31st of January, Friday night in Rainbow Dash’s room.
Rainbow Dash sat in her room, surrounded by piles and piles of scrunched up pieces of paper. She had spent the last two hours trying to work out the best way to use her guitar. The guitar she’d had for two years and all she’d done with it was practice, practice, practice. She hadn’t used it for anything decent yet, and it was already getting old.
She sighed and grabbed her green guitar, strumming its worn-out strings with her fingers, even though its sound was limited as it was not plugged into an amp — good thing too; it was almost 11 o’clock at night. Rainbow Dash sung one of her songs under her breath as she played the chords, her brain could play, like, ten instruments at once.
Then it came to her. If she couldn’t play all of them by herself, then she’d just have to… form her own band! That’s it! Rainbow reached out for a fresh piece of paper and started designing a poster that would hopefully attract the necessary members she needed for her band.
Band members wanted. Lead guitarist and singer looking for a bass guitarist, drummer, and pianist. If interested, come to the music room at Wednesday lunch.
Rainbow Dash drew a bunch of guitars and other instruments over the page, looking up at it with a grin.
“Perfect!” she announced, before a yawn slipped out. She stood up and stretched her arms. “Ok, maybe now would be a good time to sleep.” She turned off her lamp and lay back on her bed, closing her eyes. She sighed contently as a thought popped into her head.
Now to get permission for that music room…
3rd of February, Monday morning outside of school
Applejack strolled up the path towards her school, and like most mornings when she was excited, she broke into song.
“Some days, I wake up feeling sad and feeling blue
Some days are just like any other.
But then there’s the days when I know my feelings are true.
I wake up knowing just what I’m to do.
While my feet are on the ground and my head is in the clouds
I know my heart is where it can’t come down.”
Applejack burst through the entrance of the school.
“Today is the day I’m gonna find my place,
and today is the day I’m gonna beat life at its race!
This feeling I will share, show people that I’m here, and
Finally I won’t be shoved or pushed or treated badly.
I know this time life will give me a ch—”
Applejack’s words were cut off as she was shoved onto the ground, most likely one of the guys in the soccer team, no doubt. She plashed in the mud and a chorus of laughter surrounded her. She looked down sadly.
“I’m not sure that life will ever give me a chance.”
Applejack sighed and stood up, realizing that she was once again going to have to be late to class in order to clean up the mud off her skirt. She walked towards the school’s bathroom, but as she passed by the notice board, she stopped. A colourful poster at the bottom caught her eye. As she read through it, she was delighted to find out that the lead guitarist of this band was looking for a bass guitarist, and suddenly she felt like she really did have a chance! If she could show the whole school a different side of her, based on her skills, not her looks, then maybe she wouldn’t be treated like such an outcast! She’d just have to talk to this lead guitarist about hiding her true identity for the first performance. Applejack hoped she was an understanding person.
“I know now that life has given me a chance!” She cheered happily as the bell rang.
5th of February, Wednesday lunchtime in the music room
Rainbow Dash tapped her foot as she waited in the music room, leaning against the piano. She glanced up at the clock.
“Ten more minutes… not a single sound…” She sung sadly. Just as she thought she should probably pack up, head to class, and try again next week, the door flew open and Rainbow’s eyes fell on the blonde-haired girl in front of her.
“So… sorry…” she panted, “had… to… get… guitar…” She leaned over on her knees, trying to regain her breath.
Rainbow Dash practically squealed on the inside, but kept her cool on the outside. “So, you came to join my band huh?” She walked up to the girl, who stood up and nodded.
“Y-Yes, ma’am. Ah think I’m qualified enough.”
“Hey, no need to be formal — I’m just kidding.” Rainbow Dash giggled and jumped up to sit on the piano. “So, what do you play?”
Applejack sighed in relief and pulled the bass from behind her, and gripped it like a shield in front of her. “Ahm known to play the bass guitar… by my family.”
“No sweat,” Rainbow Dash said, “I’m not that popular either. That’s why I started the band. To show everyone my awesome playing skills! I bet that’s why you’re here too, huh? Say, I haven’t really seen you around here before. What’s your name?” She asked and swung her feet.
“Name’s Applejack. And, yeah, that’s the biggest reason ah joined. Or ah wanted to join. Ah mean, it’s gonna be fun and all, but the truth is, if you actually knew who ah was, you’d know me as the biggest loser in the whole entire school. Mah family don’t even know it, but at this school, ahm just a bully’s victim. Ahm not asking for pity, but ah really want to ask a favour of you.” Applejack bit her lip.
“Sure, spill,” Rainbow Dash replied.
“If we ever perform, and this is only for the first time, but can I please have a disguise, just for the first performance? Ah want people to hear how ah play before they all know who ah am.”
“Eh, I understand. Sure you can. But, let’s hear you play.” Rainbow Dash leaned forward, resting her head on her hands. Applejack strummed the bass lightly, then proceeded to play the rocking tune she’d been working on for the past week. Rainbow had to admit: she was really good.
“Pretty cool. So, you’re in?”
“You bet your sweet bippy ah am.” Applejack said, giving her a small smile. “Hey, um, this may seem like a silly question, but does this mean me and you are, ah… friends?”
“Of course! You’re really cool! Still not as awesome as me, so second most awesome person in the school. I can’t believe you’re a victim. What do they tease you about?”
Applejack looked down. “They believe that country folk are stupid. In truth, they’re stupid. But ah’ve been treated like that since ah started this school. Mostly by the boys. The only one who’s actually not one of them is, well…”
“Let me guess,” Rainbow Dash interrupted, “Sunset Shimmer.” Applejack nodded in response. “Hey, it’s no biggy. Soon, me and you are gonna be the most popular people in the school, with the most awesome band there is! And you’ll make some great friends. I’m sure the other members will be nice as well. So, you gonna help me out? The quicker we get the other instruments in, the quicker we can properly work on the song I’ve written!”
“Sure,” Applejack agreed, “so, you don’t mind if ah redo that poster then do ya?”
11th of February, Tuesday morning outside of school
Pinkie Pie bounded into school happily, smiling brightly on this fine Tuesday. She waved to everyone who she passed and who passed her, passing her feelings on like they were contagious — which they probably were. She always seemed to put a smile on everyone’s face — even the bullies, though they wouldn’t admit it, smiled when she passed. Her bright aura seemed to spread every day.
Even so, Pinkie Pie wondered if there was another way she could share her happiness. Most of the time, she thought maybe she could spread it through musical intervention. She always thought it would be cool to play the drums, as she was known by many people for being really hyper and always banging on something or with something — spoons, tables, cups, anything! But, she hadn’t ever really played on drums before. But, Pinkie knew she was capable. She, or her family, just didn’t have the money.
So, the thought really was just a dream she was never going to reach- Wait. What’s this about a band?
Pinkie Pie slammed her hands against the billboard and stared at the notice board, squinting as she read the colourful poster. She then let out a huge squeal and jumped up happily. Why hadn’t Pinkie thought of it before? If she joined a band, maybe she’d get to play a real set of drums! And live her dreams!
“This is going to be so exciting! Where do I sign?!”
12th of February, Wednesday lunchtime in the music room
"Let me guess, out of time again?” Rainbow Dash asked, and Applejack just responded with a nod.
“Look, if there’s one thing we need right now, it’s a drummer,” She said truthfully, “the song just isn’t as awesome if we can’t keep in time.”
“Hey, me and you think the same way!” Rainbow Dash said, and jumped off the piano. “I have to admit, the timing is way off.”
“Let’s hope a drummer walks into our lives soon,” Applejack said and took her bass off, placing it carefully on the table next to her. “That is, if we get any new members at all…”
Rainbow nudged her. “Hey, don’t think like that! The posters are awesome. I’m sure they’ll attract someone!”
Applejack could have sworn she’d felt a blush rise to her cheeks. “Uh, yeah. Ah guess they will.” Applejack twirled her hair around her finger, suddenly feeling a little queasy in the stomach. Why though, she had no idea. The blush, maybe, or—
“Don’t guess, it’s definite!” a squeaky voice from outside called, before its owner burst into the music room.
“Hi! My name is Pinkie Pie and I’m here to be your drummer!”
Applejack was now full of mixed feelings. She was excited to have a new member for the band, especially a drummer, but her thoughts had been interrupted and she was still confused as to the feeling in her stomach. But she shrugged those off for now.
“Oh, awesome! We were just talking about how we needed a drummer, right AJ?” Rainbow Dash said, running up to her.
“Uh, yeah, we were! It’s nice to meet you, um, Pinkie,” Applejack responded awkwardly. She bit her lip and decided she should probably let Rainbow handle things for now.
But ‘AJ’? Where’d that come from?
“You look like you’re an excellent drummer, with all that energy! Let’s hear you!” Rainbow Dash led her over to the set of drums at the back of the music room. Pinkie Pie’s face lit up. A real set of drums! She raced over to it and grabbed the drumsticks, hitting on one of the drums at first, just to test. Yes, this was perfect! Instead of using spoons, and hitting tables and chairs, she could finally hit something that was meant to be hit! She immediately started whacking the sticks down on the rocking cylinders, repeating a beat she’d been playing for the past few days. And man did it sound awesome!
After she’d finished, there was silence throughout the room.
At least until Rainbow Dash totally lost her cool.
“Oh my god! That was so AWESOME! You must be a professional drummer, really!” She said happily, “Oh man, this is perfect! You are so in!”
“Well, it’s really great that you think that way, because I’ve never played drums before!” Pinkie Pie said, not really worried about the reaction.
Rainbow’s mouth fell open, and Applejack had to admit, she was shocked too.
“You have got to be kidding me.” Rainbow Dash placed her fingertips on her forehead. “I really have to step up my game.” She grinned happily. “Well, I’m just glad we have a drummer! Welcome to the band!” As soon as Rainbow spoke those words, the bell rang for the end of lunch.
“Aw, bummer! I wanted to play that song you guys were working on — it sounded awesome!” Pinkie Pie said, “Oh well, I’ll see you guys next week!”
“Yeah.” Rainbow walked towards the door. “Hopefully with a pianist.” She opened the door, and Pinkie bounded out. She was about to leave herself when she looked back at Applejack, still sitting on the piano like she was in some sort of trance. “Um, AJ? You coming?”
Applejack snapped back into reality at her words. “Uh, yeah, coming.” She jumped down and walked towards the door, still thinking. She had time to elaborate on the feeling she felt in the music room before, but denied most of her thoughts as to what it was, so she still hadn’t worked it out. Or, maybe Applejack had, and she was just denying the feeling as well. She didn’t want to admit it, but she felt there was no other option. Maybe, just maybe, as the most embarrassing option, she—
“Watch out!” Rainbow Dash called loudly and pushed Applejack to the ground, just in time to dodge a basketball flying through the halls. Rainbow looked up angrily, while Applejack lay there trying to work out what had happened.
“Hey, you blockheads, no ball games inside!” she yelled.
“Rainbow, ah’m…” Applejack trailed off as one of the boys strode over towards them.
“Like you can talk, Rainbow Crash!” Applejack was shocked to hear the words.
“Rainbow Dash, are you a…”
“No!” Rainbow yelled at her, before lowering her tone. “I’m sorry… wait, no, what the hell were you thinking? Jeez, AJ, you shouldn’t space out like that.” She helped her up and Applejack mumbled a quiet thanks. “What was on your mind, huh?” Rainbow asked.
Applejack blushed again. “Somethin’ that’s not on my mind now. Now, if ya’ll excuse me, ah have class ta get to.” She turned back down the hall and into the classroom she’d passed before, thinking of the scene she’d witnessed, and what that boy had said.
“Like you can talk, Rainbow Crash!”
There was no other reason for it. That line explained why Rainbow was so understanding of Applejack’s situation; the reason why no-one knew about her skills through lack of confidence. Applejack knew, as much as Rainbow would hate to admit it, that Rainbow Dash needed her just as much as she needed Rainbow Dash. They needed each other — because, just like her…
Rainbow Dash was a bully’s victim.
Of course, she was also worried that Rainbow had found out her small possible secret.
Meanwhile, in another classroom, Rainbow Dash was having her own thoughts. She was wondering about why AJ was spacing out, why she blushed twice in the hallway around her, and why she’d raced off so quickly to get to class. But she was also worried that Applejack had found out who she really was: a victim of bullying, teased for her tomboyish demeanour, and lack of knowledge. Rainbow Crash was a nickname that stuck when she started soccer. They were obviously trying to steer her off course, make her give up, but it didn’t work — Rainbow was stronger than that. But it was one thing she didn’t want anyone else to know, especially any friends she had or would have.
Now, for the first time in forever, Rainbow Dash felt weak.
18th of February, Tuesday after school in the textiles room
As it was only the 4th week of term 2, no-one in the school was even thinking about the Fall Formal event. Well, almost no-one.
Being the fashion diva she was known for, Rarity was rushing around in the school’s textiles room after school, already trying her best to design a new dress that she would make for the dance. Unlike everyone else, she’d rather get things done early that wait right until the last minute. She’d learnt that the hard way; last year, she’d started a bit too late and so many people had been demanding dresses from her that she’d almost had no time to make her own. So she decided: she’d make her dress before anyone even thought of asking.
“C’est magnifique!” Rarity called out as she held up drawing. “It’s perfect!” Suddenly, she heard someone call her name and looked outside to see her little sister, Sweetie Belle, standing there.
“Come on, Rarity… I wanna go home…” she complained. Rarity bit her lip and started to pack up her things.
“Alright, alright, I’m coming.” She swung her bag over her shoulder and took off out the door, walking towards the entrance, Sweetie Belle a few paces ahead.
As they walked down the path away from the school, something on the billboard caught Rarity’s eye — a poster, brightly coloured, announcing needed members for a band. She read through it, and was actually rather interested when the word pianist came into her view. Playing the piano just so happened to be one of her hobbies, and she’d never really thought of going anywhere with it. But, she thought, this might be a good opportunity.
“Come on!” Sweetie Belle yelled and Rarity jumped.
“Right, yes, of course.” She hurried after her, the thought of that band still in her mind.
Wednesday lunch time in the music room…
19th of February, Wednesday lunchtime in the music room
“I told you, it’s nothing!” Rainbow Dash threw her hands up in defence as Applejack stepped towards her. Ever since the session started, Applejack had been bugging Rainbow about the bullying situation.
“There’s no point hidin’ it, Rainbow. Ah know what’s up. That’s why you were so understandin’ ‘bout my troubles. Because you’re goin’ through it as well!” Applejack continued and Rainbow Dash sighed.
“Alright, fine. I get bullied. So what?! What matters is that you better not tell anyone else in the band.” Rainbow Dash said.
“If you give me some answers,” Applejack said. “Ah want to know what’s goin’ on.”
Rainbow looked at her guitar.
“Junior high was when it started, and back then I wasn’t worried about sharing my true self like I am now.
My hair, it was cut short, skirts and girls’ ties I never sought, and Physical Ed was my favourite subject.
A time I remember was the best time of my life.
But then when the guys started, cause back then they all hated the fact I was liked more than they were.
Snips and Snails teased me most at all; they all treated me like a ball; just someone who they could kick around.
A time I remember was the worst time of life.
So I changed, grew my hair out, and wore the girls’ attire. But it didn’t seem to help much at all.
Didn’t you see how well that turned out to be?
I can’t let go of the past now, and I can’t change what I’ve done.
Now I’ve changed from a tomboy into someone I know isn’t me.
I can’t think of the future, for it may not be as good as I want it to be.
And now I wish I knew what I should’ve done
Now I wish that I could’ve been the one they really wanted me to be
So I could forget the worst time of my life.
And I could just live in the best time of my life.”
Applejack thought for a bit after she finished. “But is livin’ up to other people’s expectations really the way to go?”
Rainbow Dash swung her feet. “Well, isn’t it?”
“Ah think that’s something you need to work out for yerself. But, ah believe it doesn’t matter now. You love playing guitar, you’re starting a band, and soon everyone will see another side of you.”
Rainbow Dash smiled a bit at her words, then, thinking of something else, she sighed.
“Well, maybe not everyone.” Applejack bit her lip. “Sunset Shimmer might be a tough one to crack, but ahm sure—”
“Sure of what? That we can change her?! You said it yourself: tough one to crack! And it won’t be OK until everyone sees another side of me — no, us! Everyone!” Rainbow Dash slammed her hand down on the piano. Applejack looked away.
Rainbow Dash frowned softly. “AJ, I’m s—” Rainbow’s words were interrupted by a knock on the door, and the two of them turned their heads to see a purple haired girl peek into the music room,
“Hello, um, am I interrupting something here?”