Rara's New Life

2 weeks have gone by since Coco paid a visit to Mike. During that timespan, Mike was able to submit his audition to the team running contest. A week later he got a letter saying that he was entered into the contest, much to his surprise. Another week passed by and before Mike knew it, the big day had come. And since the contest was held in Nashville, transportation was not an issue.

The day before the event, a qualifying show with band members was held to see which finalists will perform at the contest. On that day, Mike woke up bright and early, and after getting ready, he walked from his apartment complex to the WeGo Star Commuter Train Station in Lebanon. Being a terminus station, a train was already there, waiting for it's engineer to walk from the locomotive to the cab car on the other end. Mike got his ticket, climbed onboard, and took a seat on the top deck. After a few more minutes of waiting, the train finally departed. After a 30-minute ride, the train began to slow down for it's arrival at the Riverfront Station in Downtown Nashville.

"Riverfront Station, Riverfront," the conductor announced over the intercom. "This is the final stop. All passengers must disembark here. Please gather your personal belongings before you leave the train. Thank you."

Mike got up from his seat and walked down to the lower deck of the car. Soon, the train came to a stop, the doors slid open, and the passengers began to disembark. When Mike got off the train, he saw, to his surprise, the Mane 6. They were standing on the platform, which was right beside the bus station.

"Hey girls, what are you all doing here?" Mike asked.

"We thought you might need some support, now that we know you've entered the contest," explained Applejack.

"Well, thanks girls," said Mike. "But there's a qualifier before the main show. I need to get passed that first, so there's still a chance that this won't bring my confidence in music back."

"Oh come now, darling," said Rarity. "I'm sure you'll get passed it. From what Coco has told me, you sound much better than you did 3 weeks ago."

Mike couldn't help but smile at Rarity's optimism. He then noticed that they brought someone he hasn't seen in a while.

"Hey Twilight, long time no see."

Twilight smiled. "Hey Mike," she said. "Sorry I couldn't show up at the Tootsies Orchid Lounge 3 weeks ago."

Mike gave Twilight a reassuring smile. "It's alright. You had to attend to some business. And that always comes first."

Twilight beamed. Just then, Mike looked at his watch. "Come on girls," he said. "The qualifier starts in a few minutes."

And with that, Mike and the Mane 6 began to make they're way to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. When they arrived, they saw lots and lots of artists getting ready to qualify for the main event, and by the looks of things, it was going to take several hours for all of them to perform. Mike performed his audition, "City of Music" by Brad Paisley, during the third hour, and surprisingly, his performance was better than the Mane 6, especially Applejack, expected. After his performance, the waiting game of several more hours began.

Every artist that performed before or after Mike sounded just as good as he did. This brought back memories of how he couldn't get far in past singing contests. Mike was hoping that this would be the contest that would finally help him get far in music, and best of all, his pony friends were there to support him no matter what happens.

By the time the last artist performed, the sun had set, and it was now nighttime. Now, it was up to the judges to decide who will be the artists that would be competing for the grand prize of becoming Countess Coloratura's partner. Mike and his 6 pony friends were waiting for the judges to announce the finalists.

"So, how many artists are there going to be in the contest?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"According to Sapphire, there's going to be 20," replied Rarity.

"There were a lot of good singers," said Applejack. "But I know you'll be one of them, Mike."

Mike smiled sheepishly. "Well, at least I don't have to go through round after round this time," he said.

Just then, Twilight saw Sapphire Shores walking out onto the stage with a clipboard in her hand. "Look, Sapphire is going to announce the finalists."

Sapphire Shores walked to the mic and began making her speech. "Thank you all for auditioning for tomorrow's singing contest. As you all know, the winner of this contest gets a huge prize. And that prize is the fact that one of you will become Countess Coloratura's singing partner on her upcoming multi-dimensional tour." The crowd cheered as Sapphire took her clipboard and began speaking again. "Now, our judges have made their selections on the 20 competitors that will compete for that prize." Sapphire Shores began to read off the list of the 20 selected artists and their pictures were then displayed on a projector screen at the back of the stage. However, as each name was read, Mike saw that his name wasn't one of them. The Mane 6 saw this too, and began to worry that they're plan of getting Mike back into music had failed. 19 names later and Mike still wasn't called. The ponies were hoping that Mike would be the last name called. Mike on the other hand wasn't convinced.

"That's it," sighed Mike. "I knew this would be worthless."

But then.....

"And finally, the last contestant is...Mike Rogers!"

"W-w-w-wait! WHAT! REALLY!?"

The Mane 6 all cheered and hugged him.

"See Mike," said AJ. "We told you you'd make it."

Mike was still at a loss for words. "I-I-I don't know what to say," he said. "I can't believe it! I made it. I MADE IT!"

"Will all competitors please report to the back of the stage to prepare for tomorrow," Sapphire requested over the mic. "As for the rest of you, thank you all for coming. If you didn't make it, don't feel bad. You gave it your best try."

"I suppose I should go backstage to see how the finals will play out," said Mike.

"Alright," said Applejack. "We'll be outside."

While the Mane 6 went outside, Mike went backstage to see what needs to be done before tomorrow.

Sapphire Shores began passing out papers to the 20 competitors. "Alright everyone. Congratulations on making the singing contest. Now, this right here is the song selection for each of you to perform in the contest. This is divided by what type of singer and what style it is. Now, all you have to do is choose which song you will sing tomorrow morning and then practice it with your band members. You cannot use the song that you sung today, as that will result in an automatic and immediate disqualification. We want to see how well you can perform on the spot. So take your time and be sure to report to me tomorrow morning. Good luck."

Sapphire Shores left, and all the artists looked over their sheets. They immediately started to get ideas on what to sing. But Mike was having a tough time looking through the list. All of the songs listed were songs that he knew well. There were so many choices to choose from. He then saw that the others were starting to leave the theatre, so he decided to do the same. He walked outside and joined up with the Mane 6.

"So Mikey, what do you have to do for the contest?" asked Pinkie.

Mike sighed. "I have to perform a new song from this list," Mike replied.

"Well, what's so hard about that?" asked Twilight.

"And why aren't you excited about this?" asked Applejack.

"I don't know which song to sing," Mike explained and showed them the list. "Look at this, these are some of the most iconic songs out there, and I know and love every single one of them. But there's the problem. I can only pick one. To make matters worst, most of these songs are from female artists. The ones from male artists are actually from a band."

The Mane 6 looked at the list and were able to make out a lot of the songs, since they've listened to them quite a few times during their time on Earth.

"Is there a way for you to make an exception in choosing a song?" asked Fluttershy.

"If I had my own band, then yes. I can," replied Mike. "But I don't, so I can't."

Suddenly, an idea flashed in Twilight's head. "Wait! You need your own band?"

"Uhhhh.... yes?" said Mike confusingly.

Twilight then flashed a big smile. "Mike, you're a genius!" she cried.

"What are you talking about, Twilight?" asked Mike.

"Yeah Twilight," said Rainbow Dash. "How is Mike a genius?"

Twilight then looked to her friends and explained to them her idea. "Remember that time I had to return to the mirror world to face the sirens?" she asked.

They all nodded. "Well, we had to use music to defeat them, and your human counterparts played certain instruments while doing it. Rainbow Dash and Applejack, you both played different guitars, Pinkie Pie, you played a drum set, Fluttershy, you played a tambourine, and Rarity, you played uhh some kind of... portable piano thing?"

"You mean a keytar?" asked Mike.

"Yes, a keytar," said Twilight. "It's a small electric piano that has buttons to help set it's octaves to the device. If they were able to play instruments in the mirror world, then maybe you girls can all do the same."

Twilight's friends all looked at each other and smiled.

"That sounds like an excellent idea, Twilight," said Rarity.

"I couldn't have thought of a better plan myself," agreed Applejack. "It seems that we have our own band to help Mike out, but how the hay do you plan to get us to play with Mike in all of this?"

"I'm glad you asked," replied Twilight. "Applejack, you, me, and Rarity are gonna go see Sapphire Shores and ask her if she can make exception for Mike's performance tomorrow. The rest of you will head back to Mike's house and choose a song. Mike, do you have a song from your albums that you would want to use?" Mike nodded. "Then that's settled then."

Rarity knew which hotel Sapphire was staying at and took Twilight and Applejack with her. Mike and the others walked to the Riverfront Train Station and took the WeGo Star Commuter Train back to Lebanon. When they arrived, he pulled out some CDs to show them what he had in mind for tomorrow.

"Alright everypony," said Pinkie "Let's get-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" Mike scolded. "Don't do it, I'm sick of it."

"So, what song would you like to sing?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"I don't know," said Mike. "There's too many choices."

"Maybe, something lite?" asked Fluttershy.

"Or maybe something funky," said Pinkie.

"I don't think those kind of songs will impress Rara and the other judges," said Rainbow Dash.

Mike looked through his list one more time and his eyes fell on one song that he loved since he was in college. "Girls, I think I got it."

"You do?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Yes," replied Mike.

But before he could speak further, a knock sounded at Mike's front door. "Coming," Mike shouted. He opened the door which revealed Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack. Mike let them in before closing the door behind them.

"So, how did it go?" Rainbow asked.

"Great news," said Twilight. "As long as Mike picks a song of his choosing, and we be his band, then Sapphire's allowing it. But we have to tell her what song it is so that she can listen to it first. Have you chosen a song yet?"

"Yup," Mike replied and showed them the song.

"Woo we!" exclaimed Applejack. "Now that's a classic."

"It is," said Mike. "Now how about we start practicing now?"

"Sounds good to me," replied Rainbow Dash.

"Then let's get started," said Mike, as the Mane 6 all grabbed they're respective instruments.

"A one, and a two, and a one, two, three, four!"

The next morning, Mike and the Mane 6 woke up bright and early. After getting ready, they walked back to the Lebanon WeGo Star train station, took the train back to Downtown Nashville, and began making their plans for that night's singing contest. Twilight and Rarity went to see Sapphire Shores to explain to her what song Mike was going to sing, meanwhile Applejack and the others went to the Tootsies Orchid Lounge to see if they can use the bar's stage area to practice. Since it was Sunday, there wouldn't be a lot of people around to disturb them. Mike, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash brought their own guitars, while Pinkie Pie took the drum set. Just then, Twilight and Rarity came through the door of the iconic bar.

"Alright," said Twilight. "We talked with Sapphire and she said that she'll allow that song to be played tonight. But because Mike chose a song from a band, we'll have to play last in the contest."

"That's great," replied Applejack. "John here is allowing us to use the drum set for Pinkie and a keytar for Rarity."

"Just remember, Rarity," explained Mike. "A keytar is just like a piano. If you want, I can get you set up for the song's features."

"Thanks Mike," said Rarity. "But from Twilight has told me about my mirror world counterpart, I think I can quickly catch on. I must say, Sapphire is REALLY pleased with our decision."

This caused a concerned look to fall on Twilight's face. "Maybe a little too pleased," she said concerningly.

"Something wrong, Twilight?" Mike asked.

"Well, no. Not really," replied Twilight. "It's just when Rarity and I left her hotel room, she seemed...very dreamy? Like, it looked like she was planning something that we don't know about. And whatever it is, it's big."

"Don't worry, Twi," AJ reassured. "I'm sure it's nothing. She's probably excited that her plan to get Rara's career going again is working."

Twilight smiled. "I know you are."

"Well, what can I say?" asked Applejack. "She's my childhood friend. And I would love nothing more than to see her happy. Now, enough about that, we have a contest to focus on!"

"Right," said Mike. "Come on girls, let's do this!"

"YEAH!" They all said in unison.

They spent the next few hours on the song making sure it was perfect. It would only be a few more hours before they had to head out to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center for the singing contest.

Soon, night came. It was time for the singing contest. By now, the contest was in full swing. Currently, the 19th artist was performing, and Mike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity, each wearing clothes that helped them blend with the stage, were getting their instruments ready for their performance. Because he was the last artist to perform at the contest, Mike couldn't help but feel extremely nervous, but with his pony friends by his side, he knew he would do well.

Sapphire came on the stage and said, "And now, our last artist for tonight. Please welcome... Mike Rogers!"

The crowd clapped as Mike and his friends walked up to the stage. Meanwhile, up in the judges' booth, Rara and Coco were watching. Rara had just gotten her own Earth passport, allowing her to come over to Earth. Rara heard Mike's name being announced and then saw him walking up to the stage. She then leaned over to Coco. "So that's the guy you told me about, isn't it?" she whispered.

"Yeah! He is," replied Coco. "Although, why is he with AJ and Rarity?"

"And Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie too?" asked Rara.

They soon got their answer as Mike tuned his guitar and took the mic. He and his friends began their performance.

As the song ended, a huge round of applause from the audience greeted Mike an his friends. Mike hoped that he did his best, and he was thankful that his friends were there to help him. Now it was time for the judges to decide who Rara's partner will be.

The judges began going through each of the 20 artists and made their top picks to be tallied together. As Sapphire Shores went through the list, Rara went backstage with Coco.

"So, you have an idea on who you want your partner to be?" asked Coco.

"Yes," Rara replied. "But that'll depend on how the other judges made their picks."

"If you don't mind me asking, but what do you think about Mike? asked Coco.

"Well," replied Rara. "All the artists sound good. But Mike...there's something about him that I can't put my finger on. You were right Coco, I did love the way he sings. That song he sang was so catchy, that I'm still having a problem getting it out of my head. Even if he doesn't go with me, I do hope he makes it far."

"Well, there's a reason why I thought it would be a good idea to have him do this," Coco explained. "You see, this is his LAST chance to make it big in music."

Rara went wide-eyed. "What?! Really?"

"Yes. You see, he's 27 years old, pretty much around your age, and he says that if he doesn't make it to becoming your partner, it'll be time to move on. He already has a profession that he loves doing."

"Yes," said Rara. "You told me that he supposedly...races cars?"

"Exactly," replied Coco. "He just signed 3 new contracts with 3 race teams across 3 different racing leagues."

"Whoa," exclaimed Rara. "Sounds like he'll be busy during this upcoming season."

"Oh, he will be," remarked Coco.

The 2 mares continued to make their way to the backstage area, with Rara wondering if she made the right picks. When they arrived, they saw Sapphire Shores finishing her look over the judges' picks.

"So honey," said Sapphire. "Imma pass this list to you, and YOU make the final decision on who ya want your partner to be."

Sapphire handed Rara the list of the judges' picks and Rara looked it over. Rara loved all 20 artists, but she knew she couldn't pick all of them. She had to pick only one. She then remembered what Coco had just told her moments ago. She looked over the list again. To her delight, Mike's name was on it. Rara loved his song and his singing voice. Knowing that this was his final chance at a music career, she didn't want his hard work to go to waste.

"Alright," Rara announced. "I made my decision." She handed the list back to Sapphire.

"Splendid darling," said Sapphire. "Now who do you choose for your partner."

Rara composed herself and tried to look as professional as she could. "For my partner, who would accompany me on my multi-dimensional tour...I choose-"

The 20 artists lined up on the stage. Mike was as nervous as he had ever been, this was his last and only chance to get into the music business. The Mane 6 watched from the side of the stage, just as nervous as Mike was. They hoped to Celestia that their plan had worked.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, even though it had only been 20 minutes, Sapphire Shores came up on stage and spoke into the mic. "Thank you all for coming to this singing contest. Let's give one last round of applause to of these fine artists who have worked very hard to get this far." The audience responded with cheers and clapping. "Now, it's time for the moment you've been waiting for, the announcement of the winner." The crowd cheered and clapped again. "As you all know, the winner of this contest will have a contract with our record label and perform with Countess Coloratura on her upcoming multi-dimensional tour. Now, I would like to announce our winner." A drumroll sounded, and everyone on the stage and the crowd burst with anticipation. "The winner...of the singing contest...is..."

"MIKE ROGERS!!!"

Mike's eyes widened in shock. He didn't know if he was dreaming or not. But after seeing the other 19 artists going up to him and congratulate him, He realized that this was indeed real. He smiled and walked up to Sapphire Shores to shake her hand. Everyone was cheering and clapping, including the Mane 6.

"Well I'll be!" Applejack cried joyfully. "It worked!"

"I can't believe it!" said Rarity.

"Heh, I knew he could do it, especially with our help," chuckled Rainbow Dash.

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center was finally empty as everyone started to go home. Mike gave a few more thanks to some of the finalists for their congratulations. His pony friends were still around, wanting to see Rara happy and hopeful after so long.

"Looks like you've finally made it to the big time," said Applejack. "We're so proud of you partner."

"I've couldn't have done it without you," said Mike. "Shouldn't you all be heading home now?"

"We would," said Twilight. "But we have helped Rara a lot these past 5 months, but they were all during the time she was in her financial hole and she was always very sad looking whenever we came around. Now, with her career getting back on it's hooves, thanks to this contest and upcoming multi-dimensional tour, she'll be very happy again. And we want to see her happy and hopeful after everything that's happened over the past 5 months."

"Mr. Rogers!"

Mike looked over and saw Sapphire Shores up to him with Coco.

"Mr. Rogers, could you please follow me?" asked Sapphire.

"Sure," said Mike. "And please, just call me Mike."

"Certainly. I'm sure you've met Coco Pommel before."

"Yes I have," Mike replied. "She helped me out while Applejack and the rest of the Mane 6 went out on one of their friendship missions."

"I see," said Sapphire. "Well, could you follow me now, please?"

"Of course," Mike answered.

Mike, Sapphire, Coco, and the Mane 6, all made their way to the backstage area. When they arrived, Rara was there waiting for them.

"And this is Countess Coloratura, who you will be performing with later on," said Sapphire.

It was here where Mike saw Rara for the first time. She was a young mare, seeming to be right around his age. She had a blueish white coat, a dark mane and tail with a teal streak, and baby blue eyes. She was wearing a black sleeveless shirt and a silver skirt that reached her knees.

"It's nice to meet you," said Rara as she extended her arm for a handshake.

"It's nice to meet you too, Miss Coloratura."

"Oh please, call me Rara, since we are both friends of Applejack. She and Coco told me a lot about you, and I'm glad that you won the contest. It must have been really hard getting into the music industry."

"You have no idea," said Mike. "But I'm glad I'm finally in it."

"Speaking of which, let's get the contract details out of the way," said Sapphire. "It's a joint contract and Rara has already looked it over and signed her part. However, we want to make sure that you look it over before you sign your part."

Rara explained, "It's a 2-year contract, this will allow us to work together on a new group album. It will also allow us to tour together in both Equestria and on Earth, beginning here in North America. Part of the money earned will be split between us and any other parties that will tour with us."

Mike looked over the contract, checking for any details to catch to this. "So, it's 2 years right?"

"Exactly," replied Sapphire.

"Alright, sounds good to me." Mike looked over the contract again to make sure there aren't any catches. After seeing that there weren't, he decided to sign it, but before he did, he had one more question to ask. "When do we start working on the music?"

"Well, your friends over there, as well as Coco, all told me about your current career as a professional racer, so I asked Applejack which races are you doing, and what dates they fall on. I was originally planning to have the tour start on the last weekend of February, but I don't want to put conflicts on your racing schedule. So after viewing your schedule, I've decided to postpone the start of the tour until sometime in the summer," explained Sapphire. "Although, I was hoping you can move in with Rara soon. Then we can see about getting to work on the music."

"Well, I'm sure Twilight and her friends can get something worked out for me to come to Equestria," said Mike, as he looked towards the Mane 6, knowing that they would be happy to help. The Mane 6 all smiled back, loving the idea of their first human friend living with them in their home world.

"Oh, I don't think you have to worry about that, now that you and Rara are a couple."

Confusion suddenly filled the room as everyone present didn't know what Sapphire was talking about.

"Uhhh... what?" asked Mike.

"You mean like a duo?" asked Rara.

"No silly, a couple. It says so right here." Sapphire pointed to a section of the contract to the others. There was some kind of seal next to it, and Coco and the Mane 6 instantly recognized it.

"Is that..." Coco began.

"PRINCESS CELESTIA'S SEAL?!!!!!! Twilight finished.

"Yup," Sapphire replied. "She helped me with parts of the contract, since it's a part of the relations between Equestria and Earth. In fact, now that it has been signed by both parties, I'm gonna go mail it to her right now." Sapphire then stood up from her chair and left the room, leaving Mike, Rara, Coco, and the Mane 6 to figure out what's happening.

It took a few more seconds for the silence to be broken, as Coco finally pieced together what was going on. "S-s-so, that means..." She looked at Mike and Rara. "Y-y-you two are..." She then looked at the Mane 6, who were anticipating what Coco was about to say, then back at Mike and Rara. "...married."

Mike and Rara looked at each other in complete shock. The Mane 6 all had dumbfounded looks on their faces as they realized what Coco just said. Silence once again filled the room. Everyone present could not believe what just happened.

To Be Continued.