Well Big Mac had seen some crazy things in his time but never something like that. His sister and her friends had just
blasted those three new girls into some sort of fish horse things. It was insane, crazy even, and in spite of his sisters
usual insanity all he could think about was just how many people were out there waiting for his band to take the stage. He knew this was a mistake he had been skeptical when his friend had approached him asking to get the band back together. He hadn't thought about music since his parents had passed let alone playing a gig like this. It all felt so sudden, so terrifying. True it had been fun to practice again but this was just...
"Mac you ready big guy?"
"Eeyup"
Why had he said that? Why oh why couldn't he have just said no. The farm life wasn't so bad he should have just stayed home. Or maybe just jam some more, there was no pressure when he was alone.
Before he could think to run his friend Norman had already grabbed his shoulder and they were walking through the curtain. Mac almost stumbled when they came to a stop and he was left standing behind the mic with trusty guitar plugged in ready go as Norman took his place behind the synth.
The lights fade and focus in on Big Mac as Principal Celestia announces them.
"Now coming to the stage as our last performance of the evening Big Macintosh and his band!"
Big Mac gulped as sweat started to bead upon his brow as the light applause petered out. He looked out among his peers seeing friends and classmates, most gaping in their surprise. After all he was Big Mac always stoic and silent what was he doing fronting for a band?
Taking a deep breath he leaned forward and spoke into the microphone addressing the audience.
"Ehehe" he stuttered out "As y'all know mah name is Mac it's been awhile since I've played but uh well I hope you like our music."
In and out he had to remember to breath, he loved singing he could do this just keep breathing!
"Ah wrote this song a couple years back when ah was going through some hard times, it's called Pale Aura"
In comes Norman on the synth and it begins Mac closes his eyes and let's go, lets it all flow away. All his troubles and worries about the farm and his sister's shenanigans as he begins. Eyes closed he comes in on the guitar. Fast and aggressive he is good, he knows this but he nearly stumbles. Not enough for anyone to notice but almost enough to throw him off even so he perseveres and then he opens his mouth and bellows. This is no hypnotic melody like those three transfer students sang, this is no inspiring pop tune his sister's band performed. This is rage and heart ache given sound. All his struggles put into musical form, and it is glorious. It had been so long he had forgotten what it felt like, the release that performing gave him was incomparable to anything else. How he had lived without it he couldn't remember.
And as soon as it started it was over, the world around him coming back into focus is jarring in it's sheer quietness. The total lack of sound is off putting. He opens his eyes and almost laughs at the looks on the faces of everyone in attendance. If they were surprised when he took the stage then they were shocked now. He barely contains himself and then he hears it, all thoughts of laughter silenced by the sound of sniffling and then crying. He looks around trying to find the source and then he sees it. His sisters, his precious sisters that he would do anything for are standing together Apple Bloom hanging off of Applejack as though she would disappear if she were to let go, her slight frame wracked by powerful sobs. Applejack herself stands erect back ramrod straight, tears streaming down her cheeks but making no other move than to hold onto her little sister as she cried herself out.
Suddenly something he never expected is added breaking the silence, clapping. It starts slow at first but then more and more people begin to applaud. He is gob smacked briefly gaping in his surprised state. This was unexpected he had thought they would be booed off the stage not this!
"Mac! Mac!"
Someone is shouting for him. He turns to the voice and realizes it's Norman who is giving him a thumbs up with one hand and pointing at his eye with the other. Not understanding what exactly his friend is trying to say he slowly reaches up and feels his face.
Oh that's what it is he was crying huh he wondered, when did that happen?
Turning back to the microphone he looked to Principal Celestia in an attempt to divine some direction as what they should do next. However much to his chagrin it appeared she was content to wait out the applause. After another minute the applause had finally petered off and Principal Celestia leaned forward with a gigantic grin plastered across her face and said.
"Thank you for the wonderful performance but I think your fellow students were so impressed that they may need an encore. Would you mind playing another of your songs?"
She leaned back still grinning like a mad women and awaited his response. He couldn't end it like this with his family so hurt he had to make it right.
He locked eyes with Celestia and nodded before saying "Ah'd like that."
Looking to Norman he gave him a look and a nod at his friends casual smile before turning back towards the crowd and saying "This one's a lil' newer we call it Alpha."
A deep breath and Norman comes in with his little jingle, chip tunes he had called it. They got such a kick out of it every time they played this song. And then his queue, he comes in with his guitar; less anger, less rage but still he closes his eyes and he feels it. The euphoria, the sheer joy and rapture when he plays. There is no anger now just energy, the energy needed to drive forward and to never give up. This is not a song of loss like their first piece this is a song of determination. He puts his all into it as he belts out the chorus and practically attacks his guitar because this is his drive, his proof that he is not just Big Mac the silent giant content to exist as a farmer. He is Big Mac artist, musician and he this is his passion, his drive borne wide for all the world to see.
As quickly as it began it was over, he opens his eyes and this time there is no silence to greet him just the thunderous applause. His sisters faces still stained with tears but now they are smiling. It makes him happy he was able to convey his feelings to them.
He starts as he feels a hand come down and grasp his shoulder. He turns to see Norman there the same insufferable smile he always wears when he knows he was right painted on his face.
"Told you Mac, I told you they would understand."
Looking back out to the audience and his precious family he couldn't help but agree with his friend. So overcome with his relief at their acceptance he could only think of one way to respond.
"Eeyup."
Author's Note
I don't know I like Periphery and I like Big Mac sorry if you didn't like it.
