Luna emerged from the portal and found that she was indeed back in Twilight Sparkle’s castle. She looked down and noticed she was back in her true pony form. Luna stretched her wings and gave herself a good shake all over. Being a human was an interesting experience, but she was happy to be a pony again.
Luna heard something drop to the floor and the bottle Nyx had given her rolled out from under her hooves. Luna’s pleasant mood was sufficiently dampened as she stared down at the bottle. The voices were still there unfortunately, but they were quieter. Luna sat down and thought back over her little adventure. Had it been worth it? Yes, Luna decided that it had indeed been worth it, even if she didn’t get all the answers she wanted. Nightmare Moon was still there and still whispering from the dark, but Luna had discovered a purpose and a dream to believe in. As long as she had that, along with people and ponies that believed in her, Luna was hopeful for the future.
Luna went to the window and saw that it was night and the moon was up. Luna glanced about the night sky and was pleased to find that Celestia had somewhat followed her instructions. Luna closed her eyes and reached out to the moon.
hello moon. it is I, luna
The moon greeted her back like an old friend.
Luna wiped the tears out of her eyes as her heart was filled with peace and happiness. She saw the window was partially open, so Luna turned to mist and slipped through.
The next morning, Celesta sat alone at the table. It had been almost a week since Luna departed on her journey. Celestia tried not to worry when Luna seemingly vanished during the night and failed to send word of her location. Luna was a big pony who could take care of herself, or so Celestia told herself.
The doors flew open and Celestia looked up to see Luna walk confidently into the dining hall. Celestia could only stare at the transformation. Luna’s coat was glossy and looked freshly brushed, and her mane was vibrant as ever. Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
“So. I take it your journey went well?” Celestia asked warily.
“Indeed,” Luna said, taking her seat at the table. She used her magic to put a pastry and fruit on her plate and began eating.
The suspense was starting to get to Celestia. Luna sat there with great difficulty in keeping the grin off her face. Celestia couldn’t imagine what would make Luna act this way. As calmly as she could, Celestia took a bite of cake and sipped her tea. The tension mounted as the only sounds were chewing and the tinkling of silverware.
Finally Celestia had enough. “That’s it! Luna! What happened on your trip? Why did you leave suddenly, and why did you never send word of your whereabouts?”
Luna broke down in giggles. “And I missed you as well sister.” She took a deep breath and continued. “I shall tell you my story, but I caution you as it is not all ‘happiness and rainbows’ as they say.”
Celestia sat with rapt attention as Luna recounted her tale. She left nothing out as she told her sister for the first time of her inner struggles and fears. Luna had to stop several times to fight back tears, but she continued onward. However, she failed to mention the medicine Nyx had given to her.
When she was finished, Celestia ran to her side in tears and held Luna tightly. “Oh Luna, why didn’t you say something before?” she asked.
Luna hid her face in Celestia’s ivory wings. “I was frightened and ashamed. Frightened what you might say or think and ashamed that I was having these struggles. I do not say this lightly, but it was very hard to admit these things.”
Celestia rubbed her face against Luna’s mane. “I feel slightly bitter that you ran to somepony we just met, rather than me for help,” she said.
“I know and I am sorry,” Luna said. “But in my state of mind, I could not think of anypony else to turn to. What pony in all of Equestria could I turn to for help? Who could understand what I was going through?”
Celestia sighed. “What’s done is done, and now you are here.”
Luna sat back from Celestia with a huge grin on her face. “Oh and sister, while I was there, I heard a joke you might enjoy.”
“Oh?” Celestia asked with interest. Luna leaned forward and whispered in Celestia’s ear. When she was done, Luna sat back with a satisfied look on her face. At first, Celestia didn’t get it. Understanding finally dawned on Celestia and her face turned bright red from embarrassment. “Luna!” she shrieked.
Luna erupted into a fit of giggles over Celestia’s reaction. “Why you…little…Hmph!” Celestia turned away, her face still warm. No matter how hard she tried, the mental image would not go away. Celestia would never look at sour cream the same way ever again.
After she had calmed down, Luna said, “In all seriousness, there is another matter I would like to discuss with you. This matter is dear to me, so please listen to what I have to say.”
Celestia listened carefully as Luna explained what she wanted. “Of course Luna. I think that is a wonderful idea,” she said. Luna beamed with pride.
“Okay students, take your seats,” Miss Cheerilee said. The little colts and fillies grew quiet and found their seats. Sweetie Belle peered closely at Miss Cheerilee. “Hey. Do you guys think Miss Cheerilee is acting kinda funny?”
“Not really. ‘Course I aint’ exactly the type to notice that sorta thing,” Applebloom replied.
“Maybe she’s going to tell us some kind of big secret, like she’s dating Big Mac, or she found a long lost relative!” Scootaloo whispered excitedly.
Applebloom turned her nose up at Scootaloo. “I know for a fact that Big Mac and Miss Cheerilee ain’t datin’.”
“How do you know that?” Sweetie Belle asked.
Before Applebloom could answer, Miss Cheerilee spoke up. “Today we have a special guest.” The students looked at each other with excitement and confusion. Who could it possibly be?
The door opened, revealing none other than…
“Princess Luna!” the students shouted excitedly.
“Hello little ones,” Luna beamed. She looked to Miss Cheerilee and said, “If your teacher does not mind, gather around.”
Miss Cheerilee nodded her approval and the children rushed closer to Luna. Once they were seated, Luna summoned a large pillow and sat down as well. “Listen carefully little ones, and I will tell you the tale of a journey I have taken.”
“Will there be lots of action and explosions?” Scootaloo asked excitedly.
“But of course!” Luna replied.
“How about romance?” Sweetie Belle asked dreamily.
“Maybe a little bit,” Luna said and began her story.
Luna’s heart was full of happiness. This was what she was meant to do. She would watch over all of the children of Equestria and do everything in her power to keep them safe.
We are always watching