After reading the last sentence of diary, Twilight fell asleep in the holy room while holding the book. Twilight's parents quickly realized that she fell asleep as Twilight's sound of scribbling had stopped abruptly. Although she was in the room for less than 15 minutes. It would seem that the cooking contest really drained her energy to do anything else.
Velvet slowly moved Twilight to her bedroom and placed her in bed. She kissed Twilight on the head and quietly moved outside of Twilight's room. She noticed Night waiting for her.
"How is she?" He asked concerned.
"Just exhausted. It really has been awhile since her last cooking battle." Velvet explains.
"Yeah. I remember her constantly challenging you, before her cooking interest grew into what it is today." Night said as he remembers the memories.
"Yeah. Back then it was childish curiosity, now it's more like, "I want to be a chef!" type response." Velvet admits.
"I am just glad that she found out what she wants in life. Instead of being stuck searching for a future." Night says.
"Of course. I just hope that Shining will one day return to making sweets. Celestia would love that." Velvet said smiling.
"If it is for a hobby. Than I would not mind. But not as work. I don't want to see Shining as depressed as he used to be." Night said seriously.
"Yeah. I am sure we can ask him to turn his past into a hobby." Velvet admits.
"How about I make that?" Night asks Velvet.
"You mean, that famous chocolate cake you used to make?" Velvet asks surprised.
"Yeah, Dutch Arretjescake. I would have to buy some cookies first though." Night said.
"Please do. It's been years since you made it." Velvet approved.
------------------------------------------
The following day.
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Twilight yawns as her eye flutter open. She looks confused around her. She was in her bedroom. Looking to her left she sees some apple bunnies on her test kitchen made by mom.
'I see. I fell asleep. I guess, translating and a cooking contest was too much for my body to handle.' Twilight thought.
While Twilight was eating the apples, she noticed a chocolate smell in the air. As she carried the bunnies in her magic with her down the stairs she sees a cake she hasn't seen in a long time.
"Is that?" Twilight asked out loud.
"It is." Night said from the kitchen. Which caused Twilight to jump.
"Did you make this?" Twilight asked.
"I did. This is my recipe. It has some added caramel extract and salt." Night said proudly, "I used to make this, back in high school."
"You used to be a pastry chef?" Twilight asks surprised.
"No. It was more of a hobby." Night explained.
"Ah. So I got moms genes while brother got yours." Twilight said linking the two together.
"Exactly. And just like Shining, it's a hobby." Night said nodding in confirmation.
"But unlike mom. I am trying to turn it into a career." Twilight added.
"Making you, one-of-a-kind." Night said rubbing Twilight's head.
"So can I taste some?" Twilight asked.
"I am sorry, Twi. It's for Shining. He has been sad lately that Cadence has disappeared." Night said, causing Twilight to drop her head disappointed.
"Don't worry I will make you one later." Night added, which caused Twilight to get excited again.
"Anyways, will you make me some pancakes?" Twilight asked.
"Sure. What are you going to do today?" Night asked.
"I need to know what I am going to learn at school. That way I am prepared" Twilight said.
"About that. I got a letter stating that you won't be able to find out. Their schedule is always changing to avoid cheaters." Night explained.
"Oh! That actually makes sense. But what do I do now then?" Twilight asked.
"You could visit this," Night said as he showed her a pamphlet about a food market in the downtown area. "They are raising money to ban the selling of certain nearly extincted species. They need a lot for the paperwork and such."
"Could they not have tried to go to Celestia?" Twilight asked while looking through the pamphlet.
"Of course but. Apparently she refuses. As her sister created the trade for rare animal meat to cook with." Night explained.
"I don't think Luna would like rare species to die like this. Not while her name is stamped on the cause of extinction." Twilight said as she started to drool while looking at some extremely good looking bacon.
Night though about it. He too thought that it's weird to refuse the ban for such meat. "But their is also money benefits from selling such meat." he stated.
"Perhaps. But at the cost of an entire species? Something is not quite right here. I might need to go look into this." Twilight said as she ate her pancakes and placed the pamphlet back onto the table.
"I am going to sleep in Luna's room. And see if I can contact her spirit about this." Twilight said as she headed into the enchanted bedroom.
"Okay. Meanwhile I am going to use the magic phone and see if I can see another cause." Night said.
"Understood." Twilight said as she closed the door behind her and as soon as she hits the cushion on Luna's bed. She fell asleep instantly.
In her dream.
"Luna? Are you around? I have a question." Twilight said shouting into the darkness.
"What is it my child?" Luna said as she worriedly came towards Twilight.
"It's about the rare meat trade that you set up." Twilight said.
"Okay. What is the problem?" Luna asked.
"Some species that your trade set-up are going extincted. But your sister refuses to stop the trade of these creatures. She is basically going to stamp you as the cause of their extinction." Twilight said worried.
"I see. Very well. Twilight I have an important task for you." Luna stated.
"I am listening." Twilight said.
"I can't stop the trade, as I am on the moon. However please find a way to shut it down. I don't care what it takes. Know that I will reward you if you succeed." Luna said with a smile.
Before Twilight responded, she took a step back at the angelic smile that Luna gave her. Realizing she was staring, she shook her head and said, "Of course! If not for you, I would have done so anyways!"
Luna smiled and nodded. She lit her horn and forced Twilight to wake up.
Twilight woke up with a feeling of invigoration and determination. Now with a strong goal in mind, she heads off bed and walks towards Night.
"Did you get any information?" Twilight asks.
"Sort of, What about you?" Night answered.
"She wants me to stop it." Twilight said proudly.
"Well, the reason is actually a bit complex. But to put it simply, some countries around Equestria won't like it if the trade becomes forbidden." Night explained.
"Is Equestria such a big player in the wild meat trading?" Twilight asked.
"Yes and no. Technically they are, as certain races require certain meat type. But at the same time, not really. Equestria requires low quantities of those meat types. Most aren't even wild meat to begin with." Night explains.
"So, other countries like to abuse Equestrian trade to buy meat that they usually won't be able to buy, legally." Twilight presumes.
"That is the most likely answer." Night said nodding.
"Without the whole protesting. How would you legally be able to stop such trade?" Twilight asked.
"And without Celestia's permission at that?" She quickly added.
"Hmm." Night scratched his chin, while thinking about it. "Well, money certainly is a way. But the complications are large."
"What about preventing meat trade markets that deal in wild meat?" Twilight suggests.
"How so? How would that do anything?" Night asked.
"Well, how would most trade wild meat nowadays?" Twilight asked.
"Specialized wild meat shops." Night answered.
"How about pressuring these stores? Giving them reason to stop these practices." Twilight said.
"Well, it could work. Besides that the meat industries would economically collapse that is." Night said.
"That is not the answer. How about showing Equestria the consequences of these practices? Like the animal cruelty and such." Twilight suggests.
"That actually could work." Night said as he thought deeply about it all.
"And showing the neighboring countries what the meat trade in Equestria could do to their laws and such." Twilight added.
"Again, that could work. Tell you what. I am going to go and start such propaganda, you just help the local protest market." Night said as he started to use his magic to write a whole bunch of paperwork.
"Okay. I can do that." Twilight said as she moved towards the door and towards the elevator. Once downstairs, she beacons towards the closest taxi and moves towards the market.
---------
Meanwhile Night which was still writing letters to old friends and such. Decided that it was a good idea to call Velvet. Velvet herself was still in Canterlot, attending one of the many, very important tea parties.
"Call, keep, Transmit and Callus." Night chanted as a magic phone appeared in front of him. He used his magic to pick it up and call Velvet.
Velvet meanwhile just started to talk to Fancy Pants when a magic phone materialized next to her. Velvet who was surprised to see Night's phone appear next to her said, "One moment, good sir. It appears my husband is calling."
"That is quite alright my dear. I have a moment. My wife calls me all the time during important moments." Fancy said.
"Thank you." Velvet said as she picks up the phone.
"What is it Night? I am kinda busy here." Velvet said through the phone.
"Sorry dear. I am just helping Twilight get rid of the wild meat trade and would like your help. I need you to tell ponies around you about Celestia's actions about letting animal cruelty and the trade of near-extincted animal to go on. All because of money. Of course this is just propaganda. Atleast I hope so." Night explained.
Velvet raised her eyebrow, "Okay, That isn't suspicious at all. But fine, leave it up to me." she said.
"Thanks dear." Night said before hanging up. Which caused the phone on Velvet side to dematerialize.
"My apologize good sir. You see it would appear that the princess is allowing certain wild animal to be hunted to extinction. My husband and child are trying to stop it." Velvet said casually.
"Oh my. She is allowing it?" Fancy said with mild shock.
"Yes. All because of the money. Not to mention it seem that she is blaming her sister on it." Velvet said as she completely lied about it.
"Oh my!" Fleur said as she appears genuinely shocked.
"But she doesn't appear the money type." Spitfire said as she walks in on the conversation.
"Exactly. Which is most likely a lie for the truth. I heard that she can eat meat. Most likely one of wild meat suits her taste. Because of this, she lies to get meat regardless of reason." Velvet explains.
"But that is just horrible! I won't stand for this!" Fleur said angry.
"I agree my dear. We will support you quest in removing this trade from our Equestria!" Fancy said with a hint of uncertainty.
'Excellent!' Velvet thought.
----
Meanwhile Twilight finally arrived at the market and was about to exit the taxi, when the taxi driver stopped her.
"Young lady. I recommend not going to this market." the taxi driver said.
"Why not?" Twilight asked.
"This market primarily sells meat type dishes. Something a filly shouldn't even attempt to eat to begin with." the taxi driver warned.
"I am aware. I did the research. Don't worry, I know what I am getting myself into." Twilight reassures.
"Okay. Just don't go into the dark alleyways. They are filled with mean ponies." The taxi drivers warns.
"Thank you." Twilight said as she pays the taxi driver with a tip added.
Twilight then entered the market and was immediately overwhelmed by the smell in the air. Spices, meat, vegetables that are being baked. There was a lot of smells in the air.
Twilight proceeded to slowly and cautiously move through the market. On her left was stalls filled with noodles and on her right stalls filled with meat. She saw that up ahead was stalls that sell fried vegetables and pony friendly products.
As she approaches the stall, she notices that most of guests are eating fried rice and chicken dons*. Realizing that rice was an alternative to meat she left the stall.
As she moves on she sees a familiar Chinese stall among the crowd of stalls. Inside the stall was an even more familiar pony. She spots Black Chef also known as Becky inside of it. This made Twilight wanting to approach it.
"Hey Becky!" Twilight shouts over the guests.
Becky turns towards Twilight with a surprised face. "Hey, Twilight! It's been awhile." she said.
"It sure has. How is your business?" Twilight asked.
"As you can see. It's booming! What brings you to around these parts?" Becky asked excited.
"Oh you know. Helping this protest my way." Twilight said with a smirk.
"I see. Want any beacon?" Becky said.
"How much is it?" Twilight asked.
"For you? 2 bits a piece." Becky explained.
"Hey! Are you cheating on us?" The guests asked annoyed.
"Yes! Yes I am." Becky said with an innocent smile.
The guest grumbled, "I paid 20 bits and that child gets it for one tenth the price?!" he asked.
Becky then turns hostile, "What about it?!!" she said with a hostile smile.
The guest gulped, "Whatever." he said.
Twilight who was watching their conversation, took the beacon into her mouth and pushed 20 bits onto the counter. "This didn't happen." Twilight said as she ran away with the beacon.
Becky sighed, "Fine. But I owe you this time." she shouted.
Twilight who was smirking, quickly ate the beacon and moved on. At this point Twilight was just fascinated by the sheer size of the crowd that were moving around the market. And the beauty of the so called underground market. With neon light illuminating the small houses and small rivers flowing throughout the streets.
Twilight even heard some jazz being played in the background. Besides the clearly illegal stalls, she also noticed a bunch of legal coffee stalls. They were selling coffee and whatever spacecake was. Not that she saw many eat that cake. Twilight also noticed a bunch of legal bars that were selling beers and such.
The market had a cozy feel despite the dangers. Twilight was simply roaming around at this point. As she bought and ate small samples of the food most stalls were selling. Besides spacecake, for some reason the bartender refused to sell her some. Which made her disappointed.
Besides that minor refusal. Twilight truly enjoyed her time. Until she spots a cafe that was totally empty, yet was the cause of the jazz being played outside their cafe. As Twilight enjoyed the good jazz, she entered the harmless looking cafe.
As Twilight opened the door, the bell of the door rang and she heard a waitress approach her from behind the counter.
"Hello, How may I help you?" the waitress asked.
"First of all, good music. Secondly I want a latte macchiato and do you have anything you recommend with that?" Twilight asked.
"Thank you for the complement. And I recommend a brownie with cream topping and cacao powder on top." the waitress recommends.
"Then, let's go for that." Twilight said.
"That will cost you 15 bits for the latte and 25 bits for the brownie. Being a total of 40 bits." the waitress said.
"Here you go." Twilight said as she pushes exactly 40 bits onto the counter.
"Thank you. Please take a seat, I will deliver it." the waitress said, which caused Twilight to nod as she took a seat.
While waiting, Twilight looked at how the waitress was preparing the food. The waitress first grabbed a small metal pitcher and put it below the coffee machine, as she first fills a metal pad with freshly ground coffee beans and put it onto the coffee machine and turns it on, Which caused the coffee to enter the pitcher. Meanwhile she fills a large metal pitcher with milk and opens a steam water valve, which caused a odd sound to come from the milk. First she heard bubbling, then a peeping sound.
After that she closes the valve as she turns and stamps the pitcher on the counter. She then poured it into a glass cup and first pours the milk and then the coffee. Completing the latte.
Then she grabs a brownie from her display case and grabs whipped cream aerosol and pours the whipped cream onto the brownie and grabs a container that contains the cocoa powder. She sprinkles some on top of it and places the brownie onto a plate. Putting the Latte and the brownie on a tray, she slowly moves towards Twilight to prevent her from spilling.
"Here is the latte and brownie. Enjoy your meal!" the waitress said.
"Thank you." Twilight responds with. As she started to much on the brownie and sipped on the latte.
"How is it?" The waitress asked.
"It's good. Why?" Twilight asked.
"It's the first time I made both of these dished without help." The waitress explained.
"You did a good job for your first time. Very professional!" Twilight praised.
"Oh thank Celestia." The waitress said as she moved back to the counter.
Twilight drank and ate the rest of the day at the cafe. Leaving to go home around 5 O' clock midday and to have dinner, right after that.