Adventure at Canterlot High - Canterlot High - Face The Music

by Prince Dustin Hogan

Rating: teen
Tags: Dazzlings, Original Character, Equestria Girls, Science Fiction, Comedy, Main 7 (EqG), Profanity, Adventure, Ben 10, Crossover, Human
Length: 30612

As Tristen and friends are getting ready for the musical showcase, a new threat arrives. And it's not the Dazzlings that are the main threat.

This story is a sequel to Adventure at Canterlot High

It's been some time after the events of the Fall Formal. Sunset Shimmer, officially redeemed, is still struggling to show others that she has changed for the better. Luckily, she has her friends to help her.

But when a trio of new students that call themselves the Dazzlings arrive, what CHS originally planned for an event for students to display their musical talent turns into a battle royale for musicals bands. But in addition to this, the Dazzlings are aided by someone named Decibot.

Information for the Tristen’s Omnitrix here.

List to Tristen's aliens here.

Published 2024-10-04 00:10:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-10-06 16:23:18 UTC

A chance meeting

It was night in Canterlot city, and many people were doing their casual business. Whether it's taking a walk, meeting up with friends, going out for a drink or a bite to eat, you name it.

One particular figure however is what our focus is on.

It's a tall slender humanoid robot with an LED helmet for a head that depicts a pair of neon magenta eyes. He has light gray armor plating over a black body with circuitry lines that glow a mix of bright magenta and ultraviolet. Attached to his right arm was a device that slightly resembles an electronic keyboard but with a magenta screen, no piano keys, and two separate areas with bright purple keys. He also has two stereo speakers attached to his shoulders and antennae that resembled wireless earbuds on the sides of his head.

As for what he was doing, he was leaning against a building, observing a magenta holographic graph chart. The graphs on the chart he was observing were showing that they were progressively lower. And the robot didn't seem to be so happy about this.

“Dammit!” The robot declared in frustration. “The ratings for my studio are still going under! No matter what I try, it doesn't seem to be working!”

With a grunt, the chart graph vanished, and he kicked a stray can aside in frustration. “I better think of something soon! Otherwise, my studio will go tits up!”

Suddenly, he hears what sounds like singing. Beautiful singing at that. But his sensors also picked up on an energy spike. And it was coming from within the building he was leaning against.

Driving by curiosity, he looks over the window, where he sees a bunch of patrons arguing. But he then picks up on a strange green mist that the many patrons don't seem to notice.

Eventually, he spotted the source of the music in the form of three and the strange energy surge.

(Meanwhile)

Inside, as the patrons of the diner were bantering, the strange green mist was moving its way towards the three hooded girls, flowing into red gems upon their matching necklaces.

"That was barely worth the effort, Adagio." Said one of the girls said as she removed her hood, revealing her light grayish fuchsia skin, moderate mulberry, and hair that was moderate purple with light brilliant aquamarine streaks and styles in pigtails. "I'm tired of fast food. I need a meal."

The second removed her hood as well, revealing that she had arctic bluish white skin, moderate raspberry eyes, and hair that was light arctic blue with moderate Persian blue stripes and styles in a ponytail.

"The energy in this world isn't the same as in Equestria." The girl named Adagio explained while removing her hood as well. She had pale apple green, brilliant raspberry eyes, and puffy luminous vivid orange with brilliant yellow streaks and fixed with a rather spiky headband. "We can only gain so much power here.”

“Ugh! I wish we'd never been banished to this awful place!” The pigtailed girl groaned out in complaint.

“Really? I love it here!” Adagio fired back with clear sarcasm.

“For realsies?” The blue girl asked in obliviousness. “Because I think this place is the worst.”

(Back Outside)

As the robot observed the three girls, he couldn't help but find something extraordinary about them.

“Energy? Equestria?” The robot ponders to himself. “Just what exactly are those three?”

Suddenly, a loud booming cacophony of screams assaulted his ears… or audio sensors, as it did with many others in the diner.

(Back Inside)

Adagio and her two associates, along with everyone else, covered their ears from the sudden blast of screams that assaulted the atmosphere.

It luckily didn't last too long for it to subside, making everyone uncover their ears.

“What was that?” Adagio asked while rubbing her ears in pain.

“Dunno, but that was loud.” The pigtailed girl replied. “Really loud.”

Suddenly, Adagio spots a bright light shining from outside.

(Back Outside)

The robot also noticed the bright flash, while his sensors detected a greater energy spike from the sudden bright light.

He sees Adagio race outside, making him hide as Adagio bolts doors. She was clearly drawn to the light like he was, which was followed by a magical rainbow that was aimed at the ground.

“What in the hell…?” The robot asked himself in surprise.

Meanwhile, the gem on Adagio's necklace sparkled after what she had just witnessed. And the robot took notice of the strange twinkling as he detected another energy surge on his sensors.

"Did you feel that?!" Adagio asked with a sinister smile as her two cohorts walked right beside her. "Do you know what that is?" The two girls only shrugged with perplexed looks. "It's Equestrian magic!"

"But this world doesn't have Equestrian magic." The pigtailed girl replied.

"It does now," Adagio said as she walked into the street. "And we're going to use it to make everyone in this pathetic little world adore us!"

The robot was surprised at what he had heard. Magic? Surely there was no such thing! But then again, how else could he explain what he had just seen.

But as his attention returned to the girls, an idea struck him with clarity. “It looks like my prayers have been answered.” The robot muttered, a sinister grin forming on his visor. “Pardon me, dearies.”

Aria and her two followers turn to see the robot walk towards him.

“Can we help you?” Adagio asked with a furrowed eyebrow.

“First off, allow me to introduce myself.” The robot bowed as he introduced himself. “I'm Decibot. Surely you know of my work?”

Adagio was perplexed, sharing a confused look with her two followers. “Can't say that we do.”

The robot named Decibot looks up to the three, surprised before composing himself. “I'm run DuBeat.” Decibot projects a holographic image of a symbol depicting a vinyl record with a wifi symbol in the center. “My internet radio platform?”

The pigtailed girl shrugged. “Doesn't ring any bells.”

“I was affiliated with…. Sh-Shock Jock!” Decibot said, clearly hesitating in saying that last name. But again, the three girls didn't seem to know what he was talking about. Decibot was close to losing his cool, but he managed to keep himself together. “N-Nevermind. Anyhow, I couldn't help but notice you three have quite a set of pipes.”

Adagio smiled at that claim. “Well, I don't mean to brag, but you can say our music has the magic touch." Adagio boosted, making her two cronies smile as well.

“Oh, I've noticed.” Decibot said in a cryptic manner. “Anywho, I'm in a bit of a bind. You see, my viewership is at an all-time low right now.” Decibot projected the holographic graph chart to the girls. “My studio started off strong, but over the years my work seems to be so mundane. Lacking focus.”

As Decibot said, Adagio looks to her two goons while listening to every word.

“My methodology doesn't seem to be working, but then I was struck with an idea. What I needed, is variety!” Decibot continued. “Something new! Something fresh! Something to grab the people's attention!”

“Get to the point, tin man.” The pigtailed girl said with little patience. “We've got places to be.”

Decibot smirked. “Right. To put it simply, how would you three like to work for me?” The three girls were surprised by the offer. “Why, with your vocal prowess and my influence, we'll be showered with adoration! Our fanbase will reach the skies!”

Adagio looked at her cronies before looking back to Decibot. “Your offer is very appreciated, but I'm afraid we have more important matters at hand.” Adagio said before turning on her heels.

Decibot however had a big grin. “Perhaps we can come to a compromise, yes?” Decibot asked, earning Adagio’s attention. “I can't help but notice you were drawn to something earlier. Something… vibrant?”

Adagio raised an eyebrow then, and Decibot knew he had her attention.

“And I also took notice of how… influential your music is.” Decibot pried further. “If you catch my drift.”

Adagio’s eyes widened at that. “How did-” Adagio then glared. “Have you been spying on us?”

“Oh, heavens no.” Decibot replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. “I'm an artist. Not a convicted stalker. Whatever that strange occurrence was, it clearly has your attention. So, how about this? I assist you in obtaining whatever it is you have your sights on, and once you have it, I can ensure your fame.”

Adagio and her two followers were still skeptical.

“Besides, just by looking at you three, I can see you are currently in a rough patch right now.” Decibot said as he approached the trio. “It must be difficult. Living the lives of the rabble when clearly you are deserving of so much more.”

As Decibot spoke, Adagio and Aria seemed to be buying what Decibot was selling.

Decibot wraps his arm around Adagio’s shoulders. “Just imagine it. No more will you have to live in tattered rags. No more will you be unheard.” Decibot looks at Adagio. “The four of us, we’ll be going places baby.”

Adagio slowly smiled, the visuals of everything Decibot was offering filling her head. Decibot then walked to the other two girls.

“Just imagine the many adoring fans that will flock towards you. How rich you will be. How many generations your craft will inspire.” Decibot encouraged, and the pigtailed girl seemed to be convinced. “Many will wish to tread in your footsteps. Many other celebrities in the music industry will envy you. And not to mention how luxurious your lifestyles will be.”

Decibot then walks back in front of the trio. “What do you say?” Decibot asked as he offered his hand to Adagio. “Have we got a deal?”

Adagio looked at the pigtailed girl, the two were clearly hooked. The third girl however, had some doubts.

Adagio was about to shake Decibot’s hand, but the blue girl however stops her.

“Wait, Adagio.” The girl said, grabbing Adagio's hand. “You're not seriously gonna take his word for it, are you?”

“What? You're saying you want us to live the same crappy lives we've been living ever since we arrived in this sinkhole?” The pigtailed girl asked.

“Don't you think what he's offering sounds a bit too good to be true?” The blue girl asked. “We don't even know this guy, so how can we trust him?”

Decibot smirked a bit more. “Well, if you wish to do things on your own terms, then I won't judge.” Decibot replied.

Adagio removed her hand, glaring at Sonata before smiling at Decibot. “It's a deal.” And with that, she and Decibot shook hands as Decibot smiled widely.

“Excellent.” Decibot said with a chuckle. “Now then.” Decibot extends his right hand, projects a holographic map from his palm. “From what my sensors have picked up, the energy signature you're looking for is at… Canterlot High School?” Decibot furrowed an eyebrow.

“Then that's where we'll be heading.” Adagio said, looking at her followers.

Decibot smiled in agreement. “Then let's not waste any more time.” Decibot and his three new cohorts walked to their destination.

Fight fire with fire

Outside in the courtyard, the gang had gathered.

“It doesn't make any sense.” Twilight pondered. “I should have been able to create the spark that would help us break their spell. That's how it worked before.”

“But to defeat me, you drew magic from the crown I was wearing.” Sunset replied.

“Our magic comes from our music.” Sonata added. “So maybe you have to use the same kind of magic to defeat Adagio and Aria.”

Tristen pondered for a bit, but then he remembered. “Wait!” Tristen looks at Rainbow Dash. “RD, remember how you guys “pony up” by playing music?”

“Yup.” Applejack replied. “Ears, tails, the whole shebang.”

Twilight gasped, seeing Tristen's point. “So maybe the way to use that magic to defeat the sirens is by playing a musical counter-spell!” Twilight hugs Tristen. “Tristen, you're a genius!”

“You mean like a song?” Flutteshy asked.

Twilight nods in reply. “Uh-huh. And in order to free everyone who's been exposed to the sirens' spell, we'll need them all to hear it.”

“And the band competition is the perfect time!” Cortana replied as she appeared. “That's the next time we can be certain everyone will be in the same place at the same time.”

Tristen smiled. “Great idea, Cortana.”

“Guess the Rainbooms are the band to beat.” Applejack added.

"And I believe you, Twilight, just became the Rainbooms' newest member." Rarity added. The girls all began cheering and laughing at the fact Twilight would be joining them.

“In the meantime, I can use Heartstrings mood-changing music to soothe things.” Tristen said before turning his attention to Sonata. “Plus, me and Sunset have Sonata as the newest addition to our band.”

“So, what do you wanna play?”

“Triangle?”

“Sousaphone?”

“Theremin?”

“I might take a little too long to learn how to play something with these.” Twilight said, obviously referring to her hands. “I'll just sing.”

“Like, as in, lead singer?” Rainbow asked. “Cuz that's usually my gig. This being my band and all.”

“It's our band!” Applejack added. “And, of course, as lead singer. She's the one with the magical know-how to help us pull this thing off.”

“She's got ya there, RD.” Tristen added with a smug grin.

"Okay, yeah, that's cool." Rainbow replied, "I'll just use this as a chance to hone my already insanely good lead guitar skills."

"It's only temporary." Twilight said. "And we don't have to win the Battle of the Bands. We just have to perform during the first round of the competition."

"So, let's get to learning that musical counter-spell!" Rainbow chimed in.

"Well, that's just it, I don't know any," Twilight admitted.

The girls all collectively sigh in response. Tristen, however, was confident that Twilight will come up with the spell.

“I’m sure you'll figure it out, Twi.” Tristen said to Twilight encouragingly. “Like I said, we have Sonata and Heartstrings in the meantime.”

"Then let's not waste any time." Twilight said, picking up Spike and heading back towards the school.

"Where're you goin'?" Applejack asked.

"Well, last time we were here, Spike, Tristen, and I spent the night in the library." Twilight explained.

"Are you crazy?!" Pinkie exclaimed in surprise, "We're besties now! Slumber party at my house!"

Rainbow Dash looks to Sonata. “You wanna come?”

Sonata had a big smile after hearing that. “For realsies?!” Sonata squealed in excitement. “My first ever slumber party! That sounds like fun!”

“Well, hopefully you ladies have a fun night.” Tristen shrugs.

“Wait. Where will you stay?” Twilight asked her male friend. “Don't you have a place of your own?”

“Relax Twilight. He's bunking with me at my place.” Sunset said before turning her attention to him. “Think you can hold down the fort for me?”

Tristen nods and salutes. “Yep. Plus, this gives me time to write the lyrics for our song.”

(Meanwhile)

Decibot, Adagio, and Aria were hidden, clearly listening in on the conversation.

“Our little shapeshifting friend will be by himself. Leaving him wide open.” Decibot said, chuckling wickedly. “It doesn't get any more perfect than this.”

Adagio casts a wicked smirk towards Tristen. “Boy, will he be surprised with what we have in store.”

At Pinkie's house, the girls were having fun at the slumber party Pinkie was hosting.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash were playing video games, while Pinkie was on her laptop, and Twilight was writing up the counter-spell in the bed while Sonata was overseeing her work, and Rarity and Sunset were looking at Rarity's phone.

"Status update: "Okie-dokie-lokie."!” Pinkie said as she typed up the words on her pink laptop. Meanwhile, Rarity, Sunset, and Fluttershy were all posing for a picture on Rarity's phone. After she took it, she looked at it to see that Spike photo bombed them.

Rainbow was struggling to keep up with Applejack in the video game. Out of desperation, she slammed the game console, causing the game to stop on the television.

"Hey! I was about to beat you!" Applejack complained.

"I doubt it." Rainbow replied nonchalantly before turning her attention to Twilight. "So, Twilight, how is that counter-spell comin'?"

"Huh? Oh, uh, good. Great." Twilight replied nervously as she flipped through the pages of Fluttershy's notebook. "Thanks for letting me use your notebook, Fluttershy. I really like the song you wrote for the Rainbooms."

"Thanks." Fluttershy replied before letting out a sign. "Hopefully one day, we'll get a chance to play it."

"I hope Tristen is doing ok on his own." Sonata added.

“Relax, he can take care of himself for a night.” Applejack dismissed.

At Sunset’s house, Tristen was writing down the song that he and his band are going to perform for the band competition.

“Looking good so far, Tristen.” Cortana said as she appeared from the Omnitrix to observe the lyrics he had written. “Is this a song from your world?”

Tristen nods in response. “Yep. One of my personal favorites, in fact.”

A knock came at the door, making Tristen get up and walk towards the door. Upon opening it, it was revealed to be a pizza delivery man.

“Hey. I've got an all dressed and a root beer?” The pizza delivery boy asked.

“Yep. That's me.” Tristen nodded before fishing out three twenty-dollar bills and handing it to the delivery boy. “Keep the change, my guy.” Tristen grabs his order, and the pizza delivery boy takes his leave.

“You know that's unhealthy, right?” Cortana asked.

“I've been working out since I was ten.” Tristen replied. “It never hurts to splurge every once in a while.”

Tristen takes a seat and opens the box, grabs a slice and eats while getting back to work on writing the song.

(Meanwhile)

Adagio and Aria were outside, watching the house with a smile. And Decibot was with them.

“Alright, show time.” Decibot said before his speakers played the sound of a baby crying distress.

(Back inside)

Tristen was about to take another slice before he heard the cries.

“What the…” Tristen muttered out, listening to the baby cries. “Is that… a baby?”

Tristen got up and bolted outside, following the sounds of the cries. Eventually stopping at a forested area, the cries suddenly stopped.

Tristen looks around but takes notice of the orange flash on the Omnitrix. “What… oh shit!”

“Well, look who we have here.”

Tristen looks over his shoulder to see Adagio and Aria. “I should have known.” Tristen got on the defensive.

“At last, we meet.”

Tristen sees Decibot walk to Adagio and Aria. “You must be Decibot!” Tristen declared. “The chrome-coated dickhead who threw his former partner under the bus!”

Decibot chortled. “Charmed. No doubt Sonata told you about me.”

“Oh, quite a lot.” Tristen shot back. “And I'll make sure you get sent straight to the dump!”

Decibot only chuckled in response to that. “We'll see about that, boy.” He then looks towards his underlings. “Let's show him who he's messing with.”

Tristen dialed up his Omnitrix, transforming into a familiar ever shapeshifting mass of nanomachines named:

“Carbon Copy!”

Carbon Copy morphed his right arm into a gatling gun before firing green energy blasts at them. Aria however changed her forearms into those of Saw Horse, only fuchsia and aquamarine in color, and deflected each projectile with blinding speed.

Carbon Copy was shocked at that. “What the hell?!”

Adagio chuckled wickedly as her legs became yellow versions of Speed Demon’s digitigrade legs before speeding off at Carbon Copy, but he easily dodged.

But Carbon Copy is overcome by a jolt of bright mulberry electricity sent by Aria, who now had fuchsia- and aquamarine-colored versions of Thunderclap’s large bulky arms.

Luckily, Carbon Copy has changed into Saw Horse, then begins to spin dash towards her direction. Aria only smirked, and as Saw Horse got close enough, she managed to hold him in place.

Saw Horse quickly changes into Amoeblot, slinks away from Aria and sends a punch to her. Aria stumbles back a little, but Decibot steps in to send a deafening blast from his shoulder-mounted speakers at the alien blob.

The attack sent Amoeblot flying back into town. As Amoeblot was about to get back up, a bright maroon blast of energy made him splatter.

Adagio, who was the one who fired the energy blast, smiled victoriously. But she suddenly gasps in shock as each of the globules grew in size and formed an army of Amoeblot duplicates. Aria’s Thunderclap arms sparkled with mulberry colored electricity before she claps her hands together, sending an electrically charged shockwave at the Amoeblot army.

The army of blob-like aliens crashed into a nearby building, splattering all over the surface before they each merged back into one single Amoeblot. And in a flash of green light, Amoeblot changed into Heartstrings.

“Looks like you could use a good cry.” Heartstrings said as he played more depressing music, sending a wave of blue sound waves towards them.

As soon as the sound waves hit them, Adagio and Adagio both began to tear up and fall to their knees, the two sirens sobbing. Decibot however fired a powerful blast of music at Heartstrings, sending him crashing into another building.

With a sinister grin, Decibot then fired another blast at the building, causing a shower of brick to fall on Heartstrings. Heartstrings looked up, gasping in shock before creating a pink energy barrier to shield himself.

“Alright, tin man!” Decibot declared before changing into Deus-X-Machina. “Let's see if you have a heart under that metal shell!”

Deus-X-Machina turns into a bolt of electricity, which strikes Decibot. Decibot grunts out as he sparks with electricity, his visor glitching profusely as he struggled to maintain control over his body. “Ge-Ge-Get out of-of m-m-my-y sys-sys-tem!” Decibot said in a buffering speech. “Geeeeet ou-ou-ot!”

Suddenly, Deus-X-Machina was ejected from Decibot while he got into his knees.

Deus-X-Machina was about to enter Decibot's body again, only to suddenly glitch as he was struck by a blast of mulberry energy waves. The cause of this was Aria, who was fuchsia all over with aquamarine circuit lines and a single mulberry glowing eye visible on her head, her right arm becoming a large magnet.

Deus-X-Machina changed into Thunderclap before clapping his hands together, creating a powerful shockwave to send Aria, Adagio, and Decibot back.

But Thunderclap noticed a fire hydrant, and with a smile he ran towards the hydrant bore, punching it to create a burst of water to erupt from it. And with his foot, he redirected the water at the trio before sending a surge of electricity to conduct it, causing the trio to be violently electrocuted.

The collective screams of Adagio, Aria, and Decibot rang through the air until Thunderclap decided they've had enough for now. While they were distracted l, Thunderclap changed into Speed Demon and sped off to make a quick getaway.

Aria groaned out in pain as she stung her pigtails dried. “Damn… that hurt.”

Adagio noticed Decibot lying on the ground, spasming while sparking with electricity until stopping. And moments later, Decibot's visor flipped back on while he groaned in discomfort as his visor glitched.

“O-O-Ooooohhh… m-m-my circuiii-it-it-it-itssss….” Decibot buffered. He smacks his head a few times until the glitching stops. “Damn you, boy!”

“Little prick gave us the slip.” Adagio grunted out in frustration. “He got lucky this time, but next time he won't be so fortunate.”

Back at Pinkie Pie’s house, everyone was fast asleep.

Well, the only exception was Twilight who was downstairs in the kitchen, using her mouth to hold the pen as she wrote the counter spell as only a single light illuminated the room.

"No. That's not gonna work!" Twilight groaned out in frustration.

"Hey, Twilight.”

Twilight jumped and looked behind her but calmed down upon seeing Sunset Shimmer at the doorway. "You're up late." Sunset said as she walked over to her.

"Just looking over the counter-spell. " Twilight said as she covered the notebook. "We only get one shot at this. It has to be perfect."

"We really are lucky you're here." Sunset said as she opened the refrigerator, which was filled with nothing but whipped cream cans. "Who could possibly need this much whipped cream?" Sunset looked at Twilight. "Must be nice to have everyone always looking to you for answers to their problems... instead of waiting for you to cause a problem."

"Just because everyone expects something from you doesn't mean it's guaranteed to happen." Twilight replied with worry.

"Well, that doesn't stop them from expecting it." Sunset replied.

"Which only makes things harder because the last thing you want to do is..." Twilight was about to say.

"...let everybody down." Twilight and Sunset finished in unison, making them give each other nervous grins.

Sunset then closed the fridge after putting the can away, but suddenly yelps in shock to see Pinkie’ sister named Maud Pie.

The girl had sapphire bluish gray skin, brilliant turquoise eyes and grayish violet hair that was straight and reached her shoulders. And instead of having the excitable and energetic face that Pinkie is known for, she had a blank expression.

"Boulder was hungry." Maud said as she held a rock in front of her. She then opened one of the cabinets, taking out a box of chips, and then poured some over the rock before walking off.

"I still can't get over the fact that she's related to Pinkie Pie." Sunset whispered to Twilight.

"You and me both!" Twilight agreed, making them both giggle.

Suddenly, Sunset felt her phone vibrate. Upon looking at the screen, she saw that she was getting a call from Tristen. “Hang on a sec.” Sunset said as she clicks the answer button to accept the call. “Tristen, how are things holding up?”

Sunset’s eyes suddenly widened. “What? Are you ok?” Twilight watched on with concern as Sunset called. “Are you sure? I…” Sunset nods silently in response. “O-Ok. Thanks for letting me know. I'll notify the others. Bye.” Sunset hangs up and looks to Twilight. “Decibot and the Dazzlings attacked him earlier."

Twilight gasped in shock after hearing that. “Oh Celestia! Is he ok?”

“He's fine, thankfully.” Sunset replied. “He said he'll fill us in on the details in the morning. I better get some sleep." Sunset yawned. "Good luck with the counter-spell. Not that you'll need it. This must be nothing compared with the stuff you're expected to deal with as a princess in Equestria.”

"Sunset Shimmer?" Twilight said, getting the girl's attention. "Never mind. It's not important." Sunset just gave her a nervous smile as she walked off. Now alone, Twilight continues to work on the counter spell.

Sunset came back into Pinkie's room and was about to go back to sleep, but she saw Sonata toss and turn on her sleep.

“N-No… Dagi… Aria...” Sonata mumbled in her sleep, her eyebrows narrowing. “Don't… don’t leave me alone…”

Sunset was puzzled, but soon began to worry upon seeing Sonata starting to tear up. Sunset walks to Sonata and rubs her back to calm her down.

Sonata flutters her eyes open and looks at Sunset, who was flashing a soft genuine smile.

“It's alright.” Sunset whispered to her. “It was just a bad dream.” Sunset then laid down and wraps her arms around Sonata's midsection.

Sonata, smiling back, closed her eyes and went back to sleep. Sunset closes her eyes and succumbs to sleep as well.

A new tune

Author's Note

Rainbow Dash
Applejack
Fluttershy
Rarity
Twilight Sparkle
Pinkie Pie
Tristen
Sunset Shimmer
Adagio Dazzle
Aria Blaze
Sonata Dusk

Rainbooms
Dazzlings
Eveyone

A new tune

Sunset and Tristen entered the gym, seeing many students work on banners of their own banner. Tristen and Sunset walk inside, and Sunset walks to three girls, wanting to help.

“Want some help?” Sunset asked.

The girls looked hesitant, however. “Uh, no thanks. We're good.”

Sunset looked down in defeat, and Tristen looked at her with concern.

“Hey, maybe you can help with the finishing touches for our band logo.” Tristen suggested, hoping to make Sunset feel better. Which it did, somewhat.

“Sunset! Tristen!"

"Over here!”

As Tristen and Sunset walk towards the gang, Sunset see many students whisper among one another. They were obviously still bitter about Sunset. Tristen placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as they got to them.

“I had no idea the whole school would be here.” Sunset muttered in shame.

“Just give them some time, Sunset.” Tristen said in a comforting way. “They'll come around eventually.”

Rarity and Pinkie unfolded the poster for their band. “Quite the eye-catching advertisement, if I do say so myself.”

Tristen nods in response as he unrolls a sheet of paper that he held to reveal the band logo for him and Sunset. The logo was of Sunset Shimmer's cutie mark with the Omnitrix symbol in the center, and the blue lines that decorated Cortana’s body appearing behind it, and the background appears to be green flames.

“Oooh, that looks neat.” Pinkie Pie explained on awe.

“Still not done with it.” Tristen replied as he grabs a few paint buckets. “We still need to add the wings on the sides.” Tristen pulls up a few paint brushes and hands one to Sunset.

“Is it just you and Sunset?” Applejack asked. “Just a duet?”

Tristen casts Applejack a deadpan look. “We would have recruited more members, but everybody still has some rather… strong feelings?” Tristen gestured to Sunset to emphasize his point.

Applejack nods her head in understanding.

“Besides, it's not like there aren't two person bands out there.” Tristen replied. “Take Sonny & Cher for example.”

The girls looked at him in confusion in response. “Who?” Rarity.

Tristen smacked his forehead, forgetting that he was in a different world. “Never mind.”

"Good afternoon students!" Celestia exclaimed, announcing her presence, "I just wanted to tell you all how pleased I am that so many of you are going to participate in the first ever Canterlot High School Musical Showcase!"

All the students began cheering loudly, excited for the upcoming event.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to raise money for all our after-school programs here at CHS. So, keep working on those signs and posters. I think it's going to be one of the most exciting events we've had at CHS since the Fall Formal." As soon as Celestia mentioned the Fall Formal, the many other students just turned and gave Sunset glares. Sunset blushed out of embarrassment while Tristen smacked his forehead in response.

“Nice going, Celestia.” Tristen mumbled to himself.

“She was pretty bad at the Fall Formal.” Fluttershy replied.

“A demon.” Sunset corrected. “I turned into a raging she-demon.”

“And tried to turn everyone here into teenage zombies for your own personal army!” Pinkie added, making Sunset curl away even further.

“For Christ’s sake, can we just let it go already?!” Tristen asked in annoyance, drawing the collective attention of students. He blushed a bit in embarrassment before clearing his throat. “Sunset already feels bad about that stuff. Reminding her about it isn't going to help.”

Sunset looks to Tristen, smiling softly at that.

"To be honest, ah'd say the whole experience brought everyone at Canterlot High closer than ever before!" Applejack said as she tuned her bass guitar.

"One, two, three!" Pinkie exclaimed as she banged her drumsticks as they were about to play.

There was a time we were apart
But that's behind us now
See how we've made a brand new start
And the future's lookin' up, ah-oh, ah-oh
And when you walk these halls
You feel it everywhere
Yeah, we're the Wondercolts forever, ah-oh, yeah!
We are all together
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)
Now it's better than ever
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)
You can feel it, we are back
And I'm so glad that we're better
Better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we're better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh

There was a time we couldn't see
Past the differences

That separated you and me
And it left us on our own

But now you walk these halls
And friends are everywhere

Yeah, we're the Wondercolts forever, ah-oh, yeah!
We are all together
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)
Now it's better than ever
(Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh)
Now that we are back on track
Yes, I'm so glad that we're better
Better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we're better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we're better than ever
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Oh yeah, we're better than ever!

The girls who had transformed into their pony modes quickly reformed as their ears and ponytails disappeared, along with the wings on Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

“I still can't believe that happens when we play!” Rarity said, many ideas started forming in her head. “I've got to look into some new accessories! Something that looks good in a longer ponytail. Ooh! Maybe some clip-on earrings for when I get those adorable pony ears.”

“I just wonder why it happens. Princess Twilight took her crown back to Equestria.” Applejack pondered. “Shouldn't that mean she took all the magic back with her?”

“Who cares why it happens? It makes my band totally awesome!” Rainbow Dash said in pride, earning an unamused look from her bandmates.

‘Oh dear God.’ Tristen thought to himself, knowing what was to come.

“Your band?” Rarity asked.

“Duh! It was my idea to start the Rainbooms so we could be in the showcase.” Rainbow Dash replied. “Plus, I'm the lead singer and guitarist.”

“Well, she's not wrong about that, I guess." Tristen added with a shrug. “But don't let that get to your head, RD.”

A knock came at the door, and they look to see Flash enter.

“Heard you outside.” Flash said. “You guys are sounding really tight.”

“Uh, we're getting there. Rarity's still coming in a little late-” Rainbow gets cut off by Tristen covering her mouth.

“What Rainbow is saying is thanks.” Tristen said while casting a side glance to Rainbow. “So, what can we do for ya dude?”

Flash stumbled in his speech a little, blushing a bit. “Uh, I don't suppose any of our friends from, uh... out of town might come?” That question made Tristen internally smirk. “Uh, it being a special charity event and all.”

“Sorry, Flash.” Applejack replied. “I don't think Twilight's gonna be back at Canterlot High any time soon.”

Flash laughs nervously. “Oh, yeah. Okay. I just, you know, thought I'd ask. Uh, k-keep on rockin' it.” Flash backing into the wall by mistake, making him blush out of embarrassment before making his way out.

“Wow, he's got it bad.” Tristen said with a slight chuckle.

“He really has quite the smitten kitten.” Rarity added, but remembered Sunset was in the room. “Oh. Sorry. I always forget you and Flash used to be an item.”

“It's okay. Flash is a great guy and all, but I never really liked-him liked him. I was just using him to become more popular.” Sunset, realizing her words, facepalms. “The old me really was just awful, wasn't she?”

“Yeah, she was.” Tristen replied with a soft smile. “But that was the old you. Look how well you've turned out now.” Sunset blushed a bit and looked away. “I'm sure Twi would be proud to see how far you've come.”

“Oh, indeed.” Rarity added with a nod.

“Yeppers!” Pinkie said with a rapid nod.

Sunset still blushed a bit but appreciated her friends’ praise. “Thanks, Tristen, but I'm not sure everyone else at CHS feels the same way.”

Tristen placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Like I said, they'll come around eventually.” Tristen said. “When that happens, I don't know, but it will happen.”

“Sunset Shimmer, please report to the main foyer.”

“Gotta run.” Sunset proceeds to walk out the room. “I volunteered to show some new students around the school. Thought it'd be good for them to get to know the new me before they heard all the stuff about the old me.” And with that, she quickly left the room with a quick.

“We've still got a few minutes before lunch starts.” Rainbow said. “What do you say we do "Awesome As I Wanna Be"?”

“Um, Rainbow Dash? I was wondering if we could maybe play the song I wrote?” Fluttershy suggested.

“We'll get to it.” Rainbow said dismissively.

Tristen, not wanting to get caught up in yet another argument caused by Rainbow’s pride, decides to accompany Sunset.

Sunset arrived at the school entrance, where she met the new transfers. And those new transfers were none other than…

"Hi." Sunset greeted. "Are you the new girls I'm supposed to show around?"

"We are." Adagio responded with a sinister grin as her two cohorts stood behind her.

"Canterlot High is a great school." Sunset said. "You're really going to love it here."

"Oh yes." Adagio replied as the four girls walked along the halls. "We really sense there's something… magical about this place."

"That's the science lab, computer lab is in there," Sunset pointed out the many rooms as she led the three girls, but then she saw a poster for the musical showcase. "Oh! We're having a big musical showcase this weekend! The whole school is pretty much rallying around it."

"A musical showcase?" Adagio asked, somewhat intrigued, and so were her two cohorts as she looked at a tiny speaker piece attached to her shoulder.

(Meanwhile)

Hidden in the bushes outside the school building, Decibot was listening to the convention.

“I'm sure since you're new, Principal Celestia would let you sign up if you're interested.” Sunset's voice spoke through the audio feed, making Decibot smile wickedly.

“What an interesting development.” Decibot said with a chuckle. “The timing couldn't have been more exquisite.”

(Back inside)

“We have been known to sing from time to time.” The pigtailed girl said with a smirk.”

“Hello? We sing, like, all the time!” The blue girl said, earning a glare from her two. “It’s how we get-” Adagio cuts her off by jabbing into her ribs while Sunset looks on with confusion.

“Hey Sunset.”

Sunset and the three girls look to see Tristen.

“Hey, Tristen." Sunset greeted. “Everything alright?”

“Just needed some fresh air.” Tristen replied before noticing the three girls Sunset was touring. “Oh, these must be the new transfers.”

"Yes, they are." Sunset said, gesturing to the trio. “This is Adagio," she said, gesturing towards the puffy-haired girl, "That's Aria," she said, gesturing to the pigtailed girl, "And that's Sonata," she said gesturing towards the ponytailed girl.

"Hey there.” Tristen greeted with a wave. “Name’s Tristen Tenner.”

Adagio smiled a bit at him, almost in a flirtatious manner. “A pleasure.” Adagio said in a bit of a sultry manner. “I trust we'll be getting along just fine, yes?”

Tristen, blushing a bit, smiled nervously. “U-Uh… s-sure, I guess.” Tristen rubbed the back of his neck bashfully. “Ahem! Anyway, I'll let you continue on with the tour, Sunset.”

And with that, Tristen walks away. Aria rolled her eyes while Sonata giggled.

“Was the flirting necessary, Adagio?” Aria asked in mild annoyance.

“What? It's just so amusing to tease now and then.” Adagio replied with a smile and a shrug.

Sunset noticed the pendants the trio were wearing. “Those are pretty. Where did you-”

As Sunset went to have a closer look, Adagio grabbed Sunset by the wrist. Adagio then laughs a little before letting go. “Sorry. These pendants mean an awful lot to us.” Adagio said. “We'd just hate for anything to happen to them.”

And with that, the trio walked off, leaving a now skeptical Sunset.

Adagio, Aria, and Sonata made their way out to the courtyard to meet up.

Adagio sighs out in relief. “That was too close.” She casts a glare to Sonata. “You nearly gave us away, Sonata.”

“Well sorry!” Sonata replied with a scoff.

Aria walks to the shrubs, where Decibot emerged. “You managed to get all of that?”

“Oh, every juicy detail.” Decibot replied with a chortle. “A musical showcase? It cannot get any better than this!”

Adagio smiled in response. “I take it you have a plan?” Adagio asked.

A wicked grin formed on Decibot's visor. “Actually yes, I do. You three feed off of negativity, correct?” Adagio and her two friends collectively nod. “Well, what if we made what was once a charitable event into a competition?”

Adagio and Aria smirked while Sonata looked uncertain.

“I mean, what better way to ruffle up someone's feathers than a contest?” Decibot said. “Better yet, an all-out battle royale.”

Adagio and Aria clearly loved what they were hearing. “Good idea.” Aria responded. “It was too chummy for my tastes.”

“I dunno, guys.” Sonata added with uncertainty, earning looks from Aria, Adagio, and Decibot. “Don't you think that sounds a bit… harsh?”

“Harsh?” Adagio asked. “Sonata, this is our ticket to getting what we’ve wanted for so long! Don't tell me you're growing a conscience now!”

“Well…” Sonata was about to say, but Decibot placed a finger onto her lips.

“I'd listen to your friend, Sonata my dear.” Decibot said. “Unless you're having some second thoughts and considering backing out.” As Decibot spoke, his shoulder-mounted speakers began to play sad violin music as his visor displayed a teary-eyed expression. “Afterall the strings I’m pulling to help out three souls in need.”

Sonata, still unsure, looked away to avoid Decibot’s face. Aria grabs Sonata by the collar.

“I’m warning you right now, Sonata!” Aria declared in a warning manner while Sonata. “You better not mess this up! Otherwise, I'm gonna get myself a new punching bag!”

Sonata, now scared, decided to shut up and go along. “Ok, ok. Please don't hurt me.”

Decibot had a pleased smile as the sappy music stopped. “Splendid!” Decibot said in a cheerful manner. “Now then. Let us not waste any more time.”

With that, the trio walked back inside as Decibot his back inside the bush.

Bring your A-game

In the cafeteria, Tristen met up with the girls before sitting down and chowing down on a burger. He then took notice of Sunset arriving.

“Hey Sunset.” Tristen greeted. “How'd the tour go?”

“I don't know.” Sunset replied with a look of suspicion. “I mean, these girls, they were... There was something off about them.”

Tristen raised an eyebrow in response. “Off? How so?”

“That's just it. I can't put my finger on it.” Sunset answered. “They just acted sort of... strange around me. Maybe someone already talked to them.”

Tristen had a look of worry as Sunset slumped down. “Hey come on Sunny.” Tristen rubs Subset’s back to comfort her. “I'm sure they'll like you.”

“I'm sure one of them already took a liking to you too, Tristen.” Cortana appeared on the Omnitrix while casting a teasing smirk. “If that Adagio girl was anything to go by.”

Tristen cast Cortana an unamused look while Pinkie Pie giggled.

“Only been her first day and already she snagged herself a piece of meat.” Rainbow added, joining on the teasing. “Lucky dog.”

Tristen blushed a bit while rolling his eyes. “Sh-Shut it.”

(Meanwhile)

Outside the cafeteria, Decibot was observing the mass of students, smiling wickedly.

“Alright, ladies. This is it.” Decibot looks to his three helpers. “This is your golden opportunity.”

“Lunch?!” Sonata asked, making Decibot facepalm in response as Adagio groaned.

“The chance to get our true Equestrian magic back.” Adagio corrected Sonata. “Our voices are just strong enough to make them want something so badly, they'll fight to get it.”

“So, you know what to do?” Decibot asked.

“Yeah, we're just gonna stir up some trouble and then feed off the negative energy.” Aria said with sarcasm while casting a glare to Aria. “Like we always do.”

“It won't be the same as the times before!” Adagio responded. “There is Equestrian magic here. Their negative energy will give us the power we need to get this entire world to do our bidding.”.

“But we can get lunch after though, right?” Sonata asked, further annoying her coworkers. “It's Taco Tuesday!”

“FOCUS, DAMMIT!” Decibot roared out at a startled Sonata, his visor glitching a little as his voice sounded more distorted before calming down. “Just… keep your eye on the prize.”

“Just follow my lead.” Adagio said

“Or my lead.” Aria argued.

“My lead!” Adagio shot back while grabbing Aria by the collar.

“Alright then.” Decibot gestures towards the door. “Knock ‘em dead.”

(Back in the cafeteria)

Adagio and her two cohorts made their entrance, vocalizing loud enough to get the attention of the mass of students.

Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh

We heard you want to get together
We heard you want to rock this school
We've thought of something that is better
Something that changes all the rules
Why pretend we're all the same
When some of us shine brighter?

Shine brighter

Here's a chance to find your flame
Are you a loser or a fighter?

Me and you, you and me
Why don't we see who is better?
We don't have to be one and the same thing
Oh, what's so wrong with a little competition?
Are you afraid of failing the audition?

Tristen and his friends watched on in surprise, well he was more in awe about their vocal talent.

You're a star and you should know it
Yeah, you rise above the rest
It doesn't matter who you hurt
If you're just proving you're the best

As this went on, the Omnitrix's faceplate emits changed from green to yellow while Tristen was too distracted to notice.

Ah, ahh-ahh-ahhh
Battle! You wanna win it
Let's have a battle, battle of the bands
Let's have a battle, we'll go all in it
Let's have a battle, battle, battle
Battle of the bands

(Outside)

Decibot watched his three little helpers work their magic, smiling deviously. But then his sensors pick up on a strange energy ping.

He searches the students until he found the source of the energy signature, which was coming from Tristen. Or more specifically, his Omnitrix. But he also noticed that neither Tristen nor the girls accompanying him seemed to join in on the bater.

(Back in the Cafeteria)

The arguing students joined in on the song.

Me and you, you and me
Why don't we see who is better?
We don't have to be one and the same thing
Oh, what's so wrong with a little competition?

I'm going out and winning the audition

Battle! We wanna win it
Let's have a battle, battle of the bands
Let's have a battle, we'll go all in it
Let's have a battle, battle, battle
Battle of the bands!

As the song finally came to an end, Tristen and company looked on to see that the students were arguing over who'd win the competition.

“The hell?” Tristen asked out in surprise.

“Those three are definitely in possession of some kind of dark magic.” Sunset postulated. “How else could you explain what happened back there?” Sunset then took notice of the Omnitrix’s current state. “Hey, what's up with the watch?”

Tristen looks at the Omnitrix, noticing the yellow color in place of the trademark green.

“Looks like something about those girls triggered the creation feature.” Cortana replied. “Meaning you've officially unlocked a new alien.”

“Wait! That thing can make new aliens?” Rainbow asked in shock. “No way.”

“We'll Tristen’s aliens are basically hybrids.” Applejack added.

“How long will the process take?” Asked Tristen.

“Not sure.” Cortana answered. “My guess? I'd say… at least a few minutes. Give or take.”

“And you're sure those girls caused it?” Asked Sunset.

“Well, I did detect an unusual energy signature from those three.” Cortana replied. “I don't know how, but I'm certain they must have somehow triggered this new spot on the playlist.”

“Well, that is nice,” Tristen looks to Sunset, “We now have a new possible threat on our hands.”

“Don't worry, y'all. We'll let Principal Celestia know all about this and those girls will be kicked to the curb in no time.” Applejack said assumingly. “Last thing she needs is another CHS event almost ruined by some power-crazed lunatic.” Applejack then realized her mistake as she looked at a downtrodden Subset. “Er, no offense.”

“None taken.” Sunset sighed out in response.

“Dark magic?” Celestia asked. “I find that very hard to believe. Those girls came into my office earlier and were absolutely delightful.”

“Perhaps Sunset Shimmer is just eager to make someone else out to be a bad element, so that her actions at the Fall Formal will become old news.” Luna said flatly.

“Harsh.” Tristen muttered with a wince.

“I could see why you might think that, but-

“That's not what's happening!” Rainbow declared. “We saw all of this go down in the cafeteria too!”

“Yes, but isn't your band supposed to be part of the Musical Showcase?” Celestia asked

“Yes.” Tristen replied with a nod. “So are me and Sunset.”

“Perhaps you're all just worried that the Dazzlings will steal your spotlight.” Luna said.

Tristen and the others were confused by that. “The "Dazzlings"?”

“It's the name of their musical group.” Celestia responded. “That's why they came by my office earlier to sign up for the Showcase. Even sang a little song to Vice Principal Luna and I.”

Tristen’s eyes widened in shock and realization. ‘Shit! Not them too!’

In the computer lab, Decibot was deep in thought while Aria and Adagio were chatting.

“I'm telling you, Adagio. You always take the lead!” Aria argued with Adagio.

“That's because I'm the brains of the group.” Adagio replied

“And what am I?” Aria shot back.

While the two argued, Decibot remembered the watch Tristen had earlier. He then walks to a nearby computer, removes his head and grabs a nearby USB cable, then hooks one end of the cable into the USB port of the computer while hooking the other end to a port on the back of his head.

Adagio and Aria were surprised upon seeing this. “Whatcha doin’?”

“That boy earlier. There's something about him.” Decibit as the screen of his laptop showed the CHS website. Then he had access to the many student files of the school.

When Decibot pulled up Tristen’s file, Adagio and Aria instantly recognized the picture.

“Hey, isn't that the boy Sunset Shimmer knows?” Aria asked with surprise. “What's got you so interested in him?”

“That watch of his is what puzzles me.” Decibot replied as he showered through various photos of Tristen available in the student gallery.

Aria and Adagio watched as Sonata arrived while munching on a taco. Upon finding a perfect image, Decibot's headless body typed onto the keyboard to zoom in the image, showing a close up of the Omnitrix.

“So?” Aria asked with a shrug. “What's so interesting about some wristwatch?”

“Earlier, during your performance to rouse the crowd, I picked up an energy signature.” Decibot said as his headless body turned to his three cohorts. And it came from the watch the boy had.”

Suddenly, Decibot’s eyes widened in realization. “Wait! That insignia…”

Decibot's headless body began to type onto the keyboard once again. This time searching for various news reports about various strange creatures. Upon close inspection, he noticed the symbol on each of these creatures looked nearly identical to that on the Omnitrix.

Aria and Adagio were still puzzled, however. But Adagio took notice of the similarities that Decibot noticed. “Wait! You don't think…”

“That this boy is behind these acts of heroism that have been occurring?” Decibot finished for Adagio. “The energy signature I've detected, the similarities between the symbol on the watch with the ones on those strange entities, this cannot be a mere coincidence!”

“Meaning that this guy will cause trouble for us.” Aria added.

“Maybe so.” Decibot replied as his headless body unhooked him from the laptop, and he reattached his head to his body. “Not only that, but he along with the girls he's accompanied with didn't seem to be affected by your magic in the slightest.”

Decibot extended his right hand before the holographic recording of Tristen and his friends being unaffected by their spell.

Adagio, Aria, and Sonata were incredibly surprised by what they were seeing from the recording.

“So, what do we do?” Aria asked.

“For now, we bide our time.” Decibot suggested. “I'll keep a sharp eye on things.”

Feeling Blue

The gang were meeting up outside in the courtyard, near the statue that acts as the portal to Equestria.

“They've gotten to everybody.” Rainbow Dash groaned out.

“Not everybody!” Pinkie chimed in.

“Pinkie Pie's right.” Cortana added as she appeared from the Omnitrix. “You kids were there when the Dazzlings were singing, and yet you weren't under their influence. It was like we were protected somehow.”

Tristen scratched his chin, trying to figure it out.”

“So let's take them down!” Rainbow declared. “It's not like we haven't tangled with dark magic before and totally whooped its sorry butt!” Rainbow looks to an ashamed Sunset, suddenly realizing her mistake. “Uh, no offense.”

“None taken. Again.” Sunset replied before looking at Tristen. “Tristen, you said that our world existed in a television show where you're from right?” Tristen nods his head. “Perhaps you have some information that can help us?”

Tristen rubbed his shoulder while looking away in embarrassment. “Uh… I kinda lost interest in MLP when I was six.” Tristen admitted. “The only Equestria Girls special I saw was the one regarding you and the Fall Formal.”

Sunset sighed out in response. “So much for that.”

“Besides Rainbow, that was when Twilight was here.” Fluttershy said. “There may be some kind of magic inside us, but it only comes out when we play music. I sure don't know how to use it to... whoop anybody's butt.”

“If only we could get a message to Twilight.” Rarity sighed out. “Maybe she could tell us how to break the spell the Dazzlings have cast on our friends.”

But when Sunset heard that, she suddenly had an idea. “I may have an idea how we can get in touch with Princess Twilight!”

(Later)

Sunset opened her locker rummaged through it. “When I was Princess Celestia's student back in Equestria, she gave me this.”

“Even after I abandoned my studies, I held onto it.” Sunset explained. “Deep down, I guess I knew I was making a big mistake, and I wanted to still have a way to reach out to her. Maybe it still works.”

Rarity was perplexed. “That's a book, darling. What do you mean, "maybe still works"?”

“It used to be that if I wrote something here, it would appear in the pages of a book back in Princess Celestia's library.” Sunset explained as she cracked the book open. "I get a message to her, then she can get a message to Princess Twilight.”

"So, what are you waiting for?” Rainbow Dash asked as she handed Sunset a pen. “Get to writing!”

Sunset then took the pen, nervously looking at it before setting it on the blank page. But with high hopes, Sunset began to jot down on the page.

At Decibot’s studio, Aria and Adagio were chatting while Sonata was looking around.

She walks down a hall, her ears suddenly picking up on something.

“No, no, no! This is not how I wanted this; you damn fool!”

Sonata noticed a window to a recording booth, and leeks into it. There she sees Decibot talking to another figure.

The figure in question was a man with lemon yellow skin, a bit of a stubble on his face, mint green hair with emerald steaks, and electric blue eyes. He wore a button up white blouse, blue jean pants, and black and white sneakers.

(Inside)

“Look, what the hell do you want from me?!” The man replied with scoff. “I'm doing the best I can here!”

Decibot however was having none of it. “Well, you're best doesn't seem to be good enough! You expect me to use these God-awful tunes for my upcoming masterpiece?!”

“You said for me to find the latest hits, right?” The man gestures to a laptop, the screen displaying a playlist. “These are the best hits according to the sources I’ve found!”

Decibot scowled at that. “Well, whoever reviewed these pieces of formulaic ear garbage obviously has no taste in music!” Decibot shot back. “Now I suggest you find songs that actually suit my standards!”

The man growled in anger, clearly at his wits end. “Why don't you do it yourself then?! I've been at it for like five hours!”

Decibot, in retaliation, punched the man in the gut.

(Outside)

As Sonata watched on in shock, she felt pity for the man Decibot was tormenting.

“I would, smartass!” Decibot shot back. “But I currently have my hands tied!”

“Oh right! Found three new saps to fall for your steaming load of crap, huh?” The man fired back, puzzling Sonata.

(Back inside)

“I’m done arguing with you, Sour Notes!” Decibot shot back. “Now hop to it!” Decibot began to take his leave, but Sour Notes wasn't done yet.

“If only Shock Jock recycled your tin can ass, he wouldn't be in the gutter because of your crap!” Sour Notes declared.

Decibot immediately halts inches in front of the door after hearing that, a look of rage visible onto his visor as it glitched.

“Aha… I’m sorry…” Decibot slowly looks over his shoulder to Sour Notes. “What the hell did you just say, you son of a bitch?”

Before Sour Notes could even respond, a magenta-colored streak of energy resembling lines on sheet music wrap around his neck before he's forced down.

He realized that he overstepped, and he began to panic. “Uh… N-Nothing! I, um…”

“Let me make this abundantly clear, you miserable piece of shit!” Decibot declared as he slowly approached him the magenta energy held in his right hand, his visor glitching still. “If you ever, and I mean EVER, say that again…” Decibot reps onto Sour Note’s right hand, making him grunt in pain, “Then I swear to God, I will break every bone in your body and broadcast your screams for every other disrespectful son of a bitch who think it wise to piss me off!”

Decibot leaned down to Sour Note's, his visor glitching more as it depicted the distorted image of a horrific purple face. “DO WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER?!”

(Back Outside)

Sonata gasped out in terror while looking at a now mortified Sour Notes.

Sour Notes, shivering in fear from Decibot's threats, rapidly nods his head. “U-Understood… Won't happen again.”

With his point made, Decibot’s visor shows his normal face. “It better not!” And with that, Decibot released Sour Note's and made his way out.

When Decibot left the room, Sonata looks back to Sour Note's, who sighed out and got back to work.

Feeling bad for the man, and filled with questions, Sonata entered the room.

Sour Notes jumped at first, thinking Decibot had come back, but he calmed himself when he saw Sonata. “O-Oh… You really shouldn't be in here.”

Sonata walks to the man, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Are you ok?”

Sour Note's was surprised by the question, but he looks away from her. “Y-Yeah. I'm good.” He then looks her in the eye. “Listen. You need to leave. If Decibot finds you in here…”

“What you said to him earlier about Shock Jock being in the gutter, what did you mean by that?” Sonata asked with curiosity.

Sour Notes was stunned upon hearing that. “You… you heard all of that, didn't you?” Sonata nods in response. “Well…” Sour Notes looked out the window, luckily seeing no signs of Decibot. “You really wanna know?”

Sonata nods again in reply. Sour Notes took a deep breath and prepared to tell Sonata what she needed to know.

Back at CHS, the crew were around the mirror statue, waiting patiently for Twilight's to show up.

Rarity was painting Fluttershy’s fingernails, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were playing a game of cards, Sunset and Rainbow were seated by the statue, and Tristen was fiddling with the Omnitrix, the symbol of which was still glowing yellow.

“I'm starting to think she's not coming.” Rainbow sighed out.

Luckily, the statue’s base began to shine in a bright white light. And shortly after, two figures ejected from the mirror, crashing into Tristen.

Tristen grunted a bit in pain. “Ow! What the…” Tristen looks to see what crashed into him,
only to smile upon seeing two familiar faces. “Well, I'll be.”

"Twilight!" the girls exclaimed, recognizing the purple skinned human-turned-pony as she rubbed her head in discomfort while still on her knees.

"I'm back…" Twilight said nervously.

She then looked back up to see Sunset Shimmer offer a hand to her, but she was somewhat reluctant at first, considering what happened during their first encounter. But luckily, she accepted the gesture as Sunset helped her up.

Tristen looks to Spike, who was a puppy once again, and happily picks up the canine. “Hey there, little bud.”

Spike smiled and happily licked his cheek, making him laugh in response while the other girls all then ran to embrace Twilight in a group hug.

"Nice to see you again, Twi.” Tristen said as he puts Spike down to walk over and give her a hug.

“Nice to see you all again.” Twilight said before gaining a serious expression. "And I've got some bad news about those new girls."

Decibot walked towards Aria and Adagio. “Alright ladies, we better get you ready.” Decibot noticed Sonata’s absence. “Where's Sonata?”

Aria and Adagio look around, but they see Sonata approach.

“There you are.” Adagio said with a roll of her eyes. “We better get ready for rehearsal.”

“I'll pass.” Sonata said flatly.

Decibot raised an eyebrow at that. “Pardon?”

Sonata hands Decibot a folded piece of paper. With a perplexed look, Decibot takes the paper and unfolds it. As he reads what was written on it, he casts a glare towards Sonata. “A letter of resignation?”

Adagio and Aria went wide-eyed at this. “Wait! What?!” Adagio grabs the letter and reads it, glaring at Sonata. “Is this some kind of joke?!”

“Adagio, Aria, this guy is no good!” Sonata said, pointing at Decibot.

Adagio however wasn't going to listen. “Sonata, enough games!” Adagio grabs Sonata by the hand. “Let's just get to rehearsal already!’

Sonata yanks her hand away. “Guys, you have to listen to me!”

Decibot was slowly losing his patience. “What is the matter with you child?” Decibot got into Sonata's face. “Can you not see that I'm helping you out?”

Sonata was not going to back down. “Oh really?!” Sonata barked back. “Like how you’re helping Sour Notes?!”

Decibot backed up, a look of shock on her face. ‘How did she…?’

Aria walked over to Sonata, clearly getting mad at this. “Decibot is helping to make our lives easier, and you're just going to back out?!”

“You guys have to trust me!” Sonata fired back. “This walking junkyard says he's helping us out, when clearly he’s-”

“Sonata, enough!” Adagio cuts Sonata off, making the girl back up a bit in fear. “If you want to quit, then go! You can go back to being a sad loser while we enjoy the high life without you!”

Sonata gasped in shock after hearing that, and tears began well up in eyes. “Adagio… please…”

“Just go!” Aria barked. “If you're not with us, then what use are you?!”

Sonata was heartbroken by that point after hearing that. Sobbing hysterically, Sonata bolts out of the studio as Aria and Adagio both look disappointed in themselves while Decibot watches with a smug grin.

“Let’s just get this rehearsal over with.” Adagio said.

The crew met up down at the café on the corner to discuss the topic at hand.

"Oh, I do hate that you had to return at a time of crisis." Rarity said to Twilight, "There's so much catching up to do!" she said excitedly.

"For starters," Applejack began, "a certain blue-haired guitar player was just askin' about you."

"Flash Sentry was asking about me?!" Twilight asked excitedly but catches herself with a blush. "Isn't that nice?"

"Perhaps you would give us just the slightest bit of gossip from your world?" Rarity asked.

"She's got an official title now!" Spike informed from his spot in Fluttershy's arms. "The Princess of Friendship!"

"Wow, that's really impressive.” Sunset said genuinely. "Guess you really were Princess Celestia's prized pupil."

"She's even got her own castle!" Spike added.

"A castle?! You have your own castle?!" Rarity asked out excitedly but managed to calm herself. "Eh... Ooh, uh, lovely."

Tristen smiled at Rarity before taking a sip of his drink. But he looks ahead and sees somebody sitting at a table outside. That somebody was Sonata, and she was crying her eyes out.

Tristen was surprised to see the girl out here but was even more surprised to see her in such a depressed state.

“Tristen?” Rainbow asked, “Everything alright?”

Tristen didn't answer as he got up and walked outside while the girls watched on.

“What is he-” Sunset asked, but then took notice of Sonata outside. “Wait! Is that Sonata?!”

“What is she doing here?” Pinkie Pie asked, just as surprised as the others. “And why is she so sad?”

(Outside)

As Sonata cried her eyes out, she saw somebody handing her a napkin. She looks up to see none other than Tristen, taking her by surprise.

“Hey.” Tristen said, feeling pity for the girl.

“H-Hey…” Sonata greeted before expecting the napkin to dry her eyes with.

Not wanting to leave her alone, Tristen joined her at the table. “You look pretty upset.” Sonata said nothing, looking down in sadness. “You uh… you want to talk about it?”

Sonata didn't want to talk about it, but she was too upset to just hold it all in. “Well, I recently got into a fight with my two childhood friends.” Sonata explained her story.

“You mean Adagio and Aria?” Tristen asked, earning a nod from Sonata.

“It got so bad that… that…” Sonata started to choke up again as tears streamed down her cheeks. “THAT WE SPLIT UP!” Sonata broke down again while Tristen watched on in concern.

“Aw jeez. Hey, come on…” Tristen said, trying to calm her down. “Man, I really hate seeing a girl break down like this.”

Suddenly, a beeping sound was heard. Tristen looks at his Omnitrix in surprise before he is engulfed in a yellow flash.

Sonata looked up, her eyes widening as Tristen had taken on a new form.

It resembled a robotic humanoid with a light gray body, a white and gray metallic head with a black visor for a face depicting hot pink facial markings, a red open coat that revealed a white metal chest plate with two speakers on the sides, gray metallic gauntlets with a speaker on both palms, and a pair of baggy orange pants with a white belt emblazoned with the Omnitrix insignia. This new alien revealed itself to be:

“Heartstrings!”

The newly named Heartstrings examined himself in surprise while the Sonata looked on in shock. Even the other girls, who were watching from inside, were taken by surprise.

“This is the new guy?” Tristen asked himself, and he then hummed as his mind was flooded with info about his new form. And upon learning all he needed to know; he had an idea on how to cheer her up. “Hey, ya wanna know what cheers me up when I'm down?”

Sonata said nothing as music began to play through the speakers on Heartstrings chest.

Umbrella at your side, it's raining but you close it tight
"And how are you?" purred a cat just passing through
Those heels that you like are soaking, but is that alright?
Let out a sigh for another day the same as the last
Come on let's try, dye it blue and change it up from the past
Reflecting up from a puddle but then gone in a flash
Is that the most that you can dream or wanted to see?

As Heartstrings sang, Sonata was blushing and while the upbeat music was slowly making her feel better.

But look around – Dance up and down
The world is now – Still going ‘round
Just feel it pound – We're skyward bound
Move at the top – speed – of – sound
Running to another day, I wanna break away and take the leap
As you're stuck on yesterday, no sun to rise would be okay with me
Every day, every day is okay
Taking it step by step, we'll always move ahead
Our love is growing red, need me more, need you more
You fall down seven more times, I'll be there seven, eight, nine
As we keep trying, we'll find – we're always singing the same tune

As the song progressed, Sonata smiled as she could feel a strange yet pleasant sensation envelop her, while the gem on her pendant began to emit a pink glow. And suddenly, she felt compelled to join in on the song.

Now falling to her side, the drops of rain that mix with light
Stealing a glance, hid a cat who turns his back
Their heads starting to sink, this boredom is too hard to fight

As Sonata sang, Heartstrings got up and offered a hand, offering a dance, to which she happily accepted. Many people nearby watched on, smiling as they felt a sense of optimism hit them as they too danced to the beat.

Just spinning lies with the only thread of kindness we saved
Or if we're blind and the truth is just a painting in grey
Drowning us out, all the noisy drops the fall in the rain
But fingertips traced every line and opened my eyes
I'll paint it blue
I'll play a tune
I'm wishing too
For something new
It will come true
With me and you
And then we'll
finally break through

Swimming through the Milky Way, I wanna break away and take the leap
Since we're falling anyway, no moon to rise would be okay with me
Every night, every night is alright
Taking it step by step, we'll always move ahead
Our love is growing red, need me more, need you more
Cry to me, know that I care – lean on me and I'll be there
As we keep trying, we'll find – you're always gonna be there too

Shining down on me, you're my blue moon
Dreaming forever to find to now I'm awake
I need to find tomorrow, can you take me away
And go the
top speed of sound

Heartstrings raised up his right hand, creating bright pink energy fireworks to light up the sky like it was the Fourth of July.

Running to another day, I wanna break away and take the leap
As you're stuck on yesterday, no sun to rise would be okay with me
Every day, every day is okay
Taking it step by step, we'll always move ahead
Our love is growing red, need me more, need you more
You fall down seven more times, I'll be there seven, eight, nine
As we keep trying, we'll find – you're always gonna be there too
We're always singing the same tune
Every day from now on

After their literal song and dance was finished, Heartstrings reverted back to Tristen while Sonata squealed in enthusiasm. And moments later, the two shared a warm hug while many people applauded the two.

(Back Inside)

The girls were shocked upon seeing what had transpired between Tristen and Sonata.

"Uhh... What just happened?" Rainbow asked.

"I honestly have no idea." Rarity replied.

Friend or Foe

Tristen and Sonata had joined the girls back in the Café, but of course the girls were still skeptical with Sonata.

“So…. uh…” Sonata stammered in her speech nervously. “Hi, I guess, eheh?”

Sunset looks to Tristen. “Why is she here?”

Tristen, understanding why his friends have trust issues with Sonata, decided to explain. “Well, you see… Sonata here split up with her friends.” Sonata looked down somberly, and the others were surprised.

“Wait. Really?” Pinkie asked. “But… why?”

Sonata, taking a deep breath, explains herself. “Well, after me, Adagio, and Aria met this guy named Decibot, we-”

“Wait! Decibot?!” Rarity interrupted Sonata, her eyes wide in shock. “You met Decibot?”

“No way!” Rainbow added, clearly knowing who Rarity was talking about. The others however were not so familiar.

“Who's that?” Tristen asked in confusion.

“Decibot was the former backup and DJ working with Shock Jock!” Rarity said before she grabbed out her phone and typed on it, then showed him and the others a poster of Decibot with a man with neon blue skin and long yellow dreadlocks wearing shades.

“Ten years ago, rumors about Shock Jock embezzling from his contractors started to spread.” Rainbow added. “And sure enough, those rumors proved to be true. So, his career was totaled in the process.”

“Of course, everything Shock Jock had is now inherited by his former partner Decibot.” Rarity continued. “He even has his own music station called DuBeat.”

The other girls and Tristen were absolutely shocked at hearing this info. But what Sonata was about to say next would further bewilder them.

“Or that's what people were led to believe.” Sonata added, making them look to her. “They think Shock Jock embezzled from those people, but really it was Decibot who did the embezzling and then had Shock Jock take the fall.”

Tristen and the girls were truly shocked by this. “How do you know?” Flutteshy asked.

“Because I met up with Shock Jock’s close friend named Sour Notes.” Sonata answered, further fueling the collective surprise of the others. “Sour Notes tried to clear Shock Jock's name, but the people weren't convinced. Decibot even confronted him and said that he would help Sour Notes clear Shock Jock’s name, but that was nothing but a lie. Decibot knew Sour Notes was a skilled mix artist, so he had had him forced to work for him.”

“Oh my.” Flutteshy gasped out in disbelief. “That's horrible.”

Sunset then looked to Sonata with a puzzled expression. “So, why did you and your friends decide to work for Decibot?”

Sonata looked down for a moment, but she mustered the courage to tell her the reason. “Well, one night Adagio saw this large rainbow in the sky. We knew it was equestrian magic, and we wanted to find the source.” Sonata looked back down in shame. “Of course, Decibot came up and promised to help us in getting it, and even made promises of improving our lives.”

Tristen was surprised by hearing this. “But that was just a lie, wasn't it?”

Sonata nodded. “In actuality, he wants to exploit our music once we've recovered our magic.”

Tristen and friends were absolutely speechless by that point. Decibot not only lied to the public and framed his former partner years ago, but he was exploiting people for his own gain?

Tristen then realized something. “Adagio and Aria were hard to convince, weren't they?” Tristen asked. “That's what led the three of you to split up, wasn't it?”

Sonata nods her head in reply, tears forming up in her eyes yet again. Tristen placed a comforting hand on her shoulder while the girls watched on in sympathy.

Rainbow was still skeptical, so she looked at Applejack. “What do you think, AJ?” Rainbow asked.

The others look to Applejack, who was very good at reading people and determining if they're being genuine or not. Applejack looks at Sonata, humming a bit in thought before smiling. “She's straight as straight can be.”

Twilight definitely sensed Sonata was being honest too. But one question did plague her mind. “So, what is your reason for coming to Canterlot High anyway?” Twilight asked.

“We just wanted to be adored.” Sonata replied. “Ever since we've been banished here by Starswirl the Bearded years ago, nobody was willing to give us the attention we carved. We were just ignored.”

Twilight then had a look of realization. “Is that why you and your friends charmed ponies back in Equestria?” Twilight asked.

Sonata nods her head again as she had let the dam burst by this point and began to cry again. Tristen rubs her back to calm her down while the girls look at her in sympathy.

“Oh, poor thing.” Flutteshy muttered as Rarity wipes her tears away. Even Sunset felt bad for the blue siren.

Even Spike felt bad for the poor girl as he got on her lap and rested there.

Wanting to change the subject to a lighter topic, Twilight looks to Tristen. “By the way, what was that new alien you've turned into?” Tristen looks to her. “I don't really recall you ever using that one?”

“Oh, Heartstrings?” Tristen replied. “Yeah, he's a new one.” Tristen looked at his Omnitrix. “Somehow, the Dazzlings have some involvement in me unlocking him.”

“What does he actually do?” Rarity asked in curiosity.

“Well, his whole schtick is altering people's emotional state through music.” Tristen replied with a shrug.

Rainbow, upon hearing that, suddenly remembered something. “Oh! That reminds me! The Dazzlings aren't exactly the only strange thing that's happened since you left." Rainbow pulls out her phone and shows Twilight a video of her transforming with her magic. "Pretty sweet, huh? It happens to all of us when we play."

Twilight was surprised at the image Rainbow showed her. "My crown was returned to Equestria, but some of its magic must have remained here at Canterlot High."

“That's what I thought too.” Sunset added with a nod.

"Now that we're all back together, we can use that magic on the sirens," Twilight said, but looked to Sonata, “Or rather, Adagio and Aria, just like when we were able to use it on Sunset Shimmer when she turned into that horrifyingly awful winged monster!" Twilight realized her words as she remembered Sunset present. "No offense.”

“None taken.” Sunset replied disgruntledly. “I'm used to it.”

Sonata was surprised and looked to Sunset. “Wait. For realsies? That really happened?”

Sunset nods her head in reply.

“Well, the sooner we do this, the better.” Twilight said. “Any idea where the Dazzlings might be?”

“There's a big party tonight for all the bands who signed up to be in the showcase!” Pinkie replied. “That would include the Dazzlings.”

Sonata looked down in a somber manner, the idea of facing off against her two childhood friends filling her with sorrow. Tristen took notice of this and wraps an arm around her shoulder in a comforting manner.

Meanwhile, Decibot was grabbing Sour Notes by the collar, clearly not happy.

“What did you tell her?!” Decibot asked, but Sour Notes said nothing while glaring. “Don't make me ask again, dammit!”

Decibot slammed Sour Notes against a wall and punched Sour Notes across the face. “Because of you, one of the Dazzlings quit on me!” Decibot backhands Sour Notes. “You just had to open your trap, didn't you?!”

Growling in rage, he tossed Sour Notes across the room, the man hitting the wall before landing in a loud thud. Sour Notes groaned in pain as he got up, his face riddled with bruises and his body cracked with pain.

“No matter! This is only a minor setback!” Decibot declared before taking his leave.

When Decibot was gone, Sour Notes spat some blood before looking at a framed photo of him and Shock Jock.

Later, the gang met up back in the school gym. There they saw many bands were all in separate groups while some were arguing.

Sonata looked down, knowing she was responsible for this. But Sunset placed a comforting hand on Sonata’s shoulder, the two girls sharing an awkward smile.

Not too far away, Flash Sentry reeled back his arm and was clearly about to punch Snips in the face. But he didn't as he just grabbed the plastic cup that he had set down on the stage. As he walked back over to the snack table, he didn't notice that Twilight was unknowingly walking towards him still drinking her punch, causing the two to bump into each other.

"Twilight?" Flashed asked in surprise as he held onto her. "What are you doing here? You came back for the big competition, right?”

"Something like that." Twilight replied.

Just then, Rainbow noticed Aria and Adagio come through the doors. She reacted quickly by grabbing a chocolate chip from one of Pinkie's cookies and tossing it at Twilight's head. Twilight looked at Rainbow and sees the rainbow-haired girl gesture her head in the direction of the two sirens. She then looked over to see Aria and Adagio walking across the gym.

"Can you excuse me for just a minute?" Twilight asked as she walked off. Flash shrugged in reply as the girls all began to gather together.

Tristen, Sonata, and Sunset watched on hopefully.

"Are you sure you don't need to step in?” Sonata asked Tristen.

"Relax, they've got this in the bag." Tristen replied.

Meanwhile, Adagio and Aria were watching the silent argument with sinister grins.

"Oh, no! No one's mingling!" Adagio said in mock surprise, "It's like there's some kind of underlying tension that could bubble to the surface at any minute!" she said.

"I wonder what it could be.” Aria asked with a smirk. “Definitely not the awful punch." Aria admitted.

"And this is just the kickoff party, Aria," Adagio added. "Imagine what a tizzy they'll be in by the time the Battle of the Bands starts."

“There isn't going to be a Battle of the Bands!”

Adagio and Aria look over to see Twilight and her band of friends.

“Watch and be amazed.” Tristen said to Sonata as Sunset watched excitedly.

"Alright, girls, let's do this!" Twilight said as her friends all joined hands, "Friendship is magic!" she exclaimed as the girls all shut their eyes, anticipating that their magic would activate.

But… nothing seemed to happen. No rainbow, no flashing lights, nothing. Just everyone watching in awkward silence. Tristen and Sunset were surprised while Sonata was confused.

“Uh… what's happening?” Tristen asked in anticipation. “Why is nothing happening?”

"You, uh... really need to go ahead and do that whole "magic of friendship" thing now!” Spike said as he crawled up onto Twilight's shoulder.

"I'm trying, Spike." Twilight responded. "I thought the six of us standing together against the sirens would bring out the magic we needed to defeat them. That's what happened before.”

Adagio and Aria smirked in response. "Talk about throwing down the gauntlet! This group is obviously serious about winning! A little cocky though, aren't they?" She asked the crowd. "Claiming there won't really be a battle. Seems they think they already got this thing all locked up." Everyone glared down at the girls.

"Not if the Great and Powerful Trixie has anything to do with it!" Trixie exclaimed.

"Whatever, Trixie!" Flash yelled back. "We're the best band at CHS!"

"No! The Crusaders are gonna win!" Apple Bloom shouted.

And just like that, the argument had quickly escalated back to shouts and yells.

“Shit. This ain't good.” Tristen muttered in concern.

“I think I have an idea.” Cortana appeared from the Omnitrix, surprising Sonata. “Sonata, you remember how Tristen cheered you up earlier?” Sonata nods in response. “Well, during that moment, I detected an energy signature from your pendant. One more... positive.”

Sonata raised an eyebrow before looking at her pendant.

“How so?” Tristen asked.

“Sonata and the other Sirens cause strife through song, right?” Cortana said as she looks at Sonata, “Based on what I saw earlier, I think Sonata can also instill positivity as well.”

Sonata was puzzled at that claim. “I can?”

Sunset looked puzzled too, as were the others. “Only one way to find out.” She looks at Sonata.

Sonata, wanting to test Cortana's theory, started clearing her throat before vocalizing. But unlike the usual times where she sang to cause unrest with Adagio and Aria, she sang with intent on bringing joy and fellowship.

Shortly afterwards, the arguing had ceased as many students seemed to have calmed down just a bit as the green mist that exuded from the students changed to bright pink. This did not go unnoticed from Aria and Adagio as they look to see Sonata singing, who was absorbing the pink mist into her gem.

Sonata noticed this too, but she kept it up as she absorbed more of the pink mist. Once everyone had simmered down, she stopped her song. Sunset and Tristen were surprised to see that Cortana’s theory was correct.

“Well, I'll be damned.” Tristen muttered in amazement.

“No way!” Aria uttered in disbelief.

“Sonata?!” Adagio asked in disbelief, earning the blue siren’s attention. Enraged, she and Aria walk towards her. “What are you doing here?! And with these losers, no less?!”

“These “losers” are going to help me free you from Decibot’s grasp!” Sonata shot back.

Adagio shook in rage, feeling absolutely betrayed. “I simply cannot believe this!” Adagio growled in fury. “We've had each other's backs for so long, we've been through thick and thin, and you're just going to abandon us?! I thought we were friends, Sonata!”

“We are!” Sonata barked back. “I'm not doing this to spite you guys, I'm doing this to show you that Decibot is a fraud!”

Aria clenched her fists in rage. “By going against us?!” Aria responded.

“If it's what it takes make you guys see through Decibot’s little rouse, then yes! I am!” Sonata declared as Sunset and Tristen stood beside her.

Adagio and Aria were downright furious. “Oh, I see!” Adagio declared. “You're just jealous of us because you wanted more attention compared to us!”

Sonata furrowed an eyebrow. “What? No, that’s not-”

“So now you join these two so you can do… whatever that was to overshadow us!” Adagio continued. “Talk about low!”

“Hey! Step off, bitch!” Tristen shot back, making everyone look towards them. “She's not the bad guy, here!”

Aria got in his face. “Butt out, punk!”

“Alright, alright, let's break it up!” Sunset said as she got in between the four.

“You know what?! Kill yourself, Sonata!” Adagio fired back while flipping Sonata the bird. “I’ll make absolutely sure you are taken down for this!” Sonata glanced to Tristen and Sunset. “You and your new besties!”

And with that, Adagio and Aria stormed off while Sonata watched on with a sorrowful expression. Tristen and Sunset look to Sonata, who was on the verge of tears yet again.

“I'm sorry, Sonata.” Sunset said to Sonata.

“No, if it's what it will take to make them come to their senses… then it's what I've got to do.” Sonata wipes her tears away before looking to her and Tristen. “By the way, you two are participating in the Battle of the Bands, right?”

Sunset and Tristen nods in reply. “Any chance you have room for one more?” Sonata asked with a smile.

Little did they know is that Tristen emitted a green aura that trailed its way towards the Dazzlings' direction.

(Meanwhile)

In the locker rooms, Aria was punching a nearby locker out of pure rage. “Dammit! I can't believe her!”

“I know!” Adagio replied, leaning up against a locker. “To think that she would just ditch us like that, after all that we've been through together!”

The green aura made towards them and splits in two before being sucked into their pendants. Their anger fading away after the energy was absorbed.

"Whoa…" Aria muttered out in shock. "That felt… different.”

Adagio looked at her hands, which turned into golden yellow crystal. Aria grew a long purple devilish tail like that of Speed Demon’s as her legs changed to look more like the devilish speedster’s.

“What the…?” Aria asked out in bewilderment.

The two then looked at each other, sharing a wicked smile knowing that they have an edge over Sonata and her newfound friends.

The tables have turned

The next morning as the sun was rising, Tristen was fixing himself a coffee from the coffee machine that he's surprised that Sunset owns.

Tristen stretched himself as he was munching on a piece of toast. Suddenly, the sound of a door slamming open made him jump.

“Tristen!”

Tristen turns around, suddenly getting hugged tightly by Fluttershy. “Are you ok? Sunset told us that the Dazzlings attacked you last night!”

“You're not hurt, are you?” Rarity asked in concern. “They better not have harmed you in any way! Because if they did, I swear-”

“Guys, I'm alright.” Tristen replied with a light chuckle. “Though I'm telling you, they did put up one hell of a fight.”

“Don't tell me they've accessed their full power already!” Sonata said in worry. “How could they even-”

“Not quite.” Tristen interrupted Sonata. “I don't know how… but Adagio and Aria managed to access the powers of my aliens.”

This reveal certainly bewildered the girls. “But… how?” Pinkie Pie asked. “You don't think Decibot made them Omnitrixes as well, right?”

“I doubt it.” Tristen replied. “If those two did have one, they would show it. Plus, Decibot comes from this world. So, I doubt he has the proper know-how to build one.”

“What about the guy that gave you your while you were still in your world?” Applejack asked in confusion. “Isn't he from yours?”

Tristen pondered while he went to pour himself a cup of coffee. “I don't think so.” Tristen shrugged. “To be honest, I'm not sure where he came from. And FYI, I'm basically the duplicate of the real Tristen.”

Applejack nods in response. “Oh… yeah. I'm still confused about that.”

“Regardless, we're just relieved you're alright, darling.” Rarity said with a soft smile.

“Thanks guys.” Tristen responded before taking a sip of his coffee. “Though I gotta tell ya, I hardly slept last night.”

“Tristen!” Fluttershy said in a scolding manner. “You should never skip sleep! That's not good for your health!”

“Hey, what if they abducted me in my sleep?” Tristen countered. “One has to be vigilant, right?” Tristen takes another sip of coffee. “Also, it wouldn't be the first time I stayed up until sunrise.”

“This just makes the Dazzlings even more dangerous.” Twilight said. “Now that they have access to Tristen’s powers, who knows what sort of havoc they could cause.”

“Luckily we have that counter spell ready.” Rainbow added with confidence while Twilight looked away nervously. “We'll be rehearsing at AJ’s place.”

Tristen nods before taking another sip of coffee as Sunset walks to him. “So… how'd that counter-spell turn up?” Tristen whispered to Sunset. “Judging by Twilight’s reaction when RD mentioned it, I have a feeling it's not a good one.”

Sunset looks at Twilight before looking back at Tristen. “Y-You’ll see when we get there.” Sunset whispered back.

At Sweet Apple Acres, the Rainbooms were performing the counter spell. And, well…

Hey, hey, listen
We've got a message for you
We're not all alike
But our friendship is true

Sunset cringed as the feedback from Twilight's off-key singing, Tristen had earbuds in his ears while playing music on his phone as loud as possible, and Sonata covered her ears.

Twilight tried to adjust the volume on the amp, but only made things worse as the feedback kept sounding off again and again.

Yeah, we're really different
But we still get along
So hey, hey, listen to our song

While Twilight's off-key singing was already bad, the unorganized instrumentations by the girls made the ordeal even worse.

“Make it stop!” Sonata uttered out in agony.

You may think you're in control
But we're here to prove you wrong
With our friendship and our music
With the power of our song

Even after having the volume of his cranked up as loud as possible, he could still hear the awful performance.

Gonna stomp our feet, clap our hands
With the magic of friendship
Gonna stop your evil plan

Once the song was finally over, Rainbow hadn't fully grown her pony ears, though they were visible. But it didn't last long before they vanished as the others were disappointed with their failed attempt at the counter spell song.

Upon seeing that the failed counter-spell was over, Tristen paused his music and puts the earbuds out of his ears.

“Eh, that sounded... way better than the last... five times you've played it.” Spike said nervously.

"Nnope." Big Macintosh said bluntly as he passed by the garage window with a bucket full of apples.

"I think it's pretty obvious what's going wrong with this counter-spell," Rainbow admitted.

"You're turnin' what should be the chorus into a five-minute guitar solo?" Applejack asked, very annoyed, as was Rarity.

"I have to pick up the slack somehow!" Rainbow argued. "Are you girls even trying?!"

“They were giving it their best, RD.” Tristen said nothing to the other Rainbooms. “I swear to God Dash, if I have to go Fright Knight to keep your ego in check, I will do it!”

Rainbow Dash backed up a little in response to that while the other girls looked at him in shock. “Please don't.” Rainbow uttered.

Tristen took in a deep breath before calming down. “Sorry.”

"On the other hand,” Rarity looks at Twilight worriedly, “the counter-spell…"

"It's fine." Twilight said with a nervous laugh. "It'll be fine. One more time from the top!" she exclaimed proudly. However, she only created an awkward atmosphere within the garage.

“Uh… why not take a breather?” Sonata suggested.

"You're right, Sonata. That can use a short break." Rarity agreed as she had set down her keytar. "Besides, I've put together some rather fashionable wardrobe choices."

“Rarity,” Tristen began with a deadpan look, “I admire your handiwork, and I appreciate what you're doing, but-”

"We're tryin' to save our school here!" Applejack finished for Tristen in annoyance. "Enough with the costumes!"

"Oh, you could never have enough costumes!" Rarity argued.

Tristen was stunned at seeing the uniform. “How in the…?” Tristen scratched his head in surprise. “You guys don't know Daft Punk, yet Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo’s outfit exists here?!”

“Who?” Asked a confused Spike.

“Never mind!” Tristen declared. “We need to stay focused here! Remember, we only have one shot at taking down the Dazzlings and Decibot! Otherwise, we're practically screwed!”

“He’s right guys!" Sunset Shimmer chimed in. "We’re all supposed to check in at the Battle of the Bands in fifteen minutes!"

"What? But it's not ready!" Twilight interjected. "If we play our counter-spell in the first round and it doesn't work, the sirens will know what we're up to and make sure we don't get a chance to play it again!"

“Get a hold of yourself, Twi!” Tristen grabs Twilight and shakes her. “I get that you're worried, but you'll figure it out. I know it.” Tristen looks at the Rainbooms. “In the meantime, you'll have to buy yourselves some time so Twilight can keep workin' on the counter-spell.”

"But how do you propose we do that?" Rarity asked.

"We compete in the Battle of the Bands for real!" Rainbow replied. "I take over lead vocals again and we stay alive until the finals! We unleash the counter-spell then!" Rainbow turns to Twilight. "You'll have figured it out by finals, right?"

"Right…" Twilight said not so confidently with a nervous smile.

“Just try not to take the spotlight, Rainbow.” Tristen warned Rainbow Dash. “Keep in mind, you guys are a team!”

“Alright, alright.” Rainbow replied with a roll of her eyes.

Sunset looks over to Sonata, who was still sullen over the fact of her two longtime friends.

At the CHS gymnasium, every band gathered as Principal Celestia took the stage. "Welcome to the first ever Canterlot High School Battle of the Bands. I believe I speak for everyone when I say it is by far the greatest thing we have ever done here at this school!" The many competitors present cheered in response. "We are so glad our three newest students encouraged us to turn this event into something exciting!"

"But, as this is now a competition,” Luna began, “we can only choose one winner. Who is it going to be?"

That question from Luna brought forth more arguing between the bands, and the familiar green aura that they exuded all flowed into the Adagio and Aria’s pendant.

Decibot was hidden in the closet, smiling deviously as he watched it all unfold. Decibot taps onto his right antennae. “How are you two holding up?”

“Pretty good.” Adagio answered in a whisper. “Our true power is being restored.”

Decibot smirked. “Excellent. It won't be long until you two claim your ultimate prize.”

“Boy is Sonata missing out, big time.” Aria added with a giggle, but then wondered. “But the Rainblossoms, or whatever they're called, aren't under our spell. Same goes for that Tristen boy and his band. How are we supposed to get to their magic?”

“The Rainbooms are just as capable of falling apart as anyone else. They just need a little... push in the wrong direction.” Adagio answered. “Plus, you and I already have Tristen’s powers. When we square off again, we’ll make sure he's pushing up daisies.”

(Later)

Snips and Snails were on the stage, performing a really God-awful rap. And while everyone was unimpressed by the terrible performance, the Rainbooms, Tristen, Sonata, and Sunset were definitely cringing.

“Dear God almighty, somebody just but a bullet between my eyes.” Tristan groaned as he plugged his ears.

Luckily the two ended their rap session with a mic drop.

“In your face, Rainbooms!” Snips said.

“Next time, get a professional to teach ya how to rap.” Tristen barked back.

“Wait! Where's Rarity?” Sonata asked.

“Oh! Here! I'm here!”

Tristen had a deadpan look on his face. ‘Oh you've got to be freaking kidding me!’

“We will be performing in front of an audience." Rarity said. “I'm not going to wear something fabulous?”

“Remember, we have to be good enough to make it through but not so good we let the sirens see the magic within us.” Twilight explained. “They could realize we plan to use it against them.”

Tristen realized something before dialing up his Omnitrix, much to his friends' confusion.

“Whatcha doin’?” Applejack asked.

“The other contestants are gonna do whatever they can to make you guys look bad. So…” Tristen tapped the screen and turned into Amoeblot. “I figured I'd lighten the load for ya.”

Amoeblot then created three clones. The three then gave the rainbooms a thumbs up. “Break leg out there, girls.” The first Amoeblot gave them a thumbs up.

And with that, the Rainbooms made their way into the stage.

We've just got the day to get ready
And there's only so much time to lose
Because tonight, yeah, we're here to party
So let's think of something fun to do
We don't know (we don't know) what's gonna happen
We just know (we just know) it's gonna feel right
All our friends are here
And it's time to ignite the lights!

As the Rainbooms perform, Sonata looks up to see three girls on the catwalk. The three Amoeblots took notice too and one of them slithers its way towards them.

The three girls pulled out magnets attached to puppet strings, but before they could deploy them, they were pelted by a plume of sickly green gas. The girls were in a coughing fit while a long arm grabbed the magnets from them.

They turn to see Brain Fart was the one who stopped them and was casting a glare at them. “Not cool, man.”

Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail

So what you didn't get it right the first time
Laugh it off, no one said it is a crime
Do your thing, you know you're an original
Your ideas are so funny that they're criminal

Ohhh-ahh!
We've just got the day to get ready
And there's only so much time to lose
Because tonight, yeah, we're here to party
So let's think of something fun to do

Sunset smiled, seeing things working so far. But she looks up to Snips and Snails on another catwalk. “Tristen. Two o'clock.”

The two remaining Amoeblots look up and noticed Snips and Snails, and one of them slithered towards them

"Awesome." Snips chuckled as Snails adjusted the spotlight, but they suddenly felt a tap on their shoulders.

The two look behind them to see Sunstone, who was popping his knuckles while glaring at them. Snips and Snails were now a bit nervous.

We don't know (we don't know) what's gonna happen
We just know (we just know) it's gonna feel right
All our friends are here
And it's time to ignite the lights!
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Shake your tail 'c ause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail

Sunset and Sonata watch on with smiles as Sunstone and Brain Fart arrive with the saboteurs.

Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
Shake your tail, shake your tail
Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight!

Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna both applauded them, while the others didn't even bother to give them a hand.

The Rainbooms met up backstage, where they took notice of Brain Fart and Sunstone holding the saboteurs. The three girls were in a trance-like state while Snips and Snails both had a black eye. “Uh… what happened here?”

“We've managed to take care of these vibe killers for ya.” Brain Fart replied, gesturing towards the saboteurs.

The third Amoeblot arrived, crossing his arms at the saboteurs before looking at his team. “Great job, gang.”

Sunstone and Brain Fart changed back into Amoeblots before they were absorbed back into the original Amoeblot, then changed back into Tristen.

“Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna report this to Celestia and Luna.” Tristen said as he grabbed a rope and tied the saboteurs up.

"Sonata and I'll keep an eye on things around here.” Sunset said before looking at Twilight. “You all find a place to practice where the sirens can't hear you.”

I don't think we should use a classroom.” Twilight said before suddenly bumped into the back of Flash Sentry, who only glanced at her while she gave a nervous chuckle. “We really need to stop bumping into each other like this.”

"Uh, you guys hear something?" Flash asked his band mates, not paying attention to Twilight.

"Nope, nuh-uh," they replied as they were looking away from the Rainbooms. Oblivious to what they were trying to do, Twilight tried to speak louder.

"I said, we have to stop-"

"There it is again," Flash interrupted, "So annoying."

"Why are you acting like this?" Twilight asked, "I thought we were friends."

"Yeah, and then you decide to come back here just so you can beat me in the Battle of the Bands!" Flash replied angrily, "I want this, Twilight, and you're trying to take it from me! Some friends."

Twilight was upset by that claim, "That's not why-"

"Come on, Twilight," Applejack interrupted, grabbing her shoulder. "We've got things to do." With that, they began to walk away while a heartbroken Twilight did her best not to cry.

"You really think you're gonna help them?!" Flash mocked. “I bet you have no idea what you're even doing!"

Tears formed in Twilight's eyes as she wipes them away, trying to forget what just happened. Adagio, Aria, and Decibot smiled, and Adagio even chuckled as she saw Twilight rub her eyes.

"Tears already?" Adagio asked sarcastically, "This is only the first round."

"I don't think so, bitch!"

The trio looked over to see Sonata, Sunset, and Tristen replied

"You're never gonna get away with this," Sunset said as she stood up.

"Why? Because you didn't?" Adagio asked sarcastically, surprising Sunset, "Oh, we know all about you, Sunset Shimmer. You've got quite the reputation at Canterlot High."

"I've changed!" Sunset declared. "I'm in a much better place now!"

“Damn straight!” Tristen agreed with a nod.

"Waiting in the wings while your friends have all the fun?" Aria asked sarcastically as she walked around her as well.

“Leave them alone!” Sonata declared as she got in front of Sunset and Tristen. “If you want to mess with somebody, then try me on for size!”

Adagio, Aria, and Decibot looked at each other before bursting out laughing.

“Well, look who's playing the good guy.” Aria said with a smirk. “How pathetic.”

Sonata responded to that by slapping Aria across the face, making everyone else watch on in shock.

Aria held onto her cheek, still shocked, but then looked at Sonata with anger. “You little…” Aria's arms changed into Saw Horse.

Tristen however got in the way and changed into Sunstone, causing Aria's blade arms to bounce off of him.

"Adagio, Aria, please! This has gone on long enough!” Sonata pleaded to the two. “It’s time to put a stop to this.”

“Shut up!” Aria barked at Sonata. “We don't have to listen to a backstabber like you!”

“Decibot is using you guys!” Sunset said, gesturing to the robot. “He's nothing but a con man!”

“Outrageous!” Decibot denied. “If anybody is providing you with false information, it's this little ingrate!” Decibot points to Sonata. “I offer her and her two friends a lavish lifestyle one can only dream of, but she denies my offer and walks away. And now she joins you plebeians with the goal to prevent dear Adagio and Aria from achieving what they want.” Decibot continued as he glared at Sonata. “Shame, dear Sonata. Shame.”

“You really are full of shit, you know that?” Tristen barked back.

Decibot looks to Tristen with a glare. “You wanna run that by me again, boy?” Decibot asked, poking at Tristen's chest. “Do you have any idea who I am?”

Tristen smacked Decibot's hand away. “A piece of shit who belongs in the recycling bin!”

Decibot was about to punch Tristen, but Sonata got in front of her friend and grabbed Decibot’s fists. And moments later, a mulberry spark of electricity surged through Decibot. Decibot pulled back, his visor glitching a bit as the electricity sparked around him. Once the surge electricity stopped, he smacked his head to stop the glitching.

Aria and Adagio both looked at Sonata in disbelief, the girl glaring at them.

“I didn't want to fight you guys.” Sonata declared as her body changed. Her head, arms, and midsection being made of arctic blue crystal while the rest of her body appeared to be made of a Persian blue rocky material. “But it seems I have no choice!”

The others were taken by surprise from this. Tristen and Sunset were awestruck while Decibot, Adagio, and Aria were shocked.

“What… the hell?!” Decibot asked in disbelief.

Adagio suddenly smirked. "You know, I suppose we can take our time.” Adagio said with a chuckle. “We won't be performing for a while."

“Damn right!” Aria added. “I've been dying to kick some ass all day!” Aria then glances at Tristen. “And I've been looking forward to a rematch after last night!”

Tristen looks to Subset. "Sunset, go find the others. We might need their help if things get too hairy."

Sunset silently nods before running off while still in utter disbelief.

"Why don't we take this scuffle outside?" Decibot suggested. “We wouldn't want to attract any unwanted attention.”

Fight or Flight

Outside, Sonata and Tristen were fighting Aria, Adagio, and Decibot; neither side was letting up. Sonata was dealing with Adagio while Tristen was squaring off against Decibot and Aria.

“You really shouldn't have turned you back on us, Sonata!” Adagio said as she became a feminine version of Thunderclap, her skin being dandelion yellow while her fur coat was a vivid orange, and she wore a purple skirt with a fuchsia sarashi.

Sonata, who was still in Sunstone form, wasn't backing down. Sonata, using Sunstone's powers, absorbed the solar energy from the sun above and glowed before firing a bright mulberry blast at Adagio.

Adagio crossed her arms to block, but she felt great pain when the attack hit, the fur on her arms was singed and her skin was sizzled. Adagio looked at the damages in disbelief, but she then got even angrier than before.

Meanwhile, Tristen transformed into Speed Demon and dashed towards Aria. But Aria smirked before she changed into a fuchsia feminine version of Amoeblot before forming into a puddle.

This caused Speed Demon to slip and skid across the ground. As Speed Demon got back up, Decibot fired a blast of sound from his shoulder speakers, sending him crashing against the fence.

Sonata charged a ball of solar energy before firing it at Adagio. Adagio however changed into a feminine golden yellow version of Speed Demon to evade the attack, which hit a tree. Upon speeding to Sonata, Adagio changes back into her version of Thunderclap and grabs Sonata by the arm and begins to shake her like a ragdoll.

Sonata however quickly changed into her version of Amoeblot and slithered down her arm. Adagio tried to shake her off, but Sonata slithered to her fellow Sirens back and changed into her version of Thunderclap and delivered a suplex.

Speed Demon sped towards Decibot before changing to Saw Horse and spin dashes his way towards the robot. Aria however steps in and changes into her version of Carbon Copy, then shapeshifts into a cannon to deliver a blast of maroon energy powerful enough to send the still spinning Saw Horse back and crashing into a bleacher stand.

Decibot follows it up by sending a magenta energy whip at Saw Horse to yank him out of the stands and sending him crashing into the ground. But he wasn't done. Decibot spins around, swinging Saw Horse around with a dizzying speed.

Sonata and Adagio were still throwing down, neither one relenting, but Sonata is knocked down when Saw Horse crashes into her. Wracked in pain, Tristen and Sonata both revert back to their human selves. Adagio smiled triumphantly as she turned into her version of Sunstone and was about to fire a blast of solar energy at the two. But suddenly felt a soccer ball hit her head, making her look to see that the Rainbooms had arrived.

“Well, look who's here.” Decibot said with a smug grin. “And just in time…” Decibot looks to Sonata, “to see what happens to those who trifle with me!”

Decibot sent another magenta energy whip at her to drag her towards him. And suddenly, he grabs Sonata by the throat with intention to choke her to death.

“Sonata!” Sunset was about to save her, but Aria changed into her version of Thunderclap and fired a blast of mulberry electricity at them. The girls scream in agony as Adagio pinned Tristen down with her foot.

As Sonata struggled to free herself, Decibot was smirking wickedly.

“Let… go…” Sonata choked out, a series of glowing mulberry circuit lines appeared on her arms, “Of… ME!” When Sonata reached her hands at Decibot's head, he began to buffer and spasm as he sparked with magenta electricity.

“AAAAH! WHA-WHA-WHA-WHAT THEEEEEE FU-FU-FUAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!” Decibot screamed out, his speech buffering, clutching his head as he still sparked with electricity. “SH-SH-SH-SH-SHIIIIiiiiiiiiiiiiiii….” Suddenly, Decibot fell limp as his screen face went blank. Aria and Adagio looked on in shock, but it got worse for them as Sonata changed into her version of Big Bang.

“Uh-oh…” Aria muttered in shock.

And with our warning, Sonata sent a fist at them, punching them with as much force as she could muster. Thankfully the attack didn't kill them, but they were back to their human forms and were wracked in pain.

Sonata changed back to her human form, then ran to Tristen to help him up. Rainbow approached the blacked out Decibot, smiling at the downed robot. “Looks like it's lights out for him.”

But suddenly, Decibot's visor rebooted and showed a fatigued expression. “Ooooooh…” Decibot gets back up, rubbing his head. “Damn…”

Aria and Adagio got back up, still in slight pain.

“You two girls should get ready.” Decibot said to Adagio and Aria before looking at the gang. “You kids win this round. But next time, you’ll definitely be choking on dirt!”

Decibot then backflips his way over the fence and runs off, and Adagio and Aria walked their way back to the school.

Twilight and Sunset tended to Tristen. “Are you ok?”

Tristen nods in reply. “I'm good, Twi.”

Back in the gym, the Dazzlings were preparing to take the stage for their performance.

"Remember, Aria. We want to save the good stuff for when our full power has been restored." Aria explained, and Aria nods in affirmation.

Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
You didn't know that you fell
Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Now that you're under our spell
Blindsided by the beat
Clapping your hands, stomping your feet
You didn't know that you fell
Oh-whoa-oh-oh
Now you've fallen under our spell
Oh-whoa-oh-oh-oh

We've got the music, makes you move it
Got the song that makes you lose it
We say "jump", you say "how high?"
Put your hands up to the sky
We've got the music, makes you move it
Got the song that makes you lose it
We say "jump", you say "how high?"
Put your hands up to the sky
Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
You didn't know that you fell
Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Now that you're under our spell
Listen to the sound of my voice
Soon you'll find you don't have a choice
Captured in the web of my song
Soon you'll all be singing along
We've got the music, makes you move it
Got the song that makes you lose it
We say "jump", you say "how high?"
Put your hands up to the sky
We've got the music, makes you move it
Got the song that makes you lose it
We say "jump", you say "how high?"
Put your hands up to the sky
Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
You didn't know that you fell
Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Now that you're under our spell
Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
You didn't know that you fell
Oh-whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Now that you're under our…
Spell…

Once the song was finished, Vice Principal Luna and Principal Celestia applauded.

As Adagio and Aria walk off the stage, Adagio casts a triumphant smirk towards Tristen and Sonata. “Let's see you try and beat that.”

“Oh, trust me.” Tristen fired back with a smirk. “We will.” Adagio and Aria walked away with their noses in the air.

"And now, for our final performance for the evening… Tristen Tenner, Sonata Dusk, and Sunset Shimmer!" Principal Celestia said on the microphone.

Tristen, Sunset, and Sonata share a nod before looking at the Rainbooms. “Wish us luck, guys.”

The trio walked up the stage as Tristen dialed up his Omnitrix and transformed into Heartstrings. And moments later, music played from Heartstrings speakers while also emitting bright pink energy waves. It not only snapped them out of their trance, but it also caused a very positive reaction from the crowd.

I can feel you comin' from a mile away
My pulse starts racing from the words that you say
And you say so many of them like you don't have a clue
That I'm signed, sealed delivered with a stamp on
You don't have to try too hard
You already have my heart
You don't got a thing to prove
I'm already into you

The Rainbooms began to cheer them on as many of the audience nod their heads to the beat. Adagio and Aria rolled their eyes in mild disdain, and Decibot clearly did not like the music.

"Oh, gag me." Decibot muttered to himself.

So
Hold, Hold, Hold, hold me tight now
Cause I'm so, so good to go
Don't say Don't say good night you know
You had me at hello
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
You don't have to try too hard
You already have my heart

As the song progressed, positive energy flowed from Sonata's pendant to further fuel the positive reaction from the crowd.

Decibot took notice of this from behind the gymnasium door, his eyes widening in shock as his sensors picked in the drastic drop on negativity. “No! This… this can't be!”

The amount of positivity was not only weakening Adagio and Aria, but it was also making Sonata even stronger than she already was.

And speaking of Aria and Adagio, they were absolutely stunned upon feeling their strength plummet.

"What?” Adagio asked in disbelief. “What's going on?!"

"I don't know!" Aria replied, just as bewildered.

Hold, Hold, Hold, hold me tight now
Cause I'm so, so good to go
Don't say Don't say good night you know
You had me at hello
Once the song was over, everyone in the audience went absolutely wild. The Rainbooms were the ones cheering the most.

“YEE-HAW!” Applejack erupted in elation.

“WOO-HOO!” Pinkie and Rainbow collectively cried out.

Sonata was happy to the point that tears was streaming down her face, and Sunset placed a hand on her shoulder.

The only ones that weren't cheering were Adagio and Aria, who were too dumbfounded upon seeing what happened.

And Decibot was just furious at seeing this u fold. So much so that he ended punching a nearby locker, not only denting it but making fall off its hinges.

Heartstrings reverted back to Tristen before he, Sunset, and Sonata walked off the stage while the crowd still kept cheering. And the Rainbooms gathered around to congratulate them.

“Dude, that was amazing!” Rainbow Dash said in amazement.

“Absolutely stellar”, Rarity said with a smile.

“You guys actually managed to lighten’ the mood.” Applejack looks to see the many students actually joyous and not going at each other's throats for a change.

“Yeah. But I'll still need to-” Twilight noticed Sonata crying. “Sonata? Are you ok?”
Sonata looked up at her, but her tears weren’t of sadness. Rather, they were of great joy.

"They loved us! They really loved us!" Sonata said in happiness before hugging Tristen and Sunset, who simply returned the gesture.

“Hey, Twilight.”

Twilight turned to see Flash. “F-Flash?” Twilight muttered nervously. But she noticed that the boy had an apologetic look on his face.

“Hey uh…I want to apologize for earlier. I uh…” Flash stammered while he rubbed his arm. “I said some things that were pretty out of-”

He was cut off when Twilight hugs him in response.

“You’re forgiven.” Twilight said, making Flash smile with a deep blush on his face.

At Decibot's studio, he was slamming a desk in total fury. “DAMMIT! I cannot believe this!” Adagio and Aria were seated at a couch, just as bitter as he was. “I'm so pissed off that I can't even think straight right now!”

“How do you think we feel?!” Adagio replied. “I I can’t believe Sonata, Sunset Shimmer, and that shapeshifting prick turned the tables on us!”

“And not to mention that Sonata robbed us of all the negativity we've built up!” Aria growled. “Meaning we're not back to square one! This sucks!”

“It’ll take a while to restock on negative energy!” Adagio added. “And even if we do regain the negative energy we’ve just lost, those three will muck up all of our progress again!”

“Well, if we have any chance in completing this mission,” Decibot turns his attention towards the two, “we cannot do it with those three in the equation.” Aria and Adagio both nodded in agreement.

The Warm Up

The next day, people were competing to get to the top spot. Tristen’s band were up against Flash Sentry's band in the quarterfinals.

And eventually, Tristen’s band proved to be the victor. Flash and his band look over to see Luna cross off his band's sticker on the tournament chart.

“Sorry dude.” Tristen said, expecting a bit of a tongue lashing. But instead, Flash was about as cool as a cucumber.

“Nah, we did our best dude.” Flash replied, extending his hand for a handshake. “Best of luck.”

Tristen, nodding, returns the gesture and shakes hands with Flash.

“That was… unexpected.” Saina rather surprised Sunset.

“Have you guys noticed something… off?” Sonata said as she gestures to the other bands. Although many students were still competing with one another, they weren’t going at each other’s throats. “Everyone here seemed less tense.”

Tristen and Sunset saw that Sonata had a point. “Yeah.” Sunset nods in agreement. “So far, nobody has shown any signs of aggression towards one another.”

“I know right?” Rainbow said as she and the Rainbooms approached. “Though it's a rather nice change of pace.”

"This is it!" Sunset noted. "Last round and you're in the finals!"

“But what about you guys?” Applejack asked. “What if you guys get in the finals instead?”

“Whether or not, I'm sure you guys will be there to finally put an end to this whole debacle.” Tristen replied before looking at Twilight. “How's the counter-spell being up, by the way?” Twilight, who only looked away in reply.

"Don't worry, Twilight." Applejack reassured, "Finals aren't until tonight. We'll get in a little more practice before we're supposed to hit the stage. "We won't let you down!" The rest of the girls agreed excitedly as they knew this was an important step.

“My, what a touchy display."

Both bands turned to see Adagio and Aria standing with smug grins.

"Oh great.” Tristen groaned out. “What do you want, Adagio?"

"Oh nothing, just to wish you luck in the finals.” Adagio said with a hint of sarcasm. “Is that so wrong?”

Tristen looks at Adagio with suspicion. “What's your angle here?” Tristen asked. “How come nobody here is engaging in a screaming match like the day before?”

“Figured things were getting a little too intense, ya know?” Aria answered with a sly grin. “So, we decided to tone it down a notch.”

“Uh-huh.” Rainbow replied, clearly not buying that. “Likely story.”

“Anyhow, we best get out of your hair.” Adagio walks off with Aria trailing behind. “Best of luck. You're going to need it.”

Tristen still eyed the two with clear suspicion. “Those two are definitely up to something.” The others nodded in agreement.

"Um, I was just wondering." Fluttershy said to her team as she nervously held her tambourine. "We haven't played any of my songs yet, and-"

"It's the semifinals." Rainbow interrupted. "We gotta do "Awesome As I Wanna Be"."

"Don't know why I even asked." Fluttershy said quietly, but visibly frustrated. Sonata luckily calms her down by acting a hand on her shoulder.

Trixie and her band were performing, and when she was finished, the crowd cheered as both Celestia and Luna clapped excitedly.

"Fantastic!" Celestia complimented after a laugh.

Trixie huffed as she went backstage to encounter the Rainbooms and Tristen’s band. "You're never gonna top that performance, "Rain-goons”.” Trixie mocked. "You shouldn't be allowed to when you have such a big advantage over the rest of us."

"My superior guitar playing and off-the-charts awesome singing voice?" Rainbow replied in a gloating tone, much to the annoyance of Applejack and Tristen.

"Oh, don't be ridiculous! I mean her!" Trixie said, pointing at Twilight, making the purple girl blush out of embarrassment. "If you were really all that, Rainbow Dash, you wouldn't have needed to bring in some magical ringer to have half a chance. Everyone's talking about it."

Tristen smirked at Trixie. “What? Jealous because she actually has magical skills compared to you, witchy bitch?” Tristen taunted, making Rainbow Dash snicker.

Trixie, clearly upset by that, glared at Tristen in response. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” Tristen barked back. “At least Twilight and the others have good magic, while you just bore people to death with lame ass tricks like card tricks and rabbits out of hats.” Tristen rolled his eyes. “Those are old school gimmicks.”

Trixie was fuming at that. “How dare you?!” Trixie growled furiously. “I'll have you know that those tricks are classics!”

“Yeah! For toddlers!” Tristen remarked with a smug grin.

“And speaking of tricks, don't even get me started with you!” Trixie declared, pointing at Tristen. “I'm surprised you're even allowed in this competition! You and Sunset Shimmer!” Trixie points to Sunset. “Especially after all she has done in the past!”

Sunset looked away in shame while Sonata tended to her. Tristen scowls at Trixie. “Yes, she did. But she's changed since then! And yet, you dipshits don't even give her a chance when we did!”

As the field went down, both Trixie and Tristen were emitting the all too familiar green aura.

Meanwhile, Adagio and Aria were nearby to absorb the negativity that came from Tristen and Trixie. But what they soon noticed is that the negativity from Tristen alone made them more powerful, and he was just one person.

“Well, this is interesting.” Adagio said, holding her pendant. “It seems Tristen's negativity is more filling than that of a bantering group.”

Back on the stage, Tristen and Trixie still argued.

“Why am I even wasting my time with you?” Trixie shot back. “When I make it to the finals, we'll see who will be laughing!”

Tristen at this point has had enough of Trixie. “You know Trixie, while you're blowing smoke up my ass,” Tristen said before walking to pick up a two-by-four. “I'm gonna shove this two-by-four up yours!”

With wide eyes, Trixie ran out in a panic while the others were shocked to see Tristen resort to such a tactic.

“Tristen!” Rarity scolded as Tristen put down the two-by-four.

“Yikes! That was a bit much, don't ya think?” Applejack said with a wince.

“Hey, at least it got her to piss off.” Tristen replied with a shrug.

“Next up, the Emerald Embers.” Principal Celestia called out.

“That's us.” Tristen declared, looking at Sunset and Sonata. “You two ready?”

“Good luck out there, guys.” Rarity said to the trio.

With a nod, they walked up on the stage. By the time they made it on the stage, Tristen transformed into Heartstrings, and the band began to play.

Is there anybody out there?
Is there anyone that's left?
Is there any way I can make it out alive?
What is left that they've not taken?
What is left beyond the pain?
What is left of truth when I only hear their lies?
There's a fire in my heart to keep the dark at bay
But my defenses have decayed
So, I pray for a change to begin inside
For the courage to not run and hide
Is it shame, is it fear that controls my mind?
When I wake, I can't tell what is right from the wrong
But no matter what happens, I must carry on
In the darkness before the dawn

The audience nod their heads to the beat while Celestia and Luna listened with smiles. Even the Rainbooms were enjoying the beat.

In the darkness before the dawn
I can feel my body shaking
I can feel all of the fear
I can feel the demons, but I can't let them win
And my broken heart is weary
And my broken words confess
And my broken spirit will conquer every sin
There's a fire in my heart to keep the dark at bay
But my defenses have decayed
So, I pray for a change to begin inside
For the courage to not run and hide
Is it shame, is it fear that controls my mind?
When I wake, I can't tell what is right from the wrong
But no matter what happens I must carry on
In the darkness before the dawn

"AW YEAH, MAN!" Rainbow erupted in enthusiasm, doing a double peace sign.

"Go dude, go!" Flash cheered on with the others.

So, I take on the change that begins inside
For the courage to not run and hide
No more shame, no more fear to control my mind
When I wake, I can't tell what is right from the wrong
But no matter what happens I must carry on
In the darkness before the dawn
(Awake the dark, awake the dark) in the darkness before the dawn
(Awake the dark) in the darkness before the dawn

When the song was finished, the crowd erupted in cheers.

“Incredible!” Celestia said as she and Luna clapped. “Absolutely marvelous.”

The trio took their bows as Heartstrings turned back into Tristen. They then returned backstage to meet up with the Rainbooms.

“Next up, the Rainbooms.” Principal Celestia called out.

“Knock 'em dead, Rainbooms!” Spike said to the girls.

“Good luck out there.” Tristen said.

The Rainbooms walked up on stage and began their performance.

Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
Awesome as I wanna be
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Awesome as I wanna be
First you see me riding on a sonic boom
Got my guitar shreddin' up the latest tune
There is nothin' you can do to beat me
I'm so good that you can't defeat me

Yeah, I'm awesome, take caution
Watch out for me, I'm awesome as I wanna be
I'm awesome, take caution
Watch out for me, I'm awesome as I wanna be

Backstage, Tristen and Sonata were nodding to the beat. Sunset was also enjoying the beat alongside them, but she noticed something happen to Rainbow.

She saw that Rainbow's pony ears were beginning to form from her skillful playing of the guitar. And so too did the other two

“Oh crap!” Tristen said as he readied his Omnitrix, but Sonata changed into her version of Thunderclap.

Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Before anything else could occur, Sonata touched a nearby wall, sending waves of electricity through it. And moments later, all the lights in the gym went out.

The Rainbooms stopped their performance, taken by the sudden blackout before they felt something drag themselves backward.

And suddenly, just as quickly as they went off, the lights came back on. Everyone was surprised to see the Rainbooms were absent.

Backstage, the Rainbooms were still taken back by what happened, but they saw Sonata, still as Thunderclap, before the girl changed back to human form.

"What was that?" Rainbow asked.

"You were showing them your magic." Sunset replied.

"Good show, "Rain-brooms"."

The gang looks over to see Trixie enter.

"Way to make yourselves look like a bunch of cowards.” Trixie mocked. “I was honestly expecting Sunset Shimmer to ruin your performance in a fit of jealous rage."

Sunset grit her teeth angrily, but Tristen calms her down. “Do you ever know when to shut up?”

Trixie glared in response. “Why don't you just go back to working at the circus sideshow!” Trixie shot back.

Tristen responded to that by giving her a double bird. “I swear to God, if I had a bucket of water, I'd throw it at you to see you if you could melt!”

Outside, Aria and Adagio were nearby to absorb the negativity from the argument between Tristen and Trixie.

Decibot peeked his head from inside the janitor's closet. “Alright ladies, you know what to do.”

Adagio and Aria nod before walking off.

Back on the stage, Trixie noticed Celestia and Luna were by the doors. “Ooh! Looks like they've already decided who'll be moving on to the finals! I'm guessing it wasn't too difficult a decision."

“Why don't you go hop on your broomstick and fly away already!” Tristen shot back in anger.

Suddenly, Tristen, Sunset, and Sonata look to see Aria and Adagio walk through the doors, vocalizing around Celestia and Luna.

"Huh?" Sunset Shimmer asked as she scratched her chin.

"Now what are they up to?” Tristen asked in suspicion.

"What can we do?" Rarity asked. "There isn't gonna be another opportunity for us to play. And I had the most gorgeous outfit for the finals!" she complained.

"Yup, 'cause that's the real tragedy, Rarity, that you won't get to play dress-up!" Applejack said mockingly.

"You know perfectly well that is not what I meant!" Rarity shouted back.

"Stop it!” Sonata added as she got in between. “Arguing isn't going to help!”

"You guys wanna keep it down?" Rainbow asked rhetorically. "They're about to announce who's moving on!"

"Who are you kidding?" Fluttershy asked sarcastically. "You know it isn't gonna be us."

Celestia and Luna were on the stage, about to announce the final round competitors.

“For the finals, we’ll be doing something a bit special. The finals will be a two-parter.” Celestia said, surprising everybody present.

“Huh?” Tristen asked in surprise.

“We will select three bands for the finals. The first band to reign victorious in the first round will progress to the final event. Now, the first band to be in the finals is the Dazzlings.” Luna said as.

“The second band that will be joining the Dazzlings in tonight's finals is the Emerald Embers." Celestia began to announce over the microphone, “And the final band to be in the finals is...The Rainbooms!"

"What?!" Trixie exclaimed in shock.

"Did they just say, "the Rainbooms"?!" Pinkie asked in disbelief.

Tristen casts a smirk at Trixie. “Sucks to suck, doesn't it Lulamoon?”

“This isn't over!" Trixie said as she stomped off angrily. The Rainbooms and Emerald Embers both walked onto the stage.

"Congratulations, kids," Celestia said, "You deserve it."

"Seriously?! We didn't even finish our—!" Pinkie's sentence was halted as Rainbow jabbing her in the arm while the contestants applauded them.

"See you at tonight's big show.” Adagio said as she and the Aria walked onstage. "We are really looking forward to it."

"Yeah, well… not as much as we are!" Rainbow retorted.

Tristen still eyed Adagio and Aria in suspicion as the two walked away. From the janitor's closet, Decibot smiled wickedly as everything was going according to plan.

“This is a travesty!" Trixie exclaimed in rage. "A travesty!"

"It really is!"

Trixie, in surprise, looks over her shoulder to see Adagio and Aria.

"The Rainbooms don't deserve to be in the finals.” Adagio said. "Not when your band was so much better in the semis."

"And wanted it so much more," Aria added beside Trixie, putting her hand on her other shoulder.

"Alas, this is the way it's going to be." Adagio continued, placing her hand on Trixie’s head. "Dazzlings vs. Rainbooms. Unless of course… the Rainbooms don't manage to make it to their set or hold up for some reason."

Trixie hummed in though, chuckling sinisterly. But then something came to her mind. “But… What about those Emerald Embers?”

“Those three?” Adagio asked. “You just leave them to us.” Adagio casts a glance at the Janitor's closet, where Decibot was peeking his head through, smiling at her.

Later that day, the Rainbooms were all on stage for the final round of the competition. The group was busy tuning their instruments, preparing to practice for the big show. Meanwhile Twilight was still trying to write up the counter-spell.

"Check, one, two," Rainbow Dash said into a microphone on a stand, "Testing, testing…” Rainbow tapped the microphone to make sure it was working. Twilight then noticed that the volume on the control panel was set to low. She raised it up a little.

"Testing...!" Rainbow echoed through the microphone, creating a huge burst of feedback that made everyone cringe upon hearing it. Twilight quickly set the volume back down afterwards, realizing her mistake.

"Hey. Where are Tristen, Sunset, and Sonata?” Applejack asked as she opened her eyes. "I thought they'd be here to help us out."

"They're running a little late." Rainbow replied.

“What happened?” Rarity asked.

"Well… during lunch, Tristen had a burrito and may have added a little too much hot sauce.” Pinkie said with a chuckle. “I told him not to.”

“Yikes.” Rainbow winced. “Is he alright?”

“Let's just say he’ll be on the porcelain throne for a bit.” Pinkie said, giggling a little.

Applejack noticed Twilight was in thought. “You alright, Twi?”

Twilight looks up. “Don’t you guys find it a little odd that our band and Tristen’s band are in the finals?” Twilight asked with a furrowed eyebrow. “Along with the Dazzlings?”

“Maybe they're still bitter about Sonata?” Fluttershy pondered.

“A likely possibility.” Rarity replied. “I still recall how upset they were upon seeing Sonata side with us.”

"Oh, am I interrupting anything?" a familiar voice replied. The girls all turned around to see Trixie standing on stage with her bandmates.

"What are you doing here, Trixie?" Rainbow asked, "Pretty sure the losers are supposed to be up there in the cheap seats," she quipped.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie is the most talented girl at Canterlot High," Trixie stated with pride. "It is I who deserves to be in the finals! And I will not..." she began, snapping her fingers, "...be denied!”

Just then, one of Trixie's band mates pulled a large lever on the stage, clanking open a trap door right under the Rainbooms, allowing them to plummet down below the floorboards screaming all the while. The girls all grunted as they hit the ground. Slowly they each made their way to a sitting position to see Trixie right at the edge of the trap door, laughing evilly at what she had done.

"See you never!" Trixie mocked as the trap door slammed shut.

But what Trixie failed to notice was that Spike witnessed the whole thing. "I better find Tristen and the others!" he said to himself before running off in a hurry.

Meanwhile, Adagio, Aria, and Decibot had arrived near the stands.

"Told you someone would give them a shove," Adagio said.

“One nuisance down, one to go.” Decibot chuckled evilly.

(Later)

It was now late evening, Tristen’s band had just arrived at the very back of the stage.

“Alright, we made it!” Tristen said before, breathing heavily. “Thank God!”

“You owe me a can of air freshener, by the way.” Sunset said, but noticed the Rainbooms aren’t there. “Hey! Where are they at?”

Sonata looked around. “Maybe there's practice?”

“I’m afraid they won’t be attending the finals.”

The trio turn to see Decibot, standing with a smug look visible on his visor.

Tristen growled at seeing him. “You! What have you done to our friends?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know, boy?” Decibot chuckled.

Suddenly Decibot extended his right hand, a white of magenta energy launched at Sonata. Before anybody could blink, it grabbed Sonata’s pendant and ripped the gemstone from her choker.

“Hey!” Sonata declared as the gemstone went into Decibot's hand. “Give that back!”

“You want it?” Decibot asked, holding the gemstone in his fingers. “Come and get it, then!”

A mass of magenta energy tentacles appeared behind him, each one lashing at the three. Tristen was about to activate his Omnitrix, only to be struck by mulberry electricity.

Sonata and Sunset look to see Aria, who was in her Thunderclap form, smiling at the trio with malicious intent.

Sunset was about to help, only to be knocked to the ground by a yellow and orange blur, which was none other than Adagio as Speed Demon.

“Too slow!” Adagio said joking in a malicious manner. Just as Sunset was about to get back up, Adagio pins her down with her right foot.

As Tristen's was getting back up, Aria pins him down with her big right hand.

Sonata watches her friends struggle in terror, but Decibot grabs her by the throat.

“Sonata!” Sunset and Tristen cried out in concern.

“You really shouldn't have turned your back on me, my dear.” Decibot said, laughing maliciously.

But then suddenly, something had struck Decibot in the head, making him release Sonata.

Adagio suddenly yelps out in pain as she felt a sudden pain in her tail. She looks to see that it was none other than Spike biting down on her tail.

“You little mangy furball!” Adagio growled angrily and shook Spike off, but the dog bit at her ankle. Adagio cried out in pain while also accidentally releasing Sunset.

Sunset picks up a rock and tossed it at Aria, striking the girl right on the forehead. Aria yelps out in agony and holds her forehead, while also releasing Tristen.

Decibot struggled to get up, only to get struck in the head again. Decibot’s visor was cracked greatly as it glitched profusely.

“Shi-Shi-Shiiiiiit…. What wa-wa-wa-was….” Decibot looked up to see what had hit him, or rather who had hit him. And who it was, was none other than Sour Notes. “YOU!”

“Surprise, bitch!” Sour Notes said with a smirk. “Missed me?”

“You son-on-on of a-a-a biiiiitch-tch-tch….” Decibot buffered, smacking his head to stop the buffering.

Sonata smiled at seeing the man. “Sour Notes!”

“You're gonna regret backstabbing me, you prick!” Decibot growled in rage. “Girls, you better get ready!”

Adagio and Aria nods simultaneously before returning to human forms and walk off.

“When this is over, I'll make you pay for this betrayal!” Decibot extended his hand and fired a blast of magenta sound waves, sending Sour Notes to the ground. And with that, he ran off.

“Yeah, that's right you scrapyard!” Spike barked. “Run with your tail between your legs!”

“Spike!” Tristen picks up Spike and nuzzles him. “Thanks for the save, buddy.”

“How'd you find us?” Sunset asked.

“Well, I was playing with a chew toy… and I saw Trixie and her band on the stage after I noticed the girls were missing." Spike explained. "I'm still wondering what the heck she was laughing about…"

“Wait! Trixie?!” Tristen asked, a look of anger gracing his face. “Oh that good for nothing bitch!”

"I thought Trixie's band was eliminated after the semis." Sonata said.

"She must have cheated out of it!” Tristen replied, "And I'm willing to bet Adagio and Aria had a hand in it!”

Backstage, Trixie was getting ready for her performance with an evil smile while still gloating about how she managed to deal with the Rainbooms.

“Yo, Lulanoon!”

Trixie looked over her shoulder to see Tristen, Sonata, Sunset, Spike, and Sour Notes walk towards her.

"Ugh! You again!” Trixie scoffed. “What do you want?”

“You know exactly what, Trixie!” Tristen declared. "What'd you do with the Rainbooms?"

“What makes you think I'm going to tell you anything?” Trixie barked back.

“God dammit, don't you test me!” Tristen growled.

“I just took care of business, that's all. Trixie replied with a smirk. "The "Rain-goons" shouldn't have been in the finals in the first place, and neither should you!”

“Trixie, I'm going to give you one last chance!” Tristen demanded. “Tell me where they are, or so help me God, I will use other methods to get you to sing like a canary!”

"Do whatever you please!” Trixie replied with a smirk. “I'm not telling you anything."

Tristen’s glare intensified as he readied his Omnitrix. “Alright! You've been warned!”

Upon finding the right alien, he tapped the screen. And in a blinding green flash of light, Tristen had changed into Fright Knight.

Sour Notes jumped a bit in shock at seeing this. “What the…?”

Trixie only smirked. “Is this supposed to intimidate me?”

But just as Trixie said that the hinges doors on Fright Knight’s midsection opened. And Trixie’s smirk fell and was replaced with a look of sheer horror. Trixie screamed, shutting her eyes as she backed up against the wall.

"Are you going to talk now?!" Fright Knight demanded.

"They're under the trap door on the stage! The Dazzlings suggested that I do it so that I'd get into the finals instead of the Rainbooms!" Trixie admitted, crying in terror. “Please, make it stop!”

As soon as she said that the hinged doors closed, and Fright Knight reverted back to Tristen. “Thank you!”

Tristen and his crew walked off, leaving a rather mortified Trixie alone.

(Meanwhile)

Rainbow grunted as she tried to knock down the door as everyone else was still sulking over how things were going.

"Give it up, Rainbow Dash. You've been tryin' at this for hours." Applejack noted, "It's not gonna open."

"Maybe it doesn't even matter that we're trapped down here." Twilight said despondently. "I don't think the counter-spell would have worked anyway. "

"Of course it would have worked, Twilight." Applejack reassured, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Assumin' a certain band member didn't try to hog the spotlight the whole time we were tryin' to play it!"

"Hey! If you wanna tell Twilight she's getting a little too caught up trying to be the new leader of this band, you don't have to be all cryptic about it!" Rainbow said absentmindedly.

Applejack just glared at her as Rarity came up. "She was talking about you, Rainbow Dash!" Rarity declared angrily.

"Me?!" Rainbow exclaimed. "I'm just trying to make sure my band rocks as hard as it needs to!"

"OUR BAND!" Pinkie, Applejack, Fluttershy, & Rarity shouted at an annoyed Rainbow.

"But why wasn't it working?" Twilight asked as she was sitting against the wall. "I should know what to do! How could I not know what to do? How could I have failed like this?" Twilight miserably curled up into a ball.

"It might've been your idea to start a band, but it's not just your band, Rainbow Dash!" Applejack declared angrily to Rainbow.

"I'm the one who writes all the songs!" Rainbow responded angrily, pushing Applejack back.

"I write songs!" Fluttershy chimed in with frustration. "You just never let us play any of them!"

"I had the most perfect outfits for us to wear!" Rarity added proudly.

"Again with the costumes!" Applejack yelled at Rarity. "No one cares what we're wearin'!"

"I care, Applejack!" Rarity shot back. "So sorry if I enjoy trying to make a creative contribution to the band!"

"Hey! Anybody here remember fun?!" Pinkie asked angrily. "I'll give you a hint, it's the exact opposite of being in the Rainbooms!"

Rainbow, now furious, groaned out. "I wish I never asked any of you to be in my band!"

"Well, I wish I'd never agreed to be in it!" Rarity barked back. screamed.

"Me, neither!" Applejack and Fluttershy agreed simultaneously.

Moments later, the five of them all began arguing while Twilight was still sulking in the corner. But what they failed to notice was the green aura of negativity auras billowing out of the five arguing girls, and it was seeping it's way up through the trap door onto the stage.

When Trixie was finished with her performance, the crowd cheered in awe of its amazement.

"Try to top that!" Trixie gloated to Adagio and Aria as she and her bandmates walked offstage.

"Oh, gosh! I don't know if we can!” Adagio exclaimed sarcastically.

They then looked out onto the stage to see the aura of the Rainbooms' negative energy spread out across the stage. The two grinned wicked upon knowing their plan had worked.

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were still arguing while Twilight sulked.

But suddenly, they stopped their arguing and saw the trap door open.

“Special delivery.” Tristen said in a joking manner.

“Tristen!” The Rainbooms cried out in joy as they walked out.

“How'd you find us?” Flutteshy asked.

“Had to interrogate Trixie.” Tristen replied while Spike ran to his side. “Spike told us that Trixie kicked you guys down here.”

Twilight looked at Spike, smiling fondly and picks the pup up. “Oh, thank you Spike.”

Sonata looked to see the green mist that lingered before it vanished, then realized something. “The Equestrian magic!”

The others look at her. “Huh?” Rainbow asked.

“You guys were harboring the magic Adagio and Aria were looking for.” Sonata said, then realizing something. “Oh no! They must be using it right now!”

“How can they be using our magic?” Applejack asked. “It's the magic of friendship.”

“Ever since you started this band, you've been letting little things get to you.” Sunset admitted. “I never said anything 'cause I didn't feel like it was my place. Not when I was so new to this whole "friendship" thing.”

Sunset looked down a bit, feeling bad that she should have said something sooner. “I still have a lot to learn. But I do know that if you don't work out even the smallest problems right at the start, the magic of friendship can be turned into something else.”

“I can't believe all this tension was happening right under my nose and I didn't realize it.” Twilight said in shame. “I'm supposed to be the one with all the answers. And all I've done since I got here is let you down.”

Sunset placed a hand on Twilight's shoulder. “I don't think anyone is supposed to have all the answers.” Sunset said. “But you can count on your friends to help you find them.”

“Damn straight, sister.” Tristen smiled. “And before we forget, we've managed to get some help.”

A girl then approached the gang. She had light yellowish gray skin, moderate cobalt blue hair with brilliant opal stripes, and moderate cerise behind a pair of shades with dark purple tinted lenses. She wore a white blouse with purple, cyan, and blue stripes; a white skirt with the similar design as her skirt; two purple gloves for each of her hands; and two cyan and black boots with purple socks.

“Come on, y'all!” Applejack declared with confidence. “Time to prove we've still got the magic of friendship inside us!”

"And there's only one way to do it!" Twilight added.

"We're getting the band back together?" Pinkie asked excitedly.

"We're getting our band back together!" Rainbow replied, without the implication that it was her own.

"Ooh, which version of the counter-spell are we going to play?" Rarity asked.

"I don't think it matters what song we play," Twilight began, "as long as we play it together as friends.”

"I know just the song," Rainbow replied, looking at Fluttershy. “Fluttershy's written a really great one.”

"We're about to save the world here," Applejack added. "Personally, I think we should do it in style.” She then looks to Rarity. "Rarity?"

"I thought you'd never ask!" Rarity exclaimed as she pulled out a clothing rack

“And luckily, you ladies have some backup.” Tristen declared, gesturing to Sunset and Sonata.

You've played your last tune

Adagio and Aria had finished absorbing the negative energy from the Rainbooms into their pendants, and Decibot approached them.

“So, you've finally claimed what you were searching for.” Decibot said, making the two smile in acknowledgement. “Excellent.” Decibot gestures towards the front stage. “Your audience awaits, my dears. It is time to shine bright.”

Adagio and Aria chuckled as they approached the stage.

Ahh, ah-ah, ahh
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah

As the Dazzlings vocalized over the crowd, the mass of people was enchanted by their voices.

Ah-ha, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ha, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Welcome to the show
We're here to let you know
Our time is now
Your time is running out
Ah-ha, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah...

The Rainbooms, Tristen, Sunset, and Sonata were all atop a hill overlooking the stage. And they saw that Adagio and Aria had already commenced their master plan.

"How are we supposed to play over them from up here?" Rainbow asked.

That question was answered when the girl with headphones wearing girl arrived in a white and blue sports car. Suddenly, after a press of a button on her remote, the car began to transform with pieces of it shape-shifting into a makeshift DJ station.

Sunset and Spike were just as surprised as the Rainbooms. They all cheered on the prospect of having a way to play over the song.

“Transformers, eat your heart out!” Tristen said in pure awe.

Feel the wave of sound
As it crashes down
You can't turn away
We'll make you wanna sta-a-a-ay

As the duo sang, they sent red pulsing energy waves from the song at the audience, making the crowd get caught up in a trance. Suddenly, the energy emanating from the pendants was released, forming their pony ears, ponytails, and even fin-like wings.

We will be adored
Tell us that you want us
We won't be ignored
It's time for our reward
Now you need us
Come and heed us
Nothing can stop us now

"Wanna bet?!"

Aria and Adagio stop their song to see Tristen and Sonata standing before them.

"You two again?!" Adagio shouted in frustration.

"Hit it, girls!" Sonata called out.

Oh-oh, oh-whoa-oh
I've got the music in me
Oh-oh, oh-whoa-oh
Don't need to hear a crowd
Cheering out my name

The crowd somehow snapped out of their stupid to see the Rainbooms, and they seemed to enjoy the tune, much to Aria and Adagio's shock.

I didn't come here seeking
Infamy or fame
The one and only thing
That I am here to bring
Is music, is the music
Is the music in my soul

As the Rainbooms sang, they began to pony up. Tristen followed it up by turning into Heartstrings and stared the two sirens down.

Gonna break out (Out!)
Set myself free, yeah
Let it all go (Go!)
Just let it be, yeah
Find the music in your heart
Let the music make you start
To set yourself apart

“So, the Rainbooms want to turn this into a real Battle of the Bands?” Adagio asked with a wicked grin. “Then let's battle!”

What we have in store
All we want and more
We will break on through
Now it's time to finish you!

The crowd had all fallen into the Dazzlings spell once again, as they released a pulse of energy.

Just then, Adagio and Aria released some form of energy from their pendants. The energy formed what looked like horses with fish tails in place of hind legs and large dorsal fins on their backs. Adagio's was yellow in color while Aria's was purple

“Alright, let's mix it up!” Heartstrings fired blasts of sound at the two siren summons, only for them to fire back sound blasts of their own. Eventually l, Heartstrings was overpowered, the force of the attack knocking him to the ground.

And with that problem taken care of, the two apparitions darted towards the Rainbooms, circling around then like wolves circling their quarry.

Meanwhile, Heartstrings got back up, glaring at the sirens.

“Guys, please stop this!” Sonata begged her two longtime friends. “This has to stop!”

“Fat chance!” Aria declared as she rushed at Sonata, intending to punch her. Heartstring got in front of Sonata and fired a blast of blue sound at her.

This caused Aria to stop midway, her eyes welling up in tears. The music also seemed to affect Adagio, as she began to tear up a little.

“Nice trick, punk!” Adagio declared, wiping her tears away. “But you'll have to do better than that!” Adagio changed her arms into those of Thunderclaps and clapped her hands, sending a powerful electrically charged shockwave at Heartstrings, knocking him off his feet.

Meanwhile, the Rainbooms were having trouble with the two siren apparitions. They tried their best to overwhelm them, but the two mirages were able to overpower the group.

The microphone Twilight held flew out of her hands and landed near Sunset Shimmer, urging her to pick it up.

Heartstrings got back up and glared at Adagio and Aria.

“Alright bitches, you wanna dance?” Heartstrings got into a fighting stance. “Then let's dance!”

Heartstrings kept onto the stage, glaring at the two. Aria and Adagio charge at him, but he does a handstand and spins rapidly, managed to kick the two away. Aria growled before changing into her version of Saw Horse and spin dashes towards Heartstrings, but he jumps up to evade.

Adagio rushed at him as her hands changed into Sunstone arms. Heartstrings was able to block each punch she threw at him while doing the oil and lock.

Twilight looks to Sunset, thinking she could be of great help. “Sunset Shimmer, we need you!”

Sunset was doubtful, but she looks to see Heartstrings fighting Adagio and Aria. But she casts her doubts aside and prepares herself.

You're never gonna bring me down
You're never gonna break this part of me
My friends are here to bring me 'round
Not singing just for popularity

Heartstrings, Sonata, Adagio, and Aria look over to the Rainbooms. Heartstrings and Sonata smile with hope while Adagio and Aria were surprised.

We're here to let you know
That we won't let it go
Our music is a bomb and it's about to blow

The two siren apparitions charged at the Rainbooms, but they were ready.

And you can try to fight
But we have got the light of
Friendship on our side!
Got the music in our hearts
We're here to blow this thing apart

As the Rainbooms sang, they sent a powerful rainbow shockwave that knocked the apparitions back while also freeing the audience from Adagio and Aria’s spell.

And together, we will never
Be afraid of the dark
Here to sing our song out loud
Get you dancing with the crowd
As the music of our friendship
Survives, survives!

Sunset then began to pony up as well, and they continued to play with fervor. Meanwhile, Sonata began to emit a bright blue aura while the Omnitrix symbol emitted a familiar rainbow color.

Sonata had grown pony ears, a long ponytail, and fin-like wings like Aria and Adagio did. Meanwhile, Heartstrings went through a real pallet change. His vest remained red but had a flame pattern that was a mix of orange and bright yellow, his leggings were purple with a zigzag pattern that was a mix of yellow, white, and pink, the light gray on his body changed to bright cyan with multicolored lightning bolts on his sides, and his chest plate changed from white to bright lavender.

And sure enough, the crowd joined in on the song as well.

Got the music in our hearts
We're here to blow this thing apart
And together, we will never
Be afraid of the dark
Here to sing our song out loud
Get you dancing with the crowd
As the music of our friendship
Survives, survives, survives!

Adagio and Aria watched on in shock as the Rainbooms, Sonata, and Heartstrings hovered into the air. The Rainbooms fired a blast of multicolored light towards them, and both Sonata and Heartstrings fired a blast of rainbow sound waves. The blast caused the Decimator to overload before exploding in a massive column of light.

Once the explosion dissipated, Adagio and Aria were kneeling on the stage. Sonata and Heartstrings hovered downward and landed near both Adagio and Aria.

As Sonata approached, she heard the two sobbing. “Guys? Are you-”

Before Sonata could finish her question, she was embraced by both Adagio and Aria, crying their eyes out.

“Sonata…” Adagio sobbed out, “We're so sorry…”

“We shouldn't have ditched you like that!” Aria added in between sobs.

Sonata was shocked at first, but she returned the embrace. The audience watched on in surprise, some members were even looking at each other in confusion.

“It’s okay, guys.” Sonata said, tearing up as well, finally glad it was all over. “I'm just glad it's all over.”

Heartstrings smiled at the scene while reverting back to Tristen.

Adagio and Aria separated from Sonata, wiping their tears away. “Sonata, I-” Adagio said, but was cut off when she noticed that her pendant was gone. “My pendant! Where did-?” Aria looked down and saw her pendant was gone too.

Tristen noticed this as well. “Crap! Decibot must have them!”

The crowd looked up, and there they saw something hovering in the air. Tristen and the Dazzlings too looked up, and so did the Rainbooms.

What everyone saw hovering up in the sky was a sound system mixed with a hovercraft. And the one piloting the hovercraft was none other than Decibot.

“Oh great!” Rainbow declared. “He's here!”

“Looking for these?” Decibot asked as he held up the three jewels that were once attached to Adagio, Aria, and Sonata’s chokers.

Adagio and Aria both gasped in shock. “Our pendants!” Aria glared at Decibot. “Give those back!”

“Oh, I’m afraid not my dear.” Decibot replied with a smirk on his visor. “I have a special use for these.”

Adagio glared at Decibot with seething hate. “Sonata was right about you! You were using us, weren't you?!”

“Indeed, I was my dear. “ Decibot replied with a smug grin. “How else was I supposed to get your precious jewelry?”

Aria growled in pure rage. “We never should have listened to you!” Aria yelled out.

“Yes, you shouldn't have.” Decibot said with feint sincerity. “So sorry to mislead you.”

“That's just like you!”

Decibot and everyone else look to see Sour Notes approach. “Suckering people and lying to them to do your bidding!”

“Ah, Sour Notes.” Decibot said. “Still being a nuisance, aren't we?”

Sour Notes smiled in response. “As well as the guy who trashed your career!”

Decibot cocked an eyebrow. “The devil are you talking about?”

“While you were having your two puppets do the heavy lifting for you, I've managed to gather the evidence to prove Shock Jock's innocence.” Sour Notes pulled out his cellphone. “And I'm afraid you've just lost your studio.”

Decibot’s eyes widened before projecting holographic bar graphs, which showed that his viewership had been depleted. And in addition to that, a holographic message appeared in front of him.

Repossession Notice

This is to inform you that DubBeat Studios and all assets you own has been repossessed due to defamatory and false statements about Shock Jock.

Decibot was shocked, but it got worse as a holographic lawsuit form appeared before him.

“Wh-What?!” Decibot stuttered in disbelief. “How…”

“Through your socials.” Sour Notes replied with a triumphant grin. “Plus, you had me be the pipeline to your lawyers, agents, etc. After I showed them what really happened ten years ago, they've wasted no time in clearing Shock Jock’s name.”

Decibot was shocked at this reveal. He then projected a holographic image of his banking accounts, which showed that he is now bankrupt.

“What…. What the hell?!” Decibot stuttered out. “Why are my banking and checking accounts both depleted!”

“You mean the money you robbed from Shock Jock at the trial ten years ago?” Sour Notes replied with a smirk. “Or the money you conned from your devoting fans through various fraudulent apps.”

“Wait a minute!” A female student said. “I bought a music app called Decibeats two months ago, only for it to be some boring podcast app! ”

“I've got payed twenty bucks for a CD of Decibot's latest!" A male added. "But all of the tracks were just yodeling songs!”

“I payed sixty dollars to buy a ticket for a concert five months ago!” Another male student added. "But the concert was cancelled I had to spend most of my summer vacation working for that cash, which I'll never get back"

The mass of students began to jeer at Decibot, who was now nervous.

“And don't get me started on the joint ventures that you've just lost, pal.” Sour Notes added, further adding salt to the wounds.

Decibot gasped as holographic pink slips appeared before him, each one being from various businesses he's partnered up with.

Decibot was truly not happy now. “No! No, no, no, no!” Decibot roared out, slamming his fist against the console of his hovercraft. “This cannot be happening! Not to me!”

“Oh, it's happening, tough guy!” Tristen replied with a smirk. “And now your actions are coming back to bite you in the ass!”

Decibot was truly seeing red at this point, he was shaking in absolute rage.

“You ruined Shock Jock's name through lies!” Sonata declared, making Decibot glare at her. “You threw him under the bus, all because you wanted more attention than he did!”

Ten years ago

Decibot and Shock Jock were having an argument.

“All I want is some recognition!” Decibot declared angrily.

“What do you want from me, man?” Shock Jock fired back. “It's not my fault that people know my name!”

Decibot was fuming now. “I make the Songs! I build the equipment!” Decibot countered.

“Technically, I make the songs!” Shock Jock fired back. “The songs you make are songs you've downloaded from other people! That doesn't scream original!”

“Then why the hell do I even have a download function?!” Decibot declared.

“For you to back up the songs for our gigs!” Shock Jock answered.

“You call that ear rape you make music?!” Decibot yelled, surprising Shock Jock. “I'll bet I'd get more fans than you do going solo!”

“Then go!” Shock Jock declared. “Go ahead! You wanna do your own shows? Im not stopping you!”

And with that Shock Jock stormed off, leaving a rather angry Decibot alone.

Decibot looks over to a framed poster of both him in Shock Jock, and in a fit of rage, he punches the frame. Causing the glass to shatter and the fram itself to fall apart.

(Time skip)

A few months later, Shock Jock was carted in handcuffs and escorted by police while a paparazzi was around to take photos.

“Please! Officers, I’m telling you!” Shock Jock said desperately. “I didn't do anything!”

“Tell it to the judge, pal!” The officer said as he placed Shock Jock into the squad car. The last thing Shock Jock saw before being carted off was Decibot, his now former partner, flashing a wicked smile at him.

Present day

“And now you're paying for it!” Sonata continued, making Decibot growl furiously.

“You think you can just take everything from me?!” Decibot asked in rage. “Do you really think that you can just ruin everything I've worked for?!”

“Worked?!” Applejack countered. “More like cheated your way into!”

“You can't get any lower than that, man!” Flash Sentry added.

“Face it, pal!” Sour Notes declared. “You've officially been exposed for the fraud you really are!”

Decibot, fuming, eyed the jewels he held. “Very well then!” Decibot said, a sinister chuckle echoing from him. “If I can't have my peers adore me,” Decibot pressed a button on the console, causing a slot to open from the top of the console, “THEN I'LL MAKE THEM FEAR ME!!!”

Decibot inserted the three jewels in. Upon closing the port, his hovercraft whirred as Decibot began to laugh wickedly. Tristen and the Rainbooms prepared to fight while everyone else backed up in terror.

“Before I depart, I present to you my swan song!” With a press of a button, Decibot’s hovercraft began to play a deafening tune. A song was so thunderously loud that it shook the ground and caused the stage present to slowly crack.

Many students were fleeing in panic, but many entities made from glowing magenta energy emerged from the speaker stacks.

Some resembled winged demons, some resembled serpentine dragons, some resembled giant bats, but all of them were hostile and willing to attack.

“I don't think so, screen face!” Rainbow declared as she strums her guitar to send rainbow-colored electrical bolts. But Decibot countered by firing sound waves to repel the attack.

Rarity worked her keytar while Fluttershy banged on her tambourine, a barrage of sending blue diamonds and a flurry of pink butterflies respectively, but Decibot created a magenta energy shield to deflect the attack.

Applejack stunned her bass to fire a blast of orange sound waves, but they just bounced off since Decibot still had his shield.

Meanwhile, Adagio and Aria were fending off many of Decibot's minions while Sonata blasted at them with a sonic scream. Flash Sentry, Snips, and Snails were helping out as well.

Tristen growled angrily. “Alright, I'm over this!” Tristen dialed up his Omnitrix, and with a tap on the screen, changed into a familiar colossal Kaiju named:

“Big Bang!”

Big Bang then rolled his right fist, the entire arm swelling up to twice it's mass, before sending a punch so powerful that it broke the forcefield while also sending the hovercraft back a foot.

(Stop music here)

Decibot struggled to keep his device steady while glaring at the colossal alien.

“Alright, I think it's time I cranked up the volume!” Decibot pressed a few buttons and shifted a few dials, grinning menacingly. “I'M ABOUT TO DROP THE BASS UP IN THIS BITCH!!!”

And suddenly, the hovercraft began to play a different song, one even louder than the previous.

(Skip to 0:19)

In addition to the new change in tune, each speaker that blares the music formed an angry expression made of magenta energy, each face opened up its mouth salvos of sound waves. The noise was loud and powerful enough to send Big Bang falling backwards.

Big Bang groaned in discomfort as he reverted back to Tristen. “Damn… that smarts.”

In addition to that, more and more monsters made from music appeared to cause havoc. Many students were fleeing while the Rainbooms and Dazzlings were having difficulty in finding off the monsters Decibot unleashed.

“They just keep coming!” Rainbow declared as she still strummed her guitar to attack. But she was pinned down by a music demon. Applejack was called up by a large music serpent, and the rest of the girls were trying to fend off a bunch of giant music bats.

Sonata was trying her best from fending off some harpies made from purple musical notes, only for another to pin down and knock her to the ground.

“Sonata!” Adagio went to help her, only to be grabbed by a tentacled beast made of purple music, and Aria was grabbed from behind by a music demon.

“THAT'S RIGHT, YOU FOOLS! COWER!” Decibot declared in malicious glee, laughing maniacally. “THE WAY YOU ALL SCAMBLE LIKE ANTS IS AMUSING!!!”

The shades wearing girl was blaring blasts from the speakers of her car to ward off as many of the monsters as she possibly could, but a few music demons managed to tear off the speakers.

Flash was struggling with a music demon, but Tristen managed to kill it off with a single kick to its head.

As Decibot was floating in his triumph, Tristen looked to the console that Decibot was working to blast his music.

With a glare, Tristen activated his Omnitrix once again, this time transforming into Deus-X-Machina before turning into a bolt of electricity and zapping himself into the hovercraft.

“I AM GOD! ME!” Decibot said, still laughing in pure madness. But his laughter ceased upon seeing his console spark with electricity, and moments later, the music began to die down.

(Stop music here)

The angered expressions that formed on the speakers changed into a rather dying look before vanishing, and the various monsters Decibot created vanished.

“Wh-What the…?” Decibot asked in shock. “What's going on?”

“You messed with the wrong guy, dick stain!” Deus-X-Machina’s voice spoke through the speakers as the entire hovercraft began to spark with electricity.

“No! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Decibot tried to press a button, but the surge of electricity spread into him as well, making his visor glitch profusely.

“NO-NO-NO… THIIIIS-S CAN-N-NO-NOT BE-E-E-E…” Decibot buffered out as Deus-X-Machina appeared before him. “YOU-YOU-YOU LITTLE SHI-I-I-IIIIIIT-T-T!”

“Have a nice day in Hell?” Decibot said with a wave before hovering away.

Decibot spazzed out like he was having an epileptic seizure while the hovercraft began to spark more violently. Decibot began buffering out as his visor began to glitch like crazy.

“Uh... we better take cover!” Applejack said to the girls.

“Run!” Sunset said, making everyone run to avoid the blast

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”

Decibot’s cry of defeat was the last everyone heard from him before he and his hovercraft were enveloped in a powerful explosion.

This caused a shockwave so immense that it shattered every windowpane in every building in the city, car alarms to suddenly go off, and even caused some trees to sway momentarily like they were caught in a windstorm.

When the explosion finally cleared, everyone saw that a large scorch mark on the ground was all that was left. Well, Decibot’s detached head fell onto the ground, breaking to pieces upon impact.

“Phew!” Applejack wipes her brow. “Glad that's over.”

“Good riddance.” Sour Notes added with a nod.

Sonata, Adagio, and Aria look to see Deus-X-Machina approaching them. “I believe these belong to you?” Deus-X-Machine said, extended his hand to return the jewels to them.

With smiles, the girls gladly received their pendants as Deus-X-Machine reverted back to Tristen.

Sonata then embraced Tristen in a bright hug. “Thank you so much, Tristen!” Sonata said in joy. “For everything!”

Tristen looked to Adagio and Aria, who both looked down in shame.

“Listen…uh…we know you’re probably still…. upset…” Adagio stammered nervously before looking to the crowd, “along with everyone else for what has transpired…”

“And you should.” Aria added as she and Adagio got on their knees.

“We’re prepared for any punishment you have for us.” Adagio said, both she and Aria looking down, feeling really guilty.

The crowd watched on with surprise, and Sonata looked in-between her two friends and Tristen in concern. Even the Rainbooms were surprised by seeing this.

Tristen just crossed his arms. “Well, if you truly want to atone for your actions,” Tristen said before offering a hand to the two, “Then how about you let me and my friends teach you about the magic of friendship?”

Adagio and Aria look up at him in shock.

“Huh?” The whole crowd asked.

“After all we’ve done…you’re just going to forgive us?” Adagio asked with bewilderment.

“We made many kids fight one another, we sided with a psychotic robot, se even tried to kill you and your friends!” Aria added. “Why... why forgive us just like that?”

“Hey, Sunset Shimmer here did worse things before you three came along.” Tristen said, gesturing to Sunset. “But she managed to turn over a new leaf in spite of her wrongdoings. So, if she can change, then why can’t you?”

Sonata smiled warmly at the display of kindness Tristen was showing.

“Besides, I’m a guy who believes in second chances.” Tristen added. “We all make mistakes. And sure, we can't go back and change them. But we learn from those mistakes to grow as a person.”

Sunset walked beside him, smiling at Adagio and Aria. “He's right.” Sunset added. “Take it from me. The road to redemption can be tough, and it can be long, but it'll be worth it.”

Flash then walks up to the two defeated sirens.

“Just so you two know, I am upset with you two for what you’ve done. And I’m sure all the others can agree.” Flash said with a glare, the two sirens looking away. But his glare changed to a soft smile. “But if Tristen’s giving you a second chance, then so am I.”

Adagio and Aria were surprised even further.

“You guys do have a crap load of apologies to give, but I’m willing to give you two a chance.” Rainbow said, and the other Rainbooms agreed as well. Even every other student was willing to accept the two, despite everything the two have done.

“Well? What do you two say?” Tristen asked, the two sirens.

Adagio and Aria were completely, and their eyes started to well up in tears. And moments later, the two had embraced Tristen in a tight hug, catching him off guard.

“Thank you…thank you so much…” Adagio said in between sobs while Aria said nothing.

Sonata too joined in on the group hug with tears streaming down her face as well.

Twilight smiled at the sweet moment, and so did her fellow Rainbooms.

"Rainbooms rule! That was amazing!" Flash said as he hugged Twilight with all his might, still holding onto her after the embrace. The girls giggled while the guys just smiled as Flash and Twilight blushed, inching their faces away from each other nervously.

"You may have vanquished the Dazzlings," Trixie began, appearing out of nowhere between Flash and Twilight, making them let go of each other in annoyance, "but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

Trixie throws down a smoke bomb that burst on impact with the stage floor, making everyone cough as the smoke disappeared, revealing no sign of Trixie.

"She's gone!" Pinkie exclaimed.

“Not quite.” Tristen said, pointing at Trixie, who was trying to escape by climbing over the stands only to fall.

"Trixie is okay!" Trixie exclaimed.

“You know, Twilight is going back to Equestria soon.” Rainbow said, looking at Sunset. “The Rainbooms could really use someone to help Fluttershy on backup vocals.”

Sunset noticed a green and white guitar with an arrowhead shaped body leaning up against a speaker. She picked it up, and after taking out a black guitar pick, performed a really impressive riff to show her skills.

"I also play guitar," she said afterwards as everyone was very surprised.

And I mean everyone. The Rainbooms, Dazzlings, even Tristen was speechless.

“Hot damn!” Tristen muttered out in shock.

Rainbow was speechless as Twilight giggled, making her look away nervously. "We'll see." Rainbow replied.

The following morning, the gang met up to bid their goodbyes to Twilight and Spike.

“Sure wish you could stay longer.” Applejack said.

“Me too.” Twilight said in agreement. “But I have responsibilities in Equestria that I have to get back to. Its citizens need me. But now I can go through the portal whenever I need to. This isn't goodbye. It's just goodbye 'til next time.”

“You sure you can't stay long enough for my thanks?”

The gang looks to see Sour Notes arrive.

“Sour Notes!” Sonata beamed as she ran up to Sour Notes, embracing the man in a hug.

Sour Notes looked at Twilight. “Before you leave, there's somebody who wants to see you.”

The gang then sees another man approaching.

It was a man with neon blue skin, yellow hair in a top knot, and green tinted shades over his eyes. He wore a white tank top with a fiery red jacket, a pair of blue jeans, and cargo boots.

“So these are the kids you told me about?” The man asked.

Sonata looked at the man, her eyes widening in realization. “Are… are you-”

“Shock Jock?” The man asked as he lifted up his shades, revealing bright orange-colored eyes. “Yes. Yes, I am.”

Rainbow Dash and Rarity went full on fangirl mode at this reveal. “No! Way!” Rainbow squealed in excitement.

Shock Jock then looked at Twilight before walking to her. “You must be Twilight Sparkle, right?” Twilight nodded in reply. Shock Jock then hands her a signed record. “As thanks for helping clear my name, I'd like to give you a little souvenir.” Shock Jock said, making Twilight smile and accept the gift.

“Well, thanks…” Twilight said, turning her focus to Sonata, “But I think Sonata Dusk is more deserving of it.” Sonata was surprised as Twilight walked to her and handed her the record. “If it wasn't for her, then we wouldn't have known about Decibot.”

Adagio and Aria smiled at the display. “She's right, Sonata.” Adagio added with a nod of agreement. “If it wasn't for you, we would be slaving for that chromium creep.”

Sonata, still taken by surprise, smiled with tears trailing down her eyes as she accepted the gift. “Twilight…” Sonata then hugs Twilight, making the girl return the embrace. “Thank you, Twilight!”

Sonata released Twilight from the hug, making the purple turn her attention towards Spike “Ready?”

Spike nods in affirmation. “Ready!”

And with that, Spike entered the portal, and Twilight followed soon after.

Tristen approached Shock Jock, holding the destroyed head of what was once Decibot. Shock Jock was stunned at the sight, then looked down in sadness.

“I'm sorry.” Tristen said. “But he was just too far gone.”

Shock Jock looked back at Decibot’s destroyed head, feeling some semblance of guilt. “If only I could have done something, things could have been different.”

Sour Notes placed a comforting hand on Shock Jock’s shoulder.

(Later)

The Rainbooms were all setting up their instruments onstage while Adagio, Sonata, and Aria helped. Meanwhile, Sunset was writing to Twilight in her book.

"Dear Princess Twilight," Sunset wrote, "Missing you already, and I hope you'll be back soon. Things are definitely looking up for me here at Canterlot High. But I know I still have a lot to learn about friendship. Hope you don't mind if I write to you for advice when I need it. Your friend, Sunset Shimmer.”

“Writing to Twi, I see?”

Sunset looks over to see Tristen standing beside her.

“Yep.” Sunset nods in reply, looking at the book. “At least now we have a way to keep in touch with her, just in case we need her help.”

She then looks back up at Tristen, noticing he looked to be in though. “You ok?”

“Just wondering how the other me back in my world is holding up.” Tristen admitted. “I know I'm not the real deal, but sometimes I can't help but miss my world.”

Sunset nods in understanding and closes her book. “I get it, Tristen.” Sunset replied. “I miss my world too. Heck, I even miss Princess Celestia.” Sunset looked down solemnly. “At least Twilight is doing much better than I even could.”

Tristen looks at Sunset, sitting down and placing a hand on her shoulder. “Well, I’m sure she would be beaming with pride to see how well you've turned out lately.” Sunset looks at him with a soft smile. “I'm sure Twilight told you about how well you've changed.”

"You ready or what?"

Sunset looks up to see the Rainbooms were waiting on her.

"Ready!" Sunset said, handing Tristen the book before running over with her guitar in hand.

"One! Two! Three! Four!" Pinkie exclaimed, banging her drumsticks together.

Once upon a time
You came into my world and made the stars align
Now I can see the signs
You pick me up when I get down so I can shine
Shine like rainbows
Shine like rainbows
Friends, you are in my life
And you can count on me to be there by your side
And when the music comes alive
You sing us songs to lift us up so we can shine

Rainbooms: And the sound that we hear in our hearts
Makes a crescendo
And the light that ignites in the dark
It makes us all glow
And shine like rainbows
We shine like rainbows
Shine like rainbows
We shine like rainbows
Together we stand
As the rain begins to fall
And holdin' our heads up high
As the sun shines through it all
And the sound that we hear in our hearts
Makes a crescendo
And the light that ignites in the dark
It makes us all glow
And shine like rainbows
We shine like rainbows
Shine like rainbows
We shine like rainbows
We shine like rainbows