It was just like any other day in Ponyville. The townponies were doing their everyday lives, the animals were scampering around, and black smoke was filling the skies like usual...wait. Perhaps it wasn't the usual fair for the quaint little town.
It all started when Flash was doing his usual patrol with Springer. They were surveying the western quadrant when they saw the gray, sky-covering smog. "What the?!" Flash exclaimed, seeing it was coming from a nearby mountain. "That can't be good."
"What do we do?" Springer asked.
"First, we need to warn everypony," Flash replied, flying back to town. Once there, they rushed to the top of town hall, where a bell sat there for this kind of occasion. "Time to ring this like no tomorrow," he said as they removed the clamps so it wouldn't ring in the wind. He cricked his head back before pulling the cord, causing the instrument to ring. The sound rang through the town, awaking everypony who instantly recognised it as the emergency bell. A mad rush began as everypony ran towards the town square to see what the problem was. An hour later, everypony had arrived, some not to pleased with being awoken.
"What the heck?! Who's ringing the bell?!" Rainbow yelled, rubbing her eyes as she flew down the street.
"How's a girl supposed to get her beauty sleep with all this racket?!" Rarity agreed as she followed the rainbow-haired pegasus.
"You lazy bones don't know when ya was born," Applejack chuckled as she ran up to the town square with her friends, "I was already up an hour before I heard the bell."
"Oh," Pinkie said as her mane turned into it's usual poofy form, "maybe it's some kind of sunrise surprise party."
"Doubt it," Rainbow grumbled as she got the last bit of sleep out of her eyes.
"What's going on?" Twilight said as she and Spike arrived right behind them.
"Yeah!" Spike tried yell, even though he was still half asleep, "What's with all the noise?!"
"Somepony rang the danger bell," Rarity explained, "It's only suppose to be rung in the event of a town wide emergency."
"So what emergency caused the bell to be rung?" Twilight asked. “And rung it?”
"SMOKE!" Everypony looked up to see Flash and Springer fly down onto the main stage. "Smoke is filling the air and its coming from a mountain on the western side of town. It's spreading fast and will be here soon."
As the news hit everypony's ears, they began to whisper. It did sound serious until a mare named Lemon Hearts spoke up, "What do we do?"
"First, we need to determine the cause of the smoke," Flash explained, "Then we'll know the best way to deal with it."
It was at that moment that Spike began to cough, quickly releasing a burst of fire which transformed into a scroll. Twilight's horn shined as an aura took the scroll and unfurled it front of her. Quickly reading it, she gasped before rushing up on stage. "Flash!" she called once she was up there, "I just got a letter from the princess! It explains the smoke!"
"Great, what's it say?"
"It's a dragon. That's what's causing the smoke to appear.”
"A DRAGON?!" Everypony screamed, all of them shivering in their hooves from the news.
"Yes, it's taking a nap," Twilight explained as she levitated the scroll in front of her again, "and according to the princess, if we don't do something, not only will Ponyville be shrouded in smoke, but all of Equestria's sky will be covered in it!"
"Okay...that's bad." Flash replied while scratching the back of his head. "Does she say anything about what we should do?"
"No," she said, shaking her head. "Just that she's charging us with the task of stopping it."
"Okay," Flash remarked before turning to the crowd. "Everypony else, return to your homes in a orderly fashion and stay inside. Also, make sure you have enough food just encase you have to remain there a while. We will fix this, no matter what!" With that small speech, everypony nodded and soon left. “Thank Celestia they actually left in an orderly fashion, that usually never works.”
Later on, the Mane Seven found themselves at the library, working on a plan to get rid of their new smoky pest problem.
"So what's the plan?" Applejack asked as she lifted her hat to scratch the side of her head. “I'm guessing this ain't gonna be anything easy.”
"Tch, yeah right! I'll tell you the plan," Rainbow hollered, "we go there and show that dragon that you don't mess with Equestria." She exclaimed as she did some midair martial arts. “That dragon won't know what hit it!”
"Yeah," Flash replied, sarcasm dripping inside his voice. "real great plan Rainbow. You go do that and then come back and tell me what it's like to get barbecued. Take it from a guy who's studied dragons for situations like this. If that thing is fully grown, then it'll be at least five times the size of this treehouse."
"Flash is right," Twilight remarked as a book she was reading floated back onto a shelf, "we wouldn't stand a chance if we fought this thing head-on. Our only hope is to encourage him to sleep somewhere else."
"B...b...b...b...but," hearing the stutter, they all turned towards a shaking Fluttershy, "it's a dragon."
"We get that," Rainbow deadpanned. “That's why we're holding this meeting Fluttershy.”
"Okay everypony," Twilight commanded as she levitated a saddlebag onto her back, "we've got a long road ahead of us. Let's get ready and meet back here in less then an hour."
"Okay, you heard her," Rainbow yelled, "the fate of Equestria is in our hooves. Do we have what it takes?"
Everypony nodded at the statement with the exception of Fluttershy. After hearing this, they rushed out of the door, ready to seize the new task before them. However, Fluttershy didn't rush out. She instead, just stood there, shaking like a leaf.
"Um..." the yellow pegasus said with a gulp, "actually, uh...could I..."
"You okay?" Flash asked as she went up and tapped her shoulder. “You're looking a little pale there.”
"Well-"
“Hurry up Fluttershy!" Twilight interrupted, "We can't afford to waste a single second."
"Oh. Um...okay." With that, she slowly trotted outside.
"Did Fluttershy seem a little...reluctant to you?" Flash asked as he looked out the window, his eyes staring at the leaving pegasus.
"What?!" Twilight asked half-heartedly, "Flash will you please go get ready? We need to leave soon."
"Fine," Flash grumbled as he rushed upstairs and began gathering equipment he felt he and his friends would need for their long trip up the mountain. As he grabbed the last things he needed, he moved over to a chest at the end of his bed that was locked. Taking out a key, he opened it, revealing a simple longsword with a brown handle and cross-guard. This had been his weapon of choice for some time, though he'd never had a real need for it until now. Many ponies who had seen him with it had suggested he get something smarter looking. They thought it would help show his status as a future royal knight, but Flash had declined. What would be the point when he'd eventually be given something a hundred times better when Grand Hoof said he was ready.
“Is that the sword you told me about?” asked his partner as he stared at Flash as he locked the sword's cross-belt.
“Yeah bud.” Flash muttered as he stared at his weapon, memories flowing through his head. He tapped his forehead, reminding himself that he was in a hurry. Turning back to his partner, Flash spoke up, “Hey partner, I need you to stay here.”
“Stay here? Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Ponyville will need at least one of its guardians here while I'm gone.” Flash walked up and gave him a small hug. “Don't worry bud, I'll be back soon.”
“Okay. Stay safe partner.” Springer replied with a big cheeky grin.
"I will."
The sword now strapped to his side, he headed back down stairs where Twilight was waiting. After Twilight wanting to check that she had everything. Twice to Flash and Spike's annoyance. After this, they headed outside where the rest of their friends were waiting, each with a very different idea on what they'd need for a mountain hike.
"Alright, listen up everypony." Twilight said in a commanding tone, "I've mapped out the fastest and safest route, but we'll all need to keep up a good pace if we want to make it up the mountain by nightfall."
"Mountain?!" Fluttershy asked, quivering as he saddlebag started to shake off of her body.
"Our intel says the dragon is sleeping in a cave on top of that mountain," Flash explained while pointing west to the mountain he had told everypony about earlier.
"Looks pretty cold up there," Applejack commented as she tipped her hat.
"You bet it is," Rainbow replied with a cocky grin, "the higher you go, the chillier it gets."
"Good thing I brought my scarf," Rarity remarked before pulling out a pink woolen scarf, which she draped over her neck. “Aaahhh...that's nice.
"Ooh," Pinkie said, seeing Rarity wrap it around her, "pretty."
"Oh yeah, that'll keep you nice and cozy." Rainbow giggled as Rarity gave her glare.
Flash chuckled at the sight before noticing Fluttershy just staring at the top of the mountain. She was shaking like a leaf as she took in a large gulp.
"You alright? You don't look so good." He asked, walking over to her.
"It's just that...well...I uh..."
"Go on, its okay.”
"Maybe I should just...stay here in Ponyville," Fluttershy finally said.
"Oh," Flash wasn't sure how to reply, "well, if you're sure you want to stay here."
Twilight, who had been looking at the map, heard this and turned to see who Flash was talking to. "Fluttershy, you have to come," she said, her tone still in commanding stance. "Your way with wild animals will surely come in handy."
"But dragons aren't wild," Flash countered, "they're just as sapient as ponies."
"Even so, we need her," Twilight replied as she wrapped up the map before turning to Fluttershy. "If this is about your animal friends in the meadow, don't worry. Spike's got it covered while you're gone, okay?"
"Yeah," Spike said while being covered in birds and rodents, "you can count on me." At that moment, Angel jumped on his head and did his Thumper impression, causing the animals to scurry off and the dragon to give chase.
"And Springer will be there to help if things get out of hand," Flash continued as his jakhowl partner saluted and ran off after Spike.
"I'm not sure they're up for it," Fluttershy remarked, but Twilight didn't hear her.
"Are you two sure you want Fluttershy to come along?" Rainbow commented as she floated over to Twilight, "I mean, that pony is afraid of her own shadow."
"She's not that bad," Flash said before his statement was countered when he turned to see Fluttershy hiding in a bush from her own shadow. "Never mind."
"She's just a little nervous," Twilight said while adjusting her saddlebags. "Once we get going, I'm sure she'll be fine."
"If you say so," Rainbow shrugged, rolling her eyes.
"Alright girls, let's move out." The five of them headed out, leaving Flash and Fluttershy to bring up the rear.
"Come on," he told her, "if it makes you feel any better, I promise I'll stay by your side until we get back to Ponyville."
"Okay," she whispered, her whole body still shaking in fear. “Oh dear...my heart can't take this.”
The journey to the mountain didn't take as long as they'd expected. It wasn't long til they were standing at the base, looking up at the top where the black smoke was resonating. As they continued to stare, a loud rumble rang out like no tomorrow.
"Wow! What was that?!" Rainbow yelled, trying to be louder than the noise.
"That's what it sounds like when a dragon snores," Twilight replied in a slightly deadpan tone.
"It's so...so," Fluttershy gulped from behind Flash, "high."
"Well it is a mountain," Rainbow deadpanned, "I'm gonna fly up there and check it out." She was about to zip off, only to have Applejack grab her tail.
"Hold on now sugarcube, I think we should all go up together. Safety in numbers and all."
"Good point," Flash agreed. "In fact, Rainbow Dash, you better come to the back."
"What? Why?!"
"First rule of any exploration," Flash replied as tried to comfort Fluttershy at the same time, "the fastest members stick to the back. That way, we don't leave anypony behind."
"Excellent suggestion Flash," Twilight said, "you heard him Rainbow." Rainbow obviously did not like this plan, but begrudgingly flew to the back of the pack. "Alright everypony, let's get going." Twilight commanded as she, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie began trotting up. However, Flash and Rainbow Dash were waiting for Fluttershy to begin her assent before they started.
"Come on Fluttershy, let's get going!" Rainbow yelled, only to receive a glare from Flash.
"Can't you be a little more patient?!" Flash said before looking at Fluttershy. "Fluttershy listen, we can do this. It's just one little baby step at a time."
"Why even walk?!" Rainbow butted in, "you could always, oh I don't know, fly!"
"Okay," Fluttershy muttered with a gulp. She opened her wings and the three began to slowly rise up and catch up to the others. That is, until a loud rumble from the dragon's snore caused her to scream and her wings locked up. As Fluttershy began to fall, Flash managed to grab her by the tail and stop her before she hit a bush.
"Walking it is," he said, causing Rainbow to groan.
There was just one little problem. Fluttershy had gone catatonic and didn't move no matter what Flash did.
"Flash!" Twilight's voice called back. "What's taking so long?!"
"Got a minor set-back here." Flash called back, knowing he'd need to do something else. “Come on Fluttershy, don't be like that.”
"Fluttershy's refusing to climb the mountain," Rainbow blurted out.
"What's wrong with her?"
"Not sure," Flash replied as he waved his hoof in front of Fluttershy, only to get no response. "But I think it'd be easier if I took her the less steep way up the mountain."
"But that'll take too long," Twilight replied with a loud snort. “We don't have time for that Flash.”
Applejack took this opportunity to grab Twilight's map and slide down the mountain. "I'll go with them," she said as she got closer to her friends, "together, me and Flash shouldn't take too long."
"Alright," Twilight said with a sigh, "but be careful."
Applejack nodded as she arrived at the bottom where Flash had gently dropped Fluttershy on the ground. "I got this," she said while tying the girl's tail around her head, "you just focus on the route."
"Got it," Flash nodded while taking the map from her. As he started to figure out the route, Applejack began pulling the semi-comatose Fluttershy along.
It didn't take long for them to find an easier way up the mountain, though it did involve spiralling around instead of going the way of the crow flies. As Applejack pulled Fluttershy along, Flash flew behind them, taking occasional glances at the map. He was sure that they'd be able to catch up with the others eventually, provided Fluttershy didn't slow them down too much. "You okay?" He asked, flying above her.
"I'm okay," she finally replied after a few minutes.
"No," Flash shook his head as he floated over her, "it's obvious you didn't want to come for some reason."
"Well, it's just that the dr-dr-dragon is-"
"You're scared of facing the dragon?" he asked, to which she nodded while hiding behind her hooves.
"Hey, it's okay if you're scared.” Flash comforted her as he dropped down and patted her on the shoulder. “Of course you're scared, we are talking about a dragon here."
"He's right Shy," Applejack continued, "of course we're scared. Who wouldn't be?"
"Everypony has something their afraid of," Flash explained as he trotted beside them, "take Twilight for example. She used to be terrified of thunder storms, but she got over it."
"She did?"
"Yeah," Flash nodded, "but that didn't mean she stopped being afraid of things." Flash smiled as a thought entered his head, "the next time you have lunch with her, order her a quesadilla and watch her run. It's hilarious." Fluttershy and Applejack giggled at hearing that. Following this, Flash continued his explanation. “The point is, it's okay to feel fear. Fear is what help us understand danger, it makes us focused."
"But you're not afraid of anything," Fluttershy said.
"Now what makes you think that?" Flash asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"You're the Element of Courage. I mean, your courage created a new element."
"Yeah, that is true." Flash replied as he scratched the side of his head, "but courage isn't fearlessness. Courage is...feeling fear and overcoming it. I don't believe that being fearless exists. Anypony you meet that says they have no fear is just an idiot who can't realize how dangerous a situation is."
"But how do you stop the fear from taking over?" Fluttershy squeaked, shivering as she kept thinking about her fears. "How do you overcome your fears?"
"A lot of the time, its fear that motivates me."
"What?"
"Whenever I'm feeling scared, I ask myself one question. What am I more afraid of, what could happen if I act or what will happen if I don't? Almost every time I ask myself that question, I find that what will happen scares me more then what could happen."
"Well said," Applejack commented as she tipped her hat, impressed at Flash's speech.
"So fear can help you?" Fluttershy asked, her tone getting a tiny bit louder.
"In a way," Flash replied, "take this situation for instance. If we make it to the top, we'll have to face a dragon and a lot of bad things could happen when we do. But...if we do nothing, lots of bad thing will happen. If this dragon keeps snoring smoke, the skies of Equestria will be filled with the messy fog for a hundred years. If that happens, everypony will be in trouble Fluttershy. It'll be impossible to go outside in fear of inhaling the smoke, and the sun will be blocked out. Not only will we be in trouble, but every living thing in Equestria will suffer, including your animal friends."
Hearing that caused Fluttershy's eyes to go wide. She finally started to realize why she was going on the journey and why she was there.
"You see," Flash said with a wink, "isn't that worse then what could happen?"
"Yes," she quivered, barely nodding at the statement.
"And that's why we have to do this. To make sure what will happen doesn't happen at all.”
They eventually rendezvoused with the others near the top of the mountain. Thankfully, at this point, Fluttershy had recovered enough to be walking on her own. As they arrived, the could hear their friends talking.
"Best of seventy one?" Rarity asked hopefully.
"Told you it was gonna take them forever," Rainbow told Twilight with a groan, happy that she no longer had to distract herself with Rarity.
"Look, sorry we're late but we're here now. So, let's get going," Flash said before flying over to her and Twilight. "I hope you used the long wait to actually come up with a plan."
"Yes," Twilight nodded as she pointed to her friends, "Rainbow will clear the smog while Rarity and Pinkie will cause a distraction if things get out of hoof. Applejack will be ready with apples to attack, while me, you and Fluttershy go talk to the dragon."
"You want Fluttershy...to talk to a dragon?"
"Yeah," Twilight replied, "why? Is there something wrong with that?"
"Fluttershy's terrified of dragons Twilight. Coming up the mountain was hard enough but I doubt she'd be able to actually talk to one."
"But Fluttershy is wonderful with animals?" Twilight asked, a sheepish grin on her face.
"Yes. She's good with animals," Flash reminded her in a deadpan tone, "but like I said before, dragons are as sapient as me and you. Also, can you honestly see Fluttershy being friends with a fire breathing, razor clawed dragon?!"
"Oh. But then, why didn't she say anything before?"
"She didn't know what you were planning for her. If she knew what you intended to do she probably would have said."
"But we have to find a way to get the dragon gone," Twilight said in a now worried tone.
"And we can't just force Fluttershy to do something she's uncomfortable doing," Flash still deadpanned, "it'd be like me forcing you never to read again in order to save Equestria or forcing Rainbow Dash to wear a dress every day."
Hearing this made them both shudder.
"Okay, I get your point," Twilight replied as she turned away, "I'll think up something else...hopefully."
They continued on their long journey up the mountain. The mountain showed to be a true challenge for them, especially getting Fluttershy to cross a two foot wide gap. Then, they came to a particularly rocky part of the mountain where Twilight signaled them to stop.
"Let's keep it down." Twilight whispered as she flashed her hoof. "According to my map, we're entering an avalanche zone. The smallest peep could cause a huge rock slide."
"An ava...ava...avalanc-"
"Shhh!" Twilight exclaimed in the lowest tone possible.
Flash stayed close to Fluttershy like he promised, keeping an eye out for anything that could scare her into screaming and causing an avalanche.
Luckily, nothing like that happened, except a leaf falling which he used his wing to shield her from. He would have doubted that that would have caused her to scream, but he didn't feel like taking any chances. Then, they reached their destination, as their caught the sight of thick smoke was spewing out of a cave and into the air.
"Well, we're here," Flash trotted over to Twilight as she surveyed the cave, "so, did you come up with a new strategy?"
"No," Twilight gulped before turning to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, I know you're scared, but we need you to do what you do best."
"But," Fluttershy meeped, trying to shrink into the ground in fear. "It's a dragon."
"Please Fluttershy.”
"We'll be right there with you," Flash assured her with a small smile.
"I...I can't."
"Remember what we talked about. What will happen if we fail."
Fluttershy stopped shaking and looked up at the cave opening. She let down a gulp as she tried to muster up her courage until another load rumbling snore occurred, making her scream. "I CAN'T!" she yelled before turning around and running back the way they came.
"FLUTTERSHY!"
"Come back!" Twilight screamed, but it was to late. Fluttershy was gone.
"Now what?" Pinkie asked.
"Well," Twilight said as a shiver went down her spine, "it looks like I'm going in."
"I'm with you," Flash replied as he walked up to her in slight fear, "the rest of you stay out here for now."
When everyone agreed, the two ponies carefully trotted inside. Even after Rainbow had blown away the smoke, the cave was incredibly dark. The two began squinting their eyes as they both got closer and closer to the monster.
"So, what is the best way to wake up a sleeping dragon without upsetting it?"
"You're asking me?" Flash asked with a cocked eyebrow.
"You've studied them, haven't you? Wasn't that part of your training?”
"Yeah," Flash said as he scratched the side of his head, "I've studied their abilities and habits, but never how to talk to one. I don't even think there's a book about that."
"Then I guess we're winging it then," Twilight said before they reached the dragon. Their eyes widened as they saw the massive monstrosity, complete with a coat of mostly red and yellow scales. Clouds of smoke bellowed out of his twin nostrils, as his long tail flapped back and forth. "Mr. dragon?"
The dragon rolled around a bit, unphased by her voice.
"Mr. dragon," Twilight said a little louder this time, her voice echoing throughout the cave, causing the dragon's pony sized eyes to open. "Oh good, you're awake. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Twilight-" in that second, the dragon let out a mighty yawn, which blew a horrible gas like breath right into their faces, causing Flash to cough. Twilight however, continued her speech, "Sparkle and my friends and I are residents here in Equestria."
The dragon did not look happy as she continued, "Ponyville to be exact. We've come here to ask that you find another spot to take your nap. It's just that, you seem to be doing an awful lot of snoring and every time you do, you send out a terrible cloud of smoke." The dragon took this moment to blast them with said smoke, causing another barrage of coughs. "Equestria just can't survive a hundred years under a dark haze, you understand don't you?"
The dragon got up and began to stretch out it's body. Was it going to leave? The answer is...no. It just threw itself down and closed it's eyes, before beginning it's nap again.
"Well, that went well," Flash said as they left the cave, dusting off his smoke-filled mane with his wings.
"How so?" Twilight grumbled.
"We're walking out of here unburned," Flash replied with a slight smile, "so I call that a win."
"So what now?" Applejack asked as she saw her friends pop out of the smoke.
"Ahem," Rarity interrupted, "obviously this calls for a little pony charm." She strutted into the cave before anypony could protest, "allow me girls."
"I give her two minutes," Flash moaned with a facehoof. Not too long after said facehoof, Rarity came out screaming. He turned to Pinkie who had somehow gotten a stop watch. "Time?"
"Two minutes, five seconds."
"Eh, close enough."
"And I was this close to getting that diamond," Rarity moaned as she pulled a brush out of her bag and began brushing her mane.
"You mean getting rid of the dragon?" Twilight asked, giving her a pointed look.
"Oh. Yeah, sure."
Before they could comment, another loud sound caught their attention. They all turned to see Pinkie, dressed like an explosion at the party store.
"What in tarnation?"
"Darling," Rarity said as she strained at a certain knot, "you look ridiculous."
"Exactly!" Pinkie exclaimed before waddling into the cave. "Sharing a laugh is a sure fire way to get somepony on your side." Flash groaned, knowing where this was going to go next. A few seconds later, horrible sounds came out of the cave, before Pinkie walked back out with her costume in tatters. "Apparently he doesn't like laughing," she said sheepishly, "or sharing."
"Alright, that's it!" Rainbow yelled as she pointed at her friends in order, "we've tried persuasion, charm and...whatever it is Pinkie Pie does. It's time to stop wasting time, I'm going in."
"WAIT!" Flash tried to warn her, but it was too late. Rainbow shot into the cave, screaming at the dragon and kicking it in the face. The world seemed to stop for a moment as a massive roar burst out of the cave, sending Rainbow out with it. She shot into the others and knocked them all down while crashing into Flash, sending them both into a boulder. Once the world had stopped spinning, Flash turned to Rainbow and started banging her on the head.
"OW!" She cried as she rubbed her head. “What are you doing?!"
"Checking to see if there's actually a brain in there," he replied harshly.
Another loud roar caught their attention and made the rest of their friends rush to hide behind Flash. Their fears made sense as the dragon pulled itself out the cave and looked down at them. The six all shivered as they looked up at the creature, Flash gulping at the sight. But he knew what he had to do and took out his sword as he flew up with it in his hooves. "Okay dragon," he warned, "I didn't want it to come to this but you leave me no choice. Now either calm down and leave this place, or I'll be forced to use this. Now, what do you say?"
The dragon glared at him and then took one big breath. He unleashed a stream of fire from his bellowing mouth, which Flash barely managed to dodge. Once it was over, Flash looked back up to see his sword had been hit by the flames, which had burned away everything but the handle. Dropping it, he looked up at the dragon and grin sheepishly, "Is that a maybe?"
The dragon let out another roar which pushed the pegasus back into his friends and into the rock, shattering it. Doing so, revealed Fluttershy hiding behind it, who looked down at her dazed friends and then back up at the dragon. Fear once again filled her as she gazed at it, but Flash's words from before returned to the front of her mind. She then asked herself what was scarier, what could happen or will happen. After a few seconds, she had her answer.
"How dare you," she growled, looking up at the dragon, "HOW DARE YOU!" She shot up so she was at eye level with the dragon, "listen here mister! Just because you're big, that doesn't give you the right to be a bully! You may have huge teeth and sharp scales and snore smoke and breath fire, but you do not, I repeat, you do not...HURT...MY...FRIENDS! You go that?!"
"Damn." Flash said, impressed at her sudden moxie.
"Well?!" she asked again after the dragon flinched away.
"BUT THAT RAINBOW ONE KICKED ME!" he yelled, his voice booming.
Everypony shot Rainbow a glare, making her hide behind her hooves.
"And I am very sorry about that," Fluttershy told him as she continued her glare, "but you're bigger than she is and you should know better. You should also know better than to take a nap where your snoring can become a health hazard to other creatures!"
"BUT I-"
"Don't you 'but I' me mister!" she continued to yell, "now, what do you have to say for yourself?! HUH?!" The dragon didn't reply, his whole body shivering. "I said, what do you have to say for yourself?!" Suddenly, the dragon broke out into a waterfall of tears, causing the others to just look at each other in amazement. Fluttershy then patted the dragon's nose, seeing the sadness that now possessed him. "There, there. You're not a bad dragon, you just made a bad decision. Now go pack your things. You just need to find a new place to sleep, that's all." She landed back on the ground and was surrounded by her friends, who cheered at her sudden victory.
"You did it!" they all cheered.
"I told you you could do it," Flash chuckled as he patted her again. “Good job.”
A few minutes later, the dragon flew away from the mountain. Flash swore he heard something about dangerous psycho ponies from the dragon, but it didn't matter as the creature flew off into the distance. Pretty soon, the smoke began to slowly fade as the friends walked down the mountain. It would take a while, but there wouldn't be any lasting damage from the thick hazy fog that was once there.
"Well, I guess it was a good thing we brought you along after all," Flash said as he looked over at Rainbow, "wouldn't you say Rainbow?"
"I guess," Rainbow grumbled, pouting.
"I'm just glad you all are okay," Fluttershy said with a big happy smile.
"We're only okay because of you," Twilight replied happily, "your courage in the face of such amazing danger was incredible."
"It sure was," Flash continued, "you're probably braver than me."
"I guess I'll wear your element next time we need them," Fluttershy joked, making them all laugh.
"But in all honesty Fluttershy," Flash chuckled as he shook his head, "that really was amazing. You overcame your fear and showed your true strength. I wouldn't be surprised if all those fears you had before seem a lot less scary now."
"Thank you," Fluttershy nodded before giving a small sheepish smile, "now, could you excuse me a moment?"
"Er...sure? What for?"
He got his answer when Fluttershy suddenly fainted.
"I guess she suppressed her fear more than overcoming it," Twilight commented as she realised why her friend fainted. "When the danger was finally gone, it came flooding back and it was too much for her."
"Well..." Flash shook his head, surprised at his friend's sudden change. "It's a start." With Applejack's help, Flash placed the unconscious pegasus on her back and flew her back home. Their mission was over and Fluttershy had saved Equestria.