♪♪
[excited chatter]
[camera shutter clicks]
[door opens]
[Spike] I got here as soon as I could,
but Friendship Ambassador is a full-time job these days.
Making peace between Abyssinians
and the Diamond Dogs has not been easy.
That's why I picked you for the job.
♪♪
But I'm glad you could come.
So what's the emergency?
Ever since I took over Celestia's School,
my focus has been on teaching magic.
But now it seems my top student has missed
What do you mean? the most important lesson of all.
Let's just say it'll be good to have my Royal Advisor
and Friendship Ambassador by my side.
[off-camera] Your Majesty...
She's here.
Send her in, Gallus.
[door opens]
Your Majesty.
Luster, I may be the ruler of Equestria,
but I'm still just your teacher.
And you've been wonderful.
I've enjoyed every moment at the School of Magic,
but I'm just not sure it's the right place for me.
I see.
And it's not the work.
I could spend weeks in the library doing research.
It's just that there's a lot of focus on making friends.
If that's your problem, you've come to the right place.
But that's just it. I don't want to make friends.
WHAT!
[ahem]
So, you'd rather leave
the School of Magic than make friends?
I was hoping to set up an independent course of study.
I want to accomplish as much as you have someday.
It'll be hard to do that without friends.
I'm not so sure.
Friendship looks like more of a distraction
than anything else and ultimately a waste of time.
WHAT?
I know you and your friends accomplished a lot together,
but that was so long ago and,
as far as I can see, you rule by yourself now.
Uh... hello? Royal Advisor right here.
And I don't think there's anything wrong with that.
In fact, I think it's better.
Plus, if friendships ultimately fade,
why even make them in the first place?
You know what, Luster Dawn? You're right.
WHAT!
♪ [dramatic sting] ♪
♪ My little pony, my little pony ♪
♪ Aaaahhh ♪
♪ My little Pony ♪
♪ I used to wonder what friendship could be. ♪
♪ My Little Pony ♪
♪ Until you all shared its magic with me. ♪
♪ Big adventure! ♪ ♪ Tons of fun ♪
♪ A beautiful heart! ♪ ♪ Faithful and strong! ♪
♪ Sharing kindness ♪ ♪ it's an easy feat ♪
♪ And magic makes it all complete! ♪
♪ To have my little pony ♪
♪ Do you know you're all my very best friends? ♪
♪♪
Friendship is more trouble than it's worth?
This is your top student?
Friendships take work,
and there's no guarantee they'll last.
♪♪
They can be complicated. They can be messy.
And they never go the way you plan.
Friendship is a hard thing to navigate.
I remember the first time I realized
it might not last forever.
[whistling wind]
[anxious gasps]
Twilight? Uh... I'm pretty sure that's everything.
I'm just doing a final check, Spike.
But we did a final check. Of every room.
Twice.
Ah-ha!
See? An issue of Power Ponies.
Now, aren't you glad we triple checked?
Thanks, but I already read this one.
I don't need to take it to Canterlot.
No, no, no. You love Power Ponies. We're taking it.
♪ [rushing music] ♪
Really, Twilight, we don't have to bring the comic.
I'm not even sure how much longer I'll collect 'em.
A lot is changing and I am getting older.
Just because things change
doesn't mean you leave everything you love behind!
[whimper]
You're not still worried about ruling Equestria are you?
No. I know it took some time,
but I've never been more ready for anything in my life.
Just because I'm ready to sit on the throne in Canterlot
doesn't mean I'm ready to leave Ponyville!
When we were all fighting to save Equestria from
Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow,
I was too busy to think about it, but now
it's all happening at once. - What is?
The coronation, moving, leaving our friends.
I thought we'd all be ruling Equestria together.
Of course we will, but it won't be the same.
They all have lives here.
We're moving away and they're not
and I can't help but feel like we're leaving them behind.
What if we all just drift apart?
I guess I hadn't thought about it like that.
Maybe you should talk to them.
I bet they're feeling the same way.
You're right, Spike. Thanks.
Sometimes talking to a good friend is all it takes.
[thumping]
♪♪
So, you're not worried about how things might change
with me living in Canterlot?
Of course not!
Change is natural, like the seasons.
That's just life on the farm.
I guess so.
Anyhoo, I really need to get all these boxes
packed and sorted.
There's a lot more work now that the folks
beyond Equestria are coming to the coronation too.
Worried? Pfft! No way. Unless you're talking about
the coronation, because then yes.
Obviously, the cakes are handled,
but there's the whole rest of the party to stay on top of.
And honestly, I'm not convinced
Gummy really took care of the fireworks.
[sizzling]
But what about after the coronation?
Don't you think things are going to be different?
Well, since I'll be in charge of all the Canterlot galas
from now on, I'll have to go there a lot more.
So I guess that's different, but I don't think I mind.
No. Of course not.
♪♪
Wonderful work, everyone. We couldn't be more ready.
Josephine, if you and the rest of the doves leave now,
we should all arrive in Canterlot at the same time.
Eloise and Hubert, you should go too.
I know it's a long way, but don't worry;
I'll bring plenty of snacks to restore your energy
before we perform.
Everyone else gets to ride,
since the trip's too much for your little wings.
We need everyone in tip-top shape for the coronation.
I'm glad we got the chance for one last rehearsal.
Everyone's so excited, but I can't imagine anypony's
more excited than you. Moving to Canterlot. Being crowned.
I can't think of a single bad thing about any of it.
[weakly] Heh-heh. Yeah. Me, neither.
Rainbow Dash: In...3...2...1...and...
[whooshing]
♪ [heroic music] ♪
Look, Rainbow Dash, I know this is important to you
and we all want the routine to be special,
but are you sure it needs to be this complicated?
Of course! And I know we can pull it off.
Sorry, Twilight. I don't have time to talk.
We've got a lot more work to do before the coronation.
[sigh]
Darling, change is an integral part of fashion.
I myself am considering opening boutiques
for non-ponies.
Things must evolve or they become stale. For example...
I was just struck with a sudden inspiration
to change my design for your gown
by including the webs of these star spiders.
They glow for a short while after they're spun.
They won't have much time to weave the sash,
but the effect will be dazzling. You see, darling?
Change can be fabulous if you embrace it!
[doors open]
Starlight is supposed to come over soon.
There's a little something we wanted to give you
before we leave.
You know what? I think you're right, Twilight.
I should take my comics to Canterlot.
We can't leave the Power Ponies behind.
I don't think the Power Ponies care, Spike.
Just like all of our friends.
All right, Twilight. Are you ready?
We all wanted to see you off, but there's still a lot to do.
Aren't you coming on the train?
I gotta go with Big Mac so we can go over our packing list
or we won't know who gets what deliveries.
And I'm gonna meet the Wonderbolts
so we can go over the routine one last time.
I'm going with Gummy. He said he knows
when the fireworks display should start,
but does anypony really believe that?
And I still need to pick up food for the swans and doves
who flew ahead to Canterlot. If I don't get them fed,
they'll be too pooped to perform.
Well, I'll be living in Canterlot alone.
Might as well take the train alone too.
Bye, I guess.
Oh, you won't be traveling alone, darling.
I'll have just enough time on the train
to weave the star spider sash for your gown.
But we should leave now. There's no time to dawdle
if you want the coronation to be perfect.
That's the problem!
You're all so worried about making my coronation perfect,
that I'm leaving Ponyville and none of you even care!
[gasp]
Exactly. You moved away.
Your friends didn't care and that was that.
Actually, not exactly.
Of course, we care that you're moving, Twilight.
I can't believe you think we don't.
What could possibly make you think that?
I tried to talk to you all about how I was feeling,
but you seemed more worried about what you had to do
for the coronation.
It's true. I was there.
I suppose it gave us something else to focus on.
I knew you were worried about everything changin'.
I guess I thought if I made it seem like everything was OK,
it would be.
I was just trying to make you feel better.
That way, I wouldn't feel so terrible.
Before I moved to Ponyville,
I didn't really know what friendship was.
You've all taught me so much.
I can't believe it all might be ending.
But when I imagine the future,
all I can think about is that we won't be together!
I'm literally moving away from you and it's terrifying.
I'm scared, too.
Me, too!
Rattled to the core.
Eeyup.
I wouldn't say scared.
But just because I won't say it doesn't mean I don't feel it.
[sobbing] I'm going to miss you so much!
I just can't stop thinking about
how much things are going to change!
What-what if we don't see each other?
What if we don't talk as much?
What if we don't stay friends?
[blubbering]
I know it's weird, but knowing you're all are as upset as I am
actually makes me less worried.
That's nice, but you should be more worried...
about missing the train to Canterlot!
Sorry, I'm so late, I actually thought I'd missed you.
Spike: There's no time!
[train whistle toots]
Oh, no. We missed it!
But maybe...
[poof poof]
OK. We're on the train.
Everything should be fine, right?
I'd worked out exactly how much time I needed
to weave my star spider sash, and now I'm behind!
I hope Big Mac can figure out
who gets what deliveries on his own.
I assume these contain the finest sparkling apple juice?
Eeyup!
Ah, the Sweet Apple Acres applesauce
for my coronation parfait! This is the applesauce?
Ah... Eeyup.
I don't have the snacks the doves and swans will need
to perform after their long flight.
I'd better find the food car.
[bird squawks]
And I need to meet the Wonderbolts!
[whoosh]
Where's the coronation team?
They waited, but when you didn't show,
they thought you musta meant to meet outside of Canterlot.
The only thing I'm worried about
is Gummy handling the fireworks display.
[uncertain] ...but I'm sure it's fine.
Well, it could always be worse.
[train screeches to a halt]
[sheep bleating]
♪♪
Goodness, Twilight, are you all right?
My friends and I had a few hiccups on the way,
but everything's fine now.
[bleat]
We really are both just so proud of you.
If you need a moment, that's all right.
It is your coronation.
♪ [trumpet fanfare] ♪
[cheering crowd]
Although it would be nice to get started. Are you ready?
Rarity: NO!
She can't possibly be crowned without her coronation gown.
Very well.
Celestia: Citizens of Equestria and beyond.
[cheering and stomping]
My sister and I have ruled this land for quite some time,
but even we know that change eventually comes to us all.
And though we know it can be unsettling, it's as natural
as the rising and setting of the sun and the moon.
Both of which my sister and I feel confident
leaving in the hooves of the pony who will come after us.
You look amazing. Oh! I almost forgot.
Celestia: And so without further ado,
I give you the new ruler of Equestria,
Princess Twilight Sparkle!
Agh!
[gasps]
Sorry.
♪ [musical flourish] ♪
Crowd: Ooooh!
Uh... Twilight?
[chirping]
Oh, dear. I know these aren't the snacks I promised,
but it's all I could find.
[quacks]
Well, Dash or no Dash,
Twilight's about to get that crown. Wonderbolts, roll out!
[whoosh]
No! Wait!
[whoosh]
♪ [majestic music] ♪
[whoosh]
[fireworks whistling and exploding]
[grunt]
[dismayed gasps]
To Twilight!
[confused murmurs]
Hm. Close enough.
[groan]
Luster: OK. I get it now.
Your coronation was such a disaster
that you and your friends never really recovered
and that's why you all drifted apart.
Well, you're half right.
So the coronation wasn't a disaster
and your friendships just faded away over time?
Not exactly.
[door opens]
Sorry I'm late, but it is so hard to find a sitter
with a sense of humor for Li'l Cheese!
[squeaky toy squeaks]
Honestly, I would have been here sooner,
but you would not believe how busy Yakyakistan
is these days!
Maybe we could get to places on time
if you let me do some of the chores
instead of always doing everything yourself.
Maybe I would if you did them the right way.
Oh, sorry. We're not the last ones, are we?
Discord's headed to an O&O convention
or he'd be joining us.
I just assumed that since you aren't together
all the time now...
That we aren't friends?
[laughter]
That's not the point of my story.
It's true my coronation was a disaster.
[splash]
Well, at least the coronation is over.
[groan]
[thud]
[tittering to giggling to laughter]
[pounding]
That was something.
I was just about to say the same thing.
I know maybe it wasn't the coronation you planned,
but it's good to see all of you laughing.
We wanted to give this to you before you left Ponyville,
but things got a little hectic.
Since you're moving away,
we thought if you missed any of us, or Ponyville,
this might help.
Awww!
It's a book of memories.
And we all chipped in some.
No matter how much things change,
you'll always have this to look back on.
I love it. Thank you so much.
But I don't want to only look back.
Obviously, the coronation wasn't perfect,
but that doesn't matter.
It's our relationships that really count
and we have to maintain them.
But now that we're living in different places,
I'm not exactly sure how.
I am. I suggest we meet once a moon.
In fact, my first royal decree as ruler of Equestria
is to establish this Council of Friendship!
[excited chatter]
Celestia: And what a wonderful decree it is!
We always knew that whatever adversity you faced, you and
your friends would find your way through it together.
We know Equestria is in the perfect hooves with you
AND your friends looking out for it.
And while we'll always be here if you need us,
it's time for us to be on our way.
You're leaving?
We hope you'll come and visit us in Silver Shoals.
But now it's time for you to rule on your own.
You're all more than capable.
Thank you. For everything.
[sobbing]
So, even though everything changed,
and you moved away from your friends,
you didn't grow apart?
And this is the Council of Friendship.
That's what you're all doing here?
Duh. This time every moon.
What she means is, this is how we've been ruling together!
And how we've continued to face every problem
and threat to Equestria over the years.
But mostly, it's how we keep in touch.
No matter how busy life gets!
Sometimes friendships can be hard,
and it takes work to maintain them,
but without friends, things can be a lot harder.
I never thought about friendship
being something to work at and I don't mind work.
I guess if they don't have to fade away,
maybe making friends isn't the waste of time I thought.
But I've been so focused on my studies,
I wouldn't know where to start.
That's all right,
because I know exactly where to send you.
♪♪
♪ When I started out I was unsure ♪
♪ I thought I knew all that I needed ♪
♪ Didn't know what to expect ♪
♪ But when my walls came down ♪
♪ I saw the truth ♪
♪ All along something was missing ♪
♪ ♪
♪ And I think you'll see it too ♪
♪ This is where the magic happens ♪
♪ This is where the magic lives ♪
♪ Our friendships weave together stronger ♪
♪ The bonds grow deeper lasting longer ♪
♪ And the greatest spell you'll know ♪
♪ Is how the magic of friendship grows ♪
♪ ♪
♪ And no matter how much time goes by ♪
♪ The party will still be here ♪
♪ with some fun new games to try ♪
♪ Big adventures waiting obviously ♪
♪ Long as we're still here together ♪
♪ We'll be flying happily ♪
♪ This is where the magic happens ♪
♪ This is where the magic lives ♪
♪ Our friendships weave together stronger ♪
♪ The bonds grow deeper lasting longer ♪
♪ And the greatest spell there is ♪
♪ What the magic of friendship gives ♪
♪ ♪
♪ And it's something true to pass on down ♪
♪ To generations yet to come ♪
♪ ♪
♪ And we'll never stop believing ♪
♪ In the generosity ♪
♪ Of the friendships we've won ♪
♪ And because the love that I feel ♪
♪ For every single living creature ♪
♪ Is something that is real ♪
♪ Friendship happens so naturally ♪
♪ Oh, and how I used to wonder what friendship could be ♪
♪ This is where the magic happens ♪
♪ This is where the magic lives ♪
♪ Our friendships weave together stronger ♪
♪ The bonds grow deeper lasting longer ♪
♪ And the greatest spell you'll know ♪
♪ Is how the magic of friendship grows ♪
♪ How the magic of friendship grows ♪