The smell of sweat accompanied by jostling bodies and accomplished yells filled the Wonderbolts locker room, familiar to the fiery-maned mare who stood in the center of it all, a wide grin on her face. Seeing her teammates so excited after a successful practice session was one of her favorite parts about being the captain of the Wonderbolts. She knew the feeling of accomplishment that came with pulling off a particularly tough trick or sticking a landing after a daring dive, and she loved when her teammates- her family- felt the same joy... Even the more boastful ones.

"...and Fleetfoot totally would have crashed into the bleachers if I hadn't helped steer her toward the field," Tyco, of course- who else-, pointed out with a smirk. The pale-coated stallion flicked his red and white tail at Fleetfoot's muzzle. "Isn't that right, Fatfoot?"

Fleetfoot snorted, nipping Tyco's tail and provoking a rather high-pitched yelp from the large pony. "Fatfoot? Really?" She rolled her eyes, looking toward Soarin' with a sly grin. "If I recall correctly, it was him," she tilted her head toward the co-captain, "who saved your sorry flank from being wiped from the face of Equestria. Everypony knows you're the shakiest lander on the team."

Tyco opened his mouth to reply, but Spitfire cleared her throat loudly, the team slowly quieting down, their eyes turned toward their captain with silent respect. "Good practice, you guys... No, not good. Amazing! Everypony seems to be ready for the big show next week." Spitfire turned toward Tyco and Fleetfoot, who were not-so-discreetly prodding each other with their hooves. "Everypony," she repeated, grabbing the two ponies' attention. "Remember, we go on at exactly noon tomorrow at Canterlot's tracks, so try to arrive at least by 11:58. In your flight suits this time!" she added, glaring at Lightning Streak, who blushed a light pink and lowered his head. "You'll all do wonderfully if you perform like you did today. Now go! Enjoy your night. Don't do anything you'll regret in the morning." With a nod from their captain, the team rushed toward the showers, pushing and shoving and yelling in protest.

Spitfire shook her head with a small smile and trotted toward the steel door leading outside, pushing it open with her shoulder and blinking as the sun attacked her eyes. She never really enjoyed sharing the communal showers with her friends after they got all riled up, and besides, her summer home in Canterlot was relatively close to the training center (and involved much less towel-whipping). Taking a deep breath of flower-scented air, the yellow pegasus spread her wings, enjoying the feeling of the cool breeze between her feathers for a moment before swiftly diving into the air and soaring gracefully upwards.

Even after a long day of brutal training, Spitfire could not dream of a better feeling than flying. It had always freed her mind in a way nothing else could. She imagined that unicorns might feel the same way when casting a spell they knew very well, a spell that had aged and grew and progressed along with them, but then again, the pegasus knew little of magic. Never would she dream of trading her wings for a horn, or for the Earth ponies' strength. Magic and power were nice, but she was certain they could never compare to flying.

She dipped down through the clouds, squinting in an attempt to spot her home from so far above. "Ugh... stupid fog! Had to schedule fog today..." she mumbled to herself and she began to slow down and descend from the skies. "Hmm..." She had owned the small estate in Canterlot for years but had only used it a hoof-ful of times, and besides, all the houses looked the same here, just another reason she disliked putting on shows in the prestigious town. Grumbling to herself, she touched down onto the cobblestone path, hoping for better luck on hoof. She silently prayed to Celestia and Luna that no one would recognize her; the last thing she needed was a pack of fame-crazed Canterlot ponies following her around. Still, she needed help finding her street, so she scanned the quiet streets for the least stuck-up looking pony around. Spotting a blue unicorn mare with a tattered looking purple cape decorated in stars, Spitfire hesitantly trotted over. "Um, excuse me, do you-?"

The mare turned abruptly before Spitfire could finish, an angry expression on her face. "Come back to humiliate Trixie even further?!" she spat before her features relaxed with recognition. "S-Spitfire? Is that you?"

"Uh, yes." Spitfire ran a hoof over her wind-blown mane. Great, a fan I see, she thought to herself with an internal frown. "Can you tell me how to get to Stableton Drive?"

The unicorn shook her head, her white-striped mane bouncing a bit. "No, but... Have you forgotten Trixie? It has been a while." She frowned, narrowing her eyes a bit. "Still, Trixie assumed her friendship was worth remembering."

The Wonderbolt paused, scanning her brain for a hint. "Trixie... Trixie..." She looked back at the mare, stumped. "I'm so sorry, but-"

Trixie huffed, turning her back to the other mare. "Fine! Leave it to a pegasus to forget her best friend! All that fame got to your stupid hot-head. It is your loss for not knowing The Great and Powerful Trixie!"

Spitfire's eyes widened, her jaw falling slack. "Wait, you're the Trixie from the Young Leaders' camp all those years ago?!"

Trixie snorted, flipping her mane over her shoulder. "Of course you'd only recognize me by my full title."

"Well, can you blame me? You demanded that we all call you that!" Spitfire chuckled, but upon noticing her old friend's annoyed expression, her laugh fell silent. "Uh... Anyway! You look so different now! I mean, you changed your manestyle, and the cape is... new." Unable to think of any other changes, the yellow mare grinned sheepishly, blinking at her companion.

"Yes, well." Trixie eyed Spitfire. "The years seem to have been kinder to Trixie. Your mane is a mess and-" she wrinkled her nose, "you stink." Spitfire blushed, regretting putting off her shower more than ever. "No matter," Trixie continued, trotting a bit down the lane. "Trixie assumes you must be on a tight schedule. She'll just get out of your hair. Tangled enough already."

"Hey, wait!" Jumping up, Spitfire stumbled after Trixie on hoof, catching up quickly. "Where have you been all these years? I haven't seen you since we were just out of high school. Was your magic act successful?" The unicorn halted. "Er, that is what you wanted to do, right?" Silence. "Trixie...? You okay? I didn't-"

"That is none of your concern, Spitfire!" Trixie hissed, whipping around and pressing her forehead to Spitfire's. "Of course Trixie is a talented magician. She always was! Don't pretend as though you care!" Spitfire blinked, trying her best not to look hurt. "Oh, um." Trixie coughed, looking away. "Trixie is... I'm sorry." She let out a long sigh, unbuckling her cape and throwing it over her shoulder. "Perhaps Trixie's business did not go as planned. But she's happy for you." The cyan unicorn turned her back on her old friend once again. "Trixie will let you go now. You must have much to do."

Spitfire kicked at the ground with a hoof for a bit, sending up a small cloud of dust. "I actually don't have anything planned until tomorrow at noon. Don't know many ponies in this town. Maybe you'd like to catch up at my place...?"

Trixie didn't turn around, but one of her ears swiveled back toward Spitfire. "Hm? Company with a Wonderbolt huh? Trixie is listening."

"Well, I mean... There's not a lot to do, but I've got a pool and some video games. Maybe I could order a pizza...?" Spitfire kicked up another small puff of dust with her hoof.

"Will you promise Trixie that you'll shower first?" Before the pegasus could respond, Trixie turned around with the smallest of smiles. "Trixie will come with you. But you'd better hold her attention!" Without another word, Trixie whirled around, her cape billowing behind her as she marched down the road.

"Wait, I thought you didn't know where Stableton Drive was," Spitfire remarked, puzzled.

"Perhaps you refreshed Trixie's mind," the unicorn responded, flicking her tail as she trotted along.

Spitfire rolled her eyes. "Just as I remembered you."

"You didn't remember Trixie. But that's alright. It has been quite some time." She slowed her pace and walked alongside Spitfire, guiding her with a blue and white tail. "As a matter of fact, Trixie recalls that she said she would be traveling quite a lot, and she assumes you've done much of the same. Must have missed each other with all that moving about." A soft sigh escaped her lips. "Trixie will not lie to you, Spitfire, things have not been well. But," she glanced around warily, "Trixie would prefer that we got to your home before she elaborates."

Spitfire nodded, leaning down briefly to nuzzle her friend's mane, noting the way the unicorn tensed slightly. "It's alright. I understand. Paparazzi are relentless."

"Ha, yes! The paparazzi... Can't get rid of them." Before Spitfire could think of a response, Trixie's horn sparked, lighting the rapidly darkening street. "Aha! Stableton Drive." She scanned the line of identical houses. "Which one of these lovely places is yours?"

Spitfire shrugged. "The one that doesn't have ponies in it. I hope." The comment brought a smile to Trixie's face. "I think it's... 2026," Spitfire continued. "On the left... There!" Lifting upwards, she zoomed excitedly over to the lawn, slightly patchy and brown in a few spots. "Neighbors must hate me." The Wonderbolt's face fell. "Ugh! I forgot to get the keys from my locker at the Wonderbolt's stadium." She slapped her forehead with a hoof. "I'll have to fly all the way back."

"Not to worry, not to worry!" Trixie climbed the stairs to the front door, her horn lit once more. "Just a little... Uh-huh... Hm... Ah!" A loud click filled the quiet night and the door creaked open. Spitfire raised an eyebrow. "Heh. Trixie has had to learn many... undesirable spells. This economy," she grumbled, pushing the door open with her flank. "After you." She stepped to the side and bowed, looking up at her fiery friend.

"Age before beauty," Spitfire answered with a grin.

"So what are you waiting for?" Trixie retorted with a smirk.

Spitfire rolled her eyes and swooped inside, scuffing the wooden floor as she landed. "Make yourself at home. I'm gonna make myself presentable."

"That's a relief." The unicorn settled onto the couch, tucking her hooves beneath her. "Take your time. Trixie will be judging you by your house."

The pegasus couldn't fight back a laugh as she trotted to the large bathroom, stripping out of her flight suit and tossing it into a stinky heap on the floor. "Ahhh..." She wallowed in the sudden coolness; despite being perfectly aerodynamic, the suits really held in heat. After a moment she started the hot water, watching as steam rolled slowly upward.

Hearing the water start, Trixie hopped off her place on the couch and began her self-given tour of the Wonderbolt's home. Ambling into the kitchen, the unicorn struggled to magically open the refrigrator door, grunting with effort. Admitting defeat, she threw the door open with a hoof, scanning the contents: half a pizza, a couple questionably fresh apples, a two-liter of soda, and a stick of butter. Trixie snorted, unsurprised. Shutting the door gingerly, she crept down the hall, past the bathroom, and into Spitfire's bedroom.

The walls of the bedroom were mostly bare, save for a tattered and faded band poster and a couple photos of what Trixie presumed were family members. A desk across the room held a few letters and an empty can of soda, eraser shavings everywhere. Seeing nothing of particular interest, Trixie flopped down on the large bed and snuggled into the sheets, which smelled a bit like roses and cinnamon. She assured herself she would just shut her eyes for a couple seconds, but the next thing she knew, a yellow hoof was shaking her awake. "Huh... wha...?"

"Guess I didn't do a good job of keeping you entertained, hm?" Spitfire grinned down at the groggy unicorn.

Trixie groaned, rolling over onto her back. "Sorry, Spitfire. This bed is delightful. Trixie... may have drooled a bit." A light blush crept across the unicorn's face.

Spitfire waved a hoof dismissively. "These sheets have seen me after practice without a shower. It's been worse."

"Delicious," Trixie commented, wrinkling her nose.

Spitfire let out a hearty laugh. "I've washed them since then, silly!" She collapsed back onto the bed, her wings spread out behind her, her still-damp mane sticking out in tufts. "You want to tell me about what's happened since high school now?"

Trixie's mood seemed to deflate. "Suppose I... Trixie supposes she should." She crawled toward her friend. "Let's see... Most of it is not important. Trixie's parents supported her dream at first, bought her a very nice wagon for her many travels. She was doing very well for a while. Just simple show magic, but I- but Trixie was very talented." She paused to rub a hoof against her chest proudly. "Of course, Trixie made a plan to hit all the towns in Equestria. She needed to be known everywhere. It seemed Ponyville would be the easiest to wow: such a quiet town, thought even a rainstorm would excite them. Perhaps Trixie was too confident.

"You see, Trixie bragged too much, and her admirers got too enthusiastic. They brought an Ursa into town, and Trixie couldn't vanquish it. That Twilight Sparkle, show-off that she is, got rid of it with milk! MILK." The unicorn sighed. "Since then, Trixie has been a joke." Her eyes clouded with tears. "No one takes my act seriously..." Trixie's voice began to shake. "They ruined my new wagon. They laughed me out of town. I've been working on a rock farm. A rock farm! It's not fair, Spitfire." She rolled over, looking tearfully at the Wonderbolt before burying her face in her already damp mane and releasing the waterworks. "I'm The Great and Powerful Trixie, not The Weak and Insignificant Trixie!"

Spitfire, unsure of how to react, simply patted Trixie's back with a hoof. "Of course you're not weak or insignificant. You're wonderful at what you do. Ponies will see that in time." Out of comforting words, the pegasus simple held her friend as her sobs turned into sniffles.

"Y-Yes. Of course." Trixie pulled away with a loud sniffle. "Of course I- Trixie is the best." The mare pulled away, fixing her mane. "Trixie is sorry, Spitfire. She should go now." She climbed out the bed, shaking herself off and briskly trotting out of the bedroom.

"Wait, Trixie!" Spitfire jumped up, following Trixie down the hall, landing in front of her and blocking her path. "Maybe I could help you..."

"Help Trixie?! Are you mad?" Trixie growled, her tail flicking back and forth. "Trixie doesn't need your help. She doesn't need anyone's help, especially not help from a useless, pathetic celebrity like you!"

"Trixie..." Spitfire reached out a hoof toward her friend, but Trixie violently smacked it away. "Ah! Trixie, that really hurt."

"Good. Now forget this night ever happened and leave Trixie alone. She doesn't need you or anyone else."

"Trixie..." the pegasus repeated, once more reaching out a hoof. "Please. I know it's hard to let go of your pride, but-"

"You shut your mouth, Spitfire! You just... shut it right now! You don't know what Trixie is going through! You have absolutely no idea how much Trixie's life stinks. Worse than you after the longest of practices. Trixie thought she could trust you, but all you do is belittle Trixie! No one is going to admire Trixie ever again because of that Twilight Sparkle. Don't try to make Trixie think otherwise."

Spitfire frowned, lowering her ears and glancing away. "I admire you..."

"Ha. You don't count. You're nice to everyone, even the slobbering, rabid Wonderbolts fans. Just a facade of yours. You're worse than Trixie! And how do you expect-" Spitfire suddenly lurched forward and embraced the unicorn, who froze, a growl in her throat. "Stop that!" Spitfire didn't move an inch, just snuggled deeply into her friend's mane. Trixie sighed, relaxing in Spitfire's arms. "...You just don't give up, do you?" Spitfire shook her head, holding tight. "Well..." There was a long, drawn-out pause. "Trixie will perhaps see you later." She pushed Spitfire away and continued her journey outside.

Spitfire skidded after her, pausing at the door. "I have a show tomorrow! At noon in Canterlot. You should come see us perform. If you want. Since... since you haven't been to a show before. You know. First time for everything." She smiled nervously.

"Trixie never said she hadn't seen you before. See you, Spitfire." Trixie descended from the porch, replacing the star-covered cape around her neck.

"Trixie, wait! What do you-" A large cloud of white smoke appeared from seemingly nowhere, burning Spitfire's eyes. "Ugh! What the-" There was cough, the sound of galloping hooves, and then empty silence. By the time Spitfire's eyes stopped sizzling, the only company she had were the stars and the waxing moon.