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 older sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her younger sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful day. One fateful day, the older unicorn refused to lower the sun to make way for the dusk. The younger sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the old one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of brightness: Daybreaker.
[lightning crack]
Narrator: She vowed that she would dry out the land in eternal drought. Reluctantly, the younger sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her older sister, and banished her permanently in the sun. The younger sister took on responsibility for both...
Narrator and Sunset Shimmer: ...sun and moon...
Sunset Shimmer: ...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]
Apple Stars: There you are, Sunset! Trixie Lulamoon is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come?
Sunset Shimmer: Oh, sorry, girls... I've got a lot of studying to catch up on.
Apple Stars: [sigh] Does that pony do anything except study? I think she's more interested in books than friends.
Sunset Shimmer: I know I've heard of the Elements of Harmony.
Garble: Ow!
Sunset Shimmer: Wha-? Garble! Ga-rble! Garble?
Garble: [groan]
Sunset Shimmer: There you are. Quick, find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies. What's that for?
Garble: Well, it was a gift for Trixie Lulamoon, but...
[squeak]
Sunset Shimmer: Oh Garble, you know we don't have time for that sort of thing.
Garble: But we're on a break!
Sunset Shimmer: No, no, no... no, no, no! [grunts] Garble!
Garble: It's over here!
[whack]
Sunset Shimmer: Ah! Elements, Elements, E, E, E... Aha! Elements of Harmony, see: Mare in the Sun?
Garble: Mare in the Sun? But that's just an old ponies' tale.
Sunset Shimmer: Mare, mare... aha! The Mare in the Sun, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the sun. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the fiery bolas of supernovas will aid in her escape, and she will bring about drought eternal! [gasp] Garble! Do you know what this means?
Garble: No-- whoa!
[smack]
Garble: Ow!
Sunset Shimmer: Take a note please, to the Princess.
Garble: Okie dokie.
Sunset Shimmer: My dearest teacher, my continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster!
Garble: Hold on. Preci... preci...
Sunset Shimmer: Threshold.
Garble: Threh...
Sunset Shimmer: Uh, brink? Ugh, that something really bad is about to happen! For you see, the mythical Mare in the Sun is in fact Daybreaker, and she's about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal daytime of drought! Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student, Sunset Shimmer.
Garble: Sun... set Shim... mer. Got it!
Sunset Shimmer: Great! Send it.
Garble: Now?
Sunset Shimmer: Of course!
Garble: Uh, I dunno, Sunset, Princess Luna's a little busy getting ready for the Moonlight Harvest Celebration. And it's like, the day after tomorrow.
Sunset Shimmer: That's just it, Garble. The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Moonlight Harvest Celebration! It's imperative that the Princess is told right away!
Garble: Impera... impera...
Sunswt Shimmer: Important!
Garble: Whoa!
[crunch]
Garble: Okay, okay! [inhale] There, it's on its way. But I wouldn't hold your breath...
Sunset Shimmee: Oh, I'm not worried, Garble. The Princess trusts me completely. In all the years she's been my mentor she's never once doubted me.
Garble: [belch]
Sunset Shimmer: See? I knew she would want to take immediate action.
Garble: [clears throat] My dearest, most faithful student Sunset. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely.
Sunset Shimmer: Mm-hm!
Garble: ...but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!
Sunset Shimmer: [gasp]
Garble: My dear Sunset, there is more to a young pony's life than studying, so I'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Moonlight Harvest Celebration in this year's location: Ponyville. And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete: make some friends!
Sunset Shimmer: [sigh]
Garble: Look on the bright side, Sunset. The Princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn't that make you happy?
Sunset Shimmer: 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 Daybreaker's return.
Garble: Then... when will you make friends, like the Princess said?
Sunset Shimmer: 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.
Royal guards: [whinnying]
Sunset Shimmer: Thank you, sirs.
Royal guards: [huffing]
Garble: Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about. Come on, Sunset, just try!
Sunset Shimmer: Um... hello?
Lemon Zest: [prolonged gasp]
Sunset Shimmer: Well, that was interesting all right.
Garble: [sigh]
Garble: Summer Sun Celebration official overseer's checklist. Number one, banquet preparations: Bloomin' Cherry Farms.
Sugarcoat: [random explosions] Fire in the hole! Today's the Moonlight Harvest Celebration, everypony!
[thump]
Sunset Shimmer: [sigh] That was certainly exciting... Good afternoon. My name is Sunset Shimmer--
Sugarcoat: Well, heya, Miss Shimmer, a pleasure to be your acquaintance. I'm the exciting Sugarcoat! We here at Bloomin' Cherry Farms sure do like making new friends!
Sunset Shimmer: Friends? Actually, I--
Sugarcoat: So, what can I do you for?
Garble: [snickering]
Sunset Shimmer: [clears throat] Well, I am in fact here to supervise preparations for the Harvest Moonlight Celebration. And you're in charge of the food?
Sugarcoat: We sure as sugar are! Would you care to sample some?
Sunset Shimmer: As long as it doesn't take too long...
[triangle ringing]
Sugarcoat: Soup's on, everypony!
[thump]
Sugarcoat: Now, why don't I introduce you all to the Blooming family?
Sunset Shimmer: Thanks, but I really need to hurry--
Sugarcoat: What's the hurry, Miss Shimmer? This is George Cherry, Purple Flavouring, Reticent Berry, Red Rum, Cherry Bloomer, and Cherry Pie. I'll introduce you to my family! [Rapidly speaking] This is Granny Cinch, Silver Spoon, and Pokey Pierce. Anchors aweigh, Granny Cinch, we got guests.
Granny Cinch: [snort] Wha..? Soup's on? I'm up, here I come, ahm comin'...
Sugarcoat: Why, I'd say you're already part of the family!
Sunset Shimmer: [spit] [nervous laughter] Okay, well, I can see the food situation is handled, so we'll be on our way.
Silver Spoon: Aren't you gonna stay for brunch?
Sunset Shimmer: Sorry, but we have an awful lot to do...
Blooming family: [disappointed sighs]
Sunset Shimmer: ...fine.
Blooming family: [cheering]
Garble: Food's all taken care of, next is weather.
Sunset Shimmer: Ugh... I ate too much pie...
Garble: Hmm, there's supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Indigo Zap clearing the clouds.
Sunset Shimmer: Well, she's not doing a very good job, is she?
[whack]
[zap!]
Sunset Shimmer: Whoa!!
Indigo Zap: [sheepish laughter] Uh, 'scuse me? Sorry for that! [more sheepish laughter]
Sunset Shimmer: Nnnn... nearly killed me...
Indigo Zap: [laughter] Lemme help you.
[rushing water as lightning bolts appeared]
Indigo Zap: [more sheepish laughter] Oops, I guess I overdid it. Um, uh, how about this? My very own patented Reef Blower version 2.0! No no. Don't thank me. You're quite welcome. [bursts out laughing]
Garble: [bursts out laughing]
Sunset Shimmer: Let me guess. You're Indigo Zap.
Indigo Zap: The one and only. Why, you heard of me?
Sunset Shimmer: I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear. [sigh] I'm Sunset Shimmer, and the Princess sent me to check on the weather.
Indigo Zap: Yeah, yeah, that'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I'm done practicing.
Sunset Shimmer: Practicing for what?
Indigo Zap: The Shadowbolts! They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show 'em my stuff!
Sunset Shimmer: The Shadowbolts?
Indigo Zap: Yep!
Sunset Shimmer: The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?
Indigo Zap: Absolutely right! That's them!
Sunset Shimmer: Pfft! Please. They'd never accept a Pegasus who can't even keep the sky clear for one measly day.
Indigo Zap: Hey, I could clear this sky in just as quick as the bullet of a gun. Seven seconds straight!
Sunset Shimmer: Prove it.
[whooshing noises]
Indigo Zap: [sounds of exertion] Loop-de-loop around, and wham! What'd I say? Seven. Seconds. Straight. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging. [sheep baaing] [chuckles] You should see the look on your face. Ha! You're a laugh, Sunset Shimmer. I can't wait to hang out some more.
Garble: Wow, she's amazing! [laughs]
Sunset Shimmer: Rrgh.
Garble: Wait! It's kinda pretty once you get used to it!
Garble: Decorations. Beautiful...
Sunset Shimmer: Yes, the décor is coming along nicely. This ought'a be quick. I'll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed.
Garble: Not the décor, her!
Sunny Flare: No, no, no, oh! Goodness no.
Garble: How are my spines? Are they straight?
Sunset Shimmer: Good afternoon--
Sunny Flare: Just a moment, please! I'm 'in the zone', as it were. Oh, yes! Shimmer always does the trick, does it not? Why, Sunny, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help yo-- [yelp] Oh my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!
Sunset Shimmer: 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.
Sunny Flare: Out of my hair? What about your hair?!
Sunset Shimmer: Wait! Where are we going?! Help!
Sunny Flare: No, no, uh-uh. Too bright. Too dull. Too small. Not poofy enough. Too little of gems. Too... shiny. Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you're from.
Sunset Shimmer: [wincing] I've... been sent... from Canterlot... to--
Sunny Flare: Huh?
[crash]
Sunny Flare: Canterlot?! Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have 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... Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!
Sunset Shimmer: Quick! Before she decides to dye my coat a new color!
Garble: [sigh]
Garble: Wasn't she wonderful?
Sunset Shummer: Focus, Casanova. What's next on the list?
Garble: [clears throat] Oh, uh, music! It's the last one!
[distant birdsong fanfare]
Sour Sweet: Oh my. More gems to be polished later... *sings* They shine like butterflies, they flutter in the skies, as they will be so happy towa-
Sunset Shimmer: Hello!
Sour Sweet: [yelp] Wnat in tarnation?
Sunset Shimmer: Oh my, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to frighten your butterflies. I'm just here to check up on the music and it's sounding beautiful. [pause] I'm Sunset Shimmee. [pause] What's your name?
Sour Sweet: I am Madame Sweet! The gem polisher surrounded by butterflies everywhere.
Sunset Shimmer: Huh?! There were no such thing as butterflies in here.
Sour Sweet: Behind you.
Sunset Shimmer: Didn't quite catch those crystalline butterflies.
Sour Sweet: [facehooves]
Sunset Shimmer: [pause] Well, um, it looks like the crystalline butterflies are actually fluttering in here, so I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work!
Sour Sweet: [sighs]
Sunset Shimmer: Oookay. [to Garble] Well, that was easy.
Sour Sweet: [gasp] A baby dragon!
[thump]
Sour Sweet: Oh, I've never seen a baby dragon before. He's sooo cute!
Garble: Well, well, well...!
Sour Sweet: 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!
Sunset Shimmer: Well, in that case we'd better be going.
Sour Sweet: Wait, wait! What's his name?
Garble: I'm Garble.
Sour Sweet: Hi Garble, I'm Sour Sweet. Wow, a talking dragon! And what do dragons talk about?
Garble: Well, what do you wanna know?
Sour Sweet: Absolutely everything from top to bottom to even more bottom.
Sunset Shimmer: [groan]
Garble: Well... I started out as a cute little purple and green egg...
Garble: ...and that's the story of my whole entire life! Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today?
Sour Sweet: Oh, yes, please!
Garble: Gyah!
Sunset Shimmer: 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.
Garble: No I don't-- whoa!
Sunset Shimmer: Aww, wook at dat, he's so sweepy he can't even keep his widdle bawance!
Sour Sweet: Poor thing! Go to bed and have some rest, boyo and lassock!
Sunset Shimmer: Yes, yes, we'll get right on that. Well, g'night!
[door slamming]
Garble: Huh. Rude much?
Sunset Shimmer: Sorry, Garble, but I have to convince the Princess that Daybreaker 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 trying to make friends all the time. Now, where's the light?
[light flicks on]
Sunset Shimmer and Garble: [honk]
Ponies: Surprise!
[kazoo blows]
Sunset Shimmer: [groan]
[music warps down]
Lemon Zest: Surprise!
[party whistle blows]
Lemon Zest: Hi, I'm Lemon Zest, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh huh huh? I'm sure you really are, mate!
Sunset Shimmer: Very surprised. Libraries are supposed to be quiet.
Lemon Zest: Well, that's silly! That would be nuts if parties or surprises were a quiet one! I mean, duh, bo-ring! Y'see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all "hello" and I was all, remember? Y'see I've never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville!
Sunset Shimer: [groan]
Lemon Zest: Such a lemony day for me and for you! And if you're new, that meant you haven'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, then I had an idea, and that's why I went [deep gasp]! I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everypony in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends! Like millions that can cause a massive overflow of data!
[kettle whistling]
Sugarcoat: Are you all right, miss?
[train whistle blowing]
Lemon Zest: Aww, she's so happy she's crying!
Garble: "Hot sauce".
Lemon Zest: Ooh... [with mouth full] What? It's good! Let's add some lemons for such an acidic taste to my tongue! [adds some drop of lemon juice] Too exciting for my taste buds!
[muffled disco music]
[clock ticking]
Sunset Shimmer: [groan]
[door opens, music gets louder]
Garble: Hey Sunset! Lemon Zest's starting "pin the tail on the pony"! Wanna play?
Sunset Shimmer: No! All the ponies in this town are crazy! Do you know what time it is?!
Garble: It's the eve of the Moonlight Harvest Celebration. Everypony has to stay up, or they'll miss the Princess raise the moon! You really should lighten up, Twilight. It's a party!
Sunset Shimmer: [mockingly imitates Garble]
[door closes, music stops]
Sunset Shimmer: Ugh, here I thought I'd have time to learn 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 pony tale...
Garble: C'mon, Sunset, it's time to watch the sunrise!
Lemon Zest: Isn't this exciting? Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited-- well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went [deep gasp] but I mean really, who can top that?
[fanfare]
Mayor Mare: Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Moonlight Harvest Celebration!
[ponies cheering]
Mayor Mare: In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunset, and celebrate this, the longest night 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...
Sour Sweet: Ready? Here we go!
Mayor Mare: ...Princess Luna!
Sunny Flare: Huh?
[ponies chattering quietly and nervously in the background]
Sunset Shimmer: This can't be good.
Mayor Mare: Remain calm, everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation!
Lemon Zest: Ooh, ooh, I love guessing games! Is she hiding?
Sunny Flare: She's gone!
[ponies gasping]
Lemon Zest: Ooh, she's good. [yelp]
[ponies gasping]
Sunset Shimmer: Oh no... Daybreaker!
Garble: [sigh]
Daybreaker: Oh, my beloved subjects. Proud to be ignorant fools! It's been so long since I've seen your precious little moon-loving faces.
Sunset Shimmer: What did you do with our Princess?!
Sugarcoat: [muffled] Whoa there, boyo...
Daybreaker: [chuckle] Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am? IGNORANCE IS VILE AS YOUR OWN SELF!!
Lemon Zest: Ooh, ooh, more guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty--[muffled noises]
Daybreaker: Cease the mockery! Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? THOUSAND YEARS OF LIVING HELL! Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?
Sunset Shimmer: I did. And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Sun – Daybreaker!
[ponies gasping]
Daybreaker: Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here.
Sunset Shimmer: You're here to... to... [gulp]
Daybreaker: [chuckle] Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the hell of my drought will last forever 'til your bodies are burned to a gaunt crisp! [laughter, brightness appears]
[To be continued...]
[music]
[credits]