It had been five months since the defeat of Snowdrop. Ponyville, while still in the recovery process, had made fantastic progress being that it’s denizens had little issue working together. Quantum Tech, now a new resident, made the process go by much faster by optimizing the construction crew’s equipment, which they more than appreciated, at least after she explained how the new doohickeys worked. Zebota also had Shrapnel put his brute strength to use in helping to lift materials and equipment. During breaks, some of the workers played with the big guy, which his master was more than pleased with.
The schoolhouse was one the first buildings that got fully rebuilt, and Fire Fight was on his way there, ready another typical day. He’d been brought up to speed on the curriculum he’d missed when class was meeting in Twilight’s castle, as well as Quantum tutoring him.
Being that Quantum Tech was allowed to graduate early due to her smarts, she now lived with Dr. Whooves in town as promised. He went to visit her every now and again, which she was more than happy to entertain, and he was happy to see that her new life had been bringing her so much joy.
Zecora had decided to homeschool Zebota so as to keep him acclimated to her native culture, but also help ease him into pony society. He was able to befriend the other school foals easily, who were more than eager to learn more about zebras, and Shrapnel was happy to let them play with him. Fluttershy certainly enjoyed having a fellow animal lover to talk to.
But as happy as things were, Fire Fight felt solemn. He’d been writing to all of his friends across Equestria, and they’d been doing much better than they were before, but the only one who seemed to fall off the map was the one who’d been raised off the map, Shadow Shroud.
Five months, and he heard nothing. He had no address to write her to, and he hadn’t received any mysterious letters or anything of the sort that even hinted as to her whereabouts, or for that matter her wellbeing. As he walked down the forested trail to school, he came upon the spot where he first witnessed her jump across the treetops above him. Now, the forest was as serene as could be. Birds were chirping, and the surrounding flora was a still as statues. Nopony else was there. He sighed heavily.
“Hey, man!” a voice called from behind him. It was Button Mash accompanied by the CMC as well as Diamond Tiara and a giddily smiling Silver Spoon. He would visit with them from time to time as well.
“Hey, guys…” Fire Fight mumbled.
“Aww. Still missing all your friends?” Sweetie Belle said.
Fire Fight cracked a little smile. “Y-Yeah. It’s okay though… Let’s get moving before we’re late.”
Silver Spoon pranced beside him as they made their way to school. “Oh Fire Fight, quit being so glum! You saved Equestria like the big hero you are, and you and the Battle Foals! You really ought to start loosening up after your big adventure.” She said, giving a light hip check.
Fire Fight drifted a little way away from her. “S-Sure…” he stammered, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
When they got to class, they sat down. Fire Fight had taken back the seat he had beside Button Mash, where he sat solemnly as Ms. Cheerilee wore her bright smile for the whole class.
“Good morning, class!” Cheerilee said, to which she was greeted back, except for a moping Fire Fight. “I’m pleased to announce that we have a new student joining us today!”
“Whoa! Really?” Scootaloo said. The rest of the class shared her excitement, while Fire Fight felt mild intrigue.
“Really!” Cheerilee said. She turned to her left. “She’s from- huh?” But nopony was there for her to introduce. “Umm… She was just here beside me.”
Suddenly, Fire Fight felt something whizz right beside him as fast as lightning. “Huh!?” He looked over, but nothing was; but it seemed like his classmates noticed it too, because they were looking around as though they sensed it too.
It happened again. It dashed right behind Fire Fight, which Button apparently saw. “Whoa!” he said, prompting Fire Fight to turn to face him. “What was that!?”
“What was what?” Fire Fight asked.
Button didn’t answer. For some reason, his mouth suddenly hung agape as seemed to stare right at Fire Fight… or perhaps right next to Fire Fight. “Um, dude?”
“What?” Fire Fight asked. He then felt somepony tap him on the shoulder. He turned to them… and saw somepony calmly sitting atop his desk.
“Miss me?”
“GYAH!!” Fire Fight fell back and out of his chair. When he looked up, his panic turned to elation when he saw a familiar face.
“Seriously, Fire Fight?” she said jumping down from his desk and walking up to him. “After all we went through together, all the killer monsters, all the crazy ponies, all the dangerous territory, and I’m still able to startle you?” She playfully sighed. “I really do have to babysit you, don’t I?”
“SHADOW SHROUD!!!” Fire Fight shot up from the ground and threw his arms around her, whom he was shocked to see wasn’t clad, not even in her midnight garbs. “You… You’re… Is this real!?”
Shroud giggled as she embraced him back. “Sure is, hot shot. No fancy tricks this time.” She said. “I had a longer heart-to-heart with my mother, and she agreed that maybe I ought to be granted a real fillyhood. I’m still a Shadewalker mind you, but one you’ll be able to go to school and spend time with.”
Fire Fight started crying from sheer joy. “This is the best day of my life!” He firmly pressed his lips onto hers, and the two shard a passionate kiss. The whole class clapped for them, save a sobbing Silver Spoon, whom Diamond Tiara was comforting.
With his fire burning at his fullest, Fire Fight was now more sure than ever that he’d lit the why for a bright future.