Sunny Starscout: Izzy, what are we doing in the middle of the Bridlewood forest at night?
Izzy Moonbow: It's a surprise! If I told you, you wouldn't be surprised!
Zipp Storm: She does have a point there.
Izzy Moonbow: You're gonna love it! Hoof to heart! Come on! It's just up here!
Pipp Petals: Aw, yeah!
Sunny Starscout: [giggles]
Hitch Trailblazer: Uh...
Izzy Moonbow: [gasps]
Sunny Starscout: Ack!
Pipp Petals: Ugh!
Zipp Storm: Ugh!
Hitch Trailblazer: Oof! Ow.
Sparky Sparkeroni: [yawns]
Izzy Moonbow: We're here! Ta-daaaah!
[beat]
Zipp Storm: Uh, Izzy? Is something supposed to happen?
Izzy Moonbow: Hush.
[bright music]
[tinkling]
Sunny Starscout: Wow!
Pipp Petals: Gorgeous!
Zipp Storm: Awesome!
Hitch Trailblazer: What?
[wings fluttering]
Sparky Sparkeroni: [gurgles]
Sunny Starscout: Wow! I've never seen anything like this in my life! This is amazing, Izzy! What is it?
Izzy Moonbow: It's called the "Lumi-Bloom". Every moon season, for one week only, all of the plants and stuff in this part of Bridlewood go all wild and glowy!
Zipp Storm: So it's not just some sort of unicorn spell? Just a natural phenomenon?
Izzy Moonbow: Yup! Do you like it?
Pipp Petals: Like it? Do I like it?! I love it! It makes me wanna sing! [vocalizing] Oh, my glow! Did you guys just see that?!
Zipp Storm: Yeah. Huh. That was actually really cool.
Pipp Petals: I have to do it again! Quick, get it on camera this time!
[phone beeps]
Pipp Petals: [gasps] Wait!
Hitch Trailblazer: What's wrong?
Pipp Petals: I just had an even better idea. We can share this beautiful sight with everypony if we bring them all here.
Izzy Moonbow: Whoa. How are we gonna do that?
Pipp Petals: By hosting the biggest and brightest musical festival that Equestria's ever seen! Or heard.
Sunny Starscout: That sounds so magical! I love it!
Pipp Petals: But Izzy said the bloom only lasts a week. Which means... we're already running out of time! We have to get started right now!
Troggle: [maniacal laughter]
Izzy Moonbow: Huh?
Troggle: [maniacal laughter echoes] Yeeeessss... Sing for us, ponies... [maniacal laughter echoing]
[upbeat music]
Pipp Petals: [humming] Hmm... Aha!
Izzy Moonbow: [yawns]
Pipp Petals: [humming] Hmm! [continues humming]
Izzy Moonbow: Whatcha doin'?
Pipp Petals: Making my dreams come true! Because if you can dream it, you can do it, Izzy.
Izzy Moonbow: [gasps] I just dreamed that I crafted an entire sailboat out of tortilla chips!
Pipp Petals: See? I love that for you! And I love this for me! But if I want to make the Bridlewoodstock music festival happen, I can't waste a single minute. Everypony has to see the Lumi-Bloom before it's over!
Izzy Moonbow: It is pretty special, huh?
Pipp Petals: Which is why I'm going to need help today. We'll have to bring in everything and fast.
Izzy Moonbow: Uh...
Pipp Petals: Tents, stages, sound equipment, decorations, and of course... musicians! [squeals, giggles] Wait. Why does your face look like that?
Izzy Moonbow: Well... uh, I don't want to burst your excitement bubbles, but there is a little, teensy-weensy problem with that particular spot. Um, maybe we should have the festival somewhere else.
Pipp Petals: A problem?
Izzy Moonbow: Umm, it's just that we... we unicorns think it's kinda jinxie to sing or make any loud noises during the Lumi-Bloom because of the... [whispering] the Troggles!
Pipp Petals: Is that it? An old "jinxie" rumor? Psssh! Ha!
Izzy Moonbow: No, it's not a rumor! There's even a poem! It goes like this... [clears throat]
[gravelly voice]
"Eyes of the monster, form of the pig
Sing, laugh, or yell, step hoof on a twig"
[growling]
Pipp Petals: Iz! Iz, Iz, Iz! It's going to be fine! Once the unicorns hear the amazing music with the glowy sights, they won't even remember that silly poem. It will be that life-changing. Trust me.
Izzy Moonbow: Yeah... [chuckles nervously] I guess you could be right. I've never actually seen a Troggle.
Pipp Petals: See?
Izzy Moonbow: Okay, let's do it! Bridlewoodstock, here we come!
Pipp Petals and Izzy Moonbow: [laughing]
Sunny Starscout: Good morning! Breakfast?
Izzy Moonbow: [gasps] Yes, please!
Pipp Petals: Thanks, Sunny, but I've gotta fly! Too much to do! Emergency music festival planning meeting at Mane Melody later! Be theeeeere!
Sunny Starscout: At least take a smoothie to go! Wow. Who doesn't have time for a smoothie?
Zipp Storm: A pony on a mission, that's who. [slurping, sighs] Here we go. Everypony, brace yourselves for a wild week. Pegasi love music festivals. They're kind of a big deal in Zephyr Heights. Pipp has always wanted to plan one of her own, so she must be feeling the pressure to make it perfect.
Sunny Starscout: What do you mean?
Izzy Moonbow: She did stay up all night working.
Sunny Starscout: Then we have to help her out.
Izzy Moonbow: Uh-huh...
Pipp Petals: I want to lean into the Lumi-Bloom theme and go full flower fest. Flower crowns! Snack tents featuring edible flowers!
Jazz Hooves: Where does the music part come in?
Pipp Petals: I am glad you asked, Jazz. The Mane Stage!
[ponies gasping]
Rocky Riff: What bands are gonna play?
Pipp Petals: That's where you ponies come in!
Zipp Storm: How? We're not a band.
Izzy Moonbow: Yet.
Pipp Petals: No-no-no, no, no. I need you ponies to help me secure some amazing bands while I work on... everything else! I think we can get Electric Blue.
Hitch Trailblazer: The super epic Pegasus rock band?
Pipp Petals: Wow, Hitch! I didn't know you were such a musical expert!
Hitch Trailblazer: I know things.
Sunny Starscout: [giggles]
Pipp Petals: And I am dying to have the incredible new pop artist, Ruby Jubilee, perform.
Jazz Hooves: I love her!
Pipp Petals: Me, too! Everypony does. Her vocals are unreal. Which is why she's going to be hard to lock down on such short notice.
Izzy Moonbow: But we have to try, right?
Pipp Petals: Right! But we still need an incredible Earth pony or unicorn band to round out the lineup. Any ideas?
Sunny Starscout: I know! I know! We could get... The Dreamlands!
Jazz Hooves: No way!
Sunny Starscout: They're this really famous Earth pony trio that I loved when I was younger. They practically invented the genre of "girl group" music.
Jazz Hooves: But they haven't performed in moons. How would we find them?
Hitch Trailblazer: I have a connection. I know ponies. Actually, my Grandma Figgy does. She used to bake for the lead singer Minty!
Pipp Petals: [squeals] This is all coming together like perfection! Rocky and Jazz, you're on style duty! Zipp, you go get Electric Blue!
Zipp Storm: You got it!
Pipp Petals: Sunny and Hitch, find those Dreamlands! And Izzy, you and I will convince Ruby Jubilee to dazzle us!
Izzy Moonbow: Yeah!
Sunny Starscout: Okay!
Hitch Trailblazer: On it!
Jazz Hooves and Rocky Riff: Yeah!
Pipp Petals: Do whatever you have to do! Just get those bands to come to Bridlewoodstock!
[door closes]
[heist music]
[slurping]
[thud]
Zipp Storm: Ugh...
[indistinct chatter]
[cameras clicking]
Zipp Storm: All right, how hard could this be? Hey! Electric Blue?
Fretlock: Huh?
Zipp Storm: Zipp.
Fretlock: Uh, who?
Zipp Storm: Uh... Princess Zipp?
Fretlock: Oh, hey, Princess! How's your sister?
Zipp Storm: She's great. Actually, that's why I wanted to talk to you. But it's top-secret. Can we... Can... Can... Can we get out of here?
Fretlock: Yeah. I'm down with that. Hey, guys! Let's go!
[ponies exclaiming]
[upbeat music]
Fretlock: Phew.
Zipp Storm: Hey! Up here! Pipp sent me to find you guys because she wants to invite you— [chuckles] ...we want to invite you to play at Bridlewoodstock!
Fretlock: Uh, what's that?
Zipp Storm: It's the very first music festival in Bridlewood, and it's gonna be so... uhhh... so... rockin'! Yeah!
Fretlock: Hmmm...
Electric Blue: [indistinct whispering]
Zipp Storm: [moans] So, uh... [chuckles nervously] What do you think?
Fretlock: We're not sure...
Zipp Storm: Maybe I didn't explain right! So, there's a thing called the Lumi-Bloom, right? And all the plants and flowers and crystals glow! And it looks awesome! Imagine those visuals with one of your sets! I mean, really cool and, uh... [stammers] ...you'll be the headliners!
Fretlock: Well, why didn't you lead with that? Of course we'll play!
Zipp Storm: Great! Phew!
Pipp Petals: I can't believe we're about to meet Ruby Jubilee! This is our big chance to work with the newest, most talented chart-topper! Do I look okay?!
Izzy Moonbow: [gasps] Your sparkle is shining bright!
Pipp Petals: [squeals, gasps] It's got a cutie mark on it!
Izzy Moonbow: [gasps]
Pipp Petals: [reading] "Your Majesty Princess Petals..." That's me! "...Miss Ruby Jubilee sends her deepest regrets. She cannot join you today due to a case of... creative block"?!
Pipp Petals and Izzy Moonbow: [gasp]
Izzy Moonbow: Maybe we can help her!
Pipp Petals: My thoughts exactly!
Izzy Moonbow: [humming]
Ruby Jubilee: Princess Pipp?!
Pipp Petals: Sorry to surprise you like this, but my friend Izzy and I got your note, and we had to help.
Izzy Moonbow: [whispering] We've had creative block, too. We get it.
Ruby Jubilee: After the success of my debut single, I've just been putting so much pressure on myself to top it with a new hit. Ugh! But how do you top a chart-topper?
Pipp Petals: Ruby, you have no idea how much I understand what you're going through.
Izzy Moonbow: Me, too! But luckily, we have some tricks up our hooves to help.
Ruby Jubilee: You do?
Pipp Petals: Yes! First, try not to be inspired when you watch this.
Ruby Jubilee: [gasps] My stars! That is the most magical sight I've ever seen! It makes me think of... Quick! I need to write this idea down before I forget!
Izzy Moonbow: You're already inspired!
Pipp Petals: And it's even better in real life! You have to see it! At the Bridlewoodstock festival onstage!
Izzy Moonbow: Will you perform for us?
Ruby Jubilee: I-I don't know...
Izzy Moonbow: Wild rubies are in season in Bridlewood! You looooove rubies!
Ruby Jubilee: Mmm, I really do.
Pipp Petals: And... you'll be the headliner!
Ruby Jubilee: Wow! Okay! Now I'm really inspired! I'll do it!
Pipp Petals: [giggles]
Sunny Starscout: You sure we'll find her here, Figgy?
Grandma Figgy: Oh, yes. This is where Minty comes to do her weekly shop. I run into her all the time.
Hitch Trailblazer: You're so cool, Granny!
Grandma Figgy: [laughs] So are you, Hitchie.
Sunny Starscout: [gasps] Look! Over there!
Grandma Figgy: [gasps] That's her all right. Well, don't dawdle now. Scoot!
Sunny Starscout: [clears throat] Um, excuse me? Are you Minty?
Minty: Yes. Why?
Sunny Starscout: I'm Sunny, and this is Hitch, and we're big fans of yours, and we wanted to know if maybe you would consider getting the group back together to play at our music festival this weekend? A-A-After all, coincidentally, it's the anniversary of your very first hit single!
Hitch Trailblazer and Sparky Sparkeroni: Yeah!
Sunny Starscout: Anniversaries should be celebrated, don't you think?! Heh. Sorry. Sometimes when I get nervous, I talk really fast.
Hitch Trailblazer: It's true. She does.
Sunny Starscout: So what do you think, Minty?
Minty: I don't know. The Dreamlands broke up moons and moons ago. Even if I could convince Snuzzle and Blue Belle, we're so out of practice.
Sunny Starscout: Oh, I know the perfect place you can practice! It's called Mane Melody, and it's got a stage and everything!
Minty: [sighs] It's not just that.
Hitch Trailblazer: Then what is it?
Minty: Does anypony even care about our little girl group anymore?
Sunny Starscout: Of course they do! You're the originals! You're what started it all!
Minty: Figgy!
Grandma Figgy: I hope my grandson and his friend aren't bothering you too much. But I told them I'd help convince you to give it a try. It'd be so wonderful to see you girls singing together again.
Minty: Is there a key lime pie in the deal?
Grandma Figgy: Already baked it!
All: [laughs]
Minty: Okay, then. I guess we'll do it. As long as we're not pushed aside at some little stage for old-timers while the flashy new acts play the main stage. We have to make a splash if we're making a comeback.
Sunny Starscout: You know what? I have an even better idea. The Dreamlands will be the headliners!
Minty: Let's do it!
Sunny Starscout: Yes!
Hitch Trailblazer: Whoo! Yeah!
Sparky Sparkeroni: [excited gurgling]
Zipp Storm: Hey!
Pipp Petals: Huh?
Zipp Storm: I talked to Electric Blue! They're gonna do it!
Sunny Starscout: We convinced Minty to get The Dreamlands to play! [squeals]
Izzy Moonbow: And we got Ruby Jubilee! Which you knew already!
Pipp Petals: Great work, everypony! I knew I could count on you! Now we just have to set up an entire festival! Easy peasy!
[upbeat music]
[bunnycorn squealing]
Hitch Trailblazer: [chuckling]
Pipp Petals: Everypony get ready! The music is coming to town! The music festival, that is! It's called "Bridlewoodstock"! You're gonna love it!
Unicorn Mare: L-L-Loud music?! During the L-L-Lumi-Bloom?!
Pipp Petals: Of course! Isn't it the most beautiful thing you've ever witnessed? Now it will have a soundtrack!
Unicorn Stallion 1: This is a very bad idea!
Unicorn Stallion 2: [screams] Count me out!
Sunny Starscout: Um... is it just me, or do these unicorns seem kind of...
Zipp Storm: Not into the idea?
Sunny Starscout: Yeah.
Zipp Storm: They are definitely freaked out about something.
Pipp Petals: Sooooo... are there any amazing local Bridlewood musicians who would love to perform at the show?
Unicorn Mare: [screams]
Pipp Petals: Ooh! Onyx! Dapple! You two would be perfect additions to the lineup. Heh. What do you say?
[beat]
Onyx: No.
Pipp Petals: Oh, well... [scoffs] That's okay. Heh. You still have time to mull it over.
Dapple: Uh, we don't need time.
Pipp Petals: [gasps] You don't?
Dapple: Because we unicorns know better. You should never sing during a Lumi-Bloom because of the... [whispering] Troggles!
[unicorns gasp]
[bongo drums]
Onyx:
"Eyes of the monster, form of the pig
Sing, laugh, or yell, step hoof on a twig
Troggles appear, steal what's to be
No cure to be found, past the red ruby"
[beat]
Pipp Petals: Okay, I-I give up. What are these Troggle thingies?
Dapple: Legend says that the Troggles are mystical spirit monsters!
Unicorn Mare: Th-Th-They only come out during the Bloom!
Unicorn Stallion 3: And they steal things from you if you make any noise!
Dapple: But they can only work their spirit magic at night. So beware of singing! Or you'll be cursed! Bing-bong! Bing-bong!
Pipp Petals: Come to the Bridlewoodstock music festival, and I, Princess Pipp, guarantee you the greatest sights your eyes have ever seen and sounds your ears will ever hear!
Pipp Petals: [laughs] Yes, that is correct. It's called the "Lumi-Bloom". And we'll have the hottest musical acts in the industry. The Dreamlands, Electric Blue, and Ruby Jubilee! That's Bridlewoodstock music festival, okay? In Bridlewood! Be there or, um... You know what? Just be there, everypony!
[construction noises]
Pipp Petals: Looking great, everypony! Take five!
Izzy Moonbow: Hellooooo! [humming]
[clicking and whirring]
Pipp Petals: [sighs] Home sweet Mare Stream! Thanks for setting it up! Isn't luxury glamping the best?
Izzy Moonbow: [chomps] I love to glamp! It helps me forget about all my worries.
Pipp Petals: Aw, what do you have to worry about?
Izzy Moonbow: Uhhh... Want a toasted marshmallow?
Pipp Petals: [gulps, sighs] You're right. My worries have melted away.
Hitch Trailblazer: Um, but you heard what Onyx said earlier about the legend, right?
Izzy Moonbow: [gasps] With the Troggles? Um... why? Have you seen anything... Troggle-y?
Pipp Petals: Trust me, there's nothing to worry about. Besides, look at this place already. Everything is coming together like the harmonies on my last single! [gasps] Izzy! Is that what I think it is?
Izzy Moonbow: If you think it's my flower crown booth, then yeeees! Want a sneaky peek?
Pipp Petals: Yeah, I do! And I want all of you to stay here in our amazing Mare Stream and relax! Toast some marshmallows!
Zipp Storm: Should we do something to stop all this?
Sparky Sparkeroni: [sneezes]
[poof!]
Sparky Sparkeroni: [gurgles]
Hitch Trailblazer: I don't know. Things do look fine, at least.
Sunny Starscout: And we worked so hard to get the bands to agree to play. Which reminds me, I have to go. Minty invited me to watch The Dreamlands' dress rehearsal back home. And I'm pretty excited about it. See you ponies later!
Zipp Storm: I don't really want to ruin Pipp's festival, but are you still feeling uneasy about those strange unicorn warnings, too?
Hitch Trailblazer: Actually, yes.
Zipp Storm: You know what I think this calls for?
Hitch Trailblazer: An investigation?
Zipp Storm: Boom. You got it. Come on!
[microphone feedback]
Snuzzle: [groans] This isn't working, Minty!
Blue Belle: Snuzzle is right. Ugh, why did we agree to this anyway? We're washed up!
Minty: No, we're not!
Snuzzle: They're going to laugh at us.
Minty: We just need to run it a few more times. Come on, let's just try it again from the top. [amplified] And a-one, two, a-one, two, three!
[pop music playing]
[door opens]
Sunny Starscout: [pants] Sorry I'm late! I came straight from Bridlewood!
Jazz Hooves: Sunny! So glad you're here!
Rocky Riff: This is not going well.
Snuzzle: Hey! Watch where you're going!
Blue Belle: You're in my way!
Minty: Stop it, you two!
Sunny Starscout: Has it been like this the whole time?
Rocky Riff: As soon as they walked in the door.
Jazz Hooves: They can't agree on anything!
Rocky Riff: And they haven't even made it through their whole song once.
Sunny Starscout: Maybe I can fix this.
Blue Belle: That's it! I'm done!
Snuzzle: Fine!
Sunny Starscout: Uhhh... Minty! Looking fresh! How is everything going?
Minty: Oh, Sunny. Don't act like you didn't just see that. It's a disaster! The dance moves are off, our looks are dated, and...
Snuzzle: We can't agree on what song to perform.
Minty: Blue Belle thinks we should try and update our sound to appeal to a younger audience, but that's not so easy. I think this might be a no-go for The Dreamlands. Sorry, Sunny.
Sunny Starscout: Hey, wait! Don't give up! And don't try to change yourselves. Your classic sounds are what everypony loves about you! You just have to do what you do best, and you're gonna rock that stage!
[shimmering]
The Dreamlands: [gasp] Yeah!
Hitch Trailblazer and Zipp Storm: Hmmm.
Hitch Trailblazer: Huh.
Zipp Storm: Hmm.
Hitch Trailblazer: What can you tell us about Troggles?
[tablet beeps]
Unicorn Stallion 1: Troggles? Where?! [screams]
Hitch Trailblazer and Zipp Storm: [groan]
[foals laughing]
Zipp Storm: Hey, uh, do you ponies know that jinxie poem? About the Tro—
Unicorn Fillly: Shhhh! Yeah, but I don't wanna say it!
Hitch Trailblazer: What?!
Unicorn Stallion 2: Yeah, I mean, like, what is a Troggle anyway, you know?
Hitch Trailblazer: Um...
Zipp Storm: [sighs]
Unicorn Stallion 2: Like, when you think about it, what is anything?
Zipp Storm: Ugh. [sighs] I think I've come to a conclusion.
Hitch Trailblazer: Well?
Zipp Storm: The results are inconclusive. [groans] I can't tell if these monster spirit things are real or just another piece of spooky unicorn lore!
Hitch Trailblazer: Me, neither. But I think we need to talk to Pipp again. Before it's too late.
Zipp Storm: Mm-hmmm...
Pipp Petals: Hey, ponies!
Zipp Storm: We wanna talk to you about something.
Pipp Petals: Wait, wait, wait! Have you seen the Mane Stage yet? Come look first!
[soft music]
Hitch Trailblazer: Wow, Pipp. That looks really cool!
Pipp Petals: Don't you love the rubies?
Sparky Sparkeroni: [gurgling]
Pipp Petals: I had them locally harvested from Bridlewood in honor of Ruby Jubilee's big performance! I'm just so thrilled with how everything is coming together with no snags at all!
Zipp Storm: Well, about that... There's kind of a snag that we wanted to discuss.
Earth Pony Stallion: Uh, Princess Pipp? We need you at artist tent setup!
[crash!]
Earth Pony Stallion: Please!
Pipp Petals: Be right there! Thanks for stopping by!
Zipp Storm: Am I the only one who is worried about all this Troggle stuff?! Look! There are even unicorns on board with the festival now!
[clatter]
Unicorn Mare: [gasps]
Hitch Trailblazer: Then maybe you are just trying to dig up trouble where there isn't any.
Zipp Storm: You're right. Maybe sometimes... [sighs] ...there just isn't any mystery to solve.
Hitch Trailblazer: And that's okay.
Zipp Storm: You know what? I'm gonna try and have fun tomorrow. Lean into the whole music festival experience. For my sister.
Hitch Trailblazer: Me, too!
Sparky Sparkeroni: [gurgles, blows fire]
[poof!]
Sparky Sparkeroni: [gasps, sad gurgle]
[bright music]
[ponies cheering]
Pipp Petals: Welcome to Bridlewoodstock, everypony!
[ponies whistling]
Hitch Trailblazer: This is all gonna be okay, right? Even after all the stuff those unicorns said?
Zipp Storm: I really hope so.
[upbeat music]
Hitch Trailblazer: Pipp really pulled things together fast, huh?
Zipp Storm: Heh. That's my little sister for ya. When she wants something, she will make it happen.
Hitch Trailblazer: Well, I'm impressed. This place looks awesome! Very floral.
Zipp Storm: Yeah, it does. All right, I'll admit it. I am a little excited. And I can't wait to see Electric Blue headline the show!
Hitch Trailblazer: Huh. I thought The Dreamlands were headlining the show.
Zipp Storm: Hey, look! There's Izzy's booth!
Izzy Moonbow: [humming]
Zipp Storm: Hey, Iz. What's all this?
Izzy Moonbow: [gasps] The Flower-fication Station! [mimicking echo] Station! Station! It's so much fun, it's almost making me forget about how super jinxie this all is! Take a seat!
Pipp Petals: I don't want to alarm you, but this is bad! Like, epically bad!
Zipp Storm: Does this have to do with the unicorn legend? We've been worried about that, too.
Hitch Trailblazer: Mm-hmm.
Zipp Storm: And so has Izzy, even if she won't admit it.
Pipp Petals: Huh?
Hitch Trailblazer: We didn't want to upset you, but you can be sure that Zipp and I will do whatever we can to minimize damage and help shut things down before it's too late.
Pipp Petals: What?! Why would you do that?!
Zipp Storm: Because of the Troggles?
Pipp Petals: Okay, I have no idea what you two are talking about, but we actually do have a serious problem on our hooves here!
Zipp Storm: More serious than ancient ghost monsters?
Pipp Petals: Yes! So two of our major musical acts, Electric Blue and Ruby Jubilee, are here!
Hitch Trailblazer: That's a good thing, though, right?
Pipp Petals: Uh, it would be, if they didn't both think they're the headliner! I just don't understand how this mix-up happened!
Zipp Storm: Ohhhh... I may... have had something to do with that... Whoopsies?
Pipp Petals: Zephyrina! What did you do?!
Zipp Storm: Hey, I was just trying to help you out! Electric Blue were on the fence about performing, so I, uh... sweetened the deal by promising some stuff?
Pipp Petals: Like I said, this is epically bad! What are we gonna do?!
Hitch Trailblazer: We'll just have to tell them the truth about what happened. I'm sure they'll understand.
Pipp Petals: No-no-no-no-no-no-no! You do not tell a musician that they've been demoted from headliner! You just don't. Maybe they can double-headline. Is that a thing? That's not a thing, is it? But it could be! If we make it one! Yeah! Yeah! That could work! And then... And then we'll still have plenty of other bands to go on first and open for them! Like The Dreamlands! Are they here yet?! Where's Sunny?!
Sunny Starscout: Right here! And your headliners have arrived! Here they are!
Minty: Hey, everypony!
Blue Belle: We are really excited to be headlining a show after all this time!
Snuzzle: Thank you so much for this! We feel so special!
Pipp Petals: [chuckles nervously]
The Dreamlands: [laughing]
Pipp Petals: On behalf of the royal family of Zephyr Heights and the, um, uh... Friendship Fellowship of the Unity Crystals, we are so honored that you have graced us with your talents this fine evening at this celebration of the music.
Minty: So are we!
Snuzzle: We weren't even sure we could perform together anymore, let alone headline a festival!
Pipp Petals: [strained] Yes! Yes! Well, please get comfortable as you warm your vocal chords and prepare for your grand performance! And do let us know if you require anything else. We shall check in on you later, hmm?
[curtains flapping]
Minty: Why was she talking like that?
Blue Belle: Uh, royals are fancy?
Pipp Petals: [groans] Before you say anything, I know that I was just acting totally weird in there!
Zipp Storm: As long as you know.
Pipp Petals: I just panicked! But it's okay! We will come up with a plan and fast! But for now, all we have to do is keep the bands separated until the show! We have time to figure it out!
Izzy Moonbow: Um, not to burst any more of your bubbles, but not really.
Sunny Starscout: It is almost dusk.
[owl hooting]
Izzy Moonbow: If you want the full effect of the Lumi-Bloom, we gotta get started. Plus, the sooner we start the show, the less chance of any, uh, unwanted visitors showing up.
Pipp Petals: [pants] Okay. I'm not going to let anything ruin this. Not "Troggies", diva musicians, or... the sun setting!
Pipp Petals: I KNOW! What's even weirder is triple headliners! We gotta fix this and convince one of the groups to open!
Zipp Storm: [quickly] So, in conclusion, when you really think about it, opening the show is actually way better than going last because you'll be the first band in history to rock out to the visuals of the Bloom! [panting, sighs]
Fretlock: All right, you got it.
Sunny Starscout: Hey, that was a great speech!
Zipp Storm: Phew.
Hitch Trailblazer: So you know what I was thinking? Who wants to go last when everypony is too tired to sing and dance along? Really, being first up is the perfect place to be is what I always say! [chuckles nervously] Eh?
Minty: Hmm... You know...
Hitch Trailblazer: [chuckles nervously]
Minty: ...you have a really good point, Hitch.
Snuzzle: I think so, too.
Blue Belle: Let's do it! Let's go on first!
Zipp Storm: Phew.
Ruby Jubilee: Princess Pipp! I wanted to talk to you—!
Pipp Petals: Okay, Ruby, it's all set! You are the star of the whole night! Our magnificent headliner on our stunning ruby stage!
Ruby Jubilee: Actually... I was kinda hoping you wouldn't mind if I go on first instead?
[beat]
Pipp Petals: What?
Ruby Jubilee: I love to sing during sunset. And it matches the exact vibe of the song you and Izzy inspired me to write. [chuckles]
Pipp Petals: Oh! So you wanna go first now?
[ponies chattering]
Pipp Petals: So now we have three openers and nopony who wants to be a headliner?!
Hitch Trailblazer: Yup. That's the situation. Mm-hmm.
Pipp Petals: This just keeps on getting worse!
Zipp Storm: Not to point out the obvious or anything, but, uh... [clears throat] Aren't you a major pop star? A frequent headliner? A singer who loves attent—?
Pipp Petals: Oh! Right! Yes! I am! I suppose I can perform, if everypony insists.
Rest of Mane 5: [agreeing]
Pipp Petals: Okay, then! I'll do it!
Izzy Moonbow: Whoo-hoo! The show is saved! ...Maybe.
Pipp Petals: All right! Let's get this show started right now!
Izzy Moonbow: Hey, Pipp?
Pipp Petals: What's wrong now?
Izzy Moonbow: My tummy feels like it's full of butterflies. I'm still kinda nervous that the Troggles might show up.
Pipp Petals: No, no, that's just pre-show jitters.
Izzy Moonbow: It is?
Pipp Petals: Don't worry, everypony gets them. Even me. Just go trot it off.
Izzy Moonbow: Okay... [humming]
Pipp Petals: Phew.
Troggles: [maniacal laughter]
Pipp Petals: Huh.
[upbeat music]
[ponies cheering]
Pipp Petals: [sighs, amplified] Welcome, everypony, to Bridlewoodstock!
[ponies cheering]
[eerie music]
Pipp Petals: Please give a glowy, warm welcome to our first artist! The one... the only... Ruby Jubilee!
[ponies cheering]
Ruby Jubilee: Are you ready to get this pony party started?! Don't be afraid to sing along!
[Ruby Jubilee]
(Iconic... Iconic...)
Oh, tell me, can you hear that rockin' sound?
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)
If you listen, you can hear it comin' 'round
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)
Yeah, we're movin' to a brand new beat, oh-ohhhh
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)
And you can see us dancin' in the street
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)
So call your favorite bestie and bring 'em along
'Cause we're movin' and we're shakin' to our favorite song
Oh-ohhhh
Yeah, it's always in style
(Yeah, it's always in style!)
Iconic, ooh, yeah, you know it's magic
Iconic, ooh, yeah, you know it's classic
Iconic, when we are together
Iconic, yeah, we are forever
Iconic, yeah, we are forever
[phone buzzing]
Pipp Petals: Oh, don't bother. The service out here is nonexistent. In Bridlewood, it's more about forest streams than streaming, you know? Be in the now, ponies! Forget those phonies!
[Ruby Jubilee]
Yeah, you can see them movin', young and old, oh-ohhhh
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)
Dancin' together, yeah, they feel it in their soul
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)
We're with all of our friends, yeah, we're singin along
To the sparkle and the magic of our favorite song
Oh-ohhhh
'Cause they're always in style (sty-y-yle)
(Oh, yeah!)
Iconic, ooh, yeah, you know it's magic
Iconic, ooh, yeah, you know it's classic
Iconic, when we are together
Iconic, yeah, we are forever
Iconic, yeah, we are forever
(It's magic... It's magic... It's magic...)
(Iconic... Iconic... Iconic...)
[microphone feedback]
Ruby Jubilee: [voice cracks]
[ponies gasp]
Sunny Starscout: What's happening?
Hitch Trailblazer: Technical difficulties?
Pipp Petals: Oh, no! Her mic cut out!
Ruby Jubilee: [voice cracks]
Zipp Storm: Oh, no.
Ruby Jubilee: [gasps]
[ominous music]
Ruby Jubilee: [gasping]
Unicorn Mare: [gasps] TROGGLES!!!
[ponies screaming]
Pony: Oh, no! Oh, no!
[ponies screaming]
Unicorn Stallion: No way, dude! Don't take my voi—!
[ponies screaming]
Pipp Petals: [gasps]
Izzy Moonbow: Uh-oh!
Pipp Petals: But... but... the show!
Zipp Storm: Come on, ponies. We've gotta stop this!
Sunny Starscout: Yes! But first, we need a plan!
Izzy Moonbow:
"Eyes of the monster, form of the pig!
Sing, laugh, or yell, step hoof on a twig!
Troggles appear, steal what's to be!
No cure to be found, past the red ruby!"
Zipp Storm: Izzy, we don't have time for poems right now! Wait, did you basically just say that rubies can defeat the Troggles?!
[beat]
Izzy Moonbow: Huh! I guess I did!
[clatter]
[whoosh]
Zipp Storm: Whaaaa?! Everypony! Grab those rubies!
Main ponies: [grunting]
Hitch Trailblazer: They're... really stuck on there!
Izzy Moonbow: That's because we used extra strength super-duper ruby glue!
Pipp Petals: Why did we do thaaaaat? [grunts, yelps]
Sparky Sparkeroni: [growls, blows fire]
[poof!]
[ponies screaming]
Sunny Starscout: Come on... My friends need my help...
[glitching sounds]
Sunny Starscout: [grunting]
[boom!]
Sunny Starscout: Yeah! Everypony away from the stage!
Rest of Mane 5: [cheer]
[shimmering]
[boom!]
[boom!]
Zipp Storm: Everypony! Catch a ruby!
Sunny Starscout: [grunting]
[boom!]
Pipp Petals: Aha!
Hitch Trailblazer: Yeah!
Izzy Moonbow: [giggles]
Zipp Storm: [laughs] Hey!
[shimmering]
[Troggles gasping]
[whooshing]
Earth Pony Mare: Hello? Hello?! Oh! My voice is back!
[Pegasus twins gasping]
[whooshing]
[fillies gasping]
[ponies grunting]
[whooshing]
[bright music]
Ruby Jubilee:
Iconic!
Whoa-oh-oh-oh!
[laughs]
Hitch Trailblazer: It worked!
Pipp Petals: [sighs] Oh, thank hoofness! [amplified] Uh, is this thing on? [laughs nervously] Wow... So I just wanna say that I'm sorry. To everypony. But especially to the residents of Bridlewood. This forest is your home, and you know it best. You tried to warn me, but I didn't wanna listen to you. Or to my friends. Who only wanted to help make my dream of this festival come true. I guess I just got so focused on planning the perfect Bridlewoodstock festival that I forgot to consider Bridlewood. And all of the history that comes along with it. Even the jinxie stuff. But I know better now, and I wanna thank you all for coming to the first... and last... Bridlewoodstock. The festival is over!
[thud]
[microphone feedback]
Unicorn Stallion 1: What?! Don't stop it now!
Unicorn Stallion 2: This is most fun we've ever had during the Lumi-Bloom!
Unicorn Stallion 3: Now that the Troggles are gone, we're not scared anymore!
Unicorn Mare: We want more music!
Pegasus Mare: Yeah! Let's go! We want more! We want more!
Pipp Petals: What do you think, Ruby?
Ruby Jubilee: [laughs] I think the fans have spoken.
Pipp Petals: Then the show must go on. [amplified] What are we waiting for? Start the music!
[pop music]
Pipp Petals: [amplified] We have more incredible acts coming up!
Ruby Jubilee: [amplified] Please welcome... Electric Blue!
