Feeling the Rhythm: A New Beatby DougtheLoremasterChaptersPrologueChapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 1PrologueSitting on his bed, the young adolescent colt held the instrument in his hooves; staring at the steel guitar. The best bits could buy, the amethyst-colored sheen of the magically forged instrument shown against his own black fur. Inlaid with abalone shell and gold leaf, the condition of the electric guitar was immaculate. Around his neck was a studded, spiked collar, while his face boasted Dragonscale green lipstick on his muzzle, as well as a dark green eyeshadow. Gingerly, he strummed the taut strings as he tuned the treasured instrument. Making sure it was plugged into the amp, he raised up his hoof, before wailing on the guitar, his music fast and vibrant, shaking the bedroom. The darkened room lit up with a multitude of colors as he slammed that metal, causing him to exhibit a rare smile before a knocking on the door was heard. “Twinkle, your mother and I are entertaining guests. Keep it down, please.” Instantly, the colors faded as he stopped to shout back. “Yeah, sorry mom!” On the other side of the door, Chrysalis just smirked. That kid of mine. Waiting until he heard her hoofsteps move from the door, Twinkle Starbright looked down at his guitar; it was a wonderful instrument and he was truly grateful for his Grandmare Starlight giving it to him, but he didn’t feel it. Reaching down, he unplugged the amp before rising up to stand in front of the mirror, and what he saw, hurt him to look at; this wasn’t him. He wiped off the eye shadow and lipstick, this isn’t me. He wasn’t a rocker. Not that he could tell his moms that. Stallions were musicians. That was the norm. That’s how it was. Tomorrow he will be starting his first year at Magical Melodies, the School of Musicians, to learn magic that stallions were expected to learn. But that wasn’t him. He looked around, before humming lightly and sliding his hoof out, as a custom sneaker appeared on it. The music picked up; a heavy metal beat, as the teen colt whirled, twirled, and flipped within his bedroom. An explosion of color filled the room; all hues and tones of psychedelia and for a moment he felt alive. Then came the knock at the door. Swiftly, he picked up the guitar and hid his hooves under his bed as he plopped down on to it still sporting the telltale sneakers. The door creaked open and Chrysalis smiled warmly at him. “Honey, I know you’re excited for tomorrow, and I am proud of your desire to practice, but do try to keep it down. Alright.” Dripping sweat, from his frantic movements, Twinkle nervously chuckled. “Sorry mom, I just can't help it sometimes.” Chuckling, The Co-ruling Queen of Equestria, Chrysalis Sparkle, smiled lovingly at him. “I know exactly what you mean, but I think you should stop practicing for the night and join us downstairs, Luna is asking for you.” “Alright mom, I’ll be down in a minute.” “That’s my colt.” As soon as the door closed once more, Twinkle let out a sigh of misery as he looked down at the instrument in his hooves. This wasn’t him, but he couldn’t tell his parents, he couldn’t dash their hopes of him. As the first-ever Prince of Equestria, he had so much to prove, and he didn’t want to let anypony down. “~And when the Rainbows Start falling too, Fade away, Losing all their hue. Be it in the night or day, I’ll stay with you, My some-pone-ay~” Laying on her cloud bed, Rainbow Jr. listened to the dulcet tones of the top ten reaching “Falling Rainbows” in her headphones. She loved the song and listened to it daily. It always felt like a warm hug; the stallion’s voice seemed to permeate the inner reaches of her heart, as though the song was sung for her. And she wasn’t the only one. All around Equestria, mares and quite a few stallions had fallen for the gentle gravelly voice, as smooth as a rocky lakeshore but sweet like honey. The thing was nopony knew who the singer was. One day, the anonymous singer submitted the single, and the rest was history. Kicking her hooves to the beat, the daughter of the Pillar of Hip-hop, Rainbow Dash, couldn’t help but want to move to the rhythm, leaping off her bed to hover in the air. Like her mom, she performed a more freestyle dance to the bopping beat as she hovered above the cloudy floor of her home. Wiggling her forehooves, she pretended to be made of metal, with hinges and servos; a robot learning to move. Swinging her various joints her movements slowly became more and more fluid, until she was whirling at almost tornado velocity; creating a cyclone within her room and an explosion of color burst forth completely coloring her normally orange and red mane, with the various hues of the rainbow her family was known for. Coming to a rest in front of her mirror, she grinned as the cyclone died down, leaving a windswept look for her mane; wild and untamed, like her. The cyan-furred Pegasus couldn’t help but feel something was missing, though. Reaching out to a phone on her wall, she dialed the number of a close friend, her magenta eyes shining in excitement. Impatiently she muttered as she waited. “C’mon, C’mon! Pick up!” “Hello?” The voice on the other end was soft-spoken and sweet. Rainbow Jr. grinned as she exclaimed. “Charity! I was listening to it again! Let’s meet in the pasture and cut a rug, I’m in the mood to paint the sky!” There was a pause before the feminine voice replied with a silky tone. “Alright. I’ll be there shortly, see you soon, sweetie.” Crystal Charity smiled happily as she hung up the phone, practically galloping over to the mirror above her dresser where she immediately began fussing over her scarlet and amethyst mane. After several minutes, her mane and tail were coifed, in a mirrored representation of her mother, the Pillar of Swing Dance, Rarity. Carefully the adolescent Unicorn applied a light scarlet eye shadow and applied a thin coat of lipstick to her muzzle. Taking a nearby mannequin’s hoof, she swung it out as a Jazz quartet played a bumpin' rhythm, pulling it back towards her in a fierce twirl. As the dancing progressed and the music reached its climax, an explosion of scarlet and amethyst light fell upon her and she smiled approvingly at the designer amethyst short gown that now graced her frame. Wait until Rainbow sees this ensemble. She called out excitedly. “Mom, I’m going dancing with Rainbow!” From her sewing room, Rarity replied. “Back by 9, young mare. Have fun!” Bolting for the stairs, the young mare seemed to be in a hurry. Grabbing the jacket hanging by the door, hit the stairwell, race to the front door, fling it open and - “Young mare, where do you think you’re going?” Turning, the adolescent Pegasus found herself face-to-face with a monstrous creature; a serpentine body with scales, feathers, and a mismatch of limbs, including the claw of a griffon. A dranquonicus, the Lord of Chaos, Discord, stared down at his daughter sternly, his red irises seemingly peering into her very soul, waiting for an answer. Scuffing her hoof sheepishly, Feather Dance replied. “Oh. Dad, I was just going on a nature trot and-” “Play guitar, perhaps record another track, Miss Falling Rainbows?” “Dad I don’t know what you-” Her voice faltered as the look on his face told her he already knew. She panicked and whimpered. “Please don’t tell mom.” Discord chuckled. “Don’t worry I won’t tell her.” “That’s because she already knows.” Stepping from the kitchen a Pegasus mare with the same buttercream-colored fur as her daughter, spoke up. From head to hooves she was decorated with various tattoos of animals to go with her dark pink mane as it whipped and flowed around her neck. Her wild appearance was offset by the gentleness in her emerald-colored eyes. Feather Dance winced. “Hey, mom. How did you-” “We found your equipment by the squirrels' nesting grounds. Why didn’t you tell us?” “You aren’t mad?” Chuckling, the Pillar of Wild Style; a master of naturalistic dances, Fluttershy shook her head. “Not at all. Are you upset, Discord?” “That my daughter has such a gorgeous voice and uses poison joke just to deepen it so she can pretend to be a stallion and have her song heard? No, not particularly. You know I love a little chaos.” Fluttershy nodded. “Agreed, sometimes a little chaos in the natural order can be fun.” Reaching behind the sofa, she pulled out an acoustic guitar that had a couple of leaves entangled in the frets. “Perhaps though, now you’ll realize you can come to us and tell us anything. I believe this is yours-” Giving a wink, Fluttershy continued. “My little stallion.” Feather Dance gave a squeal of excitement and gave her mom a hug as she said. “Thanks mom and dad!” Discord chuckled. “That’s our girl.” Rhyme and his cousin, Bop Pie, stared at the massive orchard of trees as their moms talked over by the barn. Tasked with harvesting the apples, Rhyme calmly rosined his bow up, while Bop did some light stretches. The son of Applejack, the Pillar of Square Dance, was well into his adolescence, almost a stallion; an Earthpony with an orange furred hide with a candy apple red mane and tail, with eyes of granny smith green. Meanwhile, Bop was the daughter of the Pillar of Freestyle, Pinkie Pie. Bop was slightly shorter than her cousin with a cotton candy blue mane and tail to go with her raspberry-colored hide. Energetic and excitable, she prepared herself as she watched Rhyme tune his fiddle. Slowly he pulled his bow across the strings, making a distinct whining before really laying into it, at a speed, bop could barely comprehend. She watched in excitement as all around the orchard the trees began to bob and weave as though dancing to the fiddler's tune. Her brilliant sky blue eyes flashed with joy and she kicked out her hoof as musical accompaniment joined Rhyme. An ensemble of a cowboy stetson and leather trimming appeared on her frame as a call was suddenly heard. “Swing yore pardner round and round…” As Bop performed the steps called out, over by the barn Applejack was startled to see the Square Dance. Looking at Pinkie she asked her. “So ya taught yore daughter Square Dancin’, huh?” Grinning, Pinkie replied. “Nope.” “But then how does she know it?” Shrugging Pinkie just laughed. “Beats me. But whatever dance you can do, she can do. It’s like she reads the pony next to her and performs whatever style they can do.” As Applejack sat mouth wide open, flabbergasted, the orchard of trees began to shake their leaves as if in applause as the dance came to a close and an explosion of light blue covered the entire area. Apples fell from the trees into the baskets waiting below, as Bop happily raced to gather them. At Canterlot Castle the music came to an end in a flurry of fireworks. The sundown waltz had come to a close. As the sun sank below the horizon and the moon rose into the starry night sky and Celestia and Luna, now retired from the ruling, gave a flourished bow and curtsy to their adoring fans watching on the promenade. In Ponyville, six teenagers lay down to rest, filly and colt alike, they closed their eyes to dream of the new school year. Tomorrow they will begin their first year in the twin academies; one for stallions, one for mares, and both to teach the magic of music. They don’t know each other, and they all come from different backgrounds. Each has a style of dance or song all their own, and each has no idea just what awaits them. Chapter 2Trudging through the door, Twinkle threw himself down onto the bed. His hooves and teeth were aching like crazy. “Ungh, that was awful.” “You were told you didn’t have to help, you know.” Walking through the door, Feather Dance looked worn out. For the crime of public indecency, the Dean had condemned Feather Dance to pulling all the weeds in the courtyard sans magic: “Your friend wasn’t a student at the time, but you Miss Dance, you should know better; not to do what you did. What you do in private is your own business. I was young once, I get it, but I will not tolerate it in my school where other students can see. No more public displays. Got it?” Grunting in exhaustion, Twinkle laughed. “You helped me, why wouldn’t I help you?” Feather Dance shrugged and headed towards the bathroom. “That’s fair, I suppose. I’m gonna hop in the shower, make yourself at home Sparkle; the fridges are stocked by magic in case you are hungry.” With that she closed the door and the sound of running water could be heard. Walking over to the fridge, Twinkle pulled out a crisp apple and walked over to the bathroom door before leaning against the doorframe. Taking a thoughtful bite, he called out. “Hey, Feathers?” “Yeah?” “Why did you help me?” There was a silence amidst the running water for a moment, before she replied through the wooden door. “Because I know what it’s like to want to be somepony else too.” Twinkle was silent in thought for a moment before a loud knocking was heard at the front door. Heading over to the door, Twinkle took a deep breath before opening the door and saying in a flowery voice. “Hello, how can I help-” He paused at seeing Lemon Sherbert standing red-faced before him. Without missing a beat he smiled and gave a practiced curtsy. “Hi again, sorry about earlier.” Lemon just stared at him for a moment before muttering. “No problem.” Clearing her throat she read off cue cards held by the Unicorn beside her. “Ahem- As President of the School, I am here to welcome you to our Private-” She glared at Twinkle, before continuing, ignoring the cue cards. “Institution. It’s a very prestigious honor that not every mare receives.- Through gritted teeth she nearly spat out. “Treasure it.” Taking a deep breath, as her friend placed a hoof lightly on her shoulder she said. “I-I’m fine, Sugar. I’m fine. Look- um what’s your name?” “Says here her name is Sparkle, Lemon.” “Thank you, Sugar. Look Sparkle, this is a very well-known school of dance. Every student has spent years practicing and going through grueling training to attend here. I don’t know why my mother allowed riffraff like you from off the street but you are one of us now. We don’t give up, we don’t stop, and we are the best. Don’t drag us down. Come Sugar.” Closing the door, as the two walked off, Twinkle felt bad. Like the taste of soured milk had filled his mouth. He did not like that Lemon Sherbert. At all. Still he couldn’t help but wonder, just why did the Dean let him in, especially if it was as prestigious a school as Lemon had said? On the Dean’s desk sat a letter, marked with a royal seal. On the parchment was a perfect calligraphy written in exquisite ink, that read: To the Dean of Melodious Twostepping Academy, It has come to my attention that my daughter wishes to attend your establishment. There will be no background check and no papers to sign. By royal decree, I insist you make allowances for her as a student. She is a bit shy, and has no experience, and I, in no way, am asking for special treatment in her education. In fact, I want you to push her harder than any other mare to surpass any limits she has on herself. She goes by the name of Sparkle Stardust, and is adept at ballet; how could she not be? Dancing is in her blood. Oh, and it has become known to me that she has made a friend with whom she resonates, a Feather Dance; the daughter of my good friend Fluttershy, you are forbidden from expelling her under any circumstance. Signed, Chrysalis Sparkle, Queen of Equestria The Dean sat sweating profusely, staring at the letter, reading and re-reading it, still in disbelief that the ruler of Equestria, herself, contacted her. The Queen’s daughter. At my school. Fantastic, but she wants me to put pressure on her? I can do that. Alright then, here’s what I’ll do. Reaching for the loudspeaker button, the Dean pressed down on it before calling into the microphone: “Will Diamond Charity, Rainbow Jr. Dash, and Bop Pie report to my office, I need to have a word with you three.” Chrysalis sat on her throne looking rather satisfied with herself as she slowly sipped a goblet of red wine. Next to her, her wife, Twilight Sparkle sat on her own throne, gently nibbling on a hayburger from McHaybales; her favorite. In front of both of them, a portal showing Twinkle Starbrite as he talked to Feather Dance through the bathroom door about how singing just never felt right to him. He spoke about how he loved to dance. And both Twilight and Chrysalis shared a knowing glance; it was in his blood, and they expected something like this to materialize sooner or later. “I’m glad to see this side of him, though I had wished he would have told us.” “Agreed, though the lengths he went through, that passion is to be commended. And you know how your mom is.” “True, she had high hopes for him being a rocker, didn’t she? I guess he didn’t want to upset her. After all, stallions don’t dance, they say.” “Ha. But our lovely ‘daughter’ will show them, won’t she?” “Indeed.” “Did you send the letter?” “Taken care of.” “Well, the rest is up to him.” Neither said another word, but both read the other’s thoughts. Their son, the first Alicorn born a male, was compelled to dance, and they couldn’t be prouder. Quietly, they continued their dinner both beaming at their young heir. Feather Dance stood before the oven and closed her eyes as a soothing melody began to play; like the sounds of a flowing waterfall and bird calls in nature. Ribbons appeared in her hooves as a leotard appeared on her body. Slowly she turned her forehooves causing the ribbons in them to spiral and float in the air before her eyes snapped open. Twinkle could barely follow her movements as Feather Dance whipped and twirled her ribbons at such speeds that it almost appeared like the ribbons were spinning and whirling on their own. Moving around like snakes as Feather Dance whirled and flipped in and out of them, the ribbons made an almost hissing sound adding to the flowing ambiance of the melody. Finally coming to a halt, Featherdance reached out and grabbed the still writhing ribbons, throwing them around her neck as the music faded. At once, the oven and microwave lights flickered excitedly as though in applause; as two plates of steaming carrots on whole wheat buns alongside sweet potato fries appeared on the counter. Twinkle was floored as he exclaimed in his mare voice. “That was amazing!” Feather Dance gave a light smile as the clothes vanished once more, and her cheeks turned bright red from embarrassment. She muttered shyly. “Thank you, sweetie, dinner’s ready.” “Where did you learn those moves?” “It’s a style known as ribbon dancing. My dad taught me to bring objects to life with my movements and my mom taught me how to dance with snakes; Wildstyle Dances are a family specialty. Anyway, it’s nothing to fuss over just a rudimentary cooking spell, really.” “It was brilliant. Your parents must be very proud.” Feather Dance sighed, as though in distress. “Yeah, probably…Anyway, let’s eat up.” Sitting there nibbling on his carrot, Twinkle noticed how quiet Feather Dance had become and asked. “Are you alright? I didn’t mean to upset you or anything.” After a moment of silence, Feather Dance took a breath as though mentally preparing herself as she responded. “It’s nothing you did. Twinkle, do you remember earlier what I said about knowing what it’s like to want to be somepony else?” “Yeah.” “Well…maybe I should just show you. Stay here.” Getting up, she went to her bedroom, leaving a confused Twinkle waiting. Moments later, Feather Dance re-emerged carrying an acoustic guitar, slung over her back. Twinkle looked on in silent shock as Feather Dance unslung her guitar and began expertly strumming it before a microphone suddenly appeared before her. Taking a breath she opened her muzzle and the most beautifully gravelly voice dripping with honey came forth: “~The colors fade away, And storm clouds are on the way, Some things aren't worth fighting over, There are weeds in our bed of clover, And still, You're asking for me to stay.~” Strumming the guitar, Feather Dance slowly opened her eyes, staring into Twinkle’s as she continued. “~We’ve known each other, For many yee-ars. We drank our wine, And cried salty tears. And now the twilight’s come at last, We leave behind our past, But our future is still uncer-tain.~” Tears filled Feather Dance’s eyes as she seemed to be recalling a memory, and still she strummed her heart out as she continued the haunting lyrics of her sweet song. Twinkle’s eyes went wide from shock as a massive burst of dark pink magic exploded forth and he clapped his hooves together excitedly; His hind hooves moving to the rhythm. Slowly he rose to his hooves and kicked out his left one before alternating to the other. “~And then again, When the rainbows Start falling too, Fade away, Losing all their hue. Be it in the night or day, I’ll stay with you, My some-pone-ay~” He felt the music take control as his body performed a dance style he had never done, and one of his mother’s favorites. Hip-hop. Spinning around on one hoof and stopping before Feather Dance, who watched eagerly as she continued her song. Twinkle slid one hoof out and caught himself on the other; kicking his hind hooves in the air before springing off his forehoof and performing a flip into a hoof stand. Both were sweating profusely as the song produced by Feather Dance became the rhythm to which Twinkle danced to, the influences of Chrysalis evident in his movements as the song came to an end and Twinkle found himself finishing on one hoof, knelt in front of Feather Dance. A bright splash of Purple and dark pink light intertwined before exploding outward in a blinding flash. Both panted in utter exhaustion, as the world came back into view; revealing dozens of culinary dishes of various restaurant qualities lay on the floor, the counter, and the dining table. Both smiled sheepishly at each other; both had been acting purely on the instinct of the moment. “I never would have guessed you were the Falling Rainbows stallion, that is so-” “Weird right?” “Cool! Did you write the lyrics yourself?” Looking surprised, Feather Dance inquired. “You don’t find it weird?” Raising an eyebrow, before gesturing at the layer of freshly applied foundation spread across his body, and even moving his dyed mane to reveal his horn he laughed, rolling his eyes. “Oh yeah, because this is totally normal for a stallion, right?" She laughed as she watched him rustle his wings. “Right you are, Missus Sparkle. I’ve been meaning to ask you about that horn-” A loud knocking on the front door caused Feather Dance, to halt mid-sentence. Getting up, she made her way to the door and opening it revealed three mares; an Earthpony with cotton candy blue mane and tail, a Unicorn with a scarlet and amethyst mane, and a Pegasus of cyan fur with a rainbow-hued mane and tail. The Pegasus pointed a hoof at Twinkle on the sofa and grinned. “Time for your initiation.” Chapter 3Twinkle found himself being led, blindfolded across the school grounds; under the glow of the moon and stars. Behind him, he could hear the encouragements of Feather Dance as his captors steered him towards an unknown destination. “Stay calm, Sparkles, you got this!” Okay, if you say so. One moment he was on the sofa and the next he was bound up in rope with a gag and a blindfold, being levitated through the air. What this was, exactly, he didn’t have a clue. After a few minutes of the cool night air, he heard the sound of a door being unlocked, and moments later he felt his bonds loosen and his hooves touch down on the wooden flooring. As his blindfold was lifted, the world came into view, revealing a peculiar sight. He counted fifty or so mares in a semicircle before him. Each looked excited and somewhat somber at the same time. And in the middle was Lemon Sherbert. Was this a mob? Was he going to be beaten? He wasn’t sure what to think until he notice Feather Dance standing, though the look on her face portrayed reluctance, beside Lemon Sherbert in silence. The gag still in his mouth, Twinkle quietly watched as Lemon stepped forward and placed her hoof around his shoulders, gesturing to the other mares as she spoke. “Mares of Twostep Academy, this…is Sparkle. Sparkle Stardust here has taken her first steps into the world of dancing. Now, like you, I feel it is quite disrespectful for some riffraff off the street to join our ranks, however, today my mother has accepted her into our school. So I will treat her like any other student. It is traditional that new students have a dance-off against the senior members of the student body as a rite of initiation and as President of our Academy, I request that seniors, interested, step forward, now and carry on this fine tradition.” Twinkle watched in surprise as four mares stepped forward; the three from earlier and Feather Dance, herself. Before he could say a word, however, Lemon continued. “To start us off, she loves to swing. Oh, and she dances pretty well, too. Let's hear some applause for the one, the only Diamond Charity!” The Unicorn from earlier stepped forward amidst the stamping applause of those present. Her eyes narrowed as she spoke in a sultry voice. “Well aren’t you a cute one? Don’t disappoint me, now, darling.” Holding out a hoof, she gave a low curtsy as a bass-filled bumping rhythm soon filled the air. Looking startled, Twinkle clumsily reach out his hoof and placed it on her own. She smiled kindly and said. “Oh don’t be nervous, sweetie, it’s all in fun, just show me what you can do. Let the music play!” He stood there in confusion as she looked at him, expectantly. But still, he didn’t move. After an awkward moment of stillness, as the crowd looked on, Charity smiled sweetly. “You’ve never Swing Danced before have you, darling?” Nodding, he felt her grip tighten as she nodded. “That’s alright, as the Instructor of the Swingers Club, allow me to give you some free pointers.” Twinkle was suddenly pulled in close as Charity’s silky voice filled his ears and the sounds of the audience fell away. “This is the typical starting movement, grab your partner and the leader pulls their partner in close. When close enough to feel their breath-” Charity flicked out her hoof, causing him to twirl outward. Suddenly at forehoofs length and just barely in reach, he heard Charity say. “You twirl them outward, now this-” Pulling him forward, Charity side-stepped as he swung wide, deftly swapping sides with him before pulling him in. Grabbing both of his hooves, she swung down, causing him to slide through her hind hooves, before turning and stepping over him and yanking his hoof lightly, causing him to leap into her embrace, once more feeling the warmth of her breath on his neck as she whispered in his ear. “Is how Swing got its name.” Breathless, he found himself in an instant back at the starting position, as she called out. “Now, show me what you’ve learned, darling.” As Twinkle unsteadily tried to use her teachings, and Charity gave encouragement, Lemon Sherbert frowned. “She is being far too nice to the commoner. Most mares would kill for a dancing lesson from her.” The rainbow-maned Pegasus next to her chuckled. “That’s my Charity, for you. Always so generous.” Her eyes narrowed in malice. “I, however, have no such predisposition. Call me up.” Lemon’s eyes went wide, as she stammered out. “Rainbow, you don’t have t-to go that far.” “Just call me up.” “Erm- right. Ahem! Everypony, give a round of applause for the Generous Swinger, herself, 3rd Year, Diamond Charity, Instructor of the Swingers Club. Thank you, Miss Charity.” Charity turned away from Twinkle giving a wink. “I do hope we can dance again, Miss Sparkle.” Pausing as she passed Rainbow, who was already on her way towards the two, she hissed. “Don’t scare her away. This one’s different.” Different? Stepping in front of Twinkle, the Rainbow-maned Pegasus waited as Lemon introduced her, taking her time to look Twinkle up and down. “You know her, you love her. Famous all over Equestria for her How-To-Dance series, it's the one and only 3rd-year instructor, Rainbow “Junior” Dash!” It’s always the same with these newcomers; stars in their eyes and they think they know it all. The same answers to the same questions, no humility, any of them. Rainbow called out to Twinkle. “Hey you, tell me. Why did you enroll here?” “To learn to dance.” “So looking to be famous, is that it?” Shaking his head, Twinkle replied. “No.” With her hooves on her hips, Rainbow asked. “Then why do you want to learn to dance?” “Because it makes me feel so alive.” Taken by surprise at the honest answer, Rainbow’s eyes softened. Shooting a sidelong glance towards her partner, the young adolescent Pegasus understood. I see what you meant now. “Do you know who I am?” He nodded. Even as a teenager, Rainbow’s How-To-Dance was well known throughout Equestria. Alongside the Sing-a-longs his grandmare bought him, he had been gifted with every holo in the Dance Series by his moms. He had spent countless hours watching and rewatching them. “I’m a huge fan.” She gave him a pitying smile and said. “Dancing isn’t all fun and games, you know, it’s a lot of hard work. Years of it. You think you got what it takes, Sparkle?” Noticing the tone shift, Twinkle nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah!” “Alright then Pegasus, show me what you got.” “Y-you want to see my style? But I don’t have-” Lemon rolled her eyes. “We’re waiting, new girl!” Panicking and not wanting to disappoint, Twinkle closed his eyes and took a deep breath. A slow, almost regal song began to play; a fifty-piece orchestra was heard giving it all as he let the rhythm take him. All present watched, in utter astonishment, as Sparkle held out her hoof and the golden outline of a mare in a flowing ballgown was seen placing her own on it. His eyes still closed, he began to dance with the outline taking the lead; 1,2,3, turn, 1,2,3 turn. Twinkle felt the mare’s breath on his neck as she slow-danced with him. His heart pounded in his chest and his pulse quickened. He heard the golden mare give a soft laugh as the two turned and swayed to the rhythm. Charity gave a low whistle of excitement. Rainbow’s jaw dropped in complete shock. In all of Equestria, Ballroom Dancing had only ever been performed by the Royal Family, many had attempted to learn the simplistic yet elegance of the slow dance; said to be the dance that magic began with. And here was a virtual unknown performing the coveted Waltz. A gasp arose from the crowd as Feather Dance made her way towards Twinkle; using the unfurling of her wings to push Rainbow aside. Feather Dance never tested newcomers, Lemon couldn’t believe it, just who was this Sparkle to amaze the best the academy had to offer? The crowd took notice as well, murmuring about how Feather always said it wasn’t worth her style and would never dance with new mares. Ignoring the sputtering of dismay from Rainbow, Feather Dance held out a hoof, locking eyes with Twinkle as she spoke softly. “Whatever happens, I want you to know, I’m proud of you.” Twinkle had just moments to hear the sounds of the jungle, and see a flash of movement as he took her hoof; before the world faded to darkness amidst shouts of disbelief from the crowd. Lemon’s jaw dropped. What had she just witnessed? Feather Dance meanwhile, picked up her unconscious roommate and said gently. “Seems Sparkle is all tuckered out, let’s call an end to the night’s initiation. What do you say Lemon?” Almost incoherent with shock, Lemon Sherbert just muttered. “Right, I say she belongs here.” Alongside her, Rainbow and Charity nodded, as did the blue-maned pink Earthpony from before. They all agreed quietly. “Indeed, darling.” “Yeah.” Feather Dance calmly sauntered out of the gymnasium carrying her roommate, the crown behind her still muttering and whispering in shock. “Did you see that?” “No way, that’s impossible.” “What just-” “Were those actual snakes?” A small smile graced Feather Dance’s muzzle as she trotted down the path, thinking to herself. Curse you, sweetie. You made me enjoy dancing again. Chapter 4“Feather, could you come here, your mother and I need to tell you something.” Bounding down the stairs of her home in the crystal empire, the little filly rushed to her father’s side in excitement; only to halt when she saw her parent's somber faces. Nervously she asked. “Mommy? Daddy? What’s wrong?” “Feather we love you very much, but your father and I…” “We just don’t love each other like we used to.” “Huh?” “Sometimes mommies and daddies just-” “Mostly daddy in this case-” “Just don’t feel the same after a while. And it isn’t because we don’t love you, we do but-” “Daddy decided to go and sleep with mommy’s boss.” “You said you wouldn’t mention that!” “And you said there was nothing between you two, Cloudburn!” “Mommy, daddy why are you fighting, what's going on?” “Sweetie, there is no easy way to say this, your father and I are getting a divorce.” Feather Dance lay on her bed ad glanced over at Twinkle, who was snoring lightly beside her; his makeup without flaw making him resemble a female Pegasus. He or was it she, looked so adorable as she snored away. Meanwhile, Feather Dance thought about the moment at five years old, she lost the rhythm. Back when she quit dancing. It wasn’t long after that, Discord came into my life. And if it wasn’t for him, I might have lost the music forever. “Hey kiddo, you seem down.” “Go away, you aren’t my real dad.” Sitting down next to her, the Draquonicus spoke uncharacteristically soft as he replied. “You’re right, I’m not. Nor am I intending to replace him, but if I can offer some advice-” A gently flowing beat surrounded them as he began to sing. “~When life is low and you are down, Just sing a little song. It doesn’t have to be good. Or particularly-” His voice became screechy for a moment. “On key-” Discord’s voice became melodic once more as he sang in perfect harmony. “~Just sing a little song. “When you think it can’t get worse, And your down on your luck, Just sing a little song to Make that smile last a little longer, You’ll find you’ll be that much stronger, Just sing a little song.~” With a sleepy yawn, Feather Dance snuggled down under her sheets as Discord gave her snout a boop with his griffon claw. Her eyes slowly closed as she heard. “Good night little Feathers, sweet dreams.” Was I really eight years old when I met dad? Feather Dance gave a silent laugh as a single solitary tear rolled its way down her face. It had been years since these thoughts had crossed her mind. Whenever she was sad or angry, she sang; hurt or happy, she would sing. She sang in the showers of spring, in the frosty clutches of winter. When her stallionfriend broke up with her, she sang; and when she met Twinkle, she sang. Laying next to him, however, she couldn’t help but feel a fluttering in her heart, and a harmony of joy, playing in her ears. She watched as he gave a little snort in his sleep and again had to just laugh. Around him, she felt different, she felt like dancing once again. “You were so generous with that new mare. A free dancing lesson, do you know how murderous those watching were with jealousy?” Lying on a couch, Rainbow watched as Diamond Charity leaned over the nearby billiards table, enjoying the show. Charity stood on her hind hooves, and bent over the table to line up her shot. Smiling in satisfaction as the eight ball rolled into the side pocket, Charity turned to look at her marefriend. Laughing, she teased her. “Oh? And were you jealous, as well?” Rainbow laughed as Charity walked over and laid her head on Rainbow’s chest fluff, as she snuggled next to her on the couch. “Why would I be jealous, when I have the first place trophy?.” Charity grinned as she lovingly nuzzled her partner’s neck. “Mmm. Well then, let me show you what you’ve won.” “Oh?” Rainbow Jr. leaned in for a kiss from her lover, closing her eyes to savor the moment when the door to the dorm burst open, and in ran a panicked Lemon Sherbert, waving a sheet of parchment wildly. “Girls! We got a problem!” Rising off of Rainbow Jr., Charity angrily stalked over to Lemon and snatched the parchment from her hooves. “Haven’t you heard of knocking? Give me that!” Ignoring the hasty apologies from Lemon, Charity’s eyes fiercely scanned the parchment before shaking it and looking at Lemon. “Is this for real?” “What’s it say?” All eyes turned to look at the billiards table, on which lay a very bored-looking Bop Pie. Rainbow stared at her for a moment before breaking the silence. “When did you get here?” Shrugging, yet giving no explanation, Bop asked Charity once more. “What’s it say?” “It’s an invite for a dance-off against Shadow Tech, for some spectacular prize, but it doesn’t say what.” “Shadow Tech? Never heard of them.” “Yeah-” Charity stared at the parchment, and at the strange logo of a black Unicorn horn, a strange feeling in her gut. “Me neither, but I don’t see what the big worry is, Lemon, we do dance-offs every school year.” Lemon pointed frantically at a part of the parchment. “There! At the bottom.” Following where her hoof was pointing, Charity read out loud. “Due to a change in rulings, a team of six must…be…provided. Well, that’s not too bad Lemon.” “But we only have four dancers that can even compete at that level!” This time Rainbow chimed in. “So we hold a competition of our own. A tournament of the first 64 to sign up. A dancing tourney to determine the best. Check it, 1 on 1 performances, to try out for the team. Every day we eliminate half of them until we are left with two, the best two in the school. Six days, one round each. What do you think?” Lemon looked aghast. “Us? Dance with commoners?” Before Rainbow could say a word, Charity spoke up. “Well, Darling, it’s either that or Rainbow and I walk. And then you can dance on your little lonesome.” Lemon’s eyes went as wide as dinner plates. “What?” Bop then spoke up, hopping off the billiards table. “Yeah, me too, not much fun to be had if Charity and Rainbow aren’t here to dance with.” Stepping out of the shower, Twinkle turned to look in the mirror letting out a sigh. His mane was straight, not the bouncy, flowing locks after Featherdance styled it. It looked limp, lifeless. It hurt to see. It felt wrong, it looked wrong. It hurt. Not just mentally but he could feel it in his very bones, the agony of it; it was completely unnatural to him. And he didn’t know why. He reached out his hoof and touched his reflection, his face crestfallen; was this him? What happened to the smiling mare he had seen before his shower? The door to the bathroom swung open to reveal Featherdance’s smiling face. However, her smile faded as Twinkle slammed his forehoof into the mirror breaking it and shouting. “This isn’t me!” In slow motion, the glass shards fell, shattering on impact with the sink and floor. Featherdance felt her heart plunge into her stomach as she stared at him. He was shaking with tears falling like rain, and it hurt her to see. Sure, they hadn’t known each other that long, but something about the sight tore her up inside. There had to be something she could do, to make Twinkle feel better. Looking down at her hooves, she remembered the reason for her entering the bathroom; a package had arrived for Twinkle. She spoke kindly to the distraught stallion. “Hey, a package arrived for you a few minutes ago.” The effect was instantaneous, completely shocking him out of his fit. He blinked in confusion, he hadn’t told anypony about him being there, how could there possibly be a package for him? Still stunned, he followed Featherdance to a small box on the couch. His eyes went wide; sure enough, the box had his alias on it: Sparkles. A sense of dread surged through him as he opened the box while Feather Dance watched. He stared in confusion at the odd contents of the box: Two toy figurines, one of Twilight Sparkle and the other of Chrysalis; their faces frozen in terror as they seemed to be reaching for each other. Next to the figurines was a delicately folded parchment with the words ‘With love’ written in dark red calligraphy. Unfolding the letter, Twinkle read out loud the following. “Two down. Well, that doesn’t make sense. Two what? What is this?” Huh, is there anything else?” “It’s just signed by somepony I think.” “Who’s the signature?” “Shadow Tech.” Examining the two figurines, Twinkle noticed that although they resembled typical merchandise of his mothers, these two seemed to be crafted particularly detailed, realistically so. But what was the purpose? And what was the meaning behind the strange note? He shrugged and placed them on his bedstand, in their horrified poses. “How weird.” Chapter 1“...And so, you can see that the strength of the magic produced is in direct correlation to the enjoyment and smoothness of the dance steps…” Ugh…this is so boring. When are we actually going to dance? Why is Dance Theory required anyway? And could our teacher be any duller? Droning on and on and on and- “Now let’s split up and practice what we learned. Find a partner, everypony.” Feather Dance slowly rose to her hooves and looked around for a potential dance partner; though to her surprise the teacher called her name. “Miss Feathers, if you please could you play us a nice ditty to dance to?” “But mares-” “I do believe I made a request of you Miss Feathers, now strum that guitar, and let’s dance.” Feather Dance looked confusedly down at the guitar that was slung over her shoulder. Hold on, I didn’t bring this to class, did I? Hearing the teacher clear her throat, She quickly put aside her confusion and began strumming the guitar, singing into the microphone stand that was suddenly on top of her desk: “~I can see it in your eyes, The pain of each sunrise, And you’ve been feeling it more each day. Hiding your desires, Refusing to start fires, Being the good mare youuu have to beeeee When the pain hurts too much, Sore to the touch, Come crying to me, Don’t pretend to be strong, You don’t need to hold on, Come cryin to me!~” Suddenly she was on a stage, singing her heart out to a crowd of thousands; all cheering her name: Feather Dance, Feather Dance. FEATHER DANCE!” Opening her eyes amidst laughter, Feather Dance snorted into the drool on her desk. “Hrngh?” The teacher however was not amused as she said coldly. “How dare you fall asleep in my classroom. I have never seen such disrespect. Principal’s office, now, young mare.” Trudging down the hallway, Feather Dance grumbled to herself as she headed towards the Principal’s Office. “Boring class anyway…huh?” From off to the side, in the girl’s changing room, she swore she heard a sound. But all classes were in session, nopony should be in there. Cautiously, she opened the door a crack and gazed in surprise at what she saw. It was a stallion. A stallion with a backpack. Feather Dance refrained from calling out in surprise, and instead, she watched silently as the stallion closed the window he had crawled in through. What should she do? Watching in confusion as the stallion glanced nervously around, Feather Dance was curious. Why had he broken in? Was he going to root through the lockers? Was he some kind of pervert? But to her surprise he didn’t go near the lockers, no, instead he reached into the backpack and pulled out a…skirt? Wait, is that the school uniform? She watched in fascination as he put on the skirt and then pulled out a makeup kit; expertly applying blush and lipstick. What is he doing? Next, she watched as he styled his mane and tail into an amateurish yet passable ponytail. She blinked at what appeared to be a regular mare admiring herself in the locker room mirror. Feather Dance’s curiosity turned into amusement as she watched the ‘mare’ checking out his reflection.The stallion was clearly elated at his disguise, squealing in excitement at his new look. She had to admit he did make an attractive mare, and anywhere else he would easily pass as one. He looks harmless enough and clearly isn’t trying to go through other mare’s belongings. She watched him wag his tail beneath the school uniform. But if he leaves that room he’ll be caught instantly. She was never quite sure what made her do it, but she pushed her way into the locker room, calling out to the ‘mare’ at the mirror. “Hey there!” Instantly, and much to her amusement, the stallion did his best to imitate a mare’s lofty voice. “Uh, hi.” “Hm. You know for a stallion you clean up really nice.” Feather Dance watched him freeze for a moment before trying to play it off, his voice going super high. Oh, this is precious. “I’m not a stallion. I’m a mare like you!” This is too precious. “Oh? What’s your homeroom?” “The one with the-the-” His voice fell and became deeper. “Okay, you caught me. So now what?” “Well, now we help you out of that skirt, miss-ter…” “Tw-twinkle. My name is Twinkle. And why, don’t I look good?” Tugging at the skirt with her teeth, she replied. “You look gorgeous Twinkle, but you’re asking for trouble with that outfit. Mares here don’t wear our uniforms unless dancing in class. Clothing is forbidden unless dancing or off school grounds.” “Huh?” “Well Miss Twinkle, you clearly went all out on this little ruse of yours, though I’m not sure why. With all that makeup and foundation, you can’t even tell you aren’t a white-furred pegasus mare. Quite impressive really-” Finally pulling off the skirt, she marveled at the evenly coated foundation covering the stallion's black fur. How none of it came off at her touch. “So I see no reason not to assist. Though, while I do, mind telling me why you broke into the mare’s locker room?” Looking nervous, he scuffed a hoof as he replied. “You promise not to laugh?” Releasing her hold on the skirt, Feather Dance raised an eyebrow as she used her hoof to lift his muzzle until they were eye to eye. “Am I laughing now?” Looking abashed, he took a deep breath before telling her. “I want to learn to dance.” Walking over to an empty locker, Feather Dance place the skirt in it as she mused aloud. “So you pretended to be a mare in order to learn dancing magic, I see. Too bad I caught you in the act, huh?” “What are you going to do with me?” Appearing deep in thought, Feather Dance replied. “Well, I should probably tell a faculty member-” “Seeing the look of dismay on his face, she smiled gently. “But then again why would I report my new roommate? Come over to the shower, we need to do something about that mane and tail.” Looking utterly bewildered, he slowly walked over to the shower as she explained, while shampooing his mane, being careful not to get any of the makeup wet. “Mares here, are housed in dormitories, and lucky you, little Miss Twinkle, I happen to have one to myself. Firstly though, this mane is far too…stallion, too uniform for a mare, let’s just add some dye…oooh perhaps some brown and we could stripe it with purple…” “And so I said- oh!” Two mares walked in, fresh from their classes, to see Feather Dance using her teeth to hold Twinkle’s tail still while furiously shampooing it with her hooves as Twinkle winced in his feminine voice. “Take it easy, you’re being too rough!” Halting Feather Dance glanced towards the mares who began frantically backing out the door uttering excuses mixed with apologies. She grinned with malice. “Do you mind? We’re taking a shower here!” “Excuse us, we didn’t know…we were just-” Feather Dance played it up, exclaiming. “Can’t two mares have a little fun? What, were you trying to join or something?” Frantically, the two mares hastened their getaway muttering almost incoherently. “No..we...I mean…we weren’t trying to disturb, er we got class…Right, carry on. We need to go. Now, Sugar.” After the two had left, Feather Dance cackled with glee as she continued to dye Twinkle’s tail. “That’ll teach that snooty Lemon Sherbert. Ugh, she drives me mental. Such a prim and proper, ‘do as I say’ mare. Just because her Mom is the dean, she thinks she owns the place. That’ll have her blushing for weeks. Now, hold still, this might hurt a little.” Many hours later, the Dean looked Twinkle up and down; his once black fur, now a sparkling white, highlighted by the perfectly styled brown mane and tail each with an amethyst stripe. “She wishes to attend our institution you say? Alright, what’s your name, young mare?” Clearing his throat, Twinkle carefully controlled his voice as instructed by Feather Dance, giving the name she had suggested to him. “Sparkle Stardust, ma’am.” “I see. Alright, and do you have a place to stay while attending classes, Miss Sparkle?” Feather Dance chimed in. “We were thinking she could room with me ma’am.” “Mhm. And Miss Dance here has informed you of our rules and customs?” Receiving a nod of confirmation, the Dean continued. "Very well, Miss Sparkle, you will be Miss Dance’s roommate." The look of excitement that passed between the two was short-lived as the Dean continued. "However, before either of you leave, I wish to have a word with you regarding a certain shower my daughter walked in on.”
PrologueSitting on his bed, the young adolescent colt held the instrument in his hooves; staring at the steel guitar. The best bits could buy, the amethyst-colored sheen of the magically forged instrument shown against his own black fur. Inlaid with abalone shell and gold leaf, the condition of the electric guitar was immaculate. Around his neck was a studded, spiked collar, while his face boasted Dragonscale green lipstick on his muzzle, as well as a dark green eyeshadow. Gingerly, he strummed the taut strings as he tuned the treasured instrument. Making sure it was plugged into the amp, he raised up his hoof, before wailing on the guitar, his music fast and vibrant, shaking the bedroom. The darkened room lit up with a multitude of colors as he slammed that metal, causing him to exhibit a rare smile before a knocking on the door was heard. “Twinkle, your mother and I are entertaining guests. Keep it down, please.” Instantly, the colors faded as he stopped to shout back. “Yeah, sorry mom!” On the other side of the door, Chrysalis just smirked. That kid of mine. Waiting until he heard her hoofsteps move from the door, Twinkle Starbright looked down at his guitar; it was a wonderful instrument and he was truly grateful for his Grandmare Starlight giving it to him, but he didn’t feel it. Reaching down, he unplugged the amp before rising up to stand in front of the mirror, and what he saw, hurt him to look at; this wasn’t him. He wiped off the eye shadow and lipstick, this isn’t me. He wasn’t a rocker. Not that he could tell his moms that. Stallions were musicians. That was the norm. That’s how it was. Tomorrow he will be starting his first year at Magical Melodies, the School of Musicians, to learn magic that stallions were expected to learn. But that wasn’t him. He looked around, before humming lightly and sliding his hoof out, as a custom sneaker appeared on it. The music picked up; a heavy metal beat, as the teen colt whirled, twirled, and flipped within his bedroom. An explosion of color filled the room; all hues and tones of psychedelia and for a moment he felt alive. Then came the knock at the door. Swiftly, he picked up the guitar and hid his hooves under his bed as he plopped down on to it still sporting the telltale sneakers. The door creaked open and Chrysalis smiled warmly at him. “Honey, I know you’re excited for tomorrow, and I am proud of your desire to practice, but do try to keep it down. Alright.” Dripping sweat, from his frantic movements, Twinkle nervously chuckled. “Sorry mom, I just can't help it sometimes.” Chuckling, The Co-ruling Queen of Equestria, Chrysalis Sparkle, smiled lovingly at him. “I know exactly what you mean, but I think you should stop practicing for the night and join us downstairs, Luna is asking for you.” “Alright mom, I’ll be down in a minute.” “That’s my colt.” As soon as the door closed once more, Twinkle let out a sigh of misery as he looked down at the instrument in his hooves. This wasn’t him, but he couldn’t tell his parents, he couldn’t dash their hopes of him. As the first-ever Prince of Equestria, he had so much to prove, and he didn’t want to let anypony down. “~And when the Rainbows Start falling too, Fade away, Losing all their hue. Be it in the night or day, I’ll stay with you, My some-pone-ay~” Laying on her cloud bed, Rainbow Jr. listened to the dulcet tones of the top ten reaching “Falling Rainbows” in her headphones. She loved the song and listened to it daily. It always felt like a warm hug; the stallion’s voice seemed to permeate the inner reaches of her heart, as though the song was sung for her. And she wasn’t the only one. All around Equestria, mares and quite a few stallions had fallen for the gentle gravelly voice, as smooth as a rocky lakeshore but sweet like honey. The thing was nopony knew who the singer was. One day, the anonymous singer submitted the single, and the rest was history. Kicking her hooves to the beat, the daughter of the Pillar of Hip-hop, Rainbow Dash, couldn’t help but want to move to the rhythm, leaping off her bed to hover in the air. Like her mom, she performed a more freestyle dance to the bopping beat as she hovered above the cloudy floor of her home. Wiggling her forehooves, she pretended to be made of metal, with hinges and servos; a robot learning to move. Swinging her various joints her movements slowly became more and more fluid, until she was whirling at almost tornado velocity; creating a cyclone within her room and an explosion of color burst forth completely coloring her normally orange and red mane, with the various hues of the rainbow her family was known for. Coming to a rest in front of her mirror, she grinned as the cyclone died down, leaving a windswept look for her mane; wild and untamed, like her. The cyan-furred Pegasus couldn’t help but feel something was missing, though. Reaching out to a phone on her wall, she dialed the number of a close friend, her magenta eyes shining in excitement. Impatiently she muttered as she waited. “C’mon, C’mon! Pick up!” “Hello?” The voice on the other end was soft-spoken and sweet. Rainbow Jr. grinned as she exclaimed. “Charity! I was listening to it again! Let’s meet in the pasture and cut a rug, I’m in the mood to paint the sky!” There was a pause before the feminine voice replied with a silky tone. “Alright. I’ll be there shortly, see you soon, sweetie.” Crystal Charity smiled happily as she hung up the phone, practically galloping over to the mirror above her dresser where she immediately began fussing over her scarlet and amethyst mane. After several minutes, her mane and tail were coifed, in a mirrored representation of her mother, the Pillar of Swing Dance, Rarity. Carefully the adolescent Unicorn applied a light scarlet eye shadow and applied a thin coat of lipstick to her muzzle. Taking a nearby mannequin’s hoof, she swung it out as a Jazz quartet played a bumpin' rhythm, pulling it back towards her in a fierce twirl. As the dancing progressed and the music reached its climax, an explosion of scarlet and amethyst light fell upon her and she smiled approvingly at the designer amethyst short gown that now graced her frame. Wait until Rainbow sees this ensemble. She called out excitedly. “Mom, I’m going dancing with Rainbow!” From her sewing room, Rarity replied. “Back by 9, young mare. Have fun!” Bolting for the stairs, the young mare seemed to be in a hurry. Grabbing the jacket hanging by the door, hit the stairwell, race to the front door, fling it open and - “Young mare, where do you think you’re going?” Turning, the adolescent Pegasus found herself face-to-face with a monstrous creature; a serpentine body with scales, feathers, and a mismatch of limbs, including the claw of a griffon. A dranquonicus, the Lord of Chaos, Discord, stared down at his daughter sternly, his red irises seemingly peering into her very soul, waiting for an answer. Scuffing her hoof sheepishly, Feather Dance replied. “Oh. Dad, I was just going on a nature trot and-” “Play guitar, perhaps record another track, Miss Falling Rainbows?” “Dad I don’t know what you-” Her voice faltered as the look on his face told her he already knew. She panicked and whimpered. “Please don’t tell mom.” Discord chuckled. “Don’t worry I won’t tell her.” “That’s because she already knows.” Stepping from the kitchen a Pegasus mare with the same buttercream-colored fur as her daughter, spoke up. From head to hooves she was decorated with various tattoos of animals to go with her dark pink mane as it whipped and flowed around her neck. Her wild appearance was offset by the gentleness in her emerald-colored eyes. Feather Dance winced. “Hey, mom. How did you-” “We found your equipment by the squirrels' nesting grounds. Why didn’t you tell us?” “You aren’t mad?” Chuckling, the Pillar of Wild Style; a master of naturalistic dances, Fluttershy shook her head. “Not at all. Are you upset, Discord?” “That my daughter has such a gorgeous voice and uses poison joke just to deepen it so she can pretend to be a stallion and have her song heard? No, not particularly. You know I love a little chaos.” Fluttershy nodded. “Agreed, sometimes a little chaos in the natural order can be fun.” Reaching behind the sofa, she pulled out an acoustic guitar that had a couple of leaves entangled in the frets. “Perhaps though, now you’ll realize you can come to us and tell us anything. I believe this is yours-” Giving a wink, Fluttershy continued. “My little stallion.” Feather Dance gave a squeal of excitement and gave her mom a hug as she said. “Thanks mom and dad!” Discord chuckled. “That’s our girl.” Rhyme and his cousin, Bop Pie, stared at the massive orchard of trees as their moms talked over by the barn. Tasked with harvesting the apples, Rhyme calmly rosined his bow up, while Bop did some light stretches. The son of Applejack, the Pillar of Square Dance, was well into his adolescence, almost a stallion; an Earthpony with an orange furred hide with a candy apple red mane and tail, with eyes of granny smith green. Meanwhile, Bop was the daughter of the Pillar of Freestyle, Pinkie Pie. Bop was slightly shorter than her cousin with a cotton candy blue mane and tail to go with her raspberry-colored hide. Energetic and excitable, she prepared herself as she watched Rhyme tune his fiddle. Slowly he pulled his bow across the strings, making a distinct whining before really laying into it, at a speed, bop could barely comprehend. She watched in excitement as all around the orchard the trees began to bob and weave as though dancing to the fiddler's tune. Her brilliant sky blue eyes flashed with joy and she kicked out her hoof as musical accompaniment joined Rhyme. An ensemble of a cowboy stetson and leather trimming appeared on her frame as a call was suddenly heard. “Swing yore pardner round and round…” As Bop performed the steps called out, over by the barn Applejack was startled to see the Square Dance. Looking at Pinkie she asked her. “So ya taught yore daughter Square Dancin’, huh?” Grinning, Pinkie replied. “Nope.” “But then how does she know it?” Shrugging Pinkie just laughed. “Beats me. But whatever dance you can do, she can do. It’s like she reads the pony next to her and performs whatever style they can do.” As Applejack sat mouth wide open, flabbergasted, the orchard of trees began to shake their leaves as if in applause as the dance came to a close and an explosion of light blue covered the entire area. Apples fell from the trees into the baskets waiting below, as Bop happily raced to gather them. At Canterlot Castle the music came to an end in a flurry of fireworks. The sundown waltz had come to a close. As the sun sank below the horizon and the moon rose into the starry night sky and Celestia and Luna, now retired from the ruling, gave a flourished bow and curtsy to their adoring fans watching on the promenade. In Ponyville, six teenagers lay down to rest, filly and colt alike, they closed their eyes to dream of the new school year. Tomorrow they will begin their first year in the twin academies; one for stallions, one for mares, and both to teach the magic of music. They don’t know each other, and they all come from different backgrounds. Each has a style of dance or song all their own, and each has no idea just what awaits them.
Chapter 2Trudging through the door, Twinkle threw himself down onto the bed. His hooves and teeth were aching like crazy. “Ungh, that was awful.” “You were told you didn’t have to help, you know.” Walking through the door, Feather Dance looked worn out. For the crime of public indecency, the Dean had condemned Feather Dance to pulling all the weeds in the courtyard sans magic: “Your friend wasn’t a student at the time, but you Miss Dance, you should know better; not to do what you did. What you do in private is your own business. I was young once, I get it, but I will not tolerate it in my school where other students can see. No more public displays. Got it?” Grunting in exhaustion, Twinkle laughed. “You helped me, why wouldn’t I help you?” Feather Dance shrugged and headed towards the bathroom. “That’s fair, I suppose. I’m gonna hop in the shower, make yourself at home Sparkle; the fridges are stocked by magic in case you are hungry.” With that she closed the door and the sound of running water could be heard. Walking over to the fridge, Twinkle pulled out a crisp apple and walked over to the bathroom door before leaning against the doorframe. Taking a thoughtful bite, he called out. “Hey, Feathers?” “Yeah?” “Why did you help me?” There was a silence amidst the running water for a moment, before she replied through the wooden door. “Because I know what it’s like to want to be somepony else too.” Twinkle was silent in thought for a moment before a loud knocking was heard at the front door. Heading over to the door, Twinkle took a deep breath before opening the door and saying in a flowery voice. “Hello, how can I help-” He paused at seeing Lemon Sherbert standing red-faced before him. Without missing a beat he smiled and gave a practiced curtsy. “Hi again, sorry about earlier.” Lemon just stared at him for a moment before muttering. “No problem.” Clearing her throat she read off cue cards held by the Unicorn beside her. “Ahem- As President of the School, I am here to welcome you to our Private-” She glared at Twinkle, before continuing, ignoring the cue cards. “Institution. It’s a very prestigious honor that not every mare receives.- Through gritted teeth she nearly spat out. “Treasure it.” Taking a deep breath, as her friend placed a hoof lightly on her shoulder she said. “I-I’m fine, Sugar. I’m fine. Look- um what’s your name?” “Says here her name is Sparkle, Lemon.” “Thank you, Sugar. Look Sparkle, this is a very well-known school of dance. Every student has spent years practicing and going through grueling training to attend here. I don’t know why my mother allowed riffraff like you from off the street but you are one of us now. We don’t give up, we don’t stop, and we are the best. Don’t drag us down. Come Sugar.” Closing the door, as the two walked off, Twinkle felt bad. Like the taste of soured milk had filled his mouth. He did not like that Lemon Sherbert. At all. Still he couldn’t help but wonder, just why did the Dean let him in, especially if it was as prestigious a school as Lemon had said? On the Dean’s desk sat a letter, marked with a royal seal. On the parchment was a perfect calligraphy written in exquisite ink, that read: To the Dean of Melodious Twostepping Academy, It has come to my attention that my daughter wishes to attend your establishment. There will be no background check and no papers to sign. By royal decree, I insist you make allowances for her as a student. She is a bit shy, and has no experience, and I, in no way, am asking for special treatment in her education. In fact, I want you to push her harder than any other mare to surpass any limits she has on herself. She goes by the name of Sparkle Stardust, and is adept at ballet; how could she not be? Dancing is in her blood. Oh, and it has become known to me that she has made a friend with whom she resonates, a Feather Dance; the daughter of my good friend Fluttershy, you are forbidden from expelling her under any circumstance. Signed, Chrysalis Sparkle, Queen of Equestria The Dean sat sweating profusely, staring at the letter, reading and re-reading it, still in disbelief that the ruler of Equestria, herself, contacted her. The Queen’s daughter. At my school. Fantastic, but she wants me to put pressure on her? I can do that. Alright then, here’s what I’ll do. Reaching for the loudspeaker button, the Dean pressed down on it before calling into the microphone: “Will Diamond Charity, Rainbow Jr. Dash, and Bop Pie report to my office, I need to have a word with you three.” Chrysalis sat on her throne looking rather satisfied with herself as she slowly sipped a goblet of red wine. Next to her, her wife, Twilight Sparkle sat on her own throne, gently nibbling on a hayburger from McHaybales; her favorite. In front of both of them, a portal showing Twinkle Starbrite as he talked to Feather Dance through the bathroom door about how singing just never felt right to him. He spoke about how he loved to dance. And both Twilight and Chrysalis shared a knowing glance; it was in his blood, and they expected something like this to materialize sooner or later. “I’m glad to see this side of him, though I had wished he would have told us.” “Agreed, though the lengths he went through, that passion is to be commended. And you know how your mom is.” “True, she had high hopes for him being a rocker, didn’t she? I guess he didn’t want to upset her. After all, stallions don’t dance, they say.” “Ha. But our lovely ‘daughter’ will show them, won’t she?” “Indeed.” “Did you send the letter?” “Taken care of.” “Well, the rest is up to him.” Neither said another word, but both read the other’s thoughts. Their son, the first Alicorn born a male, was compelled to dance, and they couldn’t be prouder. Quietly, they continued their dinner both beaming at their young heir. Feather Dance stood before the oven and closed her eyes as a soothing melody began to play; like the sounds of a flowing waterfall and bird calls in nature. Ribbons appeared in her hooves as a leotard appeared on her body. Slowly she turned her forehooves causing the ribbons in them to spiral and float in the air before her eyes snapped open. Twinkle could barely follow her movements as Feather Dance whipped and twirled her ribbons at such speeds that it almost appeared like the ribbons were spinning and whirling on their own. Moving around like snakes as Feather Dance whirled and flipped in and out of them, the ribbons made an almost hissing sound adding to the flowing ambiance of the melody. Finally coming to a halt, Featherdance reached out and grabbed the still writhing ribbons, throwing them around her neck as the music faded. At once, the oven and microwave lights flickered excitedly as though in applause; as two plates of steaming carrots on whole wheat buns alongside sweet potato fries appeared on the counter. Twinkle was floored as he exclaimed in his mare voice. “That was amazing!” Feather Dance gave a light smile as the clothes vanished once more, and her cheeks turned bright red from embarrassment. She muttered shyly. “Thank you, sweetie, dinner’s ready.” “Where did you learn those moves?” “It’s a style known as ribbon dancing. My dad taught me to bring objects to life with my movements and my mom taught me how to dance with snakes; Wildstyle Dances are a family specialty. Anyway, it’s nothing to fuss over just a rudimentary cooking spell, really.” “It was brilliant. Your parents must be very proud.” Feather Dance sighed, as though in distress. “Yeah, probably…Anyway, let’s eat up.” Sitting there nibbling on his carrot, Twinkle noticed how quiet Feather Dance had become and asked. “Are you alright? I didn’t mean to upset you or anything.” After a moment of silence, Feather Dance took a breath as though mentally preparing herself as she responded. “It’s nothing you did. Twinkle, do you remember earlier what I said about knowing what it’s like to want to be somepony else?” “Yeah.” “Well…maybe I should just show you. Stay here.” Getting up, she went to her bedroom, leaving a confused Twinkle waiting. Moments later, Feather Dance re-emerged carrying an acoustic guitar, slung over her back. Twinkle looked on in silent shock as Feather Dance unslung her guitar and began expertly strumming it before a microphone suddenly appeared before her. Taking a breath she opened her muzzle and the most beautifully gravelly voice dripping with honey came forth: “~The colors fade away, And storm clouds are on the way, Some things aren't worth fighting over, There are weeds in our bed of clover, And still, You're asking for me to stay.~” Strumming the guitar, Feather Dance slowly opened her eyes, staring into Twinkle’s as she continued. “~We’ve known each other, For many yee-ars. We drank our wine, And cried salty tears. And now the twilight’s come at last, We leave behind our past, But our future is still uncer-tain.~” Tears filled Feather Dance’s eyes as she seemed to be recalling a memory, and still she strummed her heart out as she continued the haunting lyrics of her sweet song. Twinkle’s eyes went wide from shock as a massive burst of dark pink magic exploded forth and he clapped his hooves together excitedly; His hind hooves moving to the rhythm. Slowly he rose to his hooves and kicked out his left one before alternating to the other. “~And then again, When the rainbows Start falling too, Fade away, Losing all their hue. Be it in the night or day, I’ll stay with you, My some-pone-ay~” He felt the music take control as his body performed a dance style he had never done, and one of his mother’s favorites. Hip-hop. Spinning around on one hoof and stopping before Feather Dance, who watched eagerly as she continued her song. Twinkle slid one hoof out and caught himself on the other; kicking his hind hooves in the air before springing off his forehoof and performing a flip into a hoof stand. Both were sweating profusely as the song produced by Feather Dance became the rhythm to which Twinkle danced to, the influences of Chrysalis evident in his movements as the song came to an end and Twinkle found himself finishing on one hoof, knelt in front of Feather Dance. A bright splash of Purple and dark pink light intertwined before exploding outward in a blinding flash. Both panted in utter exhaustion, as the world came back into view; revealing dozens of culinary dishes of various restaurant qualities lay on the floor, the counter, and the dining table. Both smiled sheepishly at each other; both had been acting purely on the instinct of the moment. “I never would have guessed you were the Falling Rainbows stallion, that is so-” “Weird right?” “Cool! Did you write the lyrics yourself?” Looking surprised, Feather Dance inquired. “You don’t find it weird?” Raising an eyebrow, before gesturing at the layer of freshly applied foundation spread across his body, and even moving his dyed mane to reveal his horn he laughed, rolling his eyes. “Oh yeah, because this is totally normal for a stallion, right?" She laughed as she watched him rustle his wings. “Right you are, Missus Sparkle. I’ve been meaning to ask you about that horn-” A loud knocking on the front door caused Feather Dance, to halt mid-sentence. Getting up, she made her way to the door and opening it revealed three mares; an Earthpony with cotton candy blue mane and tail, a Unicorn with a scarlet and amethyst mane, and a Pegasus of cyan fur with a rainbow-hued mane and tail. The Pegasus pointed a hoof at Twinkle on the sofa and grinned. “Time for your initiation.”
Chapter 3Twinkle found himself being led, blindfolded across the school grounds; under the glow of the moon and stars. Behind him, he could hear the encouragements of Feather Dance as his captors steered him towards an unknown destination. “Stay calm, Sparkles, you got this!” Okay, if you say so. One moment he was on the sofa and the next he was bound up in rope with a gag and a blindfold, being levitated through the air. What this was, exactly, he didn’t have a clue. After a few minutes of the cool night air, he heard the sound of a door being unlocked, and moments later he felt his bonds loosen and his hooves touch down on the wooden flooring. As his blindfold was lifted, the world came into view, revealing a peculiar sight. He counted fifty or so mares in a semicircle before him. Each looked excited and somewhat somber at the same time. And in the middle was Lemon Sherbert. Was this a mob? Was he going to be beaten? He wasn’t sure what to think until he notice Feather Dance standing, though the look on her face portrayed reluctance, beside Lemon Sherbert in silence. The gag still in his mouth, Twinkle quietly watched as Lemon stepped forward and placed her hoof around his shoulders, gesturing to the other mares as she spoke. “Mares of Twostep Academy, this…is Sparkle. Sparkle Stardust here has taken her first steps into the world of dancing. Now, like you, I feel it is quite disrespectful for some riffraff off the street to join our ranks, however, today my mother has accepted her into our school. So I will treat her like any other student. It is traditional that new students have a dance-off against the senior members of the student body as a rite of initiation and as President of our Academy, I request that seniors, interested, step forward, now and carry on this fine tradition.” Twinkle watched in surprise as four mares stepped forward; the three from earlier and Feather Dance, herself. Before he could say a word, however, Lemon continued. “To start us off, she loves to swing. Oh, and she dances pretty well, too. Let's hear some applause for the one, the only Diamond Charity!” The Unicorn from earlier stepped forward amidst the stamping applause of those present. Her eyes narrowed as she spoke in a sultry voice. “Well aren’t you a cute one? Don’t disappoint me, now, darling.” Holding out a hoof, she gave a low curtsy as a bass-filled bumping rhythm soon filled the air. Looking startled, Twinkle clumsily reach out his hoof and placed it on her own. She smiled kindly and said. “Oh don’t be nervous, sweetie, it’s all in fun, just show me what you can do. Let the music play!” He stood there in confusion as she looked at him, expectantly. But still, he didn’t move. After an awkward moment of stillness, as the crowd looked on, Charity smiled sweetly. “You’ve never Swing Danced before have you, darling?” Nodding, he felt her grip tighten as she nodded. “That’s alright, as the Instructor of the Swingers Club, allow me to give you some free pointers.” Twinkle was suddenly pulled in close as Charity’s silky voice filled his ears and the sounds of the audience fell away. “This is the typical starting movement, grab your partner and the leader pulls their partner in close. When close enough to feel their breath-” Charity flicked out her hoof, causing him to twirl outward. Suddenly at forehoofs length and just barely in reach, he heard Charity say. “You twirl them outward, now this-” Pulling him forward, Charity side-stepped as he swung wide, deftly swapping sides with him before pulling him in. Grabbing both of his hooves, she swung down, causing him to slide through her hind hooves, before turning and stepping over him and yanking his hoof lightly, causing him to leap into her embrace, once more feeling the warmth of her breath on his neck as she whispered in his ear. “Is how Swing got its name.” Breathless, he found himself in an instant back at the starting position, as she called out. “Now, show me what you’ve learned, darling.” As Twinkle unsteadily tried to use her teachings, and Charity gave encouragement, Lemon Sherbert frowned. “She is being far too nice to the commoner. Most mares would kill for a dancing lesson from her.” The rainbow-maned Pegasus next to her chuckled. “That’s my Charity, for you. Always so generous.” Her eyes narrowed in malice. “I, however, have no such predisposition. Call me up.” Lemon’s eyes went wide, as she stammered out. “Rainbow, you don’t have t-to go that far.” “Just call me up.” “Erm- right. Ahem! Everypony, give a round of applause for the Generous Swinger, herself, 3rd Year, Diamond Charity, Instructor of the Swingers Club. Thank you, Miss Charity.” Charity turned away from Twinkle giving a wink. “I do hope we can dance again, Miss Sparkle.” Pausing as she passed Rainbow, who was already on her way towards the two, she hissed. “Don’t scare her away. This one’s different.” Different? Stepping in front of Twinkle, the Rainbow-maned Pegasus waited as Lemon introduced her, taking her time to look Twinkle up and down. “You know her, you love her. Famous all over Equestria for her How-To-Dance series, it's the one and only 3rd-year instructor, Rainbow “Junior” Dash!” It’s always the same with these newcomers; stars in their eyes and they think they know it all. The same answers to the same questions, no humility, any of them. Rainbow called out to Twinkle. “Hey you, tell me. Why did you enroll here?” “To learn to dance.” “So looking to be famous, is that it?” Shaking his head, Twinkle replied. “No.” With her hooves on her hips, Rainbow asked. “Then why do you want to learn to dance?” “Because it makes me feel so alive.” Taken by surprise at the honest answer, Rainbow’s eyes softened. Shooting a sidelong glance towards her partner, the young adolescent Pegasus understood. I see what you meant now. “Do you know who I am?” He nodded. Even as a teenager, Rainbow’s How-To-Dance was well known throughout Equestria. Alongside the Sing-a-longs his grandmare bought him, he had been gifted with every holo in the Dance Series by his moms. He had spent countless hours watching and rewatching them. “I’m a huge fan.” She gave him a pitying smile and said. “Dancing isn’t all fun and games, you know, it’s a lot of hard work. Years of it. You think you got what it takes, Sparkle?” Noticing the tone shift, Twinkle nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah!” “Alright then Pegasus, show me what you got.” “Y-you want to see my style? But I don’t have-” Lemon rolled her eyes. “We’re waiting, new girl!” Panicking and not wanting to disappoint, Twinkle closed his eyes and took a deep breath. A slow, almost regal song began to play; a fifty-piece orchestra was heard giving it all as he let the rhythm take him. All present watched, in utter astonishment, as Sparkle held out her hoof and the golden outline of a mare in a flowing ballgown was seen placing her own on it. His eyes still closed, he began to dance with the outline taking the lead; 1,2,3, turn, 1,2,3 turn. Twinkle felt the mare’s breath on his neck as she slow-danced with him. His heart pounded in his chest and his pulse quickened. He heard the golden mare give a soft laugh as the two turned and swayed to the rhythm. Charity gave a low whistle of excitement. Rainbow’s jaw dropped in complete shock. In all of Equestria, Ballroom Dancing had only ever been performed by the Royal Family, many had attempted to learn the simplistic yet elegance of the slow dance; said to be the dance that magic began with. And here was a virtual unknown performing the coveted Waltz. A gasp arose from the crowd as Feather Dance made her way towards Twinkle; using the unfurling of her wings to push Rainbow aside. Feather Dance never tested newcomers, Lemon couldn’t believe it, just who was this Sparkle to amaze the best the academy had to offer? The crowd took notice as well, murmuring about how Feather always said it wasn’t worth her style and would never dance with new mares. Ignoring the sputtering of dismay from Rainbow, Feather Dance held out a hoof, locking eyes with Twinkle as she spoke softly. “Whatever happens, I want you to know, I’m proud of you.” Twinkle had just moments to hear the sounds of the jungle, and see a flash of movement as he took her hoof; before the world faded to darkness amidst shouts of disbelief from the crowd. Lemon’s jaw dropped. What had she just witnessed? Feather Dance meanwhile, picked up her unconscious roommate and said gently. “Seems Sparkle is all tuckered out, let’s call an end to the night’s initiation. What do you say Lemon?” Almost incoherent with shock, Lemon Sherbert just muttered. “Right, I say she belongs here.” Alongside her, Rainbow and Charity nodded, as did the blue-maned pink Earthpony from before. They all agreed quietly. “Indeed, darling.” “Yeah.” Feather Dance calmly sauntered out of the gymnasium carrying her roommate, the crown behind her still muttering and whispering in shock. “Did you see that?” “No way, that’s impossible.” “What just-” “Were those actual snakes?” A small smile graced Feather Dance’s muzzle as she trotted down the path, thinking to herself. Curse you, sweetie. You made me enjoy dancing again.
Chapter 4“Feather, could you come here, your mother and I need to tell you something.” Bounding down the stairs of her home in the crystal empire, the little filly rushed to her father’s side in excitement; only to halt when she saw her parent's somber faces. Nervously she asked. “Mommy? Daddy? What’s wrong?” “Feather we love you very much, but your father and I…” “We just don’t love each other like we used to.” “Huh?” “Sometimes mommies and daddies just-” “Mostly daddy in this case-” “Just don’t feel the same after a while. And it isn’t because we don’t love you, we do but-” “Daddy decided to go and sleep with mommy’s boss.” “You said you wouldn’t mention that!” “And you said there was nothing between you two, Cloudburn!” “Mommy, daddy why are you fighting, what's going on?” “Sweetie, there is no easy way to say this, your father and I are getting a divorce.” Feather Dance lay on her bed ad glanced over at Twinkle, who was snoring lightly beside her; his makeup without flaw making him resemble a female Pegasus. He or was it she, looked so adorable as she snored away. Meanwhile, Feather Dance thought about the moment at five years old, she lost the rhythm. Back when she quit dancing. It wasn’t long after that, Discord came into my life. And if it wasn’t for him, I might have lost the music forever. “Hey kiddo, you seem down.” “Go away, you aren’t my real dad.” Sitting down next to her, the Draquonicus spoke uncharacteristically soft as he replied. “You’re right, I’m not. Nor am I intending to replace him, but if I can offer some advice-” A gently flowing beat surrounded them as he began to sing. “~When life is low and you are down, Just sing a little song. It doesn’t have to be good. Or particularly-” His voice became screechy for a moment. “On key-” Discord’s voice became melodic once more as he sang in perfect harmony. “~Just sing a little song. “When you think it can’t get worse, And your down on your luck, Just sing a little song to Make that smile last a little longer, You’ll find you’ll be that much stronger, Just sing a little song.~” With a sleepy yawn, Feather Dance snuggled down under her sheets as Discord gave her snout a boop with his griffon claw. Her eyes slowly closed as she heard. “Good night little Feathers, sweet dreams.” Was I really eight years old when I met dad? Feather Dance gave a silent laugh as a single solitary tear rolled its way down her face. It had been years since these thoughts had crossed her mind. Whenever she was sad or angry, she sang; hurt or happy, she would sing. She sang in the showers of spring, in the frosty clutches of winter. When her stallionfriend broke up with her, she sang; and when she met Twinkle, she sang. Laying next to him, however, she couldn’t help but feel a fluttering in her heart, and a harmony of joy, playing in her ears. She watched as he gave a little snort in his sleep and again had to just laugh. Around him, she felt different, she felt like dancing once again. “You were so generous with that new mare. A free dancing lesson, do you know how murderous those watching were with jealousy?” Lying on a couch, Rainbow watched as Diamond Charity leaned over the nearby billiards table, enjoying the show. Charity stood on her hind hooves, and bent over the table to line up her shot. Smiling in satisfaction as the eight ball rolled into the side pocket, Charity turned to look at her marefriend. Laughing, she teased her. “Oh? And were you jealous, as well?” Rainbow laughed as Charity walked over and laid her head on Rainbow’s chest fluff, as she snuggled next to her on the couch. “Why would I be jealous, when I have the first place trophy?.” Charity grinned as she lovingly nuzzled her partner’s neck. “Mmm. Well then, let me show you what you’ve won.” “Oh?” Rainbow Jr. leaned in for a kiss from her lover, closing her eyes to savor the moment when the door to the dorm burst open, and in ran a panicked Lemon Sherbert, waving a sheet of parchment wildly. “Girls! We got a problem!” Rising off of Rainbow Jr., Charity angrily stalked over to Lemon and snatched the parchment from her hooves. “Haven’t you heard of knocking? Give me that!” Ignoring the hasty apologies from Lemon, Charity’s eyes fiercely scanned the parchment before shaking it and looking at Lemon. “Is this for real?” “What’s it say?” All eyes turned to look at the billiards table, on which lay a very bored-looking Bop Pie. Rainbow stared at her for a moment before breaking the silence. “When did you get here?” Shrugging, yet giving no explanation, Bop asked Charity once more. “What’s it say?” “It’s an invite for a dance-off against Shadow Tech, for some spectacular prize, but it doesn’t say what.” “Shadow Tech? Never heard of them.” “Yeah-” Charity stared at the parchment, and at the strange logo of a black Unicorn horn, a strange feeling in her gut. “Me neither, but I don’t see what the big worry is, Lemon, we do dance-offs every school year.” Lemon pointed frantically at a part of the parchment. “There! At the bottom.” Following where her hoof was pointing, Charity read out loud. “Due to a change in rulings, a team of six must…be…provided. Well, that’s not too bad Lemon.” “But we only have four dancers that can even compete at that level!” This time Rainbow chimed in. “So we hold a competition of our own. A tournament of the first 64 to sign up. A dancing tourney to determine the best. Check it, 1 on 1 performances, to try out for the team. Every day we eliminate half of them until we are left with two, the best two in the school. Six days, one round each. What do you think?” Lemon looked aghast. “Us? Dance with commoners?” Before Rainbow could say a word, Charity spoke up. “Well, Darling, it’s either that or Rainbow and I walk. And then you can dance on your little lonesome.” Lemon’s eyes went as wide as dinner plates. “What?” Bop then spoke up, hopping off the billiards table. “Yeah, me too, not much fun to be had if Charity and Rainbow aren’t here to dance with.” Stepping out of the shower, Twinkle turned to look in the mirror letting out a sigh. His mane was straight, not the bouncy, flowing locks after Featherdance styled it. It looked limp, lifeless. It hurt to see. It felt wrong, it looked wrong. It hurt. Not just mentally but he could feel it in his very bones, the agony of it; it was completely unnatural to him. And he didn’t know why. He reached out his hoof and touched his reflection, his face crestfallen; was this him? What happened to the smiling mare he had seen before his shower? The door to the bathroom swung open to reveal Featherdance’s smiling face. However, her smile faded as Twinkle slammed his forehoof into the mirror breaking it and shouting. “This isn’t me!” In slow motion, the glass shards fell, shattering on impact with the sink and floor. Featherdance felt her heart plunge into her stomach as she stared at him. He was shaking with tears falling like rain, and it hurt her to see. Sure, they hadn’t known each other that long, but something about the sight tore her up inside. There had to be something she could do, to make Twinkle feel better. Looking down at her hooves, she remembered the reason for her entering the bathroom; a package had arrived for Twinkle. She spoke kindly to the distraught stallion. “Hey, a package arrived for you a few minutes ago.” The effect was instantaneous, completely shocking him out of his fit. He blinked in confusion, he hadn’t told anypony about him being there, how could there possibly be a package for him? Still stunned, he followed Featherdance to a small box on the couch. His eyes went wide; sure enough, the box had his alias on it: Sparkles. A sense of dread surged through him as he opened the box while Feather Dance watched. He stared in confusion at the odd contents of the box: Two toy figurines, one of Twilight Sparkle and the other of Chrysalis; their faces frozen in terror as they seemed to be reaching for each other. Next to the figurines was a delicately folded parchment with the words ‘With love’ written in dark red calligraphy. Unfolding the letter, Twinkle read out loud the following. “Two down. Well, that doesn’t make sense. Two what? What is this?” Huh, is there anything else?” “It’s just signed by somepony I think.” “Who’s the signature?” “Shadow Tech.” Examining the two figurines, Twinkle noticed that although they resembled typical merchandise of his mothers, these two seemed to be crafted particularly detailed, realistically so. But what was the purpose? And what was the meaning behind the strange note? He shrugged and placed them on his bedstand, in their horrified poses. “How weird.”
Chapter 1“...And so, you can see that the strength of the magic produced is in direct correlation to the enjoyment and smoothness of the dance steps…” Ugh…this is so boring. When are we actually going to dance? Why is Dance Theory required anyway? And could our teacher be any duller? Droning on and on and on and- “Now let’s split up and practice what we learned. Find a partner, everypony.” Feather Dance slowly rose to her hooves and looked around for a potential dance partner; though to her surprise the teacher called her name. “Miss Feathers, if you please could you play us a nice ditty to dance to?” “But mares-” “I do believe I made a request of you Miss Feathers, now strum that guitar, and let’s dance.” Feather Dance looked confusedly down at the guitar that was slung over her shoulder. Hold on, I didn’t bring this to class, did I? Hearing the teacher clear her throat, She quickly put aside her confusion and began strumming the guitar, singing into the microphone stand that was suddenly on top of her desk: “~I can see it in your eyes, The pain of each sunrise, And you’ve been feeling it more each day. Hiding your desires, Refusing to start fires, Being the good mare youuu have to beeeee When the pain hurts too much, Sore to the touch, Come crying to me, Don’t pretend to be strong, You don’t need to hold on, Come cryin to me!~” Suddenly she was on a stage, singing her heart out to a crowd of thousands; all cheering her name: Feather Dance, Feather Dance. FEATHER DANCE!” Opening her eyes amidst laughter, Feather Dance snorted into the drool on her desk. “Hrngh?” The teacher however was not amused as she said coldly. “How dare you fall asleep in my classroom. I have never seen such disrespect. Principal’s office, now, young mare.” Trudging down the hallway, Feather Dance grumbled to herself as she headed towards the Principal’s Office. “Boring class anyway…huh?” From off to the side, in the girl’s changing room, she swore she heard a sound. But all classes were in session, nopony should be in there. Cautiously, she opened the door a crack and gazed in surprise at what she saw. It was a stallion. A stallion with a backpack. Feather Dance refrained from calling out in surprise, and instead, she watched silently as the stallion closed the window he had crawled in through. What should she do? Watching in confusion as the stallion glanced nervously around, Feather Dance was curious. Why had he broken in? Was he going to root through the lockers? Was he some kind of pervert? But to her surprise he didn’t go near the lockers, no, instead he reached into the backpack and pulled out a…skirt? Wait, is that the school uniform? She watched in fascination as he put on the skirt and then pulled out a makeup kit; expertly applying blush and lipstick. What is he doing? Next, she watched as he styled his mane and tail into an amateurish yet passable ponytail. She blinked at what appeared to be a regular mare admiring herself in the locker room mirror. Feather Dance’s curiosity turned into amusement as she watched the ‘mare’ checking out his reflection.The stallion was clearly elated at his disguise, squealing in excitement at his new look. She had to admit he did make an attractive mare, and anywhere else he would easily pass as one. He looks harmless enough and clearly isn’t trying to go through other mare’s belongings. She watched him wag his tail beneath the school uniform. But if he leaves that room he’ll be caught instantly. She was never quite sure what made her do it, but she pushed her way into the locker room, calling out to the ‘mare’ at the mirror. “Hey there!” Instantly, and much to her amusement, the stallion did his best to imitate a mare’s lofty voice. “Uh, hi.” “Hm. You know for a stallion you clean up really nice.” Feather Dance watched him freeze for a moment before trying to play it off, his voice going super high. Oh, this is precious. “I’m not a stallion. I’m a mare like you!” This is too precious. “Oh? What’s your homeroom?” “The one with the-the-” His voice fell and became deeper. “Okay, you caught me. So now what?” “Well, now we help you out of that skirt, miss-ter…” “Tw-twinkle. My name is Twinkle. And why, don’t I look good?” Tugging at the skirt with her teeth, she replied. “You look gorgeous Twinkle, but you’re asking for trouble with that outfit. Mares here don’t wear our uniforms unless dancing in class. Clothing is forbidden unless dancing or off school grounds.” “Huh?” “Well Miss Twinkle, you clearly went all out on this little ruse of yours, though I’m not sure why. With all that makeup and foundation, you can’t even tell you aren’t a white-furred pegasus mare. Quite impressive really-” Finally pulling off the skirt, she marveled at the evenly coated foundation covering the stallion's black fur. How none of it came off at her touch. “So I see no reason not to assist. Though, while I do, mind telling me why you broke into the mare’s locker room?” Looking nervous, he scuffed a hoof as he replied. “You promise not to laugh?” Releasing her hold on the skirt, Feather Dance raised an eyebrow as she used her hoof to lift his muzzle until they were eye to eye. “Am I laughing now?” Looking abashed, he took a deep breath before telling her. “I want to learn to dance.” Walking over to an empty locker, Feather Dance place the skirt in it as she mused aloud. “So you pretended to be a mare in order to learn dancing magic, I see. Too bad I caught you in the act, huh?” “What are you going to do with me?” Appearing deep in thought, Feather Dance replied. “Well, I should probably tell a faculty member-” “Seeing the look of dismay on his face, she smiled gently. “But then again why would I report my new roommate? Come over to the shower, we need to do something about that mane and tail.” Looking utterly bewildered, he slowly walked over to the shower as she explained, while shampooing his mane, being careful not to get any of the makeup wet. “Mares here, are housed in dormitories, and lucky you, little Miss Twinkle, I happen to have one to myself. Firstly though, this mane is far too…stallion, too uniform for a mare, let’s just add some dye…oooh perhaps some brown and we could stripe it with purple…” “And so I said- oh!” Two mares walked in, fresh from their classes, to see Feather Dance using her teeth to hold Twinkle’s tail still while furiously shampooing it with her hooves as Twinkle winced in his feminine voice. “Take it easy, you’re being too rough!” Halting Feather Dance glanced towards the mares who began frantically backing out the door uttering excuses mixed with apologies. She grinned with malice. “Do you mind? We’re taking a shower here!” “Excuse us, we didn’t know…we were just-” Feather Dance played it up, exclaiming. “Can’t two mares have a little fun? What, were you trying to join or something?” Frantically, the two mares hastened their getaway muttering almost incoherently. “No..we...I mean…we weren’t trying to disturb, er we got class…Right, carry on. We need to go. Now, Sugar.” After the two had left, Feather Dance cackled with glee as she continued to dye Twinkle’s tail. “That’ll teach that snooty Lemon Sherbert. Ugh, she drives me mental. Such a prim and proper, ‘do as I say’ mare. Just because her Mom is the dean, she thinks she owns the place. That’ll have her blushing for weeks. Now, hold still, this might hurt a little.” Many hours later, the Dean looked Twinkle up and down; his once black fur, now a sparkling white, highlighted by the perfectly styled brown mane and tail each with an amethyst stripe. “She wishes to attend our institution you say? Alright, what’s your name, young mare?” Clearing his throat, Twinkle carefully controlled his voice as instructed by Feather Dance, giving the name she had suggested to him. “Sparkle Stardust, ma’am.” “I see. Alright, and do you have a place to stay while attending classes, Miss Sparkle?” Feather Dance chimed in. “We were thinking she could room with me ma’am.” “Mhm. And Miss Dance here has informed you of our rules and customs?” Receiving a nod of confirmation, the Dean continued. "Very well, Miss Sparkle, you will be Miss Dance’s roommate." The look of excitement that passed between the two was short-lived as the Dean continued. "However, before either of you leave, I wish to have a word with you regarding a certain shower my daughter walked in on.”
