//------------------------------// // Final Thoughts / Epilogue // Story: Cutthroat Kitchen comes to Canterlot // by Coyotek4 //------------------------------// “You have some incredible friends, Princess Twilight. You are very fortunate.” “I know. Not a day goes by that I don’t count my blessings for knowing them.” Almond, for the first time since he made his entrance, shows a serious side. “During the competition, I couldn’t help but notice that you looked disturbed at what was going on. I have heard much from Princess Celestia about you, and I’ve heard that you’re a big fan of mine. I value your opinion greatly, and I would like you to be honest. What did you really think about this competition?” Twilight rolls her eyes backwards, trying to think of the right words, then resumes eye contact. “I know from your writing that you have an incredible wit and humorous nature to match your culinary expertise. I just thought that a cooking competition should showcase more of the true skill that chefs across Equestria have. My friends went through all sorts of ordeals; they never really had the chance to shine.” “I understand perfectly, Twilight. And the fact of the matter is, I have the utmost respect for cooking in general, and especially for great cooking talent. I’ve been to numerous cooking displays and competitions, presented in the vein that you envision. They’re exceptional, they’re top-notch … but for me personally, they’re also a bit boring. I think some of the greatest cooks in all of Equestria take their profession too seriously, as if the fate of the world rode on whether or not they could create a perfect risotto or vegan chili.” “I’ll admit this: I never thought I’d see someone like Rainbow Dash be interested in a cooking competition.” “And with that new-found interest, she might want to learn more about the subject. And she might spread the word to others who would not normally be interested. Bringing the joy of cooking to the masses; that’s what I’m truly interested in. And if it takes a couple silly devices for that to happen, I’m all for it.” “I can certainly see that. I just wish you could have seen my friends at their best.” “Well, I believe we have a sharp disagreement here. To me, I saw the very best that your friends had to offer … and I’m thoroughly impressed with their poise and determination. In fact, I think a competition like this really does showcase the best that chefs have.” “I don’t quite follow.” “When do we see the best in civilization as a whole? To me, it’s when things are at their darkest. When all hope appears lost. That’s when the great ones really come through, in all aspects of life. Now I’ll grant that there is no true importance in something as trivial as a cooking competition, certainly not when compared to the trials that you and your friends have been through. But I’ll bet that your best moments came during those darkest times. I’ll bet you look back on those times with reverence, as opposed to fear, as you now know you are capable of far more than you ever thought before.” “You certainly make a strong case, Almond Brownie. And it was one of the more entertaining spectacles I’ve ever been a part of. I look forward to seeing you the next time you’re in the area.” “That’s wonderful. I’m very glad to hear that from you. And, I very much appreciate your honesty.” “So, do you think you’ll have another one of these events any time soon?” “I certainly expect to. Now then, I believe Princess Celestia set up a tidy little after-event soiree in the main ballroom. So far as I know, there will be no tying of hooves together for the festivities.” * * * * Conversation runs rampant on the morning train back to Ponyville … “Honestly, Twilight, I don’t know what came over me. Just got caught up in the moment, I guess. Too bad, though; a little more rational thought, and I would’ve walked away with over four thousand bits.” “It wouldn’t have even come to that if I didn’t bid so much for that artwork sabotage. But, as you said, there’s something about the thrill of the moment, I guess.” “Aw, you two fret too much over things like bits,” Pinkie decrees to both Applejack and Rarity. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I had a blast! I think we all had a blast! That’s worth more than any ‘bits’ could pay for, right?” “It was a unique experience,” Fluttershy admits, “but I look forward to watching the next contest entirely from the sidelines.” Twilight adds, “I’m looking forward to receiving Almond’s book, once it’s ready. It’ll be weird to read about our exploits in print.” “It’s just a shame that so few ponies got to watch this.” “Sorry Pinkie, but I can sleep a little better knowing that thousands of ponies from across Equestria won’t have the opportunity to watch me stumble around, tied to Applejack and doing minuet dances across a kitchen floor.” “Well, I’d still love another ride in that mixing bowl.” “Next time Ponyville hosts the water-generating for Cloudsdale, I’ll be sure to throw you into the hurricane.” Rainbow’s crack generates laughs from all ponies, followed by sighs of relaxation. “So Applejack; I know it isn’t much, but got any ideas for how you’re gonna spend that hundred bits?” “Indeed I do, Twilight: I’m takin’ the six of us out to the Truffle Tavern for dinner. Complementary apple salads are on me!”