Every four years, Princess Celestia celebrates the kindness of Debutante; a kind mare who--with her artful dancing--pulled the regal pony out of her saddened state a thousand years ago after having to banish the corrupted Princess Luna to the moon. During the Debutante’s Masquerade Dance, ponies go before the mystical mirror of Façade, the burgeoning thief. Though the true secrets of the mirror remain lost, this powerful artifact, made by a unicorn that intertwined four years of his life energy into his magic, turns others into whom they desire, care for, or inspire them. The party delights those who attend it, becoming huge success while lightening the mood of everypony.

Four years have passed since the last ball, and the time has come. Twilight and her friends are invited to this year’s masquerade. With her development in magic progressing steadily, the studious unicorn believes her own time has come, deciding to test her skills with a single spell.