Rainbow Dash found herself standing in front of Nighthawk’s office. She took a deep breath and knocked at the door. The stallion invited her in.

“You’re half an hour early. Have a sit. Somepony from the legal department will drop by with your contract in a while. Would you like to celebrate with a glass of champagne in the meantime?” He offered.

“A cup of tea would be nice.” She replied.

“Tea it is, then. I’ll be right back.”

Nighthawk left the office and came back with two cups a couple minutes later. He sat down at his desk and started scribbling something on a piece of paper. When he finished writing, he showed it to Rainbow Dash.

“This is your monthly salary. This is how much you’ll get for every minor event. This much for every major event. And this is how much you’ll get for each of the biggest, biannual events.” The stallion pointed out different numbers on the piece of paper while he was speaking. “That’s our standard offer for the newcomers but we are open to negotiations.”

“One major event will get me more than a year of working as a weather pony!” It overwhelmed her a bit.

“I don’t think there will be a need for that. I’m satisfied with what I see. Can we talk about work conditions?” She kept her composure.

“There’s a three month training camp at springtime each year followed by the season premiere event. You do around twelve major shows during summer. Autumn means going back to full workout and doing smaller events that lead to the grand season finale. You rest during winter. That’s your ‘free time’ and you are unsupervised  as long as you pass the monthly physical checkups. We have to make sure that you take good care of your body.”

“Got it. When do I start?”

“You’ll be added to the autumn schedule. That’s when you start training with the team. You’ll be excluded from  any events until the Grand Season Finale. That will be your inauguration show. You have about a month to mentally prepare yourself for this. Any questions?”

Before she could say anything, a quick knock on the door was promptly followed by a mare entering the room.

“Is that her? Ooh, such a cutie. Congratulations! Have you met my daughter yet?” the mare seemed excited.

“Yes, it’s her and yes, she’s met our daughter. Excuse me, Rainbow dash, let me introduce you to my wife, Fiery Breeze.” Nighthawk was a bit embarrassed.

“Did those lazy stallions from the legal department make you bring the papers yourself, honey?” he continued.

“Of course not. I took the chance to meet the newest addition to your team. I’ve heard she’s a great flyer.”

“Hello and thank you, I guess.” Rainbow Dash was pretty confused but didn’t forget about her manners.

“Since the papers are here, check if your personal data is entered correctly and read the contents carefully. I can wait outside if you’d like me to. I don’t want to fog your judgment, it’s an important life decision you’re about to make. This is your last chance to back out.” He offered.

“I’ve been dreaming about this moment ever since I’ve got my cutie mark. I’ve spent most of my life doing everything I could to have this conversation with you. Did you honestly think I would hesitate?” She replied to him while signing the contract.

“Just like our daughter.” Fiery Breeze laughed.

***

Rainbow Dash decided to drop by the lounge and socialize a bit with the team.

“Can I help you?” A large black pegasus stallion asked with a low voice.

“I’m here to meet the Wonderbolts?” She was a little intimidated.

“Of course you are.” He sarcastically remarked. “Anything else?”

“Watch your manners, she’s the newest team member.” Spitfire flew over.

“Sorry ma’am, right this way please.”

“Done with the paperwork?” Spitfire asked as they walked.

“Yeah.”

“Okay then. Guys, Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash, guys.” Spitfire had a rather casual approach to introductions.

“Hey… guys.”

“Rainbow Dash, savior of the apple pies! Glad you’ve made it.” Soarin’ replied. “Sit down with us.”

“So, this is how you spend your free time?”

“We get swarmed by our fans wherever we go. This is one of the few places where we can have some peace and quiet.”

“It can’t be that bad.”

“Wait and see, wait and see. Care for a drink?”

“I’m exhausted, I don’t want to get drunk.”

“Come on, just one. Don’t make me beg.”

“Well, okay. Just one, I’m serious.” Rainbow Dash gave in. Soarin’ tapped his hooves.

“Would you like to order anything, sir?” The waiter came out of nowhere.

“Double Martini, dry and a Passionate Screw for the beautiful lady.” Soarin’ said with a smirk.

Rainbow Dash looked away, embarrassed. Spitfire only shook her head at the stallion and mouthed something silently to him while pointing her hoof at the cyan mare.

“MINE!” He read from her lips.

***

It was already dark when Rainbow Dash landed at the Sugarcube Corner. The sounds of loud music and hooves tapping on the dance floor were coming out from the building. She opened the door and saw a huge crowd of ponies. She wondered how Pinkie Pie managed squeeze all of them inside. Even the Mayor mare was there. A big banner was hanging on the wall.

“RAINBOW DASH – THE WONDERBOLT FROM PONYVILLE”

“Pinkie Pie…” Rainbow Dash was overwhelmed by the sight.

“She’s here, guys! She’s here!” Pinkie Pie yelled when she saw her friend enter.

The music stopped playing and everypony went quiet.

“Hip hip!” Pinkie started.

“Hooray!” The crowd responded.

“Hip hip!”

“Hooray!”

“Hip hip!”

“Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!”

The music started playing again and the fatigued pegasus was quickly swarmed by ponies who wanted to socialize with a celebrity.

“So this is what Soarin’ was talking about?” she sighed at the thought.

***

It took her over an hour to be able to sneak outside and breathe some fresh air. Her five best friends were already waiting for her there.

“Too fast for you, darling? You’ll have to get used to it. This is your life now.” Rarity said.

“Yeah… I’m afraid that I’ve bitten more hay than I can chew.”

“Nonsense, my dear. You’ll do just fine, you’ll just have to adjust your life style a bit and I can help you with that.”

“And if you’ll ever need some time off, you are always welcome stay over at my place. I’m sure Angel won’t mind.” Fluttershy said.

“Don’t worry about anything, is what we are tryin’ to say.” Applejack explained.

“We’ll be always there for you.” Twilight added.

“Aren’t I supposed to be the element of loyalty?” Rainbow Dash smiled.

Pinkie didn’t say a single word during the whole conversation, it finally caught the attention of the group. She was deeply concentrated on something when her knees twitched, eyes fluttered and right ear flopped. A frown appeared on her face and she started looking around her.

“What is it, Pinkie?” Twilight asked.

“Somepony’s crying and urgently needs a hug!”

“Umm, Rainbow Dash…” Fluttershy looked at her cyan friend.

“Yeah, I know, I’m on it. See you guys tomorrow.” She flew off.

***

Rainbow Dash was flying over the Sweet Apple Acres when she noticed a faint light coming from Applejacks old tree house, soon she was hovering near the window. She saw Scootaloo lying on the wooden floor, shivering slightly from the night’s cold. She cried herself off to sleep.

The tired mare flew inside, laid down right next to the filly and instinctively put a wing around her. They were both sound asleep moments later.