"Ya know. I'm still mad about what you did."
"Oh come on, Soarin. It was for the good of the team! At the time I panicked. If we didn't qualify for Cloudsdale, the Wonderbolts would be a laughing stock."
The stallion simply sat down. He pulled his hood further onto his head and pushed his shades over his eyes. "Still. I mean, I'm somewhat important! How can we do the formation with Rainbow Dash?"
His companion pulled her hood over her head as well. Her mane was tucked well under a cap. The captain of the Wonderbolts had forgone glasses for the day, knowing that shades would actually help people recognize her. "Sounds like you're jealous."
He grunted. "Psh, as if. But she is good, I'll give her that."
Spitfire smiled. "That's the spirit-"
"Still mad."
Her smile faded. The train ride to Rainbow Falls would surely be a long one. It had been a few weeks since the whole "Broken wing" incident at the qualifying rounds for the Equestria Games. Soarin and Spitfire had never been farther apart. Whether it was flying faster than the captain during training rounds or eating less to maintain good form, the blue pegasus had become obsessed with making sure he was not once again left behind. Naturally, Spitfire had caught on. Not knowing how else to calm him down, she decided to take him out on a little trip. Normally, she wasn't supposed to have these types of excursions with other Wonderbolts, due to the matter of professionalism. However, she felt that Soarin would benefit from some time off. Never mind that Spitfire also wanted to take a break and enjoy some down time.
The trip itself only took so long. They had to fly down from Cloudsdale to Canterlot. They then took the train to Cloudsdale. Outside, the sun was bright and warming to all the traders at Rainbow Falls. No doubt, Soarin and Spitfire would see the Elements of Harmony at the event. Princess Twilight tended to be with her friends as often as possible. Spitfire hoped that they would not erupt in argument, but she trusted Soarin to keep a level head. To avoid stress from fans, they had both dawned some less-than-official disguises. They both wore a hoodie with the Wonderbolts insignia. Soarin had taken Spitfire's shades (at much of her resistance). Spitfire was wearing a simple cap. To travelers, they were a couple of teens or young adults who were going to go trade.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not much really happens at the Trade Exchange, Spitfire thought to herself. Vendors set up stalls, showing off their wares. Soarin had a particular eye for a phoenix at the Legendary Animals collection tent. Spitfire just commented, "You aren't going to try to out fly him too, are you?"
"Oh ha-ha." He retorted. "Perhaps you should get that 2-headed dog. It'll remind you of your double dealings."
Spitfire pouted. "Are you still mad? C'mon man! Let's just enjoy the day."
Soarin's sneer dispersed. "I'm sorry. It's just...that really hurt me, ya know?"
Spitfire nodded. "Hey, how about we-"
"No! I don't want a stickin' rusty horseshoe!"
"But it's my lucky one! C'mon man! I really need that book!"
Spitfire's eyes went wide. Soarin turned to look at the front of the tent. "Hey, isn't that-"
Soarin flew to his face. "Whoa there, buckaroo! Remember that stand I saw that had a nice brooch? Why don't we go visit it? I really want a new brooch."
"Uhm...you don't really wear jewelry often..."
Spitfire narrowed a glare. "What do you mean?"
Uh oh, he thought to himself. As per usual, the captain was using her neutral glare: you could never tell if it was good or bad, just that the wrong answer meant several wing-ups.
"I...uhm...L-let's go visit that stall. Alright."
Soarin began to trot towards the front, only to again be stopped by Spitfire. "Let's go out the back!"
"Why?" He found himself being pushed in the opposite direction.
"Oh, no reason. I...just think that way is faster! Let's go." She put force into her command. Soarin took the hint quickly and trotted towards the back entrance. Well, there wasn’t actually one. Spitfire simply tore a giant whole in the back.
"Hey!" The owner yelled from he front entrance.
"Quick! Wing it!" Spitfire jumped to fly...only to fall face down in the dirt. She realized quickly that she had made one final measure in their disguises: No wing holes. She quickly got off the ground. Soarin had noticed her mistake and simply ran.
"Hey! Help a lady out much?" Spitfire yelled as she stood up and ran after him.
~~~~~~~~~
The rest of the day went by quickly. Most of it was spent dodging the crazy rainbow-maned pegasus. It was actually getting frustrating for the captain. When they went to go look for a new lamp for Spitfire's cousin:
"Hey Soarin! Let's go, uh, to the crystal chalice stand! I just realized we already have enough lamps. Soooo many lamps. All the lamps in the world! I can afford a nicer one anytime!"
Or perhaps at the burger line:
"Hey, we can just cut through! No need to go to the end of the line! We're Wonderbolts remember?"
"I thought we were keeping our disguises."
"Uhm....Yea. Tell ya what, we can go have a big dinner later. With pie."
Finally, the end of the day out was nearing. Soarin had picked up a few odd items: a few comic books, an old pie baker, and a rusty horseshoe. Why did he even need that? Meanwhile, Spitfire had settled for a small broach with several embedded crystals. The shop vendor attempted to ask for all her trading goods, but she knew how to haggle. She was sure the vendor was enjoying his new signed mint-condition Wonderbolts picture of Soarin and Fleetfoot.
They had finally stopped trading and just looked around. That's when a day of hard work finally came crashing down.
It was getting late in the afternoon. Most stalls were already getting ready to go. Soarin and Spitfire were enjoying some cotton candy. That was when Rainbow Dash flew by.
"Yes yes yes! I finally got it! I have a SIGNED copy of the first Daring Do book! In mint condition!" She yelled over and over again.
Soarin looked up. "Hey! It's that pegasus who replaced me. Wonder what she's doing here?"
Spitfire went stiff as a board. "Well...um...she was probably trading!"
"Hey you alright Spitty?" He asked. "You've been acting kinda strange today."
"I-it's...uh...nothing! I am just not feeling so good! Hold me." She suddenly fell into his lap, hood falling away to reveal her burning mane. Taken off guard, Soarin reeled from the sudden pressure on his lap, his sunglasses falling off.
"Spitfire, that's enough! You've been acting weird all-"
They hadn't realized that a small crowd had formed to watch the interesting couple. Then gasps when up, alerting the two Wonderbolts to the action outside their world.
"Um...Why are you all-"
"IT'S THE WONDERBOLTS!"
"Aw crap" They both said.
The crowd began to encircle, asking for autographs or throwing item's in their face to trade for their gear.
"I'll give you my Discord lamp for a lock of hair!"
"I want your hoodie! I'll give you a, uh, pony for it!"
Spitfire whirled towards the voice. "Wait what?"
"I have this pony here! I'll give her to you for your hoodie!"
Soarin couldn't help but overhear that. "WOAH WOAH WOAH! Easy there lady. What are you, a slave driver?"
The crowd hushed, realizing that their shining star was attempting to talk. The lady in question, stepped forward, a leash around a ferocious double headed dog as well as a cream colored pony following nearby.
"I-I think I'm the one being traded." Fluttershy whispered.
Spitfire's eyes went wide open. "Hey wait. I remember you! You were the one who helped us bring water up to Cloudsdale."
Fluttershy nodded. "O-Oh. Y-yes I did. Hello again Spitfire."
"Hey lady!" Spitfire called. "How did you get her?"
The mare pointed at herself. "Me?"
Soarin face hoofed. "Who else?"
"Well, I got her from this blue pegasus with a rainbow mane. She wanted my book really badly so I traded it to her for this young lady as well as a dog. Isn't that right, Shmootzikins?" The dog merely slobbered. One head just continued to sniff the floor for food while the other sneezed.
The owner just sighed. "Well, she will take some time to get used to me. But that is what I have a Fluttershy for!"
"You make her sound like an item." Spitfire retorted.
"Well, I did trade for her." She responded. "Anyway, I'll give her for that hoodie."
Spitfire and Soarin looked at each other. There was definitely something they had to do about this. Rainbow Dash would never sell out her friends, literally or figuratively. They had to find her and knock some sense into her.
Spitfire spoke to the mare. "I might take it. But I've got something to take care of right now. I'll be back in a few." And with that, she and Soarin took to the skies to search.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It took a few good minutes but they finally found the blue pegasus. She was on her way to meeting her friends. They landed right in front of her.
"You. Rainbow Dash."
She was simply goggling at her new prize. Soarin waved her hand in her face to try and get her attention. "Nothing." He concluded. Then he looked down and realized he was still wearing his sweater.
"Here, take off your hoodie. Maybe then she will see you." Spitfire nodded, taking off her hoodie. The slobbering mare stopped, noticing that her idol was in front of her.
"Hey. How can I help you?" She said, still in a daze.
Spitfire slapped her. "Get a hold of yourself, Ms. Young Flier! Do you understand what've you've done?"
"Y-yeah. I just got an awesome book to finish my collection. What's up?"
Soarin stepped in. "You just gave up your friend for a book?"
Rainbow Dash was taken aback. "JUST a REGULAR BOOK?! This is the first ever signed copy of-"
"I don't care." Spitfire cut in. "Do you understand what you have done?"
"I already answered that one. I traded a trainer and a dog for this awesome book!"
"You gave away your friend." Spitfire cut off. "To think that even you could fall like this. How could you give your friend for a book? Who will keep you comforted in your time of need? Who will care for you other than your friends? You gave Fluttershy away for a book. Does the end justify the means for you, Rainbow Dash?"
The mare was silent. "She'll be fine. It was a small price to-"
"Rainbow." Soarin interrupted. "That's enough." He looked up at his "replacement". "You once taught me that friends are the most important thing. When I found out you had replaced me in the qualifying rounds, it really broke my heart. I was so mad and hurt." His eyes had gone red and watery.
"That is what you are doing to Fluttershy. You want to justify that you have gotten what you want, just like how Spitfire justified what she did was for the good of the team. I felt like an object. Something that was just a means to an end. If they qualifies without me, everything would be fine anyway. But no." He turned to Spitfire.
"Rainbow, you and Spitfire taught me something. From you, it is that I should never give up on my friends and to pick the right ones. From Spitfire, I learned that nothing is more precious than-"
"Alright alright!" Rainbow Dash cut him off. "I get it. I...I'll trade back."
Spitfire smiled. "That's a start." Soarin nodded his approval.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"...and that is why this isn't a fair trade!" Rainbow Dash announced to Princess Twilight. The purple Alicorn sat for a good moment. It would certainly be hard to pick between her best friend and doing the right thing. She opened her mouth to issue the final decree.
"That..." The other trader in question spoke. "Is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard!" The entire crowd had gone silent.
"I'll trade back!"
A cheer went up from everyone in the crowd. Twilight Sparkle smiled as Rainbow handed back the book and took Fluttershy into a hug, as well as receiving a slobbering from the double headed dog.
"I conclude this year’s Rainbow Falls Exchange! Everypony enjoy your new items!"
Spitfire and Soarin had been watching in the background. In her mind, Spitfire had no doubt that Rainbow would do the right thing. She was, after all, the Element of Loyalty. Meanwhile, she had to clear some things with HER friend.
The train ride back was quite packed. Children ran up and down the aisles, showing off new toys or clothes. Spitfire recalled her first time to the trade years ago. It was certainly fun. She had traded a new doll she had gotten for something a little more...practical.
She faced her comrade in the skies. "Hey Soarin?"
The pegasus had, in the meantime, been staring at some comics he had bought with his stuff. "Yeah?"
"I...want to really apologize. For real." She didn't have to courage to look him in the eye.
"Yeah, I know. Look, I already-"
"No." She cut off. Realizing she may have added a little force, she lightened her tone. "Listen. I know you've been trying really hard since the Equestria Games Qualifying rounds."
"Well," He responded, "I am a Wonderbolt. It's expected of me."
"Yeah I know." She said, rolling her eyes. "But, this time, I really do mean it."
Soarin looked down in silence. It was clear that this apology was different. Spitfire continued. "I know I've said it a lot already, but after seeing you confess that to Rainbow Dash, I really saw how hurt you were. I didn't just trade a good flier, I traded a good- nay, AMAZING friend for a competition."
Soarin looked away. "You did it for the team, right?"
A silence passed between the two of them. One second. Two seconds. Three.
"All this time...that's what I've told you. The truth is..." She looked away.
"What?" Soarin asked.
She gulped. "I was...afraid for you."
Another silence. Then he responded. "What do you mean?"
"That bump wasn't so simple. Doctor said that if it didn't properly heal, you would be out for even longer than the games. Probably forever. At the time, I was completely scared. What was I gonna do without a good flier?"
Soarin turned away again, but Spitfire drew him back. "But then I realized, even during the training I did with Rainbow, that what I was doing wasn't right. I wasn't really scared about losing. I was more afraid that you wouldn't recover. So, I hid my fears and replaced you, so that you wouldn't want to go back so soon. All this time, I told you that it was for the team. But in reality, I traded you because I was being selfish, making your decisions for you. Just like how Fluttershy was traded by someone she trusted, forced into a position she didn't want to be in. And for that, I really, truly, am sorry."
Time had stopped. The fillies and colts yells dampened. Nothing in the world seemed to touch the two at that moment.
"You really mean that?" Soarin finally pierced the veil of time. He looked hard into the Captain's eyes. That was when he realized something. He didn't often look into her beautiful eyes. Yet, he could see into her soul almost clearly. He realized the shades were a shield. She protected her true eyes so she didn't have to feel the shame. But now, looking directly into her, he could see that months of regret and thought had shattered that shield. She no longer needed protection; she was only hiding from her own guilt.
"I do." Spitfire responded.
It would be cliché to say things once again got quiet, but it did. Then a laugh. Spitfire was taken aback. "What's so funny?"
Soarin calmed down. "Spitty, you really are a softie."
"I am not!" She retorted.
Soarin shook his head. "Nah, you totally are. Oh my goodness this is too much!" He held up his borrowed shades. "So these shades are just for the looks?"
"Gimme those!" She made a grab for them. Soarin pulled away. "Nope!"
Spitfire aimed a body shot. "OW!" He responded, dropping the glasses. "Jeez, I was kidding."
"You'd better have been." She rested her head on his lap.
“Ya know, I’ve been meaning to ask.” Soarin looked Spitfire in the eye.
“Yeah?” She said, hoping to hear that request for dinner.
He cleared his throat. “How did you get your glasses? You always wear them.”
“I would love-“ She stopped. “Wait, what?”
“Uh…your shades. Where did you get them?”
Spitfire just sat there, slightly disappointed. “I got them when I was a kid. I was never really the fru-fru girly type. So, I traded in this doll that my parents gave me at my first ever trade. I didn’t really know what to get, so I just found some shades. They looked really cool.”
Soarin nodded. “I see. Well, that was interesting.”
“What is?”
“You used to play with dolls.”
“I’m a girl.”
“Barely.”
Spitfire punched him again. “Ow!” He looked out the window, trying not to show a tear streaming down his eye. The mare knew how to hit.
Working up some courage, Spitfire attempted contact with the opposite species.
"So...what do you wanna do when we get back?"
He sniffed the air. "I dunno. Probably get into some workout clothes. We have that race and performance next week and I need to-"
Spitfire interrupted by putting a hoof to his mouth. "Hush. How about we just go have some dinner?"
Soarin drew in his breath. Months of work had made him an addict to working out and his stomach rumbled.
"Only if we get some apple pie too." He winked.
