Escaping from Celestia

The following morning Twilight got up very early, much earlier than normal and was ready to head out the door. Spike woke up and asked, "Twilight, why are you leaving so early? You didn't leave this early before."

Twilight was wanting to get up there as soon as possible because she thought maybe if she got up there early enough that Celestia might let her come home a day early. Twilight replied, "I just want to get an early start on this. You never know, if I'm up there early enough, I might get to come home a day early."

Spike yawned, "Alright Twilight, it is whatever you think."

Twilight headed off to the train station to catch the early train to Canterlot. She was the only pony on board as very few ponies travel that early in the morning. She finally arrived in Canterlot around four in the morning. She ran up to the balcony and saw Luna standing guard. Luna asked, "What are you doing here so early Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight replied, "Well I just thought if I got here early Celestia might let me go back home a day early."

Luna said, "Well she doesn't wake up for another two hours so don't count on it. Besides, her plans for this study session can't be rushed."

Twilight stood there nervously by the slightly irritated Luna. Finally it was six in the morning and Celestia woke up. She headed to the balcony to find her sister watching over what remained of the night and a somewhat nervous Twilight. She ran up to Twilight, nuzzled her and said, "Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student! I am so happy you could make it!"

Twilight replied, "Well you wanted me up here before breakfast and I didn't want to risk being late."

Celestia asked, "How long have you been waiting here?"

Luna interrupted, "She has been here for two hours. I think she got here way too early but hey, it was nice to have a bit of company."

Since Celestia didn't have to raise the sun for another thirty minutes she motioned for Twilight to follow her inside. The two headed inside where Twilight asked, "Princess, what all are we going to be studying and why will it take a week?"

Celestia replied, "The stuff we will be studying is very advanced. You will find out once we start."

While Twilight was excited to get to study more advanced magic she just couldn't ignore that nagging voice in the back of her head telling her that Celestia had plans beyond just studying. Finally by the time Twilight was able to silence it, Luna and Celestia had done their royal duties and it was time for breakfast.

Again, like last time, Twilight sat next to Celestia during breakfast. Celestia however, did not have Twilight right up against her as she didn't want to make her student feel uncomfortable. During their meal Celestia finally decided to reveal her plans to Twilight. She started, "Twilight, I am sure you are wondering why I need you with me for a week."

Twilight replied, "Actually yes your Majesty, I am."

Celestia continued, "Well the material I want us to study is out at the old castle that Luna and I used to call home a long time ago."

Twilight asked, "So are we going to be coming back every night or are we going to be staying out there?"

Celestia replied, "Well since my bedroom was not damaged, nor was my private library, we will be staying out there for a week."

Twilight was not amused by this, not only because she would be isolated for a week but that she would most likely wind up having to sleep on the floor. This also scared Twilight. She was worried that the horrible dreams she had been having would come to pass. Twilight asked, "No disrespect your Majesty, but who will keep an eye on the day here? Who will raise and lower the sun? You can't expect Princess Luna to stay awake 24/7."

Luna interrupted, "Don't worry about it Twilight. I have already told my sister that I will stay awake as much as I can. I will catch a short nap here and there during the day but I will be able to handle all the royal duties of both the day and night. Besides, it's only a week."

Twilight asked, "But Princess Luna, what about the sun? Who will raise it?"

Luna was quite irritated with this question. She replied, "Twilight Sparkle, my sister raised both the sun and moon for a thousand years. I am perfectly capable of raising and lowering both celestial bodies for a measly week."

Twilight then asked, "Princess Celestia, what will we eat while we are out there? I am sure there aren't food stores in the castle."

Celestia replied, "There are plenty of fruit trees and there is a lake right next to the castle so we won't go hungry or thirsty."

Twilight said, "Ok princess, I just wanted to make sure."

After breakfast Celestia told Twilight that it was time to go. As they were headed out the door to head to the old castle Luna said, "Well Celestia, Twilight Sparkle, you two have fun studying. I will see you in a week."

Celestia replied, "Oh don't worry, we will. You do your best to catch a short nap here and there and take care of my royal duties." She paused for a minute and continued, "Oh, and three days from now there will be a party in the Canterlot gardens. Do you think you will be able to make it?"

Luna was a bit irritated that her sister was doubting her abilities but decided to not let it show. She sighed, "Yes I can make it besides it has been ages since I have mingled with the commoners! I shall find it most pleasant."

Celestia growled, "Luna, please don't refer to them as 'the commoners.' It isn't very endearing."

Luna replied, "Oh ok, the citizens, civilians or whatever loving term you use these days. Back before I became Nightmare Moon, we called them commoners."

Celestia replied, "Well that was then, this is now. We need to get going, see you in a week."

Celestia told her sister and the royal guards goodbye as her and Twilight headed out the door. Luna watched them head off towards their old castle and seriously wondered what her sister really had planned for Twilight. She had a feeling that whatever it was, that Twilight may not be thrilled over it.