//------------------------------// // Running the Show // Story: Learning To Live Again // by Speedy Quill //------------------------------// I woke up the following morning to a knock on my door. My voice was muffled beneath a pillow. “What do you want?” I heard the door open and cracked an eye to see who was disturbing me. “Sorry to wake you sir, but there is a lot to get done today.” It was one of Celestia’s aides. She had a large scroll floating next to her. I groaned as I sat up. “That better not be the agenda for today.” She smiled. “Oh no sir! This is the reading material for the first meeting.” “Please tell me you’re joking.” “No sir. If we wrote out the daily schedule, we’d use up half the scrolls in Canterlot within a week!” My blank stare made her chuckle nervously. “Sorry. That was a joke. I guess it wasn’t as funny as I thought.” I stood up and walked towards the door. “I’ll read that behemoth over breakfast. How soon is the meeting?” “An hour sir.” “Well I can get through that in an hour. How does Celestia manage it?” “She usually skims it for the important bits.” I rolled my eyes. “Of course she does. Honestly, how she’s made it this long without me is amazing.” We left the room and made our way towards the kitchen. I shook my head in disbelief. “Skimming. Honestly!” “Well it’s served her well up to this point sir.” I stopped, causing the aide to nearly run into me. “That’s something we’re going to take care of right now. No more ‘sir’ this and ‘sir’ that. You can call me Shade when it’s just the staff around. If we have visitors, then you can call me sir.” She straightened up. “Yes sir. I mean- Yes Shade!” “And what do I call you?” “Oh! How could I forget to introduce myself? I’m Rain Cloud.” “Pleasure to meet you Rain Cloud. Now how about some breakfast before we start the day?” She nodded and followed me to the kitchen. There was already a plate ready at the small table inside. I looked up to see Butter Whisk nod in my direction. “Figured I’d have it ready for ya. You got a big day from what I’ve heard.” “Thanks Butter Whisk!” I sat down to breakfast and summoned Rain Cloud’s scroll forward. It levitated in front of me, turning constantly as I read through it. Thankfully Discord’s “punishment” hadn’t stunted any of my old gifts. I could still shapeshift, mimic, and speed read. Thank Celestia for that! I could feel Rain Cloud watching me. A small smile crept onto my face. I glanced over at her and she immediately looked away. “Never seen anything like it, have you?” She turned back to me. “Like what?” “My reading.” “No. I haven’t. I didn’t even know that it was possible to read that fast.” The scroll came to an end and I let it float down to the table. Rain Cloud spoke again, though a little more guarded this time. “How...how do you do that without...well, a horn?” I parted my mane to reveal my horn. “It’s on the small end, but it works well enough for me.” “Oh! I’ve never seen one like that... You’re not like any pony I’ve ever met before.” I chuckled. “Good. I wouldn’t want to lose my edge. I’ve done a good deal to keep an air of mystery around me.” “May I ask why?” I stared at Rain Cloud for a moment. This was the longest I’d talked with one of the staff members in some time. Usually I made concise remarks and didn’t linger. Now I was going to have her around me all day. I suppose I should take advantage of the opportunity and see exactly what had become of the rumor mill. “What have you heard about me?” Rain Cloud began to look nervous. “Maybe we should get going. We wouldn’t want to be late for the meeting.” Celestia had definitely worn off on me. I was getting a little giddy making Rain Cloud squirm. She obviously had some juicy pieces of gossip. “We have a little time still. Please. I’m honestly interested to know what others are saying. I’m not unaware of the whispers behind my back. It would be nice to hear them in front for a change.” Rain Cloud looked around the kitchen. Butter Whisk and his staff weren’t even paying attention, though I suspected one or two ponies might have their ears pointed towards us out of curiosity. I nodded to Rain Cloud, and she took a breath. “Well...there’s the oldie but goodie about you being a shadow brought to life.” I picked up my coffee, smiling before I took a sip. “I love that one. Very mysterious.” “Or that where you’re the offspring of Nightmare Moon-“ Rain Cloud was quick to erect a shield in front of her as my coffee shot out of my mouth. “What?!I thought the shadow brought to life was part of that! Now I’m supposed to be her child as well?!” Rain Cloud began to giggle as she lowered her shield. “Well I think I can safely file that both of those away as false after that reaction!” I shook my head. “Honestly. The things ponies come up with.” “So...what is the truth then?” Several seconds of silence passed before I stood up, turning to the kitchen. “Thanks again Butter!” Rain Cloud had to scramble to keep up as I made a swift exit. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to overstep!” I spoke over my shoulder as I walked. “Don’t dwell on it. Let’s get to business. I’m meeting with a delegation from the South?” “From the Appleloosan area, yes. It’s the Buffalo Chief and his strongest warriors.” “Warriors? Is this a meeting or an attack?” “It’s their custom. They like to show their strength.” “Anything I should be aware of besides the reading?” “No, no! I’m sure you’re fine. And I’m sure the Princess filled you in on the greeting.” I skidded to a halt. “Greeting?” Rain Cloud froze. “Oh no. Please tell me she told you.” “Does it sound like she told me Rain Cloud?!” “Okay, okay. That’s alright. We can figure this out.” Her horn lit up and several books popped into existence. She began flipping pages frantically. “I know it’s in one of these.” I turned around, spotting a nearby guard. “What time is it?” “A quarter to nine, sir.” I flipped back to Rain Cloud. “Fifteen minutes!” “I know! Don’t rush me!” I sat in silence as the air filled with the sound of pages turning rapidly. This was going to be a close one... ————————— I entered the throne room with Rain Cloud right on my tail. A sigh of relief left me. “They’re not here yet. Thank Celestia.” I sat a few steps below the thrones. Rain Cloud gave me a funny look. “I know you’re new to this, but you’re the leader of Equestria right now. When the Buffalo come in, they’ll be expecting to see somepony on that throne. They might take it as disrespectful otherwise.” I looked up at Celestia’s throne. It felt wrong to sit there. I didn’t belong on a throne. But...Rain Cloud was right. How would it look if my first time in charge led to a dispute with the Buffalo of the South? I stepped up to the throne and sat down. “Huh. Pretty cozy actually. She likes a soft cushion, doesn’t she?” Rain Cloud nodded. “She hates being uncomfortable. Especially during these types of meetings. Or when it’s an open forum. You know the weird part though?” “What?” “She only had the cushion done six years ago.” “You’re kidding!” Rain Cloud shook her head, and I began to laugh. “You’re telling me that Celestia just put up with an uncomfortable seat for nearly a thousand years?!” Rain Cloud nodded, her own smile appearing. “She hates to bother ponies with those sorts of things. She thought she’d sound...prissy.” That got my laughing even more. “Stop! I can’t meet the Buffalo like this!” I reigned in the laughter as fast as I could. It was a close call too! No sooner had I gotten my hysterics under control, that the main door to the throne room opened. A pair of guards led in a group of five Buffalo. I stood up from the throne and smiled. “Welcome! I’m pleased you made it here. I apologize for the absence of Princess Celestia, but she was called away for...an emergency.” The Buffalo at the front of the group stopped just short of the stairs. I descended to the bottom, stopping directly in front of the Chief. I had to stop myself from cowering a little. I hadn’t realized just how large the Buffalo were! I stood my ground and straightened my posture. “I am the Right Hoof of the Royal Family. Princess Celestia has left me to serve in her place while she is away.” The Buffalo snorted and spoke. “I am Chief Thunderhooves. It is an honor to be invited here. Allow me to give you our ceremonial greeting.” I nodded. “Of course! I hope I don’t get it wrong.” “We’ll forgive any error. Though I wonder if you’ll be able to...handle the end?” I chuckled nervously. “Oh that? I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Thunderhooves smiled and began the greeting. I followed along as we stamped our hooves and danced in a circle. The ending was coming, and I had to admit that I was terrified of what would happen. The Chief got into the final stance. I mirrored the movement and prepared myself. Without thinking, we both threw our heads forward. I could have sworn I heard a crack, but it wasn’t bone breaking. That I knew of anyways... I stood back and shook my head. “Wow. You guys sure know how to say ‘hello’, don’t you?” Thunderhooves laughed. “I’m just impressed that you’re still conscious!” He looked back at the other Buffalo. “This Right Hoof is tough! An honorable pony for sure!” The Buffalo stamped their hooves. I looked back at Rain Cloud. She was smiling and nodding encouragingly. And so was her twin! ....Wait. ——————————- The meeting with the Buffalo went well, even though I had a massive headache throughout the event. I attended three meetings with various councils afterwards. They were only bearable thanks to Rain Cloud bringing me some medicine. When the day finally ended, I collapsed into a chair in the kitchen. My physical state made Butter Whisk laugh. “Rough day there?” I cracked open an eye and did my best to smile. “I could have done without the head-butting Buffalo. But what can you do?” He laughed again and brought over a plate of food. “Well I hope he didn’t knock the appetite out of ya.” He set the plate down on the table and my stomach growled. I got my second wind and began eating. Rain Cloud entered the kitchen and sat across from me. “We’re almost done for the day.” I froze. “Almost?” “You need to read a couple scrolls for tomorrow. And I have a letter for you.” “I’m sure Celestia can wait to read her own mail.” “It’s not for Celestia. It’s for you.” My ears pricked up as she raised a scroll up. I grabbed it with my magic and let it fall open in front of me. My eyes darted back and forth for a moment. I thought of my words carefully before I spoke. “Huh... Twilight and her friends were summoned to the Crystal Empire. Princess Cadance has had her baby!” Everypony in the kitchen cheered at the news. I smiled with them, even though sadness was ebbing in on me. That meant I wouldn’t be seeing Rarity anytime soon. I hadn’t said it, but the letter was actually from Rarity. She was letting me know about the trip with the others. Celestia had summoned them apparently. Was there trouble? Was the baby proving too much for them? I had a hard time believing that three full-grown alicorns, soon to be four, would have trouble with one infant. Then again I didn’t know what kind of power she might be exhibiting. As the kitchen quieted down, Rain Cloud passed a couple scrolls to me. It seemed I had a little homework for my meetings tomorrow. I thanked Butter Whisk for dinner and left the kitchen. Rain Cloud was right behind me. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?” “Yes. I’ll make sure to read these tonight.” “That wasn’t- Are you-?” She looked around the hall. I glanced around as well. Nopony was in sight. Rain Cloud leaned closer and whispered. “Are you really a changeling?” I hid my shock well. I’d learned that from Luna. There were times you couldn’t let others know what you were thinking. Right now, I didn’t want Rain Cloud to know how much I was freaking out. “Is this another rumor you heard? I figured we’d moved past that conversation.” “Well...I might have overheard something the other day from...” “From?” “Umm...you and Discord.” I closed my eyes and held in a scream. “I’m going to kill him.” “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to upset you!” I opened my eyes and sighed. “It’s alright. What did you hear exactly?” “That you’re a changeling spy that’s gotten in with Celestia.” Ouch. Not good. “Does anyone else know about this?” Her eyes grew to the size of saucers. “Oh no! I would never! I know we were having a little fun earlier today, but I’m really not a gossip. I’m one of Celestia’s aides. Do you know how many personal things I’ve heard or embarrassing moments I’ve witnessed? Too many to count. And I’ve never blabbed about one of them.” “But I’m not Celestia or Luna. I’m basically a stranger to you.” “But you’re the Right Hoof! You’re just as important as they are!” “I don’t think I’d go that far.” “Either way, I’d never reveal something about you unless you told me it was okay.” Her eyes conveyed her sincerity. She wasn’t lying. I slowly nodded. “That’s good to hear. I guess I should tell you my side of things so that Discord’s words aren’t the only ones in the mix.” We continued down the hall to my study. I set my scrolls on the desk and locked eyes with Rain Cloud. “I’m only telling you this as you’ve already heard more than you should have. That’s not your fault of course. You weren’t trying to eavesdrop.” “I would never.” “Then I’ll clear the air. I don’t need anyone thinking I’m going to betray two of my dearest friends.” Rain Cloud nodded and I took a deep breath. “I was changeling. And a spy. But I got separated from the horde after the Canterlot Invasion. By the time I was found, I was nearly dead. I was taken in by Twilight Sparkle and nursed back to health. I was introduced to Celestia, and she was interested in my reading ability.” “You mean like how you read that scroll this morning?” “Precisely. When I amassed enough knowledge, I began helping her. She gave me more responsibilities along the way, leading up to running the country for a few days while she and Luna are away.” “Wow. That’s a lot to take in.” “I know. But it’s the truth. I’m not a spy anymore and I’m not even a changeling either.” She cocked her head to one side. “Come again?” I closed my eyes and sighed. I really hadn’t meant to divulge that, but there was no going back now. “It’s a Discord thing. Let’s leave it at that.” “It doesn’t sound so bad honestly. Why don’t you want ponies to know the truth?” “It’s a matter of what the truth might do.” “You think somepony will use it to push you out.” I couldn’t hide my surprise. Rain Cloud smiled. “Trust me. You pick up on a few things when you’ve been around politics long enough.” “I suppose you’re right. I don’t want to put Celestia and Luna through the trouble.” “You’re more worried about them?” “Like I said, they’re my friends.” Rain Cloud nodded and stood up. “I’ve honestly wondered about you for a while. But you seem to be a good, honest pony.” “Well at least that much.” “Thanks for sharing with me Shade. But a word of advice?” “What’s that?” “Next time you’re talking to Discord, do it behind closed doors.” A chuckle escaped me as she left the room. I sat back in my chair and shook my head to clear it. The day hadn’t been all bad. Some headaches both literal and figurative, but overall not bad. The conversation with Rain Cloud had proven I needed to start forming ties with the staff so that they trusted me. I slowly stood up from my chair, my head beginning to pound again. I was ready for a good night’s sleep. And next time, I’d just shake hooves with the Buffalo.