Rainbow Rocks: Get Your Rock On

Chapter 7: The Contender Round

Alright, who's ready for the Contender Round? Last time, the Dazzlings drove a wedge between the Belle Sisters, the Dash Sisters and the Apple Sisters. Now that Casey and Vinyl have somewhat patched that, the remaining eight bands are ready to bring their all to the Contender Round. Eight bands, only four moving on to the Eliminator Round.

Sassymouse:I have to show the Dazzlings trying to scheme for their plan to work or else I fear this story may get boring. The hardest part is trying to keep Aria in character because truth be told: I don't give a shit about her. I like Adagio and especially Sonata, but Aria for me is just, there.

Dante Watterson: Oh I shall

Swifter Shifter: Thank you. I'm glad you still enjoy this.

Dixie Darlin: I wanted to try a bit more of a comedic edge with Sonata and I thought her trying to trick Scootaloo and Rainbow with a Taco Bell delivery person was gold. I thought of it after I had everything else planned out and written down. And Rarity wanted to know what her parents thought of Rock and her father gave her the answer ;)

uyamir334: Ok

Guest (1): Thank you

Wolfdragon: Check out Vault: MLP One-Shot Collection Chapter 3 for that

Guest (2): Did you mean Pop is dead and Rock is awesome? Cuz Rainbow is most definitely alive.

dub77: Well then I feel honored

SleepAroundTheClock: I'm tinkering with that idea, though I don't know if I can get that in without disrupting the flow of the story or having a legit way of having her get jealous and then them making up normally instead of half a chapter of him apologizing and her accepting.

Guest (3): No

Just a warning, if you hate American Idol like I do, then you might not like how Celestia and Luna recap the previous round in an American Idol-esqe way. Also, the plans for the rest of the story: The Contender Round this chapter, a break with some Dazzling threats to Casey for next Chapter, and the Eliminator Round and the Championship Round for the chapter after that.

Also, sorry that the song for the Contender Round isn't really heavy rock like Crazy Train or You Shook Me All Night Long, but it's one of my favorite rock songs of all time.


(Casey's Garage. 3rd Person POV)

As promised, Vinyl helped Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Applebloom with getting new instruments, or drumsticks in Scootaloo's case, by going to her music shop and loaning the instruments out for free. The band wasted no time in getting back to Casey's garage to practice Sweetie's song, though there were still a few things that needed some improvement. Everyone in the band knew that Sweetie Belle had a heavenly voice that was rivaled only by an angel, but something was amiss. Though she had agreed to Casey that she would sing for this one song in the Battle of the Bands, he and everyone else could tell she was scared by the tone of her voice and how much it cracked.

Once the song ended, Sweetie Belle groaned and face palmed. "I'm sorry guys, that sucked," she apologized and slumped down on top of a milk crate. Propping her chin in her hands, the bassist looked sadly down at her feet and sighed. Casey removed his guitar from his torso and set it down propped up against the wall.

"Okay, why don't we take a ten minute break mates?" He suggested.

"Applebloom, Scootaloo, let's go grab a quick snack," Vinyl offered and opened the door for the second guitarist and drummer for the band.

"But, we want ta help Sweetie Belle," Applebloom countered.

"Trust me, Casey's the best man for the job," the DJ/keyboardist shoved Applebloom and Scootaloo out of the door. The Brit took one last look at the door, placing his hands on his waist before turning back to Sweetie Belle. Quickly, Casey grabbed another empty milk crate, flipped it upside down and plopped down right next to the upset bassist turned lead singer. Intertwining his fingers like he was getting ready to pray, Casey set his hands down in front of him, trying to think of something to say to his crestfallen bandmate and friend. Thinking of something, Casey untwined his fingers and laced his left arm around Sweetie Belle's shoulder in a one-armed hug, patting her arm with his hand.

"I can't do it Casey," Sweetie finally whispered out as Casey rubbed her arm. The Brit ceased rubbing her arm and looked down at her. She felt his eyes peering at her, scaring her even more as she looked up to meet his gaze.

"Come on Sweetie Belle," Casey placed his hand on her shoulder, "what's wrong? I know you can sing so much better than this," he questioned. She stuck out her lip in a little pout, feeling ashamed at failing her mentor.

"I can sing for close friends and small groups like you, Applebloom, Vinyl and Scootaloo, but the thought of performing in front of the entire school just scares me Casey," Sweetie Belle explained, "those eyes just piercing right through me, everyone waiting to judge me, to mock me, make fun of me," she clamped her eyes shut at the images of every member of the student body staring at her without blinking.

"But you've already performed two songs up on stage with the band," Casey softly pointed out, "and everyone who wasn't apart of another band liked us and didn't have anything bad to say. You looked as cool as an ice cube with your bass," he complimented.

"Yeah, I was fine with standing in the back next to Scootaloo playing my bass; I wasn't the main focus of the audience's attention, you were!" She replied with a loud exclamation. "And this isn't about multi-tasking with singing and playing my bass Casey, I just can't be the main focus of attention without clamming up and wanting to curl into the fetal position," she admitted, burying her head into Casey's chest.

"It's okay Sweetie," Casey softly petted her hair.

"But the worst part is, I don't want to let any of you down," she pulled her head away from Casey's chest, "I'd hate to be the reason we don't make it to the Eliminator Round," she said solemnly. Casey pushed her away so he could look straight into her eyes.

"Sweetie Belle, the only way you could possibly let me down is either not showing up or by using the band for your own personal gain, and I set that standard for everyone, including myself," he whispered the end. "If you at least try and sing but you don't sing as good as you normally do, I'd still be proud of you. And remember, we're only in this for fun, if we win, well that's just the icing on the cake," he grinned.

"You-you're proud of me?" She asked incredulously.

"Well I have said it after the audition round and the Challenger Round, but yes I am extremely proud of you and your mates for how dedicated you are to this and how quickly you three have picked up."

"Thank you Casey," Sweetie Belle gave a warming hug to her friend.

"Eh, no problem kiddo," Casey gladly returned the hug.

"Okay, so say we're in the middle of performing, and my stage-fright does get the best of me, what do I do?" Sweetie Belle worried, "because the trick of imagining everyone in their underwear doesn't work for me, it makes me feel like a pervert," she added.

"Let me tell you a little bit about your enemy, Stage-fright," Casey pointed to Sweetie. "He's only there to play tricks on your mind and make you think you're scared or terrible, and imagining everyone in their underwear may work for some people, but do you want to know what worked for me?" he asked.

"Wait, you had stage-fright?" Sweetie's jaw dropped.

"Oh, worse than yours," the Brit explained. "When I performed my first guitar solo for the public in England, my biggest fear was people thinking I was just a worthless imitator or that rock was dead and I was just wasting their time," Casey admitted. "The one thing that worked for me was imagining that everyone in the audience was the one person who encouraged me and pushed me to do my best and accomplish my goals: My mum," he smiled.

"So all I have to do if my stage-fright starts acting up is think of my mom?" The sixteen year old cocked her head.

"It can be, if she was the one who pushed you that is. Or it could even be Scootaloo, Applebloom or your sister Rarity if you want," Casey shrugged, "do whatever works because I know in my heart that you can do this no sweat Sweetie Belle," Casey placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Is it okay if I imagine everyone as you?" Sweetie Belle squeaked out while Casey moved his hand to her back and softly rubbed it. The boy ceased rubbing her back and looked down at her curiously.

"M-me? Why me?" He questioned.

"Well, besides Vinyl and the rest of my friends, you're the one who really believed in me when my sister could care less, and you always helped me with my English homework. When I see you Casey, sometimes I think of you as a big brother who's looking out for me," Sweetie Belle admitted.

"I never pictured myself as a brother before," the Brit whispered, "but you, Scootaloo and Applebloom make great little sisters. It's a shame your real older siblings can't see that," Casey replied. "I'm honored Sweetie Belle," Casey gave her a tight hug again. "Now, do ya feel any better then?" He asked.

"Much, thank you Casey," Sweetie Belle softly pecked his cheek.

"No problem there," Casey helped her to her feet. The two almost had simultaneous heart attacks when Vinyl spoke out.

"Uh-oh, looks like I got a little competition for my man," the DJ teased and playfully yanked Casey away from Sweetie Belle. Casey chuckled and wrapped his arm around Vinyl's waist, pulling her closer.

"No girl can ever compare to you V," Casey kissed her neck.

"Guess we'll call it a night then," Scootaloo uncomfortably rubbed her arm.

"Yeah, Ah think we're good ta go Casey," Applebloom agreed, "'n Ah think you 'n Vinyl could use some alone time." The three Crusaders grabbed their spare bass, guitar and drumsticks.

"Alright then, see you girls tomorrow," Casey winked. "And Sweetie Belle," he added, causing her to turn around. "Just bring your all, that's all I care about," he grinned as Scootaloo opened the garage door. "You too Applebloom, you sounded great on the solo!"

"I will Casey, I won't let you down, promise!" Sweetie Belle stuck out her fist with her index and pinkie fingers extended to which Casey returned. As the garage door came to a gentle shut, Casey and Vinyl were left alone in said garage.

"So, what time did your mum and dad say you had to be home love?" The Brit escorted Vinyl into his living room and flipped on the TV.

"Oh, no later than 11," the DJ looked up at the digital clock on the wall that read 8:30.

"Perfect," Casey turned up the volume on The Spy Who Shagged Me.

"You know," Vinyl played with Casey's black mullet, his arm and nibbled his ear lobe, "I thought it was sweet of you to encourage Sweetie Belle like that," she shook off her sunglasses that landed softly on top of the coffee table.

"She's like a little sister to me now Vinyl, all three of them," Casey relished Vinyl tracing his bicep and nibbling his ear lobe. "And the band is a family effort, not a solo effort," he added.

"It gets me so turned on the way you handle things so cooly," she flicked her tongue into his hear. Casey laughed as it tickled him.

"Oh, behave baby," Casey imitated Austin Powers as the two began to make out on the couch.


(The Next Day. Canterlot Gym. 3rd Person POV)

Every member of the student body shuffled their way into the Gymnasium. Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna all sat down at their table while one of the 32" TVs showed off the eight bands that had made it to the Contender Round. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom this time decided to have their instruments in their eyesights at all times to prevent another demolition party. "Welcome students, please take your seats quickly so we can kick off the Contender Round!" Luna ordered into the microphone.

"Hey Casey," Fluttershy greeted her friend with a quick hug, "did Vinyl get the girls some new equipment?" She cheerfully asked.

"She sure did," he replied, "Vinyl never fails to come through for us," he winked at his girlfriend.

"That's good. How do you think you'll do today?" The meek girl sat down next to Casey. The Brit and his band took a look at the other six bands in the competition, ignoring themselves and the Rainbooms.

"I think we're gonna join you guys in the Eliminator Round!" Scootaloo said in a cocky manner. Fluttershy smiled and ruffled Scootaloo's purple hair. The drummer ducked low and fixed her hair style back to its 80s throwback style.

"Well, shred hard guys, I'll be rooting for you when you're on stage," she gave Casey one last hug before rejoining the Rainbooms. Casey tapped his chin several times as he studied Fluttershy sitting down next to the lavender girl whom was scribbling ferociously in her journal.

"Hey girls, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, what's on yer mind Casey?" Applebloom tightened her skull headband.

"Have you ever seen her," he pointed to the lavender girl who's name escaped him, "not scribbling something in that journal? I don't think it's a journal about a crush or anything," he pondered. Vinyl took a quick glance at Twilight before offering her thoughts.

"Eh, maybe she's worried about math homework or something," the milky white DJ thought. Shrugging, Casey cracked his knuckles a few times right as Gordy shut the gymnasium doors and Luna and Celestia took to the stage for their opening of the Contender Round. The ceiling lights dimmed, giving way to a smoke machine and lights from the stage for the drama club's play productions.

"Welcome students to round 2 of the Canterlot High Battle of the Bands," Luna declared.

"Or as we like to call it: The Contender Round!" Celestia joined in with a cheer. Every student in the gym applauded, cheered, whistled etc. except for the Dazzlings of course and the eight bands that were eliminated from the Challenger Round only a few days prior. The TV that showcased the names of the eight bands competing for the final four spots flickered to show clips of the Challenger Round.

"Ah didn't know the AV club videotaped the first round," Applejack scratched her head.

"Some bands triumphed," Luna continued while the video showed a clip of the Dazzlings, the Rainbooms, Trixie and the Illusions, Candied Heartstrings and Animal Instinct.

"Some barely made the cut," Celestia added, clips of Flash Sentry's band, Octavia and Bulk Biceps. Flash and his band had questionable expressions on their faces at being put under the 'Barely Made the Cut' category.

"And the rest, well you now have similarities with scissors," the vice principal joked while the TV monitor showed Slicers 'N Dicers, The Dark Horses, Flashbulb City, The Eco Kids, Fifty Below Zero, Atomic Mass, Diamond Spoons and Comedy and Tragedy. All members of the eight cut bands glared at their vice principal mocking their performances.

"Today we have the Contender Round. The second of the four rounds will have the remaining eight bands compete against each other for the honor of going to the penultimate round: The Eliminator Round!" Celestia announced as another TV monitor had four empty slots. "I'm more than positive that today's round will be just as good, if not better than the Challenger Round."

"Just who has what it takes to move on to our next round?" Luna asked the crowd. The remaining eight bands shot quick glances at each other before huddling with their own band mates.

"Well sister, there's only one way I know of to find out," Celestia took over the announcing from her baby sister. She produced a remote from her pocket and pushed a button, causing the screen of the first TV monitor to jumble up the remaining bands to determine the lineup order. The Rainbooms stopped talking amongst themselves momentarily to be prepared for their turn to go.

The names of the bands continued to scroll across the screen with the same motions and noises of a Las Vegas slot machine until all the bands came to a stop. "And the randomizer has determined the order in which our bands will play in!" Luna made the TV zoom in on the first band on the list.

1) The Rainbooms

2) The Dazzlings

3) Bulk Biceps

4) Candied Heartstrings

5) Octavia

6) Trixie and the Illusions

7) Animal Instinct

8) The Flash Sentry Experience

"And the Rainbooms are the first band to take the stage!" Celestia announced, "if the Rainbooms and the other seven bands will please take spots near the stage?" she politely asked. The remaining eight bands got up from the bleachers and proceeded to take spots near the stage entrance. All drummers grabbed their drum kits and pushed them behind stage until it was their band's turn to go and perform.

"Remember students," Luna said into the microphone, "it's really time to give your all, you wouldn't want to mess anything up," she reminded and sat down next to her elder sister. Sweetie Belle began to hyperventilate slightly at the fear of screwing things up for Casey and her band. She began to tremble and whimper a bit as well.

"Hey Sweetie Belle, look at me," Casey softly grasped her shoulders. The bassist turned temporary singer stopped her trembling and looked straight into Casey's pale green eyes. "I know you're nervous, but remember, imagine everyone as your favorite person, do your best and have fun," the Brit advised, "I'm still proud of you no matter what," he gave her a quick hug. Scootaloo, Vinyl and Applebloom kept stealing quick glances while Casey comforted his friend.

"Is everything going okay Sweetie Belle?" Rarity confronted Animal Instinct. Rarity's sister looked up from her hug with Casey to look at her sister.

"I'm fine, just a few butterflies in my tummy," she responded sweetly and innocently.

"Well don't worry, your big sister will be rooting for you when it's your turn to go on," she straightened out Sweetie Belle's wig.

"Will the Rainbooms please take the stage? We are ready for you," Luna told the pop band to get their asses in high gear.

"Oop, don't want to be late, break a leg Sweetie Belle!" She gave a little kiss on Sweetie's cheek before scurrying up to the stage. Sweetie Belle wiped her cheek with her hand and groaned.

"She always wears too much lipstick," she complained.

"Well, who is she trying to impress?" Casey questioned.

"No one really," Sweetie Belle explained before her face lit up with an idea. "Hey Casey, I think I can do something to help get more attention to our band, especially from boys," she thought. Casey looked down at her incredulously, fearful of what she was cooking up in her teenage mind.

"And what might that be Sweetie Belle?" Applebloom asked for Casey. Sweetie Belle responded by lowering the zipper on the front of her jumpsuit and stopped just as the opening revealed the top of her cleavage.

"What do you think?" She beamed.

"Absolutely fucking not!" Casey exclaimed and quickly got in front of the girl before anyone saw, "zip back up right now!" he growled. Having never seen an angry Casey before, Sweetie Belle briskly obeyed and zipped her zipper back to its original place near the bottom of her neckline. "What in Chuck Berry's name were you thinking?" the Brit demanded.

"Woah, I haven't seen you this angry since that Justin Bieber fan told you rock sucked," Vinyl commented.

"We agreed to never speak of that again," Casey shuddered.

"What's wrong Casey?" Sweetie Belle asked, "if there's one thing I learned from my older sister over the past two years: If you've got it, flaunt it," she explained. Casey groaned and face palmed.

"That's all fine and good for when you're 18 like Vinyl and your older sister, but you're only sixteen Sweetie Belle. You're beautiful in your own right and you don't need to be showing anything off to get a guy's attention," he tried his best not to raise his voice. "And besides, if Rarity saw that, she might think it was my idea and rip my balls off," he covered his manhood with his guitar at the thought.

"Hehe," Scootaloo snickered and Applebloom smacked her upside the head.

"Sorry Casey, I didn't mean to make you upset," Sweetie apologized.

"It's alright mate," Casey patted her shoulder, "just don't do that again, especially with your sister nearby," he looked over to see Rarity strapping on her Keytar. The Brit opened up a bottle of Pepsi and took a quick swig to get pumped early on before his performance with Animal Instinct.

"By the way," Scootaloo pondered, "who is Chuck Berry?" Casey responded to that with the classic spit-take.


(The end of the Illusions' performance. 3rd person POV)

[Trixie]
You better believe, I got tricks up my sleeve

[The Illusions]
See me dominate

[Trixie and the Illusions]
'Cause I'm powerful and greeeeeaaaaaaattt! YEAH!

"Wonderful again ladies!" Celestia complimented while she and Luna jotted down their thoughts. Trixie and her goons grinned as they strutted off stage, acting like they had just discovered a cure for stupidity.

"And the most talented band knocks another home run out of the park!" Trixie bragged, shining her fingernails on her dress. Both The Rainbooms and Animal Instinct rolled their eyes at Trixie's massive ego that would make Draco Malfoy call her a bitch.

"Hey Trixie," Scootaloo jeered, "you know you can pick a different song right?"

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash agreed, "you've done the same one three times in a row!"

"Why mess with success? That song is the best one anyone in this school can write," Trixie replied with a flick of her hair.

"If you can even call what you did an actual song," Casey joked, "you sounded like a bunch of twelve year old squeakers on Call of Duty fucking around with voice changers," he added. Trixie and her goons blushed in anger and stormed off.

"You'll rue the day you screwed with Trixie Lulamoon Casey Knight!" She threatened.

"I wouldn't screw you if you were the last girl on Earth and bathed yourself in an entire lifetime's supply of Pepsi!" Casey retorted.

"Oh man, THAT was hilarious!" Applejack and Vinyl guffawed at Casey's joke.

"Okay, next up, the 80s style throwback band, Animal Instinct!" Luna announced for the gym.

"WHOO-HOO! GO ANIMAL INSTINCT!" Pinkie Pie hopped up and down happily. "What?" She asked when her bandmates, save for Fluttershy and Sunset Shimmer, cocked their eyebrows. "I like their intensity," the bubbly drummer admitted.

"Shred it Casey," Fluttershy removed her tambourine from her face to wave at Casey.

"Thanks Flutters," Casey winked at her as his band took to the stage. Everyone got into position, though Sweetie Belle still looked a tad nervous. The Brit removed his guitar from its case and strapped it over his shoulder and plugged it into his Peavy amp. "Now everyone, before we begin, I just want to say this brilliant song was written by our lovely bass player, Sweetie Belle," he gestured to his friend whom pursed her lips in anxiety. The gym gave a quick blip of applause, waiting for Casey and his band to start. "And instead of me being the lead singer, Sweetie Belle here will do the honors; she has a beautiful voice and I hope you all enjoy it," he shot a wink in her direction as she strapped on her new bass and took center stage.

Casey stood off to the left of Sweetie Belle, normally where she would be standing if he were the lead singer. Applebloom stood in her normal spot, to the right of the lead singer while Vinyl had her keyboard setup right next to Scootaloo's drum kit. Casey looked back at his girlfriend and Scootaloo, giving them a nod which they returned, indicating they were ready. Applebloom shot him a nod as well, leaving only Sweetie Belle become prepared.

The nervous bassist looked outwards to the audience, seeing every pair of eyes looking at her, not moving away. She gulped as a few beads of sweat dripped down her forehead while her stomach began to knot itself. She shut her eyes and re-opened them several times until she saw everyone in the audience turn into Scootaloo, Applebloom, Vinyl and Casey. Her breathing returned to normal and her heart rate lowered until she could no longer feel it pounding in her chest.

"I'm ready," she mouthed to Casey and Scootaloo. Casey gave her a thumbs up and sent another nod Scootaloo's way. The drummer cricked her neck and tapped her drumsticks together four times before stepping on the bass pedal several times. After that, Casey, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Vinyl joined in with their respective instruments. Vinyl also clicked a button on her keyboard that played a soundbite of hands clapping that synchronized with Scootaloo's drumming.

Sweetie Belle played her bass with no problem, but she still gulped hard when it was her time to start singing. However, when she opened her mouth, a new wave of confidence hit her square in the chest.

I saw him dancing there by the record machine
I knew he must have been about seventeen

Vinyl, Casey, Scootaloo and Applebloom all smiled proudly when Sweetie Belle began to sing her out while flawlessly playing her bass. The keyboardist clicked another button as two spotlights flickered on and bathed Sweetie Belle in a yellow light. Casey began to bang his head as his fingers danced across the metallic strings of his guitar.

The beat was going strong
Playing my favorite song

Both Casey and Applebloom slowly pressed down on their whammy bars to make the word song more drawn out and slower.

And I could tell it wouldn't be long till he was with me,

[Animal Instinct]
yeah me

[Sweetie Belle]
And I could tell it wouldn't be long till he was with me,

[Animal Instinct]
yeah me

[Sweetie Belle]
Singing,

[Animal Instinct]
I love rock and roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock and roll
So come and take your time and dance with me

[Sweetie Belle]
Ow!

Like last time, Vinyl pushed some more buttons on her keyboard and several lasers shot out, surrounding Sweetie Belle's outline with every color of a rainbow. The new lead singer was really getting into it. She began to bang her head and pop her hips out/

[Sweetie Belle]
He smiled, so I got up and asked for his name

But that don't matter, he said, 'cause it's all the same
He said, "Can I take you home
Where we can be alone?"
And next we were moving on, he was with me,

[Animal Instinct]
yeah me

[Sweetie Belle]
Next we were moving on, he was with me,

[Animal Instinct]
yeah me

Singing, I love rock and roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock and roll
So come and take your time and dance with me

[Sweetie Belle]
Ow!

Instead of Casey performing the guitar solo, Applebloom jogged up next to Sweetie Belle, planting her left foot behind her and bending backwards with her guitar sitting upwards in a vertical position. Casey continued to play the normal guitar beat, dropping down to his knees and shaking his head back and forth. His sweat was flying off his mullet while shaking his head.

Sweetie Belle planted her right foot down, kicking up her left leg and spinning a few times while she strummed her bass before stopping, facing the crowd and continuing to sing without missing a beat. Casey hopped up from his knees and scooted over to Applebloom and Sweetie Belle with his back to them to form their classic triangle of eighteen sixteen strings.

[Sweetie Belle]

He said, "Can I take you home
Where we can be alone?"

Again, both Applebloom and Casey slowly pushed down their whammy bars to give a 'wa-wa' effect on the word alone.

Next we're moving on, he was with me,

[Animal Instinct]
yeah me

[Sweetie Belle]
And we'll be moving on and singing that same old song,

[Animal Instinct]
yeah with me

[Sweetie Belle]
Singing

Sweetie Belle, Casey and Applebloom swung their instruments off to the sides of their bodies with their hands raised as Vinyl's hands abandoned her keyboard, leaving only Scootaloo to play her instrument by kicking the bass pedal. Instead of playing their instruments, Sweetie Belle, Casey, Applebloom and Vinyl joined in with the soundbites of hand clapping.

[Animal Instinct]
I love rock and roll

So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock and roll
So come and take your time and dance with me

Suddenly, Casey, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom spun their guitars and bass back to their fronts at about the speed of light and their hands became blurs of motion while strumming ferociously.

I love rock and roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock and roll
So come and take your time and dance with

I love rock and roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock and roll
So come and take your time and dance with

By this time, Vinyl resumed playing her keyboard with only one hand as she had the classic rock symbol with her index and pinkie fingers extended. Her hand and fingers moved so fast, it was like she injected them with speed.

I love rock and roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock and roll
So come and take your time and dance with

I love rock and roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock and roll
So come and take your time and dance with me

All the members of Animal Instinct threw up their right hands as the song ended, the front three flinging up guitar picks while Scootaloo flung up one of her drumsticks and caught it when it came back down.

"Amazing! Well done!" Celestia complimented while both her and Luna clapped and applauded. Casey, Applebloom, Vinyl and Scootaloo surrounded Sweetie Belle in a huge group hug as they congratulated their friend.

"Alright, alright, off the stage!" Luna shouted into the microphone while Flash's band waited impatiently for their turn. Animal Instinct grabbed their gear and vacated the area while Flash's band got setup.

"Way ta go Sweetie Belle!" Applebloom gave Sweetie a bone-crushing hug, making her gasp for air and turn blue. She coughed as Applebloom let her go.

"You were so awesome, just like Stevie Nicks!" Scootaloo slapped her in the back. Sweetie yelped in surprise and rubbed her sore back as Casey warmly hugged her.

"I'm so proud of you Sweetie Belle," the Brit knelt down to her height, "you nailed it and went even beyond my expectations. I knew you could do it," he hugged her again to which she returned.

"Thank you Casey. I never could've done this without your encouragement," the 16 year old thanked as Rarity, Rainbow and Applejack appeared.

"Another great job guys, second best band here," Rainbow both complimented and bragged at the same time. Nobody really paid attention as Flash Sentry and his band played a soft ballad.

"You mean there's another band called Animal Instinct here?" Scootaloo joked with her sister.

"Ah was so pleased ta hear ya playin' the guitar solo this time Applebloom," Applejack gave her sister a noogie, "ya done killed those strings 'o yers," she added. Sighing, Applebloom untied her skull headband and stuffed it into her pocket.

"Oh my darling little sister can sing like an angel!" Rarity squeezed Sweetie Belle so hard her 80s wig fell off, "well, an angel with the teeniest hint of devil in her voice," the fashionista corrected.

"Well, it was a rock song Rarity," Casey pointed out, "you gotta have a little intensity in your voice if you wanna be a rock star, unless of course you're singing a song like that," he pointed his thumb back towards Flash Sentry.

"Which by the way Casey's written a few of those," Vinyl teased as she wrapped her arms around the guitarist's waist. He blushed as a secret he kept even from the Crusaders was let out.

"That's okay Casey, no need to be embarrassed," Fluttershy smiled, "I remember when you wrote a song for me when we were in third grade," she reminisced.

"Oh, so the big, bad British rocker wrote some ballads huh?" Rainbow teased Casey.

"Yeah so? What's it to you Rainbow Trash?" he said under his breath which no one else heard.

"Yep, it was called The Flame Rainbow," Fluttershy dug around her backpack and pulled out a binder that had a music sheet inserted into the front plastic. "It's a great song about friends being there for each other," the meek girl showed it to her friends.

"I thought it was a love song! When did it turn into a friendship song?" Pinkie yanked the binder away to get a closer look.

"Y-you kept this after all these years?" Casey asked, flabbergasted.

"Of course Casey," Fluttershy softly smiled, "I always kept this with me when you had to move back to London; it made me feel like you were still with me," she let a small tear slip from her eye.

"Aw, come here Flutters," the Brit embraced his best friend ever. Pinkie Pie jammed the binder back into Fluttershy's backpack just as Flash's band ended their song.

"Haha, take that Animal Idiots and Raintraitors," Flash mocked Casey's band and gave Twilight the stink-eye, causing her to shrink back behind her binder and her dog to rub up against her arm while Sunset held her.

"Hey, you watch how you talk to a girl before I take your guitar and jam it up your arse!" Casey warned Flash.

"Just for the record, I think both bands hit it out of the park," Sunset blushed, not knowing if it was her turn to talk.

"Well thank you Sunrise right?" Casey pointed towards the fiery haired girl.

"Sunset," she corrected. "And at any rate, I think right now both The Rainbooms and you guys," she pointed back at Casey, "are the biggest threat to dethrone the Dazzlings," she slipped before covering her mouth. Every member of The Rainbooms froze and held their breath.

"Yeah, it seems the principals are favoring those new girls," Sweetie Belle agreed.

"And I always thought they didn't like any students over any others," Applebloom tacked on her two cents.

"We'll just have to show those two that there are at least four other quality music groups," Vinyl added. "Us, Rainbooms, Candied Heartstrings and Octavia." Suddenly, Celestia and Luna reappeared on stage with the TV remote in hand.

"Attention students, after tallying up our scores, we have determined which four bands shall be moving forward to the penultimate round!" Celestia announced. Animal Instinct and the Rainbooms quickly jogged back to their seats, awaiting the sisters' determined scores.

"The first band moving on to no surprise is: The Dazzlings!" Luna declared. The trio of girls looked smugly down at the student body from their resting place atop the bleachers and slowly gave each other low-fives. Both Casey and Rainbow took quick looks at Trixie whom was looking at herself in her tiny makeup mirror and pushed her hair up.

"The second band to qualify for the Eliminator Round: Trixie and the Illusions!" The magician smiled pompously with her eyes closed and arms folded across her breasts. If there was one thing that Casey and Rainbow could agree on, it was that Trixie was too full of herself.

"And our third band that moves on: The Rainbooms!" Celestia selected the Rainbooms' name and logo and clicked it, moving both onto the third TV monitor to join the Dazzlings and Trixie and the Illusions. "Now with only one spot left and five bands that could fill it, who was good enough to join the three other bands that qualified?" Celestia took over stirring the drama pot for her sister.

Bulk Biceps chewed on his nails nervously.

Lyra and Bon Bon held each other and trembled in fear.

Octavia clenched her bow so tight that it snapped in half, yet she failed to notice.

Flash and his band grinned and stood up, awaiting their name to be called.

And Animal Instinct sat in their seats, not moving an inch or even breathing as everyone in the audience awaited the announcement. Finally, Celestia opened her mouth with a breath to reveal the last band to qualify.

"Flash Sentry," she announced.

"HELL YES! WE DID IT BOYS!" Flash jumped up and pumped his fists in the air. His band mates high-fived and stood up to join their lead guitarist.

"Your mother dropped off this doctor's note for you," Celestia pulled the piece of paper out of her pocket.

"What?" He said in reply.

"ANIMAL INSTINCT QUALIFIES FOR THE ELIMINATOR ROUND!" Luna shouted into the mic, causing everyone to cover their ears. Casey picked up Scootaloo by the waist and held her in the air as all the members celebrated with high-fives and cheering.

"This calls for milkshakes at Sugar Cube Corner!" Casey declared.

"I'm so happy for you Casey!" Fluttershy actually shouted and clapped.

"Th-this is BULLSHIT! How could you pick those talentless losers over my musical genius?! This clown wouldn't be fit to tune Eddie Van Halen's guitar!" Flash angrily objected and pointed to Casey.

"Calm down Flash Sentry, we just felt Animal Instinct is a more consistent sounding band than you and much more original," Celestia explained.

"I can't believe I lost out to Rock and Roll!" Octavia complained. "This is truly devastating!"

"Aw come on Tavi, you still rocked that cello!" Casey complimented.

"ONLY VINYL CAN CALL ME THAT!" Octavia shouted in Casey's face before storming off.

"Noooo!" Bulk Biceps sadly put his violin in its case as Derpy comforted him.

"I need some chocolate Bonnie," Lyra wiped her tears away while her girlfriend hugged her.

"Congratulations to The Dazzlings, Trixie and the Illusions, The Rainbooms and Animal Instinct on surviving this round," Luna clapped for the four bands. "Just remember, tomorrow is the Eliminator Round and only two bands can make it out alive..."

"So bring your A-Game and have fun!" Celestia cheerfully announced before switching off the microphone.


(Sugar Cube Corner)

"Well girls, I'd like to congratulate both bands on making it this far," Casey raised his milkshake glass in a toast, "and I'd like to say I believe both bands will be going head to head for the Championship tomorrow night," he added as all twelve members of the bands clinked their glasses together.

"Agreed, this has been a friendly competition so far," Fluttershy said, "and if both bands can get to the finals, then we'll all be winners!" She cheerfully added. Everyone except Twilight took sips of their shakes.

"Hey Twilight," Applebloom spoke up.

"Yes?" the lavender girl failed to look up from her journal.

"Why do ya always have yer nose buried in that journal 'o yers?" she questioned. Twilight ceased writing and slowly put her journal away in her backpack while avoiding pushing her dog off her lap.

"I always thought dogs couldn't have milkshakes," Casey eye-balled Spike as he slurped up a small vanilla shake with rainbow sprinkles.

"As long as it's not chocolate it's safe for him," Fluttershy explained. Twilight breathed a sigh of relief as attention was diverted away from her journal.

"Uh Casey right? Is Sweetie Belle going to be singing the next song?" Twilight asked.

"Nope, that was a one-time thing," Sweetie Belle quickly replied, sipping her shake and darting her eyes around.

"I still think you did wonderful darling," Rarity wiped some shake off Sweetie's chin with a napkin.

"Rainbow, I was hoping you'd sing one of my song's for the Eliminator Round?" Fluttershy asked with hope in her eyes.

"Yeah, come on Rainbow, Fluttershy is one helluva song writer," Casey grinned.

"LANGUAGE!" Rarity snapped.

"Why do you care Knight? Don't you just like rock music?" Rainbow set her glass down.

"I happen to appreciate a lot of forms of music, especially if Flutters wrote the song, which you should perform; you girls would definitely secure a spot in the finals," Casey replied.

"Eh maybe, I'm really leaning towards Awesome as I wanna be," the athlete casually sipped her shake. Fluttershy sank down sadly in her seat, worrying Casey.

"Let me guess," the Brit set down his glass rather hard, "you wrote that song?"

"Yep, my many talents include songwriting as well as sports, singing and guitar playing," Rainbow bragged.

"Casey's a way better guitar player than you sis," Scootaloo chimed in. Rainbow spat out her drink, covering Vinyl in strawberry milkshake. Casey grabbed the napkin holder on the table and handed a wad to his girlfriend who angrily cleaned off her sunglasses.

"WHAT?!" Rainbow screeched.

"Shhh, quiet please," Mrs. Cake shushed the cyan teenager.

"How could you say that Scootaloo? You know I'm the best guitar player in the whole school," Rainbow glared.

"You can think that, but at least Casey's solos are more complex and he writes them differently. All of your solos sound so similar," Scootaloo crossed her arms. Rainbow's jaw dropped and her eye twitched.

"Now, now Scootaloo, thanks for the compliment but I think Rainbow Dash's solos are very impressive too," Casey tried to keep his cool.

"If I was able to go all out, you wouldn't stand a chance against me Knight," Rainbow growled.

"Have we all forgotten this is supposed to be a fun competition?!" Pinkie Pie reminded everyone, "has everybody forgotten the word even?!"

"I'm trying to keep it fun Pinkie," Casey stood up with Vinyl, "it's Rainbow that keeps trying to make it into a contest; there's not even a cash prize!" He added.

"Where are you going?" Fluttershy asked.

"To practice our song for the semi-final round Fluttershy, I'll text you tonight," Casey escorted his band out of the cafe.

"Fluttershy, why do you even hang out with him?" Rainbow asked, "he's really a know-it-all about music and is such a sarcastic ass!" Fluttershy gasped at Rainbow's outburst of her longtime friend.

"Ah have ta agree Fluttershy," Applejack piped up, "Casey is just really stern 'n harsh towards others, 'cept you, Vinyl 'n our sisters," she dug around her milkshake glass with a spoon.

"Not to mention his foul-mouth and immature attitude," Rarity exclaimed.

"He writes and plays songs about being loose and having fun, but he's kind of uptight too," Pinkie agreed.

"Maybe if you girls gave him a chance instead of pushing him away," Fluttershy countered.

"We tried! He doesn't care about us Fluttershy," Rainbow revealed to her friend. "I think you should just cut ties with him." Fluttershy covered her ears and whimpered.

"You girls just don't know Casey like I do," she cried

End Chapter 7


Uh-oh. There's some bad blood among the Rainbooms about Casey! Will that resurface? What song will Casey and Animal Instinct perform? Find out in the Eliminator Round, next!

I do NOT own I love Rock 'N Roll remade by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.