Chapter 1 : an unforgettable birthday
The sun shone warmly over Ponyville, and the streets were bustling with ponies enjoying the day. However, all the attention at Sugarcube Corner was focused on a special celebration: Starshine’s 17th birthday.
The venue was decorated with balloons, streamers, and a large banner that read: “Happy Birthday, Starshine!”. At the center of the room, a grand cake adorned with stars and constellations held the place of honor.
Starshine, her blue and silver mane neatly combed, watched excitedly as her friends, family, and some of Equestria's legendary heroes gathered around her.
The main door opened, and the familiar glow of Twilight Sparkle filled the room. The Princess of Friendship entered with a warm smile, followed closely by Fluttershy and Discord.
“Twilight! Fluttershy!” Starshine exclaimed from across the room, but before she could approach, she noticed Twilight heading toward her parents, Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst, who stood near the snack table.
“Starlight, Sunburst, it’s wonderful to see you again,” Twilight said with a genuine smile.
“Twilight, it’s always a pleasure to see you,” Starlight replied, returning the smile.
Sunburst adjusted his glasses and added, “Thank you for coming, Twilight. We know how much Starshine treasures your presence.”
“It’s an honor to celebrate with her,” Twilight said with a nod. “And besides, I couldn’t miss the chance to catch up with the two of you. Starlight, how’s everything going in Ponyville?”
“It’s a never-ending job,” Starlight replied with a soft laugh. “But I love being mayor. There’s always something new to tackle, and Ponyville will always be my home. Plus, I have Sunburst to back me up when things get tricky.”
“That sounds perfect,” Twilight said, turning to Sunburst. “And you, Sunburst? How’s it going as head of the School of Friendship?”
Sunburst smiled enthusiastically. “It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding. The students always bring fresh ideas and questions, which keeps the school lively. Although, I do miss having Starlight as my headmistress there
“Oh, come on!” Starlight said, chuckling. “You know I’m always nearby if you need me.”
Twilight nodded warmly. “I’m glad to hear you’re both happy in your roles. Now, I’m going to wish the birthday girl a happy birthday. Catch up with you later.”
Twilight crossed the room and hugged Starshine with her wings. “Happy birthday, Starshine. It’s so wonderful to see you.”
“Twilight, thank you for coming. It’s always such an honor to have you here,” Starshine said, her voice full of excitement.
“It’s my pleasure to celebrate with you. Each year, I see how much you’ve grown into an amazing unicorn,” Twilight replied sincerely.
Starshine seized the moment to ask, “Twilight, where’s Flash Sentry? Why didn’t he come with you this time?”
Twilight sighed, though she maintained her kind tone. “He’s a bit under the weather, caught a nasty cold. But don’t worry, I sent an excellent nurse to take care of him. He’ll be back on his hooves in no time.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Starshine said, relieved.
Meanwhile, Fluttershy presented her gift: a small white bunny wrapped snugly in a soft blanket. “This is my gift for you, Starshine. I hope you take good care of him.”
“He’s adorable! Thank you so much, Fluttershy,” Starshine said, cradling the bunny. “I’ll name him Little Star.”
Soon, the gifts from the most celebrated guests were handed over.
Rainbow Dash swooped in with a custom-made Wonderbolts jacket. “Here you go, Starshine. This jacket won’t just keep you warm; it’ll make you look like a real star. Perfect for a unicorn as cool as you.”
Starshine beamed as she received it. “It’s amazing, Rainbow! Thank you so much!”
Applejack handed over a carefully wrapped box. “I picked this up at a fine shop in town. Nothing better to keep your hooves warm this winter.”
Starshine opened the box to reveal a pair of soft, well-crafted gloves. “Thank you, Applejack! They’re perfect for the season.”
Rarity, ever the fashionista, arrived with a dazzling exclusive scarf adorned with sparkling crystals. “Darling, this design is one of a kind. No other pony will have a scarf like this.”
“It’s beautiful, Rarity! Thank you,” Starshine said, wrapping it around her neck.
When it was her parents’ turn, Starlight Glimmer smiled proudly as she held out a small, glittering box. Inside was a beautiful pendant shaped like a star, simple yet elegant, with a blue crystal at its center.
“Happy birthday, Starshine,” Starlight said, fastening it around her daughter’s neck. “This pendant is special to me because it symbolizes how brightly you shine in our lives.”
“It’s lovely, Mom! Thank you,” Starshine said, hugging her tightly.
Sunburst, meanwhile, presented a book filled with magical chronicles and ancient stories. “I know how much you love learning new things. I hope you find this book fascinating.”
Starshine hugged them both. “Thank you, Mom, Dad. This means so much to me.”
Finally, Luster Dawn stepped forward with a golden-wrapped package. “This is something I thought you’d love, Starshine. You’re as curious as I am, and I know you’ll enjoy exploring these pages.”
Starshine unwrapped the package to reveal a brand-new spellbook, its cover gleaming with intricate runes.
“Thank you, Luster! I’ve always wanted a book like this,” Starshine said excitedly, flipping through the first few pages.
Luster smiled and placed a hoof on her sister’s shoulder. “Promise me you’ll use it carefully. Some of the spells are advanced, and you’ll need practice before mastering them.”
“I promise,” Starshine replied, though her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
That evening, Starshine returned home with Luster Dawn. Although the house was cozy, filled with bookshelves and magical artifacts, Starshine couldn’t stop thinking about the spellbook.
“Goodnight, Starshine,” Luster said, kissing her on the forehead. “Remember, if you try any spells, be careful. Some are more advanced than they seem.”
“I promise,” Starshine replied, though her curiosity was already bubbling over.
Unable to sleep, Starshine slipped out of bed, grabbed the spellbook, and donned the Wonderbolts jacket Rainbow Dash had gifted her.
She snuck out of the house and made her way to the Everfree Forest, determined to test the spells under the moonlight.
In a clearing, Starshine opened the spellbook, flipping through its pages until she found one that caught her eye: Dimensional Travel Spell.
Ignoring the warnings, she whispered, “This is going to be amazing,” as she channeled her magical energy and recited the spell.
A glowing portal burst to life before her. The air crackled with energy, and before she could react, the portal’s pull grew stronger, sucking her in.
“Luster!” she cried as she disappeared into the swirling light.
