[TEXT: Once upon a time...] NARRATOR: Once upon a time in the magical land of Equestria there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn. The younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon. She vowed she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to Ponydom: The elements of harmony. Using the magic of the elements of harmony, she defeated her younger sister and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both NARRATOR & TWILIGHT SPARKLE: sun and moon. TWLIGHT SPARKLE: and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since. Hmm... Elements of harmony... I know I've heard of those before. But where? [THEME SONG] CHORUS: My little pony, my little pony, ahhhh My little pony TWILIGHT SPARKLE: I used to wonder what friendship could be CHORUS: My little pony TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Until you all shared its magic with me RAINBOW DASH: Big adventure PINKIE PIE: Tons of fun RARITY: A beautiful heart APPLEJACK: Faithful and strong FUTTERSHY: Sharing kindness TWILIGHT SPARKLE: It's an easy feat And magic makes it all complete CHORUS: Yeah, my little pony TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Do you know you are my very best friends? [TEXT: My Little Pony, Friendship is Magic] [TEXT: Developed for Television by Lauren Faust] TWINKLESHINE: There you are, Twilight. Moondancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Oh, sorry girls, I got a lot of studying to catch up on. TWINKLESHINE: Does that pony do anything except study? I think she's more interested in books than friends. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: I know I've heard of the elements of harmony. SPIKE: Woah! TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Spike! Spiiike! Spike? SPIKE: [groans] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: There you are. Quick, find me that old copy of "Predictions and Prophesies." What's that for? SPIKE: Well, it was a gift for Moondancer, but... TEDDY BEAR: [squeaks] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Oh Spike, you know we don't have time for that sort of thing. SPIKE: But we're on a break! TWILIGHT SPARKLE: No, no, no, no, no, no. Ugh. Spike! SPIKE: It's over here! TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Ah! Elements, elements, E E E... ah-ha! Elements of harmony: See 'Mare In The Moon'? SPIKE: Mare in the moon? But that's just an old ponies' tale. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Mare, mare, ah-ha! The mare in the moon. Myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria. Defeated by the elements of harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal. [gasps] Spike! Do you know what this means? SPIKE: No... woah! Ow... TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Take a note, please, to the princess. SPIKE: Okie-dokie. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: My dearest teacher. My continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster. SPIKE: Hold on. Preci... preci... TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Threshold. SPIKE: Threa... TWILIGHT SPARKLE: The brink? [sighs] The something really bad is about to happen! For you see, the mythical mare in the moon is in fact Nightmare Moon, And she's about to return to Equestria and bring with her eternal night. Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophesy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. SPIKE: Twilight... Sparkle. Got it! TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Great! Send it. SPIKE: Now? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Of course! SPIKE: Eh, I don't know, Twilight. Princess Celestia's a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun celebration, and it's like the day after tomorrow. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: That's just it, Spike. The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration. It's imperative that the princess is told right away. SPIKE: Impari... impari... TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Important! SPIKE: Okay, okay. There. It's on its way. I wouldn't hold your breath... TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Oh, I'm not worried, Spike. The princess trusts me completely. In all the years she's been my mentor, she's never once doubted me. SPIKE: [belches] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: See? I know she would want to take immediate action. SPIKE: Ahem. My dearest, most faithful student, Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Mhm! SPIKE: But you simply must stop reading those dusty old books! TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [gasps] SPIKE: My dear Twilight, There is more to a young pony's life than studying. So I'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location, Ponyville. And I have an even more essential task for you to complete: Make some friends! TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [groans] SPIKE: Look on the bright side, Twilight. The princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn't that make you happy? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Yes. Yes it does. You know why? Because I'm right. I'll check on the preparations as fast as I can, then get to the library to find some proof of Nightmare Moon's return. SPIKE: And... when will you make friends like the princess said? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: She said to check on preparations. I am her student, and I'll do my royal duty. but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends. PEGASUI: [neigh] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Thank you, sirs. PEGASUI: [nicker] SPIKE: Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about. Come on, Twilight, just try. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Uh... hello? PINKIE PIE: [gasps] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Well, that was interesting all right. SPIKE: [sighs] SPIKE: Summer Sun Celebration Official Overseer's checklist. Number one. Banquet preparations. Sweet Apple Acres. APPLEJACK: Yee-haw! TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [sighs] Let's get this over with. Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle. APPLEJACK: Well howdy-do, Miss Twilight. A pleasure makin' your acquaintance. I'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin' new friends. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Friends? Actually, I... APPLEJACK: So, what can I do ya for? SPIKE: [chuckles] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [clears throat] Well, I am in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. And you're in charge of the food? APPLEJACK: We sure a sugar are! Would you care to sample some? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: As long as it doesn't take too long. [clanging triangle] APPLEJACK: Soup's on, everypony! Now, why don't I introduce ya'll to the Apple family. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Thanks, but I really need to hurry. APPLEJACK: This here's Apple Fritter. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp [takes a deep breath] Big Macintosh, Applebloom, and Granny Smith. Up and at 'em, Granny Smith. We got guests. GRANNY SMITH: [snores] Wha? S'okay, I'm comin', I'm comin. APPLEJACK: Why, I'd say you're already part of the family. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [spitting sounds] Ah ha ha... okay, well, I can see the food situation is handled, so we'll be on our way. APPLEBLOOM: Aren't you gonna stay for brunch? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Sorry, but we have an awful lot to do. APPLE FAMILY: Awww... TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Fine. APPLE FAMILY: [cheering and laughter] SPIKE: Food's all taken care of. Next is weather. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [groans] I ate too much pie. SPIKE: Hmm... there's supposed to be a pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearin' the clouds. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Well, she's not doing very good job, is she. [crash] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [groans] RAINBOW DASH: [laughs] Uh... excuse me? [laughs] Let me help you. [laughs] Oops, I guess I overdid it. Um, uh, how 'bout this? My very own patented rain-blow dry. No, no, don't thank me. You're quite welcome. [laughs] RAINBOW AND SPIKE: [laugh] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Let me guess. You're Rainbow Dash. RAINBOW DASH: The one and only! Why, you heard of me? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: I heard you're supposed to be keeping the sky clear. [sighs] I'm Twilight Sparkle, and the princess sent me to check on the weather. RAINBOW DASH: Yeah, yeah. That'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy, just as soon as I'm done practicing. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Practicing? For what? RAINBOW DASH: The Wonderbolts! They're gonna preform at the celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show 'em my stuff. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: The Wonderbolts? RAINBOW DASH: Yup. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: The most talented fliers in all of Equestria? RAINBOW DASH: That's them. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [scoffs] Please. They'd never accept a pegasus who can't even keep the sky clear for one measly day! RAINBOW DASH: Hey. I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Prove it. RAINBOW DASH: Yeah! Loop-da-loop around and wham! What'd I say? Ten. Seconds. Flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hangin'. [laughs] You should see the look on your face. [laughs] You're a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. I can't wait to hang out some more. SPIKE: Wow... she's amazing. [laughs] Wait! It's kind of pretty, once you get used to it. Decorations. Beautiful. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Yes. The decor is coming along nicely. This ought to be quick. I'll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed. SPIKE: Not the decor. Her. RARITY: No. No. No. Oh, goodness no. SPIKE: How are my spines? Are they straight? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Good afternoon. RARITY: Just a moment, please. I'm in the zone, as it were. Ah, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help you... [screams] Oh my stars! Darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Oh, you mean my mane? Well, it's a long story. I'm just here to check on the decorations, and then I'll be out of your hair. RARITY: Out of my hair? What about your hair? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Wait! Where are we going? Help! RARITY: No, no, uh-uh, too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too shiny. Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you're from. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [strained voice] I've, uh, been sent from Canterlot to... RARITY: Canterlot! Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication... I've always dreamed of living there. I can't wait to hear all about it. We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I. Emerald? What was I thinking. Let me get you some rubies. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Quick, before she decides to dye my coat a new color! SPIKE: [sighs] Wasn't she wonderful? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Focus, Casanova. What's next on the list? SPIKE: [clears throat] Oh, uh, music! It's the last one. [whistling in background] [whistling continues, but one bird is singing differently than the rest.] FLUTTERSHY: Oh my. Stop, please, everyone. Excuse me, sir. I mean, no offence, but your rhythm is just a tiny-tiny bit off. Now, follow me please. A one, a two, a one two three. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Hello! FLUTTERSHY: [gasps] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Oh my, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to frighten your birds. I'm just here to check up on the music, and it sounds beautiful. I'm Twilight Sparkle. What's your name? FLUTTERSHY: Um... I'm [whispers too quietly to be heard] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: I'm sorry, what was that? FLUTTERSHY: Um... My name is [whispers too quietly to be heard] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Didn't quite catch that. FLUTTERSHY: [whimpers] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Well... um... it looks like your birds are back, so I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work. FLUTTERSHY: [whimpers] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Oooookay. Well, that was easy. FLUTTERSHY: [gasps] A baby dragon! Oh, I've never seen a baby dragon before! He's so cute! SPIKE: Well, well, well. FLUTTERSHY: Oh my, he talks! I didn't know dragons could talk! That's just so incredibly wonderful, I... I just don't even know what to say. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Well, in that case we'd better be going. FLUTTERSHY: Wait, what's his name? SPIKE: I'm Spike. FLUTTERSHY: Hi, Spike. I'm Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon! And what do dragons talk about? SPIKE: Um... what do you want to know? FLUTTERSHY: Absolutely everything. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [groans] SPIKE: Well... I started out as a cute little purple and green egg. And that's the story of my whole entire life. Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today? FLUTTERSHY: Oh, yes please! SPIKE: Ahh! TWILIGHT SPARKLE: I am so sorry. How did we get here so fast? This is where I'm staying while in Ponyville, and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep. SPIKE: No I don't... ahh! TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Aww, look at that. He's so sweepy he can't even keep his wittle balance. FLUTTERSHY: Poor thing. We simply must get him to bed. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Yes, yes. We'll get right on that. Well, goodnight! [door slams] SPIKE: Huh. Rude much? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Sorry, Spike, but I have to convince the princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time. I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies tryin' to make friends all the time. Now where's the light? ALL: [party horns] Surprise! [party horns] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [groans] PINKIE PIE: Surprise! Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were you? Were you? Huh? Huh? Huh? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Very surprised. Libraries are supposed to be quiet. PINKIE PIE: [laughs] That's silly. What kind of welcome party would it be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, boring! You see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all, "Hello!" And I was all "[gasp!]" Remember? You see, I never saw you before, and if I never saw you before, that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean EVERYPONY in Ponyville! And if you're new, it meant you hadn't met anyone yet. And if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends. And if you don't have any friends, then you must be lonely! And that made me so sad, and I had an idea! And that's why I went, "[gasp!] I should throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends! [background whistle sound] APPLEJACK: Are you all right, sugar cube? [background train whistle] PINKIE PIE: Aww, she's so happy she's crying! SPIKE: Hot sauce. Hmm... PINKIE PIE: What? It's good! TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [groans] SPIKE: [party music in background] Hey, Twilight! Pinkie Pie's starting "pin the tail on the pony." Wanna play? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: No! All the ponies in this town are CRAZY! Do you know what time it is? SPIKE: It's the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. Eveypony has to stay up, or they'll miss the princess raise the sun. You really should lighten up, Twilight. It's a party! TWILIGHT SPARKLE: [mocking mumbles] [sigh] Here I thought I would have time to learn more about the elements of harmony. But, silly me, all this ridiculous friend making has kept me from it! Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night. I hope the princess was right. I hope it really is just an old ponies' tale. SPIKE: Come on, Twilight! It's time to watch the sun rise! PINKIE PIE: Isn't this exciting? Are you excited? 'cause I'm excited! I've never been so excited! Well, except for that time that I saw you walk into town and I went "[gasp!]" But I mean, really, who can top that? [birds singing] MAYOR: Fillies and gentlecolts. As mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration. ALL: [cheering] MAYOR: In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year. And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria... FLUTTERSHY: Ready? MAYOR: Princess Celestia! [trumpet fanfare] RARITY: Huh? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: This can't be good. MAYOR: Remain calm, everypony. There must be a reasonable explanation. PINKIE PIE: Oh, oh, I love guessing games! Is she hiding? RARITY: She's gone! ALL: [gasp] PINKIE PIE: Oh, she's good. [screams] ALL: [gasp] TWILIGHT SPARKLE: Oh no. It's Nightmare Moon. SPIKE: [sighs] NIGHTMARE MOON: Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces. RAINBOW DASH: What'd you do with our princess? APPLEJACK: Woah there, nelly. NIGHTMARE MOON: [laughs] Why? Am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am? PINKIE PIE: Oh, oh, more guessing games! Um... Pokey Smoke? How 'bout Queen Meanie? No, Black Snooty, Black Snooty! [incomprehensible talking with mouth full] NIGHTMARE MOON: Does my crown no longer count now that I've been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs? TWILIGHT SPARKLE: I did. And I know who you are. You're the mare in the moon. Nightmare Moon. ALL: [gasp] NIGHTMARE MOON: Well, well, well. Somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here. TWILIGHT SPARKLE: You're here to... to... [gulps] NIGHTMARE MOON: Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever! [laugher] [TEXT: To be continued...] [Theme song] My little pony My little pony friends