The next morning in Canterlot began like any other for Starbright. He woke up early, ready for another day of study and magic practice. After stretching and getting ready, he went down to the kitchen where Velvet was already preparing breakfast.
"Good morning, Mom," Starbright said, taking a seat at the table.
"Good morning, dear," Velvet replied with a smile. "I hope you have a good day of study."
"Thanks. I have some new spells I want to try today," Starbright said as he began serving his plate.
After a few minutes, Crescent joined them, and the family enjoyed a quiet morning conversation. A stack of newspapers rested in the corner of the table, as usual. Starbright picked up one of the newspapers and began reading while eating.
The headline on the front page immediately caught his attention:
**"Group of Six Defeats Nightmare Moon: Princess Luna Returns"**
Starbright smiled, feeling relieved and confident. Everything seemed to have gone as it should. Twilight and her new friends had found the Elements of Harmony and defeated Nightmare Moon, bringing back Princess Luna. He felt he had done the right thing by not intervening directly.
However, as he read further down the article, his confidence quickly vanished. One section, in particular, made him stop in his tracks.
**"During the intense battle with Nightmare Moon, the Element of Magic, Twilight Sparkle, was seriously injured. She is currently in Ponyville Hospital, under intensive care. Doctors say her condition is stable but serious."**
Starbright's heart sank. The newspaper trembled slightly in his hooves as he reread the words, hoping there was some mistake. But there was none. Twilight was injured, and he had done nothing to prevent it.
He felt a wave of guilt and despair. Despite his attempts not to intervene and keep the original story intact, his friendship with Twilight had created significant changes. Now, his best friend was in danger because of his decision not to act.
"Twilight is hurt!" exclaimed Starbright, abruptly standing up from the table.
"What?" asked Velvet, concerned. "What happened?"
"I can't explain right now. I have to go to Ponyville," Starbright said urgently. "Twilight needs my help."
Without wasting any more time, Starbright ran out of the house, his mind filled with worry and remorse. He took the first train to Ponyville, his heart pounding and his mind racing with all the possibilities. How had this happened? What could he have done differently?
The train ride felt like an eternity. Every minute that passed increased his anxiety. Finally, when the train arrived in Ponyville, Starbright dashed out of the station and headed straight for the hospital.
Upon arrival, he quickly approached the reception desk. "I'm here to see Twilight Sparkle. I'm her friend, Starbright."
The receptionist nodded, recognizing the name. "Twilight Sparkle is in room 205, second floor. Please follow the signs."
Starbright thanked her and hurried down the hospital corridors, running up the stairs to the second floor. When he finally reached room 205, he paused for a moment to catch his breath before entering.
Inside the room, Twilight lay in a bed, surrounded by medical equipment. Spike was by her side, his eyes swollen from crying. When he saw Starbright, Spike got up and ran to him.
"Starbright, thank Celestia you're here," Spike said with a trembling voice. "Twilight needs you."
Starbright approached Twilight's bed, his eyes filled with tears. "Twilight, I'm so sorry. I didn't know this would happen. I thought I was doing the right thing by not intervening..."
Twilight opened her eyes slowly, her voice weak but firm. "Starbright, don't blame yourself. We did what we had to do. But I'm glad you're here."
Starbright gently took Twilight's hoof. "I promise I won't let anything bad happen to you again. I'll do everything I can to help you recover."