"So, this is Burning Pony," Twilight said with a grimace. She wrinkled her nose in disgust.

"Welp, it pays well, an' that's all that matters," Caseyjack mused, "right?"

The girls nodded in agreement, taking in the sights in front of them.

"Well, girls, have fun," Twilight said, "I'm gonna go set up. Be back by eight!" and the girls went off their separate ways.

----

Flutter Tesla trotted up to a group of ponies who appeared to be gesticulating in weird directions.

"Um, what are you doing?" Flutter Tesla asked mildly.

The pony she asked shifted positions, answering with, "Hot Yoga! Wanna join?"

"Um, ok," and Flutter Tesla did her best to copy the pony's positioning.

----

Rarity was wandering around when she spotted Trixie, of all ponies, near the base of the wicker pony. She appeared to be piling explosive charges there. Rarity trotted up to her.

"Excuse me, Trixie, what ARE you doing?" Rarity asked

Trixie turned in shock, then quickly composed herself. "Trixie has been asked to set the blaze that will result in the glorious conflagration of this pony!" Trixie said, a gleam appearing in her eyes, "Wanna help?"

Rarity, having never assisted in an explosion or holocaust before, mused for a bit. "Might as well! It's always nice to have new experiences under my belt!" and assisted Trixie in loading explosives.

----

Rainbow Sparks was in awe at the spectacle before her. Pegasus firedancers whipped flame about as if they were handling streamers. Fire jugglers were passing flaming torches as if they were balls.

"So...awesome..."

----

Twilight was setting up the equipment when she heard clopping behind her. She turned around to see Caseyjack supporting Pinkori, helping her walk towards the stage.

"What's going on?" Twilight asked alarmedly, "what's wrong with Pinkori..."

"Ah don't know! Ah was walkin' near tha buffalo grounds, an' I saw Pinkori stumblin' away!" Caseyjack said worriedly.

Pinkori muttered "bad...cactus..." and started gagging.

Caseyjack's eyes widened."Ah didn't do...what do ah do?"

Twilight took command, "Take Pinkori in your arms from behind and thrust your hooves into her stomach, quickly!" She ordered.

Caseyjack did as told, letting Pinkori projectile vomit...right onto Twilight. She started gagging, waving Caseyjack over. Caseyjack pointed Twilight away from Pinkori and repeated the process, leaving a trail of pony vomit on the sand.

Twilight fell to her haunches, holding out a hoof. "Peyote..."

"Pay-yo-tee?" Caseyjack queried.

"Peyote," Twilight corrected her, "A hallucinogenic cactus used in Buffalo religious rituals. I have NO idea how Pinkori got her hands on some..."

"Well, ya know Pinkori," Caseyjack assured her friend, "she's always gettin' her hand in things she don't have no right bein' in..."

"Well, we still have two subs for her part. Let's see how this goes..."

----

The stage was set, and Rarity was still nowhere to be found. Flutter Tesla took guitar, Twilight was on drums, and Caseyjack was on vocals. Rainbow Sparks was suffering second-degree burns along her arms, and the show was about to start. Where could Rarity be!? Making an executive desicion, Twilight strapped the bass to Pinkori and shoved her on stage. Pinkori wobbled a bit, Caseyjack giving a dirty look towards Twilight, Twilight waving her worried glance away. Caseyjack shrugged, Flutter Tesla starting her strumming as Caseyjack joined in.

Colt, what's come between you and me?

Look right through me

I won't let it go

I can't help this feeling anymore

I will go anywhere

Maybe you'll see

We are

We are the shaken(shaken)

We are the ghosties(ghosties)

Underneath your bed

Yeah

Believe what your read

We are

We are mistaken(staken)

We are the chaos(chaos)

Inside your head

Yeah

Believe what you see

Caseyjack looked back to Pinkori, who was keeping up with the demanding bass line. She was impressed. She kept singing.

It came as no surprise...

----

Who wants honey

As long as there is some money

Who wants that honey

Elements out

Elements out

Elements out

Elements out

Caseyjack stopped singing and the bandmates played out their parts. Caseyjack was about to say something, when she was cut off by an announcement.

"Excuse me, but it is time for the Great and Rocking Trixie-"

"-and Rarity-"

"Yes, and Rarity would like to present the Burning Pony! Behold, in awe!"

Just then, an explosion was heard as the pony effigy behind them burst into flame, the spectacle shining throughout the night. Cheering all around the desert roared as what they came to see was happening. Caseyjack stared in awe at the sight. Twilight motioned behind her whereupon she realized that they had a song left in their set! Caseyjack turned towards the crowd as the blues guitar started up, Flutter Tesla ripping through the riffs. Caseyjack started singing.

Well you've heard about love givin' sight to the blind

My filly's lovin' cause the sun to shine

She's my sweet little thing, she's my pride and joy

She's my sweet little filly, and I'm her little lover boy...

----

The girls were packing up their things, talking about their previous night, when a familiar pony walked up to them.

"Tom!" Rarity exclaimed, "whenever did you get here?"

"Oh I came in last night," Tom explained, "and I've got great news for you girls! You're playing in Neighpon in a week's time...isn't that wonderful?"

The girls stared speechless at him.