//------------------------------// // The End // Story: Journey to the First Flame (Continued) // by Rated Ponystar //------------------------------// Fluttershy had to admit when dragons wanted to party they could really party. Combine it with Pinkie Pie’s usual celebration tastes and it was a bonanza of a good time. While there were some tensions between the Chromatics and the Metallics sharing the same area, that was all broken up the moment Pinkie Pie started a dancing session. Rainbow Dash and Applejack joined followed by Smolder who dragged Jaden into the circle and danced with him. Skyler dragged her friends and pretty soon everyone was dancing.  That and laughing at Twilight’s dancing. Even Fluttershy couldn’t help but still giggle whenever she saw her friend attempt to get down and “boogie”. In the end, it was a sign that the two dragons could not only get along, but also with ponies as well. Smolder was hailed as a hero among both dragons races as Ember proudly proclaimed her to be an example of what dragons should be. The Metallics, in turn, honored her for helping them stop Valaxis.  Whatever political doubts about Ember’s choice to change dragon society and ally with ponies were now all but an afterthought. Since dragons respected strength above all else, it was going to be hard to argue against being friends with a race that can seal away a Typhon. The Metallics stayed for another day for Ember to discuss some possible negotiations and a healing of old wounds. It wasn’t going to all get fixed in a day, but it was a start. After that? It was time to go home. It was hard to believe that everything that happened was now over and Fluttershy was heading back to her cottage where her animal friends resided. But having been through so many adventures she knew that it would be just another memorable moment to put in her diary. She was looking forward to the peace that was going to come with it. At least until the next big crisis. Or some Friendship problem that would take thirty minutes or so to fix. It varied. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Fluttershy asked Smolder who was walking with her to her cottage. “Yeah, I’m alright,” Smolder said as she rubbed her arm. “Okay, fine. I miss Jaden a bit.” “I thought you both agreed to continue talking through mail?” Fluttershy asked. “Yeah and he has said he’s interested in coming to the school next year,” Smolder replied but sighed. “But...I kinda...feel weird.” “It’s your first crush,” Flutttershy giggled as she put a comforting hoof on the dragon’s shoulder. “You’re going to feel a lot of things. But I’m sure you and Jaden will be able to continue with what you have.” “Thanks,” Smolder said with a light blush on her cheeks before pointing to Fluttershy. “Just make sure nobody knows about this. I got a reputation to keep.” “I promise,” Fluttershy said as she giggled. “But I think everyone’s going to notice that you changed a lot from this journey.” “Really?” Smolder asked in surprise. “Yes, I think you’ve grown up a lot,” Fluttershy said as she hugged Smolder. “And I’m proud of you.” Smolder hesitated at first, but soon she hugged Fluttershy back. Only for a minute before pushing her away. “Okay, mushy time is over. Let’s go see my friends.” The two soon arrived at the door to Fluttershy’s cottage where Sandbar opened the door and the two blinked upon seeing him and the others in their current state. Their fur and feathers looked like they had been through a tornado, their bloodshot eyes were twitching, and they had multiple bruises and welts on their bodies. Sandbar all but gasped in relief like he had just been freed from imprisonment. Gallus was leaning on Silverstream to support himself while Cozy Glow was practically sprawled all over the ground. “Oh thank Celestia you are back.” “Uh, yeah,” Smolder said as she looked at her friends. “You guys okay.” “Just...peachy...” Ocellus sighed as she rubbed her neck and winced. “So...we’re free?” “Um, yes. Is Angel here?” Fluttershy asked as a familiar bunny hopped over and dived into her embrace. “Angel! Mama missed you so much! Did you have a fun time with the others?” Angel smiled at his “caretakers” who all backed away with a gulp before he turned to his owner and nodded. “That’s a good boy,” Fluttershy said as she snuggled his face.  “...yeah....good...boy...” Gallus grumbled. “Well, since you kids did such a good job, would you like to babysit him next week when-” Smolder and Fluttershy soon found themselves knocked on their rears as the group screamed in horror and ran so fast that they could give Rainbow Dash a run for their money. The two watched as they soon became a dust cloud in the distance as they looked at each other wondering what that was about. All while Angel Bunny chuckled and smiled in satisfaction. The End Dedicated In Memory My Friend, and Original Writer of this story, DarkLink22 Rest In Peace