As Signature's memories took shape again they were at a travelling fair that had stopped in Canterlot, and had been asked if they would mind playing it. They had been hesitant at first because of their recently disgraceful loss at the Battle of the Bands qualifier. The forest green stallion ended up being the one to agree to join in the festivities.

"I lost my way in my haste to beat Lectric." Sig sighed weakly. "I forgot that my meaning, my purpose, is the music."

"Well obviously!" a sturdy hand clapped onto his shoulder from Brim. "But we are in this together now aren't we?"

"Yeah, we are as good as brothers now!" Redd commented cheerfully. "No matter what we stand together."

The forest green guitarist was touched by his friends resolve and loyalty. Ace had remained silent though, and Sig took this as his moment to speak.

"Don't bother man, I know you were riled up!" the white pegasus said waving Sig off. "Can't totally blame you, but don't walk out on yer brothers again or I'll lay you flat!"

He smiled and chuckled before answering, "Okay then, I'll make sure to keep my end of the bargain then!"

They all headed out to find the stage they would play upon, and perused the fair while they were at it. It looked like a typical carnival complete with petting zoo's, Ferris wheel, mirror mazes, and games that you could win prizes at. Storm hadn't been there today, but Sig felt inclined to win her something.

Young children were running amok, young adults were trying out all the games and rides, and the older crowd was merely observing and enjoying what was. It was an interesting sight to watch, and maybe they could play a song that symbolized this crowd. Sig wasn't sure about that but it still sounded nice.

They finally arrived at an old looking wooden stage that was rather simple in design. This was not going to be easy to set up, and one look at the surrounding area told him the acoustics would be terrible. They had all their instruments as well, but set up was looking less than appealing.

The thought had probably crossed all of their minds but it was plaguing Signature the most. As they hooked in the equipment bit by bit, tested it for working order, and began warming up the answer became quite clear to him. It was why he always carried his guitar with him, and why he played it as well.

I am just an instrument of the music, and I bring its beauty to those who have not yet seen it. We should play simply because of the music, for the sheer enjoyment brought forth.

Everyone nodded as the fair manager came up on stage to introduce us to the crowd all across the fairgrounds.

"Stallions and mares near and far, I have quite the musical treat for you now!" his voice echoed all across the grounds. "A band that's achievements are all too well known in the rock scene, a band with a name that is quickly becoming a rising tide, the only band that can say they are the true embodiment of soul in music today. Give a warm welcome to Kirin Rush!"

Sig watched in astonishment as heads turned in stunned awe. Ponies began gathering around the stage curious to see if it was the real deal. The crowd knew who they were, and seemed genuinely stoked to see a show. The guitar player was dumbfounded at this turn of events as voices reached him on stage.

"No cover charge for watching either, now this is a band all about the music."

The band members all looked at one another, confused at how popular they had actually become. Ace smiled brightly and strode up to the microphone in his traditionally cocky manner.

"Heeeyyy there Canterlot!" the white pegasus let off his high pitched scream. "How are we doin' this evenin'?"

Realizing that they were the real deal the crowd screamed its resounding approval. More and more fans came pouring into the small courtyard that was reserved for this act. They had overflown the courtyard in fact, and Sig was now grateful for the setup they had. He signaled Redd to push volume up on the sound system, and he quickly complied as Ace held the crowd in his hands.

That was the cue for the song that they had started with a long time ago as opening act in a bar called The Shining Brew. Upon hearing Sig's guitar begin to play the audience before them went wild with cheers. This song effectively showed off all their talents, and even let Ace play around with some more provocative sounds. It was actually hilarious how he got away with it every time.

The music had become purified again as Sig rocked his body based on the music he was playing, Redd and Brim were doing the same. It was like the first time they played together all over again, and yet Signature noticed something going on among the crowd. One particular mare was making her way to the front of the stage and it looked like Storm, but something told him it wasn't her.

When the guitar break down happened he lost sight of the mare and went back to playing. In mere moments the last note faded away as the white pegasus vocalist regained his grip on the crowd.

"Good to know a classic song of ours is still appreciated!" he roared into the mic. "Now Sig, what do you say to another classic?"

The green stallion stepped forward to his own microphone and answered, "Nah, I got a song I'd like to dedicate to you guys if you wouldn't mind?"

"We haven't practiced it though, in fact this is the first I'm hearing of it!" Ace answered moving off to stage right cautiously.

"Don't worry, if we really are all brothers." Sig paused moving more towards center stage. "You guys will know what to do!"

Ace picked up his guitar, and plugged it in. Sig immediately broke into the guitar line, the white pegasus followed along quickly, and then the green stallion broke into lead guitar. Bit by bit they caught the sound of the song, and at this point they would always be brothers of music. He remembered well singing the words in a deeper tone than Ace usually did. This included the final outro chorus.

Through the years and miles between us,
Its been a long and lonely ride,
Though if I got that call, in the dead of night,
I'd be right by your side,

Blood on Blood!
Just like blood on blood,
Just like brothers,
Blood on Blood!

Every word sang was meant, every note played heartfelt, and every moment remembered. They were family, and Sig couldn't be happier with how this song turned out. He trusted Ace, Redd, and Brim and they all came through for him flawlessly. At the end of the song the crowd was roaring with their enjoyment. Sadly though, they were only allowed time for the two songs.

"Sadly folks, we were only asked to perform two songs this evening." Ace broke it to the crowd, who were crestfallen. "You know, so as to not take away from too much carnival goodies! Some of the games actually look pretty fun, and so in respect to the fair proprietor we will step down from the stage."

Ace went to try to calm the crowd down, but was quickly interrupted by a brilliant white light. The shine was enough to blind the ponies all around. It had eminated from the mare that looked like Silent Storm, Signature noticed before being blinded himself. As he regained his vision he couldn't believe who now stood before him.

"Well now, am I interrupting?" came the gentle voice of Equestria's ruler, Princess Celestia.

"Signature Sandwich, Tempest Wing, Redbook, Brimstone Beats...I saw what happened at the Battle of the Bands qualifier." she announced, and Sig felt his heart drop. "Yet today, I have also seen your resolve and dedication to the music deep within your souls. In fact, I think this entire audience has."

The crowd around the princess taking this as a cue, began to cheer for the band again shouting for an encore. The alicorn princess' horn lit up with her magic and she teleported herself up on stage in front of Signature. She motioned for the microphone, to which he bowed to her indicating it was all hers. Picking it up she turned to the crowd and announced something that would change the future of Kirin Rush permanently.

"Who here wants to see Kirin Rush perform at the Battle of the Bands during this years Autumn Harvest Festival?" the princess waited as the crowd broke into a unanimous roar of approval. "Then they will compete this year because of all of you here today, as the People's Choice!"

As if the crowd couldn't get any louder somehow it did, and the band members themselves were coming to terms with what was happening here. Celestia turned around and said to Signature in particular, "Plus I don't too much care for where Lectric has gone with his music either, he has tainted the gift he was given and I won't stand for it!"

"Yes I am." she smiled genuinely. "Now you boys give Heart and Hoof hell at the competition!"

With that the princess vanished presumably, and the band began celebrating its victory. They played one more song for the audience and then got to packing up. While doing so the sun had set and Sig found himself with a crazy idea in his mind. He went over to Brimstone to ask quite the important question.

"Hey Brim I gotta ask something, you can enchant things correct?" Signature asked casually.

"Well yeah I can, but my specialty is with geological materials...why?" the obsidian maned unicorn wondered, interests peaked.

"I've got a request of sorts that may give us an edge in the competition." the guitar player said with a sly smile. "You game for a challenge?"

"Well I was wondering if..." Sig's voice faded as the scene dissipated and changed.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

The Canterlot Bowl was utterly packed to capacity and then some this evening, and at all costs the princess had kept Kirin Rush's performance a total secret. Signature couldn't wait to see the look on Lectric's face, but that would come after the show. For now they waited on a rising platform for their turn to rock the bowl. Sparks were coming from back by the drums as Brim made the final adjustments to their little project, and it was the only ace up Sig's sleeve.

"Dude, I can't believe this is happening!" Ace whispered with astonishment to the green guitarist.

Sig's mane was long, ragged, and tousled tonight and he wore a thick black denim over shirt tonight to give a real sense of rock in his appearance. The stallion felt somber at their achievements thus far, and he only hoped that the crowd above would enjoy the songs prepared this evening for them. Something told him that things wouldn't go according to plan though, which was why he had prepared.

"Yeah I know Ace, it really hasn't been your run of the mill journey." the forest green stallion replied looking absently around him.

"Yo Sig!" Brim shouted from by the drums. "Our lil project is as perfectly tuned as it will get by just my hands."

Signature strode over and picked up two light weight gauntlets from on top of the obsidian stallion's drums. Metal bindings around the wrists and a greenish cloth leading out from there into mock gloves. The objects appeared simple, but they were enchanted to do something amazing.

"Oh yeah, that part of the enchantment should be tuned." the unicorn answered proudly. "I'm just not sure if it can handle the output that yer lookin' for. Too much strain and you will short the thing out."

"Ah, not a problem man!" Sig said as he latched them onto the backside of his belt, on his back. "Let's just get this show on the road!"

He could hear the music above coming to an ending, and he knew it was Heart and Hoof by Lectric's voice. This was going to be the single biggest humiliation to that self absorbed stallion. Then he remembered Silent Storm's words last night, Maybe we are. He felt his heart soaring in his chest at the thought of her love. This was going to be the best music he would ever play in his life.

He heard the curtains above close and the previous band leave the stage and after five minutes or so the platform began to rise as the stage opened up above them. As the stage locked into place the next voice they heard was from beyond the curtains, it was Celestia herself delivering the news before showtime. Everyone took one last look at one another and with a nod it was agreed, Sig was going to lead them into this one himself.

"So everypony near and far without further ado, your choice band..." Celestia paused for dramatic effect. "...A band of the music, by the music, and for the music. Let's hear it for Kirin Rush!"

He stayed there for a good while dishing out the intro before standing up as the curtains opened to show Redd and Brim following in now. Ace was waiting for the more vocal act to come. Sig instantly fell into the mood, bobbing his head and dancing around as he played.

There was a lot of commotion from the wings of the stage but not a single member of the band paid it any mind. Within moments the commotion went silent, and Sig knew that Lectric was watching the end of his empire.

As the song ended Ace railed right into the next song as he came out on an acoustic guitar opening the next song. This was going to be a rough one for Redd as the song included keyboards, but Sig had faith in the bassist to pull off both somehow. His solo would be the envy of the song this time for sure. As the guitar solo began there was no crowd before him, no bands competing with one another, there was nothing but the sound of their unity flowing free.

Redd's bass line came in as the last song ended and led them into their next song, which Sig had wrote the lyrics for in reference to Storm's advice to him nights prior. Redd, Ace, and Sig sang the chorus as one unified voice. It was amazing how well they tied together. Sig felt uneasy all of a sudden as they closed out the song, there was an aura of fury floating about the stage.

Looking to the left wing of the stage he saw Lectric fuming silently. Don't tell me he is gonna pull something. Suddenly the sounds of the next song came in with a heavy pulsating bass tone.

This song had their heaviest bass sound and truly showed Redd's potential for what it was. It was an endurance song and no one in the band doubted that in the least. The solo in and of itself was powerful, but that was where the song ended as the entire audio system was cut. Save for one microphone.

"Who do you think you are, crashing this entire event with such disrespect?" he roared. "Your band lost fair and square at the qualifiers! You have no right to stand on this stage!"

"And your tainted guitar skills do?" Sig roared loud enough to be heard by the crowd without a mic. "We were invited by her majesty Princess Celestia to play, you bought your way in through your fame...or should I say infamy!"

Lectric's eyes went wide with rage and the next words, played right into Sig's hands.

"Fine, you want proof of my skills being the real deal?" the blue stallion started. "Right here right now, guitar solo battle. Whoever can hold the solo with more strength wins!"

"Okay then what song?" the green stallion shrugged looking to the neck of his guitar dismissively.

"Come by Fleethoof Mac." Signature turned his gaze back on Lectric in a mere second.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

As the moment came they stood on opposite sides of the stage as Ace and the other band members filled in the pieces of the song that weren't dedicated to guitar. Sig was hopping up and down loosening up as Brim kicked in hard on drums signaling the first guitar bit. Normally a bassist played this part, but Lectric had equipment that could alter the sounds of their guitars.

Shortly the next part came in and Lectric rose up with his guitar. He held his sound easily, but as they came together before the solo there was a clear difference. The solo would settle this. Sig quickly dropped the last bit before the solo to reach back and slide his hands into the gauntlets. He felt a tingling sensation spread through his hands rapidly, and magic began to form what looked like claws around the glove. One tug dislodged them from their holders and with Ace's cue, Sig let all of his passion flow into his mind.

The two guitarists went neck and neck, but it was apparent who was having more fun with it. Even with then enchanted claws on he could feel the velvety strings under his fingers, the bumps along each fret on the guitar neck, and the vibrations of each note as they were struck. As the solo went on Lectric couldn't keep up at all and his fingers just couldn't hit the frets he needed to. Strain became apparent on his face, and then it happened. In the last stretch of the solo every single one of Lectric Scream's guitar strings broke.

As Sig finished out the solo, the other stallion fell to his knees defeated. All Sig could hear him mumble was, "H-He beat me? I-Impossible..."

"Those claws of yours helped you win this! So much for pure skills!" Lectric gawked. "You cheated!"

Sig shook his head and stepped over to the fallen guitarist, "These claws can only play within the limits of my passion. I won because I was more passionate about the music than you, even if you had a pair it would do you no good."

"Lectric I didn't come here to argue over this, or even to beat you in a stupid contest." Sig answered somberly.

"Then what are you doing here?" he shouted like a child with tears in his eyes.

"I came to remind you what it feels like to let the music guide YOU." he held out a hand to his fellow musician. "So what do you say, care to find your roots again?"

Lectric seemed hesitant to take the hand of his greatest enemy, and in fact he seemed like he had lost his self assured disposition. He was lost in the darkness of his own road. Signature shook his hand to emphasize its presence, and the blue stallion before him rattled his own head before looking back at the green stallion with a smile.

"Okay then," he started as he locked his arm to Sig's. "...we will do this your way."

"Well your guitar is kind of thrashed, and it is customary that both guitarists win or lose, join in on a song together." Signature explained. "So care to join me in a song?"

Lectric reached out and grabbed the guitar, nodded to the forest green stallion, and took the instrument. Both stallions moved to the front of the stage once again.

Even though he had paused Lectric took initiative and pushed into a song that was very familiar. Sig knew how long this song would end up being and hoped that everyone would be able to follow along with them, and deep down he hoped as the song went on Lectric Scream would find himself in the darkness once again.

He had started out so mechanically, and that wouldn't do so Sig quickly joined in as the drums and then the bass came in. He shouted to Lectric over the sound, "Hey man, look around you at the band! That is what you need to remember!"

The blue stallion stopped playing for a moment, letting the green stallion take over, as he looked around at the other members of the band. Redd was shifting his weight back and forth in perfect rhythm with his bass playing, and even Brim was bobbing his head in time with the beat he was laying down. Lectric only turned back to Sig when his guitar screamed out in joyful song. Getting lost in this moment was what he felt best, like a pure adrenaline rush that wouldn't stop he closed his eyes and let himself be carried away.

The blue stallion started in more hesitantly after this but less like a machine and more like a musician should. It wasn't right yet but maybe the second half of the song could correct this flaw. The last note faded only to be replaced with the start up of the next song as Ace strutted his way back on stage.

Lectric hung back and waited for the intro to shift and he started to pick up the sound. The first chorus Sig sang with Ace to add a harmony, but they were still waiting for the other guitarist to wake up. Then came the solo and the forest green stallion stopped playing as Lectric let the music take hold of him again. It was sheer beauty to see this virtuoso be reborn, and as soon as it came they charged into the chorus together:

Gimme just a little more time,
Gotta make a good thing last,
You're gonna drive me outta my mind,
So gimme just a little more time,
Gotta make a good thing last,
You're gonna drive me outta my mind,
Don't let it go so fast,

Ace took over as Lectric and Sig broke back into their guitar playing, and finished the song with class. The flame pots that had been put at the edge of the stage erupting with the final chord struck.

The next memory to strike him was the crowd rushing up onto the stage overwhelming security, but it didn't matter as Kirin Rush was used to this sort of group. They were off the stage and out of the Canterlot Bowl in a matter of moments; thanks in part to the moving stage dropping them below before the crowd overwhelmed security. Lectric's words still stuck with him:

"From now on we aren't rivals, we're friends. You were right, I need to go back to basics and rediscover my hearts song. Take care Signature."

As he reveled in the moment he was shaken from it by a voice he knew coming at him. As the lovely white mare jumped up at him he caught her easily.

"I know right, can't believe I finally opened that fools eyes!" Sig answered confidently.

"I knew you could do it hun." she said affectionately nuzzling into his shoulder.

"Don't worry about it." he told her softly as Storm's brother trudged up to them. "Look Ace I had meant to--"

He was cut short by Ace punching him in the back extremely hard, "Why the heck wouldn't you tell me sooner you liked my sister you twit?"

Sig lost his grip on Storm at the punch, but she was able to land on her hooves. Though she seemed like she was waiting her turn to murder her brother now. That wasn't the biggest thought in the green stallion's head though.

"Duh, kinda figured it would happen somehow since we met a year ago." Ace replied with a laugh and a smile. "You two weren't always the most secretive with how you'd act!"

Storm didn't look like she wanted to kill her brother now, instead she was blushing fiercely. He felt this memory intermingle with a much later one blurring the current memory. It had been a moment of passion blazing through a cold winter's night, the rain softly silhouetting the background. A fireplace and three candles burned silently,and that was their only light that evening.

The memories became much harder to keep clear as they all rushed back to him at once. Signature Sandwich had to really focus to straighten them out again. A pristine white dress, a young light green colt being born, the image of a broken guitar haunting him mercilessly.

This Bright Blazing Future

by Dynasty-Kaine

Chapter 21: Of The Music, By The Music, And All For The Music