My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Season 2, Episode 12: The Cloud Racer By Johnny Bruton

TEASER FADE IN: 1

EXT. PONYVILLE - DAY A POSTER announces the upcoming Pegasus Grand Prix to be held in Cloudsdale over the next three months. The shadow of Rainbow Dash appears over the announcement. RAINBOW DASH Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Rainbow Dash, carrying a full load of books starts jumping in circles in front of the poster, dropping her saddle. Twilight Sparkle, also carrying the same amount of books steps in. TWILIGHT SPARKLE What is it? RAINBOW DASH (pointing to the poster) Only the most amazing race ever! TWILIGHT SPARKLE The Pegasus Grand Prix? Never heard of it. RAINBOW DASH Never heard of it?! Winning the PGP is the biggest achievement a pony could get! And if I-- I mean when I win, the Wonder Bolts will surely notice me! TWILIGHT SPARKLE Well... why don’t you sign up? It says here the application process begins today. RAINBOW DASH What? I gotta hurry! See ya later Twilight! Rainbow Dash speeds off. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Wait, Rainbow Dash! Who’s going to help me... She looks down at the extra saddle of books, realizing Rainbow Dash can’t hear her.

2. TWILIGHT SPARKLE (cont’d) ... with all these books? FADE OUT. END TEASER ACT 1 FADE IN: 2

EXT. PONYVILLE - DAY Rainbow Dash is lying on a cloud, enjoying the beautiful weather when Twilight Sparkle happens to walk by. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Rainbow Dash! Hey, Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash turns in her cloud to look at the ground. RAINBOW DASH Oh, hey Twilight! What’s up? TWILIGHT SPARKLE Oh... nothing. I’m just a little tired from carrying two saddles of books! RAINBOW DASH (slightly laughing) I’m sorry, Twilight. I guess the idea of racing in the PGP made me forget everything else. TWILIGHT SPARKLE It’s fine. Did you at least get in? Rainbow Dash jumps up and shows her running number (cloth saddle, maybe?) RAINBOW DASH Yep! I’m now officially number 15 in the Pegasus Grand Prix. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Great! When’s the first race? Rainbow Dash lies back down. RAINBOW DASH In about a week. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Well... Shouldn’t you be training?

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RAINBOW DASH Nah. Why bother? I’m already the best flyer in Equestria. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Yes, but there will be many more pegasi from other countries competing. I’d be happy to help you get ready. RAINBOW DASH Eh... Don’t worry about it. I’m fine. My plan is to chill out until the race so I’m all nice and relaxed. TWILIGHT SPARKLE If you say so... But if you do come to your senses, I’m always ready to help. Rainbow Dash jumps up from the cloud and turns to Twilight again. RAINBOW DASH Are you and the gang going to come again? TWILIGHT SPARKLE Of course! We’d love to watch you race. RAINBOW DASH It’s in Cloudsdale. TWILIGHT SPARKLE No problem, I’ll use that spell from last time. RAINBOW DASH But only the "walking-on-cloud-spell" please. I don’t want Rarity going all crazy again... TWILIGHT SPARKLE (laughing) Of course. Twilight continues on her walk as Rainbow Dash settles into the cloud again. RAINBOW DASH (to herself) Tse... I’ll have no problem winning. I’ll show her.

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EXT. CLOUDSDALE RACING TRACK - DAY Racing day. Ponies everywhere are excited for the race. Small stands sell treats to the visitors, while others admire huge statues of older PGP winners. Between the main stand and the officials box, a large cloud with a checkered line floats. Rings of clouds continue off into the distance indicating the track. Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight, Applejack and Pinkie Pie are sitting together on one of many clouds around the track. Pinkie Pie is happily munching on popcorn more interested in the food than the festivities. RARITY I don’t see why I couldn’t have my beautiful wings back. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Do I really need to answer that? Pinkie Pie takes a break from eating, PINKIE PIE Yeah! You were crazy when you had wings. RARITY That may be, Pinkie Pie. But I was beautiful! APPLEJACK Now, I know exactly how nervous a pony can get when they’re racin’. And I reck’n nopony, not even Rainbow Dash would want any extra stress today. The announcer interrupts their conversation. Fillies welcome Pegasus held in

ANNOUNCER and Gentlecolts, I you to the 83rd annual Grand Prix, this year Cloudsdale!

The crowd errupts in cheers. ANNOUNCER Now, please give a great Equestria welcome to today’s racers! 50 ponies emerge from underneath the stands and stand in 5 lines behind each other at the checkered starting line. Rainbow Dash, having qualified in the top 10 starts in front. She looks excited and confident.

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ANNOUNCER (cont’d) And now, let us go through the rules one last time. The race will last ten laps. The last lap will be indicated by a checkered flag. Everypony must go through each ring. Failure to do so will result in a five second penalty. And finally, the last ten pegasi in this race will be disqualified. Rainbow Dash squints her eyes, ready to race. ANNOUNCER (cont’d) And now, without further ado -Racers! At the ready! Rainbow Dash crouches down, in position. ANNOUNCER Set! RAINBOW DASH (to herself) Come on. Come on. I can do this. ANNOUNCER Go! A referee swings a white flag indicating the beginning of the race. Rainbow Dash dashes off quicker than any other pony. She looks back realizing, she’s in first. RAINBOW DASH Haha! 4

EXT. TRACK - DAY The race continues, Rainbow Dash fighting for first place with a red male pegasus -- this is Nickel Specter. He has a much easier time racing than Rainbow Dash. She is breathing heavily and loosing her breath quickly. They pass the first lap, head to head. They pass the second lap, Rainbow Dash behind Nickel Specter. They pass the third lap, Rainbow Dash is further behind. They pass the fourth lap, Rainbow Dash is now in third. Twilight Sparkle looks at her friends, they, staring at the race all look worried.

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EXT. CLOUDSDALE RACING TRACK - DAY Pinkie Pie starts jumping. PINKIE PIE Come on, Rainbow Dash! You can do it! Keep going! Rainbow Dash faintly hears Pinkie Pie’s cheering, smiles and gets another feat of strength. They pass the fifth lap, Rainbow Dash is second, and closing in on the Nickel Specter. They pass the sixth lap. Rainbow Dash is fifth. They pass the seventh lap, Rainbow Dash is far behind. She is panting, and can barely fly. The cheers continue, Rainbow Dash sees her friends cheering her on, but she can’t make herself fly faster. More pegasi pass her, pushing her further and further back. APPLEJACK What’s wrong with her? TWILIGHT SPARKLE I think she’s bitten off more than she can chew. APPLEJACK Well... how many laps left? Nickel Specter zooms over the checkered cloud as a checkered flag is waved. TWILIGHT SPARKLE This should be the last lap. RARITY What place is she? TWILIGHT SPARKLE I don’t know... But, let’s hope she isn’t lower than 40th. Otherwise she’ll be disqualified.

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EXT. TRACK - DAY Back on the racetrack, Rainbow Dash is fighting for her place. RAINBOW DASH (to herself) Come on! Rainbow Dash! You can do it!

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The sweat is dripping from her strained face as two more pegasi pass her. RAINBOW DASH (cont’d) (to herself) 38, 39. Oh no! If one more person passes me, I’ll be disqualified! Speaking of the devil, a pegasus behind her starts getting closer. RAINBOW DASH (cont’d) No! I won’t be disqualified! Rainbow Dash summons her last strength and flies faster. The last ring before the finish line appears. The other pegasus comes in close to Rainbow Dash. He also knows what’s at stake. They push each other back and forth, getting closer and closer to the ring. The other pegasus moves further from Rainbow Dash, preparing to tackle her. He launches his attack, just as Rainbow Dash ducks leaving him to miss not only her but also the ring. His maneuver lands him in front of Rainbow Dash. The pegasus notices he’s in front and makes a break for the finishing line, with Rainbow Dash right behind him. RAINBOW DASH (cont’d) Come on. Come on. Come on! 7

EXT. CLOUDSDALE RACING TRACK - DAY Rainbow Dash flies faster and faster, trying to pass the other pagasus, but doesn’t manage. Both pegasi pass the finish line. Rainbow Dash behind. ANNOUNCER And now finishing in 40th place, Sparky. And in 41st, Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash lands on the cloud, head hanging low. RAINBOW DASH I... I lost? ANNOUNCER However, because Sparky missed the last ring, he is punished with an extra five seconds to his time. Putting Rainbow Dash in 40th place and Sparky in 41st.

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RAINBOW DASH What? Rainbow Dash’s friends cheer her from the stands, as she looks apologetically at Twilight. FADE OUT. END OF ACT 1 ACT 2 FADE IN: 8

INT. TWILIGHT’S HOUSE - DAY Twilight Sparkle is busy studying, while Spike finds more books from Twilight to read. Rainbow Dash comes in and is greeted by Spike. SPIKE Hey, Rainbow Dash! I heard about the race. Congratulations! RAINBOW DASH (uneasily laughing) Thanks... SPIKE So when’s the next race? RAINBOW DASH In two weeks. SPIKE (looking at Twilight) I wish I could see it. Twilight looks up from her book. TWILIGHT SPARKLE I’m sorry, Spike but the spell only covers ponies. Not dragons. If you can find a spell, I’ll be happy to do it for you. SPIKE Cool! She looks back at her book, as Spike turns back to Rainbow Dash. SPIKE (cont’d) So, are you ready?

9. RAINBOW DASH Actually, I wanted to talk to Twilight about that. Spike looks over to Twilight again, who looks up from her book again. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Oh? Rainbow Dash walks over the Twilight, with her head hung low. RAINBOW DASH I’m sorry, Twilight. I should have listened to you. I was just so confident and I didn’t even think about how good the other racers could be. TWILIGHT SPARKLE I know... Apology accepted. RAINBOW DASH (uncomfortably) Actually, there’s something else I’d like to ask you... TWILIGHT SPARKLE (knowingly) Really? RAINBOW DASH Yes... Um, well... can you -would you like to help me train? Twilight gets excited. And pulls some books from the shelves. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Of course! I’ve been reading up on Pegasus training schedules since the race. What’s really interesting is that a pegasus race is very different to an earth pony’s race. Rainbow Dash walks over to the table where Twilight was reading. The book reads, "The Ponies guide to Pegasus training." Rainbow Dash smiles, and interrupts Twilight’s rambling. RAINBOW DASH Thanks, Twilight. Twilight Sparkle pauses for a second and looks at Rainbow Dash.

10. TWILIGHT SPARKLE (smiling) It’s my pleasure. She turns back to the shelves of books, pulling out one book after another. TWILIGHT SPARKLE (cont’d) Now, we really want to tackle this head on. So we need this one. Oh, and this one, how could I forget. This one. This one... This might be interesting to try. OH! I loved this one... 9

EXT. PONYVILLE PARK - DAY Twilight and Rainbow Dash are preparing in the Rainbow Dash is wearing a sweatband across her her front hoofs, flying around. Twilight has a hanging from around her neck. She is reading a

park. brow and on whistle book.

RAINBOW DASH Comeon! I’ve been ready for forever... Let’s do some training! TWILIGHT SPARKLE Wait, we need to go over the science of it first. Rainbow Dash lands next to Twilight, peering into her book. RAINBOW DASH Science? I thought we’re gonna train. TWILIGHT SPARKLE We are! But doing it right requires a lot of thinking. RAINBOW DASH Boring... TWILIGHT SPARKLE I thought you wanted to get better. RAINBOW DASH I do! TWILIGHT SPARKLE Then we have to set up a diet plan first. Rainbow Dash looks down at her stomach.

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RAINBOW DASH Diet? I don’t need a diet! TWILIGHT SPARKLE You don’t understand, a diet isn’t only for people who want to loose weight. Any specific food intake for a specific purpose is considered a diet. All athletes are on diets. RAINBOW DASH So what’s my diet plan? Twilight writes a note, then shows it to Rainbow Dash. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Here, this is a list of things you’re not allowed to eat. Rainbow Dash scans the sheet. RAINBOW DASH Wait, no cupcakes? TWILIGHT SPARKLE Yup. RAINBOW DASH No cookies? TWILIGHT SPARKLE That’s right. RAINBOW DASH No soda? TWILIGHT SPARKLE Basically anything from Sugar Cube Corner. RAINBOW DASH So what can I eat? TWILIGHT SPARKLE Well... salads, apples, wheat. Anything healthy. Rainbow Dash slumps down, defeated. RAINBOW DASH Fine... Twilight puts the paper in the book and closes it.

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TWILIGHT SPARKLE Alright! Time for training. Rainbow Dash jumps up onto her hind legs, victoriously thrusting her front hoof in the air. RAINBOW DASH Yes, finally! She falls into starting position ready to push off. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Wait! Rainbow Dash looks up. RAINBOW DASH What?! TWILIGHT SPARKLE Have you stretched yet? RAINBOW DASH Stretch? TWILIGHT SPARKLE (sarcastically) How have you ever won a race before? Twilight moves next to Rainbow Dash and leans backwards stretching her front legs. TWILIGHT SPARKLE (cont’d) It’s vitally important that you stretch your legs and wings before racing. Otherwise you could really hurt yourself. Rainbow Dash copies Twilight. RAINBOW DASH It kinda hurts. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Trust me, after doing this every day for a couple of weeks, you’ll feel like rubber. Rainbow Dash continues to stretch. TWILIGHT SPARKLE (cont’d) Alright, now some muscle training.

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RAINBOW DASH What now? 10

MONTAGE - TRAINING AND RACES -- The park -- Rainbow Dash does push ups while Twilight whistles in rhythm. -- The air -- Clouds are everywhere, Rainbow Dash dodges between them. -- Fluttershy’s house -- Rainbow Dash is served a salad by Angel and shows disgust. Twilight stares at Rainbow Dash, who reluctantly starts eating. -- Next race -- Rainbow Dash flies faster and is more confident. Comes in 20th. Nickle Specter comes in first. Rainbow Dash holds out her hoof, wanting to congratulate him. He walks off. Rainbow Dash’s friends gather around to congratulate her. -- Apple Acres -- Rainbow Dash flies around the farm picking apples individually with high speed. Twilight and Apple Jack smile, standing next to the bucket that quickly fills up with apples. -- Next race -- Rainbow Dash comes in 5th. Nickle Specter comes in first and Rainbow Dash tries to congratulate him again, but he walks off smugly as Rainbow Dash’s friends gather around. -- Apple Acres -- Apple Jack teaches Rainbow Dash how to rodeo. Spike sits on Rainbow Dash as she tries to get him off. -- Fluttershy’s house -- Rainbow Dash is served a salad by Angel and munches down on it happily. -- The park -- Twilight holds a stopwatch with her magic as the trail of a rainbow flashes by. TWILIGHT SPARKLE That’s a new record! Twilight looks excited as a tired but satisfied Rainbow Dash trots next to her and slumps into a heap with a accomplished sigh. FADE OUT. END OF ACT 2 ACT 3 FADE IN:

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EXT. CLOUDSDALE RACING TRACK - DAY More ponies than ever before flood the Cloudsdale racing track. Little shops are overwhelmed with customers, the whole arena is completely sold out. Even Princess Celestia has come, sitting comfortably in the VIP stands. Her guards sitting next to her eyeing the crowd. At the racetrack, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Spike sit on a cloud excited for the race. Spike is especially excited. SPIKE Oh man! I can’t believe I’m in Cloudsdale. I can’t believe I get to watch the PGP! I can’t believe I’m going to watch Rainbow Dash win the PGP in Cloudsdale! FLUTTERSHY I’ve never seen you so excited before. APPLEJACK Also, we donno if Rainbow Dash is gonna win or not. SPIKE Oh come on! You’ve seen how hard she’s been training. She’s got to win, got to! APPLEJACK That would be mighty fine, I just wouldn’t get your hopes up too soon. These are the best racers in the world... Next to the checkered cloud, under a large tent, the ten remaining pegasi and their trainers get ready for the race. Twilight stands next to a stretching Rainbow Dash. On the other side of the cloud, Nickle Specter is having his stretches done for him by his assistants. He sees Rainbow Dash looking at him, stands up and walks towards her. NICKLE SPECTER Well, well. If it isn’t the oh so famous Rainbow Dash. RAINBOW DASH I guess... Hi. Rainbow Dash offers her hoof. Nickle Specter looks at it in disgust.

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NICKLE SPECTER Quite... Rainbow Dash lowers her hoof in confusion. NICKLE SPECTER (cont’d) Although you have been getting better and better, don’t think even for a second that you can beat me. I am the best there ever was. RAINBOW DASH (depressed) Don’t worry. I won’t think about it. Nickle raises an eyebrow, not expecting such an answer. Rainbow Dash stomps the cloud under her, staring straight into Nickle’s eye. RAINBOW DASH (cont’d) I’ll just have to show you! Nickle smiles smugly. NICKLE SPECTER We’ll just see about that. He turns around and goes back to his assistants to continue stretching. RAINBOW DASH (calling after him) Good luck! You’ll need it! TWILIGHT SPARKLE Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash turns to Twilight. TWILIGHT SPARKLE (cont’d) Don’t patronize him. RAINBOW DASH Why not? He’s doing it. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Yes, but if you do it as well, you’re not any better than he is. RAINBOW DASH (defeated) I guess you’re right.

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TWILIGHT SPARKLE Alright, now hurry up and finish your stretches. The race is about to start. Rainbow Dash continues to do stretches, while Twilight stands next to her coaching. ANNOUNCER Fillies and Gentlecolts! It is my pleasure to welcome you to the marathon final of the 83rd annual Pegasus Grand Prix! The crowd errupts in applaus. ANNOUNCER (cont’d) From the 50 pegasi that started only ten remain. And here they are! The ten pegasi walk out of the tent onto the checkered cloud and get into position in a straight line. ANNOUNCER (cont’d) Remember, this is a marathon, so it is only one lap! The first one to cross the finish line wins. And now... without further ado... Let the races begin! The crowd cheers as the pegasi get into their starting positions. ANNOUNCER Ponies, on your mark. Twilight standing on the sidelines looks nervously at Rainbow Dash. TWILIGHT SPARKLE (muttering) Pace yourself. Pace yourself. Pace yourself. ANNOUNCER Get set! Rainbow Dash looks quickly over to Nickle, who shows no stress or excitement, then back in front. RAINBOW DASH (muttering) Pace yourself. Pace yourself. Pace yourself.

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ANNOUNCER Go! The white flag falls and the pagasi are off. Rainbow Dash doesn’t fly out in front this time, she steadies her pace and stays with the rest. They disappear in the distance. 12

EXT. CLOUDSDALE RACING TRACK - DAY Nickle Specter is in front, flying with no difficulties through the rings. Rainbow Dash is last, but slowly moves closer and closer to the pegasus in front of her, finally passing with no problems. This continues. Rainbow Dash passes each pegasus one by one. Always flying a little faster than the one in front of her. Finally she is in second. Right behind Nickle Specter. RAINBOW DASH (to herself) I won’t let you win this time. Rainbow Dash speeds up, using all of her reserved energy and passes Nickle. NICKLE SPECTER What? Where did you come from? Rainbow Dash zooms away from Nickle Specter, who quickly speeds up as well. He quickly catches up with her and matches her speed. NICKLE SPECTER (cont’d) Well, well you’re full of surprises. Rainbow Dash says nothing. NICKLE SPECTER (cont’d) Not clever enough to respond? Rainbow Dash still stays silent. Nickle gets visually annoyed by her silence. NICKLE SPECTER (cont’d) You won’t win against me. It’s only a matter of time until you get all weak again. RAINBOW DASH You shouldn’t talk while racing. It tires you out quicker.

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Nickle Specter gets annoyed as Rainbow Dash starts accelerating once again. The two fly quite close to each other, bumping back and forth, always getting faster and faster. They fly past a large cloud and see the finish line off in the distance. Rainbow Dash squints her eyes and accelerates once again. Nickle Specter can’t keep up any more and grabs Rainbow Dash’s hind leg. RAINBOW DASH (cont’d) Hey! She struggles against it, kicking and thrashing about. But Nickle keeps holding on. RAINBOW DASH (cont’d) (turning back to Nickle) You know... I’m not only a racing pony. She buckles like in a rodeo, kicking Nickle off of her. RAINBOW DASH (cont’d) I’m also a rodeo pony! Rainbow Dash shoots off towards the finish line, leaving Nickle behind her. 13

EXT. CLOUDSDALE RACING TRACK - DAY Rainbow Dash crosses the finish line in first place. The whole stands cheer the new champion. Her friends in the stands are going wild, jumping around and screaming. SPIKE Oh man! I told you! I told you! Rainbow Dash won! She won! Twilight comes up to Rainbow Dash and pats on the back. RAINBOW DASH Thanks. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Hey... you’re the champion. Rainbow Dash smiles at Twilight as Nickle crosses the finish line. They look at each other, but before a word could be said he leaves with a smug look.

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EXT. CLOUDSDALE RACING PODIUM - DAY A golden podium stands in front of a large crowd of ponies all waiting for the ceremony to begin. They form a half circle in front of the podium. ANNOUNCER I want to present to you, in third place; Molasses. A brown pegasus walks onto the lowest stand. The crowd cheers. ANNOUNCER (cont’d) And the former champion of the last four Grand Prix’s; Nickle Specter. The crowd cheers wildly when Nickle takes his place. He looks annoyed. ANNOUNCER (cont’d) And now, our new champion of the Pony Grand Prix; Rainbow Dash! The crowd errupts in cheers as Rainbow Dash takes her place on the top of the podium. Her head is high, her wings extended, she is on the top of the world. Rainbow Dash looks down to Nickle and extends her hoof. RAINBOW DASH Good race. Nickle looks doubtfully at the hoof, but shakes it anyway. A smile slowly growing on his face. RAINBOW DASH (cont’d) I can’t wait until next year. Nickle, now fully smiling. NICKLE SPECTER I’ll beat you next year. RAINBOW DASH (smiling as well) We’ll see about that. The pegasi continue to cheer as Rainbow Dash shakes the hoof of the third place pagasus. FADE OUT. END OF ACT 3

20. ACT 4 FADE IN: 15

INT. TWILIGHT’S HOUSE - NIGHT Party at Twilight’s house. Everyone came to congratulate Rainbow Dash on her win. Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie and Spike all stand around the big trophy Rainbow Dash won. Twilight walks over to her desk to write a letter to the Princess. TWILIGHT SPARKLE (V.O.) Dear Princess Celestia. As you saw, Rainbow Dash won the Pegasus Grand Prix today. However to accomplish this, she had to learn a valuable lesson. She was too confident about being the best that she was blind to the abilities of others. But now, Rainbow Dash has learned that no matter how good she is, she can always improve. And if she keeps at it, she can really be the best flyer Equestria has ever seen. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. Twilight glances around to find Spike. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Spike? Spike emerges from behind the trophy. SPIKE Yeah? TWILIGHT SPARKLE Could you send this to the Princess, please? SPIKE Right away! Spike runs over to the rolled parchment and blows it away. TWILIGHT SPARKLE Thank you, Spike. SPIKE No problem! Let’s party! The whole gang dances together, celebrating Rainbow Dash’s win as we...

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FADE OUT. END OF ACT 4