The next morning, Flash left Iron's house early with directions to Applejack's house in hand. Heather had gotten a text telling him the Rainbooms were gonna be there, so once he had breakfast, he was out the door. Luckily, Applejack didn't live that far from Iron, glad that it was similar to the distance of the acres back in Ponyville. But as he got there, his ears suddenly twitched.
"What the heck?!" he grumbled as he put his hands to his ears, his pace slowly following a piercing, painful sound. And as he traced it, he found an acre of apple trees along with a barn-like garage.
Gonna stomp our feet, clap our hands
With the magic of friendship
Gonna stop your evil plan
As the music thankfully came to an end, Flash leaned in to see the Rainbooms were the ones who'd been playing. Off to the side, Spike and Sunset were sitting by an amp, both showing looks of horror. "Uh..." the dog mumbled, "That sounded...way better than the last...five times you've played it. Heh heh..."
"Nope," Mac added as he walked by a an open window, making Spike let out a whimper.
"I agree with Mac. That was pretty bad," Flash finished as he walked in, catching everyone's attention.
Twilight shined a half-smile, "Oh good, you're here! Grab a guitar and let's get practicing this counter-spell."
Flash just shook his head. "I doubt me joining in right now would make the song any better. I don't know much about spells, but I'm pretty sure that one's not gonna work."
"I think it's pretty obvious what's going wrong with this counter-spell," Rainbow added with a confident smirk.
"You mean you turnin' what should be the chorus into a five-minute guitar solo?" Applejack asked sarcastically.
"I have to pick up the slack somehow!" Rainbow barked back, "Heck, are you girls even trying?!"
"I'm trying..." Fluttershy whispered.
"It's fine," Twilight interrupted, her tone being one that Flash recognized as her 'everything's a total disaster and I can't find a way to fix it' panic voice. She then let out nervous laugh, gripping the microphone again, "It'll be fine. One more time from the top!"
Everyone just glared at her, Rarity now speaking up, "Perhaps we could take a short break." She then reached behind some boxes and pulled out a rack of clothes, "Maybe we could try on some of the wardrobe choices I've put together?" She jumped behind it for a second, "I'm particularly fond of this one." She pushed the rack away to show she was now wearing a sparkling marching band costume before looking down at herself, "Hmm...of course, we could always go with something a bit more modern."
Applejack just face palmed at this, "We're tryin' to save our school here. Enough with the costumes!"
Flash nodded at this, only to here Rarity speak in a robotic voice. "Oh darling," he glanced back to see Rarity now in some kind of gold robot suit, "You can never have enough costumes!"
Flash gave a small nod. "If you have that in blue, I'm game for wearing it." Rarity turned to him with what Flash guessed was a smile on her face.
Applejack rolled her eyes again as Pinkie spoke up. "She just wants to make things fun!" Flash turned to her and saw she was leaning against her drums with a pout on her face. "Isn't that what being in a band supposed to be?!" She then played an angry rim-shot.
"You don't have time for any of this!" Sunset called out before the argument could go any further. "You're supposed to check in at the Battle of the Bands in fifteen minutes!"
Everyone, including Flash, gasped at this. "Oh no!" They all cried before everyone except Twilight started packing up their instruments.
"What?!" Twilight asked in shock, "But it's not ready! I was hoping we could get it done and practice between the first and second rounds so Flash could get out of his band and learn to play the song!"
"We got bigger things ta worry bout right now," Applejack told her. "If we don't get to the second round, havin' the counter-spell'll mean squat!"
"And Twilight doesn't know any of the other songs!" Rarity gasped in realization. "This is going to be a disaster!"
As everyone went wide-eyed at this, Flash walked in between them, "Everypon-er, everyone calm down! Panicking isn't gonna help us right now."
"So what do we do?" Fluttershy asked as she started twiddling her thumbs. "Twilight needs more time to work on the counter-spell, you need to get out of your band, and Twilight can't play any of our other songs!"
Before Flash could say anything, Rainbow spoke up, "Simple! We compete in the Battle of the Bands for real!" Everyone turned to her in shock, "I'll take over lead vocals again, and we stay alive until the finals! We unleash the counter-spell then!" She turned to Flash and Twilight, "You'll have figured it out by finals, right?"
Twilight gave her a half frown, only for Spike to suddenly walk up with a giant grin, "Of course she will! Twilight Sparkle's never met a problem she couldn't solve!" he looked back up at her. "Right, Twilight?"
"Right..." Twilight muttered out, Flash almost ready to facepalm at Spike's actions.
"Then let's go win us a Battle of the Bands!" Rainbow yelled before they all rushed out the garage.
As they did, Flash grabbed Sunset's shoulder. "Hey, can I borrow your journal? I need to send a message to Equestria." Sunset blinked in confusion at this, only to nod and reach into her bag before pulling out the book.
"Here...but why do you need to send a message?"
Flash just smiled as he opened his book. "If I want to be any help in stopping the Dazzlings, I'm gonna need a weapon I know how to use."
They arrived outside the school with only minutes to spare, the Royal Knights on the steps waiting for them.
"Took you long enough," Iron said before tossing Flash the guitar he had used at the Fall Formal.
Flash managed to catch it by the neck, but just smirked before tossing it back. "Give me a minute," he turned to the Rainbooms. "You girls head in." They nodded and walked in while Flash moved over to the portal. "Alright Sunset, showtime."
The bacon haired girl nodded before opening her journal and writing a single word. The Royal Knights all stared at him, only to notice the stone surface of the portal begin to wobble. Flash stared at it, a huge grin on his face. And as it continued to ripple, a blast of light shone out next, causing something to fly out of the portal.
One quick reflex of the wrist later, Flash caught the item, revealing it to be a certain red guitar. "Voilà," he said as he put the strap over his head, his fingers instantly playing a stream of notes on the strings. "Now that's more like it."
Sunset and the Royal Knights all gasped as they heard the sound come out of it, acknowledging it was like magic to their ears. The sight alone made Heather smirk, "This contest is as good as ours. Let's go boys!"
"Heck yeah!" Iron replied while pumping his fists.
With that, they went inside. And as they made their way through the first corridor, they spotted a dazed looking Grand Hoof walking around a corner. He quickly noticed Flash, making him smile, "Flash!" He then rushed over to them, "Thank the stars you're here! I saw Twilight walk into the gym and I figured you were around here somewhere..."
"Sorry Grand Hoof," First walked up and literally pushed him out of the way. "No time to talk. We have a battle to win!"
Grand stumbled back, his eyes wide as he was about to let out a yell...only for Flash to place a hand on his shoulder. Feeling this, he looked up and saw Flash glare at his bandmates. "You all go on ahead. I doubt we'll be first, so I'll be there once I'm done."
Iron grumbled, "you better be. Get done soon! We're gonna win this, and you better not make us lose!"
"I won't!" Flash yell back, only to get three glares back. "I'm serious!"
"Whatever..." Iron hissed as they quickly restarted their sprint through the school.
Once they were gone, Grand gave Flash a 100-yard stare. "What the heck is going on? I come here this morning and find that not only are we having a battle of the bands, but everyone's at each other's throats!"
"Wait...you're acting normal?" Sunset asked in response, causing Grand to glare at her.
"Did you do this?! I knew-"
"Hold it!" Flash raised his palm into Grand's face. "It's not Sunset. It's the three new students causing this whole problem. They're actually evil monsters from Equestria, and that's why me and Twilight are back. We've got to stop them before its too late."
Grand just raised his eyebrow at this, only for Sunset to walk in front of Flash. "Please, let me explain. I promise, its not me." Grand opened his mouth to reply, but then saw Flash shake his head. That alone made him close his mouth, sighing as he gave Sunset a nod. "Thank you. Now, it all started when those three girls came to our school..."
One quick rundown later...
"So now Flash and the Rainbooms need to use their magic in a song to counter them, which is why they're competing."
"I see...I think. Honestly, this magic stuff is too crazy for an old-timer like me." Grand grumbled as he crossed his arms. "I have never been so thrilled for a dentist appointment. I'm guessing I'd be under their spell too if I hadn't left before lunch. Is that right?"
Sunset replied with a nod. "Yes, but you need to be careful. I doubt the Siren's power is permanent, so they'll likely keep recasting it during the battle."
"So don't listen to it. At all." Flash added.
"Understood," the old man pulled out two small felt balls. "I have some earplugs that I use when I'm fixing the bells. They should keep me safe."
The two nodded as the overhead speakers called out. "Next up are the Rainbooms."
"We should get going," Flash told Sunset as Grand gave them a small nod. Seeing this, Flash and Sunset rushed to the gym, their ears picking up a song. But as their ears gathered the soundwaves, the duo grimaced as they walked inside, now seeing the song was halfway done. That, and looks of horror appeared on their faces as they stared at the gym's stage. "What the buck?!"
Rarity, who was dressed in an Indian vest with metal spikes poking out, seemed to be dancing around the stage while Fluttershy was trying to escape from a spotlight. Flash then looked up at the rafters above the stage, only for his face to switch to a glare as he spotted several students up there messing with them.
"What do we do?" Sunset asked with a low gulp.
"Not sure," Flash replied as he started to walk up to the stage. However, a large crowd was before him, causing him to slowly squeeze through like a worm, barely able to get up there as the song ended. That is, till he saw the sleeves of Rarity's costume start to rip off. "Oh no...that's not good."
It was here that the band turned to walk backstage, the principals being the only one to applaud. Flash and Sunset ran backstage as well to meet them, just in time to see a crying Rarity wail out. "Ruined! Absolutely ruined!"
Applejack just rolled her eyes, "Rarity, were ya tryin' to make us lose out there?!"
"Wh-" The fashionista turned to her, letting out a loud exaggerated gasp, "Oh, this was NOT my fault! This was an act of sabotage!"
Applejack continued to roll her eyes. "Yeah, well, whoever did this couldn't have done this if ya didn't insist on dressin' like...like...this!" She pointed at the destroyed costume, "We need to sound good, not play dress up! Is there some reason that concept seems to escape you?!"
Flash, Twilight, Sunset and Spike all shared a worried glance. Flash rubbed his head in slight frustration, knowing what would probably happen next. Walking between the bandmates, he raised his hands, "Come on girls," Flash spoke up to try and stop the argument. "We've got bigger things to worry about then-"
"And what was with all the confetti, Pinkie Pie?!" Flash turned to glare at Rainbow Dash as she interrupted him, her hands now pulling out the party material out of her guitar, "How am I supposed to shred if there's paper stuck in my frets?!"
"It was pretty distracting," Fluttershy added as she barely tapped her instrument.
"WHAT?!" Pinkie shrieked in horror before turning to glare at the shy teen. "Says the girl who was running from a light the whole time! A LIGHT!"
"Well, that may be true, but-"
Flash waved his hand between the two, "Stop it. Please. This is no time to argue."
"Yeah! Its time to make me look awesome!" Rainbow chimed in, only to glares from the others.
"Wrong thing to say right now Rainbow." Flash deadpanned as he stared at now glaring Rainbow Dash.
While this happened, Sunset walked over to Twilight, "You all did sound much better than most of the other bands, so I'm sure you'll make it to the next round...." She started twiddling her thumbs, "But it won't matter if you don't have that counter-spell ready."
"I know." Twilight replied as she let out a small sigh. "I'm still trying to figure it out. This counter-spell isn't...well, it isn't something that can just be conjured in a few seconds."
"Even if that's the case, we need to figure out something to stop them."
"Yeah..." Twilight stared at the floor, "I just need a little more time."
The statement made Sunset blink, a small idea forming in her head. "Okay. If you need that, you all need to find a place to practice where the sirens can't hear you. Flash and I'll keep an eye on things around here."
Flash heard this and turned to her, "Wait...I thought I'm supposed to lose."
Sunset shook her head. "I've been thinking about that. I saw the bracket and realised your band will end up facing the sirens before the Rainbooms. With everyone under their spell, I doubt you'll beat them no matter how well you play."
Twilight snapped her fingers at the statement. "Oh! I get it! As long as Flash is divided from us, the Dazzlings won't see us as a threat."
Sunset nodded in agreement. "So Flash should keep playing with the Royal Knights until you face the Dazzlings. That way, you can help keep an eye on them."
Flash put his hands behind his head, "Huh. Okay, that works for me."
"But won't Flash need to learn the counter-spell?" Rainbow asked Twilight, only to get a shake of her head in response.
"If we keep Flash's parts small, he'll be able to learn them quickly. Trust me on this, Flash is more musically inclined compared to me."
"She's right. I constantly play my guitar back home. I can learn by ear quickly." Flash added as he pointed at the group, "You girls go ahead and get going. Sunset and I will keep an eye on things here."
The Rainbooms nodded before leaving the gym, going into the hallway. There, Rainbow commented, "I don't think we should use a classroom."
"SPARKLE!" The group hopped in place at the sudden voice, making them turn to see the Royal Knights marching up to them. Iron, the one who had called out her name, stepped right in front of her, glaring daggers into her eyes. "Do us all a favor a go back to your world. Stop cheating and let Sentry focus on what's important!"
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Twilight replied as she slightly backpedaled.
"Don't play dumb with us," Heather hissed out next. "It's clear why you came back. The Rainbooms knew they couldn't handle us, so they brought you here to use your magic to make them sound better. Well, it's not gonna work."
"Our music will outshine your magic," First added as he gripped Flash's shoulder. "And you will not be taking Flash from our band."
"That's not what we're trying to do," Twilight interrupted. "We're trying to solve the problem happening to this school."
"The only problem is you and-"
Applejack took this moment to grab Twilight's shoulder and push her past the Royal Knights. "Come on, Twilight. Ignore those three, as we've got things to do."
As they walked off, Iron yelled back at them. "You really think you're gonna help them?! Ha! I bet you have no idea what you're even doing!"
And as they continued to walk, Applejack let go of the girl as they kept moving. Seeing this, Twilight's head slumped down, a small tear appearing in her eyes, "All I want to do is help..." She looked back up, now seeing her friends walk away, not even noticing her despair as they continued to bicker with each other. More water began to flow down her face as she whimpered out, "And I keep failing...why can't I get this?"
Her feet started to pick up again as she followed her angry friends, not noticing a trio watching her. The first of the three was Adagio, who was chuckling at the sight, "Tears already?" She turned to her sisters, "This is only the first round and we already have it in the bag."
Aria and Sonata laughed at this while an overhead speaker called out. "The next band to take the stage will be Trixie and the Illusions."
"Better head back," Adagio began to lead the two to the gym. "We're supposed to go on after Trixie."
But as they stepped around the corner, they came face to face with Sunset Shimmer. The former villain was glaring at them, her form leaning against a wall, "You're never gonna get away with this."
"Oh? Why not?" Adagio asked with fake curiosity, "Is it because you didn't?" Sunset's glare faltered for a moment at this, making Adagio giggle, "Surprised? You really shouldn't be. We know all about you Sunset Shimmer. You've got quite the reputation at Canterlot High."
Sunset's glare returned, only for the trio to start circling around her. "I'm nothing like that any more. I've changed! I'm in a much better place now!"
"Waiting in the wings while your friends have all the fun?" Aria pointed out as she leaned up to Sunset's face with a giant smirk.
Adagio nodded in agreement. "Oh yes, you girls are so...tight. And yet, they didn't ask you to be in the band."
Aria giggled at this, "HA! They're probably afraid no one would want to see them play if you were in the group."
Sunset opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Doubt now consumed her reflexes as she tried to think up a reply. That is, till another voice spoke up, "Too bad!" Sonata yelled as she popped up next to her,"So sad!"
"If it's any consolation," the Dazzlings stepped past her with Adagio and Sonata bumping her. "No one is going to remember you at all by the time we're done." With that, the trio walked into the gym, only to see Flash now glaring at them. But as this happened, Adagio just smirked, "Hey hot stuff. Once we're done, wanna hang out? My sister might have a thing for you."
Flash raised an eyebrow, only to see Sonata now giving him very suggestive looks. "Thanks, but I'll tell you the same thing I once told Sunset. My mother taught me to never date a girl who wears leather. Or is...well, a total nutcase." He then shifted his guitar downwards, making Adagio raise an eyebrow while Sonata pouted.
"Too bad for you," Adagio said as they walked by.
Aria then started pushing Sonata, Sonata pointing at him. "You...missed...out." She performed a Z-snap before they headed up on stage, Trixie now finishing her performance.
As they left, Flash turned back to Sunset. "You alright?"
Sunset just rubbed her arm as she leaned against a nearby wall, "I'm...not sure."
Flash glanced back at the stage, seeing his bandmates all yelling at another band for the moment. Seeing this opportunity, he walked up to the wall next to Sunset, "Wanna talk about it? We got a tiny amount of time."
Sunset let out another sight, "Do...do you really think the others didn't ask me to join because they were scared I'd make no one want to see them?"
Flash just started leaning against the wall, shrugging in response, "Hate to say it, but I don't know." This made Sunset grimace, but Flash continued, "I haven't been around these girls long enough to know that about them. But I do know they've forgiven you for what you did."
Sunset slowly looked up at him, "How...how can you be so sure?"
"Because even though they've lived very different lives, they're still just like the friends me and Twilight have in Equestria. Granted, I don't think I've seen them be this uncooperative, but...if there's one thing I know about them, it's that they're willing to forgive those if they show they're willing to change." He turned to give her a small smile, "And I think you're really trying to change. At least, of what I've seen. They can see that too, so they've definitely forgiven you."
Sunset wanted to smile, but her frown stayed on her face, "Well...what about you? Have you forgiven me...for the...um..." She pointed at her lips, then...downwards. This made Flash cross his legs a little.
"I admit, that was a dirty move." Flash looked away as he did a tiny gulp, "But...I've forgiven a both a unicorn and draconequus that have tried to kill me, so I think I can let it slide." He did a small shudder, "But please don't do that ever again. That was more pain that I've ever had before."
Sunset breathed a sigh of relief, slightly giggling at his honesty. It was here that they started to listen to the music the Dazzlings were playing. "Wish the rest of the school was as forgiving as you."
"Forgiveness isn't something you get for just saying you're sorry. You have to earn it. I should know."
Sunset raised an eyebrow at this. "What do you mean?"
Flash stared at the floor at this, "When I was a colt, before I met Twilight, I...I was nothing more than a thief. I spent all my days running through the Canterlot streets, stealing from everyplace I could."
"Why?" Sunset gasped, "Why were you...a thief? Aren't you a knight?"
Flash shook his head. "No, I wasn't always that. Back then, I thought it was the only way to survive." A small smile started to show itself on his face, "But...then I met Twilight. Her family...her family took me in, and I saw the truth. I saw....well, that thieving would've got me nowhere. And so, after her family took me in, I went to each and every place I stole from and apologized. Some of them accepted my apology, but others didn't...at first."
"So how did you make them forgive you?"
Flash laughed at her question, shaking his head, "I didn't 'make' them. I showed them I was worthy of being forgiven...mainly by working for them without pay. I didn't even have to be told this, I did it on my own. Whenever one of those places found themselves short staffed, I'd go and help out. I'd wash dishes, clean tables and even act as a waiter...which I did not do well in. Mainly because reading was...difficult for me. Thankfully, they eventually decided I had worked off my debt and they forgave me." He turned to Sunset with a big grin, "You need to earn their forgiveness through your actions. Even if it looks like everyone's against you, you need to keep pushing until you've shown them how you've changed."
"That sounds...hard."
"Nothing worth having comes easy," Flash replied, shrugging.
It was here that Heather walked over to him, "Flash! Come on, we're on next! We need to win!"
"Right..." Flash pushed off the wall and started to follow her. That is, till he came to a halt and glanced back at Sunset. "Just remember, your can't change the past...but that doesn't mean it defines you. Just leave the past in the past and focus on today."
"Who told you that one?"
Flash's face showed a small pink tint. "Twilight. She always teaches me the most important things."
With that, Flash walked away, Sunset slowly following him, "Wow...he really is lucky." She then whispered to herself, "My past does not define me? My past...is not today."
The hours passed as the battle continued.
The Rainbooms, Royal Knights, and Dazzlings all got through the first round, along with a bunch of lesser bands that were a little...less worse than their opponents. Round after round continued to pass, the Rainbooms having no issues of sabotage thanks to Flash heading up to the rafters while Sunset and Spike kept the stage clear of issues. Grand also helped out, patrolling the hallways and listening to the conversations of the bands that planned on sabotaging the Rainbooms. With his help, they managed to keep the rest of the girl's performances undisturbed.
Not everything was great though. Twilight was still having trouble finishing the spell while the rest of the band kept arguing over every minor thing. What's more, with each passing round, the Dazzling's influence increased along with the arguing.
And this was nowhere more apparent than when the Royal Knights faced off against them in the semifinals.
"NO!" Heather cried as Luna crossed out their band's emblem and moved the Dazzlings into the finals slot.
"How did this happen?!" First roared.
"I knew we shouldn't have played 'Count Up Yours Sins' twice!" Iron growled before turning to Flash. "And you, what the heck we you thinking when you missed that opening to the chorus?!"
"I didn't miss the opening," Flash barked back as he took off his guitar. "I played just as much as the rest of you, so don't get angry at me. We did our best."
"No we didn't Flash! We lost!" Heather screeched as she pointed at him, "The rest of us were fine, unlike you! Maybe if you didn't waste your time climbing up rafters to stare down your girlfriend's shirt, you could have practiced more and not cost us the whole thing, you-"
"Oh, that is it!" Flash turned around, his hand now severely gripping his guitar's neck. "I've been working tooth and nail for you guys and all you do is bark like a bunch of angry mules! We're all pulling our weight here, including me!"
"No, you're not! We lost Flash!" Iron yelled as he grabbed Flash's collar, "We're supposed to win, not be a bunch of losers! I'm not a loser!"
"Well too bad Iron, that's how it worked out!" Flash barked back as he swatted Iron's arm away, "We're done here, and I'm leaving!"
With that, he started to walk away, First then asking, "Where are you going?"
"To check on my friends!" Flash turned back with a glare, "You know what those are, right?! Even if you guys are under a spell, I never thought you'd let it turn you into monsters!"
The three said nothing back as he marched off, Grand quickly walking up to him as he pulled out his ear plugs. "A little harsh, don't you think?"
"I know, I know...I just..." Flash let out a long, angry sigh. "I figured maybe talking 'em down will help them snap out of it..." He looked back at his band-mates, only to see nothing but glares. "But it looks like I was wrong."
"Don't worry my boy," Grand patted him on the shoulder. "We have bigger issues to deal with."
"Right..." Flash gave him a nod as they headed backstage, both now spotting the Rainbooms talking.
"This is it!" Sunset cheered as she saw Flash walk in. "Last round and you're in the finals!" She then turned to Twilight, "Unless you think the counter-spell is ready to be played. Flash can play with you girls now."
"Strange that there isn't a rule stating only one band per person," Flash quoted as he glanced at Twilight, still seeing the look of uncertainty on her face. "Though I'm glad that's not a problem here..."
"Don't worry, Twilight." Applejack added while patting the princess's shoulder, "Finals aren't until tonight. We'll get in a little more practice before we're supposed to hit the stage. We won't let you down!"
The others all nodded in agreement, making Twilight smile...but as they turned away, her face morphed back into a frown. Seeing this, Flash tried to walk over to her, only to suddenly pushed away.
"Out of Trixie's way!" yelled a blue skinned girl as she ran past him, making Flash shake his head.
"Whoa...my world's Trixie's is definitely nicer," he commented as he got back up. "What the heck was that?!"
"Um..." he turned to the voice to see Fluttershy step up to Rainbow, "I was just wondering....we haven't played any of my songs yet, and-"
"It's the semifinals," Rainbow interrupted her. "We gotta do Awesome As I Wanna Be! Let's go girls!"
Rainbow and the others quickly rushed out, Fluttershy sighing as she followed them, "Don't know why I even asked."
Grand shook his head at the sight. "That girl doesn't realize the problems she's causing. They'll never be able to win unless they're all in sync."
"I know..." Flash grumbled in agreement. "But these kinds of issues are stuff we can't solve. I'm guessing they're gonna take time...time we don't have."
Grand nodded in agreement. "I'll go keep an eye on things in the hallway. You'd better get up to the rafters."
"Got it." Flash added as he went over to the ladder for the rafters, Grand turning to leave the gym. But as soon as he left, his ears picked up on something.
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh
Grand spun around to see the Dazzlings smiling at him, causing him to gasp as he realized he had forgotten to put his earplugs back in. But as he reached into his pocket, his whole body went stiff as the music took root.