//------------------------------// // A roadtrip for the ages // Story: Rockin' Joyride - Starring Rainbooms and Aerosmith // by MarioBrony //------------------------------// It was a beautiful and happy day in Canterlot City, but none was more happy than a group of seven friends and their dog, who were walking down the street towards an exciting destination. These girls were none other than the Main 7, and formed the band, Rainbooms. Every member had a unique instrument, and had AWED all who had listened to their unique tunes. So much, that having just entered a new musical contest, had won the grand prize of a private tour of a prestigious music recording studio. "Isn't this AWESOME?!" Rainbow Dash, the lead guitar player asked. "We're going to see the place where the big shots get their big start!" "Calm yourself, darling!" said Rarity, who elegantly played keytar. "While we are excited, please save your energy for when it counts!" "Can i help myself that we are amazing?" Rainbow replied. " I mean, our "Shake your tail!" number really blew everyone away!" "Boy howdy, I sure was surprised by our win." Applejack admitted. "There sure seemed a lot of good songs to me." "Well, personally, i agree with Applejack." Fluttershy quietly stated. "I mean, they all seemed to put their heart and soul into their music." "Regardless, none of us could have pulled it off alone!" Sunset smiled. "You are all such amazing friends!" "Aww, thanks Sunset!" Twilight replied. "Despite me being main vocals, i think you have a greater voice!" "Please, Twilight, youre embarrassing me." Sunset blushed, her cheeks turning bright red. "I agree with Fluttershy, Sunset." Spike, Twilight's little dog added. "But then again, you all make a great group. I only wish dogs played in rock bands." "Maybe you can be a mascot sometime, Spike." Rainbow suggested. Everyone giggled as they continued their walk. Finally, after an hour or so, they came across the entrance arch to the courtyard of an enormous futuristic building. Below the arch, centered in the middle was embedded the logo of the company: "Sounds like my kind of studio!" Rainbow asserted with her chest puffed with pride. "Yes, it does look pretty cool." Sunset agreed. As they walked through the area towards the buildings entrance, there stood a huge sculpture of a red Stratocaster guitar, that towered over the girls like a monolith. "The style and decor, it all seems ultra chic!" Rarity observed. When they finally reached the entrance doors after an unusually long side ramp, the doors seemed to open upon approach, to reveal a tour guide in a blue shirt with a swirl motif, and a blue vest that stated "Im with the band". "Welcome to G force Records! My name is Sound Blaster! But you can just call me Blast. Whoa, here you all are, the reigning musical champions of high school rock! The Rainbooms themselves, here, in our studio!" "Thanks for the welcome, Blast." Sunset responded, "Although there is really no need for all these theatrics." "Nonsense, darling!" Rarity retorted, "When recognizing fabulosity, you always give it your all!" "Girl knows a good look when she sees it!" Blast acknowledged, "But enough about that. Please come and explore this hall of musical fame!" Suddenly, the door behind them shut tight, and the geodes around the girls necks began to glow and there was a flash of light, which then was gone as quick as it had appeared. "Whoa, you guys are sure a 'bright' bunch!" Blast complimented. "Dont thank us yet, we have no idea, what could have happened just now." Sunset responded, still a little nervous from the sudden flash. After composing themselves, the girls and Spike came across a large, cylindrical room, with guitar neck pillars reaching to the ceiling, and posters of famous musical numbers and groups hanging in between each column. The girls were all amazed, Rainbow in particular, imagining that one day, their band would be up on the wall as well. "Well, have i got a surprise for you all, you are going to have a private meet with one of the greatest rock bands of all time!" Blast added. "Really?" Twilight asked. "Who?" "In a few moments, I'll tell them that you're here. Boy, will you and they be surprised!" Blast answered, who then led them to another smaller room under the Artist's Entrance sign. "Ok, I'll be right back!" Blast said, before darting through a door on the far side. "Well, he seems energetic." Rarity noted, while looking at herself in a small mirror. "And very polite." Fluttershy added, while moving more slowly, still shy about being in such a grand place. "Boy, howdy." Applejack sighed. "I just hope the band we meet is a decent one, not one of those over-crazy ones." "Yes, I agree, darling." Rarity responded. " The style of KISS for example is too much for me." Suddenly, Blast opened the door and peeked his head out. "Ok, girls! Its time! Right this way!" Slowly, the girls entered the doors into a recording studio, on the other side of the viewing area, were instruments stowed and on their stands. But what was really amazing, was that in the recording area, were five men listening to one of their most popular songs. Rainbows jaw dropped when she saw them. They were Steven Tyler, Tom Hamilton, Joey Krammer, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, the five members of the band Aerosmith. Rainbow couldn't hold it in and let out a scream, and then immediately covered her mouth, but it was too late. Joe Perry, the lead guitarist, noticed them, and motioned to his fellow rockers, "Hey, guys, we got company." Blast was the first to speak. "Well, boys, here they are, the winners of the music contest, the one and only RAINBOOMS!" "How do, girls?" Steven Tyler asked. "Man, your tunes were rocking the house! By the way, whoever designed your costumes should get a raise!" Rarity squealed. "Oh, it was nothing, darling. I was happy to help. And i must say, "The mix of orange blue, green and brown fit you all perfectly!" "Thanks little lady," added Joey Kramer. "By the way, the drum solo by the pink girl was gnarly!" "THANKS!" Rainbow screamed from across the room, earning a small glare from Pinkie. "Its so awesome to be here!" Suddenly an important looking woman burst into the room. "Hey, hey, hey! What are you guys still doing here? You're supposed to be at a show! NOW!" Joe Perry turned to our group. "Our lovely manager." "Fabulous, modern and chic ensemble, darling!" Rarity called out. The manager noticed the girls and asked who they were, and another brief round of introductions were given. "Where is my limo?!" She exclaimed. Suddenly, through the back doors to an alley a gleaming white limousine pulled up. "Okay, guys, get in the car," the manager firmly stated, and the band slowly began to file out. "Hey Sunset, why cant we have a ride like that for our concerts?" Rainbow whispered. "You had one to the first Fall Formal, Rarity hired one for my 'driving lesson', and I like our bus very well, thank you." Sunset firmly answered. Rarity gave a small blush, and Rainbow gave a small pout but they both perked up when the manager spoke to them. "Sorry folks, we gotta go." "Awwwwww...." The girls whined. "And we had only just got to know one another," Fluttershy whimpered. But just as Steven Tyler was about to leave, he turned abruptly back to the Rainbooms. "Hey, wait a minute, wait a minute, we can't leave these rockers here like this!" "We can't?" the manager asked incredulously. "No! C'mon, you know how we feel about our fans." Perry insisted. "Well, guys, what do you expect me to do, send them all with you?" the manager sarcastically questioned. The band all started to agree, when Blast called out, "How about some backstage passes while you're at it!" Steven Tyler immediately turned to him. "Wait a minute! I love that idea! Blast, you rock!" He turned to the manager. "How about some backstage passes?" The Rainbooms, who had been watching and hearing with slack jaws, finally screamed together "GUYS!" The room suddenly went silent as Aerosmith turned to them. Twilight was the first to speak. "Guys, thats awfully nice, but we can't possibly-" "THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH!!! Rainbow screamed. "Rainbow," AJ said sternly, "They already got enough on their docket already, the last thing they need is us unnecessarily tagging along!" "No problem, ladies!" Tyler interrupted, "After a great performance like that concert, you all deserve it!" "No, please...-" Sunset began, "I insist!" Tyler responded. He then turned to the manager. "Please, make it happen!" The manager finally relented. "Okay, I'll make it happen!" Both bands cheered, "Now get outta here!" After sighing exasperatedly, she pulls out her cell phone. "Hey, Sal, it's me. Look, im gonna need another car. Make it a stretch." She paused, then added. "In addition, have it come with a rainbow color scheme." "This is gonna be awesome!" Rainbow squealed. "Boy-howdy!" AJ added. "They sure are MIGHTY generous to allow us all this!" "Darling, if fabulousity is offered, refusing would be THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!" Rarity responded. The manager then spoke again after hanging up. "Ok girls, look the show is all the way across town. But I got you a really fast car! One of the fastest in LA!" A loud screech of tires was heard as Aerosmith's limo drove away. "Hey, wait!" the manager called, but to no avail. "Thank you, Ma'am!" Sunset called. Then something hit Twilight. "Wait! Ma'am!" she called. "Yes?" the manager answered politely. "Ummm...forgive me, but did you say "LA"? There must have been a mixup, we entered into this building from Canterlot City." "What?" the manager asked incredulously, "Sorry girls but you must have read the wrong sign or something, because you are all in Los Angelas, California!" The girls, Spike included were all dumbstruck to here this, but all arguments were quelled when she spoke again. "Ok, wait, the limo's out in the alley! See you all there girls!" Then she left out the door to hail a taxi. Silence reigned in the room again. "What could have happened?" Sunset inquired. "Beats me." AJ responded. Pinkie spoke up. "I know! When our geodes activated when we entered here, Equestrian magic must have teleported us to the main studio in Hollywood!" "Considering what has happened in our lives, why am i not surprised?" Sunset groaned quietly. However she was brought out of her stupor by Blast. "Tick-Tock, girls! Times a wastin', and your ride's waitin'! You wouldn't want to disappoint your fans now, would you?" "We're very sorry Blast." Fluttershy apologized. "This is just so much to take in." "Well c'mon! We aint got time for that! You got places to be, and people to see!" he said while ushering them toward an open door. They all filed out to another back alley, dimly lit by overhead street lights. They was a small construction area with fencing and scaffolding, and on the other far side, an entrance sign to an underground nightclub. They were led past all these things to the entrance of a parking garage named Lock and Roll. At the entrance gate was an attendant, who upon signal from Blast, made a phone call and signaled the limo to be brought. Immediately, from the dim lit darkness from the lot, came a sight that made the girls jaws fall. A sleek, rainbow colored, open topped Cadillac limo with tailfins that resembled pegasus wings pulled up. It had eight seats, with a special raised seat attachment was made for Spike. What was more incredible was that it drove itself without a driver. "This one's custom made with a prototype self driving system." Blast explained. The girls were too amazed to speak until Rarity spoke. "The colors, the style, the sleekness...It's simply DIVINE! I will be sure to leave a generous tip to the manager when we arrive!" "Well what are you all waiting for?!" Blast exclaimed excitedly. "Climb in and buckle up!" "Shotgun!" Rainbow called. "I say Sunset and Spike should get the front seat." Rarity suggested. "After all, Spike hardly ever gets to be in front of our adventures, and Sunset is our leader." The girls all agreed, except Rainbow, who scowled, but then grudgingly agreed. "You owe me one, Sunset!" Rainbow quietly hissed. The girls and spike all got in, and got comfortable, but when they had, what looked like over-the-shoulder roller coaster harnesses were all attached and covered over the girls by Blast and the attendant. Spike was given a miniature special strap down version that went across his back and front, and when he was ready he was crouched down, with only his head fully visible. "Um, Blast?" Sunset inquired. "Haven't you guys heard of seat belts? Doesn't this seem a little much?" "Believe me Miss Shimmer." Blast responded as he finished buckling Rarity in. "You will all be grateful in the end. With the route you are all taking, you're gonna need it." "Why?" Twilight inquired with a frown. "You haven't planned a dangerous, unsafe route, have you?" "Goodness sakes, no! You girls don't know the LA freeways like we do. Sometimes, unpredictable maneuvers are common in avoiding jams. Well looks like you are all ready. Time to rock out and be on your way!" As if on queue, the limo made a left turn and moved down the alley past the nightclub and stopped just before a dark traffic tunnel. The tunnel had a single red and green stoplight hanging from just inside the entrance ceiling, and the light burned bright red. Blast walked up beside them. and leaned against a light pole with his arms crossed. "Blast darling," Rarity called, "why are we stopped? You said we were on a time limit." "I know," Blast responded. "But im sure you all girls know not to run a red light. But dont worry, we got you covered!" The girls all nodded in agreement before the radio loudspeakers in the limo blared a special announcement from the local DJ. "Hey everybody, Bill St. James at the Aerosmith concert! Traffic's jammed out there so if you're stuck in your car on the way to this concert, we got you covered! Just keep it here on LA's classic rock station!" As he was saying this, the limo pulled back slightly, as if getting ready to 'launch' itself. "All right! Aerosmith is taking the stage! Whoa, check out Steven Tylers hat! Ok, LA, crank it up, cause were getting ready to rock on this exclusive live broadcast!" "I wish we had an announcement like that!" Rainbow called dreamily. "Personally, i just like playing with my friends!" Fluttershy called back. However, the girls were once again cut off when the radio blasted Steven Tylers voice. Suddenly the girl's geodes began to glow again, and a magical aura covered the limo, but then disappeared just as quickly. "We're only just getting started!" "See you girls!" Blast shouted. He held up his palm and counted down with the radio. "5! 4! 3! 2!" He pointed down the tunnel, causing the girls to turn and see the stoplight turn green. What came next was what seemed like a rocket launch as the tires screeched and the limo blasted into the dark tunnel from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The girls, including Spike, all screamed as they were pushed against their seats. After a short while the Limo exited out of the tunnel under a starry night sky and noticed freeway guardrails zooming past on either side before seeing an approaching sign not to far in front of them saying 'road ends'. "Oh, goodbye cruel world!" Rarity screamed, although the music from the car blared too loudly for the other girls to hear. The girls screamed one last time before the famous tune "Love in an elevator" began broadcasting. Suddenly the limo magically launched into the air with a direction almost like a roller coaster loop, before doing a cobra roll and then zooming out over the hill toward the bright city lights below. "AAAAAAAH!!!!" Rarity screamed. "Oh I hate epic adventures!" The limo dove immediately dove in between two search lights that, as if sensing their presence, had switched on just before they passed. Suddenly, the limo flew into the air again, soaring through the night, over another hill through an O in the famous Hollywood hill sign. Afterwards the limo sped down the hill and into LA's crowded streets. Lights from cars and trucks were blaring and horns were honking as they seemed to clear for the magical car. They zoomed past an overhanging sign that said 'Whisky-a-go-go'. "Remember never to drink and drive!" Applejack shouted, but her voice was drowned by the surrounding chaos. They then raced by the famous Roxy Theater. "Note to self: visit that one day" Sunset mentally told herself, unable to focus completely. After moving at blinding speeds the limo suddenly drove onto an exit a freeway. Seeing a traffic jam ahead, the girls screamed as the limo seemed to gain even more speed, before it lifted off the ground, flying over the stalled cars before turning left after passing a road sign for the Civic Center. Flying through an underpass of the famous LA Interstate 5, the limo passed several small skyscrapers as well as a tollway call box. Finally, they saw a road sign for the famous Beverly Hills District and Interstate 10. The limo swerved to the left, before descending and touching the road again. They only had a brief moment to take in the fancy, luxurious homes that were common to this area, before another warning sign came into view just in front of an approaching roadblock. Corkscrew ahead. Before anyone could ask what that meant, the limo did a corkscrew over the construction before barreling down a road lined with palm trees. After passing a few more houses, the limo merged onto another freeway, before it exited immediately to California Route 101. Suddenly, a road sign for a famous food district came into view. "Anyone hungry? Because I am!!" Pinkie pie shouted before taking out her phone to make an order. Hardly anyone answered as three restaurants came into view: a burger restaurant called LA Bun, a taco joint named Thai Taco and a donut shop called All-Nite Donuts. Everyone felt a twinge of hunger but couldn't think properly with the dizzying speed the limo was traveling. Finally after a final stop sign, and a near-miss with several vehicles, the exit for the concerts VIP parking venue appeared. The limo darted down a narrow road with guidance signs pointing to the backstage entrance. After a blaze of coloring lights, the limo finally slowed to a stop in front of a red carpet, where several attendants walked up to them. "Welcome ladies, to the concert!" A smartly dressed valet said, "I am Rock Shredder, with my friends Classic Rock and Thrill Seeker! Aerosmith has been waiting for you, and you've arrived just in time!" The girls, whose hairs were thrown back by the wind almost in punk rock style, were dazed and confused before Rarity spoke. "Is THAT all you can say?!?! We were almost killed by this wretched monstrosity on wheels! Not to mention my hair looks like a tornado went through it!!!" "I disagree. THAT WAS AWESOOOOME!!!" Rainbow Dash interjected. "I would love to do that again!" "Boy, howdy. That was truly a roller coaster of a road-trip!" Applejack noted before taking out her hat from a back seat compartment. Fluttershy's eyes were wide as saucers and her pupils the size of pinpricks. "It was.....nice?" she said quietly. The overhead harnesses in the limo released and the girls slowly climbed out, a bit shakily, trying to get their balance back. Sunset then spoke up. "Where do we go now?" She groaned slightly. "Right this way, ladies!" Rock Shredder answered, gesturing down the carpet to a lit-up pair of doors that led backstage. The girls followed before a noise behind them caught their attention. The limo started up again, its harnesses lowering again, before zooming off the same way it began the trip, vanishing in a flash of rainbow light. "Hey, what happened to the car?" Twilight asked. "Im sorry, ma'am. Did you say something?" Classic Rock responded. "Never mind." Twilight answered, rolling her eyes. They were led to a back room where Aerosmith was getting ready. Steven Tyler was the first to notice. "How do, girls!" He shouted as the rest of the band came to greet them. Rock Shredder and his companions bowed before closing the door behind them. Pinkie suddenly remembered something before racing out the door. "You girls better get ready! As soon as we perform, you girls are next! We actually had custom outfits made for you!" he added. "Oh, you shouldn't have, darlings!" Rarity said, temporarily distracted by the notion of new clothing. "Did you all PLAN what happened to us getting here??" Sunset interrogated. The Aerosmith members paused and looked at one another. "What do you mean, gal?" Joe Perry asked. "You wouldn't BELIEVE what we went through to get here!" Rarity shouted. "I'll say!" Joey Krammer said. "You guys just made the latest headline!" He tossed them a newspaper of the LA times and on the front page was a picture of them close up in their limo. The headline read, Performers getting to concert end up on a "Rock'n'Roller Coaster" of a ride! "Apparently, the cops were so amazed by the way you girls 'flew' to this place, they've decided to drop all driving citations!" The girls were dumbstruck. "Seriously?!?!" Twilight asked. "Ok. This is all so much to take in! I need something to eat!" "Coming right up!" came a voice. Pinkie had suddenly popped up holding three large bags of take-out, all from LA Burger, Thai Taco and ALL-NITE Donuts. "When we passed those three food joints on our way, I ordered take out, and had it shipped, knowing we might need something before our concert!" "Bu....how....Pinkie......?" Applejack stammered, before remembering the unspoken rule: NEVER, EVER question Pinkie Pie. Everyone else in the group remembered this too, before grabbing food and gobbling it all down. After a brief discussion about how the concert would go, the girls changed into their costumes, which amazingly looked just like the ones they wore for the Battle of the Bands at Canterlot High. "You girls look GNARLY!" Brad Whitford cooed, and the others agreed. "Thanks guys." Sunset blushed, "Now, you guys are about to perform!" "Listen for us later, and we'll leave the stage for you!" Steven replied, before the deafening sound of screaming fans, blinding spotlights and cheering crowds overcame their ears. Areosmith left backstage and onto the main stage, where they were greeting by a throng of concert-goers. "How do, people! It's so great to see you all today! We've got a special treat for you all! We are sharing our concert time with an amazing group of girls who have truly proven their worth to be named among the legends of rock! But more on that later! Now, are you ready to rock?" What followed was a DEAFENING roar of applause and approval as Aerosmith played their songs. After this amazing performance and a 5 minute ovation, Steven again spoke. "Thank you LA, for your continued support, we love you all very much! Now here's the second act. These girls are high school champions and we'd like to give them a turn in the professional spotlight. Give it up for the queens of 'rock'-solid friendship, the Rainbooms!!!!" The girls slowly walked onstage, their costumes glistening in the spotlight. They were blinded and deafened by the roar of approval the crowd gave them. Rainbow walked up to the mike. "Good evening, California, and hello fellow rock fans! Are we gonna give you an AWESOME performance tonight!" "Yes, greetings to all you darlings out there!" Rarity cooed after joining her. "Keep your style chic and your rhythm rocking!" Sunset then walked up. "Let's get this show on the road!" Sunset shouted. The girls took up their positions and Pinkie counted off. (Start at 1:40 on second song) After they concluded their second song, there was a brief moment of silence, the crowd staring in mesmerized silence. The girls began to get nervous, before the crowd became so loud in approval, the girls had to cover their ears, tears of joy streaming down their faces. Aerosmith came back onstage clapping and approving, Steven holding a strange object. "What did I tell you people about these girls? GNARLY!!!" The crowd screamed in response. "Today for their stellar performance, I would like to award them, on behalf of G-force records, the studio that gave us our big break, the golden record award, for these girls two single wonders!" The girls were dumbfounded. "Please! We cant accept this!" Twilight pleaded. "We insist!" Steven answered before handing the plaque to Sunset, before stepping back and continued applauding. "Thank you" Sunset beamed. "Thank you for everything!" Suddenly, the girls geodes began to glow, before there was a flash of light. When they opened their eyes again, they were back in front of G-force records in Canterlot. "Wha.....?" Applejack asked. "How in blazes did we get back here?" "Ooooh! I know!" Pinkie answered, her arm raised. "Equestrian magic!" "Hey girls!" A familiar voice boomed. They all turned around, and there was Sound Blaster running toward. "What a performance in LA! Firstly, congrats on your golden record! You deserve every bit of it! Secondly, what an exit! The crowd was astounded by your special effects! I don't know how you girls got back here so quickly, but im not one to pry. Welcome back and enjoy your praise!" "Thanks, Sound!" Fluttershy said. "You've been so kind and helpful to us!" "Wait, how did you get back to Canterlot so fast if you were with us in LA?" Rainbow inquired. "Beats me!" Sound answered. "I was enveloped in my own flash of light somehow and here I am as well. I don't question it too much though. The concert you girls gave was good enough for me!" "Well girls," Sunset announced to everyone. "This was a roadtrip adventure that 'rocked'!" Everyone giggled at her pun, before she pulled out the newspaper given to them that detailed their adventure. They took a group selfie, holding their award and the newspaper together. "We'll never forget!" They all said together before starting their trek home, with the first stars of twilight beaming like spotlights down on them.