//------------------------------// // The Party Before the Storm // Story: Adventures at Canterlot High // by MLP Fangirl //------------------------------// The Element Bearers excluding Twilight were all assembled at Canterlot Castle in the throne room of Princess Celestia. Rarity showed the Sun Princess the book and the message that Twilight had left. Princess Celestia scanned the message quickly. She sighed, levitating the book back to Rarity. Rarity took the book and put it back in her saddlebags, "So, Your Highness, will you be able to help us?" Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah, cause Twi's gonna be stuck in that other world forever unless we can help her." Pinkie grabbed Fluttershy and started hugging her tightly, "And forever's a reaaaaally long time! I don't want to have to wait forever to see Twilight again. I'll miss her too much. I miss her already too much." Fluttershy started turning purple, "Ugh...Pinkie...could you..?" Pinkie let her go upon realizing her friend was suffocating, "Oops. Sorry, Flutters." Princess Celestia looked toward a window, lost in thought. "Information about the Crystal Mirror has been hidden away ever since Sunset Shimmer tried to use it for her own personal gain. I locked it deep within the Archives in case somepony else tried to do the same." Applejack tilted her hat up, "We would never do anythang like that, Princess." Celestia smiled, "I know you won't. Which is why I will personally take you down there myself." Fluttershy gulped, "Is it dangerous?" Celestia chuckled, "Not at all. But, I am the only who knows the spell to unlock the chamber that they are contained in." She turned to one of her advisors. "Quick Wit," she called out to the light-blue stallion standing next to the throne. He quickly met her gaze, "Yes, Your Majesty?" "Cancel court for the rest of the day. I will be down in the Archives for awhile." Quick Wit nodded, "Consider it done, m'Lady." Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, "Say, why do they call you Quick Wit?" Quick Wit looked at the cyan pegasus with a deadpan expression. "Why do they call you Rainbow Dash?" Rainbow Dash blinked before bearing a smug smirk, "Uh, because I'm awesome and need a name befitting my awesomeness?" Quick Wit shook his head, "No. Because that's what your parents decided to name you." Pinkie burst out laughing, "Oh! That is soooo funny!" Rainbow looked over at her laughing friend, "What?" Celestia chuckled, "You can ponder that while we head down to the Archives. Follow me, my little ponies." With that being said, Princess Celestia led the Element Bearers out of the throne room. ----- Monday morning had arrived. But, this was no ordinary Monday. Twenty-five years ago today, Canterlot High School opened its doors for students to learn. So, in honor of this momentous occasion, a party was put together to celebrate Canterlot High's twenty-fifth anniversary. The Rainbooms would be putting on a special concert near the end of it. Despite the circumstances involving the portal, this party would be a good way for the Rainbooms to unwind. Princess Twilight entered the music room alongside her human counterpart. The rest of the Rainbooms were already there. Rainbow Dash groaned, "What took you two so long? We've only got, like, an hour to practice before the party starts." Princess Twilight rubbed her eyes, "Sorry, girls. I was up late last night doing some research." "Is that really much of a surprise?" Equestrian Spike chirped from his place in her backpack. The princess shot him a glare before taking her backpack off and setting it on the floor. "Did you find out anything?" Sunset asked while tuning up her guitar. Princess Twilight sighed, "No. Not yet. Hopefully, my friends in Equestria will have better luck than I do." Sunset's eyes brightened, "Oh! That reminds me. They sent you a message. The book's in my bag next to the piano." The princess walked over to the piano, instantly spotting Sunset's bag. She unzipped it and opened it up. She reached inside and grabbed the book. She flipped through several pages then spotted the most recent message. Dear Twilight, Princess Celestia has graciously allowed us access to the Royal Archives. She says that the books about the Mirror are hidden deep within them. We will let you know if we find out anything. We miss you. Your Friends Princess Twilight let out a sigh of relief as she closed the book and handed it back to Sunset. "Well, Princess Celestia has allowed them access to the Archives and the books about the Mirror." Sunset placed the book on the piano, "Oh, really? That's great. I'm sure they'll be able to find something." She looked off into the distance with a forlorn expression. "I know I didn't." Princess Twilight chuckled, "You really need to let that go, Sunset." Rainbow Dash groaned, "Enough with the sap. Let's get rockin'!" She struck a chord. Princess Twilight walked over to a microphone, "Remember, girls. No ponying up. We don't want to lose any more magic." Pinkie raised an eyebrow, "Try telling that to Dashie." Rainbow quickly turned to her, "What?" Pinkie put a hand to her mouth, "Whoops! Spoiler alert. Reading too far ahead. Never mind. Forget I said anything. Let's play!" She tapped her drumsticks together. Everyone looked around at each other, unsure of how to respond. They all decided not to respond at all and take Pinkie's advice. Princess Twilight turned to her counterpart, "Twilight, if you see any one of us start to pony up, feel free to interrupt us." Twilight looked to the side, "Uh, okay?" Rainbow readied her fingers. "Enough talk. Let's rock." Without further ado, the Rainbooms began to play. We used to fight with each other. (Oh Whoa-Oh Whoa-Oh Whoa-Oh) That was before we discovered. (Oh Whoa-Oh Whoa-Oh Whoa-Oh) That when your friendship is real. (Oh Whoa-Oh Whoa-Oh Whoa-Oh) Yeah, you just say what you feel. And the music, yeah the music Gets us to the top. As we learn how to rainbow... RAINBOW ROCKS! Twilight tapped her foot along with the beat, keeping a close eye on each member of the Rainbooms. As they entered the second verse, Twilight began to notice faint wisps of sparkles appearing on Rainbow, Rarity, and Applejack. Twilight gasped. She looked around, trying to find something that would get their attention. She spotted the light switch near the door. Quickly, she ran over to the switch and flipped it downward, causing the lights to turn off. The girls immediately stopped playing upon being shrouded in darkness. Rainbow turned to glare at Twilight, "What the hay was that for? We were almost done." Twilight shrugged, "You, Rarity, and Applejack were on the verge of ponying up. The Princess told me to interrupt." Princess Twilight narrowed her eyes at the three girls, "Exactly. She has done nothing wrong. Girls, how many times must I tell you to hold back? Do you want to lose more magic?" Rarity huffed, setting her keytar down, "Forgive me, Princess, but it is rather hard to control whether or not we pony up. I think I speak for everyone here when I say that the magic normally activates on its own." A murmur of agreement sprouted from every other girl in the room, sans Sunset and Princess Twilight. Sunset set her guitar down, "You've played before without ponying up. Don't you remember when you were competing in the Battle of the Bands? You had to hold back, otherwise the Sirens would have sensed your magic and used it. This isn't really any different." Applejack crossed her arms, "Hate to break it to ya, sugarcube. But, I can point out a few differences." Rainbow leaned against the piano, "Yeah, we weren't exactly at our best during the Battle of the Bands. Right now, the Rainbooms are at their peak. We are going to be performing in front of the entire school. We need to be at our best." Princess Twilight rubbed her forehead, "Girls, if we're going to figure this out, we need to keep as much magic around as we can. We can't afford to lose anymore. Sunset's already lost hers. You've all lost your magic before, right? How exactly did you feel afterwards?" Fluttershy raised her hand, "I couldn't even stand up." Pinkie stuck her tongue out at the memory, "Me too. And, that wasn't fun at all. Normally, I think everything is fun. But, I can tell you right now that that was not fun." Princess Twilight crossed her arms, "Exactly. Imagine if that were to happen on stage. Do you really want to risk that happening?" The Rainbooms looked at each other, trying to read the others' expressions. Rainbow Dash groaned, "Fine. We'll try to hold back. It's gonna be hard, though." Princess Twilight raised an eyebrow, "Well, if one of you starts to pony up, I'll have Twilight over there stop you. Even if we're on stage." Rarity put her hand to her chest, "But, darling, that is not going to look good on our part. No one else in school knows about the magic-draining portal. How will they react?" Princess Twilight shrugged nonchalantly, "Don't worry about it. Unless you want this world to become magicless again, then by all means, don't hold back. Play as hard as you can." Rainbow looked appalled at that, "Uh? Lose my awesome wings? No way." Sunset looked over at her, "Well, you've already lost them. Remember, pony ups have been off the fritz lately. If the magic isn't working properly, then we need to figure out why." Princess Twilight looked up at the clock, "Look, the party's about to start. Let's just head into the gym. But, please, try to hold back. Just until we get this whole thing sorted out." The girls gave their consent. "Well, what are we waiting for? It's time to PAR-TAY!" Pinkie jumped. With that being said, the girls gathered their things and headed into the gym. ----- Back in Equestria, the Bearers of Harmony and Princess Celestia were hard at work, searching for information on the Mirror. Applejack sighed, closing another book, "Anypony have any idea on what we're looking for, exactly?" Princess Celestia levitated a book off of the shelf and started to read it, "Any information about the Magic Mirror would be a good start, Applejack. I am going to assume that there is no information about it in the world that Twilight is in, so we are her only hope of coming home safely." Pinkie opened a book next to her, "Looks like the fate of Equestria is in our hooves once again." Rainbow looked over at the pink mare with a questioning look, "What do you mean? Equestria's not in danger. Twilight's the one we need to help." Princess Celestia walked over to them, "Pinkie does make a valid point. You six have made your fair share of enemies during your many escapades. If they find out that Twilight is not among you, they may use her absence to their advantage. I have no doubt in all of your abilities, but as leader of the Elements of Harmony, Twilight poses as the biggest threat. With her out of the way, I see no reason why they should hold back." The mares looked at each other anxiously. Fluttershy gulped, "Oh, dear. I didn't even realize." Rarity nodded, "Yes, we must work quickly if we want to get Twilight and Spike back. I can't even imagine what could happen if we can't." Princess Celestia placed a hoof on Rarity's shoulder, "We will get her back, girls. That I can assure you." She turned to look at the others, "Keep looking. There must be something down here that can help us." So, the mares went back to searching. For several minutes, the room was silent, save for the sound of pages being flipped. Pinkie Pie flipped through a book casually, not really expecting to find anything. She turned a page, and her eyes widened. "Oooh! Girls! I think I found something." Immediately, the rest of the mares gathered around Pinkie. Princess Celestia examined the book closely. She let out a small gasp, "These are Starswirl's notes. I'd recognize them anywhere." Rarity raised an eyebrow, "Starswirl the Bearded created the Mirror to the Human World?" Princess Celestia smiled, "Yes, I remember now. For quite some time, Starswirl had become interested in the study of alternate worlds. The Gateway to the Human World was the only portal he was successful in opening. These must be his notes on the matter." Pinkie grinned, "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get to reading!" ----- The party had been going wonderfully. All of the students of CHS were assembled in the gym, just enjoying the company of their friends and peers. But, before long, it was time for the Rainbooms to perform. Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna walked up to the stage. The students stopped talking and turned to face the principals. Celestia clasped her hands together as she stood in front of the microphone, "I hope you all are having a great time. Before the Rainbooms perform, I would just like to say how proud I am of all of you. Canterlot High School has been around for twenty-five years. We have had our ups and downs. And, I am not just talking about our incidents involving magic. But, despite everything that has happened, you all have stood with us. We've overcome our obstacles. And not because of just one person or a group of people. We've overcome our obstacles together. And, that is what makes Canterlot High a great place. Friendship abounds throughout every hallway. I think I speak for both Luna and myself when I say that we are privileged to be your principals." A cheer rang out over the entire gym, causing both Celestia and Luna to smile. Luna grabbed the microphone, "Now, without further ado, please give a round of applause for the Rainbooms." An even louder cheer erupted, with the additions of claps and whistles. Celestia and Luna exited the stage as the Rainbooms entered. The girls were all in position. Twilight was down near the front of the stage, watching for any signs of magic. Princess Twilight gave a look to all the girls. They all nodded then began to play. Sunset Shimmer I feel it stirrin' deep down inside my soul The rhythm's takin' hold And it's about to roll. Princess Twilight A million sparkles falling across the floor. So DJ give it more It's what we're looking for. All Dance the night away All our friends right by our side It doesn't matter what style you bring We're about to go on that ride (Hey!) It's dance magic Once you have it Let your body move Step into the music It's dance magic And it's electric Let your body move To the music All the while, Twilight was keeping a close eye on each girl. So far, it looked as if they would make it through the song without ponying up. But, that would be too good to be true. As they entered the last chorus, Rainbow Dash began to play harder. Before anyone could react, Rainbow's magic started to activate. She gained her wings, ears, and tail again. Princess Twilight gasped quietly. "Rainbow Dash!" But, Rainbow Dash ponying up wasn't the only problem. Unbeknownst to anyone inside, the portal was glowing brightly. At that moment, Rainbow began to feel tired. The girls all stopped playing upon seeing Rainbow Dash starting to sway. "Ugh, okay. What's happening?" Princess Twilight and Applejack ran over to Rainbow Dash as her pony extensions disappeared. Princess Twilight looked at Rainbow, "It's the portal. It drained you of your magic." Celestia and Luna came up to the stage. "What is going on here?" The princess looked over at the two principals, "The magic in this world has been malfunctioning lately. The portal to Equestria seems to be draining it. We're not sure why yet." Sunset walked over to them, "Principal Celestia, I'm not so sure it's a good idea for us to be performing right now. If any of us starts to pony up, we run the risk of losing more magic." Luna nodded, "We understand. Sister, we should skip right to the slide show." Celestia nodded in agreement, "Agreed." She turned to the crowd of confused students. "Due to some magic mishaps, the Rainbooms will not be able to perform right now. We will instead present a little something to remind you how our school started out. Give us a few minutes to prepare." She turned back to the Rainbooms, "You girls don't have to stay." Princess Twilight nodded, "Thank you. Come on, girls." With that, the Rainbooms left the stage and exited the gym. ----- "WHAT were you thinking, Rainbow?" Princess Twilight turned to Dash angrily. Rainbow's eyebrows furrowed, "Look, Twi, I know what you said. But, I could see the expressions on some people's faces. They prefer us at our best. So, I gave them what they wanted." "And, you lost your magic because of it." Sunset raised an eyebrow. Pinkie nodded, "Yup. I totally saw that coming. Mostly because I read ahead." Rarity raised an eyebrow, "What are you talking about?" "Nothing." "I don't get it at all. We weren't even near the portal. How could it have drained my magic?" Princess Twilight sighed, "I don't know. Ugh, this whole thing doesn't make any sense." Twilight walked alongside her, "I'm sorry I couldn't stop Rainbow. It just happened so fast." Her princess counterpart placed her hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry about it, Twilight. You didn't do anything wrong." Applejack huffed, "Well, now what do we do?" "I'm going to check if my pony friends found out anything." The girls entered the music room. Princess Twilight walked over to the book on the piano. To her relief, it was glowing and vibrating. She took the book in her hands and flipped to the most recent message. She read over it quickly. Upon finishing, she let out a gasp. Sunset gave a look of concern, "What? What does it say?" Princess Twilight looked up at the girls, her eyes sorrowful. "I know why the portal's acting up."