The Princess Prodigy
At Royal Prep's music hall, there was a band contest going on. The Junior Knights Academy band were currently playing. Royal Prep's band (consisting of Madeline, Amber, James, Khalid and Vivian) were watching from the wings.
"They're really good." Madeline admitted.
Once the Junior Knights finished, the crowd applauded. Sofia was in the audience with Roland and Miranda.
"Thank you, Junior Knights Academy, for that valiant performance." Kevin, the master of ceremonies, declared. "Let's see what our judges have to say. Flambeau!"
A green dragon breathed out some fire, which formed into a "9".
"Nine out of ten, that's excellent!" Kevin smiled. "And now, Rankle the ogre!"
"Fourteen!" The ogre slammed a stone slab with "9" carved into it onto the table, but on its side. Another judge helped put it the right way up.
"Another nine, well done!" Kevin noted. "And, last but not least, the most famous magical musician in all of the kingdoms, Baron Von Rocha!"
"Most famous, and most talented." Baron Von Rocha corrected him.
"Now Baron, how would you score the band?" Kevin asked.
"With my usual combination of flair and panache, of course." Baron Von Rocha held up a violin. He played it, causing a stream of red magic to flow up into the air and form an "8". "I give them an eight out of ten."
"I can't believe we're about to be judged by Baron Von Rocha!" Madeline smiled.
"I've been to every one of his magical musical concerts!" Vivian grinned.
"Now, the final act performing at our school band showdown will be... the Royal Prep band!" Kevin announced.
"It's your turn, children." Merryweather urged.
"Ready, guys?" Madeline asked.
The band put their hands together.
"We're the band that sticks together." They chanted. "Royal Prep band's the best band ever!"
The band walked on stage. Another student took Amber's band leader cape and hat. In the audience, Roland and Miranda applauded.
"You can do it!" Sofia cheered. "I know you can!"
The band all started playing. As they strummed, drummed, and blew on their instruments, Madeline and Vivian danced in front.
"That mandolin player." Baron Von Rocha mused to his pet parrot. "She is truly talented."
The band finished their song, to great applause.
"Splendid job!" Kevin smiled. "Judges, show us your scores."
Flambeau breathed out an "8".
"That's an eight from Flambeau." Kevin declared. "A seven from Rankle." He added, as Rankle held up a stone plate. "Baron, what about you?"
"Today, it was I who witnessed the magic." Baron Von Rocha declared. "I give this band... a ten!" He played his violin, which produced a "01", to the crowd's shock. "Excuse me." He played again, and formed a "10".
The crowd cheered.
"A perfect score for three!" Kevin announced. "How about that?" He pulled out an envelope. "And now, the results of tonight's showdown." He began to read. "In third place... Westloch!"
The Westloch band cheered.
"And second place goes to... Royal Prep!" Kevin revealed.
The Royal Prep band celebrated.
"And our winners are... the Junior Knights Academy!" Kevin declared.
The Junior Knights cheered.
"Thanks to all the bands who participated, and we'll see you at the next showdown!" Kevin bowed.
"Piccolo, did you see how my magic almost failed me?" Baron Von Rocha asked his parrot. "My adoring fans expect me to give my best, and I must replenish me magic. That girl who played the mandolin just might be the key..."
"Children, I am so proud of you." Merryweather smiled.
"Do you like the uniform I designed, Miss Merryweather?" Amber asked.
"Oh, they're lovely." Merryweather nodded.
"Did you see the spin we worked out?" Vivian asked Sofia.
"We practiced for weeks." Madeline added.
"I remember." Sofia nodded. "You both did great."
"It was very charming." Merryweather smiled.
"It certainly was." Baron Von Rocha declared as he joined them. "Piccolo and I have found your school band's performance absolutely enchanting. Didn't we, Piccolo?"
The bird squawked loudly.
"Oh, Baron Von Rocha." Merryweather gasped. "Having you here has truly been an honor!"
"Yes." Baron Von Rocha nodded. "But what I came backstage to say is that you, Princess Vivian have a singular talent."
"Me?" Vivian gasped.
"Yes, you." Baron Von Rocha smiled. "Would you perhaps be interested in learning the art of Magical Music?"
The Baron played his violin, creating a multi-colored stream of magic that circled Piccolo.
"Wow!" Vivian beamed. "I've always wanted to learn Magical Music!"
"And I have always wanted to teach it." Rocha declared.
"My goodness, Princess Vivian!" Merryweather gasped. "What an incredible opportunity!"
"Um, Baron Von Rucha?" Vivian frowned. "Learning Magical Music would be a dream come true for me. But the things is, I'm a part of the band, and we always stick together. Is there any way you could teach... all of us?"
"That was not quite what I had in mind, but... yes, I can teach all of you." Rocha nodded.
The band cheered.
"Oh, wonderful!" Merryweather beamed. "Come to the school tomorrow, and I'll make sure you have everything you need!"
Merryweather and Rocha left the room.
"I can't believe it!" Madeline smiled. "We're going to learn Magical Music from Baron Von Rocha!"
"Congratulations!" Sofia grinned.
"We are the luckiest band in the world!" Vivian announced.
The next day, the band was gathered in Royal Prep's music. In a burst of red mist, the Baron appeared, playing his violin.
"Wow!" James gasped. "Are you gonna teach us that?"
"Oh, no-no-no-no-no." Rocha shook his head. "That is an advanced spell that only someone with an enormous amount of musical talent, such as myself, can do."
"Well, we're all super excited to learn anything you can teach us." Vivian declared.
"We can't wait!" Madeline agreed.
"Excellent." Rocha smiled. "Then let us begin."
Rocha:You could make this artwork spin around inside its frame
And then cause those sunny skies to change to some rain
You all could learn to play magical music
Strike up a spell any time that you choose it
With my special sheets, you'll perform major feats
So pay close attention for best comprehension
Then you can feel the magic, all the magic in the music
I'll teach you all you need to know with help from my pal Piccolo
The lesson's just begun, so now let's have some fun
And feel the magic in the music
This old tune will let you float so high up in the air
Play each note exactly right For if you don't, beware
One tiny slip-up will make your spell fumble
Then you'll be in for a terrible tumble
But practice with heart and you'll master this art
And soon go from frazzled to razzled and dazzled
Vivian: Oh, I can feel the magic
Madeline: Oh, the magic in the music
Madeline/Vivian:He'll teach us all we need to know with the help of good old Piccolo
And we'll both learn a ton, together we'll have fun
Rocha: Yes, you can feel the magic
Madeline/Vivian:So fun
Rocha:The magic in the music
And make chairs grow branches like a tree, I'll help you set your talent free
So just prepare to be stunned, oh yes, we'll have some fun
And feel the magic in the music
Madeline/Vivian:We feel the magic in the music
Rocha: You'll feel the magic in the music
"Now, before we begin, I need to make a few adjustments." Rocha declared. "Since Vivian is clearly the star of the group, we must place her front and center."
Rocha played his villain, causing Vivian to be pulled to the front.
"I didn't know Vivian was the star." Khalid frowned.
"Of course I'm not." Vivian assured him. "We're all in the band together."
"I only meant that Vivian has the most natural talent." Rocha admitted.
"If Vivian's up front, how will we do our special spin move together?" Madeline asked.
"It's our favorite part!" Vivian smiled.
"But Princess Vivian must have no distractions from her solo!" Rocha countered.
"I get a solo?" Vivian asked.
"But of course!" Rocha smiled.
"Ooh, this looks really tricky..." Vivian read the sheet music in front of her.
"Which is why we must devote the rest of the class to practicing it." Rocha nodded. "Now, give it a try."
Vivian started playing.
"Baron Von Rocha, what are we supposed to be doing?" Amber asked.
Vivian stopped playing.
"Oh..." She frowned.
"You're supposed to please not distract Vivian while she's practicing her very important solo." Rocha frowned. "Let us try it again from the top."
Vivian resumed playing.
"It seems like Von Rocha only wants to teach Vivian." James observed.
"Yeah!" Khalid agreed.
"I'm sure he'll get to us soon." Madeline suggested. "At last, I hope he does..."
"Ah boy, this is really stuck." Piccolo declared, as he tried to open a note book. "I'll never get this out..."
"Sure you will." Madeline walked over and pulled out the sheet music. "Here you go."
"Oh, thanks." Piccolo smiled. "Wait a minute...!"
"My Amulet lets me talk to animals." Madeline explained.
"Oh." Piccolo nodded. "Well, if you've noticed, I'm not much of a talker. More of a singer."
"You sing?" Madeline asked.
"I used to." Piccolo sighed. "I was once a true songbird, with the most gorgeous voice. But now..." He squawked loudly. "It's gone. But the Baron promised he's been working on a spell to get it back, and-"
"Piccolo!" Rocha called. "Stop your squawking, and give me a hand."
"Ooh, the Baron needs me!" Piccolo smiled. "Gotta go!"
Piccolo flew over, perching on Rocha's violin.
"We are done for today." Rocha announced. "But you lucky children shall enjoy lots more practice time with me tomorrow."
"He means his favorite student, Vivian, will." Amber muttered, as the band left the room.
"Um, Baron Von Rocha?" Vivian asked. "Can I talk to you for a minute? It's about my solo. I'm not sure I can do it. I think my friends feel left out, and I don't want to hurt their feelings."
"Princess Vivian, you must stop wondering about the other members of your band." Rocha told her. "They are only holding you back."
"Just imagine this at the next band showdown, with you playing a special solo I picked out just for you." He played his violin, conjuring an image of Vivian playing onstage. "And the entire audience will see how talented you are. They'll throw flowers onto the stage, and all the applause will be just for you!"
"That would be incredible." Vivian smiled.
"But none of that will happen unless you rise above the others and master that solo." Rocha declared.
"I will." Vivian nodded.
"Just remember: you are the star." Rocha encouraged her.
"I am the star." Vivian told herself. "Thank you, Baron Von Rocha."
Vivian left the room.
"Aw, Piccolo." Rocha smirked. "Making Princess Vivian the star of the band will drive away her annoying and talentless friends so he can focus on learning that solo. And as soon as she plays that solo, it will cast a magic spell that will give her all her musical talent!"
Piccolo squawked loudly.
"Yes, just I borrowed your songbird talent." Rocha nodded. He played his violin making all the musical instruments float upwards "You know I had to do that. Taking your musical talent gave my magic a boost."
Rocha suddenly made a sour note, and the instruments fell.
"But now, they're fading again." He frowned. "Ah!"
Piccolo squawked again.
"Do not worry, my blaring birdie." Rocha declared. "As soon as I have Princess Vivian's magical talent for my own, I shall return your singing voice."
Piccolo squawked happily.
The next day, class began again.
"Quickly, students!" Rocha urged. "Everyone inside!"
The band were in position. Piccolo flew over, giving out sheet music.
"Let us begin practicing right away!" Rocha declared. "It is time for Vivian's solo."
"Okay, here goes..." Vivian started playing.
"I wonder when we get to play?" Khalid whispered.
"I don't know!" James shrugged.
Vivian played the wrong note.
"Oh, I messed it up again!" She groaned. She turned to Khalid and James. "Because you guys were doing all that talking!"
"We barely made a peep!" Khalid protested.
"I really need to concentrate." Vivian declared.
"Of course you do." Rocha agreed. "You are the star of the band!"
"That's right." Vivian smiled. "I am!"
The rest of the band shared worried looks.
"Perhaps we should all take a short break." Rocha suggested. "So Princess Vivian can regain her focus, hmm?"
"Why is Vivian acting so cranky?" Amber asked.
"I don't know." Madeline frowned. "But I do know something that always cheers her up..."
Madeline walked over to Vivian.
"Hey, Vivian." She smiled. "Wanna practice our special move? I thought we could add something fun to the ending. Like... this!"
Madeline performed a jumping leap while playing, one foot sticking out.
"Ooh, let me try!" Vivian stood up.
Both girls made the move perfectly, then giggled together.
"Princess Vivian, what are you doing?" Rocha scowled.
"It's our special spin!" Vivian smiled.
"It's our favorite part of being in the band!" Madeline added.
"This is an unnecessary distraction!" Rocha frowned. "You must pour all your focus into learning your solo."
"Right..." Vivian sighed. "Sorry Madeline, but could you please just leave me alone? I'm done with this game, forever."
"What?" Madeline gasped.
"Can't you see that this solo is really hard?" Vivian snapped. "If I'm going to learn it in time for the next band showdown, I don't have time to do silly dance moves with you."
"To the back, please." Rocha told Madeline.
Later, at the castle, Sofia greeted her siblings.
"Hey guys, how was practice?" She asked.
"What practice?" Amber scowled.
"Madeline?" Sofia asked.
"I don't want to talk about it." Madeline sighed, going to their room.
"Maybe not to me." Sofia mused. "But how about mom?"
Moments later, Madeline was on the window seat, strumming her instrument.
"Madeline, is everything alright?" Miranda asked, as she entered the room.
"Not really, mom." Madeline sighed. "Vivian and I had a fight today."
"Oh..." Miranda sat down beside her.
"She started acting like she was the star of our band." Madeline frowned. "Like she didn't even need the rest of us."
"I'm sorry, honey." Miranda consoled her. "That must have hurt."
"I don't think I want to be in the band with her any more." Madeline confessed.
"See, that's the thing about music, and friends." Miranda declared. "You can choose to play alone. Or you can play with others and make an even more beautiful sound. You and Vivian have been friends for a long time. And friends should stick together, don't you think? Why don't you give her one more chance?"
"Okay, mom." Madeline smiled. "I will. Thanks."
At that next practice, the band found Vivian already there, her uniform now red.
"Oh good, you're here." Vivian smiled. "I wanted to tell you about a few changes the Baron and I want to make to the band."
"What. Did you do. To your uniform?!" Amber snarled.
"The Baron thought it would be better if mine were bright red." Vivian explained. "That way, I'd really stand out."
"You're already gonna play in front of us." Khalid frowned. "Won't that make you stand out enough?"
"Oh, that's one of the other changes we've made." Vivian smirked. "Now you guys will be way, way, way in the back, over in that corner, so I definitely won't be distracted during my solo."
"We barely have enough room to play over there, Vivian!" James protested.
"That's okay." Vivian declared. "The Baron says everyone will be listening to me anyway! Oh, and one more thing?"
"Please, no more things!" Amber yelled.
"Yeah, I've heard enough!" Khalid agreed. "If you think you're so special, you can play by yourself, Vivian! I'm quitting the band!"
"Me too!" James nodded.
"Me three!" Amber scowled.
Vivian gaped as they dumped their instruments.
"And by the way, the uniforms look nicer in yellow!" Amber declared, before they stormed out of the room.
"I can't believe the way they're all acting!" Vivian frowned.
"Vivian, I can't believe the way you're acting." Madeline countered.
"I'm just trying to do what Baron Von Rocha says, and learn magical music the best I can!" Vivian huffed.
"You're also being really selfish, and... a terrible friend!" Madeline blurted out.
"You're quitting too?" Vivian asked.
"Yes." Madeline said bluntly. "Now that the band has a big star, it just isn't fun any more."
"Madeline, wait!" Vivian tried to follow, but Rocha entered the room.
"Now, let us get started." He smiled, closing the doors after Madeline.
"Baron Von Rocha? I have bad news." Vivian sighed. "I'm so sorry, but everyone else just quit the band."
"You do not need the band." Rocha declared. "Now, you can practice without distraction!"
"I guess you're right." Vivian admitted.
"Then let us begin." Rocha urged.
Vivian started playing her mandolin.
"Oh Piccolo, it's finally going to happen!" Rocha whispered. "She will at last play the entire solo correctly, and the spell will give me her talent!"
Meanwhile, Madeline was with Amber.
"I'm really going to miss playing with Vivian." Madeline sighed.
"And I'm going to miss wearing these fabulous uniforms." Amber frowned. "Come on Madeline, let's go."
Back in the band room, Vivian was still playing.
"That's it." Rocha urged. "You're so very close to finishing the solo. Just a few more notes..."
"It's really... tricky..." Vivian struggled. Magic flowed out of her mandolin, and into Rocha. "I did it! I did it! I finished the solo!"
"You most certainly did." Rocha smirked.
Vivian strummed her mandolin, but it made a sour note.
"That's strange." She frowned. "It didn't cast any magc spells."
"Yes, how odd." Rocha shrugged. "Why don't you play it again?"
Vivian tried again, but produced another bad note.
"Oh, that sounded terrible!" She groaned. "It's like I've forgotten how to play."
"You're just tired, Princess." Rocha lied. "You must go home and rest."
"Okay, right, rest." Vivian nodded.
"Rest up, goodbye." Rocha nudged Vivian out of the room, then closed the door. "I've done it, Piccolo! Her talent is gone, and that means... her talent is now mine!" He walked over to his violin and started playing, creating a stream of music.
Piccolo squawked loudly.
"You can stop your screeching, Piccolo." Rocha stopped playing. "I know what you want. You want me to return my songbird voice, isn't that right?"
Piccolo nodded.
"Well, as it turns out, I did write a piece of magical music that will give you back the talent I borrowed." Rocha placed a sheet of music on the stand. "But then, why should I?"
Piccolo gasped.
"I've changed my mind." Rocha declared. "I shall keep the talent I stole from Vivian, and from you, my dear Piccolo."
Piccolo squawked in outrage. As Rocha returned to playing, he picked up the sheet music, and flew out of the room. He went outside, catching up to Madeline.
"Princess Madeline, I need your help!" He called. "Baron Von Rocha cast a spell that took away Vivian's musical talent! Come and see!"
Madeline followed Piccolo back into the school, where they saw Vivian still unable to play right.
"What's wrong with me?" Vivian wept.
"Why would Baron Von Rocha do something so awful?" Madeline asked.
"He wanted her talent for himself." Piccolo explained. "He used his magic to steal it!"
"What?!" Madeline gasped.
"He did it to Vivian." Piccolo declared. "He did it to me when he stol my songbird voice, and he's done it to many others. Each time his powers start to fade, he does it all over again!"
"There must be a way to give Vivian back her talent." Madeline frowned.
"There is." Piccolo unfurled the sheet. "This spell. If you play this in front of Von Rocha, it will give back all the musical talent he's ever stolen."
"I've got to go play it right away!" Madeline declared.
"Von Rocha is too powerful for you to face alone." Piccolo warned.
"But I have to do something!" Madeline protested.
"Then let me tell you the secret to magical music: if you play together, as a group, the magic is far more powerful than any one person playing alone." Piccolo revealed.
"I'll get the band." Madeline smiled.
Moments later, Madeline had gathered the band outside the school gates.
"Vivian is heartbroken, and we have to help her!" Madeline urged.
"I don't know, Madeline." Khalid frowned. "After the way she treated us?"
"Von Rocha was using her the whole time." Madeline pointed out. "He made her act that way!"
"That may be true." Amber admitted. "But is it really our job to fix this?"
"Of course it is!" Madeline nodded. "She's our friend, and she needs us. We've got to stick together!"
"Know what? Madeline's right!" James agreed.
"Okay, let's go!" Khalid nodded.
"Oh, okay." Amber gave in.
They soon found Vivian, who was still crying and playing badly.
"Vivian, come with us!" Madeline urged.
"Where are you all going?" Vivian sniffed.
"We'll explain on the way." Madeline smiled. "Come on!"
The group returned to the music room, where Rocha was still playing.
"We know what you did to Vivian, Baron Von Rocha!" Madeline glared.
"You took away my talent." Vivian frowned.
"And we're gonna take it back!" Madeline pledged. "Come on, guys!"
The band picked up their instruments, and Piccolo held up the sheet music.
"Ah, I see what you are trying to do, you traitorous bird." Rocha glared at Piccolo. "But it won't work. These amateurs are no match for a musical genius such as myself!"
Rocha started playing, and golden streams of magic flew into the band, pushing them back.
"Everyone, start playing!" Madeline urged, as they struggled to keep standing. "Just follow the musical spell!"
The band started playing their instruments, slowly moving toward Rocha.
"I heard an awful commotion in here." Merryweather entered the room. "What's going on?"
"Baron Von Rocha!" Madeline explained. "He cast a spell!"
"He stole my musical talent!" Vivian added.
"Baron Von Rocha!" Merryweather growled. "You won't get away with such a despicable act!"
Merryweather raised her wand, but one of the streams knocked it away.
"Miss Merryweather, help us!" Madeline urged. "If we can get through this magical tune, we can get Vivian's talent back!"
"Say no more." Merryweather picked up a sousaphone, and joined them.
The band continued playing, dodging magical blasts as they neared Rocha.
"Keep playing!" Madeline declared. "We've almost finished the piece!"
As they finally got face-to-face with Rocha, he played a sour note. A stream of magical music flowed into the air. Rocha tried to play, but only made a screeching sound on his violin.
"No!" He yelped.
The magic struck Piccolo and Vivian.
"What's happening?" James asked.
"All the talent he stole is going back where he belongs!" Madeline smiled.
Vivian played her mandolin perfectly.
"Yes!" She cheered.
Piccolo chirped beautifully, his voice restored.
"No, no, no!" Rocha cried. "The great Von Rocha is no longer great!" He dropped to his knees. "All my talent is gone!"
"And I'm going to make sure it stays that way forever!" Merryweather declared. "Your musical thievery is over, Baron!"
"That is what you think!" Rocha stood up. "You haven't heard the last of-!"
"I think we have, buster!" Vivian played her mandolin, creating a whirlwind of magic music that enveloped Rocha.
"You musical menace!" Rocha yelped,and the whirlwind carried him out of the window and away from Royal Prep. "This is not my final crescendo! You have not seen the last of Von Rocha!"
"I'm sorry." Vivian apologized to the band. "I wish I could take back all those terrible things I said."
"We're just glad you got your talent back." Madeline smiled.
"And just in time for tomorrow's band showdown!" Merryweather added.
"Oh, right!" Vivian realized. "Um, that is... if we're still in the band together?"
"That depends." Amber grinned. "Is it going to be how we were before?"
"Yes." Vivian nodded. "All of us together, as a team."
"What do you say, guys?" Madeline asked.
"I have just one thing to say." James held out his hand, and the others followed suit.
"We're the band that sticks together, Royal Prep band's the best band ever!" They chorused.
The following night, they all performed at band showdown. Madeline and Vivian performed their leaping move, while Piccolo chirped along with them. The crowd applauded as a stream of magical music flowed from Vivian's mandolin.