Sunset's New Leaf and the Rainbooms and the Lightning Bolts
At Canterlot High School, the students were all busy making banners in the auditorium, all happily working side by side.
Compared to last year, the group togethers are more diverse and open-minded rather than everyone having the same interests, something that Sunset had enforced upon everyone before Twilight’s arrival. Back then it was like this, Jocks with jocks, Artists with Artists, Nature lovers with nature lovers. Geeks with Geeks. No one dared to step out of each other's circles. Up until Sunset’s defeat no one ever dared to try to challenge her imposing.
And with the reformed girl turning over a new leaf, no one had any reason to fear her anymore which is both a good and a bad thing considering that everyone doesn’t want to have anything do with her after all’s she done.
When said girl walked inside to meet with her new friends she spotted the Cutie Mark Crusaders all painting a banner together. Wanting to lend a helping hand she moved to kindly and bravely approach them. Upon taking a paintbrush in her hand and smiling sweetly at the girls she asked them.
"Want some help?"
The three girls looked at one another uneasy about the offer with only Apple Bloom brave enough to calmly and politely respond. "Uh, no thanks. We're good."
Even when she was nice about it, Sunset knew too well why they didn’t want her help as she lowered her shoulders lowered in disappointment.
"Oh. Okay." She returned the paintbrush without another word before she heard a familiar voice calling out to her. A very energetic one along with another equally hyperactive voice.
“Sunset Shimmer! Over here!"
“Yoo-hoo! Right Sunny Dummy!”
In that direction are the only friends actually giving her a chance in giving her their friendship working on their banner.
A sight that had her smiling as she approached them, but not without more hateful glares and venomous whispering that was clearly audible to the girl’s ears. She could only steel her eyes forward and maintain her composure as she walked forward towards her group.
"I had no idea the whole school would be here." She sadly remarked while gripping her left arm.
“Neither did any of us.” Beshte apologized sympathetically since this was as big as a surprise to them as well. “I guess this upcoming big event has gotten everyone’s attention this year.”
Fluttershy placed a comforting and supporting hand on Sunset’s shoulder, which did little to make her feel better. Pinkie and Rarity looked at one another with Beshte and Bunga as they all silently agreed to change the subject.
“Anyways, check out our poster!” He added as he and the others all proudly demonstrated their own banner for the musical showcase.
"Quite the eye-catching advertisement, if I do say so myself." Rarity proudly said, much like her pony counterpart.
"And it smells like cake!" Pinkie added.
"It does?" Fluttershy innocently asked as she tried to take a whiff to see if it’s really true. Pinkie backed up her claim by shoving the banner at her face along into Fuli’s. Once she removed it, both Fluttershy and Fuli now had frosting and sprinkles on her nose.
"I used frosting instead of paste!"
“Of course you did.” Fuli dryly remarked as she used a single finger to get the icing off of her nose before curiously tasting it. “Strawberry frosting.”
Applejack slightly chuckled at the sight before turning her head to the other frosting victim. "Uh, Fluttershy, you've got a little somethin', uh…"
Fluttershy rubbed her cheek in an attempt to get it only succeeding in removing the sprinkles. "Did I get it?"
"Heh, not exactly." Sunset moved to help her out by taking a hankie from her pocket and used it to wipe off the frosting from her friend's nose.
Just then the doors to the gym opened with the principal and vice principal sister pair entering the room to make their presence known so they can make an important announcement in regards to this upcoming big event.
With her usual warm smile the elder sister spoke up to get everyone’s attention. "Good afternoon, students. I just wanted to tell you all how pleased I am that so many of you are going to participate in the first ever Canterlot High School Musical Showcase!” The students all cheered happily likewise very eager for the opportunity to participate together. "This is a wonderful opportunity to raise money for all our after-school programs here at CHS as well as getting to meet with new exchange students hoping to soon join us here this semester. So keep working on those signs and posters. I think it's going to be one of the most exciting events we've had at CHS since the Fall Formal."
The moment that last bit was said had garnered the whole crowd glaring disapprovingly at Sunset all together causing the poor girl to shrink and blush in embarrassment before slumping her back down to the floor in shame. All she could do was bury her hands into her face while the only friends she has in her corner could only stand by her side in her defense.
Later on in the day, the Lion and Pony Guard got together in a room so they can practice together. Since their group was twice as big compared to the other groups, they both split into two groups so that way their respective friends can play the instrument they want to play. The Rainbooms and The Lightning Bolts. All while Sunset sat on the side on a desk watching her friends tune their instruments.
Rainbow was on lead guitar and lead vocals with Fuli doing the same likewise with her band. Applejack played the base with Beshte doing the same for his band. Both Rarity and Bunga played the keytar with the latter also playing drums like Pinkie Pie.
Fluttershy played the tambourine while Ono played the harmonica.
"Ugh! I am never gonna live that down." Sunset said hopelessly at her predicament.
"You were pretty bad at the Fall Formal." Fluttershy said as she grabbed her instrument unable to hold back on the punches in the matter.
"A demon. I turned into a raging she-demon."
Pinkie Pie began making gestures as she explained, "And tried to turn everyone here into teenage zombies for your own personal army!" Pinkie added while making gestures that imitates one of a zombie with matching eyes before returning her expression to her trademark goofy smile.
“Ugh.” Ono groaned grimacing at the memory. “Creepy.” He then realized he said that outloud. “Oh…” He then cleared his throat. “…all that aside, I don’t think we need to repeat what exactly happened back then since that’s all in the past. Point being, you’re not without friends here.”
As Rarity placed the sling of her keytar around her shoulder she moved to speak up with her words of comfort. "Ono’s right, darling, you have us indeed. And we've forgiven you for your past...”
“Mistakes?” Ono finished.
“I was going to say….ahem... booboos." Rarity said otherwise before focusing on what’s in front of them.
Applejack took her base, ready to practice, "To be honest, I'd say the whole experience brought everyone at Canterlot High closer than ever before!"
Pinkie Pie tapped her drum sticks, "One two three!"
The girls played their respected instruments and started to sing in harmony to which Sunset’s previous worries vanished for the time being as she found herself enlighten with a smile.
“There was a time we were apart
But that's behind us now
See how we've made a brand new start
And the future's lookin' up, ah-oh, ah-oh
And when you walk these halls
You feel it everywhere
Yeah, we're the Wondercolts forever, oh, yeah!
We are all together
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)
Now it's better than ever
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)”
During the sudden rush of adrenaline kicking in, each of the girls grew longer hair extensions, resembling tails, with pony ears growing on their heads while Rainbow and Fluttershy grew feathered wings, all in the same color as their skin. To them this has happened every time they played their music together ever since the Fall Formal.
“You can feel it, we are back
(You... can... feel... it...)
And I'm so glad that we're better
Better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we're better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh.”
Sunset tapped her hands to the beat as Rainbow Dash sang solo.
“There was a time we couldn't see
Past the differences.”
Next was Applejack’s turn.
“That separated you and me
And it left us on our own.”
Next up was Pinkie Pie.
“But now you walk these halls
And friends are everywhere.”
Now the Rainbooms sing all together once more.
“Yeah, we're the Wondercolts forever, oh, yeah!
We are all together
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)
Now it's better than ever
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)”
Sunset stood up and bobbed her head while tapping her foot still moving to the beat of their song.
“Now that we are back on track
(Now... that... we... are...)
Yes, I'm so glad that we're better
Better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we're better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we're better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we're better than ever!”
Sunset Shimmer applauded her friends' performance as the ears, tails and wings all magically disappeared. Thankfully at this point the girls were used to this happening.
Rarity giggled with delight as she lowered down her instrument. "I still can't believe that happens when we play! Ooh! I've got to look into some new accessories! Something that looks good in a longer ponytail. Ooh! Maybe some clip-on earrings for when I get those adorable pony ears."
“I’m sure we’ll find the proper attire in due time.” Ono replied with good faith in her friend. Knowing her, she always does whenever it comes to fashion.
"I just wonder why it happens." Applejack curiously wondered herself as she sat down next to Fluttershy. "Princess Twilight took her crown back to Equestria. Shouldn't that mean she took all the magic back with her?"
“Good question, Applejack.” Fuli agreed. “I wonder if something from the portal had something to do with it?”
Rainbow Dash simply smiled arrogantly brushed aside the matter. "Who cares why it happens? It makes my band totally awesome!"
Rarity was quick to scoff at these arrogant spoken words. "Oh! Your band?"
"Duh! It was my idea to start the Rainbooms so we could be in the showcase. Plus I'm the lead singer and guitarist."
Fuli could only roll her eyes at the girl’s overgrowing ego showing. “You have got to be kidding me?” She then smiled before nodding at her team. “And since I’m lead guitar, now’s it our turn to show you of how we roll.” She turns to Bunga. “Ready?”
He then tapped his drums before performing a rock and roll. “One, Two, Three!”
I will obey the traffic rules
TEEN TITANS!
I will eat everything without likes or dislikes
TEEN TITANS!
Earthquakes, lightning, fire, Dad
Grammar, Math, Science, Social Studies
There is nothing I am afraid of
TEEN TITANS, GO!
Holler, holler, holler, holler, holler, holler, holler my name!
TEEN TITANS!
Half of your troubles will be gone!
TEEN TITANS!
Papa's schedule control
Mama's weight control
Wishes are endless
Teen Titans, go.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5!!!!
TEEN TITANS!
Good night, Tokyo!
After their performance ended, there was stunned silence amongst everyone in the room after the magical tails, ears, tail-extensions, and wings all appeared and disappeared just like the Rainbooms performance. While everyone else was quite pleasantly surprised by that magnificent performance. Rainbow Dash was just left jaw-dropped stunned like he had just gotten taken down a peg after seeing something 200% awesome.
“So…” Fuli smugly smiled as she moved to ask for the sports team captain's thoughts. “…how was that? Like 200% awesome?”
To confirm it the girl wearing a pink skirt wound up passing out while mumbling incoherently in response to her question.
Just then there was a knock on the door. When the door opened it was Flash Sentry appearing for a visit. "Uh, heard you outside. You guys are sounding really tight."
"Uh, we're getting there." Rainbow Dash said downplaying the compliment. “Rarity's still coming in a little late on the second verse, and Applejack's bass solo could use a little work. Not to mention the same could be said for both Fuli and Ono but they'll get it together in time for the showcase."
Rarity and Applejack along with Fuli and Ono all showed the same annoyed and irritated glances amongst each other. It has been well known amongst them that Rainbow is the most arrogant of the bunch but her pride and ego has swelling moreso than usually with the rise of their new bands. It was starting to get really on their nerves.
With that aside, Flash nervously tugged his jacket collar before placing his hands in his pockets before asking. “Uh, I don't suppose any of our friends from, uh... out of town might come? Uh, it being a special charity event and all."
The girls and boys all knew exactly who and what he is asking about. The sad truth about it is, that his crush is a distant friend who’s return is very unlikely.
Applejack being sympathetic and gentle yet firmly honest about moved to break it too him. "Sorry, Flash. I don't think Twilight's gonna be back at Canterlot High any time soon."
Even though he tried to be positive about it along with giving an understanding smile, he was still deeply disappointed as he truly loves her and really wanted to explore a relationship with her. "Oh, yeah. Okay. I just, you know, thought I'd ask. Uh, k-keep on rockin' it." He moved to walk backwards to the door, only to accidentally hit his back against the wall.
“Watch the door.” Fuli said to Flash who and smiled in embarrassment before leaving. “Charming guy.” She said with a smirk.
Rarity smirked and giggled after he left. "Well. Someone is quite the smitten kitten." Rarity then suddenly realized what she said and turned to Sunset Shimmer, looking very apologetic in her direction. "Oh. Sorry. I always forget you and Flash used to be an item."
Thankfully, Sunset took it in stride without being hurt or offended by it. "It's okay. Flash is a great guy and all, but I never really liked-him liked him. I was just using him to become more popular." After saying that she could only further groan and face palm herself in disgust. "Ugh! The old me really was just awful, wasn't she?" Everyone in the room all nodded and hmm in agreement unable to deny it even if they wanted to.
Thought Applejack reassuringly smiled as she placed her hand on Sunset's shoulder, who likewise smiled in return. "But the important thing is that you've turned yourself around."
While greatly appreciated, Sunset was still in a somber state in mind with the whole thing. “Thanks, Applejack, but I'm not sure everyone else at CHS feels the same way."
The P.A system beeped and Vice Principal Luna's voice was heard. "Sunset Shimmer, please report to the main foyer."
Knowing exactly why she’s being called, Sunset moved to run out of the room. “Gotta run. I volunteered to show some new students around the school. Thought it'd be good for them to get to know the new me before they heard all the stuff about the old me."
“Sounds good. Hope it goes well.” Beshte said supportively as Sunset returned one more smile to her friends before leaving.
After she left, Rainbow Dash turned to the rest, seeking to squeeze another musical number while they’re at it. "We've still got a few minutes before lunch starts. What do you say we do "Awesome As I Wanna Be"?"
"Um, Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy spoke up as she held out her green notebook, decorated with butterflies. "I was wondering if we could maybe play the song I wrote?"
Sadly for her, Rainbow Dash brushed it off, "We'll get to it."
Fluttershy lowered her shoulders in disappointment. "Oh. Okay."
Bunga being more open-minded to the idea spoke up in her defense. “Aw, come on Rainbow! You picked out the last three songs. Let’s hear out one of her songs for a change!”
“But…”
“Come on, Rainbow!” Fuli spoke up in agreement feeling it is time for her to play fair with all things considered. “I think it’s the least you could for your teammates for once a while.”
“Ugh.” Rainbow groaned in defeat. “Fine, sure. Let’s hear it, Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy smiled very pleased to be able to given a chance thanks to both Bunga and Fuli backing her up even at the expense of Rainbow’s desires.