her mane, still slightly messy from when she’d gotten up that morning. “No, I’m afraid not. I’m here on business, actually, but it’s not worth mentioning. What are you doing up so early, anyway?”
Rainbow Dash glowed with happiness at the prospect of her idol asking a question about her. “I was just taking care of my duties around the town, cloud-busting and all. Taking care of crime and helping out any ponies who needed me. Cleaning up the streets,” she boasted.
Spitfire doubted that there were any ponies walking around town at this hour, and doubted even more that Rainbow Dash had gotten up early to bust clouds and clean the streets. She didn’t know her very well, but she could tell that much. Bags were under Rainbow’s eyes.
“Well, kid, why don’t you go back and get some sleep. Heroes need rest, too.”
Spitfire just wanted it to be silent again. Rainbow Dash hesitated, but finally smiled.
“Oh, well, thanks! You've got a point. Um, yeah, I guess I could do that,” she smiled awkwardly as she spoke. “How long will you be in Ponyville?”
“As long as it takes.”
“Oh… Well, see you around?” Rainbow Dash waited, vulnerable and nervous. Spitfire felt that the conversation had been leaning on her the whole time, and the pressure was annoying. She decided to let the pegasus have some peace.
“Yeah, see ya.”
Rainbow beamed, another sun to rival that of the one set in the horizon, before she nodded and flew off. She could improve her form, and her speed could still be maximized. The pegasus had not yet reached her full potential.
At this point in time, Spitfire felt it was time to return to the library. The cool air had already begun to fill with warmth, and the Wonderbolt had found peace that morning. She was prepared to take the next step in Twilight’s training.
Breathing and strength exercises.
Spitfire went ahead and flew back to her current residence. She decided to push herself for the fun of it, and went as fast as she could. It felt great, she hadn’t been able to fly like this in what felt like ages. She rarely participated in the Wonderbolt derbies, and even when she did, she’d throw the race and let one of her teammates win. Everypony already knew her name, so there was no point.
Spitfire was perched back on the windowsill in what she counted as eight and a half seconds. Pleased, she let her wings rest at her sides. Her eyes fell upon a bed now devoid of princesses. It had been made neatly, without a single crease, the pillows stacked perfectly.
The Wonderbolt decided this was to be expected.
She hopped down and closed the window behind her, drawing the curtains. Footsteps sounded outside of the bedroom, so Spitfire trotted to meet them. They were quick and light steps, obviously being taken by someone of small stature with short legs. The way they struck the ground was not hoof-like; there was no clopping sound. It had to be the little dragon.
Spitfire’s deduction was proved as she stepped out into the hallway. Spike had a handful of towels in his claws, precariously tipping from side to side. He hadn’t noticed her over his predicament. Every step was a chore from the looks of it.
“Hey, dragon-man,” Spitfire called, causing the one addressed to almost lose his grip. He glared at her as soon as he had steadied himself.
“What’s the big idea?” he huffed out. “Are you trying to make me drop these?”
Spitfire walked over next to him and bent down. She spread her wings out, the tips reaching toward the ceiling. “Here, I can help you.”
Spike blinked. Then he blinked again. “What?”
“Just place the towels on my back and I’ll take them for you,” she said. “I’ve gotta do something around here, right?”
She smiled. Spike hesitated, but returned a smile of his own. His was thankful and genuine. He lifted the towels up, his arms shaking from the exertion, but was able to steady them onto her back. Spike let out a gust of air now that his arms had been freed.
Spitfire had expected the towels to be much heavier than they actually were. She positioned her wings to ensure they kept the tower on her back straight.
“Thanks!” Spike said, stretching his arms over his head.
Spitfire nodded. “Where did you say these were going?”
“To the bathroom,” he replied, pointing down the hallway. “It’s the last room on the right. We just put them in the cabinet space. I’m going to go downstairs and work on breakfast, how do home-made donuts sound?”
“Lovely,” Spitfire said, “I’ll be down in a moment.”
Spike and Spitfire shared another smile, and the dragon skipped down the steps with an extra bounce in his step. Spitfire didn’t realize she could make someone so happy with such a simple gesture, but it was a rewarding feeling.
Spitfire took her time down the hallway, to ensure she didn’t mess up the towels propped atop her. It wasn’t too difficult a task.
Eventually she reached the door Spike had said belonged to the bathroom. As she approached, she noticed steam billowing out from underneath the door. It was warm on her hooves. Something else caught Spitfire’s attention, however.
Somepony was singing in the shower.
Spitfire couldn’t tell what the words were, but felt that they were beautiful. She wasn’t a fan of music or singing, but this tune was so melodic, it felt as if this mare had reached for the heavens and actually obtained a piece of it with her voice.
Is this Twilight Sparkle? she wondered, fascination creeping into her.
Spitfire listened for a few more moments before she finally found it in her to move. She decided she had to finish this task with the towels, and then she would return to Spike. She wouldn’t alert Twilight that she had heard her singing in the shower, that would just be weird.
So, Spitfire pushed open the door quietly, steam hitting her in the face. It felt inviting, but not nearly as much so as the singing. It was even more amazing with the door open.
The Wonderbolt stepped into the restroom, searching for the cabinet space the dragon had mentioned. It was even closer to the shower.
Spitfire stepped toward it. She opened the doors and stuffed the towels inside. Spitfire didn’t dare glimpse toward the pony showering, and once she had finished her task, all but flew out. Twilight was none the wiser.
Once outside, Spitfire finally found it in her to breathe. She didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath.
What just happened? she wondered. Spitfire swallowed the lump in her throat and dismissed it. So Twilight knew how to sing really well. Big deal. Spitfire rested her wings against her side despite jitters.
She wanted to go out for another flight to get some fresh air, but knew it was better not to. Instead, she trotted away from the bathroom and down the stairs, where the scent of something baking hit her. Even though she could not hear Twilight singing, it was still in her mind.
Spike was munching on a gem at his seat, wearing Spitfire’s fedora once again. He must have really liked it.
But once he saw her, he pulled the jewel away and waved, “Hey, Spitfire! Everything go okay?”
“Yeah, of course,” Spitfire said, smiling to reassure him.
Spike nibbled on the red stone fervently. “Great! Thanks for your help. Twilight was all like ‘we need clean towels, Spike!’ this morning and made me do the laundry… I dunno what the big rush was, really. I mean, today is laundry day; it would have gotten done eventually. Like, what’s more important, laundry or breakfast? I bet it’s ‘cause she wanted to shower.”
The dragon popped the rest of the gem into his mouth and swallowed. “So was she in there?”
Spitfire tried not to think too much about it. She only said, “Yeah.”
“I knew it!” he exclaimed. He pumped a fist into the air with too much excitement. Spike’s smile turned devious. “She’s always doin’ that.”
“Telling you to do something?”
“No, showering. Who does that? I just take a bath once a week. It gets the job done, I tell ya.” Spitfire’s eyes bugged out of her head at the concept. He didn’t seem to notice the reaction she had broadcasted.
Yuck.
Spike got up and went over to the oven, slipping on pink oven mitts. He pulled out a rack full of donuts, and began to put icing and sprinkles on them. The heat of the tray and the donuts didn’t seem to bother him one bit.
“Oh, donuts?”
Spitfire almost jumped. At the top of the staircase stood Twilight Sparkle. She was smiling really widely as she trotted down the staircase. She too had a bounce in her gait.
Spitfire could hear it now. Her voice even when she wasn’t singing was a chime in itself.
“Yup!” chirped Spike. “I was feeling like sweet this morning. Do you think Rarity would like one?”
“I think she would love it.” Twilight took a seat next to Spitfire, directing a smile towards her. “Good morning to you, Captain! I noticed you weren’t here when I got up. Where’d you go?”
Spitfire swallowed. “Just, uh, out flying around. You know the drill… More importantly, did you do the morning exercises?”
“Yes ma’am!” Twilight saluted. She was in such a good mood this morning. “What is our next lesson about? I’m eager to learn!”
Spike handed Spitfire a plate with two donuts on it, and two for Twilight. The donuts were a pale yellow, with purple icing and darker purple and pink sprinkles. They looked delicious. Twilight’s were similar, but with yellow sprinkles instead.
Spitfire said, “We have to continue working on your strength and your breathing. I have some new ideas for exercises.”
She munched on a donut thoughtfully. It felt warm and delicate in her mouth, and it gave her an excuse to keep quiet. Twilight took a bite of her own, smiling. She was not opposed to what Spitfire had said.
Eventually, after Spike had inhaled his own meal, he excused himself for his own venture to the restroom. Twilight joked about him not getting out of the bathtub for the next seven hours, to which Spitfire laughed. Twilight even mentioned that there would be no hot water for the whole town. Spitfire laughed harder.
Spitfire calmed herself down long enough to ask if Twilight was ready for training. Twilight was more than ready, apparently, because at the question she jumped up into the air.
“And for the chicken suit?”
Twilight was a little bit less enthused at the mention of it.
“Don’t look like that, the suit actually has properties embedded into it,” Spitfire said, unable to stop herself. Why was she revealing so much unnecessary information? “It helps with flight. The materials I had it made out of are special. Like I said before, everything has a purpose.”
Twilight brightened up. “Really?”
“Yes. And isn’t it fun?”
“I think I would have more fun if you were the one wearing it.”
Spitfire pretended to be insulted. “Oh, please!” She was having too much fun with this. “Well, maybe one day I’ll get one, you never know. I don’t think it would suit me, really.”
Twilight nodded, smiling slyly. She went upstairs and returned with a bag—the one she would be keeping the chicken suit in. Spitfire got into her own outfit, trench coat and fedora (that Spike conveniently left on the table), and the two trailed outside.
There wasn’t a whole lot of conversation going on between them; Spitfire kept getting lost in her thoughts. She hadn’t even noticed the lack of speech herself. Twilight didn’t mind.
In the field, Spitfire made Twilight repeat her wing exercises. She was getting much, much better already. Spitfire had her go really, agonizingly slow, and then had her do so really quickly. Her form was improving. It was almost to the point where she could fly on those wings… Provided she had the strength for it.
That was what was next, anyway.
Pleased, Spitfire had her stop. Twilight was fixing to put on the chicken suit, but the Wonderbolt stopped her.
“Not yet.”
After seeing Twilight’s confused expression, her eyebrows drawn together, she explained. “The chicken suit’s purpose was to help you when you start flying. It cushions your falls and helps keep you in the air. It actually was helping you when you were doing your wing-ups yesterday. But today? You need to do them alone. No crutch.”
“But wait, why did you make me wear it yesterday, then?” Twilight crossed her forelegs over her chest.
“Two reasons… One, because I thought it would be fun. And two, because it would help you to begin with. But I don’t think you need it right now.”
Spitfire got down on the ground, prompting Twilight to do the same. Spitfire sensed that her companion wanted more of an explanation than she was being given.
“The strength you hold in your wings is one of your greatest assets as a pegasus.” Spitfire pushed herself up on her wings, folded her hooves behind her, and proceeded to do wing-ups with speed that Twilight didn’t think possible. She didn’t break a sweat.
“Unbending will, determination, and practice. That is how you get there. Now, do them with me.”
Twilight nodded, feeling confident. She assumed the position Spitfire did, and pushed herself up. After doing her first wing-up, she could feel the difference from yesterday. She had felt so amazing about it yesterday, but now… Her wings burned.
Spitfire watched as Twilight winced and shook lightly. “Hey, it gets easier. Just get through your first couple and you know you’ll be fine.”
Twilight did five wing-ups and was getting to her sixth, when her wings gave out. They ached.
“What a difference…”
“I know. But come on, you can do it. Let’s try again.”
A whole day passed and Twilight didn’t get to put on the chicken suit once. The sun was already setting, and all they had done was practice wing-ups. Twilight had gotten to a solid seventeen. And Spitfire had even had her do a few different exercises.
One was spreading her wings against resistance. Spitfire had tied her wings down loosely, and Twilight was to get her wings out of their containment. She succeeded eventually. Another exercise she had Twilight do was opening one wing, while keeping the other one down. It was much harder than it sounded, because the other wing would keep trying to go up. Spitfire had said it was to help her grow accustomed to moving her wings around. She even had her twist her wings around in all sorts of ways, which pegasi do when under adverse weather conditions. Oh, and who could forget the breathing exercises?
It was all fun, except the part where Twilight had to keep going back to doing wing-ups. Even after the training, her wings burned.
But there was something Twilight was enjoying most of all. As a student who’d been studying friendship for a long time now, it was thrilling. She felt that she could become good friends with Spitfire with the way things were going.
That night, Spitfire went to take a shower, and complained that there really was no more hot water. Spike slinked away, blushing and avoiding her gaze. Twilight giggled. And as Spitfire gave Spike a smile and Spike grinned back, Twilight couldn’t help smiling, too.