Code Lyoko: EG

by Azure Sandora


29: In The Spotlight

Theme Song: A World Without Danger

29: In The Spotlight

It had been about two weeks since Adagio had joined the team, and while Twilight had her reservations at first, adding her turned out to actually be the best thing they could have done. She really worked well with everyone, as her powers turned out to be more about support than directly attacking.

Currently, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Sunset, and Fluttershy were in Lyoko's Desert Sector while Adagio tried to make her way to the factory. XANA turned one of the teachers into a specter and had them attack the school. The Architects stayed behind while Adagio ran to the factory.

Right when Twilight was about to call her, Adagio's number appeared on the computer.

“Twilight, I'm in the elevator,” Adagio said, breathing heavily showing that she was running.

“Excellent,” Twilight said, “I'm starting up the transfer process. Head right to the scanners.”

“Understood, Twilight Sparkle,” Adagio said hanging up. Twilight always had to frown a bit when Adagio used her full name. That sounded familiar to her, but she couldn't quite put her finger on how. A lot of people tended to use her full name when being formal, and Adagio had only been with them for a short while.

Still, there was something familiar about Adagio that Twilight just couldn't shake.

“Transfer Adagio!” Twilight said as Adagio entered her chosen scanner, “Scanner Adagio! Virtualization!”

Twilight pressed the enter key, sending Adagio into Lyoko.


When Adagio fully rendered, she landed a bit behind the main fighting. Monsters were everywhere, and the entire team was scattered. Fluttershy was of course behind Sunset, who was defending her from three hornets that were hovering in front of the tower.

“Hey! Glad you could join us!” Pinkie Pie said running away from two tarantulas, “We were wondering if you'd show up!”

“Sorry I'm a little late,” Adagio said pulling out her large fan, “Do you need help?”

“What, with these guys? Nah, I'll be fine. Just head over to where Sunset and Fluttershy are. I think they need more help.”

Adagio nodded and ran over to them. On the way she was stopped by a large stream of energy right in front of her. She looked and saw a megatank rolling up to her.

“This is all I needed,” Adagio groaned getting in her fighting stance. She hated fighting these things, because their only weak spot was so tiny.

“Leave it to me!” Dash called out running toward the megatank. She jumped up, threw a kunai at it to knock it back a bit, and then landed in front of Adagio holding out a second kunai, “These guys are a joke to me. You keep moving.”

“Thank you Rainbow Dash,” Adagio said running past them and continuing her way to Sunset and Fluttershy.

“Adagio! Two krabs to your left!” Twilight cried from the real world. Adagio turned too late though and took a shot to the stomach falling back a bit.

Adagio: 70 HP

Adagio stood up, and screamed at the krabs, using her odd sound wave ability to disrupt their programming. While they were stunned, Applejack and Rarity rushed past Adagio over the two krabs, Rarity naturally riding on Spike.

Applejack slid under one krab firing underneath it killing it, while Rarity jumped off Spike over the other krab shooting her shock wave at its head while Spike turned into a razor wheel hitting it underneath. Needless to say it died hard.

“Thank you!” Adagio said before running off to help Sunset. When she reached them, she used her fan to round up the hornets into a tornado. She then threw her fan out, turning it into a large razor sharp boomerang killing them before it flew back to her.

“Thanks,” Sunset said breathing out, “I don't have very good defense, so that was terrifying.”

“Not a problem,” Adagio said with an arrogant smirk, “At least Fluttershy can count on one of us.”

Sunset smirked at Adagio, “Don't get too cocky, rookie. I've still been doing this longer than you.”

“Um, I'm really not sure if this is a lover's spat or friendly taunting, but can we get moving?” Fluttershy asked meekly.

“A wonderful idea,” Adagio said taking Fluttershy's hand, “Let's get moving, Your Highness.”

As Adagio and Fluttershy ran off, Sunset stomped her foot angrily.

“Hey! I was protecting her first!” Sunset shouted flying after them. As they ran to the tower, three Mantas flew over head and started firing at them.

“I got this!” Sunset said flying up to the mantas. She impaled the one in the middle with her laser whip, and then swung her whip through its body slicing it in half. The other two fired at her, but she flew out of the way of the shots landing on one and using her whip to whack the other one's shots away.

“While she's doing that,” Adagio said, “Run to the tower. I think this is just about over.”

Fluttershy nodded and ran the rest of the way to the tower, phasing into it.


Inside the tower, Fluttershy ran to the center and allowed herself to be lifted to the upper platform. Once there, she elegantly landed and calmly walked over to the keyboard.

Fluttershy hacked her way into the tower's security, and then placed her hand on the holographic touch screen.

FLUTTERSHY

CODE

LYOKO

“Tower deactivated,” Fluttershy said calmly, watching at the coding on the walls dropped into the abyss below her. That was followed by a white flash that shot out of the tower engulfing everything.

Back in the real world, Twilight pressed the enter key on the super computer, “Return to the past, now!”


When everyone returned from Lyoko, they met up in the hallway of the school, this time with Adagio walking with them.

“You've really improved on Lyoko,” Rarity said to Adagio, “Now that we know more about your avatar, you have been great asset to team.”

“Thank you,” Adagio said, “I'm just glad I can help. To think you girls have been fighting this XANA for almost a year now though.”

“Pfft, no sweat. At least, not to me,” Dash said placing her hands behind her head, “After my Dad's harsh training, this is a walk in the park for me.”

“At least yer humble 'bout it,” Applejack said rolling her eyes.

“I'm the epitome of humble,” Dash said, either not catching the sarcasm, or not caring. Either way, it made Adagio laugh a bit.

“You all seem really close,” Adagio said, “Actually, you feel more like sisters than just friends.”

“That's because we are sisters,” Pinkie Pie said placing her arms around Adagio, “One thing XANA did right was bring the seven of us together. We've been through absolute hell together, but all it did was bring us closer.”

“I imagine you're close like that to your sisters, right?” Fluttershy asked Adagio.

“I suppose,” Adagio said looking down a bit, “It's always just been the three of us. We don't always agree on everything, but I love them both dearly.”

“Must be hard keepin them in the dark 'bout XANA an' stuff,” Applejack said.

“I can tell they're beginning to wonder what I'm hiding,” Adagio sighed, “I mean, we just came to this school, and already I've become friends with seven of the most popular girls in school.”

“We're not that popular,” Twilight said, trying to play it off. Sunset looked at her deadpanned.

“You're in the school's top ten hottest girls list online,” Sunset said, “You're tied with Rarity for number two.”

“Wait, you're only number two?” Adagio said looking at Rarity in shock, “If that's the case, who's number-”

“Fluttershy,” Rarity said.

“Fluttershy,” Applejack said.

“Fluttershy,” both Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash said at the same time.

“Fluttershy,” Sunset said.

“Fluttershy,” Twilight said.

Adagio looked at all of them in shock, and then turned to Fluttershy, who blushed and hid behind her hair. Adagio then nodded.

“Yep, I can see it,” Adagio stated.

“Please don't…” Fluttershy said softly, “It's embarrassing enough to be on that list. To be number one though…”

“Adagio! Adagio!” Sonata called out, she and Aria running up to the group, “We were looking everywhere for you!”

“Sorry girls,” Adagio sighed, “I had to talk to them about something important.”

“It's fine,” Aria said folding her arms and looking away, “Not like we're important or anything.”

“Aria, that's not nice,” Sonata scolded, “I'm sure Adagio has a good reason for being so distant lately.”

Poor Adagio looked a little pained hearing that. Applejack took notice.

“Whatever, you gonna show her or what?” Aria asked Sonata, who immediately perked up and showed Adagio a flier for the school talent show.

“Talent Show?” Adagio asked, pretending to have seen it for the first time. She saw it earlier when Sonata showed her before her memory got wiped by the Return to the past.

“Well, I know you've been busy lately, but this would be something that the three of us could do together,” Sonata said sweetly, “You're not too busy though, are you?”

Adagio smiled warmly and cupped Sonata's face lovingly, “I wouldn't miss this for the world.”

Sonata smiled brightly and embraced Adagio tightly.

“Wonderful! The three of us can enter together!” Sonata said happily.

“Unless something else happens and she has to ditch us again,” Aria pouted.

“I won't ditch you,” Adagio said, “I'll be there. I promise.”

“Worse comes ta worse, we'll cover for her,” Applejack said placing a hand on Adagio's shoulder, “Why don't ya head off with yer sisters. We'll keep ya updated on the you-know-what.”

“Thanks Applejack,” Adagio said, “I appreciate it. I'll see you all later.”

Adagio walked off with Sonata and Aria, Sonata happily going on and on about what they could do. It was pretty clear that she was passionate about this.

“So, what 'cha thinking about?” Dash asked Applejack.

“Ah think we need ta tell Aria an' Sonata 'bout the super computer,” Applejack said, surprising everyone there.

“Hold on, what?!” Sunset asked, “Applejack, you can't be serious!”

“Look, Ah get why it ain't the smartest idea,” Applejack said, “But look at those three. They're the three musketeers, an' our fight's tearin them apart.”

“She knew the risks when she joined up,” Dash said, “This isn't like a TV show where the good guys always win. We're at war here.”

“Exactly, an' what would happen if somethin went wrong on Lyoko?” Applejack said, “Remember what happened ta Fluttershy's dad? What if somethin like that happened ta Adagio? How would we explain ta them why their sister vanished an' ain't comin back?”

“I… think Applejack has a point,” Fluttershy said, “It isn't fair to Aria and Sonata. They depend on Adagio just like we do, and right now we're monopolizing her time. They deserve to know a bit of what's going on.”

“Sides, it ain't like we're tellin the authorities or anythin,” Applejack continued, “They'll keep the secret. Sides, how is this any different than when Sunset joined us.”

Twilight looked down thoughtfully, “They have helped protect the school a few times. I think we should talk to Adagio about it when we get the chance.”

“I'll talk to her tonight before we go to bed,” Sunset said, “At least let her know we're considering it.”

“Ooh, our party is getting so big now!” Pinkie Pie said excitedly, “This is like Tales of Xillia 2 all over again! I'm so excited!”

“Um… yeah,” Sunset said nodding her head, “What you said.”

“In other news, are you entering talent show, Fluttershy?” Rarity asked Fluttershy, who looked aghast.

“Oh no! I couldn't!” Fluttershy said.

“Why not? You have lot of talent!” Rarity said.

“Yes, but if I do that it'll give everyone in the school more of a reason to think I'm… hot,” Fluttershy whispered the last part. Everyone looked confused.

“Um… isn't that a good thing?” Dash asked.

“No Rainbow Dash! It isn't!” Fluttershy cried, “I hate all the attention I get! Besides, all of you are more deserving of… that than me.”

“That ain't true at all,” Applejack said, “You got a real natural beauty to ya, an' everyone in the school can see it.”

“I don't know…” Fluttershy sighed, “Maybe…”

“Well, I know I'm entering,” Dash said, “Trixie's going to be in the talent show this year again, and I'll be damned if she beats me.”

“I might do a comedy routine,” Pinkie Pie said thoughtfully, “I've been researching some of the greatest comedians. I think I could do something akin to what Sinbad does.”

“That's a good comedian to emulate,” Twilight said, “He's able to be funny without being vulgar, which I really like.”

“I'd enter myself, but all of my talents are under the law so…” Sunset said laughing sheepishly.

“Yes, you should really try doing something else with your life,” Rarity said, “Something legal.”

“Not on your life, sister,” Sunset said honestly. Twilight turned to Fluttershy, who looked really nervous. She then looked down a bit, thinking about a way to help her girlfriend. There was something she could do, but doing that would mean revealing probably her biggest secret to the entire school.


Inside Lyoko's Forest Sector, Spike was doing his usual patrols. Since Twilight rejoined the group, she gave Spike a series of new programs, one of which told him to survey Lyoko on a regular basis. He tended to see XANA's monsters roaming around Lyoko quite a bit, but never more than a fragment of XANA's presence.

After finishing up for the day, he started making his way back to the way tower so he could recharge, but an odd signal caught his attention. It didn't read like XANA, but it didn't seem like it belonged in Lyoko at all.

Spike growled and ran in the direction of the signal to investigate. He stopped in a clearing, where he witnessed what looked like bits of data converging, and coming together to form… something. He stepped back slowly, still growling at the cluster of data as it slowly formed what looked like a paladin with dark gray armor and a tattered red cape. It's body was simply data floating within the armor, and it had two glowing green eyes visible through a closed helmet.

Spike, unsure of what to make of this thing, simply regarded it as an enemy and shot a fireball at the paladin. Said paladin whacked his fireball aside with its hand and then slowly started making its way toward Spike. At the same time a large scythe appeared in its hand and it dragged it on the ground as it approached the cybernetic canine.

Spike backed away from the paladin shooting more fireballs at it, but it slashed all of them away still approaching Spike. Once it was right in front of him it grabbed him by the neck and held him up, transferring information to Spike.

Fl_tter__y…

The entity released Spike, who slowly stood up and looked at the entity, regarding it curiously. He then bowed to it and slowly walked back to the way tower, guiding the paladin.


Since they just took care of XANA that day, there wasn't any worry for a XANA attack for at least two days, which meant the girls could begin thinking about what they were going to do for the talent show. Applejack didn't know what she was going to do, or even if she was going to enter the talent show. It wasn't like she had much talent herself. She might just watch instead, or apply to be one of the judges.

Nah, too many of her friends were entering, and she'd be accused of being biased.

Speaking of, she saw Rainbow Dash standing by the sign in sheet, waiting for her turn. Right when she was about to sign her name, Trixie pushed her aside.

“Move it!” Trixie ordered, “Trixie needs to make sure her spot is secured.”

“Like you've got a shot at winning,” Dash said rolling her eyes as Applejack walked over to them.

“The Great and Lovely Trixie is a woman of many talents,” Trixie bragged, “Unlike you, who's little more than a one trick pony. Going to do another guitar solo? Haven't heard that before.”

“H-hey! I have more talents! I'm really talented!” Dash retaliated.

“Oh sure you are,” Trixie said sarcastically, “I can't wait to see what amazing talent you're going to show off.”

As Trixie walked off laughing, Dash tightened her fist gritting her teeth.

“That little bitch…!” Dash seethed, “I don't care if she and Twilight are cool, one of these days I'm gonna clean her clock!”

“Don't let her get in yer head,” Applejack said placing a hand on Dash's shoulder, “She probably ain't gonna do anythin we ain't seen before either.”

Dash sighed, “That's the thing, Applejack. Trixie always does something different. For as unbearable as she is, she can do a lot of different things. Last year I beat her doing an entire guitar rift from Dragonforce.”

“Wait, ya mean that Dragonforce?!” Applejack asked, eyes wide in shock, “Through the Fire and Flame? Fury of the Storm? Those guys?!”

“Yep! You should have seen my fingers after that. They blistered like crazy.”

“Ah don't know what yer afraid of then,” Applejack said as the crowd dispersed, “She don't stand a chance against that.”

“I can't just do the same thing though,” Rainbow Dash said, “Each year you gotta do something to top yourself, otherwise the crowds gonna get bored with you. They already know I can play guitar like a champ.”

“Hm… Ah see yer point,” Applejack said, “Did Macintosh tell ya he's comin?”

“Just got off the phone with him,” Dash said with a sigh, “That's another reason I wanna do something really awesome, you know? He's going to be watching me. Hell, I think even my Dad's coming this year.”

“Ugh, now Ah see what's got ya so stressed,” Applejack said nodding, “Stayin on top of Trixie, tryin ta impress yer boyfriend, an' yer father?”

“He comes to all of them, but every time he isn't impressed,” Dash said signing her name, “Macintosh and Pinkie Pie keep telling me to give up on trying to impress him, but he's my Dad. I want him to smile at me at least once, you know?”

“Yeah, Ah know,” Applejack said, “Hey, maybe ya jus' gotta do somethin that no one knows you can do yet. Somethin completely outta left field for ya. Yer always talkin about wantin everyone in the school ta treat ya like a girl more, right?”

“Yeah? Are you suggesting I do something super girly? Cause I'm not sure I want to go that far.”

“Maybe not super girly, but somethin more… feminine,” Applejack said, “Somethin that only a girl could do.”

Dash looked thoughtful, “Well, there is one thing I can do that I've never told anyone. Like, not even Pinkie Pie knows I'm good at this.”

Dash whispered it into Applejack's ear, and Applejack was wide eyed.

“Nuh uh! Seriously?!” Applejack asked.

“Y-yeah…” Dash said rubbing her arm nervously.

“That was not what Ah was expectin! H-how did ya learn how ta do that?!”

“I took a class, alright?” Dash said, “The teacher said I was a natural at it. I actually practice every morning in the locker room before soccer practice, since I'm the only girl on the team. That helps me stay good.”

“Dash, ya gotta do it,” Applejack said.

“Whoa! No way, AJ! I can't do that on stage!” Dash shouted.

“No one is gonna expect it,” Applejack said, “An' Ah bet ya cash money ya end up winnin.”

“You know how Twilight is afraid of anyone seeing… you-know-what? That's how I am with this!”

“Look, if Fluttershy can enter the talent show at all, you can do this on stage. Besides,” Applejack leaned in, “Macintosh will be thinkin 'bout it fer the rest of the night.”

“D-damn it Applejack…” Dash said blushing, “Low blow.”

“So, you'll do it?” Applejack asked.

“What the hell, fine!” Dash said, “I'll do it, but if this ruins my reputation at all, you have to come to school for the rest of the month without wearing a bra!”

“But if it doesn't ruin yer image, an' instead makes everyone see how feminine ya are, you have ta start comin ta school wearin make-up,” Applejack added.

“You're on!” as a ritual between them, the two girls spit into their hands and shook on it. This was the norm between these two. Truth was, Applejack had an ulterior motive of course. One, she did want Dash to win the show and impress Macintosh (she didn't really care about her Dad), but two…

Applejack had to see Rainbow Dash on stage… doing that.


“So… you think I should enter?” Fluttershy asked Dr. Wolf toward the end of their session.

“I feel that you should do what you think is best,” Dr. Wolf said, “You have to ask yourself, what could you gain from entering, but what could you gain from not entering as well. From what I'm gathering, not entering would keep things relatively the same, while entering would bring a lot of change.”

“Change that I'm not sure I'm okay with,” Fluttershy said.

“Change can be scary, but change can also be wonderful,” Dr. Wolf said, “Will you tell me what you decided to do at our next meeting.”

“Y-yes,” Fluttershy said, “Um, I might be changing our times to be a weekly thing as opposed to daily though. Now that Twilight's back, I don't want her to think I'm neglecting her.”

“That's perfectly fine, Fluttershy. As long as you're getting all the help you need.”

“Thank you Doctor,” Fluttershy said with a bow. As she left his office, she thought about what he was telling her. She could enter the talent show, and deep down she did want to, but she was nervous about the amount of attention she'd get afterward. It was bad enough that she had an entire fan club in the school. If by some chance she won the talent show though…

As she was walking, she saw Adagio leaning against a street light in the park waiting for her. Adagio smiled at Fluttershy and sauntered over to her.

“I hope you don't mind that I waited for you,” Adagio said, “I was hoping we could talk a little on the way back to school. Get to know one another a little better.”

“I don't mind,” Fluttershy said, her heart racing a bit. Normally she was fine around Adagio, but for some reason on the rare occasions they were alone Fluttershy got really nervous. Adagio was very touchy feely, but Fluttershy always took that as she was just affectionate. She was the same with Aria and Sonata after all.

“So, where do you go during your free periods?” Adagio asked as they walked back to the school.

“I have a therapist I see,” Fluttershy said, “He's really nice, and relaxing to listen to. He gives really good advice without forcing you to do things a certain way.”

“Ahh, like a good therapist should,” Adagio nodded, “Maybe I should let Aria talk to him. She could use a little therapy to deal with her anger issues.”

“Are the three of you okay?” Fluttershy asked, “They seemed really upset with you. Well, Aria did at least.”

“Oh we're fine,” Adagio said waving it off, “Aria and I never fully see eye to eye, but it's never anything lethal. At the end of the day, we're sisters, and we look out for each other always.”

“I was curious about that though,” Fluttershy said, “The three of you are sisters, but all three of you are different nationalities. I hope I'm not intruding or anything.”

“No, you're fine,” Adagio said smiling, “The three of us were adopted when we were very young. That's why the three of us are so different. But that's only on the outside,” she placed her hand on her heart and closed her eyes, “At our cores, we're very much the same. That's why no matter how far away we are, we'll always be close to each other.”

“That's beautiful,” Fluttershy said, “You're a real inspiration, all three of you.”

“Thank you, Fluttershy,” Adagio said bowing slightly, “So, have you decided on what you're going to do for the talent show?”

“I was still deciding on whether or not I'd enter,” Fluttershy said, “I know everyone wants me to enter, and I do want to enter it, but…”

“You're afraid of being on stage?” Adagio asked. Fluttershy nodded.

“Also, I'm not sure if I can handle all of the attention I'll get afterward. What if I'm terrible? Everyone will laugh and make fun of me.”

“But what if you're good?” Adagio inquired.

“Ooh, that would be just as scary for me,” Fluttershy said, “You already know that I'm considered the hottest girl in school. If I'm good at this, no one will ever leave me alone.”

“You have a lot of fears,” Adagio stated thoughtfully, “Many would call them irrational fears, but those are usually the most prominent ones. It's the irrational fears that truly affect us, for they only make true sense to us.”

“You're really analytical when it comes to those things,” Fluttershy said, noting that this wasn't the first time Adagio reviewed information like that.

“I study people as a hobby of sorts,” Adagio stated, “If you want my personal opinion, I think you should enter the talent show.”

“You too?” Fluttershy asked with a sigh.

“But, do it for yourself,” Adagio finished, “Do it because the alternative is you asking yourself “what if”. What if I had entered the talent show? That's worse than entering it and seeing what happens. If you enter, then what will be will be, but if you don't enter, you'll have to spend the rest of your life wondering what it would have felt like. Live in the moment now so you're not haunted by your past later.”

“That… makes sense actually,” Fluttershy said, “Thank you Adagio. I'm glad you're our friend now.”

“I'm glad we're friends too, Fluttershy,” Adagio said hugging Fluttershy tightly, “So happy.”

As they were at the school gates, Adagio released Fluttershy after a few seconds (a bit longer than Fluttershy was comfortable with actually) and then sauntered back into the school. Fluttershy didn't know what to make of her or her sisters. There was definitely something off about them, but she couldn't figure out what. The XANA symbol never appeared in their eyes, and they never did anything bad.

Fluttershy felt horrible for suspecting Adagio even now, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Adagio was not exactly why she said she was.


The next day was the talent show, and thankfully everyone already knew what they were going to do for it. To everyone's surprise, Fluttershy's name did appear on the list, but know one had seen her the entire day. Everyone was gathering in the school auditorium as the teachers and a few students were setting up.

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were sitting together talking about Pinkie Pie's comedy routine as Vice-Principal Luna stopped next to them holding a clip board.

“Ahh, school talent shows,” Luna said wistfully, “We used to have these all the time in my old high school.”

“Did you ever enter them?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Both Tia and I entered them,” Luna said, “Every single one.”

“Boy, it's such a shame that you'd rather not talk about it, right?” Dash asked with a knowing smirk. To both her and Pinkie Pie's surprise, Luna looked at them with a confused expression.

“Actually I'd love to talk about it Dash, I'm just too busy right now,” Luna said, “Hey, have either of you seen Fluttershy?”

“I think she's still in her room,” Pinkie Pie said, “Twilight's with her.”

“Great. The show starts in another hour or so, and I don't want her to miss her spot. She's actually up pretty early,” with that, Luna walked off to another section checking things off. Dash shook her head in shock.

“She was actually going to talk about it…” Dash said to herself. Her expression turned into a cold one when she saw the two adults that just walked in, “Great… they're here…”

“Who's here?” Pinkie Pie asked, seeing Rainbow Dash's parents walk in. Her mother was very pretty, with really long red and orange hair and wearing a long white dress. Unlike Dash's father, she looked really friendly and approachable.

“Rainbow Dash!” her mother called out running up to them and hugging Dash, “It's so wonderful to see you.”

“Y-yeah,” Dash said returning the embrace, “It's nice to see you too, Mom.”

“So, is he here?” Dash's mother asked. Immediately Dash knew who she was talking about and blushed.

“N-not yet,” Dash said, “He said he's on his way though.”

“Hmph, if you have time to get a boyfriend and do talent shows, you have time to study,” her father said looking away.”

“Blitz, not right now,” Dash's mother scolded, “This is a happy moment for her.”

“No, it's fine,” Dash said darkly, “I realize I'm not going to impress him with anything I do, so I'm not going to even try. In fact, I'm pretty sure he's going to hate what I'm going to do up on that stage. Come on Pinkie Pie.”

“Right,” Pinkie Pie said. She took one last look at Dash's father, and then ran after her friend, “Dashie, are you going to be okay?”

“I'll be fine,” Dash said, “The way I see it, doing this is going to at least be a big middle finger to him, so that's reason enough to see this through. Don't let him ruin you're routine though. You need to be at the top of your game today.”

“Oh don't worry about me, Dashie,” Pinkie Pie said waving it off, “I think I'm going up around the middle, so I'll have plenty of time to prepare myself.”

“Good,” Dash said, “I'm really looking forward to seeing your comedy routine. I just hope Fluttershy can make it. She's damn near going first.”

“I know,” Pinkie Pie said, “I think I'll head to Fluttershy's room to check on her.”

“Alright, see you on stage,” Dash said. She and Pinkie Pie hugged and then walked in separate directions, Dash heading to the girls locker room to get changed. This was the first time she ever wore something like this publicly.

If she didn't win the talent show, she was sure that she'd at least give half the student body massive boners just from that alone.


“This was a mistake!” Fluttershy fussed pacing back and forth.

“No it wasn't,” Twilight said, calmly sitting on her bed. Rarity and Sunset were also there, sitting on Rarity's bed.

“I'm going crazy right now! Did you see how many people are there already?! By the time the show starts, it's going to be packed!”

“Fluttershy, it's going to be fine,” Sunset said, “You just go on stage, do your routine, and then it's over.”

“I can't go out there!” Fluttershy cried, “So many people are going to be watching me!” she screamed as someone knocked on the door.

“Hey, it's me,” Pinkie Pie said outside. Rarity stood up and opened the door, “How is she?”

“About as good as you'd expect,” Rarity sighed. Pinkie Pie walked into the room and hugged Fluttershy.

“Hey, you're going to be fine, Fluttershy,” Pinkie Pie said softly.

“Pinkie Pie…” Fluttershy said, tears falling from her eyes.

“You know, I'm pretty nervous too,” Pinkie Pie admitted.

“Wait, why?” Fluttershy asked, “You're hilarious naturally.”

“Yeah, but that's because I'm telling jokes to you and the others,” Pinkie Pie admitted, “Half the people out there I don't even know. I know how to make you guys laugh, but other people?”

Pinkie Pie took Fluttershy's hand and placed it over her heart. To Fluttershy's surprise, it was racing almost as much as her own heart.

“Pinkie Pie, I had no idea,” Fluttershy admitted.

“Being nervous is a good thing,” Pinkie Pie said, “It means that you care about your presentation and the crowd. If you go on stage and you're not nervous, then you shouldn't be on stage at all.”

“See?” Twilight said placing her hands on Fluttershy's shoulders, “If Pinkie Pie's nervous, you have nothing to be afraid of. This is perfectly normal.”

“I'm still afraid of what's going to happen after the show,” Fluttershy admitted, “Everyone is going to be talking about it, and I'll never be able to get away from the attention.”

“Not unless they're talking about something else,” Rarity said smiling at Twilight, “Right?”

“Right,” Twilight said, oddly looking down nervously, “Don't worry about anything, Fluttershy. You'll be fine. I'm going to take care of everything.”

“Twilight? What are you talking about?” Fluttershy asked, “Is everything-”

“You don't have anything to worry about,” Twilight said, “Just focus on the talent show and-

TOWER ACTIVATED

LOCATION: FOREST SECTOR

43 LAT, 22 LONG

Sunset, who was looking at her laptop, sighed, “Looks like XANA's crashing the party.”

“His timing couldn't be worse,” Rarity said, “Still, we can just use Return to Past, dah?”

“I don't like using that too much, but I guess that won't be an issue,” Twilight said, “Even still, we shouldn't have everyone go, just in case this is a self contained issue. That way, no one will be suspicious.”

“I can talk to Lulu about being moved into Fluttershy's spot,” Pinkie Pie said, “Dashie is a later entry, so she probably won't mind going with you guys, and I can join up after I finish.”

“Applejack and I can stay here and patrol school,” Rarity said, “I'll send her text right now.”

“What about Adagio?” Pinkie Pie asked, “She's going to want to go too, but her sisters…”

“I'll talk to her,” Sunset said putting her laptop in her bag, “Twilight, you and Fluttershy should go on ahead.”

“Alright,” Twilight said, “Let's go Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy nodded immediately and ran out of the room with Twilight. She didn't tell the others, but this was probably the one time she was happy that XANA attacked.


“XANA again?” Adagio asked as Sunset filled her in on everything back stage.

“We still don't know what XANA's planning,” Sunset said, “It might be nothing serious, but we can't be sure.”

“No, it will be serious,” Adagio said, “You're going to need as much help as you can get.”

“Adagio!” Sonata called out, “It's almost time for us to-” she stopped when she saw Sunset standing there, “Oh, you're Adagio's roommate, right?”

“Y-yeah,” Sunset said nervously, “I'm sorry, but…”

“Let me guess,” Aria said walking up to them as well, “Something came up so Adagio has to bail on us again, right?”

“Aria, I-” Adagio started.

“Save it,” Aria shot, “I don't know what's so important, but you've had to bail constantly since we came to this school. Sonata is really looking forward to this.”

“I know she is,” Adagio said looking down, “I am too, but this is really important.”

“More important than us?” Aria asked.

“Aria, don't,” Sonata said stepping forward, “That isn't fair to Adagio.”

“Sonata, I'm just worried that-”

“That we'll drift apart, I know,” Sonata said, “Adagio has those same fears though, I can tell. She doesn't want to leave us, but this might be really important.”

“If it's so important, than why won't she tell us?” Aria asked, “We're a team, aren't we? We do everything together, and protect each other.”

“That's why I can't tell you!” Adagio shouted, shocking Aria and Sonata. Even Sunset looked at Adagio surprised, as she was usually very calm, almost mechanically so.

“A-Adagio…” Sunset said wide eyed.

“This is very dangerous what we're doing, and I don't want you getting hurt,” Adagio said, closing her eyes as tears built up, “I'm terrified of you two getting involved. Just telling you this is too much. Please, just trust me, Aria.”

Sunset had to step in, so she put her hand on Adagio's shoulder, “Adagio, it's okay. Let's bring them to the factory with us.”

Adagio looked at Sunset suddenly, “Sunset no! If they come they'll want to-”

“Isn't this better than them wondering what you're doing?” Sunset asked, “Look, we might not need to use Return to the Past, so if they stay in real world they'll be out of danger and get to keep their memories of where you're going.”

“Return to the Past? Real world?” Sonata asked, “Adagio, what's she talking about?”

“Mmm…” Adagio moaned, thinking hard about her next words, “Fine. Come you two,” Adagio said, “We're heading to the abandoned factory. Meet us at the front gate of the school, and bring your bike and skate board.”

Aria nodded and walked off. Sonata looked at Adagio and Sunset briefly before running after them.

“Do you want to let them go there and we ride on my motorcycle together?” Sunset asked.

“I appreciate it, but I'm going to borrow Pinkie Pie's bike,” Adagio said, “I'll guide them through the secret passage.”

“Alright then,” Sunset said, “I'll meet you there.”

“Sunset,” Adagio called out stopping her. She walked over to Sunset and kissed her on the cheek, “Thank you.”

“Um… you're welcome,” Sunset said blushing. Adagio walked out of the back stage area, and Sunset once again couldn't take her eyes off her hips as she walked, “Oh yeah, I think I understand how Applejack feels around Rarity now.”

Sunset an out to her motorcycle and took off, trying her hardest to focus on the rode. That was hard when her new roommate was invading her thoughts.


After all the work that went into getting the talent show ready, Celestia was getting exhausted. She was ashamed of herself, but recent events had led her to smoking again. She needed a break, so she decided to get a cigarette and just smoke half of it.

She got in her car and rummaged through her glove compartment, but something odd happened. The car started up on its own. Immediately she knew what was happening. She remembered XANA doing something like this before.

“No! XANA!” Celestia said moving to the door, which closed and locked itself immediately. She pulled out her phone to call Luna, but a red spark shot out to her phone and shut it down, replacing the screen with the eye of XANA.

As the car started on its own, Celestia started banging on the window, hoping some of the people coming in would see her.

“Help!” she cried, “Someone help me!”

Sadly, no one noticed as her car drove out of the parking lot of the school to parts unknown.


Twilight and Fluttershy were in the lab waiting for the others when the elevator opened. They turned to see Dash walk in, but she looked um…

“Dash…?” Twilight asked.

“Hey guys,” Dash said walking in, oblivious to the looks Fluttershy and Twilight were giving her, “Applejack and Rarity said they're staying behind, but Sunset should be on her way with Adagio. I think her sisters are coming too to see what's going on.”

“Rainbow Dash, um… what are you wearing…?” Fluttershy asked.

Immediately Dash blushed looking away. Her outfit was something akin to a two piece suit one would wear for a tribal dance. It was extremely colorful with really long multicolored feathers acting as a long skirt behind her and on her head creating a headdress that went with her hair, which was out and flowing freely over her shoulders. Her top was more like a red bra with matching panties that meant her legs were on full display on the front, and she wore light brown boots. She was also wearing blue eyeshadow with pink tips and red lipstick.

“Look, I know that I look ridiculous, okay?” Dash said, “Can we just head into Lyoko already? I wanna be in my ninja suit by the time Sunset and the others get here.”

“You got it,” Twilight said laughing, “Hurry to the scanner room. I'll transfer the two of you immediately.”

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy went back into the elevator and took it down. Fluttershy tried her hardest not to stare at Rainbow Dash, but she couldn't help herself. She just looked so different.

“You look, um… really nice Dash,” Fluttershy said.

“Y-yeah? Thanks…” Dash said. The elevator ride was quiet and long, but once they reached the scanner room, Dash immediately ran to her scanner. She was that nervous just being seen by Twilight and Fluttershy, yet she was going to do… something on stage like that?

And all Fluttershy was going to do was get on stage and sing.

Back in the computer room, Twilight opened up the transfer program and got to work.

“Transfer Rainbow Dash! Transfer Fluttershy! Scanner Rainbow Dash! Scanner Fluttershy! Virtualization!” Twilight said pressing the enter key.


In the Forest Sector, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy rendered and dropped in a clearing.

“The activated tower is a bit ahead,” Twilight said, “Dash, I'm sending your Tera-Bike to you.”

“Got it,” Dash said getting on the bike as it rendered, “Where's Spike?”

“That's the thing, I can't get in touch with him,” Twilight said, “I'll keep searching for him, but for now just head to the tower.”

Dash rode off, and Fluttershy flew after her. On the way there, they saw two krabs and a megatank move right in front of the pathway blocking Dash's path.

“Shoot!” Dash cried as the megatank opened up to fire, “This is bad!”

“Veer to the right!” Twilight commanded, “There's another pathway down there!”

Dash turned down the right path just as the megatank fired. It missed, but the krabs started running after Dash. As she and Fluttershy made their way down the other path, a few bloks stationed on another path fired at them.

“Fluttershy, go on ahead!” Dash ordered, “I'll cover you!”

Fluttershy nodded and flew ahead, and Dash pulled out two laser kunai and threw them at the bloks. She hit them right in the eyes, and they exploded, but Dash took a hit in the side falling off her bike and sliding to the edge of the passage.

Rainbow Dash: 80 HP

She caught herself just in time grabbing the edge. Fluttershy stopped and flew back, but the krabs fired at her keeping her away.

“Twilight! Dash is about to fall into the Digital Sea!” Fluttershy cried.


“I see it!” Twilight said as the elevator opened, revealing Sunset, Adagio, Aria, and Sonata, “Thankfully, help is on the way!” she turned to the elevator, “You guys need to get to the Forest Sector immediately! Rainbow Dash is in trouble!”

“On it!” Sunset said, Adagio nodding in response. Aria and Sonata stepped out of the elevator as it closed and walked over to Twilight.

“What the hell is all of this?” Aria asked.

“If your memories don't end up needing to be wiped by the end of this, I'll tell you,” Twilight said, “Right now, just sit tight, and don't touch anything.”

“Is this where Adagio is heading?” Sonata asked looking at the holographic map of Lyoko.

“Like I said, I'll explain everything assuming you don't lose your memories,” Twilight said beginning the transfer, “Transfer Sunset! Transfer Adagio! Scanner Sunset! Scanner Adagio! Virtualization!”


After Sunset and Adagio rendered they immediately ran to where Rainbow Dash was. She was just hanging on to the ledge, but every time she tried to pull herself up the krabs fired at her.

“You take on the krabs!” Sunset said flying off. Adagio pulled out her fan and created a tornado that engulfed the krabs and destroyed them. At the same time Sunset ran over to Dash and grabbed her wrist right when she lost her balance.

“Thanks,” Dash said as Sunset pulled her up, “You came just in time.”

“More incoming!” Twilight cried, “They're trying to lead you away from the tower!”

“Yeah? Well it's working!” Adagio said, “Is there another pathway we can take?”

“I think I see another pathway!” Fluttershy said above them, “It's a bit out of the way though!”

“It'll have to do,” Sunset said, “Twilight, can you get Spike to cover us?”

“I've been trying to reach him for a while now, but he won't answer,” Twilight said, “I'm not picking him up anywhere on Lyoko either.”

“Keep trying,” Adagio said, “We'll make our way to the tower.”


“Okay,” Twilight said, “Be careful.”

She pulled up a side tab to search for Spike, also searching for any suspicious activity or signs of a specter. They still didn't know what XANA was planning. That was even more terrifying than not knowing where Spike was.


“So in Amish Country, we have this thing called Rumspringa,” Pinkie Pie said on stage, “I can already see some of you thinking “big word, crap! I didn't wanna learn today!”” everyone in the crowd laughed, “Don't worry, this isn't going to be on the test. I'll tell you exactly what it is. It's basically when the Amish let their young come into the real world where the normal people are. Most of them decide to go back, but a few of us, yes I count myself, decide they like being normal.

“I remember when I first came here. I was terrified. What's that black box trapping those people?! That's called a television, sweetie,” she said as if talking to a child, “Well, get them out! They could suffocate!” the crowd laughed at her impersonation, “I wish I were joking. You think that's bad? Can you imagine what I thought when I first rode in a car? Maud! Maud!” she composed herself and pretended to be driving a car, “Yes Pinkie?” she said in a perfect impersonation of Maud's monotone, “T-t-the carriage…! It's moving on its own…! Are the horses invisible…?!”

Everyone laughed, even Maud chuckled a bit. Clearly she remembered this moment.

Outside, Rarity and Applejack met up in front of the auditorium.

“I can't find specter anywhere!” Rarity said.

“An' nothin else is happenin around,” Applejack said, “This is unnervin.”

“Girls!” Nurse Cadance called out running up to them, “Have any of you seen Auntie Celestia?!”

“Ain't she in the auditorium judgin the talent show?” Applejack asked.

“She said she needed to get some fresh air, but she hasn't come back in thirty minutes!” Cadance said.

“AJ, do you think…?” Rarity asked.

“Possibly,” Applejack pulled out her cellphone and called Twilight, “Twilight, Eos is missin.”

“What?!” Twilight cried, “Shoot! That might be XANA's plan! I'll search for her via satellite!”


Twilight typed furiously on the computer, Sonata and Aria standing over her watching nervously.

“Who's Eos?” Sonata asked, “Is she important?”

“Probably the most important person we know,” Twilight said before freaking out a bit, “Oh no! No no no no no!”

“That's never a good sign,” Sunset said from Lyoko, “Twilight? What do you see?”

“I found Eos' car, and its driving away from the school! I think Eos is trapped inside of it!” Twilight cried.

“Where's it headin?!” Applejack asked.

“It's going in the direction of the power plant!” Twilight said, “You need to get there as fast as you can!”


“We're on it!” Applejack said, “Power plant!”

“We can take my car!” Cadance said, “Let's move!”

As they left, Rarity's phone rang, “Dah?

“Rarity, I just finished my routine! What's the situation?” Pinkie Pie said.

“Eos was captured! XANA possessed her car and is taking her to power plant!”

“I'll let Lulu know! We'll help too!” Pinkie Pie said hanging up. When Rarity, Applejack, and Cadance got outside though, a number of cars shined their lights at them.

One car tried to tackle them, but they rolled to the side out of the way just in time.

“Ah think now we know what XANA's usin that tower for!” Applejack said.

“He's only taken the cars of the faculty!” Cadance said, “Shoot! He must know that all of the Architects are faculty members of the school now!”


Pinkie Pie and Luna ran outside through another door, but were almost hit by Luna's car.

“Look out!” Luna shouted jumping away, “Damn it! Now what am I going to do?!”

Another car drove up to them, this one being a red convertible being driven by Maud, who opened the door.

“Get in,” Maud said harshly. Pinkie Pie and Luna immediately ran in and Maud floored the gas peddle, “Where are we going?”

“Power plant! My sister is in serious danger!” Luna said.

“Understood,” Maud said simply.

“Maud, are you sure about this?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I saw you running out of the auditorium,” Maud said not turning to Pinkie Pie, “I won't ask questions. I'll trust you, and just help however I can.”

“Thank you Maud,” Pinkie Pie said hugging her older sister, who just smiled softly in response.

“You're welcome, Pinkie Pie,” Maud said.


Back in Lyoko, the group continued running to the tower while being chased by four krabs and the megatank. The krabs fired at Fluttershy, hitting her in the back and knocking her to the ground.

Fluttershy: 70 HP

The megatank rolled to Fluttershy, stopped in front of her, and opened up. She looked up helplessly as the megatank charged up its attack. Sunset, Adagio, and Dash stopped and turned to them.

“I'll save her!” Adagio said running back to them and waving her fan blowing it back. When it didn't immediately move, she got in front of it and used her scream ability to push it back and disrupt its defenses, destroying it.

“Thank you,” Fluttershy said as Adagio helped her up.

“Don't mention it, Fluttershy,” Adagio said. She looked behind Sunset and Dash and saw a tarantula materialize behind them, “Sunset, Rainbow Dash, behind you!”

They turned just time to see the tarantula point its arms forward and fire at them. The rolled out of the way and pulled their individual weapons out.

“Pinkie Pie's the best one against these things, right?” Sunset asked, “How about you?”

“Oh, these things love me,” Dash said, “They're the things that usually take me out.”

“Lovely,” Sunset groaned. The tarantula fired at them, but Sunset took to the skies and Rainbow Dash ran to the side out of the way. While running, she threw her kunai at the tarantula, but it blocked with its arms.

“Damn it!” Dash shouted. The tarantula pointed its lasers and fired at her, actually knocking her back.

Rainbow Dash: 40 HP

“Dash!” Sunset cried. She flew down to the tarantula and whacked the tarantula with her whip, but it stepped back and used its arms to block her assault, “Geez! Fighting these things alone makes me really appreciate Pinkie Pie!”

Adagio took Fluttershy's hand, “Come on! Let's continue to the tower!”

Before Fluttershy could protest, the two of them ran down to the tower, which was being blocked by two megatanks and a krab. They stopped just as the krab fired at their feet, and the two megatanks fired at the same time. Adagio pushed Fluttershy away and just dodged the megatanks attacks.

“Adagio!” Fluttershy cried, “Twilight, Adagio is in trouble, and I can't get to the tower!”


“Goddamn it!” Twilight fussed opening up her tab and seeing the car Celestia was trapped in leaving town and making its way to the power plant, “Eos… what should I do…?”

Honestly, she knew what she should have done. This was the time when she needed to set up the stalled transfer, and go into Lyoko herself, but the thought of going in was just too much. What if the second she transferred in the scyphozoa showed up and captured her? XANA still wanted Celestia, so if she entered Lyoko he might actually send something after her.

“Help me…” Twilight said holding her head and curling up in her chair, “I… I can't do this…”

“Hey, it's going to be alright, love,” Sonata said taking Twilight's hands comfortingly, “You haven't lost yet, but if you give up now, this XANA person will win.”

“Couldn't you send someone else in there?” Aria asked looking at the hologram.

“I can't go in,” Twilight admitted, “I'm too afraid. Something happened to me last time I entered Lyoko, and…”

“I'm not talking about you, idiot,” Aria shot, “I'm talking about me? Can you send me in where Adagio is?”

“Y-yeah, I could,” Twilight said, “Are you saying you want to…”

“I don't like admitting when I'm wrong, but right now I feel like a real bitch for how I treated Adagio earlier. She's risking her life right now, and here I am just sitting here. So get me in that... Lyoko thingy or whatever.”

“Me too,” Sonata said, shocking Aria and Twilight.

“Sonata, no! You saw Einstein here, she's traumatized! If something happened to you, I'd never forgive myself!” Aria said.

“But what if something happens to you and Adagio, and I'm out here alone?!” Sonata cried, “Like you said, we're a team! We look out for each other, and protect each other! That goes for me too! I'm not as strong as you or Adagio, but there has to be something I can do!”

“Damn it…” Aria groaned, “Einstein, is this okay?”

Twilight wasn't sure of how she felt about that nickname, but she shrugged it off.

“She'll be fine,” Twilight said, “When you enter Lyoko, your forms will change to match your subconscious thoughts, and you'll both be able to fight. Just do whatever comes naturally, and you'll be fine.”

“Alright then,” Aria sighed, “Let's go Sonata.”

Sonata nodded, and the two of them took the ladder down. Twilight turned to the computer, but heard a thud downstairs.

“Ow…” Sonata moaned.

“Goddamn it, Sonata,” Aria groaned, making Twilight giggle despite herself. They had no idea how ironic that was.

“Transfer Aria!” Twilight said as Aria stepped into the scanner with an almost angry glare.

“Transfer Sonata!” Twilight said as Sonata walked into the scanner, actually with a serious expression herself.

“Scanner Aria!” Twilight continued, rendering an avatar that looked like a samurai with two swords.

“Scanner Sonata!” Twilight continued, rendering an avatar that was similar to Pinkie Pie's avatar, but looked more like a wolf.

Twilight made sure she targeted the area close to Adagio and Fluttershy before she pressed the enter key, “Virtualization!”

There was a white flash inside both scanners, and the two girls vanished from the real world.


A bit away from the fight, Aria and Sonata began rendering into Lyoko. Aria's form was clearly made for combat. She was wearing a dark red and black gi and black leggings, and had two swords: one katana strapped to her side and a larger buster blade strapped to her back. She also wore a black headband.

Sonata's form was very similar to Pinkie Pie's, but canine based. She had two blue wolf ears at the top of her head and a bushy blue wolf's tail, and was wearing a dark blue bra top and matching skirt that was made of wolf skin, bark blue gloves with some sort of gauntlets strapped to them, and dark blue high heeled boots.

Sonata landed on all fours, while poor Aria couldn't get her balance and landed right on her butt. Sonata laughed at Aria as she stood up.

“Shut it, Sonata,” Aria groaned.

“Congratulations,” Twilight said, “You have both been officially initiated into team Lyoko.”

“Oooh! I'm a werewolf! Aria Aria Aria Aria! Look at me! I'm a werewolf! A real live werewolf!”

“I can see Sonata,” Aria said rolling her eyes, “Why don't we admire ourselves later? What's the mission, Einstein?”

“Fluttershy has to get into the tower,” Twilight said, “Focus on protecting her.”

“Got it,” Aria said pulling out her katana, “Mission start!”

She rushed over to the fight, and Sonata held her hand out, “Hey! No fair Aria! I want a cool sounding catchphrase too!” she ran after Aria, actually on all fours.

The krab fired continuously as Adagio, who blocked their attacks with her fan, but one shot got through and knocked her back.

Adagio: 60 HP

Fluttershy tried to fly over the monsters, but the megatanks opened up and fired at her, forcing her to fly back.

As Adagio slowly rose to her feet, the krab stood over her and charged up its laser. Adagio closed her eyes and resigned herself to her fate, someone blocked the laser with a blade. She looked up to see Aria standing over her with her katana out.

“Aria?!” Adagio cried.

“So this is what you've been doing,” Aria asked looking at Adagio with a smirk, “They got the wrong one. Should have come to me first.”

Adagio closed her eyes and smiled, “You were late, so I had to step in. I don't like playing hero like you do.”

“Is that what you call this?” Aria asked, “Playing hero? Cause you looked like you were having your ass handed to you.”

The krab tried to charge up again, but a sharp dart hit it in the face making it fall back. Both Aria and Adagio looked behind them and saw Sonata standing behind them with her fist forward and holding her arm almost like it was a gun. She then threw her arms down whining.

“Aria! You shouldn't have run off like that!” Sonata cried. Adagio smiled as Sonata ran to her side, and the three of them looked at the monsters in front of them, Adagio standing in the middle.

To Fluttershy, seeing the three of them together was sort of terrifying. They had a presence that was truly dominating, almost like they owned Lyoko.

“Alright girls,” Adagio said pulling out her fan, “Now that we're all here, let's put on a show they won't forget.”

Adagio VS Krab

Aria VS Megatank

Sonata VS Megatank

Adagio pulled out her fan and blew the krab away while Aria and Sonata rushed off to their opponents. The krab fired at her, but she used her fan to deflect the lasers. She then threw her fan creating a razor wheel that sliced through the krab, killing it.

As for Aria, she ran circles around the megatank she was fighting, and pulled out her buster blade.

“Earth!” she shouted, a kanji for “earth” appearing on the jewel in the middle of the blade. She slammed the blade onto the ground creating a small earthquake that made sharp stalagmites rise out of the ground knocking the megatank back. When it opened up to attack, Aria jumped on its face and pulled out her katana.

“Impact!” she shouted, stabbing the megatank's eye, jumping off as it exploded.

Sonata ran up to her opponent just as it opened up and fired at her. When the blast hit her, she quickly moved to the side so fast it looked like she teleported, leaving an after image of herself that vanished. She then pointed her arm forward getting her gauntlet ready.

“Laser Arrow!” Sonata shouted, firing a small dart at laser speed at the megatank, killing it.

Fluttershy landed behind them and looked in awe. Those were all high level monsters, yet they made quick work of them like they were nothing.

“I'm so happy they're on our side,” Twilight said from the real world.

“Me too,” Fluttershy said. Sonata ran over to Fluttershy and embraced her.

"You're okay Fluttershy!” Sonata said, “All while I was fighting, I was like “I really hope none of these shots hit Fluttershy,” and here you are perfectly safe!”

“You're scaring her, Sonata,” Adagio said, “I apologize for my sister. She's very affectionate.”

“Hold on,” Twilight said from the real world, “Something is forming near you. I'm picking up some weird data.”

They looked in front of the tower and saw something forming right in front of it. Bits of data forming what looked like a paladin with a scythe. Adagio, Aria, and Sonata stood in front of Fluttershy in defense.

“Hey! Do you know what this thing is?!” Aria asked.


Twilight scanned it, but the data came up odd. It looked incomplete, like it was just bits and pieces of something.

“I… I don't know…” Twilight said, “It's some sort of… phantom. It's data can't be read at all. I'm not even seeing a life bar!” she looked on another tab and saw Celestia's car dangerously close to the power plant, “Fluttershy! You have to get into the tower! Eos is running out of time!”


Maud managed to drive right next to Celestia's car. They saw the older woman inside, pounding at the window of the car helplessly.

“Tia, hang on!” Luna shouted, “Maud, get me closer to it!”

Maud nodded and drove closer to Celestia's car. Luna tried to reach for the door handle, but the car drove out of the way and then hit the side of Maud's car.

“Ahh!!!” Pinkie Pie cried as the car veered off to the side.

“Pinkie Pie, call Twilight!” Luna commanded, “Ask her how close they are to deactivating the tower!”

Pinkie Pie nodded and pulled out her phone, “Twilight! We're running out of time! Is Fluttershy close to deactivating the tower?!”

“Something is blocking our path!” Twilight said, “Adagio and her sisters are trying to get it out of the way!”

“Lulu, they're having trouble!” Pinkie Pie said, “Something is stopping them!”

“Shit!” Luna swore, “Now what do we do?!”

“This,” Maud said slamming their car into Celestia's, “We just buy your friends time, right?”

“You're the best Maud! For tonight, you're an honorary Lyoko Warrior!” Pinkie Pie cheered.

“I'm honored, Pinkie Pie. Thank you,” Maud said monotonously. Luna couldn't tell if she was serious, or being sarcastic. Either way, it was pretty clear why Pinkie loved Maud so much.


The phantom swung his scythe, sending a dark green shock wave at Fluttershy, Adagio, Aria, and Sonata. Adagio grabbed Fluttershy and jumped to the left while Aria and Sonata jumped to the right.

“Laser Arrow!” Sonata shouted, firing rapidly at the phantom, who spun his scythe in front of him do deflect the shots. Aria ran over to the phantom pulling out her buster blade and clashing weapons with the phantom, actually pushing him back.

The phantom pushed back and swung his scythe, but Aria jumped over his attack and slashed him in the side, actually knocking him down. As he stood up, Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer ran to the scene.

“Holy… Twilight, what is that thing?!” Dash asked.

“I don't know! Some sort of virus I think!” Twilight said.

The phantom turned to Adagio and Fluttershy, and ran over to them holding his scythe out. Adagio pushed Fluttershy away and pulled out her closed fan, using it to block the phantom's scythe. Aria and Sonata tried to run to Adagio to help, but a green fireball shot at their feet.

“Huh?” Aria asked. They heard a familiar mechanical howl on top of a tree. Everyone looked up and saw the one who fired at them.

Spike.

“Wait? Spike?!” Twilight asked from the real world. Spike jumped off the tree and ran over to Aria and Sonata, turning into a razor wheel and shooting past them. Aria and Sonata jumped to the side away and Sonata pointed her arm at Spike.

“Bad doggie!” Sonata shouted, firing at Spike, who used his tail to flick the shots away and then fired another shot at Sonata, this one being blocked by Aria.

“Hey Princess! Get in the damn tower already!” Aria shouted to Fluttershy. Fluttershy hesitated for a second seeing Adagio fighting the phantom, but Sunset whacked him away with her laser whip and stood next to her.

“Aria's right Fluttershy!” Sunset said, “We'll hold them off!”

Fluttershy nodded and ran toward the tower, briefly meeting eyes with the phantom. Something about it just felt odd about it, almost like she knew what that was. Still, she didn't have time to worry about it, as she ran to the tower, phasing inside of it.


Inside the tower, Fluttershy ran to the center and allowed herself to be lifted to the upper platform.


Back in the real world, Maud drove right next to Celestia's car, and Luna jumped out landing on top of it.

“LULU!!!” Pinkie Pie cried, watching in horror as the car swerved to the sides trying to throw the Vice-Principal off.


Fluttershy elegantly landed on the platform and calmly walked over to the control panel, where she immediately got to work on hacking its security.


Right outside the tower, Rainbow Dash flipped in the air and threw two kunai at Spike, making him jump back. She then stood in front of Aria and Sonata holding another kunai and looked at Spike intently.

“What's going on with you?” Dash asked the cybernetic wolf, “Why are you attacking us?”


Once she finished, she placed her hand on the touch screen that appeared in front of her.

FLUTTERSHY

CODE

LYOKO


The car that Celestia was trapped in sparked red electricity and stopped suddenly, making Luna fall off the top. She rolled to her feet as the door opened and Celestia ran up to her.

“LUNA!!!” Celestia cried embracing her sister.

“CELESTIA!!!” Luna cried, returning the embrace, “I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have left you alone! If I had known XANA would-”

“Shh, everything is fine now,” Celestia said, “You came for me, and that's what matters.”

Maud stopped the car and smiled at the two sisters warmly as Pinkie Pie embraced her.

“Before you forget what just happened,” Pinkie Pie said lovingly, “I just want to thank you for being the bestest big sister ever.”

“I'll always be there for you Pinkie Pie,” Maud said returning the embrace, “Always and forever.”


“Tower deactivated,” Fluttershy said in relief. The coding on the walls fell into the abyss below her, and a white flash shot out engulfing everything.

Back in the real world, Twilight pressed the enter key on the super computer, “Return to the past, now!”


The talent show went off without a hitch this time, since XANA didn't interrupt it. Pinkie Pie didn't even mind doing her routine twice. In fact, it was funnier the second time around.

Rainbow Dash's turn was up. She didn't tell anyone what she was doing, no one except Applejack, who was right in the front next to Macintosh.

“So, you excited?” Applejack asked her brother, who blushed looking away, “Aw, ya ain't gotta hide it. Ah know ya can't wait ta see what Rainbow Dash does for the talent show.”

“E-eeyup…” Macintosh said with a slight stutter. The curtain came up, revealing Rainbow Dash in that feathery get up, and a heavy drum beat started as Rainbow Dash started doing something shocking.

She was belly dancing.

She had two colorful scarves in her hands that she swung around too, but the biggest and most shocking thing was how well she moved her hips to the beat. In the middle of the dance she met eyes with Macintosh, and winked at him. Poor Macintosh's face turned beet red, and Applejack couldn't help but chuckle a bit.

Needless to say, she got a standing ovation from that dance, even her father surprisingly enough. Oddly Macintosh refused to stand though. Dash bowed to the crowd and looked at Macintosh silently asking if he was okay, and for some odd reason blushed herself after noticing… something.

She rushed off the stage as quickly as possible, and Applejack broke out laughing out loud. She enjoyed that more than she should have.

Backstage, Fluttershy was standing with Rarity, Adagio, Aria, and Sonata.

“So, think you can do this?” Rarity asked Fluttershy, who nodded.

“I think so. After seeing what Dash did up there, I'm pretty sure that I can do this,” Fluttershy said.

“You're gonna be fine,” Sonata said, “Just do what I do, and imagine everyone in their underwear.”

“What you do? You don't get nervous,” Aria pointed out. Sonata giggled.

“Who said it was for my nerves?” Sonata said with a smirk. Aria rubbed the bridge of her nose.

“I swear Sonata, when is that not on your mind?” Aria asked with a groan. Adagio and Fluttershy laughed, and Adagio turned to Fluttershy placing a hand on her shoulder.

“You'll be great, Fluttershy,” Adagio said.

“Thank you Adagio,” Fluttershy said hugging Adagio, “I'm really happy we're friends now.”

“I'm happy we're friends too,” Adagio said tightening the embrace as she spoke. Fluttershy stepped out onto the stage and looked around at the crowd. She was terrified being on stage, but looking back stage she saw Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie all giving her thumbs up and encouraging her. She could do this. She was going to do this.

play this song now

So when the music started, she allowed herself to get lost in the song.

The song, the lyrics, they were filled with her deepest emotions. All of her sadness, pain, and even the feelings of hope she had deep inside, she allowed all of those feelings to come through.

She didn't notice as she was so lost in the song, but the crowd was wide eyed. A few of the audience were even crying a bit. They didn't know that she could sing like this, nor that she felt so strongly.

Her friends couldn't believe it either. They knew what she meant with this song, as they had been with her in her toughest moments. For Twilight, all of a sudden she felt like she knew Fluttershy a bit better. At the same time though, she felt a little ashamed of herself. This song was Fluttershy's way of saying that she was going to become a stronger person, yet Twilight was still too afraid to log into Lyoko again.

As she looked down in shame though, someone took her hand and held it. Twilight looked and saw Adagio smiling warmly at her, telling her that it was okay. She wasn't alone, nor was she in XANA's possession anymore. Here she was with her friends and family. Even better, she made three new friends who were willing to fight along with her and protect her.

Twilight had nothing to worry about. She didn't have to be on Lyoko to fight. She could do her part in the real world. With Adagio, Aria, and Sonata now fighting with them too, she could relax and focus on her part.

When the song ended, the crowd was silent for a few seconds, but soon erupted into loud cheers. Fluttershy came back from her high and squealed in shock, but then smiled and bowed to the crowd. She didn't know how she was going to deal with the aftermath of this tomorrow, and she was still concerned about what happened during this attack: what was that phantom on Lyoko? Why did Spike help it? How did XANA know the perfect way to target Celestia.

All of that could wait till tomorrow though. Tonight, she was going to enjoy this feeling. This wonderful feeling of being loved by all of Canterlot High.

Ending Theme: Can't Fight the Moonlight


PS: Those curious as to what Twilight's going to do to help Fluttershy will have to wait until the next chapter. Sorry.