Spider-Man Reality Untangled: Episode I "Rainbow Rocks"
Epilogue: Battle Of The Bands
Previous ChapterThe night of the Battle of the Bands had finally arrived, and the atmosphere was electric. Canterlot High was buzzing with excitement as students and parents gathered in the auditorium, eagerly awaiting the performances. The stage was bathed in bright lights, and instruments were meticulously set up and tested.
The group was focused and determined as they practiced the counter spell song, each of them putting their own unique touch on the performance. Ben, on the other side of the room, was busy with his own task. He had the USB drive he had discovered at OSCORP Genetics Labs, and was intently studying it, trying to decipher any information it might hold.
Arctic Ace, taking a break from practicing, was sitting with Spike, the dog curled up happily in his lap. He glanced over at Ben, a mix of curiosity and envy on his face. "What's he doing over there?" he asked quietly, nodding towards Ben's form in the corner.
Sunset, who had overheard Arctic Ace's question, looked over at Ben as well. "Looks like he's working on something important," she replied, a hint of intrigue in her voice. "He's been at it for a while now. Whatever it is, it must be pretty important."
With a final click, Ben finally cracked the code and was able to access the contents of the USB drive. His heart pounded in his chest as he scanned the files, his eyes widening with each passing second. This was it – this was what the Vulture had been looking for.
The files contained a wealth of information about Project Genesis, blueprints, research data, and detailed notes on the project's goals. The implications were huge, and Ben knew he had stumbled upon something big.
Ben quickly pocketed the USB drive, his mind racing with questions and thoughts. Project Genesis – what could it be? Why was the Vulture so hell-bent on getting his hands on this information? Ben had a sinking feeling that whatever Project Genesis was, it couldn't be anything good.
He glanced over at the girls, who were still rehearsing tirelessly, oblivious to the bombshell he had just discovered. For now, he decided to keep his findings to himself, not wanting to alarm them unnecessarily.
The moment of truth had arrived - the battle of the bands was beginning. The air in the auditorium was thick with anticipation as the first band was called up to the stage. One by one, the bands took their places, the instruments were checked, the microphones tested, and the lights glared. It was showtime.
The Rainbooms all went on stage and began to sing.
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
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, oh-ah
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
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 '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 'cause we're here to have a party tonight
The Rainbooms finished their first song, and it was clear it wasn't their best performance. But what really caught Ben and Arctic Ace's attention was the deliberate sabotage they noticed from the other bands. It seemed that a few competing groups were trying to rig the contest, yet somehow, the Rainbooms still managed to advance to the next round.
Backstage, the Rainbooms were a mix of emotions. Applejack was venting her frustration at Rarity, disapproving of her outfit choice. Rainbow Dash was frustrated with Pinkie Pie, who had set off a confetti cannon at the wrong moment. Pinkie, on the other hand, was ticked off at Fluttershy for running away from the spotlight during their performance.
Ben couldn't help but step in and try to diffuse the tension. With a firm yet calming tone.
"Alright, alright, everyone just calm down for a minute," he said, his hands held up in a placating gesture. "We're all in this together, remember? We've got a few minutes before we're up again. Let's use that time to go over our songs and make sure we're all on the same page, okay?"
The Rainbooms took a collective breath and nodded, realizing that fighting amongst themselves wouldn't do them any favors. They quickly gathered around to practice and fine-tune their next performance, the tension from before slowly dissipating.
As the group dispersed to practice, Ben stole a few moments alone to take another look at the USB drive. He pulled it out of his pocket and examined it intently, this time focusing on the manufacturer's name.
The drive was branded with a familiar name - Rich Industries. The implications sent a chill down Ben's spine. Not only had the Vulture wanted this USB, but it was connected to the very same company Ben had Snuck into the other day.
The connection was clear in his mind – he had inadvertently stumbled upon a web of secrets and danger that was far bigger than he could have imagined. Ben's heartrate quickened as he realized the enormity of what he had uncovered.
Ben moved swiftly, ducking into the nearest empty classroom. His mind was racing with thoughts of what he had discovered and the need to act quickly. But he hadn't noticed a key detail – the Dazzlings, who had been observing him from a distance, had spotted his transformation into Spider-Man.
Their interest piqued, they glanced at each other, a sly smirk playing on their lips. They had just discovered a juicy secret, one that they could use to their advantage.

With a determined stride, Ben arrived at Rich Industries and entered the building undetected, just as he had done the previous night. His destination was clear – the office of Filthy Rich, the CEO of the company.
Ben quietly crept through the halls, avoiding the security cameras and guards, until he reached Filthy Rich's office. He slipped inside, closing the door behind him, and waited for the man himself to arrive.
The office was just as grand as Ben remembered it, filled with expensive furniture and artwork. But there was no sign of Filthy Rich yet. Ben took the opportunity to rifle through the desk drawers, searching for any clues about Project Genesis.
He quickly sifted through files and documents, but nothing seemed to connect to the USB or Project Genesis. Just as he was about to give up and try another approach, the door to the office opened and Filthy Rich walked in.
"Well, well, if it isn't our uninvited guest," Filthy Rich sneered, his cold eyes taking in Ben's presence. "You just can't stay away, can you?"
Ben stepped forward, his expression steely, and met Filthy Rich gaze with equal measure. "I could say the same about you and your shady business practices," he quipped back, his voice laced with anger.
Filthy Rich chuckled darkly, leaning against his desk nonchalantly. "Ah, the righteous anger of the self-appointed defender of justice. Let me guess, you're here to lecture me about my 'shady business practices' again?"
The sudden punch caught Ben off guard, and he was slammed against the wall with a loud thud. Pain shot through his body, and he struggled to catch his breath. A smug satisfaction flickered across Filthy Rich's face.
As Ben struggled to regain his bearings, Filthy Rich removed his suit jacket, revealing a pair of sleek, high-tech gloves. He smirked and proclaimed, "Impressive, aren't they? These aren't just any ordinary gloves – they're Displacer Gloves, made from a special alloy called Vibranium. They have the unique ability to absorb sound waves and kinetic energy, only to release them in powerful attacks, making them a truly formidable weapon."
"Displacer Gloves," Filthy Rich explained, flexing his metal-clad hands. "Prototypes, straight from Oscorp's R&D department. Made with vibranium – the most advanced alloy on the planet. They can absorb sound waves and kinetic energy, and release it into devastating attacks."
Ben gritted his teeth as he rose to his feet. "Neat trick," he bit out, still winded from the initial blow. "But I've dealt with Oscorp's tech before. I'm not afraid of some fancy gloves."
Ben wasted no time in launching his counterattack. He lunged forward, his punches and kicks landing with spider-enhanced strength. The clash between them was intense, sparks flying as Ben's fists met the vibranium gloves.
But the Displacer Gloves gave Filthy Rich a clear advantage. Every strike Ben landed, the gloves absorbed his kinetic energy, feeding it into the next punch Filthy Rich threw. The force of the blows increased with each exchange.
Ben felt the impact of each hit multiply with the added power of the gloves, his body taking a brutal punishment. He was quickly being pushed back, forced to rely more on dodging than direct confrontation.
With a burst of agility, Ben vaulted over Filthy Rich, surprising him with his quick movement. He swung his leg out, delivering a powerful kick to the back of Filthy Rich's head..
The impact sent Filthy Rich sprawling, but he reacted fast. Despite the force of the attack, the Displacer Gloves absorbed much of the blow, sparing him any major harm. He rolled over and got back to his feet, fury in his eyes.
"You're faster than you look," he hissed, spitting out a mouthful of blood. "But you're still outgunned, Spider-Man."
Ben clenched his jaw, frustration and pain evident. "You're not invincible," he gritted out, circling around the room to keep a constant advantage. "Those gloves are just a crutch."
Filthy Rich laughed, a harsh, grating sound that sent chills down Ben's spine. "A crutch you say? These gloves are my greatest weapon," he boasted, displaying them once more for emphasis. "They make me stronger, faster, unbeatable!"
The fight between Ben and Filthy Rich escalated, the battle spilling out into the hallway. With each clash, the office was turned further into chaos. Eventually, the struggle found its way through Filthy Rich's office window with one particularly powerful punch aimed by Rich.
Filthy Rich sauntered over to the window, a victorious smirk on his face. "Looks like you met your match, Spider-Man," he taunted, watching as Ben struggled to get up.
Ben slowly got to his feet, his body aching in multiple places. He looked down at his suit and was appalled by the damage it had sustained. The once pristine fabric was now torn and tattered, exposing glares of his skin beneath.
In a quick move, Ben looked at the Displacer Gloves and saw the red lights flashing. He knew that they were overheating, a clear sign of overwork. Without hesitation, he fired two webs at the gloves, attempting to jam them and disrupt the overload.
But the Displacer Gloves were a formidable device. They struggled against the webbing, their mechanisms resisting the interference. The red lights blinked faster, a sign of the increasing strain.
In a quick move, Ben looked at the Displacer Gloves and saw the red lights flashing. He knew that they were overheating, a clear sign of overwork. Without hesitation, he fired two webs at the gloves, attempting to jam them and disrupt the overload.
Ben watched in horror as Filthy Rich began to power up another attack, the red lights flickering even more erratically. The warning signs were all there, but they were overshadowed by the imminent danger. Before he could even call out, the gloves exploded, sending Ben careening out through the window and plummeting towards the city below.
The sound of the explosion echoed through the air, the force of the blast knocking Ben's suit to the extreme limit. He struggled to control his flight in the air, his heart throbbing against his chest. He couldn't help but think of all the people below, blissfully unaware of the situation unfolding.
As Ben swung through the air, he saw Filthy Rich lying amidst the wreckage of his own company, barely conscious and battered. Taking advantage of the dire situation, he quickly fired a web towards the top of Rich Industries and latched onto it, pulling himself up to save Filthy Rich from the debris. Then, without a second thought, he took off, swinging towards the nearest hospital.
After quickly dropping off Filthy Rich at the hospital, Ben swung away, the wind rushing through his hair as he navigated the city streets. He had to change out of his damaged suit, which meant heading back to school to change. He swung to Canterlot High, landing near the entrance and heading inside, still in costume.
As soon as Ben burst into the auditorium, he found himself face-to-face with Arctic Ace and Spike the Dog, both of them looking worried. Before he could even speak, the canine creature hurriedly relayed to him, "Spider-Man! Twilight and the Rainbooms are trapped backstage! They're trapped underneath the stage by Trixie Lulamoon."
With urgency in his step, Ben sprinted backstage. The sound of the group's argument was unmistakable as he drew closer to the stage. He could hear Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy's voices, bickering over something.
With urgency in his step, Ben sprinted backstage. The sound of the group's argument was unmistakable as he drew closer to the stage. He could hear Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy's voices, bickering over something.
Ben frantically pulled and heaved at the trapdoor, desperately trying to open it to free the members of the band. But the door remained stubbornly shut, no matter how much he tugged and pushed it. Frustration boiled up within him, and he grumbled to himself, "Damn it! How do a bunch of teenagers get themselves into this situation?"
Ben's frustration spilled over, and he found himself cursing and pacing back and forth. But as he scanned the ceiling, an idea dawned on him. With a smirk, he quickly scaled the ceiling, disappearing out of sight. And just as the others were about to resume their argument, they heard a yell echoing from above. "Move!"
With a swift pull, Ben yanked himself through the trapdoor, landing in the stage with a heavy thud. The other's gazes flicked to him, surprise and concern etched across their faces. "Spider-Man?" Pinkie Pie gasped in disbelief.
Applejack was the first to recover, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "How'd ya get back here so quick?" She asked, her voice laced with skepticism.
Ben brushed himself off, taking care of any loose threads or dust left from the tussle. Then, with a swift motion, he removed his mask, revealing his face to the group.
The girls' eyes widened in recognition as they took in the sight of Ben beneath the mask. Rainbow Dash exclaimed, "Ben!?"
Ben nodded sheepishly, his hand running through his messy hair. "Yeah, it's me."
Pinkie Pie, her voice brimming with excitement, blurted out, "But...but...how?"
Ben chuckled softly, amused by her enthusiasm. "Long story. Can we worry about that later? I came to help you guys, and there's still the little matter of freeing you from...well, this," he gestured to the trapdoor.
Ben sprang into action, webbing himself to the roof and motioning for the others to follow. "Everyone up! We need to get to that hill over there," he said urgently. The girls exchanged glances, concern etched on their faces, but they followed his instructions, clambering up onto the roof.
Once they were all up, Ben turned to face the stage, his eyes meeting the watchful gaze of the police officers and sirens. A flicker of anticipation crossed his face. "Alright, listen up," he called out to the girls, his voice firm. "I'll handle the distraction. You girls run, okay?"
Ben seized the microphone, striding confidently onto the stage. He wore a sly grin under his mask as he addressed the crowd below. "Attention, students and students at home! Who's ready to rock this joint?" The atmosphere shifted as adrenaline rushed through him.
The cheers and applause echoed in the auditorium, and Ben wasted no time in seizing the moment. His voice carried through the microphone, booming out over the sea of students, "This next song is gonna be the highlight of this whole shindig! So if you got the energy, now's the time to bring it!"
The Dazzlings began to sing causing hypnosis over the crowd causing more power to be granted to them but the Rainbooms Counter Spell Worked out in the end.
Ben strolled over to the stage, flanked by the Rainbooms and Arctic Ace. The air was thick with triumphant energy as they took their places on stage, a collective cheer erupting from the audience.
The words hung in the air as the Rainbooms and Ben stepped onto the stage together. The city roared with cheers and applause, their faces lit up with joy and gratitude. Ben, now back in his casual attire, declared with a resolute expression, "That's it, Canterlot High. I'll be protecting this city for as long as I can!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, clearly inspired by his promise, while Arctic Ace quickly swooped in to help Sonata Dusk back up.
Arctic Ace looked down at Sonata, concern etched on his face. "You okay, kiddo?" He asked, extending a helping hand to boost her up.
As Ben approached Arctic Ace, confusion etched on his face, he asked, "Hey, why're you helping out Sonata? She was working with those Dazzling girls, wasn't she?"
Arctic Ace sighed, a mix of resignation and understanding in his expression. "Yeah, she was," he admitted. "But she's just a kid, Ben. And she was pretty much brainwashed by those Dazzling girls. Besides, we're not exactly in the business of condemning people for mistakes they make as teenagers."
Ben grunted softly, his tough exterior softening just a fraction. "I get it, I do," he acknowledged. "But you gotta admit it's a pretty big mistake to make."
Arctic Ace nodded solemnly in agreement. "You're right, it's a pretty big mistake," he conceded. "But sometimes, people can change. Sometimes, all they need is a chance to prove themselves. And Sonata... she's still young. She's got potential, deep down. We just have to give her a chance to make the right choices."
The words hung in the air for a moment, Ben processing the idea. He knew the risks but there was a glimmer of hope in the notion. "But what happens if she doesn't change?" he asked, his brow furrowing.
Arctic Ace let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the situation evident on his face. "No one can say for sure," he conceded. "But if we don't take the risk, we'll never know what she's truly capable of. Plus, you've seen her potential. She's incredibly powerful. Imagine what she could do for this world, if only someone could reach her."
His gaze drifted off as he remembered the changes in Sunet. "I get it," he acknowledged. "I see what you mean. I've known someone like that myself. She starts out as a bully, but then...she changed."
Before Ben could say anything the sound of police sirens filled the air, echoing through the school campus. Ben let out a weary sigh and chuckled, a hint of wry humor in his voice. "Love it or hate it, it's my job," he quipped, shaking his head slightly.

A week had passed, and the events of the past were already starting to blur. Ben couldn't help but reflect on the whirlwind adventure that had brought him and the others to Canterlot High. Every now and then, he'd reminisce about the danger, the music, and the unexpected friendship of the Rainbooms. Ben also began to have confusing feelings towards Sunset Shimmer.
One day, as Ben swung through the city, he was abruptly enveloped by a blinding light. When his senses finally adjusted, he found himself on a rooftop, disoriented and confused. As he tried to make out his surroundings, the sound of a news broadcast caught his attention. The news was blaring from the TV nearby, its familiar anchors delivering the stories of the day.
The news anchor, a charismatic woman in a crisp blazer, turned to the camera. "In other news," she announced, "it's been exactly five years since the arrival of Spider-Man, a local superhero who has been patrolling Canterlot High for all this time." The anchorwoman's voice was filled with a tone of reverence. The screen cut to footage of Ben in costume, swinging through the city with an almost effortless grace.
The anchorwoman's voice became more earnest as she continued, "But now, for the first time since his debut, we have news about the true identity of Spider-Man." The news report switched to footage of a well-known local news station studio, where an older reporter sat behind the desk.
The older reporter, a serious yet friendly face on the screen, began, "Today, we have an exclusive story worth sharing. In a turn of events that will shock the city, we have uncovered the real identity of Spider-Man, the protector of Canterlot for the past five years." The reporter paused for effect, drawing a gasp from the viewers. "Meet Adam Shy, a twenty-something year old from our own town."
Ben blinked, suddenly back in the midst of swinging through the city. Frustration and confusion washed over him, the memory of the news report just seconds ago still fresh in his mind. He grumbled under his breath, "What the?!.."
Author's Note
(Okay Guys So this is the final Chapter Of Book One Rainbow Rocks, I hope you enjoyed this arc and rest assured Ben's Adventures will continue in Spider-Man Untangled Reality Book II: Enter Electro.
Also the character of Adam belongs to Adamverse, this was a slight cameo into the multiverse.
Idiot Out.)
