Escaping from Celestia

Twilight and her friends had just got done talking to her parents and she had absolutely no problems telling them that she would not move back to Canterlot or even go there to visit them. While she was less than thrilled, she ultimately made an agreement that she would visit them for Hearth's Warming every year in Dodge Junction since it is not that far away from Unicornia.

After their discussion and on their way to the train station, Sunset Shimmer had decided that she was going to stay in Canterlot and talk to Princess Luna about getting back into the school for gifted unicorns and maybe even becoming her protege. While she wasn't sure if that would come to pass, she did decide to stay in Canterlot regardless.

Once they got to the train station Luna was waiting for them. She gave them a smile and asked, "So I take it you are ready to return to" sighs in frustration "Unicornia?"

Before any of them could reply Sunset asked, "Princess Luna, can I ask you a question?" She motioned for her to step to the side and added, "Alone?"

Luna was unsure as to why she would want to do that but joined her off to the side. She began, "Princess Luna your Majesty, I have a very important question for you."

Luna asked, "Yes?"

Sunset continued, "Well as you know, at one time I was Princess Celestia's protege and I am wondering if you would allow me back into the school for gifted unicorns and maybe be your protege?"

Luna did not know much about Sunset except that she was not the most respectful protege but the fact that she did refer to her sister by name did impress her somewhat. She sighed, "I don't know Sunset, from what I understand you were a great student but you were very disrespectful to my sister and I really don't handle disrespect very well."

Sunset commented, "Princess Luna, I've changed. I have learned that disrespecting other ponies is not right. I have learned that it is better to be part of the community that try to take power."

Luna stood there deep in thought. She wanted to believe Sunset but still, she knew about how she treated her sister. She then heard the voice of Radiant, "Your Majesty, what she says is the truth. Over the past ten years, she has changed. When she first arrived, she was a power hungry individual but now she respects authority and does everything she can to help."

Hearing that from Radiant was enough to cause Luna to make a decision, "Sunset Shimmer, I will let you return to the school and you can be my protege....although you will have to change your sleep schedule since I do everything at night."

Sunset hugged Luna and exclaimed, "I'll change my sleep schedule so I can study alongside you your Majesty. You have no idea how happy I am that you're giving me this opportunity."

Luna replied, "Oh I think I do." She then pointed her wing towards Radiant and the others, "Before I take them down south so that they may return to Unicornia, I think you should say goodbye to your friends."

As she approached them, Radiant had a smile on her face while Moonlight and Twilight seemed less impressed. She first approached Radiant who immediately embraced her, "I guess this is farewell Sunset. I was very happy to have you living among us but if this is what you truly want, may you be happy for the rest of your days."

Sunset had a few tears running down her face, "Thank you your Majesty. I truly enjoyed being a member of your community but I feel like Canterlot is where I belong and Luna is giving me this wonderful opportunity."

Radiant gave her a smile, "I know she is."

Sunset then approached Twilight and Moonlight. Moonlight sighed, "Well Sunset, I guess this is goodbye. I'm going to admit, I think you are making a mistake but if this is truly what you want, then good luck to you. May you be happy for the rest of your days."

Sunset replied, "Thank you. May you be happy for the rest of your days too."

Sunset then approached Twilight who seemed irritated, "Sunset, are you sure this is what you truly want? Do you truly want to move back here and put up with all the hassles of city life? In Unicornia, you would still have a stress free life and be part of a sisterhood who looks out for one another. Here, it is everypony for themself, you won't always be guaranteed to have somepony there for you." She looked deep into Sunset's eyes and saw a bit of hurt, "Look, I can't stop you and I know that Luna will be the perfect teacher for you but I just think you need to think about the hassles of city life."

In the past Sunset would have flown off the handle over somepony lecturing her like that but that Sunset was gone. She gave Twilight a smile and replied, "Twilight, I know that you are simply looking out for me and want what is best for me but I feel like this is what is best for me." She saw Twilight's facial expression change somewhat and continued, "Twilight, this trip has made me realize everything that I have missed. I know that we are completely different ponies now. You like the safety and solitude of Unicornia while I want to return to a more exciting life." She gave her a smile and finished, "Twilight Sparkle, whatever endeavors you choose down there may you be happy for the rest of your days, which I know will be many."

Twilight knew a bit about Sunset's past and was shocked by her response. She replied, "Sunset, I am sorry for my initial reaction. Looking at it I think it was rather selfish on my part to try to pressure you into a decision that would cause you to stay with Moonlight and I, which is not what you want. May you be happy for the rest of your days and who knows, maybe you'll become a princess someday."

Sunset's eyes grew wide when she heard this. She didn't think that the pony who so shortly ago hated the thoughts of her leaving was now bringing that up. She had tears in her eyes as she embraced Twilight, "Thank you Twilight but please don't tempt me by saying that. In the past I would have said 'hell yeah' but now, I just want to go at whatever pace Princess Luna sets for me. If that is part of my destiny, that is great. If not, that is still great too."

Twilight gave her a smile, "Well I guess this is goodbye then, may you succeed in everything you do and may Luna aid you along every step of the way."

Luna then addressed Sunset, "Sunset, I need to take these three back down to the south. I want you to go to the courtyard under my balcony and await my return. Hopefully it won't take too long."

Sunset smiled, "Yes your Majesty, I'll be waiting for you."

Luna then turned to the other three, "Well shall we? I am certain that you are anxious to get home and for me to expand your borders."

Radiant replied, "We most certainly are."

They boarded the train and it took off to the south, headed towards the same spot where she had picked them up after they had captured Celestia. As they were headed south, Twilight felt a sense of relief that hopefully she would never have to set hoof in Canterlot again. She then began to think of an idea and she was going to suggest it to Princess Luna, an idea that if she agreed to, would prevent her from ever having to travel to Equestria again....a plan that would allow her to permanently stay in the dim light and safety of the forest that she had grown to love so much.