//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: Bitter Memories and Sweet Music // by Bookpony579 //------------------------------// Saturday came with much excitement. Most of the Rainbooms had just arrived at the theatre along with the other schools performing. They got there a little early to have time to set up, get into costume, and just relax before going on. Soon enough though, waves of people were coming through the theatre, signaling that the contest was about to start soon. "Are ya finished yet Rarity? The show is going to start soon?" AJ asked as Rarity finished up on her makeup. "Almost..."Rarity mumbled as she finished the design. "...and done!" She stepped back, examined everyone and admired her work. "I must say, I think I have outdone myself." "You always say that." Rainbow pointed out as she admired herself in the mirror, silently admitting that Rarity had done a great job. The costumes were each big, bold and loud, and Rarity had painted unique symbols on each of their faces, the whole thing was reminiscent of records from their parents attics. Fluttershy peeked at the crowd behind the curtain and gulped. "Boy. T-there's so many people here tonight!" Pinkie hopped on top of her and peeked out too. "Look! The whole school's here to see us!" She pointed to where the students of CHS were seated. "And our families too!" She pointed to a few rows where the parents and siblings sat. "HI MOM! HI DAD! HI MAUD! HI-" Pinkie waved wildly to her family before being pulled back backstage by Sunset Shimmer. "Ssshh! I think the contest is starting!" Sunset said as she watched a monitor showcasing what was happening on stage. It showed the mayor walking up to a podium and addressing the audience. "Hello everyone, and welcome to the first ever Canterlot inter-school Battle of the Bands!" She waited for the round of applause to die down before continuing. "Ever since the...incident with the sirens, I've heard many concerns addressing musical competition or just any large gatherings of musical artists in general. This Battle of the Bands is meant to demonstrate that there is still friendly competition in music." "Yeah, right." Rainbow mumbled, recalling the Shadowbolts. "And we have also taken extra care to make sure there won't be any...unexpected infiltration this time. Now, each band was selected by their school to represent them and are considered the best that school has to offer. Throughout the show, me and several other judges,' Cute to a panes holding several people with an empty seat for the mayor,"will rate and compare the bands. After the final band plays, we will compare scores and decide the winner. The winning band's school will receive a generous cash prize to be spent on school actives and curriculum needs. We also like to thank you for coming, as each ticket purchased goes directly to education fund. Now without further ado, let the Battle of the Bands begin!" More applause. "First up, The Canterlot Magnet's official school band." With that, the mayor took a seat at the panel as the podium was moved as the first band took the stage and began to play. "Man! I can't believe we're the last ones on!" Rainbow complained. "I want to show the city how the Rainbooms rock!" "Be patient darling! This way, we get to finish the show with a bang!" Rarity giggled. AJ looked at the monitor showing the band playing. "Boy, first band and the competition already looks stiff." "Don't worry about them, you guys are going to be great." The girls turned and saw Flash Sentry approaching them. "Hey Flash!" AJ greeted warmly. "What are you doing here?" Sunset asked. "I just came by to wish you girls luck." Then he began rubbing the back of his head nervously. "And to check up on Twilight. She seemed a little upset when I talked to her yesterday. Is she alright?" The Rainbooms looked at each other with worry, having some idea about what he was talking about. "Well....she was super duper nervous about performing." Pinkie admitted. "The first day we rehearsed here, I thought she was going to faint!" Fluttershy chimed in. "But we thought it was just stage fright, or the fact that she was dealing with jerks from her old school." Sunset explained. "She did seem a bit annoyed yesterday too, but the rest of the week's been good. So we thought she was fine." "Now that we're on the subject." Rainbow began looking around. "Where is Twilight? I though she said she was coming with her parents." "Well, I saw them in the audience, so she must be here somewhere." Fluttershy concluded. "Well she better be here soon! She needs to get into makeup and costume!" Rarity exclaimed. "There she is!" Pinkie pointed to a familiar purple skinned girl walking towards them. "Twilight! There you are! We were worried about you!" Sunset explained as everyone rushed towards her. "Sorry guys. There was a bit of traffic getting here because of the contest and all. "Twilight explained. However, something sounded off... "Hey, what's wrong with your voice?" Pinkie asked. "It's sounds all sore and hoarsey." Twilight put on a sad smile as she explained while rubbing her throat. "Sorry girls, but I think I caught laryngitis last night. I don't think I can go on." She explained with a rough and cracking voice. "Are you kidding me!?" Rainbow exclaimed. "Right before the contest!?" She received a harsh elbow in the rib courtesy of Applejack. Glaring at her rainbow haired friend, Rarity walked up to Twilight and gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder. "Don't you worry about it darling. We all know this isn't your fault. You just go home and get some rest. I'm sure one of us can fill in for you." While the other girls were offering their sympathies, Sunset immediately sensed something was off. "Oh, so sorry to hear about that Twilight." Sunset said as she slowly walked towards her friend. "You know whats a great treatment for that?" "What?" "A good stomp on the foot." Sunset replied casually before stomping hard on her best friend's foot. This cause Twilight's eyes to immediately go wide as she let a yelp and began jumping up and down, clutching her aching foot. "Ow! What was that for!?" She yelled in a.......wait a minute.... "Glad to see your voice is back." Sunset replied casually, narrowing her eyes and crossing her arms. Twilight's eyes widened when she realized the ruse was up. "Oh...hey! Would you look at that..." She gave a nervous chuckle, noticing her friends flat looks. "What was that!?" Rainbow asked. "Twilight Sparkle, just what in Morrigan's name what is going on?" AJ demanded. Twilight looked around the room nervously, trying to find the right words. "Well...I just...you see..." "Is something going on over here?" Everyone turned around and Twilight went pale when she saw Principal Cinch and the Shadowbolts standing there.