Down and down the cloaked pony went. Trudging through a long winding passage beneath the city. The tight passage narrowed and the ceiling closed in the deeper they went. Dirt gave way to wood reinforced walls and finally changed entirely too rough stone. Flickering wall sconces cast faint light on the centuries-old path worn into the unfinished floor. Stopping before a massive oaken door the figure gathered himself before knocking exactly twice, careful to avoid striking the bands of meteoric iron etched with glowing runes.
From within a muffled voice asked, "What does the Sun say?"
"Let them eat cake," the hooded pony replied with pride in his voice.
A series of loud hums filled the air trailing off as the titanic wards protecting the sanctum were brought down one by one. The door swung open with a grinding rumble, little sparks of magic discharging into the air. The stallion was pushed back a few inches by the blast of air rushing past him. Not bothering to pull his hood back up he proceeded to quickly dart through the opening lest his tail get an impromptu trimming. The look on those mares faces when he asked for extensions for his newly shortened tail was something he could live without seeing again.
Striding boldly across the room he enjoyed the feel of the deep carpet after the long trek through that dreadful passage. Far above a large golden chandelier bathed the room in pure crystal white light. Without pausing he flung his cloak careless aside to be caught by one of the rather comely mares posted along the wall. Taking his seat at the grand mahogany table he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. It appeared that his understudy might, at last, be ready to join them at the table if this slice of pumpkin pie waiting for him was any indication. Imbibing a small piece Rare Fair worked it around his mouth sampling the texture. The subtle flavor of nutmeg teased his tongue while a hint of vanilla held the ensemble together. Taking in the rest of the table his pleasure was muted when he saw that the place reserved for the Gilded Truffle was still empty. It was one of his greatest disappointments that such a fine establishment spurned his advances year after year. Seating himself he looked expectantly at the assembled group. At his non-verbal signal, the assembled ponies bowed their heads and intoned the sacred oath of their order.
Beauty in Breakfast
Luxury for Lunch
A Divine Dinner
Perfection for all Ponies
"Mares and gentleponies, I apologize for the short notice of this meeting."
"For those of you as yet unaware a little upstart bakery, Sunridge Sweets, has had the audacity to peddle their goods within our city without permission. To make matters worse it is run by two noponies without a drop of nobility between them."
Slamming a hoof down with the appropriate force Rare Fair stood. "We cannot abide this affront any longer, I call on my sisters and brothers to join together in bringing them into the fold or squashing them like an overripe pumpkin."
Around the table, each mare and stallion poked at their lavish desserts waiting for somepony to break ranks and be the first to speak out. At last Five Star of Pastries for a Princess couldn't contain herself any longer. Five Star raised a graceful hoof asking she be granted the floor. With a measured node from Rare Fair she stood.
"While you lot have been nervously tallying your bottom line, I have already begun a campaign to bring an end to this scandalous situation."
With a pleased smile on her face, she continued, "One of my best stallions has been dispatched to sabotage their labeling and throw the business into chaos." The smile slipped from her face. "That lazy lump has not reported back yet, however I am sure it is only a matter of time."
With the ice broken, nods and a smattering of 'I say, well dones' sounded around the table. Rare Fair studied his cohorts pleased with the continued solidarity. He gestured to the ivory white envelopes at each place-setting. "That is an excellent beginning however it is too late for half measures. Each of you have further instructions, please collect your tasks before leaving, and good hunting."
* * *
The hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen filled the air with the bangs and clangs of pots and pans and the soft thumps of oven doors opening and closing. Past that muffled giggles and the occasional shriek of laughter made its way out of one of the back rooms in Sunridge Sweets. Red Velvet was currently trying his best to run away from the Abominable Velvet. He raced across the land leaping over Towel River and trying to lose her within the Table Cave. The unstoppable Velvet was relentless in her pursuit doing her best to catch him while continuously rolling head over heels. "I'm coooooooming for yoooooooouuu Red, there can be oooooonnnly one Velvet!" The hyper little colt did all he could to avoid his fate, but leaving the safety of the cave was a mistake and he soon found himself cornered in Cake Box Canyon.
Rolling to a stop Velvet slowly drew herself up until she towered over Red like an ursa major. Sweeping down like a pink avalanche the helpless Red giggled and flailed in delight as Velvet enveloped him. "Oh no the big bad monster has caught a small morsel", Velvet said as she headed right for his weak spot. PPTHHPTHPFFTHPPPT. Red squirmed and shrieked with laughter unable to control his limbs as he squealed for mercy.
With a satisfied smile, Velvet released her vanquished foe. "I dub thee Red Raspberry and from this day forth I am the one true Velvet."
With large shining eyes, Red looked up reaching toward her. "Velvet up, please."
Velvet hunkered down next to Red. "All aboard Velvet Air, keep your legs and tails secured at all times!"
Scampering on top of Velvet, Admiral Red carefully stood up so he could reach her ears with his hooves. Pulling back on both ears he masterfully sailed the TMS Velvet away from Cake Box Cove and set course for Snack Time Shelf. As they came alongside he leapt from his ship and was snatched from the air in mid-flight.
"Uh, uh, uh. I'm not cleaning up after you roll yourself in frosting this time little mister." Hugging Red close Velvet pointed to the table where two cupcakes had been set aside. "Maybe you would like to share one of those with me, mmm, they're red velvet."
Squirming free from her grasp Red raced over to the table skidding across the floor and strained with all his might trying to reach the cupcakes. At last, he gave up, looking over his shoulder with crocodile tears he pointed up. "Velvet, velvet."
Velvet cocked her head to the side turning one ear directly at Red and held a hoof up to her ear. "Yes, that's my name."
Not putting up with her shenanigans when sweet delicious sugar was on the line Red did his best impression of a cavalry charge as he rounded on Velvet. Getting behind her he ran into her hind legs as hard as he could straining to push her in the right direction. As she was herded giggling towards the table a steady stream of grunts and a low chant of 'velvet, velvet, velvet' followed their progress.
Velvet picked up one of the two large frosted red velvet cupcakes and bent down to give it to Red who was circling her like a shark with eyes locked on her hoof. A moment before he could grab his prize Velvet froze. She inhaled more deeply. That was salt, way to much salt for anything made at Sunridge Sweet. Her ear twitched as a whine rose up from Red as Velvet pulled the cupcake back out of reach. Thinking quickly Velvet told Red to go wash up before his snack.
Hesitantly Velvet reached out with her tongue and gave the cupcake a timid lick. Bleh. Wrinkling her nose and trying to paw away the overpowering salt from her tongue she stuck her head out of the room. "Mawm, I tink you ned to com here." And was promptly bowled over by an already galloping Sunbeam.
"Oh no, sweetie I'm so sorry I had to make sure my little devil cakes were okay, we've had a bit of a mishap in the kitchen." Untangling herself from her daughter Sunbeam stood up and grabbed Velvet. "Aahhhh."
Velvet raised an eyebrow. "What."
Wringing her hooves Sunbeam looked insistently at Velvet. "Your teeth sugar plum, are they okay."
Puzzled Velvet sat down and pointed to the offending cupcakes. "The frosting tastes like it's pure salt. Why wouldn't my teeth be fine?"
Sunbeam breathing steadied as she began to calm down. "Somehow crystal rock candy got mixed into our flour. A darling little filly chipped a tooth on a fresh Double Danger Chocolate Ranger cupcake. Thankfully it was a foal tooth so no lasting harm was done, but I was so worried I rushed back here straight away to check on you two."
Velvet's eyes narrowed as she reached up to grab one of the red velvet cupcakes. She carefully squished it between her hoofs until she felt hard little nuggets of what must be rock candy. Grimly she looked back up at Sunbeam. "This one's also been spiked, is something going on mom?"
Unexpectedly Sunbeam broke down in tears. Gathering Velvet up in a big hug she wept. "Oh dear, Pepper and I have been having little troubles with the shop for weeks. We didn't want you to worry so we hid it from you. Little Red doesn't know any better."
While Velvet rubbed her mother's back the story poured out. It had started small. An order for a three-layer Birthday Bonfire went to the wrong address. A few of their regular customers received deliveries they claimed to have not asked for. One of their storage rooms looked like it had been hastily cleaned up but they could tell something had happened. They were still double checking all of their inventory trying to figure out if anything had been switched about or misplaced.
The most chilling thing had happened this morning. Pepper had gone in extra early to start the day's baking and let Sunbeam get a few more hours of sleep. He left Sunbeam peacefully slumbering away warm in bed with Red at her side. Awhile later Sunbeam was shaken from her deep sleep when an enthusiastic and sticky Red kept nuzzling her. When she tried to escape under a blanket a few headbutts and a stampede of happy hooves woke her up enough to hear Red saying, "Share, share, share." Opening her eyes her entire field of vision was filled with what was left of a full-size chocolate mousse pony head and a very perky Red.
Sunbeam sniffed one last time as Red entered the room before pulling back from Velvet. Sunbeam gathered Red in her arms and mussed his mane. "Go to the kitchen red hot, daddy has something for you." Turning back to Velvet, Sunbeam slumped. "I just don't know what to do, we won't have any bits soon if this continues."
Steely-eyed Velvet stood firm. "I know who can get to the bottom of this, don't worry any more mom."
* * *
With a spring in her step Velvet left the Looks for a Discerning Eye fabric supply store a bundle of black silk balanced on her back. Humming Velvet congratulated herself for not falling for the common comic book cliche of believing a small mask around the eyes could possibly hide one's identity. For crying out loud the first thing she noticed about new ponies was their cutie marks, yeah, those.
As she opened the door to her condo a great rustling of paper and the sound of hooves scrambling on the floor greeted her. Inside a most strange sight was waiting. A disheveled and panting Crystal was sitting on a messy pile of paper with a few more sheets sticking out from under the couch behind her. Around the room, a few candles still trailed wisps of smoke releasing a pleasant vanilla odor into the air.
Crystal pointed a hoof accusingly at Velvet careful not to drop any of her papers. "What're you doing home so early, you said you would be gone until at least dinner."
Making a show of looking left then right Velvet sniffed the air. "Is that the smell of a larger paycheck, Crystal?"
Sputtering Crystal's eyes darted around wildly until they came to rest on the bundle of cloth on Velvet's back. "And what is that missy."
With a grin sinister enough to curdle milk Velvet looked back unblinking. "Do you really want to know?"
Waving both hooves in the air Crystal flinched first. "I, we, you, never here, got it." Clutching the papers she had dropped to her chest Crystal stayed still as a statue until Velvet left the room. The sound of Velvet's door closing was lost amidst the screech of a couch being pushed away from the wall.
* * *
Freshly wrapped in fine black silk from her nose to the tip of her tail Velvet made her way carefully through the backstreets of Canterlot. Every time a pair of eyes drifted towards her she melted back into the shadows. Whenever an ear turned catching a stray sound she froze and waited for the pony to pass by. There were two bars she knew of that served a leaf and greens salad on the breakfast menu. Choosing to go to the closer of the two Velvet made her way to The Fifth Leg.
A block from her destination Velvet ducked into a nearby alley and clamored up a drain pipe. Keeping her head low she crawled across the rooftop to peer down at the one way in and out of The Fifth Leg. Seeing the sign that was the bar's namesake Velvet had to bite her tongue to keep from bursting out into loud guffaws. Ducking her head back down she calmed herself long enough to get a second look. There really was no truth in advertising here. This time, she was able to maintain her composure, barely. Giggling silently Velvet couldn't help but stare. Stallions, they sure did dream big.
An hour later Velvet was still perched on the roof surveilling the entrance. She was fighting her growing boredom by estimating how closely each patron came to the bars claims. At last, a very familiar looking pale red stallion exited the bar. He had been in there the entire time, and it showed. Stumbling down the street muttering it was doubtful he would notice Velvet if she chose to jump on his back.
Seeing no need for fancy techniques Velvet slipped down from the roof and followed him at a distance. After the third time walking by the same building Velvet idly wondered if he was trying to catch a tail or was even more drunk than she thought. Shrugging Velvet kept up the chase, it wasn't like she had any other leads.
After doubling and tripling back more times than Velvet cared to think about they entered a new part of town. A much nicer part. So nice that Velvet worried about guard patrols. Quickly Velvet made her way back to the rooftops. No longer in danger of being casually spotted Velvet resumed tracking her quarry. The stallion stopped in front of an overly fancy bakery called Pastries for a Princess. He stood there swaying on his hooves for a solid minute before rousting himself from his stupor. Making his way to the rear of the business he knocked loudly three times on the delivery door. Unable to keep standing on his hooves any longer he plopped down and sat waiting.
It wasn't long before the door opened and a fine looking blue mare stepped out. She took one look at the stallion and threw up her hooves. He cringed back and started to open his mouth before she stamped a hoof and told him to zip it. Looking angry enough that her orange mane might actually have been on fire she laid into him. Why was he drunk, how come Sunridge Sweets hadn't been taken care of, and how dare he show his face around here.
Hanging his head the stallion mumbled to the mare about what had happened. Velvet could only catch bits and pieces of the low voice. A trap, an elite security unit, this big, got away, please don't make me go back. After a while, he ran out of steam and kept repeating himself. With a huff, the mare told him to go get cleaned up and report to the appropriate place for reassignment. "Yes Ms. Five Star, I will Ms. Five Star, I'll do better next time Ms. Five Star." A thoroughly cowed stallion staggered back the way he had come, tail between his legs and ears drooping.
* * *
At last, somepony who could answer some questions. With all the care of a griffonburgler Velvet eased open the backdoor, tense and ready to bolt if anypony noticed her. Be it luck or simply the time of day no ponies were around. Slinking along the hallway Velvet spotted a door that was ajar. Light spilled out of the room pooling in the dark corridor. Edging forward Velvet peeked her head past the door jam at floor height. The same mare who she had seen earlier was slumped over a desk appearing to be sleeping. Perfect.
All Velvet needed now was something to keep the mare from running away once she woke up. Muttering about bringing rope next time Velvet cast about for what else she could use. Of course, she was in a bakery after all. Velvet pulled back from the room and went looking for a storage area or a delivery assembly room. Finding a room with stacks of boxes, tan, pink, blue, and surprisingly black, Velvet saw a bin of twine. It wasn't much, but use enough of it and it would do.
Velvet half left the room before turning back to that out of place stack of black boxes. She waffled between taking a quick peek and going back to tie up Five Star. In a not so common outcome, common sense prevailed, for now. Using every scrap of grace she possessed Velvet entered the office and approached the sleeping Five Star. Ever so gently Velvet looped the twine around and around each leg securing her to the chair. Once satisfied Velvet threw caution to the wind and practically galloped back to that alluring stack of black boxes. She had to know.
Sweeping her eyes across the room Velvet's gaze fell on her prize. Walking over to the shelf she carefully picked up the boxes and placed them on the floor. Each box was bare except for a cutie mark on the top. A trio of four leaf clovers. A long box with a sword, smashing a shield. Three red hearts. Looking in each box brought a naughty smile to Velvet's face. This was her kind of bakery. Turning to the last box a familiar white crescent moon adorned the top of it. Velvet's jaw dropped and she clapped her hooves in excitement. No pony would be this audacious, could they? Giddy with anticipation Velvet raised the lid of the box and quickly slammed it shut. They had been. Chortling Velvet threw open the lid and gazed upon the majesty of the full moon.
Velvet's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting feelings. So many possibilities. She could present the cake to Crystal and ask if it was accurate. No. She could give the box to Crystal for the next game night and tell her it was a special treat for their group. Just picturing the room of ponies gathered around the table when Crystal presented the box to Princess Luna drove her into a fit of mad laughter. What would the princess say? "Tis a good likeness. You dare bring thine despicable pastry before me! How does thy yonder Knight think it compares?" Wiping tears from her eyes Velvet composed herself. Not this time. In the future Crystal might be ready, but not today.
From down the hall, Velvet heard a muffled banging. It was time to go get some answers. Making no effort to hide her passage Velvet walked back to Five Star's office. Closing the door behind her Velvet saw that Five Star was slumped over her desk again in a different position from before. Playing possum didn't work so well when you made enough racket to be heard two rooms away. Walking over to her Velvet raised a hoof and poked her in the side. "Wakey, wakey Star."
No response. Had she actually fallen back asleep, was she still asleep? Undeterred Velvet dragged the mare bound to the chair out from behind the desk and positioned her in the center of the room. A few more pokes and prods elicited no reaction. Throwing her hooves up Velvet sat down determined to wait out the stubborn mare.
Velvet watched the purportedly sleeping mare tied to the chair breath steadily. She must have been having a pleasant dream because every now and then a low whine would escape her lips as she tried to squirm in place. Velvet hoped that the ties weren't too tight, normally when she used them her playthings didn't object. Velvet was jolted out of her daydream by a change in the pattern of the rise and fall of the mares chest.
"I know you're awake Five Star, do you want to do this the hard way or the fun way?"
When no response other than Five Star silently straining at the box ties that bound her was forthcoming Velvet moved closer. "Open your eyes Star, this is your last chance before I get persuasive."
Five Star looked up proudly. "You common hooligan, a lady such as I would never debase herself by revealing her secrets."
Behind her mask, Velvet grinned. A lady, riiight, those black boxes sure didn't support that claim. The orange-maned mare might not normally make the cut, but sometimes sacrifices had to be made. Small ones in this case.
She stalked towards Star with the slow and sure steps of a jungle cat on the prowl. She relished the nervous gasp from Star when she brought her covered face within inches of the other mare. "Time to play."
Velvet slowly made her way behind the mare. Her silk wrapped tail kissing the end of Star's nose as she moved by eliciting a startled flinch. Star turned her head trying to keep Velvet in sight, swiveling her ears when that failed. Once Velvet was directly behind Star she gently brought her hooves up and turned Star's head back so she faced forward. Velvet brought her mouth to the nape of Star's neck letting her warm breath caress her. "Good little ponies keep their eyes straight ahead."
A shudder ran through Five Star's body and her left ear started twitching erratically when Velvet buried her nose in Star's mane. Trailing small kisses all the while Velvet made her way up the back of Star's head paying special attention to a spot just below the ear. Each time she touched that particular place Velvet could feel Star's pulse race just a little faster. A few more minutes of attention to Star lead to the sound of wood creaking as one of Star's hind legs struggled to kick free of the restraints. Pausing beside her ear Velvet gave it another quick delicate nibble. "Feel like talking now?"
"M-monster."
Velvet knew just what to do to break the mare and claim her prizes. Deftly plucking the red ribbon from Star's mane Velvet grinned. Draping herself across Star's shoulders she felt Star's heart beating rapidly as an involuntary whimper escaped Star's parted lips. Purring Velvet nuzzled Star's cheek. "Let me show you just what kind of monster I am."
Standing in front of Five Star without an ounce of shame Velvet met Star's eyes. "Watch closely or you'll miss it."
Without breaking eye contact Velvet slowly ran her tongue from one end of the ribbon to the other before steadily taking all but the tip into her mouth. Not looking away for a moment Velvet smiled as her tongue danced along the soft ribbon. Breathing deeply Velvet opened her mouth revealing a complicated knot. "The Dragon's Fist."
Waggling her tongue Velvet let the ribbon fall to the ground, sashayed toward Five Star, and carefully tipped back the chair. Licking her lips Velvet peered down at Star. "Would you like to experience the Princess's Crown."
Tail thrashing wildly Five Star could barely form words as her whole world narrowed to a single burning desire. With a sharp inhalation, she wrested control of herself long enough to squeak out. "P-please."
* * *
Exiting the office Velvet sat down stunned at what she had heard. What kind of crazy ponies would keep a centuries old bakers cabal going or even make one in the first place. Ponies. Not just one or two nut jobs, but an entire organized group. They even had henchponies and some kind of lair under the city. Well funded too based on the few business names she recognized. Still they did have one large weakness she could exploit, their sterling reputations among the cities elites. If the rest of the members were anything like Five Star they were bound to have some secret that they didn't want becoming known. Turning her head to stare at the office door Velvet started giggling hysterically. I wonder if she ever made a cake of herself.
* * *
First up on her list was Collet Monté Pâtisserie a high-end bakery that specialized in cakes made using only the most refined and sophisticated prench ingredients. They were famous throughout the city as the place that supplied fancy cakes for the eateries of the city's elite. Any new restaurant opening up had better remember to apply months in advance or they would be Collet Monté Pâtisserie free on their dessert menu. A disaster darling, as Upper Crust would say. Velvet snorted, sugar was sugar, and good luck telling two bags of flour apart once they were dumped in a mixing bowl.
Collet Monté Pâtisserie was a ridiculously over the top place. It looked less like a bakery and more like a mansion in a gated community. A marble stairway lead past freestanding imported cloud columns. A trio of serving ponies dressed to the 9's swooped down on every unsuspecting pony insisting that they be allowed to wash their hooves before being allowed entrance to the premises. A certain black clad ninja mare wasn't getting in through the front. Or if she did she would be the best-groomed ninja this side of Equestria but not very anonymous. Shrugging Velvet looked around for the best place to view the approach to the back of the building. That was where everything interesting went down anyway.
Laying on top of yet another roof Velvet couldn't help fidgeting. Away from the hustle and bustle of the street there was nothing to look at. No ponies at all, just an empty little back street without even the decency to have any rubbish to count. Nope just plain walls, an unadorned door, and not a window in sight. No wonder mystery novels never included the unrelenting boredom of surveillance. By this time Velvet was hallucinating a line of perky mares dancing in a circle when a wagon ran through the center of them disrupting her enticing vision. Shaking her head Velvet achingly stood doing her best to ignore the rush of blood flowing into sleeping limbs.
The wagon couldn't be picking up anything, it was filled to the point of overflowing. Oddly it wasn't dropping off imported prench supplies but boxes upon boxes of what she recognized were cakes. Why would a bakery get a shipment of already baked goods. Instead of trying to gain entry to Collet Monté Pâtisserie Velvet took off after the, now empty, departing delivery wagon.
Shucking her costume Velvet made no effort to hide herself. Even if this stallion was a part of the cabal it was unlikely he would know who she was. Trotting up to walk next to him Velvet waved to get his attention. A few minutes later Velvet stopped having found out another juicy bit of information. Full Stack worked as a delivery pony for Everything Cakes. A well known industrial sized company that would make 'any cake, any time, any amount, any way you want it'. They were most commonly used by businesses that wanted to have a small dessert menu without the hassle of making it on site. That Collet Monté Pâtisserie got large regular shipments pointed to one thing, they didn't make their own cakes at all. They were a fancy front reselling Everything Cakes to all the nose-in-the-air nobles in Canterlot.
* * *
Next and last on her list was Natural Designs. A bakery whose claim to fame was their all natural butter free recipes. A sign of a large stick of butter with a red X through it greeted her on the doorway. Their slogan, "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!" was proudly painted on each window. A single smaller sign proclaimed, "Butter Free Premises." Time for direct action. Velvet entered the shop like she owned it. Walked right up to the counter and slammed her hoof down. "One of your most popular items please."
A delicious smelling bag in her mouth and a hop to her step Velvet headed to a place she could get answers. The Phial and Filly Alchemist Supply. Runic Phial might have a few interesting ideas about what exactly could go into a mare's mane, but this kind of problem was right up his alley. Instead of being hidden in the back of his shop Runic was actually behind the counter staring at a smoldering rock as hard as he could. When Velvet walked up he didn't react except to wave a hoof in the air. "Busy, busy, conducting Spontaneous Rock Combustion Experiment #26."
Jumping behind a nearby shelf Velvet called out to Runic. "Could you help me before blowing up half the shop again? I have a puzzle for you."
Grumbling to himself Runic waved her over. "You've already contaminated the variables anyway so what can I help you with?"
Gingerly setting the bag down on the counter next to the now smoking rock Velvet slowly slipped the cake out. "I need to know if this slice of cake has any butter in it."
"I don't know Velvet, are you sure?" Looking skeptical Runic paused. "I don't think you'll be able to eat it when I'm done."
With an exasperated sigh, Velvet grabbed Runic. "Science, now."
From the back of the shop, a cacophony of noises pervaded the shop. The whirring of centrifuges filled the air. A few small crashes happened, each louder than the last. A bit of rock dust shot out from under the door as a muffled explosion made Velvet look back at that rock in front of her nervously. Silence. Finally, a whoop rang out as the door was thrown open.
A very excited looking Runic ran over to Velvet waving a piece of paper covered with numbers and words. "I found something fascinating in this pastry. It has trace amounts of—"
"Runic concentrate, butter, does it have butter in it?"
Absent minded Runic looked up from the sheet. "What, of course, it has butter, what kind of cake doesn't have butter in it, but look here isn't this interesting even if it is only 15 parts per—"
Before Runic could get back to full steam Velvet slowly backed away. "Thank you Runic, I have to go take down Crystal and have dinner with an evil cabal."
Holding up a jar of discolored milky liquid Runic asked, "Did you want your cake back?"
* * *
As Velvet dragged herself up the last stairs she felt as energetic as a deflated balloon. Pausing outside the door she forced herself to go through a quick series of stretches and few light exercises so she would appear to be her normal perky self. For the next few minutes at least. Inside Crystal was engrossed in what she liked to call research. She was nose deep in an unfamiliar book with a hunky stallion on the cover. Without looking up Crystal waved her hoof towards the kitchen. "I put aside some leftovers for you if you're still hungry."
Putting together a quick bowl of pasta Velvet slunk to her room and shut the door. Getting down on the floor she shimmied her way under her bed. Counting the boards along the floor Velvet carefully pried up the sole loose board. Inside the hidden compartment was a number of small pink notebooks. Each had a different title. Crystal - Yes I Know, Things The Troupe Would Rather I Not Know, and so on. Pulling out a still unlabeled one Velvet titled it. The Canterlot Cake Cabal. Munching absently on her cold dinner Velvet put pen to paper and wrote out all the embarrassing secrets she had learned today. Tomorrow she would send a copy to each of the bakeries with a stern warning to leave Sunridge Sweets alone.