You step through the portal beside Twilight, the cool air of the human world brushing against your skin. The sudden shift of shape is no longer alien to you; your body adjusts smoothly. Twilight, too, finds her footing faster this time. She beams, looking ahead as familiar voices call out.

The girls rush forward, arms outstretched.

“We’re back, girls!” Twilight announces, her smile full of warmth.

The reunion is filled with laughter and embraces, though Sunset Shimmer lingers at the edge, hesitant. Twilight notices and steps toward her, voice gentle. “It’s good to see you again, Sunset.” You remain beside her, steady and silent, a quiet reminder of support.

Soon, the peace shatters with the arrival of three new students: Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, and Sonata Dusk. Their voices coil through the air like silk, deceptively sweet yet sharp underneath. Almost instantly, discord spreads among the students of Canterlot High. Friend argues with friend, unity frays, and the tension grows thick.

The girls gather in private, their faces grim. Twilight frowns, recognizing the magic laced in the Dazzlings’ songs. “They’re sirens. Creatures from Equestria,” she explains. “They feed off of negativity, growing stronger the more they spread it.”

Fear mixes with determination as the group debates what to do. Rainbow Dash slams her fist into her palm. “Then we’ll take them down the same way we did Sunset Shimmer—with the power of friendship!”

“But… we’ll need music,” Rarity interjects, her eyes gleaming with creative spark. “A band to counter their spell.”

Pinkie Pie grins, bouncing on her heels. “Ooh! I call drums!”

As plans fall into place, Sunset shifts uncomfortably. Her voice is small when she admits, “I… I don’t know if I belong in this. After everything I did, why would anyone listen to me?”

Twilight steps closer, her tone firm but kind. “You’re with us now, Sunset. That’s what matters. We’ll need you.” Sunset’s eyes soften, though doubt still flickers there.

The next day, the Dazzlings unveil their grand plan in the cafeteria. Their song—Battle of the Bands—echoes like a challenge. Their voices entwine, enchanting, driving wedges between classmates. Students erupt into boasting and competition, desperate to prove who’s the best.

As the performance ends, the cafeteria is buzzing with conflict, everyone already consumed by the Dazzlings’ spell. The girls huddle together, whispering urgently.

Twilight steadies herself, her gaze serious. “We’ll enter the Battle of the Bands. We’ll play together, and when we do, our magic will break their spell.”

Rainbow Dash smirks confidently. “We’ve got this. The Rainbooms are gonna rock harder than anyone!”

Rarity twirls a lock of hair, already dreaming up dazzling stage outfits. Fluttershy nods softly, her quiet voice carrying resolve. Pinkie claps her hands with unrestrained excitement.

And though Sunset lingers behind, uncertain, Twilight gives her a reassuring look. “We can only win this if we stand together.”

The strategy is set, the battle lines drawn. Beyond the cafeteria walls, the Dazzlings’ voices linger like a storm waiting to break.