As I flew by, I see a few fellow Wonderbolts who were stationed at different places throughout the stadium. Blaze is working with the final touches on the decorations, Fleetfoot helping DJ-Pon3 set up large stereos, Silver Lining making last minute cloud adjustments, and Soarin' is, at no surprise, at the concessions stand. Even from way up here, I can see apple pie crust and filling all over his mouth.
Wait... that's apple pie! That means AJ is selling pie nearby.
My friends... How will I break it to them? How are they going to react when they see me? Will I still be their best friends?
As I continue to fly in thought, I see most of the crew looking up to me and smiling. Maybe because they think that either Spitfire found a replacement, see my rainbow mane and think the amazing Rainbow Dash has joined the crew, or maybe because their just being nice and doing a common courtesy. What they probably don't know is that I am just a temporary replacement, but I am not going to spoil it to them just yet.
I start to go through another train of thought, but I quickly snap myself awake when I nearly flew into Wave Chill.
"I am so sorry. Did I hit you?"
"Hey it's fine, don't worry about it.... Whoa! It's Rainbow Dash!"
"THE One and Only."
"Wow its been such a long time since I've met you! How have you been? Seems like your lucky day has finally arrived."
"I'm as giddy as ever! Today is certainly my lucky day. Sorry I can't stop and chat. I got to get to my booth."
"Sure, no problem! It's just good to see you. Brohoof?"
I'm not really sure what that means, but judging by his gesture, I am assuming it means a high hoof. Probably a stallion thing? Anyway, I still return the favor.
^-^ /)*(\ ^-^
I turn and fly away, hearing behind me how Wave Chill is cheering that he got a "brohoof" from Rainbow Dash. I quietly chuckle to myself.
I arrive at the ticket booth to find out that the handsome Fire Streak is stationed at the same place I am. His hair is orange with streaks of pale, and combed as usual to the good-looking suave hairstyle. He is also one of those silent types that waits for the right moment to say something hilarious. Trust me, get a conversation of three ponies and Fire Streak in it, and you will not be able to stop laughing.
Ok, dark secret moment time.
Being a mare, I've always had crushes on Wonderbolt stallions. You know, keeping my sanity straight. Being constantly around mares does take a toll on my emotional levels. Not like something serious when having a crush, but rather to keep me fresh and daydreaming. Just to make things interesting and fun, nothing more.
ANYWAY! NUFF SAID!
I fly down to my post and stand behind the counter. Fire Streak turns his head only reacting with wide eyes. He doesn't say anything immediately, but eventually he comes out in his clear deep voice.
"Hello, Rainbow Dash. Glad to see you among the best of the best."
"Hey Fire Streak. Gee, thanks!"
"So what did you do this time to impress Spitfire once more?"
"Waking you guys up."
For a second I thought I saw his eyes darting around for just a millisecond. That's when I notice that despite his combed hair, there is still a tiny visible bump on his head.
"Oh don't worry, Fire Streak. I think that seeing the entire crew having that blunder, I wouldn't be surprised if you had it as well."
And with that, I slam my head as hard as I could on a nearby banner support. It hurt! But I was expecting it. Soon enough, I could feel my small bump slowing rising.
Fire Streak stood there, half with relief and half snickering, trying so hard not to laugh.
I just stare at him, until I couldn't take it any longer. I burst out laughing, which is soon followed by Fire Streak's glorious laughter.
After a good laugh, I start talking about what happened this morning on my side. He likewise joins me describing his morning rush. During the conversation, I am blushing madly. Thankfully my uniform was still on, which covers all of my face except my eyes and nose. I couldn't tell what his emotion was, since he has a stern yet friendly face while he talks. I could still say that through all that seriousness, he is having a great time.
As we were wrapping up our conversation, I feel another rumbling. Fire Streak goes to his position next to me.
"Here they come."
I wasn't sure what he is saying, but I still somewhat brace myself. I see a dust cloud rising over the horizon.
Great, another buffalo stampede? I close my eyes behind my goggles...
I open my eyes just in time to see a whole herd of ponies rushing to Fire Streak and me. From what I can see, I was able to see not only pegasi, but also unicorns and earth ponies alike. Seems like Twilight's spell outdone itself, because now basically the entire Ponyville and Cloudsdale is stampeding on soft fluffy clouds.
As soon as everything settles, everypony start to line up for tickets. Fire Streak and I did our best to keep track of bits and tickets that are coming in and going out. While I am working, I smell the sweet aroma of apples. It just occur to me again that AJ could be along the line rolling her cart selling apples for her new farm. Multitasking with the current job and looking around for the others, I sense a pink curly mane, a purple glow, a shiny purple tail, and a familiar soft voice.
My friends...
Oh boy, should I surprise them? Should I pretend to go out back to get more tickets while Fire Streak handles them?
When the time comes I decide to do the later. Just before they reach the booth, I make an attempt to go to the back storage area. But I hesitate when heading out, thinking of what will my friends think of me. I try to keep going, but I am too late.
I hear Twilight's voice:
"Rainbow Dash, is that you?!"