The New Alicorn: Rainbow Dash!
Chapter 4: Royal Duties
Previous Chapter Next ChapterI followed Celestia into the throne room. She beckoned me to sit on my throne and I sat on the throne. It wasn’t actually as uncomfortable as it looked. I could almost think that I could sit still on it for more than 10 minutes.
Celestia looked at me, “Usually, there are a two least 2 princesses in the town hall but if none of the princesses are available, then I am the one who usually does it by myself. Don’t worry, it only takes 2 hours, with a 15 minute break between it. It’s easier tonight understand when you’re actually experiencing it. It should be starting about now. Don’t worrying, there won’t be any questions asked about you unless you allow it.” I was a little relieved at the last part of her sentence although the relief vanished as soon as the throne doors opened, sending hundreds of ponies in it.
Celestia said, “Welcome to another town meeting. Without further ado, I will take one of the papers and read off of it. As most of you know, that pony will say what the problem is.”
She used her magic to take out of of the papers, “Cloud Chaser.” I recongnized the Pegasus’ name since he was one of the ponies on my team for clearing the weather.
The stallion went before the thrones and bowed, “Princess Celestia and Princess Rainbow, as most of you know, Ponyville’s weather team also makes sure that the weather in the Everfree stays where it is and doesn’t affect other parts. When also make sure that the forest doesn’t catch on fire or flood, which would also affect Ponyville. Either way, the weather team is lacking Pegasi that are trained to bust clouds that they do not control. Even if we do train ponies in it, then Ponyville’s weather part would be really weak and the weather wouldn’t be a storm controlled.”
Celestia replied, “I’m sorry but I can’t do anything to help business in the weather. Just ask other cities to help or something similar. Next.” What? Asking other cities would be a disaster, and would degrade Ponyville’s standings. Also, if Pegasi were missing to help Ponyville from other cities, then their weather would also be behind. Never mind pay and other things that I tend to not think about.
I raised a hoof, “Wait, as the Princess, I also have a suggestion, if you don’t mind.” Cloud Chaser looked at me with hope.
I continued, “I think that there should be a program to train ponies in both styles. For example, the Pegasi could take care of the weather in the morning and in the afternoon, they could clear the Everfree before going back to Ponyville and clearing the weather. Also, there should be groups that specialize in each part and make sure that everything is in order while helping as a backup.”
Celestia shook her mane, “I’m sorry Princess Rainbow but it would take too long and it would need an immediate solution. I would say to ignore the problem and to do your best. As I said before, ask other ponies in other cities for help if needed.” Celestia didn’t have a clue about how much work that would be, if cities nearby even had an extra pony as backup.
She called out another name, “Inky Rose.” Cloud Chaser trotted to his seat and another pony went up.
Inky bowed, “I am a minor fashionista but lately, there aren’t enough fabric in my store to make perfect dresses.” Celestia looked at me, offering me a chance to try and to solve the princess. She gave me a look that said that she would help if needed.
I said, not knowing too much about fabric, “You can try to either make the fabric yourself, or go to another store to buy some of their fabric.”
Inky said in her usual monotone, “You are right Princess. I didn’t think of that. I shall do that immediately.” She trotted back to her seat and sat down. That was a really easy question and I was actually rather surprised that she never thought about it. I waited for Celestia to call out the next name. After a few seconds, it seemed like she was waiting for me. I guessed that we were going to take turns since I needed to take some responsibility. That shouldn’t be harder than busting clouds.
Celestia mouthed to me, “Use your magic to get one of the papers. It’s only proper if we take turns. Next time, I will do it and after that, you will and we will continue that pattern.” I gulped when knowing that I would need to use my unpracticed magic in front of everypony.
I concentrated, ‘Grab the paper of the top right corner and put it on my hoof.’ The paper, that I was staring at intensely, levitated. It dropped in front of me. Then I remembered that Celestia read it while levitating it and everypony probably expected me to do the same.
I thought, ‘Levitate it in front of me and let it stay there until I tell you to.’ It levitated and it opened.
I read, “Fancy Pants.”
A pony stepped forwards, “I have noticed that restaurants in Canterlot has been closing and I am having trouble in finding one that I like.”
Celestia said, “I would suggest the restaurants, Zippy and Reland, Moonshine, or Dusk. How about you, Princess Rainbow?”
I have actually never eaten in Canterlot before, save for a small drink, “I am rather new to Canterlot and I can’t decide which one is the best currently.” I saw Spirit Runner and two other ponies standing in front of me and I guessed that they were all my personal guards
I didn’t want to disappoint them so I said, “Spirit Runner, can you fly and grab the menus from the places where Princess Celestia suggested and give them to Fancy Pants? I’m sure that he would enjoy having them to decide which place to go first.” Fancy Pants smiled before returning to his seat.
Spirit Runner nodded, “Of course Princess Rainbow.” She flew off to hopefully grab the menus needed.
Celestia took the next sheet of paper, “Fluttershy.”
I saw Fluttershy slowly walking to the carpet and she whispered, “There are more and more animals coming to my house. I need more property to expand... Princesses.”
Celestia thought for a moment before saying, “I’m sorry Fluttershy but in order to expand, you need to buy property.”
Fluttershy backed off, “Of course Princess Celestia.”
Celestia stood up, “It is time for the break. Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight will do the next part of the town meeting.” Getting the hint, I followed Celestia to another room.
She turned to me, “You have some time before magic practice. Your personal guards or attendants, if you wish to call them that, will be beside you and will follow your orders. During that time, you will decide who your personal dress designer, and your overall planner will be. I need to go now.” She teleported away just as Spirit Runner, Apple Watch, and Fire Bright walked into the room. They bowed before standing next to me.
I looked at them, “You don’t need to tail me then entire day, although I would like to know who you are. Besides you, Spirit Runner.”
The earth pony nodded, “I’m Apple Watch, a distant relative of your friend, Applejack.”
The unicorn said, “I’m Fire Bright, one of Princess Celestia’s best retired students.”
I nodded, “Okay, it’s nice to meet all of you. By the way, you’re allowed to smile and speak freely, even though you guys are my guards. Do you guys know if I’m allowed to chose a designer that is not from Canterlot?”
Fire Bright thought for a moment before answering, “Yes. Also, Princess Celestia has more than one designer but I think she wants you to chose your first one today.”
I sighed, “Great. I have somepony in mind. Let’s go.” I trotted to Rarity’s room and knocked on the door.
It opened and Rarity said, “Hi Rainbow!” She didn’t say anything about the plain dress I was wearing, although I could tell that she didn’t approve of it too much.
I looked at the guards, “Apple Watch and Spirit Runner. You two could take a break and eat or something. Be back in 15 minutes. Fire Bright, it seems like you know where I could find a planner and how to do things property so I’ll need you.” Apple Watch and Spirit left the room.
I turned back to Rarity, “Anyways, Rares, as you know now, I’m a Princess. I’m supposed to have a personal designer for now and Princess Celestia said that I could chose. Since I’m sure that the others would make me dresses that are not in my style, can you be it?”
Rarity smiled and her eyes sparkled, “Yes! Twilight didn’t ask me but I would be more than willing to do it for you. Do you need any dress now?”
I thought for a moment before nodding, “Yeah, Princess Celestia said something about another dress that’s better than this plain one. You know, something to make me 20% cooler.”
Rarity levitated her measurements, “I have a few ideas but I need to measure you while I ask you a few questions. What style do you want it?”
I replied, “Something cool.” That was my only style.
“Something rash and bold? Something black but outstanding? Try to be more specific Rainbow.”
“Uhh... How about something casual just to be around? Nothing too fancy though. I probably need two dresses like that.”
“I think I’ve got all your measurements,” Rarity said, putting the tape away, “You could pick up your first dress by tonight and there is a chance that the second chance would be done a time that time. If it isn’t, it would probably be done at lunch.”
I nodded, “Thanks. I’ve got to go now. Fire Bright, show me where to get a planner.”
Fire Bright thought for a moment before saying, “Princess, it would be easier to interview ponies. I’ll show you around.”
“First, let me make one condition. This pony must be willing to travel since I might stay in Ponyville or Cloudsdale.”
“That’s actually requirement for everypony who works for the princess or if the princess wants it, the pony would have to travel.”
“I would still want the pony to be willing to stick with my awesomeness though.”
“Of course Princess. Follow me.” The unicorn began trotting and I followed her, ignoring the ponies who stopped and looked at me before bowing.
She knocked on a door, and somepony answered it and bowed, “Greetings, Princess. Hi Fire.”
Fire Bright nodded, “Hi Moondancer. The princess wonders if you are willing to fill one of the positions and if you’re willing to travel someplace else if needed.”
Moondancer nodded, “Ever since Twilight came, I always wanted to go someplace else or do something useful. I’ll do it.”
I smiled, “Great. So... we should probably go to the castle. I’ll find you a place Moondancer. You can pack and get to the castle. Fire will let you in and will take you to your room.”
“That would be great.”
“Let’s go, Fire. Since Apple and Spirit is waiting, can you teleport us there?”
Fire nodded, “That would be easy.” She touched me lightly and I felt my stomach turn again before we appeared in front of Rarity’s door.
Apple and Spirit bowed, “Princess Rainbow.”
I sighed, “Do you know if I could have a room for Moondancer?”
Fire said, “Yes. There are empty rooms that you are allowed to have ponies in. You have a personal hall for ponies currently. The room you occupy is one of the first rooms. Your designer is in the Princess Twilight hall.” I walked to my room, and saw the blue hall. I chose the room next to mine and opened it. The room was bland and white, with a small bed and a closet along with a desk and a chair.
I looked at Fire, “This will be her room. Wait by the entrance for Moondancer and guide her here. Tell her that she could paint it and decorate it in any way she wants.” Fire nodded and galloped away.
I looked at my other guards, “Apple Watch, the town hall meeting should be over. Ask Princess Twilight when I should stop by in the practicing room.” Apple Watch nodded and galloped in the opposite direction.
I turned to Spirit, “Let's go outside for a fly." I really needed to cool off from Princess stuff, which was annoying me a lot. Spirit nodded and we trotted to the Canterlot gardens, which was blooming with flowers. I took off my dress and put it on a clean bench before taking off with Spirit. I twirled and did many styles of flying. After an hour, I saw Apple Watch galloping this way and I landed with Spirit. I threw on my dress and put on my crown.
Apple Watch bowed, “Princess Rainbow, Princess Twilight informs me that you are to be there as soon as I give you this message.”
I nodded, “Thanks Apple Watch. Please check on Rarity and get any fabric or material she needs. After that, you can have a break. Spirit, you should check on Moondancer and then you could take a break. Inform Fire to wait outside my room in about an hour, when my training should be over. All of you should wait there actually.” I flapped my wings before flying as quickly as possible to Twilight’s room. I looked at the clock and smiled, I had minimized my flying time. The Wonderbolts would be really happy to see that.
Twilight looked up, “Hi Rainbow. We will practice for one hour. Then, take your planner and at least one guard to the private princess meeting area. Candence left to do her duties in the Crystal Empire. Also to check on Flurry Heart. Anyways, we will continue to work on levitation. Since you could lift me up and kind of control my movements, a spoon would be too easy. I had planned for the spoon but we could move on to the schedule for Thursday, which is two days from now. I found a really heavy boulder. Lift this one about 2 feet in the air.” She pointed to a boulder that’s was as big as Tom (reference to the second season, episode one when Discord used a boulder to manipulate Rarity).
I stared at it, ‘Lift 2 feet off the ground.’ I felt my magic surround the rock and to my surprise, it lifted. It was heavy and I could feel sweat.
“Not bad. Now, release it and face the door. Let’s see if you could lift it without looking at it.” I turned around. After I did that, I just wanted the boulder to lift off 2 feet and it did without myself concentrating too hard. I was so shocked that I released it. Then, I just wanted the boulder to lift at that height and I felt my magic doing that.
Twilight said with approval, “Good job. Now, move around while keeping the rock in the air.” I flapped my wings and lifted myself off the ground while zooming around the room. Magic was like flying, needing to concentrate on at least two things at once. I stopped in front of Twilight.
Twilight nodded, “Great. Now, do what I do with this rock.” She pulled out another boulder that was the same size as the boulder that was in the air. She lifted it without looking at it at all. She moved the rock to the left, which I did after a simple thought. She began moving the rock clockwise, which I also did. After an hour of exercises, she landed the rock on the ground gently, which I also didn’t.
Twilight looked at me, “Tomorrow, practice will be across the hall since the spells will be a little harder. I’ll meet you at the planning room, which is on the left of the dining room.” I nodded as we separated. I walked to my guards who were waiting.
I said, “Thanks for waiting for me. I’ll grab Moondancer and we could leave right after.” I knocked and entered Moondancer’s room. I blinked when I saw that the room was dark blue, with the moon on the top right corner and the stars on the ceiling. Even Luna’s room wasn’t this like the night.
Moondancer turned around and bowed immediately, “Princess Rainbow.”
I asked, “Do you have a planning sheet or two?”
“I created an entire notebook with the time on the left and what to do on the right. I’ve got you covered Princess. It should last about a month or two.”
“That is great! Now, let’s go to the planning meeting. Follow me.” She hopped out of the chair and all of us went to the room next to the dining hall. Only Celestia and Twilight were there so far. I sat down on my chair and motioned Moondancer to sit on the chair on my left, which was white. Twilight and Moondancer nodded at one another before breaking eye contact and waiting for the other princesses.
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