MY LITTLE PONY 7

Episode 710 / 403-710

"A Royal Problem”

Written by

Joanna Lewis & Kristine Songco

As Broadcast Script: March 13th, 2017

    
                              
                          Kelly Sheridan as STARLIGHT GLIMMER, DREAM PONY
      Tabitha St. Germain as PRINCESS LUNA/NIGHTMARE MOON, DIGNITARY PONY
    Nicole Oliver as PRINCESS CELESTIA/DAYBREAKER, STUDENT, DELEGATE PONY
                                          Tara Strong as TWILIGHT SPARKLE
                             Scott Underwood as MAYOR OF BALTIMARE, GUARD
                                   Tony Alcantar as MAYOR OF FILLYDELPHIA
                                                  Cathy Weseluck as SPIKE

TEASER
Sc. 1 - INT. TWILIGHT'S CASTLE - MAP ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Starlight Glimmer
I know. I can't believe it either. The map has never called me before. 
Spike 
I'm sure that's not why she looks... like that. 
Twilight Sparkle
Actually it is. Well, it's that and the fact that you're being called to the royal palace! I mean, what in Equestria could be going on there???  
TWILIGHT SPARKLE
Do you want me to come with you? No. I shouldn't. The map just called you for a reason, right? Though maybe it's a mistake. Not because of you!! Because it's never called just one of us before. 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
I also wasn't nervous before, but now...
TWILIGHT SPARKLE
Don't worry. For all we know it's something small! Like maybe the cooks are fighting over who has the best butternut squash soup. Or the royal hairdressers are fighting over a comb! 
Spike
Or ya know, maybe the royal sisters aren't Seeing Eye to eye on something. 
TWILIGHT SPARKLE
No! That's just crazy. Luna and Celestia would never fight...again.
Sc. 2 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - THRONE ROOM - LATER
Celestia
So, the map sent you to solve a friendship problem?
Starlight GliMMER
Yes, Princess.
CELESTIA
Well, there's nothing wrong here. Right, sister? 
Luna
No, everything's perfect as usual, sister. 
END TEASER
MAIN TITLES
ACT ONE
Sc. 3 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - Guest Room - LATER
TWILIGHT SPARKLE
Psst. Psst!!
Starlight GLIMMER (CONT'D)
Twilight?! Is that you? How are you here??
TwiLIGHT SPARKLE
I'm not, I'm still home. It's an easy spell. I'll show you later. Anyway, enough about me! I had to check on you. Not in a meddling kind of way, in a friendly how's-it-going kind of way. Sooo, how's it going? 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Not great. 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
I think the problem might be between Celestia and Luna! 
TWILIGHT SPARKLE
Oh no! That's terrible! I mean... What makes you say that?
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
You know how someponies say nothing's wrong but you can tell something's definitely wrong?
TWILIGHT SPARKLE
Noooo. 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
That's basically what the princesses did when I said there was a friendship problem. Only they did it more, you know, regally. 
TWILIGHT SPARKLE
I wish I could help you, but I can't. Both for map reasons and because I have no idea. This is big. Like really big. But I'm here for you if you ever need to talk. Or listen to music! 
TwILIGHT SPARKLE (CONT'D)
Comforting, right?
Sc. 4 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - DINING ROOM - THE NEXT MORNING
Starlight GLIMMER
Thank you so much for breakfast, Princess! I can't believe you cook it yourself!
CeleSTIA
Of course, Starlight. I really enjoy doing it. It's a small way to say "I care."
Celestia (CONT'D)
Good morning, sister. Join us. 
Luna
Too tired. Please excuse me...
Starlight GLIMMER
Wow. Last night must have been really hard on her. 
CeLESTIA
Perhaps, but she is like this every morning. 
Sc. 5 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - STARLIGHT'S GUEST ROOM  - LATER
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
So I think Luna may be hurting her sister's feelings without even realizing it.
TwILIGHT
Poor Celestia. That's so sweet that she makes her sister pancakes every morning. 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
She's your mentor. I think you might be biased. 
TWILIGHT
Fair enough. So what are you going to do?
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Nothing. Yet. I have to get all the facts. I asked Luna if I could spend some time with her this evening. 
Guard
Princess Luna is waiting for you, Miss. 
TwILIGHT SPARKLE
Good luck, Starlight! 
Sc. 6 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - HALLWAY - THAT NIGHT
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Wow, Princess Luna. You do this every night?
Luna
Lavender's calming scent is known to aid dreamers in achieving a restorative sleep. 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
That’s so thoughtful! 
LUNA
I try my best to make sure the ponies in this castle sleep peacefully. 
Dignitary pony
---So then I said, "touring? More like boring!" 
Celestia
You really are a card!  
Luna
But as always, my sister's too busy having fun with dignitary ponies to  acknowledge anything I do. 
Sc. 7 - INT. Celestia's Castle - Starlight's Guest Room - Later
Starlight GLIMMER 
--so both princesses are hurting each other without realizing it, and instead of talking about it, they're just getting colder and more distant.
TwILIGHT SPARKLE
And they're Celestia and Luna, so it's not like you can just confront them--
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Actually, that's exactly what I was going to do. 
TWILIGHT SPARKLE
What?! Are you crazy? I mean, you do whatever you think is best. This is your mission.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Gee, thanks for believing in me, Twilight. 
TWILIGHT SPARKLE
I do! But... the last time the princesses fought, Luna turned into Nightmare Moon and Princess Celestia had to banish her for a thousand years! That can't happen again. 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Well I can't do nothing! The princesses aren't the best at communicating with each other.
TWILIGHT SPARKLE
<GASP>! Sorry. It's just - you said "princesses" and "aren't the best" in the same sentence and it's making me nervous.
TWILIGHT SPARKLE
I'm not much help, am I?
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
No!
Sc. 8 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - DINING ROOM - THE NEXT MORNING
Starlight
Wow, I almost feel bad eating this. It's adorable!
Celestia
Like I said, I enjoy this part. 
Luna
Hey.
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Princess Luna! Wait. 
Starlight GLIMMER (CONT'D)
As you both know, the map sent me here for a reason and I think I've found out what it is. 
Celestia
Really? Oh That is wonderful, Starlight. What is it?
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
You two. 

        62a CELESTIA      62B LUNA 
Excuse me?          I Beg your pardon?
StarlIGHT GLIMMER (CONT'D)
I think you're accidentally hurting each other's feelings without realizing it. 
Starlight GLIMMER
Princess Celestia, does it bother you that Luna never notices the wonderful breakfasts that you prepare for her?
CELESTIA
Yes. It does. 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Princess Luna, tell Celestia how you feel about the fact that she never acknowledges the work you put into lining the hallway with lavender every night.  
Luna
I…Well, it's not the best feeling.
Luna
I am sorry I never noticed you make fruit faces on pancakes. But nights are long for me! You might be a morning pony, but I am half asleep! 
Celestia
You think I don't get tired? I'm exhausted. Oh I apologize for not noticing flowers in a wall sconce, but by the time I get to retire for the night, I can barely see straight. Even so, I still make an effort to smile. 
LUNA
Like smiling is so hard! 
StARLIGHT GLIMMER
I'm sure that's not what Princess Luna meant to say.
LUNA
Is that what "exhausts" you? Smiling and being adored by everypony? 
CELESTIA
And you have it so much worse, do you? You spend your evenings flitting around giving ponies lovely dreams! Oh it sounds just awful. 
StARLIGHT GLIMMER
Okay. I feel like we should step back, take a deep breath...
LUNA
Don't presume to know what it's like to govern the dream realm! 
CELESTIA
And yet you know exactly what it's like to be me?? Oh please.
Starlight
Enough!
StarliGHT GLIMMER
There! Now you'll know exactly what it's like to be each other!
END ACT ONE
ACT TWO
Sc. 9 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - DINING ROOM - SAME
Celestia
What have you done?
StaRLIGHT GLIMMER
I went with my gut?
Luna
Switch our cutie marks back this instant. 
StarlIGHT GLIMMER
My apologies, your majesties. But I can't, even if I wanted to. This spell lasts twenty-four hours. It may have been extreme, but... I think it's a good idea.
CELESTIA
What?
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
You said it yourselves. Neither of you believes your sister knows how hard it is to be you. So this is your chance to prove it. 
Luna
Well I could use an easy day followed by a good night's sleep.  
Celestia
You can try. I haven't had an easy day in well, ever. But now, I get to sleep and tonight will be a breeze. Alright, Starlight Glimmer. We will do this. 
Starlight GlIMMER
Good choice. Not that you had one. I'm gonna stop talking now.
Sc. 10 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - STARLIGHT'S GUEST ROOM - LATER
Twilight SPARKLE
You switched their cutie marks? The actual princesses’ cutie marks? You switched them? 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
I thought we moved past this! It was the right call... I hope.
Guard (o.S.)
Are you okay in there? 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
I'm good! Just... reading an exciting book... He's going to think I'm nuts.
TwILIGHT SPARKLE
He's not the only one.
Sc. 11 - int. throne room - LATER THAT MORNING
LuNA
As you can see, Celestia and I are switching places today. 
LuNA (CONT'D)
I assure you, I'm more than capable of handling all of Celestia's "duties." Dismissed!
Luna (CONT'D)
So what is first on my dear sister's 'to do' list?
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
It says you have a few public appearances. Store openings, judging the Royal Rose contest, you know, that sort of thing.
LUNA
Oh I knew today would be easy but I didn't think it would be that easy. 
Cut to:
Sc. 12 - Ext. canterlot - street - later
Sc. 13 - Ext. Canterlot - store - later
Sc. 14 - Ext. canterlot - gardens - later
Sc. 15 - EXT. CELESTIA'S SCHOOL OF MAGIC - LATER THAT DAY
Sc. 16 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - DINING ROOM - THAT AFTERNOON
Luna
"Princess Luna Unhappy With Student Fund-raiser?" But I wasn't unhappy. 
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Um, you are scowling. 
LUNA
I didn't mean to. I've been smiling all day. My cheeks hurt, I stopped for one second, and that's when he took the picture! 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Guess smiling all day isn't as easy as you thought? 
LUNA
It says here that because of me, the school didn't raise enough funds to go on their field trip. I didn't mean for that to happen!
Starlight GLIMMER
I know. But you can't dwell on that now. According to the list, some delegates are about to arrive for a luncheon. You need to dispel rumors of Timberwolves in the White Tail Woods. The nearby towns have been in a state of panic for weeks. 
LUNA
But I have to fix this. 
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
You can't. You need to put on a brave face and help these ponies. It's what Celestia would do.   
LUNA
HELLO! GREAT NEWS! THERE ARE NO TIMBERWOLVES!
Sc. 17 - Int. Celestia's castle - hallway - later
Delegate ponies
There are definitely timberwolves! 
luna
I'm sorry, but I couldn't stop thinking about those poor students! Normally, I have all the time and solitude I need to work through my problems at my own pace.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Well, your sister doesn't get that luxury.
Voice (o.S.)
The princess will undoubtedly side with me!
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Ready for the town hall?
Sc. 19 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - HALLWAY - THAT NIGHT
Mayor BALTIMARE
Glad that's settled.

          MAYOR OF FILLYDELPHIA
 That only took three hours. 
Mayor BALTIMARE
            That got heated didn’t it?

         MAYOR OF FILLYDELPHIA

Still on for golf?
Mayor BALTIMARE
                   Oh absolutely!
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
You made it to the end of the day! Yay?
LUNA
Hmm? Oh, yes
LUNA (cont)
I'm just going to turn in, then. Goodlight Starnight.
CELESTIA
Oh hello, Starlight! I don't know about you, but I feel very well-rested! Where's Luna?
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
She already turned in for the night.
CELESTIA
Did she now? It seems my duties were harder than my sister expected.
Sc. 20 - Ext. Celestia's castle - balcony - moments later
CELESTIA
Moon raised. It's even easier than raising the sun! What's next?
CELESTIA (CONT'D)
Of course. Everypony's asleep at night. Luna works alone. 
CELESTIA (CONT'D)
Oh but it's nothing I can't handle!
CELESTIA (CONT'D)
All I have to do is watch over Equestria, visit the dream realm, and protect ponies in their nightmares. My list was three times as long!
Sc. 21 - EXT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - BALCONY - LATER THAT NIGHT
CELESTIA
Alright. Everypony's asleep. You're talking to yourself, Celestia. But there's nopony else to talk to! Yet. I can talk to ponies in their dreams!
Sc. 22 - INT./EXT. DREAM SPACE - CONTINUOUS
CELESTIA
Now to save some ponies from their nightmares, which aren't real so it shouldn't be too hard, right? Right. Good call, Celestia!...And I'm talking to myself again.
Sc. 23 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - THRONE ROOM - NIGHT/DREAM

Voice (o.S.)
I care. I care. I care. I Care.
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
No! 
Twilight sparkle
This is big! Like really big!
CELESTIA
Starlight, I'm here now. Tell me what's wrong.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Going with my gut was the wrong call! I was supposed to bring you two closer together, but I've only driven you apart! If you two can't see why you need each other, then...
Nightmare moon (o.S.)
Then I am back! 
PRINCESS CELESTIA
Don't worry, Starlight. I know how to handle Nightmare Moon.
Daybreaker (o.S.)
Yes, but can you handle me?
END ACT TWO
ACT THREE
Sc. 24 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - THRONE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
CELESTIA
This can't be!
DAYBREAKER
If Luna can turn into Nightmare Moon, you can absolutely turn into me, Daybreaker. The better, prettier, and more powerful version of you.
CELESTIA
No. I'll never turn into you!
DAYBREAKER
Deep inside you know how powerful you are. You don't need Luna.
CELESTIA
That's not true. Even when we were apart, I knew I needed her. 
DAYBREAKER
Oh please! You don't need anypony. You can do whatever you want, and all you have to do is get rid of anypony who stands in your way.
DaYBREAKER (CONT'D)
I never should have banished you to the moon. I should have destroyed you!
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
No! You can't do that! Day, night, sun, moon - Equestria needs both of you. Without balance, there's no harmony!
DAYBREAKER
Who needs balance when you can have it all??
NiGHTMARE MOON
You can't get rid of me so easily, sister. Unless you plan on smiling me to smithereens.
CELESTIA
Enough! 
DAYBREAKER
I told you I was more powerful than you.
DaYBREAKER (CONT'D)
Ugh. So much black. We get it, you're sad! You could really use some sun.
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
This is all my fault! I never should have gone on this mission. Now Equestria is doomed!
Sc. 25 - INT. dressing room - DREAM
Dream pony (o.S.)
That smile's too wide. It's obviously not real.
Student
Why don't you want us to go on our field trip, 
LuNA
I don't! I mean, I do!
Dream pony (o.S.)
That smile's too wide. It's obviously not real.
LUNA (CONT'D)
Celestia! I'm so glad you're..
Sc. 26 - INT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - THRONE ROOM - DREAM
LUNA
I've seen a lot, but I haven't seen this before. 
CELESTIA
It's Starlight Glimmer's. She's afraid this is what would happen if we continue to fight!
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
What was I thinking? I'm never going with my gut again!
LUNA
If you don't fix this soon, it could have a grave consequence on Starlight's psyche.
CELESTIA
But my magic isn't powerful enough. I thought if we work together--
LUNA
I have your magic, remember? It doesn't work in the dream realm. It has to be you. 
CELESTIA
Oh Luna, I can't do this! I was wrong - your job is so, incredibly hard. You have to battle nightmares and work in the darkness and do it all alone. It takes such a brave, strong pony to do what you do--
LUNA
--and that pony is you. I walked a day in your shoes. I thought all you had to do was smile and be adored all the time, but I was wrong. There is so much more to it than that. 
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Don't do this to each other!!
LUNA
In order to defeat Daybreaker, you need only to trust in your strength, as I do. 
DayBREAKER
You can't destroy me! I'm everything you want to be!
CeleSTIA
No, you're not. You are not real, and you will never exist again!
LUNA
You did it! 
CELESTIA
Only because you were here. I don't know how you do this alone.
luNA
So um… did you talk to yourself?
CELESTIA
Um… a little. 
StaRLIGHT GLIMMER
Is this really happening? Or is this still a dream?
Sc. 27 - EXT. CELESTIA'S CASTLE - BALCONY - THE NEXT MORNING
LUNA
Welcome back, sister! I know you had a long night so I made you some pancakes...
CELESTIA
Oh! How... nice.
CeLESTIA (CONT'D)
Thank you. They are delicious. Thank you.
LUNA
I know that face, they're not. I know you have to be perfect for everypony else, and you do an amazing job, you don't have to do it with me. 
CELESTIA
In that case, they are terrible. But it means a lot that you tried. I love you, sister. 
LUNA
I love you too.
StarLIGHT GLIMMER (o.s.)
So this was real!
StaRLIGHT GLIMMER (CONT'D)
Or was it not real and this just happened now and not in my dream? I'm so confused.
CELESTIA
It's all real. It was the right call, going with your gut.
LUNA
The map was wise to send you Starlight. Nopony else would have been so bold as to do what you did.
StARLIGHT GLIMMER
That's a nice way of saying I came dangerously close to messing everything up.
CELESTIA
It was just what we needed. The experience has made us closer than ever.
StarLIGHT GLIMMER
Wait... I'm not doing this--
CELESTIA
I believe that one means your mission is complete.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER
Wow. I can't wait to tell Twilight!
TwILIGHT SPARKLE (o.S.)
I already know!
TwILIGHT SPARKLE (CONT'D)
I mean I don't know everything. I just got here to bring you your toothbrush.
TWILIGHT SPARKLE (CONT'D)
So this is just a friendly visit, not interfering because I was worried! I wasn't. I knew you could do it and I'm so so so so proud of you! Tell me everything. Start from after I hyperventilated and don't leave out any details!!
LUNA
Oh uhh. by the way, there's a field trip you need to make happen and a timberwolf issue you need to address.
CELESTIA
What?
LUNA
Oh! Look there’s the sun! Time for me to turn in! 
THE END.