I was dragged into Canterlot by Celestia and away from my studies to 'mingle with the citizens' as she described it. We went to an art museum, a theatre, a fancy restaurant, and then to many clothing stores which took many hours. Thankfully, I could lower the moon from anywhere, so there was no need to worry about being late. But my nightly dream-walking duties have been pushed aside because my sister wouldn't let me go. And my studies were given that very same treatment.... It was 9:43 pm where we have reached our last stop to rest after such a long day. Celestia had picked a nice café for us to enjoy the night sky and talk about some things. She started talking about how she started her Academy for Gifted Unicorns and that she has seen many amazing Unicorns throughout history. I never thought my sister could become a teacher to be honest. It was the very same school where her very best student, Twilight Sparkle, the new Element of Magic, graduated from and was even scouted to become my sister's student. Though, for the most part, I wasn't too interested in such things at the moment. There were too many things for me to think about right now given my predicament. How can I enjoy the present if I have no idea what to expect? How can I enjoy the present if I have no knowledge of the past? And how can I live amongst my citizens without knowing how to actually do that? This troubled me greatly when I first came back to Equestria after my banishment. I've noticed the stares of the many citizens that live in Canterlot. I cannot blame them for being cautious. Even the clerk and the waitress became nervous when I entered into the café.... I suppose that is only fair.
"Luna, are you alright...? Am I boring you?" I then snapped out of my daze and returned to my sister's topic.
"Um...no, sister. I am fine. Please, continue." I panicked as I drank my tea. I could tell Celestia was looking at me with concern.
"Luna, what's wrong...? You can tell me. I am here for you." I didn't know what to say to her since I came back. So much has changed, I am not too sure what to say to her. Honestly, the guilt of my actions from 1,000 years ago still remains.
"Bit for your thoughts, sister?" Celestia then presented me with a single bit and placed it on the table. I cannot believe that phrase still exists after all those years.... We both shared a laugh at this very old joke. I gave a sigh and decided to answer my sister.
"Sister, I am still unsure if the ponies can really accept me in this day and age. Especially since my actions are still in the history books...." I've read enough history books that told of my sister's triumph over my...other side.
Celestia sighed, "I am sorry, sister, but those historians from long ago wanted to make sure that 'history was without any missing pages' and wouldn't stop pestering me about my victory. Instead of a victory as they described it, I found it as more of a painful reminder of what I did to you." She then embraced me. I have received many of these embraces since my return.
"I have missed you so much, Luna. I want you to know that...." She has told me that many times since my return and I have missed her too. I embraced her back.
"I know, sister. I have missed you too." We then left the café after paying the bill for our orders. We then returned to the castle to prepare for bed. We then went to the castle bathing room to wash up. Afterwards, we brushed our teeth, brushed each other's manes and tails, and dried off each other's wings. We used to do this all the time when we were young. Afterwards, we then made our way to bed.
"Good night, Luna. See you in the morning."
"Good night, Celestia. Sleep well." We gave each other our good nights and then went to bed. Like always, I began to travel through the dreams to protect the citizens of Equestria from their nightmares. It was a peaceful night and there were no nightmares to be seen through the countless doors that lead into dreams. I see all kinds of dreams where ponies are enjoying their favorite kind of food, doing many amazing acts that lead to fame and fortune, travelling to parts unknown by all, and even falling in love with the pony of their dreams. Though I see all this, I dare not say anything to expose them. A pony's dreams are a sacred thing and it is my duty to protect not just their dreams and state of mind, but also their privacy. It is something I have long neglected because of my foolish actions. Ironic that I, a protector of dremas would fall into my own nightmare and then become a nightmare myself. I was truly ashamed of myself.... I am determined to protect all from their nightmares. The only way a nightmare could be seen is when a darkness would leak out like smoke. So far, nothing has gone out of place until I found a single door nearing the end of the night. It was my sister's door and I dread to think what she could be dreaming. I then stepped through the door and darkness swallowed me whole. I quickly shined a light with my magic and I saw something utterly horrifying. A monstrous creature was draining the magic from a single Unicorn and he became something even more terrifying. I then woke up from my slumber and realized that something terrible was going to happen. He has returned and all of Equestria was in danger of something no nightmare can compare to.