———
Edited by Sterling [Eques-MLPER-1320]; Time: Midnight Location: In Pinkie Pie's House
——
The window in the now-darkened bedroom. Night has fallen, And a crescent moon hangs large & bright. Soft snoring drifts up from floor level as Twilight sits up, Looks cautiously around herself, and gets up to vertical.
The other girls are sprawled out everywhere, on the bed and under sleeping bags, Fluttershy nestling Spike, and she has a real chore to tiptoe her way to the nightstand without stepping or falling on any of them. Applejack still wears her hat, and Rarity has curlers in her hair and a sleep mask over her eyes. Close-up of the drawer; Twilight eases it open and retrieves the notebook.
Into the kitchen. A single overhead light casts a pool of incandescence over the sleepless spell-weaver, What has taken a seat at the central "island" counter & is poring over her notes.
Tellingly, She has her pen clamped between her teeth & is holding the notebook open under her fists—an adaptation of how a non-unicorn in Equestria might use mouth & hooves for this purpose.
Twilight sighed, The frustration a heavy weight on her chest. She had hoped the inspiration from their conversation earlier would last, but here, alone in the quiet kitchen, the pressure had returned tenfold. "No, that's not gonna work." She says as she rubs her eyes, Her notes were a jumbled mess of half-formed ideas & musical fragments.
Sunset walks into the kitchen. "Hey, Twilight. Your up late…" Sunset said as she walked to the fridge, After a minute it to walk to the fridge just as Twilight was about to speak they heard a familiar voice. "You two are up late, can't sleep?" Sterling asked them as he is concerned about Twilight & Sunset.
She looked up at Sunset & Sterling, A flicker of embarrassment in her eyes. "Yeah," She admitted, Her voice flat. "I just... I can't get it right. It's not working." She gestured to the notebook with a defeated flick of her wrist. "I'm trying to write it like a spell, But it feels so... Empty."
Sunset walked over & leaned against the counter opposite Twilight, a soft, understanding look on her face. She didn't have to say anything; Her presence alone was a comfort. "I know how that feels," She said quietly. "Trying to force something that should come from the heart."
Sterling, With his calm and steady demeanor, walked to the counter as well. "What you're feeling is exactly right, Twilight," he said, his voice a gentle presence in the quiet room. "You're trying to create a magical object, A counter-spell. But your magic isn't like mine. It's not a spell you can just write down & cast."
Twilight looked from Sterling to Sunset, her brow furrowed in thought. The two of them, the two outsiders, seemed to understand this better than anyone else. They saw her not just as the powerful magic user from another world, but as a person who needed to connect to her emotions.
"He's right, Twi…" Sunset said, Her voice soft but firm. "I spent so long trying to harness power & control people with it. But when I finally opened myself up to friendship... That's when the real magic happened. It wasn't about a formula. It was about listening to my friends, Feeling what they felt, and being there for them." She smiled faintly. "That's why our transformations happen. We're not 'casting' a spell. We're just... Being ourselves, Together."
Twilight's eyes widened. A wave of realization, Not of magical theory, but of emotional truth, washed over her. She looked at the scrawled musical notes & scribbles, Then back at her friends. Sunset looked to Sterling & asked. "Sterling? Do you have magic..? Because umm… Well, You talk like you have it." She said.
Sterling's calm expression didn't change as Sunset asked her question. He gave a soft, Knowing smile & nodded. "Yes, Sunset. I have magic. In fact, What I did back at the school, with the song... That was a form of magic."
He pulled up a chair & sat down, Gesturing for the two of them to sit as well. Twilight, Her notebook & pen forgotten for the moment, and Sunset, who had been leaning against the counter, both moved to sit across from him. The quiet kitchen now felt like a secret council, A meeting of three beings from different worlds sharing their unique truths.
"The magic you're all familiar with is tied to your emotions, your harmony, and your friendships," Sterling began, His voice low & instructive. "It's pure, powerful, and deeply connected to who you are. My magic... It works differently."
He held up his hands, and a faint, ethereal glow emanated from his palms. "It all begins with a special energy in my world called mana. I can access this mana, but the true power of my magic lies in my mind."
He looked at them, His slate blue eyes sparkling with a calm intensity. "It's about belief. It's about vividly imagining my aspirations & envisioning them as tangible realities. If I can truly believe in the possibility of my dreams coming to life, Then I possess the power to manifest them into existence."
He gave a small demonstration. He held his hand over the counter and closed his eyes for a moment, picturing a small, flickering light. When he opened his eyes, a tiny, glowing orb of pure white light was hovering just above his palm. It pulsed gently, humming with a quiet energy.
Twilight's mouth dropped open in fascination. Her scientific mind, So recently frustrated by the intangible nature of her own magic, was now a sponge for this new information. "So it's not about a spell or a specific word," She whispered, Her eyes fixed on the orb. "It's about pure, Unadulterated belief in a potential outcome."
"Exactly," Sterling said, The orb dissipating with a soft pop. "The rituals, the symbols, the words... those are all just tools. They help me focus my intent, To believe with absolute certainty that what I want to happen can happen."
Sunset Shimmer's thoughtful expression deepened. She could see the profound connection between Sterling's magic & her own journey. Her tyrannical phase was driven by a twisted belief in her own power and a vivid imagination of a world under her control. Her redemption, And her true magic, began with a new belief in the power of friendship. "So, in a way," She said, "Out magic is based on belief, too. A belief in each other."
Sterling smiled warmly. "Yes. The methods are different, But the core principle is the same. The Dazzlings are using a kind of magic of their own—one based on a vivid belief in disharmony & division. They want to create a world where everyone is against each other, And they are using their magic to manifest that belief. That's why your friendship, your collective belief in unity and kindness, is the only thing that can truly overpower them."
Twilight's pen, Which had been resting on the counter, suddenly felt lighter than a feather. She picked it up, Her gaze no longer filled with frustration, but with a new, inspired resolve. "I get it now," She said, Looking from Sunset to Sterling.
A brilliant smile on her face. "I've been trying to write the counter-spell from the outside, Like a formula. But I need to write it from the inside. I need to write a song that isn't just a spell, but an expression of our belief. A tangible manifestation of our friendship."
The quiet kitchen was no longer just a place to escape; It had become a crucible of newfound understanding. The pressure was still there, but now, Twilight felt a surge of confidence. She wasn't alone in this. She had two people from other worlds, Both of whom understood the true heart of magic, by her side. The song, Dhr realized, was no longer just a task. It was a testament to the power of belief, And it was finally ready to be born.
———
Eques-MLPER-1320; Time: Morning Location: In Pinkie Pie's House
——
As dawn's golden light streamed through the window, Sterling was the first to stir from his slumber. Eager to start the day, he slipped into the kitchen, Where the aroma of the morning air beckoned him. With a sense of purpose, He set about crafting a delightful breakfast for Pinkie Pie's family & his newfound friends.
He cracked fresh eggs into a sizzling skillet, Watching as the yolks brightened into a sunny hue, while crispy hash browns sizzled & turned a perfect, golden brown.
The smell of buttery pancakes wafted through the air, Their fluffy forms rising gracefully on the griddle. Each dish was prepared with care, transforming the kitchen into a warm haven of comfort and joy, ready to welcome everyone for a morning feast.
As the rich, Delicious scents of breakfast wafted through the house, the peaceful silence of the slumber party began to break. A collective series of sleepy groans & soft rustling sounds came from the darkened bedroom.
Pinkie Pie, Her internal clock apparently synced to the aroma of pancakes, was the first to emerge, bouncing out of the room with a joyful squeal. "Oh my gosh! I smell breakfast! Is it a breakfast party?! I knew it! I knew this was a slumber party and a breakfast party!" Her eyes landed on Sterling, Standing over the griddle with a focused, almost serene expression. "Sterling! You're a chef!"
The other girls followed, Drawn by the irresistible smells. Rarity, Her curlers still in place & her sleep mask perched on her head, sniffed the air appreciatively. "Darling, That smells simply... divine. Are you sure you didn't manifest these from thin air?" She asked with a theatrical flourish, Her voice still thick with sleep.
Applejack, In her footie pajamas, rubbed the sleep from her eyes, a genuine smile on her face. "Well, I'll be. I haven't woken up to a smell like that since my Granny Smith made her famous apple fritters."
Fluttershy, Holding a now-awake & wagging Spike, tiptoed into the kitchen, her eyes wide with appreciation. "It's so... thoughtful of you, Sterling," She whispered, Her gentle nature shining through.
Sterling turned from the griddle, A warm smile spreading across his face as he saw his friends gathered in the kitchen. "Good morning, everyone," He said, Flipping a pancake with an easy flick of his wrist. "I figured you'd all be hungry after such a long night. I also figured you'd be up later, Si I wanted to get breakfast ready for everyone."
He saw Twilight enter the kitchen last, Her face no longer drawn with stress. She was holding her notebook, But her expression was bright and full of energy. A genuine, happy smile was on her face as she looked at Sterling.
"I didn't get much sleep," She said, "But! I'm not tired at all. I was up all night writing. Your advice... it worked. It completely changed my perspective." She held up the notebook, Her light violet eyes sparkling. "The music & the lyrics... They're just flowing now. I was able to get the first verse and chorus down without a single struggle!"
"Really?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, Suddenly wide awake as she joined the others at the island counter. "Awesome! Let's hear it!"
"Not yet," Twilight said with a laugh, Her newfound confidence making her seem almost a different person from the anxious girl from the night before. "It's still just a skeleton. It needs all of you. It needs your feelings, your magic, your sound."
Sterling slid the first plates of pancakes, hash browns, and eggs onto the counter. "Well, Then let's start with a little breakfast," He said. "Because the song is a reflection of your friendship, And this right here..." He gestured to the food & the smiling faces of the girls around him. "...this is where friendship starts."
The girls all sat down, The breakfast table a flurry of cheerful chatter & happy sighs. The aroma of delicious food, The sound of laughter, and the sense of a shared, powerful purpose filled the room. The Dazzlings may have been feeding on negativity, But here, in Pinkie Pie's kitchen, the seeds of their defeat were being sown in the form of a delicious breakfast & a newfound, unwavering belief in the power of friendship. The real work of finishing the counter-spell was still ahead of them, But now, they were ready.
———
Eques-MLPER-1320; Time: Mid Morning Location: In Applejack's House after eating.
——
Driving rock melody with electric guitar/bass/drums, Fast 4 (D major) Twilight's vocals are not quite on key or in time, and sound very unsure.
"Hey, hey, listen." She winces at a squeal of feedback. "We've got a message for you~"
Sterling awkwardly pans across from himself & the other Rainbooms, Set up and playing in a small room. The apple pattern on the stained-glass panel above the window points to this location being part of this world's equivalent of Sweet Apple Acres. None of them are feeling the groove. Spike sits on top of an amplifier; Sunset squats alongside him.
"We're not all alike~ But our friendship is true~!" More feedback sends the dog diving for cover, while the girl tweaks a knob and claps her hands to her ears.
"Yeah, We're really different." Fluttershy begins to showboat a little, But stops playing at a sidelong look from Rainbow.
"But we still get along. So hey, hey, listen to our song." The tambourine starts up again at Rainbow's frantic wave. Applejack & Rarity start to manifest hints of their pony ears, But more feedback wipes these out and makes them wince. Pinkie has gotten so bored that she stops playing and balances one stick vertically on a fingertip.
Drums/tambourine drop out during the next line.
"You may think you're in control, But we're here to prove you wrong~" She resumes upon finding green- and blue-eyed glares fixed on her.
Drums/tambourine in
On the start of the next line, cut to outside this building—the barn next to the house on the Sweet Apple Acres property, its doors open to frame Applejack within. The music becomes muffled once this transition occurs, and Granny Smith walks past, stuffing an apple core into each ear to block out the noise.
"In the friendship of our music~"
Inside, She tries to sing into her microphone while squinting at the notebook & Fluttershy cringes at the result. "With the power of our song."
Rainbow stands up into view for a solo; one pony ear begins to emerge. "Gonna stomp our feet, clap our hands. With the magic of friendship~" Neither Pinkie, nor Applejack, nor Rarity is enjoying this. "Gonna stop your evil plans."
The song ends with Rainbow's guitar riff.
Now the six-string slinger's other pony ear peeks out from the wild multicolored hair; She looks around, Gets nothing from the other five, and sullenly lets the last note die out & the ears wink away. Cut to Spike & Sunset.
The last, Discordant note of Rainbow Dash's guitar solo died in the air, leaving a heavy, embarrassed silence in the barn. The pony ears on her head, Which had briefly peeked out, receded with a dispirited little shimmer. She looked around at the other girls, Her magenta eyes full of frustration.
"What was that?!" Rainbow demanded, throwing her hands up in the air. "I'm telling you, it sounded better in my head. We're totally out of sync! You're not even trying to feel the beat!"
Pinkie Pie sighed dramatically, dropping her drumsticks. "I was bored! The song just wasn't bouncing! It was more of a... a wobble."
Twilight, her face pale with disappointment, clutched her notebook to her chest. "But... but I wrote it just like we talked about," she said, her voice small. "The lyrics are about our friendship... the music is supposed to be powerful."
"It sounded like a herd of buffaloes stampeding through a china shop, darling," Rarity lamented, delicately massaging her temples. "No style, no grace, no harmony whatsoever."
Applejack, leaning against her bass guitar, shook her head. "It ain't the lyrics, sugarcube. It's us. We just... ain't feelin' it."
From his spot on the amplifier, Spike looked at Sunset with a sad, empathetic expression. "They're just so bummed out," he whispered.
Sunset Shimmer, However, had a clearer perspective. She had been watching the entire performance, and she saw exactly what was wrong. She moved to the center of the group, her expression serious.
With a heavy heart, Pinkie bounces towards Sterling, her usually vibrant smile dimmed by sorrow. She hops onto his back, Wrapping her arms around him in a desperate attempt to draw out some of his vibrant energy. Yet, Despite her earnest effort, it feels as though her hope is met with a wall, leaving her longing for a spark of joy that seems just out of reach.
"Uhh… That sounded way better than the… Last five times you played it," Spike said hesitantly trying to smile. Macintosh with Chuckle passes outside the window, Carrying a basket of apples. "Nn-nope." Big Mac said, As Spike les off an unsettled little whine.
Sterling tenderly guides Pinkie to stand in front of him, The corners of his mouth lifting in a playful grin. With a lighthearted roll of his eyes, He affectionately ruffles Pinkie's hair, his hand coming down to pat her head with a soft chuckle that bubbles up from within.
Nearby, Applejack & Rainbow Dash can't help but join in the amusement, their laughter mingling in the air as they take in the delightful scene before them.
Twilight, Seeing the laughter break through the gloomy atmosphere, felt a knot in her stomach begin to loosen. The pressure of the song was still there, But it wasn't a crushing weight anymore. It was just a problem to be solved, And Sterling was helping them see it from a new perspective.
He turned to the group, His playful grin replaced by a look of calm, serious concern. He walked to the center of the barn, His hands in his pockets, and the girls' attention was instantly drawn to him.
"You're all trying to be a band," Sterling began, his voice soft but firm, "but you forgot to be friends first. The Dazzlings' magic is like a spotlight on every little crack in your relationships. It's turning Applejack's perfectionism, Rainbow Dash's competitiveness, and Pinkie Pie's boredom into discord." He paused, letting the truth sink in. "When you played, that's what came out. Not the friendship you felt this morning, but the frustration you're all feeling right now."
He then looked at Twilight, Offering her a nod of understanding.
"Twilight's lyrics are perfect. They're about what you are together. But right now, you're not together. Not in the way you need to be."
Rainbow Dash's shoulders slumped. "So what do we do, Dude? We don't have time to mess around. The musical showcase is getting closer every day."
"You don't have time not to," Sterling countered gently. "This isn't about the song right now. It's about you. The magic of your friendship is the weapon. The song is just how you wield it. You can't use a weapon you haven't mastered."
He looked at Applejack. "AJ, I bet you have some chores that need doin' around here, right? Something you can all do together that isn't about music?"
Applejack's expression shifted from frustration to contemplation. She looked around the barn, Then out to the orchard. "Well... The apple trees could use a good pruning," She said, A glimmer of her usual grounded, hardworking spirit returning. "It's hard work, But we've always done it together."
Pinkie Pie, Now fully back to her bubbly self, bounced up & down. "Ooh! Apple-pruning party! Can we make apple cider afterward? And apple cider donuts? And apple cider... apple muffins!"
The tension in the air completely dissolved. Rarity smiled, A genuine, relaxed expression replacing her previous theatrical dismay. "Well, Darling, if it means getting my hands dirty for the sake of true friendship, I suppose I can manage."
Fluttershy, Hugging Spike a little tighter, nodded with a soft smile. "It sounds like a nice break. A way to feel connected again."
Twilight felt a surge of hope. This wasn't a solution to the song, But it was a solution to their problem. They weren't a band trying to write a spell; They were friends who were going to help each other out. And that, She realized, was where the magic truly lay.
"Okay," Twilight said, Her voice filled with a quiet resolve. "Let's put the instruments away. We're on a friendship mission."
———
Eques-MLPER-1320; Time: Morning 8:30 PM, Location: Canterlot High School – Gym.
——
In the Canterlot High Gym and zoom in slowly. Hushed murmurs of conversation float through the room, And the area immediately in front of the stage has been cleared to make room for a table & two chairs facing the setup. Sterling looks into the first row of the audience. Celestia speaks into a microphone, Her voice amplified by the sound system.
"Welcome to the first-ever Canterlot High School Battle of the Bands! I believe, I speak for everyone when I say it is by far the greatest thing we have ever done here at this school!" The students cheer with excitement from all sides. "We are so glad our three newest students encouraged us to turn this event into something exciting!" Principal Celestia says.
Vice-Principal Luna takes the mic. "But as this is now a competition, We can only choose one winner." Luna SATs as she continues to say. "Who is it going to be?" Luna says lowly in a conspiratorial tone.
Angry grumbles fly here and there and several close-range face-offs erupt; All the while, The eddies of green bad-mojo mist swirl through the room & make their way toward the Dazzlings. Just as at the kickoff party, They relax and let it flow into their pendants for a few seconds.
"You feel that, Girls? Our true power is being restored." Adagio says Aria & Sonata as they giggle venomously as the gym doors open to reveal the Rainbooms, Including their newest member, along with Sterling, Sunset, And Spike.
"And that's before we've tapped into the strongest magic here~" Adagio says as she looks to Sterling, Without suspending The Rainbooms.
———
Eques-MLPER-1320; Time: Morning 8:36 PM
——
All three individuals smile down at the budding commotion on the gym floor. The scene then transitions to a long overhead shot of the stage. The gym lights are dimmed, with only two spotlights illuminating Snips and Snails, who are both dressed as 1980s-era rappers. Snips sports sunglasses and a baseball cap turned backward, while Snails wears a do-rag tied over his hair, complemented by baggy sweatshirts and pants.
Celestia & Luna are seated at a table in front of the stage, And all of the Rainbooms, except for Rarity, are gathered to one side along with Spike & Sunset. As Snips begins a beatbox rhythm, The camera slowly zooms in, first capturing the impassive expressions of Celestia & Luna, and then transitioning to a close-up of the stage. This latter shot highlights an alarm clock hanging on a gold chain around Snips' neck, as well as the louvered design of his sunglasses. Snails' do-rag features a snail logo centered on the forehead.
"Aw, Yeah! Snips & Snails in the house, Yo!" Snails sings badly, As Snips also badly sings. "They call me MC Snips, And it ain't no lie… My favorite food is, like, pumpkin pie."
"Is it a bad thing, I want to punch them?" Sterling asked Rainbow Dash & Applejack. Applejack grinned, Nudging Sterling with her elbow. "Nah, Sugarcube. It just means you're human."
Rainbow Dash joined in the fun, Puffing her chest out in mock bravado. "I'm not gonna lie, I was having the same thought. But I'm too cool to hit a couple of losers in do-rags. Besides, I've got my eye on the prize."
The two of them shared a knowing smirk, Their playful banter a stark contrast to the earlier tension in the barn. They were clearly back in sync, Their friendship mended by a simple break & some honest conversation.
Meanwhile with Snips & Snails… "I'm DJ Snazzy Snails, I like whales! When I go to the beach, I always bring my pails." SnailsThe performance was terrible. Sunset, Spike, And the Rainbooms watched from the sidelines.
Pinkie danced to what could barely be considered a beat, While the others were in disbelief at what they perceived as a violation of all things hip-hop. Snips delivered another short beatboxing segment before launching into his next verse.
"Everybody knows my favorite color is orange." Sinps sings, As He jumps ahead into a squat and leans out over the front edge of the stage.
———
Eques-MLPER-1320; Time: Morning 8:41 PM, Location: Canterlot High School – Stage.
——
Five minutes later, Snips & Snails finish their performance by standing back to back, holding their microphones out at arm's length with their heads down. They drop the microphones onto the stage, And the impact creates a sharp whine of feedback that makes the crew in the wings wince and cover their ears.
Icily Celestia & said. "Please do not drop the microphones." The two hopelessly inept rappers pick up the dropped items with a laugh & clear off the stage, Passing the Rainbooms & Sunset with Spike.
"Sterling Schnee? Your up next!" Luna says calmly but loudly over the other students' mutters.
"Huh? How did you-?" The girls asked Sterling. "A touch of magic, My dears! Fear not, for my intentions are purely to secure your place in the finals. Just a little precaution, Shimmering with possibility~" Sterling explains.
Oh! Great idea, Sterling." Twilight said, As Sterling walks up the stage & says. "Sunset, Come on up! I'll need your help." Sterling calls out to Sunset, And Sunset confused does so going up to the stage next to Sterling.
Adagio whispers, "Who does he think he is? This is our show." Adagio, Aria, And Sonata watch from the edge of the stage, their eyes narrowed. Adagio's gaze is fixed on Sterling & Sunset Shimmer, A silent promise of revenge in her eyes. The rest of the Rainbooms head back to the audience, Taking seats and getting ready to support their friends.
"Are you ready? As I'll ever be, Sunset?" Sterling asks quietly, A sly grin on his face
"As ready as I'll ever be, Sterling. Are you?" Sunset asks back, A Her nerves starting to get the better of her.
Sunset nods, And Sterling takes center stage, grabbing the mic. He runs a quick hand through his black hair, Adjusting the mic stand to his height. The crowd hushes, Anticipation in the air. The Dazzlings are watching, too, their expressions a mix of confusion & irritation.
"This one's for all the people who have been told they can't make it, For all the ones who have been dragged down by the people around them," Sterling says into the mic.
He looks directly at the Dazzlings, Their faces a mask of feigned indifference, and begins to sing. The music starts with a slow, deliberate beat, a heavy bass that vibrates through the floor. He closes his eyes, His voice clear & strong.
"Put on your war paint." He looks at the Dazzlings as he sings the next line, A smirk playing on his lips.
"You are a brick tied to me that's dragging me down." He raises his eyebrows, The challenge clear.
"Strike a match and I'll burn you to the ground. We are the jack-o-lanterns in July setting fire to the sky. Here, here comes this rising tide, so come on. Put on your war paint." Sterling's voice picks up, His movements becoming more dynamic. He paces the stage with an intense energy, His eyes locking with the audience's.
"Cross walks and crossed hearts and hope-to-dies, Silver clouds with grey linings. So we can take the world back from a heart attack. One maniac at a time we will take it back, You know time crawls on when you're waiting for the song to start. So dance alone to the beat of your heart." The beat drops, And Sterling's voice becomes more forceful.
"Hey young blood, Doesn't it feel like our time is running out?" He points at Sunset, His voice a low rumble.
"I'm gonna change you like a remix, Then I'll raise you like a phoenix." He smiles, And the crowd cheers.
"Wearing our vintage misery. No, I think it looked a little better on me. I'm gonna change you like a remix, Then I'll raise you like a phoenix." The tempo speeds up, And he begins to dance, his movements sharp & precise.
"Bring home the boys and scrap scrap metal the tanks. Get hitched, Make a career out of robbing banks. Because the world is just a teller and we are wearing black masks, "You broke our spirit" Says the note we pass. So we can take the world back from a heart attack, One maniac at a time we will take it back. You know time crawls on when you're waiting for the song to start, So dance alone to the beat of your heart." Sterling's voice rises with the music.
Hey young blood, Doesn't it feel like our time is running out? I'm gonna change you like a remix, Then I'll raise you like a phoenix." He points to Sunset again.
"Wearing our vintage misery. No, I think it looked a little better on me. I'm gonna change you like a remix, Then I'll raise you like a phoenix." The music becomes a slow, Heavy beat as Sterling paces the stage. His gaze still fixed on the Dazzlings, Then the crowd, and then back to Sunset, before he says.
Put on your war paint." He begins to sing the chorus again, Each line punctuated by the heavy bass drum. He stares down Adagio as he says.
"The war is won, Before it's begun. Release the doves, surrender love."
He turns & points to a few other students with similar green mist in their auras and says.
"The war is won, Before it's begun. Release the doves, surrender love." He looks at the rest of the students in the gym who are affected by the Dazzlings' magic & says.
"The war is won, Before it's begun. Release the doves, surrender love." He looks at all of them, The entire school, including the Dazzlings, and says.
"The war is won, before it's begun (Wave the white flag!), Release the doves, surrender love (Wave the white flag!)" He turns to Sunset and holds his hand out to her, And she grabs it and says as the rest of the music fades, leaving only the sound of Sterling's strong voice.
"Hey young blood, Doesn't it feel like our time is running out? I'm gonna change you like a remix, Then I'll raise you like a phoenix." Sterling holds Sunset's hand & looks at the Dazzlings with a triumphant look on his face as he says.
"Wearing our vintage misery. No, I think it looked a little better on me. I'm gonna change you like a remix, Then I'll raise you like a phoenix." He lifts Sunset's hand as he sings the final lyrics.
"Hey young blood, doesn't it feel like our time is running out? I'm gonna change you like a remix, Then I'll raise you like a phoenix." Sterling lets go of Sunset's hand, a look of pure victory in his eyes as he says the final lyric.
"Put on your war paint."
The lights come back on as the song ends, And Sterling puts his hands in the air, his face glowing with triumph. The gym is completely silent for a moment before the entire crowd erupts into a thunderous roar. Students are on their feet, cheering, whistling, and screaming for more. Sterling bows, A wide grin on his face. He turns to Sunset & high-fives her, And the two of them walk off the stage, their faces flushed with adrenaline.
The Dazzlings are speechless, Their usual smug expressions replaced with pure, unadulterated shock. They had never seen anything like this. A wave of confusion washes over them, But they still have a few cards to play, just as they did with the Rainbooms.
"So, What happens now?" Sunset asks, Looking at Sterling like she wants to kiss him as they both walk off stage.
Sterling & Sunset join the rest of the Rainbooms, Their faces glowing with excitement. The two of them have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with. The Dazzlings, Meanwhile are backstage, plotting their next move.
———
Eques-MLPER-1320; Time: Morning 8:52 PM, Location: Canterlot High School – Hallway.
——
After the Rainbooms finished singing, They walked down a hall, instruments & drumsticks in hand, with Spike leading the way. "I don't think we should use a classroom." Twilight says, As she unknowingly walking towards Flash until she walks into him from behind.
Her blush & embarrassed giggle are met by a very hairy eyeball aimed along the neck of his guitar. "We really need to stop bumping into each other like this," Twi says to Flash.
"Uh, You guys hear something?" Flash says, As the drummer says: "Uh-uh." & the Bassist says: "Uh, Nope…"
"I said, "We have to stop–"" Twi tries to say, Before being interrupted by Flash saying. "There it is again, So annoying." Flash said, As Twilight spoke.
"Why are you acting like this? I thought we were friends." Twilight says hurt from Flash's actions.
"Yeah, And then you decide to come back here just so you can beat me in the Battle of the Bands. I want this, Twilight, and you're trying to take it from me! Some friend." Flash said
"That's not why–" Twi tries to say, But Applejack stops her with a hand on her shoulder. "Come on, Twilight~" AJ says with a soothing tone, As The other Rainbooms move out.
"You really think you're gonna help them? Heh! I bet you–" But was interrupted by Sterling punching him in the mouth. "Shut the fuck! Big man to bully a young woman, You piece of shit & don't come to talk to Twi! Unless, it's an apology!" Sterling yells to Flash, As Sterling then walked away.
The smack of Sterling's fist on Flash Sentry's jaw echoed in the hall, A sound that cut through the low hum of the crowd. Flash stumbled back, Dropping his guitar with a clang as he clutched his face, his eyes wide with a mix of shock, pain, and fury. His two bandmates rushed to his side, Looking at Sterling with a mixture of disbelief & fear.
"You... you're gonna pay for that!" Flash spat, His words slurred.
Sterling took a step forward, His own jaw tight, but Applejack & Rainbow Dash were quicker. They each grabbed one of his arms, Pulling him back from the confrontation.
"Sterling, That's enough!" Applejack said firmly.
"Seriously, Man, not worth it," Rainbow Dash added, Her own expression a mix of awe & worry. "Let's go before a teacher sees!"
Twilight stood frozen for a second, A hand flying to her mouth. The hurt from Flash's words was still fresh, But now it was compounded by the fear that Sterling would get into serious trouble. She looked from Flash's pained face to Sterling's resolute one.
"Sterling... You didn't have to do that," She said, Her voice small.
"Yes, I did," Sterling replied, His gaze still fixed on Flash. "No one talks to you like that. Ever."
As the group pulled Sterling & Twilight away, Hurrying down the hall and putting distance between them and Flash Sentry, they didn't notice the three figures watching from the shadows near the gym entrance. Adagio Dazzle smiled a cruel, Knowing smile as the wisps of green negative energy, thick with anger and resentment, swirled from the scene and flowed directly into her pendant.
"Mmm, Feel that, girls?" She whispered to her sisters, her eyes gleaming. "Such exquisite negative energy. It's almost as good as a full-blown argument."
"I told you he was trouble," Aria said, a hungry look in her eyes. "He's making everything so much more... Calm?"
"Does this mean we get to fight him? I wanna fight him!" Sonata chimed in, Bouncing on her heels.
Adagio shushed her. "Patience, Sonata. This little display of force just handed us exactly what we needed. Now, Let's see what happens when the next act is disqualified."
The Rainbooms finally came to a stop in a quiet, Abandoned hallway. They found an old music room, dusty and forgotten, With a sign on the door that simply read "STORAGE." Rainbow Dash tried the handle, And it swung open with a groan.
"Looks like this'll work," Twi said, Relief in her voice. "We can set up in here & nobody'll bother us."
As they entered, Twilight turned to Sterling, Her expression a mix of gratitude & concern.
"Are you okay, Sterling? And your hand?"
Sterling flexed his fist, A slight grimace on his face. "I'm fine, Twi. He deserved it."
Applejack sighed, Setting her instrument case on a stack of old chairs. "I'm not gonna lie, Sugarcube, it was pretty satisfying to see him get knocked down a peg. But you gotta be careful, Sterling. You could get expelled for that."
"Yeah, But it was awesome!" Rainbow Dash said, Punching the air. "He totally had it coming after the way he talked to Twilight."
Pinkie Pie, Who had been unusually quiet since the altercation, suddenly bounced in place. "I'm just glad you're all okay! That was a super-duper serious moment, And I don't like those! Let's practice now & make it a happy one!"
Sunset Shimmer walked to the center of the room, Looking at the assembled instruments. "Pinkie's right. This is our last chance to get this right."
Twilight nodded, A determined look on her face. "We can do this. I know we can."
Sterling smiled, A more genuine one this time. He moved to the beat of his own drum, And she trusted that beat completely. "Just follow the beat of your heart, Remember?" He said, Winking at her. A blush crept across her cheeks, And she smiled back, her fear replaced with a newfound resolve. It was time to show everyone what they were made of.
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To be continued…
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