Chapter 22: Solving the Ticket Problem

After an exhausting day, Starbright felt worried about Twilight. He had done everything he could to prevent her from feeling too uncomfortable with her friends' attempts to gain her attention or help her secure the extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala. Although Twilight wasn't as stressed as in the original series, she was still very worried and overwhelmed by what to do.

After running all over town trying to avoid her friends, Starbright decided enough was enough. He gathered all of them, except for Twilight, and took them to a quiet corner.

"Listen, girls," Starbright began with a louder than usual voice. "I know you all want to go to the gala, but have you realized how this is affecting Twilight? She's stressed and worried because she doesn't want to disappoint any of you. This isn't fair to her."

Twilight's friends looked at each other, realizing the truth in Starbright's words.

"I'm sorry, we didn't realize how much pressure we were putting on her," said Applejack, lowering her head.

"Yeah, we just wanted her to choose us, but we didn't think about how she would feel," added Rainbow Dash.

Starbright nodded. "It's understandable that you want to go, but you need to remember that Twilight is your friend. You need to support her and not make her feel worse. Now, let's go to the library and apologize to her one by one for what you've done."

When they arrived at the library, Twilight looked at them in surprise.

"Twilight," began Applejack, "I'm sorry for pressuring you so much. It wasn't fair to you."

"Yeah, I'm sorry, Twilight," said Rainbow Dash. "We should have been supporting you, not stressing you out more."

Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie also sincerely apologized. Twilight, moved by their words, forgave them immediately.

"Thank you, girls. I know you all wanted to go, but I only have one extra ticket, and I can't decide who to give it to without feeling guilty," said Twilight.

"Twilight," said Starbright, "why don't you write to Princess Celestia and explain the situation? Maybe she can help us."

Twilight nodded and took a scroll and quill.

**Dear Princess Celestia,**

**I am very honored by the invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala, but I have a problem. I have five wonderful friends who all want to accompany me, and I can't decide who to give the extra ticket to without feeling guilty about the others. So, unfortunately, I must decline the tickets, as I don't want to disappoint any of my friends.**

**Yours truly,**

**Twilight Sparkle**

Moments after sending the letter, Spike burped up a message from the princess.

**Dear Twilight,**

**There is no problem at all. I understand your situation perfectly. Please bring all your friends with you. Here are six tickets so that all of you can attend the gala.**

**Yours truly,**

**Princess Celestia**

Upon receiving the tickets, everyone ran out of the library, celebrating and cheering.

Spike and Starbright stayed inside, feeling a bit down.

"I guess we're staying here," Starbright said, trying to smile.

However, Spike burped up one last ticket along with a message from the princess.

**Dear Spike,**

**I haven't forgotten you. Here is your ticket to the gala. I hope to see you there.**

Spike ran out of the library, excited and momentarily forgetting about Starbright.

A minute later, a messenger arrived with a letter for Starbright. He opened it and read:

**Dear Starbright,**

**As one of the top students of our School for Gifted Unicorns, it is my pleasure to invite you to the Grand Galloping Gala. I hope to see you there.**

**Yours truly,**

**Princess Celestia**

Starbright smiled as he read the letter. He knew that despite the challenges and worries, everything was turning out well. He carefully put away his ticket and prepared for the exciting night that awaited them at the Grand Galloping Gala.