Chapter 17: Going Home

Several more days had passed with the girls spending as much time together for Luna’s last week. Luna also had to make sure that Fluttershy received more training before she left… she was coming along very nicely. They had just come back from dinner and parted ways for the night, with Luna going to her room. Currently, it was the evening of day six, week three. That meant that if Celestia felt Luna was up to par with her standards, she would go home tomorrow. That criterion was to be judged tonight. After Luna dressed in more casual bed attire, her mirror rippled before it formed and image of her older sister.

“Hey there Luna!” Celestia exclaimed, happy to see her younger sister after a few days absence. Luna turned around at the sound of her voice.

“Oh hey Tia!” Luna reciprocated the greeting before walking over and taking a seat in front of the mirror.

“So…” Celestia began.

“So…”

“So… you made it,” Celestia stated.

“Yeah… I guess I did, didn’t I?”

“And, how was it?”

Luna took some time to formulate her response, thinking of exactly what to say.

“It’s been… different. That’s for sure. I honestly thought I’d get nothing out of this, but, in the end I couldn’t have been more wrong. I have some of the best friends in the world, an amazing boyfriend who is the envy of others, and for once in my life, I actually feel… adequate. I see myself as pretty now, I hold myself to a new level of confidence while still retaining my morals. Hell, I’ve loosened up enough that I think the stick fell out about a week ago. I see myself being able to apply this as a real princess… a true co-ruler of Equestria. I can be serious, yet I can still laugh and be immature of my own volition without reprimanding myself for it! But, the real thing I’ve taken out of this whole experience, is that deep down, I now truly feel… like a girl,” Luna finished with a grin on her face, looking up to see Celestia’s own smiling face.

“I take it you enjoyed yourself very much?”

“Quite. That’s an understatement, and you helped me along the way whenever you could. Thanks, Tia,” Luna said with utmost gratitude.

“I see your speech has improved too, by modern standards. I don’t want to gouge my cochleae out of my ears anymore when I talk to you,” Celestia said with ironic sincerity. Luna couldn’t help but chuckle at this. Celestia then continued:

“So…”

“So…?”

“You feel up to coming home?” Celestia asked, seriously. This was the question that needed a month’s worth of ‘correction’ to ask.

“To be completely honest…” Luna began, but, like an asshole, had to hold on to the important stuff for suspense reasons, and of course, just to get on Celestia’s nerves.

“…I believe I am. I miss you, Tia, and I think it’s time Equestria had its second ruler return to duty,” Luna said in a soft, but serious tone. Celestia couldn’t help but smile at her younger sister’s dedication to her and the country as a whole.

“I’ll admit, it does get a bit lonely here sometimes without you just up and about doing random shit at odd hours during the night. And even though we have our mental connection, I still enjoy you in person… besides, I want a damn rematch from our fight a month and a half ago!” Celestia exclaimed, referring to when they ‘fought’ each other during a workout session. It was close, and even a bunch of guards had gathered to watch the spectacle, but in the end, Luna handed Celestia’s ass to her on a golden platter. Luna chuckled at the mention. Celestia continued:

“Oh don’t even start with the chuckling, when you return Imma take you down, mofo! Down to fillytown!” Celestia said, laughing but still challenging Luna.

“Tia, there’s gonna be three actions when I return: me hitting you, you hitting the floor, and then you bending down and kissing my ass!” Luna laughed out loud, throwing it right back at Celestia. The two calmed down from their playful banter before Celestia spoke again:

“Well, you’ve definitely shown me that you’ve improved. You, Canterlot, and all of Equestria will benefit as a result, mark my words. You can come home tomorrow, Luna. I’ll send a chariot over at about five in the afternoon,” Celestia said with another smile, which was contagious, forcing a grin on Luna’s face as well.

“Alrighty then. So I shall. The rest of the girls have been prepared for it, and I’ll spend some last bit of time with them before a chariot arrives and say my personal goodbyes… even though it won’t be for very long. I intend on visiting quite often!” Luna exclaimed.

“Oh? Enjoy Ponyville that much?”

“Hell yes! I’m going to commission a safe house over here, when I have to get away every now and then.” Celestia nodded.

“If you’re going to do that, then you won’t mind taking over my duties every now and then when I need a break, right?” Celestia confirmed, Luna nodded.

“Of course! Even the ‘all powerful’ rulers need a break once in a while, my sister,” Luna replied.

“So, I’m assuming Seafire knows of the plan?”

“Indeed he does. I’m going to set up a mental connection with him tomorrow and I assured him that me returning to Canterlot will not affect our relationship in any way shape or form, other than strengthening it, if at all,” Luna answered confidently. Celestia gave a nod of approval.

“Sounds good to me. And you already know he has my approval. I’ll grant him universal entry into the castle grounds and, of course, your chambers. He’s welcome anytime he likes,” Celestia said with a wink, knowing Luna would be very happy at that.

“Awesome!! Thanks Tia! That will make things so much easier,” Luna remarked.

“Easier… right. Easier access to your room and such…” Celestia went on with her innuendo, testing Luna’s new limits of teasing.

“Yeah, okay Tia! Don’t be mad that I may get some in the future!” Luna joked. Celestia retracted her hand and placed it over her chest in a mock ‘hurt’ pose.

“Oooh… that hurt, Luna… but I’m impressed. Nice comeback,” Celestia verbally applauded. Luna merely lifted her hands and shrugged her shoulders.

“Hey, I try.”

The night turned into the day, where Luna’s plans were finalized: she would be sent for, and would consequently return to Canterlot in a few hours. Pinkie went all out for Luna and threw here a very nice party at Twilight’s place. They made sure to prepare Luna’s favorite foods as well as some games that she favored, on top of her favorite music for dancing purposes. Seafire, of course, was invited and accepted the invitation without hesitation. The eight (along with other guests like Octavia and Derpy) had hours of fun throughout the day, but ultimately, it had to end. Five o’clock rolled around eventually and a chariot had arrived right on time. All the other miscellaneous guests had departed and the eight were just left by themselves. Luna ordered her guards to hold for a while as she said her proper goodbyes.

“Rainbow Dash,” Luna began, going up the Rainbow Haired girl.

“I’ll admit, we may have gotten off to an… interesting start. But, that does not mean I value your friendship any less. The common ground that we have been able to forge has brought us very close together, and believe me when I say that I cherish every bit of it, and I hope I will continue to see you when I do return to Ponyville. Besides, I owe you a proper rematch,” Luna said with a smile.

“You are so on, Luna! And please, do visit as often as you can. We’ll miss you… hell, I’ll miss you. Fuck this sappy stuff,” Rainbow Dash said, kicking herself mentally, making Luna chuckle a bit before they embraced tightly. Luna moved on:

“Applejack,” Luna spoke, cueing the farm-girl to walk closer to her.

“Saying that you’ve been an ‘amazing friend’ to me would be an insult and a horrible understatement. You’ve been very essential in my journey to better myself, and I am eternally thankful for that. You are one of the best damn cooks I’ve ever known. It’s a sheer wonder how I haven’t gained tens of pounds worth. Hell, even if I did, I wouldn’t regret a damn thing. Totally worth it!” Luna said with a grin. This was going to be a little harder than she thought… she pretty much loved these girls.

“Luna, it’s been such a pleasure havin’ you here. You’ve been a great help tah me as well! You’re also one of my best friends, like the rest o’ these girls, and with that, ah speak for all of us when ah say that ah hope you also visit with frequency,” Applejack said her words that needed to be said before the two girls embraced as well.

“Pinkie Pie,”

The hyperactive girl bounced up to the Lunar Princess.

“From the moment you assaulted me to the ground, to this moment right now, you’ve been one of those who have never ceased to brighten my day significantly. Your random antics, your amazing pastries, and your unnatural ability to plan parties only served to ease my transition along very nicely. I cannot thank you enough for all the effort you put into even just trying to make me smile. You truly are a wonderful friend and I cannot wait to visit you again,” Luna said with a smile. Dammit… she was getting a bit misty eyed.

“Oh Luna, don’t you worry your pretty little head! We’re gonna miss you sosososo much and you better believe that every time you come and visit I’m gonna throw the bestest most awesome welcome back parties ever!” Pinkie said, accentuating her claims with her hands. The two hugged each other nicely before Luna continued.

“Rarity,”

“Darling?”

“You and I can find common ground on almost anything, most likely due to the fact that we have similar morals and codes of ethics. You are one of the most generous people I know, and I am truly humbled to be able to call you one of my close friends. Here’s to many more spa appointments and ‘boy talk’ in the future,” Luna said. To Rarity, those were beautiful words.

“Oh, Luna, you better believe that we will be attending the spa whenever you’re free to mingle around Ponyville again! And you better have some sappy details for me when you do so,” Rarity nudged. The two girls then giggled like school children before they embraced with light kisses on each other’s cheeks. Luna then continued.

“Fluttershy,”

“Luna?” the pink-haired beauty answered with a confident grin.

“Fluttershy, you and I may not have gotten the best introduction either, but we ended up connecting on a very close level. We have told each other pretty much everything there is to know about the other. I was also very hesitant at first to pass my martial arts knowledge on to you, because I didn’t want to warp you into something you weren’t, and end up with another Iron Will incident. But, with some precaution, I can honestly say you’ve benefit from it so much, and the experiences have only brought us closer. I expect many stories every time I come to visit,” Luna said with a wink. Fluttershy just jumped and embraced the Princess of the Night in a tight hug.

“I have you to thank for my better outlook on life and my overall stronger relationships with my best friends. Thank you for everything, Luna, and you’re always welcome in Ponyville, and at my place whenever you so choose. Please do visit soon,” Fluttershy said, letting a small tear escape her duct. She had gotten used to Luna being a stone’s throw away whenever they all hung out.

“Twilight,” Luna said, placing her hand on her shoulder. Their eyes met each other with a mutual smile.

“You were the one who coordinated with Celestia to help bring this ‘correctional project’ to fruition. You were the one that offered to take me in and put up with me for a whole month without question. You’ve been an amazing asset to my being, not only through your efforts, but as one of the greatest friends I could possibly have. I would love if you would write to me as often as you write to Celestia. Your words and updates on how everyone is doing would serve to always bring a smile to my face when I cannot be here in person. Thank you, Twilight. For everything,” Luna said. Luna had lost herself in her words, pouring her mind and heart out. When she refocused on the lavender haired girl, she had a small stream of tears from both eyes and one of the widest smiles she had ever seen on a girl.

“Luna, that’s one of the sweetest things anyone has ever said to me. You yourself have been the most pleasurable company in the library, and one of my best friends alongside everyone here. I’m really happy that you’ve taken so much out of this experience, and it’s beautiful to see you now, compared to your personality when you first arrived. You seem so much… happier, and it radiates. It really does. The spare room is always open for you whenever you like, Luna. Thank you as well, for everything,” Twilight said. The two then embraced tightly, holding each other for a good few seconds before parting. Luna then walked a couple more steps and turned to look up at the only male there.

“Seafire,” Luna said, shifting closer to him.

“Luna,” he responded in kind, wrapping his arms around her lightly.

“These past couple of weeks have been even more amazing because of you. We may have also had a somewhat… interesting start, but you only proved to me that you cared about me and only for who I am, not a title. That makes me feel for you even more as a result. As you know, this really isn’t a goodbye, but merely adding a little bit of distance between us… between all of us. Nothing more will change, and you are welcome to the castle at any time you like. Celestia has already granted you free access whenever you please. I expect to be seeing very much of you,” Luna said with a smirk.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, my dear,” Seafire replied before the two of them locked lips, earning a unified “awwwww” from the other girls, as well as nods of approval from her guards who were standing by.

“The same goes for all of you! If you have the time, drop by unannounced! Surprise Celestia and I, we’d love to see you all!” Luna exclaimed. With that, they all formed in for one giant group hug around the Lunar Princess (and a peck on the cheek from Seafire). Luna then stepped onto the chariot and looked back once more at the group of her friends, plus her boyfriend, that she had grown so attached to over the course of a month. She wasn’t sure if anyone else noticed, but she had a lone tear streak down her right eye. She smiled brightly and waved back at them.

“Bye Luna!”

“See you soon, Luna!”

“I’ll see you soon, babe!”

As well as many others. With that, she sat down and ordered the chariot to takeoff. It lifted into the air and she noticed that the group saw her off completely, even until her craft was a barely recognizable speck in the setting sun. And so ended a month’s worth of righteous correction, with every side coming out more than happy. Luna sighed contently as she rested against the seat. She would be damned if things went back to the way they were. Her friendships and relationships would last, she’d make sure of that with every ounce of strength and will in her being.

But for now, it was time to go home and be a Princess once more.