Transcripts/Father of the Bridlewood

:[bright music]
:Alphabittle: [humming] Oh, I can't believe it! My daughter Misty has returned! Whoo! Well, back then, I used to call you "Misty-Wisty", but we can retire that nickname if you like.
:Misty: Oh, um... I-I'd like that very much. For now, at least.
:Alphabittle: Okay, Misty-Wisty! I mean... Misty. Ah, there's so much to catch up on, and... Oh! Uh, I gotta go get something!
:Queen Haven: [laughs] How wonderful is this? Oh, I wish I didn't have to fly off so soon to attend to some royal duties! I'm so happy for you both. Nothing beats having a daughter. Except maybe having two!
:Queen Haven and Alphabittle: [laugh]
:Queen Haven: Mmmm! Well, I must be off! Ta-ta!
:Alphabittle: Remember when we went to the circus and you thought this was the funniest thing ever? Huh? [chuckles] Oh, and you loved this painting from the Unicorn Art Museum. I must say, you had incredibly advanced artistic taste for such a young filly.
:Misty: Oh, um, those memories are a little fuzzy for me, Alphabittle.
:Alphabittle: Hey, no more "Alphabittle" here. From now on, call me "Dad".
:Izzy Moonbow: Okay, Dad! Oh, you meant just Misty. Got it!
:Misty: Sorry, I don't remember, um... Dad.
:Alphabittle: We just need to jog your memory, kid. I know! Let's have the most incredible father-daughter day. Then I guarantee it'll all come flooding back. What do you say?
:Misty: I would love that! Wow! First my cutie mark, and now this! I'm so over-the-luna-moon to be reunited!
:Zipp Storm: Adorbs!
:Pipp Petals: So cute!
:Sunny Starscout: Awww!
:Hitch Trailblazer: [gasps]
:Izzy Moonbow: [squealing] I am just feeling so many emotions!
:Rest of Mane 5: [laughing]
:
:Alphabittle: Where to begin with reconnecting and remembering? You were always better at coming up with games and fun things to do.
:Misty: I was?
:Alphabittle: Yeah! That's the whole reason I play games in the Crystal Tea Room! Because of you.
:Izzy Moonbow and Zipp Storm: Awwwww!
:Pipp Petals: So thoughtful!
:Sunny Starscout: I can't take it!
:Hitch Trailblazer: [sobbing]
:Misty: I don't remember that. Or the last time I even played a game. Unless you count "The Evil Plotting Game", where you have to strategize and take over the whole world and all of ponykind? Opaline does love that one.
:Mane 5: Um... Hmm...
:Misty: Wait. That's not a real game, is it?
:Sunny Starscout: We know you've been through a lot, Misty. There's still so much to unpack.
:Alphabittle: [chuckles] Seriously! I got another twenty of these Misty memory boxes!
:Sunny Starscout: I meant more mentally and emotionally, but yeah, those, too.
:Alphabittle: Speaking of, mind giving me a hoof, daughter?
:Misty: Oh! Anytime, Dad-a-bittle! [laughs] I mean, Alpha-Dad! Uh, sorry, still getting used to it.
:Zipp Storm: Did you hear what Misty just said?
:Sunny Starscout: Yes! "Dad-a-bittle"! Hah! Too funny!
:Zipp Storm: No, no, not that. About Opaline taking over all ponykind. Maybe this "game" they played can give us clues to her plan. Then we get ahead of her! What are we really doing to protect Equestria? I have to ask Misty right now!
:Sunny Starscout: Zipp, you are a brilliant detective. But you should "detect" that this isn't the time to interrogate Misty.
:Zipp Storm: Sure it is!
:Sunny Starscout: I mean, your tactics with Misty lately have been a little... extreme.
:Zipp Storm: [scoffs] What are you talking about?
:Sparky Sparkeroni: [gurgling]
:Zipp Storm: So! About Opaline!
:Misty: Aah!
:[thud]
:Zipp Storm: About that Opaline...
:Misty: Aah!
:[thud]
:Zipp Storm: [through drone] Hey! Misty!
:Misty: Aah!
:Zipp Storm: tell me about opaline right now!
:Zipp Storm: ...I guess I have come on a bit strong.
:Sunny Starscout: Right now, she just needs our support. When she's ready, she'll tell us everything we need to know. Maybe we can do some more digging on our own?
:Izzy Moonbow: Great idea, pals! We unicorns always say "The past is the key to the present!" It's very important to understand the history of somepony, for everypony's choices echo in time... [mimicking echo] Time... Time...
:Zipp Storm: Echo in time?
:Izzy Moonbow: Yes, time! And I know just the pony you need to talk to. Follow me! Oh! Gather some grass and watch your hooves for stinky weeds along the way! It's in season! Ooh-ooh! And you! Oh! And you're coming with me.
:Alphabittle: How wonderful to take a stroll with you down memory lane today. You used to love this place.
:Misty: I did? What's it called?
:Alphabittle: Memory Lane! Oh, And look there! We carved this together. With the tree's permission, of course. I've passed it every day since you've gone missing. Oh, I can't wait to start full-time dad-ing again!
:Hitch Trailblazer: I have never seen this grumpy guy act so happy. Not even with Queen Haven.
:Sparky Sparkeroni: [gurgling]
:Pipp Petals: I've never seen Misty this happy either!
:Hitch Trailblazer: Maybe we should let them reconnect in peace?
:Pipp Petals: I can't understand why we should—
:Hitch Trailblazer: [clears throat]
:Pipp Petals: What? She'll want this later! It's adorable! And I guess a little invasive. Fine!
:Hitch Trailblazer: We're gonna head out so you can have some quality family time together!
:Sparky Sparkeroni: [gurgling]
:Pipp Petals: And privacy! But don't ask why I brought that up. We're just a phone call away if you need us!
:Alphabittle: Did you hear that? Family time. Just the two of us. Like it used to be! [excited whinny]
:Misty: [laughing]
:Alphabittle: Welcome back to your home, kid. I want to make everything as comfortable as possible for you.
:Misty: [gasps]
:Alphabittle: Oh, wait! Wait till you see the best part.
:[door opens]
:Alphabittle: Ta-daaah!
:Misty: Wow, is this...? 
:Alphabittle: Your old fillyhood room!
:Misty: [gasps]
:Alphabittle: Left exactly as the day you went missing. But with more dust bunnicorns now, I guess. I'll just call up Dusty, the cleanup pony, and hire her to help out. I promise, it will be in mint condition soon. D-Do you still like mint? Anyway, now that you're settled, let's get to the fun stuff. I've been waiting for this moment my whole life! Whoo-hoo! [giggles]
:Misty: He has no idea who I am now. But I have to go along with it. I want this to be the best day ever for him. Okay, Misty. You've mastered the fake smile, so use it. And go! [moans] Ow. Ow! It hurts!
:Alphabittle: This here is my daughter Misty! Remember her? Say hello to my little filly! Hey! This is my long-lost child! Give her a hoof!
:Misty: Alphabit— I mean, Dad. Could we maybe, uh, tone it down? I'm not sure I love all this attention on me.
:Alphabittle: Oh. Uh, of course. I'm so sorry. You used to love when I pranced around and did this. I'll dial back on the shouting. But not on the pride! Oh! I've got something really exciting in store!
:Misty: What is it? Maybe a trip to the unicorn library? I've never been to one of those before. Or is it, uh... [gulps] We're... at a playground?
:Alphabittle: Exactly! We have so many fond memories together here. You used to love the seesaw.
:[creaking]
:Ferris: [unenthused] Wheee...
:Alphabittle: And going down the slide.
:[squeaking]
:Unicorn Foal 2: [unenthused] Wheee... Oh...
:Alphabittle: And spinning on the filly-go-round! How about you give it another ol' spin with the ol' stallion? Pleeeease?
:Misty: [chuckles nervously] Of course. Um, do you mind if I borrow this?
:Jasper: Aren't you a little old to be using this?
:Misty: Heh. Yeah, but... Wait, aren't we the same age?
:Jasper: What about it?
:Misty: Listen! After being filly-napped and brainwashed for years, I am feeling so many feelings right now, and I just really need this, okay?!
:Jasper: Feelings... [sniffles] I understand those well. May the turnstile of emotions guide you from eternal darkness to light.
:Misty: Sure... Okay. Ready! Whee! [retching] Whee! [retching] All right, that's enough!
:Alphabittle: Hmm. You used to have a stronger stomach. Maybe that's enough playgrounding for today.
:Misty: I'm fine! Hah! Totally fine! That was— [gags] —super fun! Yay!
:Alphabittle: Why don't we try something else?
:Misty: Yes! I'd love that.
:Alphabittle: I'm between cave exploration or extreme tree-climbing. Or maybe we can get back into fire-swallowing again!
:Misty: [sighs]
:[knocking on door]
:[pound, pound!]
:Zipp Storm: Uh, Izzy? Where are we?
:Izzy Moonbow: Shh-shh! Also, hold these wild grass-woven gift basket baskets.
:[knocking on door]
:[door opens]
:Elder Flower: Well, lookie who we have here! Dizzy!
:Izzy Moonbow: Oh, it's Izzy, Elder Flower. This is Sunny and Zipp! Sunny and Zipp, meet Elder Flower, the most elderly-est pony in town.
:Elder Flower: [snoring]
:Izzy Moonbow: So much so that it's even in her name!
:Sunny Starscout: We're so honored to meet you, Elder—
:Izzy Moonbow: [gasps] That's not the Bridlewood Elder way! Pass her your baskets!
:Elder Flower: [snorts] Wild grass-woven gift basket baskets?! How very thoughtful! And respectful!
:Izzy Moonbow: Elder Flower is the storyteller in Bridlewood! She has tales that have been passed down through generations and generations of little ponies! Like, all of the past is in her mind! Can you belizzle that?!
:Elder Flower: This reminds me of the tale when the raccoon bit the snake!
:Izzy Moonbow: Oh! That is such a good one! I know that some of her stories might not make sense right away, but I promise she'll help you understand more about Equestria's history. These pals of mine could really use your help. Would you be willing to spin some yarns?
:Elder Flower: I will on one condition. I wanna visit the big city!
:Zipp Storm: Zephyr Heights?
:Elder Flower: That's the one! Could you take me?
:Sunny Starscout: We'd love to be your chaperones!
:Elder Flower: Oh, whee, yippy! Oh, then I gotta get packing! Do they still wear poodle skirts there?
:[soft jazz music]
:[Onyx]
::The injured cat says, "Meow-ow. Ow."
:[Dapple]
::"Me-ow-ow."
:[light applause]
:Alphabittle: No doubt this will bring back memories. A specialty special-tea tasting at my Crystal Tea Room! Now, let's see if I remember.
:[melodic clinking]
:Alphabittle: [grunts]
:[alarm ringing]
:[melody playing]
:[mechanical clanking]
:Alphabittle: Phew! It still works.
:Misty: [gulps, slurps, gulps] Mmm, yummy. [gulps]
:Alphabittle: I knew it! You still love "Misty's Mys-tea-ry"! I named it after you and haven't let anypony drink it since.
:Misty: [coughs]
:Alphabittle: But I can't remember for the life of me what's in it. Gone already? Wow. Looks like you need another cup.
:Misty: I'm all tea'd out, Alpha— uh, Dad! Any chance there's something else – anything else – on that list of yours? 
:Alphabittle: In fact, there is! [taps hoof]
:[Onyx]
::"Ow-owl", says the injured owl.
:[Dapple]
::"Hoooo... Ow."
:[light applause]
:Alphabittle: Slam poetry! Your favorite! Remember when you won the youth slam with your performance of "Reflections of a Glowpaz Crystal"?
:Misty: No. I do not. That actually sounds awful—
:Alphabittle: Awfully cute? I know. It was. Here!
:Misty: Wait, I...!
:[clank!]
:Misty: Uh... um... uh... uuuuuhhhhhmmmmm...
:[whoosh!]
:Zipp Storm: You sure did enjoy that Mare Stream ride, huh, Elder Flower?
:Elder Flower: Oh, I did! It was just like the time I went hoof-gliding!
:Zipp Storm: So, now that we're finally here, we have some questions for you about the—
:Elder Flower: [gasps] Can it be? Shopping on Mane Avenue! What a wonder to finally see such an iconic place! Look! Did you know that style was in fashion when I was a filly? [laughs] Incredible to see its return!
:Zipp Storm: Right... So, I was wondering about this ancient evil Alicorn Opaline.
:Elder Flower: Hmm... [gasps]
:Zipp Storm: What? You know something?!
:Elder Flower: I cannot believe that Pegasus! They're wearing a vintage Carousel Boutique hat! Do you know how hard those are to find? And look! This music shop...
:Zipp Storm: Sunny, this is going absolutely nowhere. Trying to keep her focused is one thing, but these stories? They're complete nonsense!
:Sunny Starscout: Yeah, they're a little...
:Elder Flower: [exclaims]
:Sunny Starscout: [chuckles] But remember what Izzy said? Let's see what she has to say. Which sure seems to be a lot.
:Zipp Storm: Hmmm... If we get her to the old hangar, maybe she'll be inspired to spill some of the Opaline-beans.
:Sunny Starscout: Good idea! That could help jog her memory. Uh, speaking of jogging... Wait up!
:Zipp Storm: Uh, slow down!
:Misty: Uuuuuhhhhh...
:[microphone feedback]
:Dapple: [laughs] Rad. Such a dedicated choice.
:Misty: ...uhhhhmmmm... I'm sorry! I can't do this anymore!
:Audience: Huh?
:[door bell rings]
:[applause]
:Unicorn Stallion: [sniffles]
:Dapple: That was brilliant!
:Onyx: I am overwhelmed with emotion.
:Alphabittle: What... what was it about?
:Onyx: It was a commentary on the loss of identity.
:Dapple: Imbued with undertones of fear about a newfound, fragile father-daughter relationship.
:Alphabittle: [clears throat] You, um... got all that? I see.
:Onyx: She also could've been saying something about um-brellas.
:Dapple: Yeah. That, too.
:Misty: [muffled crying]
:[door creaks]
:Alphabittle: I thought you might be in here. What happened? You love performing.
:Misty: No! I don't! At least, not anymore. I hate the spotlight. I hated the playground! I'm sorry, but this whole day has been a struggle.
:Alphabittle: You didn't like any of the things we did?
:Misty: No, I didn't. The truth is I don't actually know what I like. Or even who I am. I haven't really had the chance to figure it out yet.
:Alphabittle: Wow. Onyx and Dapple were right. I just want you to feel at home.
:Misty: But I don't feel at home. I barely know this place. I barely know myself! And you barely know me! So much time has passed. So much has happened. Whatever filly you used to love isn't here anymore. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
:Alphabittle: I didn't realize. I was just trying to show I cared. But I understand. You want to be alone.
:[door creaks]
:Misty: No! I don't want to be alone anymore! That's all I've ever been and ever felt! And now I have you! I somehow have you! My dad!
:[emotional music]
:Alphabittle: Oh, my Misty-Wisty. You're right. I've been holding on to the past. Onto the pain of losing you, which made me hard-headed. You just ask anypony in town how grumpy I've been all these moons. Let's start over. My name is Alphabittle, and I am your father. Though I know nothing about you, someday when you're ready, I want to hear all about your life and experiences and who you are now!
:Misty: It's a pleasure to re-meet. I'm Misty. "Tea" for short!
:Alphabittle: "Tea"? [laughs] I like that!
:Misty: I do, too! I just made it up!
:Alphabittle: Hey, there's still a little bit of the father-daughter day left. What would you like to do?
:Zipp Storm: This way, Elder Flower. We want to show you something.
:Elder Flower: Show me something? Well then, let me put on these new glasses. I went with the classic design. Super hip! Speaking of hips, I gotta stretch.
:Zipp Storm: Wow, she is spry. And chatty.
:Elder Flower: Once, I attended a super fancy sparkly wedding, but all the ponies kept changing shapes, and I almost threw out my hip! Hah!
:Sunny Starscout: If we're hoping to learn something, this has to be the place for it.
:Elder Flower: Now, let's see... [gasps] My, oh, my! This hangar is beautiful! It reminds me of when all these lands were united.
:Zipp Storm: Finally... Here we go!
:Elder Flower: A long time ago, there was a magical bat named Dawn. She was surrounded by other bats like her. But one of the bats refused to get along with the others. This bat wanted to fly around and eat all the fruit for herself! So Dawn spoke to a spider, who wove a beautiful web to keep the mean greedy bat away. In the end, Dawn was able to protect their nest. Yet the greedy bat continues to this day to try to break the web! Which is why some bats eat fruit and some bats eat insects.
:[beat]
:Elder Flower: That's it!
:Zipp Storm: [strained] That... was a beautiful tale.
:Sunny Starscout: Yes. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
:Zipp Storm: [sighs] It really was beautiful. But it held no clues.
:Sunny Starscout: Hey, we tried. At least Elder Flower has had a nice time here. She seems happy.
:Zipp Storm: And really, doing something like this for her? That's a win in my book.
:Elder Flower: Thank you so much for giving me the trip of a lifetime, fillies!
:Sunny Starscout: We're so glad we could.
:Zipp Storm: You deserve it.
:Elder Flower: It's truly one to remember. Especially since I got to see that new Together Tree! So lovely!
:Zipp Storm: Sorry, what?
:Elder Flower: Uh, y-yes. The Together Tree. Over there. Just like our beautiful Wishing Tree in Bridlewood.
:Zipp Storm: What's a Together Tree?
:Elder Flower: [voiceover] These trees are very powerful, created only when ponies come together through true friendship. Together Trees communicate and connect magically to each other through their roots underground. They are our great protectors, and we, in turn, must protect them.
:Sunny Starscout and Zipp Storm: Whoa!
:Zipp Storm: Elder Flower, thank you so much for teaching us that!
:Elder Flower: All in a day's work existing with the knowledge of my unicorn ancestors! Especially Great Great Great Great Auntie Moon Dancer! She sure is a lot! Quit your yappin'! I hear ya!
:Alphabittle: Ooh! I know I said I was a patient stallion, but I cannot wait to see what you've got up your sleeve.
:Misty: Okay, open your eyes!
:Alphabittle: Tea?! Hmm, tea! Ho-ho!
:Misty: Not just any tea. A new blend designed and crafted by me. Try it!
:Alphabittle: [slurps] Ah! Delicious! At first, it has a bitterness, but then it softened into a warm, comforting cup.
:Misty: My tea metaphor for you.
:Alphabittle: Aww. It's like poetry! I am so grateful to get this second second chance with you. You're home!
:Misty: Honestly, I still don't really feel at home here. I'm not sure why.
:Alphabittle: I know just what to do. Just need to make a little phone call.
:Alphabittle: Ta-da-daaah! Get it? "Da-da"? [chuckles]
:Misty: Huh? The Crystal Brighthouse?
:[Pegamice squeaking]
:Misty: [gasps]
:Pipp Petals: Hey! Sorry we don't have everything unpacked yet. You have some... [grunts] ...heavy stuff! [panting] What's in this?
:Sparky Sparkeroni: [gurgling]
:Hitch Trailblazer: Sparky, put those down! You'll stub a claw.
:Sparky Sparkeroni: [sighs, grumbles, breathes fire]
:[poof!]
:Misty: What is all this?
:Alphabittle: I reached out to your pals about living here. They'd love for you to stay. If that's what you want.
:Misty: Really?! [laughs] I do!
:Hitch Trailblazer: I just made the bed! Heh. Whatever!
:Alphabittle: [chuckles] You don't have to live with me in Bridlewood. You don't have to do anything you don't want to. You're a grown pony now, not my baby filly. And... that's okay. [sighs] Just promise you'll call me every week. Also, I filled the fridge downstairs with healthy meals. Oh, and you were so good at making that tea, I left you a giant box full of dried herbs and flowers so you can make your own blends at home!
:Pipp Petals: Um... fun!
:Alphabittle: I'm going to miss you so much.
:Misty: I'm going to miss you too, Dad.
:Alphabittle: Still got it.
:Izzy Moonbow and Hitch Trailblazer: Awwww!
:Pipp Petals: Ah, we want in, too!
:[dramatic music]
:[whoosh!]
:Elder Flower: North Wind! How I've missed you! You know, there's a story about when the North Wind went up against the South Wind in a big dance-off that turned into a tornado.
:Zipp Storm: Hmm? Dance-off? Sounds like some story!
:[whoosh!]
:Zipp Storm: Is there some deep, hidden message to decode in this one?
:Elder Flower: There's always messages in the wind, dear. If you fly directly into it on a Thursday, you'll see what I mean.
:Izzy Moonbow, Hitch Trailblazer, and Misty: [laughing]
:Izzy Moonbow: You're back!
:Hitch Trailblazer: Hey, pals!
:Pipp Petals: We missed you!
:Sunny Starscout: Yay! Misty's here!
:Zipp Storm: Hi, Alphabittle! You'll never believe what we learned. Elder Flower, would you like to do the honors?
:Elder Flower: It all starts with a magical bat—
:Sunny Starscout: I... think she means the other one.
:Elder Flower: Oh! The Together Trees! Well... they're all magically connected...
:[bright music]
:[credits]