The next day had arrived as you and the Rainbooms were practicing the counter-spell in Applejack's garage. It wasn't exactly going well due to Twilight singing off-key which was very distracting to the rest of you as you kept messing up on notes. This meant that the girls couldn't transform into their Pony-Up forms.

Eventually, the song ended as you all had disappointed looks.

Spike: Eh, that sounded... way better than the last... five times you've played it. Heh heh.

He said while trying to lift your spirits. Bic Mac walked by the nearby window and gave a truth bomb.

Big Mac: Nnope.

He said before leaving.

Rainbow Dash: I think it's pretty obvious what's going wrong with this counter-spell.

Applejack: You're turnin' what should be the chorus into a five-minute guitar solo?

She said while feeling a little annoyed at Rainbow Dash's attitude.

Rainbow Dash: I have to pick up the slack somehow! Are you guys even trying?!

Fluttershy: I'm trying.

(Y/N): We're all trying Rainbow. We just need to get more practice in and the counter-spell will be ready.

Twilight Sparkle: It's fine. It'll be fine.

She said before laughing nervously.

Twilight Sparkle: One more time from the top!

Rarity: Or, perhaps we could take a short break, try on some of the wardrobe choices I've put together?

She suggested before pulling out a clothing rack from seemingly nowhere.

Rarity: I'm particularly fond of this one.

She said before pushing the rack away revealing her to be wearing a fancy outfit of sorts.

Rarity: Eh, of course we could always go with something a bit more modern.

Applejack: We're tryin' to save our school here. Enough with the costumes!

She scolded Rarity who was now wearing a Daft Punk outfit.

Rarity: ** Oh, you can never have enough costumes!

(Y/N): Just calm down AJ. All Rarity wants to do is bring some flare and fashion to our band.

Pinkie Pie: Yeah! She just wants to make things fun! Isn't that what being in a band supposed to be?

She said while unhappy before playing a rimshot on her drum set.

(Y/N): Pinkie's also right. The whole idea of a band is friends coming together to have fun and play music. Look, we're all going through a lot right now with the sirens taking over the school and everyone being under their spell, but we can't freak out and lash out at one another. We need to try and get through this as a team. We can't let the Dazzlings get to us by letting ourselves yell at each other over petty arguments. As the old saying goes, "there's no I in team."

Twilight Sparkle: Y/N's right. The only way to win this thing is to work together and get along.

(Y/N): Exactly Twi. Now, we can all have fun during the Battle of the Bands, as long as she doesn't hog the spotlight the whole time.

You said while pointing at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash: Hey! Why am I the one that's being singled out?

(Y/N): Because let's just face the facts Rainbow, ever since this whole thing started, you've been acting a lot more egotistical and full of yourself lately by claiming that this is "Your" band. You've gotta understand that this is a united effort and that this is OUR band. So, if I were you, I'd take this new attitude of yours and bury it alive.

You said in a stern voice.

Sunset Shimmer: Uh, I hate to interrupt you all, but honestly, we don't have time for any of this.

She got everyone's attention.

Sunset Shimmer: You're supposed to check in at the Battle of the Bands in fifteen minutes!

You all gasped before you began to panic as you all ran around the room like a chicken with it's head chopped off while hastily getting ready for the competition.

Twilight Sparkle: What? But it's not ready! 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!

She said which made everyone stop whatever it was they were doing.

(Y/N): Twilight's got a point there. If we try the counter-spell on the first round and it fails, then the sirens will catch onto what we're trying to do and they'll make sure that we won't get a second chance. We'll just have to buy ourselves some time in order for Twilight to be able to come up with the counter-spell.

Rarity: But how do you propose we do that?

(Y/N): By competing in the Battle of the Bands for real this time.

Rainbow Dash: In that case, I'll take over lead vocals again and we stay alive until the finals! We unleash the counter-spell then!

She turned to Twilight.

Rainbow Dash: You'll have figured it out by finals, right Twilight?

She asked while Twilight looked nervous.

Spike: Of course she will.

He said while jumping in.

Spike: Twilight Sparkle's never met a problem she couldn't solve. Right, Twilight?

Twilight Sparkle: Right.

She said in a not so confident voice which you couldn't help but notice.

Rainbow Dash: Then let's go win us a Battle of the Bands!

She said as everyone had left the garage except for you, Twilight, and Spike.

(Y/N): Spike, would you stop speaking for Twilight already?

Spike: I'm just saying that she really knows how to solve any problem that comes her way is all.

(Y/N): Well, no offense, but your not helping. I told you all to not put so much pressure on her during this. Twilight is incredibly smart, don't get me wrong, but she doesn't have all of the knowledge in the world to be able to fix every single thing that she faces. All your doing is just putting even more pressure on her which is unneeded.

Spike sighed at that.

Spike: Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry Twilight.

She knelt down and patted his head.

Twilight Sparkle: It's alright Spike. It's great that you have faith in me, but it's like Y/N said, I can't just instantly solve everything that I come across.

She stood back up and looked at you.

Twilight Sparkle: Thank you Y/N.

(Y/N): It's no trouble at all Twilight. Now, come on. We shouldn't keep the others waiting.

You said while walking ahead of them as they followed you out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later at the CHS gym, everyone had gathered for the start of the Battle of the Bands. All of the competitors where currently seated in the bleachers while Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna were on stage as Celestia was giving a speech.

Principal Celestia: 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!

This made all of the competitors cheer.

Principal Celestia: We are so glad our three newest students encouraged us to turn this event into something exciting!

She said while referring to the Dazzlings who sat on the top row of the bleachers.

Vice Principal Luna: But, as this is now a competition, we can only choose one winner. Who is it going to be?

As soon as she said that, the students instantly started glaring and arguing with each other. The green mist appeared once more as the Dazzlings fed off of it. This made them grin sadistically.

Adagio Dazzle: You feel that, girls? Our true power is being restored.

She said to Aria and Sonata before you and the Rainbooms walked into the gym to which the Dazzlings noticed.

Adagio Dazzle: And that's before we've tapped into the strongest magic here.

She said while referring to you and the Rainbooms.

Aria Blaze: But the Rainblossoms, or whatever they're called, aren't under our spell. How exactly are we supposed to get to their magic?

Adagio Dazzle: The Rainbooms are just as capable of falling apart as anyone else. They just need a little... push in the wrong direction. I have a feeling everyone here is going to be lining up to give them a shove.

Aria Blaze: What about that Y/N guy? He's showing signs of being corrupted, but he clearly hasn't given in yet. What's your plan with him?

Aria couldn't help but ask. Adagio grinned in response.

Adagio Dazzle: Oh, don't worry about that. I already have something VERY special planned for him. ** I can already see it now. Just one bad event will make him ours. And I'll get to see whatever it is he's hiding deep within him. This... inner evil that I sensed when we met. Oh, I just can't wait to see it!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Battle of the Bands has now begun as the first band that was up was Snips and Snails. They decided to do a freestyle rap... a very poorly performed freestyle rap. This included terrible beatboxing, horrendous rhymes, and awful dancing. The only ones who seemed to enjoy it were Pinkie and Sonata as everyone else was either cringing or displaying looks of bafflement.

Snips and Snails finally ended their horrible rap with a mic drop which caused some really loud feedback as you all had to cover your ears from the high-pitched noise.

Principal Celestia: Please do not drop the microphones.

She said in a very displeased and unimpressed voice. Snips and Snails soon hi-fived each other before they walked off the stage.

Snips: In your face, Rainbooms!

He said before they passed by you and the girls and left.

(Y/N): Wow... just... just wow. And here I thought that I was the cringeworthy one. What with my terrible puns and such.

They all chuckled at that.

Applejack: Least we know one group who won't stand in the way of us gettin' to the finals.

She said while being smug about it.

Rainbow Dash: Let's get ready to rock!

She said excited.

Pinkie Pie: Wait! Where's Rarity?

(Y/N): Yeah, where is she?

Rarity: Oh! Here! I'm here!

She called out while slightly panting as she made her way over to you all. You noticed that she was now wearing a sort of hippie-inspired outfit with metal fringes hanging off of it.

(Y/N): Huh. It actually looks rather nice on you Rarity.

Rarity: Why, thank you Y/N darling. Finally, someone who understands. I mean, we'll be performing in front of an audience. I'm not going to wear something fabulous? Hmph.

She said which made Applejack facepalm.

(Y/N): Come on AJ, she's trying to make an effort here.

Rarity: Exactly darling.

Applejack: ** Whatever. Let's just get to it already.

You and the girls made to the stage while Sunset and Spike stood behind the curtains to watch.

Twilight Sparkle: Remember, we have to be good enough to make it through but not so good we let the sirens see the magic within us.

(Y/N): Twilight's not wrong there. If the Dazzlings see your magic when you transform then they'll know what we're up to.

Rainbow Dash: Got it! Be cool enough to win, but not so cool that we end up showing off the whole ears and tails and rainbows thing. Sooo... about twenty percent less cool.

You stared unblinking at her while thinking about her odd form of calculating before speaking.

(Y/N): That's... one way to put it I guess.

You then got a smirk on your face.

(Y/N): Now then ladies, let's win ourselves a Battle of the Bands.

Pinkie Pie: One! Two!

She tapped her drumsticks as you all began to play.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

You and the Rainbooms began to play the song called "Shake Your Tail." The performance... did not go to plan due to some of the other competitors deciding to sabotage you and the Rainbooms. Firstly, Photo Finish and her band grabbed a few magnets and tied them to some strings. Since Rarity was wearing the metal fringes, they were easily magnetized to each other which allowed Photo Finish to swing Rarity around like a puppet. Soon after that, Pinkie tried to liven up the performance by using one of her drums as a party cannon and shot a whole bunch of confetti into the air. This didn't help as Twilight began choking on one before Fluttershy dislodged it by hitting the back of Twilight's head with her tambourine. Next, Snips and Snails took advantage of Fluttershy's stage fright by aiming one of the spotlights at her. This caused her to freak out and try to run from the spotlight. Meanwhile, Rarity tried pulling herself free from the magnets which resulted in her pulling too hard and ripping the sleeves off of her dress. She gasped at what happened before she started crying. Fluttershy hid behind the raised platform that Pinkie was on in order to hide from the spotlight.

Finally, the song came to an end as all of you had embarrassed looks. Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna applauded your performance while everyone else was silent before you all left the stage as Rarity cried the entire time.

Rarity: Ruined! Absolutely ruined!

Applejack: Rarity, were you tryin' to make us lose out there?!

She demanded.

Rarity: Wh- Oh! This was not my fault! This was an act of sabotage!

Applejack: Yeah, well, whoever did this couldn't have done this if you didn't insist on dressin' like... like... this!

She said while referring to Rarity's outfit. You, Twilight, Sunset, and Spike began to worry.

Applejack: We need to sound good! Is there some reason that concept seems to escape you?

Rainbow Dash: And what was with the confetti, Pinkie Pie? How am I supposed to shred if there's paper stuck in my frets?!

Fluttershy: It was pretty distracting...

She said while agreeing with Rainbow Dash.

Pinkie Pie: Ugh! Says the girl who was running from a light the whole time! A light!

(Y/N): Would you all just shut up and stop fighting!?

You yelled which got everyone's attention.

(Y/N): If you all continue arguing like this then the Dazzlings will be able to feed off of the magic within you.

Sunset Shimmer: Y/N's right and besides, you all still sounded much better than most of the other bands. I'm sure you'll make it to the next round. But it won't matter if you don't have that counter-spell ready.

She said as Twilight got a little nervous.

Sunset Shimmer: You all find a place to practice where the sirens can't hear you. I'll keep an eye on things around here.

(Y/N): Sunset's right. We still played a good enough performance to be able to move on in the competition despite being sabotaged by the other bands. We'll need to find someplace else to practice for now. I say we head over to the music room.

The Rainbooms nodded in agreement. You then turned to Sunset.

(Y/N): Stay safe Sunset.

Sunset Shimmer: I will. You guys just focus on getting the counter-spell ready.

You nodded in response before you left with the Rainbooms.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A little bit later, we see you and the Rainbooms walking through a hallway while heading to the music room.

(Y/N): Come on, guys. Let's keep moving.

You took a moment to look back at the girls before you bumped into someone. You saw that it was Flash as he had a bit of an unimpressed look.

(Y/N): Oh, hey man. Sorry for bumping into you. The girls and I are gonna practice some more. By the way, good luck in your performance.

Flash didn't say anything at first before he spoke as if he didn't even hear you.

Flash Sentry: Uh, you guys hear something?

His band mates shook their heads.

Brawly Beats: Uhh-uhh.

Ringo: Uh, nope.

You were at first a bit confused by this before you brushed it off and spoke again.

(Y/N): I said, good luck in-

Flash interrupted you.

Flash Sentry: There it is again. So annoying.

He said in a rather annoyed voice. This confused you even more.

(Y/N): Flash, why are you acting like this? I thought you and I were buds.

Flash then inhaled deeply before responding.

Flash Sentry: Yeah, we were buds before you decided to team up with the Rainbooms here instead of joining my band!

He then turned his attention to Twilight.

Flash Sentry: And as for you Twilight, all you've done so far since getting here is to try and defeat me in the Battle of the Bands! I want this Y/N and Twilight, and you're both trying to take it from me! Some friends you guys are!

Twilight was visibly hurt by this.

Twilight Sparkle: B-But... that's not-

She was cut off when you decided to step in.

(Y/N): Look Flash, why don't you just back off already?! It's not my fault that you didn't bother asking me before the girls did! Also, don't you dare yell at Twilight since she's done absolutely nothing to you!

You both proceeded to glare at each other before Applejack spoke up.

Applejack: Come on, you guys. We've got things to do.

She said before the girls started walking off while Twilight was slightly crying from her feelings being hurt. You sighed before you reluctantly started to leave but not before Flash had one last thing to say.

Flash Sentry: You really think you're gonna win this thing?! Ha! I bet you have no idea what you're even doing!

You balled your hands into fists before stopping and turning back to him.

(Y/N): Oh, and you do?! We don't need to hear your poisonous words Flash, so just back off and LEAVE US ALONE!!!