"A PARTY!" Pinkie yelled as the others suddenly found themselves back at Ponyville. The town was decorated in a stream of party decorations as everypony in town gathered to celebrate the return of not one, but two princess of Equestria. Flash, Twilight and their new friends were the guests of honour as the confetti and cheering washed over them.
"Twilight! Flash!" the two turned to see Spike running up to them and hugging Twilight, "I'm so glad you're back!"
"Glad to be back." Twilight replied as she returned the hug.
"Seems you had quite the adventure kiddo." Flash turned to see his mentor coming out of the crowd.
"Grand Hoof. What you doing here?" Flash replied, surprise covering his face.
"You think I'd miss seeing my student become a hero?!" Grand Hoof laughed as he went and patted Flash on the back. "You made this old knight very proud kiddo!"
"Thanks." Flash chuckled as he received a head-pat from his old teacher. "I just did what came naturally.”
"You'll have to tell me all about it on the way back to Canterlot. You finally have a story to tell me, Ahaha!" Grand laughed as he hit him on the back again. However, hearing that made Flash frown and he wasn't the only one.
Princess Celestia stepped forward as she saw the depressed faces of Flash and Twilight. "Why so glum my faithful student?" she asked as she walked up to them. "Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?"
"That's just it." Twilight replied as her ears flopped down in response. "I just made so many wonderful friends and...I have to leave them."
"Yeah." Flash said as stood next to her, "I feel the same way. If we leave now, when will we get to see them again? I mean, Canterlot is a bit far from here."
Princess Celestia smiled, instantly knowing the solution. "Spike, take a note please."
“Huh? Oh, okay.” Spike pulled out his parchment and quill in response.
"I, Princess Celestia hereby decree, that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the Magic of Friendship, and must report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville.”
Twilight gasped hearing this, covering her mouth with her hoof.
"Additionally." Grand Hoof stepped up to Spike with a crackle in his voice. "The apprentice knight Flash Sentry shall also remain in Ponyville, as it's new Defender of the Peace." Flash looked at Twilight and then his mentor in shock. "I taught you all that you need to be a knight kiddo, but you still have much to learn and I believe you'll learn it here." Grand Hoof then walked back up to Flash and patted him again. “Besides, we both know you wouldn't go back to Canterlot without her! Ahahaha!”
Flash and Twilight smiled at their teachers as tears began to appear under Twilight's eyes. Her eyes stopped for just a second as they were soon embraced by their friends.
"Thank you both." Twilight said, tears now freely flowing. "I'll study harder then ever before."
"And I'll keep this town safe from whatever may occur." Flash saluted as Grand did the same. "I swear."
The crowd cheered as everypony as the party began once more. It continued until the Princesses and Grand Hoof declared they had to return to Canterlot. Seeing this, everypony soon headed home. Flash, Twilight and Spike returned to the library, where they would live for the foreseeable future.
"It feels weird, doesn't it?" Twilight asked as she opened the door.
"It'll take a little getting used to." Flash replied as he entered. "But I think it'll be nice living here."
"You said it." Spike said as he went inside and immediately started to go to bed, earning a chuckle from the other two.
Flash turned back to look out at their new home. Ponyville was definitely a great little town, and he knew he would protect it and it's citizens with his life. With resolve set in his heart, he shut the library door with one firm swing. Tomorrow would be the start of a new life, not only for Flash and Twilight, but for all of Equestria.
To Be Continued...