Chapter 20: Decisions and Apples

 The next morning after giving Twilight her gift, Starbright woke up feeling renewed. While they were having breakfast together in the library, they discussed their plans for the day. Just then, Applejack entered with a determined expression.

"Howdy, Twilight! Howdy, Starbright!" greeted Applejack, taking off her hat. "I need your help. I've got a bet with my brother, and we need to harvest all the apples from the farm before sundown. Can y'all help me?"

Upon hearing this, Starbright realized which episode it was: it was episode 3 of season one, and he knew exactly what was going to happen. He decided to go with them, ready to oversee the events to ensure everything went well.

As they walked to Sweet Apple Acres, Starbright recalled a crucial moment two days after he had moved to the town. He had spent hours reflecting on what to do with the knowledge he had of the future. He knew he had some options: he could anticipate many of the events that were going to happen or he could let things unfold as in the show.

However, he was worried. He had already experienced what could happen if he let events unfold without supervision, especially with Twilight getting hurt. After thinking about it for several hours, he decided not to intervene radically. It could cause too many changes. Instead, he chose to stay as close to the TV show as possible, be present at all the events he could, and closely monitor to prevent his friends from getting hurt.

Back in the present, Starbright, Twilight, and Applejack spent the entire morning harvesting apples. Spike, riding on Starbright's back, was looking for the best apple. They hadn't been able to have lunch, and hunger was starting to take its toll. Twilight's and Starbright's stomachs growled in unison, and they both looked at each other, smiling embarrassedly.

"Spike, have you found any good apples?" Twilight asked hopefully.

"Here's one! It looks delicious," Spike said, holding a bright red apple.

Twilight wanted to ask for the apple, but Starbright knew that Spike wanted to eat it. With a simple spell, he moved the apple away from Spike's mouth and handed it to Twilight. Spike complained, but before he could say anything, he started choking and suddenly burped up a message from the princess.

Twilight and Starbright were surprised to see the scroll fall in front of them. Twilight picked it up and unrolled it, reading aloud:

**"Dear Twilight Sparkle,**

**I am pleased to invite you and a guest to the Grand Galloping Gala at Canterlot Castle. I look forward to seeing you there.**

**Yours truly,**

**Princess Celestia"**