Thankfully, Caramel turned out to be just fine the day after we pruned the trees. He went on and on to me and Soarin how hospitable the Apple family is and how Applejack, in particular, was especially keeping an eye on him, which he mentioned with a blissful look on his face. Soarin scolded him for being hopeful again, but I have the feeling that all three of us know that something is up with Applejack's feelings for Caramel. I especially have been growing hopeful after my talk with Sunset when we were walking back to her apartment, but just like with the New Year's Eve party, I kept it from Soarin and Caramel in case we're wrong.

It's currently the Monday after the tree pruning, and the day goes like a regular day until lunchtime as I collect my lunch from Granny Smith, and I walk over to my table with Soarin, Caramel, Sonata, and the Rainbooms. We all eat and talk about our school day so far as usual until Rainbow Dash clears her throat to get everyone's attention.

"So boys...and Sonata," She begins, making sure that she has Sonata's attention as she is devouring a large plate of tacos. "We have some news that we would like the four of you to be the first to know, and we have a favor to ask you."

Caramel, Soarin, Sonata, and I turn to her intently as smiles of excitement are plastered on Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Sunset Shimmer's faces.

"The Rainbooms have a gig at the Crystal Pavilion!" Rainbow Dash screams excitedly.

For a moment, nothing is said as I, Sonata, Caramel, and Soarin stare at her and the other Rainbooms in surprise. The Crystal Pavilion is a popular place in downtown Crystal City. It's a big concert hall that is expensive to get a permit to perform at, but it's also a perfect place for music bands and artists to be recognized. For a high school band like the Rainbooms, it may as well be as big as performing on Bridleway in Manehattan.

"For-for realzies?" Sonata asks, still stunned. "The Crystal Pavilion is such a big thing that my sisters and I would have killed to perform there with or without our siren powers."

"Yeah, how in the world did you guys get a gig at a place like that?" Caramel asks.

"Well, have you heard of the teenage boy band Open Skies and Fancy Pants?" Rarity asks, and we nod in response. "Well, one of them has a filthy rich father who wants them to perform a real concert. That includes having a band to open for them, and they like what they heard about us from the Battle of the Bands, so we're going to perform a couple of our songs!" she finishes squealing in excitement.

Once again, the four of us stare at the Rainbooms in disbelief until Soarin finally speaks.

"That...is...AWESOME!" He screams. "I'm overly excited about this! When are you guys performing?"

"This Friday," Rainbow Dash answers. "This is where the favor comes in. We're allowed to bring ten people for free, and we're planning to ask my dad, Cheese Sandwich, the crusaders, and Big Mac, and now we're asking you four to be among the ten."

We look at them even more bewildered.

"Really?" I finally ask. "You want us - want me to see you guys perform at the Crystal Pavilion?"

Rainbow Dash scoffs amused.

"Yes, you big nerd," she says. "Who else are we referring to?"

"I think what Rainbow Dash is trying to say is that it would mean a lot to us if you came," Sunset Shimmer says calmly. "We're going to be working hard to put on a good show over the next few days, and we would really appreciate your support."

I look at Sunset Shimmer and smile at her before I say, "Well, how can anyone say no to that? I'm in."

Sunset Shimmer gives me a grateful smile that I return before Caramel speaks.

"Well, if it's support you want, then count me in," he says.

"Me too," Sonata says excitedly. "I may not be able to sing anymore, but I can still cheer!"

"You bet I'll be there," Soarin says proudly. "I'll be cheering for you the whole time, Rainbow Dash."

"I'm going to count on it, you big lug," Rainbow Dash says with a smug yet serious grin. "You would do well, not only miss it."

"Don't worry, RD," he assures. "I'm gonna be there no matter what."

Rainbow Dash smiles before I interrupt their moment.

"Wait a minute, what about your pony transformations?" I ask. "Do these people know that you get the tails, wings, and ears whenever you play?"

"Yup, but they don't know that it's magic," Pinkie Pie replies. "The band member's dad asked us about it, and Sunset Shimmer told them that it's just our signature stage effect for the band, and that's all he needed to know."

"And he was okay with that?" I question.

"He...doesn't seem to mind as long as it entertains the audience," Sunset Shimmer says with a shrug. "Apparently, this guy doesn't know much about arranging a concert apart from getting a permit and hiring an opening band and things like that, so we don't have to give him any technical details about our 'effects.' Plus, it doesn't cost him anything for us to do it on stage, so that makes it easier for us to make people think it's just an effect."

I give a suspicious look before I let out a sigh.

"Well, if that's what they're going to think whenever you girls are transforming, and you think that's okay, then I'll trust you, Sunset," I say.

Sunset Shimmer gives me another appreciative smile.

"I appreciate that you're worried about that, Rough Draft, but we're gonna be fine," she says. "After all, we've had two major magical catastrophes, and no one outside of school appears to have taken any real notice. Plus, it's normal for some bands to show some stage effects like fireworks or animatronics to try to get attention. It just so happens that our 'effect' contains magic, but we agreed that as long as we don't draw attention to it like Rainbow Dash or Fluttershy flying or something like that, no one will pay too much mind."

"Eh, that makes sense, I guess," I say. "Anyway, I'm still excited to hear you guys perform at the Crystal Pavilion. That's pretty sweet."

"I'll say, I'm super-duper excited to perform," Pinkie Pie says.

"Excited to perform or excited to see Cheese again?" Applejack asks with a smug grin.

"Well...don't they go hand in hand?" Pinkie asks as she chuckles nervously, and her pink cheeks turn red, making all of us laugh.

The next couple of days went by with the Rainbooms staying after school to rehearse for the concert. Rainbow Dash strictly told us not to be anywhere near the music room whenever they are practicing because they want us to be in the dark of what songs they're going to perform.

Finally, the big day came, and Big Mac agreed to take the four of us and the Crusaders to Crystal City with his truck where we're going to meet Cheese Sandwich, and Rainbow Dash's dad. The Crusaders had to squeeze in the front while the rest of us sat in the trunk. The sun is about to set by the time we reach the city, and Big Mac finds a parking spot a few blocks away from the pavilion. Sonata, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo squeal in excitement as we start walking, making me, Big Mac, and Caramel chuckle. Soarin also seems particularly eager to fulfill his promise to Rainbow Dash. As we walk, I decide to strike a conversation with him.

"You know, Soarin, we haven't heard much from you after Rainbow Dash started giving you and the team extra practice," I say. "How is that going?"

"Oh, it's going great," Soarin says. "It's tiring, but Rainbow's hustling attitude as captain is forcing us to keep going. She's having the time of her life."

"Well good for her," I say with a smirk. "What about how things are between the two of you?"

Soarin's face falls as we continue walking. I frown, worried about how he's going to respond.

"Things are...there," he answers.

I stare at him, confused, which he's quick to notice.

"I guess what I mean by that is nothing new is happening, and I feel we should be moving forward," he explains.

"How forward are we talking about?" I ask.

He sighs sadly before he answers.

"I love her, Rough Draft," he says plainly. "I know I just really liked her before, but after these past few months together, I know how I really feel about her. She's strong, loyal, caring in her own way, and passionate about sports in a way that amazes me. The more time I spend with her, the more I love all these things about her, and I want to tell her, but I'm worried that she doesn't feel the same."

I give him a smirk before I pat him on the back.

"Well, if you love her, then you should just tell her," I suggest.

"Dude, are you forgetting who we're talking about?" He ridicules. "This is a girl who doesn't care for things like romance, and I don't think she's going to feel the same way because of that."

"Oh, that's ridiculous, dude," I say. "She did agree to dance with you and thus start dating you, and she did say she wanted some special time with you during Valentine's day. I don't think she would want any of those things if she didn't think you are someone she wants to have a serious relationship with."

"But in a relationship alone isn't the same as falling in love with someone," he says.

"True, but you never know how she feels unless you tell her how you feel," I say. "After all, you didn't think you were worthy of anything until she said yes to a dance."

"Yeah, that's true," he admits. "All the same, I would like something more than that kiss on the cheek a couple of months ago to show that we're moving forward. We only have three and a half months until graduation, after all."

I nod in understanding. I didn't even think about how close we are to finishing high school. I know we should be looking into colleges and things like that, but I don't want to think about that. I have only started to be part of a group of friends again a couple of weeks ago after Vinyl kicked me, Soarin, and Caramel out of the E. . The more I think about it, the more confident I am that I want to make the most of the time I have left with my friends because I don't know what I'll do once we've graduated.

I shake the thought out of my mind, trying to forget it as I realize we've reached the pavilion. Dozens if not hundreds of people are crowding the ticket booth as we head to the entrance.

"Oh yeah, Big Mac, you got the tickets?" Soarin asks.

"Eeyup," Big Mac says plainly as he takes the tickets out of his front pocket and hands each of us our tickets before we enter the pavilion. The place was massive in size, at least twice the size of the pavilion at Canterlot, where the Rainbooms fought The Dazzlings. Rows of seats where getting filled up by the minute, but luckily the girls reserved us seats only a few rows away from the stage. We squeeze through the crowd until we managed to get to our seats where we see Cheese Sandwich and a man in his fifties with light, grayish-blue skin, and short rainbow hair that we can guess is Rainbow Dash's father.

"Hiya fellas!" Cheese calls out. "Nice to see you made it. I think the girls are going to start soon."

"Sweet, less waiting for us," Caramel says as we sit down.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Rainbow Dash's dad says with a wave of his hand. "Now which one of you boys is Soarin?"

We all turn to Soarin, who raises his hand and says, "I am," unsure of what the father of his girlfriend will do.

Rainbow Dash's father looks at Soarin with a menacing glare as he stands up to show his six foot seven size, storms towards Soarin, and lifts him by his shirt. Soarin yelps in fear as Rainbow's father leans his head towards Soarin's until their nose touches.

"You treating my little girl right, sonny?" He growls.

"Y-yes, sir!" Soarin replies in a high pitched voice.

"You follow her commands as captain and never say no to her?" Rainbow Dash's father asks.

"Y-yes, sir!" Soarin squeals.

"Good, cause, do you know what would happen if you mistreat my daughter?" Rainbow Dash's father questions.

"You'll beat the crap out of me and use me for target practice with your shotgun?" Soarin squeaks.

"Nope," Rainbow Dash's father says plainly. "Rainbow has always been a tough, independent child who likes to handle things herself. I'm gonna have her beat the crap out of you and teach her how to use you as target practice with my shotgun, and my wife and I are just gonna watch and cheer her on. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal!" Soarin screams.

No one says anything for a few seconds until Rainbow Dash's dad's menacing glare turns into a friendly smile as he starts roaring in joyous laughter and lets Soarin go.

"Well done, lad," he says while patting Soarin on the back. "I half expected you to cry halfway through that. Guess Rainbow Dash is right, you do stick to your guns like her."

"Y-yeah, I do my best," Soarin says nervously, still shaken up.

Rainbow's dad laughs again and continues to pat Soarin on the back.

"You're alright, son," he says. "My little Rainbow chooses well. Her mother will love to meet you."

"Thank you, sir," Soarin says, starting to feel more comfortable.

"Oh, don't go all 'sir" on me, son, Mr. Hothoof will do." Mr. Hothoof says kindly. "Anyway, it looks like our girls are about to start, so I better get back to my seat."

With that, Mr. Hothoof walked back his spot next to Cheese while I look at Soarin with a smug grin.

"So...would meeting daddy count as part of moving forward?" I ask teasingly.

"Oh shut up," Soarin grumbles as the curtains are raised to show the Rainbooms with their musical instruments. All ten of us cheer for them with the crowd as the six of them give us a wave before Rainbow Dash walks up to the microphone.

"Hello, Crystal City," she says loud and proud. "How are we all doing tonight?"

The audience cheers in response, but not as loudly as me, Soarin, Caramel, Sonata, Cheese, and the Crusaders, while Big Mac replies with an "Eeyup," and Mr. Hothoof claps loudly with a proud smile.

"Awesome," Rainbow Dash says. "I'm Rainbow Dash, and these are my buddies Applejack, Sunset Shimmer, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. We are the Rainbooms, and we're gonna open for Open Skies and Fancy Pants tonight."

Again, the crowd cheers, but not as loudly as our group.

"Sweet. Now the first song is a little something yours truly wrote for a certain special someone in my life."

Caramel and I look at Soarin, whose eyes widen.

"There's just a little something I want to say to him and being the kind of girl who likes to do things my way; I figure this would be the way to do it," Rainbow Dash continues before she turns to Pinkie Pie on the drums and nods.

Pinkie Pie smiles at Rainbow Dash before she hits her drumsticks counting to four and then starts beating the drums rapidly before the rest of the group begins playing their instruments. The music is loud yet exciting, but Rainbow Dash's guitar stands out above all of them as she plays her guitar solo fiercely before she begins to sing.

When we met it started out tough,
Cause I liked to just show off.
Then I learned how to trust my team
And you slowly became more than what you seem.

We were friends for a long time
yet you always had a look for more in your eye
I didn't say a word to you
Cause I wanted you to try

Because

I'm a tomboy and captain of every team
You're my nerdy guy who wants more than what I seem
But I think actions speak louder than words, it's true
Because I shouldn't have to say how I feel about you.

As the Rainbooms get ready for the next verse, Caramel and I look at Soarin, who looks confused yet hopeful that somehow Rainbow Dash is saying what we think she's saying.

We both will stand our ground to protect a friend
We give it our all until the end
Yet you cannot tell if I want us alone
you underestimate how far we've grown

Because

I'm a tomboy and captain of every team
You're my nerdy guy who wants more than what I seem
I believe actions speak louder than words, it's true
Because I shouldn't have to say how I feel about you.

Rainbow Dash starts another guitar solo. Only this one is more passionate and fierce. She's putting a lot of heart into this moment as her fingers move rapidly to hit every note. Suddenly she starts to glow, and her human ears disappear, and two pony ears pop up from the top of her head, then two blue wings and a long, rainbow tail sprouts out from behind her. The crowd 'ooo' and 'ahh' at what they think is an effect while we smile knowing the truth as Rainbow Dash repeats the chorus one more time.

I'm a tomboy and captain of every team,
You're my nerdy guy who wants more than what I seem
I think actions speak louder than words, it's true
Because I shouldn't have to say how I feel about you.

Shouldn't have to say how I feel about you
Shouldn't have to say how I feel about you
I shouldn't have to say how I feel about you.

After the last note, the song ends, and then the audience cheers.

"Wow, that's the magic stuff Pinkie was talking about? That is so awesome!" Cheese Sandwich says excitedly. "I can't wait to see my girl pony up!"

"So that was that whole pony magic thing is, huh?" Mr. Hothoof says, amused as he claps. "I can see why Rainbow wanted to show that off."

We turn to Soarin, who's clapping, but still has a shocked look on his face.

"You think that did the trick?" I ask him.

He snaps out of his trance before he answers.

"Uh, yeah, I think so," he says. "But I'd rather we talk just to be sure."

"Totally," I say. "But I think we all know how that's gonna go."

"Yeah, I think so too," Caramel says with a smirk before the applause dies down, and Sunset Shimmer approaches the microphone.

"Now we're going to play one of our favorite songs written a special member of our group," she announces. "She doesn't want her name to be known, but she does want her message to be said loud and proud."

We look at each other confused except for Big Mac, who I notice has a smile on his face. I'm about to ask why he's smiling before the music starts again, and the Rainbooms play a song that instantly sounds familiar. It took a couple of moments before I realized that it was one of the songs they played when they were fighting Sonata and her sisters at the Battle of the Bands.

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
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

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

As they play, the rest of the Rainbooms began to transform into their pony forms, but I notice that out of all of them, Fluttershy is playing her tambourine the most passionately. Like Rainbow Dash before her, she puts her heart into playing her instrument with her eyes closed and dances energetically as if she imagines she's the only person in the entire building. I suspect that she's the one who wrote this song, and it's about her passion for music, but she doesn't want anyone apart from Big Mac and the Rainbooms to know it. I turn to Big Mac, who has a happy smile on his face, clearly proud to see his girlfriend bring out her passion for music in her own unique way, which makes me smile.

Suddenly, the song is already over without me realizing it until I hear Big Mac and the others clap loudly. The Rainbooms all are happy with the result, but I notice that Fluttershy, in particular, is trying to hide a satisfied smile with her long, pink hair. I smile, glad to see her pleased with her chance to express her love for music in secret.

"How's everyone doing?" Sunset Shimmer calls out with her microphone before the crowd cheers in response. "That's great! So, we have one more song for you, and it's dedicated to a very good friend of mine. He was in a bad spot a while back, but this was the song that helped him know that there are people who care about him."

I look at her, surprised wondering if she's talking about what I think she's talking about until she starts playing a soft, familiar tune that confirms it. As the rest of the Rainbooms begin to join in, Sunset Shimmer closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and sings the song she sang at my front lawn.

A few more questions in me
one for the misery that be
that's put me down and where I've put on my spiritless face.
I'm trying to figure out
how in the world can I cast out
this agonizing pain that feels so out of place?

My mind wants to let it go now,
can't help but wonder how
when my heart's transformed into a
hollow space deep inside of me.
So I'm left lost in this ordeal.
Where's that joyfulness that I can't feel?

The music builds as the Rainbooms sing with Sunset Shimmer.

I knew a guy who wanted to create his own worlds of fiction,
And like a child, he believed in love without a reason.
Without a word he gave himself to the void and
I've been calling out to find that broken person

Locked in my pitch-black room
where many thoughts run through me.
Who took that comforting light
that once burned so brightly in me?
Is this just a profound phase,
a never-ending maze
that keeps me running
From everything that I could be?

I wish that I can go back.
I wish I can bring things right on track
Not feel this torture
That's eating at my very soul.
I've been out too long
Why does everything feel so terribly wrong?

I knew a guy who wanted to create his own worlds of fiction,
and like a child, he believed in love without a reason.
Without a word he gave himself to the void and
I've been calling out to find that broken person

He used to dream of living life mighty and fearless.
He'd carry on the ongoing fight against the darkness.
It's been too long since I've seen his goofy smile and
I've been calling out to find that broken person.

The music grows more intense as Sunset Shimmer begins to play her guitar solo. The notes she plays roars loud and fierce, and her face goes from calm to intense as she pours her emotions into the music. I stare at her in awe as her passion for the solo rings in my ears just like before.

But as she plays the solo, I notice something strange. It looks like yellow sparks are appearing all around Sunset Shimmer. She seems to have noticed because she sees what is happening and appears to start holding back how much emotion she puts into the solo, and the yellow sparks begin to disappear. I look at her curiously before I look around and notice the Rainbooms are too focused on their parts to notice, and the audience seems to accept it as part of the act. I begin to wonder what's going on as Sunset Shimmer finishes the solo with a high note, and the other Rainbooms join her in reprising the second chorus.

I knew a guy who wanted to create his own worlds of fiction,
And like a child, he believed in love without a reason.
Without a word he gave himself to the void and
I've been calling out to find that broken person

He used to dream of living life mighty and fearless.
He'd carry on the ongoing fight against the darkness.
It's been too long since I've seen his goofy smile and
I've been calling out to find that broken person.

I miss you. (I miss you). I miss you. (I miss you.) Come back.
I miss you. (I miss you). I miss you. (I miss you.) Come back.
I miss you. (I miss you). I miss you. (I miss you.) Come back.
I miss you. (I miss you). I miss you. (I miss you.) Come back.

When the song ends, the crowd cheers, but I find myself clapping and cheering the most despite my incertitude. Sunset Shimmer smiles and takes a bow as the Rainbooms transform back into their normal selves, and Rainbow Dash takes the microphone.

"Thank you, Crystal City," she says. "We hope you have a good night and enjoy Open Skies and Fancy Pants!"

Everyone cheers for the Rainbooms as the curtain comes down. After the cheering dies down, someone announces from the speakers that Open Skies and Fancy Pants will start in about ten minutes. We all decide to sit down and relax before Caramel and Soarin give me a smug look.

"Bet you didn't expect Sunset to sing that song, huh?" Soarin says. "I guess that probably explains why she was hoping you were coming tonight."

"Funny, I could say the same thing about you with Rainbow Dash," I counter. "Rainbow Dash did kind of threaten you to be here."

"Your friend is right, Soarin," Mr. Hothoof says. "She worked hard making that song."

"She did?" Soarin asks.

"Oh yes," Mr. Hothoof answers. "I know Rainbow Dash can be hard to understand when it comes to her feelings, but that's because she likes to be a girl of excitement and action, not words and lovey-dovey stuff. It comes with being raised by parents who raised her to be that way I'm afraid. She knew that you are unsure of how she feels even before you two started becoming an item, but she's too much of a hater of all that romance stuff to say how much she cares about you. That's what that song was about, son. She wants to show that she loves you, not say it."

Soarin is taken aback at this information. The words are slowly processed in his mind before a smile forms on his face.

"Well, if she had to pick a way to say something like that, it suits her to do so in a song where she can rock hard while doing it," he says. "The only other question is what to tell her back."

"Oh, that's all you, son," Mr. Hothoof says with a chuckle. "You're gonna have to figure out what you're going to tell my little girl yourself. For now, we're just gonna have to see how good this boy band they were opening for is.

Long story cut short, Open Skies and Fancy Pants were a laugh...at least to us.

I don't know what the crowd liked so much about the boy band that the Rainbooms were opening for, but as far as Caramel, Sonata, Soarin, the Crusaders, Mr. Hothoof, Cheese, Big Mac and I were concerned, it's clear that the only reason these skinny guys got to perform at the Crystal Pavilion was because the one who has a rich dad loves their kid a little too much. I wouldn't say that they were terrible per se - in fact, I would argue the guy playing the keyboard was trying his best, but their music was as corny, and cliché as boy bands could get making it clear that the Rainbooms were the real entertainment tonight.

After about an hour and a half, they finally finished, and the crowd cheered while the ten of us were polite clapping. As soon as the curtain closes on Open Skies and Fancy Pants, we let out a sigh of relief.

"That was so lame," Soarin says.

"I'll say," I groan.

"You said it," Caramel says.

"I can't sing a note after the Battle of the Bands, and yet somehow, I would be more entertaining than those guys," Sonata says before frowning. "Man, I miss singing."

"Well, better them than our girls out there," Cheese says to which everyone nods in agreement.

"Speaking of which, I do believe we're supposed to meet them backstage," Mr. Hothoof says. "We better get over there and tell them our congrats."

With that, we start making our way through the crowd of people leaving and reach the side entrance to the backstage. Once we are cleared by security, we walk in just in time to see the girls finish packing up their equipment. Pinkie Pie is the first to notice us, and she gasps in excitement.

"Cheesie!" She shouts as she runs over to Cheese Sandwich and starts kissing him passionately just like before.

"Hey, we're here too," I say half-jokingly as the rest of the Rainbooms walk over to us. Sweetie Belle congratulates Rarity, Caramel and Apple Bloom walked over to compliment Applejack, Fluttershy runs over to Big Mac and gives him the biggest hug she can muster. Big Mac hugs her back as he whispers what I think is his own way of complementing her on the second song judging by the way Fluttershy smiles brightly as she snuggles her head on her boyfriend's chest.

Rainbow Dash runs over to her dad proudly.

"How was that, pop?" She says boastfully.

Mr. Hothoof chuckles before he says, "You rocked out loud, Rainbow. That's my girl," before giving her a pat on the back.

"I'll say," says Scootaloo excitedly. "You are the most awesome guitar player I've ever seen in my whole life, Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow Dash chuckles as she runs her fingers through Scootaloo hair playfully.

"Thanks, Scoots," she says. "Always nice to hear that from a fan like you."

"Speaking of which, there's another fan who would like to talk to you," Mr. Hothoof says, pointing at Soarin.

The couple looks at each other intently as they walk towards each other slowly. Rainbow Dash smirks at Soarin, who smiles nervously.

"Hey," he says.

"Hey yourself," she says.

"So..." Soarin says while scratching the back of his head. "You really feel that way?"

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes before she grabs Soarin's shirt and says, "Here's a hint, buster," and pulls him toward her and their lips connect. Soarin's eyes widen for a moment before they close, and he wraps his arms around Rainbow Dash, deepening the kiss. Pinkie Pie, Sonata, and Cheese "whop" in excitement and Rarity and Sweetie Belle "Awww!" Mr. Hothoof nods in approval while Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sunset Shimmer, and Applejack smile. Caramel looks at me with his mouth hanging open, and I nod with a smirk on my face.

When the two-part, Soarin smiles at Rainbow Dash lovingly.

"I lov-" he begins before she puts her finger on his mouth.

"No way, mister," she says. "You feel that way about me; then you show it, don't say it."

Soarin smirks and says, "Yes ma'am," before he pulls her in for another kiss.

"Well, I think I'm just gonna stay back here and wait for those two to finish their moment," Mr. Hothoof says. "Why don't you kids just go on ahead heading back to town?"

Everyone makes comments of agreement, but as we exit the building, I notice Sunset Shimmer has her eyes focused on me, and I smile back at her. She walks over to me and pulls me into a hug.

"Thank you for coming tonight," she whispers appreciatively in my ear.

"You're welcome," I say sincerely as I hug her back. "So you're fond of that song, huh?"

She pulls away from the hug and gives me a meaningful look.

"I am," She says with a sweet smile. "It reminds me of how it helped you out of that state. How we were able to get you out of a state of denial as I wish someone did for me once upon a time, and how much of a comfort it was to see your old self again. It was a joy to see you smile like that again, and I'll never forget that, Rough Draft."

I nod in understanding before I say what is really on my mind.

"So...what was with those sparkles flying all around you?"

Sunset Shimmer frowns nervously at my question.

"You saw that?" She asks.

"I'm surprised I'm the only one who did," I answer. "You looked like you knew that was there and tried to make it go away. Is there some kind of new magic that you didn't want the audience to find out about?"

"Uh...sort of. It's kinda hard to explain," She says.

"Well, I'm all ears," I say.

But before Sunset Shimmer can respond, Caramel walks in front of us.

"Hey dude, we're just about to head home," he says.

I'm about to say, "Okay, I'm coming," but Sunset Shimmer speaks first.

"Actually, Rough Draft and I are going to stay here," she says. "We're gonna catch up with you guys later."

Caramel turns to me, confused.

"You are?" He asks.

"Uh, yeah, we are," I say hesitantly. "We're just gonna talk more about the concert for a while."

He looks at me suspiciously before he relents.

"Okay, I guess we'll see you guys later then," he says.

"Yeah, I'll talk to you later, dude," I say as he hesitantly walks back to the others, and they begin the walk back to Big Mac's truck and the Rainbooms' respective cars.

After a moment, Sunset Shimmer and I look at each other awkwardly before I decide to speak.

"So...you were saying?" I ask.

Sunset gives me a small smile before she answers.

"Yes, what you saw is a new form of magic from my music," she says.

"I knew it," I say. "Is something like this common in Equestria?"

"Well, not exactly," Sunset Shimmer explains. "Basically, Equestria has a sort of magic of music where ponies and other creatures could burst into song to express how they're feeling."

"So...they just sing as if they're in a musical or something?" I ask.

"More or less," she answers. "I have never experienced it, but Princess Twilight has told me that she and her friends have had multiple cases of singing to express how they feel with music coming from the background and everything. Why only them I don't know, but it's not something that anyone - or, any pony, in this case, pays any mind over."

"Do any ponies gain some sort of magical abilities from singing or playing musical instruments like you and the Rainbooms?" I ask.

Sunset Shimmer frowns as she tries to think of the best way to answer the question.

"It's not unheard of for something special to occur such as a pony's cutie mark glowing when he or she sings, but what I, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and the others can do is something else entirely," she says. "To become half pony and half a different species from another world when we play and use that magic to fight against powerful beings of dark magic is something that has never been seen or heard in our history...or at least our recorded history."

"So this could be magic that was as lost to you like the Crystal ponies or that centaur, Tirek?" I ask.

"Maybe," Sunset Shimmer answers. "Don't forget that magic only exists in this world because I brought it here when I stole Twilight's crown and hardly any pony - excuse me; anybody has traveled to other world's much less bring magic to a world where there isn't any. Honestly, when it's all said and done, what I, Princess Twilight and the others can do could be a brand new form of magic."

"Well, that sounds all good and awesome, but what about what you were trying to contain?" I say.

Sunset Shimmer smiles and takes my hand.

"Follow me," she says as she leads us away from the pavilion.

"Where are we going?" I ask.

"Somewhere where I can show this secretly," she answers.

She leads me from the pavilion and back to the city until she finds a deserted alleyway. She observes the windows and doors to make sure that there's no one behind them to see what she's going to do and then leads me to the wall at the very end.

"Okay, stay there and watch," she instructs.

I nod in response as she takes a couple of steps back and closes her eyes. Suddenly, right at that moment, I hear music playing, but there is no one else here with us. There is no light coming from one of the windows or any sound system installed anywhere, and it doesn't sound like it's coming from Sunset Shimmer's phone. It's as if it came out of thin air. It takes a moment before I realize that this must be the music magic Sunset Shimmer was talking about as she takes a deep breath and begins to sing.

Power was all I desired
But all that grew inside me
Was the darkness I acquired

When I began to fall
And I lost the path ahead
That's when your friendship found me
And it lifted me instead

Like a phoenix burning bright In the sky
I'll show there's another side to me you can't deny

I may not know what the future holds
But hear me when I say
That my past does not define me
'Cause my past is not today

The song is catchy and uplifting as Sunset Shimmer sings it with determination and joy. I watch her with anticipation as the yellow sparks begin to form on her back again while she sings the next verse.

Ambition Is what I believed
Would be the only way
To set me free

But when it disappeared
And I found myself alone
That's when you came and got me
And it felt like I was home

Like a phoenix burning bright In the sky
I'll show there's another side to me you can't deny

More sparks begin to form around Sunset Shimmer, and she has a golden glow around her. My eyes widen as her feet slowly leave the ground.

I may not know what the future holds
But hear me when I say
That my past does not define me
'Cause my past is not today

As soon as she sings that last note, I hear a loud crack and two giant wings and a tail made of fire spring out of Sunset Shimmer's back. I cover my eyes for a moment before they adjust to the brightness of the fire that doesn't feel hot or appears to be burning Sunset Shimmer or her clothes. Sunset Shimmer opens her eyes and smirks at me.

"What do you think?" She asks.

I stand there with my mouth agape, unable to answer her. Usually, I would be afraid to see any kind of magic apart from the Rainbooms transforming after what happened at the Fall Formal and the Battle of the Bands, but I'm not. Instead, I am amazed.

"This...this is incredible!" I say. "All the magic that I have seen this year, and yet I can't believe that I'm seeing anything like this. It's truly remarkable!"

Sunset Shimmer's smirk turns into a warm smile.

"That makes me happy to hear that after everything you have experienced before with magic," she says. "It's certainly about time that you would see more of the positive side of magic than just watching the Rainbooms getting pony ears and tails."

"Yeah, no kidding," I say in awe. "Have you ever tried flying around with those wings?"

Sunset Shimmer's smirk returns as she floats down closer to me.

"Well now that you mention it, I have not," she says. "Do you want to give these things a try with me?"

I find myself stuttering, unprepared for that question.

"Well, I, uh...that is to say... I just," I sputter out.

Sunset Shimmer rolls her eyes in amusement before she floats behind me and wraps her arms around me tightly from behind. I shiver nervously as she uses her hand to make me look at her in her eye.

"Don't worry, I got you," she says assuredly. "Just don't try to move."

Before I can utter a word of protest, the wings begin to flap, and I feel my feet leaving the ground. I close my eyes shut in fear, and I feel goosebumps forming all over me as I feel us go higher and higher. On the outside, I'm only whimpering in fear, but on the inside, I'm freaking out like nobody's business. Finally, Sunset Shimmer spreads her wings you like, and we begin to fly forward.

"Go on, Rough Draft, open your eyes." Sunset Shimmer whispers in my ear.

I whimper in hesitation before I reluctantly open my eyes. I see all the cars, people, and streets looking so small down below. I look around to see we are higher than any of Crystal City's buildings, and we can see the mountains and Canterlot from a distance. I gasp in amazement, making Sunset Shimmer chuckle.

"Beats the view from that hill, huh?" She says with a smile.

"Does it ever," I say. "I can't believe this, I've watched movies and show's and played video games where people can fly, but to see it happen in real life..."

"Hey, how do you think I'm feeling?" Sunset Shimmer asks. "I wanted to become an alicorn, remember? That includes pegasus wings, but I never thought about using them to actually fly."

"Well, then you missed out," I say. "This is incredible!"

"Yeah, it really is," She says as we both look at the view in awe.

Suddenly, a thought enters my mind, and it turns into an idea too good to pass up. I clear my throat which makes Sunset Shimmer looks me curiously before I sing.

You can show me the world.

Sunset snickers.

Shining, shimmering, splendid.

"Stop it!"

Frankly, Sunset, I don't know when I last let my heart decide.

"I will drop you." She says in mid-laughter.

I already opened my eyes.

"Rough Draft, I'm about to drop you," she says worriedly.

So take me wonder by wonder.

"Rough Draft!" She screams.

Over sideways and under on aAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I made Sunset Shimmer laugh so hard that she lost her grip on me, and now I'm falling to my death.

...

I get the feeling people are going to laugh at my funeral for this.

Suddenly, a pair of arms wrap around me from behind, and my momentum stops as I find myself floating again. I turn to see Sunset Shimmer focusing on flying back down with an angry look on her face. She finds another alleyway and floats us back to the ground. The moment we reach the ground, Sunset's wings and tail disappear, and I turn to her ashamedly.

"Look I -"

*SLAP*

With all her might, Sunset slaps me hard on the face. I hold my hand to my face in pain, and I raise my other hand in defense.

"Okay, yup. Yup, that's fair," I groan.

"Don't ever do that again!" She screams. "Do you have any idea how much you scared me watching you fall?"

"I'm sorry," I say sadly. "I was trying to be funny, and I didn't listen to you. It won't happen again."

"You got that right," she growls. "If anything happens to you, I would never forgive myself!"

"Whoa, whoa, it's okay, Sunset, it's okay. I'm fine," I say. "You're right, I was wrong, and I'm fine now."

Sunset Shimmer's glare pierces through me for a couple more seconds before it melts away to a face of relief and regret.

"I'm sorry, Rough Draft," she says apologetically. "I shouldn't have snapped like that."

"It's fine," I say calmly. "I was careless, and it almost got me killed."

"Yeah, but I had the idea of holding on to you without something to keep you secure or anything like that," Sunset Shimmer counters. "You could've been hurt, and it would be my fault."

She looks down at the floor sadly, unable to look at me. I frown as it is clear that she's feeling guilty of almost causing harm again like she almost did when she was a she-demon at the Fall Formal. I put my hand on her shoulder and raise her head to look at me with the other hand, and I give her a comforting smile.

"It's on both of us," I say. "Everyone makes mistakes, and it doesn't take magic to do so. If there's anything I eventually learned when Caramel and Soarin helped me forgive myself after the Spring Fling, it's that we all make mistakes, but you help no one, leastways yourself, by letting them get the better of you."

Sunset Shimmer gives me a genuine smile before she suddenly hugs me.

"Thank you," she says. "I needed that."

"You're welcome," I say, hugging her back. "All that said, though, let's keep the thrilling mode of transportation to just your motorcycle for the rest of the night."

Sunset Shimmer snickers in response.

"Fair enough," She says before she releases the hug, which for some reason I wish she didn't. "Speaking of which, my bike isn't far from here, and we better start heading home."

I nod agreement, and we begin to exit the alley and make our way to her motorcycle.

"So tell me," I say to continue the conversation. "How long have you been able to do that exactly?"

Sunset Shimmer smiles before she answers.

"Well, I've only been able to fully do it once before, which was shortly before Valentine's Day," she says. "I was on the roof at CHS one day, and I was thinking about my friends and how life has been so much better since the formal and the Battle of the Bands. The next thing I knew, I just had this urge to sing about it, and just like now, that music started to play in the background, and I started singing my heart out, and when it was over, the wings and tail appeared, and I was floating. It only lasted for a couple of minutes, but it was a remarkable experience."

"Why didn't it last as long as it did now?" I ask.

"Well, I experimented on it a couple of other times since then, and I think it comes down to my emotions," she answers. "When I think of my friends and what any or all of them mean to me, it creates this magical energy around me, and thus, it forms the wings and tail. The more I think about those I care about, the longer I have them."

"So... it's a mixture of music and friendship magic?" I ask, confused.

"That's one interpretation," Sunset Shimmer answers. "Though just like my transformation with the others, that still raises the questions why it exists, how and why I can do that specifically."

"You mean you don't know why you and the others can transform?" I ask.

"No," she answers with a hint of irritation in her voice. "Keep in mind, Rough Draft, magic - or at least magic from Equestria doesn't always have a specific rhyme or reason. It's not something that always follows specific rules like science or the kind of magic that is limited so that the user can only do specific things like some fantasy video game. It's something that can change and turn into something new at any time and for any reason. All we can do is try to study how it works, especially in a world where it shouldn't exist."

I nod in understanding as I listen to what she's saying.

"So do you plan to find out why magic exists here and why you and the other Rainbooms transform?" I ask.

Sunset Shimmer shrugs in response.

"I don't know, maybe," she says. "I'd definitely like to find out some day. We'll just have to see."

An hour later, Sunset Shimmer parks her motorcycle at my front porch, and we take off our helmets and begin to walk to my front door.

"By the way, what do the Rainbooms think of your phoenix wings and tail?" I ask.

"Uhh...they don't know about it yet," Sunset Shimmer says nervously. "In fact, I was kinda hoping this could be our secret for right now."

"What? Why?" I ask, alarmed.

"Well, this is still experimental magic, and I don't want to show it to the others just yet until I'm ready," she explains.

"Then why did you show it to me? I ask.

"Because I knew you'd enjoy the experience as much as I would," she says. "Out of all my friends, you're the one who takes the most interest in who I was and where I came from. Sure, that's partly because you are a nerd who likes to hear about magic an fantasy creatures, but I know that you care too. If any friend was special enough to experience that special moment of me actually flying, it's you."

"Really?" I ask. "Do none of the Rainbooms ask about Equestria or anything like that? Are none of them curious about everything that you went through before the dance?"

"No, just you," she says. "I think they believe that what's in the past is in the past and in some ways I agree with that and I appreciate what they do more than anything. But, I also appreciate that you want to get to know all of me; the good, the bad, and where I'm from. I know you originally did it to be more comfortable around me at first, but I can tell that you like who I am, the more you know, and I'm thankful that you are."

"Well, of course, I do," I counter. "I can't deny how odd it is that you're from a land of magical ponies, but that aside, everything about you is so much clearer. Now I understand why you were the way you were, how you could have changed your ways so quickly, and now how at least some of this magic we've been experiencing works. Seriously, this urge to sing magic does explain how we were all singing when you and the others broke us out of the Dazzlings' spell. And...yeah, I guess with all that said, I can see that you're not who you were anymore. You're kind, supportive, smart, caring, and I wish I wasn't so blind in my hated to see it."

Sunset Shimmer smiles at me before she puts her hand on my shoulder.

"A little hate and denial can go a long way," she says. "At least it didn't take you your whole life and a journey to another world to let go of your illusion."

"How true," I chuckle. "But for now, I must go inside. There's some good long napping that needs doing."

"I hear that," Sunset says in agreement. "Oh and by the way,"

She pulls in me in for another hug, this one tighter than the last.

"Thanks again for coming," she whispers.

A smile form on my face as I hug her back tightly, saying, "You're welcome."

After a few seconds, we part much to my reluctance, and she gets on her motorcycle and drives away.

I enter my house and head straight to my room and plop right into my bed. I sigh tired yet happy with everything that just happened today; the concert, the song Sunset Shimmer played, and especially the experience of flying around the city with her magical wings of fire. It's an experience that I will never forget.

And there's something about us hugging that makes me happy. It was weird and unexpected before, but for some reason, I want to be around Sunset and hug her more often. It's like we are two jigsaw pieces meant to be together whenever we do. It feels good. It feels right. It feels just like how it was when Octavia and I would hold each other close all the time back when we were -

...

Uh oh.