//------------------------------// // Tools and Food Part 2 // Story: The Chef's cafe // by vincent789 //------------------------------// --------------------------------✴-------------------------------- Slight warning: Some swearing and violence will be showcased in this chapter. Viewing discretion is advised. --------------------------------✴-------------------------------- Sadly for Twilight and her people. What came next after entering the Industry district could not prepare her. Thankfully her guards were prepared for it. But there was simply no way for someone like Twilight to ever predict this. After Twilight and the caravan stopped at the pre-designated location. And began hoofing out all the food, water and medication. The severe resistance was even more severe than Twilight ever expected. Not even five minutes while they were hoofing out their resources and goods, the people in charge of the district called forth their own personal guards. And instead of calmly asking them to leave, they came out with spears in their magic and armor around their body. Realizing the incoming altercation, Twilight had to give out an order she never would have liked to give. And the reason why was simple. The guards had no interest in attacking her caravan, they had interest in whoever took the goods from the caravan. Only to forcibly snatch it away from them and hurt them in the process. It was clear, that neither Luna nor Lunarium ordered this. This was an order from one of the many corrupted fools in charge of the industry district. Twilight was about to order 'High alert and standby state.' but after watching the guard forcibly take someone's goods and severely harming said person. Twilight gave the order she never wanted to give. "Protect the people! If you see any civilian getting harmed, you have permission to use lethal force!" "Yes, your highness!" The guards shout in unison. The whole army of earth ponies got into a line position as they equip their spears into their mouths. And extend those on the back. Twilight saw that the opposing guards appear visibly flustered at Twilight's order. They did not expect such strong resistance. But after a moment of regaining themselves. The guards watch as an opposing guard injure and steal from an civilian. This caused the head guard to bark out the following order. "Attack!" Which resulted in instant pandemonium. Twilight's frontal guards instantly charge the opposing guards with their sharpened weapons. Killing one of the opposing guards instantly. Much to the shock of the opposing guards. But instead of backtracking, Twilight's guards didn't stop their charge as they continued to attack. Meanwhile in the background, Twilight's chivalry as they like to call themselves, swooped down from the skies as dogfights appeared all over the skies. And Twilight's unicorn brigade began raining spells from the heavens as enemy guards fell like flies. After less than a minute, the entire personal army of the corrupted fools was defeated. They were overwhelmed, not in army size or information. But in sheer morale and tools. The advanced tools made in the lower income district's tool making district, made such advanced weapons. That it made short work of the weapons carried by the personal army of the industry district. Combine that with overwhelming morale, and you got an army rivaling the main army belonging to Celestia herself. And that wasn't lost on Celestia nor on Shining Armor as they watched the whole scene play out in front of them. The guards of the lower income district was powerful on both morale and tools. But also tactics. The unicorns both rained spells from above, they also shot Pegasy down from the skies. The Pegasy were both defeating other Pegasy and relaying constant battle information to the strategist of the guard. And finally the earth ponies. They showed impressive charging capabilities and protecting abilities. Simply put, while Twilight's guards were busy protecting the people. Twilight herself, was keeping herself busy with healing the injured civilian and giving away much needed goods. During the chaos, Lunarium's forces luckily pulled away in time. Luna's personal guards weren't so lucky. After most of the fighting was complete, the personal army of the industry district fled in an near mass-panic. Causing her forces to get trampled. They are injured but alive. After all is said and done, Twilight's guards surrounded the central hub of the industry district and kept all member inside without a chance of escape. Just like the Forestallion predicted a few days ago. But that is also where Twilight's confusion began. "So this is all the ponies in charge of the industry district, correct?" Twilight asked the head guard. "Yes. We triple checked the building, these are the only ones in here." "But then we have an problem. Where is the mayor? He is in charge of this place." She asked worried. "We tried asking them. They kept their mouth shut about him." He admitted. "Hm... Order the Pegasy to sweep the district. I want that stallion alive and well." "Yes, your highness." The head guard turned around and barked an order. Twilight looked around the district. She noticed that plenty of people were watching her with no negative intent. Which gave her an idea. She turned to those watching her. "Hey. Can I ask you guys a question? We are trying to assist the mayor as a friend. But the corrupted fucks over here refuse to say anything. Do you guys know where he has gone?" Twilight wondered. One of the youngest ponies began pointing towards outside of Canterlot. "They... said something about taking him away from Equestria. Something about a port... That is all." he admitted, before shyly running away. Twilight's eyes widen, "Pegasy! I order thee to head to Manehattan post haste. Find him!" she ordered using a bit of old Equestrian. "Yes, Twilight!" The head of the Pegasy Chivalry replied. "Now then... I believe we might be facing worse consequences." Twilight ominously admitted. "What do you mean?" The head guard asked worried. It was then that Shining Armor cleared his throat. The head guard turned around to find nearly the entire Royal guards mobilized behind Shining Armor. "Well... That depends, since well, you didn't start it... but certainly ended it." he said slightly disappointed. "Hey! I did my job!" He refused. "That is fair... So let me arrest you without any resistance, okay?" Shining Armor said with an evil smile. "No." Twilight interrupted, "I am the one that gave the order, as princess I am responsible for my people. I am the one that will require jail time if any is needed." Celestia blinked, a soft small smile appeared as fast as it went. "Captain Armor. Instead of any of that. Please arrest all board members of the Industry District. While their actions where negligence at best, murder at worst. They did do it to protect someone from the royal family. So for that, I will ignore their actions, for now." "I understand." Shining Armor then order his men to act immediately. "Our mission is done." Twilight stated. "Head guard. Move my caravan out of the industry district. And reduce the amount of my guards present in this district. But not totally. I will keep an eye out for now." "Understood. Also I received word that the Pegasy Chivalry found the mayor tied up in a boat. They have recovered him and are on the return route now." The head guard stated. "Good. You are dismissed." The head guard saluted as he walked away. "Now then..." Twilight said as she looks at Shining Armor for a moment. He appeared to be distracted by arresting the board members. "I honestly did not expect things to spiral out of control that fast." "Agreed." Celestia stated, "Though I must say, I am proud. That was not a situation anyone could adapt in." "Regardless, that minor fight between guards is one thing, killing them is another." Celestia sighed, "True. And sadly for you, I am going to personally put you on house arrest inside the castle." "That is light punishment for what has happened. Very well. Lead the way." "True." Celestia agreed, "That was Luna's decision. Since in the confusion, some of her guards got injured." "Understood." --------------------------------✴-------------------------------- While Twilight calmly followed Celestia back to the castle for her house arrest. The lower income district was both shock and in awe at what happened. Not only did the guards of the lower income district out-perform their duties, they were ready to perform lethal actions whenever it was order to do so. But also, despite the confusion, no civilians were harmed, nobody but a few guards from the Lunar guard that is. Regardless, when the news broke that this skirmish occurred inside of Canterlot, and under the command of Princess Twilight of all ponies. People were shocked to say the least. Rumors of Twilight insistence to spread the food, water and medical kits she gathered, despite the deadly fight around her, sparked something good in the people. Of course the death toll on the guards was horrifying to say the least, when the people found out that the higher ups of the industry district ordered this offence, near riots broke out. I say near, because information pertaining the kidnapping of the mayor that controls the industry district was also leaked to the news stations. Resulting in outrage among the people. They demanded that the council of the industry district would be held responsible for all this madness. Luckily for the commonwealth, the nobility of Canterlot agreed on that stance. This resulted in many nobles summoning the princesses, minus Twilight, to many, many meetings. As they try to collect more information on the situation. But putting everything together would take atleast another month. Meanwhile Princess Celestia decided to temporarily halt all forms of entry and departure within Canterlot. The train system and caravan system was shut down in Canterlot, as were the gates. They were locked for both those inside Canterlot and out. This was to avoid even more conflict. And while Luna and Celestia worked hard to investigate the situation along side every royal guard, noble pony or commoner. They need to find out, where it all went wrong. Meanwhile Moon decided to take this chance to talk with Twilight. Something she had been meaning to do, for a while now. Moon knocked on Twilight's door. Twilight herself was being kept on one of the ground floor suite. Since they want to give her a kitchen and all. Since she is also a chef besides a princess. Twilight liked it, if she wasn't focused on other things at the moment. After a moment of silence, Moon simply entered. She found Twilight sitting on a chair in front of a desk. Writing diagrams, letters, documents. Seeing that Twilight is hyper focused on her work, Moon picked it up one of the diagrams to look at it. What she saw, surprised her greatly. The diagrams weren't mathematics but rather maps. Maps of the current state of the industry district. From houses to businesses to industry. Moon noticed another map similar to this one, but with a bunch of words besides it. She picked that one up and looked at it. The only difference is that Twilight wrote several comments on it, that sparked both curiosity and shock. 'This street is fine, but the way they channel the water is flawed. Plus it is terrible to drive on with a caravan as that is what it is designed for. Such flawed design.' One comment wrote. 'Whoever designed these houses, never looked at the future. Such terrible space for any creature to live in. Plus with a lack of proper flow of income, each house almost lacks a simple bed, let alone a kitchen. This is horrible.' Another wrote. Moon looked over more comments, but they were constantly commenting on the terrible live conditions or work conditions. It is then she saw another map, nothing like the last. But the streets were in the same shape, making this the same location. It had a bunch of comments on it as well. 'While the roads are bad. We should start with improving two things. Firstly make this district flourish using businesses and better regulations in regards to industry.' Moon read, 'But before we can do that. We need to improve the houses of the people. Let us begin improving the live conditions and work conditions before all else.' "Twilight." Moon quietly said. "I know. I am not in charge of that district. But like hell and back, will I ignore it. I will improve the lives of others. By both my and other's powers. We need that forward base firstly though..." Twilight said to herself. Still not noticing Moon's presence. Moon gained a small smile. She placed the maps back on Twilight's desk and quietly walked out of the room. She now had a different job in sight. One that only Twilight could perform. But first, she needs to make a public speech. "Guard." Moon calmly said. "Yes, your highness?" The guard said slightly startled at Moon's sudden presence. "I need to make a speech to quill some of the public unrest. Can you make it happen?" The guard nodded, "Of course. I will need to tell Captain Armor..." "Then hurry. Post haste. I have decided that right now, we need to stop pointing hooves and focus on the task at hoof." Moon ordered. "Yes, your highness!" The guard hurries towards Captain Armor's office. Moon then slowly walked to the public speech room. Captain Armor made it there faster than she did, somehow. "You wish to make a speech?" Captain Armor asked again for confirmation. "Yes. Right now." "Alright. One final thing, may I ask what this is about?" Moon smiled, "I have decided to let Celestia and Luna take care of the whole corruption problem. I want Twilight to solve the current crisis within the industry district. By giving her temporary leadership of the industry district until it's ready to be led by the mayor once more." Captain Armor's eyes widen, "I see. Do you think she has what it takes?" "During the current entirety of her house arrest, she has been hard at work making plans and improving the industry district. She laid the whole arrest thing no bare. She only cared for the people, and that is admirable. I will now personally vouch for her." Moon said smiling. Captain Armor now also smiled, "That is the Twilight I know. Always searching for a way to help those in need." Shining Armor, removes his helmet as he looks at Moon. "Alright. You have my support." "Good. Get them my attention." Moon said as her smile hardens. "Yes. Your highness." Captain Armor now places his helmet back on. As he walks onto the podium. "Ladies and Gentlecolts. Princess Moon has an announcement to make on her personal behalf. Something which I, the head of the royal guard fully approve off. Please pay attention." Captain Armor announces. Causing every creature in the room to immediately take a seat and fully pay attention to the podium. "News anchors are allowed to overhear this statement." He added. Causing the news anchors to scramble. After a moment later, everyone in the room was ready. Moon then enters the podium and thus that stand that stood on top of it. She nods at Captain Armor, who then took that signal to remove his helmet. Something he had never done on stage before. This just confirmed Shining Armor's statement earlier. He fully approves of the following statement. "To all who may be listening." Moon continued without question. "This is my personal speech on behalf of the current events that has transpired inside of Canterlot. Or the industry district to be precise. It has come to my attention that everyone is incredibly focused on punishing those that caused this turmoil. Which is fair." "But! That is not why Princess Twilight chose to act. She acted in order to help and save the citizens of the Industry district. Which she succeeded at doing, even with the bloodbath that surrounded her caravan. No civilian was harmed by Twilight's personal forces. And with a situation like that, that is incredible. She even chose to take responsibility for the actions of her guards. Something most wouldn't do." "But that is not why I chose to make this speech. No... I wish to use my title as princess to appoint Princess Twilight the following mission." Moon said as she probed the crowd for an reaction. "Seeing how my sisters are far too busy punishing those responsible. I fear that in the meantime the citizens of the Industry district lack the resources to survive. And as such, I hereby grant Twilight Sparkle control of the industry district. Until it is ready to be taken back by the Mayor that is responsible for the district." She granted on the spot. Much to Twilight's shock, she was listening in the background and was shocked to say the least. "Wasn't Princess Celestia in charge of that district?" One news anchor asked. "Yes. She was also aware of all the evil actions those council members did. But did she do anything? No. She merely chose to save her own butt instead. Whereas Twilight Sparkle has a track record of helping the people. She will be perfect for the job." Moon admitted. Shocking everyone in the room. Shining Armor didn't flinch at the revelation, much to the shock of the crowd. "Do you know what she is planning?" Another news anchor asked. Moon gave the report a soft smile, "She has already mapped and planned a bunch of things for the district. I have high hopes for them. And with the Lower Income district as her backbone, I feel the winds of hope blowing for that district." "There were rumors that Twilight had another reason to help the district. Is that true?" A person within the crowd asked. "That is true." Shining Armor replied instead, "If the industry district is failing, then nobody within the lower income district will try to become and commoner. Which could result in even bigger fallout that could damage entire Equestria." Most ponies's eyes widen at that. "Anyways, that is all. For more questions, please ask Captain Armor or one of my other sisters. Thank you." she said as she left the podium. "Wait! Your highness! I have one last question!" One of the desperate news anchor asked. Moon sighed, "Fine. But make it quick." "Princess Twilight doesn't even have any land under her name. How could she lead without experience?" "I assume you ignore the cafe she owned with that? Well. I atleast hope that is better than the last. Or she will have to manage her own fallout. Good day." Moon simply stated as she left the stage. As soon as Moon had left the podium, Shining Armor took to the head instead. Right before any barrage of questions could occur, Shining Armor silenced the crowd as he clears his throat. "Before I will answer any questions. Let me explain Princess Moon's decision a bit more." "It is true that Princess Sparkle has no land do speak of. Even if you include her cafe. However, what most people may not know, is that she has been helping Equestria since the awful disaster that occurred inside the slums district. And even before that now that I think about it." Shining Armor explained. "She single hoovingly solved the griffon and dragon rivalry and helped create their current alliance. Did she do much? No. But sometimes it's the small things that connect people. Not the massive strives. So in a sense, she has been helping politics from the start without anyone being aware of it." "Then after the disaster. She took care of the slums, rebuilding it and suffering the permanent consequences of her own actions. But instead of taking the trauma laying down, she stood back up and bettered the future for so many others. From improving the lives of the slum dwellers, to making female chef's discrimination a thing of the past. To assisting in securing a proper trade with meat products, to quite literally giving away food, water and medication while a practical riot was occurring around her." Shining Armor explained. "And while I understand you have doubts. As the situation is presented. Twilight Sparkle is an outsider. While she has lived in Canterlot all her life, she is not originally part of the royal family. Nor should she already be knee deep in politics. But she is. And with Princess Celestia being blamed for the lack of action and Princess Luna for the lack of knowledge. Twilight Sparkle or Princess Sparkle is the only one that knows what it's like when you do not act. Making her only option to act as that is what she oh so capable of. And so let it be known, we, the royal guard, will support Princess Sparkle with her endeavor and in this case, her temporary leadership in the industry district. That is all." he finished. "Any questions?" "Actually I have a few." The same news anchor said, this time he appeared a lot more sympathetic. "Go ahead." "We heard a rumor that stated that was forced into the royal family, is that true?" "That is correct." Shining Armor said with missing a beat. The speed of his answer shocked the crowd. And the pity look on his face didn't make it less shocking. "Why did Princess Sparkle start her cafe in Ponyville instead of Canterlot?" "Because she likes it quiet. She does not normally seek attention like this. It's part of the reason why she dislikes her title." he answer with a nod. "Final question. Based on her past experience, will she succeed?" Shining Armor smiled, "Yes. Was that all the questions?" The anchor nodded, and no more hooves were raised either. "Alright." Shining Armor said as he too, left the stage. He was pleased because he was able to say everything he wanted to state. Twilight was now sitting on her chair properly as she overheard her brother's speech. She had a soft smile on her face as the memories of all that has happened so far flowed in her mind. She closed her eyes and reopened them as her smile turns serious. "It's time to work."