It was night time, when bats roamed, the monsters hidden in the forest, and uncertainty all around. A mare was talking with a mysterious hooded figure in a bar. Fortunately, there were security measures that deactivated magic and powers, preventing big brawls and incidents occurring. Hushed tones spread throughout as secrets were discussed. "So...you're telling me you have some information on the Power Pony known as Twist Pony?" The stallion asked, holding onto his bag of gold.
The mare nodded in response, as the bartender looked at them interestedly. He had a stout face and a strong body, but even he felt like he would lose to Twist Pony in a battle. That power pony fought dirty, fought with tricks, more than any other hero. Nobody wanted to face him. But this crucial information, if true, could potentially turn the tides against him. He prepared a bottle of scotch as he listened on their conversation. The mare ordered extra ice, and he did the same. "Yes... as we all think, his power must be related to a plot twist, an unexpected result from the story. That's his trademark. But what if his power was something else entirely?"
The mysterious figure caressed his cheek with his hoof, then gave the mare a gold coin. "I've investigated one of his battle scenes recently," she spoke, "it seems based on the witch he managed to defeat, he must be some kind of unicorn who hid his horn and his magic..."
"Oho?" The stallion responded, smirking, "and did you discover his weakness overall?"
The mare rolled her eyes, holding out her hoof. The stallion reluctantly gave out another gold coin.
"I suspect he's some kind of illusionist," she explained, "the remnants of magic strongly resemble one of a kind."
The stallion nodded, drinking some of his cider. As they continued talking, he discovered much about Twist Pony, how he might've hidden a different power in the guise of an unbeatable "plot armor" idea. Both him and the bartender were very intrigued by how much the mare knew. And her incredibly riveting discoveries kept them on the tip of their hoofs, as the stallion kept ordering more cider, even as the mare grew so excited with run-on sentences that she forgot to touch her drink. As other ponies left and they grew tired, the stallion shook the mare's hoof, thanking her, even while his bag was now nearly empty from bribing her.
As the bartender excused himself off to tidy the shop, reminding them to leave quickly, the two exchanged final words.
"Aren't you afraid that he'll end you? Twist Pony is known for showing up at the most unlikely places," the stallion spoke, "hell, I half suspect it's the bartender himself."
But as he was about to finish his sentence, he found his vision blurring, himself struggling to stay conscious. Did he drink too much? He was certain he had only a few mugs, and he could handle much more. The mare looked unconcerned. "No. I'm not afraid at all. You know why?"
The stallion gulped in anticipation, fearing he already knew the answer. "Because I am the plot Twist pony. And you just fell for the oldest trick in the book. Poisoned ice. I'm surprised you didn't notice I stopped drinking."
As the stallion slumped against the table, desperately calling out with his heart to the bartender, he looked out, both in admiration and in fear, as Twist Pony smirked, walking away with another victory. "Nobody ever expects a mare to pretend to be a thug..."