The Simpsons. Those average schmoes who somehow managed to get their own TV show, courtesy of that weird cartoonist named Matt Groening, who created a comic strip featuring talking rabbits. Everyone in Springfield knew who this family were, though their reactions were mixed—some looked up to them in wonder while others were outright annoyed. "Why can't I get my own TV show?" was the frequent response to the Simpsons arriving at any place.

Today, they were driving to Springfield Elementary to attend a variety show.

Springfield Elementary School, 6:00 p.m.

A large white banner was draped over the entrance, reading VARIETY SHOW in blue letters. Bart and Lisa grinned from ear to ear when they saw it. The car stopped and the family got off.

Marge and Homer were wearing their Sunday clothes. Bart was sporting a mini tuxedo and holding a slingshot while Lisa had on a strapless green dress similar to her mother's, her saxophone slung over her back in its case.

"I can't wait to play one of Bleeding Gums' songs tonight!" Lisa looked up at her mother.

Bart simply smirked. "Wait till you see what I've got planned."

When the family walked to the door, a few people rolled their eyes. Homer sweated as they made their way to the seats.

Once everybody had settled down, Principal Seymour Skinner strode forward and tapped the microphone a couple of times. "Good evening, everyone, and welcome to our school variety show!"

The audience clapped their hands.

"Now, prepare to see children showcase their unique talents and abilities! Enjoy the show!"

After Skinner ran out of sight, spotlights focused on the curtains, which opened to reveal Ralph Wiggum picking his nose. When he realized he was visible, he began to tap dance. He was so good at it that the crowd roared with applause after his performance.

A lot of children came after Ralph, including Milhouse, who taught a few words in Italian; Nelson, who viciously pummeled a boxing dummy; and Martin Prince, who solved a Rubik's cube in one minute.

When Bart came up, he grabbed his slingshot and fired at multiple targets, hitting each one dead center. "How's that, folks?"

Lisa was the final pupil to perform in the show. She played one of Bleeding Gums Murphy's songs on her saxophone, leading the audience to roar and applaud even louder than they did for Ralph.

"Wow," Marge said as the family walked out the door. "I never realized both of you had such wonderful talents."

"Thanks, Mom," Bart and Lisa said together. They drove away happily.

742 Evergreen Terrace, 12:00 a.m.

Bart couldn't sleep that night. He twisted and turned in his bed but failed to fall asleep, so he just gave up and jumped off the bed.

Bart walked to the kitchen to get a glass of milk. Then he noticed light coming from outside.

"Huh?" He dashed outside and his eyes widened.

Four men in hooded crimson robes were chanting in Latin and raising their hands, which were emitting bright red light. The wind was spinning so strongly around them that leaves were snapping off branches and Bart had a hard time seeing clearly—until he finally looked up.

Maggie was floating in the center of the action. Her arms were spread out and her mouth was open. Her pacifier lay on the ground below her.

"MAGGIE!" Bart pushed one of the men aside, breaking the enchantment. The others rushed to help their friend up as Bart dived to catch Maggie.

"You idiot!" Another man clenched his fist. "Do you have any idea what you've just done?"

Bart glared at the man as he picked up Maggie. "What else was I supposed to do? You were doing something bad to my sister, I know it!"

"See, this is why I don't trust kids." The hooded figure pointed at Bart. "You've cut the enchantment short, now she's going to prematurely be able to talk!"

"WHAT?"

"Look, we were trying to enhance her health, not her smarts! That baby was foretold to die at five years old! You've just given her a useless ability to speak when she could've been enchanted to live longer, maybe even become immortal!"

"Forget it, he's too dumb to comprehend." The man who fell earlier had turned his cloak and walked away. The others did the same thing.

"Mark my words. We will curse one of your family members as payback for what you did. Mark my words, boy!" The last man turned his cloak and followed the other hooded figures.

Just then, Maggie woke up. "Huh? Where's my pacifier?"

Bart held back the urge to scream. "What did they do to you?"

"What did who do to me?"

"You can talk!"

"Finally. Now you guys can understand me." Maggie jumped off of Bart and stumbled away from Bart. "Ah, much better." She picked up her beloved pacifier and sucked on it.

Bart gathered his thoughts for fifteen seconds. "Listen, Maggie. Keep this a secret from Mom and Dad and Lisa. This is just between us. No one has to know. No one!"

"Alright. Let's get back to sleep and pretend this never happened."

"Okay."

The two walked back toward the house, drank some milk, and went back to their rooms. Bart finally managed to sleep.

But little did they know that the hooded man's words would come true. Little did they know of the damage they had done.

AN: This is my first fanfic, so it may be bad. I'm open for suggestions and ideas for what happens next! Enjoy reading!