Correcting Her Course
Spitfire Stumbles
As Spitfire, Soarin', and Fleetfoot descended upon the landing strip to the Wonderbolt Academy, they were greeted a chorus of cheers that could be heard from miles around. Spitfire's lips curled into a sad smile. She was used to ponies cheering her, especially when it was her own team. But this time, she didn't feel like she deserved it.
When they touched down, the other members of the Wonderbolts gathered around to receive them. They all exchanged salutes.
"Welcome back, you guys," said Rapidfire. "I take it you all qualified for the Equestria Games?"
"Yep!" said Fleetfoot with a wide grin. "And we're gonna take the gold, jusst like lasst year!"
"Heh, I dunno," said Soarin' with a chuckle. "That team from Ponyville has a lot of spirit."
"Yeah, I guesss," said Fleetfoot. "But then again, sso do we! Issn't that right, ma'am?"
Spitfire didn't respond. She was too busy staring into space and being lost in her own thoughts.
"Um, ma'am?" said Fleetfoot, raising an eyebrow.
"Huh, what? Oh, sorry," said Spitfire. "Yeah, we do. And we're gonna show them the best Cloudsdale has to offer."
Soarin' tilted his head. "You okay, Spit? You've been awfully quiet ever since we left the tryouts."
Spitfire gave Soarin' a forced smile. "I'm fine, Soarin'," she said. "I was just, thinking."
"About the tryouts?" said Soarin'. "Spit, it's okay. I'm not mad at you about that."
"Mad at her about what?" asked High Winds. "Did something happen, ma'am?"
Spitfire bit her lip. "Well..."
"SURPRISE~!"
Before Spitfire could respond, Surprise bounded in out of nowhere and threw confetti over Spitfire and her wingponies.
"Congratulations, Cap!" she squealed. "I knew we were all gonna qualify for our events, so I took the liberty of putting together a big party for the whole team!"
"Um, thanks Surprise," said Spitfire, looking more and more uneasy by the minute. The other Wonderbolts started to catch on.
"What's up, Sis?" asked Blaze. "You always love competing in the Equestria Games. Why do you look so upset?"
"It's, nothing," said Spitfire. "I'm fine, really."
Nopony was believing her. She sighed.
"Look, I don't wanna talk about it right now," she said. "It's great that we're representing Cloudsdale again, and I'm really looking forward to the Equestria Games."
"Then act like it, silly!" said Surprise. "This is a happy occasion, and we should celebrate! I even made some sweet potato pie!"
Soarin's mouth started to water. "Ooh, that sounds good," he said, licking his lips.
"You always say that about pie, Soarin'," said Silver Zoom, rolling his eyes.
The Wonderbolts shared a laugh. Spitfire heaved another sigh.
"That's, great Surprise," she said. "You guys get started; I'll catch up with you later. I, need some time alone."
She then took off towards the base.
"Wow. She really looks out of it," said Misty Fly. "What exactly happened, guys?"
Soarin' and Fleetfoot exchanged looks for a moment before turning to the other Wonderbolts.
"There was actually a bit of an incident during tryouts," said Soarin'. "I think Spit's still dwelling on it."
"Well, tell me all about it," said Misty Fly. "I'm gonna go talk to her, but first, I think we need to know what's going on."
Fleetfoot sighed. "Well, it'ss like thiss..."
***
Spitfire sat at her desk, staring blankly at the Qualifying Medal in her hooves. She sighed and shook her head.
Did I do the right thing? she pondered. I'm not perfect; I know that. But, I should be holding myself to a higher standard. I'm better than this. I...
Her musings were interrupted by a knock at the door.
"I'm busy," she said curtly.
"Spitfire, it's me."
Spitfire grimaced. "I said I didn't wanna talk about it, Mist," she murmured.
"Soarin' and Fleetfoot already told me everything," said Misty Fly. "Please, let me in."
Spitfire sighed. "Fine," she relented.
Misty Fly walked in, her face clouded with worry. "Spitfire, you know we care about you, right?"
"Yeah, I know," said Spitfire. "Trust me, I'm not trying to hide stuff from you guys. I just need some time to reflect on what happened."
"Well, I heard Soarin's side of the story," said Misty Fly, sitting down across from Spitfire. "Let me hear yours. Maybe you'll feel better after you've gotten it off your chest."
Spitfire paused for a bit as she mulled it over. She then let out another sigh.
"Okay, I might as well," she said. "Knowing you guys, none of you are gonna leave me alone until I do, anyway."
"I told you we care about you," said Misty Fly with a chuckle. "Now, what happened?"
"Well, at the tryouts, Soarin' got injured," said Spitfire. "It looked like he was gonna be out of commission, so Fleet and I needed a replacement. But it was gonna take too long to head back to the Academy and get one of you guys to sub for Soarin', so we went with a different option."
"A different option?" parroted Misty Fly.
"When Soarin' was injured, he was saved by a member of Ponyville's team, Rainbow Dash," said Spitfire.
Misty Fly grinned. "She always seems to have a knack for saving us, doesn't she?"
"Yeah, she does," Spitfire said with a soft smile. The smile quickly faded as she cast her gaze downward. "She was there with Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps."
Misty Fly placed a hoof to her muzzle. "Well, that doesn't sound like a bad team. Rainbow Dash and Bulk Biceps are both Wonderbolt Cadets, and you said yourself that Fluttershy made a massive contribution to Ponyville's rainwater collection."
"Yeah, about that," said Spitfire, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. "I get the feeling that they were having an off day. Bulk's enthusiasm was getting the better of him, and Fluttershy wasn't doing too well, either. It's like Rainbow Dash was carrying the entire team."
"Oh," said Misty Fly. "That must've been tough for Rainbow Dash."
"It was. And I didn't exactly help matters any," said Spitfire glumly. "See, without Soarin', Cloudsdale would've been disqualified because we had no third member for the relay. So, Fleet and I decided to, recruit Rainbow Dash."
Misty Fly's eyes widened for a moment. "What? But, why?"
"Well, it was either that or have Soarin' fly on a bad wing," said Spitfire in a pained tone. "You know I couldn't do that to him, or anypony else on my team. I wanted him to focus on getting better."
"So, you decided to have Rainbow Dash substitute for him," said Misty Fly.
"Yeah, but Soarin' took it the wrong way," said Spitfire, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her hoof. "He thought that because Fleet and I were too busy training to visit him that I was replacing him on the team. And just to make things more complicated, I inadvertently put all this pressure on Rainbow Dash, and that forced her to fake an injury to get out of deciding between her team and mine."
Misty Fly knitted her brow and nodded contemplatively. "I see. What happened then?"
"Well, eventually, Rainbow Dash revealed that her injury was fake, and she called me out on my inexcusable behavior," said Spitfire. "I made amends with her and Soarin', and we all ended up qualifying for the Equestria Games. But, I still feel terrible about what I did."
"Mmm," said Misty Fly. "Well, do you know what I think?"
"What?"
"I think you're being too hard on yourself."
Spitfire shook her head. "It's a nice thought, Mist. But honestly, I'm better than this. Everypony on this team knows that I'm better than this. I was trying to show concern for Soarin', and it made me look like a heel."
"That's not your fault, Spitfire," said Misty Fly, walking around the desk and draping a wing around her comrade. "You had a decision to make, and you made it. That's what captains do. This particular decision didn't turn out to be right, but you didn't know that. You made a mistake. It happens to the best of us."
"I know that, Mist," said Spitfire. "I've never claimed to be perfect. If I mess up, I take my lumps and learn from the experience. That's how I've been taught. But, I gotta have some standards, y'know? I really feel like I did a disservice to Rainbow Dash and Soarin'; two ponies that I have a very deep respect for."
"I understand," said Misty Fly. "However, Soarin' has already forgiven you, and he said that Rainbow Dash forgave you, too. Maybe you should forgive yourself. Everything turned out alright in the end, didn't it? So, just look at your mistake, learn from it, and move on."
Spitfire breathed a deep sigh. "I'm trying, Mist. I really am. But, I didn't think it would be this hard. I-I hurt my team, Mist. That's not something I can just brush off."
Misty Fly frowned. "When life throws you for a loop, you have to correct your course and keep flying. Do you know who said that?"
Spitfire blinked, and then deadpanned. "You're quoting me, aren't you?"
"I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true, Spitfire," said Misty Fly with a warm smile. "I'm not asking you to act like nothing happened. I'm asking you not to get all mopey about it. That's not the Spitfire we know and love."
Spitfire paused for a second, and then smiled. "You're right, Mist. I'm sorry," she said. "I'm feeling a little better now. Thanks for listening."
"Anytime, Spitfire," Misty Fly cooed, nuzzling Spitfire's cheek. "Now c'mon. Let's go celebrate with the others. We're all waiting for you."
"Sure," said Spitfire. "I'll be right behind you. I just have to take care of something first."
"Oh? What's that?" asked Misty Fly.
Spitfire winked. "Just one last thing to deal with before I put this behind me..."
***
As the Wonderbolts all waited in a darkened mess hall, Surprise was the only one gabbing away.
"Y'know, maybe we should skip the Equestria Games one of these years," she said.
Blaze raised an eyebrow. "Are you nuts or something? I don't think Spitfire would like that. Or Cloudsdale, for that matter."
"Yeah, but think about it," said Surprise. "Cloudsdale always has us compete for them, and we're supposed to represent all of Equestria."
Fleetfoot smacked her forehead. "You can't repressent all of Equesstria in the Equesstria Gamess, Ssurprisse. It'ss againsst the ruless."
"Well, the rules are silly," said Surprise with a pout. "Besides, if we compete, we win. We should give somepony else a chance."
"One, that's an exaggeration," said Rapidfire. "Two, we're competitors, not saints. Three, be quiet! The Boss will be here any minute now!"
"I know how to throw a surprise party, thankyouverymuch," said Surprise, sticking her tongue out at Rapidfire. "In fact, she should be here right about..."
The doors to the mess hall opened, and Spitfire and Misty Fly walked inside. A few seconds later, the lights came on and the Wonderbolts jumped out of their hiding places.
"SURPRISE~!" they all cheered. "We forgive you, Captain Spitfire!"
Spitfire tried her best not to get choked up. "W-wow. Wh-what brought this on?"
"Soarin' and Fleetfoot told us why you were feeling down, Cap," said Surprise. "So I decided to make this an impromptu Surprise Forgiveness party for you! Feeling better?"
Spitfire smiled as her eyes watered. "Much. You guys are the best," she said. "Oh, by the way. I've got something for you, Soarin'."
"Huh? What is it, Spit?" asked Soarin'.
Spitfire said nothing, but instead walking over to Soarin' and placed a card in his hoof. As she left to join the festivities, Soarin' read the card to himself and smiled.
Soarin':
I know you've already forgiven me, but I still want to say that I'm sorry for what happened at the tryouts. Know that you will always be part of this team, and I would never replace you. Giving my badge to Rainbow Dash was my apology to her, so this is my apology to you. I look forward to working with you and Fleet to make Cloudsdale proud.
Your friend and wingpony,
Spitfire
PS: Don't show this to High Winds. I don't want her getting any ideas about us. You know how she is.
"Heh, wasn't planning on it," Soarin' said to himself as he put the note away. He then looked over at Spitfire and sighed whimsically. "You're a great captain, Spit. I guess you just needed a little reminder of that."
This is just my take on Spitfire's motivations in the episode (which I felt was pretty good). Ever since I wrote Wonderbolts Under Fire, I've been itching to write another story involving the Wonderbolts (and Misty Fly in particular), so I'm glad this episode gave me the opportunity.
Speaking of Misty Fly, I think between this and Wonderbolts Under Fire, I've unintentionally given her the role of the Wonderbolts' unofficial shrink. Meh, I don't regret it. 
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I haven't watched the episode yet, and only skimmed through the transcripts so I only have the barest idea as to what happened. At least from what I have read this may fit with all of this
You pretty much provided the perfect explanation for why The Wonderbolts did what they did. Though I think they did it to test Rainbow Dash.
3807311 Well, that was indeed my intention, so I'm glad I succeeded.
I'm gonna put it out there that this episode rubbed me the wrong way. I just didn't like Spits in it. This fic however is a nice little fix to that. Thank you.
3807335 You're welcome.
3807335 Well if this fic is anything to go by she wasn't intentionally being a prick. Besides, it's a way of showing that Rainbow Dash's idols may not be all they're cracked up to be. They're broken aces if you will.
3807345 Well as my friend put it "Why does Dash need them?" He feels she is better than the Bolts could be. And she on her own is faster than any of them. She has even gotten over most of her teamwork issues. I personally like the Bolts, the other apperances seemed to hint at them being nice ponies, not the rather stuck up stars they revel in in Rainbow Falls.
3807352 Well The Wonderbolts seem to be very influential, apparently even celbrities. But they also seem to have something of a military background. In a sense they are kind of like the Equestrian equivlent of the U.S. air force, or more noticeably the Blue Angels.
Brilliant, simply brilliant.
I'm a bit surprised you could write this in just a few hours, and have it turn out as great as it did.
I envy you.
3807365 I think they also fullfill the role of Special Forces, givin there response to Spikezilla. So you know Parajumpers
3807374 True. In any case they're likely under a lot of stress, thus this is probably one of the few chances they have to do something fun. And as any veteran can tell you it's not easy tranistoning back to real life after a military life style.
3807383 True. I'm also a Spitfire fan and thus you know.....I just realized I'm in the same boat as Rainbow. I idolized Spitfire and was put off when she didn't live up to it.
3807367 Heh, thanks. Like I said, I've been itching to write another Wonderbolts story for a while, so when this episode came around, it gave me the perfect opportunity.
Thanks for writing this. I too had a difficult time with how they had portrayed Spitfire and Fleets in the episode. Your story here mirrors some my thoughts in a blog post I made. Defiantly makes sense of things. I'm curious though, why did you go with Spitfire giving Soarin' a note, instead of telling him outright?
3807556 It was kinda supposed to be a parallel to how she gave Rainbow Dash her badge at the end of the episode. Plus, this was her way of putting the incident behind her discretely and without incurring any more drama.
This is a nice perspective from Spitfire regarding with the recent episode! Honestly, I was a bit at conflict with her character and motive, but at least she learned a vaulable lesson from Rainbow Dash once again and made proper amends with Soarin. Either way, thanks for sharing that with us!
Very nicely done, I really enjoyed reading this story my friend ^^
It really well created!
3807675 Surprise and Rainbow Dash related by blood? Huh. That's certainly an interesting take on things. Not sure if I'd go with it, but I'm not completely against the idea.
3807681 Again, that was indeed my intention, so I'm glad I succeeded.
3807739 Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
3807754
I am not sure if you noticed it, but they changed Soarin's cutie mark...
3807774 I don't think Soarin's Cutie Mark was ever really shown prior to this episode. Besides, it looked close enough to the fan interpretation to me, so I didn't really notice the change.
3807774 I don't remember what Soarin's Cutie Mark is originally supposed to look like, but I've notice Fleetfoot having light violet eyes instead of green ones in that episode. Wonder what led the creators to that decision?
3807818
3807811
Season 2 they showed it in the end with the photo, Soarin was there for the wedding in his Wonderbolt uniform. His cutie mark clearly seen and it was of a lightning bolt and wings. The male member mark of the flight suits. His cutie mark in season 4 been changed to a bolt hitting erm... Water... I think...
3807833 Yeah... I couldn't really tell what was between the bolt of his Cutie Mark. Maybe... blue wind? Anyway, thanks for the reminder on that from the Canterlot Wedding Episode!
Huh... now that Fleetfoot made a major appearance, I wonder if she'll have own Tag on FIMFiction.net? Fingers crossed!
Also, why couldn't they just use "Snowflake" as his name instead of "Bulk Biceps?" It's not like his parents knew he was going to be an over-muscular stallion from the day he was born, unless they were professional athletes themselves. Plus, wouldn't it sounded better as "Bulky Biceps?"
3808164
I know what you mean my friend about him and think Fleetfoot major part was cool to see as well Bulk having more words for a change. Not sure of his name though. Oh well... It also the change of a cutie mark too and that male alicorn in the Rarity episode.
3808164 I wouldn't get my hopes up about the character tag. I'm still waiting on Coco Pommel, Chief Thunderhooves, and Twilight's parents, just to name a few.
As for Bulk Biceps, well, did Fluttershy's parents know that she'd be a timid animal breeder? Did Twist's parents know that she was good at making candy canes? Did Twilight Velvet and Night Light know that their son would be good at protecting others? It's almost always a coincidence that the parents know what their child's special talent is going to be; I don't see why Bulk "Snowflake" Biceps has to be any different. I think the name fits him just fine, although in my headcanon, Snowflake is his nickname.
3808225 Yeah, I hope Coco gets her Tag as well. As for what you've just stated about Bulk, I'll get over it with his official name eventually and just treat "Snowflake" as his nickname. It was still nice to see him having a bigger role than just him saying his catch-phrase occasionally, though I still get a kick out of it whenever he says it.
I know the show is emphasizing his tiny wings as a weakness, but wasn't he a capable flyer as a Wonderbolt Cadet? Well, besides that, I liked how he manage to overcome that obstacle ring despite his immense size; good development right there.
Speaking of which, it's about time they brought Derpy/Ditzy back into the show!
Sigh... guess we can only take what we can get, huh?
...
Even though the characters never did say her name at all.
...
And she didn't get say one word (even though her casual shrug was pretty adorable).
...
3808164 That is the most ridiculous excuse as to why all you fans think "Snowflake" is better. Names in the show existing because parents pick them is something that never exists... in a freakin' cartoon!
You know, maybe the Wonderbolts aren't as cracked up as they intend themselves to be. This is precisely what happens when focusing on being number one is brought up first and foremost. There's no care or consideration amongst the ranks. In such a world, it's either be the best or don't even try.
Welcome to the real world.
3809458
ill have you know im extremely offended snowflake having his name was a very dear part of my religion which is now crushed and ill most likely have no choice other than to live out the rest of my life as a humble cabbage picker you sir are extremely insensitive and you disgust me i have reported you to the moderatoration team i hope you learn your lesson
Well , I really liked this. Spitfire´s action this episode, kind of rub me the wrong way so it was interesting to see more depth into them. I like the way you write the Wonderbolts, there´s a real group dynamic between them.
Favourite
This was so good to read!
It seems the fandom is trying really, which is nice to see
Wow. You actually justified Spitfire's actions. The way she behaved really rubbed me the wrong way (though not as much as Fleetfoot's did), and I feel this made up for them. She was sorry, and now I can forgive her. Props Metool, props.
Also, yay finally some Misty Fly love! She was nice; her being the Wonderbolts unofficial shrink is actually quite amusing. It's not something that's ever really crossed my mind, but it's interesting. Now who's gonna shrink her when she needs one haha
There's going to be another sacrilegious dose of Soarin' x Rainbow Dash fics after this episode. I don't know why but I really dislike that pairing for some reason. Maybe it's because there's just too much of it. Way too much.
I'm pretty glad I did not find yet another SoarDash story in the featured box, but instead I found this nice little story. Even though it didn't have SoarFire in it, it was a fairly good little story.
I suck at giving proper feedback, but have a like anyway.
3809675 Thanks. I actually really enjoy writing for the Wonderbolts, which is why I wanted to do another story involving them. In fact, one of the reasons I wrote Wonderbolts Under Fire was to flesh out the team a bit.
3810346 Trying what?
3810640 Y'know, that concept with Misty Fly might be interesting to explore. I'll have to think about it.
3809639 belpheles.com/memes/89667_4USBsfmkv0Rtmn5.jpg
3811160 ooh, it would. I look forward to it.
3810732
Correction, there is too little of that ship.
There is too much of THIS shit:
x
I absolutely support this. I really like Spitfire as a character, and the new episode really bugged with how she acted. You justifying her actions like that made me feel a whole lot better. So great story Metool.
3812718 Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.
3811160
Was supposed to be:
Seems like the fandom is trying really hard to like Spitfire, which is nice to see.
This was a good balance to the episode, where we didn't really get Spitfire's side of the incident.
There's only one thing I take issue with. You have Spitfire, Soarin', and Fleetfoot as the only Wonderbolts at the tryouts and being welcomed back by the rest of their teammates when they return to Cloudsdale afterwards. Since we know that other pegasi attended to qualify for other events (such as Rumble and his companion for the sprints), the other Wonderbolts would have probably gone to the tryouts along with Soar, Spit, and Fleet, to try to qualify for those events as well. Thus the whole team would have been there and made it back to Cloudsdale together.
Of course, that makes Spitfire picking Rainbow rather than another WB as Soarin's replacement a bit unlikely, but Rainbow is from Cloudsdale originally and she *is* the best flyer in Equestria, so I can see Spitfire choosing her over another Wonderbolt on another team.
I know. It's not that important and I'm overthinking it. Sorry!
3814056 Ah. Well, I've always been a fan of Spitfire, so liking her has never really been difficult for me.
3814129 It's alright; I don't mind. I like over-thinking things.
Anyway, while you raise a good point, keep in mind that Thunderlane mentioned that ponies cannot participate in multiple events. Thus, even if there were other Wonderbolts around, it would be against the rules for them to sub for Soarin'. Plus, I doubt all of them were planning to compete, so those that weren't were probably back at base; too far away to be reached in time for the tryouts.
Also, I like to think that Surprise had the rest of the team fly ahead of Spit, Soairn', and Fleet in order to set up the celebration party.
It's a good take, and I like how you went about resolving latent issues in the episode.
Personally, it's not Spitfire choosing to drop Soarin I take umbrage about (that could be for a lot of reasons, his not being hurt worse by forcing himself to fly like you mentioned here seems the most plausible to me), it's trying to poach someone else from another team!
It's the captain's call if she wants to have Soarin fly or not, if he says he's good for it. Taking the risk of trying to fly a in a replacement on time for the race or choosing not to compete were choices a decent person would have considered. Preying on another team and playing on a (dare I say it?) friend's hero worship for her is unconscionable. Imagine Rainbow pulling the same stunt on Scootaloo... looks a lot worse, no? It's basically the same thing, though.
I can understand Soarin not being mad at the end (like I said, a lot of possibly valid reasons for Spitfire's call) but Rainbow just sweeping it under the rug without some harsh words spoken, at least? That, I don't believe.
3816481 Well, I felt that Rainbow did have some harsh words for Spitfire at the end, so there's that. Also, I think the Wonderbolts were under a lot of pressure from Cloudsdale to compete. Bowing out wasn't an option for them at this point. Plus, one could argue that Ponyville did have a replacement lined up, so the team could still try out for the event even without Rainbow Dash.
In the end, Spitfire made a bad decision, but I don't think that makes her a bad pony.
3808225
3808276
I've always had the theory that ponies get to choose a new name when they get their cutie mark, if they wish. So he could have changed his name from Snowflake to Bulk Biceps at his Cute-ceanera.
3819049 Can't this thing on Bulk Biceps just be dropped already? It's kinda redundant to get all worked up over it. It is what it is.