Based off the Phineas and Ferb episode, "Dude, We're Getting the Band Back Together"
Night Light forgets his wedding anniversary, so Twilight, Spike and Shinning Armor help him make it up to Twilight Velvet by getting their favorite band together for a reunion concert.
Based off the Phineas and Ferb episode, "Dude, We're Getting the Band Back Together"
Yes! Here's yet another fic based off of Phineas and Ferb. This time with Twilight and Spike as our main lead, and Shinning Armor as Cadence.
It was a lovely Thursday morning at Canterlot. Ponies were making their way through town, going through their busy schedules. Aristocrats to lower classes walk among the streets, shopping or doing their daily chores. Others making their way through for appointments or social events. Near the center of it all was the Suburbs of Canterlot, not upper class ponies but not lower class either. In one of those houses is the residents of the Sparkle household, home of Twilight Velvet, a beige unicorn with gray mane with a light purple stripe, a wife and who's a royal astrologist, Night Light, a light blue unicorn with dark blue mane, a husband of Velvet and who's also a royal astrologist, Shinning Armor, a white teenage male unicorn with a flashy blue mane and who's working on becoming a royal guard someday, but for now is simply a high school student, Twilight Sparkle, the youngest and most powerful purple unicorn with the same mane as her mothers but it's purple with a pink stripe, who's Princess Celestia's personal student and their newest additions, Spike, a green and purple dragon who's being raised by young Twilight herself.
This morning seemed like any other. It was summer vacation so the children didn't need to go to school and both parents had the day off today since they both worked at the same job. Shinning Armor was sitting upside down on the couch texting Cadance, Twilights babysitter and Shining's crush, with a large goofy grin on his face. His crush wasn't exactly the most subtle, even Cadance herself had her suspections, the only one who was completely oblivious to the romance was probably Twilight. She would always think it was his teen aged hormones that she read about in an anatomy book for male bodies before her mother took it away out of pure horror, for reasons Twilight didn't really understand, that were the cause every time he talks goofy around her or acts strange when somepony mentions love or Cadence like blushing or fidgeting like he needed to use the washroom.
Twilight didn't really understand emotions that well, what she did understood was books. She simply adored books! Big books, small books, magic books, science books, fictional books, math books, history books, educational books, cook books, menus, dictionaries, even magazines she finds under her brothers bed. If it has words on paper, she would read it with glee and vigor. At this very moment, the small filly is reading a large book on the coffee table. During most of the summer Twilight was reading books at the same place, only moving when she has to eat, sleep, use the washroom or when her friends come over to play. She finished her required reading list before the school even ended so now she's working on next years summer reading list. Before her parents would try to persuade her away from her books to go play outdoors, but she would first say that it was really important that she read ahead but if she didn't she would eventually get behind, and if she got behind then she would fail school, and she failed school princess Celestia would laugh and she wouldn't be her personal student anymore, and if she wasn't her personal student anymore then she will be sent to magic kindergarten, and if she was sent to magic kindergarten then-and then the parents had to stop a hyperventilating filly from passing out and stopped asking her all together.
Spike was happily curled up in Twilights lap, snoring happily in his position. Ever since Twilight hatched him he has been inseparable from Twilight since. Sleeping with her, eating with her and following her around happily. It was obvious that the little drake loved Twilight like a mother, and she is the only one who can console him when really upset. Her parents once asked about this to Celestia if this was normal and she assured them that Spike is simply doing what all little dragons do around their mother and would grow out of it when older. Since he was still young, he couldn't speak that well and couldn't walk long distances before collapsing in exhaustion, so he would always ride Twilights back.
Twilight gave him a small scratch behind the ear distractedly as she turned the next page with her magic, placing her doll Smarty Pants, her favorite toy that Celestia gave to her during their first week of school, on top of the page to hold it down. She was about to start the next page when her parents caught her attention. Velvet was walking past the room, piking up her things with a scowl on her face, Night Light close behind with a confused look on his face.
"So you really don't know what day it is?" Velvet asked, using her magic to put her purse on. The father shrugged.
"I told you, it's Thursday." he replied, though getting more nervous as his wife's gaze intensified.
"It is more than just another Thursday, Night Light." Velvet argued, seemingly not pleased by his response. Night gulped nervously, not knowing what's going on.
"Then it must be...the day I realized how cute you are when you're angry?" he tried, but by seeing the deadpan look his wife was giving him he knows she isn't buying it. Twilight turned to her brother, seeing if he can explain her the situation, but he looked as annoyed as her mom was as he rolled over and walked to the kitchen, going unnoticed to the bickering couple. Velvet huffed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"I'm going to get my hair done. I'll be back at 2." she turned around, making sure to hit the blue unicorn in the face with her tail. "Maybe you can figure it out before I get home." With that, she stormed off, slamming the door in the process, causing Spike to wake up abruptly. Twilight picked up the groggy drake and walked over to her father. Night Light sighed as leaned against the wall, rubbing his cheek.
"Oh, I wonder what all the fuss is about." he muttered, looking at the closed door in confusion.
"Ahem."
Both turned to see Shinning with the same annoyed expression as before, the kitchen calendar in his magic. He pointed at a certain date that was circled in red.
"June 15th." he said, but at his fathers still confused expression, he groaned. "It's your wedding anniversary!" Even though Night Light is a very smart stallion, it took him one, two, three blinks before finally reacting. His eyes bulged as he smacked himself on the forehead in devastation.
"Ooh! Oh no! Wait, wait! I can fix this!" Quickly he ran past the kids and turned right, into his personal study. Both children stared at their father with surprise.
"Gee, Shinny, isn't this a lot of fuss to make over a date?" Twilight asked. She knew how dates were important. She would stress on them for hours before hoof and show up at least an hour just to be sure she wasn't late. But for things like anniversaries, it simply just confused her. Shinning Armour gasped dramatically, placing a hoof over his chest in shock, a little overzealous in Twilights opinion but she didn't said it out loud.
"Are you kidding? Anniversaries are very important." he exclaimed before flipping through the calendar. " Take June, for example. On the 3rd, Candace spoke to me for the first time back in the 7th grade." he flipped through some more. "May 6th, she brushed up against me in the hall. Oh!" he flipped pages once more before stopping at another date. "And April 3rd - that's the day she laughed so hard, milk came out of her nose!" he gave a girlish giggle, staring at the calendar fondly. "She looked so cute." he sighed, stroking the calendar. Twilight blinked, still confused. She waved a hoof in front of his face, only to get no reaction. Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes, she hated when her brother zoned out on her, which was often. She turned to Spike. "Stupid hormones." she told him, to which he nodded in agreement. He didn't know what hormones was but he was happy to agree with her whenever asked.
Twilight walked past her sappy brother and was about to go back to her book when she paused, glancing back at her fathers study. Twilight really didn't like her fathers study. It was always messy, something that really bugged her, and her father refused to organize it properly. It was clear that she got her organisation skills from her mother, something her father liked to point out a lot. Her mothers office is always neat, tidy and organised, while her fathers is messy, unorganized and somewhat smelly to be honest. That's why she only goes into his office if its really important. Twilight shook her head.
"I'm sure he's fine." she muttered to herself, turning away from the door only to come face to face with Smarty Pants.
"Oh come on, don't give me that look."
The doll stared back at her, unmoving.
"Daddy's a smart pony, he'll be fine." she said, stomping her hoof. "Besides, you know how I hate daddy's office."
Smarty just leaned over to the right, button eyes still going against pleading purple ones. Twilight turned up the charms, something she theorized and proved that it worked on at least 80% of the population she tried on (which was 5 ponies), she puckered her bottom lip, fluttering her eyelashes.
"Please don't make me go."
The staring contest lasted only a few seconds before Twilight looked away with a huff.
"Ok, ok, enough with the third degree, I'm going." She sent one last glare before turning to Spike. "Come on, lets go see."
Twilight walked to the door and hesitated before taking a deep breath and walking in. Papers and documents were scattered around the room and floor. The desk full of telescope parts and some dirty plates were left carelessly on his couch. Night Light was currently rummaging through his library, looking for anything to pass off as an anniversary gift.
"Hey, Dad, can we help?" she asked, making her way towards him on the tip of her hooves, trying to avoid touching the mess. Night sighed, finally giving up on his fruitless search and slumped against his library.
"Well, I'm afraid not, unless you can perform miracles." he sighed, racking a hoof through his disheveled mane.
"What's your budget?" she joked, hopping to lighten the mood a bit. He gave her a small chuckle before sighing once more.
"Tell me, what would you get a special mare on her anniversary?" Twilight opened her mouth to answer books, 'when in doubt go with books' is her motto, when she was interrupted.
"Oh, please!" Shinning, now out of his drooling stupor, was making away through the mess with ease. "Asking her for romantic advice?" he said, pointed a hoof at Twilight and ignoring the undignified'Hey!' plus the low growl of a protective dragon. "Now that's just pathetic. Don't you and Mom have any cherished memories?" he asked. His father brightened at that.
"Oh, yes. I've got just the thing in here." he said, levitating his toolbox he uses to build his telescopes and begins rummaging around. Shinning couldn't but face hoof.
"He keeps his treasured memories in a toolbox." he muttered under his breath. With a successful 'Aha!', the father lifted out a CD.
"Your mother's favorite band. Magic Love." he sighed, remembering that night as clear as if it were yesterday.
The band was in the middle of a love ballad. Their was a drummer, a blue unicorn with a spiky black mane and wearing sunglasses and a skin tight flashy suit, the bassist, a powder blue earth pony with an amazing white mane and wearing a dark blue head ban, a big belt and dark eyeliner, and the lead singer and guitarist, a brown unicorn with a dark brown mullet and wearing a bright red scarf, an ear ring on his right ear and purple pants.
"I bought us tickets to their farewell concert. Oh, we were a handsome, stylish couple back in those days."
He remembered himself with curly mane, black eyeliner and a red leather vest and Velvet in pigtails, wearing many glow sticks and a cute hot pink leather dress. They were in a huge crowd, who were all cheering at Magic Love. He also remembered what happened during the love ballad.
"So which lucky couple out there will be caught in our flamin' hot spotlight of love?" said the lead singer as a pink heart shaped spotlight traveled through the crowd before landing on two surprised young couple.
"I'd never so much as held your mother's hoof, but that night, I made my move." Of course he lied a bit in that detail, in reality he was just incredibly confused during that situation, not knowing what to do.
"Well, don't just stand there, man. Kiss her." the guitarist shouted. Young Night Light looks up at the rocker, still confused, but before he could so much a speak, Velvet leaned in and kissed him on the mouth. At first he froze in shock before slowly melting into the kiss. Even though the crowds cheers were deafening, he could still hear the song the band was playing that became their song all these years later.
"You snuck your way right into my heart!"
Night Light sighed, clutching the CD to his chest. Shinning was on the verge of tears while Twilight simply smiled, Spike bored on her back
"Truly that was an evening I will never, ever forget."
"But you did forget, didn't you?" Twilight responded, which earned a smack of a tail from Shinning. "Hey!" Both she and Spike glared at the older sibbling, not appreciating the smack. Night Light groaned, oblivious of the sibbling stand off.
"But Magic Love broke up years ago. Some things can never be recaptured." With a dejected sigh, he got up, gave the CD to Twilight and walked out of his office. While Shinning stared at his father sadly, Twilight was currently deep in thought. Both siblings walked out and back to the living room, Twilight still in deep thought . At this moment she knew that their was two important variables. Both of her parents are upset. If added time, they would get even more upset. Twilight did the math in her head, playing out different scenarios and see which resolution would be the right one. Suddenly, one equation popped into her head. It seemed hard, but plausible, and if it worked it would make both of them very happy.
"That's it!" she shouted, scaring her brother. She picked Spike up, smiling brightly at him. "I know what we're gonna do! We're gonna make it their best anniversary ever." Spike licked her happily, cooing in excitement. Twilight giggled and placed him back on her back, giving him a nuzzle in the process. She turned to pick up her doll and book before pausing in confusion."Hey, where's Smarty?" she looked around before shrugging. Smarty often disappeared on her but she always came back so Twilight didn't question it much.
Twilight turned and went up to her room, Shinning Armor close behind, curious on what she came up with. Twilight entered her room and placed her book back into its proper place on one of her many bookshelves. She skimmed through her books before stopping at R. She looked through them before finding what she was looking for.
"Ah! 'Rock Ages Through Out History'" Twilight took in out and placed it on her desk, Shinning and Spike looking over her shoulders curiously.
"Why do you even have that one?" Shinning asked. Twilight simply shrugged, opening it to the Glossary.
"It looked interesting." she responded, going to the M's. "Magic Love page 265." Quickly with her magic she turned it the the correct page.
"Oh cool it has pictures." Shinning commented. Twilight simply rolled her eyes and cleared her throat before reading.
"For a moment, their ballad, "Snuck Your Way Into My Heart", snuck its way to number one and stayed there for 11 consecutive minutes. But whatever happened to Magic Love? The band was riding high, but tastes were changing, and Magic Love found itself playing smaller and smaller venues. Pressures from a dwindling fan base caused in-fighting among the band members. Lines were drawn. Then lines were crossed. Eventually the lines were erased, and the piece of paper crumpled up and thrown away, and Magic Love was no more. Years later, Magic Love's music continues to warm the hearts of an appreciative public. Bass player Hoity Toity now runs a trendy hair and fashion salon, drummer Neon Lights works quietly at the public library, and only lead singer Jeff Letrotski is still a player in the music industry. "
At the bottom of the page showed three pictures. One of a Fashion and hair salon with a sign that reads Hoity Toity Fabulous Hair and Clothes, a library that Twilight didn't recognized, which was surprising since Twilight knew a lot of libraries and a music store that read Jeffs Music Store. Shinning pointed at the third one.
"I've seen that sign. It's down on Mane Street." Twilight beamed happily as she turned to her brother.
"We'll get him to sing for Mom! Ready, team?" she stuck out her her hoof eagerly, and while Spike happily joined, the white unicorn scoffed.
"Team? Oh, no, I am not getting involved in your crazy scheme."
"Come on BBBFF. For true love?" She blinks at him pleadingly, and all though his front weakened, he still stayed stubborn. She sighed, dropping her charms and giving him a flat look.
"I'll do your summer reading list." she said. This seemed to persuade him as he groaned and reluctantly placed a hoof on her and Spikes claw. Twilight cheered.
"Alright, Shinny, you keep Mom away from the house. We'll go get Jeff." With an nod and a salute, he ran out with a determined look on his face. Without wasting time, she packed her bag with essentials; a map, her emergency cellphone, the CD, some extra change, a notebook and a pencil. With a nod she levitated Spike off her back, much to his displeasure, and placed her saddlebag on, before placing Spike back on. Happily he hummed contentedly, nuzzling the back of her neck, causing her to giggle.
"You can't stay away from me for 5 seconds can't you?" Spike shook his head vigorously, giving her a big fat lick behind her ear, causing her to squeal in surprise. "SPIKE" she whined, levitating a handkerchief and wiping off the saliva. Spike simply giggled, resuming to nuzzling her happily. With a sigh and a roll of her eyes, she packed an extra pack of tissues and left her room. As she descended the stairs, she paused as she saw her father hunched over a cookbook.
"Ooh, perhaps a fancy meal will make things up." he muttered to himself, causing Twilight to wince. When it comes to cooking, he is absolutely awful at it.
"Hey, Dad, we're gonna throw a rock concert in the backyard, okay?" she called out, walking past the kitchen. Night Light simply waved a distracted hoof.
"Yes. Well, be careful." he mumbled, skimming through the cook for an easy recipe. Twilight exited the house and closed the door behind her. She took a deep breath before sighing it out.
"Come on, Spike. We have one stop to do first before going to Jeffs."
Twilight stood patiently, tapping her hoof in waiting at the door, Spike batting at her mane playfully. Finally, the door opened, revealing a small blue unicorn filly with white and blue mane tied in a side ponytail. Twilight gave an awkward wave.
"Hi Minuette." The filly in question blinked in surprise before a huge grin appeared on her face, her eyes sparkling. Twilight braced herself.
"TWILIGHT!!" she squealed happily before tackling her in a huge bear hug, turning both Twilight and Spike a lovely shade of blue.
"Can't.... breath..." she squeaked out.
"Oops!" Minuette giggled, letting both of them go and allowing them to catch their breath. "Sorry! It just that I haven't seen you in like FOREVER! Well not exactly like FOREVER but it felt like FOREVER! And now you're here with out me asking and this so cool and I just got so excited because you were there and like I haven't seen you in like FOR-"
Twilight quickly used her magic to close her friends mouth shut.
"It's good to see you too." Twilight said before letting go of her muzzle. Minuette giggled again.
"So what's up?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
"Well, my father forgot his anniversary" she ignored Minuette's dramatic gasp "An I'm trying to help him out by reforming my parents favorite band, Magic Love, back together."
Minuette shook her rump excitedly. "Oooh I really like this idea!" Twilight giggled at her friends enthusiasm.
"Thought you would, anyways, I was wondering if your Filly Guide group is still looking for your construction badge?" Minuette nodded quickly.
"Yeppydooddles! And it's a real toughy though! No one knows what to build or where!" she raised an eyebrow at Twilight. "Why do you ask?"
"Well if I'm going to reform a rock group, I'm going to need something for them to play on..." Twilight trailed off, hoping Minuette would catch on. Thankfully she did as she gasped excitedly, rump wiggling intensified.
"You don't mean..." Twilight chuckled.
"Will your troupe like to build a stage in my backyard?" The reaction was immediate as Minuette tackled Twilight and Spike into a second bear hug, causing them to go blue once more.
"Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" she gushed, squeezing them hard as possible.
"Loosing... oxygen... again...." Twilight gasped, Spike simply nodding in agreement. Minuette let go quickly, causing the two to take another gulp of air.
"Oops sorry!" Minuette giggled, clapping her hooves excitedly. "I can't wait to tell everypony! It's gonna be the bestest stage ever!!!" Twilight cringed as she held back the urge to correct her friends grammar and simply nodded.
"Thank you," she replied instead. "Make sure to have it done in my backyard for tonight." Minuette gave a mock salute, a silly grin splattered on her face.
Shinning Armor was trotting like a stallion on a mission, which technically he was. He remembered something about gatting her mane done this morning but he wasn't sure, so he is going to all her favorite hang outs that he knew of just to be sure. The whole time he didn't break his concentration, not for any thing or any one.
"Hi Shinny!"
Almost every one.
Shinning spun around to see the most beautiful angel he has ever seen. Pink fur, yellow and pink swirled mane tied with an aqua blue , glossy bubble gum pink wings and a long pink horn to boot. Every time he saw her he felt like he's falling in love all over again. He could only wish that this mare of his dreams would fall for him as well.
"H-hi C-Cadance!"
But stuttering isn't going to help.
Cadance giggled at his love sick look, finding it completely adorable to watch as he fumbled to find words. She decided to help him out.
"I was just going to Donut Joes to meet up with some friends, do you perhaps want to join?" Of course he wanted to say yes, to go with her, chat and have fun, maybe walk her home, when its late at night, and when they reach her house he would smoothly lean in and...
His train of thought stopped abruptly when he noticed his mom cross the street. Apparently it would seem she took the scenic root to the hair stylist. For a split second he thought of ditching the operation and go with Cadance to chat and have fun, maybe walk her home, when its late at night, and when they reach her house he would smoothly lean in and...
"I'm sorry Cadance, I can't." Even though he looked nonchalant on the outside (or so he thought), on the inside he was bawling his eyes out. Cadance slumped disappointingly.
"Oh, may I ask why?" Shinning sighed.
"You're gonna laugh." he said. Cadance raised her eyebrow curiously.
"Try me." Shinning hesitated for a second before rolling his eyes with a groan.
"My sister and I are reforming Magic Love for a concert in our backyard."
"Magic Love!?" Cadance squeaked, surprising the stallion. "That's my favorite band!!!" Shinning Armors eyes widened.
"No way!" Then an idea struck. "You know you can come if you want!" Cadance gasped excitedly.
"Really!? That's so awesome!" she paused though, remembering something. "But I promised my friends I was going to hang with them today, I barely get to see them with all the princessey things and all..."
"They can come too!"
"What?"
"What?"
Both teens stared at each other, while the pink one looking happily surprised, the white one was shocked to say the least.
She just looked so sad! Why did I say that?!
"Did I forgot to mention it was a party?" he tried, giving a nervous shrug.
Twily is going to kill me!
"Really?" Cadance asked with big hopeful eyes.
"Apparently." Cadance quickly tackled him into a hug, squealing excitedly.
Worth it.
"This is the best! Thank you so much!" she pulled back, much to his disappointment. "So who else is coming?"
Or not.
"Uh.... Everypony!" Cadance blinked in surprise.
"Everypony?" Shinning nodded, sweating bullets at the same time.
"Y-yeah! Everypony! Spread the word wide and far to anypony who has an ear! Fly with your pretty wings of yours and fly all over Canterlot! Make posters! Build billboards! Scream it out loud! The Sparkle residents are having a rock-'n'-roll party!" he turned his head and noticed his mother turning the corner. "Got to go!"
And with that he left, not noticing that he left a crowd of excited looking ponies and one blushing alicorn.
After leaving Minuette's, both Twilight and Spike walked to their first destination.
"Jeff's Music Store." Twilight said out loud, reading the sign of the building in front of them. The filly smiled happily, shaking the small drake on her back. "Spike, this looks like the place."
Both of them walked in, taking in the store. All sorts of different colors and genres of music was plastered on the wall of the store. Different instruments were hung on the wall or on the floor. There was a sofa on the right of the room, a small stage on the left with lights and special effects, a counter in the back an one singular shelf with what it seemed to be bowling trophies. A young colt, slightly older then her brother, was currently trying out one of the guitars, playing a jazzy tune. It wasn't exactly bad but she could tell he was still learning.
"No. No. No. No. No." Twilight jumped as a large brown stallion walked into the room, interrupting the adolescent pony from his guitar playing. It took her a second before realizing that this was the stallion she was looking for. He clearly aged a bit, his mane grew longer and he now has a goatee also Twilight could tell he added a few pounds over the years, but other then that he still looked like the Jeff from the CD cover. Jeff took the guitar away from the teen with his magic, giving him a stern look to him.
"This is a rock-'n'-roll guitar for rock-'n'-roll music." he said, hanging the guitar back onto the stand. The teen, clearly unamused, rolled his eyes.
"Whatever." he replied, turning away and heading towards the door, not noticing Twilight and Spike as he walked by them.
"Okay, run. The power of rock too scary for you, I see." Jeff mocked with a roll of the eyes of his own. He paused, however, when he noticed a small filly and dragon standing in front of him. Nervously she opened her saddle bag and took out the Magic Love CD, much to his surprise.
"Uh, you must be Jeff Letrotski of Magic Love, right?" she asked awkwardly, hoping not to get him mad. Jeff simply chuckled, finding her extremely cute.
"Always an honor to be recognized by my fans." he said, ruffling Twilight. This actions caused her to loosen up a bit as she gave a small chuckle as well. "Hey, aren't you a little young to be fans of Magic Love?" Twilight nodded, straightening her mane as she placed the CD back into her bag.
"Yes, we are, but our parents aren't." she jumped as the door slammed shut. Apparently the teen just left. "Don't you think you were a little tough on that guy?" she asked, watching him leave past the window. Jeff simply scoffed, waving a hoof in the air.
"Oh, he'll be back... when the spirit of rock calls him!" he yelled that last part, causing Twilight and Spike to wince at the volume.
"Wow, you sure are passionate about rock-'n'-roll." she said, rubbing her ears until they popped. Jeff, unaffected, smiled fondly.
"Well, it's only my life. Sit down, I'll tell you a little story." Twilight gasped happily as she sat down eagerly in front of the stage. She absolutely LOVED stories! Using his magic, he picked an instrument and turned on the lights and special effects. Suddenly, everything was in black and white. Jeff stood on his hind hooves as he started the first few notes of a song that Twilight immediately recognized as the blues.
♪ When I was a colt, down in Manehattan, ♪
♪ I heard a stallion playing blues, oh, what a wonderful hymn, ♪
♪ He had an old guitar, but not a dollar to his name, ♪
♪ Making music so sad, but he was happy just the same, ♪
♪ He gave me a wink, and said: "Son, let me share the news, ♪
♪ If you want a happy life, you gotta learn to sing the blues!"♪
The lights and color changed into something more livelier. Now he started playing a 50's Boogie-Woogie.
♪ I asked my daddy for a guitar, ♪
♪ Oh, I begged and I plead, ♪
♪ I said I wanted to play the blues, and he just nodded his head, ♪
♪ Daddy said when he was my age, ♪
♪ "Boogie-Woogie" was the thing, ♪
"♪ Just take the blues, throw out your hip, and add a little swing! ♪" Twilight sang along, causing Jeff to grin.
♪ Ah, music has the power, that without it, he'd a-sworn ♪
♪ That he'd a never met my mom and I'd a-never been born ♪
He went onto his back as he played a guitar solo, clearly enjoying himself, as the colors swirled around them
"So what's this?" Twilight asked, curious as ever.
"This is Psychedelia. It's where the guitar solo came from." he replied, getting up from the floor some how while he's still playing.
"No, I mean what's with all the colors?" The music suddenly stops as Jeff looks at his surroundings in confusion.
"I have no idea."
Trying to regain momentum, he quickly changed styles and color once more into Funk music.
♪ Ha! ♪
♪ I kept learning ♪
♪ All the powers my guitar had ♪
♪ I made it go "walka-walka" ♪
♪ 'Till it was so good it was bad ♪
"♪ Just make a face, and stomp that bass, ♪" Twilight joined, stomping her hooves to the rhythm. Even though she can't dance it doesn't mean she can't keep rhythm.
"♪ You can make that rhythm bump ♪
♪ But this is just the blues, but in a way that makes you wanna shake your rump! ♪" Twilight and Spike laughed as they wiggled their rumps, Jeff laughed as well as he continued.
"♪ I can make you clap your hooves ♪"
All three of them clapped.
♪ I can make you get up and dance ♪
♪ If you wanna shake your booty, my friend, ♪
♪ You gotta give the funk a chance! ♪
All of a sudden Jeff changed his music and lights to Rock Metal. Twilight jumped at first but bashed her head along with Spike.
♪ Metal! ♪
♪ Pound your hooves in the air! ♪
♪ Metal! ♪
♪ Bang your head full of hair! ♪
♪ It's crunchy, and it's nasty, full of bad attitude, ♪
"♪ Your parents will think you're crazy, your neighbors will think you're rude ♪" Twilight sang, knowing from experience because of Shinning loving this type of music at full blast.
♪ Believe it or not, it's all the blues again; ♪
♪ You just add a little fuzz and turn your amp up to 10! ♪
♪ Music has the power to change your life, ♪
♪ Forever! ♪
Jeff played one more guitar sole, finish his story with one more note.
♪ Shuh! ♪
The lights stopped, turning the room back to normal. Twilight cheered loudly, stomping her hooves on the ground while Spike whistled. Happy by the positive review, bowed dramatically.
"Thank you, thank you." he said, as if facing a giant crowd once again.
"You know," Twilight said, getting his attention mid-bow. "our parents fell in love at one of your concerts." This seemed to over joy him.
"See? Music does change lives." he replied, placing the guitar away. Twilight and Spike shared a quick look before the purple filly build up the confidence.
"Well, how'd you like to sing for our parents' wedding anniversary?" She saw Jeffs back freeze and at first, she thought he might refuse or laugh in her face, but was relieved when he turned around with an ecstatic grin on his hairy face.
"That'd be righteous dude!" His grin slipped though. "But good luck getting the other guys."
"Who can resist the power of rock-'n'-roll?" she joked, cheering Jeff up a bit as he gave a small chuckled.
"Magic Love reunion. Rock on, little dudes." he called out as they started to leave after they gave him their home address. With a wave good bye, Spike and Twilight was about to leave when the teen from before came bursting in with a look in his eyes as Twilight can only describe as inspiration. The teen grabbed the guitar and placed it on the stage next to Jeff.
"The spirit of rock'n'roll has called out to me!" he exclaimed, taking out his wallet. Jeff sent a wink to Twilight before looking at the teen smugly.
Twilight Velvet was surprised at first when her son came to her completely out of breath, asking if he can spend the day with her. While she was skeptical at first, she decided to just let him join her. Not only did it give her a companion but it also took her mind off her 'too-forgetful-for-his-own-good-and-will-be-sleeping-on-the-couch-tonight' husband.
They both entered the salon and Shinning held back a groan. On the right their was a high class salon with a hair dryers, sinks and high chairs. Currently most of the chairs had either young or middle aged mares getting their manes done by stylist. On the left was filled with fashion attires from hats, to shoes, to dresses, to accessories. Different colors of clothing in style and À la mode filled the other half with more young to middle aged mares, some getting help by the occasional stylist. As far as he knew, he was the only stallion here.
Both of them checked in and Velvet sat down in a chair, a bib wrapped around her neck as she lazily flipped through a magazine.
"So I wonder what new look Hoity Toity has envisioned for me this time. You know, he was in my favorite band - Magic Love." Shinning Armor froze, eyes going wide.
Oh no.
"Magic Love?" he asked, making sure he heard her right.
Unfortunately he did.
"He doesn't like anyone to talk about it, though..." Shining's phone rang. Discretely he checked it, showing Twilights and Spike face smushed together with silly smiles on his screen. He gulped nervously.
"...so don't bring it up." Velvet finished, not noticing her sons discomfort.
"Uh, I gotta take this. " he said pointing to his phone. After he got to a good distance, he accepted the call but still in a hush tone. "How's it going?" he whispered.
"We got Jeff Letrotski." she replied happily as she skipped on the side walk, Spike bouncing happily with each step she took. Twilights phone was in her magic next to her ear as she walk effortlessly through the crowd of ponies, their destination up close. "Now we're gonna convince Hoity Toity." However, Shinning didn't look as happy.
"Wait. Hoity Toity is Mom's hairdresser. Where are you right now?" He heard the door jingle open.
"Walking in the front door of Hoity's salon-"she froze as both she and Shinning made eye contact. "Oh." Shinning hung up as he quickly joined them, making sure they were out of moms view.
"You doofuses!" he whispered/shouted. "Mom's gonna see you and wonder what you're up to!" Twilight gave him a pleading look.
"You gotta keep Mom distracted while we talk to Hoity." she didn't leave room to argue as she and Spike both left to the receptionist. With a frustrated growl, he turned to his mom with an anxious smile.
"Say, Mom, maybe we should get you ready for Hoity." he said, swiveling her chair back into the sink. Velvet gasped in shock, dropping her magazine.
"Shinning Armor, what are you doing?" she demanded.
I am so getting grounded for this.
With a flick of his magic, he turned on the water, obscuring her view.
"You look like you need some conditioner!" he said, pouring half a tub of conditioner in his mothers hair, causing bubbles and blocking her view even more.
"Shinning!" she shouted, though slightly muffled by the bubbles, as she struggled against his very strong grip.
"Hurry up, hurry up, hurry up!" he muttered anxiously as he looked at his baby sister and her dragon.
Twilight and Spike walked up to the high desk, having to stand on her hind hooves in order to look at the receptionists face. The mare in question looked back at the small unicorn with a bored look.
"Do you have an appointment?" she asked, voice monotone. Twilight gave a sheepish grin, her social awkwardness returning at full force.
"Uh, no. We're here to see Hoity. You know, the bass player from the band Magic Love." Twilight replied, levitating the CD as evidence. Both Twilight and Spike jumped in surprise when the whole salon gasped in shock, except for Shinning Armor and Velvet who the only sound that was heard from them was muffled screaming. At first Twilight thought she said something wrong, but before she could ask what, the back curtains opened dramatically, causing another round of gasps. Right away Twilight recognized him as Hoity Toity. Mane still white and fabulous as before and from the looks of it, it looked like he hasn't aged since the band. The only difference was the cuffs around his ankles, the tie and collar, and the large mirror sunglasses he wore on his face. In a stylish strut, Hoity Toity came forward, passing by all the nervous looking mares and stylists. Shining Armor swiveled around his mom, trying hard to block Hoity view. If he noticed the near drowning mare, he simply didn't care as he walked straight to the small purple filly and the baby dragon on her back. Eyes hidden behind sunglasses, he looked down in disdain. Twilight tried not to bolt as she stared at her own reflection in his glasses.
"Reception," he called, not taking his eyes off the one who dared speak about his past in his presence. "who are these little ponies?" The receptionist shrugged, seemingly more awake then before.
"I don't know, sir." she replied. Hoity examined them one more time before turning away with a sniff.
"You're a mess." he declared, causing Twilight scared face get replaced with a flat unamused look. "Also..." he waved a hoof at Spike, who looked ready to strike at any second. "Dragon Chic is so last month." Twilight and Spike both shared a breif unimpressed look before Twilight took a deep breath. She got one rock star to join, she's going to finish what she started. "We're trying to get Magic Love back together." she said, bravely looking at Hoity with a determined look. She was about to continue, only to get interrupted with an indignant huff.
"Oh, for Celestia's sake, talk to the hoof." He dramatically placed his right hoof in her face, causing her and Spike to lean back in order to not get hit. She glared at it before leaning left, looking at the stallion with a raised eyebrow.
"You see," she continued, slowly moving his large hoof out of her personal space. "the first time my dad kissed my mom was at a Magic Love concert. And it's their anniversary-" Hoity interrupted again, much to her seething displeasure. She felt like she was about to burst into flames at any moment if he continued.
"B to the O-R-I-N-G." he declared, dramatically flipping his mane, turning away of the small children. Spike growled, mouth smoking as he prepared to pounce of the stallion, only to be held back by Twilight. She raised a hoof, making him pause of his pouncing position. Twilight was determine to reason with the overzealous stallion, she was a filly of wits after all, not of violence.
"Not yet, Spike." she whispered to the small drake. If he still wouldn't listen, then she will let Spike free. Twilight opened her mouth, another argument at the tip of her tongue, only to get interrupted again by Hoity.
"Anyway, you don't need me." he said with a saddened look. Her eyes widened in surprise, for the first time today, the earth pony looked much more mature to Twilight. "I just play bass in the background." Hoity sighed, removing his glasses and looked at his own reflection from them. "Nobody even remembers me." He placed his shades back on with a solemn look. An idea popped in Twilights head. If he's going to say yes, then she'll need to convince him that he was indeed loved. And she knew exactly how to persecute her plan, the same way she convinced Jeff to join.
"Are you kidding?" she exclaimed. Hoity jumped as he looked back at the now smiling filly. She walked up to him and patted at his shoulder encouragingly.
♪ I don't need to tell you what you already know, ♪
♪ You're the one with style, you're the whole darn show. ♪
♪ The other guys play their instruments fine, ♪
♪ But next to you, their looks are a crime. ♪
Distracted by the sudden musical number, Shining's grip loosened on his mother, allowing her to finally sit up.
"Shinning Armor!" she huffed angerly, her wet bangs obscuring her view. She was about to move them out of the away when something warm covered her head, muffling her surrounding once again.
"Hot towel!" Shining shrieked, placing the hot towel on top of his struggling mother. He mentally pleaded for Twily to hurry up. Hoity, obviously pleased of the ego boost, couldn't help to show off.
♪ Well, they say true beauty, it comes from within, ♪
♪ But you have to be comfortable in your own skin. ♪
♪ So I exfoliate with an exotic cream, ♪
♪ Just look at me: I look like a dream! ♪
He posed, causing the mares and stylists to sigh dreamily. It took all of Twilights will power not to roll her eyes.
"You have to admit, he looks pretty darn good." she commented to Spike with a good natured shrug.
Shining, once again distracted by the exaggerated posing, lost his grip on his mother, causing the towel to fall to leave a very damp and unamused Twilight Velvet.
"Shining Armor, what is going on?" she demanded, only to receive darkness as a response.
"Dry cycle!" he shouted, holding the hair dryer for dear life on top of his poor mother. Meanwhile, the ponies joined in on the motivational dance number.
♪ You're the one, yes, you're the star ♪
♪ We need you back on bass guitar ♪
♪ You're fabulous,♪ "I'm fabulous" he agreed, strutting around the room.
♪ You're fabulous,♪ "I'm fabulous!"
♪ You're the one we all can see, ♪
♪ It's all about you,♪ "It's all about me!" he exclaimed, posing as the mares sang.
♪ You're fabulous,♪ "I'm fabulous!"
♪ You're fabulous,♪ "I'm fabulous!" Hoity wrapped a hoof around Twilights shoulders, a pleased smile on his face.
♪ You know, no two ponies are like each other, ♪
♪ So don't be a look alike copying another, ♪
♪ Unless, of course, you're copying me, ♪
♪ 'Cause that gives you individuality! ♪
He winked at Twilight as he showed off his mane and clients, causing her to giggle.
"♪ Nice 'do! But back to the matter at hoof. ♪" Twilight sang, both her and Spike giving him their best puppy dog eyes and charming smiles. "♪ So what do you say, are you back in the band? ♪" Hoity paused, deep in thought as he rubbed a hoof under his chin
♪ "Well, maybe if I can find my old leather. ♪ "he responded, though to Twilight, it was the best answer he could ever give. She squealed, hugging Spike excitedly.
♪ Spike, we're getting the band back together! ♪ she cheered.
♪ You're the one who sets the bar, ♪
♪ The Hairdo King, the Fashion Czar, ♪
♪ You're fabulous ♪ "I'm fabulous!"
♪ You're fabulous ♪ "Oh I'm fabulous!"
♪ You're the one we all can see ♪
♪ It's all about you, ♪ "It's all about me!"
♪ You're fabulous, ♪ "I'm fabulous!"
♪ You're fabulous, ♪ "I'm fabulous!"
At the end of the dance number, Hoity stood in the middle of the room, practically preening with pride as the clients returned to their hair as if nothing happened. The only sounds filling the air was was the light chattering and the muffled screaming coming from Velvet's hair dryer, a sweaty Shining Armor still holding on strong. Hoity felt a tug on one of his cuffs and looked down to see the small unicorn levitating an address on a piece of paper.
Twilight was over the moon with excitement. Not physically of course, an impossible feat only told in her old fairytail stories. Still, Twilight couldn't help her good mood. Not only is she pulling it off, on schedule as well, but she's also going to a new library! She couldn't wait! Spike seems to be picking up on those good moves as he giggled as he bounced on her back. Twilight turned a corner, the library in view, when her cell rang. Pausing, she levitated her cell out of her bag to reveal Moondancer's cell number. Grinning, she answered.
"Hello? Moondancer?"
"Hello, Twilight." came her regular monotone reply. "How are you?" Twilight couldn't help but chuckle.
"Guess what band's getting back together." she asked, waiting to hear her guess.
"Magic Love?" Twilight eyebrows raised in surprised, before frowning skeptically. While she knew Moondancer was a brilliant filly, she also knew that she couldn't have guessed it that quickly.
"Uh, yeah. How'd you know?"
"It was the lead story on the 5:00 news." Twilight froze. This was a surprise to her, and she really hated surprises. She didn't have all the facts, but somehow she had a feeling this was Shining's fault.
"You surprise me sometimes Sparkle." Moondancer's voice surprised her once more.
"Why?" she asked, confuse by such statement.
"Wasting your time on regrouping a long forgotten band instead of catching up on your studies." Twilight gave a sheepish shrug, even though aware that Moondancer couldn't in fact see her.
"I admit it's slightly unorthodox of me but my parents needed help and this is the only plan I could have came up with on short notice." Moondancer hummed on the other line.
"I suppose I could understand from that view point. But what about the unknown variables." Twilight gulped nervously.
"Such as?" she asked, though aware of what Moondancer was about to say.
"What if the plans doesn't turn out as you would hope? The consequences can be dire! The town could hate you, your parents might not be happy, Celestia might be disappointed, your family might hate you, the band might sue you,-" As Moondancer started to note different possibilities, Twilight hyperventilated. Thousands of different scenarios played before her in her minds eye, on horrific scene after the next. Self-doubt started to fog Twilights mind and vision as she tried to reason with herself. Spike nudges and whining going to deaf ears as she tried to regain her senses. With all the possibilities of going wrong, was finishing her mission really worth the risk? In a last resort, Spike opened his maw and bit down on her left ear, causing her to snap out of it with a yelp.
"-the list is endless! With all these possibilities, this plan ending in success is basically improbable." Moondancer finished, unaware of the inner turmoil she just caused. Twilight blinked slowly, halting her scolding she was about to unleash on her baby drake at her words.
"Repeat that please."
"My list?" Twilight shook her head, again aware that Moondancer couldn't see her.
"No, just your last words." There was a pause, Twilight fretted that she might have hung up.
"With all these pausibilities, this plan ending in sucess is basically impraubable." Twilights smile grew.
"But not impossible." Twilight replied.
"Excuse me?" Moondancer asked, confusion laced in her voice.
"You said that it was improbable, not impossible." Twilight smiled smugly. There was her answer. That fact alone was why she was doing this right, she had probability on her side. Moondancer sputtered in surprise, not excepting that reply.
"B-but does that make it all worth it?" Twilight chuckled.
"No," she responded, smiling at the library up ahead, "but my parents do." There was another long silence on the other line before she heard a chuckle.
"You surprise me sometimes Sparkle." Moondancer repeated, "Well played." Twilight smiled smugly.
"Thank you. If you'd like you may see the final result tonight." Twilight offered, not forgetting the fact that all of Canterlot may be coming over.
"I believe I will politely pass on your offer." came the regular monotone reply. "However, while useless and unnecessary, I will bid you good luck." With that Moondancer hung up, no goodbyes shared as per Moondancer's regular pro-quo. Twilight chuckled as she hung up herself, placing her phone back in her bag.
"Don't need it," she said to herself, "for I have probability on my side." Two dragon eyes appeared in her view, causing the filly to giggle. "And you too Spike." She levitated the drake off her head and held him tight in a hug, much to his satisfaction as he hummed and lovingly nuzzled her chest. After a moment she finally removed herself from him and lifted him to eye level. Spike gave Twilight a toothless smile, much to her amusement.
"I am so happy you're still teething." she cooed, rubbing her nose against his. Cooing himself, he chomped on her snout, slobbering all over it. With an amused snort, Twilight removed herself a second time and placed him on her back. She levitated the tissues she packed and removed the slobber from her snout and ear. Once clean, she threw away the tissues and gave Spike one more thankful nuzzle.
"Thank you for snapping me out of it." she said, earning a loving babble and nuzzle from the drake. twilight pulled away abruptly and gave him a stern look. "But no more biting." she ordered. Spike nodded, giving her a sloppy salute. Twilight kept her stern look for a second longer before it got replaced by an excited grin.
"Who would have thought that a drummer from a rock-'n'-roll band would end up in a place so quiet?" From the books she read, they always mentioned that drummers were wild party animals who couldn't stay quiet. While she believed that everypony had a right to libraries, it was still hard to imagine a wild party animal in a quiet library.
The library itself wasn't that bad of shape. The walls, old and chipping, were colored in a dull beige while the carpet was a dark gray. There were rows of bookshelves filled with neatly filed books. While it was a small library, there were a few people reading books at the wooden tables and filling the rows, most of them being old mares. Twilight was surprised to notice a music room next door of the library, probably for clubs or other activities. It took all of Twilights self control not to delve into the books and begin a new journey of her choice. But she refrained, for she was a mare on a mission and she wasn't about to get side tracked again. Moondancer's call has put them slightly behind schedule but she was determine to regain lost time. As she walked through the library, searching for her drummer, her ears twitched at the small sounds that filled the quiet room, music to her ears really. Every rhythm and every beat that echoed through the room, indicating thee library was alive with life. She could get lost by the sounds alone. One sound in particular stood out, a repetitive sound that she knew well. Following the sound, she soon became faced with one of her favorite types of ponies, the librarian. Twilight paused though, taking in his sight. He did look oddly familiar. Suddenly it clicked.
"Say, could it be?" She levitated the CD, comparing the cover to the stallion behind the desk checking out books, a stamp in his magic. While he still had the same mane and fur color, as well as his signature glasses, that was where the similarities stopped. The mane style changed from its old spikiness, now flat and wavy on his head. And even though he was behind the desk, Twilight could tell that he's put on some weight since his rockin' roll ages. Twilight cautiously approached the sad looking stallion, sharing wary looks with Spike. This was possibly the first time she's ever been nervous to talk with a librarian and Twilight didn't like it one bit. Levitating the CD from her bag, she stood on her hind legs and cleared her throat, drawing the attention of stallion away from his consecutive beats.
"Pardon me. Would your name be Neon Lights, ex-drummer for the band Magic Love?" Twilight asked, giving him a winning smile. The stallion in question raised an eyebrow behind his sunglasses before returning to his stamping.
"That, my friend, was a past life. Why you asking?" he replied, not taking his eyes off his work. Twilight and Spike shared a confused look before Twilight got to the matter on hoof.
"Because they're reforming for one night only. It's a celebration of our parents' anniversary." she explained, giving Neon a pleading looks. Neon Lights however shook his head, still stamping away.
"Well, that sounds charming, kids, but I haven't played drums since the accident." Noticing their confused looks, the stallion elaborated. "Fell asleep in a metronome factory. When I awoke, I had completely lost my sense of rhythm. I've been hanging out here ever since." he finished gesturing to the library, before returning to his work. Twilight hummed in thought, observing the librarian at work. The story he just explained seemed reasonable, but it was obviously all psychological. Like Hoity Toity, the problem seemed only inside their own heads. If Twilight was going to convince him to join, she'd need to solve his doubts about himself. A tinkling sounds snapped her out of her thoughts, noticing that Spike has grabbed a medal tin full of pencils off of the desk. She was about to scold the small drake before pausing. While Twilight had a sense of rhythm, she noticed before that Spikes was much better. It seemed that he was proving that once again as he shook the can to a certain rhythm, joining to Neon's stamping of books. Suddenly an idea struck her. Once again, the library was going to solve her problems. All she had to do is another song and dance number. She nodded her head towards Spike, indicating him to continue what he was doing. Twilight took a small breath as she took in the natural rhythm of the library before leaning up on the desk again, catching the attention of Neon once more who was still keeping his steady rhythm.
♪ So you're saying that you don't have rhythm ♪
♪ But listen what you're doing right there ♪
♪ With that stamp and a book ♪
♪ You've got a real nice hook ♪
♪ Sounds to me like you've got rhythm to spare ♪
Although Neon looked slightly surprised, he sighed dejectedly, not convinced that stamping books is considered rhythm.
♪ I have no idea what you're talking about ♪
♪ I've got as much rhythm as that chair ♪
♪ What happened to me was a tragedy ♪
♪ But I don't have to be a millionaire ♪
He shared her a bittersweet smile, one that didn't match his eyes.
♪ Look, I got a sweet deal going on here ♪
♪ I got all the books that I can read ♪
♪ All these sweet old grannies and this carpet from the 80's ♪
♪ What more could a librarian need? ♪
A couple of old mares from a close table glared the librarian, efficiently shushing him. Neon gave them a sheepish smile before looking down at his work, voice lowered.
♪ Besides, I ain't got rhythm ♪
♪ No, I ain't got rhythm ♪
♪ Said I ain't got rhythm ♪
♪ I ain't got rhythm ♪
Neon stood up and pushed a cart full of books to the bookcases. Twilight persuade, not wanting to give up so quickly. He really started to groove until he was shushed, Spike even started snapping his claws at the steady beat. She couldn't understand why it was hard to believe the he had rhythm.
♪ You're kidding me right, y-you're kidding me ♪
♪ Don't you see what you were doing right then? ♪
♪ That's a wicked groove you were starting to move ♪
♪ Mister, you've got rhythm times ten ♪
Neon sighed once again, getting slightly annoyed of the filly as he continued stacking his books.
♪ I think perhaps that you're not listening ♪
♪ I find it tedious to repeat ♪
♪ It's no big crime, ♪
♪ I just can't keep time ♪
♪ I'm telling you I lost the beat ♪
He finished stacking and returned to his desk to stamp more books, oblivious of the nodding of heads of the bystanders of the library. Twilight did though, another idea springing in her head. Discretely, she whispered something at a random pony who smiled and left the library.
♪ I don't need my face on t-shirts ♪
♪ Or hit a power-chord guitar ♪
♪ They were screaming my name ♪
♪ I guess it's a shame ♪
♪ But I don't need to be a rock star ♪
The doors opened dramatically, causing every ponies head to snap its attention to the drum set from the music room next door that was being pushed into the library. Neon eyes widened, glasses slipping down his muzzle in surprise. Drumsticks in a violet hue appeared in his vision. Neon looked down to see Twilight smiling widely, giving him a pleading look. He was about to refuse but stopped when he realized that the whole library looked at him in the same hopeful look, minus for the old mares who cranky for being disturbed. Cautiously, Neon grabbed the sticks in his own magic and walked up to the drum set, sitting down in front of it. He gently tapped the drum with his sticks, slightly unsure, before muscle memory took over at full force. Neon Lights could only stare in shock as he started playing like a pro.
♪ Besides, I ain't got rhythm ♪
♪ No, I ain't got rhythm ♪
♪ Said I ain't got rhythm ♪
♪ I ain't got rhythm ♪
♪ I ain't got rhythm ♪
Neon couldn't believe it. He was actually doing it, and he was awesome too! His shocked expression turned to excitement as he put his whole body into the drumming, flipping his mane and reverting it into it's old spikiness. Noticing this, Twilight grinned, her plan working flawlessly.
"♪ Sounds like rhythm to me ♪" she sang, causing the stallion to chuckle.
♪ No, I ain't got rhythm ♪
"♪ Seems like they all agree ♪ "she gestured to the library, who were nodding their heads to the beat, stomping their hooves or even started dancing. This result excited Neon Lights even more.
♪ Said I ain't got rhythm ♪
"♪ But you're laying down some funky syncopation! ♪ "Twilight nodded her head vigorously, resisting the urge to dance.
♪ I ain't got rhythm ♪
" ♪ But you got that beat ♪ "Twilight assured.
♪ No, I ain't got rhythm ♪
"♪ Look at them, they're stomping their hooves ♪ "Twilight pointed to the stomping hooves.
♪ Said I ain't got rhythm ♪
Twilight hopped on top of a table, can't help stopping the shaking of her rump, Spike shaking his own as he bobbed his head excitedly.
♪ It's time for you to rock a brand new generation ♪
"♪ Brand new generation ♪ " the library echoed.
"♪ Gonna rock a brand new generation ♪ "Twilight and Neon both repeated, sharing large grins. Looking for a grand finally, Neon drummed his heart out before finishing with a bang.
"♪ Because I ain't got rhythm! ♪ "When finished, Neon was panting from exhaustion, yet at the same time felt the most alive then he's ever felt. A groan pierced the silence as everypony looked to see the two old mares, still sitting at the table and glaring at the drummer.
"Ugh! Would you just go join the band?" she complained, her friend nodding in agreement before both of them buried their noses in their books with a huff.
Neon paused, almost forgetting about the band. He looked over at the small filly and her dragon, who were giving him pleading looks. With a large grin he smiled and nodded his head, causing him them to cheer. The drum set shifted, seeing glow in a ruby red hue. He turned to see The music teacher next door, looking very unhappy about his drums being moved. As he was being rolled away, Neon Lights couldn't help one last big finish as her started drumming. Seeing it as an encore, the citizens in the library started singing once again.
♪ Ain't got rhythm ♪
♪ Ain't got rhythm ♪
♪ Ain't got rhythm ♪
♪ Ain't got rhythm ♪
When he was almost out of the room, he beat the drums widely, finishing the song with strong beats.
♪ Hey, I do have rhythm! ♪
The library doors closed shut and the ponies returned to their respected places and books. Twilight jumped off the table and was about to rush off to give Neon Lights her address when somepony cleared their throats. She turned to see the strangers who helped her by pushing the drum set into the library. Grinning sheepishly, she levitated her pocket change and gave it to the helpful pony.
"Thank you!" Twilight said hurriedly before turning around and rushing off to find Neon Lights.
In the mare's dressing room at a department store, Shining Armor sat in a seat,very twitchy, silently praying that none of his friends were here to see him. Usually when his mother dragged him shopping, he'd get bored out of his mind the instinct he'd walk into the store. However, he was much too nervous to even think of being bored, keep glancing at the clock on the wall to his phone. Twilight texted him earlier, telling him she'd call when she was ready, and not a second before. And to interfere with Twilights schedule is like taking Celestia's cake away, a suicide mission. So as he sat impatiently, waiting for the call, the sound of curtains moving made him jump. He turned around to see his mom in a aqua blue dress, Shining had to admit she'd look pretty good.
"No, that's not it." Shining replied quickly, causing Velvet to huff in annoyance.
'I don't know why you're making me do this, Shining. I mean, when do I ever dress this fancy anyways?" Before he could respond, an employee walked in.
"So how are you two doing in here?" Velvet opened her mouth to respond but Shining beat her to it.
"Great, but we need to keep looking." he replied, shoving Velvet into the dressing room with more outfits.
"Oh!" said Velvet in surprise as she was forcefully shoved in. The employee, choosing to ignore the shove, smiled politely to the teenage stallion.
"Well, we certainly have plenty of dresses for you to try on." she said. Shining gave a polite smile of his own.
"And we have plenty of time." he chirped. In the dressing room, Velvet groaned in frustration, never thinking this is how her anniversary would be like.
Everything was going according to plan. While her latest musical number has put her slightly behind schedule, she's confident everything would run smoothly. All she had to do is do a quick look over the finished stage, she really need to repay Minuette and her group for the fast and efficient work, and gave the performers time to rehearse. Then she can call her BBBFF and both her parents would stop fighting. Nothing could ruin her good mood.
Until she got home.
Fire ponies swamped the front of the house, but from the looks of it, they were preparing to leave. Both Twilight and Spike stood a gaped across the street, trying to understand why there were fire ponies in front of their home and why the kitchen window was pitch black and smoking. All the answers were put together when a disheveled Night Light and what seemed to be a burned lasagna came out of the house with a fire pony.
"Oh, well, so much for that. I guess it's not a total loss." Night Light muttered to himself, trying to remain calm. "I mean, this is still presentable, right?" he practically shoved the charred meal in front of the fire pony. The pony in question raised an eyebrow, examined the blackened tray before shrugging.
"Eh." was all he said before hopping in the truck. Night Light slumped in defeat as he walked back into the house. Both Twilight and Spike facehoofed at the same time, Twilight letting out an annoyed groan. Her father tried to cook.
With a sigh, she got up and crossed the street, the band was almost here and she wanted her father to look some what decent before they came.
"Hey, Dad, we're back." she called when entering the house, both she and Spike wrinkling their noses in disgust at the strong smoke smell. She followed the smell to the kitchen and nearly screamed at the mess that behold in front of her. It was almost as if somewhat put all of Shinnies firecrackers into the oven, for the lid was blown clean off. The whole kitchen was blacken with chunks of ingredients everywhere. The floor, the walls, even the ceiling had questionable globs glued on top! The fridge door was hanging by its hinges and the glass cabinets shattered, along with the dishes inside. In the center of the chaos sat her father, who was enjoying lying on his face on the burned kitchen table, the burned dish lying next to him. Twilights left eye twitched as she examined the mess, using all of her will power to not start cleaning. She felt Spike giving her soothing nuzzles on the back of her head as she tried to control her breathing. After a few more breaths, she finally managed to calm down enough to walk through the mess, carefully, and laid a consoling hoof on her dads shoulder. Night Light sighed, but didn't move.
"Oh, kids, it's really hopeless." Night Light whined, his voice muffled by the table. Twilight was at a lost for words, not knowing what to say to make him feel better. As she wracked her brain for some thing, anything really, to say she felt Spike tap her shoulder. Twilight turned to him to see that he was poking at the charred window. Twilight looked as well, squinting through the blackness and saw three known figures walking up their home. She smiled as she quickly turned to her father, surprising him when she started shoving him towards the door. She really needed to applaud them on their timing.
"Fear not, Daddy-O. We got you covered." Twilight walked ahead and looked at the small excited drake. "Hit it, Spike." Happily, the baby dragon crawled on top of Twilights head and flamboyantly opened the door. While Night Light was first blinded by the setting sun, his eyes soon adjusted to reveal three ponies he never thought he'd ever see in the flesh.
After Twilight and Spike resurrected her father, they both left to check the back yard while Night Light left for a quick shower to make himself more presentable. Inside the living room at the Sparkle home, Jeff Letrotski, Hoity Toity and Neon Lights were rummaging through old costumes that Hoity brought for the show.
"I have to admit, I never thought I'd wear this stuff again." Jeff said, chuckling from his seat on the couch. Hoity nodded in agreement as he looked through the old costumes. A laugh escaped him as he took out a flashy skin tight suit from the box.
"Ooh, look." Showing the costume off to Jeff, who as well bursted out laughing. Neon left the kitchen, mouth slightly full as looked at the costume in disdain.
"Hey sorry, folks. Not gonna happen." he replied while sitting on the sofa, patting his large stomach as evidence.
"Dude, is that the burned lasagna from the kitchen?" Jeff asked, pointing at the black lasagna in the unicorns magic. Neon shrugged as he levitated his fork and took another bite, much to Hoity's disgust.
"What? You can't let good food go to waste." he replied nonchalant, chewing the crunchy meal. Hoity scoffed.
"Looks like it all went to waste to me." he commented, poking fun at the stallions weight. Neon glared through his shades.
"Watch it, Mr. Tease and Curl." Neon shot back. Hoity huffed as he dramatically tossed his mane.
"This is exactly the kind of slovenly behavior that ruined Magic Love." Hoity proclaimed. Neon scoffed as he took another bite.
"No, it was infighting due to pressure from a dwindling fan base." Jeff and Hoity shared confused looks with one another.
"What are you talking about?" Jeff asked, causing Neon to roll his eyes and swallow his bite.
"It was in that book." he paused as he tried to remember the title. "Oh! Rock Ages Through Out History!" Satisfied with his memory, he took another bite of crispy lasagna. Hoity gasped.
"You saw that too? Did I look fat? I thought I looked fat." he question, making self conscious glances to his figure.
"That's it." Jeff grumbled as he got up from the couch. "This is ridiculous. I'm out of here."
"No, wait!" All three of them turned to see Twilight rush back inside, a worried look on her face. "You can't go. Mom's not back. What about your fans?" Jeff sighed as he walked up the small child and crouched down to her level, a bitter sweet smile on his face.
"Twilight, I admire your optimism, but besides your dad, be honest. What fans?" Hoity and Neon shared a look, both seeming to be thinking the same thought. However, instead of being sad, Twilight gave all three of the a large smile.
"Follow me!" she answered, turning around and rushing to the back door. Confused, and mostly curious, all the rockers followed the small filly and dragon. As they walked through the halls, all three of them heard cheering, which seemed to grow louder and louder as they got to the back door. With one more smile and a wink, Twilight opened the door to reveal a view they hadn't seen in years.
"Whoa."
All three saw a large crowd of ponies, cheering in front of a professional looking stage with colorful lights and curtains. It seemed like all of Canterlot came to watch them preform, but what seemed to surprise them the most was what the crowd was cheering to the stage.
MAGIC LOVE! MAGIC LOVE! MAGIC LOVE!
On and on the crowd cheered for the band, demanding for them to preform. Twilight giggled at the threes reaction, causing them to turn back to her.
"Little dudes.... this is," Jeff chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "unbelievable." he finished. Twilight tilted her head in confusion.
"Why?" she asked, looking back at the crowd with a smile. "During all this time you that I convinced you three to join for my parents you never stopped to think that their may be more ponies like my parents out their?" From their confused looks, Twilight couldn't help but chuckle once more. "Oh come on!" She turned to Jeff.
"When I was with you, you managed to convince a teen to buy your guitar after merely yelling at him." She then turned to Hoity Toity.
"When I was with you the whole salon sang your praises! All of them eager for your approval and notice." Finally she turned to Neon.
"And when I was with you, you got a whole library to get up and dance so easily! You took the rhythm of the library and made it your own!" She looked back all three.
"All three of you are so passionate of your work, even when you stopped! You inspire other to do the same as well! So self conscious about what your fans thought of you that you forgot all about your music. You guys had fans before and you still have them now! You guys are amazing!" The three rockers blinked at the motivational speech, letting the words sink in. Jeff smiled as he gave a good natured chuckled, tears started falling from Hoity Toity's eyes and Neon silently threw out the lasagna, suddenly not hungry anymore.
"Besides," Twilight continued, unaware of the rockers revelations. "It's statistically impossible that you only affected my parents. Thousands of ponies probably have been affected by your music. You guys were legends in the past, hosting many concerts and tours in front of millions different ponies, and simply only affecting two, is simply a ridiculous notion." She turned back just in time to see all three stallion hugging the small filly and the dragon. Twilight blinked in surprised before smiling and hugging them back. After a bit, all three let go, all chuckling. Jeff ruffled Twilights mane affectionately.
"Aren't you a little too young to be this smart?" He joked. Twilight smiled proudly, chuckling as well.
"Yes, yes I am." she replied.
"So now what?" Hoity asked, trying to compose himself by drying his tears. Neon smiled widely as he levitated his sticks.
"Now we give our fans what they want!" Jeff pumped his hooves, cheering.