Garble: No. Nope. Nope-- [continues in background]

Sugarcoat: Thank you kindly, Sunset, for helping me out. I bet Pokey Pierce I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles. [chuckles]

Sunset Shimmer: No problem at all, Sugarcoat. I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry.

Garble: I know, right?

Sunset Shimmer: Ooh-wee, Spike. You've been lounging on my back all morning while we worked.

Garble: Exactly. You two are taking so long, I missed snack-time.

Sunset Shimmer: [stomach grumbles] [laughs nervously] Eh, I guess we better get some food.

Garble: Nope. Worm. A-ha!

Sunset Shimmer: Oh Spike, that looks delicious.

Garble: [munching]

Sunset Shimmer: Garble.

Garble: What? [burp]

Sunset Shimmer: It's a letter from Princess Luna.

Garble: [clears throat] Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Luna of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Sunset Shimmer plus one guest.

Sugarcoat and Sunset Shimmer: [gasp] The Grand Galloping Gala!

[theme song]

Sugarcoat and Sunset Shimmer: The Grand Galloping Gala! [cheering]

Garble: [sighs] Whatever.

Sugarcoat: Woo-hoo!

Garble: [burp] Look, two tickets.

Sugarcoat: Wow, great! I've never been to the gala. Have you, Garble?

Garble: No, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense.

Sunset Shimmer: Aw, come on Garble. A dance would be nice.

Sugarcoat: Nice? It's a heap good more than just nice. I'd love to go. Land sakes, if I had a firework store and cherry stand set up, ponies would be chowing our tasty vittles and excitin' them like crazy 'til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Bloomin' Cherry Farm? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixing up around here. We could replace that saggy, worn-out roof, and Pokey Pierce could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Cinch could replace that saggy old abacus of hers.

Sugarcoat: Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala.

Sunset Shimmer: Oh, well in that case, would you like to--

Indigo Zap: Whoa! [crash] Ugh. Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?

Sugarcoat: Indigo Zap. You told me you were too busy to help me harvest cherries. What were you busy doing? Spyin'?

Indigo Zap: No, I was busy napping, and I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?

Sunset Shimmer: Yeah, but--

Indigo Zap: YES! This is so awesome. The Shadowbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now. Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on the Shadowbolts, but then in would fly Indigo Zap!

[audience gasps]

Indigo Zap: I would draw their attention with my Flaming Speedy Rod!

[audience cheers]

Indigo Zap: Then, I would mesmerize 'em with my Fiery Flash of Festivity. And for my grand finale, the Electrifying Rodeo! The ponies would go wild!

[ponies go wild]

Indigo Zap: The Shadowbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member.

Indigo Zap: Don't you see, Sunset? This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You gotta take me! [grunt]

Sugarcoat: Hold on a darn minute, Indigo. [spit] I asked for that ticket first.

Indigo Zap: So? That doesn't mean you own it.

Sugarcoat: Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket.

Sugarcoat and Indigo Zap: [groan]

Sunset Shimmer: Girls, these are my tickets, I'll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?

Sugarcoat: Drummin' up business for the farm?

Indigo Zap: A chance to audition for the Shadowbolts?

Sugarcoat: Money t' fix Granny's treasured abacus.

Indigo Zap: Living the dream.

Sunset Shimmer: Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they? [stomach rumbles] [chuckles] Listen to that, I am starving. I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach, so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?

Sugarcoat and Indigo Zap: Okay. [groan]

Garblw: So, who you gonna give the ticket to, Sunset?

Sunset Shimmer: I don't know Garble, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry, so where should we eat?

Lemon Zest: [crash] Gah! Bats! Bats on my face! Help! Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?! It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always always always wanted to go!

Sunset Shimmer: Sure as it is, Lemon. Choice is yours.

[Lemon Zest]

Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me

Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me

Hip hip

Hooray!

It's the best place for me

For Lemon...

Lemon Zest: With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony!

[Lemon Zest]

Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me

Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me

'Cause it's the most galarrific superly-terrific gala ever

In the whole galaxy

Wheee!!

Lemon Zest: Oh thank you, Sunset, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever.

Sunset Shimmer: Um, actually--

Sunny Flare: [gasp] Are these what I think they are?

Sunset Shimmer: Uh--

Lemon Zest: Yes, yes, yes! Sunset's taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot.

Sunny Flare: The gala? I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him.

Lemon Zest: Him! ... Who?

Sunny Flare: Him. I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, "Who is that mysterious mare?" They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Luna herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, "Yes!" We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is [giggles] what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams.

Sunny Flare: Sunset Shimmer, I simply cannot believe you would invite Lemon Zest so she can... party, and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you? Hmph.

Garble: Hey!

Sour Sweet: [gasp] Flutterby, these are perfect!

Sunset Shimmer: Uh, listen guys, I haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to.

Sunny Flare and Lemon Zest: You haven't?

Sour Sweef: Um, excuse me, Madame Sunset! I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be all right, if you haven't given it to somepony else--

Sunset Shimmer: You? You want to go to the gala?

Sour Sweet: Oh, no. I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see, it's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos! Then colourful butterflies everywhere, fluttering like crazy!

Sunset Shimmer: Gee, Sour Sweet, it sounds... beautiful...?

Indigo Zap: Wait just a minute.

Sunset Shimmer: Rainbow Dash! Were you following me?

Indigo Zap: No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody. It sounded like a double-edged sword decision.

Sugarcoat: Wait just another minute.

Sunset Shimmer: Indigo Dash, were you following me too?

Sugarcoat: No. I was following this fella to make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take my darn ticket.

Indigo Zap: Your ticket?

Lemon Zest: But Sunset's taking me.

[ponies argue]

[ponies argue; Sunset's face grew disappointed]

Sunset Shimmer: Ruffians! QUIET!

Lemon Zest: And then I said, "Oatmeal, are you craz--" oh.

Sunset Shimmer: Girls, there's no use in arguing.

Sunny Flare: But Sunset-

Sunset Shimmer: Eh! This is my decision, and I'm gonna make it on my own, and I certainly can't think straight with all this noise... [stomach rumbles] not to mention hunger. Now go on, shoo.

[ponies grumble]

Sunset Shimmer: And don't worry, I'll figure this out... somehow.

Sunset Shimmer: [sighs] Garble, what am I gonna do? All five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala. Sugarcoat, or Indigo Zap? Lemon Zest or Sour Sweet, Sunny Flare... Oh, who should go with me? [stomach rumbles]

Savoir Fare: Have you made your decision?

Sunset Shimmer: I CAN'T DECIDE!

Garble: Sunset, he just wants to take your order.

Sunset Shimmer: Oh. I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich.

Garble: Do you have any rubies? No? Okay. I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy.

Sunset Shimmer: What do you think, Garble.

Garble: I think we have to try another restaurant. I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?

Sunset Shimmer: I mean about the Gala and the ticket and who I should take.

Garble: Oh. You're still on that?

Sunset Shimmer: Garble, listen. How do I choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies. What if I--

Savoir Fare: Ah, your food.

Sunset Shimmer: Oh thank you. This looks so good. I'm sure everything will be much clearer once I eat.

[ponies galloping]

Savoir Fare: Em, madam? Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?

Sunset Shimmer: It's not raining... What's going on?

Indigo Zap: Hi there, best friend forever I've ever ever had. Enjoying the sunny weather?

Sunset Shimmer: Indigo Zap, what are you doing?

Indigo Zap: Whaddya mean? I just saw the smartest, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I'd kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so she could dine in peace, that's all.

Sunset Shimmer: Indigo, you're not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing me extra special favors, are you?

Indigo Zap: Me? No no no, of course not.

Sunset Shimmer: Uh-huh.

Indigo Zap: Seriously, I'd do it for anypony. [gulp] Heh heh, eh.

Sunset Shimmer: Indigo, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that rain cloud right now.

Indigo Zap: Ugh, fine. [zip]

Sunset Shimmer: That's better. [groans]

Sunny Flare: Sunset it's raining.

Sunset Shimmer: No, really?

Sunny Flare: Come with me before you catch a cold.

Sunset Shimmer: Heh heh, oops, sorry.

Sunny Flare: Oh no, it's quite all right. After all, we are... the best of friends, are we not? And you know what the best of friends do?

Sunset Shimmer: Uh...

Sunny Flare: Makeovers!

Sunset Shimmer: Ugh, Sunny, ow, this really isn't fixing it. I mean, thank you but, ooh, that's too tight.

Sunny Flare: There. Oh, you're simply darling. I love to dress somepony gorgeously too!

Sunset Shimmer: Uh, yeah, it is kinda pretty, isn't it?

Sunny Flare: And you. Oh Garble, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent.

Garble: D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!

Sunset Shimmer: [giggles] Oh, Garble.

Sunny Flare: Now you just need a hat.

Garble: Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this girly gala gunk. See you back at the library.

Sunny Flare: [laughs] Oh, who needs him anyway. This is all about you, and how fabulous you'll look at the Grand Galloping Gala.

Sunset Shimmer: Wait, the Grand--

Sunny Flare: [gasp] And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence. I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to an S. We would be the belles of the ball, you and I. Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know, the most beautiful, most talented, most sophisticated pony in all of Equestria is Sunny Flare the Earth pony. Ah, [nervous laughter] and Sunset Shimmer, of course.

Sunset Shimmer: Not so fast. I see what's going on. You're just convincing me in such a trickster fashion so I give you the extra ticket. Well it's not gonna work. You're going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else. Now if you'll excuse me, I've been trying all day just to get some lunch.

Sugarcoat: Did somepony say lunch?

Twilight Sparkle: You've got to be kidding me!

Sugarcoat: I got cherry pie, cherry fritters, cherry tarts, cherry dumplings, cherry crisps, cherry crumblers, and a mercurial mix of Red Rum. Uh, the drink, not my uncle. What do you say there, best friend?

Sunset Shimmer: [stomach grumbles]

Sugarcoat: Is that a yes?

Sunset Shimmer: No. No. I don't know who I'm giving the ticket to, and all these favors aren't making it any easier to decide. In fact, I'm less sure now than I was this morning. Ugh!

Sugarcoat: So, that's a maybe?

Sunset Shimmer: Ugh, for Pete's sake. I never thought being showered with favors would be so aggravating.

Sour Sweet: [humming]

Sunset Shimmer: [gasp] Sour Sweet, not you too?

Sour Sweet: Oh, well, hello Sunset. I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you.

Sunset Shimmer: It's summer.

Sour Sweet: Oh, well, better late than never, right? It was Angel's idea.

Sunset Shimmer: You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?

Sour Sweet: For the love of Celestia! I'm doing this because you're my very best friend. Right, Flutterby? Oh, yes, we are just doing this for the ticket.

Sunset Shimmer: No, no, and no! Well, this was all very nice of you and Flutterby, but I'm not accepting any extra favors until I've made my final decision, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave.

Ponies: SURPRISE!

[trumpets blow]

[Lemon Zest]

Sunset is my bestest friend

Whoopie, whoopie!

Sunset Shimmer: Lemon...

[Lemon Zest]

She's the cutest, smartest, all around best pony, pony!

Sunset Shimmer: Lemon.

[Lemon Zest]

I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party!

Sunset Shimmer: Lemon!

[Lemon Zest]

She'll give her extra ticket to the Gala to me!

Sunset Shimmer: LEMON ZEST!!

Lemon Zest: Yes, Sunset?

Sunset Shimmer: At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket.

Drizzle: Wait, what ticket? What gala?

Lemon Zest: Oh, you didn't know? Sunset has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!

Ponies, in unison: The Grand Galloping Gala?!

[offscreen: Have I ever told you how much I love your mane?]

[offscreen: I'll wash your dishes.]

Daisy: Would you like any help with your gardening?

Derpy Hooves: I have a cartload of extra muffins!

[offscreen: I'll paint your cart.]

[ponies offer favors]

Garble: What are we gonna do?

Sunset Shimmer: We're... gonna... run!

[Benny Hill-esque music]

[ponies offer favors]

[offscreen: I'll do your taxes!]

[offscreen: Where is she? Where did she go? She's disappeared.]

Geable: Ugh... Warn me next time you're gonna do that.

Sunset Shimmer: I didn't even know it was gonna happen. Now quick, lock the doors. Yaaaargh! I can't decide, I just can't decide. It's important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you, and giving me gifts and doing me favors won't make any difference, because you're all my friends and I wanna make you all happy and I can't, I just can't!

Sugarcoat: Sunset, mate, I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you, and if it helps, I don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad, I promise.

Sour Sweet: Me too. I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful.

Sunset Shimmer: [whispers to herself] This town has gone to a state of complete loony bin!

Lemon Zest: And me too. It's no fun upsetting your friends.

Sunny Flare: Sunset, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did.

Indigo Zap: Yes! That means the ticket is mine. Ha ha, [sing-song voice] I got the ticket, I got the ticket-- you know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for the Shadowbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either.

Sugarcoat: We all got so keelhauled about going to the gala that we couldn't see how un-keelhauled we were making you.

Ponies in unison: We're sorry, Sunset.

Sunset Shimmer: Garble, take down a note.

*Dear Princess Luna*

*I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.*

Ponies in unison: What?!

Sunset Shimmer: If my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either.

Sugarcoat: Sunset, you don't have to do that.

Sunset Shummer: Nope. I've made up my mind. Garble you can send the letter now.

Garble: [gasp]

Sunny Flare: Now you won't get to go to the gala either.

Sunset Shimmer: It's okay, girls. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me, so I would rather not go at all.

Garble: Hgh... hgh... urk... urk...

Sugarcoat: Well, allow meself to add, Spike. Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment.

Garble: [burp]

Sugarcoat: Whoa Nelly!

Sunset Shimmer: A letter from the princess? That was fast.

Garble: "My faithful student Sunset, Why didn't you just say so in the first place?" Six tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.

[ponies gasp]

Sunset Shimmer: Now we can all go.

[ponies cheer]

Sunset Shimmer: [stomach rumbles] [laughs nervously]

Sunny Flare: Allow us to treat you to dinner.

Indigo Dash: What a great way to apologize.

Lemon Zest: And to celebrate. Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me.

Garble: How come I don't get a ticket to the gala? Hurk! [burp] "And one for you, Garble." [giggles] I mean, gross, I have to go too? [continues giggling]

Sugarcoat: [chuckles]

[music]

[credits]