Rock the Nation, Rap it in a Pretty Bow

Chapter 3: Welcome to Our World

Time: 12:30 PM

365 Days Remaining

Location: Canterlot Castle

Celestia walked onto her balcony and gazed out at her kingdom. This country had been well at peace since the rise of Tirek. Much progress had been made. With Twilight rising into her own kingdom, she rest assured that much research would be gathered, and she held her word. She had left a few days ago with the aid of Discord to research other dimensions, and had established a small team of scientists, which she had named, “The Scholars of Starswirl,” to research many of the old books in her old castle while she was gone. The sun goddess chuckled lightly, a small, yet sad smile growing on her face. Much has changed since then…

The familiar magical green spark snapped her out of her lament. Oh, it seems Twilight has finished her research. It floated and turned into a simple scroll, tied in a red ribbon with no seal. Celestia closed her eyes and shook her head with a smile on her face. Oh, my dear Twilight, She unrolled the scroll and opening it, Even in royalty, you humble yourself. She looked at the scroll and slowly began to read.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I send you this letter with some interesting news. As you were aware, I had asked Discord to send me to the “other dimension” he had mentioned. The results were... Rather unpleasant. However, upon waking the next morning after returning, I had learned that I had attracted some "recovering" stowaways, for lack of a better term. These two are unfortunately trapped here for one year, due to unstable dimensional rifts. Although they had been shocked, they appeared to be quite docile and only seemed to lash out if one of us threatened or used force on them.

As opposed to sending you the data collected, I would like to invite you to Ponyville in three days to observe these Humans. They are quite different from what you had seen before. I look forward to your arrival.

Your former student and Princess of Friendship,
Princess Twilight Sparkle

Celestia’s face went from small smile to small frown in a matter of moments. Having Twilight find out about the true human world was fine to her. Having her travel there, even for one weekend, unsettled her, but still allowed as long as she had been safe. Humans… Actual humans entering their country. This is a true dilemma, Celestia thought, biting her lip as she walked back into her room. Twilight has no idea of the true implications humans can achieve… She moved at a brisk but casual pace, keeping her typical aura about her as to not cause anypony panic. Upon seeing her sister’s room, she raised her hoof and knocked a few times. Muffled hoofsteps followed as Luna opened the door, seeing her sister and knowing something was off.

"Sister," she said in a concerned tone, "Is something the matter?"

"Are you busy at the moment?"

"Well, no. Not at the moment. What has troubled you?" Noticing some passing maids, Celestia leaned in and whispered in Luna's ear.

"I'll explain when we are in private."

Slightly surprised and more or less worried at this point, Luna nodded and motioned for her to come in. Celestia entered the room. It was much like her room, except everything had been in the theme of a starry night, just as fitting for the Princess of the Night. Luna took a seat on her bed next to her bat plushie and asked, "Now, what has ailed you today, my sister?"

Celestia sat on a nearby couch and asked, "Do you remember when I told you Twilight had gone to the human world?"

Luna nodded. "Yes. Has she returned okay?"

"Yes, and she recently sent a letter about her... Findings."

She handed Luna the letter Twilight had sent. Unraveling it, Luna scanned through it with curiosity. After a few moments, she froze, a look of shock spread on her face. She looked at Celestia, who had donned a look of seriousness on her face.

"Humans?? Here?..."

Celestia nodded.

"Sister, we must apprehend them before they cause any serious damage!!"

Celestia looked down and hesitated for a moment before looking back at her lunar sister, saying, "As much as I wish to do so, I believe we should give them a chance."

Luna's jaw dropped. "Sister, have you lost your mind?!? Have you forgotten the stories our parents told us?!?"

"I... I have not." Celestia could never forget. Those stories were by far some of the most gruesome tales ever told to them. "But this is not my decision. This is Princess Twilight's decision. If she believes this to be a smart decision, then we must allow this.”

“But Celestia-!”

“We will see if Twilight can keep these two under control. If she cannot, we will take action.” She turned to the door. “We shouldn’t forget that no one should be judged simply because of stories.”

With that, Celestia left the room, Luna pondering her history. Perhaps I shouldn’t be one to judge…

Time: 1:00 PM

Location: Marketplace, Ponyville, Equestria

E was bored. Extremely bored. If the Bored were a race of alien, he would be their king. Naturally, he did as he usually did upon feeling bored. He went exploring. He had packed a small knapsack (which he conveniently kept in the large equipment boxes of his), and went for a walk. Surprisingly, when he walked through town, nobody (or pony, however this world says things) really reacted. The least he expected were the residents to scream and run away, yet the worst thing he got were several gazes, as if they were a bit too afraid to call the authorities. Great job, E you’ve officially spooked an entire town in one fell swoop. The jaded rapper sighed. I can’t believe it. I really need to reconfigure my life…

At that moment, he heard the familiar laughter of malicious and mischievous giggling. This can’t be good. E turned his head and saw a two fillies (That’s what they were called right? E thought to himself) laughing at a small pegasus. Right from the gecko he knew what was going on. He had been on the receiving end oh so many times.

“Bullies…” He grimaced. He shook his head, thinking, No way… Not going to try anything.

Really, dude? A voice in his head said, You’re going to let some poor kid get bullied? E rolled his eyes. Only because I just don’t want to cause any trouble. I’m trying to stay hidden.

Okay, that’s retarded, man. The voice retorted at his logic. You’re in another goddamned world, now. Even though Nika has people she misses and cares about, you got no one to hope for back home and one person to hide from. The voice made a clear argument. His whole trust issue was based on that… That “man.” To add to this, the voice in his head said something that made the rest of his mind halt.

Did you forget about what happened to you?

The rapper stopped in his tracks. Of course he didn’t forget. What sane person would forget something like that?

Even still, He tried to interject, How can I possibly… Stop...

Suddenly, an idea popped into his skull, causing a devilish grin to spread on his face as he reached for his knapsack…

“Nice job, you dodo!! I knew you couldn’t go that high!!”

Scootaloo winced at the pain she felt on her back knees. She was trying to do a new trick she had thought up, attempting to go higher and do some tricks in the air. Unfortunately, the “dynamic duo” themselves came and threw her off by knocking a rock onto the ramp, causing her to go flying and land on her knees. She noticed how badly they were scrapped up, a bit of blood coming from them. It stung a lot, causing the pegasus filly to instinctively tear up.

“Aww, what’s the matter,” Silver Spoon added, giggling like a madmare, “Gonna cry?”

I hate them… Scootaloo thought as she closed her eyes, I wish they would just go away…

“Excuse me, may I take a moment of your time?”

Scootaloo opened her eyes and noticed a shadow looming over them all. Looking up, she saw a tall creature in a grey zip-up hoodie, hood up, standing by them. She noticed its face was rather flat, with blond hair parted in the middle at the front, eyes squinted to a close, and a creepy grin fixated on his face. Silver Spoon had already begun to cower and shift back, and even Diamond Tiara seemed a bit shocked. The creature turned it’s head and looked at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

“I couldn’t help but notice you two picking on this poor, innocent filly."

The orange Pegasus watched as Diamond Tiara tried her best to keep her pompous attitude.

"Yeah, so what?" She said, stepping forward and looking up at the lengthy beast. "What are you, her daddy?" She let out her trademark rich girl giggle, which quickly faded as the bipedal beast let out an extremely dark chuckle.

"Oh no," it said leaning into Tiara's face, who's color started to pale, "I am a guardian. And guardians protect the ones trampled on. And do you wanna know what happens when you provoke the guardian?"

"U-Uh... Tiara?" Silver Spoon said, her leader completely ignoring her.

"What?"

The creature bent his head down so low that its creepy face became hidden. Scootaloo watched, too scared to move. Just as Tiara had put on a smirk, the creature snapped it's head forward, revealing a red demon face while yelling, "HE EATS YA!!" The two let out high pitched screams and ran away. Scootaloo tried to run, but fell back down, hitting her knees. She winced at the pain.

"Ow ow ow...."

All of a sudden, she heard large laughter coming from the monster. It moved a hand toward its face and slowly removed it. Behind the mask, she saw the creature’s actual face. It was a bit like it’s masks, except more… Three-dimensional. It had a small face, but it looked more lively. It’s mouth was wrapped in a smile, which faded as he looked at Scootaloo.

“Are you okay?” it said, getting on one knee.

Scootaloo nodded, saying nothing. It looked at her back knees, wincing. Wait, she thought, It… He… Yeah, it definitely sounds like a he. He winced?

“Ouch… That looks like it hurts… Hang on.” The male beast reached back and pulled out a bandage roll and a small spray can. “Hold still,” he said as he moved closer to the tiny pegasus. Scootaloo paused for a moment as she heard a hissing sound before feeling a bad stinging sensation on her knees. She jumped, yelling “Ow!!” before the being slowly pet her back, saying quietly, “Hold still… Just a little bit of this… And done.” Scoots looked back at her legs, both of which were bandaged securely. Slowly getting on her hooves, she smiled before realizing her leg movement was a bit restrictive. Still, she thought, keeping her smile, Better than nothing. Looking up at the tan colored being, she asked, “Thanks mister!!”

“Please, call me E. It’s what I’m known for.” E smiled and pat her head. “What’s your name, l’il homie?” Scootaloo giggled at the nickname. “The name’s Scootaloo!! Fastest scooter driver in all of Ponyville!!” Suddenly a look of realization and fear came to her eyes. “My scooter!!” She tried to move her tiny wings towards a makeshift ramp, but it lead to her falling on her face. She couldn’t help but blush in this situation. This is embarrassing… Right when you’re trying to be cool… Suddenly, the downed orange pegasus felt herself being lifted up. Looking up, she noticed E had picked her up and placed her on his shoulders. Moving towards the ramp, Scootaloo saw what became of her scooter. The front left wheel had come off, lying on it’s side, while the bar had been bent about thirty degrees. Although not in bad shape, the scooter’s bar would have to be completely replaced, which cost bits, a thing she didn’t have.

“Aw, no…” Scootaloo hung her head in dejection. Seeing the look on her face, E took a knee and picked up the scooter.

“No, wait E,” the filly tried to intervene, “You don’t have to-”

E muttered something under his breath and slowly bent the scooter bar, straightening it out.

“... Anything.” Scootaloo watched as the slightly bent aluminum bar had been realigned with the slightest of ease. Next, E took the fallen wheel of the scooter and placed it back in its home. He fidgeted it a few times until he heard a couple clicking noises, solidifying its security. To confirm it really was in position, he spun the wheel, which rolled as smoothly as butter. Scootaloo smiled brightly. “Thank you, E!!” she said as she hugged the DJ’s neck. E simply smiled and picked her up and placing her on the scooter, saying, “You got some place to be, Scootaloo?”

She paused, looking up in thought. “Well, I was supposed to meet my friends for a meeting.”

“A meeting, huh? Are you guys in some sort of club?”

She nodded excitedly. “We’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders!! We work together to get our Cutie Marks and find our true talent!!”

Cutie mark, huh? That must be what those marks on the ponies’ butts are for. Like a tattoo as a sign of their medal.

"Hello? E?"

"Huh?" E snapped out of his train of thought. "What was that?"

"I asked if you wanted to meet my friends!!"

E smiled, normally, in this situation, he would refuse and hide. Now, however... He was free. Free to do anything without having to hide. Granted, he made a vow a long time ago about revealing his name, but that would be another issue for another name. He could at least roam around without his mask. Hopefully, nothing bad would bite him on the ass in regards to that. Finally, the tan-toned DJ nodded, saying in a kind, yet tough tone, “Sure, Scoots. Lead the way.”

Scootaloo smiled brightly and propelled her scooter forward using her tiny wings with great speed, E running close behind. Little had he known, sitting on a cloud was a certain cyan pegasus, a confident smile on her face. “Well well well, big guy. Looks like you’re not as bad as I thought.”

Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Vinyl and Ocatvia’s House, Ponyville, Equestria

Nika sighed as she layed on the futon in Vinyl Scratch’s room. It wasn’t too tough, but still had the type of firmness that she enjoyed. It reminded her of those nights she slept at… His place. She let out a sigh, her happy grin, slowly fading into a look of reminiscence. He was a good man… She thought as she laid there, And a great teach...

“Yo, Nika!!”

Nika shook her head out of dreamland as she saw Vinyl smirking at her from across the room.

"You good? You look like you're busy explorin’ lala land over there.”

Nika put on a smile, saying in a slightly somber tone, “Yeah… Just thinkin’ about someone really important.” She looked up at the ceiling, letting out another sigh. Life is never easy. At least she’s not a problem here. At least, Nika hoped so.

“Nika!!”

“Woah!!”

She finally snapped out of her daydream to see the pure white pony looking down at her, causing her to snap up and right into Vinyl’s forehead.

BONK!!

“OW!! Fuck!!”

Nika gripped her head, scooting back on the futon. Vinyl had done the same, holding her hoof to her forehead just under her horn. “Ah, crap… You got a thick head…”

“Heh, right back at you,” Nika remarked in a playful manner. Rubbing her head, she suddenly remembered one thing.

“Hey, where’s E?”

“Huh? Oh, I don’t know. Probably off on an adventure or something. Why?”

Nika shook her head and rubbed her temples. “Okay, well… Despite him being older than me, he can be a bit of a child. By that I mean he’s got a lot of childlike spark in him. It’s good, but it often led to E getting in trouble. And trust me. He got into a lot of unnecessary fights back home.”

Vinyl let out a laugh as she sat beside Nika, who was chuckling herself. “I mean, this guy was supposed to be in hiding, but he constantly insists on being a boob and just picks up fights. Wearing a mask.”

Hearing this, Vinyl let out a louder laugh, almost falling back before Nika grabbed her hoof and helped her back up. “Ahahahahah… Oh my… Seriously, how in Celestia can he fight with a mask on?”

“Well, again, it’s to hide his identity, but he’s actually a decent fighter. He mainly attacks using punches and take downs, plus a lot of dodging to wear out his opponents.” Nika leaned back, pondering the many fights she saw him end up in. “His mask actually doesn’t restrict his vision. Somehow, he knows where an opponent is and can sense just where an enemy is. I still don’t understand.”

“Huh.” Vinyl nodded, clearly impressed. “Now I know who to have as my bodyguard.”

Nika shook her head quickly. “Trust me. Don’t call him a bodyguard. Ever. He hates it.”

“Why?”

“Just… Don’t please?”

Vinyl rolled her eyes. “Fine, fine. I won’t.”

Meanwhile, outside their room, Octavia had been listening to the whole conversation. So, Octavia thought as she walked away, Mr. E is a complete idiot who would pick fights with anypony. Great, just what I need. Bad publicity. Octavia had been in fights before, but those were always in self-defense. She never picked a fight in her life. Never…

Knock Knock Knock!!

Excited knocking caught Octavia’s attention. She smiled, saying to herself, “I wonder who this could be…” Based on the knocking alone, she could make one deducement. As she opened the door, she indeed see a smiling pink pony on the other side.

“Hi, Tavi!!”

Octavia smiled kindly, “Hello, Pinkie. What brings you here?”

“I was wondering if you can help me with Nika and E’s party.”

Octavia’s smile dropped slightly. “I’d love to, Pinkie, but you see, I’m terribly busy.”

“Oh no no! It’s fine!!” Pinkie waved her hoof in a “don’t worry about it” manner. “Then can you just ask Vinyl to bring Nika and E to Sugarcube Corner at around six?”

Octavia pondered this. If all this is is bringing them to the party, she thought to herself, Then I could easily leave right afterwards. I’ll still seem considerate, but I won’t have to worry about any sort of shenanigans.

“On second thought, Pinkie. I’ll have enough time to bring them to the party.”

Pinkie smiled. “Really??” She hugged the cellist tightly, “Thank you Tavi!! Thank you so much!!”

“You’re… Wel… Come…” The strained earth pony said as she wriggled her way out of Pinkie’s death grip, panting.

“Also, can you ask Vinyl to DJ for the party?”

Octavia nodded. “Of course.” That much is expected. Vinyl was being asked to perform for Pinkie’s parties more often, which she did free of charge since Pinkie and Vinyl were good friends.

“Okie dokie lokie!! Bye then, Tavi!!” the pink mare exclaimed as she bounced off. Octavia returned inside, thinking that this was going to be a simple escorting to Sugarcube Corner.

How wrong she was.

Time: 7:10 PM
Location: Sugarcube Corner, Ponyville, Equestria

Octavia let out a groan as she sat in a chair. “A simple escorting, I thought,” she grumbled to herself, “I could go back home afterwards, I thought…” Normally, she would keep her grumbling in her head in such situations, but the fact that Vinyl was doing her usual routine of playing dubstep at high volumes. Octavia had attempted to leave the party Everypony was dancing and having a good time. The only one besides Octavia who wasn’t dancing was E, who simply leaned against a wall, a flat object (Which he referred to as a laptop on the way to the party) wrapped in his right arm while wearing a strange looking mask that looked like a vinyl record with a crack going down the center, nodding his head up and down. Octavia couldn’t help but ponder two things. One was why he wasn’t dancing or seeming to enjoy this too much if he was a DJ. The second question was why he had his laptop in the first place. Was he planning on doing something…?

Octavia shook her head. “No, calm down, Octavia,. You are just paranoid. He’s probably not going to do anything…”

Just as the song ended, E moved towards where Vinyl was stationed and leaned into her ear, obviously asking a question.

“For the love of Celestia, Vinyl, don’t say yes…”

Vinyl nodded and stepped aside.

Dammit, Vinyl!

Octavia got up to move towards them, only to be blocked by several unaware ponies who were watching as E set up his laptop, Nika already moved by his side. The two seemed to be discussing something before Nika stood by one of two microphones she had set up.

“E-Excuse me… I’m trying to-”

“HELLO PONYVILLE!! IT’S TIME TO MAKE SOME NOISE!!!”

Everypony cheered as E hit a few buttons, prompting the song to start. The initial start was an orchestral instrumental. Slowly, drums were automatically added as Nika had begun to strum her guitar, creating waves of sound unimaginable to the Equestrian citizens. E grabbed the second mic and begun to rap.

E:
Well now, what have here?
Some newbies on the floor?
Completely unaware of what’s in store?
What you’re about to hear is an experience so new
That you’ll surely change emotions from red, yellow, to blue.
We moved through the primaries, onto the next match.
the we Climbed to the top, took on the next batch
Of fools thinkin’ they got what it takes
But these people just don’t realize the stacks
Are so high that when they come crashing down to Earth
they get slapped in the eyes
Then their worlds are unbirthed.
They lose everything, from fame to fortune to friends
And it always seems that that’s how it ends

The ponies, mesmerized at this point, were completely caught off guard when Nika approached her mic and begun to sing.

N:
Welcome to our World,
Another dimension
so alien
We’ve fought for so long
Yet we won’t ever end
Cause we got the guile
Welcome to our world
We hope you enjoy
Take a load off
Don’t be a blowoff
Stay awhile
Welcome to our World

E:
And it seems that in our world, we never get a good life
we always have to fight
It’s called basic survival
And in our world the guile
we mentioned is what you really need!
Cause the smartest walk away the strongman’s riches
Build a company while the strongman recovers from his stitches
Cause the smart man brought a knife to a fist fight
took him down, but let him live
I’m guessing he won’t see the light.
It’s funny
Cause everyone at home’s complaining ‘bout money.
But me?
I could care less if I was homeless, starving, and broke.
All that matters to me is that you learned from the words we spoke!!

By this point, everypony was stomping to the beat, some were even hoofbumping. Even Octavia herself caught herself tapping her hoof to the beat (though she quickly stopped herself, blushing slightly.)

N:
Welcome to our World,
Another dimension
so alien
We’ve fought for so long
Yet we won’t ever end
Cause we got the guile
Welcome to our world
We hope you enjoy
Take a load off
Don’t be a blowoff
Stay awhile
Welcome to our World

E:
Spending all this time trynna’ influence you through my rap,
I feel like I haven’t given somebody credit, Aw snap!!
Nika, sis forgive me!!
It’s your turn to shine,
Give your musical light so everypony here can see!!

At this moment, E stepped back, leaving his mic, as Nika rushed forward, guitar in hand. The beats slowed to a small violin, as Nika sang while strumming her guitar, sending the sound quietly throughout the crowd, everypony swaying to the sound of the music.

N:
One day I hope that I’ll fly like a hawk
And take off to sights unknown.
I think it is time for us to answer our
The sky’s the limit
We’ve all gotta give it
Our All!!!!

N:
Welcome to our World!!
Another dimension!!!
So alien!!
We’ve fought for so long,
Yet we won’t ever end,
Cause we got the guile!!!
Welcome to our world!!
We hope you enjoy!!
Take a load off!!
Don’t be a blowoff!!
Stay awhile!!!
Welcome to our Woooooooooorld!!!!

The end of Nika’s solo followed by her refrain was so loud, it was like shouting and singing at the same time. Once the song ended, everypony was quiet, as to make sure the song was over, and then all stomped in one glorious applause. E and Nika bowed, E adjusting his mask in the process. Even though I don’t have to hide, he thought to himself, At least I can make myself look cool as I have fun.

Time: 12:00 AM
Location: 200 naut. miles off the dock of Manehatten, Equestria

The waves of the ocean beat slowly, moving in slow, quiet paces as it pushed a very old-looking wooden boat across it at a steady pace. On the boat stood three figures, all obviously ponies. The first was the largest. With hooves the size of small tree trunks and a body built like a tank, it donned a black cloak. Another pony was obviously a mare by appearance. Her body and look was that of an enchantress, though much of her more defined details were covered in the same cloak. The final, also draped in a black cloak, had an elegant figure, similar to the seductress, yet her stance was clearly one of confidence and pride.

“There it is, my sisters,” The confident mare said as she pointed to the city ahead. “The home of the descendants…”

Licking her lips, the large one chuckled in a deep, yet feminine tone, “I cannot wait to consume this place in my fire…”

“Or I control their feeble little minds…” The seductress giggled in a high pitched tone. the three slowly moved side by side, their eyes glowing as they positioned themselves facing the great country. The large one stood to the right and had dark indigo-glowing eyes. The seductress, who positioned herself to the left, had eyes that were glowing a rich fuschia color. The confident mare’s eyes glowed a a crimson blood color, as she positioned herself to the center. All three smiling the same disturbing and malicious smile vaguely hidden underneath their hoods, they said in a singing voice that would strike fear in the bravest of soldiers:

Be dead of night or bright of day,
The three Muses are here to stay
Never will we part or break
We simply wish your soul to take...