If one were to look at Ponyville now, they'd never assume that, just a few short hours ago, everypony was in a state of utter panic. But now, things were completely different. Not only had the sun taken it's rightful place in the sky, but all over, there were mares, stallions, colts and fillies, all playing and having a good time in the massive party that Pinkie Pie had arranged. Twilight looked upon it all, the streamers, the balloons, the vast buffet that the Apple family had put together, all the games everypony was playing, and it warmed her heart to see. This is more like it. No danger. No threats. Just everypony being happy. Oh, how I've missed these moments. Looking to her side, she watched as Spike walked up to her, clutching a massive ice cream in his claws and licking it enthusiastically. In spite of everything that had happened, Twilight couldn't help but giggle at the sight. Oh Spike, don't ever change. But, her attention was then drawn to what was, undoubtedly, the centrepiece of the whole affair. For there, standing in the middle of the town square, was Celestia and Luna themselves, smiling to each other for the first time in centuries.

It brought another smile to Twilight's face. All those years alone, and now, Luna has a chance to be happy again. All of Equestria has heard of her return now. Most didn't even know Celestia had a sister, much less that she was another Princess. What I wouldn’t give to see the reaction on some of their faces when they heard of it. She chuckled at that thought, looking around as everypony around walked up to the two sisters to pay their respect, with Luna especially being given a pretty-looking flower necklace in greeting. And then, there were Twilight's friends, all of whom were busying themselves with the rest of the town, mingling with their other neighbours and making it very clear that they too were having a nice time here today. You'd almost think last night had never happened. However, Twilight's smile faded a little as she noticed that one of her friends was approaching her. It was Rainbow Dash, who walked up to her with a confident smirk on her face. As the Pegasus took position next to Twilight, she pointed out to the crowd before them.

"Pretty sweet, eh? Bad guy defeated, a new Princess for Equestria, and to top it all off, we get a killer party to enjoy. Awesome, right?"

Twilight nodded at that, but on the inside, she was more than a little conflicted. I tried to avoid using force. I wanted to talk Luna out of her darkness. Rainbow meant well, I know that...but her actions left me no choice but to fight. Turning, she looked upon her friend, who was looking out at the party with a smile on her face, oblivious to Twilight's concerns. However, after much back-and-forth, the young unicorn finally let out a sigh before addressing her.

"Rainbow..."

The cyan pegasus turned to her after hearing her name, watching with interest as Twilight spoke further.

"..when you and the others came to help me, back at the castle...there was no need to fight Nightmare Moon like that."

Rainbow raised an eyebrow at that, displaying clear confusion, which prompted Twilight to explain herself further.

"Before you arrived...I was planning...to talk her out of her plan."

Twilight turned to see Rainbow staring at her, looking as if she'd just been told the most ridiculous thing in the world. Her voice matched that sentiment.

"Talk? Are you crazy?! Twilight, she was a bad guy who tried bringing eternal night. She threatened all of us. When I saw her that close to you, how was I supposed to know she was going to do anything other than hurt you?"

Twilight thought n those words for a long time. They didn't know Luna like I did. I can’t expect them to understand why I tried doing what I planned. Letting out a sigh, Twilight put on a smile for Rainbow.

"I appreciate what you did, Rainbow Truly, I do. I just wish...things didn't have to go like that."

Rainbow's expression softened somewhat after hearing the sincerity in Twilight's voice. For a moment, the pegasus looked just the tiniest bit guilty at what she'd both said and done. However, in the silence of this moment, she too put on a smile, placing her hoof on Twilight's shoulder. And in an instant, the young unicorn got what she was implying. She still doesn't agree with what I did...but she understands. Given everything they knew about Nightmare Moon, I guess that's the best I could hope for. I wish it wasn’t the case...but I'll probably be disappointed in her for this for some time. But, she's my friend. I can't forget that. Chuckling a little, Twilight turned to see the rest of the party-goers, all of whom were still enjoying themselves. Rainbow gestured to them, silently inviting Twilight along, and while the unicorn hesitated, it was only for a moment, as a smile crept onto her face yet again. So, the two mares made their way over, with Spike in-tow. There was a great deal of celebration in that time, dancing and singing and general merry-making.

It was a pleasant time, and one that helped Twilight to be put at ease with everything that had happened. Nightmare Moon is vanquished, and Luna has returned. That's what's important. In time, however, Twilight's attention was drawn to another figure, standing on the fringes of the party. The young unicorn's expression hardened somewhat as she looked upon her mentor, Princess Celestia, who bore a look that made it obvious she wanted to speak with her. Thinking things over, Twilight began to walk over, and as she did so, she caught the attention of all her friends, who gave each other a look before walking off to join her. Eventually, the student and her teacher met up, and after some time when there was nothing but silence, Celestia finally spoke.

"My student. You have accomplished much this day. You have not only returned my sister to me, but have also awakened the power of the Elements. These were no small feats, and for that, I thank you."

The Princess gave a respectful bow of her head, and Twilight, in spite of whatever else she might have been feeling towards her teacher right now, returned the gesture. As the two of them rose, however, Celestia put on a small smile.

"This has been a long day. I imagine you'll be eager to get back home to Canterlot."

That was the plan the first time around, Twilight thought. Defeat Nightmare Moon and go home, after which I never wanted to leave this place. But things have changed. Her face becoming one of seriousness, Twilight stood firm as she spoke, her voice clear and unhesitant.

"Princess...I won’t be returning to Canterlot."

That statement caused a blanket of silence to fall over everypony there, Celestia especially. The way Twilight had spoken mirrored her tone from when the two met at the castle earlier. It wasn't angry, but it was clear that, behind her words, there was no room for negotiation. Celestia regarded her pupil, never losing her smile while she did so. She always did have the best poker face in Equestria. I wonder if this is what she planned for me, even the first time around? It wouldn't surprise me. After some time, the great alicorn let out a chuckle before speaking again.

"May I ask why, my student?"

Twilight turned, looking upon her friends. I already know what to say. And I mean it now, more than ever.

"Princess...before you gave me this assignment, friends were the furthest things from my mind. But now...now, I couldn't imagine my life without them."

All of her friends looked at her, warm smiles upon their faces, which Twilight eagerly returned. The sound of somepony clearing their throat caused her to turn around again, wherein she saw Celestia, still smiling herself.

"Very well then. Then let it be known that, from this time forward, Twilight Sparkle shall continue to learn about the magic of friendship...from her new home, here in Ponyville."

All of her friends, Spike especially, let out calls and cheers of joy over hearing that. And while Twilight appreciated the sentiment they were showing, she nevertheless kept her eye on Celestia. Learn about friendship? I already know more than you could imagine, Princess. More than even you could ever know. But she never let those thoughts seep out onto her expression, instead putting on a smile to show her appreciation. And so, here I am. Ponyville. My true home. All the adventures and good times I’m to have here, I remember them all. I cannot wait to try and make things better this time around. However, as she dwelt on that, Twilight's eyes drifted to the side, wherein she saw a pair of royal guards, currently carrying a large and ornate golden box. I know that case, she thought. The Elements. Celestia's planning on taking them back to Canterlot, for safe keeping. Not this time. Focusing, Twilight's horn began to glow and, to the shock of everypony there, she immediately teleported, showing up moments later right in front of the guards, barring their path from the chariot they were walking to. They looked on nervously at the unicorn, who stood there, unmoving, and moments later, Celestia herself walked over with concern on her face.

"Twilight?"

Her student turned to her, her face softening a little before giving an explanation.

"Apologies, Princess...but if I might make a request...I think it would be wiser to keep the Elements here, with us."

Celestia was quite taken aback by that request, and it was a reaction Twilight did not ignore. She didn't think us capable of keeping them, at least not yet. After some time, and much discomfort on the part of Twilight's friends, Celestia finally spoke up.

"My student...I realise that you must feel emboldened by your victory today, but I feel it is in the best..."

"I insist."

Everypony within earshot looked upon Twilight with utter shock, completely astounded that she had interrupted Celestia herself. The Princess regarded Twilight carefully, examining her for a time, all while the latter kept her ground. She has no idea how to react to this. It's the first time I've ever spoken to her in this way. Perhaps...the first time anypony has done so in a very long time. In time, Celestia cleared her throat, her expression gaining a touch of seriousness about it.

"May I ask why, Twilight?"

Twilight gave a nod at that before stepping forward.

"My understanding of ancient magical artefacts makes it clear to me that objects like the Elements cannot be used by anypony other than the bearers they've been bonded to, correct?"

After a few moments of stoic silence, Celestia nodded, prompting Twilight to continue.

"In that case, with all due respect...would it not make more sense to keep them here, where those bearers live?"

Celestia looked deep in thought at that, taking her student's words seriously for some time. That is an honest reason that I’m doing this, Twilight thought. But...I have far bigger plans for the Elements that just having them close at hoof. Looking back to Celestia, Twilight watched as she finally gave her student her full focus, after which she gave a short but serious nod.

"Very well, Twilight. If this is what you want...I will trust you with this."

Twilight gave another bow to her, showing her appreciation, and Celestia gestured to the two guards, who nodded in response before lowering the box to the ground. After they saluted and flew off, it was now just Twilight and Celestia, the latter of whom stared at Twilight carefully, looking more than a little concerned.

"Twilight...if ever you need me...don't hesitate to ask."

The sentiment in her words was genuine, and it affected Twilight deeply. So, for the first time since this began, Twilight smiled truly towards her mentor, which Celestia soon returned before giving another bow of her head. With the arrangements made, the elder Princess turned, starting to walk back to the party, where her sister was still being swamped with eager and curious young ponies. Twilight let out a sigh after seeing her go. I honestly thought she was going to refuse me. But the Elements need to be here. If my magic is going to progress and grow stronger, I'm going to need them close to study and understand their own powers better. Twilight turned to her friends, many of whom still had their mouths agape at the way their monarch had just been spoken to by their new friend. Putting on a genuine blush, Twilight chuckled nervously before starting to walk towards them, ready to join them in continuing the celebrations. Spike, who was close to her the whole time, looked up at her.

"Twilight? Are we going to be okay, living in Ponyville?"

Twilight looked down at him, putting on an affectionate smile before reaching forward and nuzzling him gently.

"Trust me, Spike...the good times for Ponyville have only just begun."

But, as Spike happily embraced her in a hug, Twilight's expression became more serious.

Even if I have to drag history kicking and screaming to do it.