Tuba Continued

"Oh My! What a beautiful kindergarten!", said the visiting music teacher. Ms. Keane beamed proudly.

"And such charming children", she added.

"Yes, I really do love my little ones."

The music teacher brought in a number of instruments, and passed them around. She spent time with each student, showing them how to perform on the instrument, looking for any signs of talent. She was especially impressed with Buttercup, who seemed to have a special gift for playing the tuba.

That afternoon a rather bewildered Buttercup floated home carrying a tuba, with a sister on either side of her.

In the coming days, Buttercup's continual practicing of the tuba began to get on her sisters' nerves, and she found this could be an advantage.

Blossom found making a pizza for Buttercup brought a few minutes' silence.

Another time, Bubbles asked for some quiet so Octi could have a nap. An hour later she floated into the bedroom with a freshly baked cake smothered in chocolate icing.

With time Blossom's and Bubbles' health began to suffer, with dark circles showing under their eyes. Their fighting skills slackened. One time they were defeated by a giant flying tadpole, who became the Mayor of Townsville for a week, until he lost interest and left.

Eventually the day arrived when it was suggested that Buttercup go on a tour and perform. She was horrified. The thought of going even a day without fighting Townsville's monsters was unbearable. The tuba was put away in the closet, a thing to be played occasionally for fun, but never again to be taken seriously.