JAGFest 2014: Equestrian Masquerade

by RockStarMLP


Day #1 - Crystal Empire

Throughout the land of Equestria, ponies had been in preparation. It was weeks ago when the land’s faithful princesses made the announcement for events that would be very new to ponykind, and no corner wasted any time in doing their part to help. Princess Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship and leading official of everything that was going on, had put her trust in her best friends, family, and good acquaintances as she was only available for mere moments at a time because of another commitment. Soon, the plans were to be put to fruition, and the hopes and goals that Twilight had aimed for would soon be tested to be met. It was no secret that, as stressed as she could have been, she was confident and prepared for this new mission.

It was a day of new beginnings for a single trek with multiple stops and adventures along its path. For most ponies, it was their greatest opportunity to come close with a group that promised their greatest mission for unity and peace amongst ponykind, and make as many new friends along the way as possible. For others, it would be a test for a band of strangers’ abilities and mission statements for a better, more connected nation that was promised. For Twilight, it was her chance to prove to her subjects what consequences would follow when her decisions and visions would become reality. But most of all, for Tails and Cosmo, heroes of Mobius and recognized friends of the Elements of Harmony and honored family of the Princess’s daughter, it was their chance to show everypony the strongest force of the Team JAG Band.

It was the first day of the Equestrian Masquerade, the next frontier for JAGFest.

/)∞(\

All across the Crystal Empire, ponies took part in various activities and events. It was like the annual Crystal Fair, but instead of solely bringing the hearts of crystal ponies together to strengthen the Crystal Heart, it served for only fun and enjoyment of all things such. Medieval combat demonstrations, empire-inspired delicacies, and traditions only found within the borders, the Crystal Empire served well as the inaugural JAGFest for Equestria.

Weeks prior, when the proposition of JAGFest coming to Equestria was confirmed, leaders and representatives of each hosting city voted for the order of which shows the band would play, in cooperation to the calendar dates they had requested. Along with the Elements of Harmony, the Princesses, the Master Four, and Tails and Cosmo, it was decided that the city that introduced ponykind to the Team JAG Band would be the very place to end the festival’s run. As for its beginning, it was Princess Mi Amore Cadenza who offered to have the Crystal Empire host the first day, as her offer to thank the heroes of Team JAG for their assistance in taking down Lord Tirek several months ago. Regardless of a few other ponies’ insistence for their cities to have the honor, it was Princess Celestia who seconded the motion, followed by Twilight, Cosmo, Luna, Tails, and eventually over half of the meeting’s participants.

For the first day, it was almost perfect. Families were enjoying the festival, friends were having great times together, even the empire’s royal family were having the time of their lives. Many events were going well, saving few minor setbacks from an attendance that included ponies who had traveled from across Equestria to join, if not able to go to any following days of the band’s residence.

The one thing that did show negative impact was the skeptical views of a few particular ponies. They were ones who questioned this event taking place, much like how ponies still have less than tolerating thoughts on the former Nightmare Moon’s ‘punishment.’ However, those of the band and of royal standings knew that such ponies were inevitable to come across, and it was Tails who addressed this to some ponies that were very much vocal about the festival, as he would say to anypony else during the residence.

“The point of the Team JAG Band and JAGFest is to always bring worlds together, whether it being within one world or connecting all worlds together. We are not here to cause any trouble, or to promote anything wrong. Like how some fear Nyx for who she was, we fear of not assuring you of our goals. Equestria, from the moment it was discovered, has always shown us the powerful bond that is friendship, and the Elements of Harmony – honesty, kindness, laughter, generosity, loyalty, and magic – are the strongest examples of what we’ve been given, and what we intend to give in return.

“All I ask is if you give us a chance to prove ourselves. Twilight, her friends and her family have; your Princesses have; Ponyville did so, twice even; and the Crystal Empire allowed us to close the Equestria Games for you. For the next few weeks, JAGFest’s Equestrian Masquerade will make sure of that, because we want to earn your world’s friendship so much.”

/)∞(\

Sunset was drawing hear as the Crystal Empire Stadium was letting in the last of its attendees. Much like the JAGFests in previous dimensions, it drew in enough ponies to fill the arena to a maximum capacity, even if part of the sitting area was blocked off for the stage’s position. Much like other arenas the band have performed in, it was set at one end to view the most of the entire venue, allowing ponies to take whatever available seats possible if not able to stand in the open field at the ground level. The stage itself was exactly like what was used for shows before starting the Equestrian residency, with all the advanced technology and equipment taken from worlds beyond to provide the full experience the band intended to give. It was only done once before, to very mixed reactions from ponies, but there was confidence of great success from the interdimensional travelers, but their pony friends as well.

High above most of the stands was the Royal Suite, where those of highest recognition or privately invited were gathered to sit and watch. Each stop along the band’s trek would have a section like this for a very particular group of ponies; their best friends from Equestria. Sitting in the box included Princess Cadance and her baby daughter Skyla, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and the original three Cutie Mark Crusaders – Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. All but the Princess and foal were not only the honored guests of Princess Twilight and the band, but also the volunteering tour guides for the band during their travels, for they were all going to use a specially provided train to travel across Equestria for each city the band would perform at. For everypony, it had been one long and exciting day, but it was finally reaching the epic climax.

“Ah yeah, this is going to be sweet,” said Rainbow Dash, having becoming so excited that she could barely sit still. “I’ve been waiting for this start for weeks! These shows are going to be awesome!”

“I know I know I know I know!” Pinkie chanted, bouncing up and down over and over. “Can you believe it? Day after day of festival parties and night after night of musical parties! It’s like a super-amazing-unbelievable-exciting-mega-super party plus!”

Applejack only grinned and added “I suppose that’s one way to look at it. But, I have to say, it is excitin’. What about you, Crusaders? You lookin’ forward to-“ The orange mare couldn’t finish her question, let alone get an answer out of the trio of fillies, who were all talking to each other at once with a lot of excitement. Leaving them be, she could only chuckle and turn her head back down towards the stage.

“Tails and the others really enjoyed their day with the crystal ponies. He promised that they were going to kick off their tour here with some memorable songs,” Cadance stated, recalling earlier events. “I’m sure it’s going to be wonderful, especially when everyone else arrives. Right, Skyla?”

Cadance motioned towards her baby pegasus, Princess Skyla, who sat in her own little chair that sat right on the mother’s throne’s arm rest. The foal just waved her hooves up and shouted “Iwadarak!” Chuckling at the foal’s adorable actions, Cadance gave her little one a nuzzle.

“I have to say, I must give the band some recognition on what they have to perform with down there,” Rarity added, her eyes looking around at what was on the stage. The setup with the onstage instruments, the giant background screen behind it, the speakers walled up at each side of the front; it was, as some bands would describe, a heavy metal setup. “Those two brothers really put a lot of effort into setting that up just right. I look forward to see the band’s performance.”

“I know! They couldn’t do it any cooler if they tried!” Rainbow followed. This was followed by several surprised stares aimed at her direction, as if what she said was never expected. “What?”

Moving the conversation forward, Fluttershy said “Oh, I do look forward to some of the kinds of songs they play. Just… not the really, really loud ones. That music could scare some ponies… or, just me…”

“Oh don’t you worry about that, Sugarcube. You know it’s all for fun; plus, from what Twilight said, the band sure knows how to play it. I know they’ve been performin’ for so long before the first time we caught a concert, but I’ll be darned if they start slackin’ for a show like this.”

“Hey, that reminds me. Where is Twilight? And Nyx? And Spike?” asked the curious pink mare.

“They’re down with Shining Armor backstage,” Cadance explained, “so they could use their magic to teleport here together for the show starts. After all, Shining is the host for today, so he’ll be introducing the band in just a little bit.”

“And we look forward to the main event that approaches.”

Heads turned around towards the entrance into the suite. Joining them now were friends that nopony expected to see there, at least not yet. The first voice, spoken in older Equestrian tongue, came from one of the only two ponies amongst the arriving group. The second pony spoke next and said “It’s good to see you all again. We’re glad we made it just in time. We would have been here sooner, but there were some conversations that kept us busy back in Canterlot…”

/)∞(\

“Come on, everyone, gather around!”

In the backstage area, the entire Team JAG Band was making their final preparations before taking the stage. Along with Cosmo and members of the Sparkle family, they gathered into a single group and faced the one calling them out; Tails. “According to Phineas, we have a few minutes before the show begins, so now’s the best time to get all our preparations finalized. Shining Armor, are you ready to take the stage?”

“Yes I am,” replied the stallion. “Now, how brief do you want me to speak?”

“You’ve got a good few minutes, so don’t worry about it too much,” Phineas said, giving the Crystal Prince his instructions. “We have a microphone stand set up center stage for you to talk into, so you don’t have to yell as loud as you can like at the Equestria Games. If you’re ready now, we’ve got you all set.”

Shining Armor nodded and replied “Then I guess I’ll head out now. Twilight, would you like to join me as a surprise guest for the ponies?”

Before Twilight could reply, Tails spoke and said “Actually, we were hoping if Twilight and the others would join us in our first huddle. That is, if you all wouldn’t mind.”

“Sure!” Nyx and Spike yelled in unison.

Twilight, considering the offer, ultimately nodded once with her decision. “We’d be honored.” She then turned to her brother and add “Shining, I’m-“

“Hey, don’t apologize. It’s a nice moment for you guys to have together. Go enjoy it,” said the stallion, and the two then shared a hug. When the hug broke, Shining Armor walked out onto the stage to make his introductory speech to the audience.

“Alright then, bring it in everyone,” Jason said, as the group came in for the huddle.

Tails looked back to see Phineas, Ferb, and Cosmo standing aside. He grinned to the three and said “That includes you guys too, now get in here so we can start this.” The group opened up their circle to allow the three in, with the Seedrian getting between her beloved fox and the alicorn princess. It was then motioned for Tails to officially start their huddle, and help hype the band for what’s to come.

“Friends, this is it. This is the biggest JAGFest project we’ve put together; the Equestrian Masquerade. Other than Mobius, this is our very first residency playing several shows in one world in just so much time, and you know what, it feels right. No, it feels amazing. I can’t thank you all so much for making this happen, from our stage crew, to our everlasting support, to our first contacts with this world, and to all of my brothers and sisters that make this band possible. Let’s give these ponies all we got, in every song, every night, because I’ll be damned by the Brotherhood of Darkness if I don’t. Now I know your answers already, but I want to hear this, and I want Twilight and Nyx to hear this the most…

“Are we ready to make a difference in Equestria? Are we ready to give it all we got?! Are we ready for this whole new adventure!?!”

“A-Booyah!” Ron exclaimed.

“Bring it on!” Yumi added.

“Without a doubt to think of,” added Yugi.

“You know we got your backs,” followed Phineas.

“And your amps,” Ferb joked.

“You know I’m ready,” Gohan said.

“That goes double for me!” said Ami.

“Let’s do it,” encouraged Kim.

“It’s about time we do this,” Ash added.

“Ready when you all are,” followed Aelita.

“It’s about to get legendary,” Dan proclaimed.

“There’s nothing better we’d rather be doing right now,” Jason said, concluding the band members.

“Alright! Let’s start rockin’ out!” Spike yelled.

“I can’t wait! This will be amazing!” Nyx yelled, practically screamed.

“Thank you everyone,” Twilight said. “I know you’re doing to do great and have so much fun here.”

“And I am so proud of all of you,” Cosmo said. She then turned to kiss Tails’s furry white cheek and add “Now go out there and make me prouder than ever before.”

Trying to hide a bashful blush, Tails began to wrap things up with the huddle, and extended his hand into the open center of them all. “Alright, put ‘em in, everyone,” he said, and then they all extended out a hand, claw or hoof that piled up all together. “We are in Equestria. This is our time for harmony. This is, and never will be again, the ultimate tour! You know the name! Equestrian Masquerade in 1… 2… 3!”

“EQUESTRIAN MASQUERADE!!!”

/)∞(\

“…And so, fillies and gentlecolts, ponies and guests of all of Equestria, it is my honor to introduce to you… The Team JAG Band!”

A bright flash then illuminated around Shining Armor as he had seemingly disappeared from the lit up stage. The moment he was gone, it all went dark in the entire stadium. Where the stallion and his sister, niece and ‘nephew’ were teleported up to the Royal Suite, an audio sound was heard being played; the introductory song of the upcoming four-hour set. At long last, the Masquerade had begun…




CHRYSALIS REVEALED – William Anderson/audio introduction
CONDEMNED– As I Lay Dying/Ash/Dan on rhythm guitar and clean vocals
FIGHT ‘EM ‘TILL YOU CAN’T – Anthrax/Ash/Tails and Dan on rhythm guitars
DIGNITY – Bullet For My Valentine/Yugi + rhythm guitar
FALLEN WORLD – Dragonforce/Yugi/Yumi on rhythm guitar, Tails on keyboard/synthesizer

“Crystal Empire…” Ami said, standing center stage before the crowd of ponies, “…WELCOME TO JAGFEST!!!” Just then, the current backing back kicked in with a small jam, and the audience cheered loudly for them. She then went on to say “It is our honor to finally be back in Equestria, and see all of our new friends again. We have A LOT of surprises coming your way tonight, and the next night, and every single night that follows that! But for tonight, for all of you, are you ready to be shown what we got?!” She paused to let another cheer be heard, and then concluded with “Then let’s get this show back on track. Yumi, my best friend, if you would please…”

JUST DRIVE – In This Moment/Ami with Gohan lienup/Gohan on rhythm guitar, Yumi on acoustic guitar and backing vocals
SULFUR – Slipknot/Jason/Tails on rhythm guitar, Dan on keyboard, Ami and Yumi on custom percussion, Aelita on turntables/samples
WAY TOO FAR – Korn/Yugi/Dan on rhythm guitar, Tails on keyboards, Aelita on turntables/programming/samples
ALL AROUND ME – Flyleaf/Yumi with Yugi lineup/Yugi on rhythm guitar
FACELESS MAN – Creed/Jason/Tails on dual-neck electric/acoustic guitar

“How is everypony doing tonight?!” Tails called out, standing at his microphone stand and wearing his favorite guitar. The sight of the iconic fox caused every voice imaginable to cheer, every hoof possible to stomp or clap, any sign of respect or joy to see him presented, all of which he kindly took in and returned with a respectful bow. “I can’t describe just how amazing it is for us to be back in Equestria again, even more so with what we’ll be up to for the next few weeks. So, I think it’s fair to tell you part one of each night’s theme that we have in store; rehearsal sets.

“What that means is, we’re opening shows tonight with songs that the band has put together in the past to warm up and rehearse to during down time and before some past shows. Some of these songs we’ve played countless times, and others we’ve never played live before. For the Crystal Empire, we chose our rehearsal set from over a year ago, around the time this band had its Seventh Anniversary Concert back in my home world of Mobius. This next song, is by my favorite band; a bit of a darker tune, but I hope you like it like we do…”

BEHIND THOSE EYES – 3 Doors Down/Yugi/Tails on lead guitar and co-vocals
STANDING IN THE SUN – Slash/Jason/Tails on lead guitar
IN THE AIR TONIGHT [PHIL COLLINS] – Broach/Gohan/Dan on rhythm guitar, Tails on keyboard
WITNESS THE ADDICTION – Suicide Silence/Jason/Yumi on rhythm guitar, Ami on bass guitar, Yugi on Jonathon Davis vocals
HELL & BACK – Metallica/Gohan + rhythm guitar

Ash and Dan then stepped out on opposite ends of the stage, each one looking out at everypony. The former spoke first and said “Hey Crystal Empire, are you having fun yet?!” He earned a fairly loud cheer before he repeated his question, and got an even louder one in return. Following that, he continued to speak with “I need to take a moment right now, and direct your attention, up where your Prince and Princess are with all of our friends from Ponyville… and Mobius. I want you guys out there to make a big, big round of applause to everyone up there, but none especially more than your own Prince Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, and little Skyla. So now, crystal ponies… MAKE SOME NOISE!” The citizens of the empire cheered loudly and proudly for their two rulers and the foal, allowed to do so for so long before Dan began to speak.

“Thank you so much, Prince and Princess, and to all of our friends up there right now, and spending JAGFest with us. Now, it’s time we kept this rolling, with another favorite band of ours. Like Tails’s favorite, this is one of the Master Four bands that always influences us every day, and thus we never try to play a show without their music included in each, and every, set that we play. This goes out, to the guys in Linkin Park, masters of their own craft back where they reign. This song is called ‘A Place For My Head…’”

A PLACE FOR MY HEAD – Linkin Park/Ash and Dan on co-vocals/Tails on lead guitar, Yumi on bass guitar, Jason on turntables/samples
MARY ANN’S PLACE – Volbeat/Gohan + rhythm guitar/Ami on female vocals
REDNECK – Lamb of God/Gohan/Yumi on rhythm guitar
BORN TO RUN [BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN] – Wolfsbane/Yugi

[ONE MINUTE INTERMISSION]

CAPSIZING THE SEA – Trivium/only Tails on piano, Kim and Ron on rhythm guitars, Dan on bass guitar, Ami on drums, Yumi and Aelita on custom percussion
IN WAVES – Trivium/Yugi + rhythm guitar/transitions straight into next song
BRAVE THIS STORM – Trivium/Yugi + rhythm guitar
DOWN FROM THE SKY – Trivium/Yugi + rhythm guitar
STRIFE – Trivium/Yugi + lead guitar
ASCENDANCY – Trivium/Yugi + rhythm guitar

Standing on the high riser behind Ash on the drums was Gohan on stage right, Jason on stage left, and the current leader Yugi in the center, the third who had his turn to speak to the crowd of ponies. “I want to hear you alive, Crystal Empire, now make some noise!” His command was answered as great as he had hoped. “Welcome to the second theme of the set tonight, where we have chosen different bands that each member of our band hand-picked to play a ten-song set each and every night. The band we chose for tonight’s set, is none other than one of our newest additions to play; TRIVIUM! We are really excited for some of these bands we’ve chosen to play for you, because they’ve been very influential to us for the last several months, and it is our honor to play their music out of respect and admiration we have for them and make it a brand new experience for all of you.” He paused as the crowd began to cheer and whistle for a couple moments before, without so much as a warning, he began to play the opening riff to the next song.

FORSAKE NOT THE DREAM – Trivium/Yugi + rhythm guitar
ANTHEM (WE ARE THE FIRE) – Trivium/Yugi + rhythm guitar
SHOGUN – Trivium/Yugi + dual-neck electric/acoustic guitar
MASTER OF PUPPETS [METALLICA] – Trivium/Yugi + rhythm guitar
WATCH THE WORLD BURN – Trivium/Yugi + rhythm guitar/fadeout outro

[ONE MINUTE INTERMISSION]

A NEW BEGINNING – Devil You Know/Jason/Ron on rhythm guitar
THROUGH WITH YOU – Anvil/Ash + rhythm guitar
HUNTED – Device/Gohan/Ron on rhythm guitar, Dan on keyboard/synthesizer/samples
THE STONE – Ashes Divide/Yugi + rhythm guitar, Ron on keyboards
WISHES – Coal Chamber/Jason

“Who out there is having fun tonight?!” Yumi asked the audience, and a series of applauding and cheering filled the arena once more. “That’s what I want to hear, but who out there is still wanting more fun?!” She paused again and allowed an even louder cheer and applause to be heard. “Well, we’ll have Jason explain what this part of the set is all about, but right now it’s my turn to keep things going again. We have a special song we’d like to play for you, one that we played not too long ago, and has most likely become my favorite cover song to sing. To all my pony friends, this song is called…

“’Straight… Through the Heart.’”

STRAIGHT THROUGH THE HEART [DIO] – Halestorm/Yumi with Yugi lineup/Yugi on rhythm guitar
DAMAGE CASE – Motorhead/Gohan + rhythm guitar
THE GHOST OF TOM JOAD (2014 VERSION) – Bruce Springsteen/Jason + lead guitar/Ash on Tom Morello vocals as well as co-lead guitar, Tails on piano, Ami on violin, Yumi on mandolin, Aelita on keyboard, Dan on acoustic guitar, Kim and Ron on rhythm guitars
FLUTTERWONDER – PinkiePieSwear/only Aelita on keyboard/programming/samples
DESTINY ISLANDS – Yoko Shimomura/only Tails on piano

After the last song had ended, the entire band walked out onto the stage, taking each of their positions for the next performance. Jason, who was technically the ‘front’ of the current lineup, took a seat at one of the two grand pianos; one for his height, and the other specifically for Tails. A look up at the higher sections of seating showed a flash of magical energy, followed by a second flash back down at the side-stage exit. Four friends were there in the wait, ready for the next song to take place, and so Jason, adjusting a microphone that sat on the top of his piano, took his turn to say a few words.

“Before we start this next song, I’m going to tell you about the third leg of our set. As one of our ultimate challenges to ourselves and how far we can go performing music, during this part of each show we play here at JAGFest will consist of all different bands; none shall repeat unless having a different voice, no voice shall repeat unless used in other projects, brand new band and song premieres. There will be so much going on in these sets, including inviting out our new friends we made since Tails and Cosmo introduced as all to Equestria. This next song, is for all who search for their purpose, wanting to know who you are, who you will have by your side; how You’ll Play Your Part…”

YOU’LL PLAY YOUR PART – My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic/Princesses Twilight, Celestia, Luna and Cadance with Jason lineup/Jason on piano, Ash and Yugi on acoustic guitars, Ami and Yumi on violins, Tails and Dan on cellos, Aelita on symphonic keyboard, Kim and Ron on extra percussion
SAY YOU’LL HAUNT ME – Stone Sour/Jason/Kim on rhythm guitar
HELL TO PAY – Deep Purple/Yugi/Tails on keyboard/organ
SOMETHING BETTER – Flyleaf/Kim with Yugi lineup/Yugi on rhythm guitar, Ash on male vocals, Ron on drums
LIPS OF AN ANGEL (ACOUSTIC) – Hinder/Gohan/only with Ron on acoustic guitar, Aelita on symphonic keyboard
EMPIRES (PART 1) – Kittie/only Ami on acoustic guitar
EMPIRES (PART 2) – Kittie/Ami with Jason lineup/Jason on rhythm guitar, Yumi on extra rhythm guitar and backing/growl vocals

“Crystal Empire, I have a declaration to make,” Gohan said to the audience, making sure each and every pony had his attention before declaring “You have set us up to take on ALL of Equestria! All of you bucking rock!” He threw a fist in the air, as if becoming a champion, while all the ponies cheered loudly for what he said. When it quieted down some, he continued with “We only have a few more left for you tonight, so I want to keep this going as hard, as loud and as empowering as you’ve made this night for us. Let’s see how you like this…”

WHEN DARKNESS FALLS – Crematory/Gohan/Dan on rhythm guitar and clean vocals, Tails on keyboards
THIS IS A TRICK – Crosses/Ash/Ami on keyboard, Aelita on turntables/programming/samples
GOD OF THUNDER [KISS] – White Zombie/Jason
CHILDLIKE – Mushroomhead/only Ron on Jus Mic vocals, Tails on lead guitar, Yumi on rhythm guitar, Ami on bass guitar, Dan and Kim on keyboards/synthesizers, Aelita on turntables/samples, Jason on drums
SON OF 7 – Mushroomhead/Ash on Jeffrey Nothing vocals, Gohan on J-Mann vocals, Yugi on Waylon vocals/Jason on drums, Tails on lead guitar, Yumi on rhythm guitar, Ami on bass guitar, Kim on keyboard/synthesizer, Ron and Dan on custom percussion, Aelita on turntables/samples/fadeout outro

/)∞(\

ENCORE:
KING OF THE HOARD! – William Anderson/audio instrumental
VICTIMIZED – Linkin Park/Ash and Dan on co-vocals/Tails on lead guitar, Aelita on keyboard/synthesizer/programming, Yumi on bass guitar, Jason on turntables/samples
GUILTY ALL THE SAME – Linkin Park/Ash/Tails on lead guitar, Dan on keyboard/backing vocals, Ron on Rakim vocals, Yumi on bass guitar, Jason on turntables/samples
SHATTERING THE SKIES ABOVE – Trivium/Yugi + rhythm guitar/outro jam of ‘You’ll Play Your Part’
IN MEMORIAM (OF THE CRYSTAL PONIES) – Carbon Maestro/audio instrumental

“THANK YOU SO MUCH, CRYSTAL EMPIRE!” Yugi called out from an available microphone. “You have helped us kick off JAGFest here with a huge bang! We hope to get to see you all again soon, and we’ll tell everypony in Cloudsdale you said hi! Until we meet again, my friends! GOOD NIGHT!”

And with that, the first night of the Equestrian Masquerade had ended. The band had fun, and their friends watching them enjoyed it all the same. It was time for a well-deserved rest in the castle before departing the next morning on a train filled with their equipment, their friends, and their drive to see each festival to the end. The Crystal Empire got the first taste for what was to come, and the hometown of two of Equestria’s most iconic pegasi hero would get a show like never before, or perhaps not ever again.