After the events of the Fall Formal, Canterlot High is hosting a musical showcase and Dustin and his friends are going to be performing with their new bands, The Rainbooms and The Web Surfers. But then a new threat called the Dazzlings comes to CHS and convinces everyone to turn the friendly showcase into a Battle of the Bands, Dustin and the gang call on Princess Twilight to return to their world to help them perform a musical counter-spell while Dustin also gains a new form that negates the Dazzlings magic. The Rainbooms and Web Surfers both must put their musical skills to the test to save CHS.
The moon eerily shone its light down onto the small café as sounds of yelling and arguing were clearly heard, along with a strange melody in the air.
Inside, teenagers of all kinds gathered in the booths were arguing with each other loudly, while a strange, green, and gaseous aura spread across the floor, moving its way to three hooded girls, flowing into the red gems upon their matching necklaces.
"That was barely worth the effort, Adagio," one of the girls said as she removed her hood, letting her purple and blue pigtails out, "I'm tired of fast food. I need a meal," she complained as one of the other girls took her hood off as well, revealing a light and dark blue ponytail.
"The energy in this world isn't the same as in Equestria," Adagio explained, removing her hood to reveal her puffy golden orange hair, fixed with a rather spiky headband, "We can only gain so much power here."
"Ugh!" the girl groaned, "I wish we'd never been banished to this awful place!" she complained again.
"Really? I love it here!" Adagio said sarcastically, giving the pigtailed girl a look.
"For realsies?" the ponytailed girl asked, "Because I think this place is the worst."
"I think you're the worst, Sonata," the pigtailed girl said.
"Oh yeah?" Sonata replied, "Well, I think you're-"
"Ergh!" Adagio interrupted as the clouds in the sky began to gather, "I'll tell you one thing, being stuck here with you two isn't making this world any more bearable…" she said with her teeth clenched.
Suddenly, a bright light began shining in the sky, catching Adagio's attention as she tried to figure out what it was. She then raced outside through the doors as the wind had picked up immensely, and saw a bright burst of light, followed by a magical rainbow that was aimed at the ground.
Suddenly, the gem on Adagio's necklace sparkled after what she had just witnessed.
"Did you feel that?!" she asked. She then gave a sinister smile, turning to her friends who were right beside her. "Do you know what that is?" she asked. Both Sonata and the pigtailed girl gave her perplexed looks.
"Nuh-uh," Sonata replied as the other girl shrugged.
"It's Equestrian magic!" Adagio said as grabbed the pigtailed girl's hoodie, "And… something just as powerful…"
"But this world doesn't have Equestrian magic," the pigtailed girl replied as she removed Adagio's hands from her hoodie.
"It does now," Adagio said as she walked into the street, "And we're going to use it to make everyone in this pathetic little world adore us!" she said confidently as her companions, Sonata and Aria, walked over and stood beside her.
“Pardon me, dearies.” A robotic voice said, making the three turn to see a figure. He wore a dark grey bodysuit with a matching coat over it, a silver chest plate, black gauntlets with purple lights on them, and a black helmet with a purple tinted visor. He also wore metal gloves. The visor on his helmet was black.
“Can I help you?” Adagio asked with a raised brow.
“I couldn’t help but hear your amazing singing earlier.” The man said, surprising the trio. “Also, I couldn’t help but notice something extraordinary about you three.” His words surprised the girls even further.
“Have you been spying on us?!” Aria asked in defense, her first ready to punch the any senseless incase he tried anything.
“Easy there, my dear,” The man raised his hands, “What if I told you I can assist you in your little scheme? Maybe let people immortalize your names.” The man said, the girls looked at each other before looking back to him.
“Alright, we’ll bite mister…,” Adagio said with a raised eyebrow, the man’s visor displayed a smile made of purple light.
“The names Decibus,” The now named Decibus introduced himself, “And you are?”
“Adagio Dazzle.” Adagio said, crossing her fingers.
“Aria Blaze”, Aria said with a bored stare.
“And I’m Sonata Dusk.” Sonata said, feeling something off about Decibus.
“Just how do you plan on helping us”, Adagio asked Decibus.
“Follow me, and I’ll explain.” Decibus said as he walked off, the girls following him.
Later After a few minutes of walking, Decibus, Aria, Adagio and Sonatta were in what looks like a cross between a science lab and a DJ studio.
“Wow. Nice place.” Aria said with a wolf whistle.
“Well, not to brag, but I was once a well-known mix artist.” Decibus said, surprising the three. “And as for how I can help, allow me to show you my latest contraption.” Decibus said before walking to a big thing that was obscured by a tarp. He then pulled the tarp, revealing the contraption in question.
The three girls were amazed by what they were seeing.
"Marvelous, isn't it? I call it the Decimator." Decibus said as he stepped onto the Decimator’s platform. “Now, allow me to show you my brand of genius.” Decibus said, popping his fingers before turning on the Decimator. As soon as his fingers touched the mixing board, music soon began to play. The music he played was a blend of dubstep and baroque music.
As the music progressed, the girls were transfixed by the music. Well, Aria and Adagio seemed to be under some sort of influence, Sonata however felt her suspicions grow. Once the song ended, Decibus looked to the trio.
“Well? What do you ladies think?” Aria and Adagio were brought back to reality.
“Well, I’ll admit, it’s truly something.” Adagio said with a smirk.
“I’m not a huge dubstep fan, but I’ll admit, it’s kinda catchy.” Aria said with a shrug. Decibus looked to Sonata and noticed a hint of hesitation on her face.
“It’s...neat.” Sonata hesitated.
“Excellent. With this machine, and my assistance, you three will most definitely be idolized for generations to come. With your magic and my technology, word of you three will spread far and wide.” Decibus said as he stepped off the Decimator and walked to the three. “What do you say, my dears. Do we have an agreement?” Decibus asked, stretching his hand to the three.
Before the three could give their answer, they huddle together, whispering to one another. Occasionally, Sonata pokes her head out to look back at him before returning to the group and adding something. After a minute or so of this, they break apart and look to him.
“You got a deal.” Adagio said before shaking Decibus’ hand, sealing the deal.
“Excellent. Now, we best prepare ourselves.” Decibus said with a chuckle.
The sun was shining brilliantly over Canterlot High as students flooded the building with chatter. Most of it was being heard inside the school gymnasium as many students were walking in with paint buckets and poster paper. Inside, students were all gathered in groups of two or three, painting and decorating their posters carefully. The group of Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were busy decorating their poster when suddenly, a hand grabbed the brush in an orange paint cup that Sweetie was holding. The group turned to see that it was Sunset Shimmer.
“Want some help?” she asked, still holding the brush with a nervous look on her face.
“Uh, no thanks. We're good.” Apple Bloom replied, "We're good." Sweetie and Scootaloo nodded as well.
“Oh. Okay.” Sunset said sadly, looking away. She then put the brush back in the paint cup Sweetie was still holding.
“Sunset Shimmer! Over here!” a voice shouted across the room. Sunset turned to see Pinkie had called out to her from the other side of the gym, with her and the other girls finishing up a poster of their own. She also noticed that beside them, Dustin, Allister and Pixel were finishing up their poster. Dustin looked up to see Sunset and gave her a small wave of his hand, getting another in return from her as she had a thankful look.
However, the other students began to whisper loudly, griping over how awful Sunset used to be before and during the Fall Formal. She began walking towards the group as the students continued to spread chatter across the whole gym.
“I had no idea the whole school would be here.” Sunset said to the girls as she walked over with a depressed look after a quick sigh. Fluttershy put her hand on Sunset's shoulder to make her feel better.
“Quite the eye-catchhing advertisement, if I do say so myself.” Rarity said proudly as she and Pinkie then took the time to hold up their poster, a glittered collage of a keyboard, guitar, drum set, and musical notes and lines all over a dark blue background.
"And it smells like cake!" Pinkie added excitedly.
"It does?" Fluttershy asked. She then began to sniff the poster, before Pinkie shoved it right into her face.
"I used frosting instead of paste!" Pinkie said as she removed the poster from Fluttershy's face, revealing that a lot of glitter and some frosting was left on it.
"Uh, Fluttershy?" Applejack said, "You've got a little somethin', uh…" she said, pointing to her face. Fluttershy then wiped her cheek with her hand, only getting a few bits of glitter off.
"Did I get it?" she asked.
"Heh," Applejack chuckled, "Not exactly."
“Yo, Dustin! How’s your poster goin?” Rainbow asked Dustin, who had a smug grin on his face.
"You tell me," Dustin said as he presented as his drawing. The poster was designed with Dustin’s drawing of the Digitrix symbol in the center, Allistor’s unique drawing of a gear on the top left corner, Pixel’s sketch of a computer monitor in the top right corner, a DNA molecule symbol on the bottom right corner, and a picture of a Phoenix drawn by Sunset was on the bottom left corner. A Honeycomb background background like space, including the band name, The Web Surfers, in blue capital letters, surrounded all the drawings.
"Good afternoon students!" Celestia exclaimed, announcing her presence, "I just wanted to tell you all how pleased I am that so many of you are going to participate in the first ever Canterlot High School Musical Showcase!" All the students began cheering loudly, excited for the upcoming event. "This is a wonderful opportunity to raise money for all our after-school programs here at CHS," she explained, "So keep working on those signs and posters. I think it's going to be one of the most exciting events we've had at CHS since the Fall Formal."
The mention of the Fall Formal dance brought out surprise in the girls and the boys at the end of the gym, while the other students just turned and gave Sunset Shimmer looks and glares. She blushed out of embarrassment as Celestia had unknowingly put her into the spotlight. She leaned up against the folded stands, sliding down it until she hit the floor, covering her face with her hands as she curled up while Dustin placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.
Later
"Ugh!" she groaned miserably, "I am never going to live that down…" she said with her hands on her cheeks.
Everyone had gathered in the band room, with their band posters right outside the doors. Everyone was getting his or her instruments as Sunset had sat down upon the grand piano.
“Just give it some time, and I'm sure they’ll come around.” Dustin said to Sunset, trying to comfort her.
"You were pretty bad at the Fall Formal…" Fluttershy admitted as she grabbed her tambourine from the shelf.
"A demon," Sunset said as Rainbow was leaning on the piano, "I turned into a raging she-demon."
"And tried to turn everyone into teenage zombies for your own personal army!" Pinkie added, popping out of nowhere, finishing with a big smile. Sunset cringed at the memory of the events.
“Not to mention you sided with a mad man who wanted the Digitrix for his own gain.” Pixel said, making Dustin and the others give her a deadpan loom as Sunset cringed even further.
“Pixel, that’s not helping.” Dustin said, making Pixel look away with an awkward smile.
"Oh, darling, you have us," Rarity said in a reassuring tone as she held her keytar, "and we've forgiven you for your past… ahem…. booboos."
"Plus, I've seen that you're at least trying to make up for your mistakes," Dustin added as he sat next to Sunset, “Everybody makes mistakes. And yeah we do wish we can undo them, but all we can do is move on with our lives. I’m sure everybody here will forgive ya, it just takes patience.” Sunset looks to him with a smile.
“You really think so?” Sunset asked as Dustin shares the smile.
“I don’t think. I know.” Dustin and Sunset then shared a hug. “Besides. That’s why I recruited you to my band, so you can make your voice heard.”
"To be honest, ah'd say the whole experience brought everyone at Canterlot High closer than ever before!" Applejack said as she tuned her bass guitar.
"One, two, three!" Pinkie exclaimed as she banged her drumsticks as they were about to play. Ben just smiled as he, Sunset, and the other boys were left to be the audience as they watched the girls sing.
You can feel it, we are back (You... can... feel... it...)
And I'm so glad that we're better
Better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we're better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Rainbow Dash: There was a time we couldn't see
Past the differences
Applejack: That separated you and me
And it left us on our own
Pinkie Pie: But now you walk these halls
And friends are everywhere
The Rainbooms: Yeah, we're the Wondercolts forever, ah-oh, yeah!
We are all together
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)
Now it's better than ever
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)
Now that we are back on track (Now... that... we... are...)
Yes, I'm so glad that we're better
Better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we're better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we're better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we're better than ever!
The girls who had transformed into their pony modes quickly reformed as their ears and ponytails disappeared, along with the wings on Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Dustin, Pixel and Sunset were applauding the group.
"I still can't believe that happens when we play!" Rarity said as she put her keytar down against the piano, "Ooh! I've got to look into some new accessories! Something that looks good in a longer ponytail," she said excitedly, "Ooh! Maybe some clip-on earrings for when I get those adorable pony ears."
"Ah just wonder why it happens," Applejack said as she was sitting down with Fluttershy, "Princess Twilight took her crown back to Equestria. Shouldn't that mean she took all the magic back with her?" she explained, very perplexed.
"It could be because we were all hit by that magic…" Dustin noted, “Maybe that would also explain how I became Harmonized Firefox at the Fall Formal." he suggested.
Flashback
Suddenly, the Digitrix symbol on Dustin’s chest glowed a rainbow color before his body was encased in a multicolored aura. His helmet was now colored yellow, purple and white, his right gauntlet was colored white, pink and purple, his left gauntlet was colored blue, orange and yellow, his leg guards were colored blue, purple and yellow, and his foot guards were colored pink, red and orange. His eyes and the tips of his tails were encased in multicolored fire.
End Flashback
“Oh yeah. I remember that.” Pinkie said in wander.
“That might also explain how you gained those forms that look like us.” Sunset pondered.
"Who cares why it happens?" Rainbow said, placing her hand on Dustin's shoulder, "It makes my band totally awesome!" Dustin raised an eyebrow at that remark instantly.
"Ah!" Rarity gasped, "Your band?!"
"Duh!" Rainbow replied, "It was my idea to start the Rainbooms so we could be in the showcase. Plus, I'm the lead singer and guitarist," she added smugly while Pinkie was balancing a cymbal on her head.
A knocking sound outside the doors interrupted Dustin's reply. Everyone turned to see Flash Sentry enter the room.
"Uh, heard you outside!" he said, "You guys are sounding really tight," he added as he walked in, giving Dustin a quick fist bump.
"Good to see you Flash," Dustin said, "Our band's still working on getting lyrics for the song we have planned, but we've got the instrumental part down at least!"
“And we’re still deciding if we could use a backup singer or not.” Pixel said with a shrug.
"Sweet!" Flash said, "How 'bout you girls?"
"Uh, we're getting there," Rainbow admitted, "Rarity's still coming in a little late on the second verse, and Applejack's bass solo could use a little work. They'll get it together in time for the showcase." Both Applejack and Rarity gave off quick glares to Rainbow and then glanced at each other, with Fluttershy cowering while the Dustin and Pixel just watched.
"Uh, I don't suppose any of our friends from, uh... out of town might come?" Flash asked nervously, "It being a special charity event and all."
"Sorry, Flash," Applejack replied as she walked over, "Ah don't think Twilight is gonna be back at Canterlot High any time soon."
"Oh, yeah. Okay," Flash said as he laughed nervously, "I just, you know, thought I'd ask. Uh, k-keep on rockin' it," he said, backing into the wall by mistake, making him blush out of embarrassment before he then walks out the door
"Wow," Pixel said, "He's got it really bad, doesn't he?"
"Well," Rarity said, giggling, "Someone is quite the smitten kitten," she noted.
“I can smell horny from a mile away.” Dustin said, but then realized something, "Oh. Sorry," he apologized to Sunset, "I always forget you and Flash used to be an item."
"It's okay," Sunset said, "Flash is a great guy and all, but I never really liked-him liked him. I was just using him to become more popular," she explained, realizing that she was only bringing back more bad memories, "Ugh! The old me really was just awful, wasn't she?"
"Mmm… horrid," Rarity agreed, as did the other girls while they talked it over.
"Yep!" Pinkie said bluntly from her drum set.
"But the important thing is you've turned yourself around," Applejack said, placing her arm around Sunset, making her smile.
"Thanks, Applejack," she said, "but I'm not sure everyone else at C.H.S. feels the same way…"
"Just give it time," Dustin said, "They'll grow to like the new you!"
"Thanks Dustin," Sunset said. Suddenly, a loud beep was heard as everyone looked up at the P.A. system loudspeaker that was in the room.
"Sunset Shimmer, please report to the main foyer," Vice Principal Luna said over the loudspeaker.
"Gotta run," Sunset said as she was about to exit the room, "I volunteered to show some new students around the school. Thought it'd be good for them to get to know the new me before they heard all the stuff about the old me." She then left the room with a quick, leaving everyone else behind as Rainbow waved.
Another loud beep was heard as everyone looked up at the P.A. system loudspeaker that was in the room.
“Dustin Miller, please report to the Principal’s office,” Vice Principal Luna said over the loudspeaker yet again.
“Wander what it could be? Well, best not keep her waiting.” Dustin said as he rose from his spot and left the room.
“We've still got a few minutes before lunch starts. What do you say we do "Awesome As I Wanna Be"?” Rainbow suggested to her band members.
“Um, Rainbow Dash? I was wondering if we could maybe play the song I wrote?” Fluttershy asked as she held a notebook.
“We'll get to it.” Rainbow waved off, causing Flutterhsy to look downtrodden.
"Hi," Sunset said as she approached the entrance, "Are you the new girls I'm supposed to show around?" she asked. Stepping out of the shadows, Adagio, Sonata, and Aria all walked over to her.
"We are," Adagio responded with a sinister grin and look as her companions stood behind her.
"Canterlot High is a great school," Sunset said, "You're really going to love it here," she added as she walked towards the school hallways.
"Oh yes," Adagio replied as they all began to follow her, "We really sense there's something… magical about this place…" she said with a smirk.
As a few students were still lurking around the halls, Sunset was still showing Adagio and the girls around as less kids remained.
"That's the science lab, computer lab is in there," she pointed out, "Oh!" she said, noticing a showcase poster on the wall, "We're having a big musical showcase this weekend! The whole school is pretty much rallying around it," she told the girls. Adagio let out a small gasp.
“Yo Sunny.” Dustin called out, catching Sunset, Adagio, Aria and Sonata’s attention.
"Hey, Dustin, over here", Sunset called out, waving her arm.
"Hey," Dustin said, walking over to her, "How's the tour coming?"
"It's fine so far," Sunset said, "Oh! I should introduce you! This is Adagio," she said, gesturing towards the puffy-haired girl,
"That's Aria," she said, gesturing to the pigtailed girl, "And that's Sonata," she said gesturing towards the ponytailed girl.
“So, these are the new girls eh?” Dustin eyed the girls. Adagio notices the Digitrix on Dustin’s watch.
“Nice smart watch, new model?” Adagio said, making Dustin look to the Digitrix
“Uh…You can say that.” Dustin said with a chuckle.
"What are you up to?" Sunset asked.
"Heading to Tia’s office right now," Dustin replied, "Speaking of which, better not keep her waiting.” Dustin then looks to Sonata, Aria and Adagio. “Nice meeting you ladies.”
"So, about that showcase…" Sunset began to say as the two boys had left.
"We have been known to sing from time to time," Aria admitted as she was checking the nails on her hand.
"Hello?" Sonata said sarcastically, "We sing, like, all the time! It's how we get people to do what we want," she said mysteriously. Adagio looked angrily back at Sonata, gesturing to tell her to keep quiet as she gritted her teeth.
"Wha-What did I say?" she asked, with a raised eyebrow.
"What you meant to say was that being in a musical showcase sounds like a great way to meet other students!" Adagio said for Sonata, while Aria glared angrily at the ponytailed girl for almost blowing their cover.
"Ohhhh, yeah," Sonata agreed with a nervous laugh, "Th-What she said I meant to say. That's what I meant to say." Aria scoffed at the remark.
"And what you would have said if you weren't the worst," Aria retorted.
"You are!" Sonata argued.
"You'll have to excuse them," Adagio said with an annoyed look, "They're idiots."
"Hmph," they both replied, ending the argument. Sunset didn't know what to do or say after witnessing a feud like that, but she then noticed the necklaces the girls were wearing, and how they all matched. She laughed nervously as she glanced at them.
"Those are pretty," she said, about to reach at Adagio's gem, "Where did you-" Sunset was immediately interrupted as Adagio grabbed her arm before she could even touch the gem.
However, she let go with a sorry look on her face.
"Sorry," she said with a laugh, "These pendants mean an awful lot to us. We'd just hate for anything to happen to them," she said. She and Aria then walked off, while Sonata stayed before being grabbed by her companion. Sunset raised an eyebrow and scratched at her chin as she began to comprehend what she just witnessed.
Meanwhile
As the dazzling’s walked away, a beeping sound wad heard, and Adagio pulled out a purple hand held device, and with a click of a button, a hologram of Decibus was seen.
“Just thought I check on you ladies, have you made it in the school?” Decibus asked.
“Yes. It seems they plan on performing a musical showcase here.” Adagio said, to which Decibus smiled in intrigue.
“You don’t say. Well, how about we mix it up, if you catch my drift.” Decibus said, to which Adagio and Aria smiled evilly, but Sonata was still unsure about Decibus.
“Oh, and Sonata…” Decibus said, surprising Sonata a bit. “Next time, I suggest you let Adagio or Sonata do the talking. Honestly you do not think before speaking.” Decibus said to which Sonata scoffed at, but Adagio and Aria ignored her response.
“Good suggestion, boss man. I think its best we just duct tape her mouth shut until the event.” Aria said to Sonata, who just grumbles in anger.
“So, I suppose you have an idea about this “showcase”?” Adagio asked Decibus, who had an evil grin visible on his visor.
“Indeed I do. Now, here is the plan.” Decibus said as the three girls paid close attention.
Dustin’s POV
I walked near the principal's office before knocking.
“Come in.” Celestia called out.
When I entered, I see Principal Celestia at her desk, while Vice Principal Luna and Allister were beside her.
“You wanted to see me?” I asked as Celestia motioned for me to enter. After I walked in I took a seat.
“Before you ask, you are not in any trouble. But there is some pressing matters we need to discuss.” Celestia said, confusing me a bit.
“About?” Allister then held out his hand, a small holographic screen appearing above it, showing a graph of some kind.
“Last night, a massive energy spike was detected on the outskirts of Canterlot City. The only cause of such an abnormal energy spike to appear is a Digital Life form.”
When Allister said that, it shocked me.
“But that’s not our only concern.” Vice Principal Luna said as the screen on Allister's hand showed video footage of a bunch of teens arguing in a diner. What I noticed was a strange green mist.
“Whoa! I don’t know what’s causing that whole argument fest, but I bet its either something magical, or something from cyberspace.”
“I looked through the video footage multiple tines, and at first, I doubt it was magic. But then I heard this.” Allister said as he played what sounds like a group of girls singing a beautiful song. That surprised me more, and further raises my curiosity.
“When I heard that, I figured that was magical. But that wasn’t the only audio I’ve picked up. About a few minutes later, I gathered this.” Allister said as he then played something that sounded like a mix of baroque and dubstep.
The music lasted for a few seconds before stopping.
“Yeesh, who would make such ear garbage?” I said with a groan.
“There is only one person I know who makes such music.” Allister said as another holographic image appeared on his hand. It was a man dressed in a dark grey bodysuit with a matching coat over it, a silver chest plate, black gauntlets with purple lights on them, and a black helmet with a purple tinted visor. He also wore metal gloves. The visor on his helmet was black.
“This is Decibus. And trust me when I say that he has quite a reputation in both cyberspace, and the real world. And not in a good way either.”
I then began to put the pieces together.
“Is this why you guys called me here?” The three nod at this. “So, what’s so special about his music?”
“Decibus is a man who uses sound and music at his disposal. Decibus’ music affects people, triggering negative emotions such as fear, rage, sorrow, torment, heartbreak, etc. But as for the music heard in the diner, I'm not sure what the source was, but I’m certain it would have grabbed Decibus’ attention. And I fear he may already have it to his advantage.” Allister finished explaining, and I processed this information handed to me.
“And if this guy is as troublesome as you say, than I bet he and the source of that singing would definitely be catastrophic.”
“Fortunately, I do know something that can counter the effects.” Allister said before he grabbed my wrist where the Digitrix is before tapping the screen a few times before it let out a beep.
“New Transformation unlocked.” The Digitrix said as Allister let go. I looked at the Digitrix’s screen and saw the new transformation.
“Well? Give it a whirl.” Celestia said to me, surprising me a bit.
“Huh?” I asked in confusion “You mean, right now?”
“Absolutely.” Luna said with a nod. I look to Allister, and he nodded too. I stood from my chair before tapping the screen, triggering the transformation.
My body was then surrounded by a ring of strangely colored Bar Code, making an egg shaped dome as my skin began to glow so my entire body was now a shining silhouette of white light. Two rectangular 'plates' appear before surrounding my glowing form, one in front and the other behind, both standing vertical before moved towards each other, squashing around me as if I were in a press mold.
Images of punk rocker style clothing then appeared out of nowhere and fused onto his body before the 'mold' suddenly exploded and my new form fell through the air and landed on a small square platform with the Digitrix Symbol before tailoring a guitar with an axe blade and strumming it’s strings.
What I turned into was what looked like a punk rocker dressed in a black leather jacket that was left open, Black leather pants with matching leather boots, my hair was blond and spiked with a long ponytail, in my hands was a red electric guitar with axe blades that resembled bat wings, two speakers mounted on my shoulders, a pair of sunglasses that resembled those worn by Kamina from Gurren Lagann, and the Digitrix symbol is on the center of my chest.
"JAMMER!" I yelled out while strumming the strings of my guitar as the 'egg' of Data surrounding him then dissipated revealing the new being to the world.
(Transformation Index) Name: Jammer Species: Symphoid Jammer is a transformation that definitely loves to rock all night. It reflects Dustin at its fullest and love of music because it is a part of the heart and emotion of music. Jammer can manipulate and generate music, can gain different abilities by listening to or playing different kinds of music, can project emotions onto others by playing music, he can even turn sound into tools, objects, weapons and other items, create semi-living constructs and/or create structures/buildings of varying permanence.
I looked to myself, and needless to say, I couldn’t describe this new form “Whoa, Killer!” I said with a grin.
“I’m quite impressed.” Celestia said with a smile.
“But, how does this help with our issue at hand?” Luna asked Allister.
“You see, Jammer comes from a race known as the Symphoids from the Sight called Musempath. There are multiple variants of the species based on each genre of music. This form named Jammer can utilize music in a variety of ways, including affecting a person’s mood. Making him the perfect tool to counter Decibus”s plans.” Allister said as I pressed the symbol, changing back to normal.
“And, I feel that Decibus may find a way into the showcase.” Allister said, surprising me, Luna and Celestia. Celestia then looks to me. “I assume you’re about to ask if you can use Jammer in the Showcase, correct.” Celestia asked to me.
“The thought never crossed my mind, but I think that may be a necessary idea.” I said to the Celestia, who nods with a smile.
“Well, as long as you don’t cause any trouble with that new for, then I will allow it.” Celestia said, and Luna nods in agreement.
“If Tia is alright with this, than so am I.” Luna said with a smile to me. Allister nods in agreement as well.
“So, is that all you want to discuss?” I asked the three, and Celestia nods.
“That will be all. We’ll let you know if we have any new info. Also, I advise you to inform your friends about this, but nobody else is to know of this. Understand?” Celestia asked to me with a serious look, to which I nod a bit nervously.
“Absolutely, you can count on me.” I answered, and Celestia smiled.
“Good.” Then, the bell rang. “You best meet with the others at the Cafeteria.”
And with that, I rose from my seat and exited the office, leaving the three behind.
In the cafeteria, Dustin met up with the girls as they all sat down at one of the longer tables in the area.
"So, how was the tour?" Applejack asked as Sunset sat down, with a worried look in her eyes.
"I dunno…" she answered as she looked up to the ceiling, "These girls, they were- There was something off about them," she said.
“You mean Adagio, Sonata, and Aria?” Dustin asked, to which Sunset answered with a nod.
"Like off like this?" Pinkie asked as she had put her hair in front of her face like a beard, "Or off like this?" she asked again, this time with lettuce on her eyebrows, and carrots in her mouth for teeth.
"Or… ooh ooh! Like-"
"Maybe we should just let her tell us," Rainbow said before Pinkie could make another ridiculous face. She stopped, letting a carrot drop out of her mouth.
"That's just it," Sunset said with her hand on the table, "I can't put my finger on it. They just acted sort of… strange around me…" she finished, waving her hands with a confused look, while everyone else listened.
"You mean like a creepy kind of strange?" Dustin asked.
"I guess…" Sunset said as she put her hands on her head to try and think as she looked away from everyone. Dustin then remembered the talk he had with Celestia, Luna and Allister.
“Speaking of which, you’re not gonna believe what I was told at Celestia’s office.” Dustin said as the girls looked to him.
“Go on. Do tell, darling.” Rarity motioned for him to speak. Dustin took a deep breath and began to explain.
Meanwhile
Adagio, Aria, Sonata and Decibus were right outside the cafeteria, preparing to enter.
"This is it girls," Adagio said, "The moment we've been waiting for."
"Lunch", Sonata asked excitedly, making Aria and Adagio glance at her angrily.
"The chance to get our true Equestrian magic back," Adagio explained after a quick groan.
"Oh. Right," Sonata realized as Aria just scoffed.
"Our voices are just strong enough to make them want something so badly, they'll fight to get it," Adagio explained as she looked through the glass doors.
"So we're just gonna do what we always do?" Aria asked, "Stir up some trouble and then feed off the negative energy?" she said sarcastically, "Some plan, Adagio."
“Keep in mind; this was my plan, Aria.” Decibus said to Aria, making her look away in slight fear of the dirty look he was giving her.
"It won't be the same as the times before!" Adagio argued, "There is Equestrian magic here. Their negative energy will give us the power we need to get this entire world to do our bidding," she said with an evil smile.
"But we can get lunch after though, right?" Sonata asked, "It's Taco Tuesday!" she exclaimed excitedly as she eyed a poster of tacos.
“Focus on the plan, Sonata!” Decibus said to Sonata, making her jump at his tone.
"Just follow my lead," Adagio said, pointing at Sonata.
"Or my lead," Aria stated.
"My lead," Adagio said angrily, grabbing Aria's shirt with a threatening look. She then let go, ready to walk into the cafeteria while Sonata smiled as Aria crossed her arms angrily.
After a few minutes of explaining, the girls were wide eyed at what they heard. Honestly, they didn’t know what to believe.
Then, Adagio, Aria and Sonata entered, suddenly vocalizing, loud enough to get the attention of the girls and the boys near the back of the cafeteria. They began walking slowly down the aisles of the tables, still vocalizing loud enough to get the students' attentions one by one.
The Dazzlings: Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh Adagio Dazzle: We heard you want to get together We heard you want to rock this school We've thought of something that is better Something that changes all the rules Why pretend we're all the same When some of us shine brighter? Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk: Shine brighter Adagio Dazzle: Here’s a chance to find your flame Are you a loser or a fighter? The Dazzlings: Me and you, you and me Why don't we see who is better? We don't have to be one and the same thing Oh, what's so wrong with a little competition? Are you afraid of failing the audition? Adagio Dazzle: you’re a star and you should know it Yeah, you rise above the rest It doesn't matter who you hurt If you're just proving you're the best The Dazzlings: Ah, ahh-ahh-ahhh Battle! You wanna win it Let's have a battle, battle of the bands Let's have a battle; we'll go all in it Let's have a battle, battle, battle Battle of the bands The Dazzlings and students: Battle! Blueberry Cake: I can beat you! The Dazzlings and students: Battle! Cherry Crash: Ha! You wish! The Dazzlings and students: Battle! Trixie Lulamoon: I so want this! The Dazzlings and students: Battle! Captain Planet: Not if I get it first! The Dazzlings and students: me and you, you and me Why don't we see who is better? We don't have to be one and the same thing Oh, what's so wrong with a little competition? Students: I’m going out and winning the audition The Dazzlings and students: Battle! We wanna win it Let's have a battle, battle of the bands Let's have a battle; we'll go all in it Let's have a battle, battle, battle Battle of the bands!
As the song ended, Dustin and the girls looked on to see that the students were arguing over who'd win the competition the mysterious girls thought of.
"Oh! They're that kind of 'off'!" Pinkie noted as they all looked back on the students with perplexed looks.
Decibus was watching everything unfold with an evil smile on his visor.
“Excellent. Everything is going rather smoothly.” Decibus said with a chuckle, but then noticed Dustin standing up.
“Time to give Jammer a test run”, Dustin said as he tapped the screen of the Digitrix, transforming into Jammer, surprising the girls with the new look. Adagio, Sonata and Aria were also shocked at the sudden sight of Dustin turning into Jammer.
“Whoa.” Pixel said as Dustin then strummed the strings on his guitar, making an upbeat rhythm, the speakers on his shoulders projected electric blue sound waves which calmed the arguing students and ceased the arguments.
From behind the door, Decibus was absolutely shocked at what he just saw.
“Impossible!” Decibus said in pure shock.
"That was so awesome!" Rainbow exclaimed as she saw that everyone had stopped with their arguing.
“I do what I can.” Dustin said with a smirk.
"What was that all about?!" Aria asked as Dustin, still as Jammer strapped his guitar to his back before pulling up his shades, glaring to Aria, Adagio and Sonata.
"Let me tell ya somethin’ ladies! If you wanna start a competition, why not make it a friendly one?" Dustin asked. "You don't need to start getting everyone riled up in here over that," he added. The other students listened and began talking amongst themselves again, all of them clearly feeling somewhat sorry for starting what could've been a serious competition, but they still glared at each other silently. Aria glared back while Sonata was smiling softly, but Adagio just smiled wickedly as she looked back up at him.
"Our apologies, handsome" Adagio said, circling around Dustin "We just want everyone to get excited about something like that. Wouldn't you?" she asked. Dustin just crossed his arms as he raised an eyebrow at her question. "Who knows? Maybe your band will want to join in on the fun," she added, making the students all converse with each other again.
"Not if it means having to turn it into an actual battle," Dustin replied, "There's a difference between having fun and having a competition you know."
"Very well," Adagio said, trailing her fingers along Dustin’s exposed abs, making him blush. "I'm sure we'll meet again," said Adagio, blowing a kiss goodbye to Dustin before turning around to exit with the other two girls, leaving him to blush madly before turning back to normal.
“Uh…what the fuck just happened?” Dustin said his face still red.
Meanwhile
Adagio, Aria and Sonata have met up with Decibus at their hideout, who was clearly thinking about a certain boy capable of transforming.
“Was the flirting really necessary, Adagio?” Aria asked with a deadpan look.
“Oh please, it was just a bit of teasing. Admittedly, he’s cute, but he’s way out of my league.” Adagio said with a shrug.
Unbeknownst to the others, Sonata was thinking about what Dustin said earlier, until Decibus broke her train of thought.
“That boy, no doubt he’ll muck up everything we’ve planned.” Decibus said with a growl, confusing Aria and Adagio.
“How so”, Aria asked, not getting Decibus’ point.
“Have you noticed that watch on his wrist?” Decibus asked the tree.
“Yeah, what about it”, Aria asked with a raised eyebrow.
“That device is known as the Digitrix. And if the Digitrix and its wielder are here, than no doubt the one behind its creation is here as well.” Decibus said, seething in rage, Adagio and Aria looked to each other with confusion looking back to Decibus.
“I take it you and the creator of this "Digitrix" have some history?” Adagio asked Decibus, who turned his head with a glare with enough venom to kill a full-grown whale in seconds.
“Oh, you have no idea!” Decibus said in a dangerously low tone, and Adagio figured she should just leave it at that.
“Well, you know…” Sonata said, getting the attention of Aria, Adagio and Decibus “The guy is right on one thing. If we’re going to make a competition, why not make it a friendly one?”
Adagio was shocked by this, Aria just face-palmed, but Decibus just chuckled.
“Ah, yes. That is a good train of thought, Sonata.” Decibus said sarcastically, making the three turn to him. “A good friendly competition sounds perfect…” Decibus said before flipping the table out of rage, startling the three “FOR A BUNCH OF IMBECILES!!!”
Decibus then stormed to Sonata, making her cower a bit in fear.
“Dash it all, Sonata! I swear, do you not think before you speak!?” Decibus growled, Sonata still cowered a bit, but Decibus eventually took in a deep breath to calm down. “You must focus on the plan, Sonata. Do you not want to regain your lost powers? Do you not want the attention you, Adagio and Aria so righteously deserve?”
“Y-yes...but…” Sonata said, making Decibus growl.
“But- BUT WHAT!?”, Decibus yelled at Sonata, making her shiver in fear again.
“N-nothing”, Sonata muttered out, making Decibus calm down once more.
“If you’ll excuse me…I need some fresh air!” Decibus groaned before walking out, making Aria and Adagio look to her with deadpan looks.
“Nice going blabbermouth!” Aria said as Sonata looked down in shame.
Dustin and the girls were all walking down the main halls as they all tried to comprehend what they just witnessed. Rainbow was juggling a soccer ball as they conversed.
"Those three are definitely in possession of some kind of dark magic," Sunset explained, "How else could you explain what happened back there?"
“Wait! The singing sound like the singing I’ve heard from the audio recording Allister showed me at Principle Celestia’s office earlier.” Dustin said in realization.
“You don’t suppose they could be working for this Decibus guy you mentioned earlier, do you?” Fluttershy asked Dustin, who shrugged.
“No clue. But it could be a strong possibility.” Dustin said.
"But if they were, why make a battle of the bands and cause such a ruckus?” Pixel asked with confusion.
“Whatever the reason, I highly doubt it’ll be good.” Dustin said, pondering about the whole thing.
"Don't worry y'all," Applejack said reassuringly, "We let Principal Celestia know all about this, and those girls will be kicked to the curb in no time," she said confidently, "Last thing she needs is another CHS event almost ruined by some power crazed lunatic," she added, but then realized that Sunset was walking beside her. "Er, no offense," she apologized. Sunset sighed as she was still haunted by the past.
"None taken," she replied as they all continued to walk down the halls.
"Dark magic", Celestia asked as she looked through the blinds of her office as both the boys and girls had come in to talk with her, "I find that very hard to believe," she admitted, "Those girls came into my office earlier and were absolutely delightful."
“Oh boy, It looks like they’re affected by them as well.” Dustin whispered to Pixel.
"Uh," Luna scoffed, "Perhaps Sunset Shimmer is just eager to make someone else out to be a bad element, so that her actions at the Fall Formal will become old news," she said.
"How the hell could you even say that!?", Pixel asked angrily, surprising the others by Pixel’s outburst.
“Excuse me, young lady!?” Luna asked angrily.
"Sunset's not the same person she was before!" Pixel said back angrily. Thankfully, Dustin decided to break the argument.
“Ok, ok, let’s just cool our jets here.” Dustin said before looking to Luna, “I am so sorry about Pixel’s little outburst. It won’t happened again,” he then looks to Pixel, “Right Pixel?”
Pixel just grumbles, but nods.
"I can see why you might think that, but-" Sunset said, but Rainbow interrupted her.
"That's not what's happening!" Rainbow exclaimed, interrupting Sunset, "We saw all of this go down in the cafeteria too!"
"She ain’t lying!" Dustin agreed, "And we did our best to put a stop to it!" he added, trying to convince the two.
"Yes, but aren't your bands supposed to be part of the Musical Showcase?" Celestia asked. Rainbow and Dustin were both perplexed by the question as they looked around with their eyes.
"Yes," they said in unison.
"Perhaps you're all just worried that the Dazzlings will steal your spotlight," Luna said.
"Huh?" Dustin asked.
"The 'Dazzlings' ”, Applejack asked as well. "It's the name of their musical group," Celestia said, "That's why they came by my office earlier today – to sign up for the Showcase," she added, "Even sang a little song to Vice Principal Luna and I."
"They did?" Applejack asked.
‘Shit! That’s not good!’ Dustin thought with worry.
"Yes," Celestia replied, "And we think having a Battle of the Bands instead is a marvelous idea," she said as both Luna's and her eyes flashed a bright green.
Later
Both groups were outside near the mirror statue, still figuring out what was happening.
"I can't believe they got to Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna too," Fluttershy said as a ladybug crawled onto her finger from the statue's pedestal.
"They've gotten to everybody," Rainbow said as she continued to juggle her soccer ball.
"Not everybody~", Pinkie said to everyone from atop the pedestal.
‘’Not me, however”, Allister said out of nowhere, startling the groups.
"Pinkie Pie's right," Applejack said, "We were there when the Dazzlings were singin' and we weren't affected," she explained, "It was like we were protected somehow."
“Not me though. Trust me, they’ve tried.” Allister said out of nowhere, startling the groups. They turn to see Allister.
“Jesus Fuck, Al! You gotta stop doing that!” Dustin said, taking breaths to calm himself.
"I hypothesize that the reason you ladies weren’t affected because of the magic that's still inside of all of you," Allister said.
“But that doesn't explain why you, me and Pixel aren't affected at all…" Dustin thought about that.
"Regardless, we should take them down!" Rainbow exclaimed as she balanced the ball on her head, It's not like we haven't tangled with dark magic before and totally whooped its sorry butt!" she said as she caught the ball with her hand, realizing that Sunset was there, "Uh, no offense," she apologized.
"None taken… Again…" Sunset said with a sigh.
"But that was when Twilight was here," Fluttershy mentioned, "There may be some kind of magic inside us, but it only comes out when we play music," she continued as the ladybug on her finger flew off, "I sure don't know how to use it to... whoop anybody's butt."
"If only we could get a message to Twilight," she said as she continued to paint her nails, making sure they were perfect, "Maybe she could tell us how to break the spell the Dazzlings have cast on our friends."
"Well, that's not gonna happen," Rainbow said bluntly as she threw the soccer ball at the mirror, "The portal's closed." The ball soared over Rarity's head, bouncing off the mirror as she gasped a little, almost hit. She then gasped again as she looked back to see that she had accidentally rubbed the polish over her arm while the ball was caught by Rainbow.
"And I get the feeling they don't exactly have cell phones where she's from," Rainbow said. At the mention of that, Sunset began to ponder something, scratching her cheek.
"I may have an idea how we can get in touch with Princess Twilight!" she said excitedly as she raced back into the school, with everyone else in tow. Back inside the school, she opened up her locker, rustling through an old cardboard box filled with books and papers. She then pulled out a dusty old book with a red and yellow sun symbol upon the cover.
"When I was Princess Celestia's student back in Equestria, she gave me this," Sunset said, scraping some of the dust off, "Even after I abandoned my studies, I held onto it. Deep down, I guess I knew I was making a big mistake, and I wanted to still have a way to reach out to her," she explained as she flipped through the pages, turning to blank ones, "Maybe it still works."
"That's a book, darling," Rarity noted, "What do you mean, 'maybe still works'?" she asked.
"It used to be that if I wrote something here, it would appear in the pages of a book back in Princess Celestia's library," Sunset explained, "I get a message to her, then she could get a message to Twilight."
"Cool!" Dustin exclaimed, "It's like sending e-mails or text messages!"
"So what are you waiting for?" Rainbow asked as she held a pen over Sunset, "Get to writing!" She then took the pen, nervously looking at it before setting it on the blank page. She sighed as she held the pen.
"Been a long time since I've written these words.’Dear Princess Celestia...'" Sunset wrote.
While they weren’t looking, Sonata was observing the whole thing. She still had thought about what Dustin said earlier, and needless to say, she was having an internal struggle. On one hand, Sonata wanted to regain her power, but on the other hand, she has to cause so much conflict to get it.
Back in the world of Equestria, Ponyville was bustling with ponies of all kinds flying and trotting around town. On the outskirts of the town laid the new Friendship Rainbow Kingdom castle, similar to a tree house, but much more colorful and beautiful, shining brightly in the sunlight with its crystal-like structure, inside Twilight Sparkle and her friends were lounging around in the throne room as a stallion walked in through the large doors, hauling a wooden cart filled with books. Twilight was busy reading a book using her magic to have it float in front of her eyes, Rarity was busy polishing up her throne, and Fluttershy & Applejack were pushing a crate across the room as Pinkie Pie was busy blowing up a balloon.
"Excuse me, Princess," the stallion said, getting Twilight's attention, "Where do you want all these books from Princess Celestia?" he asked.
"The library," Twilight replied, "Third door on the left," she added as went back to reading her book.
"Even this one that's glowing and vibrating?" he asked, looking up the pile of books, seeing the book glow in a magical aura, shaking at the top.
It buzzed as Twilight levitated it over as her friends were curious about it as well, seeing the sun symbol upon its hard cover. She flipped through the pages quickly, with her eyes widening as she discovered something.
"What is it, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked as she trotted over, with Pinkie and Rainbow Dash also eyeing the book's pages.
"It looks like a message to Princess Celestia from my friends at Canterlot High," Twilight replied, very surprised.
"How is that even possible?" Rarity asked as she came over with Applejack and Spike.
"I have no idea," Twilight said, still confused, "but it... sounds like they need my help," she said worriedly. Later in the castle's library, Twilight quickly pulled another book out from the shelves, one with the head of a unicorn in gold on the cover with gold bracing as well.
"The way Sunset Shimmer described them," Twilight began to say, "I think these new girls sound an awful lot like... the sirens," she finished.
"Not the sirens!" Pinkie exclaimed, surprising everyone, "I don't actually know what that is!" she admitted in a loud whisper to Fluttershy.
"The sirens were three beautiful but dangerous creatures who had the power to charm ponies with their music," Twilight began, "But to maintain this power, they had to feed on the negativity and distrust of others," she continued, "The more of this negative energy they consumed, the stronger their voices became, and the farther they could spread their dark magic," she said.
"I don't think I like this story very much," Fluttershy admitted with a worried look.
"If the sirens had their way, they would have divided and conquered all of Equestria," Twilight added, "But a certain Star Swirl the Bearded wasn't having it," she continued, "Rumor has it he found a way to banish them to another world – one where he believed their magic power would be lost," she said, "That world must have been the one where my Canterlot High friends live."
"But Star Swirl must have sent them there ages ago," Applejack noted, "How come they're just surfacin' now?" she asked.
"I don't know," Twilight admitted as she flipped back a page with her magic, "But if my hunch is right and it is the sirens who have come to Canterlot High, this spell they've cast is just the beginning," she said, looking at the picture of the three sirens, whom looked like half horse, half mermaid type creatures.
"My friends need me," she said, "I have to get back to them." Twilight was about to run off, but not before Rainbow flew in her way.
"I hate to burst your bubble, Twilight," she began, "but the connection between their world and Equestria will still be totally cut off for a super long time," she said.
"Okay, first of all," Pinkie chimed in surprisingly, "if there was bubble-blowing going on, why wasn't I told about it?!" she asked, "And secondly, if the connection is totally cut off, how was Sunset Shimmer able to get a message to Twilight?" she asked. Twilight gasped excitedly as she realized something.
"Pinkie, you're a genius!" Twilight exclaimed as she ran off to get something.
"Yeah, I get that a lot," Pinkie admitted, "Now about those bubbles..." she said, pulling Rainbow over so that their muzzles were touching. The ponies then noticed Twilight trot over with multiple mechanical supplies floating above her head. Handiwork noises were heard as she meticulously put together the parts onto the mystic mirror portal. As she had finished, a tall machine, reaching almost as high as the ceiling of the library, surrounded the mirror.
“...And the interval between the two points is defined as the square root of the sum of the squares of the separation between the points along three spatial dimensions," Twilight exclaimed with a big smile.
"Say what now?" Spike asked as he and the other ponies were way beyond confused.
"Duh", Pinkie said, "She's gonna take the magic in here and put it in there," she said, pointing out Celestia's book, and where it would be placed on the machine, "That'll make the portal open up so that whenever she wants to, she can go from here to there," she explained easily, "There to here. Here to there. Here there! Here there! Here—"
"We get the idea!" Applejack interrupted, causing Pinkie to cease her antics and trot back over to the group after her colorful description.
"Now to see if it actually works," Twilight said. She then levitated the book to the top of the machine, having rest on what appeared to be a pedestal for it to rest upon. The magic in the book suddenly began to glow brighter as it coursed through the machine's systems like electricity.
"Ooooh..." all the ponies and Spike said in awe of the machine as the magic kept flowing, activating more devices that then created a bright burst of light in front of the mirror, blinding Twilight for a second. She opened her eyes to see that the portal to the alternate dimension had opened completely, shining in a pinkish red light as the magic circulated.
"Ahhhhh..." all the ponies and Spike said in awe as the process was complete.
"Don't suppose we could join you this time around?" Applejack asked curiously.
"Better not," Twilight replied, "It could make things pretty confusing if Canterlot High all of a sudden had two of all of you," she added. The ponies all agreed as Twilight made a valid point.
"But I still get to go, right?" Spike asked, "There isn't another one of me at Canterlot High," he added with a prideful look, "And you never know if you might need your trusty assistant," he noted, hoping for a yes.
"Mm-hmm," Twilight replied with a simple nod.
"Yes!" Spike exclaimed happily as Twilight trotted over to the others.
"We won't be gone long," Twilight said to the girls. They all then shared a group hug, exchanging their goodbyes.
"And don't forget to dress nice," Rarity added as she and others, except for Pinkie, let go of Twilight. Pinkie just let out a little squee after hugging Twilight for longer than expected.
"Ready, Spike?" Twilight asked after walking back to his side. Spike cracked his knuckles, took a quick breath, and squeaked his claws on the floor, getting into a ready position like a sprinter.
"Ready!" he replied excitedly. They then both ran straight into the swirling vortex of the portal, disappearing in a bright flash of light.
Meanwhile
Adagio, Aria and Sonata were called by Decibus for a meeting, and Decibus was clearly not happy about something.
“So, why are we here again?” Aria asked to Decibus, he did not respond.
He was too upset to answer as he presented a metallic sphere covered in dents like it was hit by a baseball bat.
“What even is that?” Adagio asked with a raised eyebrow.
“That is the Decimator's power core. Or it was until somebody had the absolute gall to damage it! When I was testing the Decimator and noticed that it was not functioning proper. So I went to check the inner workings and lo and behold, I stumbled across this!” Decibus said, trying his best to keep his temper in check.
“Hate to disappoint, but we don’t know who would be brave or stupid enough to do this.” Aria said with a shrug.
“Ah, but I do! In fact, this wasn’t just some random act of vandalism! This was an act of fowl play!” Decibus growled, startling the trio momentarily.
“And just how do you know that?” Adagio asked in confusion. Decibus then pulled out a laptop before typing in a few keys.
“Because what you may not know, is that I have surveillance cameras hidden throughout this facility.” Decibus said before turning his attention to the three. “And who the suspect was, well, needless to say they were pretty ballsy, but also just plain stupid to think they could do this to me unpunished!” Decibus said before turning to Sonata.
“I have a riddle for you, Sonata. What is black, blue and red all over?” Decibus asked Sonata, who was shivering in fright.
“A n-n-newsp-paper?” Sonata stuttered in nervousness and fear. Decibus only chuckled briefly at Sonata's answer.
“Good guess, but no.” Decibus said before turning the laptop to show the three the surveillance footage of Sonata sneaking in with a crowbar and approaching. Sonata was now scared, Aria and Adagio were shocked by this, and Decibus had a disappointed look on his visor. “The answer is you when I’M DONE WITH YOU! ”
Adagio and Aria turn to Sonata, who were too angry to speak.
“Sonata, you better have a good reason for this!” Adagio growled to Sonata, who was now even more terrified.
“Well…what do you have to say for yourself!?” Decibus asked, and Sonata didn’t say a word, all she did was hang her head in shame. Aria then grabbed Sonata by the collar out of rage.
“You idiot, what were you thinking!?” Aria asked Sonata in rage, but she was not intimidated as she pushed Aria off.
“I was doing what is right! All we've been doing is making people feud, all just to regain our magic!”, Sonata asked defiantly.
“Oh, so what are you saying? That our way of getting anything we want isn't as good as doing it your way?” Adaigo asked Sonata with arms crossed and a raised eyebrow.
“Your way? You mean his way. Can't you see Decibus is just using us?” Sonata asked the two, but they didn’t believe her.
“What even gives you that idea?” Adagio asked, not convinced by Sonata’s statement.
“Aria, Adagio, you guys have got to trust me on this. Don't you understand there's something wrong with this creep? I swear I get the heebie-jeebies every time I get near him!” Sonata said while motioning to Decibus.
“So, we're supposed to live crappy lives because you’re being paranoid? I'm starting to think that you’re just saying all of this because you want all the attention to yourself!” Aria’s words made Sonata gasp in shock.
“What!? No! How can you even say that?!” Sonata asked, taken aback by Aria’s statement.
“Dammit Sonata, don’t you get it!? Decibus is trying to help us and you're just holding us back!” Adagio said to Sonata, but she was not backing down.
“Oh, I hold you back alright, from doing something you’ll regret!” Sonata then looks to Decibus “See what you've done here, Decibus? If you had not found last night, this wouldn’t be happening!”
“Mind your tone, child!” Decibus said warningly, but Sonata was not deterred.
“Oh, blow it out your ass, screen face! You are only interested in taking advantage of Aria and Adagio because they are too stupid and naïve to know any better!”
Adagio and Adagio both gasped at what Sonata had just said, and Sonata had just realized her mistake. She looks to Adagio and Aria, both having shocked expressions on their faces, which quickly turned to anger.
“Excuse me?!” Adagio growled.
“Oh! I know I did not just hear that come out of your mouth!” Aria said in pure rage, and Sonata was now a bit scared.
“Guys…I didn't mean...” Sonata said but was pushed down by Aria.
“Get the hell out!” Adagio growled at Sonata, who was too hurt to respond. “NOW! ”
Sonata’s eyes began to water as she got up and ran out the building crying.
“I cant believe she just said that!” Aria growled in frustration. Adagio then looks to Decibus.
“So is that thing is totally busted? Which means our plan was for nothing?” Adagio asked Decibus, who was observing the damage power core.
“Luckily, all is not lost. The power core is damaged, but a few tweaks here and there as well as a few little adjustments should do the trick.” Decibus said as he looks to Adagio and Aria. “I do apologize for the loss of your friend.”
“Friend? That blueberry bitch was just holding us back. Honestly, who needs her?” Aria said as Adagio nodded.
“Agreed.” Adagio then looks to Decibus. “When do you suppose you can get that thing fixed?”
“You kidding? I can have this thing fixed in a couple of hours. I have the necessary components, so this stunt Sonata pulled is just a minor inconvenience.” Decibus said as he walked off to fix the power core.
Back at Canterlot High, the gang was all hanging around the mirror statue, waiting patiently for Twilight's return. Rarity was generously helping Fluttershy paint her fingernails
Pinkie Pie and Applejack were both in an intense game of cards upon the statue's pedestal. Applejack grinned, laying down her cards for the group to see that she had four aces. However, Pinkie smirked as she laid down her hand of cards over Applejack's, revealing four jokers. Applejack was upset as Pinkie smugly crossed her arms in victory.
Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash, Pixel Prada, Dustin and Sunset Shimmer were all lying against the pedestal, still waiting on Twilight to come. Rainbow sighed as she threw the soccer ball back and forth from her left hand to her right.
"I'm starting to think she's not coming," she said out loud.
Suddenly, two figures came through the mirror, crashing into Dustin as everyone turned their heads to notice what had happened.
"Twilight!" the girls exclaimed, recognizing the purple skinned girl as she rubbed her head in discomfort while still on her knees.
"I'm back…" Twilight said nervously. She then looked back up to see Sunset Shimmer offer a hand to her, but she was somewhat reluctant to take hold of it, especially after what had happened the first time they met. Spike was a puppy once again as he saw Twilight take Sunset's hand, letting her pull the princess who was formerly a pony up from the ground. Sunset nervously rubbed the back of her head as she didn't know what to say. The other girls all then ran over, exchanging greetings and a group hug with Twilight happily.
"Good to have you back Princess," Dustin said from the ground as he got up, dusting himself odd.
"And I've got some bad news about those new girls," she said. Everyone reacted worriedly as it seemed Twilight understood the situation they were.
Later
A while later, down at the café on the corner, Dustin and the girls sat down at a table, with each of them having a drink in hand while they were there.
"Oh, I do hate that you had to return at a time of crisis," Rarity said to Twilight, "There's so much catching up to do!" she said excitedly.
"For starters," Applejack began to say, "a certain blue-haired guitar player was just askin' about you."
"Flash Sentry was asking about me?!" she asked excitedly, twirling her hair. But she then ceased her enjoyment as everyone practically eyed her, "Isn't that nice?" she said after clearing her throat, going back to sipping on her milkshake.
"Perhaps you would give us just the slightest bit of gossip from your world?" Rarity asked as she held her teacup properly.
"She's got an official title now," Spike said as he was on Fluttershy's lap, holding a biscuit in his paw, "Do-Do-Do-Doo!" he exclaimed, imitating a trumpet, "The Princess of Friendship!"
"Wow, that's really impressive," Sunset said, "Guess you really were Princess Celestia's prized pupil," she added.
"She's even got her own castle!" Spike added.
"A castle?!" Rarity exclaimed as she got right into Twilight's face, spilling some of her milkshake on her shirt, "You have your own castle?!" she asked excitedly, "Eh... Ooh, uh, lovely," she said after clearing her throat, helping wipe off the milkshake stain with a napkin.
"So, Dustin, how've you been?" Twilight asked, "It feels like I haven't seen you in forever."
"I've been all right," Dustin said as he leaned back on his chair, sipping his smoothie, "Fighting baddies does take a lot out of you though."
"I'm sure it does," Twilight agreed, "And what about you Pixel?” Twilight asked Pixel, who looked away bashfully.
“Well, I’ve been living with Dustin and Allister. And Canterlot High is a fun place.” Pixel said, taking a bite of her doughnut.
"What's new here?" Twilight asked, "I mean, besides your school becoming the target of dangerous magical creatures from Equestria?" she mentioned, with everyone giving her worried looks.
“Well, how about a mad man from cyberspace named Decibus?” Dustin asked, making Twilight look to him in confusion. “If the Dazzlings weren’t enough, we have another guy named Decibus, who also uses music at his advantage.”
"So that makes two threats. Only one is magical, and the other is from Cyberspace." Pixel said, this intel interested Twilight.
"And that isn't exactly the only strange thing that's happened since you left," Rainbow added, putting down her drink and pulling out her phone, showing Twilight a video of her transforming with her magic, "Pretty sweet, huh?" she said, "It happens to all of us when we play," she added.
"And not to mention I’ve gained new forms based on them when those occurrences happened," Dustin said, showing Twilight the forms his seven forms he gained by their magic.
"Really?" Twilight asked, "That is strange. And you say gained these the first time they used their magic?"
“Pretty much?” Dustin said when Spike came to him.
“What does the one based on Rarity look like?” Spike asked as Dustin showed him the image of Prismadonna on the screen.
"Wow." Spike said in a mix of amazement and infatuation.
“Wait!” Twilight said in realization, “are all seven of those…female?” Twilight asked Dustin, making him groan in response.
“Sadly, yes.” Dustin said as Spike began to laugh, much to Dustin’s dismay.
"Hmm. My crown was returned to Equestria, but some of its magic must have remained here at Canterlot High," Twilight explained, "Now that we're all back together, we can use that magic on the sirens," she continued, "Just like when we were able to use it on Sunset Shimmer when she turned into that horrifyingly awful winged monster!" she said bluntly with her hands raised spookily, but then realized that Sunset was right there, "No offense," she apologized.
"None taken. Heh," Sunset said disgruntled, "I'm used to it," she added.
Dustin then noticed a familiar blue girl sitting on a bench a few feet away outside, sitting on the ground, sobbing her eyes out.
“Excuse me, I'll be right back.”
Dustin then walked out, the girls looked to see Dustin walk up to the girl, and the others were wide eyed in shock.
"Wait! Isn't that Sonata?!" Sunset asked in shock.
"What's she doing there by herself?" Pinkie asked out of both shock confusion.
"She looks pretty bummed out." Fluttershy said as they noticed Dustin and Sonata conversing.
"What are they talking about?" Spike asked.
Dustin had come to Sonata Dusk, sitting by herself, her head buried in her arms as she cried her eyes out.
Now yes she was one of the Dazzlings, but he couldn’t help but feel bad for seeing the poor girl in her current state. Dustin approached Sonata before kneeling down.
“Hey, are you ok?” Dustin asked, getting Sonata’s attention. From the look on her face, she was far from ok. “Uh…I’ll take that expression as a no.”
Dustin then sat beside her, comforting Sonata as she continued to weep.
"So tell me. What’s got you down?" Dustin asked.
Sonata sighed in depression. She had hoped that Dustin wouldn't notice how upset she was. She honestly didn't want to explain anything to Dustin. But for some reason, she felt she could trust him with her past. So, she started to explain.
She told Dustin everything about her and her two childhood friends, Adagio and Sonata, how they met Decibus, and the deal they've made with him. After she told him the reason she had a falling out with Aria and Adagio, Dustin felt bad for her.
She was certainly surprised when she felt Dustin wrap her in a comforting hug. But that's what caused the dam to break for her. She just broke down and started sobbing into Dustin's chest.
“There, there. It’s gonna be ok.” Dustin didn't push her away, and just rubbed her back gently. Sonata had a lot of pent up anger and sadness that she needed to vent, and Dustin was there for her.
After Sonata had finally calmed down, Dustin had an idea.
“Hey, I think I know what might cheer you up?” Dustin said as he pulled out his cellphone before typing on its screen a few times, then looks to Sonata. “Whenever I’m feeling down, this song always cheers me up.” As soon as he tapped the screen once more, music began to play.
Dustin: Umbrella at your side, it's raining but you close it tight "And how are you?" purred a cat just passing through Those heels that you like are soaking, but is that alright? Let out a sigh for another day the same as the last Come on let's try, dye it blue and change it up from the past Reflecting up from a puddle but then gone in a flash Is that the most that you can dream or wanted to see?
As Dustin sang, Sonata was blushing, the upbeat music was slowly making her feel better.
Dustin: But look around – Dance up and down The world is now – Still going ‘round Just feel it pound – We're skyward bound Move at the top – speed – of – sound Running to another day, I wanna break away and take the leap As you're stuck on yesterday, no sun to rise would be okay with me Every day, every day is okay Taking it step by step, we'll always move ahead Our love is growing red, need me more, need you more You fall down seven more times, I'll be there seven, eight, nine As we keep trying, we'll find – we're always singing the same tune
As Dustin sang his song, Sonata could feel something energizing her. Giving her strength. And she didn't notice the beautiful blue aura that her crystal was emitting. Sonata smiled, and decided to join in on the song. The lyrics just seemed to flow straight out of her heart.
Sonata: Now falling to her side, the drops of rain that mix with light Dustin: Stealing a glance, hid a cat who turns his back Sonata: Their heads starting to sink, this boredom is too hard to fight
As Sonata sang, Dustin offered a hand, offering a dance, to which she happily accepted.
Sonata: Just spinning lies with the only thread of kindness we saved Or if we're blind and the truth is just a painting in grey Drowning us out, all the noisy drops the fall in the rain But fingertips traced every line and opened my eyes I'll paint it blue Dustin: I'll play a tune Sonata: I'm wishing too Dustin: For something new Sonata: It will come true Dustin: With me and you Sonata: And then we'll Sonata and Dustin: finally break through
Sonata: Swimming through the Milky Way, I wanna break away and take the leap Since we're falling anyway, no moon to rise would be okay with me Every night, every night is alright Taking it step by step, we'll always move ahead Our love is growing red, need me more, need you more Cry to me, know that I care – lean on me and I'll be there As we keep trying, we'll find – you're always gonna be there too
Dustin: Shining down on me, you're my blue moon Sonata: Dreaming forever to find to now I'm awake Dustin: I need to find tomorrow, can you take me away And go the Dustin and Sonata: top speed of sound?
Dustin and Sonata then sat on the ground.
Dustin and Sonata: Running to another day, I wanna break away and take the leap As you're stuck on yesterday, no sun to rise would be okay with me Every day, every day is okay Taking it step by step, we'll always move ahead Our love is growing red, need me more, need you more You fall down seven more times, I'll be there seven, eight, nine As we keep trying, we'll find – you're always gonna be there too We're always singing the same tune Every day from now on
After they had both calmed down a little, Sonata noticed something different about the crystal around her neck. Now instead of being an angry red color, it was now a very serene ocean blue color.
“Huh? Your gem. It changed color.” Dustin said, just as amazed as Sonata is.
“Yeah. It’s never done that.” Sonata said, pondering a bit.
“Hey, you say that you and the others absorb negative energy, right?” Dustin asked, to which Sonata nods. “Well, maybe your gems also absorb positive energy, which yours must've absorbed from the song.”
Dustin hypothesized, and which Sonata seemed to agree.
“That is a good theory. Not to mention I feel a lot stronger than I was before.” Sonata stated with a puzzled look. She then noticed Dustin getting up and offering her a hand.
"Well Sonata, if you want, how would you like a spot in my band. We could use a backup singer. What do you say?" Dustin asked, making Sonata smile softly.
"I say..." Sonata smirked. "Let's rock!"
“Though, it’s gonna be tough explaining this to the others.” Dustin chuckled a bit out of nervousness, but Sonata hugged him.
“Well, I’m sure they’ll come around.” Sonata said with a smile, and the two walked off.
But watching from café window was Twilight, Pixel and the Rainbooms. They had seen what had just transpired, and were still in shock.
Dustin and Sonata had joined were with the girls back in the Café, explaining everything to them. Of course, Rainbow Dash was having a trust issues with Sonata, but after some convincing from Dustin, Rainbow decided to give Sonata a chance.
The others were listening to everything Dustin and Sonata was explaining to them.
“So, you’re saying that Decibus has teamed up with Adagio and Aria?” Sunset asked Sonata, who just nods in confirmation.
“And he has a weapon in the works called the Decimator?” Twilight asked Sonata, who nods again.
“I’m not sure what “decimator” means, but I bet a weapon with a name like that means trouble.” Spike said with worry.
“Well, I managed to wreck its power core, but I bet he’s got it fixed by now.”
Rainbow then gets into Sonata’s face, still not trusting her.
“And why exactly are you helping us?”
Sonata was getting uncomfortable by Rainbow’s gaze, but she managed to answer.
“When Dustin here said that making the competition a friendly one, and noticing all the bitterness and conflict me, Aria and Adagio were causing, I felt like that I had to do something.” Sonata said, and Rainbow’s glare softened a bit, but was still a bit suspicious. “Plus, I know Decibus is up to something. I just don’t trust this guy.”
“But why is Decibus helping those two, anyway? What does he get out of this?” Twilight asked wit curiosity, and the others wandered the same thing.
“No clue. But whatever it may be, I doubt it will be good.” Pixel said, then Pinkie noticed Sonata’s pendant.
“Hey. Wasn’t your pendant red?” Pinkie asked, pointing at Sonata’s pendant. The others noticed this too.
“Yeah, Last time I saw yours was red in color, much like Aria and Adagio's.” Fluttershy said.
“Well, our pendants absorb negativity. But when Dustin was cheering me up, it must have absorbed the positivity.” Sonata explained, and the other girls seemed to find this plausible.
“That could be a strong possibility.” Twilight said in thought. Dustin then looks to Sunset.
“Yo, Sunny”, Sunset looks to Dustin. “You remember that I said that we could use a backup singer?” Sunset nods as Dustin looks to Sonata. “Well, I think I just found that backup singer.”
This reveal shocked the others.
“Huh”, The others asked in shock.
“I know it sounds crazy, but Sonata could actually be of some help. Besides, she’s a siren like Aria and Adagio, so why not fight fire with fire, am I right?” Dustin asked the girls, but the girls were silent at this moment. Nobody uttered a word for a few seconds, until Sunset spoke.
“Well, you gave me a second chance, Dustin. So, if you trust Sonata, then I see no reason why I shouldn’t.” Sunset then offered a hand to Sonata. “Welcome to the band, Sonata.” And with that, Sonata and Sunset shook hands.
“Well, if Sunset is in on this, then so am I.” Fluttershy said with a soft smile.
“Yay, a new friend!” Pinkie said in glee and excitement.
“Well, ah suppose ah can trust ya if the others do.” Applejack said with a nod.
“Count me in as well, darling.” Rarity said with a smile.
“This is a shocking turn of events, but I suppose you have my trust.” Twilight said as Spike got onto Sonata’s lap, nuzzling her arm. “And I guess Spike can agree.”
“Well, you look like somebody I can trust. So, welcome to the gang, sister.” Pixel said with a smile and a nod.
All that was left is Dash, who still had some trust issues.
“Well, I still don’t trust you.” Rainbow said as Sonata was a bit nervous from the glare Rainbow was giving her. “But if the others are ok with this, then so am I.” Rainbow said, making Sonata smile bashfully.
“Well, alright. Now that’s settled, we best head back to CHS. Hopefully things haven’t gone to awry.” Dustin said as the group got ready to leave.
Later, the Dustin and the girls had met up back in the school gymnasium, where tensions were high as bands were all in separate groups.
Band members glanced at their opponents while the gang just watched by the snack table, where Pinkie was stuffing herself with chocolate chip cookies while Twilight was sipping on some fruit punch.
“Shit. Tensions are at an all-time high.” Dustin muttered, and the others nod in agreement.
“You said it, my boy.” Allister said, surprising him and the girls.
“ GAH! Jesus Al, you gotta stop doing that!” Dustin said in shock.
“You know me, kiddo.” Allister then looks to Sonata. “And I take it we have a new band member?”
“Yep. Say hello to our backup singer, Sonata Dusk.” Dustin said, motioning to Sonata.
“Pleasure to meet you, my dear”, Al said before grabbing her hand, kissing it, making Sonata giggle and blush.
As the silent arguing continued as Flash Sentry reeled back his arm, looking like he was about to punch Snips in the face. But he didn't as he just grabbed the plastic cup that he had set down on the stage.
"I'm gonna get more punch!" he said angrily after a quick sigh. As he walked back over to the snack table, he didn't notice that Twilight was unknowingly walking towards him still drinking her punch. They both bumped into each other, causing their cups to drop as Flash caught Twilight before she could fall as well.
"Twilight", Flash asked in surprise as he held onto her.
"Eh, bumped, into, always, doing?" Twilight asked nervously with a blush.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, holding her at the shoulders, "You came back for the big competition, right?"
"Something like that," Twilight replied.
"Huh," Flash said, "Not that there's gonna be any real competition," he gloated, "No one here wants this as bad as my band does!" he stated. Just then, Sonata gasped and had a wide-eyed look.
“Sonata, you alright?” Dustin asked Sonata, only for her to point to at a direction.
Dustin and Rainbow noticed Aria and Adagio come through the doors.
“Oh shit. We got trouble.” Dustin said with a frown. Rainbow reacted quickly, grabbing a chocolate chip from one of Pinkie's cookies, and then tossed it at Twilight's head. It fell into her hair, making her have to rub it out as she turned to see Rainbow gesture her head in the direction of the girls. She then looked over to see the two sirens walking across the gym.
"Can you excuse me for just a minute?" Twilight asked as she walked off. Flash shrugged in reply as the girls all began to gather together. Pinkie took the time to gather up all the cookies that she could carry in her hair.
"Looks like it's go time," Dustin said as the girls were gathering.
"Are you sure this will work?" Sonata asked Dustin.
"Don’t worry. They got this in the bag." Dustin said with a wink to her.
"Totally", Pixel agreed, "And once it's all over, we can go back to thinking about our song!"
"Yeah" Dustin asked, "We do. Now, what song do we use is the question.”
Meanwhile, Aria and Adagio walked to the center of the gym, seeing the arguing escalate from silence to shouting.
"Oh, no, no one's mingling!" Adagio said in mock surprise, "It's like there's some kind of underlying tension that could bubble to the surface at any minute!" she said.
“Hehehe, how awful.” Aria said before taking a sip, having a look of disgust on her face. "Ugh. But not as awful as the punch!" Aria admitted.
"This is just the kickoff party, Aria," she said sinisterly, "Imagine what a tizzy they'll be in by the time the Battle of the Bands starts," she noted.
"There isn't going to be a Battle of the Bands!" Twilight exclaimed, getting their attention, "We're gonna make sure of that!" she stated proudly, standing with the other girls as Sunset watched excitedly with Allister, Sonata and Dustin, "Alright, girls, let's do this!" Twilight said as her friends all joined hands, "Friendship is magic!" she exclaimed as the girls all shut their eyes, anticipating that their magic would activate. But it wasn't, leaving an awkward silence in the gym.
"Uh… why isn't it working", Dustin said he and Sunset both cringed while everyone else was perplexed by the situation.
"Uh, weren't there rainbows and lasers and stuff last time?" Rainbow asked Twilight after opening her eyes.
"I don't understand," Twilight said, "We're all together again," she added, "Why isn't this working?"
"Okay…" Sonata said as she walked over to Dustin and Sunset, "Mind telling us why nothing just happened?"
"I dunno…" Pixel admitted, "Last time they all united, their magic activated, and they shot a rainbow tornado right at Sunset…"
"Well, powers aren’t easy to master.” Allister said to the gang.
"You, uh... really need to go ahead and do that whole "magic of friendship" thing now," Spike said as he crawled up onto Twilight's shoulder.
"I'm trying, Spike," she replied, "I thought the six of us standing together against the sirens would bring out the magic we needed to defeat them," she explained, "That's what happened before."
"Talk about throwing down the gauntlet!" Adagio noted, "This group is obviously serious about winning!" she added, "A little cocky though, aren't they?" she asked, "Claiming there won't really be a battle. Seems they think they already got this thing all locked up," she suggested as everyone glared down at the girls.
"You know damn well that ain’t true, cheese puff!" Dustin shouted as he ran between the Rainbooms and Aria and Adagio.
"And then there's this big talker too!" Adagio mentioned, walking up to the Dustin, "Thinking he's so great with his little old superpowers. He must think his band is going to show all of you what it means to show off!"
“What”, Dustin asked in a mix of anger and shock.
“That is so not true!” Sonata yelled as she walked besides Dustin, glaring daggers at Aria and Adagio, who were wide eyed.
"Sonata!?" Adagio asked in surprise, but Aria growled at her former teammate.
"What are you doing here?" Aria asked with a growl, but Sonata was not backing down.
"Helping my new friends here take you two down, that's what!" Sonata declared, shocking both Adagio and Aria, but Adagio then grinned.
"Oh? So you think you and your gang has what it takes to rise above the rest? Face it, Sonata! You're nothing but second fiddle! Always have been, and always will be!" Adagio said to Sonata, but she stood her ground.
"Ouch." Sunset said with a wince.
"Not if the Great and Powerful Trrrrrixie has anything to do with it!" Trixie exclaimed.
"Whatever, Trixie!" Flash yelled, "We're the best band at CHS!" he stated.
"No! The Crusaders are gonna win!" Apple Bloom shouted. The arguing quickly escalated back to shouts and yells, and unknowingly to everyone except the Aria and Adagio, the aura of negative energy began to flow throughout the gym, making its way the two sirens, going straight into their necklaces.
Adagio grinned as she grabbed her gem, satisfied with the amount of energy she got, but she then looked up to see that Dustin, Allister and the girls weren't arguing, unlike the other bands. The Rainbooms turn to leave,
"I think we may have found what we're looking for," Adagio realized, "Or rather, it found us," she noted. Aria grinned as she knew what Adagio was saying.
Sonata saw the arguments escalate and decided to act. She sang a positive tune, causing the fighting to die down along with the arguing, this both shocked confused and shocked Aria and Adagio.
“Huh?” Aria asked.
“How”, Adagio asked as Sonata the arguing died down.
“You may have everyone under your spell, but thanks to Dustin, I've gained a new power, with which I'll help my new friends stop you!” Sonata said defiantly to Aria and Adagio.
“Yeah, and who would want help from a loser like you?” Aria growled to Sonata.
“Don’t you dare talk to her like that!” Pixel said to the two as she walked to Sonata and Dustin.
"I bet you know that I’m a special case too," Dustin said from behind the girls.
"Oh, of course you are!" Adagio said, "After all, you're the one who helped save Canterlot High a while back," she noted.
"I ain’t talking about that," Dustin said, sternly glancing at Adagio, "I'm talking about not being under your so-called spell." Adagio just grinned at Dustin.
"That doesn't matter," Adagio said as she traced a hand across Dustin’s arm, much to his discomfort, "You and your friends aren't part of the equation…" She then winked at Dustin, before waving her fingers as she walked off. Aria then followed suit, bumping into Sonata and Dustin.
“Guys…” Sonata said a bit disheartened.
“No doubt Decibus’ has those two under his grasp.” Allister said he and Sunset walked to the two.
"No doubt about it." Dustin said a bit disgruntled as they walked off as well. But what Dustin didn’t realize is that the aura of the negative energy suddenly flew out of each of him in an electric blue color as it made its way into both Adagio and Aria’s pendants. They both stopped after the energy was absorbed.
"Whoa…" Aria said, "That felt different…" Adagio’s hands then morphed into Firefox’s hands, they were orange, yellow and maroon color. Aria’s eyes change into those of Softwear, but purple in color. This strange occurrence surprised the two.
"You’re right." Adagio said, a bit weirded out. “This is unexpected.”
“Well, I think you just got a little extra edge in case the boy decides to get in our way," Decibus said as he confronted the two, a wicked grin visible on his visor.
"How", Aria asked, pretty perplexed, only for Decibus to chuckle.
"Are you familiar with the phrase, “fight fire with fire”?” Decibus asked with an evil chuckle as Adagio and Aria began grin, knowing what Decibus had meant.
"So what now", Pixel asked, "The magic didn't work, and everything's getting worse…"
"It doesn't make any sense," Twilight said as she and the other girls were at the entrance steps of the school, "I should have been able to create the spark that would help us break their spell," she said as she continued to pace back and forth nervously, "That's how it worked before."
“Somethings are easier said than done, my dear.” Allister said with a shrug.
"But to defeat me, you drew magic from the crown I was wearing," Sunset noted.
"But our magic comes from our music," Sonata added, "So maybe you have to use the same kind of magic to defeat them," she suggested.
“Why can’t you do it?” Rainbow asked Sonata. “You’re a siren, right?”
“Not by myself, no.” Sonata said sadly.
"I think you're onto something," Twilight replied. Dustin was catching onto what Twilight meant.
"Yeah, it’s when you gals play music that you transform now, right?" Dustin asked.
"Yup," Applejack said with a nod, "Ears, tails, the whole shebang."
"So maybe the way to use that magic to defeat the sirens is by playing a musical counter-spell!" Twilight implied.
"You mean like a song?" Fluttershy asked, brushing her hair away.
"Uh-huh," Twilight replied as the boys all sat down. "And in order to free everyone who's been exposed to the sirens' spell, we'll need them all to hear it."
“But I doubt that’s gonna be easy due to how competitive everybody is.” Pixel said with a bit of doubt.
“Well, we do have a back-up plan, just in case.” Dustin said, making the others look to him.
“Wait!” Sunset said in realization “You mean Jammer?”
“Bingo!” Dustin replied.
“Who”, Twilight asked with confusion.
“Oh right. You didn’t see the new transformation I’ve got.” Dustin said before turning on the Digitrix and transformed into Jammer, much to Twilight’s surprise.
“Remarkable…” Twilight said in amazement.
“Oh right. Like back at the cafeteria, you used Jammer to diffuse the fight there.” Rainbow said, getting what Dustin was implying.
“But how are we gonna get a whole group of students to hear the counter-spell is the question.” Pixel pondered, until Rarity gasped as she realized something.
"The band competition!" she said standing up, "That's the next time we can be certain everyone will be in the same place at the same time," she explained.
"Guess the Rainbooms are the band to beat," Applejack said, putting her hand on Rainbow's shoulder as they both got up.
"Of course, you guys have us to back you up." Dustin noted with Sunset nodding, albeit with little enthusiasm.
"And I believe you, Twilight, just became the Rainbooms' newest member," Rarity added. The girls all began cheering and laughing at the fact Twilight would be joining them, walking over to her as Sunset had a sad look on her face.
“You alright Sunny”, Dustin asked Sunset, who just nods.
“I just don’t know how much help I’m gonna be for this.” Sunset said, but Sonata patted her back.
“Dustin told me about your…uh…past accomplishments, but you’re not that person anymore.” Sunset looks to Sonata with a heartfelt smile, “besides, you’ve got amazing friends to help you out.”
"Of course, Twilight's gonna need to play an instrument to be in the band," Allister noted.
“Already killed the mood Al”, Dustin said to Allister with a deadpan look.
"So, what do you wanna play?" Pinkie asked, jumping into the conversation, "Triangle?" she asked as she played a little ding on one, "Sousaphone?" she asked again, blowing a sousaphone right in Twilight's face, messing up her hair, "Theremin?" she asked, playing the somewhat creepy sounding instrument, "Soooo magical," she said with satisfaction.
"Uhhhh…" Pixel said nervously.
"I might take a little too long to learn how to play something with these," she said, referring to her hands, "I'll just sing."
"Like, as in, lead singer?" Rainbow asked, leaning up to Twilight, "Cuz that's usually my gig. This being my band and all," she added wrapping her arm around Twilight.
“Oh boy”, Dustin uttered to himself nervously.
"It's our band!" Applejack said, upset, "And, of course, as lead singer," she added, pulling her away from Rainbow, "She's the one with the magical know-how to help us pull this thing off."
"Okay, yeah, that's cool," Rainbow replied, "I'll just use this as a chance to hone my already insanely good lead guitar skills," she added, moving her hands around like she was playing her own guitar.
"It's only temporary," Twilight said, "And we don't have to win the Battle of the Bands," she added, "We just have to perform during the first round of the competition."
"So let's get to learning that musical counter-spell!" Rainbow chimed in.
"Well, that's just it," Twilight said, "I don't know any," she admitted.
"Awww..." the girls all sighed.
"But I'm sure I could figure out how to write one," Twilight mentioned.
"Totally", Spike added, walking over to her, "Twilight can write a spell like it's nobody's business," he said while tapping his paw against her foot, "That's pretty much how she got to become a princess in Equestria," he finished with his paws crossed.
"Technically, I helped finish a spell," Twilight admitted, "And there was a little more to it than that, Spike."
"Yeah, whatever," Spike said.
"I've got this," Twilight said confidently, "C'mon!" she said, picking up Spike, looking to Dustin. "You guys still have the guest room?"
"Well" Pixel said "I kinda moved in there after you left, but we can bunk together."
"Are you crazy?!" Pinkie exclaimed in surprise, "We're besties now!" she said, hugging Twilight with all her might, squeezing Spike in between them, "Slumber party at my house!" she exclaimed as she lifted Twilight into the air.
"Slumber party, huh?" Dustin said as Pinkie put Twilight down, "Well, I guess it’s just you and me tonight Al."
"Actually, why don’t you go with them? I’ve got a ton of things to do." Allister suggested, surprising Dustin.
"Uh, Al, I'm pretty sure slumber parties are for girls only," Dustin said, but Pinkie appeared behind him.
"Great idea, Al!" Pinkie replied as Dustin was just shocked.
"Uhhhhhhh…..," Dustin was just too shocked to say anything.
“Well, better get going. Tootles. Have fun.”
Allister then walked off, leaving the kids to their business.
Outside on the track field, Allister was standing out on the field’s center. He seemed to be waiting for something or someone.
“So, you are here after all, Allister.” Allister turns to see none other than Decibus. Allister and Decibus just glared at each other with, never uttering a word. But after a minute of intense silence, Allister decides to finally speak.
“It has been ages, Count Dubstep.” Allister said, making Decibus growl in response.
“Do not use that title in front of me! That title died off years ago.”
“I never thought I’d see your ugly mug again.” Allister said, crossing his arms.
“The feeling is quite mutual, Allister.” Decibus places his hands on his hips. The two just glared at each other again before Decibus smirks.
“But I will say, I’d never thought I’d find the Digitrix here, let alone Zeke and Lexi’s little brat.” Decibus’ words shocked Allister.
“How did…” Allister was about to say, but Decibus cut him off.
“Before you ask, I was unaware of who the boy was at first. But when I saw him transform earlier, I had my suspicions.” Decibus then brought up a tablet and typed on the screen a few times before showing a file of Dustin on the screen to Allister. “So I did a little research, and suffice to say, I was quite surprised upon this reveal.”
“Well, I never took you for a babysitter.” Allister then crossed his arms, his glare never ceasing. “Just what are your plans with Adagio and Aria? Last I recall, you aren’t the kind of person that accepts help.”
“I take it that Sonata has informed you?” Decibus chuckled, making Allister growl. “And I assume this is the part where I start monologuing like we’re in some cheesy spy movie?”
Allister growls, his patience waning fast.
“Sonata also informed us about some weapon you’ve made called the Decimator! What do you plan to do with it?”
Decibus only wags his finger in response.
“You'll know soon enough. You know me, I don’t give spoilers.” Decibus chuckled, and Allister growls. “Tell me, my old friend. Do you truly believe your little posse has what it takes to defeat me?”
“Trust me, Decibus, you haven’t seen what they are capable of.”
“Hmmm, true. Not that it matters.” Decibus was about to walk off, but he stops as a energy shot landed a few inches in front of him. Decibus turns to see that h has a large gun barrel out of one of his sleeves.
“I’m not done with you yet, bastard!” Allister growled, but Decibus chuckled.
“Oh, but I’m done with you.” Decibus taunted when suddenly, a transparent black tendril emerged behind Allister and phased into his head, making Allister scream for a brief minute before collapsing to the ground. Allister groans a bit before going unconscious.
“A bit overkill, don’t you think, miss Dazzle?” Decibus asked as a massive black mass formed and took on Adagio’s body shape.
"Can't be too careful." Adagio said with a grin before changing back to her normal self. Aria then walks onto the scene.
"What did you even do to him?" Aria asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, just messed with its brain to knock him out." Adagio said as Aria placed a finger on his neck, feeling a pulse.
“Should've just killed the old fart.” Aria said with a roll to the eyes.
“Now, now, Aria. Let’s save the bloodshed for the right moment. For now, we must be on our way. We have so much to do, and so little time.” And with that, Decibus, Adagio and Aria began to walk as Allister laid there.
Everyone else had gathered down at Pinkie's house, all of them hanging out in her room. Each of them was in their bedclothes for the evening. Pinkie and Rarity were both wearing nightgowns, Rainbow Dash was wearing a pajama shirt with pajama pants, Applejack was wearing a full single pajama outfit, Sonata was wearing a pink night shirt and magenta pajama pants, Pixel wore a white tank top a pair of shorts, with Fluttershy, Sunset, and Twilight were wearing pajamas that matched from shirt to pants.
As for Dustin, he wore a green t-shirt with a pair of…swim trunks. Yeah, swim trunks with underwear underneath. The noises of the television were heard as Applejack and Rainbow Dash were playing video games, while Pinkie was on her laptop, Twilight was writing up the counter-spell in the bed, Rarity and Sunset were looking at Rarity's phone, Fluttershy was doing Sonata and Pixel’s hair, and Dustin was listening to some tunes on his phone.
"Status update: "Okie-dokie-lokie."," Pinkie said as she typed up the words on her pink laptop. Meanwhile, Rarity, Sunset, Fluttershy, Sonata and Pixel were all posing for a picture on Rarity's phone. After she took it, she looked at it to see that Spike got into the picture as well. Everyone but Rarity giggled as Spike grinned. At the same time, Rainbow was struggling to keep up with Applejack in the video game. Out of desperation, she slammed the game console, causing the game to stop on the television.
"Hey!" Applejack said, "Ah was about to beat you!" she complained.
"I doubt it," Rainbow replied, spinning the controller on her finger, "So, Twilight, how is that counter-spell comin'?" she asked.
"Huh? Oh, uh, good. Great," she replied nervously as she flipped through the pages of Fluttershy's notebook, "Thanks for letting me use your notebook, Fluttershy," she said to her as she was holding onto a crocodile plush toy, "I really like the song you wrote for the Rainbooms."
"Thanks," she replied, sighing afterwards, "Hopefully one day, we'll get a chance to play it."
"Hey!" Applejack yelled as Rainbow had taken her controller, laughing as she held it away from her while she was trying to get it. Suddenly, they hear Dustin humming the Halo theme song. The girls listened to Dustin, who was too into the song to notice. Pinkie snuck to Dustin before giggling.
“That’s a nice song, Dustin.” Pinkie said, startling Dustin. Dustin looked to Pinkie, grabbing his chest.
“Christ! Don’t do that!” Dustin panted as the girls giggled.
“Sorry.” Pinkie apologized, still giggling.
“What was that song, anyway?” Twilight asked Dustin, who removed his earbuds.
“Just a theme song to a video game I like called Halo.” Dustin said, the girls seemed interested, considering they’ve a never heard of such a game.
“Halo, eh? What’s it about?” Sunset asked.
“Basically, it’s about a super soldier named Master Chief who fights an alien organization called the Covenant that wants to activate an array of weapons of galaxy wide destruction called the Halos.” Dustin said, surprising the girls with such info.
“Uh…Ok? Sounds cool, I guess.” Rainbow Dash said with a perplexed look.
“So, how’s the song coming?” Pixel asked, to which Dustin shrugged.
“I’m still thinking about it.” Dustin said as he continued to fiddle with his phone.
"Twilight," Rarity began to say as she got on the bed, leaning next to her while she smiled nervously, "I think I speak for all of us when I say I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't come back to help us."
"Uh-huh," the other girls agreed. Just then, the sound of a doorbell rang through the house.
"Pizza's here!" Pinkie exclaimed. Everyone but Twilight and Dustin then zipped out of the room, heading downstairs for the pizza. Twilight sighed as she looked back in the notebook, having but scribbles and doodles all over just a single page. "Don't you want any pizza?" Pinkie managed to say as she was biting on the crust of a slice.
“We’ll be down in just a sec.” Dustin said as he removed his earbuds and placed his phone down. Twilight nodded in reply, having Pinkie walk back downstairs. She then took the notebook and placed it in a drawer filled with some candy and sweets inside, closing it.
“Wow! She’s got one hell of a sweet tooth.” Dustin said with a whistle.
“You should meet the Pinkie from my world.” Twilight said with a giggle at Dustin’s reaction.
“I’ll bet she’s just as whacky yet lovable.” Dustin said before he and Twilight went downstairs.
Meanwhile
Allister was lying on the ground, still unconscious. But he eventually groaned, getting up as placed a hand over his head in pain.
“Ugh…what the devil happened?” Allister groaned in slight pain before noticing it was nighttime.
“Well, I’ll be damned! How long was I out?” Allister asked before shaking his head. “Ah never mind, I better get back and start preparing.”
Allister then walked off.
Back at Pinkie’s house
Dustin and the girls were chatting, having a good time. Dustin was telling his friends about the many inventions his parents have made, much to their bewilderment.
"No way," Rainbow said in disbelief as she grabbed a slice of pizza as everyone was in the kitchen.
"I know, right?" Dustin replied, "My parents built a handheld device that can control gravity! Of course, when they wanted me to test it out to see if it works, I kinda accidentally lifted my neighbors car of the ground!"
"Oh boy", Sunset snickered.
"Yeah and when I shut the thing off, that car did not bounce very good.”
“Uh oh”, Fluttershy said as Rainbow laughed at the story.
“Yeah, but thankfully the car was ay out of its prime, and the owner wanted to scrap it anyway, so in a sense, I did him a favor a favor," Dustin replied, "But that’s just one of many contraptions my folks made.”
"What else did they make?!" Fluttershy asked in curiosity.
“Well, they also made a robot that does the chores for you, a solar powered car, a battery that can last up to ten decades, and dear God I am not making this shit up…a machine that can turn water into food.” Dustin said with a chuckle.
“A machine that turns water into food?” Applejack asked with a perplexed look.
“Yeah, weird I know. Though, they’re still ironing out some of the kinks.” Dustin said as he bit down onto a pizza slice.
"Hey Dustin", Twilight said, getting Dustin’s attention, "Care to show me what this form you call Jammer does? I don’t believe I’ve seen what he’s capable of." Twilight asked.
“Sure. Though, we may need to get back in Pinkie’s room.” Dustin suggested, the gang heading Pinkie’s room. Once they were in, Dustin transformed into Jammer, amazing Twilight upon seeing Jammer for the first time.
“Wow.” Twilight simply said.
“Still cool every time I see him.” Rainbow Dash said in awe.
“Care to jam for us?” Pinkie asked, to which Dustin shrugged.
“Sure. Though I may wanna do without the speakers”, Dustin said before pulling out his axe guitar, strumming the strings a bit, before smirking. “Here’s a song that I love. May I present to you, Bring me to Life by Evanescence.”
And with that said, Dustin started strumming, playing a moving rock song.
Jammer: How can you see into my eyes, like open doors? Leading you down into my core Where I've become so numb Without a soul (Soul) My spirit's sleeping somewhere cold Until you find it there and lead it back home Wake me up Wake me up inside I can't wake up Wake me up inside Save me Call my name and save me from the dark Wake me up Bid my blood to run I can't wake up Before I come undone Save me Save me from the nothing I've become
“Wow! He’s good.” Rainbow said with a whistle.
“Real good”, Sunset nodded in agreement.
Jammer: Now that I know what I'm without You can't just leave me Breathe into me and make me real Bring me to life Wake me up Wake me up inside I can't wake up Wake me up inside Save me Call my name and save me from the dark Wake me up Bid my blood to run I can't wake up Before I come undone Save me Save me from the nothing I've become Bring me to life (I've been livin' a lie, there's nothing inside) Bring me to life Frozen inside, without your touch, without your love, darling Only you are the life among the dead All of this time, I can't believe I couldn't see Kept in the dark, but you were there in front of me I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems Got to open my eyes to everything Without a thought, without a voice, without a soul Don't let me die here, there must be something more Bring me to life
“Woohoo!” Pinkie cheered.
“I actually like this.” Sonata said with a smile.
Jammer: Wake me up Wake me up inside I can't wake up Wake me up inside Save me Call my name and save me from the dark Wake me up Bid my blood to run I can't wake up Before I come undone Save me Save me from the nothing I've become Bring me to life I've been living a lie, there's nothing inside Bring me to life
With the song over, the girls clapped in applause, and Dustin bowed, enjoying the applause.
“Thank you. You’re too kind.” Dustin said before reverting back to normal.
"Well, that was awesome, really, but we better get ready for bed?" Rainbow said, Dustin yawning in reply.
“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea. We got a big day ahead.” Dustin said with another yawn.
Later
Later that evening, everyone was fast asleep, except for Twilight, who woke up as the moon shined brightly in the night sky. She then made her way out of her sleeping bag, sneaking past Dustin and the girls who were sleeping on the floor. She then opened the drawer she left Fluttershy's notebook in, and pulled it out, carefully making sure not to step on anyone.
She was then downstairs in the kitchen, using her mouth to hold the pen as she wrote in the notebook on the counter, with only a single light in the room.
"No. That's not gonna work," she said to herself after spitting the pen out, putting her hands up against her face as she was still tired.
"Hey, Twilight," a voice said, making her eyes widen as she turned to see Sunset at the doorway, "You're up late," she said as she walked over to her.
"Just looking over the counter-spell," Twilight said as she covered the notebook, "We only get one shot at this. It has to be perfect," she noted.
"We’re really are lucky you're here," Sunset said as she opened the refrigerator.
"That's what everyone keeps telling me," Twilight replied with a sad look on her face.
"Who could possibly need this much whipped cream?" Sunset asked as looked in the fridge to see just cans of whipped cream, "Must be nice to have everyone always looking to you for answers to their problems... instead of waiting for you to cause a problem," Sunset said as she poured some whipped cream on her thumb.
"Just because everyone expects something from you doesn't mean it's guaranteed to happen," Twilight explained, still worried.
"Well, that doesn't stop them from expecting it," Sunset replied.
"Which only makes things harder because the last thing you want to do is...?" Twilight was about to say.
"...let everybody down," Twilight and Sunset finished together, making them give each other nervous grins. Sunset then closed the fridge after putting the can away, revealing that Maud Pie, Pinkie's sister, was right there.
"Waaah!" Sunset yelped in shock.
"Boulder was hungry," Maud said as she held a rock in front of her. She then opened one of the cabinets, taking out a box of chips, and then poured some over the rock as Sunset backed away slowly, still in a bit of shock.
"I still can't get over the fact that she's related to Pinkie Pie," she whispered to Twilight.
"You and me both", Twilight agreed, making them both giggle.
"That makes three of us," a voice said outside the doorway. Sunset and Twilight turned to see Dustin right there.
"Hi Dustin," Sunset said as he walked over, "Everything all right?" she asked.
"Yeah," Dustin replied with a yawn before looking to Twilight, "still working on that counter-spell?" he asked.
“Yeah So far, I got nothing.” Twilight sighed.
“Hey, I’m sure you can figure it out. Don’t sweat it.” Dustin said, patting Twilight on the back.
“But even if we do take down Aria and Adagio, there’s still Decibus.” Sunset said with a quizzical look.
“Yeah, but we don’t know where this dude is, let alone what he’s capable of.” Dustin pandered.
“But it’s still unclear about what Decibus has in store. Why team up with the sirens, and what does he gain from all of this?” Twilight pandered as well.
“I honestly have no idea. But whatever it is, I doubt it’s gonna be good. The sooner we take down Decibus, Aria and Adagio, the better.”
“Also, have you thought up of a song for our band? Sunset asked Dustin.
“Actually, yes. And I made sure it’s something upbeat in case I decide to use Jammer.” Dustin said as he brought out his phone and plaid the song he chose, the song being “A World without Danger by Subdigitals, or also known as the theme song for Code Lyoko.
"Wow. That’s actually pretty good," she complimented, nodding her head.
"This was a theme song from a show I remember as a kid called Code Lyoko." Dustin said, tapping he screen to stop the music.
"Code Lyoko?" Twilight said, "What’s it about?"
"t’s basically about a group of teenagers who travel to a virtual world called Lyoko to battle against a malignant artificial intelligence, or AI for short, called X.A.N.A. who threatens Earth to access the real world and cause trouble." Dustin explained to the two girls.
“Sound’s very interesting.” Twilight said in interest.
"I’ll say.” Sunset said with a nod.
"Well, I better get back to bed now," he added, walking off. Sunset yawned.
"I better get some sleep too," she said, "Good luck with the counter-spell. Not that you'll need it," she complimented, "This must be nothing compared with the stuff you're expected to deal with as a princess in Equestria," she noted, about to head out.
"Sunset Shimmer?" Twilight said worriedly, getting her attention, "...Never mind. It's not important," she said. Sunset just gave her a nervous smile as she walked off. "No, I have to be able to do this. I have to," Twilight said confidently.
Meanwhile, Decibus was seen working on the power core, which seemed to be fully repaired.
“Excellent, and with the finishing touch.” Decibus then pulled out a small chip with glowing red circuitry lines. He gently and carefully placed the chip into right compartment of the metallic orb, “Perfect.”
Decibus then walks to the Decimator before placing the newly fixed power core into its system, causing the machine whirring to life.
“And now for a little test.” Decibus said before walking to a small cage that contained a small rat I it. Decibus lift the cage and bring it before placing the cage in front of the Decimator. Decibus then walks onto the Decimator’s platform before tapping a few buttons on the gauntlet on his right arm.
The Decimator then played music that sounded like a mix of classic music mixed with dubstep.
As the music played, the Decimator’s speakers emitted red colored sound waves, nd the music seemed to affect the poor rodent held in its cage. The rat’s eyes glowed red, and seemed to be under some sort of trance, as if it ready to accept any command it hears.
‘’Yes, yes excellent. The new adjustment is a success.” Decibus chuckled, knowing that he is just one step away to achieving his goal.
The next morning as the sun was rising, Dustin, Sonata, Sunset and Pixel were meeting up in the kitchen. The four were waiting for Allister to arrive. As they waited, Pixel noticed Flutterhsy’s notebook.
"Hey, isn't this Fluttershy's?" Pixel asked as she picked up the pink notebook that was upon the counter.
"Looks like Twilight left it down here last night…" Dustin noted, "She was working on the counter-spell all night," he told the three.
"Uh…well, it doesn't look like she made the best progress…" Pixel noted as she was looking at the notebook's pages, "Take a look," he said, showing them the page of doodles and scribbles, along with words that could barely be made out.
"Um… Is that supposed to be the song they're gonna sing?" Sonata asked as she took hold of the notebook.
"Oh dear God I hope not…" Dustin said with a wince, "That song looks like a train wreck…"
“A train wreck? This looks like it was made by a kindergartner!” Pixel said bluntly, making the others look to her with a deadpan look, “Am I wrong?”
"Well, making a musical counter-spell is not a very easy task.” A familiar voice said, startling the four before making them turn to see Allister, who looked like he hadn’t slept at all in a few nights.
“Jesus! Is this gonna be a regular thing with you!?” Sunset asked, calming herself down.
“Dude, what happened to you, man? You look like you'll about pass out any minute.” Dustin asked with a mix of shock and worry.
“I’m fine. Haven’t slept all night…but I’m good.” Allister said with a yawn.
“Uh…hang on a sec, Al.” Dustin said before he went to a pot of freshly made coffee. He then reached into a cabinet and fished out a mug, poured the coffee and walked to Allister, presenting the cup.
“Here, drink this.” Dustin said as Allister took the mug. “One cup of this and you’ll feel like you can run a marathon non-stop for a whole week.” Pixel, Sonata and Sunset looked to him with shock upon hearing that.
“Seriously, it’s that strong?” Sonata asked, to which Dustin nods.
“Hell yeah sister. Tried me a cup earlier, and I felt wired immediately after.” Dustin said with a shrug.
“Anything to keep me going. Welp, bottoms up!” said Allister before he chugged the whole mug in one gulp. Hah. Not half ba…” Allister paused.
“Uh…Al?” asked Sunset in slight worry.
“You okay?” asked Sonata.
Allister remained silent for a brief moment before he began buzzing with energy. “WHOA! Holy sheep shit on a shingle, that’s good cofee!” Allister said rapidly.
“Uhh….” Sunset looks to Dustin, “What kind of coffee even was that?”
“No clue.” Dustin looks at his mug, “I’ll be sure to ask Pinkie later. Though, I should have told him to take small sips instead of drinking the whole thing at once.”
“Uh….right!” Pixel said before looking back at the notebook. “But back on track, I wonder if Twilight knows what she's doing…" Pixel said as she scratched her head.
"Maybe she could use some help?" Sonata suggested as he took the notebook, "I have no experience with writing a magical song, but we can try to write a song," Sonata noted.
"Yeah," Dustin replied, "Maybe we oughta'-"
"Hey kids, check this out!" Allister said, making the four look to him, and their eyes got as wide as dinner plates when they see that Allister started juggling steak knives while singing some circus song rapidly.
“Uh…how long does that stuff last?” Sonata asked Dustin.
“Uh…I better go get Pinkie.” Dustin said before walking to Pinkie’s room.
(Later)
Twilight Sparkle : Hey, hey, listen
We've got a message for you
We're not all…
But our friendship is true
“GAH SHIT!!!!” Dustin swore as he covered his ears, trying to drown out the horrible sound.
Sunset Shimmer cringed as the feedback from Twilight's off-key singing kept ringing in her ears as the girls were all practicing inside the garage of Applejack's house, now in their regular clothes. She tried to adjust the volume on the amp, but only made things worse as the feedback kept sounding off again and again.
"MAKE IT STOP!" Pixel screamed in pain as while and Spike were atop the amp.
Twilight Sparkle : Yeah, we're really different
But we still get along
So hey, hey, listen to our song
What made matters worse for the song was how unorganized the girls were when trying to play their instruments. Rainbow gestured to Fluttershy to hold back on playing the tambourine, but let her play it once Twilight's singing became worse. Applejack and Rarity were trying to form their magic as their pony ears began to appear, but they vanished as the feedback from the microphone grew louder and louder. They then both noticed that Pinkie wasn't playing on her drums, glaring at her to get going. Pinkie began playing just as Granny Smith was walking by the house, putting apple cores into her ears to drain out the terrible noise.
Twilight Sparkle: You may think you're in control
But we're here to prove you wrong
And the music, yeah, the music
The power of our song
Rainbow was trying as hard as she possibly could to make her pony ears form as she tried to play to the beat of the song.
Twilight Sparkle: But it's still not easy, yeah try hard
With the magic of friendship
We will stop your evil plan…
A mere popping sound was heard once the song ended as Rainbow hadn't fully grown her pony ears. She and the others were disappointed with their failed attempt at the counter spell song.
"Eh, that sounded... way better than the last... five times you've played it," Spike said nervously atop the speaker, "Heh heh."
"Nnope," Big Macintosh said bluntly as he passed by the garage window with a bucket full of apples. Spike cringed as he knew the girls were having trouble with the song.
“Jesus! If the CIA heard that, they’d consider it a weapon of mass destruction.” Dustin said, rubbing his ears.
"I think it's pretty obvious what's going wrong with this counter-spell," Rainbow admitted.
"You're turnin' what should be the chorus into a five-minute guitar solo?" Applejack asked, very annoyed, as was Rarity.
“Aw crap! Not this again.” Pixel groaned with a face-palm.
"I have to pick up the slack somehow!" Rainbow argued, "Are you girls even trying?!" she asked angrily.
"I'm trying…" Fluttershy replied quietly.
“Uh, what were they supposed to do after hearing…that?” Dustin said with an annoyed look, “And you grand staging is not gonna make it better!”
"On the other hand, the counter-spell…" Rarity began to say while looking at Twilight worriedly.
"It's fine," Twilight said with a nervous laugh, "It'll be fine," she said crazily, "One more time from the top!" she exclaimed proudly. However, she only created an awkward atmosphere within the garage.
"Uh…how about we take a sort recess, instead?" Alister said, everyone else nodded in response.
“Yo, Twi?” Dustin asked, getting Twilight’s attention. "No offense, but that counter-spell could use at least a few adjustments here and there. You sure you don't need any help with that?" Dustin asked as grabbed himself a bottled water from a cooler he brought.
"Nope, I'm all good!" Twilight said semi-confidently, with her eye twitching nervously.
"By the way, how’s yer song doin? I bet it’s song's doin' better than ours…" Applejack noted.
"Pretty good, actually”, Dustin said with a nod.
“Care to show us what you picked?” Rarity asked, making Dustin look to Sunset, Allister, Pixel and Sonata with a smile.
“I think you’ll have to wait till the band competition.” Dustin said, making.
“Eh, whatever you say, dude.” Rainbow said with a shrug.
"In the meantime," Rarity began to point out as she had set down her keytar, "we could try on some of the wardrobe choices I've put together?" she asked as she pulled out a clothing rack with dresses upon it, "I'm particularly fond of this one," she said as she pushed the rack away, revealing that she had put on a regal pink dress over her clothes.
"Eh, of course we could always go with something a bit more modern," Rarity noted as she stretched it out.
"We're tryin' to save our school here," Applejack pointed out in annoyance, "Enough with the costumes!" she yelled.
"Oh, you could never have enough costumes!" Rarity argued in a robotic voice while now dressed in a yellow suit with a helmet that had pixelated diamonds upon the visor.
“Oh boy, reminds me of Daft Punk.” Dustin muttered to himself with a chuckle.
"She just wants to make things fun!" Pinkie pointed out, "Isn't that what being in a band supposed to be?" she asked, playing a rim shot in annoyance.
"Well, it is," Allister began, "but it's also about playing your music for people to hear too…"
"We don't have time for any of this!" Sunset Shimmer chimed in, "We're supposed to check in at the Battle of the Bands in fifteen minutes!" she exclaimed.
"Oh, no!" everyone else gasped, beginning to run around and gather all the equipment their bands needed.
“Then what the hell are we doing just standing here!? We better haul ass!” Dustin exclaimed.
"What?" Twilight asked as Rainbow ran past her, "But it's not ready!" she said as Pinkie grabbed the microphone stand she was using, "If we play our counter-spell in the first round and it doesn't work, the sirens will know what we're up to and make sure we don't get a chance to play it again!" she explained worriedly, making everyone come to a screeching halt.
"Then we'll have to buy ourselves some time so you can keep workin' on it!" Applejack replied.
"But how do you propose we do that?" Rarity asked.
"We compete in the Battle of the Bands for real!" Rainbow responded, "I take over lead vocals again and we stay alive until the finals!" she explained confidently, "We unleash the counter-spell then!" she said with a pump of her fist, "You'll have figured it out by finals, right?" she asked.
"Of course she will," Spike replied, tapping his paw against her ankle, "Twilight Sparkle's never met a problem she couldn't solve," he added, "Right, Twilight?"
"Right…" she said not so confidently, giving off a nervous smile.
"Well… if you're that sure, then I guess we can count on you to get things done," Dustin said as he grabbed his guitar cases. “But if all else fails, we have Jammer as a back-up plan.”
"But what happens if you guys don’t make it to the finals?" Rainbow asked as Dustin. "If you guys aren't gonna make it to the finals, how are you supposed to win?"
"We'll do our best to make the finals," Allister responded as he brought his car keys.
“Though I highly doubt it will be easy.” Sonata said with slight worry, but Dustin patted her back.
“We’ll just have to do our best. But we can’t attend the competition if we’re late for the competition.” Dustin said as he strapped his guitar to his back.
"Then let's go win us a Battle of the Bands!" Rainbow exclaimed. She and the other girls then raced out, with the Web Surfers following close behind. Twilight waved goodbye as she remained in the garage, nervously holding her arm, unsure if she'd be able to come up with a good counter-spell for the finals.
"Welcome to the first ever Canterlot High School Battle of the Bands," Principal Celestia greeted over the microphone as every band was gathered in the gymnasium upon the stands, "I believe I speak for everyone when I say it is by far the greatest thing we have ever done here at this school!" she continued, making the students cheer in delight, "We are so glad our three newest students encouraged us to turn this event into something exciting!" she finished, pointing out the Dazzlings at the top of the stands, who were just lounging around.
"But," Vice Principal Luna began to point out, grabbing the microphone from Celestia, "as this is now a competition, we can only choose one winner," she explained, "Who is it going to be?" Luna's question brought forth more arguing between the bands, and the aura of negative energy that billowed out from them all flowed into the Dazzlings' necklaces.
Decibus was well hidden in the janitor’s closet, watching the events unfold with a grin on his visor.
"You feel that, Aria?" Adagio asked, "Our true power is being restored," she said, making Aria laugh maniacally. Just then, the Rainbooms entered the gym, making Adagio gesture to have Aria cease the laughing. "And that's before we've tapped into the strongest magic here," she added as the girls all looked around nervously, noticing that the conflict was worsening.
"But the Rainblossoms, or whatever they're called, aren't under our spell," Aria noted, "How exactly are we supposed to get to their magic?" she asked with an annoyed look on her face.
"The Rainbooms are just as capable of falling apart as anyone else," Adagio replied, "They just need a little... push in the wrong direction," she said with a gesture, "I have a feeling everyone here is going to be lining up to give them a shove," she noted.
"Everyone except the Web Surfers," Aria pointed out as they walked in, looking around at the angered students, "Those guys aren't under our spell either…"
"Hmm…" Adagio said as she rubbed her chin, "Well, perhaps we can take them down a different way," she noted, "Especially since we’ve both gotten a taste of Dustin Miller’s power," she said with an evil smirk.
“But remember that Sonata is with those losers too. What if she has the same thing we do?” Aria asked with a raised eyebrow, and Adagio was stumped at that question.
“No clue. But I’ll think of something if that little traitor does.” Adagio said with a grin.
A while later, the first round of the competition had started, with Snips and Snails up on stage, performing like rappers, wearing backwards caps, sweatshirts, and baggy pants over big shoes, along with pairs of glasses. Snips was beatboxing poorly as Celestia and Luna observed them as the judges.
‘Oh hell to the fucking no!’ Dustin thought with a deadpan look.
"Aw, yeah! Snips and Snails indahouse, yo!" Snails exclaimed with a couple of hand gestures.
"They call me MC Snips and that ain't no lie," Snips rapped, "My favorite food is like pumpkin pie!"
"And here is Snails, I like whales," Snails rapped, "When I go to the beach, I always bring my pails!" As the two of them continued to rap poorly, Pinkie was grooving to the beat while the rest of the girls were merely annoyed by the terrible song.
“Oh god, just blow my brains out.” Dustin said with a groan.
"Everybody knows my favorite color is orange," Snips rapped as he jumped closer to the edge of the stage, "My rhymes are so fly, you better... uh... um..."
"Than an orange, yo!" Snails finished for his partner.
"Yeah!" Snips said.
"Yeah!" Snails yelled.
"Represent!" Snips shouted. Celestia and Luna looked on nervously while everyone else was tired of the annoying rapping. Snips and Snails continued to beatbox and freestyle as poorly as possible. Sonata was enjoying the tune as opposed to her companions in the stands, who giggled at the horrendousness of the rap.
"Bam! That just happened!" Snips exclaimed.
"Aw, yeah! We out!" Snails said as he and Snips were back to back.
"Snips and Snails outta here!" Snips said. The two of them then dropped the microphones onto the stage, causing a large amount of feedback in the gym, making almost everyone cringe and cover their ears.
"Please do not drop the microphones," Celestia said to the duo.
"Yeah! Bam!" Snips said as he and Snails high fived before they walked off the stage, laughing all the while, "In your face, Rainbooms!" he gloated as they walked past them.
“That was just plain sucky.” Dustin muttered.
“Agreed. I’ve heard better rap songs than that shameless display.” Allister whispered to Dustin.
"Least we know one group who won't stand in the way of us gettin' to the finals," Applejack joked.
"Let's get ready to rock!" Rainbow exclaimed with a pump of her fist.
"Wait!" Pinkie yelled, "Where's Rarity?" she asked.
"I thought I saw her just a minute ago…" Pixel said.
"Here! I'm here!" Rarity called out as she trotted over. Instead of her normal outfit, Rarity was dressed in hippie sort of outfit with metal fringes upon the sleeves of her arms. Her violet skirt was considerably longer as she shook her head, waving her hair around.
“Damn! You sure dress to impress.” Dustin said with a whistle.
"Of course darling. We will be performing in front of an audience," Rarity mentioned, moving her fingers across the fringes, making them jingle, "I'm not going to wear something fabulous?" she asked rhetorically, "Hmph."
"Guh..." Applejack sighed as she smacked herself in the face in agony.
"All right, the next band to take the stage will be…" Celestia began, looking through her papers, "the Rainbooms!" she said.
“Well, that’s your cue ladies.” Allister said to the Rainbooms.
“Good luck.” Dustin said as they approached the stage.
"Remember," Twilight began to explain, covering the microphone with her hand, "we have to be good enough to make it through," she said, "but not so good we let the sirens see the magic within us," she continued, "They could realize we plan to use it against them."
"Got it!" Rainbow replied, "Be cool enough to win," she began, "but not so cool that we end up showing off the whole ears and tails and rainbows thing," she finished, "Sooo... about twenty percent less cool."
"One! Two!" Pinkie exclaimed as she banged her drumsticks together, indicating that they were ready to play.
The Rainbooms: We've just got the day to get ready
And there's only so much time to lose
Because tonight, yeah, we're here to party
So let's think of something fun to do
"So far, so good." Dustin said with a sigh.
"Hey, what's going on up there?" Sonata asked as she pointed up to the catwalk. Up there, three girls were standing right above the stage, pulling out magnets attached to puppet strings, lowering them down far enough so they'd magnetize Rarity's metal fringes, removing her hands from her keytar.
"Hey! That’s Photo Finish and the Snapshots!" Sunset exclaimed, "But what are they doing?!" She asked in shock.
"Looks like sabotage to me," Allister replied.
"Well, we can't let that happen, now can we?" Dustin said dialing up the Digitrix and tapped the screen once he selected the right transformation.
Dustin said before tapping onto the Digitrix’s screen, causing his body to be surrounded by a ring of what looks like strangely colored Bar Code surrounded him, making an egg shaped dome as his skin began to glow so his entire body was now a shining silhouette of white light. Two rectangular 'plates' seemed to appear out of nowhere and they surrounded Dustin's glowing form, one in front of him and the other behind him, both standing vertical before moved towards each other, squashing around Dustin as if he was in a press mold.
A black humanoid silhouette then appeared out of nowhere and fused onto his body before the 'mold' suddenly exploded and Freakshow fell through the air and splats on the familiar small square platform with the Digitrix Symbol before reforming back into humanoid shape.
"FREAKSHOW!" Dustin exclaimed as the 'egg' of Data surrounding him then dissipated.
Dustin then merged with the nearest and moved towards the Snap Shots’ direction in a shadowy mass.
“Whoa! What even was that?” Sonata said, a bit creeped out by what she saw.
“Oh boy, looks like Dustin used Freakshow.” Sunset said with a shiver.
“Of all the transformations, he had to choose an Erebonite?” Allister said, worried that Dustin might do something reckless.
Rainbooms: We don't know (we don't know) what's gonna happen
We just know (we just know) it's gonna feel right
All our friends are here
And it's time to ignite the lights!
Photo Finish was taking control of the magnets as she swung the puppet strings from left to right. Rarity swayed back and forth as Applejack took notice of how oddly she was acting, especially when she accidentally knocked her cowboy hat off her head onto the neck of her bass. She put it back on as Rarity was still under Photo's manipulation.
But they failed to noticed Dustin was behind them, until he cleared his throat, making her and her teammates look to him. Before the Snapshots could even react, Dustin had sprouted tendrils and wrapped them around them, making sure to cover their mouths so they never uttered a sound.
Rainbooms: Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Twilight Sparkle: So what you didn't get it right the first time
"Boring!" Apple Bloom stated before she and Crusaders began to leave. Pinkie quickly responded by flipping one of her drums, shooting out a plethora of confetti from it.
Pinkie Pie : Laugh it off, no one said it is a crime
Rarity : Do your thing, you know you're an original
Applejack : Your ideas are so funny that they're criminal
Rainbooms: Ohhh-ahh!
Twilight then began choking on a piece confetti that fell into her mouth. She failed to cough it out, but luckily Fluttershy smacked her on the back with her tambourine, causing the piece to fly right out of her mouth. As that happened, Flash and his band left the gym. C.ausing Twilight to look around nervously in worry.
Rainbooms: We've just got the day to get ready
And there's only so much time to lose
Because tonight, yeah, we're here to party
So let's think of something fun to do
Dustin had approached to Allister, Sunset, Sonata and Pixel, having the Snapshots tied up and gagged.
“Crisis averted, for now.” Dustin said
"Uh…we got another problem.” Pixel said, pointing up to the catwalk as well. Sonata, Feaskshow, Sunset and Allister looked up to see Snips and Snails upon the catwalk, chuckling as they headed over to one of the spotlights.
"Ugh. Be right back," Dustin groaned before going back up the catwalk.
"Awesome," Snips chuckled as Snails adjusted the spotlight, making sure that it was shining over Fluttershy. But before Snips and Snails could humiliate Fullershy any further, Dustin wrapped his tendrils around the two before bringing them close to his face, a wicked grin visible.
“Hello, boys. Remember me?” Dustin said with a wicked chuckle, making both Snips and Snails wide eed in fear.
Rainbooms: We don't know (we don't know) what's gonna happen
We just know (we just know) it's gonna feel right
All our friends are here
And it's time to ignite the lights!
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
As the Rainbooms sang, Dustin came back to his teammates, having Snips and Snails tied and gagged as well.
“Well, thought you rats could get away with sabotage, didn't you?” Allister said with a glare at the two, “I have half a mind to disqualify you two immediately.”
“I think I have a better idea, Al.” Dustin said before grinning so wide, it could make the Cheshire cat green in envy. Snips, Snails and the Snapshots were shaking when Dustin morphed into a truly indescribably monstrosity. This scared the captives to the point of feinting.
Dustin smiled in satisfaction before regaining humanoid shape and in a flash of blue light, Dustin was back to normal.
Rainbooms: Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight!
Once the song ended, Celestia and Luna were the only ones who applauded the performance, as everyone else just stared at the girls who looked upon the students nervously. The two principals then began to write their judgments on their papers while the Rainbooms went backstage.
"Ruined! Absolutely ruined!" Rarity cried out as her mascara was running.
"Rarity, were you tryin' to make us lose out there?!" Applejack asked angrily after she put down her bass.
"Wh- Oh!" Rarity gasped as she rubbed some of the mascara off, "This was not my fault!" she claimed as Applejack got into her face, "This was an act of sabotage!" she stated.
"Yeah, well," Applejack began, "whoever did this couldn't have done this if you didn't insist on dressin' like... like... this!" she said angrily, surprising Rarity, "We need to sound good!" she said, making Sunset and Spike glance at each other nervously, "Is there some reason that concept seems to escape you?" she asked rhetorically.
“Well, lucky you, we caught the saboteurs.” Dustin said as the Rainbooms notice Snips, Snails a,d the Snapshots tied up, gagged, and unconscious.
“Uh…what the heck happened to them?” Rainbow asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Used Freakshow to scare them into submission”, Dustin said crossing his arms.
“Hopefully you didn’t permanently scar them” Sunset said with a shiver.
"And what was with the confetti, Pinkie Pie?" Rainbow asked as she held a piece in front of her face, "How am I supposed to shred if there's paper stuck in my frets?!" she asked rhetorically as well, dropping the confetti piece.
"It was pretty distracting..." Fluttershy admitted.
"Ugh!" Pinkie responded, "Says the girl who was running from a light the whole time!", she retorted, pointing at her, "A light!"
"That’s enough! Arguing ain’t gonna make it any better.” Dustin said with a groan.
"Regardless, it appears that the competition's gonna be more intense if cheating's involved!" Allister said as he untied the captive Snips Snails and Snapshots and removed their gags. “I’ll be sure to inform Celestia and Luna for their scandalous acts.”
"At least you guys played through it," Sonata said as with a positive smile.
"Yeah, but we got wrecked out there!" Rainbow replied.
"You still sounded much better than most of the other bands," Sunset said as she had put Spike down, "I'm sure you'll make it to the next round," she added, "But it won't matter if you don't have that counter-spell ready," she continued, making Twilight cringe nervously, "You all find a place to practice where the sirens can't hear you," she said as Derpy's band was taking the stage, "I'll keep an eye on things around here." Derpy began playing a musical saw while sitting on a stool, while her band mates were using a cowbell and a triangle respectively to play a creepy tune.
"I don't think we should use a classroom," Twilight replied as she, Spike, the Rainbooms, and the Web Surfers walking along the hallways before the next round. Just then, she suddenly bumped into the back of Flash Sentry, who only glanced at her while she gave a nervous chuckle, "We really need to stop bumping into each other like this," she said nervously as Flash tuned his guitar out of boredom.
"Uh, you guys hear something?" Flash asked his band mates, not paying attention to Twilight.
"Nope, nuh-uh," they replied as they were looking away from the Rainbooms and the Omniversals. Oblivious to what they were trying to do, Twilight tried to speak louder.
"I said, we have to stop—"
"There it is again," Flash interrupted, "So annoying," he said, turning away from Twilight.
"Why are you acting like this?" she asked, "I thought we were friends." The comment made Flash angrily breathe air through his nose.
"Yeah, and then you decide to come back here just so you can beat me in the Battle of the Bands," he replied angrily, "I want this, Twilight, and you're trying to take it from me!" he stated, "Some friend."
"Dude, whoa," Dustin said in surprise.
"That's not why—"
"Come on, Twilight," Applejack interrupted, grabbing her shoulder, "We've got things to do," she said as they began to walk away.
"You really think you're gonna help them?!" Flash mocked, "Ha!" he laughed sarcastically, "I bet you have no idea what you're even doing!" he shouted, making tears form in Twilight's eyes.
“Why you mother fucker!” Pixel said as she formed her arm into a plasma cannon before aiming it at Flash.
“Uh oh!“ Sonata said with both shock and worry.
“Who, who, whoa! Cease fire, cease fire!” Dustin said, trying to calm Pixel down. “He's under the Dazzling’s spell like everybody else, remember?” Dustin said, and Pixel finally conceded as her arm changed back to normal.
Twilight wiped them away, trying to forget what just happened as she and the others passed by the Dazzlings. Adagio chuckled as she saw Twilight rub her eyes.
"Tears already?" she asked sarcastically, "This is only the first round," she said, making Aria laughing maniacally. Dustin clenched his fists tightly the moment he heard them laugh, and his teammates noticed.
“You ok?” Sonata asked worriedly.
Dustin didn’t reply as he ran to the direction he heard the laughter.
“Oh boy. We better follow him.” Allister said as he, Sonata and Pixel ran after him.
Meanwhile, the Dazzlings had just turned a corner, about to walk into the shadows before entering the gymnasium. However, Adagio put her arm out to stop Aria, as she and the others saw Sunset Shimmer leaning against the wall, waiting for them.
"You're never gonna get away with this," she said as she stood up.
"Why?" Adagio asked as she and her friends were unfazed by her sudden appearance, "Because you didn't?" she asked sarcastically, surprising Sunset, "Oh, we know all about you, Sunset Shimmer," Adagio said as she walked around her as she was glaring at them, "You've got quite the reputation at Canterlot High."
"I've changed!" Sunset claimed, "I'm in a much better place now!" she added.
"Waiting in the wings while your friends have all the fun?" Aria asked sarcastically as she walked around her as well.
"Oh, yes," Adagio began to say, "you girls are so tight," she said, "And yet... they didn't ask you to be in the band."
"No. But Dustin asked me to be in his." Sunset said in defense.
"Well, those Rainboom losers were probably afraid no one will want to see them play if you were in the group," Aria suggested, making Sunset feel even worse.
"Tis a shame really, but if it's any consolation," Adagio began, "no one is going to remember you at all by the time we're done," she said, bumping Sunset with her hip, as did Aria as they all walked towards the gym doors. Sunset held her arm in depression as she thought about what they said.
"Yeah? Not if we got a say in it, cheese poof!” Sunset and the Dazzlings turned to see Dustin, Allister, Pixel and Sonata.
"Dustin?" Sunset said in surprise, "What are you guys doing here?" she asked.
"Taking care of business," Dustin replied as the Dazzlings turned around to face them. Sonata walked to the two.
"Adagio, Aria, please! This has gone on long enough! It’s time to put a stop to this.” Sonata pleaded, but Aria and Adagio just scoffed.
“And why would we do that? Just so you and your new besties here can hog all the glory?” Aria sand with a sneer.
“Now look here. We could do this the easy way…” Pixel morphs her right arm into an energy cannon while her right arm morphed into a aqua-colored plasma blade, “Or we could do this my way!”
"Oh ho, ho", Adagio chuckled, "That's a neat trick rust bucket," she said jokingly, "What makes you think you can challenge us?" she asked as she stepped forward.
"Oh, trust me, bitch! You don't know what we're capable," Dustin said, "We're all tired of seeing kids fight with each other. It ends now!"
"So you think you and your posse's got what it takes red head?" Aria quipped.
"How about we find out, pigtails", Pixel quipped back angrily. They all stared each other down as Sunset nervously looked on. Until a clapping noise can be heard.
Everybody tuned, and saw Decibus walking towards the groups, a wicked grin visible on his visor.
“My, my, my. Had I known there would be such an entertaining display happening, I would have grabbed a chair and some refreshments.” Decibus chuckled, making Allister growl. Decibus’ attention was then brought to the Web Surfers.
“I must say, Allister. I had no idea this would be your petty band. A former queen bee, a robotic girl, a traitorous siren…” Decibus then looks to Dustin, “and the wielder of the Digitrix, Dustin Miller.”
“So, you know who I am?” Dustin growled angrily.
“Of course”, Decibus said before looking to Adagio and Aria. “And I assume you lot have been playing nicely?” Decibus said sarcasm still in his tone.
“Cut the bullshit! Either you tell us what we need to know, or things will get ugly.” Dustin growled in anger as Pixel readied her weapons.
"Well, I suppose we can take our time, considering that we won't be performing for a while," Adagio noted.
"Take your time?" Allister asked, "With what?"
"Just this," Adagio said, when suddenly, she was encased in a fiery red aura as her hands became like those of Firefox’s claws, nine tails sprouted from her tailbone, and a pair of fox ears sprouted from the top of her head.
Aria followed suite as her skin changed from light purple to light blue with blue lines down her face and arms, deep blue fins sprouted on her forearms, a set of gills appeared on her neck, and a long fish tail sprouted from her tailbone.
The Web Surfers were in disbelief over what they just saw.
“Wh-whoa”, Sunset said in shock.
"What the fuck", Dustin asked with a scared look upon his face.
"If you’re wondering how this is possible, Miller," Adagio began to reply as she willed a small flame in her hand, "We both absorbed the negative energy from you in the gym," she explained as the flame died out, "So, in a sense, we both got copies of your powers."
"Wh-What?" Pixel asked as she backed off a bit.
"Shit! This is bad…real bad!" Dustin said nervously. Just then Sonata got infront of Dustin, her arms outstretched in a protective manner as she started both down at Aria and Adagio.
“Just know that if you’re going to hurt my friends, then you’ll have to go through me first!” Sonata said bravely, making Dustin, Allister, Pixel and Sunset worried for their new friend.
Adagio however just laughed at the display.
“Oh, is that so? Well, in that case…” Adagio then willed a ball of fire in both hands, “Then you can join them in Hell!” Adagio then launched both fireballs at Sonata, who closed her eyes in preparation. When the fireballs hit their target, an explosion was made. Dustin, Allister, Pixel and Sonata watched in horror.
“SONATA NO!” Sunset said in worry
“Hehehehe! Truly a noble sacrifice.” Decibus said with an evil grin, but his grin then turned into a look of shock when the smoke cleared. Sonata was covered in armor that was made out of Rainbow Rocks crystal. Her head was adorned by a helmet with a rainbow crystal emerging from the top, her shoulders wee covered in grayish blue pauldrons, her upper chest was adorned with a breastplate made of the same grayish blue material, her arms were covered in arm-guards with a rainbow crystal spike on each one, her skirt had crystal plating on it, her knees were capped with shin guards, and her forelegs had crystalline leg guards on them. But apart from having crystal armor on, she also had a pair of wings on her back that resembled more like fins, a pair of pony ears that sprouted on top of her head, and her pony tail grew in length.
“What the…” Both Adagio and Aria asked in total shock.
“Sonata”, Dustin asked in shock but was relieved that Sonata was ok.
“What tomfuckery is this?!” Decibus asked in total shock. Sonata then looked to herself, examining the armor and her wing
"Oh my gosh", Sonata exclaimed in both surprise and delight, "This is soooo cool!" she said happily, but she calmed down and focused back to the situation at hand. “If you guys want a fight, then you got one!”
Decibus, Aria and Adagio growled at this.
"You know what?” Adagio said with a wicked grin “Giving these powers a test run on you and your buddies is a good idea," Adagio added, her hand and the tips of her nine tails catching on fire while Aria readied her arm fins.
"Sunset, you and Pixel find the others," Dustin said to her, "We might need their help if this gets out of hand."
“What? We ain’t leaving you guys to face these punks alone!” Pixel said, but Dustin looked to her with a scowl.
“Pixel, that was not a suggestion, goddammit!” Dustin said with a growl, making Pixel back up a bit out of shock. She just conceded and morphed her arms back to normal.
"Uh… g-got it! Come on Pixel!" Sunset replied nervously, running off while still in utter disbelief.
"You really think they’re gonna help you?" Aria asked sarcastically as Sunset and Pixel both turned a corner.
"But if we’re going to brawl, we best take it outside," Decibus added. “The last thing we need is to draw unwanted attention.”
"Right," Dustin replied, "'Cause getting on Celestia or Luna's bad side is definitely not on my to do list.” Dustin said with a growl.
“Good idea. We could use some fresh air.” Allister said before he and everyone else disappeared in a flash of blue light. They then reappeared out at the football field in the same blue flash.
“So. We gonna stand here and quarrel?” Dustin said before activating his Digitrix and turning into Indestructile. “Or are we gonna get down to business?”
“Adagio, dear, you and Aria handle Miller and his little sidekick. I’ll deal with Allister.” Allister said as both Aria and Adagio laughed maniacally.
"Let's have some fun…" Adagio said with an evil grin as she and Aria raced after the Sonata and Dustin.
“Now, Allister. Let’s see if age has caught up with you.” Decibus said with a grin visible on his visor.
“Alright then, Count Dubstep,” Allister quipped, making Decibus growl angrily as his sleeves emitted gun barrels, “Let’s dance!”
Sunset Shimmer was hyperventilating as she and Pixel ran down the halls, still in shock from what they had seen. The two slowed down as Sunset was leaning up against a door, trying to catch her breath. They then noticed the showcase posters for the Web Surfers and the Rainbooms upon the door, and realized she was at the band room.
"I'm telling you," Rainbow began to yell from inside, "we've gotta do "Awesome As I Want To Be" for the next round!" she exclaimed as she strummed her guitar.
"We should try somethin' a little more low key Rainbow Dash," Applejack replied, making her cross her arms in annoyance, "Maybe we should go with "Better Than Ever" fer the next song."
"Ah!" Rarity gasped, "Have you forgotten that we need to redeem ourselves from our latest performance?!" she asked rhetorically, "I propose we redo "Shake Your Tail" just so we can prove that we know what we're doing with that song!" she yelled.
As they bickered, Twilight was sitting against the wall, wiping her eyes as she was still saddened from what happened with Flash.
"Are you okay Twilight?" Spike asked as he walked over to her.
"I'm fine Spike…" Twilight said after a sniff, "I just can't believe the sirens have everybody acting like this…"
"It's definitely a surprise," Spike said, "But at least we aren't under their control!" he said reassuringly, but Twilight only lowered her head in response, "Uh… right?" he asked worriedly.
Suddenly, a knocking sound was heard at the door, making everyone turn to hear it more clearly. Fluttershy then twisted the doorknob, letting the door open to reveal Sunset standing there, still breathing heavily as her hands were on her knees as Pixel rubbed her back.
"Sunset Shimmer? Pixel Prada?" Pinkie said in surprise as she got up from her drum set.
“Guys, we got a major problem!” Pixel said alarmingly.
"What's the matter?" Twilight asked. Sunset held her hand out as she wasn't ready to speak while trying to recover from her rapid breathing.
"Dustin… Dazzlings… Fighting… Outside… Lots of trouble… asked us to get your help…" she semi-replied, completely confusing everyone else in the room.
"Say what now?" Spike asked in confusion.
“Well…” Pixel was about to say, but Pinkie beat her to the punch.
"Duh!" Pinkie chimed in, getting everyone's attention, "She's trying to say that Dustin asked both Sunset and Pixel to get our help because he, Sonata, and Allister are all fighting against the Dazzlings and Decibus, and now the fight's gone outside of the school," she explained rather quickly, and then realized the situation, "WAIT, WHAT?!" she exclaimed loudly.
"Aw crap! Then what are we doing just standing here? We gotta help them out!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she set down her guitar.
"But what can we do?" Applejack asked, "We can’t pony up, remember?" she noted.
"Well, it sure beats sitting here and doing nothing while they’re risking their lives out there!" Rainbow said before looking to Pixel. “Where are they now?”
“My sensors indicate that they’re out at the football field!” Pixel elaborated.
“Then we better get out there.” Sunset said as the girls and the others raced past her.
Meanwhile
Outside in the football field, Dustin, Allister and Sonata were fighting Aria, Adagio and Decibus individually. Dustin was up against Aria, taking on everything Aria was throwing at him thanks to Indestructile’s indestructibility. Sonata was against Adagio, easily dodging every attack Adagio was throwing at her since she was in midair. And Allister was fighting Decibus, who was blasting sound blasts from speakers on his palms.
“Alright, ya big stupid lizard, take this!” Aria dashed as Dustin, but thanks to Indestructile’s near impervious physiology, there was not even a single scratch on him.
“Uh, there a reason he’s called Indestructible!” Dustin said before swinging his tail at Aria, sending her skidding across the ground. “But let’s see how you handle this!” Dustin then spewed a stream of acid at Aria’s direction, but she intercepted by controlling water from the nearby drinking fountain to build a watery wall.
“Hey! Say it, don’t spray it, ya handbag!” Aria said before manipulating the water, morphing it into a mass of watery tendrils.
Adagio fired wave after wave of fireballs at Sonata’s direction, but Sonata dodged each one with ease.
“How does it feel to be looked down upon, Adagio?” Sonata said a bit jokingly as she lunged towards Adagio, but she quickly sidestepped and puncher Sonata, sending her crashing into the ground.
“Let’s see you dodge this!” Adagio growled before the tips of her tails were lit ablaze. Then her tails spun rapidly as she dropped to haunches, sending a barrage of fiery waves at Sonata’s direction. She just held her arms to guard herself, but then a crystal wall appeared before Sonata and blocked the attack.
“Huh?” Adagio asked in total shock. Sonata opened her eyes and examined the crystal wall.
“Did I do that?” Sonata asked as she touched the wall, somehow making it sink back into the ground.
Allister was deflecting every sound blast Decibus was firing at him with his metal claws.
“Well, looks like you still have it in you.” Decibus chucked.
“I appreciate the compliment!” Allister then morphed his metal claws into a blaster before firing at Decibus, who just blocked it with intense speed.
Allister was off guard, then Decibus appeared behind him and punched him in the back, launching him a few feet away. But Allister was quick on his feet and dashed towards Decibus.
“I can do this all day, Allister.” Decibus said before firing another sonic blast at Allister, but he teleported to dodge the attack.
Aria was using the water tentacles to attack Dustin, but he fired another acid stream at Aria, who used one of the tentacles to block the attack.
“Ok, this isn't working!” Aria said, casing the water tendrils to dissipate. Aria was then enveloped in the same red aura as her body changed again. Aria’s skin changed back to normal, only for her clothes changed to a pick black with violet circuitry lines on them. Her clothes they began to change shape as well. Her upper half was adorned by a long-sleeve shirt with two large, pointed shoulder pads adorning her shoulders, her pants looked baggier. Under her eyes were a single purple circuitry line, and her eyes resembled a purple version of Softwear’s.
“Aw crap!” Dustin said as Aria flew towards him at Mach 10 speeds, punching him with enough force to topple him over.
“Whatcha gotta say now, lizard boy?” Aria taunted, making Dustin look to her.
“Oh nothing, just this!” Dustin said, swiping his tail, sending her to the ground hard. The impact of her landing left a big crater.
“I had enough of this!” Adagio frowned as her body was enveloped the same red aura, causing her ears and tils to vanish and her hands turn to normal. Then a black mass reached from under her feet and enveloped her whole body, making her look like a living silhouette. Then, a pair of raspberry colored eyes and a wide grin appeared on her face, while her red gemstone appeared on her chest.
“Uh oh.” Sonata said in slight fear before Adagio sank to the ground, leaving a black patch visible, and she went to Dustin, who was still trying to get back on his feet.
“DUSTIN! LOOK OUT!” Sonata called out, but it was too late. Adagio moved to Dustin’s chest before taking back her humanoid shape and phased her hand into his chest, making him choke out and sturggle to breathe as she squeezed his heart.
Sonata covered her mouth in shock and horror as she witnessed this, and Allister turned to see the assault, just as horrified at what he was seeing.
Meanwhile
The football field was only a few feet away, but as Sunset, Pixel and the Rainbooms were running to the football fields, Pixel stopped and gasped. The others stopped and looked to her.
“Pixel? What’s wrong?” Rarity asked I worry.
“We better hurry! Dustin’s vitals are slowly dwindling!” Pixel said, making the girls gasp out in shock as they continued to run to the football field.
Allister and Sonata were watching with wide eyes as Adagio continued to squeeze Dustin’s heart tighter and tighter.
“Adagio...please...” Sonata cried out, tears rolling down her face as her crystal armor began to glow. “STOP IT!!!” And with that, the glow grew massively in intensity, shining the whole field like the sun.
“GAH! WHO TURNED ON THE LIGHTS?!” Decibus called out, as everyone covered their eyes.
Adagio however was creaming in pain as her body was smoking…I mean literally smoking. She phased her hands out of Dustin’s chest, making him breathe heavily as he changed back to normal while Adagio writhed in pure agony, eventually changing back to normal as well.
Once the light finally died down, Sonata flew to Dustin, rubbing his back as he caught his breath.
“Are you ok?” Sonata asked, and Dustin looked to her.
“I am now. Thanks for the save.” Dustin said, and Sonata smiled as she whipped her tears away.
“My, how sweet.” Decibus said sarcastically with a smile before it changed to a scowl. “I HATE SWEET!” Decibus growled bitterly as he fired powerful sound blasts towards Sonata, but Dustin pushed her out of the way to take the hit. The attack sent him flying a foot away before making him skid on the ground.
“DUSTIN!” Sonata called out I worry. Decibus was about to fire another attack at Sonata, but then a rock hit his visor, the impact it made created a huge crack visible on his visor as it began short circuiting.
“Leave them alone, you freak!” Rainbow said as Applejack ran to Decibus, kicking him in the gut to knock him off his feet.
“You-you li-li-little sh-shi-shits!” Decibus buffered as his visor glitched like a broken tv screen.
“Guys?” Sonata asked with surprise, but then smiled in relief.
“This guy must be Decibus.” Rainbow Dash pondered as Flutterhy, Pinkie and Twilight went to help Dustin.
“Dustin! Are you ok?” Pinkie asked in worry, but Dustin shrugged off the pain he was enduring.
“I'm a little sore, but I’ll live.” Dustin said as he dusted himself off.
“You nearly gave us a scare, you know that?” Fluttershy said rubbing Dustin’s back.
“Girls! We must-must-must retrea-trea-treat!” Decibus buffered, the two sirens looked at him.
“But…” Aria said, but Decibus was not having any excuses.
“NOW!” Decibus roared angrily. Sure enough, Decibus, Adagio, and Aria ran off.
"Are you guys all right?" Sunset asked worriedly.
"We're fine," Allister said, "But we've got an even bigger problem now."
Back at their hideout, Decibus' headless body was fixing his broken visor. Yeah, you heard right. His headless body was fixing his cracked visor, which is essentially his disembodied head. Aria and Adagio were watching, albeit a bit disconcerted.
“You gonna be okay there, boss?” Aria asked.
“Yes. My visor is badly damaged, but it's nothing I can't handle. I’ll have it fixed in no time flat.” Decibus said, no longer buffering. “I’ll admit though, those little brats have guts to do this to me.”
“You don’t keep any spares or something?” Adagio asked.
“Sadly no.” Decibus simply replied. “Look, you two best be back at the school. You’re performance could be any minute now.”
“Aw crap! He’s right! We better hurry, Adagio.” Aria said as she and Adagio ran out.
A while later, both bands were gathered back in the band room, all with their eyes widened after hearing Dustin's explanation.
"They got your powers?!" Twilight asked in shock.
"How in the world did they do that?" Applejack asked.
"They said that they fed off of my negative energy yesterday in the gym," Dustin replied, "I think it was from the fact that I was mad at how they put you girls down. And my negative energy must've had traces of my power.”
“Ok? But how did Sonata your powers, then?" Rainbow pondered. "As far as I know, she was with you guys when it happened.”
Sonata then had a look of realization on her face.
“I think it may have something to do with Dustin cheering me up yesterday.” Sonata theorized, making the others look to her. “I said that during that moment, I absorbed positive energy, right? So, by absorbing some of Dustin's positive energy, I may have also gotten his powers like Aria and Sonata.”
“Well, that is a good theory.” Pixel said, scratching her chin.
“Regardless, this makes it a much tougher challenge then before. I mean for God's sake, Aria managed to use Rip Tide and Softwear, while Adagio used Firefox and Freakshow! Just imagine what they're capable with Eisntrike's powers. Or Prime-8, or even Indestructile.” Dustin said, and Pixel looked to him.
"I wander how they would look with Prime-8 or Indestructile." Pinkie pondered, and the others shivered at that though.
"Yeesh! I dont think I want to know!" Sunset Shimmer said with a slight shiver.
“That reminds me." Pixel said, looking to Dustin. "While we were heading towards the football field, I sensed that your vital signs were dropping. What happened back there?” Pixel asked, and Dustin sighs.
“Well, believe it or not, Adagio used Freakshow’s intangibility to squeeze my heart.” Dustin said, making the other girls gasp upon hearing that.
“Wait! Back up!” Applejack said, a bit shocked at what she heard. “She was, squeezing your heart?”
"Like a child with a stuffed animal." Dustin said with a shudder.
“I think I’m gonna be sick.” Pinkie said, vomiting in her mouth a little bit at the thought.
“Yeah. But thankfully Sonata saved my life by using Rainbow Rock’s light-based powers to glow like a fog light.” Dustin said, flashing a soft smile to Sonata.
“Wait! Is that why we saw a bright light earlier?” Spike asked with a confused look.
“Yeah. You can say she was, “shinning bright like a diamond”.” Dustin said with a chuckle, but the girls and Spike just gave him a confused look.
“Ah, a Rihanna reference Nice.” Allister said with a chuckle.
"Well, not to worry, dude.” Rainbow said, putting her hand on Dustin's shoulder, "I think my band's gonna take care of them with that counter-spell." she gloated, making Dustin groan instantly.
“Oh boy.” Pixel said with a face-palm.
"It's our band!" Applejack yelled, making Rainbow cross her arms in annoyance as she rolled her eyes.
"Also," Twilight began, getting Dustin's attention, "Did they say anything about their plan, by any chance?" she asked.
"Not really no," Sonata chimed in, "Quite frankly, we didn’t even ask."
"Not that they'x spill the beans anyway." Dustin said before the loudspeaker sounded off.
"The next band to perform on stage will be the Dazzlings," Principal Celestia announced over the loudspeaker, getting everyone's attention.
"Oh joy." Dustin groaned as he crossed his arms.
Back in the gym, the Dazzlings were preparing to take the stage for their performance.
"Remember, Aria," Adagio said as she and the others were each holding a microphone, "We want to save the good stuff for when our full power has been restored," she explained as the gems on their necks sparkled. The curtain then came up.
Adagio and Aria:We've got the music, makes you move it
Got the song that makes you lose it
We say "jump", you say "how high?"
Put your hands up to the sky
We've got the music, makes you move it
Got the song that makes you lose it
We say "jump", you say "how high?"
Put your hands up to the sky
As the Dazzlings sang, Decibus had teleported. Placing his newly fixed head back onto his shoulders. Listening from behind the Janitor’ closet.
“Yes, yes. Sing my angels of music.” Decibus said with a wicked chuckle.
Adagio and Aria : Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
You didn't know that you fell
Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Now that you're under our spell
Adagio Dazzle: Listen to the sound of my voice
Soon you'll find you don't have a choice
Captured in the web of my song
Soon you'll all be singing along
Everyone was simply under a trance at how amazing the Dazzlings sounded, all except the Rainbooms and the Web Surfers.
“Damn! They’re good! Really good!” Dustin said with a shocked look.
“No kidding.” Pixel said with a nod.
Adagio and Aria : We've got the music, makes you move it
Got the song that makes you lose it
We say "jump", you say "how high?"
Put your hands up to the sky
We've got the music, makes you move it
Got the song that makes you lose it
We say "jump", you say "how high?"
Put your hands up to the sky
Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
You didn't know that you fell
Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Now that you're under our spell
Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
You didn't know that you fell
Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Now that you're under our…
Adagio Dazzle: Spell…
Adagio laughed maniacally as she and Aria were absorbing all the negative energy from all the students who were under their spell. Celestia and Luna applauded to the two.
“Amazing girls” Luna said with a smile.
"Yes. Well done, my dearies." Decibus said as he also applauded to the two.
"And now, for our final performance for the evening… the Web Surfers!" Principal Celestia said on the microphone.
"That's us!" Dustin replied, "You guys ready to go?"
“You bet.” Sunset said with a smile and a nod.
“Knock ‘em dead guys.” Rainbow Dash cheered as the Web Surfers walked up to the stage, and readied their instruments. Dustin then dialed and transformed into Jammer and grabbed the mic. The lights began to dim as Sunset strummed her guitar, Pixel readied her mixing board and Allister worked the drums.
As the song progressed, Decibus groaned at the song.
“I’ve heard much better songs than this.” Decibus said, but then his expression changed to that of shock.
“What?" Decibus asked. With a tap of a button on his right gauntlet, a purple holographic screen showed, displaying a graph. "The level of negativity is…declining? How?!”
Jammer, Sonata and Sunset: Here we are, going far, to save all that we love
If we give all we've got we will make it through
Here we are, like a star, shining bright on your world today…
Make evil go away!
Sonata and Sunset: Code Lyoko
Jammer: We'll reset it all
Sonata ad Sunset: Code Lyoko
Jammer: Be there when you call
Sonata and Sunset: Code Lyoko
Jammer: We will stand real tall
Sonata and Sunset: Code Lyoko
Jammer: Stronger after all
“So that’s the song they picked. Kinda nice.” Applejack said, nodding her head to the beat.
“Nice? It’s awesome!” Rainbow said, joining Applejack in the head nodding.
Jammer: A world of machines It can shadow human nature
Sunset Shimmer: And all that we need Is the way to find the answer
Sonata Dusk: and one thing is sure
Sunset and Sonata: You can count on us for good
As the heroes sang their song, positive energy from Sonata's pendant began to travel through the audience. It not only snapped them out of their Siren induced trance, but it also caused a very positive reaction from the crowd. Slowly one by one, the students began to cheer for our heroes. Their positive energy was not only weakening Adagio and Aria, but it was also making Sonata even stronger than she already was.
"What? I don't understand! How is this happening?!" Adagio asked in shock as she began to feel weaker.
"I don't know… But whatever it is, I don't like it!" Aria said, just as shocked.
Jammer, Sunset and Sonata : Here we are, going far, to save all that we love
If we give all we've got we will make it through
Here we are, like a star, shining bright on your world today…
Make evil go away!
Sonata and Sunset: Code Lyoko
Jammer: we’ll reset it all
Sonata and Sunset: Code Lyoko
Jammer: Be there when you call
Sonata and Sunset: Code Lyoko
Jammer: We will stand real tall
Sonata and Sunset: Code Lyoko
Jammer: Stronger after all
“Woohoo!” The Rainbooms cheered as the audience enjoyed the song.
Jammer: We’ll do our best,
To never let you down
We're up to the test,
To turn this world around!
Jammer, Sunset and Sonata : Here we are, going far, to save all that we love
If we give all we've got we will make it through
Here we are, like a star, shining bright on your world today…
Make evil go away!
Here we are, going far; to save all that we love
If we give all we've got we will make it through
Here we are, like a star, shining bright on your world today…
Make evil go away!
Once they finished their performance, Dustin had reverted back to normal, and everyone in the audience was cheering like mad. Sonata had happy tears in her eyes as she, Dustin, Pixel, Sunset and Allister bowed to the audience. The only ones who didn’t applaud were Adagio and Aria, who were absolutely shocked by this. Decibus was also shocked, but at the same time he was angry as well.
The Web Surfers walked back to the bleachers, to where the Rainbooms were crowding them.
“Dude, that was amazing!” Rainbow Dash said in amazement.
“Absolutely a stunning performance”, Rarity said with a smile.
“And not to mention that the song has everyone in a good mood.” Twilight said with a smile, but then she noticed Sonata crying. “Sonata? Are you ok?”
Sonata looked to her, but her tears weren’t of sadness, they were of joy.
"They loved us! They really loved us!" Sonata said in happiness before hugging Dustin, who returned the hug.
“Hey, Twilight.” Flash said, catching the purple girl off guard and making her look to him. Flash had a sorry look on his face. “Hey uh…I want to apologize for earlier. I uh…” Flash stammered while he rubbed his arm. Twilight hugged him in response.
“You’re forgiven.” Twilight said, making Flash smile with a deep blush on his face.
Back at the hide out, Decibus, Aria and Adagio were gathered for a meeting. Decibus paced back and forth, obviously displeased by the events that have transpired.
“Dammit! Those brats are a lot better than I thought!” Decibus growled.
“I can’t believe Sonata and that shape shifting punk turned the tables on us!” Aria grumbled in rage.
“I wholeheartedly agree. The sooner those Web Surfers are taken out of the contest, the better!” Adagio groaned.
“Well, lucky you, the Decimator is complete. By the time the finals arrive, we’ll put it to good use.” Decibus said.
“Though it'll take a while to restock on negative energy, considering what happened earlier.” Aria said, still upset by what happened.
“And even if we do regain the negative energy we’ve just lost, those damn Web Surfers we’ll muck it all up again!” Adagio said with a groan.
“Well, fortunately for you, you don't have to.” Decibus chuckled before he went to the Decimator and opened a compartment door. He then pulled out the power core of the Decimator and walked back to the two Sirens. He then opened the power core, revealing the insides of the core. One part that caught their attention was a small glowing red chop attached to the circuit board that powered the small device.
“What’s that?” Aria asked, pointing at the glowing red chip.
“You see, I managed to sample some of the dark magic your pendants utilize and encrypt it, making this little chip here.” Decibus said before closing the power core back up. “With it, our plan is foolproof.”
Adagio and Aria were surprised by this.
“But this plan of yours does fail, what then?” Adagio asked, but Decibus just chuckled.
The next day, and people were competing to get to the top spot. About something was…strange. Although many students were still competing with one another, they weren’t going at each other’s throats.
During the whole time, The Web Surfers made their way past the Techies and Derpy's band while the Rainbooms had eliminated Octavia Melody from the competition, with Rainbow's guitar skills leading the way, of course. Eventually, more bands were eliminated one by one as Flash Sentry, Trixie and the Illusions, the Rainbooms, the Web Surfers, and the Dazzlings all inched closer to the finals. During all this Twilight was hurriedly rushing through the process of creating the counter-spell, obviously stressed as she wrote rapidly in the notebook.
Now, the Web Surfers were up against Flash Sentry's band in the quarterfinals and seemed to be on the ropes as his band's music was way too intense.
Dustin then decided to step it up as he tapped the Digitrix screen after selecting a transformation, transforming into Prime-8. He then grabs three other guitars and took out three other picks. Flash and his band mates gasped in shock.
“Is that a four-armed gorilla?” One of Flash’s teammates asked with confusion.
"Sorry Flash," Dustin apologized. And the moment he strummed the strings of those four guitars, he started to perform a giant guitar riff with tremendous power and powerful enough to knock Flash and his band members off the stage, officially ending their run in the competition.
“Whoa.” Sonata said in amazement and shock.
“Oops. You alright, dude?” Dustin asked Flash, but he got up and smiled.
“Yeah dude. That was killer though.” Flash said as he went to shake Dustin’s hand. Dustin returned the kind gesture. “Good luck in the finals, man.”
“Thanks, Flash.” Dustin said as Luna crossed off Flash’s band's sticker on the tournament chart, walking off frustrated.
“Hey, don’t you think that something’s a little…strange?” Sunset asked her teammates with confusion.
“Yeah”, Dustin said before turning to normal. “People aren’t as…aggressive as yesterday.”
“Weird right”, Rainbow Dash asked as the Rainbooms walked to the Web Surfers.
"This is it!" Sunset noted, "Last round and we're in the finals!" she said excitedly, "Unless you think the counter-spell is ready to be played now," she noted to Twilight, who only looked away in reply.
"Don't worry, Twilight," Applejack reassured, "Finals aren't until tonight," she noted, "We'll get in a little more practice before we're supposed to hit the stage," she added, "We won't let you down!" The rest of the girls agreed excitedly as they knew this was an important step.
“Damn right sister.” Dustin said as he and Applejack shared a bro fist.
"You won't let me down..." Twilight said worriedly, looking down as Sunset was worried for her.
"Quite a stunning victory you pulled there." a voice asked sarcastically. Both bands turned to see Adagio and Aria standing there.
"Oh great, what do you want Adagio?" Dustin asked with an angry look on his face.
"Oh nothing, just to wish you luck in the finals.” Adagio said with a hint of sarcasm and flashed flirtatious wink.
“Ok. One, your flirting ain’t gonna work for me. And two, I know you’re just being sarcastic.” Dustin said, his anger never fading. “Also, what are you planning this time? I noticed that nobody is as at each other’s throats like before.”
“Oh? Well, like you said earlier. If we’re going to have a competition, why not make it a friendly one?” Adagio said before she and Aria walked off, but Adagio then took the time to blow a kiss to Dustin as he still gave her s suspicious look.
“Those two are definitely up to something”. Dustin said, a bad feeling forming in his gut.
"Tell me something I don’t know.” Pinkie said with a nod.
"Um, I was just wondering," Fluttershy began to say as she nervously held her tambourine, "We haven't played any of my songs yet, and..."
"It's the semifinals," Rainbow interrupted, putting her hand on Fluttershy's shoulder, and then gave it a little jab with her fist, "We gotta do "Awesome As I Wanna Be"."
"Don't know why I even asked..." Fluttershy said quietly, but visibly frustrated.
"Oh god…" Pixel sighed as she and the Web Surfers saw this.
"...I got tricks up my sleeve," Trixie sang on stage as she played her guitar, wearing a magician's hat and cape over a dark blue dress, "See me dominate," she continued, "'Cause I'm powerful and grea-ea-eat!" The crowd cheered as Celestia and Luna clapped excitedly.
"Fantastic!" Celestia complimented after a laugh.
"Hmph," Trixie huffed as she went backstage to encounter the Rainbooms and the Web Surfers, "You're never gonna top that performance, "Rain-goons"," she mocked, "You shouldn't be allowed to when you have such a big advantage over the rest of us," she added.
‘’Oh, blow it out your ass witchy girl!” Pixel growled at Trixie, but Sonata held Pixel back, trying to calm her down.
"My superior guitar playing and off-the-charts awesome singing voice", Rainbow replied in a gloating tone.
"Oh, don't be ridiculous," Trixie said, "I mean her!" she said, pointing at Twilight, making her blush out of embarrassment, "If you were really all that, Rainbow Dash," she continued, "you wouldn't have needed to bring in some magical ringer to have half a chance," she explained, "Everyone's talking about it."
“Keep talking, and I’ll knock your block off, wicked bitch of the west!” Pixel growled angrily, making Trixie glare at her.
“What did you just call me, robo-harlot?” Trixie growled.
“You fucking heard me! Do yourself a big fat favor and make yourself disappear!” Pixel growled back as she struggled in Sonata’s grip.
“Ok, ok. Break it up.” Dustin said, trying to diffuse the situation.
"Ha! Puh-leeze!" Rainbow responded, "I could win this thing as a solo act and everybody knows it!" she stated, making the other girls glare at her angrily, except for Twilight, Sonata and Sunset.
“Dammit RD, you are not helping!” Dustin exclaimed.
"Sure you could," Trixie replied. She then threw something on the ground, creating a big puff of smoke that blinded everybody. Everyone coughed as the smoke cleared, with Trixie nowhere to be seen.
"She's gone!" Pinkie exclaimed with her hands in her hair, pausing for a dramatic effect, "Oh, wait," she said, noticing her behind the drum set on stage, "There she is," she said as Trixie ran off.
"That girl is just all kinds of overzealous." Allister said with a cocked eyebrow.
"Uh Dustin… You got a little something on your cheek." Pinkie said, pointing to Dustin's right cheek.
"Huh?" Dustin asked as Rarity brought out a makeup mirror and presented it to him. Dustin looks into it and sees a blue kiss mark on his cheek, "Dammit, Trixie!" Dustin groaned, wiping the kiss mark away.
"Next up, the Web Surfers," Celestia announced.
“Well, we better get ready.” Dustin said as he looked to the Rainbooms. “Wish us luck.” And with that, the Web Surfers went on the stage. Once the band was ready, they music began to play.
Dustin: I wanna be a mobile supercomputer A vision of the future Begin the cyber revolution Mechanical fusion The perfect evolution
With systematic harmony I will run unto eternity
And although this metal's part of me I shall not lose my sanity
As the song progressed, positive energy once again flowed from Sonata's pendant and began to travel through the audience. Evoking a very positive reaction from the crowd like yesterday.
“Wow. They never fail to impress.” Rarity said, nodding her head to the beat.
Sonata and Sunset: Shatter the flesh and reinforce the bone
Embrace this carbon mesh, this power's all my own
Dustin, Sunset and Sonata : These simple parts of mine are interchangeable Unlimited connections when you're digital Becoming one with wires is sensational Go out with the old and in with the new
Dustin : Stomp the ground Resonating sound surrounds me A power best described as godly At life's intersection, reaching for perfection Requiring no more correction
Sunset : Rip away the obsolete Clean format, update complete
Sonata : No more emotions Such a novelty The future key That would be So clear to me
“Admittedly, he’s got good taste in music. That’s a given.” Adagio said with a wicked smirk.
“Hmph. I’ve heard better.” Aria said, but she the unknowingly tapped her foot to the beat. Aria and Adagio noticed, and Aria stopped her foot while Adagio just gave a teasing smirk.
Dustin : Shatter the flesh and reinforce the bone Embrace this carbon mesh, this power's all my own
“Yeah, man! Sing it!” Flash cheered on, as did his teammates.
“I like this song.” Snips said as he and Sails nodded to the beat.
Dustin, Sonata and Sunset: These simple parts of mine are interchangeable Unlimited connections when you're digital Becoming one with wires is sensational Go out with the old and in with the new
My hunger for perfection is insatiable A prototype that's fully operational This armored alloy shell is unbreakable My existence is irreplaceable
As the song progressed, Sunset did some killer riffs while Pixel was working her mixing board like a champ and Allister drummed with enough skill to make even Keith Moon green in jealousy.
“Wow. And I thought I had sick guitar skills.” Rainbow said to herself in amazement.
“Jeez! Al is working the drums like a champ!” Pinkie said with a wide smile.
Dustin, Sonata and Sunset: Shatter the flesh and reinforce the bone Embrace this carbon mesh, this power's all my own
These simple parts of mine are interchangeable Unlimited connections when you're digital Becoming one with wires is sensational Go out with the old and in with the new
My hunger for perfection is insatiable A prototype that's fully operational This armoured alloy shell is unbreakable My existence is irreplaceable
Once the song ended, the audience went wild like before, roaring in applause.
“Amazing! Absolutely marvelous!” Celestia said as she and Luna clapped in applause.
Dustin and his teammates bowed before going backstage to meet up the Rainbooms.
“That. Was. So. COOL!” Pinkie said with a squeal.
“Never thought I’d say it Sunset, but you got some sick riff skills! Even I couldn’t do that!” Rainbow said, surprising the others.
“Oh uh…thanks.“ Sunset said a bit bashfully.
“Wait! Am I hearin’ that right? Did Rainbow just show humility for once?” Applejack asked in disbelief.
“I believe she did.” Rarity said, just as shocked.
“By the way Al, those drum skills were totally impressive.” Pinkie said to Allister, making him blush a bit from the praise.
“Oh stop.” Allister said bashfully.
“Hey. Where’d you learn to drum like that, anyway?” Rainbow asked.
"Oh, its a bit of a log story." Allister said a bit nervously for some reason. "I'm certain you kids wouldn't be interested."
“Up next the Rainbooms.” Celestia called out. The Rainbooms then began to walk onto the stage.
“Good luck girls.” Dustin said with a thumbs up.
"Knock 'em dead, Rainbooms!" Spike cheered excitedly, wagging his tail.
"Don't overdo it! Please!" Pixel added.
"Got it", Rainbow replied with a wink.
"She knows I'm being serious, right?" Pixel asked the others.
"Knowing her, I guarantee she’ll overdo it…" Sonata said as he and the other guys walked back to the stands.
"Let’s hope she doesn’t," Sunset sighed. Pinkie started banging on the drums as the spotlights went on upon the girls one by one, finishing with Rainbow running onto the stage.
"Oh. Porcelain throne calls me. Be right back." Allister said before walking off.
Rainbow Dash : Awesome as I wanna be First you see me riding on a sonic boom Got my guitar shreddin' up the latest tune There is nothin' you can do to beat me I'm so good that you can't defeat me
Rainbow & The Rainbooms: Yeah, I'm awesome, take caution Watch out for me, I'm awesome as I wanna be (Yeah!) I'm awesome, take caution Watch out for me, I'm awesome as I wanna be
"This is a catchy song," Dustin admitted nervously, "But…"
"Rainbow's just taking control of the whole performance," Sonata noted as all the spotlights began to point at her, "It's supposed to be a team effort."
"Dammit! This is exactly what I told her not to do!" Pixel replied angrily.
"And it’s about to get worse! Look," Dustin said, pointing towards the stage. The others looked and saw that Rainbow's pony ears were beginning to form from her skillful playing of the guitar.
Rainbooms: Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! “Uh oh, we gotta stop this!” Sonata said in worry.
"We gotta stop her!" Sunset said worriedly.
“Way ahead of you”, Pixel said before she placed a hand onto the wall, sparkling electricity and sure enough, the power went out.
“Whoa! Who turned out the lights?” Rainbow asked in shock before she was yanked backstage by Pixel.
“Oh dear. It appears we have a power outage. We’ll have to…” Celestia said before the lights came back on. “Uh…ok then?”
“Hey. Where’s Rainbow Dash?” Pinkie asked, but Dustin whispered to them from behind the curtain.
“Guys. Backstage. Now.” Dustin whispered, and the other Rainbooms went backstage. When the girls were backstage, they see Pixel pinning Rainbow Dash to the wall.
“Goddammit Dash! Do you not heed a warning!?” Pixel growled, scaring Rainbow a bit.
"What are you talking about?" Rainbow asked.
"You were showing them your magic," Sunset replied.
"You were just fucking lucky that I caused that power outage!" Pixel growled.
“Wait! That was you?!” Rarity asked with a gasp.
"Guys, please. Let’s just cool down”, Dustin said trying to diffuse the situation.
"What the actual fuck happened to 'not overdoing it'?!" Pixel asked, "If it wasn't for me, the Dazzlings would've known all about your magic by now!" Pixel stated, releasing RD from her grip.
“Guys…come on…” Flutterhsy said, trying to help Dustin break up the fight.
"You know she’s right Dash!" Rarity said to Rainbow, making Rainbow Dash look to Rarity with a glare.
“What?” Rainbow Dash asked.
"None of this would've happened if you weren't trying to show off – as usual," Applejack said right in Rainbow's face, making her glare at the cowgirl while she glared back.
“What in God’s name is going on here!?” Allister asked, walking up to the two bands.
“Well, if you must know, we just saved Rainbow here from blowing their cover, while she was being a total show off!” Pixel said, pointing at Rainbow.
“Guys, please! Let’s just take a minute to calm down here.” Dustin said, but then Trixie walked back stage.
"Good show, "Rain-brooms"," Trixie mocked, getting their attention, "I especially liked the part where the brief power outage ruined your solo!" she said mockingly, making Pixel grit her teeth angrily.
"Piss off, witchy bitch! This doesn’t concern you!" Pixel growled in to Trixie. The others watched in shock.
“Pixel! Please just chill for a bit before you blow a gasket!” Dustin said, but his words met deaf ears.
“Care to repeat that?” Trixie growled.
“Did I stutter, or do I have to put it in a way you can actually understand?!” Pixel growled, her rage increasing.
While this whole scuffle was going on, Adagio and Aria were absorbing the negative energy from them.
"Wise guys like you should be sent straight to the dump!” Trixie said, and that was the final straw for Pixel!
“YOU BITCH!” Pixel yelled as her left arm morphed into a plasms blade before raising it up to strike. Trixie was wide-eyed in shock and fear as Pixel got ready to strike her. But before the blades could reach their mark, Dustin got in between the two.
“PIXEL PRADA, THAT’S ENOUGH!” Dustin yelled, making Pixel stop with a wide-eyed expression. Trixie was also stunned by this. Dustin then looks to Trixie, his glare never fading. “Trixie, if you wanna live to see another day, I suggest you get off the stage. Now.” Dustin said to Trixie, who just nodded rapidly in fear before running off.
"Oh boy. Look whats happening now." Allister said, grabbing everyone else's attention. They see that as Celestia and Luna were by the door, with Aria and Adagio vocalizing around them.
"Huh?" Sunset Shimmer said as she scratched her chin.
"What are they up to now?" Dustin asked as he and the other guys noticed this.
"What can we do?" Rarity asked, "There isn't gonna be another opportunity for us to play," she noted, "And I had the most gorgeous outfit for the finals!" she complained.
"Yup," Applejack said mockingly, "'cause that's the real tragedy, Rarity," she continued, "– is that you won't get to play dress-up!"
"You know perfectly well that is not what I meant!" Rarity shouted back.
"GODDAMMIT THAT’S ENOUGH!", Allister exclaimed, making Rarity and Applejack look to him.
"Either you two calm down, or so help me I will duct tape your mouths shut! Understand?" Allister said, making the two nod their heads rapidly in response.
(Later)
Everykne had gathered infront of both Celestia and Luna, the time to decide who runs in the finals has arrived.
“For the finals, we’ll be doing something a bit special. The finals will be a two parter.” Celestia said, surprising everybody present.
“We will select three bands for the finals. The first band to reign victorious in the first round will progress to the final event. Now, the first band to be in the finals, is the Dazzlings.” Luna said as.
“Now that’s strange.” Allister said with a raised eyebrow.
“The second band that will be joining the Dazzlings in tonight's finals is the The Web Surfers." Celestia began to announce over the microphone, “And the final band to be in the finals is...The Rainbooms!" she exclaimed surprisingly.
"What?!" Trixie exclaimed in shock.
"Huh?" everyone else said in surprise.
"Did they just say, “the Web Surfers and the Rainbooms"?!" Pinkie asked in disbelief.
"YES!" Dustin exclaimed with a pump of his fist, "We still have another shot at it!" he stated happily.
"This isn't over!" Trixie said as she stomped off angrily. The Rainbooms then walked onto the stage.
"Seriously?!" Pinkie asked, "We didn't even finish our—!" Pinkie's sentence was halted as Rainbow elbow jabbed her in the arm, trying to get her to keep quiet as they had caught a huge break.
"See you at tonight's big show," Adagio said as she and the Dazzlings walked onstage, "We are really looking forward to it," she said sinisterly before walking away.
"Yeah, well… not as much as we are!" Rainbow retorted.
"This never should have been you, Rainbooms!" Photo Finish yelled as the crowd continued to jeer the band as they all walked off stage.
“Something’s a little screwy here.” Dustin said with a raised eyebrow.
“Whatever they’re planning, it’s bound to be dreadful.” Allister said with a suspicious look
In his lair, Decibus was watching the events through a monitor screen with a smile on his visor.
“Excellent work, girls.” Decibus laughed maniacally before turning to face the Decimator.
“Well, best prep up for tonight.” Decibus said
"This is a travesty!" Trixie exclaimed as the crowd continued to jeer, "A travesty!" she exclaimed again.
"It really is!" Adagio agreed, putting her hand on Trixie's shoulder, "The Rainbooms don't deserve to be in the finals," she said, "Not when your band was so much better in the semis," she added with her eyes rolling.
"And wanted it so much more," Aria added beside Trixie, putting her hand on her other shoulder.
"But alas, this is the way it's going to be," Adagio said with her hand on her head and waving her hand.
"Unless, of course," Aria began to suggest, "the Rainbooms don't manage to make it to their set or held up for some reason," she said.
"Hmm..." Trixie said, chuckling sinisterly. “Wait. What about the Web Surfers?” Trixie asked with a raised eyebrow.
“You just let us deal with them.” Decibus voice said, making Trixie turn to face him.
“Who are you?” Trixie asked with slight shock.
“Allow us to introduce you to our boss, Decibus.” Adagio said with a sinister chuckle.
Later that day, the Rainbooms were all on stage for the final round of the competition. The group was busy tuning their instruments, preparing to practice for the big show. Meanwhile Twilight was still trying to write up the counter-spell.
"Check, one, two," Rainbow Dash said into a microphone on a stand, "Testing, testing... “She said, tapping the microphone to make sure it was working. Twilight then noticed that the volume on the control panel was set to low. She raised it up a little. "Testing...!" Rainbow echoed through the microphone, creating a huge burst of feedback that made everyone cringe upon hearing it. Twilight quickly set the volume back down afterwards, realizing her mistake.
"Hey. Where are Dustin and his band anyway?” Applejack asked as she opened her eyes. "I thought they'd be here to help us out…" she noted worriedly.
"They're running a little late." Rainbow replied.
“What happened?” Rarity asked.
"Uh…well, I may have accidentally spilt some soda onto Pixel, causing her to short circuit.” Pinkie said a bit guiltily.
“But thankfully she’ll be fixed in just a few minutes.” Fluttershy said with a smile.
“But still. Don’t you find it a little funny that that our band and Dustin’s band are in the finals, along with the Dazzlings?” Applejack asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Yes. I mean I get that we have magic, but why involve Dustin in this? It just makes no sense?” Fluttershy pondered.
“It may have something to do with the Digitrix. He did say that Decibus is from Cyberspace, right?” Twilight asked the gang.
“Yeah, why” Rainbow asked, but then had a look of realization. “Wait! You don’t suppose he could be after the Digitrix like Ginzo, do you?” Rainbow hypothesized.
“No clue. If he was, he would have shown some interest in it.” Rarity guessed.
“But let’s not forget, Adagio and Aria also have Dustin’s powers.” Pinkie suggested.
"Oh, am I interrupting anything?" a familiar voice replied. The girls all turned around to see Trixie standing on stage with her band mates.
"What are you doing here, Trixie?" Rainbow asked, "Pretty sure the losers are supposed to be up there in the cheap seats," she quipped.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie is the most talented girl at Canterlot High," Trixie stated proudly, "It is I who deserves to be in the finals," she added, "And I will not..." she began, snapping her fingers, "...be denied!" she said. Just then, one of Trixie's band mates pulled a large lever on the stage, clanking open a trap door right under the Rainbooms and Sunset, allowing them to plummet down below the floorboards screaming all the while. The girls all grunted as they hit the ground. Slowly they each made their way to a sitting position to see Trixie right at the edge of the trap door, laughing evilly at what she had done. "See you never!" she mocked as the trap door slammed shut.
But what Trixie failed to notice was that Spike witnessed the whole thing.
"I better find the Dustin and the others," he said to himself before running off in a hurry, heading back to Canterlot High. Meanwhile, the Dazzlings and Decibus had arrived near the stands, with Adagio chuckling over what she saw as well.
"Told you someone would give them a shove," Adagio said.
“One nuisance down, one to go”, Decibus chuckled evilly.
“By the way, what did you set up for those Web Surfers?” Aria asked Decibus.
“How familiar are you with the saying, “music to sooth the savage beast”?”
It was now late evening, and, Allister, Pixel, Sunset, and Dustin had just arrived in the very back of the stage.
“Alright, we made it!” Dustin said before noticing the Rainbooms aren’t there. “Hey! Where are the girls at?”
“That’s strange,” Sunset said, “They should be here by now.”
“I’m afraid they won’t be attending the finals.” An all too familiar voice called out. The Web Surfers turn to see Decibus, standing with a smug look visible on his visor.
“You! What have you done to our friends?” Dustin growled, but Allister chuckled.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Decibus chuckled.
“Wrong answer!” Dustin said before dialing his Digitrix, but then two small devices that resembled wireless earbuds flew right to Dustin’s ears, surprising him. “GAH!”
“Dustin!” Sunset called out in worry.
“Now, let’s see what your little friend is capable of under my control!” Decibus laughed maniacally as he taped a button on his right gauntlet. Music played in Dustin’s ears, making him struggle for a minute, but then he stopped struggling as his eyes glowed purple.
“No!” Sonata called out in terror.
“Now my new slave, destroy them!” Decibus ordered, and Dustin dialed the Digitrix, and with a tap on the Digitrix’s screen, he transformed into Firefox. Dustin then fired a fireball towards Sunset’s direction, but she quickly dodged.
“We gotta get those things out of his ears!” Sonata said.
“By all means… if you don’t mind killing your little friend.” Decibus stated, shocking the others.
“What?” Pixel asked in shock.
“You see, if those devices wedged into his ears are tampered with in any way, they release a massive sonic blast powerful enough to reduce his brains to slurry.” Decibus laughed, knowing he had the upper hand.
“Damn you Decibus!” Allister called out.
“Hmm, who should be the first victim of my new puppet?” Decibus said before looking to Sonata. “Oh slave, kill that traitorous little maggot.” Decibus ordered, making Sonata gasp in terror.
“Dustin NO ” Sunset called out. But Dustin gave no reply as he complied with Deibus command and lunged towards Sonata. The Siren girl barely dodged the incoming attack. Meanwhile, Aria and Adagio were watching the whole scene.
“Oh, this is just entertaining.” Adagio said with a cruel chuckle.
As Dustin continued to attack Sonata, Pixel morphed her arm into a plasma gun.
“Ah, ah, ah! Try to interfere and I’ll liquefy his brains.” Decibus warned, making the others turn to him. “That’s right; I’m the one calling the shots here!”
“Dustin… please… snap out of it!” Sonata begged through tears, but Dustin was too mesmerized to listen.
Spike arrived and noticed this. He then looks to Decibus and growls. Then, out of bravery, Spike runs to Decibus and pounces on him, catching him off guard.
“GAH! GET OFF YOU LITTLE FLEABAG!” Decibus tried shaking Spike off, but Spike bit at Decibus neck, making him scream in pain.
“Spike?” Sunset said in surprise. Allister looked around for something to help dustin. He then noticed a cup of water somebody had left out. Acting completely on instinct, he picked up the cup, and with precise aim, threw it at Decibus’s gauntlet. The spilt liquid immediately caused the gauntlet to short, hitting Decibus with a painful shock.
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” Decibus roared at the top of his lungs in gut wrenching agony as he was violently electrocuted. This went on for a minute until the electricity ceased and Decibus collapsed on the ground limp.
“Ouch.” Aria said with a wince. “That had to hurt.”
The devices in Dustin’s ears shut down, releasing Dustin from Decibus control as his eyes returned to normal.
“Ugh…what happened?” Dustin groaned as he pulled the devices out of his ears. Dustin then turned back to normal, but then Sonata, Pixel and Sunset suddenly ran to him, giving him the tightest group hug he ever had. “GAH!”
“Thank god!” Pixel said in tears.
“You’re back!” Sonata said, weeping as well. Dustin just returned the hug, before turning his attention to a knocked out Decibus.
Allister then walked to the fallen Decibus, but then Decibus visor lit up again, showing a weary expression.
“Ooohhh.” Decibus groaned in pain. He then looked to see Allister standing before him. “You might have beaten me know, but I will destroy you during the finals?” Decibus said.
“What the hell do you mean?” Dustin growled, but Decibus chuckled before disappearing in a flash of purple light.
“Guys!” Spike said as he ran to them.
"Spike! You ok?" Sonata said, picking up the purple canine and nuzzling her. “That was a very brave thing you did.”
“Spike, have you seen the girls anywhere?” Dustin asked Spike.
"That’s what I was about to tell you.” Spike said before he started explaining. "Uh… I was… uh… playing with a… chew toy…" Spike admitted shamefully, covering his face with his right paw. “But then I saw Trixie and her band on the stage after I noticed the girls were missing," he continued, "I'm still wondering what the heck she was laughing about…"
"Wait! Trixie? Laughing?” Dustin repeated before growling. “Son of a bitch, I think I know what happened, come on!” Dustin said before he hopped up onto the stage, walking towards the curtains. The others followed after him.
Backstage, Trixie was busy fitting her magician's hat as she was fitted in a brand new purple dress with her starry looking cape, along with a longer ponytail for her appearance. She was looking into one of the backstage mirrors, grinning evilly as she remembered taking down the Rainbooms earlier. But then, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Trixie turns and her eyes and gasped to see Dustin, Allister, Sonata Pixel and Sunset glaring at her.
"All right Trixie," Dustin began, "Start talking," he ordered, "What did you do with the Rainbooms?"
"Ah!" Trixie gasped excitedly, "The great Dustin Miller and his petty friends have come to cheer me, the Great and Powerful Trixie, on for the finals!" she exclaimed sarcastically.
"I said start talking, dammit!" Dustin ordered with a growl, "My patience is wearing thin as it is!" he asked angrily.
"Trixie does not know who you are referring to," she responded with a huff.
"Bullshit! You know exactly what we’re talking about!" Pixel said growled. "What did you do with them?" he asked her as she was dusting herself off and fixing her hat again.
"Trixie just took care of business," Trixie responded in her third-person, "The "Rain-goons" shouldn't have been in the finals in the first place," she said, "Especially with that magic ringer, Twilight Sparkle," she added, "Trixie doesn't like cheaters ruining all the fun," she said.
"This coming from the bitch that cheated to get back in the game," Pixel quipped as she got right into Trixie’s face. “You certainly have no room to talk!”
“Excuse me!?” Trixie growled in fury.
"Listen Trixie! Either you tell me where the Rainbooms are, or there’s going to be some major hell to pay!" Dustin demanded, but Trixie was obviously not going to spill the beans.
"Trixie will not say," she responded crossing her arms.
"So you do know where they are," Allister noted as Dustin activated the Digitrix.
“You’ve been warned!” Dustin said before tapping onto the Digitrix’s screen. And in a flash of blue light, he became Freakshow. When Trixie saw his shadowy visage, she began to tremble a bit, but she still acted tough to hide her fear.
“Do…do your worst. This canary will never sing.” Trixie said defiantly.
"As you wish!" Dustin said. Suddenly, Dustin’s body began to stretch to the length of a two story house, his arms sunk into his body while his hands melded with his head, forming to what could resemble the hood of a cobra, and from his mouth was a forked-tongue, like that of a snake.
“Oh no. I h-hate sn-sn-sn-snakes!” Trixie shuddered in fear as Dustin coiled around her.
Trixie was immediately frightened by the look of him with eyes wide in terror, sweating bullets and skin as pale as a ghost
“Dustin?!” Sunset asked in total shock.
“Whoa!” Spike shivered in fear, hiding behind Sonata.
“Now! For the last time! Where are the Rainbooms?!” Dustin asked in anger, and out of sheer terror, Trixie finally conceded.
"They're under the trap door on the stage!" Trixie replied, still in utter horror, "The Dazzlings suggested that I do it so that I'd get into the finals instead of the Rainbooms!" she added, "Just please let me go-o-o!" she screamed out in pure terror as she began to cry.
"Thank you for your cooperation," Dustin said as he changed back into humanoid shape before turning back to normal. “Let’s go!” Dustin said as he and his band mates ran off. Trixie then got up, letting out a quick sigh of relief. Her band mates then ran over to her in their magician like clothing as she looked to see that Dustin was gone.
"What happened Trixie?" one of them asked, "We heard you scream," she noted.
"Trixie is fine," Trixie responded, wiping her eyes, "Let's just get ready for our performance," she said.
As Dustin and his team, Sunset looked to him.
“Was that really necessary?” Sunset asked.
“Hey, I had to get her to spill the beans somehow!” Dustin shrugged in defense.
“How did you know Trixie was afraid was afraid of snakes, anyway?” Spike asked.
“Freakshow can sense people’s worst fears and use that fear against them.” Dustin said, before an idea popped in his head. “Hey Spike.”
"Yeah?" the purple puppy asked.
"I’m gonna need you to do me a huge favor," Dustin admitted.
"Sure, shoot," Spike replied.
"Can you try and find someone who isn't under the Dazzlings' spell?" Dustin asked, "We're gonna need all the help we can get after we get the girls," he noted.
"On it!" Spike replied with a salute. He then dashed off into the crowd, hoping to find someone completely unaware of the spell in the first place.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" a voice announced over the microphone as the tune stopped playing. "Thank you all so much for your participation in Canterlot High's first ever Battle of the Bands!" she thanked, making everyone cheer in delight, "Now we have reached the finals," she noted to the crowd, "Since the Rainbooms aren't available for the performance, the first round shall be Trixie and the Illusions versus the Dazzlings!" she exclaimed as the crowd began to cheer even louder. Ben and the others stopped looking as they squatted back down behind the edge of the stage.
"And now…" Celestia began to announce, "I give you, Trixie and the Illusions!" she exclaimed, walking off stage with Luna. In a giant puff of smoke, Trixie and her band mates appeared on stage. Trixie was only holding a microphone as she was about to sing, while her band mates were holding control panels held by straps around their necks.
The song continued in a muffled tune from under the trap door as the girls were all still stuck. Rainbow Dash grunted as she tried to knock down the door as everyone else was still sulking over how things were going.
"Give it up, Rainbow Dash," Applejack said as she failed to knock down the door again, "You've been tryin' at this for hours," she noted, "It's not gonna open," she noted, putting her hand on her head in agony. Rainbow winced, rubbing her arm while she glanced back at the door.
"Maybe it doesn't even matter that we're trapped down here," Twilight said in thought, "I don't think the counter-spell would have worked anyway," she admitted sadly.
"Of course it would have worked, Twilight," Applejack reassured, putting a hand on her shoulder, "Assumin' a certain band member didn't try to hog the spotlight the whole time we were tryin' to play it!" she shouted angrily.
"Hey!" Rainbow exclaimed, "If you wanna tell Twilight she's getting a little too caught up trying to be the new leader of this band," she began, shaking her hips, "you don't have to be all cryptic about it," she said as she made a hand gesture. Applejack just glared at her as Rarity came up.
"She was talking about you, Rainbow Dash!" Rarity yelled with a glare.
"Me?!" Rainbow exclaimed, "I'm just trying to make sure my band rocks as hard as it needs to!" she said, thrusting her hips obnoxiously.
"OUR BAND!" Pinkie, Applejack, Fluttershy, & Rarity shouted, making Rainbow have an annoyed look on her face after her hair was blown back by their simultaneous shouting.
"But why wasn't it working?" Twilight asked as she was sitting against the wall, "I should know what to do," she said, "How could I not know what to do?" she asked herself, "How could I have failed like this?" she asked miserably, curling up into a ball. Sunset Shimmer worriedly looked on as things seemed to be worsening.
"It might've been your idea to start a band," Applejack began, getting dangerously close to Rainbow's face, "but it's not just your band, Rainbow Dash!"
"I'm the one who writes all the songs!" Rainbow responded angrily, pushing Applejack back.
"I write songs!" Fluttershy chimed in surprisingly, "You just never let us play any of them!" she shouted, crossing her arms in frustration.
"I had the most perfect outfits for us to wear!" Rarity added proudly.
"Again with the costumes!" Applejack yelled, "No one cares what we're wearin'!" she shouted.
"I care, Applejack!" Rarity replied with her hands on her hips, "So sorry if I enjoy trying to make a creative contribution to the band!" she yelled.
"Hey!" Pinkie chimed in, holding her head in angst, "Anybody here remember fun?!" she asked angrily, "I'll give you a hint," she began, "It's the exact opposite of being in the Rainbooms!" she shouted as she hysterically flailed her arms.
"You know," Rainbow began, unable to hold back her anger, "I wish I never asked any of you to be in my band!"
"Well," Rarity began, "I wish I'd never agreed to be in it!" she screamed.
"Me, neither!" Applejack and Fluttershy agreed. Suddenly, the five of them all began arguing as Twilight was still sulking in the corner. But neither of them noticed their mystical auras were seeping it's way up through the trap door onto the stage.
As the Rainbooms bickered, Dustin and his team arrived at the trap door.
“Guys! I’m detecting some strange energy reading from their location.” Pixel said, surprising the two. Sunset then saw the aura from the girls trail to the stage.
“That must be their negative energy?” Sunset guessed. Dustin then had a look of realization.
“Son of a fucking bitch!” Dutsin growled upon realization.
“What is it?” Pixel asked.
“Guys…I think the Dazzlings knew that the Rainbooms had magic the whole time.” Dustin said, and then Sonata and Sunset gasped.
“This is what they've been after all along! They're feeding off of the magic inside them!” Sunset said with wide eyes.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up" Pixel said, "How do you think they knew?"
"Since they're the only ones besides us who aren't under their spell…" Sonata began, "I guess they figured out about the magic themselves…"
“Plus” Dustin added, "Remember how Twilight told us that they're from Equestria?"
"And remember that we also feed off the negativity of others through by singing." Sonata added, making Pixel and Allister shocked.
"So, what you’re saying is…” Pixel stated, “That Aria and Adagio are both after the Equestrian magic that the girls have?"
"And the reason they have them trapped them down there is to…" Allister stated,
“Is to get it while they're singing," Sunset finished.
"But don't they only feed off the negative energy of others?" Pixel asked, "How do they plan to get that since the girls aren't releasing any sort of negativity?"
"I think I know the reason." Sunset said, making the others turn to her, "I think they're all near the breaking point after that semifinal performance."
“Then we better bust them out! Now!” Dustin said in worry.
Trixie:Ya better believe
I got tricks up my sleeve
See me dominate
'Cause I'm powerful and grea-ea-eat!
Fireworks of almost all kinds went off after the performance, making the crowd cheer in awe of its amazement.
"Try to top that!" Trixie gloated to the Dazzlings as she and her band mates walked offstage.
"Oh, gosh!" Adagio exclaimed sarcastically, "I don't know if we can!" She and the others laughed at how ridiculous it was to think that Trixie could beat them. They then looked out onto the stage to see the aura of the Rainbooms' negative energy spread out across the stage.
Decibus then teleported near to them.
“Decibus. Is it ready?” Adagio asked Decibus, who nods.
“It is. Get ready to shine, girls.” Decibus said as Aria and Adagio grinned evilly.
“Oh trust us. We will.” Adagio said as she and Aria walked off.
“Alright! Let’s bust this thing down! ”Pixel said as she morphed her arms into energy blade
"Wait!" Allister exclaimed before walking up to the door, twisting the knob, and then pushed it open to reveal the girls inside, surprising them.
"How did you know it was a push?" Sonata asked in surprise
"Because I couldn't see the hinges from this side," Allister responded as Fluttershy's eyes widened in delight.
"Guys!" she exclaimed, running up to Dustin and embracing him with all her might, "You guys came to save us!" she realized as she held onto Ash tightly.
"Of course we did! Why wouldn’t we?" Pixel said as the other girls came out.
"Sorry I’m late." a voice asked below them. Everyone looked down to see Spike.
"Spike!" Twilight exclaimed excitedly, taking hold of the purple puppy and nuzzling with him cheek to cheek.
"Sorry I took so long," Spike apologized, "But I had to find somebody who wasn't under the sirens' spell to help us out," he said, pointing to the doorway. Appearing before them was Vinyl Scratch, still wearing her trademark glasses and headphones.
"Why isn't she under their spell?" Twilight asked curiously as she held onto Spike.
"Never takes off her headphones," Spike replied. Vinyl gave them a thumbs up in reply.
"Way to go little buddy," Dustin said as he came over and petted the little dog's head, making him wag his tail in delight.
“Girls, we got a major issue on hand.” Allister said to the Rainbooms, grabbing their attention.
After explaining the reason the Dazzlings started the whole Battle of the Bands, both bands decided to put an end to it once and for all.
"Come on, y'all!" Applejack said, "Time to prove we've still got the magic of friendship inside us!" she exclaimed as Fluttershy and Ash let go of each other while Dustin and Rainbow did the same.
"And there's only one way to do it!" Twilight added.
"We're getting the band back together?" Pinkie asked excitedly.
"We're getting our band back together!" Rainbow replied, without the implication that it was her own, making Ben smile.
"Whee!" Pinkie exclaimed, jumping up and down in glee.
"Ooh," Rarity realized, "which version of the counter-spell are we going to play?"
"Good question," Sonata pondered.
"I don't think it matters what song we play," Twilight began, "as long as we play it together as friends," she said.
"I know just the song," Rainbow replied, getting everybody’s attention. "Fluttershy's written a really great one," Rainbow said as she went over to her. Fluttershy let out a squeal of delight as she smiled widely.
"We're about to save the world here. Personally, I think we should do it in style," she admitted, "Rarity?" she asked.
"I thought you'd never ask!" Rarity exclaimed as she pulled out a clothing rack with six different dresses for the girls.
"Wow," Allister said, "You never cease to amaze," he complimented.
Meanwhile
Onstage, the Dazzling were still singing to the crowd, enchanting them with their voices, the Decimator right behind them.
The Rainbooms and Web Surfers were all atop a hill overlooking the stage. The girls were all now dressed in different dresses, each coming with a pair of leggings that were different colors on each leg. Twilight's dress was a black and blue, starry top, with a pink skirt with white stars upon it. Rarity's dress was blue and pink, designed with diamonds upon the skirt, along with a black belt with diamond stitched over the buckle. Fluttershy's dress was a combination of green and black, with a striped skirt that had pink butterflies upon it. Applejack's dress included a scarlet red cowboy hat with a rose upon it. The dress itself was a bright green top with a large collar with a striped shirt decorated with apples, with a yellow skirt also decorated with the fruit. Pinkie's dress was blue and pink with a skirt decorated with different colored balloons, and a bow over her chest. Rainbow's dress was blue and yellow, the yellow part being decorated like a lightning bolt over her left shoulder as her skirt was decorated with yellow and green lightning bolts over a black color. They each wore high heels as they looked down towards the stage, holding their respective instruments.
“On no, they're using the Decimator”, Sonata exclaimed in horror.
“That thing is the Decimator?” Twilight asked with a wide eyed expression.
"How are we supposed to play over them from up here?" Rainbow asked as the wind blew through her hair. Just then, they all heard the sound of a car horn, turning to see Vinyl arrive in her white and blue sports car. Suddenly, after a press of a button on her remote, the car began to transform with pieces of it shape-shifting into a makeshift DJ station.
Sunset and Spike were just as surprised as the Web Surfers and Rainbooms. They all cheered on the prospect of having a way to play over the song.
“Damn! Transformers, eat your heart out.” Dustin said with a wolf whistle.
"Well that's great and all," Pixel began, "but we can't all play up here," he noted, "We could get spotted too easily being bunched together like this."
"You're right," Dustin said as he looked back at the stage, scratching his chin in thought. Sonata then walked besides Dustin, a determined look on her face. “Sonata?”
"We’ll distract them while you guys play the counter-spell," Sonata said, surprising the others.
"What?!" Rainbow exclaimed, "You crazy?!"
“Are you sure?” Twilight asked with worry.
"I’ve been pushed around by those two for too long. Well, now it’s my turn to push back." Sonata replied, and then glowed by gaining her Rainbow Rocks form and Siren wings. Dustin then walks besides her.
“If you’re going, I’m going with you.” Dustin said, making Sonata look to him.
“Well, count me in too.” Pixel said with confidence.
“Well, if you kids are going to risk you lives down to deliver some major ass whoppin’, then you’re not leaving me out on all the fun.”
“What about you Sunny. You in?” Dustin asked Sunset.
"I’ll help back these guys with the counter-spell." Sunset said with a nod.
"Good luck then," Twilight said nervously, then giving Dustin a little hug, then Pinkie, and everybody else joined in on a major group hug. After a brief minute, everyone released from the group hug.
"Now then," Dustin said as he dialed up his Digitrix, and with a tap on the screen, he transformed into Jammer.
“Now then, let’s Rock!” Dustin declared. And with that, the four sped off down the hill.
"Oh…" Fluttershy said nervously, "I hope they end up all right…" she said, holding the tambourine in front of her face.
"Don't worry," Sunset reassured, "I’m sure they’ll be ok," she said.
Adagio and Aria : Feel the wave of sound,
As it crashes down!
You can't turn away,
We'll make you wanna stay-ay![u/]
The pulsing energy from the Decimator made the crowd's eyes all shrink as the kids were all caught inside it's trance. Suddenly, the energy from the pendants on the Dazzlings' necks was released, forming their pony ears, ponytails, and even wings that resembled fins, like Sonata’s, as they were both covered by a mystical red aura.
Dustin, Sonata, Allister and Pixel had arrived, well hidden behind the audience.
"Ok. On my mark, we surprise ‘em." Allister whispered to his comrades..
Adagio and Aria : We will be adored!
Tell us that you want us,
We won't be ignored!
It's time for our reward!
Now you need us,
Come and heed us,
Nothing can stop us now!
"Not likely!" Allister exclaimed as he, Dustin, Sonata and Pixel teleported right in front of the sirens, surprising them.
"You!" Adagio shouted.
"Yep," Dustin replied as he took out a guitar pick, "Hit it girls!" he shouted up to the distance.
The Rainbooms: Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
I've got the music in me
The two sirens cringed as they heard the sound. Aria then pointed out towards the large hill behind the stands, revealing that the Rainbooms were there, performing their counter-spell.
The Rainbooms: Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
As the Rainbooms, Dustin and Rainbow then both went into a quick guitar solo as he and Sonata joined in on the song.
Twilight Sparkle : Don’t need to hear a crowd,
Cheering out my name.
Jammer : [u/]I didn't come here seeking,
Infamy or fame!
Rainbooms, Jammer and Sonata: The one and only thing
That I am here to bring
Is music, is the music
Is the music in my soul
Gonna break out
Jammer: Out!
Rainbooms, Jammer and Sonata: Set myself free, yeah
Let it all go
Jammer: (Go!)
Rainbooms, Jammer and Sonata Just let it be, yeah!
Find the music in your heart,
Let the music make you start,
To set yourself apart!
The girls had all transformed with their magic, now having streaks of colors in their hair as they each grew ponytails and pony ears, as Twilight, Rainbow, and Fluttershy were the only ones who sported wings. They proudly floated in the air together as the song had momentarily snapped the kids out of the Dazzlings' spell.
Suddenly, Decibus made his appearance.
"So the Rainbooms and the Web Surfers want to turn this into a real Battle of the Bands?" Decibus asked rhetorically.
"Then let's battle!" Adagio exclaimed as she and Aria were still floating in their red auras.
The Dazzlings: What we have in store
All we want and more
We will break on through
Now it's time to finish you!
The crowd had all fallen into the Dazzlings trance again, as they released a pulse of energy that blew back the Web Surfers.
Adagio released some form of energy from her pendant, that morphed into a yellow siren spirit that resembled a horse and a mermaid combined. Aria did the same as well as her siren spirit, which was purple, appeared in a burst of energy. The sky had turned dark red during all the confusion.
The Dustin, Pixel and Allister gasped in shock, while the Rainbooms, Sunset, and Spike all cringed in horror.
“Two can play this game!” Sonata declared as she summoned her siren spirit too, only it was blue in color. Soanata’s siren spirit charged at Adagaio and Aria’s, the three performing an astral dog fight, firing sonic blasts at one another.
“Traitorous little whelp!” Decibus growled before firing a sonic blast towards Sonata, only for Dustin to deflect it with his axe guitar.
“Just what do you hope to accomplish? You simply delay the inevitable!” Decibus said with a smug smile.
“That’s what you think, screen head!” Rainbow called out! Vinyl Scratch then turned up the volume, allowing Pinkie to do a drum solo that created a pulse of energy, blowing the spirits away for the moment. Rarity then played her keytar, creating a burst of diamond-like magic to knock away Aria's spirit. Fluttershy did the same with her tambourine, using butterfly-like magic to knock away Sonata's spirit.
"Whoa-oh-whoa-ah!" Twilight vocalized as her magic was about to come into contact with Adagio's spirit. She gritted her teeth in frustration, her spirit firing another sonic blast of singing power, pushing Twilight back as she clenched her teeth angrily.
"Hang on Twilight!" Sonata called her siren spirit went flew over to Twilight, knocking Adagio’s siren spirit away.
But then, Aria’s siren spirit gathered with Adagio's, and let out their sonic blasts together. Sonata’s siren spirit retaliated by firing a sonic blast, but was eventually overwhelmed; the other girls were blown away by the singing, getting knocked down. Twilight's microphone was flung straight out of her hand, rolling off right to Sunset Shimmer. The Adagio and Aria’s human bodies grinned and Decibus laughed in supposed victory as Sunset nervously picked up the microphone.
“Face it, boy! You and your petty friends are nothing against us! Your efforts are fruitless!” Decibus called out, firing a sonic blast at Dustin, only for Sonata to take the hit for him. Sonata was blasted to the ground, her crystal armor cracking a bit.
“SONATA!” Pixel cried out!
“YOU BASTARD! I’LL KILL YOU!” Dustin roared in anger and dashed at Decibus, his guitar axe ready to strike. But Adagio bunched him away, sending him flying a few feet up before Aria flew up to him before punching him with enough force to send him to the ground hard enough to leave a huge crater.
“DUSTIN!” Sunset cried out in worry.
"Sunset Shimmer," Twilight realized, "we need you!" she stated. Sunset nervously bit her lip as she was unsure of entering the conflict. But she then swallowed her pride as she walked up to her friends. Sunset flung her black leather jacket off, revealing her new top, a hot pink shirt held by a black ring. Vinyl then took the moment to adjust the settings on the control panel, starting a makeshift drum solo to start the beat.
Sunset Shimmer: You’re never gonna bring me down
You're never gonna break this part of me
My friends are here to bring me 'round
Not singing just for popularity
Sunset had lifted Twilight up as the Adagio and Aria’s spirits both began to race towards them, only for Sonata’s to block their path.
Suddenly, Dustin got back up on his feet, the Digitrix symbol on Dustin glowed the familiar rainbow color. Sonata stood back up shortly after, both looking at Aria, Sonata and Decibus with determined looks.
“Haven’t had enough eh?” Decibus blasted another sound blast at the two, only for it to bounce back off of them, catching him, Aria and Adagio off guard.
“What?” Decibus asked in shock.
Sunset & Twilight : We're here to let you know
That we won't let it go
The Rainbooms: Our music is a bomb and it's about to blow
As the song progressed, Dustin’s body was encased in the familiar multicolored aura.
“Wha-what is this?!” Decibus asked, now a bit worried. Dustin’s jacket then changed from the usual leathery black to a bright red, his pants changed to a mix of white, pink and yellow, his shades changed from orange to purple and resembled the half of a six pointed star, his hair became more spiked with a rainbow color to it, his boots were orange in color, and his axe guitar to changed to have a Alicorn-like motif.
After the transformation was complete, Dustin began to shred in perfect sync with the song.
Sunset & Twilight: And you can try to fight
But we have got the light of friendship on our side!
The Rainbooms: Got the music in our hearts!
We're here to blow this thing apart!
A burst of magical energy blew Aria and Adagio’s spirits away, along with snapping the kids out of the Dazzlings' spell. At the same time, it also fueled Sonata’s siren spirit, encasing it in a rainbow aura.
The Rainbooms: And together, we will never
Be afraid of the dark
Here to sing our song out loud
Get you dancing with the crowd
As the music of our friendship
Survives,
Survives!
Sunset had transformed as well with her magic, sprouting her pony ears and ponytail with a yellow and red sun marking appearing upon her skirt upon singing with the girls, who began floating in midair with her in their magical auras. Sonata’s Siren Spirit began to change form, gaining a more cuter appearance than Adagio And Aria’s. And as Dustin continued strumming his guitar, a column of rainbow light emanated from him before taking shape of a large serpentine dragon.
Everyone (minus the Dazzlings and Decibus): Got the music in our hearts
We're here to blow this thing apart
And together, we will never
Be afraid of the dark
A magical burst of energy went straight into the darkened sky, creating a sphere of energy that sprouted glowing blue wings.
Everyone (minus the Dazzlings and Decibus): Here to sing our song out loud
Get you dancing with the crowd
The Dazzlings and Decibus cringed as their plan was failing, and then they noticed that in the sky, was a giant spirit of a blue alicorn with a flowing rainbow mane, about to strike them with a blast from its horn.
At the same time, Sonata’s Siren Spirit and Dustin’s dragon flew to the alicorn and glared at the villains, much to the amazement of the girls, especially Rainbow Dash.
Everyone (minus the Dazzlings and Decibus): As the music of our friendship
Survives
Survives!
SURVIVES!
All three spirits then each attacked. The alicorn spirit launched a magical rainbow beam, Sonata’s Siren Spirit fired a supersonic blast, and Dustin’s Dragon spirit fired a rainbow lightning blast. All three attacks combined in unison at Adagio and Aria’s siren spirits, causing them instantaneously burst into thin air, while the sirens themselves were caught up in the blast. The blast caused the Decimator to overload before exploding in a massive column of light.
Once the explosion dissipated, he sky returned to normal as Adagio and Aria were kneeling on the stage, suffering no damage despite being caught up in an explosion by the now destroyed Decimator.
Sonata then flew towards both Adagio and Aria, to see if they were ok.
“Guys? Are you…” Before Sonata could finish her question, she was embraced by both Adagio and Aria, crying their eyes out.
“Sonata! Oh…thank god you’re ok!” Adagio cried out, surprising everybody present, all except for the Rainbooms and Web Surfers.
“We’re so sorry for everything!” Aria said in between sobs. Sonata was shocked at first, but she returned the embrace.
“It’s okay, guys.” Sonata said, tearing up as well, finally glad it was all over. Dustin then changed back to normal and approached the three. When Adagio and Aria noticed him, they released Sonata from their hug and looked away with ashamed looks on their faces.
“Listen…uh…we know you’re probably still….upset…along with the others for what has transpired…” Adagio stammered.
“And you should….so…we’re prepared for anything you throw at us.” Aria said as she and Adagio got to their knees.
“We’re prepared for any punishment you have for us.” Adagio said, both she and Aria looking down, feeling really guilty.
Dustin just crossed his arms. “Well…if you truly want to atone for your actions…” Dustin said before offering a hand to the two, “then how about you let me and my friends teach you about the magic of friendship.” Dustin’s words surprised both Adagio and Aria, along with everyone else present.
“Huh?” The whole crowd asked.
“Wait? After all we’ve done…you’re just going to…forgive us?” Adagio asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Hey. If Sunset Shimmer managed to turn over a new leaf, then why can’t you two?” Dustin said with a soft smile. “Besides, I’m a guy who believes in second chances.”
Sonata then walks beside him. “And you guys have me to help you two through it.” Sonata asked. Flash then walks up to the two defeated sirens.
“Flash?” Dustin asked with curiosity.
“Just so you two know, I am upset with you two for what you’ve done. And I’m sure all the others can agree.” Flash said with a glare, the two sirens looking away. But his glare changed to a soft smile, “But if Dustin’s giving you a second chance, then so am I.”
Adagio and Aria were surprised even further.
“You guys do have a crap load of apologies to give, but I’m willing to give you two a chance.” Pixel said. Then the Rainbooms agreed as well, as did Allister, and every other student was willing to accept the two, despite everything their actions.
“Well? What do you two say?” Dustin asked, the two sirens said nothing as they both hugged Dustin, catching him off guard.
“Thank you…thank you so much…” Adagio said, her eyes tearing up once again.
“For a tough guy, you really are big hearted.” Aria said, weeping alongside Aria.
“Heheh. Hey, it’s what I’m known for.” Dustin said, rubbing the back of his head bashfully.
“As much as I hate to interrupt this little love fest…” Decibus’ voice called out, making everybody turn to face him, “I believe this is far from over!”
“Yeah? Uh newsflash, you just lost your two puppets and your precious weapon!” Rainbow said with a smug grin, “Your brilliant plan has failed!”
Decibus just chuckled before bursting out into laughter, confusing everybody present.
“You fool! Do you honestly believe you’ve foiled my plans?” Decibus asked, further confusing everybody.
“Uh, considering the fact we destroyed your oh so precious Decimator? I’d say we did!” Pinkie shot back.
“Oh? But what if I told you that the Decimator you destroyed was nothing short of a prototype?” Decibus chuckled, making the Rainbooms and Web Surfers go wide eyed in shock.
“WAIT! WHAT?!” Dustin asked with shock clear in his tone.
“That's right. The previous one was just the opening act. Now this, is the real deal!” Decibus said, and with a snap of his fingers, the ground began to shake violently. The bottom of the stage opened up, a massive machine that resembled a DJ stand at a rave party rose from it. It had massive speakers, and much like the original, it had a bat-shaped piece with a cartoonish evil grin at the top.
“Are you fucking kidding?” Dustin asked in shock.
“You mean there’s another Decimator?!” Sonata asked in both shock and horror.
“Wait! If that’s the real thing, then why did you bring out a prototype first?” Rainbow asked in confusion, but Dustin had it figured out shortly afterward.
“You crafty bastard! That Decimator we just trashed was nothing but a decoy!” Dustin growled in fury, and Decibus chuckled again.
“Absolutely correct, my boy. You think I'd be that stupid to bring out the original first? I wanted to test my prototype out before I used the actual one.” Decibus then looked to Aria and Adagio, “And I have you two to thank for assisting me in my project.”
“You mean we were nothing but lab rats for your stupid little science project?!” Aria asked with a furious growl.
“Correct you are, my dear.” Decibus said with a cruel chuckle. “What? You didn't honestly believe I would help you achieve fame and recognition? You little floozies are nothing but second fiddle! Always have, and always will be!”
“THAT’S JUST MEAN YOU BIG MEANIE!” Pinkie growled angrily.
“You truly are cruel!” Fluttershy said, backing Pinkie up.
“Life is cruel, little tart! Not everything is all sunshine and daisies! Happiness isn’t served to you on a silver platter!” Decibus growled in slight annoyance. "You really think that life is just some cheap cartoon where you'd sing songs and you're dreams just magically come true in the end? Then surely you kiddies are living a fantasy world."
“Oh. I know just how cruel life was to you … Siegfried Alighieri.” Allister said, making Decibus growl in total fury.
“Never…and I mean NEVER use that damn name in front of me! You know goddamn well why I let than name go, Allister!” Decibus roared, confusing everybody else present?
“Wait, back up! Siegfried Alighieri?” Dustin asked with confusion before turning his attention to Allister. “Al…is there something we should know about?”
“You never told them?” Decibus asked with a raised brow.
“Never told us what?” Sunset asked, her confusion rising. Allister just sighed.
Everyone was looking to Allister with confused looks.
“Allister? What’s going on?” Dustin asked, crossing his arms.
“Well go on Allister, might as well get it off your chest.” Decibus said, and with a sigh of exasperation, Allister finally concedes.
“It happened a long time ago, back in my years at university.” Allister began, and everyone listened, well…save for Decibus.
Flashback
Somewhere in a college institution, we see a young Allister accompanied by two people. One was a woman with red hair, yellow eyes, dressed in a cream yellow sweater and a white shirt. The second was a young man with Dark brown hair in a buzz cut, a bit of stubble, green eyes, dressed in a blue shirt with his sleeves rolled up, and dressed in green pants.
Allister: “It was second year. So me along with Dustin’s parents, Lexi and Zeke, were preparing for the annual Musical Extravaganza, a musical competition where many put their musical talent to the test, and the event was broadcasted worldwide. And as for the prize, the winner is given the opportunity to rise to stardom.”
Dustin: “Wait, you and my parents?!”
Allister: “Yes. And needless to say, competition was stiff.”
As Allister, Lexi and Zeke were conversing, they see a young man walk to them. He had blonde hair, purple eyes obscured by sunglasses, a goatee, he wore a white button-up shirt with a brown vest over it, a pair of blue pants and a pair if black boots. One look at him and you can definitely tell that he was a man of high class.
“Oh joy.” Young Lexi groaned.
“Well. I see you three are attending the Musical Extravaganza, yes?” The blonde man asked with a smirk.
“What do you want, Siegfried!” Allister growled a bit.
“Oh, just to wish you good luck at the competition.” Siegfried said sarcastically. “Your pretty much going to need it.”
Allister: I’ll skip to the part where Decibus, aka Siegfried started his performance.”
Siegfried is standing on stage with an instrument that resembled a combination of an electric organ and a mixing board clad in a cape and make up, making him looks like some sort of vampire.
Allister: “You can say he was like Rarity when it comes to performances. He always had to look the part. Though he’s also like Trixie in terms of impressing the crowd.”
Decibus: “Oh fuck you, Allister! I was known as Count Dubstep for a reason!”
“Ladies and gentlemen. Before I start my performance, may I present to you the future of music.” Siegfried said, motioning to his instrument. “I present to you, the Mixing Organ. A blend of something as primitive as the Pipe Organ, and the modern mixing board. The broadest definition of the phrase “worlds collide”.
The audience applauded and some even were in awe at such an instrument. The only ones that were not so impressed were Allister, Lexi and Zeke.
“And now, I present to you, my biggest masterpiece yet.” Siegfried said before taking his seat. After cracking his fingers, he pressed the keys while also working the mixing board of his instrument, performing a song that was a blend of classical baroque and modern dubstep.
As Siegfried continued to play, the audience was amazed by the skill Siegfried possessed. He was pressing the keys and mixing the mix board his instrument was comprised of with absolute finesse. Even Allister, Lexi and Zeke were amazed.
“Whoa. He’s good.” Zeke said with shock. “Really good.”
“Really good?” Lexi asked Zeke, “He’s playing that thing like it was nobody’s business! How the hell are we supposed to beat that!?”
“We’ll just have to try our best.” Allister said with determination in his tone.
After Siegfried finished his performance, the crowd went wild. Siegfried enjoyed the praise he was receiving.
“Thank you all. You’re all too kind.” Siegfried said, bowing before rolling his Mixing Organ off the stage. But he cast a smug look to Allister, Lexi and Zeke. “Try and top that.”
“Quite a performance. Next up, we have Allister Harmon, Lexi Blake and Zeke Miller!” The announcer said.
As the three begin to perform, the judges were impressed, and the spectators were nodding their heads to the beat. Siegfried on the other hand, had a look of disgust on his face as he observed from back stage.
“Such garbage”, Siegfried said with a scowl.
Lexi: All the kids just getting out of school
They can't wait to hang out and be cool
Hang around 'til quarter after 12
That's when they fall in line
They got the beat
They got the beat
Kids got the beat, yeah
Kids got the beat
Zeke then began a guitar solo while Allister was really working the drums. The crowd went crazy at the solo. Siegfried though was even bitterer at the performance.
Lexi: Go-go music really makes us dance
Doin' the pony puts us in a trance
The Watusi just give us a chance
That's when we fall in line
'Cause we got the beat
We got the beat
We got the beat, yeah
We got it
As the song progressed, the judges were even more impressed, as evident with their head nodding.
Allister and Zeke: We got the beat
We got the beat
We got the beat
Lexi: Everybody get on your feet
Allister and Zeke: We got the beat
Lexi: We know you can dance to the beat
Allister and Zeke: We got the beat
Lexi: Jump back, get down
Allister and Zeke: We got the beat
Lexi, Allister and Zeke: Round and round and round
Lexi: We got the beat
We got the beat
Allister and Zeke: (we got the beat)
Lexi: We got the beat
Allister and Zeke: (we got the beat)
Lexi: We got the beat
Allister and Zeke: (we got the beat)
Lexi: We got the beat
Allister and Zeke: (we got the beat, we got the beat)
Lexi: We got the beat
Allister and Zeke: (we got the beat, we got the beat)
Lexi, Zeke and Allister: We got the beat
Once the song finished, the crowd went totally wild in applause. Siegfried was the only one who didn’t applause as Zeke, Lexi and Allister took their bows.
Allister: “Jump to the part where the judges would pick their winner, everyone was tense.”
Many of the contestants were waiting as the announcer opened an envelope.
“And the runner up is…” The announcer trailed off while a drum roll was sounded. “Allister Harmon, Lexi Blake and Zeke Miller.”
This reveal made the three have disheartened look, while Siegfried had a smug look.
“Oh, do chin up. Better luck next year.” Siegfried said, but then one of the judges whispered to the announcer.
“Hold up, folks! I’m sorry, there was a miscommunication, and the runner-up is actually Siegfried Alighieri!” Siegfried then had a look of shock on his face. “But the real winners are Allister Harmon, Lexi Blake, and Zeke Miller, congratulations you three!” Now Lexi, Allister and Zeke cheered upon hearing this as they were handed a big check.
“And here’s you runner up gift basket!” The announcer said, giving a very angry Siegfried a small gift basket. “Congratulations!”
“Let me see that!” Siegrfried demanded, snatching the sheet of paper out of Siegfried’s hand. And when he saw Lexi, Zeke and Alliste’s results, he was even more enraged. “WHAT!? One point?! Those three stooges one by one blasted point?! This is highly unprecedented!”
“Just suck it up, Siegfried.” Zeke said with a snicker. “Nobody likes a sore loser.”
“You”, Siegfried growled in absolute fury, crumbling up the paper and tossing it aside. “You will pay dearly for this! I may have lost this year, but I will succeed next year!” Siegfried then stormed off, too angry to even speak.
End Flashback
“After that, we saved that money for your parent’s wedding.” Allister said, ruffling Dustin’s hair.
“Awwww.” Many of the female students called out, including the Rainbooms and Dazzlings.
“Oh sure. Those two got the cash prize for their stupid little wedding, but fate was not so kind to me.” Siegfried growled furiously.
“What are ya talking about?” Rainbow asked with a raised brow.
“Upon reaching third year of university, I worked tirelessly to make the song that was guaranteed to grant me victory for the following Musical Extravaganza!” Decibus said, clenching his fists in anguish. “But unfortunately, that day would never come.”
“Why’s that? You were too chicken to attend after losing the previous year?” Rainbow asked with a smug grin, but a bitter scowl from him shut her up.
“No, smart ass! The reason is because I eventually overworked myself. I never stopped to rest, eat, or even relieve myself. I worked day and night, twenty-four hours! But no matter how hard I tried, I could not find the right symphony.” Decibus’s hands were clenched even tighter now. “But eventually, the stress was too much for my health….and…” Decibus trailed off, but Dustin seemed to catch on what Decibus was trying to say.
“Wait! Are you saying that…you….died that day?” Dustin asked, everyone else gasp in shock.
“Ooh, check out the big brains on young Dustin Miller. Somebody give him a Chardonnay, slap his ass, and call him Charlie Sheen.” Decibus said with pure sarcasm in his tone.
“Wait! Hold up! If yer dead, then how in tarnation are ya here right now!” Applejack asked with confusion.
“Good question, my dear.” Decibus said with a grin. “Have any of you ever heard of reincarnation?” Decibus asked, many of the students were just confused.
“Uh…what does that have to…” Pinkie asked, but Decibus raised his hand, cutting her off mid sentence.
“Well, during my stay in the hospital, you can say I had an out of body experience.” Decibus explained with a chuckle. “Normally, when you pass away, sour soul leaves the body and enters to the great beyond, heaven or hell. But in my case, it was a bit different.”
“What are ya talking about, screen head?” Aria asked with a mix of anger and confusion.
“Upon my passing, I found myself in Cyber Space. While I was there, I stumbled across a place in Cyber Space referred to as the Dead Zone.”
“The Dead Zone?” Adagio asked, her curiosity increasing.
“Think of it as the land of the dead. It is a place inhabited by Cybergeists.” Decibus said with a chuckle.
“Cyber who-what?” Pinkie asked in confusion.
“Cybergiests are somewhat like ghosts.” Allister explained, grabbing everyone’s attention. “They are basically people or animals who have passed away, but are born a new as digital beings. Some are good, some are evil, and some are in between the two.”
“So, you’re saying that you’re a Cybergiest?” Twilight asked, making Decibus chuckle.
“Correct, princess.” Decibus said, his grin growing wider. “Anyway, since my arrival to the Dead Zone, I had gained this body you see now. At first I was shocked, and a little terrified. But over time, I became accustomed to Cyber Space and many of its inhabitants. I’ve even gained a reputation there.”
“Wait! From what you said, you lived and died in my world! So how did you end up here?” Dustin asked, and Decibus chuckled yet again.
“Well, I would explain that part, but you would have a difficult time understanding. Anyway, once I arrived here, I have originally planned on making a portal back home. But that changed one night when very recently, I have detected a very strange energy signature.”
“Energy signature?” Dustin asked with confusion, but his confusion quickly turned into shock. “The night of the Fall Formal!”
“Correct. And at that same night, I stumbled across these three ladies.” Decibus explained, motioning to Aria, Adagio and Sonata. “And the rest is pretty much history.”
“You bastard”, Adagio growled in anger. “You were using us from the start!”
“Yes…yes I was.” Decibus said before teleporting to the mixing board to the Decimator. “But enough talk! Let’s drop the beat!” Decibus announced as a series of cables appeared and attached to Decibus’ helmet and gauntlets.
“Shit!” Dustin swore as the Decimator was powered up.
“And now for the grand finale!, one that will bring the house down!” Decibus called out, laughing maniacally as he worked his mixing board!
And when Decibus said this “grand finale” would bring the house down, he was not lying. The music the Decimator played was so loud, that the ground shook violently and the surroundings of the stage began to fall apart. Many students were freaking out while in a panic.
“Ok, buddy! You wanna rock?” Dustin said before dialing up his Digitrix, transforming into Jammer. “Then let’s rock!”
“Hahaha! Foolish boy!” Decibus cackled madly as his Decimator fired high-powered sound waves at Dustin’s direction. Dustin retaliates by using Jammer’s guitar, strumming it to unleash a wave of sound of his own. Unfortunately for him, his attack was not good enough. The sound waves sent him crashing to one of the bleachers.
“Dustin!” Sonata called out in worry as she ran to help him up.
“That’s it!” Rainbow called out as she flew down to Decibus, but he retaliates with another sound blast, sending her crashing to the ground.
“Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy cried out in worry.
“Foolish children! What hope do you have in taking me down?” Decibus said with a maniacal laugh as his song progressed.
“You messed with the wrong sirens now!” Adagio growled as she and Aria willed their Siren Spirits again, only this time their target was Decibus. Decibus just laughed still.
“Your cheap parlor tricks are meaningless!” Decibus laughed as the Decimator fired sonic blasts at the two sprits, making them vanish just as quickly as they appear. “Face it! You’re all doomed!”
During this whole fiasco, Flash was wandering how to stop Decibus, until he noticed the console that Decius was hooked up to. He had an idea and ran off for something he could destroy it.
“Is that all you got, brah?!” Dustin called out, strumming his guitar to fire another blast of sound to Decibus, only to be blasted back yet again.
“Jesus! Is there any way of taking him out?!” Aria growled in frustration.
“That console he’s wired up to.” Sunset pointed to the device that Decibus was attached to. “I’m not exactly certain, but that may be his weak point.”
“So, we trash it, he’s left vulnerable.” Rainbow guessed. “But how do we bust it?”
“Allow me!” Flash called out as he ran to them, a javelin in his hand.
“Flash?” Twilight asked in both shock and awe. As Decibus continued to laugh like a total mad man, believing he was at the peak of his power, Flash took aim. He only had one shot, so he better make it count. Then with all his might, Flash threw the Javelin at the console. The Javelin had met its mark, not only piercing through the mix board, but also right through Decibus’s midsection.
“GAH!” Decibus hacked in pain as the Decimator’s music then shut off.
“Ouch!” Sonata winced at the sight of seeing both Decibus and the console he was hook up to being shish kabobbed by the javelin Flash threw at him.
“Now we finish this!” Dustin said, strumming his guitar, firing another sonic blast. But this time, the Rainbooms backed him up by uniting their power and fired a rainbow beam, and even Aria, Adagio and Sonata helped out by emitting a sonic scream at Decibus. The series of attacks melded into a single beam. Decibus was too shocked to respond, and the javelin that skewered right through his midsection made things even worse for him. All Decibus could do was flinch as the beam hit the Decimator.
Sudden, the Decimator began to spark with electricity and emit beeping sounds. Decibus tried desperately to remove the javelin, but to no avail as the Decimator began to overload.
“NNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” Decibus called out in terror, and just like that, the Decimator exploded in a blinding flash of light, the shock wave from the explosion was powerful enough to knock everyone off their feet. All that was left was a big scorch mark on the stage where the Decimator once stood. Suddenly, Decibus’ helmet came falling down, its visor riddled with cracks, and covered in scorch marks before it ultimately vanished in a shower of glowing purple flakes.
“Siegfried.” Allister said with a sigh.
“Finally, it’s all over.” Dustin said with a sigh before turning back to normal.
"Rainbooms rule!" Flash Sentry exclaimed, running onto the stage, "That was amazing!" he said as he hugged Twilight with all his might, still holding onto her after the embrace. The girls giggled while the guys just smiled as Flash and Twilight blushed, inching their faces away from each other nervously.
“Flash, thanks for the save dude.” Dustin said, sharing a high-five with Flash.
"You may have vanquished that Decibus’ fellow," Trixie began, appearing out of nowhere between Flash and Twilight, making them let go of each other in annoyance, "but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie!" she exclaimed, throwing down another smoke bomb that burst on impact with the stage floor. Everyone onstage coughed as the smoke disappeared, revealing no sign of Trixie.
"She's gone!" Pinkies exclaimed, grabbing her hair for a more dramatic effect, “Oh, wait," she realized, noticing her trying to escape by climbing over the stands, "There she is," she said as Trixie fell from the back of the stands.
"Trixie is okay!" she exclaimed before running off.
"Well," Pixel began as he walked over, "she sure knows how to ruin a nice moment," she said, making Flash and Twilight blush. Flash then raised his eyebrow as he noticed something on Dustin’s face.
"Uh dude," he began, getting Dustin's attention, "You got something on your cheek." he asked.
“Huh?” Dustin asked with a raise eyebrow as he wiped his right cheek. He looked at his palm to see blue lipstick stains on it.
"GAH! Fucking hell, Trixie!" he shouted angrily.
“Hehehe.” Sonata and Pinkie giggled at the sight.
"You know," Rainbow began to say, "Twilight is going back to Equestria soon," she told Sunset, making Twilight nod, "The Rainbooms could really use someone to help Fluttershy on backup vocals," she added as Sunset noticed a green and white guitar with an arrowhead shaped body leaning up against a speaker. She picked it up, and after taking out a black guitar pick, performed a really impressive riff upon it.
"I also play guitar," she said afterwards as everyone was very surprised, looking at Rainbow, who was speechless as Twilight giggled, making her look away nervously.
“Damn, girl! I knew you were good with a guitar, but you got skill!” Dustin said with a whistle.
"We'll see," Rainbow replied. The girls and Spike then all group hugged Sunset Shimmer, who was surprised at first, but happily accepted the embraces as Dustin, Pixel and the Dazzlings looked on with smiles form ear to ear.
“And if you ladies ever need some vocals,” Adagio said to the Rainbooms, “You can count on the three of us.”
“So…what now?” Rainbow Dash asked.
"So… Anyone want to grab a taco?" Sonata asked in her usual ditzy nature. Everyone laughed at Sonata’s suggestion.
“Oh Sonata.” Adagio said, whipping a tear away.
“Actually, some Mexican food wouldn’t hurt.” Dustin said with a shrug.
“Wait!” Celestia said, walking up to the gang. “Dustin, you and your band haven’t performed yet.”
Dustin thought about that. But he had a smile on his face.
“I think I have an idea.” Dustin said, his grin never fading.
After some cleaning up, the final events of the Battle of the Bands is now in session. The lights dimmed, and principal Celestia walked up onto the stage with a microphone in hand.
"Alright, everyone!" Celestia beamed. "I’m certain you’re all ready for the final event.” Celestia beamed as the crowd cheered.
“After the events that have transpired, Dustin Miller, leader of the Web Surfers, has decided that all three teams deserve a victory lap.” Celestia said, a spot light shined at the Web Surfers, The Rainbooms, and the reformed and reunited Dazzlings. “Now, it is with great pleasure that I introduce all three teams, and their grand performance!"
As Celestia walked off the stage, the crowd into applause. The music started, and soon enough, Dustin began to sing a song that is an all-time favorite of his.
Dustin, Pixel and Sonata: I've got a hero (I've got a hero)
Livin' in me
All: I'm gonna fight for what's right
Today I'm speaking my mind
Rainbooms: And if it kills me tonight
Dazzlings: (I will be ready to die)
Dustin: A hero's not afraid to give his life
All: A hero's gonna save me just in time
Rainbooms: I need a hero
Web Surfers and Dazzlings: Who's gonna fight for what's right
Who's gonna help us survive
Rainbooms: I need a hero
Web Surfers and Dazzlings: Who's gonna fight for the weak
Who's gonna make 'em believe
I need a hero
I need a hero
All: A hero's gonna save me just in time
The crowd burst into cheers as they loved the performance. The Dazzlings could feel themselves growing even stronger from the positive energy they were absorbing. It was obvious that this band would be remembered for many years to come.
The next morning, Dustin, Allister and the girls were all gathered outside the school around the mirror portal as Twilight and Spike were about to leave.
"Sure wish you could stay longer," Applejack admitted.
"Me too," Twilight said, "But I have responsibilities in Equestria that I have to get back to," she explained as Pinkie was fooling around, sticking her hand and face into the mirror portal, "Its citizens need me," she added as Pinkie came out all dizzied from the portal's effects, "But now I can go through the portal whenever I need to," she continued, "This isn't goodbye," she said, "It's just goodbye 'til next time," she finished, but then she looks to the Dazzlings.
“Adagio, Aria, Sonata, I’m glad you girls have reformed.” Twilight said, making the three sirens look away bashfully.
“Well…” Sonata said, looking at Dustin. “We have a certain red-haired boy for that.”
Dustin blushed red, rubbing the back his head bashfully. The girls giggle at that.
“Yes, he has a big heart, ya know.” Allister said, everyone laughed.
“You’re right on that, Al.” Twilight said, before her attention turned to Dustin. “And Dustin…”
Dustin looks to Twilight. Suddenly, Twilight wraps her arms around Dustin, embracing him in a warm hug, to which he happily returns.
“Do me a favor. Never change.” Twilight said before the two let go. Twilight then looks to Spike.
"Ready?" Twilight asked Spike.
"Ready!" Spike replied. He then walked through the mirror portal, with Twilight in tow as the girls watched them leave.
As soon as Twilight and Spike were gone, the Digitrix beeped, catching everyone’s attention.
“Two new transformations added to playlist.” The Digtrix said.
“Whoa! Two new transformations?” Dustin asked in surprise.
“Oooh. Lemme see, lemme see!” Pinke said as Dustin pressed a button on the Digitrix. Everyone examined the screen on the Digitrix.
The Digitrix’s screen displayed a muscular bipedal canine that looked somewhat like Spike as a werewolf.
“Wait! Is that…Spike?” Sunset asked with surprise.
“Ooohh. Looks tough.” Pinkie said in amazement.
“Pretty cool.” Rainbow said with a whistle. Dustin then swiped the screen to see the next transformation added to his playlist. It resembled a fusion of Sonata, Aria and Adagio, complete with a pair of wings similar to the ones the Dazzlings have when ponied up. But it lacked the red choker the three sirens had.
“Hey. That looks like a combination of the three of us.” Sonata said with awe.
“Aw great!” Dustin groaned, “Another female transformation!” The Dazzlings were confused by hearing that.
“Wait!” Adagio said, “You mean you have other female transformations?”
“Yeah.” Dustin nodded sheepishly, “About seven in fact.”
“Pfft! Oh god!” Aria snickered upon hearing that, only to be elbowed by Adagio.
“How about we give those two new guys a test run?” Applejack suggested, to which Dustin shrugged.
“Meh, why not?” Dustin shrugged. The gang headed to the football field.
Meanwhile
From somewhere else, a seismograph had just stopped measuring as a hand ripped the results from the machine, and then pinned it to a board. That board had different kinds of images, with red strings that led to the single image of Canterlot High. The hand had come from a girl wearing glasses and a lab coat, who looked somewhat similar to Twilight Sparkle as she had her hair bunched up.
"No doubt about it, Spike," the girl noted to her puppy that was behind her as she fixed her glasses, "There's definitely something strange going on at that school..." she said, pondering what was going on as the dog barked wildly.
In a dark room, we see a hooded figure at a desk, working on something.
“Excellent! It’s nearly complete.” The hooded figure said with a chuckle. “Just a few more adjustments, and my creation will be ready.”
“I suppose you’re project is nearing completion?” A voice said behind him.
“Of course, master. After a few tweaks, this newest invention of mine will be complete.” The hooded figure said with a grin.
“And you’re sure it will work?” The figure asked with uncertainty.
“Fret not, master. With this device, that fool Miller and his comrades won’t know what hit them.” The hooded figure said with a malicious chuckle.
“If you say so.” The man stepped into the light, revealing none other than Ginzo. “But I wouldn’t underestimate him and his friends.”
“You worry too much, master Ginzo. By the time my invention is complete, I'll see to it that Miller and his comrades never interfere with the Syndicate's affairs.” The hooded figure said with confidence.
“Very well then. But for your sake, you better not fail me.” Ginzo said, the hooded figure nodded with a malicious grin.
