It was now nighttime, and the Crystal Ball was in full swing.
Timber Spruce's heart beat rapidly as he felt chills throughout his body. He wasn't going to ask Twilight out until after the Rainbooms' performance, but he already felt very nervous! He took a deep breath, then shuddered.
You're going to get rejected.
Timber shook his head. He had to ignore those negative thoughts and focus on what he'd say to Twilight.
...What would Timber say to her, exactly? How would he say it?
Twilight Sparkle, you're an amazing woman... would you like to go out with me?
No... that might come off as a bit too strong. Or would it? Timber shook his head again. He didn't want to take that risk.
Hey... Twilight? Wanna go on a date?
No... he growled in frustration. Why was this so hard?!
Twilight giggled. "Timber, I'm flattered... but I'm already spoken for."
Timber's eyes widened. No. He didn't want that to be the case! He didn't know what he'd do with himself if got turned down! Twilight came around at such a good time, it was almost too good to be true... and he hoped to the Universe it wasn't.
Twilight Sparkle paced back and forth backstage, pulling at her hair. This was going to be her first time performing as a Rainboom, and she was freaking out!
"Hydrogen, helium, lithium..."
Sunset raised an eyebrow as she walked towards Twilight.
"Beryllium, boron, carbon..."
"Twi," Sunset said softly.
"Nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine..."
Sunset blinked. "Are you... are you reciting the Periodic Table of Elements?"
"Neon, sodium, magnesium..." Twilight paused for a moment, then nodded. "It... helps me calm down. Sometimes. Aluminium, silicon, phosphorus..."
Rainbow went wide-eyed. "Reciting it by memory? Geez, you know everything."
"I don't know everything," Twilight said. "I just know what I know. Sulfur, chlorine, argon..."
"Ya nervous about goin' on stage an' singin'," Applejack asked.
Twilight nodded again. "Potassium, calcium, scandium..."
"Potassium's an element," Pinkie asked in genuine surprise.
"Guys, we need to focus," Sunset said, then put a supportive hand on Twilight's shoulder. "Twilight," she said softly. "It's going to be okay. We're all going to go on stage together."
"B-But what if we mess up? What if I mess up," Twilight said shakily.
"If we mess up, it won't be the end of the world." Sunset gave Twilight a reassuring smile. "It's a part of life."
Twilight slowly but surely began to relax, then sighed. "I just couldn't help myself, Sunset. Crystal Prep's high-pressure, winner-take-all mentality has left an indelible mark on my psyche."
"We'll help you through it," Pinkie chirped.
Everyone else sounded off in agreement.
Twilight smiled. "Thanks, guys. I needed that."
"It's what we're here for," Sunset said.
"Um... do you all think we should get on stage," Fluttershy asked.
"In a minute or two, I reckon," Applejack said.
Twilight closed her eyes and listened to the crowd milling about, thankful that her nerves were no longer affecting her focus.
Gloriosa Daisy was gritting her teeth. She had just seen Filthy Rich enter the cave, and he was the absolute last person she wanted to see! She knew he'd show up, but had hoped against hope that he wouldn't. Him arriving could be a good thing, however. If enough money was raised, she could rub it in is smug face! But if they didn't raise enough...
Gloriosa shuddered. That would mean Filthy would rub it in her face, and Camp Everfree would be doomed despite everyone's best efforts! She could not let that happen... but what more could she possibly do? Everyone that was invited was here, and that was a good sign, but she needed some reassurance!
Gloriosa began searching the crowd for Timber, keeping an eye out for Filthy Rich as she walked around. She didn't have the time, energy or patience to deal with that bastard right now! As each moment passed, her heart began to pound as the fear of failure slowly took hold of herself.
"...Glory?"
Gloriosa stopped in her tracks, then turned to face Timber. She hugged him as tightly as she could.
Timber returned the hug as tightly as possible. "Are you nervous too?"
Gloriosa nodded, then sighed and closed her eyes. "I-I don't want to lose this place, Timber. It means too much to the both of us!"
"I don't want to either, Glory."
"What are we going to do if this whole thing falls through?"
Timber stood still for a moment, racking his brain for an answer that would calm not just Gloriosa's nerves, but his own as well. After some mental deliberation, he made a tough decision.
"...I don't know," Timber said softly.
Sunset checked her phone, then looked to her friends. "All right guys, are we ready to do this?"
"YEAH!"
"Then let's go!"
Everyone rushed on stage. The audience took notice and applauded.
"Uh... Glory," Timber tapped her on the head.
Gloriosa's eyes shot open and she yelped. "Talk later?"
Timber nodded, then watched his sister make a mad dash for the stage. Once he knew she was out of sight, he allowed a stray tear to drop. He and Gloriosa were both worried, but he didn't want her to see how scared he truly was.
Just the fact that losing their home was a very possible reality made Timber feel sick to his stomach. He didn't know if he'd be able to even live with himself if that happened! As he watched Gloriosa get on stage and grab the microphone, one thought had dominated his mind...
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Gloriosa said as the girls readied themselves. "The Rainbooms!"
All we can do now is hope.