Dutch smiled to himself as he looked at the scene. Pinkie Pie certainly didn't disappoint with this party. It was held over the entire town, and everypony in Ponyville was invited. They all crowded in the main square, eager to see the return of their princesses.

They arrived on a large golden chariot. Celestia was sat in the middle, with Luna next to her. Luna had been nervous throughout the entire flight over. She wasn't sure how everypony would react. She had been Nightmare Moon not 24 hours ago. She got down from the carriage, and almost immediately, two fillies placed a flower chain around her neck. She smiled as she looked up at her sister, tears of joy in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. She looked over at her six new friends, and knew that she would have to leave them again soon. Celestia noticed this, and while the crowd was talking to Luna, she walked over to Twilight.

"Why the long face Twilight?" The unicorn looked up at her mentor, "Your duties in Ponyville are finished, and you can now return to your studies in Canterlot."

"That's what's bothering me though," she said, "I've made my first true friends today, the only friends I've ever had, but now I have to leave them." She looked back at them. The five ponies, each with their own personality, and the human, truly unique, and yet, still accepted as one of them.

Celestia thought for a second, then turned to Spike, who was standing with the group, "Spike, take a letter."

Spike brought out a quill and scroll and began writing what the princess said, "I, Princess Celestia of Equestria, hereby declare the unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, to be a permanent resident in Ponyville." Twilight's face lit up with glee, but Celestia wasn't finished, "She is to continue studying the magic of friendship, and report her findings to me. I wish her the best of luck in her new home."

An almighty cheer came from the group as the ponies ran over and hugged Twilight. Then Dutch came up and wrapped his arms around all six of them. Celestia allowed herself a small giggle at the sight. She knew that this would be the beginning of something great.

Meanwhile, unknown to Dutch, something began to grow inside him. A spark. It had ignited when he had first arrived in Equestria, but it had been weak, like a dying ember. When he had used the Elements of Harmony, however, the spark had been strengthened, and it continued to burn in his very soul. In time, it would reveal itself to him, but for now, it let him enjoy the moment.