I was returning home after Twilight Sparkle took away my dark side. Celestia and I were still in the chariot, almost near Canterlot. She looked so regal, sitting there in the sunshine. I looked down at the ring of roses around my neck that some of the Pegasi had given me. Yes, it was a gesture of acceptance and welcome, but it was also a reminder of what I was. I still can't believe that I became that…that dark, evil Princess of the Night. It still frightens me. I never knew jealousy could make a pony so monstrous-

"Is everything alright, Luna?" Celestia asked, interrupting my thoughts.

"Huh? O…yes, sister. I'm fine."

"No you're not. There's something on your mind. What is it?"

"It's nothing." I quickly turned my head away from her. I hated that she was being so nice to me. I don't know why. I just did. I didn't deserve her forgiveness.

"Luna…" Celestia said softly; she lowered her head slightly in concern.

"It's nothing, Celestia!" I said angrily. I shouldn't have raised my voice; I know. But I didn't want her talking to me. I just wanted to run away and be alone. I didn't deserve any of this.

I fought back the tears of shame for who, what, I used to be. Celestia raised her head. "Alright, little sister. I won't ask anymore questions."

I felt horrible, then. I didn't mean to lash out like that. "I'm sorry, Celestia. It's just…I can't…" tears were starting to choke my words. I then felt something slowly wrap around me. It was Celestia's wing. She pulled me in close and held me tightly. I hated this even more. It was too kind, too loving, too sentimental. I couldn't take it. I couldn't break free from her grip, but I did turn my head away. I didn't want her to see me cry. I didn't want anyone to see me cry.

We finally arrived at the palace a few minutes later. I felt us descend, then bump slightly as we landed. Celestia released her grip on me. I jumped out of the chariot as soon as she did. I know those weren't my best manners, but I didn't care then. I just wanted to be alone.

"Luna?" I heard Celestia's voice as I was starting to trot away. I forced the tears back in and turned around. She was standing, mane and tail flowing, face full of concern. "You've been acting strangely ever since we left Ponyville." She walked towards me, then stopped when she was by my side. I hung my head and turned it away from her. "What's going on, Luna?" She asked sadly.

I couldn't take it anymore. She wasn't going to stop asking what was wrong. She was too good of a sister to stop. I finally let it out.

"I don't deserve this."

"Deserve what?"

"This, Celestia. The ponies' acceptance. Their forgiveness…your forgiveness…I was a monster, sister. I don't deserve this. Any of it!"

"Luna, please. You're not a dark princess anymore."

"And how do you know that? I became dark because of jealousy in my heart. Because I felt that I had to outshine you, or permanently dim your light, whichever was more effective…it came from inside me, Celestia, which means that it might still be there. That monster is still inside. What if she comes out again? I can't be trusted. It'd be better if you sent me back to the moon. That's where I belong…" The tears came freely after that.

"Luna…" she said gently as she wrapped her wing around me again. I hated that.

"Please," I whispered. "I just want to be left alone…"

She took her wing off of me. "Alright. I'll have one of the guards escort you to your room."

"No, please. Let me walk alone."

She sighed. "Alright, Luna. It's down the hall, going towards the west side of the palace like always."

"Thank you…" I said as I walked off, not looking back.

I walked down the lonely hallway. I passed all the stained glass windows with bits of Equestrian history on them. Some of these events I had forgotten, like the time we defeated Lord Sauron, King Sombra's father. So many centuries had passed. Then, I came across a window that I had never seen before. It was mine, or, rather, my alter ego's. It was a picture of Celestia imprisoning me in the moon. Memories flooded my mind…All the darkness and fear that I brought to Equestria…all the destruction…all the pain and sadness…it was too much for me. I ripped the bouquet of roses off of my neck and wept as I ran to my room. Some guards tried calling to me to see if I was alright; I ran past them. I came to the door, opened it quickly and then shut it behind me. I allowed myself to cry for a moment, then I gathered myself and looked around. Everything was just as I had left it. It was dark, perfect for my eyesight (I see much better at night). All of my books, my writings and journal entries scattered about, my stuffed unicorn, Princess Phoebe, that my mother have given me when I was a filly- everything was where I had left it. Celestia must have hoped that I would return someday. I couldn't have asked for a better sister. I sauntered over to my bed where Princess Phoebe was lying. Her coat was a darker blue than mine was, and her main and tail sparkled like the stars. I wanted so much to be like her when I was little. I grabbed her, curled up in my bed and drew the covers tightly over me with my magic. I just wanted to forget the world for a while…