“Urgh...ugh...ooohhh...” moaned Sunset as she slowly ascended from her pillow. “That's it...no more apple cider before bed. Blasted Applejack...” she said to herself as she began to stretch her arms. 'Let's hope I figure out something today...'
It had been one week since Sunset turned down Rainbow's offer. Since then, Sunset had visited just about every club at the school, trying to figure out what she wanted to do. Unfortunately, Sunset had asked Celestia if there was any sort of science clubs or competitions, only to find out that the competitions would happen in spring. It was Fall right now. As for clubs, the school didn't have a science club much to Sunset's chagrin.
Sunset did her usual morning routine and then walked to the kitchen. There, she saw a very different sight at the dinning table. “Um...Celestia?”
“Yes Sunset?” Celestia responded as she drank a cup of tea.
“Why is Luna...asleep at the dinning table?”
“Oh, that. Luna forgot to buy some coffee yesterday. Now, she doesn't have any coffee till she can buy some tonight.”
“Ah...okay.” Sunset watched Luna, who was fully dressed despite sitting on one of the dinning table chairs, her head bent back, closed eyes staring at the ceiling with her mouth wide open. The amount of snoring coming out of her mouth started to produce a chill down Sunset's spine.
“COFFEE!” yelled Luna as her head suddenly flew forward. “I NEED-*snore*”
“Whoa!” Sunset leaped back in shock as Luna woke up and fell back to sleep. Celestia didn't react. Rather, she just took another sip of tea.
“Calm down Sunset. Do you want some tea?”
“Uh...aren't you a bit disturbed by that?”
“No. This has happened before Sunset. Want some tea?”
“Um...”
“THE MOON! THE NIGHT SHALL LAST-*snore*”
“Sure.” Sunset said as she watched Luna go limp again. “That would be...heh...nice. I'll have some tea.”
A few sips of tea later...
“How is she going to get to work?”
“She'll be riding with us.” Celestia said as she finished her tea. “She has more coffee at her office. Once we get there, she'll be back to her old coffee addicted self again.”
“Okay.” Sunset took one last sip. “Does that mean we have to carry her to the car?”
“HA HA! THE FUN HAS BEEN-*snore*”
“Yep. We're gonna have to carry her...”
Sunset found the trip to the school to be interesting to say the least. Thankfully, when they got to the school, Luna suddenly woke up and immediately rushed to her office. After that, Luna was back to her normal self. Sunset tried to ask Celestia how this was possible but...there wasn't any straight answer given.
Lunch...
“So, you still can't find anything darling?” Rarity said as sat down by Sunset. Sunset had a portion of lettuce in her mouth as she noticed the elegant girl sit down.
One gulp later. “Yep. I just don't know Rarity. It's like this school is designed to have nothing I find interesting. I asked Principal Celestia and she told me that the school does hold science competitions with other schools but...it won't happen till spring of next year.”
“I see. It's just Fall right now.” Rarity paused as she saw Sunset's head dip down. “Aw, it'll be okay dear.” Rarity said as she patted Sunset on the back. As she continued to comfort her, Rainbow Dash came and sat down in front of Sunset. “Ah, hello Rainbow. How are you today?”
“I'm cool. I just got myself a sweet guitar last night! I can't wait to test it out at the Music Club!”
“That's sounds lovely...but I thought you weren't part of the Music Club?”
“I'm not. I just hang out with them sometimes.”
“Music Club?” Sunset asked.
“Yeah. Did you not know there was one here at Canterlot High?”
“Well...yeah. I just...” Sunset twiddled her thumbs.
Rainbow let out a smirk. “Don't know if you're into music, do you?”
“I...don't know.” Sunset said as she scratched her head in thought. 'Then again, I might have been into music till I lost my memories. Hmm...something tells me I'm not though.'
“You wanna come to a meeting?” Rainbow shined a sly grin.
“Well...”
“What do you have to lose darling?”
“Rarity's right Sunset. You got nothing to lose.”
“Okay.” Sunset nodded. “Where and when do you meet?”
Later...
“Is this the place?”
“You bet.” Rainbow grabbed the door handle. “Don't worry, just about everyone in here is cool.”
The two walked in and Sunset began to survey the room. In one corner, a girl with green and silver hair is arguing with another girl with pink and dark blue swirly hair. In another corner, a girl with blue electric hair and huge shades on her eyes is setting up a bunch of equipment. Right by her is another girl who is practicing the cello. Sunset's eyes widen as she sees the others in the room. One is Screwball, who is playing a large trombone. She keeps playing it every time the girl right by her messes up. The one that keeps messing up is Trixie.
Sunset takes a small step back after seeing the full sight. 'Oh no...this is like a full soap opera just waiting to happen! Maybe I shouldn't get involved...'
However, Rainbow quickly grabbed Sunset's arm and pulled her inside. “Don't be a chicken Sunset. Just give it a shot.”
“I uh...er...uh...”
“Come on, I'll introduce you to everyone. Yo Lyra!” Rainbow yelled as she dragged Sunset to the other side of the room. “Hey Lyra! I got-”
“I'm telling you it's real Bon-Bon!” barked Lyra.
“It's not Lyra. Stop being ridiculous.” Bon-Bon said in the most deadpan tone possible.
“It's real. One day I'll prove it.” Lyra huffed, showing a pouty face. She turned her head and faced Rainbow Dash. “What's up Rainbow?”
“Hey. I wanted to introduce my friend but it seems like you two would rather argue. What are you two whining on about now?”
“Oh. Bon-Bon doesn't believe in magic or magic ponies.”
“She doesn't what?” Rainbow's eyebrow arched. “What are you talking about?”
“It's nothing Rainbow. Lyra's just being Lyra.” Bon-Bon said as she grabbed a book and began reading it. “Just ignore her.”
“Hey! I'm telling the truth!”
“No. You just have a crazy imagination Lyra. That's all.”
Lyra leaned in and gave a grim face. “One of these days Bonnie...one of these days.” She turned back to Rainbow. “What's up?”
Rainbow stepped aside and waved a hand out. “This is my pal Sunset Shimmer. She's come here today to see if she wants to be part of the Music Club!”
“Oh really?” Lyra turned to Sunset. “Okay, I'm Lyra Heartstrings. I'm the current leader of the Music Club. Nice to meet ya!” she says while extending her hand out. Sunset firmly shakes the hand.
“Yeah. Nice to meet you too.”
“Let me introduce you to everyone.” Lyra grabs Sunset by the shoulder and begins pointing to everyone in the room. “Right here being a grumpypants is Bon-Bon. She doesn't play an instrument though she is our club's treasurer and secretary. Actually that's not true, she does play keyboard sometimes...” Lyra leans over and whispers. “Don't worry about her interrupting any jam sessions. She always has her nose in some goofy baking candies book.”
“I heard that Lyra!”
Ignoring Bon-Bon's comment, Lyra points to some other members. “Over there is Vinyl Scratch and Octavia. Vinyl's the one setting up the amps. She regularly plays a mixing table. Octavia as you can imagine plays the cello.”
“I see...um...can I say something?”
“Sure.”
“I uh...don't play any instruments.” Sunset turned pale as she saw Lyra's face change to pure confusion. Her head cocked sideways as she tried to process the information. Thankfully, Rainbow decided to intervene.
“What she means is uh...she doesn't know if she wants to get into music or not. She's just trying to find her...uh...thing.” Rainbow gave Sunset a strained look. “I guess.”
“Oh. Well...we could always have you try some instruments here. We got a spare guitar available, though its not in the best of shape.” Lyra closed her eyes in thought. “I know we also need a drummer but...you don't look the type.”
“Don't worry about it.” Sunset hesitantly said. “I just uh...want to find out what I want to do. Rainbow suggested I at least check this club out.”
“Ah...okay.” Lyra began looking Sunset up and down. “Hmm...you don't even know what instrument you want to play?”
“No.”
“I see...” Lyra turned her head. “Hey Trixie! What other spare instruments do we have?”
Trixie just stood there, strumming her guitar. She went through chord after chord until she missed a note. At that very moment, a certain trombone let out a noise.
WAH-WAH-WAAAAAH!
Screwball's shined a giant smile as she finished playing her trombone, her eyebrows bouncing up and down. Trixie turned as her face turned into a combination of a demon and pure rage. “Trixie swears if you do that sound again...”
Screwball sticks her tongue out. “You messed up!”
“Trixie does not need a horrible music reminder that tells Trixie that Trixie messed up a note! Trixie will beat you if you do that again!”
“No you won't!”
“Yes Trixie will!”
“Hey! Stop fighting you two!” Lyra said as walked in between them. Her head turned to Screwball. “Screwball, go find someone else to prank.” Lyra's head turned again. “Trixie, stop trying to inflate your already massive ego. I need your help.”
“Oh? Why do you need the Great and Powerful Trixie's help?”
“Because you're in charge of our inventory. How many spare instruments do we have?”
“Depends. What do you need?”
“Well...the person I'm helping doesn't know what they...what's wrong?” Lyra asked as Trixie's face scrunched up in anger. Lyra turned and looked at Sunset, whose face turned pale in fear.
“Hi Trixie.” Sunset slowly said while waving her hand. “How are-”
“What is she doing here?!” Trixie yelled. “Why is she here?!”
“Uh-”
“Trixie does not want to-” Lyra's hand covered Trixie's mouth. She let out a huff as she arched her eyebrow at Trixie.
“Okay...calmed down now?” Trixie nods. “Good. You can talk now Trixie.”
“As Trixie was saying, why is she here?!”
“She's seeing if she wants to join the music club Trixie. Is that a problem?”
“Problem?! Of course it's a problem! The Great and Powerful Trixie does not like this! Last time Trixie met her-”
“Trixie. Calm down.” Lyra deadpanned. “I don't care about whatever happened. Just tell her what our spare instruments are.”
Trixie did a slight cough and adjusted her shirt. “Sorry. Trixie still does not like this. But...” Trixie's eyes glared at Sunset. “What instruments do you play?”
“I...don't play any. I'm seeing if I want to learn or not.”
“WHAT?!” yelped Trixie. “You don't play anything?! Then why are you here?!”
“To find out if I want to learn or not...you know, what I just said.”
“Trixie heard you the first time.” she then turned around pulled out a small list. “Let's see...the only spares right now are two trumpets...a few cymbals and triangles...and two acoustic guitars.”
“Sounds good.” Lyra glanced at Sunset. “So, what would you like to try?”
“Um...I don't know. Maybe the guitar?”
“Okay. That could actually help us later...” Lyra said as she walked to the storage closet and pulled out the instrument.
“What did you mean, 'help us later'?” Sunset asked with a quizzical expression.
“Well...we need more music people for Halloween. The Music Club is going to be doing to the main music for the school's Halloween party.”
“Oh...okay. You do know that I have no idea how to play this, right?”
“Oh I know. But Halloween is at the end of next month.” Lyra said pulled up a chair for Sunset. “If you get enough practice in, you can do basic chords. It'll help for accompaniment in the music.”
“Hold on Lyra.” Trixie responded. “She's a beginner. You don't honestly think a month is enough for her to be up on stage with me, do you?”
Lyra sighed. “No. I don't Trixie. But, we need more members and she wants to give it a shot.” Lyra's showed her glare again. “Do you have a problem with that? Or do you have a better way to get us some members?”
“No...Trixie doesn't.” Trixie's head ducked down and glanced at Sunset. “Trixie...is gonna get some food for herself.”
The two then watched Trixie leave the room in a slow shuffle. Lyra showed a small frown as she watched her go. “Ugh...darn it. That girl...”
“Yeah...” Sunset began to scratch the back of her head in embarrassment. “I ran into her a while back and things...happened. Sorry.”
“It's cool. I'm betting it wasn't your fault, was it?”
“Technically no...but things still went badly either way.”
“Its fine. Trixie is...difficult. But she's a good guitar player. I just wish Rainbow could join.” Lyra sighs again. “But she's part of like every sport club instead.”
“Yeah...I'm not into sports. But...” Sunset sat down and began to strum the guitar strings. “I don't know.”
“Say...are you uh...a reader?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well...most people learn music one of two ways. They either play by ear or they read music.”
“Ear or reading huh?” Sunset rubbed her chin. “If that's the case, do you have any books that could help me?”
“I think we do. Go ahead and sit down and strum a bit. Even if you don't want to do this in the end, you'll probably want to get the general gist of how the guitar works.”
“Okay.”
Sunset sat down and strummed the guitar for a while. As she did, Lyra brought a music book on basics per Sunset's request. The following hour or so was a different one for Sunset. She found herself quickly learning the notes, her brain easily collecting the musical information as long as she read the book. Her hands however, didn't do as well as they weren't used to the thick guitar strings.
“We better call it a day. I think your fingers need a break.” Lyra said she closed the book. Sunset put the guitar down as Lyra grabbed her chair. “That went pretty well for your first try.”
“Yeah...that was nice.” Sunset said as she handed the guitar over. 'Huh...that was so...so refreshing. I know my fingers hurt like crazy but...that felt really nice.'
“Yeah...sorry you have to use the book. I would like to have Trixie help you but...”
“I know. It's cool. I think I would prefer the book anyways.” Sunset showed a small grin. “What instrument do you play?”
“The lyre and the harp. I play some violin but mainly lyre.” Lyra put the guitar up and came back. “So, what do think? Wanna join?”
“I...don't know. I mean, that felt enjoyable and refreshing but...”
Lyra patted Sunset's shoulder. “Don't think so hard about it. If you don't have an answer for me, its cool. Just think about it, alright?”
“Okay.” Sunset looked down at her lap. “Thanks Lyra.”
“No problem.”
“Indeed. Was that your first time?” said a voice as it walked up to the duo. Lyra looked up and saw the voice's owner.
“Hey Tavi!”
“Hello Lyra. Who is this?”
“This is Sunset Shimmer. She's thinking about joining us here in the club.”
Sunset turned and presented her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Same here. I'm Octavia Melody.” she said as she shook the hand. “I hope you'll join us in the future Sunset Shimmer.”
“Sure. Thank you.”
“Hey Tavi, is Vinyl still here?”
Octavia let out a large groan. “No. That blasted DJ already left. Something about a missing wire or something. I swear, all that girl does is mess with wires than play music. Blasted techno-hip-pop-funk-rap music...I don't see what she sees in that garbage.” Octavia began tapping her foot loudly. “Stupid DJ P0N-3...can't believe her...”
Lyra leaned in and whispered into Sunset's ear. “They're going out. As you can see, Vinyl likes to irritate her sometimes.”
“Ah.” Sunset did a slight nod. A few seconds of talking later, Sunset thanked Lyra and left the club. As she walked out, her mind was in a slight buzz, 'Huh...never thought I would be practicing a guitar. But...that was kinda fun.' She looked at a wall clock in the school hallway. 'Hmm...I still have some time. Think I'll go to the library. I know I like to research things, so...maybe I can research something about music.' Sunset shuffled down the hallway, a small smile growing on her face.
Meanwhile in Equestria...
“Okay Spike, are you ready for your supper today?” Twilight said with a grin.
“Gah!” cheered the baby dragon. “Gah! Gah!”
Twilight's horn shined as she levitated a small spoon to Spike's mouth. “Here comes the train! Choo! Choo!”
“Goo!” Spike exclaimed as his mouth covered the spoon. Twilight giggled as she watched her little friend chew the food with glee. Her horn continued to glow as she kept giving him more and more food. After a small meal, Twilight cleaned his face and took him out of high chair.
“Okay Spike. Why don't you read a book with me? Princess Celestia wants me to read this book over some Starswirl the Bearded's exploits in Eastern Equestira...”
“Book.”
“Yes. Now, let me get the book and...” Twilight paused as her head slowly turned to the baby dragon. “Uh...Spike. What did you...”
“Book.”
Twilight's jaw dropped as heard those words escape Spike's mouth. “Spike...did...did...did...you just...”
“Book.”
Twilight rushed up and hugged Spike in the tightest hug possible. “You just said your first word! And it's book! I can't believe it!”
“Goo! Goo!”
“Wait-no! Don't say goo! Say book! Say book again!”
“Gah!”
“No! Aw...” Twilight slumped down as her hug slowly released. “Why do I get the feeling you'll only say it when I don't ask...” A small tear shined in Twilight's eye as she put herself back up. “Oh well, I'm just happy you said your first word Spike.”
“Goo!”
“Yeah, I know. Say...” Twilight rubbed her chin. “We should tell everypony about this! I mean, this is big Spike! You just said your first word and...who do we tell first?”
“Gah! Gah!” Spike said as he bent over and looked at Twilight's pile of books.
“Hmm? What is it Spike?” Twilight looked at the pile and saw a certain in book there. “You think we should tell Sunset first?”
“Goo!”
“Okay...” Twilight levitated the book in front of them. “I usually wait for Sunset to respond to me but...I'm sure she won't mind.” Twilight turned to Spike and shined a smile. “What do you think Spike? Should we tell her first?”
“Book!”
“Hey!”
Meanwhile...
'Let's see here...' thought Sunset as she looked down the bookcase. Her eyes grew a bit as she found the book she was looking for. 'Here we go! Music theory.'
Her hand pulled the book out and she sat down at the nearby table. She put her bag on the table and opened the book with a slight pause. 'Let's see...'
BZZZT!
'Hmm?' thought Sunset as she turned to her bag. 'That's odd...Twilight usually doesn't write to me.' She grabbed the book out and looked around the library. 'Okay...no one's looking. Let's see what's up with Twilight.'
As she opened the book, the words glowed and appeared in front of Sunset. But those weren't the only eyes that saw the glowing words. Behind the bookcase that Sunset had pulled the book from, a pair of eyes saw the glowing words as Sunset began to respond. The individual's mind began to reel.
'Wha...what am I looking at?!'