Rock Band: Equestria Girlsby ThePegaKrisChapters1. Rest Assured2. Sunset Shimmer vs. Rainbow Dash3. More Shenanigans1. Rest AssuredWith the Dazzlings beaten once again, we have finally been handed another victory. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and I are still technically the original lineup for Rara's tournament, but it is nice to see our other friends join us up here to defeat the Dazzlings. Starlight Glimmer generously gave us the win instead of finishing our previous matchup and we thanked her for that. I'll admit that it does take some commitment for her to just hand us a victory, but she insisted anyway. Everyone watching had their spirits lifted as they continued to cheer for us. I really wasn't expecting the Dazzlings to come back, not even after the Battle of the Bands. To this day, I still find it brutal that they overpowered my friends last time. Am I really the new best answer to everything? In my opinion, I don't think so. That's why I have to help my best friends and they have to help me as well. We're all in this together. Always. Still, I wonder why Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze fled from their leader. "Sunset, darling?" Rarity asked. I didn't see any lyrics appear on the screen yet, but luckily both of our Twilight Sparkles can handle them if they come back up. "Yes Rarity?" Her keytar playing is some of the best I've ever seen, both in game and in reality. "How do you feel right now?" She had a smile on her face. "I'm tired, but I'm having fun. Thanks for asking!" She winked at me. "You're welcome!" I winked back at her and giggled for a bit. For some reason, despite me being completely happy with my friends all around me, the space between us feels tightly packed. But hey, what can we do? This place is not an average theater, even for a city like Manehattan. Our little friend, Spike, was also watching us with his Changeling buddies. "What do you think, Thorax? Are they awesome or what?" "I agree!" The leader replied. "They never let us down, Thorax." Starlight Glimmer said. She was a bit shaky after all the destruction caused by the Dazzlings. "Whew!" "Cousin Applejack sure kicked the Dazzlings to the curb!" Babs Seed roused herself. "How do you think she felt about them coming back, Babs?" Starlight questioned. "At least, she didn't bite off more than she could chew, otherwise that'd be bad business! My cousin could handle those dastardly people either way!" "Well played, hehe!" Suri Polomare giggled. "Rainbooms rule!" Cheese Sandwich added. Countess Coloratura, or Rara, got closer to us. "That was a brilliant performance, wasn't it ladies and gentlemen?" She was very impressed, along with James Hetfield and Sapphire Shores. "What a nice way to actually end off the tournament!" "Now, it's time for every single band to come out and be a part of the biggest group picture ever!" James announced. "Let's bring them out!" "First: the Trottingham Blazers!" Sapphire Shores listed. " Come on out, you guys!" She had a whole roster of all the bands. "Ah, our very first opponents of this tournament!" A.J. felt reminiscent. "You said it, Applejack!" as Pinkie Pie gave her a high five. "Secondly, we have the Crystal Prep Shadowbolts!" Sapphire advanced. Sour Sweet, who was tucked in the audience, had a blast throughout this whole thing and clapped vigorously. "YEAH!" The Shadowbolts used to be Canterlot High's biggest rivals, but not anymore. To be honest, as Applejack always says, they're not that bad at all. "Now for the almighty Appleloosa Gunslingers!" The pop star exclaimed. "C'mon, Braeburn!" Applejack cheered as her and Apple Bloom's cousin walked to the stage. "The magnificent Cloudsdale Twisters!" James howled. "Yay for home!" Fluttershy whispered. "The vicious Everfree Serpents!" Rara introduced. There came Twilight's boyfriend, Timber Spruce, along with Gloriosa, Zecora, and Discord. Twilight immediately blushed and blew Timber a kiss, which he returned as well. My other friends and I can never stop dreaming about how perfect those two look together. Someday, we'll be her best bridesmaids. "Bow down to 'The King,' because our next band is the Hive Changelings, led by Thorax!" James proclaimed. The crowd got on their knees and hailed, "All hail 'The King,' all hail 'The King!'" "We're already out here, sir!" Thorax saluted. "Even better!" James rephrased. "I hope they don't call out the Neighon Warriors!" Pinkie opposed. "Those guys were meanies!" "They've been killed by the Dazzlings, remember?" I remember Sonata exactly saying that she and her friends haven't 'repaid' them properly. "I'm really not a fan of either band as well!" "Moving on to...the Ponyville Savages, who've put on a great show during the semifinals!" Rara announced and even she knows about the Warriors' deaths. "We now have our third place winners out here!" "Hehe, I see Quibble Pants shaking nervously!" Rainbow giggled. "D'oh, I almost forgot!" Rara panicked. "Due to the Manehattan Enforcers giving the victory to the Rainbooms, they've earned second place. I have your trophy right here, guys!" She handed a big, silver trophy with an engraving that says '2nd Best Guitar Hero Band Ever' to Starlight's band. Babs, Starlight, Suri, and Cheese all feel so proud about making it very far in the tournament, and my friends and I are proud, too. They held up the trophy high enough for the world to see. "Last but certainly not least, we have our champions." Mr. Hetfield spoke into the microphone. "They're already out here so that saves us some trouble. Put your hands together...for the Rainbooms!" "Rainbooms, Rainbooms, Rainbooms!" The world chanted our name. "Excellent!" as Rara rubbed her hands together. "Unfortunately, some bands were either in a hurry or unable to make it to our closing ceremonies, so we'll congratulate them at a later time! Is this everyone we've got?" "Yes ma'am!" All the bands, including ours, replied. "Perfect, now can you all line up for zee photo?" Photo Finish requested of us. "This is going to be zee photo of zee century!" Spike quickly rushed into Twilight's arms as he wanted to get in the picture as well. We were all lined up, with some of the other bands standing behind us. It's no surprise that we got to be up in the very front since we've won. "What catchphrase should we use in the picture?" Sapphire Shores wondered. "Give me the camera, lady." James begged. "Say rock and roll!" He was now holding the photographer's camera. "Rock and roll!" All bands shouted and the picture was taken. "Fantastic!" Rara gleamed. "I'll be sure to post this somewhere on the internet! Well, that's all the time we have, folks! Thank you all so much for attending and watching each shred-off live! As for the bands that have competed here for the past few days, thank you so much for accepting my invitations to come and compete against each other! You all really brought some good stuff to the table!" "HOORAY!!!" The world yelled so loudly. "See you all next time!" The three hosts bid the people farewell and proceeded to leave with an escort team out the back door. I noticed that the camera crew stopped recording the tournament because...it's over. We all shook each other's hands and greeted each other like true players. According to Rainbow Dash, this was true sportsmanship. After some regrouping, we all left out the back door and it was getting dark. The train station wasn't far from the theater, so we took our time getting there. "I'm so spent, ladies!" Rarity breathed out heavily. "But, I sure found this tournament to be an elegant ride!" "I never thought we'd have to use magic again." Fluttershy said. "It's only temporary, Fluttershy." Princess Twilight reminded. "If yet another baddie wants to mess with us, then we'll stop that from happening." "I agree, Twilight!" Applejack stated. "Apple Bloom, where are ya going now?" "To buy a candy apple? Ya want one, sis?" Apple Bloom has spotted a convenience store near the station. "Yeah please, sugarcube!" "I didn't know they sell candy apples here!" Pinkie's mouth began watering. "This city has everything!" Rainbow exaggerated. "I'm surprised you haven't figured that out already, Pinkie, but no disrespect." "None taken!" As I hear the sound of wheels screeching, it looked out to be that the train to Canterlot City was approaching the station. Apple Bloom got back to us as soon as possible, along with her and her sister's candy apples. If I'm being totally honest, I would've gone for one myself. I do find it cute though, however, to see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sleepwalking while leaning by and holding on to Rarity and Rainbow Dash. We all finally got on our train going back home. "All aboard the express train to Canterlot City!" The conductor called out. And so, we went off. We were seated in the very first car and the train didn't really shake us too much. "Wake me up when we get there, okay girls?" as Spike began his slumber. "Hehe, you were such a sleepy head during the tournament, Spike!" Fluttershy giggled. "It's a regular habit of his, don't question it." Sci-Twi whispered. "I was about to say that about my Spike!" Princess Twilight brought up. "Your Spike, her Spike, blah blah blah." Rainbow mumbled. "The eggheads have been doubled!" I had to defend my best friends, and while Dash was one of them, I still get a bit annoyed when it comes to her words. "Chillax, Rainbow Dash." "Sorry, Sunset and Twilights." She apologized. "Boy, y'all have gone tired and over your heads after us winning, huh?" as A.J. licked her candy apple. "To be honest, me too!" "Rara really wanted us to shine so bright!" Rarity commented. "After sitting and filling in for Rainbow Dash a little bit, I need to stretch out the old legs. Even someone fabulous like me has to obtain some R 'n R!" "You said it, pal!" Pinkie agreed. "Hey girls?" Rainbow asked. "Yeah Rainbow Dash?" All of our heads bumped into each other's. "You know what game that we haven't played in a while? Rock Band!" The game she mentioned really sounded familiar to me. "Oh yeah, I remember! What about it?" I just realized that my friends sighed simultaneously of the nostalgia that Rock Band brought to us. "What do you say we play some of it at my house when we get back?" Rainbow smirked. "I still got the band kit for it!" "Umm, didn't you say that you stored the instruments in your basement, Rainbow Dash?" Sci-Twi asked. "That was a long time ago!" "Speaking of a long time ago, I still have our very first recording of us playing Rock Band!" Rarity mentioned. "It's on my phone right now!" "May we see it, Rarity?" Fluttershy huddled in. "Absolutely, sweetie! Everyone, come gather around!" I, for one, am excited to see this video again. I remember that I was playing along with Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity. Applejack wasn't in it because there's no bass in the song that we chose. "Loading...and good to go!" Rarity confirmed. "Was this the first time that I had to hit the most notes?" "Nope, but ya really nailed it, Rare!" A.J. winked. "I really loved the drum tone for this song!" Pinkie said. "Yeah, this was a good break from all of the hard rock and heavy metal songs that we've played!" I continued to watch in silence. "Did my voice crack here, by the way?" "I don't think so, Sunset." Fluttershy responded. "Your voice was perfect and it will always be!" "Thanks Fluttershy!" I patted her head. "This game had an awesome setlist, in my opinion!" Rainbow claimed. "You all know that sequels came, right?" "Uh-huh!" We all nodded. "Good times!" Both Twilights smiled. The song was quite short, but at both the time the four of us played it and now, we still enjoyed it. Like I said, it was a nice break from other genres we were used to. "Awesome!" as Rainbow finished watching the clip with us. "Before we get back into Rock Band, can I show an old Guitar Hero clip?" "Yeah, Rainbow!" We all accepted. "Let me find it really quick. Okay, I've got it! Play!" 2. Sunset Shimmer vs. Rainbow Dash"I felt like my throat was going to die on me at that time!" I gulped. "You actually had the hardest job, Sunset." Sci-Twi recalled. "It takes some serious vocals to master this song, but you were able to do it." "Barely." "One never knows, darling!" Rarity wiggled a finger at me. "Did you have a warmup before going in?" "I drank like two bottles of water and I didn't feel sick, so does that answer your question, Rarity?" "I'll take it indeed!" She hummed. "Good!" Singing has been something I really love doing, but it sometimes strains my throat. But as they say, 'practice makes perfect!' On that note, Twilight was right about one thing: I did have the hardest job. It probably wouldn't have been different for her if she tried the song. The train stopped at Las Pegasus, which was the next stop. While waiting for some passengers to get on, I couldn't help but laugh at Rarity drooling over how luxurious this place is. I could say the same about my other friends. Applejack and Fluttershy have mentioned to me at one point that they were here for vacation, but they had to fix some big scandal. I'm glad they did it, though. "Ah, the memory of this place remains in my head!" A.J. breathed out. "Uh-huh!" Fluttershy nodded. "Spike, wake up!" "Hmm, are we home from Camp Everfree?" "No silly!" Pinkie slapped herself on the knee. "We're heading home from Rara's tournament, remember? You must be dreaming about chasing squirrels again!" "Agh!" He yawned. "Twilight, can you use your magic to fix my sleeping problem?" "I don't think you have narcolepsy, Spike." Sci-Twi said. "If you did, then there's nothing that we could do about it. Sorry!" "Wake me up when we ACTUALLY get there!" He resumed his sleep. "What's wrong, Apple Bloom?" A.J. checked. "I don't like this place!" She groaned. "It's full of filthy rich idiots!" "Ya think I give a pickled pippin' about them?" Her sister disregarded. "At least Flim and Flam aren't rivals with Granny Smith anymore. I have to thank ya for helping me, Fluttershy!" "You're welcome, Applejack!" "I still don't like this place." Apple Bloom toned down. I rolled my eyes and smiled over their conversation. Somehow, Princess Twilight started to fall asleep right after her other self talked to Spike. I might as well do the same to pass up the time. After all, it was starting to become the evening and we've been at Rara's tournament for a couple of days. I closed my eyes and so did the rest of us. "Next stop: Canterlot City!" The conductor shouted. He officially closed the cars' doors and and began to drive the locomotive. We have finally returned home. I got out of the train car to find out that my friends have some serious bags under their eyes, which was quite bizarre. Whether they've been dreaming happily or nightmarishly, I kind of don't want to know. "Awesome, we're here!" Rainbow fist pumped. "My house then?" "Yeah!" We all got together and stayed behind Rainbow Dash. "What about us?" Sweetie Belle asked. "You can crash in my room for a while!" Rainbow suggested. "Scoots, you can show them where it is. Just try not to make a mess or else...I'll be peeved!" "Language..." Fluttershy softly spoke. "I can show them, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo volunteered. "We won't make a mess! Right girls?" "Uhh, yeah!" The other Cutie Mark Crusaders stuttered. "Thanks squirt!" as Rainbow patted her sister's head. "Come on, girls!" As we followed her to her house in order to play some Rock Band, I noticed something strange going on. People kept staring at us at every block we came across. Even at stoplights, drivers had their windows rolled up so that they can look at us, too. Everyone's jaws had dropped as soon as they saw us and not a single word came out. We all seemed pretty fazed about this. "Did Starlight Glimmer create a new movement?" Pinkie sniffed around. "Nonsense, Pinkie!" Rarity called out. "Why would she force everyone back into equality? We've forgiven her before and there's been no reason for her to become insane again!" "Impossible." Princess Twilight declared. "Wait a minute." I stopped in my tracks. "Do any of you remember something else about Rara's tournament?" "No, but I did hear her saying that everything's going to be on TV." Rainbow thought. "Maybe that must be it! What if us winning just caused these people to look at us like this?" "Well, if that's the case, then they should at least say something." Sci-Twi said. "I find it creepy that we're being stared at!" "Rarity, these people are freaking me out!" Her sister shivered. "Don't worry, Sweetie Belle, we're almost at Rainbow Dash's house. Hmm, if only she would stop getting distracted by the civilians!" "We're all getting distracted!" Rainbow made up. "It's just around the corner." It wasn't a typical day for us in the Downtown area of Canterlot City, now that we know we're being eyed. But around the corner was actually Rainbow Dash's house and the block before the current one was Carousel Boutique. We then crossed the street and arrived at Rainbow's blue house. How she was able to afford living in a nice place like this is beyond imagination. "We're here!" She exclaimed as she grabbed her keys out of her pocket. "This is going to be so much fun!" Pinkie jumped and down. "Follow me, girls!" as Scootaloo lead the CMCs upstairs after the door opened. "Wow, have you redecorated your house, Rainbow Dash?" Rarity admired. "It looks so stunning!" "Uhh, yeah, thanks Rarity!" She blushed and scratched her head. "Can I get any of you something to eat or drink?" "You remember the last time you've fed us snacks? I think I'll pass." "Sunset!" Fluttershy gasped. "May I have some water, Rainbow Dash?" "You got it, Fluttershy! Anyone else?" "No, but thanks!" We all pardoned. "Sorry." Rainbow went to her kitchen and we all sat down in her living room. I sat with Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity on one side of her big couch and both Twilights, Fluttershy, and Spike were on the other side. In the middle was the perfect space for Rainbow Dash. I must admit that it's always comfortable sitting down here every time we come over to visit her. "She lied to us!" A.J. cried. "The darn band kit's already set up right in front of us!" "Would you blame Dashie?" Pinkie shrugged. "I just want this to be a good time for us!" "It's probably just a small memory problem, no big deal." Sci-Twi explained. "I thought you said she kept the instruments down in her basement a while ago." Her other self countered. "Yes, but Rainbow Dash could've also confused both band kits with each other when she set them up." Rarity inferred. "Ehh?" Fluttershy looked mystified. "Even I find this to be confusing." "I'm back!" Rainbow Dash reminded. "Here you go, Fluttershy!" She handed her water to her in a cold plastic bottle. "Thank you!" "No problem!" The athletic girl welcomed. "So are we going to get started or what?" "I don't know." Rarity jumbled. "Who's going first?" "I thought we discussed the plan on the train: the usual lineup!" Sci-Twi stated. "And who will that be, Twilight?" I'm guessing anonymously. "Err, I don't know! It's all really up to you girls!" "I've got an idea!" Rainbow Dash smirked. "Sunset?" "Yeah Rainbow?" "Would you like to be my opponent?" She giggled. "WHAT?" The rest of us uttered. "But why do you want to battle me all of a sudden?" "This is just for fun and plus, I want to see if you have what it takes to keep up with me!" Rainbow challenged. "Maybe the rest of us will join in once this is over." "Oh, is that so?" I grinned widely. "You think you have what it takes to be a lead guitarist?" "You want me to test your rhythm, Sunset?" Rainbow asked. "Let's get to it, then! Whoever hits more notes twice is the winner!" "Deal!" She shook my hand. After we shook hands, I turned the TV on to the right setting and I started up Rock Band. On the floor were two guitars: one for me and one for Rainbow Dash. We both strapped them onto ourselves and we looked ready to go. "Are ya recording this, Rarity?" A.J. facepalmed. "Why not, darling? This is going to be pure gold and I shall save this in my cosmic archives!" "I'm going to enjoy this!" as Fluttershy took a sip of her water. "A.J., here's the regular controller." Rainbow handed it to her. "You're going to count us down for both rounds, okay?" "I got ya covered!" She winked. "Are you ready, Rainbow Dash?" "I'm always ready!" "Ooh, I'm so nervouscited!" Pinkie let out. "Ya do realize that's not a real word, right?" A.J. raised an eyebrow. "Anyways, let's do this, y'all! Three..." "I must watch this at once!" Spike woke up. "Two..." A.J. counted. "Bring it on!" Both Rainbow and I spit it out. "One..." A.J. counted more. "GO!!!" Then, she selected the song and we went off. "Don't worry, ladies, I'll send this to you all later so we can all dig in the glory!" Rarity chuckled. "I'ma just sit back and enjoy this!" Pinkie noted. "Where's the popcorn?" "Hehe, you could've told Rainbow Dash to bring you some when she asked us!" Princess Twilight rolled her eyes. "I know, but I didn't feel hungry at that point!" Pinkie frowned. "Oh well, I'm off to the kitchen! Who wants something?" "We're good!" The rest of my friends complied. "You better not eat the rest of my sandwich, Pinkie!" as Rainbow quickly turned her head around. "Nice try, Sunset!" At the same time, I feel so nervous and excited, or nervouscited as how Pinkie would put it, about facing Rainbow Dash. We've battled each other with our real guitars, but we've never battled on a game like Guitar Hero or Rock Band. I'd say I can at least get on Dash's level, but that's only if she wasn't so fast. I'm not against her playing style, I do love it with respect, but it is pretty even between us right now. "No distractions allowed!" Rainbow pointed out. "It's not like you've ever been distracted." I returned. "I'm not doing a single thing." "Those civilians from the city counted as a distraction for you, Rainbow Dash." Rarity remarked as she held her phone camera. "They were a distraction to all of us!" Rainbow corrected. "Wait Applejack, why'd you stop the song?" "Uhh, ya both might wanna look out the front window!" "What did I miss?" as Pinkie came back with her popcorn. "Hey, who are..." "It's those people from the city!" I panicked. "And, they're...holding little books?" "Those books look awfully small to me." as Spike climbed up to get a view. "Small books and astonished people, huh?" Sci-Twi calculated. "I think you're onto something, Sunset!" "I am?" "Yes. I think these people are amazed by us winning at the tournament back in Manehattan." Twilight came up. "Well, how do they know where I even live?" Rainbow seemed factious. "I guess we should've checked our surroundings in the first place." Rarity realized. "What're we going to do?" "I'll be back." Rainbow was about to go to the kitchen, only for her to be stopped by me. "Where do you think you're going, Rainbow?" "To get something for these people to leave us alone?" "I know what you're thinking about, and I don't want this to result in the rest of us creating a fake pandemic!" "Aww man!" She sighed. "I thought that they were going to kill us!" Fluttershy began to curl up into a ball. "If we're becoming famous now, then should we sign their darn books?" A.J. wondered. "No, Sunset and I need to finish our match!" Rainbow denied. "That's no reason to be rude, Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy argued. "No, the reason to be rude is that these people keep staring at us and despite you being scared around them, you want us to go out there!" "Stop it!" The Princess of Friendship finished off their conversation. "Let's just leave them hanging at the front and eventually, they'll get bored and leave. Does that sound good to you girls?" "Uh-huh." We all inclined back to the living room. "Well, I don't think this round counted since we obviously got distracted, so you can pick another song, Applejack." "That's totally awesome and fine by me, Sunset." Rainbow said. "A'ight, I got it!" A.J. confirmed her selection. "Ready you two?" "Ready!" "I should start a new recording!" Rarity brought up. "3, 2, 1, Go!" A.J. started up. With that being settled, Rainbow Dash and I resumed our battle. It was for real this time, though I really do feel bad about turning down the people outside for autographs. Hopefully when this is done, they're still out there waiting. If the whole city was outside, then Princess Twilight definitely made the right decision about ignoring them. 3. More Shenanigans"It looks like the needle is pointing towards Sunset's side!" Pinkie exclaimed. "It's called the Rock Meter, darling." Rarity said. "The colors on both sides really are a perfect match for Sunset Shimmer and Rainbow Dash!" "Hmm, this battle needs more wah pedals." A.J. thought as she rubbed her chin. She then got hit in the back of the head by Rarity's phone. "Oww, watch where you're holding that thing, Rare!" "I'm sorry, but I must get every single shot of this soon-to-be phenomenon!" Rarity exclaimed while holding her phone camera. "Wow, those two look so determined to win, and this isn't even a real competition!" Sci-Twi said. "Tell me about it!" Fluttershy added. "Just imagine what Sunset and Rainbow will be like in Sapphire Shores' tournament!" Princess Twilight thought. "Aww shucks, Twilight!" A.J. said. "We just came back from Rara's tournament, so she could at least give us like a month or two before we rock 'n roll again!" "I don't know, Sapphire Shores works quickly!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Remember that time she hired me to arrange her wedding party?" "Well, it was a good thing that you brought more than one cake, dear, because you literally devoured the main one after you brought it out of the kitchen!" Rarity replied. "That was weird, but it's not going to stop me from winning, Sunset!" Rainbow proposed. "I'm not even trying at this point!" Seeing how the Rock Meter was pointing to my side, I felt confident about beating Rainbow Dash, but she wasn't also ready to give up yet. I know how hard she plays and keeping up with her during real band practice is actually easier than expected. As the battle between us continued, we did notice that the crazy fans have finally left. Still, I felt really bad about turning down their requests for us to sign their little books. I didn't even know the Rainbooms would already become famous. "Zzz..." as Spike started to take a nap. "Again Spike?" Sci-Twi confronted. "That's like the fifth time today you've fallen asleep!" "He probably got bored of this, so there he goes again." as Fluttershy rubbed Spike's back. "Alright y'all, I've had enough!" A.J. yelled. "I'm turning this off now!" She paused the game and ejected the disc from the console. "Hey, what did you do that for, A.J.? I was about to win!" "What gives?" Rainbow asked. "Has it appeared to the both of y'all that you're getting carried away?" A.J. asked. "C'mon, we know how darn good you both are at guitar, but ya don't need to go against each other!" "I said this was just for fun!" Rainbow explained. "Actually, now that you mention it, this didn't seem as fun as I thought it was going to be." Pinkie sighed. "Trust me, y'all." A.J. said. "I know where this going and I don't want you two to fight over who's better than the other." "She's right." I admitted. "I did feel very cocky and confident, but perhaps I might've developed too much pride in myself. I was afraid that if I had beaten you, Rainbow Dash, you wouldn't take it very well. I was about to rub it in, but I realized how wrong of me it would be to do that. I'm really sorry!" "What're you talking about, Sunset?" Rainbow asked me. "I don't care if I lost or won, and even though losing doesn't seem awesome to me, it hurts me if you actually become egotistical. I learned that the hard way after the Battle of the Bands." "So what?" "Either way, like Pinkie Pie said, this was supposed to be fun, and I did enjoy playing with you, so you should feel the same." Rainbow said. "Just please don't get sad over trying too hard in a match like this!" "Ya took the words right out of my mouth, Rainbow Dash!" A.J. added. "I'm sorry if I got carried away too, Sunset." Rainbow apologized. "Don't be. I will always forgive you and even someone like you knows that you don't like to brag about winning on purpose." "Are we still friends then?" Rainbow asked. "Always." I went to go hug her and she did the same to me. "There's nothing that I have against you, Rainbow Dash." "Neither do I." "Aww, that was so sweet!" Rarity gushed. "My phone literally just reached the maximum period for recording videos!" "Then ya might want to edit out that last part, Rare!" A.J. joked. "I know Rainbow Dash's usually not a fan of all that sappy stuff!" "True that!" as she gave A.J. a fist bump. "Well, I'm glad that's over!" Princess Twilight said. "What else is on the agenda?" "I'm going to check on Scootaloo and the others, alright?" Rainbow asked. "Feel free to start another song without me!" "But who's going to be the other guitar player?" Sci-Twi asked. "I think Rarity will." Rainbow replied. "I've seen her play in so many awesome ways in Rock Band and Guitar Hero!" "Aww, thank you, darling!" Rarity blushed. "You ladies won't be disappointed!" "I'll be back!" as Rainbow went upstairs. So after all of this, there really is no clear winner between either me or Rainbow Dash. Applejack definitely made the right choice of pausing the game since one of us was essentially going to gloat over victory. I didn't know that I had it in me to become a bragger, but I was being saved the trouble of being told otherwise. "Your call, Rare." A.J. said as she picked up the bass. "What do ya wanna play now?" "Does pychedelic rock sound good to you?" "It sure is!" Pinkie said. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and I were now the ones playing in the meantime while Rainbow Dash went upstairs. I still kept the rhythm guitar, too. "Fluttershy, would you do the honors, sweetie?" Rarity asked as she handed her the controller. "Yay!" Fluttershy replied. "Ready girls?" "Ready!" The four of us shouted. "3, 2, 1, Go!" Fluttershy counted. I could hear the Cutie Mark Crusaders jumping up and down on Rainbow Dash's bed upstairs and it was quite loud. Luckily, since this is her house, she gets to make the rules. "Hey, um, can you three keep it down?" as Rainbow crept behind her bedroom door. "Sorry Rainbow Dash, but your bed is like a mighty spring!" Apple Bloom apologized. "Only Scootaloo and I are allowed to jump on it, but since you two are her friends, I'll let it slide." Rainbow noted. "Hey, what are you eating, Sweetie Belle?" "Mmm, I don't know! This wrapper says that this is a high protein bar." "That was my last one!" Rainbow cried. "You know that I need those bars to stay fit everyday!" "Is that the only way you stay fit?" Apple Bloom asked. "What does being captain of every team at Canterlot High tell you?" Rainbow asked. "Whatever, just make sure you keep an eye on your friends, squirt." She directed at Scootaloo and rubbed her head. "You got it, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo replied. "Thanks, I'm heading back down." Rainbow said as she patted her sister's head. Back downstairs, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and I were making short work of our current song. I never knew how much we could shred in such a short time, but it is very apparent. I could also hear Rainbow Dash's footsteps and she was already back in the living room with us. "What did I miss?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Not much, just a lovely performance!" Fluttershy answered. "For the most part, dear, it was pretty snazzy!" Rarity added. "You want to take this back, Rainbow Dash?" "Nah, I'm good! I'm actually interested about what awesome song you four are going to play next, and then I'll come back in, Rarity." What gives? I thought to myself. Rainbow Dash doesn't usually sit out when she plays with us. Back at Rara's tournament in Manehattan, she...sort of sat out, so we had Rarity fill in for her. Other than that, she always remained as the lead guitarist for the Rainbooms. "What do y'all want to play next?" A.J. asked. "I got it!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Scroll down, Fluttershy!" "More?" "Two more down and...bingo!" Pinkie said. "You girls ready?" "When I'm finished setting this up, we can roll." Rarity said as she's hooking her phone up to a tripod. "I thought your phone ran out of memory, Rarity." Sci-Twi said. "Oh, I deleted a video that took up almost all of the memory, so my phone is eligible again for another shooting." Rarity replied. "It was the battle between us and the Dazzlings, by the way." "Why'd ya delete that one?" A.J. interrogated. "I didn't even know ya snapped a video of that in the first place!" "Well, before the rest of us went onstage to help you, Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer, and Pinkie Pie, I just had to capture the climax of Rara's tournament!" Rarity mentioned. "Of course you did." Princess Twilight rolled her eyes amusingly. "You want to go ahead and count them down again, Fluttershy?" as Spike slowly woke up. "Ready whenever you are, girls!" She said. "READY!" The four of us got prepared. "3, 2, 1, Go!" Fluttershy counted down again and started up the song. "Have you prepared everything, Mrs. Shores?" Countess Coloratura asked as she was speaking to Sapphire Shores on the phone. "Not yet, I'm working as quickly as possible to make sure we have the necessities for the tournament." Sapphire said. "What about flying everyone over?" Rara inquired. "You know James is getting a bit tired of having to pay for every single one of his flights, despite how rich he is." "Don't worry, I'm paying for every band's flight, and only if you want, you can pitch in too, Miss Coloratura." Sapphire offered. "I'll have to think about it." She replied. "Which continent are we all going to, if I may ask?" "South Mareica, and specifically, Brayzil." Sapphire Shores responded. "Isn't that country a bit dangerous?" The other pop star raised. "Nonsense, everything's going to be fine, Miss Coloratura!" Sapphire relieved. "I hope, because the last thing I need is a bunch of deranged maniacs showing up and ruining a big competition."
1. Rest AssuredWith the Dazzlings beaten once again, we have finally been handed another victory. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and I are still technically the original lineup for Rara's tournament, but it is nice to see our other friends join us up here to defeat the Dazzlings. Starlight Glimmer generously gave us the win instead of finishing our previous matchup and we thanked her for that. I'll admit that it does take some commitment for her to just hand us a victory, but she insisted anyway. Everyone watching had their spirits lifted as they continued to cheer for us. I really wasn't expecting the Dazzlings to come back, not even after the Battle of the Bands. To this day, I still find it brutal that they overpowered my friends last time. Am I really the new best answer to everything? In my opinion, I don't think so. That's why I have to help my best friends and they have to help me as well. We're all in this together. Always. Still, I wonder why Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze fled from their leader. "Sunset, darling?" Rarity asked. I didn't see any lyrics appear on the screen yet, but luckily both of our Twilight Sparkles can handle them if they come back up. "Yes Rarity?" Her keytar playing is some of the best I've ever seen, both in game and in reality. "How do you feel right now?" She had a smile on her face. "I'm tired, but I'm having fun. Thanks for asking!" She winked at me. "You're welcome!" I winked back at her and giggled for a bit. For some reason, despite me being completely happy with my friends all around me, the space between us feels tightly packed. But hey, what can we do? This place is not an average theater, even for a city like Manehattan. Our little friend, Spike, was also watching us with his Changeling buddies. "What do you think, Thorax? Are they awesome or what?" "I agree!" The leader replied. "They never let us down, Thorax." Starlight Glimmer said. She was a bit shaky after all the destruction caused by the Dazzlings. "Whew!" "Cousin Applejack sure kicked the Dazzlings to the curb!" Babs Seed roused herself. "How do you think she felt about them coming back, Babs?" Starlight questioned. "At least, she didn't bite off more than she could chew, otherwise that'd be bad business! My cousin could handle those dastardly people either way!" "Well played, hehe!" Suri Polomare giggled. "Rainbooms rule!" Cheese Sandwich added. Countess Coloratura, or Rara, got closer to us. "That was a brilliant performance, wasn't it ladies and gentlemen?" She was very impressed, along with James Hetfield and Sapphire Shores. "What a nice way to actually end off the tournament!" "Now, it's time for every single band to come out and be a part of the biggest group picture ever!" James announced. "Let's bring them out!" "First: the Trottingham Blazers!" Sapphire Shores listed. " Come on out, you guys!" She had a whole roster of all the bands. "Ah, our very first opponents of this tournament!" A.J. felt reminiscent. "You said it, Applejack!" as Pinkie Pie gave her a high five. "Secondly, we have the Crystal Prep Shadowbolts!" Sapphire advanced. Sour Sweet, who was tucked in the audience, had a blast throughout this whole thing and clapped vigorously. "YEAH!" The Shadowbolts used to be Canterlot High's biggest rivals, but not anymore. To be honest, as Applejack always says, they're not that bad at all. "Now for the almighty Appleloosa Gunslingers!" The pop star exclaimed. "C'mon, Braeburn!" Applejack cheered as her and Apple Bloom's cousin walked to the stage. "The magnificent Cloudsdale Twisters!" James howled. "Yay for home!" Fluttershy whispered. "The vicious Everfree Serpents!" Rara introduced. There came Twilight's boyfriend, Timber Spruce, along with Gloriosa, Zecora, and Discord. Twilight immediately blushed and blew Timber a kiss, which he returned as well. My other friends and I can never stop dreaming about how perfect those two look together. Someday, we'll be her best bridesmaids. "Bow down to 'The King,' because our next band is the Hive Changelings, led by Thorax!" James proclaimed. The crowd got on their knees and hailed, "All hail 'The King,' all hail 'The King!'" "We're already out here, sir!" Thorax saluted. "Even better!" James rephrased. "I hope they don't call out the Neighon Warriors!" Pinkie opposed. "Those guys were meanies!" "They've been killed by the Dazzlings, remember?" I remember Sonata exactly saying that she and her friends haven't 'repaid' them properly. "I'm really not a fan of either band as well!" "Moving on to...the Ponyville Savages, who've put on a great show during the semifinals!" Rara announced and even she knows about the Warriors' deaths. "We now have our third place winners out here!" "Hehe, I see Quibble Pants shaking nervously!" Rainbow giggled. "D'oh, I almost forgot!" Rara panicked. "Due to the Manehattan Enforcers giving the victory to the Rainbooms, they've earned second place. I have your trophy right here, guys!" She handed a big, silver trophy with an engraving that says '2nd Best Guitar Hero Band Ever' to Starlight's band. Babs, Starlight, Suri, and Cheese all feel so proud about making it very far in the tournament, and my friends and I are proud, too. They held up the trophy high enough for the world to see. "Last but certainly not least, we have our champions." Mr. Hetfield spoke into the microphone. "They're already out here so that saves us some trouble. Put your hands together...for the Rainbooms!" "Rainbooms, Rainbooms, Rainbooms!" The world chanted our name. "Excellent!" as Rara rubbed her hands together. "Unfortunately, some bands were either in a hurry or unable to make it to our closing ceremonies, so we'll congratulate them at a later time! Is this everyone we've got?" "Yes ma'am!" All the bands, including ours, replied. "Perfect, now can you all line up for zee photo?" Photo Finish requested of us. "This is going to be zee photo of zee century!" Spike quickly rushed into Twilight's arms as he wanted to get in the picture as well. We were all lined up, with some of the other bands standing behind us. It's no surprise that we got to be up in the very front since we've won. "What catchphrase should we use in the picture?" Sapphire Shores wondered. "Give me the camera, lady." James begged. "Say rock and roll!" He was now holding the photographer's camera. "Rock and roll!" All bands shouted and the picture was taken. "Fantastic!" Rara gleamed. "I'll be sure to post this somewhere on the internet! Well, that's all the time we have, folks! Thank you all so much for attending and watching each shred-off live! As for the bands that have competed here for the past few days, thank you so much for accepting my invitations to come and compete against each other! You all really brought some good stuff to the table!" "HOORAY!!!" The world yelled so loudly. "See you all next time!" The three hosts bid the people farewell and proceeded to leave with an escort team out the back door. I noticed that the camera crew stopped recording the tournament because...it's over. We all shook each other's hands and greeted each other like true players. According to Rainbow Dash, this was true sportsmanship. After some regrouping, we all left out the back door and it was getting dark. The train station wasn't far from the theater, so we took our time getting there. "I'm so spent, ladies!" Rarity breathed out heavily. "But, I sure found this tournament to be an elegant ride!" "I never thought we'd have to use magic again." Fluttershy said. "It's only temporary, Fluttershy." Princess Twilight reminded. "If yet another baddie wants to mess with us, then we'll stop that from happening." "I agree, Twilight!" Applejack stated. "Apple Bloom, where are ya going now?" "To buy a candy apple? Ya want one, sis?" Apple Bloom has spotted a convenience store near the station. "Yeah please, sugarcube!" "I didn't know they sell candy apples here!" Pinkie's mouth began watering. "This city has everything!" Rainbow exaggerated. "I'm surprised you haven't figured that out already, Pinkie, but no disrespect." "None taken!" As I hear the sound of wheels screeching, it looked out to be that the train to Canterlot City was approaching the station. Apple Bloom got back to us as soon as possible, along with her and her sister's candy apples. If I'm being totally honest, I would've gone for one myself. I do find it cute though, however, to see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sleepwalking while leaning by and holding on to Rarity and Rainbow Dash. We all finally got on our train going back home. "All aboard the express train to Canterlot City!" The conductor called out. And so, we went off. We were seated in the very first car and the train didn't really shake us too much. "Wake me up when we get there, okay girls?" as Spike began his slumber. "Hehe, you were such a sleepy head during the tournament, Spike!" Fluttershy giggled. "It's a regular habit of his, don't question it." Sci-Twi whispered. "I was about to say that about my Spike!" Princess Twilight brought up. "Your Spike, her Spike, blah blah blah." Rainbow mumbled. "The eggheads have been doubled!" I had to defend my best friends, and while Dash was one of them, I still get a bit annoyed when it comes to her words. "Chillax, Rainbow Dash." "Sorry, Sunset and Twilights." She apologized. "Boy, y'all have gone tired and over your heads after us winning, huh?" as A.J. licked her candy apple. "To be honest, me too!" "Rara really wanted us to shine so bright!" Rarity commented. "After sitting and filling in for Rainbow Dash a little bit, I need to stretch out the old legs. Even someone fabulous like me has to obtain some R 'n R!" "You said it, pal!" Pinkie agreed. "Hey girls?" Rainbow asked. "Yeah Rainbow Dash?" All of our heads bumped into each other's. "You know what game that we haven't played in a while? Rock Band!" The game she mentioned really sounded familiar to me. "Oh yeah, I remember! What about it?" I just realized that my friends sighed simultaneously of the nostalgia that Rock Band brought to us. "What do you say we play some of it at my house when we get back?" Rainbow smirked. "I still got the band kit for it!" "Umm, didn't you say that you stored the instruments in your basement, Rainbow Dash?" Sci-Twi asked. "That was a long time ago!" "Speaking of a long time ago, I still have our very first recording of us playing Rock Band!" Rarity mentioned. "It's on my phone right now!" "May we see it, Rarity?" Fluttershy huddled in. "Absolutely, sweetie! Everyone, come gather around!" I, for one, am excited to see this video again. I remember that I was playing along with Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity. Applejack wasn't in it because there's no bass in the song that we chose. "Loading...and good to go!" Rarity confirmed. "Was this the first time that I had to hit the most notes?" "Nope, but ya really nailed it, Rare!" A.J. winked. "I really loved the drum tone for this song!" Pinkie said. "Yeah, this was a good break from all of the hard rock and heavy metal songs that we've played!" I continued to watch in silence. "Did my voice crack here, by the way?" "I don't think so, Sunset." Fluttershy responded. "Your voice was perfect and it will always be!" "Thanks Fluttershy!" I patted her head. "This game had an awesome setlist, in my opinion!" Rainbow claimed. "You all know that sequels came, right?" "Uh-huh!" We all nodded. "Good times!" Both Twilights smiled. The song was quite short, but at both the time the four of us played it and now, we still enjoyed it. Like I said, it was a nice break from other genres we were used to. "Awesome!" as Rainbow finished watching the clip with us. "Before we get back into Rock Band, can I show an old Guitar Hero clip?" "Yeah, Rainbow!" We all accepted. "Let me find it really quick. Okay, I've got it! Play!"
2. Sunset Shimmer vs. Rainbow Dash"I felt like my throat was going to die on me at that time!" I gulped. "You actually had the hardest job, Sunset." Sci-Twi recalled. "It takes some serious vocals to master this song, but you were able to do it." "Barely." "One never knows, darling!" Rarity wiggled a finger at me. "Did you have a warmup before going in?" "I drank like two bottles of water and I didn't feel sick, so does that answer your question, Rarity?" "I'll take it indeed!" She hummed. "Good!" Singing has been something I really love doing, but it sometimes strains my throat. But as they say, 'practice makes perfect!' On that note, Twilight was right about one thing: I did have the hardest job. It probably wouldn't have been different for her if she tried the song. The train stopped at Las Pegasus, which was the next stop. While waiting for some passengers to get on, I couldn't help but laugh at Rarity drooling over how luxurious this place is. I could say the same about my other friends. Applejack and Fluttershy have mentioned to me at one point that they were here for vacation, but they had to fix some big scandal. I'm glad they did it, though. "Ah, the memory of this place remains in my head!" A.J. breathed out. "Uh-huh!" Fluttershy nodded. "Spike, wake up!" "Hmm, are we home from Camp Everfree?" "No silly!" Pinkie slapped herself on the knee. "We're heading home from Rara's tournament, remember? You must be dreaming about chasing squirrels again!" "Agh!" He yawned. "Twilight, can you use your magic to fix my sleeping problem?" "I don't think you have narcolepsy, Spike." Sci-Twi said. "If you did, then there's nothing that we could do about it. Sorry!" "Wake me up when we ACTUALLY get there!" He resumed his sleep. "What's wrong, Apple Bloom?" A.J. checked. "I don't like this place!" She groaned. "It's full of filthy rich idiots!" "Ya think I give a pickled pippin' about them?" Her sister disregarded. "At least Flim and Flam aren't rivals with Granny Smith anymore. I have to thank ya for helping me, Fluttershy!" "You're welcome, Applejack!" "I still don't like this place." Apple Bloom toned down. I rolled my eyes and smiled over their conversation. Somehow, Princess Twilight started to fall asleep right after her other self talked to Spike. I might as well do the same to pass up the time. After all, it was starting to become the evening and we've been at Rara's tournament for a couple of days. I closed my eyes and so did the rest of us. "Next stop: Canterlot City!" The conductor shouted. He officially closed the cars' doors and and began to drive the locomotive. We have finally returned home. I got out of the train car to find out that my friends have some serious bags under their eyes, which was quite bizarre. Whether they've been dreaming happily or nightmarishly, I kind of don't want to know. "Awesome, we're here!" Rainbow fist pumped. "My house then?" "Yeah!" We all got together and stayed behind Rainbow Dash. "What about us?" Sweetie Belle asked. "You can crash in my room for a while!" Rainbow suggested. "Scoots, you can show them where it is. Just try not to make a mess or else...I'll be peeved!" "Language..." Fluttershy softly spoke. "I can show them, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo volunteered. "We won't make a mess! Right girls?" "Uhh, yeah!" The other Cutie Mark Crusaders stuttered. "Thanks squirt!" as Rainbow patted her sister's head. "Come on, girls!" As we followed her to her house in order to play some Rock Band, I noticed something strange going on. People kept staring at us at every block we came across. Even at stoplights, drivers had their windows rolled up so that they can look at us, too. Everyone's jaws had dropped as soon as they saw us and not a single word came out. We all seemed pretty fazed about this. "Did Starlight Glimmer create a new movement?" Pinkie sniffed around. "Nonsense, Pinkie!" Rarity called out. "Why would she force everyone back into equality? We've forgiven her before and there's been no reason for her to become insane again!" "Impossible." Princess Twilight declared. "Wait a minute." I stopped in my tracks. "Do any of you remember something else about Rara's tournament?" "No, but I did hear her saying that everything's going to be on TV." Rainbow thought. "Maybe that must be it! What if us winning just caused these people to look at us like this?" "Well, if that's the case, then they should at least say something." Sci-Twi said. "I find it creepy that we're being stared at!" "Rarity, these people are freaking me out!" Her sister shivered. "Don't worry, Sweetie Belle, we're almost at Rainbow Dash's house. Hmm, if only she would stop getting distracted by the civilians!" "We're all getting distracted!" Rainbow made up. "It's just around the corner." It wasn't a typical day for us in the Downtown area of Canterlot City, now that we know we're being eyed. But around the corner was actually Rainbow Dash's house and the block before the current one was Carousel Boutique. We then crossed the street and arrived at Rainbow's blue house. How she was able to afford living in a nice place like this is beyond imagination. "We're here!" She exclaimed as she grabbed her keys out of her pocket. "This is going to be so much fun!" Pinkie jumped and down. "Follow me, girls!" as Scootaloo lead the CMCs upstairs after the door opened. "Wow, have you redecorated your house, Rainbow Dash?" Rarity admired. "It looks so stunning!" "Uhh, yeah, thanks Rarity!" She blushed and scratched her head. "Can I get any of you something to eat or drink?" "You remember the last time you've fed us snacks? I think I'll pass." "Sunset!" Fluttershy gasped. "May I have some water, Rainbow Dash?" "You got it, Fluttershy! Anyone else?" "No, but thanks!" We all pardoned. "Sorry." Rainbow went to her kitchen and we all sat down in her living room. I sat with Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity on one side of her big couch and both Twilights, Fluttershy, and Spike were on the other side. In the middle was the perfect space for Rainbow Dash. I must admit that it's always comfortable sitting down here every time we come over to visit her. "She lied to us!" A.J. cried. "The darn band kit's already set up right in front of us!" "Would you blame Dashie?" Pinkie shrugged. "I just want this to be a good time for us!" "It's probably just a small memory problem, no big deal." Sci-Twi explained. "I thought you said she kept the instruments down in her basement a while ago." Her other self countered. "Yes, but Rainbow Dash could've also confused both band kits with each other when she set them up." Rarity inferred. "Ehh?" Fluttershy looked mystified. "Even I find this to be confusing." "I'm back!" Rainbow Dash reminded. "Here you go, Fluttershy!" She handed her water to her in a cold plastic bottle. "Thank you!" "No problem!" The athletic girl welcomed. "So are we going to get started or what?" "I don't know." Rarity jumbled. "Who's going first?" "I thought we discussed the plan on the train: the usual lineup!" Sci-Twi stated. "And who will that be, Twilight?" I'm guessing anonymously. "Err, I don't know! It's all really up to you girls!" "I've got an idea!" Rainbow Dash smirked. "Sunset?" "Yeah Rainbow?" "Would you like to be my opponent?" She giggled. "WHAT?" The rest of us uttered. "But why do you want to battle me all of a sudden?" "This is just for fun and plus, I want to see if you have what it takes to keep up with me!" Rainbow challenged. "Maybe the rest of us will join in once this is over." "Oh, is that so?" I grinned widely. "You think you have what it takes to be a lead guitarist?" "You want me to test your rhythm, Sunset?" Rainbow asked. "Let's get to it, then! Whoever hits more notes twice is the winner!" "Deal!" She shook my hand. After we shook hands, I turned the TV on to the right setting and I started up Rock Band. On the floor were two guitars: one for me and one for Rainbow Dash. We both strapped them onto ourselves and we looked ready to go. "Are ya recording this, Rarity?" A.J. facepalmed. "Why not, darling? This is going to be pure gold and I shall save this in my cosmic archives!" "I'm going to enjoy this!" as Fluttershy took a sip of her water. "A.J., here's the regular controller." Rainbow handed it to her. "You're going to count us down for both rounds, okay?" "I got ya covered!" She winked. "Are you ready, Rainbow Dash?" "I'm always ready!" "Ooh, I'm so nervouscited!" Pinkie let out. "Ya do realize that's not a real word, right?" A.J. raised an eyebrow. "Anyways, let's do this, y'all! Three..." "I must watch this at once!" Spike woke up. "Two..." A.J. counted. "Bring it on!" Both Rainbow and I spit it out. "One..." A.J. counted more. "GO!!!" Then, she selected the song and we went off. "Don't worry, ladies, I'll send this to you all later so we can all dig in the glory!" Rarity chuckled. "I'ma just sit back and enjoy this!" Pinkie noted. "Where's the popcorn?" "Hehe, you could've told Rainbow Dash to bring you some when she asked us!" Princess Twilight rolled her eyes. "I know, but I didn't feel hungry at that point!" Pinkie frowned. "Oh well, I'm off to the kitchen! Who wants something?" "We're good!" The rest of my friends complied. "You better not eat the rest of my sandwich, Pinkie!" as Rainbow quickly turned her head around. "Nice try, Sunset!" At the same time, I feel so nervous and excited, or nervouscited as how Pinkie would put it, about facing Rainbow Dash. We've battled each other with our real guitars, but we've never battled on a game like Guitar Hero or Rock Band. I'd say I can at least get on Dash's level, but that's only if she wasn't so fast. I'm not against her playing style, I do love it with respect, but it is pretty even between us right now. "No distractions allowed!" Rainbow pointed out. "It's not like you've ever been distracted." I returned. "I'm not doing a single thing." "Those civilians from the city counted as a distraction for you, Rainbow Dash." Rarity remarked as she held her phone camera. "They were a distraction to all of us!" Rainbow corrected. "Wait Applejack, why'd you stop the song?" "Uhh, ya both might wanna look out the front window!" "What did I miss?" as Pinkie came back with her popcorn. "Hey, who are..." "It's those people from the city!" I panicked. "And, they're...holding little books?" "Those books look awfully small to me." as Spike climbed up to get a view. "Small books and astonished people, huh?" Sci-Twi calculated. "I think you're onto something, Sunset!" "I am?" "Yes. I think these people are amazed by us winning at the tournament back in Manehattan." Twilight came up. "Well, how do they know where I even live?" Rainbow seemed factious. "I guess we should've checked our surroundings in the first place." Rarity realized. "What're we going to do?" "I'll be back." Rainbow was about to go to the kitchen, only for her to be stopped by me. "Where do you think you're going, Rainbow?" "To get something for these people to leave us alone?" "I know what you're thinking about, and I don't want this to result in the rest of us creating a fake pandemic!" "Aww man!" She sighed. "I thought that they were going to kill us!" Fluttershy began to curl up into a ball. "If we're becoming famous now, then should we sign their darn books?" A.J. wondered. "No, Sunset and I need to finish our match!" Rainbow denied. "That's no reason to be rude, Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy argued. "No, the reason to be rude is that these people keep staring at us and despite you being scared around them, you want us to go out there!" "Stop it!" The Princess of Friendship finished off their conversation. "Let's just leave them hanging at the front and eventually, they'll get bored and leave. Does that sound good to you girls?" "Uh-huh." We all inclined back to the living room. "Well, I don't think this round counted since we obviously got distracted, so you can pick another song, Applejack." "That's totally awesome and fine by me, Sunset." Rainbow said. "A'ight, I got it!" A.J. confirmed her selection. "Ready you two?" "Ready!" "I should start a new recording!" Rarity brought up. "3, 2, 1, Go!" A.J. started up. With that being settled, Rainbow Dash and I resumed our battle. It was for real this time, though I really do feel bad about turning down the people outside for autographs. Hopefully when this is done, they're still out there waiting. If the whole city was outside, then Princess Twilight definitely made the right decision about ignoring them.
3. More Shenanigans"It looks like the needle is pointing towards Sunset's side!" Pinkie exclaimed. "It's called the Rock Meter, darling." Rarity said. "The colors on both sides really are a perfect match for Sunset Shimmer and Rainbow Dash!" "Hmm, this battle needs more wah pedals." A.J. thought as she rubbed her chin. She then got hit in the back of the head by Rarity's phone. "Oww, watch where you're holding that thing, Rare!" "I'm sorry, but I must get every single shot of this soon-to-be phenomenon!" Rarity exclaimed while holding her phone camera. "Wow, those two look so determined to win, and this isn't even a real competition!" Sci-Twi said. "Tell me about it!" Fluttershy added. "Just imagine what Sunset and Rainbow will be like in Sapphire Shores' tournament!" Princess Twilight thought. "Aww shucks, Twilight!" A.J. said. "We just came back from Rara's tournament, so she could at least give us like a month or two before we rock 'n roll again!" "I don't know, Sapphire Shores works quickly!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Remember that time she hired me to arrange her wedding party?" "Well, it was a good thing that you brought more than one cake, dear, because you literally devoured the main one after you brought it out of the kitchen!" Rarity replied. "That was weird, but it's not going to stop me from winning, Sunset!" Rainbow proposed. "I'm not even trying at this point!" Seeing how the Rock Meter was pointing to my side, I felt confident about beating Rainbow Dash, but she wasn't also ready to give up yet. I know how hard she plays and keeping up with her during real band practice is actually easier than expected. As the battle between us continued, we did notice that the crazy fans have finally left. Still, I felt really bad about turning down their requests for us to sign their little books. I didn't even know the Rainbooms would already become famous. "Zzz..." as Spike started to take a nap. "Again Spike?" Sci-Twi confronted. "That's like the fifth time today you've fallen asleep!" "He probably got bored of this, so there he goes again." as Fluttershy rubbed Spike's back. "Alright y'all, I've had enough!" A.J. yelled. "I'm turning this off now!" She paused the game and ejected the disc from the console. "Hey, what did you do that for, A.J.? I was about to win!" "What gives?" Rainbow asked. "Has it appeared to the both of y'all that you're getting carried away?" A.J. asked. "C'mon, we know how darn good you both are at guitar, but ya don't need to go against each other!" "I said this was just for fun!" Rainbow explained. "Actually, now that you mention it, this didn't seem as fun as I thought it was going to be." Pinkie sighed. "Trust me, y'all." A.J. said. "I know where this going and I don't want you two to fight over who's better than the other." "She's right." I admitted. "I did feel very cocky and confident, but perhaps I might've developed too much pride in myself. I was afraid that if I had beaten you, Rainbow Dash, you wouldn't take it very well. I was about to rub it in, but I realized how wrong of me it would be to do that. I'm really sorry!" "What're you talking about, Sunset?" Rainbow asked me. "I don't care if I lost or won, and even though losing doesn't seem awesome to me, it hurts me if you actually become egotistical. I learned that the hard way after the Battle of the Bands." "So what?" "Either way, like Pinkie Pie said, this was supposed to be fun, and I did enjoy playing with you, so you should feel the same." Rainbow said. "Just please don't get sad over trying too hard in a match like this!" "Ya took the words right out of my mouth, Rainbow Dash!" A.J. added. "I'm sorry if I got carried away too, Sunset." Rainbow apologized. "Don't be. I will always forgive you and even someone like you knows that you don't like to brag about winning on purpose." "Are we still friends then?" Rainbow asked. "Always." I went to go hug her and she did the same to me. "There's nothing that I have against you, Rainbow Dash." "Neither do I." "Aww, that was so sweet!" Rarity gushed. "My phone literally just reached the maximum period for recording videos!" "Then ya might want to edit out that last part, Rare!" A.J. joked. "I know Rainbow Dash's usually not a fan of all that sappy stuff!" "True that!" as she gave A.J. a fist bump. "Well, I'm glad that's over!" Princess Twilight said. "What else is on the agenda?" "I'm going to check on Scootaloo and the others, alright?" Rainbow asked. "Feel free to start another song without me!" "But who's going to be the other guitar player?" Sci-Twi asked. "I think Rarity will." Rainbow replied. "I've seen her play in so many awesome ways in Rock Band and Guitar Hero!" "Aww, thank you, darling!" Rarity blushed. "You ladies won't be disappointed!" "I'll be back!" as Rainbow went upstairs. So after all of this, there really is no clear winner between either me or Rainbow Dash. Applejack definitely made the right choice of pausing the game since one of us was essentially going to gloat over victory. I didn't know that I had it in me to become a bragger, but I was being saved the trouble of being told otherwise. "Your call, Rare." A.J. said as she picked up the bass. "What do ya wanna play now?" "Does pychedelic rock sound good to you?" "It sure is!" Pinkie said. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and I were now the ones playing in the meantime while Rainbow Dash went upstairs. I still kept the rhythm guitar, too. "Fluttershy, would you do the honors, sweetie?" Rarity asked as she handed her the controller. "Yay!" Fluttershy replied. "Ready girls?" "Ready!" The four of us shouted. "3, 2, 1, Go!" Fluttershy counted. I could hear the Cutie Mark Crusaders jumping up and down on Rainbow Dash's bed upstairs and it was quite loud. Luckily, since this is her house, she gets to make the rules. "Hey, um, can you three keep it down?" as Rainbow crept behind her bedroom door. "Sorry Rainbow Dash, but your bed is like a mighty spring!" Apple Bloom apologized. "Only Scootaloo and I are allowed to jump on it, but since you two are her friends, I'll let it slide." Rainbow noted. "Hey, what are you eating, Sweetie Belle?" "Mmm, I don't know! This wrapper says that this is a high protein bar." "That was my last one!" Rainbow cried. "You know that I need those bars to stay fit everyday!" "Is that the only way you stay fit?" Apple Bloom asked. "What does being captain of every team at Canterlot High tell you?" Rainbow asked. "Whatever, just make sure you keep an eye on your friends, squirt." She directed at Scootaloo and rubbed her head. "You got it, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo replied. "Thanks, I'm heading back down." Rainbow said as she patted her sister's head. Back downstairs, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and I were making short work of our current song. I never knew how much we could shred in such a short time, but it is very apparent. I could also hear Rainbow Dash's footsteps and she was already back in the living room with us. "What did I miss?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Not much, just a lovely performance!" Fluttershy answered. "For the most part, dear, it was pretty snazzy!" Rarity added. "You want to take this back, Rainbow Dash?" "Nah, I'm good! I'm actually interested about what awesome song you four are going to play next, and then I'll come back in, Rarity." What gives? I thought to myself. Rainbow Dash doesn't usually sit out when she plays with us. Back at Rara's tournament in Manehattan, she...sort of sat out, so we had Rarity fill in for her. Other than that, she always remained as the lead guitarist for the Rainbooms. "What do y'all want to play next?" A.J. asked. "I got it!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Scroll down, Fluttershy!" "More?" "Two more down and...bingo!" Pinkie said. "You girls ready?" "When I'm finished setting this up, we can roll." Rarity said as she's hooking her phone up to a tripod. "I thought your phone ran out of memory, Rarity." Sci-Twi said. "Oh, I deleted a video that took up almost all of the memory, so my phone is eligible again for another shooting." Rarity replied. "It was the battle between us and the Dazzlings, by the way." "Why'd ya delete that one?" A.J. interrogated. "I didn't even know ya snapped a video of that in the first place!" "Well, before the rest of us went onstage to help you, Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer, and Pinkie Pie, I just had to capture the climax of Rara's tournament!" Rarity mentioned. "Of course you did." Princess Twilight rolled her eyes amusingly. "You want to go ahead and count them down again, Fluttershy?" as Spike slowly woke up. "Ready whenever you are, girls!" She said. "READY!" The four of us got prepared. "3, 2, 1, Go!" Fluttershy counted down again and started up the song. "Have you prepared everything, Mrs. Shores?" Countess Coloratura asked as she was speaking to Sapphire Shores on the phone. "Not yet, I'm working as quickly as possible to make sure we have the necessities for the tournament." Sapphire said. "What about flying everyone over?" Rara inquired. "You know James is getting a bit tired of having to pay for every single one of his flights, despite how rich he is." "Don't worry, I'm paying for every band's flight, and only if you want, you can pitch in too, Miss Coloratura." Sapphire offered. "I'll have to think about it." She replied. "Which continent are we all going to, if I may ask?" "South Mareica, and specifically, Brayzil." Sapphire Shores responded. "Isn't that country a bit dangerous?" The other pop star raised. "Nonsense, everything's going to be fine, Miss Coloratura!" Sapphire relieved. "I hope, because the last thing I need is a bunch of deranged maniacs showing up and ruining a big competition."
