I can't tell where the sudden rumbling is coming from, but from what I've been through I expect a rock avalanche or a bufallo stampede or something like that. Panicking, I turn around and start to fly home, but NO WAY! I am not going to give up on such a great opportunity when I have a distinct advantage. I simply froze on my small tuff of cloud, close my eyes and brace myself for the inevitable to rain down upon me...
The rumbling stops just when I think I am about to get flatted. I look up from my rather awkward bracing position, and see that it wasn't an avalanche or anything like that. Right in from of me stood a really bizarre machine, much like The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000, but wasn't that complex or flashy. Just take away all the dials and buttons, replace the wheels with circular clouds, shorten the pipes, and add the whole Wonderbolt crew...
WONDERBOLT CREW?!?!?!?!
(Insert Fangirl Squeal Here!)
I stand there dumbfounded with eyes wide and jaw to the ground. I simply stare as the entire scene unfolds. The Wonderbolts and a few pegasi with construction helmets start to pile out of the weird machine and start to set up what looks like a really fancy ticket booth. Sure, I have met the Wonderbolts a few times myself, but seeing the entire force working together like some well-geared and well-oiled machine is simply mind boggling. And being their number one fan and admirer doesn't help my reaction a bit.
After staring at them for five minutes straight, I finally come back to my senses when Spitfire, head captain of the Wonderbolts, calls my name. I am surprised to hear that she knows my name right off the bat. The only time we've introduced ourselves was during the Grand Galloping Gala, and even then she had to deal with tons of fans and Soarin''s pie. It's most likely because I saved their lives during the Best Young Flying Competition, and once I told her my name, she probably won't forget it. But for now, I am way too excited and happy to worry about that.
In a split second I race towards the site, zigzaging myself between all the construction and materials and doing a 180-degree landing right next to Spitfire.
"Wow, really nice. Rainbow, why do you never cease to impress me?"
Getting my bearings straight, I look at the path that I took. A rainbow wall stands in its place that decorates the construction site. Every Wonderbolt and worker are dazed by my sudden flash of bright colors. It is certainly a pretty sight to see. But that didn't last too long. Soon enough, the wall started to fade from the place where I bolted and quickly make its way to me. Spitfire and I just stare at the fading rainbow wall until there is nothing left of my glorious act.
A long pause follows...
This is getting somewhat awkward, so I try start a conversation when Spitfire beat me to it.
"Rainbow, is that the same agility act that you did a while ago while trying to choose your pet? It seems like you have that move down to every detail."
"Aw shucks, it was nothing, and um..... wait. How did you know about that?"
"Oh, you know Twilight. She certainly has a big mouth."
"You have no idea," I say rolling my eyes.
"Twilight knows that you are trying so hard to try to join our crew, but you already know. We can only have twelve members, no more no less. She sends a lot of recommendation letters to us acknowledging every one of your mastered tricks."
"She... WHAT?!?"
"Wait, she didn't tell you?"
"Apparently no, or at least I can't remember her saying anything like that. I might have to speak to her sometime soon."
"Well good luck that, but remember. She is only trying to help you, being one of your best friend and all."
"Thanks, I keep that in mind."
"Anyway, steering to something different, I want to thank you again."
" *just wait till I get down to Ponyville and...* Wait, what? Y-you want to thank me again? For what?"
"I want to thank you for helping us wake up this morning. Last night as usual was hectic for everypony, but especially for the Wonderbolts preparing for today's event. We had to finish signing tons of fan merchandise and prepare for today's setup, which therefore led to extreme lack of sleep. If it wasn't for your Sonic Rainboom this morning, we would all still be in bed. With your help this morning, we might actually be able to set up everything on time this year."
"Your very welcome, but aren't you ponies like... super tired?"
"Doctor Whooves fixed up something to get us going for the rest of the day. The only thing we need to watch out for is that by the end of the day, we will be 'super tired' times four. I am really not looking forward to that."
"Is that bump of your head the result of my Sonic Rainboom this morning?"
"Oh, this? Kind of. Your boom made us jump so high out of bed that we've basically hit ourselves on the ceiling. And this was any ordinary soft cloud ceiling; it was one of those high quality concentrated and condensed cloud."
My ears start to droop.
"Oh wait I take that back. I should've have blamed your performance. How would you have known what could've been done? And besides, the pain actually helps us stay awake!"
Upon hearing this, my ears instantly perk up again.
"So... Um.. Spitfire, what is all this about? I know that today is THE big event, but what requires this much construction?"
"Oh, you know, setting up stands, stages, and everything that goes along with making event to run as smooth as silk. We have never had an accident at this event in equestrian history, so I don't want to break out streak."
"Wouldn't want that to happen..."
Another long pause...
"Say... Rainbow Dash? I have a favor to ask you."
"Sure, anything for the Wonderbolts!"
"A few days ago, we had an airshow over Manehattan. Everything was going according to plan until came this unexpected strong gust of wind. We were used to rough currents over the city, but this was nothing compared to any gust of wind. Our entire team was struggling to maintain formation, even I had a hard time going straight. That wasn't the case for Misty. She lost control and crashed into a skyscraper as she was trying to maintain altitude. She ended up being hospitalized. Turns out it was nothing serious, but the doctor deemed her unfit for flight because of her broken wing."
I look around at the site before me and as I count the Wonderbolts (including Spitfire), I only reach eleven and see that the light blue and white mane that Misty had is nowhere to be seen. I start to get my hopes up, but I ask first to make sure.
"So what does that have to do with me? Only one member out of twelve wouldn't hinder a six pony performance."
"That's not the case this year, today's event requires all twelve of our full effort. We can't continue without somepony to take her place."
"So Rainbow Dash, how would you like to be a Wonderbolt at today's event?"