The Unity Crystals made it back to the Crystal Brighthouse, and then they lit the skies with auroras. Our very first friendship quest was finally over, but my story wasn't over yet. After several days, we all made it back home to Maretime Day. Even Princess Twilight Sparkle and Cozy Glow came long with us. And, our families were overjoyed to see home. Princess Twilight was planning an award ceremony for me and my friends since we saved Equestria.
The next day was the ceremony. Everypony at Maretime Bay came around. Most of the earth ponies were there, even some unicorns from Bridlewood and some pegasi from Zephyr Heights attended. And, Twilight was going to give us the awards after the intro.
"Welcome everypony," Twilight said as she started the ceremony. "We are gathered here today to celebrate some new heroes who saved us from an ancient evildoer. Their leader had lead them to their very true paths to who they really are. He deserves perfect gifts to help us all in need. Our heroes had learn and give us an important lesson: our God, the Lord Almighty, the Great I Am, had made the whole world by hand. Since he create our planet so special, he also made us special, too. We just need to accept others the way they are, no matter how different. God loves us for who we are, even we don't love the way we are. We just have to be our true selves, no matter what everyone else thinks, and that will lead us down the path of faith."
Everypony was listening to Twilight's speech, and they were really learning the lesson well. The heroes' families were happy and joyful for us, even some were shedding tears.
"Mares, gentlestallions, and foals of all ages, may I present our new heroes, the Great Defenders of Friendship!"
Then, everypony clapped and cheered as we came out. Me and my friends were walking on a red carpet to meet Twilight and the Mane 5 on stage. Once we got onto the stage, the Mane 5 started giving us our awards. One by one, we received a medal of each of us. But for me, I received a bigger medal. After we got our awards, we all began to have pictures from the audience.
After the ceremony was over, we began to celebrate a little more. Some of the defenders were talking with their families, while the Mane 5 were talking with Twilight Sparkle about us. For Ellagant Glare, she was enjoying her day before some unicorn foals approached her. They were the ones who were making fun of her during her toddler days in Bridlewood. What would they do to Ellagant now?
"Ellagant," said unicorn foal #1. "We just wanna come see you and say we're very sorry for picking on you. We could've been appreciative about your talented magic skills, we didn't see how important it was for Equestria. Can you ever forgive us ?"
Then, after thinking it over a bit....
"Sure, everypony." Ellagant answered. "Second Chances."
Then, they gave each other a hoof five.
For me, I was talking with my parents. They were proud of me for being my true self and saving the day.
"Oh Special, my baby, I'm so proud of you." my mom said as she was hugging me and shedding tears.
"We're so happy you can embrace the magic inside of you." my dad said.
"Thank you mom and dad." I say.
"Now go on and party with your friends." my dad told me.
As I was enjoying the celebration, I bumped into Ellagant Glare.
"Ellagant." I say.
"Special." she responded. "How are you?"
"I'm going great." I answered. "And you?"
"I'm going great too, the unicorns from Bridlewood are finally appreciating my unicorn spells at last."
"Really?!" I asked.
"Really, really. And, I want to thank you for everything, Special. You had encouraged me to be myself since God made me special. And now, I feel inspired again."
Ellagant was about to hug me. I was backing up until I bumped into a cactus. The prickles hurt my hind legs, I jumped in pain. But then, I accidentally kissed Ella in the lips. I felt embarrassed of what happened, but Ella didn't mind as she closed her eyes and showed her rosy cheeks.
"I'm so sorry Ella. I didn't mean to do that." I replied to Ella.
"I actually don't mind. You're still my favorite pony of the quest." Ella said.
Then, we both giggled for our actual first kiss. I do love Ella, but she and I had to wait until we were 19 years old, so we would date, marry, and maybe have a family of our own. Ella didn't know I love her, but deep down, she loved me too, which I didn't know either.