Ch. 3: Down to Business

Back at school, Rarity and Silver had just finished explaining the plan to the others.

"See guys? What'd we tell ya? It's a great idea. We win this contest, we're walking away with tons of cash for the camp," said Silver. "All we have to do is write up some lyrics for the new song, and we'll choreograph some dance moves. Once that's done, Badda-bing, Badda-boom, the cash prize is ours and the camp is saved."

"You make it sound easy as pie," said Applejack.

"That's because it is," said Rarity. "The girls at Crystal Prep even agree. They're making a video too." Then a loud record scratch sound effect sounded in the room.

"They are?" asked Twilight.

"Yeah, why? Is that a problem?" asked Silver.

"Oh. No, it's not," said Twilight, scratching the back of her neck. "Just haven't heard much about my old school since I left, I guess."

"Well, if you ask me," said Spike. "Crystal Prep has got nothin' on CHS. I love it here!" Then Fluttershy gave him a little scratch under the chin making his voice tremble. "See what I mean?"

"All right guys, now before we get started with the music itself," said Silver. "There's just one small little thing we forgot to mention. Tiny, really. Miniscule."

"Oh God, this can't be good," said Sonic quietly.

"What's that?" asked Sunset.

"Shouldn't have asked," muttered Shadow. Rarity was so nervous, she looked like she was about to explode, but the message got out.

"I would need to use our fundraiser money to buy costume materials for the video," she said quickly. She and Silver looked at the others who were curious.

"I knew this was gonna be clothing related somehow," said Sonic.

"How much is the grand prize worth?" asked Sonia.

"More than twice what we need to fix up the camp," said Silver.

"Ha! Then, of course, you can use the money for costumes!" said Rainbow.

"Ah, what the hell," said Knuckles. "Why not?" Then he picked up the money box. "Think fast." Quickly, he threw it at Silver who caught it one-handed.

"Sweet!" said Rainbow. Pinkie grabbed Rarity and Silver in a hug, as Twilight went over some numbers on a printing calculator.

"According to my calculations," she said. "If we lend Rarity the funds we've already raised, we stand to gain four times as much money as we have now." Everyone cheered at that idea. "But if we lose the video contest, we'll be completely back to square one at zero dollars. Anyone else think this is an awfully risky endeavor?" She looked around at the sea of fearful and worried faces and changed her mind. "I mean, um, me neither."

"Hey, high risk, high reward, right?" asked Silver.

"All right everyone," said Rarity. "Who's ready to shoot our winning dance music video?" Everyone yelled and cheered in excitement as Silver handed Rarity the cash box. She gave a giddy chuckle. "Looks like we have some fabric shopping to do."