There are some times when I hate my job.
Not because it’s difficult, or demanding, or time consuming, or because it could doom Equestria, but because it sometimes asks me to do something that just shouldn’t be happening.
I don’t care how ‘safe’ this cloud-walking spell is, an Earth Pony shouldn’t be this high up!
I merely glance down at the floor, the several kilometres away floor, and I already feel nauseous. The only thing stopping me from falling like a rock it’s a rather simple spell that makes clouds technically solid. I’ve no idea how that works, magic it’s honestly ridiculous at times.
I guess it’s better than getting a pair of wings stapled to my back.
The cheers of the crowd snap me back to the scene and I see the princess descend to her seat along with three of the Wonderbolts.
Today’s vision had been a very nerve wracking one for the princess. It demanded that she stood perfectly still and let the day be saved at the literal last second while she had first row seats for the entire event.
I’m starting to wonder if these visions are really just trying to push the princess to her limits.
Celestia moves her head and quickly finds me amidst the crowd, sitting uncomfortably on the soft cloud, and she smiles, ever so faintly. Even though I hate being this high, I know that me being here calms her, even if just a little. I would gladly be at her side, but the vision showed only the Wonderbolts, and even them need to play their part in this.
“So, this is your duty to my sister,” a voice whispers as a dark blue pegasus sits right beside me.
“It is, although normally I’m at her side. And in the castle.” Her appearance surprises me, obviously, but she is aware of what is about to happen. I just hope she also restrains herself from interfering.
“When did this start?”
“Apparently, since your imprisonment. The first vision was of your return in a thousand years.”
Luna remains silent for a few seconds, looking at her sister as the competitors of the Young Fliers Competition did their tricks. “It must have been torture for her. She cares deeply about everypony under her rule.”
“It was. Still is.” I turn to look at her, picking my words carefully. “What failed with you?” Luna doesn’t respond, she just maintains a neutral expression, so I leave it there for now.
“We grew distant,” Luna suddenly says. “My duties with the dreams of our subjects meant that all of the actual ruling of the kingdom fell into her hooves.” She lets out a long sigh before continuing. “Each time we met, at least one of us was tired, either because of lack of sleep or prolonged sessions of bureaucracy. Our relationship withered with time, until there was a clear disconnect between us. So, when I fell, she was unable to reach me. To stop me from...”
“From what?” I question, losing sight of the event.
Luna doesn’t answer immediately, and her expression changes for a moment. She looks… confused. “I guess it’s good that we never found out.”
“Yeah...” I can't help but feel like something’s off, but a scream calls our attention.
As the vision showed, Rarity, The Element of Generosity, is falling from the sky, and gaining speed.
The Wonderbolts jump down to catch her, but they’ve strict orders to fail on purpose. Another must save the day for the vision to be completed.
I look up at Celestia, and I can see the desperation in her eyes. She wants to dive down after Rarity. Teleport her to safety. Inverse gravity. She has a myriad of options to save her in less than a second, but she has to stand and watch.
“How do you stop her?” Luna asks me.
“I just talk with her,” I say, hoping that she follows my example. “Usually just to remind her why she does it. What's at stake.”
As we watch a rainbow blur save the day, the princess of the night gives me an offer.
“If she’s ever too much to handle, don’t doubt in calling for my aid.” She turns to look at me. “What you do isn’t easy, and I’m incredibly grateful that you do.”
I smile and give a small nod. “I really appreciate it. I know your sister will be happier knowing that you’re at her side in these difficult times.”
Luna smiles, but she looks anything but happy. “I owe it to her.”
As I walk over to my room so I can rest for tomorrow, a thought haunts me.
Ever since my talk with Luna, the image of her confused expression when she tried to explain her goals as Nightmare Moon has returned to my mind along with questions.
Questions that lead to more questions.
Questions that could offer an explanation to some things.
But to be absolutely sure, I would need to ask.
I stop and turn my head, looking at the door to Celestia’s bedroom.
But how could I ask her? How could I even approach the subject? How can I even suggest the theory that her sister’s fall into darkness wasn’t the catalyst for the visions, but the first step of this entity’s plan?
Like it or not, it’s because of Nightmare Moon that Equestria has the Elements of Harmony again.
But if this entity turned a loved one into an enemy, what’s stopping it from doing it again? What will be it’s limit? What is it planning?
I shake my head and go to my room.
Celestia already has enough stress on her as it is. Giving her these doubts will surely push her to do something drastic.
Of course… there’s also the possibility that she already knows.