//------------------------------// // Chapter - 6a - Rainbow Rocks! Part 1 // Story: Let's Rock 'n' Roll // by Hawker Hurricane //------------------------------// A few weeks had passed since Forte started at CHS. He’d settled in well and was thoroughly enjoying himself. Especially now he had genuine friends to hang out with, especially Sunset. There was a hive of activity in the auditorium. Several groups of students were working together on making posters for the upcoming musical showcase. Forte was with the girls when he noticed Sunset walk in. He watched her as she walked over to Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo. He couldn't hear what was being said but he did notice all the cold glares aimed at Sunset by the other students. "SUNSET SHIMMER OVER HERE!" Forte's heart skipped a beat. She can shout really loud. Sunset walked over to the gang, looking uncomfortable at all the glares the other students were giving her. Sunset sighed, "I had no idea the whole school would be here." "Quite the eye catching advertisement if I do say so myself," Rarity said as she lifted up the poster she and the other, including Forte, had been working on. "And it smells like cake." "It does?" asked Fluttershy. Pinkie pressed the poster into Fluttershy's face, leaving some icing on her nose. "I used frosting instead if paste." "Er Fluttershy, you've got a little something......er," Applejack said, pointing at her own face. Fluttershy rubbed her face, "Did I get it?" Applejack laughed, "Not exactly." Sunset used a tissue to wipe clean Fluttershy's face. As she did so Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna walked into the auditorium. "Good afternoon students," Celestia said, "I just wanted to tell you all how pleased I am that so many of you are going to participate in the first ever Canterlot High School Musical Showcase." There was cheering in the auditorium, the students were clearly excited and looking forward to the event. Celestia continued, "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to raise money for all our after school programmes here at CHS. So keep working on those signs and posters. I think it's going to be one of the most exciting events at CHS, since the Fall Formal." There was near silence as every head in the room turned towards Sunset, none of them looking pleased. An embarrassed Sunset slunk down the wall and onto the floor and buried her face into her lap. Forte felt like he should say something but didn't know what, so decided to remain silent. Sometimes silence is the best answer. It was the gang's free period and they were all in the music room, ironic given their music lesson was cancelled due to the teacher being ill and no replacement available. Sunset was sitting on a grand piano while the others were with their instruments around the room. “Ugh, I am never going to live that down,” Sunset groaned. “You were pretty bad at the fall formal,” Fluttershy said as she picked up a tambourine. “A demon, I turned into a raging She-Demon.” “And tried to turn everyone here into teenage zombies for your own personal army,” said Pinkie. “Oh darling, you have us. And we've forgiven you for your past….boo-boo’s.” “To be honest, I’d say the whole experience brought everyone at Canterlot High closer together than ever before." “ONE TWO THREE!” Pinkie said loudly, attenuating each word with a clap of her drumsticks. All the girls, sans Sunset, started singing. There was a time we were apart, but that's behind us now See how we've made a brand new start and the future's looking up, ah oh, ah oh And when you walk these halls, you feel it everywhere Yeah, we're the Wondercolts, forever! Ah oh, yeah! We are all together, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, oh Now it's better than ever, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, oh You can feel it, we are back And I'm so glad that we're better Better than ever! Wah-oh, oh wah-oh Oh yeah, we're better than ever! Wah-oh, oh wah-oh There was a time we could see past the differences That separated you and me and it left us on our own But now you walk these halls and friends are everywhere Yeah, we're the Wondercolts, forever! Ah oh, yeah! We are all together, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, oh Now it's better than ever, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, oh Now that we are back on track Yes, I'm so glad that we're better Better than ever! Wah-oh, oh wah-oh Oh yeah, we're better than ever! Wah-oh, oh wah-oh Oh yeah we're better than ever! Wah-oh, oh wah-oh Oh yeah, we're better than ever! Forte and Sunset, who'd been tapping her foot and clapping along with the music, started clapping once the band finished and their pony wings and ears disappeared. Forte laughed when the girls told him about the time they grew pony ears and wings. When they said they were being serious he laughed even harder. His laugh was a nervous one after their first demonstration. After that they told him of Sunset's past at CHS and what happened after Twilight arrived,he was intrigued to say the least. What he was told about Sunset didn't affect his opinion of her though. As far as he was concerned she made mistakes and was doing her best to make up for it. Rarity laughed as he put down her keytar, "I still can't believe that happens when we play. I've got to look into some accessories, something that looks good in a longer ponytail. OOH! Maybe some clip-on earrings when I get those adorable pony ears." "Ah just wonder why it happens. Princess Twilight took her crown back to Equestria, shouldn't that mean she took all the magic back with her?" "Who cares why it happens, it makes my band totally awesome!" "Your band?!" yelled Rarity. "Duh, it was my idea to start the Rainbooms so we could be in the showcase. Plus I'm the lead singer and guitarist." Before any more could be said there was a knock at the door. The door opened and in walked Flash Sentry. Forte quietly groaned. Idiot. "I heard you outside, you guys sound really tight." "We're getting there," Rainbow replied, "Rarity's still coming a little late on the 2nd verse and Applejack's base solo could use a little work. They'll get it together in time for the showcase." Rainbow was oblivious to the scowling of Applejack. Flash shifted uncomfortably, "I I don't suppose any of our friends.......from out of town might come? Er it being a special charity event and all." "Sorry Flash," said Applejack walking over to him, "I don't think Twilight's gonna be back at Canterlot High any time soon." Flash laughed nervously, "Yeah, OK. I just know....thought I'd ask. Keep on rocking it!" He walked backwards and collided with a wall before leaving. Idiot. "Well, someone's quite the smitten kitten," Rarity said amused at the sight. Almost immediately Rarity went wide eyed. Forte's attention though was on Sunset who suddenly looked downcast. "Oh Sorry," Rarity said turning to Sunset, "I always forget you and Flash used to be an item." That blue haired freak dated Sunset? How did Fucknozzle manage that? "It's OK," replied Sunset uncomfortably, "Flash is a great guy and all-" I beg to differ thought Forte. "-But I never really liked him liked him. I was just using him to be more popular." Sunset sighed and held her hands to her face, painful memories of her past going through her mind, "The old me really was awful wasn't she?" The girls reluctantly agreed. Forte put a comforting arm around Sunset, eliciting a smile from her. "But the important thing is you've turned yourself around," replied Applejack placing a comforting hand on Sunset's shoulder. "Thanks Applejack but I'm not sure everyone else at CHS feels the same way." Just then Vice Principal Luna could be heard through the PA, "Sunset Shimmer, please report to the main foyer." "Gotta run," Sunset replied to the others, "I volunteered to show some new students around the school. I thought they'd want to hear about the new me before they heard all the stuff about the old me." Sunset walked out giving the gang a small wave as she did so. After she left Rainbow turned to the others. "We've still got a few minutes before lunch starts. What d'ya say we do 'Awesome As I Wanne Be'." "Er Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy said timidly, holding up her notebook, "I was wondering if we could do a song I wrote?" "We'll get to it," Rainbow replied waving a hand dismissively. "Oh...OK," Fluttershy replied very quietly. Forte felt a pang of sympathy for Fluttershy. He'd read some of her songs and he felt they were pretty good. Rainbow can be stubborn and resistant to relinquishing control of the band. She's extremely talented but she needs to learn there are several other equally talented people in the band also. Except Sunset and Forte. They hadn't been asked yet. Sunset was reluctant to rush things in her redemption and Forte was still fairly new and didn't want to push his way in and rock the boat. The gang, and Sunset, were in the cafeteria having lunch. Forte decided on Bangers and Mash with a hot chocolate drink. "How long do you think Sunset will be?" asked Forte. "She shouldn't be too long," replied Rarity, "Why? Missing her already?" The other girls giggled. "Ha ha," replied Forte, "Very funny Rares. She's just a friend." "We never said she wasn't darling, though you should really ask her out soon though. The two of you are simply adorable together." Forte blushed. "Who's adorable together?" Forte blushed harder. "Hello Sunset," said Rarity, "I was just saying-" "How was the tour?" butted in Applejack. Forte breathed a sigh of relief, something not unnoticed by Applejack. "I don't know. I mean those girls, there was something off about them." "Like off like this," replied Pinkie, rearranging her hair to look like a full beard. "Or like this," she replied putting her hair back and placing carrots and lettuce on her face to look like teeth and eyebrows respectively. "Or or-" "Maybe we should just let her tell us," interrupted Rainbow. "That's just it," Sunset replied, "I can't put my finger on it. They just acted sort of...strange around me." Sunset slumped down, "Maybe someone already talked to them, told them what I did. Huh, so much for making a good first impression." Sunset buried her head into her arms, resting on the table. "Ah huh," replied Fluttershy before realising how it could sound, "Oh that's probably not it." The others gave her mixed facial responses: a raised eyebrow, a scowl, deadpan. Fluttershy, noticing the looks she was getting slunk down awkwardly into her seat. A few moments later the cafeteria doors burst open causing everyone to look. Three girls walked in who promptly started singing. [The Dazzlings] Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh [Adagio Dazzle] We heard you want to get together We heard you want to rock this school We've thought of something that is better Something that changes all the rules Why pretend we're all the same When some of us shine brighter? [Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk] Shine brighter [Adagio Dazzle] Here's a chance to find your flame Are you a loser or a fighter? [The Dazzlings] Me and you, you and me Why don't we see who is better? We don't have to be one and the same thing Oh, what's so wrong with a little competition? Are you afraid of failing the audition? [Adagio Dazzle] You're a star and you should know it Yeah, you rise above the rest It doesn't matter who you hurt If you're just proving you're the best [The Dazzlings] Ah, ahh-ahh-ahhh Battle! You wanna win it Let's have a battle, battle of the bands Let's have a battle, we'll go all in it Let's have a battle, battle, battle Battle of the bands [The Dazzlings and students] Battle! I can beat you! Battle! Ha! You wish! Battle! I so want this! Battle! Not if I get it first! [The Dazzlings and students] Me and you, you and me Why don't we see who is better? We don't have to be one and the same thing Oh, what's so wrong with a little competition? [Students] I'm going out and winning the audition [The Dazzlings and students] Battle! We wanna win it Let's have a battle, battle of the bands Let's have a battle, we'll go all in it Let's have a battle, battle, battle Battle of the bands! Forte and the girls watched bewildered at what they were seeing. "Oooooooh, they're that kind of off," Pinkie exclaimed. What the fuck fucking hell did I just watch? Is everyone in this school this bat-shit loopy or is this a special occasion? "Thank you for that flattering remark Forte, we really, truly appreciate it." Forte turned around to see a grumpy looking Rarity. A look matched by the other girls. Forte felt a sense of dread overcome him. "I said that out loud didn't I?" he asked nervously. The girls all murmured affirmatives, still grumpy. "Errrr....well....it was just an observation from...an outsider's perspective." "You're not an outsider though," replied Rarity, "You're a Canterlot Wondercolt." "Errr....sorry?" he offered half-heartedly. The girls sighed. "It's a good thing you're cute when you get panicky," Rarity replied, "Speaking of which. Sunset would you mind?" "Way ahead of you sister," Sunset replied placing something on Forte's head. Forte didn't need to touch what was placed there to know what they were. "Come on girls and Pony Boy- I mean Forte. Let's go to Principal Celestia's office now and tell her about those girls," Sunset said. Forte started to follow the girls out and whilst they weren't looking moved his hands to remove the pony ears. No sooner did his fingers touch them did he feel something grab his wrist. "Ah ah ah Forte," Pinkie said cheerily, "You just leave those cute little ears were they are." Forte lowered his hands. Pinkie, satisfied, bounced away. She was definitely in front of me with the girls. How did she get behind me without me seeing? "Because I'm Pinkie Pie." Forte jumped out of his skin and watched as Pinkie appeared from behind and bounced away......again. "Why do I get the feeling I'm going to experience more weird shit at this school?" he muttered to himself. He quickly caught up with the girls who were walking through the school corridors towards Celestia's office, Rainbow kicking a football around in the process. "Those three are definitely in possession of some kind of dark magic, how else could you explain what happened back there?" "Maybe there was something in the tacos," Forte amusingly suggested. The girls rolled their eyes. "Don't worry girls," Applejack said, "We'll tell Principal Celestia about and those girls will be kicked to the curb in no time. Last thing she needs is some CHS event ruined by some power crazed lunatic." Applejack went wide eyed as she realised what she just said and who was with her. "No offence," she added, turning to Sunset. Sunset sighed, "None taken." The girls and Forte were inside Celestia's office, her sister was also present. "Yes students, is there something we can do for you?" asked Celestia. "Maybe," replied Sunset, "We came to tell you there's something up with the new girls." The two sisters looked at each other. "Please enlighten us Sunset," replied Luna. "Well just now in the cafeteria the three new girls came in and started singing. As they did so everyone else in the cafeteria started arguing. We think they're using some kind of dark magic for nefarious purposes." Celestia got up and walked over to the window. Creating a gap between the blinds with her fingers she narrowed her eyes skeptically and spoke firmly. "Dark magic? I find that very hard to believe. Those girls came into my office earlier and were absolutely delightful." Luna scoffed, "Perhaps Sunset Shimmer is just eager to make someone else out to be a bad element, so her actions at the Fall Formal will become...old news." Sunset began to rub the back of her neck in discomfort at the insinuation, "I can see why you might think that-" "That's not what's happening," Rainbow interrupted, "We saw this go down in the cafeteria to." The two sisters looked at each other and scrunched their noses. "Yes but isn't your band supposed to be part of the musical showcase?" asked Celestia. Rainbow clenched her teeth, knowing where this conversation was going, "Yes." "Perhaps you're just worried that The Dazzlings will steal your spotlight," Luna said accusingly. "The Dazzlings?" asked Applejack. "It's the name of their musical group. That's why they came by my office earlier to sign up for the showcase. Even singing a song to Vice Principal Luna and I." "They did?" "Yes, and we think having a battle of the bands is a marvellous idea." Just then the eyes of the two sisters glowed green momentarily, sending a shiver up the spines of the gang. They each looked at each other uncomfortably, the girls getting the sense of deja vu. "We'll look forward to it," Forte said, trying to break the awkward silence, "Thanks for letting us talk to you Principal." "You're welcome Forte. Now if there's nothing else I shall see you until next time." Forte and the gang all left the office and made their way to the Wondercolt Statue where they could talk unheard. "I can't believe they got to Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna too," Fluttershy said worryingly. "They've gotten to everybody," Rainbow added. "Not everybody!" "Pinkie Pie's right. We were there when the Dazzlings were singing and we weren't affected. It was like we were protected somehow," Applejack said. "So let's take them down!" Rainbow said passionately whilst balancing a football on her head, "It's not like we haven't tangled with dark magic before and totally whooped its sorry butt!" Rainbow's eyes widened and she looked to Sunset, "Er...no offence." Sunset sighed "None taken.....again." "But that was when Twilight was here," Fluttershy countered, "There may be some kind of magic inside us but it only comes out when we play music. I sure don't know how to use it to...whoop anybody's butt." "If only we could get a message to Twilight," Rarity said, "Maybe she could tell us how to break the spell the Dazzlings have cast on our friends." "Well that's not going to happen," Rainbow replied, "The portal's closed." Rainbow through the football at the statue to prove her point, unintentionally causing Rarity to get a nail varnish to spill down her arm, her face contorting into pure, unbridled rage. "And I get the feeling they don't exactly have mobile phones where she's from." Sunset was deep in thought, Rainbow's comment got her thinking of something. Something at the forefront of her mind. Her eyes lit up when she remembered an artefact in her possession. One she's not used in a long time. "I have an idea how we might get in touch with Princess Twilight." Sunset quickly made her way back into the school, quickly followed by Forte and the other girls. They followed her to her locker and after rummaging around a few moments she pulled out an old looking book. "When I was Princess Celestia's student back in Equestria she gave me this. Even after I abandoned my studies I held onto it. Deep down I guess I knew I was making a big mistake." Sunset's held the book close to her chase and held back tears at the painful memories of her past. Forte put a consoling arm around her bringing out a bright smile from Sunset. "But I wanted a way to still reach out to her," she said as opened the book and flipped through the pages to an empty page, "Maybe it still works." "That's a book darling, what do you mean 'maybe it still works'?" "It used to be if I wrote something here it would also appear in a book back in Princess Celestia's library. I can get a message to her and she can get a message to Princess Twilight." Forte had already gotten out a pen for her to use and handed it to Sunset. "Thank you kindly Pony Boy," she replied teasingly with a smile. Sunset started to put the pen to paper and recited aloud what she was writing. "It's been a long time since I used these words, dear Princess Celestia......" The hebdomad were sitting around the Wondercolt Statue, bored senseless in waiting for Twilight to appear. Good thing school had finished and the weather was nice. "I'm starting to think she's not coming," Rainbow said tiredly. As if on cue the portal flashed white and out popped two familiar looking beings, except to Forte. "TWILIGHT!" the girls shouted in unison. Twilight got up off the ground and rubbed her head, "I'm back." She saw an outstretched hand and went take it, only to realise who's hand it was. Twilight was hesitant at first but after a few seconds took her hand and let Sunset help her up. The other girls ran over to them whilst Forte remained behind and discreetly removed his pony ears. He felt it would be awkward considering who this Twilight was, or more accurately, what she is. "I've got some bad news about those new girls," Twilight said seriously. Twilight finally noticed Forte. She leaned closer to Sunset and pointed at him. "Do you know this guy?" she whispered. "Yeah, he's Forte. He started CHS not long after you left," she whispered back before looking at him, "Hey Forte come over here, we'll introduce you to Twilight!" Forte slowly walked over, a little nervous at meeting her. He stopped a couple of feet in front of her and nervously rubbed the back of his neck and avoiding eye contact. "H-hey," he stuttered, "Y-you must be Twilight." Twilight smiled and held out her hand, "I am. It's a pleasure to meet you Forte." Forte was a little surprised at her response. He didn't expect her to be so forward considering she's royalty. He politely accepted her outstretched hand and shook it politely. "Likewise Twilight- I mean Princess Twilight." Twilight blushed, "No it's OK, I prefer just my name. I'm still not used to being a Princess so being called that sounds foreign to me." "A recent promotion?" "You could say that." "So are we gonna stand here or shall we head to Sugarcube Corner?" asked Rainbow. They decided unanimously on Sugarcube Corner. Forte was sitting with the girls and Twilight. And her talking dog. He nearly shit himself when the dog, Spike, spoke. He definitely wasn't expecting it, but somehow managed to accept it quickly. He was drinking an extra large banana milkshake when Rarity began talking again. "Oh, I do hate that you had to return at a time of crisis. There's so much catching up to do!" "For starters, a certain blue-haired guitar player was just askin' about you." Twilight beamed with joy, "Flash Sentry was asking about me?!" Twiddling her hair, she realised almost straight away how she reacted and made a vain attempt to save face by clearing her throat and acting nonchalant, "Isn't that nice?" "Perhaps you would give us just the slightest bit of gossip from your world?" Rarity asked. Spike took the opportunity to answer for her, "She's got an official title now. The Princess of Friendship!" "Wow, that's really impressive. Guess you really were Princess Celestia's prized pupil," Sunset said. "She's even got her own castle." "A castle?! You have your own castle?!?" Rarity exclaimed, getting into Twilight's face and accidentally spilling her drink on her, "Eh...Ooh, uh, lovely." Rarity helped clean Twilight's blouse with a handkerchief, slightly red in the face from what just happened. "What's new here? I mean, besides your school becoming the target of dangerous magical creatures from Equestria?" The girls and Forte looked at each other waiting for each other to answer. Rainbow took her foot off the table and sat forward, taking out her phone. "Yeah, so, that isn't exactly the only strange thing that's happened since you left. Pretty sweet, huh? It happens to all of us when we play." Rainbow held her phone put and showed Twilight a video of when she pony-ups. Twilight watched with fascination. Both at the video and the device Rainbow had, thought she saw them in her last venture she still couldn't quite believe the device could do so much. Twilight watched the video and saw what appeared to be Rainbow transforming into a pony-human hybrid. Her human ears were replaced with pony ears and she grew a pair of wings. Her hair also extended itself. All seemingly done by magic. "Pretty sweet, huh? It happens to all of us when we play. Except Forte and Sunset, but they don't play in my band so I don't know about them." "Hmm. My crown was returned to Equestria, but some of its magic must have remained here at Canterlot High. Now that we're all back together, we can use that magic on the sirens. Just like when we were able to use it on Sunset Shimmer when she turned into that horrifyingly awful winged monster!", Twilight looked to Sunset, "No offence." Sunset sighed, "None taken. Heh. I'm used to it." "They'll never even know what hit 'em!" Rainbow said as she began doing karate kicks and accompanying 'Kiai' shouts. One 'attack' went towards Applejack who gently held her fist, " We've got nothin' to worry about now that Twilight's back." "Oh, I'm pretty sure I could find something to worry about. But it won't be the sirens," Fluttershy said timidly. "The sooner we do this, the better. Any idea where the Dazzlings might be?" asked Twilight. Pinkie sipped milkshake through her straw, quickly finishing it, "There's a big party tonight for all the bands who signed up to be in the showcase! That would include the Dazzlings." "Looks like we've got a party to crash." "Before we all go I just have a question?" said Forte. "Sure, what do you want to ask?" asked Sunset. "Why wasn't I affected by the Dazzlings? I should have been shouldn't I? I mean I wasn't here when the Fall Formal occurred so I wouldn't have this...magical shielding or whatever you want to call it protecting me." "Now that you mention it," Applejack started, "That's a fair point. Twilight, d'ya have any idea?" Everyone looked at Twilight who seem lost in thought. "I'm not sure," she replied, "But there will be a reason. Don't worry though, we'll find out." Forte and Co were in the school gym with other competing bands. Sunset and Forte were on the sidelines with Spike, who was being held in Forte's arms, watching their mutual friends. "So Spike," Forte said nervously, unaccustomed to talking to a talking dog, "What's it like where you're from?" "Oh it's not too bad. It's a bit like this place, only not as technologically advanced and ponies instead of humans." Forte froze. "Ponies?" he asked nervously, slowly turning his head to look at Sunset. Who had a shit eating grin on show. "Yeah, ponies. Lots and lots of ponies." Forte looked to Sunset again who was now wearing her own pony-ears headband. She was deliberately playing with the ears knowing Forte was looking at her. She looked down to see Forte with a deadpan expression. She managed to stifle a giggle and stuck her tongue out playfully. "Sounds nice," Forte said flatly, "I'll have to visit sometime." "Maybe, I'm sure Twilight wouldn't mind. You would turn into a pony though, going through the mirror." "Ah" he replied simply, going beet red in embarrassment. I get the feeling that Sunset is going to make a comment in regards to me liking wearing- "Forte will love it in Equestria. He likes ponies." "Oh, well that's great!" Spike exclaimed. "Especially pony ears." Forte quickly turned his head to Sunset who slowly turned her head to him with a big, cheesy grin. "Sunset's from Equestria," Spike said. "Sunset's from Equestria?" Forte repeated, "Does that mean she's actually..?" "A pony? Yeah, I am," Sunset said walking up to Forte, "That doesn't bother you does it?" Forte shook his head shakily, "N-n-no, I'm surprised and it explains a few things but no I'm not fussed about it." Forte was going red in the face from embarrassment. He remembered a few weeks ago when Sunset was at his home for tea, saying to her 'Now who's cute Pony Girl'. As it turns out she actually is a pony girl. "That's great," Sunset said with a smile, "It means a lot to me to hear you say that." Sunset leaned in to Forte and gave him a hug and a light kiss on his cheek. Forte blushed, "You're welcome." The two turned their attention back to what was happening in the centre of the gym. Twilight and the girls were stood in the centre circle and holding hands. "FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC!" ........ ........ Nothing happened. "That was awkward," Sunset whispered to Forte. "Should we do something or make a strategic withdrawal?" whispered Forte back. "Let's just hold on for now," she whispered. The silence was broken by the leader of the Dazzlings, "Talk about throwing down the gauntlet! This group is obviously serious about winning! A little cocky though, aren't they? Claiming there won't really be a battle. Seems they think they've already got this thing all locked up." Forte and Sunset watched as the girls started whispering amongst themselves, awkward glances still aimed their way. The girls started walking towards the exit, followed by Sunset, Spike and Forte. The group kept walking and onwards out of the front entrance, sitting themselves down on the front steps. "It doesn't make any sense. I should have been able to create the spark that would help us break their spell. That's how it worked before," Twilight said pacing around. "But to defeat me, you drew magic from the crown I was wearing. The sirens' magic comes from their music. So maybe you have to use the same kind of magic to defeat them. Or... maybe not." Twilight smiled and walked towards Sunset, "No. I think you're onto something." "Really?" Sunset asked in surprise. Twilight nodded, "It's when you play music that you transform now, right?" "Yup. Ears, tails, the whole shebang." "Except me and Sunset, but we haven't played......yet." "Hmm....let's not rule it out though and playing music maybe the way to defeat the sirens, a musical counter-spell." "You mean like a song?" asked Fluttershy. "Uh-huh. And in order to free everyone who's been exposed to the siren's' spell, we'll need them all to hear it." Everyone went deep in thought as to how they could get everyone who's been exposed to the sirens to hear them play. Rarity gasped, "The band competition! That's the next time we can be certain everyone will be in the same place at the same time." "Guess the Rainbooms are the band to beat," Applejack stated. "And I believe you, Twilight, just became the Rainbooms' newest member," Rarity said. Twilight was caught off guard with this statement and her face was that of unease. The girls, sans Sunset, made their way over to Twilight laughing and talking all at the same time; congratulating Twilight on her new position. Pinkie excitedly appeared in front of Twilight, "So, what do you want to play?" In the blink of an eye she pulled out a musical instrument, "Triangle?" She jingled the triangle before disappearing and reappearing in a split second with another instrument, "Sousaphone?" Pinkie blew into it, letting off a foghorn blast that blew Twilight’s hair back. Once more she disappeared and reappeared instantly, again with a different instrument. "Theremin?" She began to play a spooky, otherworldly tune for a few seconds. "So magical," Pinkie said in a relaxed manner. Twilight wriggled her fingers, "I might take a little too long to learn how to play something with these. I'll just sing." Rainbow walked over to Twilight and gently rested her elbows on her shoulders, "Like, as in 'lead singer'? 'Cause that’s usually my gig. This being my band and all." "It's our band," Applejack replied firmly, "And of course, as lead singer she's the one with the magical know-how to help us pull this thing off." "Okay, yeah, that’s cool. I’ll just use this as a chance to hone my already insanely good lead guitar skills," Rainbow replied imitating playing a guitar. "It's only temporary. And we don't have to win the Battle of the Bands. We just have to perform during the first round of the competition." "So let's get to learning that musical counter-spell!" Rainbow said, clenching a fist in determination. "Well, that’s just it. I don't know any." The girls' enthusiasm evaporated at the disappointing setback. Twilight though, was quick to realise and was just as quick to offer reassurance. "But I'm sure I could figure out how to write one." "Totally!" said Spike as he ran up to Twilight, "She can write a spell like it’s nobody's business. That's pretty much how she got to become a princess in Equestria." "Technically, I helped finish a spell, and there was a little more to it than that, Spike." "Yeah, whatever," he replied, not surprised at Twilight's modesty. "I've got this," Twilight replied picking Spike up, "Come on." Twilight began to run towards the school entrance much to everyone's confusion. "Where are you goin'?" asked Applejack. "Well, last time we were here, Spike and I spent the night in the library." "Are you crazy?" screamed Pinkie as she hugged Twilight and Spike, "We're besties now! Come on girls! Slumber party at my house!" All the girls rushed off to Pinkie's, leaving Forte alone on the school steps. "I guess I'm not invited," he said to himself. Sighing deeply, he got up and began walking home, in solitude, alone, on his own. He looked at his watch and saw it was around 5.30pm. Rather than go home for tea, he decided instead to go into town for a takeaway. He took out his phone and texted his mum, letting her know what he was doing. Hi mum, just letting you know the after-school party finished. I'm getting something for tea in town. I'll see you later. A minute later his phone buzzed and showed he had a reply from his mother. OK sweetie, try not to be too late back though. I'll see you later. Love Mum. Forte put his phone back in his pocket and carried on walking down the street, the temperature surprisingly warm considering winter was fast approaching. He was walking quite fast and it wasn't long before he was in the city centre, a lot of people still out and about going about their business. Forte decided to go to the new KFC that just opened in the city centre. He walked inside and the place was reasonably busy but there was still tables available. He joined the queue and patiently waited until it was his turn to be served. He thought back to what happened outside the school not more than an hour ago. I know I didn't say anything but did they really forget I was there? Pinkie clearly said, 'come on GIRLS'. I'm not a girl so technically I wasn't invited over. OK Spike's with them and he's not a girl but he's a dog so that doesn't count. I'll just not say anything on the matter and see what happens, see if they say anything. Forte came out of his inner thoughts just in time before he was called over to a server. "Hello sir what can I get for you today?" she asked. "Mighty Bucket For One please." "Certainly sir, what drink would you like?" "Pepsi Max please." "Certainly sir, is there anything else you would like to order?" "No thanks." "OK that'll be $6.19 please." Forte handed over a $10 note and received his change. "Here's your change and your order will be with you shortly." "Thank you." "You're welcome." Forte wasn't waiting long before his meal arrived. He found an empty stool at a bench in front of the window overlooking the street. He took out one of the chicken wings and began to eat. Oh fuck me that tastes so good. He devoured the chicken wing in little time and quickly went for the next one. I wonder what the girls are doing? MEANWHILE IN PINKIE'S HOUSE "Status update, okie-dokie-lokie!" Applejack and Rainbow were competing against each other on Pinkie's Xbox One. Rainbow's face contorted in frustration as Applejack was gaining the upper hand. Before Applejack could claim victory, Rainbow turned off the console. "Hey! I was about to beat you!" "I doubt it," Rainbow replied rolling her eyes, "So, Twilight, how is that counterspell coming?" Twilight, startled, fumbled with the book, "Huh? Oh, uh, good. Great. Thanks for letting me use your notebook, Fluttershy. I really like the song you wrote for the Rainbooms." "Thanks," she replied with a sad sigh, "Hopefully one day we’ll get a chance to play it." "Hey!" Applejack yelled. Rainbow was teasing Applejack by holding her controller out of her reach, laughing in the process. Rarity got up and went to sit on the bed next to Twilight, "Twilight, I think I speak for all of us when I say; I don’t know what we would have done if you hadn't come back to help us." The girls, except Twilight, all responded positively in support of their friend. Before any more could be said, the doorbell rang. "Pizza's here!" Pinkie said ecstatically. The girls, except for Twilight, bolted out of the room at a speed that would leave Olympic 100 M runner impressed. A glum looking Twilight put the notebook down and zones out in deep thought. She picks the notebook up again for another look. Inside are notes and scribbles of various kinds. One of the doodles shows Twilight zapping the Dazzlings with magical lightning bolts. Other scribbles include musical notes and staves. Twilight sighs again and puts the book back down. Before she could do anything else, Pinkie burst back into the room with pizza hanging form her mouth. "Don't you want any pizza?" Twilight nodded and put the notebook in the bedside drawer as Pinkie walked away. As Twilight walked towards the door, a thought occurred to her. Wasn't there a guy with us before? BACK IN THE CITY CENTRE Forte had finished his meal with only a few crumbs left in the bottom of the box. Nice meal, I would have preferred to spend the night with the girls and their other friend but......what's it matter. I'll see them tomorrow. He got up from the stool and headed for the exit, putting his rubbish in the bin on the way. He had nothing else to do so he decided to just head home and play on his Xbox. He had an uneventful walk home that took around 20 minutes. He walked in through the front door, took his shoes and coat off and went into the front room where his mother was watching TV. "Hi Mum." "Hi sweetie, did you enjoy your meal out?" "Yeah it great. I went to KFC." "Did you go with your friends?" "N-no, I went on my own. They all headed to Pinkie's for a slumber party." "Didn't you want to join them?" "I wasn't invited," Forte said flatly. "Are you sure?" "Positive. 'Come on girls, slumber party at my house' implies girls only. I'm not a girl so I took that as not being invited." "I'm sure they won't have meant it." "They haven't text or rang me to see why I'm not there, or they've not noticed." "Well......I wouldn't worry about it too much, I'm sure there's a valid reason why." "Well they do have another friend over from out of town." "Twilight?" "Yeah," Forte replied glumly. Fioritura looked at her son sympathetically, "It's Sunset you're missing isn't it?" Forte looked at his mother like a rabbit in headlights, "How did you know?" "I'm your mother, that and I was your age once." "I just......I like being with her," he said downcast as he sat next to his mother. Fioritura wrapped an arm around Forte consolingly, "I know you do sweetie, and it's great you've found a girl you enjoy being with. But you need to remember to give her some space and that girls sometimes need a little girl time." "Yeah I suppose so," he replied, sighing, "I'm off to my room, going to play on my Xbox." "OK sweetie, have fun." Fioritura gave her son a quick hug before he went up to his room. Forte entered his room and switched on his TV and Xbox One. He inserted the GTA V game disc and waited for the game to load. As that was happening he quickly changed into some nightwear and took a bottle of banana milkshake out of his mini fridge. The game finally loaded and Forte began to play. As he played he couldn't help but feel a little upset over being ignored earlier by the girls. He accepted he could've caught up with them and asked them but instead he remained sitting there on the steps, not one of them noticed or later on text or rang him. He thought they would have given his notable absence. He tried not to dwell on it too much but he couldn't shake the feelings from his head. Not able to concentrate properly on the game any more he switched it off and switched to the TV instead. He flicked through the channels and found some football was on, Vanhoover Whitecaps against Trottingham Forest. They had just started the game and Trottingham Forest were already 1-0 up. Forte laid back on his bed and made himself comfortable for the match. He grabbed hold of his Surface Pro 4 (with the highest specs available) and loaded up his MyStable account. He looked at the timeline and found his friends had been posting updates. One from Pinkie being nothing more than 'Okie dokie lokie'. Some other updates showed them all eating Pizza, playing on Pinkie's Xbox, Rarity brushing Fluttershy's hair. But no mention of him. Forte decided to post an update. He took a selfie of himself watching the game and some of his snacks from his mini fridge. Me. Food. Football. Alone together. A perfect match. He uploaded the photo and posted the update before logging off and going to a different social media website, Prattle. There users can post 'Prattles' up to 140 characters in length. Forte had a respectable 1,066 followers. Should people know who he actually is and it would probably be higher. Being the son of the woman who wrote scores for Daring Do films and songs for Countess Coloratura you could expect to have a following for that alone. He selected the hash-tag related to the game and read some of the Prattles other user were posting. Some users were very opinionated. He posted Prattles commenting on the game as it was happening, getting into discussions with other users in the process. He thought about checking his MyStable account to see if he'd had any responses to his status update but decided against it. He'd check it tomorrow morning before school. It would be an interesting day.