Chapter 12: A Special Visit

It was a beautiful morning in Canterlot, and Starbright was in his study, practicing a new protection spell when he heard a knock at the door. Velvet, his adoptive mother, opened the door and smiled widely.

"Starbright, you have a very special visitor," she said excitedly.

Starbright quickly got up and went to the entrance, coming face to face with his best friend, Twilight Sparkle. She was beaming, and beside her was a small baby dragon who seemed equally excited.

"Twilight!" exclaimed Starbright, hugging her. "It's so good to see you! How have you been?"

"Hi, Starbright! I've been great, and I have so much to tell you," Twilight replied, her smile lighting up her face. "Can we sit down?"

"Of course, come in," said Starbright, leading them to the living room. Velvet brought tea and cookies while Crescent joined them, curious to hear Twilight's news.

"First, look at this," said Twilight, turning to show her flank. There, proudly shining, was her new cutie mark: a six-pointed star surrounded by smaller stars.

"Twilight, your cutie mark is amazing!" exclaimed Starbright, admiring the symbol. "It's perfect for you."

"Thanks, Starbright. I got it during my test to become Princess Celestia's personal student," Twilight explained. "And that's not all. I met this little dragon during the test, and now he's my assistant! His name is Spike."

Spike, the baby dragon, waved enthusiastically. "Hi, Starbright! I've heard a lot about you."

"Hi, Spike! It's a pleasure to meet you," said Starbright, smiling. "It sounds like you've had an incredible experience, Twilight."

"Yes, it was amazing. The test involved hatching a dragon egg using my magic. At first, I was so nervous that I couldn't concentrate, but then something clicked, and my magic exploded. Not only did I hatch the egg, but I also transformed several things in the room. That's when my cutie mark appeared," Twilight explained, her eyes shining with excitement.

"And Princess Celestia offered me to be her personal student," Twilight continued. "I couldn't believe it. It's a dream come true."

"I'm so happy for you, Twilight! I knew you would achieve great things," said Starbright, feeling a mix of pride and joy for his friend.

"Thank you, Starbright. I knew I had to come and tell you everything. You've been such a big part of my journey, and I couldn't have done it without your support," Twilight said, taking Starbright's hoof with gratitude.

They spent the rest of the day catching up, talking about their future plans, and reminiscing about their days at the School for Gifted Unicorns. Spike joined in the conversation, sharing his own perspectives and experiences as a young dragon in Equestria.

"So, what are your plans now, Starbright?" Twilight asked as they sipped tea in the garden.

"I want to keep studying magic and find ways to use it to protect Canterlot and help the ponies who need it," Starbright replied with determination. "I've been working on some advanced protection spells and hope to apply them soon."

"That sounds wonderful, Starbright. I know you'll do amazing things," Twilight said with a smile. "And remember, I'll always be here to support you, just like you've been for me."

The afternoon passed quickly, and soon it was time for Twilight and Spike to return to their home in Canterlot. But before leaving, Twilight made a promise.

"We'll stay in touch and see each other soon, Starbright. Friendship is the real magic, and our friendship will always be strong," Twilight said, hugging her friend once more.

"Always, Twilight. I'm very proud of you," Starbright replied, smiling as he waved goodbye.

And so, with his heart full of joy and hope, Starbright watched Twilight and Spike depart, knowing that their friendship and adventures were far from over. Life in Canterlot went on, and with each new day, Starbright felt more prepared and excited for the future that awaited him.