Twilight and I were at the insurance office in Ponyville. Ever since her castle was newly added two days ago, Twilight had applied for homeowner’s insurance. I guess castles were qualified as well.
“Alright, Princess Twilight,” said the insurer. “Just read the contract thoroughly and let me know if you have any questions.”
Twilight picked up the contract and read through it. “Let’s see. Looks like the castle will be covered in the events of fire, water damage, uncontrollable weather, giant creature attacks larger than three meters or ten feet…”
“The basics if you will.”
Those were the basics? And yet in my old world I needed premium just to cover no-fault fender benders.
After a few more discussions (and complaints about insurance rates being through the roof), Twilight signed the documents. The insurance pony copied the papers and handed Twilight her copy.
“Alright, you're good to go,” the insurer said. “If you have any more questions, feel free to swing by. Our office is open 8 a.m.-11p.m. every day of the week.”
“Thank you,” said Twilight.
We shook hooves and left the office. I rode on Twilight’s back.
“Those costs look pretty high,” I said. “Are you sure we can afford them?”
Twilight nodded. “Thanks to the mayor. She insisted on having me accept Ponyville's tax money since I'm a princess. I still have to pay my taxes, though. Royalty isn't exempted after all.”
Even when traveling across dimensions, there’s no escape from the IRS.
We passed by the library once more. A real estate agent hammered a giant “For Sale” sign right into the ground. If I was honest, selling the library was a much better alternative than it being blown up. I was still relieved I could save it.
“That was some fight with Tirek, huh,” I said.
“I guess,” Twilight replied. “I’m surprised you could turn into a giant dragon, let alone control your greed.”
“Well, it wasn’t easy. I...hope you girls don’t view me differently.”
“Why would we do that?”
“Think about it. I, a baby dragon, am capable of growing fifty times my own height out of greed. I don’t want to be feared because of that.”
“Oh, Spike. None of us are going to be afraid of you, not even Fluttershy. What you did, you did to protect all of us. Had you not grown, Tirek would’ve destroyed Ponyville, I wouldn’t have been motivated to fight him, and all our friends would’ve been gone.”
“I...motivated you?”
“When I first saw you charging at Tirek, I initially thought you were some other dragon. Then I noticed your familiar color scheme and how you went for Tirek instead of the town. That’s why I joined the fight to see if it was really you. It wasn’t until you mentioned Fluttershy and Tirek drained your magic that I confirmed it.”
“Well, I’m glad you joined me.”
“Me too. Now, let’s hurry to the castle. The girls are waiting.”
We rode for the castle. Before we went through the entrance, I looked to the right to see the giant waterfall flowing down the mountainside. I remembered that some time in the future, the School of Friendship would be built near there. Though, it bugged me how the girls could juggle working at the school with their full-time jobs. I would have to discuss that when it comes up.
“Okay, I think the throne room is...to the left,” said Twilight as we got through the double doors.
“Remind me to sketch a map of this place,” I said.
We went through the hallways until we approached another pair of double doors. We opened them to see the rest of the girls in the throne room. Pinkie Pie was painting Starlight’s cutie mark on a white, padded folding chair.
“Here ya go!” Pinkie said as she finished. “Sorry you didn’t get a throne.”
“It’s okay,” replied Starlight. “I just joined you all, and I’m not an Element of Harmony, so it would make sense for me to not have one.”
“Hey, everypony!” Twilight greeted the girls.
“Twilight! Spike!” Rainbow flew in. “So where were you two?”
“Just making sure this castle’s covered,” said Twilight.
“In what?” Pinkie asked. “Chocolate? Powdered sugar? I still got some rock candy if it needs that.”
“I meant ‘covered’ as in ‘it’s insured,’ Pinkie. My income might’ve increased, but I don’t want to pay the full price for repairs should they be needed.”
“Oh, Spike.” Applejack pulled a box from my throne and gave it to me. “Some brown colt swung by here earlier and said to give ya this.”
I got off of Twilight and quickly opened the lid. “Ah, nice. My comic books. I told Button Mash to deliver them to the castle while Twilight and I got the insurance. Thanks. I’ll put these in my new room.”
I hurried out with the box and down the hallway. A door with my name in all capital letters stood out from most of them. I entered through that door and into my room.
I took out my comic books and arranged them on a bookshelf. They were organized via issue number and series name. Once I was done using a fifth of my bookshelf, I put the box away and looked around the room. A smile appeared on my face, knowing that I had the room all to myself.
The place looked more or less like in the show. There was a bookshelf, a desk, a table, and a bed that was three times bigger than my old one. The blue blanket and pillows weren’t provided by the castle. Rather, Twilight bought them for me. That also included the wastebasket, wooden chairs, and circular patterned rug. A few rolled up posters layed on my bed. I still had to hang them whenever I got the chance, and thank Shining Armor while I’m at it.
My argument whistle sat beside the posters. I picked it up knowing it was gonna come in handy in the near future. The very near future.
“Rainbow Rocks” was coming up, and I knew what was going to happen. A group of sirens would be found in Sunset Shimmer’s world, so Twilight and I would have to go and help her stop them. I would need to find some way to change this. Maybe if I could get the girls to stop arguing, the sirens won’t have a way to fuel their gems. I could also prevent other things from happening while I’m there, like stopping Wallflower from finding that memory stone, or that Anon-a-miss fiasco if the EG comics are canon.
I took a deep breath and made my way back to the throne room with my whistle in one hand and a recent comic book issue in the other.
When I came into the throne room, Starlight looked up at Rarity’s throne with her head tilted. Rarity sat on it polishing the arms.
“There’s something I don’t understand,” said Starlight. “How come your throne lights up when you sit on it?”
“I have no idea, darling,” Rarity replied. “Perhaps it’s to signify that it’s being occupied.”
“But I can clearly see you sitting on it.”
Rarity shrugged. “I did not design this castle, darling. Although, I can think of a few inspirations.”
I sat on my throne and noticed the glowing green flame on it. I didn’t recall Spike’s throne having a symbol in the show.
I read through my comic book while waiting for one of the delivery ponies to come by. Eventually, one of them arrived in the throne room towing a cart full of books.
“Excuse me, Princess,” he said. “Where do you want all these books from Princess Celestia?”
“The library,” Twilight replied. “The one in the castle, not the tree. Third door on the left.”
That’s when my eardrums picked up the sound of an electric razor. I knew where that came from.
“Even this one that's glowin' and vibratin'?” the delivery pony asked as he pointed to the book on top of the stack.
Twilight levitated the book towards her. She opened it up and flipped through the pages.
“What is it, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.
I peeked over Twilight’s shoulder. Words materialized in the blank pages.
“Dear Princess Celestia,
I know it’s been a long time since I’ve written to you, but I’m afraid it’s not for idle chat. I need Twilight to come over to this world as soon as she can.”
“It looks like a message to Princess Celestia from my friends at Canterlot High,” said Twilight.
“How is that even possible?” Rarity asked.
“I guess Sunset took a book with her that still had some magic properties,” I said. “I’m surprised it didn't cause an imbalance.”
“Either way, it sounds like they need my help!” Twilight announced.
All of us went to the library. I continued reading the message.
“There were three weird girls who came to our school. They all wore these weird red pendants around their necks, and were very protective of them. I thought nothing of it when I took them on a tour of our school. However, when they showed up during lunch, they sang this song and soon everyone argued. There was also this green mist that got absorbed by their pendants.
I knew it had to be some sort of dark magic. My friends and I tried to tell Celestia and Luna in my world, but those ‘Dazzlings’ had put them under some sort of spell. I’m hoping you could tell Twilight about all this.
Signed,
Sunset Shimmer.”
“Should I be worried about this?” the delivery pony asked.
“Nah, you’re fine,” replied Twilight. “It’s occuring in a different world, so Equestria is safe for now.”
We entered the library. The delivery pony dropped off the books and headed out. I noticed that the majority of the shelves were empty. Twilight had already moved most of the books from the Golden Oaks Library to here, and she even got some books from the Castle of the Two Sisters. Despite all that, there was plenty of room for more books.
I also took note of a tall structure covered by a white cloth. I knew what was under that cloth was going to be important in a few minutes. I’m glad Cadance gave it to Twilight after hearing about her new castle. I didn’t know if it was a gift or if Celestia told her that it would be better in Twilight’s hooves.
“I have a feeling who these new girls are,” said Twilight as she pulled out a thick textbook from one of the lower shelves. She placed it on the table and searched the pages. “The way Sunset Shimmer described them, I think these new girls sound an awful lot like... the sirens.”
“Not the sirens!” Pinkie exclaimed. “I don't actually know what that is.”
Twilight told everypony about the history of the three sirens. To be frank, the sirens were more than just some alluring mermaids who crashed ships. They were capable of forcing ponies to fight one another and consume their negative energy to make themselves powerful. Thankfully, Starswirl the Bearded banished them to another world where their magic would be useless. Un-thankfully, that world was Sunset’s world.
“I take it this world doesn’t have the same kind of magic we do?” Starlight asked.
“You might say that,” I said.
“But Star Swirl must have sent them there ages ago,” Applejack pointed out. “How come they're just surfacin' now?”
“Maybe it’s like what happened with Tirek when he escaped,” I replied. “It took them a while to collect their power before they made themselves public. And they probably chose to come to this school because they sensed Equestrian magic there. I mean, after that phenomenon Twilight and I had when Sunset turned into a demonic creature, I bet our magic still lingered on the school grounds.”
“That’s possible.” Twilight nodded. “If my hunch is right and it is the sirens who have come to Canterlot High, this spell they've cast is just the beginning. My friends need me. Spike and I have to get back to them!”
“I hate to burst your bubble, guys,” said Rainbow, “but the connection between their world and Equestria will still be totally cut off for a super long time.”
Pinkie zoomed up to us. “Okay, first of all, if there was bubble-blowing going on, why wasn't I told about it?! And secondly, if the connection is totally cut off, how was Sunset Shimmer able to get a message to Twilight?”
“If only there was a way to increase the occurance of the portal’s opened gateway,” I said.
Twilight gasped. “Pinkie! Spike! You’re a genius!”
Twilight went out and retrieved a bunch of magic gadgets. She then uncovered the mirror under the cloth and arranged the gadgets around it.
“That’s the portal?” asked Starlight. She seemed to ask a lot of questions these days.
“Yep, it’s what Twilight and I used to visit Sunset’s world,” I replied.
“What’s it like there?”
“Let’s just say you’d have to get used to standing on two legs and not using your horn if you ever want to visit. Also, clothes have to be worn daily.”
I wondered if Starlight would visit the portal early. If that were the case, I would need to find that handheld mirror before Juniper does.
After an hour of construction, followed by another half of Twilight explaining how it works, the portal was complete. So now, Twilight and I could go through whenever we wanted to instead of just waiting for months.
“Now to see if it actually works.” Twilight grabbed the book and placed it on top of the portal.
After we witnessed a spectacle of magic, the portal was officially opened!
“I think it does,” I said.
“Don't suppose we could join you this time around?” Applejack asked.
“Better not,” Twilight replied. “It could make things pretty confusing if Canterlot High all of a sudden had two of all of you.”
“What about me?” Starlight asked.
“I don’t think I’ve seen someone like you last time Spike and I visited.” Twilight scratched her chin. “But I think you should stay here just in case. Somepony needs to keep Owlowiscious company.”
The girls understood. Owlowiscious flew in and landed on a nearby table.
“Guess it’s just you and me, Twilight,” I said.
Twilight nodded and said to the girls, “We won't be gone long.”
We shared a group hug. I stretched a little as Twilight and I prepared to enter the portal.
“Ready, Spike?” Twilight asked.
I wrapped my whistle around my neck and proclaimed, “I’m ready!”
Twilight and I ran right into the portal. Just like last time, the swirling colors zoomed past us as our bodies were stretched and squeezed. With a bright flash of light, we appeared on the other side, transformed into human beings.
Twilight and I stumbled before collapsing onto the ground.
“Twilight! Spike!”
We looked to see the human girls and Sunset Shimmer approaching us. They helped us stand up.
“We’re back,” said Twilight.
The girls gave us a group hug and a bunch of greetings.
“...but we've got some bad news about those new girls,” I added.
We told the girls everything we knew.
Later that day, the girls and I headed to the local cafe and ordered our drinks. Twilight got a chocolate shake while I got an ice cream float.
“Oh, I do hate that you had to return at a time of crisis,” Rarity said as she stirred her tea. “There's so much catching up to do!”
“For starters, a certain blue-haired guitar player was just askin' about ya,” said Applejack.
“Flash Sentry was asking about me?!” Twilight asked excitedly. She then cleared her throat. “Isn't that nice?”
“Perhaps you would give us just the slightest bit of gossip from your world?” Rarity asked.
“Well, we just got a new castle a couple of days ago,” I said. “Twilight can’t be a princess without a castle, after all.”
“A castle?! You have your own castle?!” Rarity exclaimed, nearly spilling her teacup. “I mean...ooh, uh, lovely.”
“Wow, that's really impressive,” Sunset complimented. “Guess you really were Princess Celestia's prized pupil.”
“So what's new here?” asked Twilight. “I mean, besides your school becoming the target of dangerous magical creatures from Equestria?”
“Yeah, so, that isn't exactly the only strange thing that's happened since you left.” Rainbow Dash pulled out her phone and showed Twilight and I a video.
The video had Rainbow Dash playing an electric guitar. What was unusual was she grew pony ears, wings, and a tail while playing. I could see Twilight’s shocked face without even looking.
“Pretty sweet, huh?” Rainbow tilted her chair. “It happens to all of us when we play.”
Twilight rubbed her chin. “My crown was returned to Equestria, but some of its magic remained here at Canterlot High. Now that we're all back together, we can use that magic on the sirens.”
“Yeah, but...something tells me that our old method won’t work this time,” I said.
“What do you mean?”
“Last time, you used the crown to defeat Sunset. But now we don’t have it anymore.”
“What do you propose then?” Rainbow asked.
I scratched my chin, but I already knew what to do.
“We fight fire with fire,” I said. “You girls seem to pony-up when you play instruments, so we should use a song to defeat the sirens!”
“So we’re gonna have to participate in that Battle of the Bands?” Applejack asked. “Are ya sure the sirens didn’t affect ya too, Spike?”
“You know, Spike may be on to something,” said Twilight. “Maybe the way to use that magic to defeat the sirens is by playing a musical counter-spell! And in order to free everyone who's been exposed to the sirens' spell, we'll need them all to hear it.”
“Well, the band competition is perhaps the next time we can be certain everyone will be in the same place at the same time,” offered Rarity.
“Guess the Rainbooms are the band to beat,” said Applejack. “That’s the name of our band, by the way.”
“And I believe you two just became the Rainbooms' newest members,” said Rarity.
Sunset’s face gave off an inadequate look.
“Well, we’re honored, but there’s just one problem,” I said. “Aside from singing, Twilight and I can’t play any instruments.”
“Wait, what about the piano, Spike?” Twilight asked. “You used to be so good during your toddler years. You could play a Haythoven sonata like a prodigy.”
“I haven’t played the piano since we moved to Ponyville, Twilight. I’m out of practice.”
“‘Haythoven?’ Heh, I forgot almost everything’s a pony pun back in Equestria,” said Sunset.
“I guess we’ll just sing,” said Twilight. “I might take a little too long to learn how to play something with these.” Twilight showed her hands.
“Like, as in, lead singer?” Rainbow asked. “Cuz that's usually my gig. This being my band and all.”
“It’s our band,” Applejack corrected. “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.”
“And I could try out a couple of instruments to see which ones I could play,” I suggested. “If nothing else, I could be a backup singer or a dancer.”
“What about that whistle thingy around your neck?” Pinkie asked, pointing to the orange piece of plastic.
“I only use this to stop arguments. I’m not implementing it into your band.” I tucked the whistle under my shirt.
“We’re only going to join the band temporarily, anyway,” said Twilight. “And we don't have to win the Battle of the Bands. We just have to perform during the first round of the competition.”
Rainbow slapped her fist. “Then let's get to learning that musical counter-spell!”
“Well, that's just it. I don't know any.”
The girls groaned.
“But that doesn’t mean she can’t make one up,” I said, attempting to raise the girls’ enthusiasm. “She’s good at poetry.”
“Writing poems and writing songs are two different things, Spike,” Twilight pointed out.
“Tell you what, why don’t we head on over to the music room?” Applejack asked. “Twilight can think of a song to write, while Spike can figure out what instrument to play. I’m sure the school is still open at this time.”
After our drinking, we all went to the music room at Canterlot High. While Twilight was thinking up words, I was attempting to unleash my inner music. Sadly, true to my gut, my piano skills left something to be desired, like my violin and guitar skills.
Rarity sighed. “Darling, you have to use all of your fingers to play, not just your index fingers.”
“I did say I was out of practice,” I responded. “We need to get a piano of our own when we get back, Twilight.”
“I’ll make a note of that,” said Twilight. “Right after I find words that rhyme fully and not partially.”
“Maybe I should use my whistle. We could change our instruments and be like a samba band.”
“Not a bad idea, but it would be too short notice,” said Rarity. “Are you sure you didn’t play any other instrument in your world?”
“Nope.”
I remembered Spike played an unusual flute during the end of “Hurricane Fluttershy,” but I didn’t do the same. I guess it was because, like the piano, I couldn’t play a woodwind instrument in my old world. I doubt the girls would like it if I played that giant horn either. While playing a percussion instrument seemed like a better idea, the Rainbooms already had two members that did so.
“Don’t sweat it, Spike,” said Rainbow. “You’re gonna be in the band for only a short while. We can always use two lead singers.”
Applejack looked out the window. “Looks like it’s gettin’ late, gals. We better head home.”
Twilight nodded. “I guess we’re sleeping in the library again, Spike.”
“Are you crazy?!” Pinkie exclaimed. “We're besties now! Slumber party at my house!”
“Uh...are you sure it’s okay for Spike to join us?” Rainbow asked.
“Don’t worry about that,” Twilight replied. “In our world, Spike’s one of the girls.”
“Oh.” Pinkie widened her eyes. “Ohhh...I’m sorry. I thought Spike was a boy.”
“I am,” I retorted. “She means ‘one of the girls’ as a figure of speech.”
Twilight, Sunset, and I were the last ones to enter Pinkie’s home. We took turns changing into our pajamas in private. I was thankful Rarity could design them for us, although making mine dragon-themed was a bit much.
We joined the others for the slumber party. We chatted, played games, and a lot of other stuff. I even took the chance to photobomb Rarity’s selfie like in the show. Only this time, I gave a peace sign instead of holding a dog treat.
“Spike!” Rarity called out once she saw me in the photo.
I chuckled. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.”
“So, Twilight,” said Rainbow as she twirled her video game controller. “How’s that counter-spell coming along?”
Twilight looked up from her notebook. “Oh, uh, good. Great!” I could tell she’s lying. “Thanks for letting me use your notebook, Fluttershy. I really like the song you wrote for the Rainbooms.”
“Thanks,” said Fluttershy as she hugged an alligator plush, which I think is supposed to be Gummy. “Hopefully, one day we’ll get a chance to play it.”
Oh, you girls certainly will.
“Twilight, I think I speak for all of us when I say I don't know what we would have done if you and Spike hadn't come back to help us,” Rarity said.
The rest of the girls nodded in agreement.
Then the doorbell rang.
“Pizza’s here!” Pinkie announced.
The girls dashed out of the room, leaving only Twilight and me.
“Let me guess,” I said, “you’ve got nothing. Am I right?”
Twilight sighed and showed me the notebook. The page contained nothing but scribbles and poor drawings.
“It’s hard to think of a poem off the top of your head when the Battle of the Bands is right around the corner and said poem will determine the fate of the human world,” said Twilight.
“Well...maybe you don’t need a specific song,” I suggested. “Any upbeat song that influences positivity and togetherness could be enough to break the curse the sirens put upon the students.”
“How do you know if it would work?”
“I don’t,” I lied. “I’m just theorizing.”
“But it sounds too easy.”
“Hey, don't you want any pizza?” Pinkie peeked her head into the room. “There’s one with veggies and one with cheese. I included them with my order since I was told you two don’t eat meat.”
“We’re coming, don’t worry,” I said.
Twilight put the notebook inside Pinkie’s nightstand, and the two of us ate pizza with the other girls. I took two slices of plain cheese. I wanted to sneak in a slice of pepperoni, but I was afraid that Twilight would give me a disapproving look.
After our pizza time, the girls returned to Pinkie’s room. Most of them anyway. Sunset sat on the couch staring at the tv. Her dark reflection was all she could see.
“Is everything alright, Sunset?” I asked.
Sunset sighed and shook her head. “It’s nothing, Spike. I’m fine.”
“Doesn’t sound like it. You’re worried about your past, aren’t you?”
Sunset sat silently. “Is it really that obvious?”
“From what I can tell, everyone is giving you a hard time because of the incident at the Fall Formal. Despite the fact you’re reformed and turned over a new leaf, they still try to avoid you. Feel free to prove me wrong.”
“No, you were pretty much in the ballpark.” Sunset leaned forward and looked at the coffee table stained with condensation circles. “It’s hard to get everyone to trust me. Even after I did my time in detention and in-school-suspension. Then again, after pulling a stunt like that and all else I have done prior, I wouldn’t trust myself either.”
I looked at the tv. My right arm was the only part of my body that had its reflection shown.
“People always say that trust is like a mirror. If you break it, you could attempt to fix it, but the cracks would still remain.” I ruffled my hair. “But that shouldn’t stop you from trying.”
Sunset said nothing.
“My advice: keep doing positive things,” I offered. “Help others, get involved. It may take a while for others to see you as a good person, maybe even more given social media, but they will understand and accept you’re not a villain anymore. After all, this place seems to be no different from Equestria other than the type of species and the notions of modesty.”
“I guess.” Sunset scratched the back of her head. “How do you know so much about the human world, anyway? You and Twilight have only visited it for a few days in total.”
I looked around and sarcastically replied, “Well, Sunset, the truth is that I was actually born in this world, and that I would only visit Twilight periodically to help with her studies and what not.”
“Alright, Spike. That was really funny...now tell me the real reason.”
“There’s a book about anthropology in the library back in Equestria. I also looked up on this block thing called the ‘eye-turn-eet’.” That mispronunciation was intentional.
“‘Internet’. It’s pronounced ‘internet’.”
“Right. That.”
“Sunset? Spike?” Applejack left Pinkie’s room. “Oh, there you two are. I feared the worst when you two were missin’.”
“I should take this time to point out that I’m already in a relationship with somepony back in my world,” I said.
“That ain’t what I...nevermind. Come on back, we’re takin’ turns playin’ on Pinkie’s console.”
“We’ll be right there.”
Sunset and I joined Applejack and returned to the bedroom.
“Come on! I want to be the plumber!” Pinkie called out.
“You’ve been the plumber for the last three rounds!” Rainbow retorted. “I’m sick and tired of being the gorilla. Let me switch!”
A few hours later, we were all fast asleep in our respective sleeping bags. I was awakened by the sound of footsteps leaving the room. I opened up one eye to see Sunset sneaking out. No doubt Twilight already did the same.
I snaked out of my sleeping bag and followed Sunset’s footsteps. I creeped up to the entrance of the kitchen.
“Hey, Twilight,” said Sunset. “You’re up late.”
I pressed my back up against the wall.
Twilight and Sunset’s conversation was more or less like in the show. Twilight was worried about the pressure put on herself, and Sunset understood. Also, Maud came to feed Boulder.
“I still can’t get over the fact that she’s related to Pinkie Pie,” Sunset whispered.
“You and me both,” Twilight replied.
As for me, I sorta expected the ‘siblings having opposite personalities’ cliche.
Seeing there was nothing else to do, I snuck back to bed without any problems.
I’d be lying if I said band practice at Applejack’s went well. There was not enough sugar to coat it.
Despite multiple attempts, we could not make a song that sounded pleasant. The percussion section was out of the beat, the bass and keyboard were off-key, and Dash kept pulling way too many solos. All that so-called ‘music’ made Twilight and I sound like we had never sung in our life.
Once the song was over, I sighed. “I can see why we only sing whenever a musical scene happens.”
“Eeyup,” said Big Mac as he passed by the window.
“I think it's pretty obvious what's going wrong with this counter-spell,” said Rainbow Dash.
“You're turnin' what should be the chorus into a five-minute guitar solo?” Applejack asked.
“I have to pick up the slack somehow! Are you guys even trying?!”
“I’m trying,” whimpered Fluttershy.
Twilight nervously giggled uncontrollably. “It’s fine. It'll be fine. One more time from the top!”
“Uh, I think we should just go ahead and sign up for the event,” I said. “Anybody know the deadline?”
Sunset pulled out her phone and gasped. “You're supposed to check in at the Battle of the Bands in fifteen minutes!”
Everyone gasped in response. They quickly packed everything up.
“But it's not ready!” Twilight denied.
“Then it’s simple, we don’t use the song yet,” I said.
The girls stopped in their tracks.
“What are you saying?” asked Rarity.
“I believe he’s sayin’ that we'll have to buy ourselves some time so Twilight can keep workin' on it,” Applejack replied.
“But how do you propose we do that?”
“We compete in the Battle of the Bands for real!” Rainbow announced. “I take over lead vocals again and we stay alive until the finals! We’ll unleash the counter-spell then!”
“Exactly!” I said. “Just make sure you all get along. Don’t want any more fuel for the Dazzlings’ fire.”
We hurried to the school with our supplies and signed up just in the nick of time. We were the last ones, and seeing the sirens on the list was predictable. After all, they were the ones who came up with this idea.
The girls and I watched the first few bands perform. Most of them were either too cringy to listen or had their band members playing against each other. Snips and Snails’ rap in particular made a Kidz Bop rapper sound like Eminem and Notorious B.I.G.
Well, at least it’s only the Dazzlings that we should be worried about.
“Let’s get ready to rock!” Rainbow announced as we got ready backstage.
“Wait! Where's Rarity?” Asked Pinkie.
“I’m here!” Rarity came in wearing a coat full of metallic tassels. We all gave her a confused look. “We will be performing in front of an audience. I'm not going to wear something fabulous?”
“Hold on,” I said. “Rarity, you wouldn’t happen to have a small, black t-shirt in your fashion trunk, would you?”
“As a matter of fact, I do.”
Rarity pulled out her trunk and handed me what I wanted. I quickly took off my hoodie, shirt, and dog collar and slipped into the black t-shirt. I then tucked it into my pants.
“There,” I said.
“Uh, what’s that for?” Sunset asked.
“I’ve seen how competitive the other competitors can be,” I whispered as I looked at the audience. “No doubt some of them will try to sabotage us. I’m gonna be backstage to make sure there’s no funny business. You can help me if you want, Sunset.”
“Actually, there’s one thing that I’m worried about. What if you all ponied-up while playing your instruments? The Dazzlings might see you. I might need to...watch and warn you girls if it happens.”
“We’ll just have to play well enough to pass, but not too well that we accidentally pony-up,” replied Twilight.
“Strange how the pony-up thing is activated differently,” I said. “I wonder why.”
“Your guess is as good as mine, Spike. Maybe the instruments gave off the same magical energy as my crown?”
The girls quickly arranged their instruments on stage. I made my way up to the catwalk since that’s where the first band would try to interfere with the girls.
“And now, please welcome the Rainbooms,” Celestia announced.
The curtains unfolded and the crowd cheered. The competitors shot a dirty look at the girls. That was to be expected.
Pinkie started the song with a “One! Two!”
I leaned on the railing as I was treated to a backstage pass of the Rainboom’s “Shake Your Tail.”
I was so entranced by the music, that the clacking sound of heels on the metal railway snapped me back to reality. I turned to see Photo Finish and two of her bandmates. They held magnets attached to marionette strings. I knew what they were gonna do.
“Hey!” I hissed sharply.
The trio nearly jumped back.
“Nobody’s allowed up here!” I continued. “Principal Celestia’s orders! Now get outta here before I throw you all off!”
“Alright, alright, vee go now!” Photo replied anxiously.
The three ran off, dropping their magnets in the process. I quickly picked them up.
At least Rarity’s outfit is saved.
I resumed watching the girls. Pinkie had just unleashed a shower of confetti on the stage. The girls’ reaction indicated they were unaware of this.
I looked around the catwalk for any more signs of saboteurs. That’s when my eye caught Sunset waving down at me. I waved back, and Sunset pointed to something to the left of me. I moved my head and saw Snips and Snails fiddling with a spotlight.
Oh no, you don’t!
I nodded to Sunset and sprung into action. With quick thinking, I tied the magnet strings together and tossed them at the duo like a bolas weapon. The strings swiftly wrapped around Snips and Snails and tied them together.
“Hey!” Snips wheezed.
“You’re not supposed to be here!” I called out without disturbing the band below me. “Any forms of disruption will result in immediate disqualification. Now leave. This is your final warning. I regret what I did to you two back at the Fall Formal, but I’m not afraid to do it again.”
“Okay! Okay! Sheesh!”
Snips and Snails hopped away and climbed down the ladder without slipping. It was amazing how they could do it while still being tied up.
“Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight!” The Rainbooms concluded.
The crowd applauded. I quickly slid down the ladder just in time to see the girls backstage.
“Well, that could’ve gone better,” groaned Rainbow Dash.
“I thought it was perfect,” I replied.
“That’s easy for you to say, Spike. You weren’t distracted by the flying confetti out of nowhere!” Rainbow turned to Pinkie. “What was with all that, Pinkie? How am I supposed to shred if there's paper stuck in my frets?!”
“It was pretty distracting...” mumbled Fluttershy.
“At least you weren’t distracted by a certain outfit!” Applejack cried. “Rarity’s dress sounded louder than a wind chime in a hurricane! I couldn’t hear myself play over the jingle jangles!”
“Uh!” Rarity scoffed.
“You still sounded much better than most of the other bands,” Sunset said reassuringly. “I'm sure you'll make it to the next round.” She rubbed the back of her head. “But it won't matter if you don't have that counter-spell ready, Twilight. You all find a place to practice where the sirens can't hear you. I'll keep an eye on things around here.”
“Watch out for the Dazzlings,” I said.
The Rainbooms, Twilight, and I walked out of the gym and down the hall.
“Can’t we just play an uplifting song?” I asked. “It seems to me that the others are being forced to fight, so if we could sing a song to bring them together, we could defeat the sirens.”
“That last song didn’t do the trick, and it was as cheerful as Pinkie Pie in a candy shop,” said Applejack.
“Well, that song was more about shaking your tails and getting ready for a party.”
“So where are we gonna practice?” Rainbow asked.
“I don't think we should use a classroom,” Twilight suggested.
That’s when she collided with Flash.
Twilight nervously giggled. “We really need to stop bumping into each other like this.”
Flash looked away. “Uh, you guys hear something?”
Flash’s other two band members responded no.
Twilight held her hands together. “I said, we have to stop—”
“There it is again,” said Flash. “So annoying.”
Just like in the show, Flash acted really competitive against Twilight. He and the others left in a huff. Tears ran down Twilight’s eyes.
“Don’t take it personal,” I whispered as I patted Twilight’s back. “He’s only saying that because he’s under the Dazzlings’ spell.”
“It still hurts,” Twilight whimpered.
Rarity sighed. “Let’s just focus on the counter-spell.”
I didn’t know how long we spent trying to perfect that song, but it wasn’t long enough. Eventually, Principal Celestia announced for us to return for the semi-finals. The girls and I quickly hurried back.
Once we got back to the gym, Sunset was there waiting for us. She pointed to the scoreboard. We were competing against Trixie’s band, and the Dazzlings had already moved on to the finals after beating Flash.
I want to say he deserved it after talking to Twilight like that, but again he was under the siren’s spell.
“This is it! Last round and you're in the finals!” Sunset announced. “Unless you think the counter-spell is ready to be played now.”
Twilight bit her lip.
“Don't worry, Twilight,” said Applejack. “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!”
“You won't let me down...” Twilight repeated.
After Trixie’s performance, the Rainbooms set up their instruments on the stage.
“Good luck, girls,” I said. “I’ll stay back here to keep out any more intruders.”
“I'll be here, too...just...watching,” said Sunset somberly.
“What’s wrong? Did the Dazzlings talk to you?”
“N...no...” Sunset’s guilty face betrayed her.
“You’re just jealous because the girls asked Twilight and me to be in the band, right?”
“Uh...”
“If you wanted to join, you could’ve asked. After all, the worst they could say is ‘no’.”
Before Sunset could lift a finger, the girls’ next song “Awesome as I Wanna Be” started playing. Sunset and I watched as the girls played their instruments and sang. I looked around for anyone trying to sneak backstage, while Sunset was checking to make sure the girls didn’t pony-up by mistake.
I stayed by Sunset’s side, since I knew what she would try to do. She would tackle Rainbow Dash after seeing her pony-up, only to humiliate herself and the band in front of everyone.
I observed my surroundings. A rope was tied on a hook next to Sunset. I traced it to see the other end attached to the front curtains. A thick black cord from the amps was attached to an outlet on the back wall. I had an idea what to do.
Suddenly, Rainbow’s head and back glowed. Sunset widened her eyes. That’s when I took action.
“Sunset! Lower the curtain!” I commanded as I pointed to the rope. “I’ll handle the sound!”
Sunset nodded and quickly undid the rope. I ran over to the cord and yanked the plug right off the socket. I could hear the curtains dropping as the girls’ instruments ceased their playing.
“Hey!” Rainbow shouted angrily.
Despite the sudden abruption, the audience still cheered.
Rainbow stomped to the back of the stage. “What was that?!”
“You were showing them your magic!” Sunset denied. “W-we didn't know what else to do!”
“And it’s not like we could just run up there and tackle you,” I said as I approached Sunset and Dashie. The rest of the girls appeared.
“But stopping my song mid-way?!” asked Rainbow. “I still had three minutes left!”
“Our song,” Applejack corrected again. “Wait...on second thought, you were the only one who wrote that song. Nevermind.”
Sunset sighed. “I'm sorry, I just wanted to help.”
“It was my fault anyway,” I said. “We saw Rainbow about to pony-up and we didn’t want the Dazzlings to suspect anything.”
“Spike does have a point,” said Twilight.
Rainbow snorted like a horse. That’s when Trixie showed up,
“Good show, ‘Rain-brooms,” she mocked. “But Trixie’s sure that a song has to have a minimum length. And quite frankly, your one-minute ditty doesn’t cut it.”
“Hey, as long as it sounds good, it doesn’t matter,” said Sunset.
Trixie shrugged. “If you say so.” That’s when we saw Celestia and Luna. “Ooh! Looks like they've already decided who'll be moving on to the finals! I'm guessing it wasn't too difficult a decision.”
We saw the Dazzlings come in and vocalize near the principal and vice-principal. The pendants glowed. Sunset scratched her chin.
Later, Celestia and Luna appeared on stage.
Celestia cleared her throat. “The band that will be joining the Dazzlings in tonight's finals is...The Rainbooms!”
Everyone was surprised, including the girls.
“This isn’t over!” Trixie stormed out.
We walked onto the stage. The sirens appeared on the other side.
“Congratulations, girls,” said Celestia. “You deserve it.”
Pinkie asked. “Seriously?! We didn't even finish our—”
Rainbow quickly nudged her.
“See you at tonight's big show, Rainbooms,” Adagio said. “We are really looking forward to it.”
“Same here,” I replied. “Let’s make it a battle no one will forget!”
“Spike!” Twilight hissed.
“What? I’m not allowed to boost morale?”
We left the gym with all the previous competitors jeering at us.
They’re under the sirens’ spell. No need to get angry.
Late that evening, the girls and I were at the amphitheater. I checked for any signs of Trixie and her band, since I knew they would try and trap the girls. I fiddled with one of the microphones attached to a nearby amp.
I would have to avoid the trap door and find Vinyl Scratch immediately. Or I can make sure Trixie doesn’t activate the trap door, period.
“This doesn't make any sense,” said Fluttershy as she adjusted her tambourine. “We were awful. Doesn't anybody else think it's strange that we're the ones that made it to the finals?”
“Who told you girls you were awful?” I asked. “Aside from that sudden interruption Sunset and I pulled, both of your songs were amazing.”
“It didn’t feel like it.”
“It was very strange,” a voice said.
We spotted Trixie on the stage. Only one of her band members was by her side this time.
Where’s the other one?
“What are you doing here, Trixie?” Rainbow asked.
“We’re sorry that you got eliminated,” I said sincerely. “If you want, we can combine our bands together. You sounded pretty good at the semi-finals.”
“The Great and Powerful Trixie is the most talented girl at Canterlot High,” Trixie proclaimed. “It is I who deserves to be in the finals. And I will not be denied!’
She snapped her fingers and her band member pulled a nearby lever. I leaped out of the way as soon as the trap door opened, sending the girls plummeting down below.
“That was close,” I said to myself. “I better find—”
PUSH!
I found out too late why I didn’t see Trixie’s other band member. She pushed me right into the trap door. I tried to grab something to stop my fall, but whatever I grabbed couldn’t support my weight. I fell straight into Twilight’s arms.
“See you never!” Trixie exclaimed as the trap doors slammed shut.
“Hey!” Rainbow jumped up to grab the doors, but failed. “You won’t get away with this!”
“Wait! The door!” I shouted as Twilight put me down.
“I’m trying to reach them! Applejack, give me a boost!”
“No, the other door.” I pointed to the one on ground level.
Pinkie tried to push it open, but it wouldn’t budge. I rolled my eyes.
“Let me do it,” I said. I turned the knob and pulled, but the door couldn’t open either way.
It’s locked? It wasn’t in the show.
I kicked the door in frustration. I was trying to prevent this. Now I couldn’t even find Vinyl Scratch to help me.
“Great! We’re trapped!” I shouted.
I sighed as I sat down against the wall.
Trixie’s band had already started playing. Rainbow rammed against the door for the thirtieth time, almost in rhythm with the loud song above. I sat in the same dark spot trying to think of what I could do.
“Give it up, Rainbow Dash,” Applejack groaned. “You've been tryin' at this for hours. It's not gonna open no matter which way you turn it.”
Twilight stared at the floor. “Maybe it doesn't even matter that we're trapped down here. I don't think the counter-spell would have worked anyway.”
“Of course it would have worked, Twilight. Assumin' a certain band member didn't try to hog the spotlight the whole time we were tryin' to play it!”
“Hey, now!” I stood straight up. “Even if Rainbow Dash was a bit egocentric during that last song, this is not the time to argue.”
“I’m just trying to make sure my band rocks as hard as it needs to!” Rainbow snapped back.
“OUR BAND!!” The girls corrected for the third time.
Twilight sulked to the floor. “But why wasn't the spell working? I should know what to do. How could I not know what to do? How could I have failed like this?”
The girls quickly got into an argument. This time I was more anxious than angry.
I gasped. “Girls! Stop! The sirens are—”
I saw a green mist forming around their bodies. With haste, I reached down into the neckhole of my shirt and yanked out my whistle. I pressed the orange mouthpiece against my lips and gave a big huff.
TWEEEEEET!!
The girls quickly covered their ears. Even I was aghast by how loud I blew.
“You girls need to stop!” Sunset announced. “This is what the sirens have been after all along! They're feeding off of the magic inside you!”
As Sunset talked to the girls, I still wondered how the whistle made such a loud noise.
Was it because my human lungs were bigger than my dragon ones?
That's when I noticed Trixie’s song wasn’t playing anymore. I looked around and noticed a microphone hanging right behind me on the wall.
Of course! That microphone must’ve been still attached to one of the amps! How I didn’t see this until now is beyond me. Must’ve been the dark.
After the girls, including Twilight, hugged and made up, Applejack asked, “Now, how do we get out of here?”
“Apologies for that loud sound, everyone,” Celestia said above us. “We don't know how that happened. We'll check the equipment and try to—”
“Attention, everyone!” I shouted through the hanging mic. “This is the Rainbooms! The Dazzlings have trapped us under the stage! Hurry up and save us!”
“It was Trixie's band that trapped us, Spike,” said Rainbow.
I covered the mic with my hands. “Just trust me. Something tells me this wasn't just Trixie's doing.”
We waited for a few minutes when we heard the sound of keys jingling. The door opened to reveal Celestia and Luna.
“Oh, thank you for letting us out!” Rarity proclaimed.
“Don’t mention it,” Celestia replied.
“Now what’s this about the Dazzlings trapping you here?” Luna asked.
“They manipulated Trixie’s band into opening the trap doors,” I said as we all exited. “They were trying to get rid of us.”
“And what makes you so sure of that?” A voice asked.
We all turned to see the Dazzlings approach us. The confident looks on their faces spelled trouble.
“Who’s to say they didn’t set this up so they’d try to disqualify us?” Adagio asked.
“Because we would’ve disqualified Trixie’s band if that were the case?” I asked.
“Come now, Principal Celestia, they’re obviously lying.”
Sonata and Aria nodded.
“Obviously...lying...?” Celestia asked.
I saw the trio’s pendants glowing. I knew what I had to do.
“Why are you believing them?!” Rainbow shouted to Celestia and Luna. “What’s wrong with you?!”
“I know what’s wrong!” I said sternly.
In hopes that my actions weren’t done out of stupidity, I grabbed Adagio’s pendant and pulled with all my might. The gem snapped right off. Knowing my human jaw was too weak to eat it, I threw the gem right onto the stone pavement. It smashed into tiny pieces and gave off a light brighter than a flashbang. A small area of red mist followed soon after.
“NOOO!!!” Adagio grabbed her own hair. “Why did you do that?!”
Sonata’s jaw dropped and Aria covered her own mouth.
Celestia rubbed her eyes. “Wha...what happened?”
“They’re controllin’ ya’ll with the those necklaces!” Applejack announced.
“Quick, grab the others!” I shouted.
“Bring it on!” Aria declared.
Rainbow charged towards her, only to be thrown aside. Applejack threw a punch only for it to be diverted. I guessed the sirens were skilled fighters as well as singers.
I focused on Sonata. She put her right hand out while covering the pendant with her left.
“Hey, look! A taco truck!” I pointed behind Sonata.
“Okay, I’m not the smartest girl,” said Sonata, “but even I can tell that’s the oldest trick in the—”
“Tacos!” The vendor shouted from the truck. “Come and get your deliciosos tacos!”
Sonata turned around. “Oh, wow. It is a taco tru—”
Punt!
I swept Sonata’s legs, sending the siren slamming into the ground. I then undid her necklace and ran away with the gem. However, I traveled no less than three feet when Adagio tackled me.
“Give it back, you little brat!” She shouted.
“Over my unconscious body!” I rebutted.
The gem avoided Adagio’s swiping fingers. I shoved it into my mouth, much to her disgust. She pinned my shoulders to the ground and grabbed my face cheeks.
“Spit it out!” She barked like she was scolding a dog. “Spit it out now!”
Ptoo!
I did exactly what she told me. The gem bounced off her nose and landed a few inches beside me. While Adagio rubbed her face, I snatched the gem once more.
“Sunset! Catch!” I shouted right before throwing the ruby-like jewel.
Sunset caught it right before dodging Aria and Pinkie Pie, who picked the wrong time to play piggyback.
“Get off of me!” Aria called out.
“Tell that to your red necklace,” Pinkie responded as she attempted to reach for it.
Aria slapped Pinkie’s hands away from her neck. The other girls couldn’t even get close to them.
For a group who’s outnumbered ten to three, the sirens put up quite a fight.
Eventually, Aria threw Pinkie off. Sunset tossed Sonata’s gem over to Rainbow Dash like they were playing hot potato. Adagio and Sonata joined in as well.
Unfortunately, the girls’ game of “Keep Away” ended when Aria caught the pendant.
“I got Sonata's jewel,” she said. “Let’s get—”
“EL KA-BONG!”
“Wha—?”
KA-BONG!!
Like something out of a 1960’s cartoon, Pinkie Pie smashed an old acoustic guitar right upon Aria’s head. The latter collapsed, dropping the jewel.
“Pinkie, where’d you get that guitar?” Rarity asked.
“From under the stage,” Pinkie replied. “Don’t worry. It was old and begging to be used as a melee weapon.”
Twilight and I held Adagio and Sonata back as Applejack tore off Aria’s pendant. Fluttershy grabbed the other glistening gem. Both her and Applejack tossed them to Celestia and Luna.
“Destroy them!” I shouted.
Without any time to waste, Celestia and Luna threw the gems into the ground. Celestia’s shattered to pieces, while Luna picked her cracked one up and reattempted to smash it. This time she was successful. Like the one I demolished, the gems gave a bright light followed by a thin, red mist.
Luna blinked. “Wow. I can think clearly now.”
Adagio and Sonata helped Aria up. The trio then ran off in fear. Rainbow tried to chase after them, but Twilight stuck her arm out in front of her.
“Let them go,” said Twilight. “Without those pendants and the magic Sunset brought here from Equestria, they're just three harmless teenage girls.”
“What a shame,” said Rarity. “I truly expected us to go head to head with the Dazzlings in a musical way instead of resorting to such brutish tactics.”
I looked at the crowd. “Well, we still have an audience to cheer up. Why don’t we play the counter-spell anyway?”
“About that, I’ve been thinking,” Twilight said. “I don't think it matters what song we play, as long as we play it together as friends.”
“I know just the song,” said Rainbow Dash. “Fluttershy's written a really great one.”
Fluttershy grinned.
Applejack pointed out. “Personally, I think we should play it in style. Rarity?”
Rarity’s face lit up. “I thought you'd never ask!”
“Woo-hoo!” Pinkie exclaimed. “We're getting the band back together!”
“We’re getting our band back together,” said Rainbow.
“Double Woo-hoo!”
“Hey, I know it’s kinda late,” said Sunset. “But is it okay if I join your band?
“Shoot, Sunset!” Applejack called out. “We were just about to ask ya!”
Sunset’s smiled.
We later got backstage and got into their costumes. The girls’ outfits were just like in the show. Mine was a white tank top, a black studded vest, navy-blue jeans, black boots, and a pair of dog tags.
“Due to unforeseen events, the Dazzlings are unable to perform at this time,” Celestia announced in front of the stage.
“However, we have another band who’s willing to take their place,” Luna added.
The two women then said in unison, “Please welcome...the Rainbooms!”
The crowd applauded as the girls and I made our way to the stage.
“Alright girls and Spike,” Twilight whispered. “This time, don’t hold back. If we pony-up, we pony-up.”
“Or dragon-up,” I said.
“Or dragon-up.”
Pinkie counted loudly, “One! Two! Three! Four!”
“Oh-oh, oh-whoa-oh!” We sang. “I've got the music in me! Oh-oh, oh-whoa-oh!”
As we continued singing, I felt a glowing sensation. Just like in the fight with Sunset, I grew wings, fangs, and a tail. Also, my human arms turned into dragon arms. It was clever for Rarity to not give me sleeves.
The girls also gained their respective wings, ears, and tails. Even Sunset Shimmer had her share of ponying-up after her solo verse.
Once the song was over, the crowd rallied louder than before. We transformed back into our human selves. The song felt shorter than usual, but then again we weren't fighting a bunch of sirens this time.
“Rainbooms rule!” A familiar voice shouted.
Flash ran up the stage and hugged Twilight.
“That was amazing!” He exclaimed.
Told you he was under the siren’s spell, Twilight.
That’s when Trixie butted in. “You may have replaced the Dazzlings’ spot, but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie!”
She then threw a smoke bomb. I quickly covered my nose and mouth. Once the smoke settled, I could see her climbing the bleachers to get away.
“You know, Twilight is going back to Equestria soon. The Rainbooms could really use someone to help Fluttershy on backup vocals,” Rainbow said to Sunset.
Sunset picked up an electric guitar and strummed a few riffs, much to the girls’ astonishment.
“I also play guitar,” she sheepishly said.
“We’ll see,” Rainbow said with a smirk.
We all gave Sunset a group hug.
The next morning, Twilight and I were at the front of the school, ready to go home.
“You’re welcome to use that journal if you want to chat with me,” Twilight said to Sunset. “Celestia gave me hers.”
“Sure wish you two could stay longer,” Applejack said.
“Me too. But I have responsibilities in Equestria that I have to get back to. Its citizens need me.”
“And while I enjoy being a human,” I said, “I need to be by Twilight’s side. I’m still her number one assistant, after all.”
“But now we can go through the portal whenever we need to. This isn't goodbye. It's just goodbye until next time. Ready, Spike?”
“One sec. Sunset, can we talk in private?”
“Uh...sure?” Sunset replied awkwardly.
I took Sunset near the double doors of the school.
Then I whispered, “Now, you didn’t hear it from me, but rumor has it the CMC have issues deciding what secrets they should and shouldn’t post online. You might want to teach them about online safety why they should never reveal any secrets to the whole school.”
“I’ll...keep it in mind,” Sunset replied quietly.
Sunset and I returned to the group.
“Okay, now I’m ready,” I said.
Twilight cocked an eyebrow, but shrugged afterwards.
The rest of the girls waved goodbye as Twilight and I stepped into the portal. A few seconds later, we appeared back in the castle library. Starlight looked up from one of the books she was reading.
“Oh, you two are back,” she said. “How did it go?”
“The sirens won’t be a problem anymore,” replied Twilight. “Where are the girls?”
“Probably somewhere in Ponyville. They left a few hours after you two went into the portal. We should probably tell them you returned.”
“Let’s.”
As Starlight and Twilight left the library, I looked back at the portal. It was nice to participate in the Rainbooms. Now that I could access the human world whenever I wanted to, I had an idea. I needed to find a few things before some of the potential EG villains did, such as the memory stone and the mirror. There were also the Friendship Games...
“Hey, Spike!” Twilight called out from the hallway. “Are you coming?!”
“Yes!” I called back. “Wait for me!”
But for now, I would consider what I could change in Equestria.