//------------------------------// // 6. Metal Girls // Story: Guitar Hero: Equestria Girls // by ThePegaKris //------------------------------// "Ahahahowwwwww!" as Lemon Zest was banging away. "Hehe, I don't think this is the first time I ever saw my old classmates compete this well!" Sci-Twi let out in the audience. Countess Coloratura, the Rainbooms, Coco Pommel, and the entire crowd all watched as the Shadowbolts continued to dominate the start of the second round. "What an amazing run by the Crystal Prep Shadowbolts!" Rara informed. "Woooo, way to go, girls!" Sour Sweet exclaimed right behind Fluttershy. "Hey Sour Sweet!" She waved to her. "WHAT? Oh, I mean, hey Fluttershy!" The bipolar girl replied. "I really need to fix myself..." "Ummm, okay?" Fluttershy whispered. "Anyway, how come you're not backstage with your friends?" "Well, since they know how I can get, they told me that's it best not to destroy anything backstage or on the stage! I'm REALLY trying not to get angry, so I'm staying as optimistic as I can! By the way, your friends are up next, and I wish them the best of luck as well!" "Oh, that's real nice of you!" Fluttershy said. "I CAN GET LIKE THAT TOO!" "Woah, hey, calm down!" Sour Sweet backed up a little. "Ehh, sorry, it's true!" Fluttershy simmered down. "Seriously, I'm rooting for your friends, and so far, they're doing great!" "Thank you, Fluttershy!" Sour Sweet sat upright in her seat. "We are becoming the same, aren't we?" "I can see that." "Wow, they are better than from what I remember!" Sunset worded backstage. "Now see, what did I tell you?" Applejack reminded. "It's kind of hard to get a long with someone who beats you at everything." "Yeah, but I know for a fact that during every time the Friendship Games came around, there weren't any Guitar Hero events, and this is our first time facing the Shadowbolts in that game." Rainbow acknowledged. "Oooh, you're right, Dashie!" Pinkie got anxious. "Looks like we're going to have to be even more careful when it comes to facing them at something new!" "No kidding." Sunset worked up. "Hmm, they're not cheating and they're just about to finish the song. If we can just get a score that's a bit or more high than theirs, we should be fine." "Isn't that what the point of this entire tournament is, Sunset?" A.J. brought up. "Of course, but who knows what Rara will throw at us next? I'm not saying there's anything wrong with her rules, but I just wanted us to be safe and all." "You know what?" Rainbow jumped in. "You're right, but let's just focus on beating the Shadowbolts and be prepared for any rounds that might separate us!" "Right!" A.J. and Pinkie agreed. "It looks like they're done." as Sunset looked from behind the curtains. "You three ready to rock?" "Rainbooms Forever!" They all chanted. "Alright, ladies and gentlemen, please give the Crystal Prep Shadowbolts a big round of applause!" Rara instructed. The crowd bizarrely clapped. "Up next to take the stage once again, all the way from Canterlot City: the Rainbooms! Can they top seven million points?" "Rainbooms, Rainbooms, Rainbooms!" The crowd went nuts. "Good luck, ladies, you'll need it!" as Sunny Flare walked backstage. "Enjoy the epicness out there!" Indigo Zap lead the way for their rivals. "May the best band win!" Sugarcoat stepped aside. "Have fun out there!" Lemon Zest then did a powerslide. Playing it fairly as usual, the Rainbooms accepted their complements and walked to the top of the stage. Upon returning to the band kit, they weren't expecting the entire theater to be very active, when it comes to all of the attendees cheering. "This is the second round and already, these people are acting like this is the match of the century?" Sunset asked while dusting off the microphone. "These people came here to see and listen to awesome musical groups, like us!" Rainbow pointed at herself. "How right you are, Rainbow, and now let's give them the best time they've ever had!" as Applejack adjusted the bass' strap. "I always love seeing fun seekers!" Pinkie dozed off after sitting down. "Welcome back, Rainbooms!" Rara recapped. "Are you four ready?" "We're ready, Rara!" They tightly held their instruments and faced the big screen. "Let's see, load, select the song, and you're good to go, girls! Now if you'll excuse me everyone, I need to rest my voice for a bit, so for now, I'm going to pause the game for a bit. Audience, please welcome my friend and fellow rocking buddy, James Hetfield!" "James, James, James!" as the crowd cheered the man's name. He now takes the microphone. "YEAH, how's it going out there, guys? Rocking out so far?" He rushed out on stage. "YEAH!" "If you're all wondering where Kirk, Rob, and Lars are, they weren't able to make it here." James said. "Awww." The crowd sighed. "Is that...Metallica's lead singer, Rarity?" Fluttershy whispered. "Why yes, of course, sweetie! He's not only the lead singer, but he's also the rhythm guitarist as well." "I didn't know there can be another counterpart of a REAL life human." Princess Twilight inquired. "Well, if you were to compare the real James with this one, I'd say that they're both exactly the same." Sci-Twi theorized. "So, you four girls are the Rainbooms, huh?" James asked. "From the looks of it, you all seem serious about my dazzling friend's tournament, and I like that!" "Thank you, Mr. Hetfield, and we're in this to have fun as well!" Pinkie stretched for a bit. "We weren't expecting an awesome guitarist like you to show up, however!" Rainbow bloated. "Hehe, I can relate to you in so many ways!" Sunset wandered off. "I admire your honesty, girls!" replied the singer. "I guess Ms. Coloratura forgot to tell you that I'm the co-host of her tournament. She's probably afraid of me taking the spotlight the second she introduces me! Nah, I'm just kidding! You four have to show these people your skills once again. Do you feel what I feel, ladies and gentlemen?" "YEAH!" The crowd shouted. "That's what I love to hear!" James looked back to the front of the stage. "This screen does say that you are playing the same song, which is one of my band's hits, as the Shadowbolts. I love that even more! Are you four really ready?" "Ready!" "And start!" as James resumed the game. "The suspense is real!" Fluttershy gasped. "Yeah, I'm positive that our best friends will win this again, though it may seem a bit more challenging to try and beat these Shadowbolts." Princess Twilight lectured. "Seven million points and this song is about eight to nine minutes long, so there's plenty of room for error, even though I don't want to see them mess up." Sci-Twi thought. "Relax, Twilight." Rarity said. "Sunset, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie can get through this entire tournament, no matter how hard or easy it is to beat another band, and the same goes for the Shadowbolts. Challenge is normal, darling." "For a moment, I'd like to reconsider, think of myself as A.J., and say what you've just said is very true, Rarity. Thank you for getting my head straight!" "You're welcome as always!" "Haauuummm, what's going on?" as Spike woke up. "I must have gotten tired from trying to avoid all these deranged fanatics!" "The girls are now up against the Shadowbolts, Spikey-Wikey." Rarity cooed. "Rainbow now has a guitar solo to deal with!" Everyone continued to stand on their feet as one half of the crowd was nervous and the other half was as excited as the rest of the group. "What's the score now?" Sour Sweet popped up from behind. "I can't see very well now!" "Hmm, six and a half million points, though it looks like it's going to be close." Fluttershy observed. "I never realized how much Sunset's voice has changed since the battle of the bands!" Princess Twilight exclaimed. "She sings more beautifully than I could remember!" "Well, since we're glad you came back, Twilight, you now know what else Sunset can pull off!" Rarity said. "98 percent now and then they'll tie!" as Coco eyed the big screen. "Just a bit more than seven million, come on!" "You can do it, girls!" The rest of the group cried. "Awk!!" Sunset coughed. "NO!" The group panicked. "Oh shoot, it's going to be close for sure!" James Hetfield pointed out. "And, finish!" The song finally ended. "Ahh!" as the audience looked away. "Did they win?" Fluttershy began to shake. "I can't look!" "They won, and wooooo, those are my girls!" Spike clapped. "Congratulations, Rainbooms!" James declared. "You've managed to get not only a full combo, but you've also racked up 7.1 million points! Everyone, let me hear all your support for these ladies!" "Yeah! Rainbooms, Rainbooms, Rainbooms!" "Nice job, ladies!" Sunny Flare nodded. "That was unbelievable!" Indigo Zap added. "Awesome, if I must say!" "They beat us." Sugarcoat admitted. "I've got to hand it to those four and say that I'm impressed!" "You rocked, woohoo!" as Lemon Zest threw up peace signs. "Huff." Sunset caught her breath. "I thought for sure that we'd be eliminated! But we did it!" "You said it!" Rainbow said. "I knew we were going to be awesome!" "To be honest, I'd say that we clutched it!" Applejack laughed. "Hehe, it was a scary ride, but I'm glad we had fun!" Pinkie hopped up and down. "Come here, girls!" She went and tightly brought Sunset, Rainbow, and A.J. into a big group hug. "Okay, okay, you can let us go now, Pinkie!" as the other three were squeezed tightly. "Teehee, sorry!" "Looks like you four are moving on to Round Three!" James explained. "Oooh, I have a surprise for you, by the way! Can I see that really quick, Rainbow Dash?" "Uhh, sure!" She gave him the guitar. "Thanks!" "What are you doing, James?" Sunset asked. "That's the cheat code menu." "I know, but this isn't really a cheat. I'm putting your faces into the game!" "WHAT?" The Rainbooms blasted. "Hah, every time you're up on stage, you're able to see your very own character models in the game!" James replied. "Enjoy!" "Thank you!" The band smiled. As the Rainbooms walked backstage, the Shadowbolts come face to face with them once again. "We saw you struggle for a bit, but you were able to pull through and win!" Sunny Flare put out a hand. "That performance was amazing and it was like a work of art! I've never seen anything that dynamic and lively before!" "Thank you, I'm glad you supported us, and we also admired your run!" Sunset shook her hand back. "We both had awesome runs, but I have to say that I found yours to be more than just that!" Indigo Zap claimed. "Really?" Rainbow wondered. "You all had determined looks, and even though one slip up occurred, you never gave up." Indigo answered. A winner never quits! I'm saying that you four fought your best, and you didn't act like some of those people who only cared about winning. Back at the Friendship Games, you and your friends have taught us the right way of working together! You deserved this win for sure!" "We always have played fair." Sugarcoat stated. "It was really Principal Cinch who made us boast every year, attempting to keep her reputation, which we all destroyed in the end! But nonetheless, we will still continue to root for you, even if you win or lose! Being that this is the very first time we've competed with each other in Guitar Hero, you blew us away with your skills!" "Aww, that's real nice of you, sugarcube, thanks!" as A.J. wiped off her sweat. "Pinkie, girl, what else can I say?" Lemon Zest was speechless. "I mean, my friends have already said it themselves, but I still want to let you know that your band rocked! It really got me in a mood I've never been in my entire life! I felt the energy, power, and devotion between you four!" "Thanks buddy! We already had fun watching you Shadowbolts play and the crowd went wild for both of us!" "Ah, it feels so good to no longer be conceded and to adore other people like you!" Sunny Flare said. "Since we were the first two bands up and to finish, would you like to hang out with us for a bit, girls?" "Wait, I should probably text Rara first!" A.J. reminded. "You don't have to, bestie!" The pop star then came up from behind. "Hey Rara!" Sunset, Rainbow, and Pinkie waved. "Eek, you startled me for a bit there, Rara!" A.J. calmed down. "So, umm, is it okay if you let us walk around a bit, maybe eat something too while we're at it?" "Of course, A.J.! Take all the time you need and you can also bring your other friends too by the way. No one is going to steal their seats while you all are gone because everyone in the audience has an assigned seat, according to their tickets. However, you should also probably all try and be back in one hour before the next round starts. I'm pretty sure you know how silly James can get on stage and how long these songs take, right? One last thing, congratulations to you both!" "Thanks Rara!" The Rainbooms and Shadowbolts united. "No problem! Now, you should all probably head like you said you would and be back in time for Round Three! Take care, players!" She walks away and waves. "Yes ma'am!" Both bands then left through the back door. "After you, fellas!" as a guard opened the door for them. "So where should we head to first?" Sunny Flare asked. "Rara left me a set of spare keys so that I can go and visit her apartment whenever I want!" A.J. brought them out. "But, I don't think there's a reason for us four to go back up." "You want to grab a bite, really quick?" Sunset suggested. "I'm down for that!" Rainbow replied. "Then that means we're going to have to invite...you know who!" "Fluttershy!" Pinkie came up. "Can someone text her and the others because my phone is about to die?" "We'd love to come along!" Sugarcoat stepped in. "I happen to have her number, by the way, so I'll do it!" She typed, "Hi Fluttershy, it's Sugarcoat! Your friends beat us and we just congratulated them! Anyway, if you can, bring yourself and the others, because Countess Coloratura allowed both of our bands to take a break in the meantime. If you leave your seats, it's fine because everyone else has an assigned seat. Much appreciated :)!" "And send!" Sugarcoat said. "Now we wait." Lemon Zest tapped her foot. "You said it, Lemon!" Indigo Zap winked. "Hey Sunset?" Pinkie smirked. "Yeah?" "I just realized that your hair is bacon!" She played around with it. "Why does everyone keep saying that? STOP. BITING. MY HAIR! Ahh, whatever." "It does look like bacon." Rainbow and A.J. thought. "We have arrived!" Rarity entered with the rest of the group. "Hi again!" Coco and Fluttershy crept out from behind. "Great, y'all made it just in time!" A.J. said. "So, how do sandwiches sound then? I feel kind of empty inside!" "Ooh, maybe I'll have mine with extra bacon!" Pinkie teased. "Shut...up." as Sunset had enough. "But seriously, good idea, Applejack!" "So this is what really goes on between them at Canterlot High." Lemon Zest whispered. "I can sniff their silliness all the way from our school!" Sugarcoat noted. "Shall we get going, girls?" Sunny Flare asked. "You don't have to ask me twice, darling!" Rarity answered. "Take my hand! I know a fabulous sandwich shop around here somewhere, so follow my lead, everyone!" She then drags Sunny Flare along with her. "There they go, riding off into the sunset." Sci-Twi looked. "At least I, umm, I mean, we...get to eat!" Fluttershy corrected herself. "You're a savage, you know that, right?" Rainbow eyed her friend. "I know." After one delicious meal, it was time for the next round. As night fell, everyone took their seats again and the Rainbooms headed backstage as they were supposed to. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Round Three of my Guitar Hero tournament!" Rara announced. "Aaawah..." "I'm sorry, but was that a yawn?" as James spoke into another microphone. "We don't stop rocking until we feel like it! Am I right, all of you?" "YEAH!" The audience demanded. "All right, all right, I get it!" Rara gave in. "Anyways, we've had the Rainbooms go first in the last two rounds, so can they pull it off again the third time?" "We will win this." Rainbow Dash thought to herself. "Let's see who they will be facing." James activated the roster selector. "Their opponents, all the way from Appleloosa, are the Gunslingers! Now let's see which member, or members, will be up for the challenge." The next screen cycled through and then landed on 'Guitar Only.' "Looks like we've got our first guitar battle of the tournament!" Rara honored. "If you all can, can you please give a strong round of applause to Rainbow Dash?" The audience cheered loudly. "Hooo." Rainbow breathed in and out of her mouth. "I really need luck this time!" "You can do this, Rainbow Dash!" Sunset assured. "You always can." "You'll be facing my cousin, Braeburn, who might buck a bit than he could, but I honestly know that you can make this an easy one for us!" A.J. noted. "We believe in you, Rainbow." "Don't worry, Dashie, you don't have to feel pressured!" Pinkie clapped both of her hands together. "Be as awesome as you want to be and know that we always have your back. Have fun out there and we'll be celebrating your victory in the meantime!" "Thank you so much girls...for everything!" Rainbow almost started to cry. "Do you mind if..." "Aww, come here, you!" The rest then gave Dash a big hug. "Come on up here, Rainbow Dash!" Rara requested. The athletic girl finally took to the stage and picked up the guitar. "Oooh, there she is, girls!" as Princess Twilight pointed to the front. "She looks so stunning!" Rarity got giddy. "You got this covered, Rainbow Dash!" "Go get 'em, Rainbow Dash!" The rest of the group chanted. "I'm ready!" She confirmed. "Can you activate the song selector, Ms. Coloratura?" James asked. "With pleasure, James!" Rara activated the last screen which began to spin through the big set list. "Wow, I love quick and fast ones like this one!" James claimed! Let me load this up, really quick, and...you're good to go, Rainbow Dash!" "Phew." She let out. The song began and Rainbow was immediately thrown in. "I just realized something." Sci-Twi got curious. "What's that, Twilight?" Coco reached over. "I think that our band is set to go first every round because Applejack's pop star friend announced our city first, but that's just my guess." "No, I think you are right, dear!" Rarity put a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "The band pattern for the last two rounds were exactly the same, so it has to be for this round as well." "Makes sense." Spike shrugged. "Look at how Rainbow Dash is doing right now, by the way!" "She's killing it with those guitar harmonies!" Fluttershy stated. "It makes you wonder how she even got that good at her real guitar." "Two reasons." as Princess Twilight was about to laugh. "One is that, well, she's Rainbow Dash, and second, you probably know what she does with her hands in her spare time." "Umm, I'm not even going to think about that!" Sci-Twi rejected. "She's now on the guitar solo, girls!" Rarity called out. "Star Power would come in handy for increasing her score." "Aww yeah!" Rainbow gloated. "I can't be stopped! Nothing will-" "Hold on, stop the song!" Rara yelled. The audience got furious and puzzled. "Come on! Boo! Finish it!" "What's going on?" as James scratched his head. "It appears I'm getting reports that my handlers are hearing about Braeburn, the Gunslingers' guitarist, wanting to call it off for his band and therefore giving an automatic win to the Rainbooms this round I can't believe I'm saying this, but...I accept that decision." "WHAT?" Everyone, including all bands, attendees, and James, were shocked by her announcement. "Allow me to explain." as Braeburn walked out on stage. "C-Cousin..." A.J. was lost. Rainbow Dash, who was also confused, dropped the guitar and walked to her opponent. "I'm sorry, but why are you letting us win? I mean, that sounds like a good thing, but it's not a fair match if I go down fighting and you don't!" "You, Rainbow Dash, are too good for me to beat, partner, and I would accept either a loss or win either way!" Braeburn replied. "However, my cousin, or your best friend, being happy is what matters more to me than this entire thing. I would love to see you and her continue to shred through the tournament!" "Aww!" Everyone else felt their hearts. "Th-thank you, Braeburn." Rainbow closed her eyes. "I guess...that means the winner of the first match of the third round, by request, is the Rainbooms!" James declared. "Rainbow Dash was able to acquire 450 thousand points before we called it off. Everyone, we understand if you wanted to see more this match, but if you still are feeling good out there, can you please put your hands together for both honorable bands?" "Hooray! Wooooo! Yeah!" The audience calmed down and got into a good spirit. "Congratulations once again, Rainbooms!" Rara said. "And Braeburn, you and your band may not have played yet this round, but I'm glad I got to choose an amazing band like yours from your hometown!" "Thank you, Countess Coloratura!" He and Rainbow both took a bow and went backstage. "Let's see who's up next!" James wondered back up on stage. "Cousin, you didn't have to do that, you know." A.J. sighed. "We wanted to see you play, too! I'm darn speechless right now." "There's no need to cry, Applejack. I'm happy with either one of us moving to the fourth round! Besides, not only do you want to make your friends proud, but you also want to make your family proud too, right?" "Yeah, Mom, Dad, Granny, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac would love that." as A.J. wiped her tears. "Thank you cousin, for being honest and able to support us! You were great out there too, Rainbow Dash!" "Thank you so much too, Braeburn!" The other Rainbooms joined in. "You're all very welcome! Just be sure to take care of cousin, will you? I'd appreciate that very much and so would Appleloosa!" "We got it!" "Another group hug, anyone?" Pinkie extended both of her arms. "I knew you were going to say that!" Sunset rolled her eyes. "Ahh, come on, gather around!" Round Four. It was bright in the Manehattan Theater and it was even brighter in the actual city. Citizens were heading to either parties, home, or their jobs. Inside, a full house was still present. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Round Four of our Guitar Hero tournament!" James spoke out. "Sadly, this will be the last round for the day as it is getting late, according to my beautiful co-host. But, the tournament will continue and start at the exact same time tomorrow, so don't forget to save your tickets!" "Encore, encore, encore!" The audience demanded. "Thank you, Mr. Hetfield!" Rara replied. "You all know the drill, so let's see who the Rainbooms will face before the night comes to a close!" She activated the roster selector once again. "The Cloudsdale Twisters, it will be!" "Home!" Rainbow and Fluttershy commented. "Now let's see which exact member, or members, will go up!" James said. "Hit Screen Number Two!" The next screen cycled through all band positions and landed on 'Bass Only.' "It looks like we finally get to see two bands drop the bass for the first time!" James laughed. "Right?" "Haha, so funny...not!" The pop star groaned. "Just hit the last screen, James!" "We got another metal track here for you, folks! Hit the lights because it's time for the country girl, Applejack, to shine! Everyone, do your thing!" The audience, as usual, rooted for the Rainbooms. "Buck 'em all, A.J.!" as Sunset got confident. "Stay strong out there, A.J.!" Rainbow hoped. "Make us proud and joyful, Applejack!" Pinkie jumped up and down. "Y'all can count on me! This is for you, sugarcubes, and for my family!" "1, 2, 3, Rainbooms Forever!" They all chanted. "Come on up here, A.J.!" Rara called out. "Wait!" as Rainbow Dash halted A.J. "What's up, Rainbow?" "Am I...really your best friend, Applejack?" "Of course you are. You all are."