"Twilight! I got your room set up." Night shouts exhausted.
"Okay!" Twilight shouts as she leaves the room to head upstairs. Once upstairs she took one good look around and noticed a few remarkable things.
First the room was atleast four times bigger than her room in Canterlot. Second It had a fully functioning test kitchen and larder installed. And finally the bed from home has been moved here. The room itself had same wallpaper and flooring. However it also has a balcony that was overlooking the city.
Twilight opens the door and walks onto the balcony, moving closer to the edge she looks over the city. In front of her was her new school, 'Lunarium' and to the left was the train station which she arrived from yesterday. Her stuff however arrived only today, so yesterday there were still in Canterlot. These buildings were the centerpiece of the city, the station was made from white steel and the school was mostly made from brick, yet these stood out as they were both absolutely massive. Despite the distance from which she was viewing these two buildings, they still appeared massive.
The view was amazing but nothing could beat the beauty of her new home. As she turns around, she looks at her new home. It had three floors and was comprised of many rooms. From them all, there were three rooms that stood out.
One would be the 'Astrologist' work room, it was a room with the most accurate ceiling wallpaper made to date. It held as many stars as ponykind had discovered so far. And lots of bookshelves holding thousands of books about the universe. It was dad's new workplace.
On the other hoof, mom's new workplace wasn't moved here. As the building was unable to hold the weight of her workspace. Not to mention, moving thousands of kilo's of sand up and down would be impossible. So Velvet decided that her home in Canterlot wouldn't be sold, otherwise she would lose her workspace.
However, the two other rooms were, Twilight's room and the gym. The gym was huge as it also housed a swimming pool and a full sized soccer field. These were the things that made Twilight's new home special and a tad bit lonely.
Satisfied she walked back inside from the balcony, when Velvet suddenly entered the room. She was carrying some books, which she placed next to Twilight's bed. Moving her attention back to Twilight.
"Twilight. There is a friend at the door. Her name is Lulu." Velvet said.
"Okay. I will go downstairs." Twilight replied.
"Do that. Your parents will meanwhile finish the move. You just go and get used to this new place." Velvet stated, pushing Twilight out of the room.
Twilight nodded as Velvet closed the door. Twilight then moved towards the living room. Once at the living room, she spots not just Lulu, but also Leaf and Morning.
"Nice place you got here." Leaf said with a hint of jealousy.
"Thanks, but it is a bit too big for a family of three." Twilight said scratching the back of her head.
"That it is. Wait, three?" Morning asks.
"Yeah. Shining is going to stay in Canterlot. Something about his girlfriend or something." Twilight said disappointed.
"Ah. I see. Yeah, I heard that Cadence has gone missing." Lulu explains while eating a cookie that she got from Velvet.
"Huh, that's odd. I remember her saying, something about the crystal empire. Oh well, that is none of my business. I need to focus on school." Twilight said a bit confused.
"By the way. When is your school going to start, Twilight?" Morning asks.
"That won't happen for atleast this week. They say that next week is the openings day." Twilight said sipping some thee.
"I see. Then how about we go and explore Manehattan?" Leaf suggests.
"I would love to. But I already got my hooves on an old cookbook from Lunarium. It was made in the golden years and I have been waiting to use it." Twilight said.
"Oh? Can we see it?" Leaf asks.
"Again I would love to, however the book is ancient Equestrian. I have yet to translate it." Twilight said.
"I see. How did you obtain such a museum piece?" Morning asks more curiously then before.
"That's..." Twilight thought about how to discretely say it. "It's complicated. I can tell you, but be quiet about it."
"We will." Lulu answered too fast.
Twilight sighed, "Okay, so this house has a slight flaw. One of the bedrooms is enchanted into the penthouse and can't be removed. However the books on the shelves can be touched, only with the permission of royalty. Luckily I got Luna's permission. But this book might contain things, not intend to be found. Because of this, Celestia must not find out. Or this thing might turn into a grimoire and a bad one at that." she explained.
"Is it because of Luna's bad connection to her?" Leaf asks, which was totally ignoring Lulu and Morning's shock at Luna's name.
"It is one of the reasons. More than that, I can't reveal." Twilight explained.
"We understand. Please be careful. We will leave you to that. If you find any recipe that might be useful. You better tell us. Or we might reveal it after all." Morning warns.
"Of course. I understand. If this book turns into an nightmare. I shall reveal it to Celestia." Twilight promise.
'That is a good promise. Please keep it to such a reason.' A mysterious voice stated worried.
Twilight heard it and nodded. The others decided to leave Twilight to it. Twilight meanwhile casted her most powerful and safest seal spell on the book. To protect it from the wrong ponies.
Meanwhile Velvet and Night watched Twilight quickly safeguard the book. At the worried foreboding of her parents. And Twilight quickly went back to explore.
Velvet and Night looked at each other. "Should we report this?" Velvet asked.
"No. Too dangerous. If Luna is truly watching, then she will help Twilight. I am sure about that." Night said worried.
"I hope so." Velvet said.
Twilight meanwhile entered the library. It was large, but nothing compared to Canterlot Library. Grabbing the book, she starts to record and translate her finding onto another book.
'Recipe of the gods.' The title of the first page stated, Twilight knew that most bad books usually had such a title. Knowing the extreme danger she was now in. She casts every single holy spell in the room to assure her own safety. The walls, ceiling and floor were now as bright as holy magic itself.
'Today was my first day. It truly is, the start of my school, from which it is far from civilization, Lunarium has started I heard about *----* that she absolutely loved her first day. I can't help but wonder if documenting this event was truly a good idea. My sister said that it would bring me closer to her sun.'
Twilight couldn't help but wonder. Who was the first student and why was it blacked with ink. However now she was sure. This is not only a diary as it's also a document. Most likely written by Luna.
'But I can't help but wonder, why was Luna so sad. I thought she loved the attention, yet here she is. sluggishly walking around. She would call me *----* and I would approach her, she would always complain about being tired of Celestia's food, yet when the food would appear before her, she would always eat it. '
Twilight was now very confused. If the one calling Celestia her sister, yet it wasn't Luna. Who is this then? Nightmare Moon? Was she something else before what she is now? And why was the name always covered in black ink?
Twilight had now more questions than answers. However she decided that, that was enough. Moving the book into safeguard. She disabled the holy magic and left the room. Only to bump into Velvet.
"So, how is your book?" Velvet asked.
"Confusing." Twilight answered honestly.
"How come?" Night asked, also joining the conversation.
"According to this book, Celestia had TWO sisters. Luna and whoever those black spots were." Twilight explains.
"Hmm. That is not wrong. I have seen these details in other ancient books as well, yet when I ask Celestia. She knows nothing." Velvet explains.
"This book might be that creatures first diary. But it's extremely dangerous. I need to be extremely careful." Twilight said worried.
"We understand. I will make a holy magic enriched room for you to use." Night said.
"That would be appreciated." Twilight said.
"But for now. Let's eat some dinner. I made some..." Velvet started when Twilight blacked out, she used too much magic.
"Twilight!" Night shouted as Twilight collapsed. "She used too much magic."
"Of course. Then let's do something else. I will report Celestia about this book. But not the details. Is that alright?" Velvet asks.
"Go ahead. I will watch over Twilight."Night said as he levitates Twilight to her room and into her bed.
"Thank you." Velvet said as she teleports away.
Meanwhile Night was cutting up an apple for Twilight to snack on. As a worried spirit watches over the two.
*I told you. It would take too much energy.* ?? said.
*Sorry. I just wish for the world to know the truth.* ???? said disappointed.
*I know. I know.* ?? said.
*Should we help her?* ???? asked.
*Don't. She will be fine.* ?? stated. The two entities then mysteriously disappear.
As Twilight's first day ended with her being magic depleted and she herself in a coma. It would be her first day with the translation of her book underway and ended that same day. And while Night was hard at work to get a holy magic enriched room installed.
Twilight woke up around 12 O' clock, the following day. She woke up feeling very exhausted because her magic was being recovered at a fast pace thanks to her black out. She had gotten quite hungry because of it.
Twilight slowly exited her bed and headed downstairs to the living room. She totally forgot that she had her own kitchen, nevertheless she entered the living room and spots some apple bunnies waiting for her on the table. It had a note:
'These apples are for Twilight. Next time be more careful. -Dad.'
"Sorry dad." Twilight spoke below her breath as she guzzled her apples like crazy.
Feeling full, Twilight headed back to her room and into her test kitchen. She noticed a book on the counter with another note: 'The school gave you this. I think it is to help you get started in Manehattan. It's important. -Mom.' Nodding, Twilight opens the book and sees it's a recipe book for new students at Lunarium.
Most of the recipes in this book, Twilight had already made. Like pancakes and cookies. However there were some recipes, which the book called 'Ricetta', that was totally new to her. Like 'Pommes duchesse' and 'french fries'. She might have heard of them. But never made anything of it.
The book also held plenty of meat type recipes. Like 'Salmon Tartare' and 'Medium rare steak'. It was a book that Twilight was fawning over as it also held lots of pictures and the like. Some recipes were longer than Twilight has ever made before. With some recipes being over one hundred steps. She felt in heaven.
It was truly awesome until she got to page 53, in that page was a note. 'This is your starting homework. I expect you to make this in class soon. - Your home school teacher 'Minno Pepe''
'Pepe? Is Lulu's family going to my teacher?' Twilight thought smiling pleasantly.
Twilight looked at the page and noticed two things about the recipe. For one, Lulu loved making this and two it was a relatively easy recipe. It was Carpaccio. Twilight has also made this atleast a hundred times during the time she was in charge of making lunches for Lulu.
'Generally speaking, it's a red meat with arugula with mayo and some nuts. But it's complex in the fact that the meat has to be paper thin. Luckily I was forced to learn how to, thanks to Lulu.' Twilight thought as she was groaning.
'But, I might as well get used to my test kitchen. Let's make it.' Twilight thought.
Twilight started by washing her hooves and putting her hair in a net. She then grabbed her chef's knife and a wooden cutting board, she made sure to secure the cutting board to the counter using a large piece of wet paper as a medium. And also she grabbed some beef loin from her fridge and placed it onto the cutting board. Before getting started, she grabbed some spices from her cabinet. The Worcester sauce and a bottle of lemon juice she obtained from a different cabinet. And a mixing bowl for the marinade
With everything on the counter, she started with putting the Worcester sauce and lemon juice into the bowl, alongside the spices. The spice combo she used was, Pepper, Salt, Paprika powder, Garlic powder and some Red pepper powder. Mixing it together with a whisk. After everything was well mixed together. Twilight applied the mix onto the beef loin.
After everything was applied Twilight placed it back into the fridge for another hour or so. While waiting Twilight was about to clean the bowl when suddenly.
"Twilight?!" Night shouted from downstairs.
"Yes?!" Twilight shouted back.
"Lulu and her friends are here again!" Night exchanged.
"Send them to my room. I am currently making something!" Twilight shouted back.
"Okay!" Night exclaimed.
And after some loud sounds on the staircase. Someone knocked on Twilight's door.
"Come in." Twilight said.
"Hey, Twi!" Lulu said as the same gang as yesterday entered Twilight's room.
"Hey." Twilight said.
"What are you making?" Leaf asked, although she did smell lemon juice in the air.
"Carpaccio. I am currently practicing with my new kitchen." Twilight said as she cleaned her bowl up.
"Oooh. For who is it?" Lulu asked excitedly.
"Nobody. I was just making it." Twilight said with a smirk. She had a feeling what she was going to ask.
Lulu noticed the smirk and shrugged, "So you don't mind then?" she suggests.
"Of course not. It is my starting homework for school." Twilight said.
"We have homework?!" Leaf asks surprised.
"It's inside the cookbook that you received." Twilight points out.
"Oh no. I brought it with me, let me see." Leaf said anxiously as she flipped through the pages. And when she landed on the page, she gasped and quickly hid the book.
"What did you get?" Morning asks with a smirk.
"I am not telling." Leaf said childish.
"Oh come on. I told you mine." Twilight said also with a smirk.
"UGH. Fine. I got pea soup." Leaf said, "I hate peas." she added.
The others laughed when Leaf turned her attention on Lulu. "Well?! What about you?" Leaf asks annoyed.
"I have to make a Caprese salad." Lulu simply said.
"Oh dear. Is it the one with a hundred steps?" Twilight asked.
"Yup. Don't worry. I have made it several times." Lulu said with a smile.
Twilight and Lulu simply blinked at her nonchalance. Morning simply smiles at it.
"Well. It would seem that Lulu is a better chef than Twilight." Morning said, trying to lift their spirits.
"Yeah." Leaf replied.
And although Lulu beamed. Twilight wasn't beaming. She hadn't forgotten about her first attempt.
"We will see about that." Twilight said halfheartedly.
Morning and Leaf noticed Twilight's the lack of enthusiasm while Lulu didn't.
"Exactly!" Lulu said with a competitive smile.
"Anyways." Twilight said trying to forget their previous conversation. "I think I should start cutting the beef loin. Do you two also want some?" she asks.
"Sure." Leaf and morning replied.
Twilight washed her hooves again and followed it up but putting a new hair net on. She then removed the beef from the fridge and grabbed the knife on the counter. She proceeds to also grab three black plates.
Leaf notes that black plates are Twilight's trademark as she uses them all the time.
Before Twilight starts cutting, she first moves a piece of paper over the plates to remove possible dust. After throwing the paper in the bin. She starts to cut paper thin beef loin like a professional. You could practically see through the beef.
After each cut she places the beef onto each plate until the plates were full. After there were full, Twilight would place the beef back into the fridge.
After that Twilight began to plate each and every one of them. Putting some nice thin strips of truffle mayo onto each plate, then putting some roosted pine nuts and some coarsely grated Parmesan cheese. And finishing it with some arugula.
Twilight was about to give each a plate when she remember her personal touch, placing them back on the counter. She added bits of pineapple to the Carpaccio.
Twilight then used her magic to give each their plate and also to use magic to move some tables and chairs from downstairs into her room. Everyone then calmly ate their Carpaccio.
"So how is it? It's my first dish using this new kitchen." Twilight asks.
"It taste like you." Leaf said, which caused Morning and Twilight to look weird at her.
"What do you mean?" Morning asks.
"Everyone has ways to make things. Your dish taste exactly like how only you would make it." Leaf explained.
"That is a complement, right?" Twilight asks, which caused Leaf to nod, "Okay, thanks." Twilight added.
"I also like it. The pineapple is a surprising addition though. I was not expecting it. In a good way, of course." Morning said.
Lulu on the other hoof, was totally ignoring Twilight as she greedily ate her Carpaccio.
"I think, she likes it." Leaf said, with wide eyes.
"Not necessarily. She just doesn't speak until it's finished." Twilight explained. "I guess, in the meantime I will clean my kitchen."
While Twilight cleaned, Lulu was finishing up her Carpaccio. Leaf and Morning weren't even halfway done.
"Okay. So you wanted feedback?" Lulu asked while cleaning her mouth.
"If you don't mind." Twilight said.
"Of course not. I loved it. Your Carpaccio is my personal favorite. In fact I told my sister all about yours. Her name is Minno. She is my older sister." Lulu said.
"That explains it. My homeroom teacher is Minno Pepe." Twilight said, which caused Lulu to beam.
"Really?!" Lulu asks excited.
"Yeah." Twilight said.
"Yes! She is indeed the teacher in charge of the geniuses." Lulu said happily.
"Is she as scary as I have heard?" Leaf asks.
"Only if you blame everyone but yourself." Morning said, before Lulu could.
"You know her?" Lulu asks.
"Of course. I beat her for 3rd place at the champions league." Morning said prideful.
"Nice!" Leaf said impressed.
"With what dish?" Lulu asked.
Morning's smile became scarily large. "Carpaccio." she simply states.
Lulu, Leaf and Twilight blinked with wide eyes.
"Wow. I heard that she only lost by a single point." Leaf said impressed.
"She didn't put enough salt in her dish." Morning said smirking.
"Oof. That was very close then." Twilight said impressed also.
"We were best friends. It was my personal favorite fight of the league." Morning said saddened.
"What about now?" Leaf asked.
"I lost connection with her." Morning said disappointed.
"I heard great things about that fight from Minno." Lulu said amazed, "She wants to have a rematch someday."
"I don't know." Morning said, "I am not as good as back then."
"She is still search for you, you know. Ever since your disappearance. She has been searching non-stop." Lulu said.
"Really?!" Morning exclaimed blinking.
Lulu nodded, "She keeps saying that, that match didn't count." she said smiling.
Morning laughed wholeheartedly for a good minute then. "I see. *Wheeze*" she said wheezing.
"Perhaps, you should fight her again for the title of the best Carpaccio." Twilight offered.
"Perhaps." Morning said, still trying to gasp for air.
"I think. That your feeling of being lost is gone, no?" Leaf said.
"That it is." Morning said.
"How about this. We have a week before school starts, how about having some food showdowns with us?" Lulu asks.
"Sure. But remember, I am a teacher with atleast a lot more years of experience." Morning said smirking.
"All the more embarrassing if you lose against us!" Twilight exclaimed with a smirk.
"Okay. Were and when?" Morning asks Twilight.
"Here and right now." Twilight gets her throat ready. "DAD! Food Duel!!!" She shout on the top of her voice.
"UNDERSTOOD!" Night shouts back. Downstairs he pushed a secret book lever and the living room disappears as two kitchens facing each other appears with two spots lights coming from the ceiling.
"IT'S READY!" Night exclaims from downstairs.
"Well, Let's go." Twilight offered to Lulu, Leaf and Morning. And as they head downstairs the three visitors are surprised with the sudden tense atmosphere from Night and Twilight.
Twilight then casually walked to the left most kitchen and gets it ready, while Night does the other one.
"Well, Morning? Ready?" Twilight said with a lot of determination.
"Who will be the judges?" Morning asks.
"Me, Night and Lulu." Velvet said out of nowhere.
Morning nods, "Understood. Who decides the theme?" she asks.
"Leaf does." Twilight said before anyone else.
Twilight and Morning looks at her direction, "So what is the theme?" Morning asks again.
"Uh," Leaf fumbled with her hooves, Before regaining her thought, "It's..." she said in suspense.
"Beef Loin!" She shouts as loud as possible.
Twilight eyes widen, as Morning immediately grabbed the best one possible and got to work.
While Morning already got started, Twilight fumbled about, unsure about what to make.
Twilight decided that making a medium rare steak with red wine was the best thing she could come up with. Twilight was a very fast chopper, thanks to her work at Snowdrop. So she started with fine chopping three shallots and melting some butter in a pan. After the butter was melted, she added the shallots to the pan and cooked it for 7 minutes.
Meanwhile she made some beef broth using a cheap broth cube and some water, using high heat to get it quickly to medium high heat. After that and with the shallots ready, she added some port and the broth to the shallots. Alongside it she added thyme, salt, pepper and sugar. For another 30 minutes.
Meanwhile she melts some butter in a separate pan and moves the molten butter in a mixing bowl with some flour.
Leaf notes that this was to make the sauce thicker.
After 30 minutes she adds the sauce thickener to the pan, spoon for spoon and whisks it together. When the sauce looks smooth, she stops whisking.
Now that Twilight was done with the sauce, she marinades the beef and bakes it for 10 minutes on one side in a skillet. She then moves the skillet into an oven and heats it in a 400 degrees Celsius oven for about 15 minutes. Moving it out of the oven and removing the beef from the skillet onto a cutting board, letting it rest for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile she adds the juices from the skillet into the pan with the wine sauce, whisking it to combine as she reheats the sauce. Twilight then grabbed her iconic plate, the black plate. And place a bit of sauce on it, before cutting the beef and placing it onto the sauce, with a little bit of arugula.
"Done!" Twilight shouts.
"I am done as well." Morning shouts.
Velvet nods, "What did you make Morning?" she asks.
"I made Carpaccio, with truffle mayo and mango." Morning explained.
Velvet's attention shifts to Twilight, "What about you, Twi?" she asks.
"I made a medium-rare steak, with red wine and arugula." Twilight explained.
"Very good. Let's begin with Morning's dish." Velvet said as she first smelled it.
Velvet, Night and Lulu then took a bite each.
"It's pretty good." Velvet said.
"The beef is thin enough." Night said.
"It lacks some spices." Lulu said.
"I knew I forgot something." Morning admitted.
"Now yours, Twilight." Lulu said.
They took a bite. And a sniff. Night appears to inspect the beef closely.
"The marinade is well done." Lulu said.
"This sauce is delicious." Velvet said.
"The beef is perfectly roasted. Very impressive." Night said, giving a high compliment.
"One moment. Let us decide in the next room." Velvet said as the three leaves the room.
Twilight looks at Morning's dish. "I personally dislike Carpaccio with mango. It removes the taste of salt if you add any at all." Twilight admits.
"Generally port should not be used for steak." Morning said.
"That is false. Only if it's meant for drinking. This is for both." Twilight said as she showed the bottle.
"Huh. You are correct. I guess I should look into some new ingredients." Morning said curiously.
"That you should." Twilight added.
"We are back." Velvet and the judges said.
"After some debate. We decided that Twilight's dish wins. After some talking we found that Morning's dish did contain spices, just not enough thanks to the mango." Night explained.
Both sides nod and shook each other hooves. "That was a good refresh match, Twilight." Morning admits.
"Good to hear. You can comeback here, to try and beat others if you want. We are always willing to help." Twilight said.
Velvet then pushes the lever again, and pushed the kitchens and spotlight back out of view.
"That was fun. By the way Twilight, your special room is finished." Night said.
"Good to hear. Can't wait to translate more of the book." Twilight said.
"We should go back. It's getting late." Morning said after looking at the clock.
Twilight looks at the clock, it's 14:00. One hour before school is technically finished.
"It was fun. Come back anytime!" Twilight said, waving at them as they leave through the front door.
The trio wave back, as they slowly make their way outside.
Velvet looks at Twilight, "I am just glad that you are okay. I give you one hour of translate time. Okay?" Velvet said.
Twilight hugs her parents, "Sorry mom, sorry dad." she said.
"Yeah. Just get started. Your time ends at 3 O' clock." Night said smiling.
"Yeah. I will get started." Twilight said happily, as she dashed to the room. Which had the book already inside.
"By the way. What was Celestia's responds?" Night asks Velvet.
"To keep an close eye on her and the book." Velvet explains.
"I see. We were already doing that." Night said.
"That we were." Velvet said as she kisses her husband.
Meanwhile Twilight was already in the room getting her notes ready.
'Okay. Here we go!' Twilight thought.
'It's day two of the opening of the school. Luna and Celestia are together inside a classroom listening to my teachings. They appear bored, until I offer to them that if they listen well, I will give them cake. Celestia immediately got focused but Luna appeared halfheartedly interested.'
'I guess. That she was also addicted to cake, back then.' Twilight said smiling.
'I ask her, "Why are you so sad?" She looks up at me. And shows a genuine smile. "I wish we didn't have to forget about you. Not like this. Blacky." Luna would say. My smile turns into a frown. "I know, I know. But all of the darkness produced by the elements of harmony has to go somewhere". I would say back. Celestia looks sad towards me.'
'The elements of harmony, produces Nightmare fuel? or Dark energy? That is worrying' Twilight thought worried.
'"But! Why would you sacrifice yourself?" Celestia asks. I ponder about that myself. I guess it's my destiny. I would say. Celestia's eyes and face close. "NO! There must be a way!" She shouts. I wonder if there truly was a cure. And wondered if food could be the cure. Not just to become me, but also to become separate to Luna's body. I hope who ever reads this would know.'
More than that wasn't there. At the front of the book it said, that more would be revealed over time.
Twilight meanwhile realized, the reason she could pick it up was, because it was her destiny to figure out the truth. It was the reason that she saw Luna's spirit several times.
"I will find out the truth and a possible cure. I promise!" Twilight exclaimed to herself.
It was today. Twilight and her parents are going to Ponyville for a Christmas party hosted by the mayor.
Velvet and the Mayor had been working on a way to earn money by selling artifacts from Ponyville's library to the castle. But it wasn't enough until one day, Velvet got an amazing idea. Why not make a lot of festivals and advertise them as one-of-a-kind.
Not only that, but they would also invite lots of celebrities and nobles to these events to catch the attention of Princess Celestia herself. Many events failed to do this of course, however one such event caught both Celestia's attention, as well as Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's attention.
And that was, the Ponyville Christmas event. This event was recorded by Celestia in history for one of the largest food event, since Luna's cooking competition. Not only that, but the actual event was larger than Ponyville and Manehattan combined. Making it larger than Twilight's birthday event* by 100 times.
Making it the first Princess event outside of Canterlot and Twilight's first connection to the citizens of Ponyville. Twilight however was still practically a baby, with slightly higher levels of intelligence than a normal filly her age. This meant that she remembered everything despite being extremely young and even back then, she was quite the eater.
In fact some could even call her a glutton if it wasn't for the fact that she was still growing. It also meant that when she smells food, she would run off or even teleport off. And using her baby eyes, she almost always got some food from each shop during her babyhood.
However, with her mother and father always being busy and Shining also being to busy with learning, mostly about fighting. Twilight's babyhood was actually very lonely. Which is why this event changed everything she was known for. And the day she would fall in love with the sparkle of Christmas and cooking.
The day she would meet Carrot and Cadence for the first time.
"Honey! Are you ready?" Shouts an impatient Velvet to Night.
"Just a minute! Did you already grab Twilight?" Night shouted back annoyed.
"No! Shining was already carrying her!" Velvet shouts back.
What proceeded was a bunch of loud sounds from the staircase and the sounds of a Christmas tree crashing on the floor.
"That better wasn't my tree!" Velvet shouts almost angry.
"It was in Twilight's room..." Night said with pieces of tree in his hair.
Velvet groans, "I took one hour to set that one up." She replied.
"Uh, oops." Night said with a guilty smile.
"Let's just get going." Velvet said with an annoyed smile and a roll of her eyes.
"Hey, you two ready-" Shining was about to ask, but stopped as he looked at his father state.
"A Chrwistmas twee." Twilight said with a smile and looking at Night.
"I was about to ask that. Why do you look like a Christmas tree, dad?" Shining asks with a smirk.
"I may have damaged Twilight's tree." Night admit.
"But why?" Twilight asks as her mood did a 180, causing her to tear up.
Shining realizing that she was about to cry said "Don't worry, your brother will make you a better one."
"Rweally?!" Twilight ask suddenly ecstatic.
"Really!" Shining responds.
"Yay!" Twilight said happily.
"Let's get going, you three. We will be late!" Velvet said suddenly.
"Where two?" Twilight asked curiously.
"Ponyville. They are holding a Christmas party there!" Shining said excited.
"Wiwth me?" Twilight asks with a tad hint of uncertainty.
Her question caused her parent to get a guilt trip. As they suddenly looked at each other, remembering that haven't been very good parents to her this year.
"Yes!" Shining answered for them. Although he felt equally responsible for the question.
"You swure?" Twilight asks again, still with some uncertainty.
"Of course my dear. You might even make some friends." Velvet said, with guilt present in their voice.
Twilight, the smart baby that she was, did notice the guilt in her voice.
"Yay!" she calmly responds although some uncertainty was still in her voice. Twilight, despite the reassurance, did deflate somewhat.
Night sighed, "Lets go. At this rate we really will be late." he said.
As the three entered the carriage with Twilight being held by Shining. They were off to Ponyville. Although their excitement got a tad bit less, thanks to Twilight.
After a long ride, with not much talking. They had finally arrived at the soon to be, biggest event in Equestria's history. And Twilight's turning point.
"Finally. That ride was suffocating." Shining said happily, he looks at Twilight and noticed that her anxiety about being somewhere that she has never been, showed her ugly side.
Twilight was dead silent. Her eyes were gray and felt lifeless. She looked practically dead. Of course, he saw her breathing but still. Twilight is scared. Her parental abandonment showed it self in all it's glory.
And a disguised Cadence noticed Twilight. Her face said it all, Empathy and uncertainty. She looked at Shining and asked, "Is that child your sister?"
Startled, Shining looked her direction, "She is." he confirmed.
"How about I will go and introduce her to the other children over there." 'Cadence' said, as she points to a kindergarten.
Shining looked at the kindergarten. It appeared mostly empty, with the exception of a single filly. She had orange hair and was playing with, what appears to be, a carrot? Although he looked mostly confused, he sighed.
"Okay, please do." Shining said as he gave his sister to the pink pony.
"We will take good care of her." 'Cadence' said.
"Thanks." Shining said, with guilt present.
"Arwe you leavwing me here?" Twilight asks saddened.
"Don't worry. I am just going to buy you a mystery present. I can have you with me for that, now can I?" Shining said smiling.
Twilight rose her eyebrow, she clearly wasn't convinced. "Okway." she said, as she accepted her fate.
"She is a bit smart. So please be careful." Shining pleaded to 'Cadence'.
"Of course, Right Carrot?" 'Cadence' asked.
"Yeah!" Carrot said as she held her toy up high.
Shining nodded as he headed into the festival. Which caused Cadence to turn around and brush Twilight's hair.
"Who are ywou?" Twilight asked Cadence.
"I am a secret princess." Cadence responds calmly as she grabs some toys.
"A pink one!" Carrot added.
Twilight with her smarts, connected the dots. "Princess Cadence?" she asks.
Cadence jumped at her name's mention. "How did you..?" she asks.
"I am smarwt." Twilight said prideful, which made her forget about the, in her eyes, practically abandonment.
"I see. She did look familiar." Carrot said.
"Shh. Don't tell anyone!" Cadence said.
"Only if you give me something to eat." Twilight said, somehow without making a mistake.
"You little," Cadence said as she grabs Twilight and start tickling her.
"Plwease stop!" Twilight shouted between her laugh.
"Will you keep it a secret?" Cadence asked.
"First my food." Twilight responds, which caused Cadence to continue tickling her.
"Fwine! I will, I will." Twilight finally says, defeated.
Cadence smirked and stopped tickling Twilight, "I won!" Cadence said happily.
"Concrawtulation. You won against a toddlwer." Carrot said annoyed.
Cadence immediately stopped celebrating, annoyed, she continued grabbing toys from the toy box.
"Who are you thwan?" Twilight asks Carrot.
"Who me?" Carrot ask surprised, noticing Twilight's nod, "I am Cwarrot Top. I love cwarrots." she said.
"Is your name a pwun?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah. I wish my parent gave me different name." Carrot said, somewhat annoyed.
"I wish my parents gave me more attwention." Twilight said in responds.
Twilight sudden response silenced both Carrot and Cadence. They looked at each other and Carrot beacon her to cheer her up.
But before Cadence could response, Twilight talked some more, and the following talk made her look a lot more mature, well besides the fact that she would fall over certain words.
"I mwean I get it. That's Life. But still, is work more importwant than me? And will I get abandwoned like in the bwooks?" Twilight asked Cadence.
Cadence looked at Twilight as she registered the word, abandoned and important. It took Cadence a full minute to restore her train of thought as she remembered her mother for a moment.
Shaking her head Cadence looked determined at Twilight, "Of course not. They are just worried for you. They want the best and sadly that costs money. However there is no way that they would abandon a cute filly like you." Cadence said, as her mind translated her words towards herself. Realizing the importance of what she just said, she looked determined at Twilight.
"Besides if they don't want you. I wouldn't mind adopting you." Cadence finished.
Carrot looked wide eyed at Cadence, feeling left out, Carrot jumps into the conversation. "Nah we knwow how to take better care to filly like her." Carrot said proudly.
Cadence and Carrot then proceeded to argue in front of Twilight. Twilight simply watched as they rebutted each other. Twilight simply giggled, until she noticed a white pony standing with tears on the other side of the fence.
Twilight once again connected the dots and realized that Cadence was abandoned for real. And that this pony is Princess Celestia. She began to realize the importance of friendship and hardship at the age of 3.
Twilight then approached Celestia's disguised form and said, "It's okway. I think she is okway now."
Celestia only cried harder as the tears wouldn't stop flowing, when it began to snow. Which was odd as no snow was expected today. The Pegasuses looked confused at the sky, there wasn't a cloud yet it was snowing.
Twilight looked at the beautiful snowflakes that was falling out of the sky when she heard a quiet, "Thank you." from nowhere. Twilight looked around to locate the source of the voice, when a snowflake touched her nose.
Twilight smiled, as she simply watched the snow fall. Meanwhile Cadence and Carrot stopped arguing when they also noticed the snow.
"Uh snow? Did you order snow, Mayor?" Velvet asked as she got closer to the kindergarten.
"I did not. And it would appear that even the Pegasuses are confused." Mayor mare said to Velvet.
"Mwom!" Twilight shouts.
"Did you have fun dear?" Velvet asked.
"The snow was from the snow pony!" Twilight claimed.
"From Santa?" Velvet asked confused.
"No! From the snow pony of the ice cave!" Twilight said mysteriously.
Cadence and Celestia's eyes widen all the way. They knew what she was talking about. "What is the password?" Cadence asked.
"Sunshine, sunshine, Ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake." Twilight replied without making a single mistake.
Cadence's eyes widen as a stream of tears fall from her face, "Mom!" She shouts as she weeps.
Celestia's eyes also widen, she knew that this pony was special, yet there was nothing special about her. Atleast not yet. Her smile turns soft as she undid her disguise.
Velvet and Mayor's eyes widen at her presence, "Your highness!" They said together.
Carrot looks at Twilight and asks "Can we be friends?"
Twilight looks at Carrot, smiling "Surwe!" she replied.
Carrot was about to shake Twilight's hoof, when Twilight tackled Carrot and giving her a painful bear hug. Cadence noticed this and quickly separated Twilight off Carrot. Which made Twilight giggle.
Twilight's giggle felt genuine, which made Carrot smile despite the pain. Cadence too felt it a bit heartwarming.
"So what do you want for Christmas?" Cadence asked Carrot.
"Uhm. I don't know." Carrot admitted, "I alweady have a lot."
Cadence nodded at her honesty, she looked at tad bit impressed too. As most fillies her age would have asked for a lot more. "How honest." Cadence said as she finally recovered from her crying.
"What about you Twilight?" Cadence asked.
"I want betwer parents." Twilight admitted honestly.
Cadence and Celestia looked wide eyed at her. Which caused Velvet to gulp. The gulp got Celestia's attention however, making her frown disappointed in her direction.
Velvet noticed the frown and dropped her head down in shame, she decided to leave Mayor to Celestia. Leaving the two in a slightly disappointed look towards her.
"Well, I wish I had parents to begin with." Cadence accidentally said out loud. Realizing she said it out loud, she clamped her mouth shut with her hooves.
Twilight realized what she asked in compared to Cadence's wish, causing to look disappointed at herself. Celestia meanwhile was shocked at Cadence for what she asked. And Carrot was shocked at Twilight's wish.
It got quiet for a few minutes as the group looked wide eyed at each other. Shining joined the group a few minutes into the silence, although he had heard everything. As did practically the rest of Ponyville, after all most inhabitants were standing in hearing range from Twilight and her group.
Twilight realized that she hated this silence more, than her lack of parental attention. She loudly cleared her throat, which caused everyone to be shaken for their daze.
"Twilight, I am back from searching for a present and found this book. Maybe you will like it." Shining said as she hooves her a cooking book filled with Christmas snack recipes.
Twilight takes the book from Shining and opens it. Which caused it to land on page 1 which said to following words. And something that changed Twilight forever.
"Christmas cheer! Although Christmas in a time for presents and happiness. Sometimes it's the day of miracles. One day you might be sad and alone, waiting for a present that might never happen. But the thing my mother taught me is this. Most presents are the best if you work hard to get them without receiving it. The time for giving is more important, than the day of receiving. Because cooking as all about giving, not about receiving. Food brings people together, without the need for a party or presents. You will Santa's chef, after all everyone needs food. To us and to you, if you miss socializing, than make something delicious. I assure you, this will make you and them happy. For the tree is the guests, the presents your food and Santa is the chef in this cookbook"
Twilight eyes shined at the words written in this book, as she and Carrot both look through it all. Until Twilight remembered something.
"Thank you, Browther!" Twilight said with genuine smile on her face.
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. ------------------------------------------
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.
After the anti-meat market, Twilight's days were mostly boring. She continued to practice Carpaccio and some other dishes like beacon and such. Which caused time to move quite fast. Making today Sunday, the last day until school begins.
Twilight was casually taking a look at a book about Nightmare Moon, or how her real name is Blacky Moon and such. Twilight was still searching for a cure for Nightmare Moon and Luna Moon. She recently found out that Luna was twin sisters with Blacky and Celestia. Making her really invested in this book until.
"Twilight! Your Lunarium schedule is here!" Night said excited.
"Oh?!" Twilight said as she snatches the schedule out of Night's hooves and onto her own.
Twilight's school schedule.
9:00 to 10:45 Homeroom which is taught by Minno Pepe.
10:45 to 11:00 First coffee break.
11:00 to 12:30 Theory which is taught by Bella Gratin.
12:30 to 13:00 Second major break.
13:00 to 15:00 Practical which is taught by Donut Lulamoon.
"I did a background check. And it is indeed Trixie's dad." Shining said as he walked inside.
"But, I though he was still debt!" Twilight said worried.
"Apparently the school bailed him out." Night said worried.
"Well, that isn't suspicious at all." Twilight said sarcastic.
"I am not sure either. It feels like there might be a bigger reason." Night said.
"I researched it. And apparently the school owed him or something. Not sure how, but he got hired there right after." Shining said.
"Is he aware of Trixie's fate?" Twilight asked.
"He thinks that she died, trying to run away from the mafia." Shining said.
"How do you know that?" Night asked.
"I asked the ones working on that case." Shining said.
"Hmm, please keep an eye on Celestia for me would you?" Twilight asked Shining.
"Why?" he asked.
"I don't want her to make a move now. Or I might get in trouble." Twilight explains.
"How would that be possible?" Night and Velvet asked.
"Our enemy is aware of me. If Celestia made a move, that might give them enough of a reason to make a move also." Twilight explains.
"Who?" Velvet asked.
"The mafia that is hunting for Trixie." Twilight said which caused Night, Velvet and Shining to gasp in surprise.
"So if Celestia makes a move, they too will move?" Night asked.
"Yes." Twilight replies.
"What would their next move be?" Shining asked.
Twilight then looked darkly at Shining as she moves her hoof and points at herself.
"No..." Shining said shocked.
"Yes." Twilight said grimly.
"I understand. I will prevent Celestia from making any moves. But, can I tell her why?" Shining asked
"That is fine. Just make sure that Trixie isn't nearby." Twilight said.
"Of course. I don't want her to fall into another depression." Shining said.
"She WHAT?!" Twilight shouted surprised.
"Oops." Shining said. "Uh, I can explain."
"Please do." Twilight said with authority.
"Fine. After you left I was in charge of Trixie. Cadence who was on vacation to the crystal empire told me to do so. It didn't help that I had to break the news about your move to her." Shining sighed during his explanation, "After she didn't believe my reasoning. She fell in depression. After that I decided to bake my special cake for those that are depressed. It worked, but she was worried about her father. And told me to keep him safe. When I told her that I am in charge of her. She asked Celestia instead. I actually haven't heard about it since."
"So, she already made her move. Pony feathers!" Twilight swore.
"I guess I have to watch my back from now on." Twilight added.
"Language, young lady!" Velvet scolded, Twilight responded with a grumble.
"What do you mean exactly? This happened in Canterlot, no?" Night reasoned.
"Manehattan is the core of their operation. The mafia I mean." Twilight replied. Night and Velvet gasped at the revelation.
"Does that mean you might be in danger?" Velvet asked.
"Yes. Yes I am." Twilight said saddened.
"Wait, how many days ago did the princess make a move?" Night asked Shining.
"Uh. A week ago, I think." Shining said.
"Isn't it odd, that we have yet to see the mafia's action?" Night asked.
"Huh. You are not wrong. Despite it, I should watch out." Twilight said as she was in thought.
"Luckily school is going to start tomorrow. Hopefully you won't see the mafia there." Velvet said.
"Yeah. The school is protected ground. And after the accident in Canterlot, their security should be at an all time high." Twilight reasoned.
"Isn't that perfect?" Night asked.
"Hold on. Perhaps the fact that Trixie's dad suddenly got a job there and Celestia's move," Twilight said out loud.
"Yeah. I wondered the same. Sadly I can't get any intelligence on that action." Shining said.
"No. It's very likely. Even though the school is controlled by a single entity, it's possible that Celestia influenced them to make this action." Velvet added to the conversation.
Twilight thought for a second and realized that this action was worst case scenario. If Celestia really helped Trixie's dad, then the mafia might switch to Twilight as she is an easier prey. Not to mention with Cadence in Manehattan, they might be unable to make a move on Trixie. But are a lot likely to make a move on, Twilight.
Twilight's face turned grim as she internally searched for an answer. She proposed to herself that the only thing on her name was her ability to cook. Which in turn might make the search for Twilight easier. Not to mention that in the school themself their might be an spy from the mafia.
Velvet was starting to realize that Twilight was starting to get very stressed out. She wasn't sure what to do. But the only thing she could think of was to hug her.
Twilight jumped as Velvet suddenly hugged her, "Mom?" she asked.
"Calm down. If the mafia really wanted to make a move. They would have already done so. The fact that you are here suggests that they have yet to make a move on you." Velvet said as she continued to hug her.
"You're right. Sorry mom." Twilight said as she calms down in her embrace.
Shining smiled. "Leave the mafia's moves to me. As soon as I see their actions and the moment they act on you. I will warn you." he said.
"Thanks big brother." Twilight said as she hugs Shining. Shining returns the hug.
"Okay. So while you focus on school. I will focus on anti-wildlife hunting protest." Night said.
"Yeah. I will watch Celestia's movements for you." Velvet said.
"Thanks, mom, dad." Twilight said as she pulls the two into a group hug.
"Before I go upstairs and make something to calm myself down. Mom, please warn Celestia about my relationship with the mafia." Twilight asked.
"I will." Velvet reassures.
Twilight smiles as she heads back upstairs.
Once upstairs Twilight heads towards her room. And once inside she immediately opens one of the school textbook about "Basic Safety". The book starts talking about some tips and introductions.
'Welcome to the introduction of Safety in cooking. This book will explain how to safely handle basic ingredients and the know-how when it comes to products that are expired. First thing first, When a product is expired, that doesn't necessarily mean it actually is. The date on a product is designed for the manufacturer and the stores. You have to rely on your eyes and noes. And in rare cases also through touch. For example, A chocolate muffin is truly expired when all taste has disappeared, but also if it breaks apart way too easily. For more examples and explanations see page 134.'
"Huh. I have some chocolate muffins, don't I?" Twilight says to herself. She then proceeds to walk over to the larder and grabs the set of three muffins. First she tests it on structure, but all three seem fine about that. However when she went to smell it, it smelled awful. She then immediately threw it away.
"Good thing I checked." Twilight said disgusted. She then moved back to her book to read more of the introduction.
'Now about basic ingredients. This book explains the baseline of products considered basic. It mainly talks about products that require attention. Like chicken, you see, chicken is easy and hard at the same time. First when baking it, you MUST ensure that it's cooked all the way through. Or you might get food poisoned, which in rare cases can lead to death.'
Twilight gulped at the word 'Death' but carried on reading.
'Again, there are many ways to prepare it. However this book is more on the safety when coming in contact with each of these products. Rice and flour do also fall under these categories surprisingly enough. Because Equestria can't produce these, and thus have to be imported. Which can carry a sensible amount of danger. For example, the crew is unskilled in moving rice, yet they do it anyways. If you are not careful, these rice can then possibly contain sea salt and bacteria some of which can damage and hurt those that consume it. Like that fateful day all those years ago. You see history does play a massive role in all of these safety precautions.'
"Oh?" Twilight continued to read the small section which the introduction of the book says 'Rambling'.
'You see, about one hundred thousand years ago. Before food standards became wide spread and after clovers act of uniting the races. There was a huge food problem, and that is besides the shortages. You see, during the war between races, many very talented chef died during the food purge that Pegasuses started. However, all was not lost. As amidst the chaos a single entity appeared. Her name is unknown, however it's said that this single chef saved the tribes from self-destruction. This chef placed a whole bunch of criteria under which the products must be handled. After her heroic act she was awarded the first golden chefs award and was named "Rainbow Prismatic Chef" which is the highest status chef in the world. She had only a single wish, which was to build a school. On some flat land, near an ocean and with plenty of resources around it. They named this school, "Lunarium".'
Twilight gasped, she finally found the first ever mention of Lunarium outside of "Her" diary. The book then explained that this was speculation based on historic recordings inside an abandoned cook school somewhere north of Canterlot. It explains that sadly everything else inside the school has been lost to time.
"Maybe mom can tell me more later. Right now I should really get started with lunch." Twilight says to herself.
Twilight then walks to the larder and picks up the ingredients for a chocolate muffin and a sweets cookbook. And reads the ingredients list just in case.
'300 grams of flour, 100 grams of brown sugar, 150 grams of granulated sugar, 80 grams of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, a half teaspoon of baking soda, 2 big eggs, 100 grams of unsalted butter, 250 ml of buttermilk, 150 grams of pure chocolate cut in cubes.'
"Yes that looks about right." Twilight says after inspecting the ingredients. And just as she was about to begin, she remembered the book about safety and quickly checked if every ingredient is still readily usable.
Nodding Twilight then proceeded to read the recipe while making the muffins and after some minutes, she fills 12 cups and puts it into a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for about 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, Twilight lets her muffins rest for 10 minutes before sharing her muffins with Night downstairs.
Today was the day. Twilight's exciting story as a starting chef. She is of course still young. But this school will have a lasting impact. And right now it's 7:45 in the morning. Twilight is fussing about her stuff while eating a sandwich as breakfast.
"Did you pack all of my textbooks?" Twilight asked Night as she searched her entire backpack.
"Of course. However today is only introductions. No need for textbooks, yet." Night said somewhat annoyed.
"That doesn't change the fact that it's my first day at school. I want to make a good impact on my classmates." Twilight said as she ate the remainder of her sandwich.
"I know. But you should get going it's 8." Night said.
"It is?!" Twilight looks at the clock. "It is!" she said afterwards as she rushes towards the door and heads outside without even giving a shout as she rushes towards school.
After taking the elevator down, she waved towards the nearest taxi and off she went.
The trip took 40 minutes to get there, but once she had arrived one of the teachers told her to get to the auditorium for the entrance speech. Once inside the doors closed behind her as she took a seat next to one of the students.
"Hello everyone! My name Tart Pepe, I am the vice-principal of this school. Before the principal makes a speech, let me explain what your school years are going to be like. The first year will be mix of theory, practical and some history. The second year starts to focus on practical and competitive. The last year consists of tests, exams and theory. Then after these three years, you will get another year of internships and going to places." Tart explains.
"Let's first get a quick word from the head of the student council. Her name is Flower Seed." Tart introduces.
Flower then takes the microphone. "Hello everyone. As you just heard, my name is Flower. The job of the student council is to ensure and quick and supportive response to actions that are done inside the school, but done outside the school itself. Let's say, club, competitions and the like. We also assist with financial support regarding home situations. Like poverty and financial abuse. We hope to see more of your actions." Flower finishes with a bow, before placing the microphone back on the holder.
Then a younger looking stallion takes the microphone, "Hello everyone. My name is Coffee Pepe. I am the principal of this school. Before my speech, let me explain a few things. First we have replaced the previous genius class teachers, as they were accused of having ties with the local mafia. So instead, they are going to get the following teachers. Minno Pepe is the homeroom teacher, Bella Gratin is the theoretical teacher and Donut Lulamoon is in charge of practical activities. Now on to my speech." Coffee explained before rambling about safety, health and random cooking information.
Twilight meanwhile was sweating about the information of the mafia. 'So, they tried to infiltrate this school?!' she thought.
"And now that my speech is complete. Let me explain what is now going to happen. Tomorrow at 9 class will officially start. Today the upper-class students are going to showcase what you could experience and the best chance to sign up on some clubs. Basically it's a bit of a festival. I hope you brought your bits because some of the high class food is being prepared also. We also invited a special guest, Royal Chef! This stallion is Canterlot's most important chef, so please go meet with him. Thank you and Welcome to Lunarium!" Coffee finished as he walks of the stage.
Everyone then rushed out of the auditorium into the festival just outside it. Twilight on the other hoof was not so eager, she was sweating about that small bit of information regarding the mafia. This caused her to still stay seated. Something which security noticed. Worried, one of the staff approached Coffee and points at Twilight. He nods as he started to approach Twilight.
"You are Twilight, correct?" Coffee asked.
Twilight turned to the call of her name, only for her to jump "Yes, sir." she said anxious.
"No need for the sir. Just call me Coffee." Coffee stated,
"Sorry, Coffee." Twilight said embarrassed.
"Very good. Now you don't need to worry. As far as I understand the mafia is yet to be aware that you have entered this school. They were mostly after your practical teacher." Coffee explained.
"I know. But I would be lying if I wasn't worried about it. After all, they sort of, are aware of my presence here too. I told them that I would become a chef." Twilight explained.
"I see. But don't worry. Princess Celestia seem to be aware of that. She has some secret guards placed on you. And is fully aware of your relationship with them." Coffee explain.
"She WHAT?!" Twilight shrieked.
"Yes. After your slums incident. She doesn't trust you regarding your own safety." Coffee explained further.
Twilight then just grumbled.
"Besides if her most fateful student is worried about you. Of course Celestia would ensure your safety. Plus the fact is, Trixie didn't get depressed because you left her alone. She got depressed because she believed with honest to heart that you would be targeted instead." Coffee explained.
"I see. I am sorry." Twilight just drooped instead.
"It's alright. So regarding the mafia. Celestia asked them about you. They said the following "Twilight? No we do not consider her a target. I just like to mess with her. She is so innocent and cute."" Coffee said in his best impression of that stallion.
"Well that is good news." Twilight said as she brushed off the cute comment.
"Which is why, you don't need to worry." Coffee said, "Now why don't you go have fun at the festival?"
"No. I got in the genius class through mostly luck and a some skill. I need to be prepared." Twilight said.
"No. I placed you there because you are the most safe. But you are skilled, stop beating yourself up." Coffee said annoyed.
"Okay." Twilight said uncertain as she trudges outside.
"Besides, we love to have you." Tart added too late. She was already gone. "Aw darn." she said saddened.
"It's fine. You did fine. I didn't know that she had a lack of self-confidence." Celestia said as she appeared from the shadows.
"Your highness. You are still here. I think her failing her first entrance exam made her tank a hit on her confidence." Tart explained.
"What happened?" Celestia asked worried.
"She was too tense." Coffee explained.
"I see." Celestia said as she warped away.
"She looked," Tart started only for Coffee to cut her off, "Relieved and worried." he said.
"Yeah. Twilight truly must be a special pony. For the princess to worry about." Tart said.
"Principal?" Flower suddenly asked.
"Yes?" Coffee said as he turn towards her.
"Royal Chef would like to Twilight. Is that possible?" flower asked.
"She just left. He is too late." Tart said as she spoke for Coffee.
"Darn. I will tell him that." Flower said disappointed as she left the auditorium.
"Even Royal is worried. She truly must be special. Keep an extra eye on her Tart." Coffee instructed.
"Understood." Tart said.
Meanwhile Twilight already successfully made it back home. "I am home!" she shouted, but none was home.
She saw a letter on the living room table which read: 'I am currently debating with local food distributors for a increased tax ratio regarding hard to come by products like wild meat. - dad.'
"Atleast that is going pretty well." Twilight said smiling.
'I wish my school life would be a bit easier as well.' she thought.
Twilight then entered Night's office only to see a huge mountain of paperwork. As she looked through them she noticed lots of letters to diverse local food agencies. Most of them were denied. But he didn't give up as she notices lots of letters to those same agencies some of which had about a thousand denies, yet he still eventually managed to get them to agree.
Impressed, Twilight looks through Night's reasoning and saw a bunch of mistakes. Things that didn't add up and plain old oddities. Twilight after a while decided to make a fake letter on behalf of a fake agency that will address these oddities. She hopes that it will help dad.
As she grabbed a typewriter and the most commonly used paper that she had, she began writing a letter. The letter went something like this,
Dear Night Armor,
We are from the food protection agency, Annabella. We saw one of your letters arrive at our agency. We are impressed by your cause and reasoning. However there were a few things that stood out as odd. For example, you stated that rice production would increase by 20% if we decrease the amount of storage we allocate for them. But that is just wrong. We suggest to increase the efficiency of production by improving work conditions for the farmers and increasing the price accordingly. That way our production would not only improve worldwide but also increase the quality of the products. We expect the price to increase by 30% but the amount of production will most likely increase by 100%. With a slight 10% increase in quality per each ton.
Yours truly, Annabella.
Twilight then added a fake autograph and put the letter in a sealed by stamp envelope. She then carefully added it to the pile of incoming letters. Just as she placed it, Night entered the house.
"Hey dad." Twilight said as she entered the living room.
"You are early. What is up?" Night asked suspicious.
"Oh they are having a festival. I am more interested in the learning aspect of the school." Twilight explained.
"I see. Welp make yourself comfortable." Night said he was about to enter his study.
"Oh, dad! There was a letter at the door. I placed it onto your desk." Twilight said gullible.
"Thanks." Night said as he closed the door behind him.
While Twilight went back upstairs to read some more of the safety book. Night took a good look of the letter that arrived.
"But this is," Night said as he triple checked the letter, "It's brilliant! But I have never heard of this agency before. Oh well, I guess I will make a copy and send the original to food agency HQ." he said to himself.
"Also I see no address? Just who in the world is Annabella?" he asked himself.
'No matter, let's see where this agency saw these mistakes,' he thought as he noticed more than a few mistakes in his work, "Horseapples!" he swore.
Twilight who was using magic to listen in got a bit nervous. "Oh dear. He is actually going to send it there." she said. "Oh well. No one will know." she added.
Twilight then read some more of the book before heading downstairs to make a quick dinner and to go to bed early. Tomorrow will be a busy day.
Today was truly the day. The first day in actual class. Twilight calmly woke up at seven and ate breakfast at 7:45. At eight she departed to school and around 8:50 she was in class. Only for school to start ten minutes later.
"Good morning everyone! As you all know, My name is Minno Pepe. I will be your homeroom teacher for the rest of your stay in Lunarium. I would love to do introductions. But sadly we don't have that time. I am going strait into teaching you cooking." Minno explained.
"Today we are learning about Basic Safety and not theoretical version, but the hoof on version. I will ask you a question and you answer it to your believes. I will write down your answer and you will be told if you are correct or not in theory class. And yes this is a test. So be on your best!" Minno said.
"I will call each of you into that room," Minno points at a closed room to the left, "And inside you will be told the questions and you will tell your answer. After this you can take a break until theory class which is at 11:00. Good luck. You will need it." Minno finished.
"First Twilight Sparkle!" Minno shouted, as Twilight followed Minno into the room.
"First thing first, This is not a test. We are just curious how high each of the student's ability lays. You will not earn points but you will earn bragging rights." Minno calmly and curiously explained to Twilight, Twilight now appeared much calmer.
"Oh and tell those outside of this room that the 'Test' was very hard and stuff. I will only tell you this information, so don't share it." Minno said with a mischievous smile.
"Okay. One more thing before we start." Twilight said.
"Yes?" she curiously looked at her.
"I may have fired your sister up to beat you at a food dual. It should happen in a few days." Twilight explained.
"Oh?! Who? I have many sisters." Minno asked surprised.
"Lulu Pepe." Twilight answered.
Minno's eyes widen, "You got her to," she looked very surprised. Overly so.
"Is something the matter?" Twilight asked worried.
"Well before she met you, she was very anti-food. You see people kept abusing her good taste buds. I am very happy to hear that she is become like this." Minno said as she smiled brightly.
"She is also overly obsessed in becoming as good as me. Even though I am nothing special. Food cooking wise." Twilight added.
"That is fine. Having some ambition is very important in cooking." Minno said, "Well let's start shall we? We can always talk about my sister more later."
"Let us begin!" Twilight confirmed.
Minno nodded, "First question, After barbecuing meat, some part are black, can you still consume it?" she asked,
"Yes, although it depends on how black, and the type of meat. Generally it is okay, as long as you wash the meat as good as possible before baking it. On a barbecue that is." Twilight answered.
"Second question, If your bottle of unopened sauce is expired. Can you still use it?" Minno asked,
"Yes and no. If you are at home you can possibly. In a restaurant you will throw it away immediately." Twilight answered.
"Third question, You have knife that isn't yours, yet it appears to be the only knife in your kitchen and you have to make something, will you use it anyways?" Minno asked,
"No! You should never use an unidentified knife in a kitchen. You can make plenty of things without a kitchen knife. Like things that are small and require minimal cutlery. Like a simple wrap with snack tomato and previously prepared ingredients." Twilight answered.
"Final question, What is my favorite food?" Minno asked with a mischievous smile.
Twilight rose her eyebrow at her, "Carpaccio." she answered.
"Well done. All those questions were correct. I hope to hear more about my sister through you. Now it's showtime! Go out and tell them a good lie." Minno said smiling, only for her face to turn dramatically serious.
"I will." Twilight said as she turns her face to a scared and overly pained face.
And as she steps out, she says, "Well those were some spartan questions. I hope not to see more of those." in a exhausted voice.
Twilight's behavior got everyone on edge and somewhat terrified. Then Twilight's face did a 180 and she said, "Well I am giving you extra. I asked her to give you guys extra hard questions. Feel my pain!" Twilight then laughed crazily.
"Oh come on!" Everyone shouted back.
Twilight blinked at the now surprised Minno. Minno regained herself and smiled mischievously at Twilight only to turn serious at the others. "Very well. Extra hard questions, coming right up!" Minno shouted.
Twilight then walked towards the break room as she out loud said, "That was fun."
"What is fun?" Said a somewhat annoyed Royal Chef.
"Uh. What are you doing here, Royal?" Twilight asked surprised.
"I am in charge of this year's canteen." Royal said, "But let me ask again. What is fun?"
"Messing with my fellow students." Twilight said with a mischievous smile.
"Ah. That I agree with. They need to light up. They looked way too tense." Royal said.
"But enough about that. Why didn't you visit my booth at the festival?" Royal asked annoyed.
"I am sorry. I had a lot on my head and wasn't exactly ready for some partying. I more or less felt somewhat obligated to improve my cooking after my failure known as the first entrance exam." Twilight explained.
"I understand. Which is why you are obligated to taste something I have made during the event. Everyone else answered based on my fame. Not because he or she actually liked it." Royal said as he drags Twilight into the canteen kitchen.
"Oh, okay!" Twilight said as Royal shoves the dish in front of her.
"Let's see. It appears to be some kind of salad. I can see some fish, I think that is red snapper. Some lettuce, some old cheese. Okay It smells kind of amazing. Let me taste it." Twilight took a bite.
"Yes. It's kind of terrible. The fish and cheese don't mesh well and the dish is trying to be overly sweet, but is more overly dairy. I hate it." Twilight said as she throws the rest of the dish into the trashcan.
"I agree. Everyone else said that it was amazing." Royal said.
"I agree, It's amazingly terrible!" Twilight said in pain.
Royal laughed out loud. "I guess their reviews were kind of true." he said as his laughing turned into wheezing.
Twilight could honestly not laugh, "Perhaps I should give you my dish. You will hate it." she said annoyed.
"Oh? It looks like some kind of sandwich." Royal said as he took a bite. "Oh! This is. Yes, this is terrible!" he said.
"That is peanut butter and mayo." Twilight said with a mischievous smile.
"Oh my Celestia. It's terrible. Who would eat this?" Royal said as he throws the rest in the trash.
"Cadence." Twilight said with a dead eyes.
"No. That is not possible," Royal said with absolute disbelieve.
"It's the absolute truth. You can test it can't you?" Twilight said.
"Oh lord. I will, later." Royal said. "Well, time to go back to work."
"Good luck." Twilight said and as she entered the canteen, only for her to be overwhelmed by annoyed students at her acting.
They were talking about her acting to be very realistic and that she was evil. But they appeared to be smiling. Twilight would simply mischievously smile at them.
"Atleast she is just mischievous and not overly serious." Twilight reasoned, which caused everyone to agree and disperse.
Twilight approached the retail side of the canteen and buy a single energy bar and a small packet filled with juice. As she took a seat and munched on the bar she took a good look around.
The room was quite large and boring. The wall are painted white, the same could be said about the ceiling. The floor is lined with pine planks. The tables and benches were both made of steel. The lamps too were made of steel. It felt like a prison. That being said, the room is much larger than a prison. It was the size of a large church. With a very tall ceiling and wide space. This truly felt like a church.
nonetheless Twilight finished her coffee break and moved towards the next classroom. Which was housed in a large library. It appeared that the teacher was already waiting inside. As Twilight opens the door Bella looked up.
"Your name is Twilight, no?" Bella asked.
"My name is indeed Twilight." Twilight confirmed.
"Thank goodness. I am terrible at remembering names. I am Bella Gratin. Nice to meet you." Bella introduced.
"Nice to meet you too. Are you perhaps related to Aspic Gratin?" Twilight asked.
"I am his older sister. Why? Do you know him?" Bella asked surprised.
"I was his classmate in Celestium. You looked similar to him." Twilight explained.
"Ah. So you are the, in his words, amazing chef that skipped theory." Bella said.
"I did skip theory. I was already advanced enough that that theory was too easy." Twilight explained again.
"I see. Just so you know. If you already know this theory, you are still not allowed to skip it." Bella explained.
"Don't worry. I wasn't planning on it. Besides the theory here is so advanced, that there is no way I can skip it." Twilight said.
Bella smiled, "Good." she said, "Please take a seat. Your classmates are inbound."
Twilight took a seat on the front row and looked forward to the class. After a few minutes, everyone has taken their seat.
"Welcome everypony! I am Bella Gratin. I am skipping formalities and I will get started immediately. Today is an important day. I am teaching you on Basic Safety." Bella started, Twilight grabbed a notebook and pencil as she listened to her explanation.
"This means everything related to the basic nature of safety in cooking. Let's start with Knife usage. The knife is a dangerous tool in a kitchen. If you are not careful, you might cut yourself or others around you. When carrying a knife, remember to hold it down and with the sharp end pointing to yourself. If it drops you have a split second to dodge it. Meanwhile if you carry it with sharp end outwards and someone makes a sudden motion, they might stab themself. So don't do that." Bella explained.
"Meanwhile, when you finished your usage of the knife, you must cleaning it immediately and place it somewhere safe. You don't want to clutter you station with knifes. Nor do you want someone to cut themself if you put the knife in water with the sharp point facing up. Once you are done cleaning it, you place it on a knife rack or in a knife block." Bella continued.
"When you need a knife, remember to use the appropriate knife for it. You cut meat with a chef's knife or butcher's knife. Cheese with a cheese knife, etc." Bella added.
"And finally when using it, always use the bridge technique. That means you put the point end on the cutting board and cut it down like that." Bella said as she showed the motion with a fake knife.
"Now about which cutting board is for which. The color says it all. Use green for vegetable, red for raw meat, white for dairy, brown for baked meat, blue for raw fish, yellow for raw chicken meat and finally purple for non-allergy produce, which means nut free or dairy free." Bella said.
"Make sure to use each accordingly. We don't want cross contamination in a kitchen." Bella added.
One of the students held their hoof up high to ask a question. "Yes?" Bella said.
"What if all the green cutting boards are used, yet the chef asks you to cut vegetables." the student asked.
"Good question. You go to the chef and tell him that there are no green cutting boards left. Which on should I substitute?" Bella said. "When he told you which one. You shall use that one and clean it immediately after use." she added.
"Did that answer your question?" Bella asked.
"It did." The student confirmed.
"Good. Let me continue." Bella said.
"The preparations before entering a kitchen goes as following. You wash you hooves, you put gloves on your hooves, you put your hair in a hair net. You put a chef's jacket on, you put chef's trousers on, you put a kitchen apron on. And ready you are." Bella said.
"Remember to clean you station before and after use. Only put the things on your station that you need in the moment. Everything else you remove. You want a clean and clear station. Make you experience as simple as possible. Also make it as efficient as possible. It's always handy to have chef's knife ready. These are the basic safety regulations." Bella finished.
"If you have questions, put it in my inbox that you will find near the teacher's break room. Thank you for listening." Bella said as the bell rings. "You won't get homework yet. See you tomorrow." she added as she left the classroom.
Twilight finally finished writing everything down. She and her classmates left the library and into the canteen. It's lunch time and the retail side of the canteen is being overwhelmed by the students wanting to get a snack. Twilight luckily brought lunch with her. Rice with a plum and some maize cookies, a small salad and something sweet.
As she snacks on her lunch, her head was still repeating the things that Bella explained. Twilight was impressed with the explanation. It was clear cut information. Simple, yet efficient. She couldn't wait for tomorrow. As Twilight took a look on her schedule, she saw that next up is practical class.
Twilight gulped at Donut's name every time. Just because they weren't after her or Donut didn't mean she wasn't nervous. Twilight had been searching for this stallion for quite some time. Making it all the harder for her to face him.
"Should I tell him about Trixie?" Twilight asked to herself. "I promised Trixie, so yes." she answered herself.
Twilight gulped as she finished the last of her lunch. She still had 15 minutes left, but she decided to use that time to talk to Donut about Trixie.
As she roamed the empty hallways towards the test kitchen classroom, she bumped into Tree Seed, the vice-president of the student council.
"Why are you going to class? You still have 15 minutes." Tree asked curious.
"I want to talk to Donut in private. Is he already in the classroom?" Twilight answered.
"He is, but why?" Tree asked.
"I am sorry." Twilight said as she shook her head.
"I see. This is normally not allowed. You must stay in the canteen until class is about to start. I will make an exception." Tree said as he wrote it in his book.
"Thank you." Twilight said as she moved on.
Tree watched her depart, "I wonder..." he said as he moved toward student council room.
Twilight meanwhile arrived at the class. She took a few deep breaths and entered the room.
Donut looks at the clock and confused at Twilight. "You are 10 minutes too early." he said.
"I know. I need to talk to you." Twilight said nervously.
Donut looked at Twilight, she appeared nervous, no scared. He puts his phone down and asked, "Sure, about what?"
"Trixie." Twilight said.
Donut's eyes widen as large as dinner plates. He immediately deflates, "What about her?" he asked.
"I am just here to tell you, that she is fine. I promised that I would find you." Twilight said.
Donut then just stood there. He was shocked. He truly thought that she was dead. As he caught himself he asked in a raspy voice. "Is that so. How is she doing?"
"She is doing much better. I found her a few years ago on the street abused. My family took her in and helped her get better. She is now Celestia's personal student." Twilight explained. Twilight noticed that Donut's face was gaining color. She realized that he might have gotten depressed by Trixie's potential death.
As tears filled donut's face he asked the one thing that Twilight was waiting for, "She is alive?" He asked as a clump got stuck in his voice.
"She is more than alive. She is having the time of her life." Twilight said.
At this point Donut was just crying out loud. "Thank Celestia, she is still alive. Thank you so much!" Donut said as he hugged Twilight. Twilight returned the hug albeit with less crying. Twilight was smiling, a big beautiful smile. A mature smile.
They were having this moment for a long time. Twilight had used her magic to lock the doors and cover the windows. Ponies were trying to get in 20 minutes ago. But failed as Twilight had shut it tight.
Twilight had than heard that Tree in the distance said that everyone can skip this class until tomorrow. Tree than said to Twilight though the door, "Take you time. I understand that you are telling him about Trixie. Thank you."
As 30 minutes had passed he finally let go. He was in a state of pure happiness and shock. "All this time I though she had died. The mafia can be ruthless." Donut said.
"As far as I know. Their power don't extend to the Royal family." Twilight reassured.
"That it doesn't. That it doesn't." Donut said on repeat. "So what does she do, besides being her student?" he asked.
"She works in a Donut restaurant. One of your rivals to be precise. Don't worry. That man has a heart of gold. He will take good care of Trixie." Twilight explains.
"I see. I am glad that she hasn't forgotten about our ability to make good donuts." Donut said with a smile.
"I am just glad that I found you like this. I planned to go on a pony hunt, once I arrived in Manehattan." Twilight said.
Donut laughed. "Yeah. I guess the princess found me first." he said.
"That is somewhat good news. But also somewhat bad news." Twilight admits.
"What do you mean?" Donut asked confused.
"Well. The mafia is aware of me. They are also aware that I am here. Luckily right now I am on their positive side." Twilight explains.
"Oh my lord. That is bad news indeed." Donut said. "Does the principal know?"
"Yes." Twilight said.
"Than you don't need to worry. He is very influential stallion. His power even extends to the mafia." Donut explains.
"Well that is good news. Should I tell Trixie about you?" Twilight asked.
"Please do." Donut said. "I will tell the rest of my family that she is alive." he added.
"Very well. Saturday is the day I will teleport to Canterlot. I will tell her then." Twilight explains.
"Thank you. I am in your debt." Donut said.
"NO! No debts." Twilight adamantly said.
Donut laughed, after a while Twilight joins in on the laughter.
"Very well. But we will repay you somehow." Donut said.
Twilight just groans with a smile, "Fine."
Donut smiles until he looks at the clock, "Ponyfeathers I missed class." he said.
Twilight looked at the clock 2 O'clock, Twilight class would normally end at 3. "We still have an hour." She said.
"That is not enough. Tell you what. You can go home. I will write this class down as a class the skipped class thanks to unforeseen circumstances." Donut said.
"Thank you. I will get going then. See you tomorrow." Twilight said.
"Wait. Take this business card. It has the location of my bakery on it. Well the original bakery. You will find a bunch of bakeries of the same name and same chain closer to your home. But please visit the original. It also has the business hours on it." Donut said as he gives Twilight the card.
"Thank you." Twilight said as she leaves class.
As she walked towards the exit she bumps into Coffee. Coffee looked at her with a smile.
"Thank you for getting him out of his depression. To tell you the truth. We never meant it to go this far. Some underlings of the mafia took things in their own hooves and force Coffee to pay up. When in reality he never had a debt. We just used it as an excuse to eat his delicious bread for free. Our underlings did not know that, which let them to forcefully order him to pay up. Which led Donut to tell his youngest daughter to run away. She nearly died in the process. When the mafia found out, they did everything in their power to get the daughter to return. Not because of spite or debt, but because some of them loved their donuts. And they were worried about Canterlot being to hostile to live in." Coffee explained.
"We never meant for it to get so out of hoof. Luckily she found a new place to make donuts and a new home thanks to you. Those underlings are removed to say the least. And don't worry, the mafia is just toying with you. They are interested in you because they see your talent. The mafia is actually just a cover for Celestium and Lunarium to do business with the underground. They are not evil and are actually protected under Celestia's law. They are legal mafia." Coffee explained.
"I am also part of the mafia, I guess." Coffee added.
Twilight mouth gaped at the massive piece of information. She looked at Coffee and then she fainted.
"Was that too much?" Coffee asked Tart.
"No. She just didn't see it coming." Tart answered.
"What happened?" Twilight asks herself as she woke up in the infirmary of the school.
"You fainted." Coffee simply said besides her.
"Ugh. Why did you reveal all of it at once? And in public no less." Twilight asked as she grabs her forehead.
"I made sure that we were alone. Besides I felt that it was necessary to tell you on the spot while we are still alone." Coffee explained.
"You have a lot to tell me. But for now I will accept your explanation. Although I am not impressed." Twilight said annoyed.
"We understand. I would have a lot of questions as well, if I was in your hooves." Tart said.
"Can you tell me one thing?" Twilight asked.
"Sure." Tart and Coffee said at the same time.
"Why didn't you just go to Celestia when everything was spiraling out of control?" Twilight asked.
"Because it happened very fast. By the time we had everything under control and explained everything to Celestia. We were only 3 hours further. That said, you intervened right when everything was under control." Tart explained.
"Not to mention, we were aware of your incredible magic power. We felt that most problems on Trixie's side was solved the moment you got put in the equation." Coffee added.
"I am going to tell Trixie everything. Are you alright with that?" Twilight asked cautious.
"Go ahead. Just don't share this with everyone. Especially don't tell your parents. They will remove you from this school." Tart said.
"I can't skip my parents. They are looking into the school and my brother is willing to go very far if I don't tell them." Twilight explained. "Besides I won't let them."
"Alright. Just be careful." Coffee said.
"Of course." Twilight said as she jumps off the bed and walks off towards home.
"Are you sure you should let her do that?" Lulu asked Tart.
"I trust your idol." Tart replied.
"She is not my idol." Lulu said annoyed.
Tart looks at her, "You have three posters with her face on it, in your room." she said.
"Okay. Perhaps I like her cooking, I swear that is it." Lulu practically shouted.
"Right, so you aren't bragging about her cooking skills, like every day?" Coffee asked.
Lulu pouted at that. Which caused Tart and Coffee to laugh.
Meanwhile Twilight has arrived at home. She felt especially exhausted today. Not only did she reveal Trixie to her dad. She also got told a unit of new knowledge she wasn't ready for.
As she sluggishly walked inside, she was suddenly hugged by Night. "I did it!" he shouted.
"Did what?" Twilight asked exhausted.
"I passed an act to better regulate the selling of wild endangered meat! This means that a lot of stores now require to adhere to very strict regulation. This also means that you need a license to hunt and sell wild meat." Night explained.
"That is good news." Twilight said happily.
Night deflated a little at Twilight's not-so-ecstatic reaction. "So, how was school?" he asked as he switched topics.
"Donut is now aware that Trixie is still alive. Meanwhile I got told that the mafia isn't an illegal group. They are legal on Celestia's law. Basically they are Lunarium and Celestium." Twilight explained.
"They own the mafia?" Night asked.
"They are the mafia. It's their way into the underground food market. They normally don't do debt making and such." Twilight explained.
"That does explain a few things." Night mulled over the information.
"How so?" Twilight asked.
"We never gave your friend Lulu and Leaf our address. Which means they knew that we moved into this particular penthouse. Not into the dozen other penthouses around our home." Night explained.
"Huh. That is interesting. I did not know that." Twilight said curiously.
"It is indeed." Night said.
Twilight suddenly had an idea and gained an evil smile, "So I can go to Celestia and report them on stalking?" she asked.
Night smirked, "You can. Although I expect Celestia to have foreseen this." he said. Which caused Twilight to deflate a little.
"I am going to Canterlot on Saturday. Which is in 3 days." Twilight said excited.
"Very well. I am coming with you. I need to explain some things to Velvet's party there." Night said.
"Very good. Now why don't we go ahead and eat dinner. Tomorrow is Wednesday and it will be another school day." Twilight suggested.
"Okay." Night said as he prepared dinner.
Twilight and Night ate dinner and went to bed. Early the following day, Twilight once again rushed to school and arriving 10 minutes before the start of class.
"Good morning everyone!" Minno said.
"Good morning!" Everyone replied.
"Today I am going to explain another tit-bit about Basic Safety." Minno started.
"Let's talk Cross-Contamination. So a red cutting board is for raw meat. I will tell you that also include wild meat. Like geese and bear. However each meat type has their own quirk. Like bear has gummy meat and geese is very chicken-like. Which is why certain wild meat types are on yellow or blue cutting boards, instead of red ones." She explained.
"However it's not recommended to cut bear next to pig. For that you should try to use a different cutting boards, albeit red ones. The color code is mainly for the prevention of cross contamination." Minno explained.
"It basically means, you don't want pig and bear meat to touch each other. It can create bad bacteria that might harm the poor pony that eats the end product. Or cause an unwelcoming allergic reaction." Minno explains, "Good question!"
"Anyways that is about it about Basic Safety. More you might have to learn theoretical and practical." Minno finishes.
Twilight throws her hoof up high again.
"Yes Twilight?" Minno asks.
"Doesn't Basic Seasonal Ingredients belong to Basic Safety?" Twilight asks.
"No. That mostly talks about what you should eat in certain seasons and what you shouldn't. If it does belong in it, it mostly belong in Advanced Safety." Minno explained.
"Now let's just do some self-studies on math. I will prepare our next lessons meanwhile." Minno explained, as Twilight opens her math book and diligently works on math.
After an hour of math, the bell finally rings and Twilight with her classmates enter the canteen. Twilight buys an rice ball and a packet of orange juice. As she takes a seat on one of the benches she looks towards the kitchen.
Twilight notices that Royal was not only getting lots of attention from her classmates, but also from the kitchen staff. To the point that even Twilight felt his uncomfortable feeling. Twilight rolls her eyes and stand back up from her bench as she approaches the group of classmates.
"Hey guys, What is going on?" Twilight asks curiously.
"We just want a rice ball made by Royal." Someone said.
"Yeah and some fresh juice." Someone else added.
"The rules state that you can only obtain that during lunch break not during drink break." Twilight stated.
"Your such a buzzkill. It only takes like 10 minutes. Not a big deal!" The same duo stated annoyed.
"You do realize that your behavior can get you banned from the canteen buffet all together!" Twilight replied annoyed.
The group looks at her, "Who would tell the staff anyways?" They ask her with annoyance.
"Uh, the guy you are bothering? He can still report all of you. Even if you call it a buzzkill, it won't matter. He has full right to do more than that actually." Twilight said with an eyebrow raised.
They all look at Royal, only to grumble and disperse. This happened on the exact moment that disciplinary staff member enters the kitchen.
"Is everything okay, Royal?" The disciplinary staff member asked.
"Yes. Twilight already resolved the situation." Royal said with relieved sigh.
The disciplinary staff member looks at Twilight. He smiles and nods. Twilight returned the smile. The disciplinary staff member then proceeds to take a seat in the canteen to prevent another case as the last.
"Thanks Twi! They would bother me every drink break." Royal said with a sigh.
"I see. Perhaps The disciplinary staff could reinforce the rules about the drink break better." Twilight said in front of the disciplinary staff member that took a seat in the canteen.
Royal looks at the staff member, only to start laughing. "Yes, I hope they will." Royal said while laughing.
The disciplinary staff member simply raised his eyebrow at Royal and Twilight.
"Now you look more relaxed. I am going to go eat my rice ball and drink my juice. I don't want to miss class after all." Twilight said with a smile.
"Sure. Thanks for the help." Royal said as he waved at Twilight. Twilight returned the wave as she sat back onto the bench. And ate her rice ball and drank her orange juice.
After a few minutes the bell rings and she stood back up and walked towards class. As soon as Twilight enters the classroom she notices a surprising lack of students.
"Where are the others?" Twilight asked.
"They got caught by the disciplinary staff for trying to sneak into the canteen kitchen. This is everyone." Bella explained.
"I guess they didn't learn their lesson. I already warned them. Well, good luck to them." Twilight said with a groan.
"I heard that you did that. Good job." Bella said. "Shall we start class?" she asked.
"Yeah. Let's start." Twilight responded.
"Today I will talk about Basic Business that means, the money side of food. Every ingredient costs money, including water. And every dish costs money. A business or Horeca* is a place to buy food and ingredients. Meat and milk cost money. And a donut also costs money. As it contains lots of different ingredients." Bella started.
"But an added cost is the production. That means the cost from ingredient to final dish. The plating, the cooking and the like. Paying rent, staff and equipment. Not to mention debt. All of these increase the cost of the final product. For a chef it's important to make delicious, efficient and inexpensive dished and drinks. A too expensive and disgusting dish won't sell. Which losses money and trust. Which you will need as a restaurant or cafe otherwise you will face bankruptcy." Bella explains.
"The average cost of a dozen donuts are 10 dollars. Even though the donut with nothing added cost only about 20 cents. This is why inflation and recess exists. I will explain more about that another day. For now please go fill in the questions of page 1 to 15." Bella finishes.
Twilight was especially interested in the business side of food. She knew it was important if she ever wanted to start her own restaurant. Not to mention the fact that she now understood roughly why some dishes on the menu were so expensive. Yet something in the book caught her attention.
Twilight raised her hoof up high.
"Yes, Twilight?" Bella said.
"Under which circumstance would you raise the price regardless of the cost of production and ingredients?" Twilight asked.
"Very good question!" Bella said proudly. "Let me explain that one."
"So besides production and ingredients, there is also another factor that plays a big role in business. And that is your guests. If you advertise your products to lets say, a commoner! Then you must remember this, They averagely visits restaurants more often. But they have less money. This means you need to focus on making delicious and very inexpensive dishes." Bella said.
"The same can't be said about nobles or royals. Nobles are generally richer than most commoners. They tend to visit restaurants based on their prices and exclusiveness. That means that it's delicious and rather expensive at the same time. They do this to show their capital off to other nobles. Not to mention the bragging rights. More expensive will also discourage commoners and the poor from entering these establishments. Which in this case is preferable." Bella explained.
"The royal on the other hoof is totally different. And also the most random. They visit whenever they want to. Regardless of price and quality. They tend to visit some restaurant more often when they have something they like. But besides that. They are very irregular." Bella said.
"If Celestia heard that," Twilight said with an evil smirk.
"Don't. You. Dare." Bella said with a smile. Twilight simply laughed.
"And to answer your question. Increase the price for noble and decrease the price for commoners is basically it in a nutshell." Bella finished.
"Is there a way to get both a commoner and a noble in the restaurant?" One of the other classmates asked.
"Yes. But it's very difficult." Bella said. "Anyways please finish those pages before the bell goes off."
Not a moment later, "RING!" the bell goes off.
"That will be your homework if you didn't finish it." Bella said. "Good luck with Donut. He is a strict teacher."
"I am sure we will be fine." One of the classmates optimistically said.
"Lets hope so." Twilight said uncertain.
Twilight and 3 classmates enter the test kitchen where Donut was waiting.
"Welcome everyone. My name is Donut. I am your practical teacher. I have 15 years of experience running my own business and my entire lifetime of standing in a kitchen." Donut introduced.
"Hey Donut." Everyone responds.
"Let us begin, shall we?" Donut said. "Let's start with Basic Prep. This is one of the most important curriculum and something to always remember."
"So, what is Basic Prep? Well Prep stands for preparation. In this case it talks about everything you do before you start in a kitchen. This includes, Cleaning your hooves, putting a hairnet in your hair, putting you hair into a ponytail, etc." Donut begins to explain.
"Let's start with the first step. Putting your kitchen clothing on. This ranges from thick heat and knife protected coats to thin t-shirt with minimal protects all-round. After that you put a kitchen pants on. Then you put your apron on. After that you wash your hooves and you put on a hairnet. In some restaurant you also put on a mask over your mouth. However that isn't always the case." Donut said step for step. While also showcasing each and every clothing piece and protection piece.
"You could choose to put water and soap on your hooves or disinfecting alcohol. They both do the job. Now that explained it. Go and follow my instruction and put it all on." Donut instructed.
Twilight and classmates then proceeded to do exactly that. Donut inspects their way of following the instructions.
"Very well done. You all seem experienced in this. Which is good." Donut praised.
"Now what do we do, you all may ask. Well I am going to put a bunch of vegetable on your test kitchen and a green colored cutting board. Each test kitchen has a name on it. Find yours." Donut said.
Twilight proceeded to take the one closest to Donut's desk.
Twilight looks at her test kitchen and sees some carrot, some leeks, some artichoke and celery. Before she starts she remembers something.
Flashback
"Twilight I am going to need some vegetables for my soup. Let me explain how you should cut them." Bella Lulamoon said.
"Wait is there a specific way to cut it?" Twilight asked surprised.
"There is. You should cut Carrot like ingredients into halve moons. These leeks I want with the green and tip chopped off. You can proceed to then chop it fine. Do the same thing for celery." Bella explained.
"What about Artichoke and the like?" Twilight asked.
"You would only put that in vegetable soup. But you should cut off the stem and remove the inside. Then finely chop the outside and put it into your soup." Bella explained.
End of flashback
Following that memory. Twilight quickly and effectively chopped everything exactly as was told.
Donut took a look at the classmates. They were still busy figuring out how to cut everything. Donut then moved to look at Twilight, only for him to pause and smile.
"Well done. You did exactly as I wanted them." Donut said,
"I don't care what the other teachers say. Twilight does belong in the genius class." Donut mumbled.
"Did you say something?" Twilight asked curious.
"That was nothing. Honestly this was all I wanted to teach you today." Donut said, he looks at the clock and said, "You can home Twilight. I have nothing more to teach you right now."
"Dad I am home!" Twilight shouts after a long day at school.
"Twilight, how was school?" Night asked.
"It was fun. I learned a bit about business and stuff." Twilight said happily.
"That is good to hear. I have some news regarding that new law I told you about." Night said.
"Oh? What is it?" Twilight asked curiously.
"Well you see, I found out that the law barely passed yesterday's court. 7 people agreed while 6 disagreed. It was a very close call. But I have run into a wall. You see, Celestia disagreed. Which isn't good. She might do something that might sabotages the whole law." Night said deflated.
"If she calls for an higher court then I want you to use me." Twilight said determined.
"NO!" Night shouted. "I don't want to use you. They might believe that I have no fighting spirit if I do that."
"Dad listen to me. Celestia cares for me. I am the perfect filly for the job. If we fight this, not as Night Armor, but as House Armor we might stand a chance." Twilight explained.
"You want me to..." Night said surprised, "But that is quite risky."
"It's perfect. Mom's ability in archaeology is highly respected. Dad's ability in astrology is highly respected. I have a lot of high ranking friends. Together we are The house of Armor and House of Sparkle. If we use the power of our nobility we might be able to force the balance to our favor." Twilight explained.
Shocked, Night just stood there. He was calculating the chance of success and the risks involved.
"Besides I have something for you." Twilight said as she hooves over folder with a classified stamp on it. "I collected some shocking information regarding the now illegal trade of wild meat. Believe me this will do the trick."
Night opens the folder and looks at the information. It took less then 10 seconds for his face to go from curious to shock and then to anger. "How did you obtain this?" he asked.
"Trade secret." Twilight said.
Night's eyebrow rose at that. But he didn't continue. "Very well. On sunday the higher court will be held." Night said.
"Good we were going to Canterlot anyways." Twilight said.
"Now with that out of the way. Should I make dinner?" Night asked.
"Please do. This heavy topic made me hungry." Twilight said.
Twilight and Night had dinner before they went to bed.
After a good night sleep, it was Thursday. Twilight ate breakfast and ran towards school as per usual.
As Twilight arrives at Minno's class she sees that there is a small commotion in front of the classroom door. She looks closer and sees that all the female students were looking at a young stallion which appears to be waiting for someone.
As Twilight took an even closer look, she immediately remembers that this stallion was the one she met in Canterlot. He stood at the time next to the stallion whose horn she destroyed.
Her face immediately became dissatisfied and annoyed. Twilight knew exactly who he was waiting for. And it was herself.
"Hey! Your name is Twilight right?" ??? said excited.
"What do you want." Twilight said bitter and gloomy.
"Oh come on! Can you blame me at the time? You blew the horn off my best friend's forehead!" ??? said annoyed in return.
Twilight simply raised her eyebrow, "After you threatened my, now, best friend." she said.
"Ugh fine! By the way my name is-" ??? was about to say his name when Twilight pushed her hoof into his mouth.
"I don't care who you are. Can you please leave? Class is about to start." Twilight said bitter.
"Blaze Pepe." Blaze finished after Twilight removed her hoof from his mouth. "Lulu older brother." he added.
Twilight simply gave him the cold shoulder and ignored what he just said.
"Anyways the real reason why I am here is to tell you this," Blaze moved close to Twilight's ear, "You should lose that court case. The Pepe household is dissatisfied with what you are trying to accomplice." he said.
Twilight looks at him, she then gives him a letter addressed at their household. "Don't worry, we are not looking for a fight." she said, which caused him to relax.
"We are looking to improve food standards. If your master reads that letter, he will know why we are trying to win this war." Twilight said with a smirk.
Blaze looks unimpressed at her, "Do you think that he will read this?" he asks.
"Do you want to fight with a household known for their combat ability? And incredible magic talent?" Twilight asked.
Blaze just walked away, not answering the question.
"I will take that as a no." Twilight said as she laughed maniacal which caused a random lightning to flash behind her.
"Where did that lightning come from?" Minno asked as she walked into the room.
"Not sure." Twilight calmly responds. "It's probably coming from outside as a rain cloud passes over us. Which appears to be moved by a Pegasus."
"That is very likely. By the way, why did Blaze look so, um, worried?" Minno asked.
"He suggested that it is a good idea to have a cooking and mafia household fight with a combat and magic proficient household was a good idea. In court that is." Twilight said.
"I guess my boss doesn't exactly like that potentially devastating law. Which is why he might be a bit upset." Minno said in a tone that suggests that 'Doesn't exactly like' is an understatement.
"Are we going to talk about law this class? Because I have been writing and collecting evidence to suggest that the law is a good thing. Also I am not afraid to talk about some, 'Forbidden law pieces', if I have to." Twilight said sassy.
"Let's not." Minno said.
"Your loss." Twilight said.
"Anyways today I wanted to talk about some sad news. Bella is currently ill so no one is getting some theory lessons for short while. I actually have been more bad news. If you haven't noticed but this is our class today. " Minno points at Twilight and two other students that always bring alongside Twilight a lunchbox.
"Because someone from the kitchen accidentally served some food out of date, which has caused more than half of our students to be ill of food poisoning. Some are in critical condition because of it. And yes that means they are hospitalized." Minno finishes.
"How many are hospitalized?" One of the concerned students asked.
"About 75% of those that fell ill. So we are talking about 7500 students that got hospitalized." Minno said. Everyone in class gasped in shock.
"Oh my Celestia. How could something this bad happen in our kitchen?" The other student asked.
"It was caused by cross-contamination. Someone forgot to switch out their cutting board, which caused the poisons from a bullet fish to end up in a whole load of other foods. In the end everything got contaminated. Which in some severe cases led to severe food poisoning and getting severely poisoned in general." Minno said saddened.
"By the way the law that we are proposing is not meant to ban the selling and prepping endangered species. It's meant to control it by inspectors. This is designed to ensure that cross-contamination and keeping these species safer easier. I don't want it to be banned. I just want that institutions to have a better understanding of the wild meat that they are buying." Twilight explained.
"Really? Is that really the reason?!" Minno asked surprised.
"It is. It truly is. Or more specifically it will be when I will propose it as a compromised between parties." Twilight said.
"If that truly is the reason, then expect our household to support it." Minno said.
"There is a catch however." Twilight said.
"And that is?" Minno asks curiously.
"It must be an organization that cannot be influenced by royalty or nobility. It must be created only to improve the goods and safety of the citizens. It cannot be controlled by any school. And lastly it must prevent the selling of and buying of endangered species." Twilight said.
Minno nodded, "Those are some fair terms. I am sure that most will go in agreement." she said.
"I hope so. Of course I have a few alternative plans if this fails." Twilight said.
"Very good. That being said today I will not start a new topic with so many students missing. I don't want to repeat myself. So instead in the next class I will teach you all how to make your own candy. This is not on any tests, I just want to do something fun with you all." Minno said happily, not a moment later the bell went off.
As Twilight and the two other students enter the canteen, they get a good feel of how many are missing. Twilight looks around and sees that besides them, there are atleast fifty other students.
Twilight grabs her rice ball and juice packet and takes a seat close to the kitchen. She looks inside and see that Royal appears to be alone.
"Hey, Royal! It appears that you didn't get hit by the bullet train." Twilight joked.
Royal looked saddened at her, "I had restaurant duties yesterday at lunch. I feel horrible as I am normally responsible for the bullet fish." he said discouraged.
"Don't feel bad. It happens, it isn't fun, mind you, but it sadly mistakes happen." Twilight said crestfallen.
"I am feeling a bit lost today. I am not sure if I should make anything." Royal said, he sounds rather confused.
"Tell you what. I will ask if I can skip candy making with Minno and assist you instead. Will that help?" Twilight asked.
"I would greatly appreciate it." Royal said hopeful.
Twilight puts her rice ball and juice back in her bag and leaves her table to head to the closest door towards the candy making class. She looks inside and sees Minno preparing to make some fresh candy.
Twilight knocks three times and enters inside. Minno looks confused at her, "What is the matter Twilight?" she asked.
"I want to ask if I can skip this class, just this once, to assist Royal in his kitchen duties. He looks awfully crestfallen and lost. He would really appreciate it." Twilight asked.
Minno simply smiles. "Of course you can do that. He was in a state of shock when I told him about yesterday. And he did look awful. I think it hit him quite hard." Minno said.
"Royal is normally on bullet fish duty. That is why he is so shocked." Twilight said. Which caused Minno to look shocked at her.
"I, see." Minno said as a whirlwind of emotions shows on her face.
"Yes. Please help him. I need a bit of time to think." Minno said with a hint of broken-hearted showing in her voice.
"Okay. See you tomorrow then." Twilight said.
"Yes. Have fun!" Minno said gloomy.
Twilight leaves a very heavy-hearted classroom to move to the kitchen. As soon as she arrives in the kitchen, she looks around. Everything was all over the place. Knife were places where they weren't intended to be. It went on and on and on.
After a while Twilight finally found Royal. He was standing in front of a window. He appeared to be quite depressed.
"Hey, Royal. How about I go and clean the kitchen first, before we start cooking anything." Twilight suggests.
"That sounds like a good plan. In the meantime I am going to figure out how much we should make and what." Royal said.
Twilight proceeds to first order everything. She moves every knife near the sink. Everything else is being orderly placed at the dishwasher. Twilight then starts cleaning every workstation. After that she cleans the floor and sorts the packaged ingredients in the cupboards where it's intended to be.
After a short thirty minutes, Twilight sort the whole kitchen and cleans it. She did the dishes and cleaned the knifes. The kitchen looked the way it's meant to be.
After a few minutes of assessing the kitchen, Royal returns with a plan.
"Let's make some healthy sandwiched. With egg, mayo, lettuce, tomato, cucumber. We are going to one hundred sandwiches." Royal said.
"Understood. I will start cooking fifty eggs. And prepare a proper mayo with spices blend." Twilight said.
"Okay. I will prepare the tomato and cucumber. I will also put the mini baguettes in the oven." Royal said as the started to regain his cooking senses.
Twilight grabs a big soup pan and fills it with some water. She then places the eggs in the pan and put to heat on high to get it to cook faster. Meanwhile she grabs a large bowl and fills it mostly with mayonnaise, she then adds an healthy amount of salt and pepper in it. With a small amount of paprika powder and chili powder for some heat. She then manually mixes it to a tasty mayo blend.
"Mayo is ready." Twilight shouts over the chopping of the cucumber.
"Okay. Please prepare the lettuce." Royal said in return.
"Very well." Twilight said as she grabs a crate of lettuce and starts to finely chop everything and places it into bowl and she mixes some salad dressing with the lettuce. After that the eggs were done, she then put it all under cold water to lower it's temperature and increase the changes the eggs stay whole.
She then peels the egg under a constant stream of water to make it easier to peel. After peeling fifty egg and placing it all in a box filled with water. Closing the lid and giving it a label.
"All done! Eggs and lettuce are ready!" Twilight shouts.
"Not a moment to soon. It's 11:30. We have one hour to ensemble one hundred sandwiches. Let's go!" Royal said "I will cut the sandwiches. You will make them." Royal said.
"Understood." Twilight said as her hooves started to move into a rapid motion.
After 30 minutes Twilight and Royal finished 100 sandwiches. They placed in the display tray and opened the window to accept students.
"I can take it from here. Here, take this sandwich. You deserved this extra long break. Thank you for bringing me back to my senses." Royal said finally smiling.
"Anytime Royal. Anytime." Twilight said happily.
"By the way Twilight what do you want to be when you grow up?" Royal asks curiously.
"I want to be a master chef. And own my own restaurant." Twilight said calmly as she munches on the sandwich.
"A master chef, eh? You dream big." Royal said.
"I will try to make that dream a reality. Right now it's just a dream." Twilight said dreamy.
"Of course. Now then it's lunch break I hope everyone likes these sandwiches." Royal said as the bell went off.
"I hope so too." Twilight simply said, "Even if they don't like it, You and I are the only ones in the kitchen. It's simply not possible to make anything complex right now."
"That is true. And I will ban bullet fish recipes for a while. Until everything has been sorted out." Royal said with vigor.
"That is a good idea. I am not sure if I want to eat anything with bullet fish involved for a while." Twilight said.
"Heh. I wish I could say the same. I have to prepare some at the restaurant in a few days. I had to because the princess wants it." Royal said.
"I see. Welp cooking duties goes first. Besides Celestia almost never eats it. She isn't a big fan of fish. It must have been Trixie's idea." Twilight said.
"Yeah it most likely is. I heard that she is big into fish. To the point I heard rumors of her having visited fish farms." Royal said.
"I know. But not just eating them. She also loves to keep them." Twilight said.
"Yeah. By the way she is wondering when you will visit her." Royal said, "Will you tell me?"
"Saturday. I will bring some news about her father with me." Twilight said.
"Ah Donut Lulamoon. I see. I will tell her that you will visit very soon." Royal said.
"Thanks!" Twilight said as she finished up her sandwich. "Well class is about to start, I will see you later."
"Will you visit my restaurant on Saturday?" Royal asks before Twilight had a chance to leave.
"I am not sure. But if you could, can you place a reservation for that day, please?" Twilight said.
"It will be on the house. It's my form of gratitude for today." Royal said.
"You don't have to. But I will accept your generosity." Twilight said stubbornly.
"I guess I will see you this Saturday. I don't work on Friday." Royal said.
"See you this Saturday!" Twilight said with a wave as she rushes towards Donut's class.
"Bye Twilight!" Royal said as he turns around "Now, how do I explain this to my manager..."
As Twilight rushes to Donut's class she looks at a nearby clock. She was five minutes late. Below the clock was a sign stating 'No running in the hall'. Twilight immediately stopped running and speed walked towards class.
Once there she was a full ten minutes late. As she looks inside she saw no Donut or anyone else. Confused she looks around when she bumped into Minno.
"Twilight! Just filly was searching for." Minno said relieved.
"Where is Donut?" Twilight asked confused.
"He is back home. He had a work incident after your class left the classroom. So I am afraid that his class is also cancelled. I got this information just now." Minno said.
"Aw." Twilight said unhappy.
"Did you like his class that much?" Minno asked.
"They were my favorite." Twilight said.
"I see. Well perhaps you could join us on candy making." Minno offered.
"Okay." Twilight said somewhat dejected.
Minno knew that Twilight was very into practical lessons despite her theory knowledge being so high. But that made her realize that Twilight might feel lonely without someone else that holds the same brilliance. And despite her best efforts to make school somewhat fun for Twilight, she felt that Twilight still lacked some trust in her.
"Tell you what. Royal has left the canteen kitchen for his restaurants duties. And with the chef that normally makes Lulu's and Blaze's carpaccio missing. Would you like to make some carpaccio for them? I heard you are quite talented." Minno offered instead.
Twilight's eye widen. "I would love to but," Twilight said.
"But?" Minno asked.
"But isn't candy making on the exam?" Twilight asked.
"Yes. But only if Donut gives you that lesson. Not if it's from me. What I am doing is just a bit of practice and fun. Nothing exam or tests serious." Minno explained.
"I see. But what about tomorrow? Will Donut be here tomorrow?" Twilight asked curiously.
"No. He has to go to Canterlot for some official business. And Bella will still be quite ill. We also have no replacement teachers as they too got hit by the bullet fish incident. Instead I will do Theory and Practical with you three," Minno explained.
"Okay. I guess I will make a carpaccio salad for them. I got some inspiration to make something unique." Twilight said.
"Can I get a hint?" Minno asks curiously.
"Sure. I am going to swap out the balsamic vinegar to balsamic cream. And I am going to add a mixture of some lettuce leaves on the bottom. And something more... But that is a secret." Twilight said.
"Okay. I guess I will hear it if they liked it." Minno said somewhat jealous.
Twilight laughed, "Don't worry. I will make you this too sometime." she said. "Thanks teacher. Next time I will join you on candy making. It's just a bit too boring with only two other students."
"I know. I will see you tomorrow." Minno said.
"See you tomorrow." Twilight said as she waved at Minno before heading back to the canteen.
Once inside the canteen, Twilight was about to enter the kitchen when she heard some familiar voices on the other side of the main entrance doors. Twilight then quickly dove inside the kitchen and listened to the conversation which was about to take place inside the canteen. After looking closely who came inside she saw Lulu and Blaze. But she also surprisingly enough Celestia with them.
"So I heard you met up with Twilight?" Lulu said to blaze.
"Yes. I have a feeling that she does not like me." Blaze said.
"I wonder how that happened." Celestia said with knowing eyes.
"Okay. I messed up okay. But for her to be this hostile, in my home for goodness sake, was a bit excessive. Even for Twilight." Blaze said.
"She might not be aware that this school is also your house at the same time." Celestia said.
'Oops. I might have gone too far with that one.' Twilight thought while feeling a tad bit guilty.
"I never told her. So I am verily certain that she did not know that." Lulu said.
"But wasn't her hostility more passive than aggressive?" Celestia asked.
"It was. But there is a saying that states to not shoot the messenger." Blaze points out.
"Perhaps, but you did thread on dangerous territory. That new law is something that her family is fighting for. She is probably the one that started it." Celestia said.
"That would be the Twilight I know." Lulu said somewhat proud which caused Celestia to also bear a smile
"Okay. I guess I was also a bit insensitive. I will admit that. But still, her fighting spirit is scary." Blaze stated, "Even father was all like. "Oh, she is prepared to fight fire with fire?!" He said. Although I appeared to be smiling despite it."
"Yes. Your father felt that Twilight was preparing something. Perhaps she is preparing an ultimatum. Which would certainly help the current tension that is being felt in court. Even Trixie was too scared to enter court with me, thanks to the very unpleasant atmosphere around it." Celestia said.
"That would explain it." Lulu said.
As the conversation about the law continued Twilight realized that she still had a job to do. That new Carpaccio salad recipe that she was working on will have to be served to these three. And it wasn't going to made by itself.
Twilight immediately prepared the thinly sliced meat and some balsamic cream. She grabbed six different types of lettuce and cut it thinly.
Twilight's chopping could be heard in the canteen, which caused Lulu to pause for a bit.
"Oh yeah. Today is Thursday. It's the only day that we get some meaty Carpaccio served to us." Lulu said.
"But wait. Isn't our chef ill because of the bullet fish?" Blaze asked.
"Huh. Maybe someone else is making it today." Lulu said.
"I will allow me to be surprised." Celestia said.
"Me too." Lulu said.
"Fine. But it's still suspicious. How come we hear the chef chop now. Not like 10 minutes ago?" Blaze asked skeptical.
"Perhaps the chef had entered the kitchen late. Be happy that we atleast still get some Carpaccio." Lulu said annoyed.
"Okay. Okay, I will not question it any further." Blaze said.
Twilight oblivious to that conversation, continued on the Carpaccio salad. She finished finely chopping the lettuce and mixed it with some honey mustard dressing. She grabbed three deep plates and made a small stack of lettuce salad on the bottom. She placed one layer of Carpaccio over it.
She then decorated it with the balsamic cream and some roasted seeds. She added some pesto to it and three bowls of Carpaccio salad* is done. Twilight places them on a cart and pushes it to the canteen. She places a fork, knife and spoon next to each plate before moving it to the canteen.
As the cart reaches the door she uses her magic to open the door and reveal herself to three very confused looking ponies.
"Twilight? Why did you make our Carpaccio?" Blaze asked surprised.
"Uh. Because there is no one else to make this dish today?" Twilight offered.
"I get that. But out of everyone, why you?" Blaze asked again.
"Minno offered me to make this for you, three." Twilight said as she places the three plates in front of them.
"Well that is surprising. I did not expect you to be preparing this." Celestia said, "I am pleasantly surprised."
Lulu simply looked at the Carpaccio salad. She noted that it looked differently. And instead of commenting on the fact that Twilight made it. She simply started to eat it without any question.
Celestia and Blaze notices Lulu excitement when she started to eat it. Which caused both of them to also take a bite.
"I heard you were good. Not this good." Celestia said.
Blaze didn't say anything and was busy eating it. Lulu also had nothing to say. And Celestia was calmly eating it.
"I am going to say something kinda rude." Celestia started, "This is better than Royal's bullet fish Carpaccio."
Twilight gasped at that, Lulu and Blaze simply looked up surprised.
"And no. That is not just because I play favorites with Twilight." Celestia said, "I honestly like this more."
"That is good. I am fairly certain that he does not want to make anything with bullet fish in it after yesterday." Twilight said.
"What happened?" Celestia asked.
"An inexperienced chef forgot to swap out his cutting board the was contaminated with the poison of the bullet fish. Which caused him to poison ten thousand students in one day." Twilight explained.
"Oh my lord!" Celestia gasped in horror.
"Yup, that wasn't good. Thankfully I am resistant to bullet fish poison." Lulu said.
"Yes. And some bring a lunch box with them." Twilight commented.
"Yes, which is very smart." Blaze agreed.
"Anyways. How is my Carpaccio salad? It's a new and improved recipe." Twilight said.
"I like it. It is a bit different and a bit more healthy." Blaze said.
"It is delicious. You should make me more at this in my castle." Celestia said serious.
"This is a massive upgrade from the last Carpaccio you made for me. I love it!" Lulu complemented.
"Good. Time to improve this one. I love making this one. But I feel like it still lacked something." Twilight said.
Blaze, Lulu and Celestia looks unimpressed at the conclusion. "It's good enough as it is." Celestia said.
"No. This is an incomplete version that I am making. I just gave you an alpha version of the end product." Twilight said.
Blaze mouth went agape. "This is an incomplete version?!" he said shocked.
"Yup." Twilight said.
"Wow. That is very impressive." Lulu said. "I thought it was complete."
"So did I. So did I." Celestia repeated.
"No. I want it to me more salad like. It's still a little too meaty. I want it to be more healthy." Twilight said.
"I see. In that sense it's indeed too meaty for an somewhat healthy salad." Blaze said.
As the bell went off, Twilight decided that she was going to end her conversation here.
"Well If this is your house, then you will clean your own plate. I have to go home, I still have a lot to prepare for Sunday. I will see you Saturday and Sunday, Celestia." Twilight said as she simply left the canteen.
"I will clean the plates, I am sure you two still have something private to talk about." Blaze said.
"Thanks." Lulu said.
Twilight meanwhile left school and arrived back home after a few minutes.
"I am back!" Twilight shouted.
"I am happy to hear that. How is your evidence pile coming along?" Night asked.
"I couldn't make progress today. Too much happened at school." Twilight said.
"I see." Night said disappointed.
"However I have already prepared an ultimatum and the plans thereafter." Twilight said.
"Oh, what are you planning?" Night asks curious.
"I want to build an organisation that will control, inspect and prevent certain wild meats from being sold on the market." Twilight started, "It is critical for the survivability of certain endangered species. And also it's designed improve the standards on the trade of meat in Equestria."
"So, instead of the entire banishment of wild meat trade, you want to prevent where it is possible and create licenses for those that wish to trade and hunt these creatures?" Night asked.
"Exactly." Twilight said.
"I see. I have a feeling that most ponies in the court will favor this idea." Night said in agreement.
"I hope so. The catch is the no nobility and royalty can control this organisation. This is to prevent cheating of the system." Twilight added.
"Again that makes sense. I hope that this will indeed succeed." Night said.
"Anyways I am tired of talking about this law. Let's have dinner and sleep. Tomorrow will be an interesting day for me at school." Twilight said.
"It thought that Friday was an ordinary day." Night said.
"Not with 60% of the students ill from food poisoning." Twilight said.
"What?!" Night said shocked.
"They got the poison of the bullet fish in their food. About 30% of them are in critical condition." Twilight said.
"Which is how many students?" Night asked.
"7500 students." Twilight simply stated.
Night mouth went agape from the shock. "Oh my Celestia. That is horrible." he said.
"It is. Which is just another reason why we need this organisation as soon as possible." Twilight said.
"I see. Well I guess I will make an healthy salad for today's dinner." Night said.
"Of course. By the way, my Carpaccio salad overthrew Royal's Carpaccio salad. Atleast according to Celestia." Twilight said.
"Oh? Then how about you make dinner this evening?" Night asked.
It was Friday. Twilight arrived at a decently empty school once again. The bullet fish incident would end it's course over the weekend.
As Minno's class started, they talked about some more basic safety lessons. Twilight was not very attentive today. She was starting to get very busy to get ready to go to Canterlot for the court case that will decide the trade of wild meat and endangered animals. She was also getting ready to tell Trixie about her father. Which made her more anxious then she has ever been.
And despite Minno's class about candy making was interesting. Twilight head was in the cloud as she several times didn't respond when Minno called her name.
"TWILIGHT!!!" Minno shouted very loudly. Her voice caused the windows to shake.
Twilight literally jumped out of her seat into Minno.
"Oof" Minno said on the ground. "Twilight!" she said annoyed.
"Oops, sorry." Twilight said apologetic.
"What is wrong with you today?" Minno ask annoyed and confused.
"I am so sorry. It's just, the weekend is coming up and I am quite a bit anxious about Trixie and the court case." Twilight said regretful, "I didn't mean to zone out."
"I know. This must all be very overwhelming for a filly like yourself." Minno said in an understanding tone.
"And scary. But I know that this is very important for Equestria, and because of that I must not skip it." Twilight said.
"You are going to make a change to the Equestrian food law which hasn't changed for atleast one thousand years. The last law that was passed was by Nightmare moon to allow the trade of wild meat in the first place." Minno said.
"Exactly. Which is making me extra anxious." Twilight said.
"I understand. But Trixie and her dad aren't making it any easier. Right?" Minno said.
"Right." Twilight said, "It's one thing to change a law, it's another to change someones fate." Twilight said.
"What do you mean?" Minno asked curious.
"Trixie though she was abandoned. For her to suddenly regain her father would be. Life changing." Twilight said.
"Not necessarily." one of the students said, "I would just mean that she would have another world in her world."
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked confused.
"Think about it like this. Right now her life is about learning magic, About princess Celestia and Twilight. When her father gets added to the mix, she would just get a whole new life opened up to her. More chances and more failures. But in the end she is Trixie and she stays Trixie. No matter which world and life." The student said.
"Thank you. I needed that." Twilight said relieved.
"No worries. We are classmates. I may not know what you are going through. But me and the student council supports the law you are trying to build. And I am sure the Donut will greatly appreciate your help in getting back in touch with Trixie." The student said.
"Wait, Flower agreed with Twilight?" Minno said shocked.
"Yup. She knew that Twilight just wanted to build a better world for the catering industry." The student said happily.
"Thank you. What is you name?" Twilight asked.
"Beef Minor. Nice to make a proper introduction." Beef said.
"Ooh! Me too! My name Lamb Minor. Beef's younger sister!" Lamb said.
"Nice to meet both of you. My name is Twilight Armor Sparkle. Or Twilight Sparkle for short." Twilight said happily
"Did you know that my father supports your law? Even though he will be hit the hardest." Beef said.
"Yeah. Daddy is selling meat and wild meat. But he refuses to sell endangered meat! He actively fights with those activists." Lamb said proudly.
"So you also understood that the law I am trying to make won't hit your father as hard as he initially thought right?" Twilight said.
"He did. He understood your reasoning and is happy that somepony finally steps up for the job." Lamb said.
"My family are commoners, so we can't do anything. You are of noble birth, maybe you can change it for those that failed to do so." Beef said, "We, the major meat group 'Kanji', have been working hard to get a law passed that better controls the trade of meat."
"And we have failed to do so, many times!" Lamb finished.
"I see. Even the meat industry agrees mostly in this chance. You just gave a big piece of evidence and a card to use against Celestia. Thank you." Twilight said.
"No worries. All we can do is cheer you on. Good luck Twilight!" Beef and Lamb said at the same time.
Twilight smiled as her confidence took a massive boost. Her eye had gained a star. She was ready to face Trixie and the court case.
"Minno can I ask for a favor?" Twilight asked.
"Of course what is the matter?" Minno asked.
"I want to investigate the law the Nightmare Moon and Luna originally passed. Maybe there is a loophole in the original law that was passed. Or perhaps something everyone overlooked. I know that the original piece of paper with the law signed on it, was placed in the forbidden area of this school's library. Can I please take a look?" Twilight asked.
"Sure. Let us all visit the library for some information on the way meat is currently being handled. And while we are there. I will show you the paperwork that went into the building of that law." Minno said.
"Thank you Minno!" Twilight said excited.
Minno then takes the trio in the library as the passed bookshelf after bookshelf, they eventually end up in a small living space with a fireplace. Minno beacons everyone to stay where they are.
"Let me get you access into our special library with the law written on it." Minno said. She then took a step back as steps on the piece of carpet in the room.
"Piacasa Del Canta is Placasa!" Minno shouts with vigor as the ground lights up and a magic circle shows up. After it scans the user, it then lights the whole fireplace and moves it down. Revealing a hidden passage.
"Wow! That was ancient magic." Twilight said amazed.
"It was placed by my grand fathers. I learned about it by chance. I will only let Twilight inside. You will go inside alone. We will wait outside. Inside there is a lever that let's you back outside. Good luck!" Minno said.
Twilight walks through the passage which caused it to close behind her. The room lights up automatically and Twilight sees thousands of documents. Each and every document goes on and on about the law.
"Time to read each and every single piece of paper." Twilight said.
But just as she touches it. The desk starts glowing. After the glowing stopped she sees Nightmare Moon's afterimage.
"To those that are listening to this. Whoever you are. You must be the filly that will chance my law for the better. My name Moon Nightmare and I created this law with the sole purpose to allow the trade of meat to be accessed by the law. However this law passed at early stages of the meat industry. Which is also why there were no inspectors and controllers in charge of it yet. If you are going to make change of this then tap my desk once more." The specter said.
Twilight tapped it once more.
"I see. That means that your name is most likely Twilight Sparkle. I know that you are destined for greatness, yet you choose food over magic. I thank you. Only you can change it. You will need this scroll. Use your magic on me and I will confirm that you truly are Twilight Sparkle. Only then can you obtain this scroll." The specter said.
Before Twilight used her magic, she was more or less shocked that Nightmare Moon knew that this was going to happen. Using some magic on the specter caused it to smile. And it revealed a scroll.
After reading it, Twilight was shocked to find that the scroll, which was written by Luna, stated that Twilight Armor Sparkle has full permission to change it to the new meat law that she was going to propose as an ultimatum. Realizing that she and Luna thought alike, Twilight smiled and placed the scroll in her pocket dimension.
And just as she was about to leave she heard some commotion outside. As she listened in through the wall she heard the following debate.
"You allowed Twilight to go inside?!" ??? said.
"Flower why are you so upset. I thought you supported her." Minno said.
"I do. Father doesn't. And he is very angry right now." Flower said.
"And that matters to you, why?" Minno asked.
"He might remove her from the school if she stays any longer in there!" Flower shouted.
Twilight then quickly used the lever to head outside. She sees a confused Minno and a relieved Flower.
"Thank goodness you exited. My father is so angry that Minno even allowed you to enter. He wants you to go home. Right now." Flower said.
"That is fine. I got what I wanted. I must say Luna and I think very alike. I just got something that will change everything. I will however use it as a last resort." Twilight said.
"I see. That is good to hear. Good luck tomorrow with Trixie and good luck Sunday with the court case." Minno said.
"Thank you. Beef and Lamb I will see you Sunday." Twilight said.
"See you then!" Lamb and Beef said.
Twilight then proceeded to grab her backpack and headed back home.
Once home she decided that it might not be a good idea to announce her entrance like usual. After all dad might still be hard at work and she came in unannounced. So she headed towards her room when she heard dad talking to an unknown voice.
So she headed to the bathroom and used a magic mirror spell on the mirror to spy on Night and the mystery pony. She also used a door seal spell on the bathroom door.
As the mirror shows who it was Twilight was shocked. It was Elly Dragoon her old dragon friend, she appeared to be in disguise.
"Sorry, you lost me again. You do realize that only Twilight understands dragon language right?" Night said annoyed.
"Sorry. Force of habit. So as I was saying, Twilight law is going to cause her to lose her friends with the dragons. We need that wild meat!" Elly said unhappily.
"She is not banning wild meat. She is going to make it more organized." Night said.
"Even still, her law is already raising concerns to the Griffons, but we dragons are also feeling left out of the conversation. We need meat to survive and eating wild meat is required for our most oldest of traditions." Elly said concerned.
"I understand. But I can't help you. Twilight is going to propose an ultimatum that will not get in the way of this. I assure you." Night said.
"I am sorry. But I simply do not trust a filly with this!" Vermouth said as a hologram appeared next to Elly.
"Be that as it may. She is the one that is pushing for this law. I am simply assisting her." Night said.
"That is bull crap and you know it. Stop hiding behind a filly and tell us of the ultimatum!" Vermouth screamed.
"I DON'T KNOW!!!" Night screamed, he finally had enough, "If you want to know what will happen, you will have to go to the court that will decide this!"
"But-" Vermouth and Elly said.
"No buts. You will leave now! I have had enough. I will talk of this no more. You will wait for the final court case to decide it all!" Night said angrily.
"Fine! Be that way. I will not like any of this." Elly said.
"Hmph. Your father will hear of this." Vermouth said.
Twilight undid the spells and teleported inside of Night's office. Which broke Elly's anti-dragon and anti-magic barrier. This caused Elly to stop in her tracks.
"It seems there are some misunderstandings." Twilight simply stated.
Elly and Vermouth turn around to see a relatively calm Twilight and a confused Night.
"You are early back home." Night said.
"Not now dad." Twilight said.
"Twilight." Vermouth said.
"Vermouth." Twilight simply responded.
"So you made the ultimatum, huh." Vermouth said.
"That is correct. I also made the original law change idea." Twilight said.
"I see. Can you tell us of this ultimatum?" Vermouth asked.
"I can. However I am afraid you will have to wait until the court case in Canterlot." Twilight simply stated.
"We are old friends to the house of Armor. Won't you grant us a boon?" Vermouth asked.
"No." Twilight simply stated. "Old friends you may be. However I shall not tell the opposition of my plan until further notice."
"I agree with you." Vermouth offered.
"Do you take me for stupid?" Twilight said, "I read the list of people that disagreed to this law. You are on the list. If you think that you will gain opposing information, you got another thing coming."
"House of Armor is in debt with us." Elly said.
"I am officially under house Sparkle. That does not work." Twilight said.
Vermouth and Elly looked at each other. And smiled.
"Do you know how much money they are in debt with?" Elly asked.
"Fifty million bits." Twilight answered without skipping a beat.
Vermouth eyebrow rose at her quick answer. "You knew." he said.
"He is indebted Fifty million bits to princess Celestia. And one million to the dragons and five hundred thousand bits to the griffons." Twilight responded. "Yet they never asked him to return the money. How odd for you to use it right now."
Vermouth's eyes widen, "Because it was never called into question." he responded.
"Which means you can not ask for the money. You have not been granted that permission." Twilight said.
"Tch!" Vermouth said as his hologram disappears.
Twilight's eyes turn to Elly, "I will assure you on my name and my friendship with you. This law will and cannot ban wild meat all together. There would be too many laws that would clash with the decision of such a law. Making it literally impossible for that solution to ever come to pass." Twilight said.
"What if Celestia is going to ask for those millions?" Elly asked out of curiosity.
"I have a secret massive supply of bits hidden away. I can easily pay that off." Twilight said.
"Understood. I will take your word for it. And also you make a great politician." Elly complemented.
"Thank you." Twilight said as Elly left.
Twilight then turns around with a sheepish smile, "Hi dad!" she said.
"You de-escalated the situation really fast. And wow you did your research." Night said with respect and awe in his voice.
"It was required." Twilight stated.
"I know." Night said.
"Sigh. I know I am a filly, but this court case..." Twilight started.
"It's alright. They will learn not to mess with you." Night said.
"Thank you." Twilight said relieved.
"Now. Why don't you tell me why you are earlier home than usual." Night asked.
Twilight turns towards Night and starts recounting the passed few hours at school. She did leave out the scrolls content, but made it clear that it would make and break this court case.
"I see." Night hummed to himself. He looked deep in thought.
Twilight meanwhile takes a seat in one of the comfy chairs inside of Dad's office. It was made from cotton which was painted with a deep red color. It was also much larger then Twilight.
"Why don't we go to Canterlot early then? I mean, your room and mine are essentially kept the same. This was so to ensure that we could go to Canterlot on a vacation." Night suggested.
"So you and mom turned it into a vacation home." Twilight said with a raised eyebrow.
"That is correct." Night said.
"Sure! I don't mind to go on an early vacation into a weekend that will oddly not look like a vacation." Twilight said somewhat sarcastic.
"Are you sure?" Night asked uncertain, "I mean we could collect some more evidence while we are-"
Twilight put her hoof into his mouth. "It's fine! Let's go!" Twilight said anxious.
Night stared at Twilight. His eyes saying that you don't have to go. His eyes were met by cloudy eyes. Her eyes said we should go. "Okay! We don't need to pack anything. Everything is already over there." Night said.
It's still Friday. Twilight and Night are both on the move inside a train. They were heading to Canterlot from Manehattan. This is a six hours ride. Manehattan was after all on the border of the ocean, while Canterlot was surrounded by mountains and villages. Because of this, the train was usually quite empty as not many had the bits to move between the two large cities. Luckily, Twilight's family was quite rich in comparison to the price of a single ticket.
Twilight and Night were both casually reading cookbooks on the way to Canterlot. Night was busy reading a complex recipe for a french version of macrons. Twilight on the other hoof was reading some sauce combinations for Carpaccio.
Twilight was still improving the Carpaccio recipe day by day. Night meanwhile was thinking about taking a pastry chef side job. However even though on the outside they looked like they were enjoying themselves.
The truth? The were more anxious than ever. Night was worried about the court case. While Twilight was replaying if's in her head about Donut and Trixie.
However their small break in the train was about to come to an end. The train had arrived at Canterlot.
"Final stop! Canterlot! Do not forget your bags and please move slowly on the platform. Thank you for riding Manehattan express." The conductor shouts through the intercom.
"Well. Here we are. Canterlot." Twilight said.
"Let's go home first. Tomorrow will be a busy day for you." Night said.
"That it will be." Twilight said as they moved together towards Twilight's vacation home.
Once they had arrived they find Mom and Shining Armor standing on the front porch. They looked confused at Twilight and Night.
"You are a day early." Mom said.
"We wanted to be here early. Or we would have to first travel for six hours to get here tomorrow. Which would mean to wake up early." Night said.
"I see." Velvet said.
"With other words. You were lazy." Shining commented.
"That too. Besides, I had to get away from school for a bit." Twilight confessed.
"That is fine. I understand. School could be boring sometimes." Shining said. Twilight however bit on her lower lip.
"Well. Don't just stand out here. Let's get inside." Velvet said.
"Yeah. Will you make dinner tonight?" Twilight asked.
"Sure thing dear!" Velvet said happily.
After dinner, they all went to bed.
After one night cycle. It became Saturday.
Twilight woke up early after the whole night she was plagued with nightmares. Still tired, she stood up and went to the bathroom. Once inside she brushed her teeth and looked out of the window.
It was so early, she could just barely see the sun on the horizon. And yet that didn't deter her from waking up all the way. As she moved downstairs, she pushed a secret compartment, which revealed a sack of bits. Grabbing the bits and putting it in her pocket dimension. She headed outside, skipping breakfast all together.
Once outside she spots a park clock which read 7 O' clock. She had gotten in such a rhythm that she would wake up at seven by default. Class always start 10 minutes before 9 O' clock. But it would take her atleast one hour to get there.
Ignoring the sound of sleeping in the neighbors houses, she walked bravely towards one of Donut's primary bakeries. She looked at the business card that she got and it states that they always open at 6 O' clock. Each and every day.
While walking there. She sees a bunch of places which gives her some nostalgia. Sadly she had no time for any of them. Twilight calmly walks towards a bakery that had their lights on and you could already smell the fresh smell of bread right out of the oven.
Twilight opens the door, which cause a small bell to ring. Twilight watches as one of the staff members was sleeping right through the sound of the bell. Twilight could understand why she was sleeping, I mean it was so early. But that didn't stop one of the younger fillies to push the sleeping staff member off the chair. Waking her up immediately.
"Huh, Wha?" The staff asked sleepily.
"There is a customer!" The filly shouted loudly.
The staff's eyes widen. After which she stood up immediately. "Excuse me. I had a long night. How can I help you?" she asked.
"I was wondering if a certain Donut Lulamoon was here?" Twilight asked.
"He is. Would like to see him?" The staff asked.
"Please." Twilight simply said.
"DAD! Someone is here to see you!" The staff member shouts.
"I am coming!" Donut shouts in the distant.
"Can I ask why you want to see him?" The staff asked.
"I can't say. It's a bit private." Twilight said mysteriously.
The staff raised her eyebrow but said nothing.
"What is it?" Donut asked, he looks towards her customer and realized it's Twilight. "Twilight?!"
"Hey Donut!" Twilight said cheerfully.
"What are you doing here so early?" Donut asked surprised but happily.
"Oh I came to see you hard at work." Twilight said somewhat anxious. "And Trixie."
Donut's eyes widen, "I see. Please come in. We can have a small chat." he said, "Everyone Break time!"
Everyone else took a small break. Meanwhile Twilight and Donut enjoyed a warm cup of milk inside the kitchen.
"So. How are you holding up?" Donut asked.
"I am fine. Just at tat bit tired." Twilight said.
"What is the matter?" Donut asked worried.
"I have two things I need to do in Canterlot. The big meat court case and," Twilight paused.
"And?" Donut asked.
"Your reunite with Trixie." Twilight finished.
"I see." Donut takes a small sip.
"And honestly? That scares me more." Twilight said.
"Listen. It's alright. If nothing else, Trixie will know that I am there for her. If she ever needs me." Donut said.
"But is that enough?" Twilight asked surprised.
"It is. After our talk that day. I was thinking, what if Trixie doesn't accept me, after all that. Well I atleast want to be there for her. If she ever needs me, she could always just eat the bread that the family Lulamoon produces. And also if she doesn't accept that, then... I am prepared to not be called a proper father. All I want is to see my child. Nothing more, Nothing less." Donut said.
Twilight's face contorted into something she hasn't done so in a long time. Sadness. Her eyes were practically crying.
"You might accept that. *hic* But I. I can't accept that." Twilight said as big tears fall down her face.
Donut realizing that Twilight was crying at this point got his dad instincts kicking in. He uses his hoof to push away the tears and looked at her like a father, "For me it is enough Twilight. For me it is." he said.
"Stop lying! No filly could ever go without at father!" Twilight said as rage overwhelmed sadness for a moment there.
"I know. It will hurt me dearly. But-" Donut tried to reason, but it was met which deviance.
"NO! I won't let it get to that!" Twilight hiccuped, "For me it's enough to see the two of you in an proper family embrace."
"I just want you to be with Trixie. Nothing more." Twilight continued.
"I know. I want the same, nothing more. But it is not in my control. Trixie will decide it in the end." Donut stated.
"I know, I know." Twilight said as she did her best to remove her tears. It was not working, as she only started to cry harder.
Donut realizing that Twilight was trying to control her emotions, decided that the best course of action was to just hug her. And hug they did as Twilight let it all out.
All of the built up emotions that she had bottled got released all at once. Which caused Twilight to cry for the next few hours. Donut also trying to control his, had a few tears on his face. Which he had failed to control.
No one else dared to enter the kitchen while Donut and Twilight were crying. They could feel the heaviness in the air. But they knew that Twilight was crying for their sake. And although they weren't listening in all the way. They felt like they should drop a tear or two too.
Some did drop a tear or two. But most just waited for this sad session to be over.
"I think I cried every drop of water my face was holding until now." Twilight said as she regained herself from the crying.
"It's sometimes the best remedy against all the anxiousness you are feeling." Donut said.
"Yeah. I feel much better. Thank you for that." Twilight said somewhat happily.
"I am your teacher for a reason. But yeah. I also feel much better." Donut said.
"I think we should leave the kitchen. I am pretty sure you should be making some bread by now." Twilight said as her eyes turned wide eyed at the clock. It is 9 O' clock.
"Yeah. Break time is over!" Donut shouted.
"Let me buy some donuts for Trixie. Do you know what her favorite is?" Twilight asked.
"She loves Celestial Donuts. Let me get you some of those." Donut said.
"How much is it?" Twilight asked.
"Free. Just this once. You are going to use it as bait no?" Donut said.
Twilight smiled, "I am. I hope she likes these." Twilight said.
"Good luck. You are going to need it." Donut said.
"Thanks!" Twilight said as she grabs the donuts in her levitation and puts it on her back. She then proceeds to leave the bakery and heads for Canterlot Castle.
On the way there she heads through the market district. She could vaguely see an afterimage of Twilight meeting Vermouth for the first time. The current Twilight ignored it and carried on. She was on a mission after all.
Once she had arrived, she was about to enter when the guards stopped her.
"Halt! The throne room is under construction for the court case to come. No entry permitted." The guard stated.
"I am here to see Trixie Lulamoon." Twilight states.
"What is your name and proper reason to come here." The guard repeated.
"My name is Twilight Sparkle. I want to have a meeting with Trixie Lulamoon, Celestia's prized student of the school of gifted unicorns." Twilight said in full.
The guard studies Twilight, "Very well. They are in the garden. You will be escorted." he said.
"For what purpose? I know my way around the castle." Twilight replied confused.
"Even if that is the case. You are currently not a guest to this castle under Princess Celestia's name." The guard replied.
"Are you saying that Celestia considers me an enemy to the crown?!" Twilight asked shocked.
"Yes." The guard honestly answered.
Twilight just stood there, shocked. "Fine then! Give these donuts to Trixie. I will not enter Celestia's castle until she cooled herself down. But know this. It is not wise to make a noble family, which stood close to the twin princesses for thousands of years, angry." Twilight said angrily.
'Luna. You were right. She is still quite blind.' Twilight thought annoyed.
"Wait. I got the order to allow your access, regardless of the court case." The guard called out.
"It seems you are both deaf and blind. I shall not enter the castle until you and your cute pretty princess have calmed down." Twilight said annoyed.
'ooh, boy. The princess is going to be so angry.' the guard thought.
Twilight deciding that entering the castle is going to be off-limits for a while. Decided that Joe's donut shop is going to be the location where she would meet Trixie instead.
"Hey, Joe!" Twilight called out.
Joe looks towards the entrance and spots Twilight. "Hey, Twi! It's been a while!" he said.
"That it has. Say is Trixie going to be working here today?" Twilight asked.
"She is. Why, you want to borrow her?" Joe asked with a smirk.
"I am afraid so. It seems Celestia does not want me to enter the castle right now." Twilight responded saddened.
Joe's eyes went wide. "You got banned?" he asked surprised.
"No, she essentially used the crown to kick me out until further notice." Twilight said annoyed.
Joe looks shocked at her. "But that is Impossible!" he said shocked.
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked curious.
"The princess comes here every Saturday on the same day and hour. She always talks about how she misses you and that although Trixie is a great student. She feels that the halls feel empty without you. How could she ban you?!" he said shocked.
"Is that so." Twilight said as inside her she feels a tad bit happier.
"Were all of that lies?!" Joe continued not noticing that Twilight doesn't care anymore.
"It may be. However she does have a decent reason for her action." Twilight said.
"She does?" Joe asked as he snaps out of his daze.
"You know of that court case coming up?" Twilight asked first.
"Oh boy. Yes I do." Joe said.
"You sound like you know quite a bit." Twilight said as she pushes him to continue.
"Yes. The princess went on and on about it. She sounded almost angry. Something about it not making much sense and all that." He said.
"What if I told you that I am the one that want it to succeed." Twilight suggested.
"Impossible" he responded.
Twilight smiles, "Actual I am the one that suggested the law rule in the first place." she said.
Joe blinked a few times at Twilight, "You created the court case." He stated.
"Essentially, yes." Twilight simply stated.
"Ugh. That does explain a few things." Joe said relieved, "I expect that are coming with an Ultimatum."
"I am." Twilight confirmed.
"I see." Joe said, "By the way, the princess will be here in about an hour."
"Perfect. Good chance to talk to her before the big day." Twilight said.
"Twilight, please. Try not to make her so angry that she refuses to come here anymore." Joe pleaded.
"I was not planning on doing so." Twilight replied without missing a beat.
"Good. Now, how about I make your favorite donut, beef jerky special." Joe said.
"If you would. Gladly." Twilight said as she took a seat near the window. Her favorite spot.
After a few minutes, Twilight enjoyed her donut before meeting Celestia. After about an hour. Twilight sees a familiar carriage. It had Celestia's cutiemark on it.
'There is the queen.' Twilight thought sarcastically.
As Celestia steps out of the carriage, she looks hopeful towards Joe.
"Hi Joe!" Celestia said casually.
"How can I help you, your highness?" Joe asked.
"The usual please." Celestia said.
"Very well. There is a guest at the window that want to have a small chit-chat with you. I will slowly make the usual." Joe said as he disappears in the kitchen.
"A guest? Very well." Celestia said as she happily walked towards the spot. However when she finds an annoyed looking Twilight Sparkle on the spot she grinds to an halt.
"Take a seat, princess." Twilight said calmly.
"Twilight." Celestia said as she takes a seat.
"So, how is the castle?" Twilight asked as she attempted to do some small talk.
"You would know, had you entered." Celestia said as she added the last part late.
"Funny that you say that. When you should know that I am kinda, well, banned. You know." Twilight said with passive-aggressive tone.
"You are not." Celestia denied.
"Oh? Me, who is an enemy to the crown, is not banned from crown property? What a surprise!" Twilight said sarcastic.
Celestia rolled her eyes, "Twilight all you have to do is pull out of the law case." she said.
Twilight then laughed thunderously, "I see what you did there." Twilight said with some wheezing at the end.
"Twilight." Celestia stated.
"NO." Twilight said as she closed in on Celestia. Then Twilight's smile calmly returns.
"Why not?" Celestia asked surprised.
"Because I am the one that proposed it." Twilight simply replied.
Celestia's eyes went wide at that fact. "What?" she said.
"I am the one that will also bring an ultimatum to the table tomorrow." Twilight stated.
Celestia just looked at Twilight, she was blinking slowly to make sure it isn't a dream. "So the one that trusts my sister is going to turn it's back on her?" she asked.
"It seems you knew a lot less about your sister. Then you thought." Twilight said.
"That is not true." Celestia denied.
"That is not for me to decide. You will find that out when you push me too far in court." Twilight said.
"What do you mean?" Celestia asked.
Twilight simply smiled at her as she stood back up. She walks towards the counter.
"Joe, tell her to meet me home. I will pay extra if you do." Twilight said as she adds an extra 50 bits to the pile.
Joe looks at the large amount of extra bits and before he had the chance to refuse her. Twilight exits the building. Leaving Celestia at the seat alone.
Twilight then walked back home in the hopes that Trixie will make it to Twilight's vacation home.
A few hours passed, Twilight was still pacing in front of the fireplace after going home.
'Was I too harsh to Celestia? I know she was only trying to protect me from the harsh reality of this change.' Twilight thought.
Twilight shed some tears. After her encounter with Donut, she felt that the world was against her. Besides helping him over his fear of Trixie not acknowledging him as her father. Twilight's bottle of emotions were starting to get strained by all the weight of her actions.
And while Night and Celestia weren't aware of it. But Twilight was feeling abandoned. Despite her knowing that she can't just lean or her father for a while or on Celestia for support. Twilight finally realized how Luna could fall into darkness. As Twilight felt her life was starting to get too much strain.
As another hour passed. Twilight's guilt of shouting to Celestia finally hit a breaking point. She couldn't take it anymore. Twilight looked at the clock. Trixie's workday ended two hours ago. Sighing, Twilight grabs a bag which has some powerful prepared spell for breaking and entering out of a secret compartment. She put in onto her back and exited her home.
It was twilight, the sun was low enough that purplish and orange colors hing on the horizon and Twilight was on the move. Using some decent camouflage spell, she crept through the darkest of alleyways and bushes. As she masterfully dodges and avoids guards that were on patrol, they were on the lookout for some shady ponies. Twilight was one of those and she knew it.
She carefully headed towards the castle and saw the same duo, that she saw earlier in the day. One of them noticed her, but said nothing. Twilight meanwhile approached the duo calmly.
"You are denied entry into the castle." The duo said at the same time.
"I know." Twilight said as an evil smile appeared on her face.
One of the guards saw it and was immediately alert, yet he was too late. Twilight grabbed one of her hypnosis spells and casted it onto the both guards immediately. Causing them both to drop their weapons and let Twilight in.
After Twilight passed them, they fell down into unconsciousness. Twilight was still smiling, until she saw one of the patrols heading her direction. Using a teleport spell, she reappeared onto Celestia's balcony. Although she forgot to notice that she tripped every intruder alarm Celestia had set up near her balcony.
Celestia on the other hoof immediately realized that it was Twilight. Her magical footprint was something she could not forget after the slums incident. Which helped Twilight from getting attacked by her, although she was spooked by it.
"Twilight Sparkle." Celestia stated annoyed. After her encounter that day with Twilight, she was in a bad mood.
Twilight flinched. Which made her prepared one of her stronger, anti-magic scroll. Just in case, that she would get attacked by Celestia.
Celestia removed her binders on the window which revealed a very scared Twilight. Celestia's eyebrow went up as she inspects what Twilight was holding. 'A powerful anti-magic spell designed against dragons? That is pretty impressive.' Celestia though.
"Don't get closer!" Twilight shouts as she prepares her scroll even further, some of the lines started to shine as the user felt more threatened.
Celestia realized that the scroll might activate if she doesn't hurry. Casted a spell faster than Twilight could react. She casted a very powerful nullification spell in a practical instant. Destroying the scroll before Twilight could do anything.
Realizing the scroll was destroyed, Twilight prepared to cast a powerful combat freezing spell instead.
However before Twilight could do that, Celestia simply casted the same spell twice.
Twilight once again realized she was powerless. She simply gave up as she laid on the floor while repeating "I am sorry!" over and over again.
Celestia also realized that she went overboard seeing that her opponent was a simple filly with a little bit more magic than normal. She sighed as she slowly approached Twilight. She wasn't smiling, but she was feeling a little guilty.
"Why are you on my balcony, Twilight?" Celestia asked.
Twilight was unable to answer however. She was spooked too much. She did not stop repeating the same words over and over again.
"Twilight!" Celestia finally shouted.
Twilight flinched, her eyes were filled with tears and she hiccuped in fear. Feeling cornered, she looked up in shock and sadness.
Celestia looked at Twilight, she saw her eyes, it was filled with guilt. She finally understood why she was here. Sighing, "Come in. Let's talk. I am sure that is why you are here." Celestia said.
Twilight slowly and cautiously entered Celestia's bedroom. She still looked cornered and afraid.
"Take a seat." Celestia said as she points at one of the chairs. Twilight looked at the suggestions and decided that the ground was the best option.
Celestia simply raised an eyebrow at Twilight unwillingness to listen. But allowed the choice regardless. "So, before you begin. Will you remove yourself from the court case?" she asked.
Twilight gulped away her fear and said, "Only if you will listen to my request, right now and here." she said.
"I can allow that." Celestia said as she smiled.
"Okay. So it's about this..." Twilight started as she explained everything. Why she wanted this law to pass, what she found during her search for evidence, etc.
After an good two hours passed, "And that is about it." Twilight said as she finished her explanation.
Celestia appeared to be in deep thought. She looked at the presented evidence and realized why Twilight did her best to such an degree. "So all you want, is a way to control the flow of goods, prevent the sales of endangered species and improve the quality of the overall meat that the consumer buys and eats. Is this correct?" Celestia asked.
"That is the only reason. You know that I am a chef right?" Twilight asked.
"In training, but yes." Celestia said nodding.
"Well I want to atleast serve meat with the proper quality tag and price tag. I don't want to be able to accidentally buy the wrong quality or buy something with a price way higher than that it's worth." Twilight said.
"I see." Celestia said, internally she was impressed. Twilight's explanation of these change were critical and important. Even Celestia realized that Twilight's demands were important for the future of Equestria's increased demand of meat.
"If you try to atleast chance some of those things, then I am willing to step away from the court case." Twilight said.
Celestia looks up at Twilight and smiles. She extended her hoof, "Deal?" Celestia said.
"Deal!" Twilight said as she properly shook Celestia's hoof.
"Now with that out of the way." Celestia started, "Why did you break and entered the palace?" she asked.
"I wanted to apologize for my actions at the diner." Twilight said with an guilty voice.
"And you choose to resort to break and enter?" Celestia said, as she raised an eyebrow.
"Yes." Twilight said.
"Why?" Celestia asked.
"Because, I can't take it anymore. My bottle of emotions couldn't take it anymore. I felt overwhelmed and needed to do something." Twilight said as she looked to the ground in shame.
Celestia smiled, "Oh Twilight. I am so happy that you finally decided to act like your age. I totally understand. You needed some attention and needed it from me, specifically." she said.
"Are you angry at me from breaking and entering?" Twilight asked ashamed.
"Annoyed at most. I am just glad that you came clean before everything was going to happen." Celestia admitted.
"I see. But I may have assaulted you guards." Twilight admitted.
"How so?" Celestia asked curiously.
"I used an forbidden hypnosis spell on them." Twilight said.
"That is alright. I only lasted a few seconds correct?" Celestia asked.
"It does. However they are knock out cold by the after effect." Twilight said.
"It's fine. I will send them on a small vacation. However I must ask-" Celestia started, but Twilight jumped ahead.
"I stole them from Cadence." Twilight admitted.
"You WHAT!" Cadence said angrily as she broke down the door at the moment.
Celestia and Twilight simply looked annoyed at her direction. Cadence realized that she was caught, gave a sheepish smile before teleporting away.
"Well, I didn't. I actually got it from Shiny. He took it away from Cadence. He feared that she might use them for the wrong reasons. And wanted me to remove the enchants, it's actually harder then it looks." Twilight admitted.
Celestia nodded, "Of course. Give these to me. I will disenchant them for you." Celestia offered.
"Sure. I do want to give it back to my brother though." Twilight said as she hoofed the scrolls over to Celestia.
"Please leave it up to me. I can at the same time check up on Cadence and potentially remove even more of these scrolls." Celestia requests.
"Only if you give me a scroll to train disenchanting on." Twilight said.
"That is fine. I still have some of them. I was going to give some more to Trixie but at the rate that she is disenchanting them, I do not think she needs these." Celestia said as she showed some high level scroll enchants.
Twilight's eyes went wide, "She is that good?!" she asked surprised.
"She is. She has even managed to disenchant some alicorn level scrolls." Celestia confirms.
"Well, color me impressed. I will use these to train my skill. Thanks Celestia." Twilight said as she got some of the scroll. She put it into her bag.
"Sure. You are always welcome to visit me again." Celestia said with a smile.
"Okay. Actually there was one scroll I did successfully disenchant. You can have that one also." Twilight said as she hoofs the blank scroll over.
"Well done." Celestia said as she takes the scroll.
"I have to go home now. It's way too late." Twilight said with a yawn.
"Let me get you home." Celestia said as she lights up her horn. And after a single teleport later, she was back home.
"Thank you Celestia. After the court case, I have something to give you." Twilight said.
"I cannot wait." Celestia said before teleporting off.
Twilight knocks on the door and when it opened it revealed a very angry Night Light.
"Where were you, young lady?" Night asked.
"At the castle. I may have shouted at Celestia and couldn't bare the weight of such an action." Twilight admitted.
Night's angry face softens, "Come in we can talk all about it." he said.
"Sure. Oh and I have decided to step out of the court case after all." Twilight said.
Night looks at Twilight, "I am so glad. If I fail then atleast you won't be there to see it." He said.
"You got to have more confidence then that." Twilight said as she enters the house.
"I know, I know." Night said as he and Twilight moves to the dining room.
After a nice dinner, Twilight and Night goes to sleep. Twilight's sleep will this time be quite peaceful.
- Somewhere else in Canterlot -
"Knock! Knock! Knock!" Someone was knocking loudly on Royal Chef's door.
"I am coming!" Royal shouted.
Royal opens the door, "It's the middle of the night, why are you-" he said angrily as he puts his own hooves in his mouth.
"Hey!" ??? said.
"Why are you here?! Twilight is still in Manehattan!" Royal said scared.
"No, she in in Canterlot. Which means you have job to do." ??? said annoyed.
"But, I can't do this! She will hate me after this!" Royal pleaded.
"It's orders from her! You must or you will put the whole mission in jeopardy!" ??? shouted.
Royal's eyes went small, "I understand, my queen." he said while bowing.
"Good. Now sleep. Tomorrow you must get her to cook for her. She demands it!" ??? said with an evil grin.
The following day arrived for Twilight and her family. Twilight felt well rested as she got a load of emotions off her back yesterday. Her father on the other hoof did not. He was anxious for the future of the law change he put in motion.
And after a nice breakfast, Night left alongside Velvet and Shining for the court case. Leaving Twilight all alone at home.
Twilight was casually looking around, attempting to find something she still had to do. Yesterday Celestia told her as they were teleporting that she and Trixie were going to attend the court case. Meaning Twilight would have to wait until afterwards.
Twilight then moved to one of the bookshelves in search for a good book to read while waiting until someone unexpected knock on their door.
Twilight moves towards the front door and opens it. Revealing a nervous looking Royal Chef.
"Hey Royal! This is an pleasant surprise. Please come in!" Twilight said with an smile as she let Royal in.
"Sorry for the surprise visit." Royal said.
"It's fine. What is the matter? You look nervous." Twilight asked as she and Royal both took a seat in the living room. Twilight looked a bit worried. Royal is usually pretty calm. For him to be this nervous was worrying.
"I just had a few questions..." Royal asked openly.
"Sure! Ask away." Twilight said happily.
"Do you know how to cook with love?" he asked suspiciously.
Twilight's eyebrow rose at the oddly specific question, "Uh. It depends. Why?" she replied.
"As in the emotion love inside the dish?" Royal asked a little bit more nervously.
Then inside of Twilight's brain something clicked. 'Love? As a resource?' Twilight asked herself.
"Come again?" Twilight asked as she was slowly catching on.
Royal didn't respond as he looked seriously at Twilight. It was then that Twilight understood the question.
"Are you a changeling?" Twilight asked dazed by these questions.
"Yes. Please answer the question." Royal said not worried anymore.
Twilight looked surprised at the bold answer, sighing, she thought about it. 'Hm. I have never tried to do that. But maybe.' Twilight thought as she entered the kitchen.
Twilight grabs some cookies that she made some time ago. They were still fresh. "Try these. Do they contain it?" Twilight asked.
Royal grabs a cookie and takes a bite, after a few seconds he responded with bad news. "No they do not contain love." he said somewhat disappointed.
"Give me a few moments. I might be able to make some cookies that will contain some love in it." Twilight asked uncertain.
"Sure. I will just read this book here." Royal said as he picks Twilight's book up from the couch.
Meanwhile Twilight was truly uncertain if she was ready for such an difficult task. 'In order for these to contain love. I need to do a few things, I think.' Twilight thought as she casually grabs every ingredient necessary for a simple chocolate chip cookie.
'First my mindset. In order to have it fill with love I need to think why I am making these. I am making these so that whoever eat these will smile in happiness.' Twilight thought as she temporarily cringed at her own remark.
'Second, I have to care for each ingredient as if they were of highest quality and for an royalty.' Twilight thought as she calmly and carefully measured each ingredient. She put the flour through a sieve and finely crush some brown sugar using an pestle and mortar. She also sieved some salt and baking soda.
'These are for Royal and her family. I do not know who they are, but they are Royal's family. They deserve the best!' Twilight thought to herself. She added the brown sugar and the vanilla sugar into a bowl while also quickly melting some butter in a skillet. Pouring the molten butter with the sugar and mixing in into a whole. Once the sugar was molten she added a single egg and mixed it even further.
'Her queen might not like my kind. But I do not mind them. If they receive my cookies they will understand the love I feel for cooking for another.' Twilight thought as a smile graced her lips. Once the egg was properly mixed she added the flour with some baking soda and salt slowly while mixing. After a few moments of mixing she let the mixture cool down.
'We mustn't forget the chocolate. Chocolate is a romantic ingredient. Used in confectionery and the like.' Twilight said as she chop some pure chocolate. She adds it to the cookie dough and slowly mix it. After which she preheats her oven 170 degrees Celsius*. And removes a cooking tray out of the oven. She places a piece of baking paper on it and makes small balls for cookie dough with the chocolate on it.
'These cookies I will appropriately name. Love bird cookies.' Twilight thought with a loving and caring smile. She places the cookies in the oven for 15 minutes and decided that she had clean the kitchen up in the meantime.
Once the cookies were finished. She cooled the down for a few minutes before casually walking back into the living room with a plate of freshly baked 'Love bird cookies'.
"These special cookies are complete. I hope you and your queen will like them." Twilight said.
Royal looks at the cookies and could feel the oozing love coming from them. It was a powerful amount of love that he could not resist. Grabbing one he took a bite and he just stared out of the window after taking a single bite.
Twilight meanwhile put the cookies in a bag and placed it in front of Royal.
"I thought you would hate me for being a changeling." Royal said out of nowhere.
"Why would I hate you just because you are different?" Twilight asked in return.
"Most would." Royal said as he took a second bite out of his cookie.
"Royal. You are special to me. You introduced me into a world of food in a time where I only knew magic. You gave me a branch to think about." Twilight said lovingly.
"But the branch is only a twig. It shouldn't make you change paths." Royal said in responds.
"True. It was only a twig. But to me, it was another road to take. And I took it with your help." Twilight said.
Royal smiled at Twilight, "You have grown wiser." he said smiling.
"You made me take a road I was woefully unprepared to take. But so far, it was worth the risk!" Twilight said with a smile.
"That is good." Royal said happily as he hugged Twilight. Twilight simply returned the hug.
"I hope I get to one day meet you queen and serve her a dish she truly wanted. Somehow these cookies aren't what she most likely wants. But tell her, that the day I become an owner of my own restaurant will be the day I am ready to give her more than these." Twilight said confident.
"I will inform her." Royal said, "I have to go, she is starting to get impatient."
"I understand. Good luck and Royal if that is not enough. Next time she will have to come to be personally. Or I will only give those drones even more cookies." Twilight explained.
"Sure." Royal said as he leaves the house satisfied.
Once Royal was far away from Twilight's house. Twilight immediately started to research what changelings eat. To prepare for the day that she would meet and feed the queen of the nest.
- Meanwhile in the court room -
Vermouth and Elly were aggressively attacking Night with words that were unsafe for work. Meanwhile Trixie was using a silence dome over herself. She did not want to listen to the swearing of the two creatures.
All the nobles look unimpressed at Vermouth and Elly. This is improper, even for the nobles. Celestia also looked quite unamused at the duo.
"Enough!" Celestia shouted as she used her booming voice the shut the duo up.
"Regardless if Twilight Sparkle should be present or not is not your concern! She is a filly. This court will not force a filly to be present. Besides she has already cut a deal with the opposing party. There is no reason to call forth the pony that has no reason to be called in for!" Celestia boomed.
Vermouth and Elly looks surprised at Celestia. Even Night looked surprised at her.
"What was the deal, your highness?" Night asked surprised.
Celestia smiles at his direction, "The reason Twilight Sparkle started this attempt at changing the law is because there is too much false play on-going inside of the meat market. After looking at the evidence she had presented and cross-examining the evidence already held by the court did I deem this change in the law much more reasonable." Celestia stated.
"What would the law change be like, your highness?" Vermouth requested.
"I will create an organization that will better control the flow of meat products, that will prevent the sales and hunting of endangered species and inspect individuals to prevent false play. That is the chose act by the court. I will distribute Twilight's findings and we will do a fifteen minutes of recess." Celestia said as she lowered the hammer on the gravel.
Vermouth and Elly immediately looked at the presented evidence. Their eyes grew wide, they did not know that the stories of abusing chickens by a farmer was true. Which enraged them and also impressed them. Twilight really did look at the right places and made them look guilty at Night Light.
Night noticed the guilty looks simply smiled proudly at them. Celestia meanwhile removed the silence spell that Trixie had set up. Trixie looks at Celestia and saw that she mouthed "Twilight has won." at Trixie.
Trixie simply smiled at Celestia and waited for recess to be over.
After fifteen minutes had passed, everyone was seated back were they sat before recess started.
"Does the court room accept these new findings?" Celestia asked both Night and her ministers that sat besides her.
"It has." Night responded.
"It has." said one of the ministers.
"Does the court accept this compromise?" Celestia asked.
"Of course. This is the best solution." Night stated.
"We will. The benefits to the citizens and the benefits to the crown is too big. We will not refuse an opportunity such as this one." The minister close to Celestia stated.
"Then this law will be change in two days. You will receive further information once more is available. This court is now out of session!" Celestia said as lowered the hammer and left with Trixie in tow.
Everyone slowly left the court room. Most looked impressed and satisfied. Some of course weren't so happy like the once behind the strings. But they will come around to it.
- Inside the castle -
Celestia and Trixie were heading to the dining room and were getting ready to summon Twilight into the castle.
"I read the evidence that Twi left you. I was most impressed by it." Trixie said respectfully.
"I know you were. So was I. I just hope that she won't just barge into my room for it like last time." Celestia said with an smirk.
"I did not know that Twilight was willing to break in just to apologize to someone." Trixie said somewhat unimpressed.
"Well that is Twilight for you. Anyways I will send a guard out to summon her. Will you wait here? I have some paperwork to do really quick." Celestia said.
"Sure. See you in a few minutes." Trixie said happily as she grabs one of her study books to read through while waiting.
Meanwhile Twilight was about to start reading the book that Royal read for a few minutes when someone knocked on the door again.
Twilight approached the door expecting it to be Night. But when she opened it, she saw a royal guard instead.
"Princess Celestia has summoned you to the castle." He shouts.
"Very well. Let's go." Twilight said as she walks off to the castle with an guarded escort.
After a calming walk through the city, Twilight cleared her head. So much had happened over a decently short period of time. But it almost over. She still had to reveal the truth about Trixie's dad to Trixie and grant Celestia, Luna's law change demand letter.
But generally Twilight felt that after this, time was going to speed up. Most of the long term projects were about to be finished and Twilight could really start focusing on her own future.
After a long uneventful walk, Twilight had arrived at her destination. She was inside the castle, just outside of Celestia's personal dining room. Opening the door revealed an smiling Celestia and an excited Trixie.
Twilight bowed before Celestia, "You summoned me, Celestia?" she asked.
"I have. You can stand straight up. We have to talk about lots of things." Celestia said happily.
"Very well. From the sound of your voice it suggests that I have won." Twilight said with an smirk.
"You have. I thank you for the actions you undertook to get all the evidence you needed. You solidified a positive future for the meat industry." Celestia said with a hint of respect.
"Some of these go back all the way since you found me hurt and broken on the street. Thank you." Trixie said gratefully.
Twilight nodded, "Before I talk Trixie about her father, I have this letter for you." she said as she gave Celestia a letter with the royal seal on it.
Celestia looked at the seal with an raised eyebrow and opened the letter. After reading it, a small tear fell from Celestia's eye. "Thank you. I will leave you alone with Trixie. I need to some work to get the law solidified. And some time alone is necessary for me too." Celestia said emotional. Before running off into her office.
"From who was that letter?" Trixie asked confused.
"Her dearest sisters." Twilight answered, which caused Trixie to look at her in surprise.
"I see." Trixie said smiling.
"Now about your father. I tracked him down. And he is currently in Canterlot. He owns, Donut bakeries. The bakery chain." Twilight said.
"Wow. That explains my uncanny love for donuts." Trixie said impressed.
"And he is also called appropriately named, Donut Lulamoon. That is your father. He is also my practical teacher at my school in Manehattan." Twilight explained.
"I see. And let me guess. After today he will go back to Manehattan." Trixie guessed.
"He is. Today is your last chance you can see him. Until he goes home. So please visit him. He is currently right here." Twilight said as she hooves over a business card from the specific bakery.
"Thank you. I heard that Celestia wanted to talk with you. I will go visit it myself. You stay here, I need to chit-chat with my dad." Trixie said.
"Before you go. It was a misunderstanding. He never held any debt. Some scumbags decided to force money out of him anyways. You and your father are safe." Twilight quickly added.
Trixie looked with tears in her eyes at Twilight, "Thank you." she said before running off to see her father.
"And with that I completed my promise with Trixie." Twilight said out-loud.
"True. Which also means I have to move her soon to Ponyville." Celestia said as she walked into the room. She still had her reading glasses on her.
"I see. She is coming, isn't she?" Twilight asked.
"She is. I hope you can give her something to eat once she returns back to normal." Celestia said as she removes her glasses using her magic.
"Then I will search for a way to return Moon Nightmare into her own body. Using food if that is even possible." Twilight said somewhat uncertain.
"If it's you. Then it is possible." Celestia said boosting Twilight confidence.
"Thank you. I won't be able to do it right away. But I will make it happen. After I have become a chef." Twilight said looking a bit dreamy at what her future might hold.
"Good luck. I will be rooting for you." Celestia said excited.
"I know you will. Next time we will meet. I am going to be a professional chef. And that means I won't be able to see for a long time." Twilight said somewhat saddened.
"Don't worry. I am immortal. I can wait as long as I have to." Celestia said with confidence.
"I hope that it won't be another thousand years then." Twilight said with an giggle.
"Surely not." Celestia said as she shared a giggle.
Twilight looked out of the window, "This view I won't be able to see. For a long time." she said somewhat disappointed.
"You chose your road and I have chosen mine. We will meet, Twilight Sparkle. We always do. You and I are intertwined in fate. No matter which place or time or story. We are destined to be together." Celestia spoke wisely.
"I know. Until that day will pass. See you then!" Twilight said as she shook Celestia's hoof.
"For the future?" Celestia offered while showing a glass filled with bubbly lemonade.
"For the future!" Twilight shouted as she grabs a glass and clink in with Celestia's glass.
Twilight and her father were on the way back from Canterlot. And although Twilight wrapped up her time with Trixie, Night wasn't so lucky. After winning the court case, he became swamped in paperwork. In fact he was carrying a small stack of paper with him on the train.
Twilight on the other hoof was feeling happy and relieved. All the promises she made as a small filly had been resolved. And as Twilight became less like a filly and more like a young adult. Her desire to become a good chef got stronger by the weeks.
However Twilight was still just on the train. She has yet to properly grow into a professional chef. So we will continue right there.
"Twilight?" Night asked seriously.
"What is it dad?" Twilight asked in return.
"After today, I won't have much time to be with you on your chef journey." Night said.
"I know. You are going to invest a lot of time into making a changes necessary for the meat industry, right?" Twilight said in an understanding tone.
"Which will have an impact on you, later in your life." Night said in responds.
"Exactly! So one day I will benefit from it. Until then, good luck!" Twilight said hugging Night.
After Night returned the hug. He started to write lots of autographs on the paperwork he brought with him. Meanwhile Twilight simply started to read a schoolbook she brought with her.
After the six hours have passed, Twilight and Night arrived back in Manehattan. Immediately after arriving Twilight calls for one of the taxi's and both Night and Twilight headed back home.
Once home, Night rushes with his paperwork into his office. Twilight meanwhile decided that she would make today's dinner.
Entering the kitchen she looks around. She looks at the ingredients inside the cupboards and cabinets to see if there is anything of use. She sees lots of flowers and potatoes inside the cabinets. She sees many types of flours, salt, sugars, and other mostly dry ingredients inside the cupboards.
After already having a pretty good idea of what to make, she looks inside the larder and the fridge. The fridge was mostly empty, save for some meats and such. The larder on the other hoof looked filled with literally everything that she could possible make.
After thinking about she decided to make "Couscous with Falafel and Tzatziki"
Twilight starts by preparing to make "Falafel" first. For that she grabs about 200 grams of dried chickpeas, some garlic, an white onion, some fresh parsley, some cumin, some coriander seeds, and some cayenne pepper.
She also immediately grabs a pan and fills it with a small amount of sunflower oil. And she immediately starts to cook the the chickpeas in a separate pan for about 3 minutes. She then removes the pan from the heat and lets it sit for about an hour.
Meanwhile she grabs a food processor and uses some cloth to remove any dust and dirt from it. After the hour passes she fully dries the chickpeas and fills the food processor with all the necessary ingredients. She then mixes it rugged. She moves the mixture into a bowl and places it in the fridge for about an hour.
After the hour, Twilight quickly washes her hooves and proceeds to remove the bowl from the fridge. Placing it on the counter top, she also grabs a plate. She then proceeds to use her hooves to make some balls of falafel and places them on the plate. After pressing them lightly down, she heats the fire and waits a few seconds for to properly heat up.
After the right temperature had been reached. She bakes the falafel one by one. Placing them back on the plate after they are golden brown. Afterwards she lowers the temperature and places a skillet on it. Placing the falafel on the skillet to keep it warm while Twilight works on the remainder of the food project.
She starts out by cooking the Couscous in hot water mixed with bouillon. And while that is ongoing, she proceeds to cut up and aubergine into fine cubes and uses the pan that she previously used to bake the falafel in, to bake the aubergine in. After a few seconds, Twilight removes the aubergine from the heat and puts it into a bowl.
After that she grabs some pomegranate seeds and puts it into the bowl as well. She then grabs two cucumbers and places on of them in front of her. She then peels it and slices it into somewhat thin slices of cucumber and also places it into the bowl. And finally she grabs a paprika, she removes the seeds and slices the flesh into cubes, she then places that too, into the bowl.
She then took a look at her couscous and removed it from the heat. After stirring it for a bit, she places it also into the large bowl. And as last she slices some feta and places that into the bowl. She mixes it a bit, before it's ready to eat.
She then comes back on the previous cucumber and peels it. She then proceeds to slice it in two and removes the seeds. She then slices them into long sticks and then cubes them. She places the end result into a different bowl. Grabbing some Greek yogurt from the larder and dumping into the bowl. She then finely slices the garlic into the the bowl alongside some salt and pepper. Adding some fresh parsley and dill into the yogurt with a tiny amount of oil. She mixes it to make some proper Tzatziki.
And done! "Homemade Falafel with couscous and self-made tzatziki"
"Dinner is ready!" Twilight shouts at Night.
"I am coming!" Night shouts back.
Twilight heard some shuffling in the background, before Night arrived before her.
"Ooh! That looks delicious!" He said as he uses his magic to pick up his utensils.
"I hope so." Twilight said as she dug into the dish
"Hm! It is delicious! Well done, my little chef." Night said as Twilight blushes.
"Yeah. Although I should have added some more spice to it." Twilight said humbly.
"All of that is in due time. Right now, you are not a chef, yet! Right now you are someone that is just a slightly more invested in food." Night said in return.
"I see." Twilight said somewhat disappointed.
Night looks up, she sees the disappointment in Twilight's eyes. He sighs, "Listen, Twilight. You should add some things on your schedule." he said.
"Sure, what should I add?" Twilight asked curiously.
"You should find a sport to do, and you should start going out actively. Start eating dishes at other restaurants and visit markets. In fact, you might also want to add some excursions to some factories and farms. That way you will know where your food is coming from. The closer you understand food. The better and easier it should be to make good dishes." Night proposed.
"That does sound like fun. And also knowledgeable. I will make a new schedule, where I will add fitness to. I will also start visiting those restaurants and markets I have been wanting to visit anyways. But those excursions might be a bit difficult to do." Twilight said as she was furiously writing everything down.
"I will call your teacher that you want to proactively start visiting factories and farms to get a better understanding of the ingredients you use to make stuff with." Night said.
"Thanks dad!" Twilight said as she continues to write things down.
"But right now! Eat your dinner!" Night said loudly.
Twilight looks at Night with an sheepish smile, "Sorry dad. I will, I will." she said embarrassed.
Dad simply smiled, "Besides you have school tomorrow." he added.
Twilight and Night proceeded to eat dinner and go to bed early due to school the following day.
After that evening, the following week was a blur. Twilight went to school and ate lunch at nearly every lunch cafe available. And after school she always went to fitness to train away those additional kilo's of food she ate. This became a repetition, only in the weekend she was not doing much, yet.
No, the weekend was still but a mystery. Night meanwhile was hard at work to get Twilight some excursions. But before any of those would happen, Night was actively talking with Minno.
"So that is why she wants those excursions. Do you think this is possible so early on?" Night asked Minno.
"Hmm. It is not unusual that someone want to invest their entire life into foods. However to go on excursions this early is a bit difficult." Minno confessed, "Not impossible, mind you. Just tough."
"Like what has to happen for her to even be able to go on some excursions?" Night asked curiously.
"Several things. For starters, the school has to recognize her as a genius, at this age anyways. Besides that, the farms must allow Twilight to visit to begin with. And finally it won't be cheap. Even for a noble like yourself." Minno explained.
"Is that so. What are the prices like?" Night asked.
"If any farm or factory even wants to allow her. It would be for a single pony, about 100 thousand bit every 5 excursions." Minno said.
"What makes it so expensive?" Night asked as he appeared slightly shocked at the high admission fee.
"Again, several factors. For one, we need to invest into Twilight. Every excursion has a test and exam, plus diploma. On top of that, she has to travel across Equestria on our behalf. And finally It is so high, because of the chance of injury. We have done this a lot in the past, and almost every time some pony or stallion got injured. So the wafer that states that we are not responsible for her injuries cost us a lot of administration costs." Minno explained.
"I understand. I will write you a check of 1 million bits. Please take her on atleast 50 excursions." Night said as he grabs a check, much to the surprise of Minno.
"Uh. Are you sure about that? She will be gone more, then she would be home." Minno warned.
"I have to deal with a law change that changes the future of the meat industry. I will be too busy to be there for Twilight." Night said seriously, as he slowly writes down the one million bits on the check.
"Ah! You are in charge of that. Now I understand. Very well. We will take good care of Twilight." Minno said as she grabs a wafer that should last for about 50 excursions.
Night writes down the check and signs the wafer. Giving both of them to Minno with an smile. "Please take good care of my daughter. I most likely won't be seeing her for a long time. I have to go back to Canterlot for the law change. That means she will always be alone at home." Night said somewhat saddened.
"Don't worry. I will make sure that me and her friends will make it so that she isn't lonely." Minno said smiling.
"Thank you." Night said. "Thank you."
"You just make sure that the law change goes according to plan." Minno said as she pushes Night out of the classroom.
"I will. Good luck with Twilight and don't forget to have fun. I have to go to Canterlot right now. She won't be seeing me past this point." Night said serious.
"I will ensure your child's safety and happiness. Mark my words." Minno said.
Night smiled as he walked outside into a royal carriage. And off he went to Canterlot.
Twilight meanwhile uses her bits to change houses. From an empty mansion to a small apartment with a single bedroom and a large kitchen. And a fitness room. And although the mansion will be kept as it is. Twilight feels that it would be too lonely in there.
She moves into a economy type double floored room. This is her new start of her life as chef.
Twilight's days were speeding up. With each class being similar to the last, she filled her days with with day outs that mostly consists of cafes and restaurants. She also recently started to fitness which was quite taxing.
Today, however was her turn to visit a certain carrot farm in Ponyville. Carrot top's farm to be precise. Although Twilight didn't know that yet.
"Twilight!" Minno shouted annoyed.
"Huh? What?" Twilight said as she woke up from sleeping in the classroom.
Sighing, Minno walked towards Twilight's school desk. She stared at Twilight for a few seconds, "Why are you so sleepy? I have noticed that you have been sleeping during class more often lately." Minno said somewhat disappointed.
"I am sorry. I recently changed my schedule, so my sleep patron has been quite terrible lately." Twilight said with a yawn and somewhat frustrated at herself.
"What did you add?" Minno asked curiously.
"Fitness and lots and lots of outings into the city." Twilight said with a tired smile.
"Twilight. I understand that you are trying to become better at cooking. But if you sacrifice your learning time, I might have no choice but to prevent you from exiting outside your apartment at an certain hour." Minno said.
"I know. But it's not that I do it at night. It's the strain from the fitness. I haven't participated in a sport for a long time. My body is just not used to it." Twilight explained.
"Wait. How many times a week do you go fitness?" Minno asked confused.
"Every day besides the weekend." Twilight said.
"And how intense do you sport?" Beef cut in.
"Uh. I think I do four hours of heavy sportsmanship class." Twilight said as she casually just dropped the hardest class to follow in a fitness classroom.
"You WHAT?!" Lamb shouted shocked, which caused Beef and Minno to cringe at the sudden loud scream.
"What is so special about it, Lamb?" Minno asked even more confused.
"Well, it's a class designed for top athletes or for geniuses. I heard that even the current world champion has a hard time with it's curriculum. It's the hardest sport class IN. THE. WORLD!" Lamb said as she shouts the last part.
Minno and Beef look shocked at both Lamb and Twilight. Twilight meanwhile just scratches the back of her head.
"Care to explain yourself, Twilight Sparkle?" Minno asked with a growl. Her face contorted in anger.
"Well. Fitness is expensive. I looked at the closest fitness location and the price is way too much. I couldn't afford it. After failing to get in, in any location in the city. Some random fitness school noticed my potential and persistence and said I could join for free if I joined their heavy sportsmanship class. And after failing to get in so many locations, I had no choice but to accept." Twilight explained.
"Why were they rejecting you?" Beef asked confused.
"Racism and sexist. They rejected me, because I am a unicorn and female." Twilight said with a flat tone.
Minno then sudden smashed in Twilight's desk. She appeared to be enraged. Which causes Twilight to move back some steps.
The rest of the class looked at Minno after she smashed Twilight's desk in. They appeared either shocked, respectful, or equally angry. After Minno smashed Twilight's desk, Coffee and Tart entered the classroom with a loud bang.
Both of them look at Minno, who still appeared to be enraged. They then looked at Twilight's desk and Twilight. Twilight appeared to be on the brink of mental breakdown as her face filled with scared tears. They look at each other, before rushing to Twilight's aid.
Twilight meanwhile, had a bad memory reawaken from within her. The sound of the desk getting smashed and her explosion she caused in the slums of Canterlot were too similar. It overwhelmed her ability to think straight and as soon as Coffee got to her, Twilight totally crumples in as the sound of soft, but tense sobs fill the classroom.
Coffee quickly realizes something was wrong with Twilight. Her inability to notice the now shock face of Minno and Twilight automatically forming a ball, told him that Minno has triggered an old memory. One that destroyed Twilight's strong facade and absolutely destroyed Twilight's ability to behave like a young adult.
Coffee looks at Twilight like he was caring for his daughter. She too had seen her fair share of bad things. It would seem that Twilight was no different. He then proceeds to pick Twilight up, and before he walked towards his personal living room, he showed a very angry glance at Minno.
Minno who saw the glance, deflated. Her rage all but forgotten. She looks at Tart. Tart appeared disappointed at her. Tart was casually picking up Twilight's bag, before also quickly leaving the classroom, leaving Minno to look at what she has just done.
"What happened, Teach?" Beef asked in scared confusion.
"I may have snapped. And went over an line I should not have crossed." Minno said with a saddened smile towards Twilight's desk.
"I have some wood glue?" Lamb offered the distraught teacher.
"It's alright. We might just replace Twilight's desk. Thanks for the attempt." Minno said as looked at lamb with a kind smile.
Meanwhile Coffee moved the purple blob that was confused and crying, into his own personal living room. A room he would often share with Lulu to talk about Twilight. Today however was a different day. Today Twilight herself got moved into this room.
Tart then placed Twilight's bag onto one of the couches and she opens the curtains behind Coffee's personal kitchen. She looks at Twilight, and looks at the ground for a moment, "Is there anything I could assist you further with?" she asked.
"Get me cup of coffee and a cup of hot chocolate milk. Make sure it is your cup of hot chocolate." Coffee said as he points at some chocolate that was left over from Tart's last cup of hot chocolate.
Tart looks at the chocolate and nods, "Very well. I will be back in a few minutes." she said as she walked out of the room towards the candy making kitchen.
Coffee looks at Twilight and notices that besides her crying, she was also shaking. And appeared cold on touch. He walked to the fireplace and lit it up. Something he hasn't done for a long while. He moves Twilight closer to the fireplace and sits down besides her.
"Twilight." Coffee said softly, he made sure that his full attention was pointed at Twilight. He had never seen the strong and determined Twilight, so fragile and broken. It broke his heart.
Twilight meanwhile only responded with, sorry's and pained sounds. Twilight was having flashback of the sounds of pain that the ones must have experienced, right after Twilight lost control over her magic.
In an attempt to break her lose from her trauma. Coffee gave Twilight a fatherly hug. And although it didn't work entirely. Twilight's sobs did became slightly softer from it.
Meanwhile Tart was practically running towards that classroom. As soon as she opens the door she spots Donut. He was casually making some honey candy.
"Tart, what is the matter?" Donut asked worried as he sees Tart's pained expression.
"I need to quickly use your kitchen to make some of my 'Joy hot chocolate milk'." Tart said as she grabs lots of different types of chocolate tempering equipment.
"What happened? Did we get another surprise visits from those dictionaries?" Donut asks confused.
"No. Twilight had a mental breakdown. I am not sure what happened, but after Minno smashed Twilight's desk in, the loud bang must have triggered a traumatic experience." Tart said as she pours some chocolate into the bowl that was right above a pan filled with hot water.
"The slum disaster." Donut said simply.
Tart actions slowed down, as she heard ponies say that a young filly accidentally unleashed a super destructive spell that destroyed the entire slums in Canterlot. Her eyes widen as she put two and two together. Realizing that, that must also be the reason that Twilight doesn't use much magic, despite being a unicorn. Filled her heart with sorrow and empathy.
Donut looks at Tart, "She might have been caught up in it. Causing her to be afraid of loud sounds." Donut deducted.
"No. It might have been Twilight who caused it. I heard that a young and powerful filly caused the disaster. And seeing Twilight almost never use magic, despite being powerful in it..." Tart said as she realized that Twilight choose cooking to stay far away from magic.
Donut who looks shocked at Tart, realized that she might be right. "Oh my little Twilight." He said as tears form below his eyes.
"I am shocked to see that she still suffers the consequences of her own actions, 5 years later after the disaster." Tart said.
"Let me make something special as well. I will make my Trixie cookies. They were made after the disaster struck the slums. And were hoofed over to the slum dwellers during the rebuild of the slums." Donut said determined.
"Sure." Tart said, which caused both of them to make the best hot chocolate and cookies. They have ever made.
Back to Coffee and Twilight. Twilight had fallen asleep, despite this, she was moving and shifting as the traumatic experience continued in her dreams. Coffee realized that hugging her had little to no effect, decided to atleast give her a proper cushion.
He then walked to his desk and called out Tree Seed. He is an expert in helping ponies deal with traumatic experiences.
"Tree?" Coffee asked through a magic scroll.
"Yes, Headmaster?" Tree responded quickly.
"I need your help. One of the students is suffering from a mental breakdown after an event regarding Minno earlier today. I need you assistance." Coffee asked with an professional and very serious voice.
"Understood. Where are you?" Tree asked.
"In my personal living room." Coffee answered.
"Very well. Flower wants to come with me, is that OK?" Tree asked.
"Yes. That is fine. It's a female student." Coffee said.
"Understood. I will there in three minutes. What is her current condition?" Tree asked.
"She is asleep and having nightmares. She is also not thinking straight. Be very careful with her. She seems to be in a lot of pain." Coffee said worried.
Hearing Coffee's worried voice was never a good thing, Tree looks very serious at Flower. Flower noticed Tree's glance and nodded. "Understood." Tree said as he cut the connection.
Walking back to Twilight, he noticed that she woke up and went straight back to sobbing in place. Coffee decided that the only thing he could do was hugging Twilight. So he hugged her.
Meanwhile Tart nearly bumped into Tree. Luckily Donut grabbed Tart's hot chocolate milk before the collision. Tart looks annoyed at Tree.
"Sorry about that. I got a call from the headmaster that he needed me." Tree said. Flower glanced at Donut and waves. He returned it with an smile.
"I see. I am heading there too. Let's go together." Tart said, grabbing the hot chocolate back from Donut and running at practical top speed towards Coffee's living room.
As the duo sprints towards the living room, Tart looks at Tree. "The student is Twilight Sparkle. Minno's bang from earlier today, might have opened up a suppressed memory from Canterlot." Tart explains.
"I see." Tree said.
Flower thought for a moment when she said, "The slums disaster?"
"That is correct. She is the one that most likely accidentally caused it." Tart said.
Tree's mind went into a sudden halt, quickly realizing what Tart just said, caused him to look shocked at Flower and at Donut.
Noticing the shocked face, Donut nods at Tree. Flower on the other hoof looked equally shocked. But they did not have time to be shocked. They had arrived at the living room.
Tart opens the door slowly, she noticed Coffee hugging Twilight in an attempt to calm her down. She also noted the soft sobbing sound coming from Twilight. And the lit up fireplace.
Tart and Tree walk into the room slowly. Donut and Flower were walking on eggshells. They attempted to make as little sound as possible.
"I brought the coffee and hot chocolate milk. And Donut brought some special cookies." Tart said softly.
Coffee looked up and slowly nodded at Donut and Tart. They nodded back and placed the drinks and cookies on the living table. They then quickly left the room.
Tree meanwhile took a seat on one of the bar stools next to Coffee's kitchen. Flower followed his example and waited until Twilight was ready to start talking. This took an agonizingly long time. But Tree and Flower had all the patience in the world.
After a three hour wait, Twilight's crying came to an halt. She looked in front of her and took a sip of the somehow, still hot, chocolate milk. Coffee smiles and he too took a sip of his coffee.
"Are you ready to talk about your trauma?" Coffee asked.
"Yes." Twilight said, Tree was grabbing a notebook and a pencil, after he was ready Twilight started to talk.
"Remember the slum disaster?" Twilight asked.
Coffee had a sinking feeling. Flower and Tree were looking already sympathetic at Twilight.
"I am the cause. I was showing off my magic to one of the magic guards when I shot a too strong magic spell. It destroyed the target. Broke Celestia's magic barrier and exploded in the slums." Twilight said as her eyes were empty. Devoid of any emotion.
Tree and Flower look even more shocked at Twilight. But Coffee looked like he was there. Ignoring their looks Twilight continued.
"After the explosion hit the slums, there was a second delay. And then the spell exploded. Destroying the slums," Twilight's eyes filled immediately with tears, "And killing 500 innocent slum dwellers in an instant."
Coffee noticed Twilight's tears and hugged her, Twilight immediately calmed down, but her eyes still looked empty.
"The explosion created the biggest disaster since Luna's banishment. It killed 500 instantly, and another ten thousand the following day. The amount of injured slum dwellers and bystanders was enormous. In an instant all hospitals, noble houses and the castle was filled with injured ponies and stallions. They had to make a makeshift hospital that was the size of Ponyville. But the amount of damage was absolutely massive. They said somewhere in the billions." Twilight said.
"And I caused that." Twilight finished. Her eyes and body spoke volumes. She was both physically and mentally broken from it. "Then I-" Twilight start to make a re-telling of the days following soon after. What she did to redeem herself and what price she paid.
"And that is why I broke just now. Her angry face combined with the bang made me remember those days." Twilight finally finished. Her eyes devoid of emotions and her body just tired of it all.
Coffee took all the information in. He was not shocked about the event, he had heard about it after all. No what shocked him was that Twilight had the power to continue despite it. She was a filly, age 8, when she performed Equestria's worst disaster.
"It took all my power to not kill myself. And even more power to continue on living. I may have been forgiven. But I will never forgive myself." Twilight finally finished as she took a seat, back in front of the fireplace.
"Who forgave you?" Flower asked as she steps on a landmine. Which earns her some angry glares from both Tree and Coffee.
"The slum dwellers. Even the ones that lost family in the process, forgave me. Perhaps my actions following the disaster, made up for it, somehow." Twilight replied.
"I know you are angry. But you improved their lives afterwards. You chose to not forgive yourself, as a warning to yourself, right?" Flower continued. Ignoring even more angry glares from Tree and Coffee.
"That is right." Twilight said.
"But the path to improve, requires you to forgive yourself first. Mistakes happen and if you run away from it, only then will ponies get angry at you. But you didn't. Which means they know that you acknowledge your own action and consequences. The real reason they forgave you, were so that they also forgave themself. That means you have to move on, Twilight." Flower stated.
"It's hard." Twilight said in a small voice.
"I know." Flower said.
Sighing, Twilight looks at Coffee and gives him a hug, "I will work on it. I might be a bit empty for awhile though. Keep that in mind." Twilight said as small genuine smile appeared on her face. Her eyes were still empty though.
"I will convey this information to the other teachers." Coffee said kindly.
"Thank you." Twilight said.
"And put Minno on probation for a few days." Coffee finished.
"Please don't." Twilight said suddenly.
Coffee raised his eyebrow, "Why not?" he asked.
"She deserve to know the truth." Twilight said.
"I will talk to her about it." Flower said.
"Thanks. Can I please go home to recover?" Twilight asked.
"One more thing. This weekend you are going on an excursion to a carrot farm in Ponyville." Coffee said.
"Okay." Twilight said.
"Now, please take your time. You are allowed to go home early." Coffee said.
"Thank you." Twilight said.
After that ordeal, Twilight went home and recovered. She then followed class emptily for a few days, until the weekend arrived. Sadly for Twilight, her eyes would still be quite empty when the excursion rolls around.
According to the letter Twilight received, the excursion was led by Minno with as guest star Lulu. Twilight smiled a little to see a familiar name on the letter. However she did notice that she had yet to return to her former self, much to Twilight chagrin. She was hoping that it would she was going to return back to normal in time, it did not.
The letter states that she was expected to be at the train station at 0700* and have some clothing on that was appropriate for farming crops.
Looking in Twilight small closet, she remembered getting a way too large farmers outfit from Carrot Top when she was younger. She thought it might now that she was a bit bigger and older. As she puts it on, it fits perfectly.
Choosing that as farming clothing, she made her way to the train station and arrived about fifteen minutes too early. She noticed Minno and Lulu on platform four and made her way to them.
As Twilight approaches platform four, she overhears Minno talking with Lulu.
"Is Twilight with us today?" Lulu asks excited.
"She is." Minno said, her voice was filled with worry.
"Is she alright?" Lulu asks, not realizing Minno's worried voice.
"Yes and no." Minno said, which caused Lulu to turn around and look towards Minno.
"What is wrong?" Lulu asked,
"Well-" Minno was about to start, when she spots Twilight approaching them.
Following her eyes, Lulu also spots Twilight.
"Hey Twilight!" lulu waves.
"Hey lulu." Twilight said with a flat tone. Her empty eyes cause her to speak in a depressed tone. Which prevents her from seeming excited.
Lulu looked confused at Twilight's lack of excitement. When she sees Twilight's empty eyes. "Are you feeling alright?" she asks confused.
"I am fine. I just feel a bit under the weather. It will pass like rain however." Twilight said.
"Your ill?" Lulu asked.
"Mentally. She had a mental breakdown a few days ago and still feeling its effects." Minno cut in.
"I see. I hope that this outing will make you feel better." Lulu said with a smile.
"I hope so too. So where are we going?" Twilight asked.
"To the carrot farm in Ponyville. It's called Carrots keep. And is owned by Carrot Top." Minno said.
Carrot Tops name caused Twilight to regain some color. "Sorry, what?" Twilight asked confused.
Lulu noticed Twilight's eyes. They weren't as colorless as a few seconds ago.
"Well some of my vegetable-expert-in-training wanted to meet Carrot Top. She has the biggest and most important carrot farm in Equestria. With a market share 85%." Minno said.
"I see." Twilight said smiling. "It has been awhile since I have seen her. I am glad to hear that she is doing great."
"You know her personally?" Lulu asks.
"She was my first friend. I have known her since I was a baby." Twilight said.
"So you know Equestria's best carrot farmer by first name basis?" Minno asked.
"Well I am the one that ate the first carrot she ever pulled out of the ground." Twilight with a smile as all the color had been returned in her eyes.
"Wow. That is incredible." Lulu said dreamily.
"And I am the one that might have pushed her into becoming the best farmer. I told her I wanted to become a master chef, but that requires the best carrots in the world. Which caused her to try and do exactly that." Twilight said proudly.
"I see. Well everyone should arrive in a few moments." Minno said.
And true to her word, in the next few minutes everyone arrives. Just in time for the train to arrive. They all entered the train afterwards the train departed after a few moments had passed.
And it took 5 hours to arrive at Ponyville. 1 hour less then Canterlot, due not having to climb up hill for like an hour. In that time, Minno explained to everyone what they should expect when they arrived.
"First we are going to town hall to meet the mayor and then we are going towards Carrots keep. I expect you to follow without diversions. We then-" Minno continued on and on about the expected activities.
Twilight however couldn't care less. She was just excited to meet Carrot Top after a long time. And after arriving to Ponyville they immediately went to town hall. There, Twilight would met Mayor Mare for the first time ever and after some introductions, they headed to Carrots keep.
Once they had arrived Twilight and her class looked at the massive carrot farm. It had greenhouses, rows of all types of carrots and ponies that were in the process of pulling the carrots out of the ground. It was then that a familiar face entered Twilight's view.
"Welcome to Carrots keep. I hope you all had the proper attire." Carrot Top's mother said. She looked through the crowd of students when her eyes land on Twilight.
"Is that you, Twilight Sparkle?" Carrot Top's mother asked.
"It's been awhile. The farming attire you gave me, finally fits me." Twilight said with a smile.
Carrot Top's mother smiled with glee. As she sprint towards Twilight in full speed in an attempt to crush hug her. However thanks to Twilight's training in heavy sportsmanship class, Twilight simply side-steps which caused Carrot Top's mother to miss her.
Causing her to smash her face in the ground. "Are you alright?" Twilight asked as she gets out of her stupor.
"Oh, you are good." Carrot Top's mother said with a dangerous smile. Before giving Twilight an extra strong bear hug.
"I take it, you know each other?" Minno asked as she carefully removes Twilight from her bear hug.
"Oh yes. She is our best customer and good friend." Carrot Top's mother said with a gentle smile.
"Is she the cause as to why you guys became so famous and capable?" Lulu asked.
"It is. Thanks to her, my daughter has basically became obsessed with carrots and choose becoming the best carrot farmer over becoming the richest carrot farmer." Carrot Top's mother said with a big smile.
"And thus choose to improve the carrot better and faster." Minno added.
"Exactly. Oh! Carrot Top is going to be so happy to see you. But first, this is an excursion. Not a family visit. So business goes first." Carrot Top's mother said with a business smile. "I am sure you understand."
"Of course. Although I already know the layout of the farm and how to pull carrots thanks to Carrot." Twilight said with an smile.
"I know. Everyone but Twilight is going to learn about the farm, its layout and it's history. Twilight you are going with me." Carrot Top's mother said. "My sister is going to guide you guys. Just wait a few moments, then ring this bell."
"Understood. Have fun Twilight." Minno said with an smile.
"Thanks!" Twilight said smiling in glee.
After walking a few moments, Twilight stops.
"What is the matter dear?" Carrot Top's mother asks.
"Before we going to have fun. I have an order I would like to quickly give you." Twilight said.
"Of course. What is it?" Carrot Top's mother asks curious.
"After the school assisted me after I had a mental breakdown, I would like to make them my best carrot soup that I can make. That means getting the best of the best." Twilight said.
"Of course. The usual?" Carrot Top's mother asks.
"No," Twilight smile turns evil, which cause Carrot Top's mother to gulp, "I need 1 ton of golden high dutches carrots."
Carrot Top's mother eyes widen, "You want WHAT?!" she asks with shock.
"I will pay you the proper amount." Twilight said with an innocent smile.
"What is the problem-" Carrot Top was about to ask when she turns the corner and sees a nervous mother and an innocent looking Twilight Sparkle.
"Twilight!" Carrot shouted smiling.
"It's been awhile." Twilight said and the duo hugged each other.
"So what was the shouting?" Carrot asks curiously.
"Oh nothing. I just need 1 ton of golden high dutches carrots. That obviously have to be of royal quality." Twilight said with an innocent smile.
"Uh." Carrot said as she took in what Twilight just said.
"I need it by next weekend." Twilight added.
Carrot took one look at Twilight before fainting. Which caused Twilight to rush to her aid, with wide eyes.
"Is she going to be alright?" Twilight asks Carrot Top's mother.
"She is fine. This is a sudden request indeed." Carrot Top's mother said as she was thinking on how to fulfill this order.
"Ugh. Twilight, you like to make me faint." Carrot said somewhat annoyed.
"Is it fulfill-able?" Twilight asks.
"Yes. You might get some delays though." Carrot said.
"Oh and it has to be in Manehattan. Send the bill to dad." Twilight said.
"Okay." Carrot said.
"Now that business has been concluded, let's go to the place that I wanted to show you something." Carrot Top's mother said.
"Oh! Are you going to show her the revolutionary design for greenhouse carrot farming?" Carrot asks.
"I am!" Carrot Top's mother said.
"Okay! Good luck, I am currently training some beginners on the farm." Carrot said as she walks back.
"Good luck!" Twilight returned. She and Carrot Top's mother walks towards a slightly bigger than normal greenhouse.
And as soon as she enters, Twilight gets a good look at the state of the art design. The large hall and she sees as a watering cycle started, every carrot got the exact amount of water in an instant. Without the use of any magic. It was technology. She sees a lot of security guards roaming it perimeter and scientists looking after each and every plant.
"Hm." Twilight said concerned.
"What is it?" Carrot Top's mother asks.
"The watering cycle is off by a few milliseconds and the ground hasn't been properly treated. I can even see some carrot perishing." Twilight said.
Carrot Top's mother look shocked at Twilight. It took Twilight only a few moments to realize the flaws.
"Not to mention. The air is contaminated," Twilight points at the air conditioning unit, "It's too close to a source of too much carbon monoxide. And finally, the amount of light is inadequate. I am not impressed." Twilight said as she turns around and leave the big facility.
"You better fix those issues. Or you might lose a customer." Twilight warns.
Carrot Top's mother eyes went wide, "Why would you leave us?" she asks.
"I am a chef. I take the care and process of each ingredient very carefully. I will not allow the abuse of any product I buy in. I take, taking care of ingredients very seriously!" Twilight said with an growl.
"I- I understand." Carrot Top's mother said with an stutter.
"Very good." Twilight said as she once again takes an innocent smile.
"Okay, well, why don't you join your classmates for the remained of their visit?" Carrot Top's mother asks.
"Sure I don't mind pulling some carrots out the ground." Twilight said with an smile.
"Well enjoy your time then. I am going to forced to go and harvest enough for your order." Carrot Top's mother said somewhat annoyed.
"I was fun doing business with you." Twilight said with an innocent smile.
"Like wise!" Carrot Top's mother said in return before leaving Twilight.
Twilight made her way back to the group. The group was in the process of attempting to pull a hard tail type carrot. This meant that the carrot was impossible to pull out if you didn't how to. And from the looks of it, they were failing to succeed.
"Here let me try." Twilight said once she got close enough.
"Sure." Lulu said exhausted after her attempt.
Twilight appeared over top of it, using her mouth pulled the carrot out sideways, instead of upwards. This caused the carrot to get free. And out the ground it goes.
Everyone's mouths hit the ground. That included the sister of Carrot Top's mother.
"That was easy." Twilight said in the form of a taunt.
Lulu and Minno puffed their cheeks up. After causing them to pout, the sister of Carrot Top's mother asked if she was interested in joining the farm longer.
"Nice try. I am a chef, not a farmer. So not thanks." Twilight said with an smile.
"It was worth a try." the sister of Carrot Top's mother said shrugging.
The remainder of the day, Twilight spend roaming Ponyville. Until she sees the library, entering it reveals an old looking librarian.
"How can I help you?" The old lady asks.
"I want to buy a book. Is that possible?" Twilight asks.
"It depends. Which book?" The old lady asks.
"Bread Baking by Donut Lulamoon." Twilight said as she grabs the book. It was dusty and appeared to not have been used much.
"Depends. How much do you offer?" The old lady asks.
"I will pay it 250 bits and an more up-to-date version of the same type." Twilight offers.
"Deal!" The old lady said with an smile.
Twilight then hoofed over the bits and the newer book. "Pleasure doing business with you, madam." Twilight said politely.
The old lady nods as gives Twilight the book. Twilight then turns around and leaves the library behind.
After adding the book to her special magical dimensional space or inventory for short. Twilight continues to explore Ponyville until her time is up. When the time was up, she and her class go home, to Manehattan.
Once they had returned, Twilight waited until the delivery came. Meanwhile she would have to talk to Minno about the fitness thing.
The following week was mostly boring until Friday arrived,
"And that is class for this week." Minno said as the bell rang, "Twilight please stay seated, I need to talk to you."
Twilight who raised an eyebrow, stay seated like instructed. She watches as her classmates leave the classroom, leaving her with Minno.
"Okay. First thing first. I had a chat to Coffee about the fitness thing and found something out for you, if those classes are too hard for you." Minno said.
"Oh?" Twilight said somewhat interested.
"This school also have sport clubs. That include fitness. If you are interested..." Minno suggested.
"Thank you, but no thanks. I am finally finding my place in that sport school. I like my fellow athletes and I already noticed the massive difference in energy and strength. Besides I have already sighed up for one of their fighting tournaments in school. This is not against other sport schools, but rather against each other." Twilight explained.
"You have WHAT?!" Minno shouted as she nearly smashed the teacher desk. Luckily it didn't break.
"You really got to stop doing that!" Twilight said suddenly very angrily.
"Sorry." Minno said as she drooped slightly, "But why did you enter?"
"They said that this would be perfect to see how far I have come. And they did say that they would go easy one me." Twilight said.
"I see. Can I watch?" Minno asks.
"Yes. But there is an entree fee." Twilight said.
"That is fine. Which tier are you?" Minno asked.
"Beginner." Twilight said.
"Okay. I will come." Minno said smiling.
"Now can I please leave? I am going to late for my training." Twilight asked.
"Sure, sure. Get going then." Minno said, "Have fun!"
Twilight waved, before running at top speed towards home. She arrived faster than a taxi, thanks to her training. Once home she grabs her athlete bag and run towards the sport school.
"Hey boss!" Twilight shouts.
"Twilight! Good to see you. You are in the nick of time. What was the hold up?" The boss asked.
"School." Twilight simply answers.
"I see. Well, get dressed, we will start in 1 minute." The boss said.
After Twilight quickly got dressed, she enters the room alongside the other students. Most them were earth pony, there was also a hoofful of pegasi and Twilight as the only unicorn.
"Good everyone is here. Today you are going to learn how to do a proper jab. Twilight you are going to use the karate dummy again. I want you ready for the event." The trainer said.
"Yes, sir. I might have some ponies that are going to watch the event." Twilight said.
"Good, more income." The boss said happily.
Twilight walks over to the dummy and starts using jabs and kicks on it. Every time stick got too close she would dodge, side-step or block it. The speed of her jabs were faster then the dummy could respond. For every 10 jabs, the stick would try hit Twilight. Twilight had strong and mostly very fast jabs. She would overwhelm an opponent before she would do any serious damage. But if overwhelm wasn't an option, she was able to perform some seriously painful kicks that would make most earth ponies buckle under the pain. However Twilight has an advantage over knowledge.
Her knowledge of the anatomy of the pony body was impressive to say the least. She could knock the pony out cold by a single poke. Yet she would usually choose the cruelest action. Beat the crap out of your opponent. Why? Because she likes hitting things. It made a satisfying sound and is usually the most interesting.
Back to Twilight, she was really into it today. Her desire to show her talent made her even more wanting the beginner cup title. And also she just felt very light today. Until,
"Klunk!" The karate dummy made that sound.
Twilight blinked as the dummy fell apart. Their were some serious cracks in the frame work. Those cracks were at the location Twilight was punch it.
The boss approaches the origin of the sound and looks at the dummy. "It would seem that you have outgrown this dummy rank. I will place normal rank karate type dummy. Well done Twilight." The boss said as he ruffles Twilight hair.
"Of course." Twilight said with an humble smile.
After the boss placed the dummy, "This is made out of bamboo. If you get hit, it will hurt about ten times more than the previous one. Good luck." he said.
"Thanks!" Twilight said as she starts punching the new dummy. Twilight slowly went and punched the ever living daylight out of it. Normally she punched about 10 times a second. Today however she was punching ten times that amount. The sound of Twilight going absolutely ham on it was present over whole room.
This was also distracting the other as they looked at Twilight in confusion and awe. The boss noticed that everyone was distracted by Twilight's intense punching and incredible concentration. The boss shouted to pay attention and he would soon watch Twilight. He look surprised at Twilight's ferociousness and deep focus.
He was smiling at Twilight, he then saw Twilight's good old rival enter the room. He saw his mischievous look as he approaches Twilight. Moving back his right front hoof and going with an insane amount of speed towards Twilight's back. Twilight meanwhile got an intense sense of danger from behind. Her mind and body as one, dodges her rival's hoof and immediately returning the favor by punching him in the face. Twilight did not control her strength however, which caused the rival to literally get punch to the other side of the room and into the back wall.
As soon as Twilight regain focus, she looks at what just happened. Gasping, she runs towards her rival.
"Are you okay?" Twilight asks. Not noticing the boss both surprised and gleeful smile.
"Uh. Remind me, not try that while you are trying to focus." The rival said groaning.
Twilight smiles as she simply moves back to the dummy and continue to punch the ever living daylight out of it. She continued to punch the dummy for 6 hours straight. 2 hours longer then normal.
"What time is it?" Twilight asks as she finally lands the final punch on the dummy.
"It's been six hours." The boss said besides her.
Twilight's eyes goes wide, "I am not allowed to continue after four hours. Why did you not warn me?" She asked confused.
"That rule only works when you are not practicing for a tournament." The boss said.
"I see. But I should really go home now." Twilight said.
"I know. Something tells me that you are going to go far, this tournament." The boss said.
"I am going for first place!" Twilight shouted as she ran towards the showers.
"Are you now? That is interesting. You weren't interested in that at first. I am curious if you succeed." The boss said to himself, "This year is going to be very interesting."
After Twilight showered, she ate dinner and collapses on her bed. The following day came and without needing to go to school, she went towards the sport school instead.
Once she had arrived with her sport bag in tow. She entered and saw the boss just sitting in his office.
"Hey boss!" Twilight shouted.
The boss looks up and sees Twilight, "You are very early. I just finished getting everything in place." he said.
"I am just very eager." Twilight said.
"I know you are. Today some big wig are using the main hall. I will move you into one of the private rooms." The boss said.
"Are you sure? I thought those were for the king rankers." Twilight asked surprised.
"Their tournament is today. They won't be able to use it for a while. I already moved your dummy it's in room 1." The boss said as he hoofs her the key.
"Thanks boss." she said as she takes the key and goes towards the allocated room.
Unlocking the door and in she goes. Locking the door behind her she puts the bag on the ground and she starts punch the dummy a little to check it. Then she first stretches and then she starts going ham on it. She was alternating between kicks and punches. Of course in order to properly hit a dummy, Twilight has to stand on her hind legs. At first Twilight couldn't do it if she tried. Now however she could do at extremely easily.
Twilight was now slowly increasing the speed at which she punched. Her current top speed was 120 punches a second, but after yesterday, she was certain that she could do better than that. She slowly sped up after she reached 100 punches a second. Her concentration and focus start to reach an all time high.
'110...... 120....... 122..... 130.....' Twilight thought, as her speed gradually increased. Then she finally hit her second cap. 200 punches a second. This was close to a B rank karate fighter.
'Pretty good if I say so myself.' Twilight thought. Twilight then went back to 100 punches a second as she was still punching the same spot over and over. Until she experienced a sudden burst of strength.
"HA!" Twilight shouts, as she punches the same spot with a lot more strength that usual.
"BAM!" Was the sound the dummy made after Twilight accidentally broke the dummy. The side of wall had a massive dent in it. While the dummy itself was all but demolished. That is the second dummy, Twilight broke in two days.
Gulping, Twilight unlocks the door. She walks to the office of the boss. He was luckily still in there. Twilight knocks on the door.
"Who is it?" The boss asked.
"It's me sir." Twilight said.
"Ah. Twilight. What is the matter?" He asked.
"I may have broken another dummy." Twilight said somewhat disappointed.
The boss raised his eyebrow and walked alongside Twilight to her room, only to find an demolished dummy and a massive dent in the wall. "Well I will be. You did. That is impressive." He said.
"Is it?" Twilight asked confused.
"It is. For a pony to break two dummies in two days time is pretty impressive. But it's even more impressive for a unicorn." The boss explained.
"I see. Is it because unicorns are weaker by nature?" Twilight asked.
"Physically, yes. Mentally, no. Let me grab you a Rank F karate type dummy." The boss said.
"Thanks." Twilight said.
After a few minutes, the boss had placed a much bigger and heavier dummy into the room. "There we go." He said.
"What about the dent?" Twilight asked.
"We always get dents. Don't worry about it." The boss stated.
"Okay. Thanks." Twilight said as she started to punch the new dummy. Not before locking the door once again. And after several hours of practicing on this dummy. Twilight took a toilet break and took a snickers. After the break she continued for hours on end.
After 12 hours of practice, Twilight realized that she has done everything she could do for the matches. And that she needed to catch some sleep. After all the tournament is this sunday. She exited to room with her bag in tow. She quickly takes a shower and left to go home. Only to immediately pass out on bed once she was home.
Once she woke up, it was seven O'clock in the morning. She ate some much needed breakfast. She then prepared her fight gear. She also carries the medical box with her. Just in case. She takes a shower. And slowly walk towards the sport school.
When she finally arrived in front of the sport school, she saw a massive crowd of spectators. She also spots the Pepe family in the crowd. She goes towards in the entrance and enters through the front door.
"Ah Twilight. You are in time. Get to booth 13, in the booth you find a T-shirt. Put that on and wait for either your number being called or your name. And yes 13 is an unlucky number. But only for those that which to fight bad luck." The boss said with a wink.
Twilight smiles and runs towards her booth. Once inside she sees a letter from the boss.
Dear Twilight, If you are reading this then that means you are getting ready for the fight. You are to knock you opponent out cold and not even attempt to use magic. Oh and remember your goal. Win first place! And not lose yourself in the process.
Good luck, - Boss
'Thanks for the advice, boss.' Twilight thought. She puts on her T-shirt and placed some bandages over her two front hooves and some one both her hind legs. She had a safety helmet in her booth, but decided against using it. She then took a seat in part of the booth the signals that the fighter is ready.
Twilight waited and then she saw the spectator doors open and every seat being taken by them. One full section was being used by the Pepe family alone. She noticed at Lulu was waving at her. Twilight simply nodded at her as she stood on attention.
"Welcome to the beginner ranked tournament! Today we have a total of 13 fighters. The other 12 fighters are fighting elsewhere." Boomed the announcer.
"First goes number 2 against number 3. Both fighters are boxers. Number 3 is and jabber and number 4 has a nasty hook. Good luck to both of you!" Shouts the announcer.
Twilight took a good look at both of them and noted that number 3 was more likely to win. He had more experience and the hook truly was a nasty one. As soon as the match started it was already over. Number 3 hit number 2 with a TKO. He immediately hospitalized number 2 with a nasty hook to the ribs. Breaking 3 ribs with a single punch.
"That was quick! Next up is Number 4 against Number 5. Number 5 is a seeded boxer, he is very likely to win. Number 4 has won against a seeded before, but not this one! Number 5 is known to TKO fighters. Number 4 likes endurance races!" The announcer shouted.
The match started immediately and number 5 almost got an immediate KO on number 4.
"He stood back up! Amazing endurance! Number 5 has to fight harder then this!" The announcer shouted.
As soon as the tournament continued. Twilight looked at the tournament lineup and noticed that she was up against a seed 1, which meant he was the previous champion and most likeliest to win. Twilight gulped, she hoped that she would make it past him.
As soon as she was done looking at the tournament lineup, Number 4 makes a miraculous win on number 5 with a KO.
"Number 4 did it again! He won against a second seeded! Incredible!" The announcer shouts with respect and shock present in his voice.
"Next up number 6 vs number 7. Both of them are street fighters. Number 6 has been in the semi-finals once. Number 7 likes kicks. Good luck for both of you!" The announcer shouts.
While the fight was on-going the announcer explains how seeded works. "A seed is the value that represent their scores of the previous tournament. Seeded 2 means second place. Seeded 1 means the previous champion." The announcer explains.
After he was done, Number 6 kicks the bucket, letting number 7 win.
"Number 7 won due to a KO." the announcer shouts.
"Next up is Number 8 vs Number 9. Number 8 is a boxer and a lightweight. Number 9 is a staff user. This is going to be an interesting match up." The announcer said somewhat interested.
Just as the fight started, it was clear who was going to win. Number 9 had a better offence and defense. She was also quicker. Number 8 lacked experience and appeared to only join for fun. He was shut down with an TKO. He got two broken hind legs.
"That was interesting." The announcer said somewhat disinterested. Twilight felt similar.
"Next up, Number 10 vs Number 11. Both are seeded, seeded 7 and seeded 5 respectively. Number 10 is an all-rounder, Number 11 enjoys kicking. Good luck!" The announcer shouted.
At the start of the match, neither moved for 2 minutes. As soon as number 10 made a move, it was over. Number 10 threw an over the shoulder heavy punch. And in that instant Number 11 got below her and uppercut her from below. Knocking Number 10 out cold instantly.
"There goes Number 10. She tried too hard. And forgot the basics of boxing." The announcer said disappointed. The announcer looked at the lineup and saw that Twilight was up against seeded number one. He felt bad.
"Next up Number 12 vs Number 13. Number 12 is the previous years champion. This is Number 13 first show." The announcer shouts. As soon as he did Twilight walked out of her booth and onto the stage.
"Number 12 is a boxer, number 13 is a karate user. Number 12 like pulled punches. Number 13 is a strong and fast jabber. Good luck!" The announcer shouted.
Twilight looks the earth pony in the eye. She wakes up all her well-trained combat senses. And goes into a deep focus. The referee entered the stage.
"No killing, besides that everything goes. Good luck." The referee stated. He looks to both sides and nods.
"BEGIN!" The referee shouts.
Twilight and the earth pony didn't immediately moved. They waited and watched. Then the earth pony threw a 'fast' jab. Twilight side-stepped and used her left front leg to push away his jab, while also jabbing his face with her right about 120 times in an instant.
The earth pony stumbled back a few steps. His head rattled by Twilight's action. Twilight however, didn't grant him his chance to recover. She turned around gave him a strong kick with her left hind leg. Causing him to hit the ground.
"He is down!" The announcer boomed in surprise.
The referee counted, but at the number two he stood back up. The appeared quite bit angry.
"Oh you are going to get it now." He said angrily. Twilight simply raised her eyebrow, but said nothing.
As soon as the fight restarted, the earth pony chose to fight close combat. Twilight was not fazed by this. She was still able to dodge his punch with ease from this distance. Him closing up had for him and massive disadvantage for him. Twilight chose that enough is enough. She struck him three times. A powerful hook on his exposed belly, A powerful kick on left hind leg and lastly a strong chop on his neck.
This was enough to knock him out cold, once again. The referee started to count, he cut himself off however as he checks the state of the earth pony.
"TKO!" The referee shouts. Which caused the Pepe family to celebrate.
"Oh My Celestia! A total newbie knock the champion from his throne! Number 13 wins this round!" The announcer said surprised and in awe.
The referee approached Twilight, "How was this match?" he asked, with the announcer microphone.
Twilight yawned, "Too easy." Twilight said simply. "He didn't even slightly match my speed."
The boss, who had watched to full match nodded, 'That was indeed an too easy match up for Twilight.' he thought.
"I agree! I saw how you hit his head 120 times in less than 700 milliseconds. Something that fast is nearly impossible to see!" The announcer shouted.
Twilight raised his eyebrow at the announcer. The boss choose to approach at that moment.
"The announcer is a world champion S rank. She specializes in speed." The boss stated.
Twilight gasped in shock, before quickly leaving the stage to go back to her booth.
As soon as she is inside her booth the announcer continued.
"Next up Number 3 vs Number 4, good luck to both of you." The announcer stated.
As soon as it started, Twilight knew the outcome. Number 4 is strong against strong opponents but not against weaker opponents. Number 3 is specialized in hooks. His specialization will beat number 4. And just as Twilight stated. Number 3 won.
"Specialization won against endurance. Well done number 3. You will face me next round." The announcer state.
Twilight saw number 3 gulping.
"Next up Number 7 vs number 9. Good luck!" The announcer shouted.
Again, Twilight knew who would win. Number 9 was strong contender. Twilight knew she will have to face her. Just like she predicted. Number 9 did indeed win. One jab was all she needed.
"Wow. A single jab KO." The announcer clearly didn't seem very excited.
"Next up Number 11, seeded 5, vs number 13 the underdog. Good luck!" The announcer seemed somewhat excited. Twilight got the strong feeling that she wanted to fight Twilight.
Twilight got up the stage against an male earth pony. They both got ready.
"Good luck! And BEGIN!" The referee shouted.
The earth pony rushed to get into Twilight's face. He had his hind legs extended. And he made contact. It hit Twilight's hind legs. Twilight didn't bother moving. After getting hit, Twilight felt nothing. I was too weak. She raised her eyebrow at him as she jumped and smashed front and hind legs into the earth pony's belly. The pain was too much and he was knocked out cold.
Actually Twilight just used the four cold poke technique. Which would put him in a forced knock out state. It would seem that the announcer noticed exactly that. The referee approached number 11 and shouted.
"TKO!"
"And she got a TKO using an advanced anatomy knowledge technique. The four cold pokes!" The announcer revealed.
"Next up Number 3 vs Number 1. Number 1 will not try to knock you out cold. She want to see if you are allowing into the finals." The referee shouted.
Number 3 stood in total fear against the confident number 1. Twilight didn't think that number 3 is strong enough. It would seem that most thought the same way. That included number 3 himself.
"I- I DNF!" Number 3 shouted.
"Number 3 DNF'd Number 1 wins by default." The referee shouted.
"Aw." Number 1 said, somewhat disappointed.
"Next up is Number 9 vs Number 13. Number 1 who do you think will win?" The referee asked.
"Number 13. She is just too strong." Number 1 stated.
Twilight and the female earth pony stood in front of Twilight. Number 9 seemed nervous.
"Begin!" The referee shouted.
Twilight allowed her to hook Twilight. I did nothing. Twilight blinked and knocked her out cold with a single powerful full round kick. The referee looked at number 9 and said, "TKO!"
"And that was the semi-finals. Next up Number 13 vs Number 1." The referee shouted.
Twilight simply stayed on stage. As Number 1 stood on stage.
"My name is Elena Pepe. I heard about you through Lulu. I have High-hopes for you." Elena said.
"How am I not surprised that it's a Pepe." Twilight said unsurprised.
"Hm." Elena said.
"Begin!" The referee shouted.
It was quiet. Nobody moved. Twilight and Elena stared at each other. After think for a moment, Twilight closed the gap in an instant. Elena attempt to kick her and missed because Twilight side-stepped during her motion. Twilight stood behind her and gave her a bear hug. Elena attempted to free herself, but failed thanks to Twilight doing an equestrian surplex. Smashing Elena's face into the stage.
Lulu and Minno look shocked at Twilight and Elena. Elena was downed. The referee counted. He reached 2 when he checked Elena. "It's an TKO!"
Twilight was having a mixture of emotions, happy, confused, angry. But her worry overpowered it all.
"Are you okay?" Twilight asked as she attempted to wake Elena up.
"She is fine." The boss placed his hoof on Twilight's head, "Her weakness is her head. A single surplex is enough to knock her out cold."
"bu- bu-" Twilight felt annoyed at the easiness of it.
Sighing, "Who is my next opponent?" Twilight asked.
"You won. The opposite had a double TKO. There is no fighters left besides you." The boss said.
"Well that just sucks." Twilight said unhappily
"Does it?" The boss asked surprised.
"Yes. I do not want the beginner's cup. This was not fun at all." Twilight said determined refusal.
The boss sighed, he knew that Twilight would refused the cup even if she won. "What if I told you that this is normal?" he asked.
"Then I would not have participated." Twilight said.
"Well it is. You either accept the cup or leave my sport school." The boss warned.
"Fine I accept. But I am leaving the competitive scene." Twilight said annoyed.
"That is fine. Just note that you can rejoin it anytime." The boss said with an smile.
"Yeah, yeah." Twilight waved him off.
"I am going home." Twilight said.
"Not after the celebratory and the cup giving." The boss said.
"UGH! Fine, I am coming. How long does it last?" Twilight asked.
"Only two hours." The boss replied, "Plus we have a chef name Royal Chef as our chef today. He said that he will make food that is fit for royalty."
Twilight's eyebrows raised at Royal Chef's name. "And why is he our chef today, then?" She asks curiously, her annoyance all but forgotten.
The boss raised his eyebrow at Twilight's surprisingly sudden good mood, "He always does this. He had a brother that became a champion once. Ever since then he choose to cook at these types of events." The boss said, "Sadly his brother also got permanently hospitalized after he tried to go too far. He is a good friend of ours and is the one that started this sport school."
"Talk about coincidences and fate. It would seem that Royal and me are intertwined with each other." Twilight said cryptically.
"Well let's go! The party won't start itself. In fact I heard the Princess Mi Amore Cadenza was visiting this party. She knew Royal's brother quite well." The boss said as Twilight got off the stage.
"And also Cadence, huh." Twilight said honestly surprised.
The boss raised his eyebrow at Twilight's lack of adding status behind name. But said nothing.
They both walked towards the party when Twilight realized something.
"So why is this party so big? Did the S rank tournament finish?" Twilight wondered.
"It did. That is indeed why this party is so massive. We had two winners. One karate, the other jujitsu." The boss said.
"That is amazing!" Twilight's mood did a three sixty as she suddenly had stars in her eyes.
The boss laughed, "It would seem that your win wasn't as hard on you than I thought." The boss said.
"Sorry, boss. I felt a little upset on the lack of proper winners and lack of good fights." Twilight apologized.
"I know you do. In fact I feel that most spectators felt underwhelmed by it also. Well besides seeing you wreck the champion. That caused the crowd to go wild." The boss said.
"Did it? I didn't notice. I am glad their stay wasn't entirely boring." Twilight said.
"It did. So will you accept the cup or not?" The boss asked.
"I will. But why did you blackmail me?" Twilight asked confused.
"You weren't thinking straight. I had to keep you in line. Did you think I was actually going to kick you out?" The boss asked.
"Yes. Seeing how many sport school refused me. I didn't expect any less." Twilight said.
"Did you know that the one that started this sport school was a unicorn?" The boss replied smugly.
Twilight's eyes widen as large as dinner plates. "And he still became a world champion?!" Twilight asked surprised.
When the boss nodded, Twilight mouth hit the floor. She just couldn't grasp how a non-earth pony could become a champion. It stumped her.
"That is why I accepted you so easily. You had potential and a strong desire to get stronger. I like that." The boss said smiling, "We can continue this talk later. You might even meet the boss. But right now get seated on the chair with the number 13 on it. The crowning will start in 1 minute."
Twilight nodded and ran towards the seat. She looked to her left. There sat the S rank champion of jujitsu. To her right sat the S rank champion of karate. Those two looked at Twilight in surprise. They did not expect the unicorn to get a victory this early on in her career.
"Everyone, Welcome to the celebration party. I am called The Boss. And I run this sport school. Today we have three winners. One in the beginners rank and two in the S rank tournament." The boss stated.
"First, let's applause to my boss. Keep Royal!" The boss said. Keep entered the platform in his wheelchair.
"Thank you Boss. Before I will crown these amazing individuals, please understand. Beginner rank and S rank are still massive victories. They look small on paper. But for these individuals getting these ranks are the start of their career. Yes after S rank there is still some other ranks to get." Keep said.
"Please give these athletes an equal amount of applause. We are not playing favorites. The boss is going to grand these individuals cups and medals. Congratulations to the winners." Keep said before moving his wheelchair into the crowd.
"Thank you Keep! First the S rank champion of jujitsu. Elly Beek!" The boss shouts as the crowd gives a big applause. "This is your second S rank champion win. Keep up the good work. You get the S rank gold cup. A gold medal in knocking two athletes out in one hit. And a bronze medal of fortress. Congratulations."
"Next up, the S rank champion of karate. Water Crane!" The boss shouts, again the crowd cheered. "You get the S rank platinum cup for winning the entire tournament. A gold medal for getting placed first and a gold medal for showing a pony three times you size who is boss. Congratulations."
"And last up. The athlete that has joined us as recently as three months. And that wrecked the previous champion like he was nothing. Twilight Sparkle!" The boss shouts. Twilight walked up stage, Royal who heard the name couldn't believe his eye. Even Keep who sat on the first row was surprised to see a young unicorn walk up stage.
"This young girl receives the platinum beginner rank cup, for doing a clean sweep and doing this tournament win first try!" The boss shouted, which received a large applause and also many surprised gasps from the crowd.
"You will receive the gold medal cup of technical play. The gold medal of destroying the previous champion. The gold medal of fortress for taking two hits that would normally knock a athlete unconscious, taking it like it was nothing. And the platinum medal for winning your first tournament on your first attempt. Congratulations." The boss said as he puts all three medals on Twilight. His face was smiling in glee.
"Twilight has received one more thing. She got an invite to a F rank karate tournament. And her rank got increased to rank F." The boss added. Which caused Twilight to gasp and look wide eyed at the boss.
"Thank you for coming and enjoy the party!" The boss said as the crowd dispersed.
Twilight approached the boss in shock, "Why did you increase my rank?!" she asked in shock.
"I didn't. The organization that makes these types of tournaments told me to increase your rank. Saying that you are too strong for both beginner and intermediate beginner tournaments. You destroying your competition made them realize that they have underestimated you." The boss said with an smile.
"Wow. That is awesome. I hope you will spar with me some day." Water said hopeful.
Twilight looks shocked at the S ranker, "I- what?" Twilight said confused and shocked.
"Just because we are S rank does not mean that we do not spar with other lower rankers. In opposite, to prevent us from getting weaker against lower ranking athletes we spar with low rankers like you." Elly explained.
"I see. I would gladly want to spar then. This win was very unsatisfying. I had hoped that announcer was a bit more of a fight. Sadly not so much." Twilight said saddened.
"You won against an S rank?!" Water and Elly shout at the same time.
"Yes in a single move too." Twilight said drooping. Not noticing the sweat drop from both Water and Elly.
The boss and Keep were laughing at their reaction. Twilight looked confused at the boss. She did not understand why they were laughing.
"Well I want to go chat with Royal for a bit. Have fun you two." Twilight said oblivious.
In the meantime Water and Elly were mumbling in shock and surprise. But both had a competitive smile on their face. Twilight was going to have a hard time in the future. The boss saw it coming, Keep too saw it coming. In fact the whole Pepe family knew that her sister will want to have some revenge later. There would be some revenge had, later.
Twilight meanwhile had reached Royal. Royal was staring at Twilight in surprise.
"Hey Royal." Twilight said somewhat worried. She noticed Royal's stare.
"Twilight. You are becoming many things. A powerful mage, A capable chef and a starting out athlete." Royal said.
"Don't worry. I do not plan on making the athlete my career. I want to become a chef, more than anything. It's just nice to take break from cooking once in a while." Twilight said smiling.
"So I see. Still I would hope to see you carry an S rank cup one day." Royal said smiling widely.
"Nah. That is unlikely. Even if it did happen. I am not actively searching for fights. No getting some fighting ability is handy for when I will own my own restaurant and have to deal rowdy guests." Twilight reasoned.
"And finding ingredients in the wild." Royal added.
"That too, that too." Twilight said nodding.
"By the way. The princess is coming any time now." Royal said, as not a moment too soon the doors open, revealing a slightly wet Cadence. It was raining outside, but the lack of windows prevented Twilight from realizing this.
"Your highness. Welcome to our humble sport school. Please make yourself at home!" Keep said.
"Keep, you can call me Cadence. You know that." Cadence said in grace.
"I know your hig- Cadence. I just haven't seen you for so long that I have been a bit, ah forgetful." Keep said apologetic.
"Keep." Cadence said annoyed, "You don't have to act like this. Be more natural. I like your cheerful self more."
"Sorry." Keep said drooping a bit.
"Now then. I will enjoy this party quite well." Cadence said.
Twilight points at Cadence, while looking at Royal. Royal nods as he goes back to work. Twilight then decided to approach Cadence.
"Hi Cadence." Twilight casually said.
Cadence looks at the direction her name was spoken and saw Twilight. She noted at she was carrying 2 gold medals and 1 platinum medal. "Did you participate?" She asked somewhat surprised.
"I won my first beginner rank tournament." Twilight said with an smile.
"How did it go?" Cadence asked. Surprise was clearly in her tone. She did not expect Twilight to be fighting to begin with, let alone win a tournament.
"It was boring. I had a clean sweep. It was so boring and easy that the organization moved my rank to F." Twilight said smiling.
"I see. Is this a way for you to recover from, That incident in Canterlot?" Cadence offered.
"Nope. I am just fighting in my spare time. It's fun and enjoy it." Twilight said happily.
The boss who just happen to overhear that. Raised his eyebrow. 'I guess I will ask Twilight later.' He thought.
"Well ignoring that. Why don't we have some fun, while also catching up?" Twilight offered.
"Sure lets take a seat over there and," Cadence said as she and Twilight took seat. Retelling her to story of this book.
After Twilight daring success outside the cooking industry. Her name became slightly more known. She far from recognized but she wasn't a nobody anymore. This would help kickstart Twilight's future.
Right now however, Twilight had her hoofs filled with homework and the need to graduate in atleast 2 year time. Her school stress had really build up the last few weeks. And going to fitness wasn't going to cut it anymore.
She needed to go out and eat something. Something a bit different. She decided that going to a cafe was a bit too cramped. Not to mention she disliked alcohol unless it was mixed with food. This left an exhausted Twilight to roam Manehattan to search for a place to eat.
Thanks to better regulation on meat lately, many restaurants that previously refused to touch meat, suddenly had chosen to add meat on their menus. This caused a boom of income to the restaurants. Because they were now also tapping into the tourism market. Most meat eaters were outside Equestria. And most meat production was also outside Equestria.
This meant that the trade to the outside had improved and so had the relationships with the import industry. This brought more tourism and had caused the restaurants inside Manehattan to nearly always be full unless she had reserved. She had not.
This would mean that Twilight was forced to search the city for a restaurant to eat at. On one hoof she was happy. This meant that Twilight's compromised had eating patron could be improved. On the other hoof, she was stuck searching for a place to eat. If she could find one, then she wouldn't be forced to eat at a snack bar. Something which she had been forced to do for the last few weeks.
She was tired of oily, greasy meat and vegetables. So today she was searching extra hard as her nightmares had been filled with fried food. She then spots a black sheep in the crowd of filled restaurants. A single restaurant was nearly entirely empty. Nearly, because the last two guests left enraged. Twilight decided to get closer to overhear the angry complaints of the two guests.
"Could you believe it?!" The older stallion said.
"Ugh. That is so disgusting. Fresh ingredients my ass. Those flowers looked dead!" The younger pony said.
Twilight approached the duo, "Can I ask you a question?" She asked innocently.
The older stallion looked her direction and smiled, "Of course, young lady. What is the matter?" he asked.
"I was just wondering why, out of all restaurants here, this one in particular seemed... Abandoned." Twilight asked curiously.
"Oh, this restaurant has recently fallen out of the spotlight. They used to make the best dishes, when suddenly it became the most terrible dishes. It's a real shame. We were big fans. If they ever choose to return to the world of proper food, I would gladly return. Until then I recommend that you stay away." The older stallion said disappointed.
"I heard the boss had a falling out with his head chef and also lost a bunch of staff members. This restaurant was the diamond in the rough. And yet its falling so deep." The young pony said. She seemed to be particularly disappointed.
"I take it something bad happened. And this caused a chain reaction." Twilight deduced.
"Most likely. Truly sad." The older stallion said, "Well it was good talking to you miss. We have to get going."
"Thank you." Twilight said as she waved at them.
'So a diamond in the rough. Falling to literal rock bottom. And losing staff.' Twilight thought deeply.
She decided again the wishes of the duo to enter anyways. The bell at the door rang and a tired and depressed looking waiter came to her.
"Did you reserve a spot?" He asked in a depressed tone.
"I did not." Twilight said, 'Hm. Atleast their question seem appropriate. And yet they have a clearly tired looking waiter come to guests. This is worrying.' She thought.
"Very well. Every table is available. You can choose you seating." He said after which he slowly walked away towards the bar.
Twilight took a seat at the corner. It had a comfy chair next to the window. Her eyes inspected the place. The floors looked old, it hasn't been replaced in years. The wallpaper was dirty. The table's looked god awful. They clearly haven't cleaned this place up. Twilight was getting even more worried. She wanted to attempt to save this restaurant.
"Here is the menu and drink menu. Please call if you need anything." A different more bored looking waiter said.
"Is there anything you recommend?" Twilight asks innocently.
"Hm. I recommend leaving and choosing a different restaurant to eat at." The waiter said before leaving.
Twilight looks at him in shock. No waiter should ever say this. Annoyed Twilight raises her voice. "Oh? And why is that?" she asked somewhat annoyed.
The waiter turns around and moves closer to Twilight's ear. "Because we have to no kitchen chef, kitchen staff or head chef. The boss is forced to make everything and he is a terrible chef." he said quietly.
Twilight looks shocked at him, 'Nobody in the kitchen. at most two waiters that also do the bar. This is not good.' she thought.
"Then please get me a mango, strawberry smoothie." Twilight said as if she didn't hear that.
"Okay. That will arrive in a few moments." he said.
'To restart such a failing restaurant would require a new chef. A new host. A new barista at the minimum. Not to mention they will have to ask for help by the mayoral office. They need a new influx of money and atleast to a full clean of the restaurant.' Twilight thought, 'But before anything could happen. The boss will want to save his restaurant. If he doesn't want to save it. Then I can not assist him.'
"Here is your smoothie." The stallion in front of Twilight, looked like he owns the place.
Gulping, "It would seem this place is failing." Twilight said out loud.
"It has. I don't know what to do. My kitchen staff refuses to return and my cleaners refuse to return to work." The owner said.
"Why is that?" Twilight asked.
"They refuse to follow a terrible boss. I have been trying to change, but it's an slow process. They did not have the patients to wait. And left." he said.
"Did you also stop giving them money?" Twilight asked.
"I did. I offer them a decent amount. But even that is apparently not the reason they refused to return. Money wasn't the issue. I was." He said depressed.
"Hm. And what about you did they dislike?" Twilight asks.
"What is it to you?" The owner asks seriously.
"I want to attempt to save your dying restaurant. But I can only do so much." Twilight offered.
"Okay. I will admit. When I was younger I bossed my staff around like I was a king. They disliked me because of it. Then as my parents forced this restaurant on me, in an attempt to make them proud. I advertised this restaurant as the best. And when ponies asked, why it was the best. I took the fame away from the kitchen. And I guess at some point they just lost it. Which is while we are already going into the ground." The owner explained.
"Do you admit that you did wrong?" Twilight asked.
"Yes. I admit that I was doing it for fame in the hopes of making my parents proud. They didn't even bat an eye at me. And once it all came crashing down. I was alone. My parents, my staff and my guests abandoned me at my greatest time of need." He said, "I am truly sorry." he added in a small voice. He seemed truly apologetic. Twilight meanwhile smiled.
"Then let me help you. I know a thing or two about owning a place and food and stuff. It's better than everyone leaving you out to die." Twilight offered.
"Thank you, young lady. My name is Fun Chef. Royal's failed younger brother." Fun said.
"Good. First thing first. I fear that keeping your restaurant open any longer would destroy its reputation. We are at rock bottom. We can only go up. Close the place, then we shall start talking about this place." Twilight said.
Fun nodded and closed the place for the day. Twilight meanwhile told the staff to take a break and maybe some coffee.
"This is going to be long night." Twilight said out loud.
"I closed the place. Now what?" Fun asked.
"First we need to check something. If we are to rehire some chefs. We need to go for new ones. The old will have prejudice that is negative on this restaurant. We need new and optimistic chefs." Twilight instructed.
"We need to check if every dish on the menu doesn't need to removed or changed. We can't prepare high quality dishes with only a few chefs. And I will teach you on how to cook in between." Twilight said, Fun simply nodded.
"But, first and foremost. We need your waiters to go and take a break. They look absolutely awful. We need them to start do a full house clean. I want the wallpaper replaced with white paint and I want some pine wooden flooring placed as soon as possible. The place has to look homely and clean. Right now it looks like garbage." Twilight said.
"We don't have enough money to get some cleaning equipment and cleaning stuff. We also lack the money for the paint and flooring." Fun said.
"Don't worry. I will invest some starter money into you." Twilight said, "Hopefully 50 thousand bits should do."
"I- thank you. I will do my best to repay you." Fun said.
"Repay me once you are in the green and have a decent guest base." Twilight said.
"Okay. I will." Fun said determined.
"Good. Let's start right now by putting this letter on the door." Twilight said.
Fun decided to read what it said,
'Dear Guest,
I am sad to inform that due to some nasty weather, this restaurant is going to stay closed to the near future. We will announce our reopening, once we are fully prepared to take proper care into our guests. Your safety and happiness is our top priority and we simply do not have the means to accomplish this right now. This restaurant is now closed until further notice.
Thank you for your kindness and see you soon. The owner, Fun Chef.'
"There. That should let people know that we are working on the problems we are currently experiencing." Twilight said,
"And that acknowledge that fact." Fun said smiling for some reason.
"I see that weight has been lifted off your back." Twilight said with an smile.
"It has. I can't wait what the future will be like." He said excited.
"One step at the time." Twilight warns.
"I know. I will close the security shutters." Fun said as he closes the shutters over the windows.
"Good, now lets start cleaning these tables and chairs. Then we are going to move them to storage until further notice." Twilight said.
While cleaning, Twilight took a good look at these benches. They appeared to be from 80' they were blue and had that familiar look to them. Twilight also noticed that they were in very poor condition.
"We might have to buy newer and better benches. They look too worn out and is in very poor condition. I think the look of a family restaurant fits the aesthetic of this place better." Twilight said.
"I agree. I just never though on which type bench. Do you have an idea?" Fun asked.
"Yes. I will have to talk to an old friend about it." Twilight said.
"Okay. Then we might need to replace the tables also. I see signs of woodworms on the table." Fun added.
"I see. I will look into it." Twilight said as she moves the benches after cleaning using her magic into storage. She then also moved the tables into storage.
"Hey boss. Is there anything we can do to assist?" The previously tired looking waiters asked. they look refreshed and happy.
Fun looks at Twilight, then back at the waiter. "Nah. You two can go home. I will pay you for the remainder of the day. I will have some preparing to do. Tomorrow we are going to remove the floors and wallpaper to replace them. We will need your help then." Fun said somewhat humbly. He had already learned from his mistake.
The waiter look surprised at him, but then said, "I can't leave you alone boss. I know what you did was wrong. But I won't let you suffer alone. Please let me help."
Twilight smiles at the waiter. 'Atleast they are loyal. That is a good sign.' she though.
"I know. But tomorrow is going to be an heavy day. I will need you fully rested then. You can go home. All we will do is clean a bit and prepare for the flooring overhaul. Don't worry I will be fine." Fun said smiling.
"Fine. But I refused to be paid for the remainder of the night." He said and walked off.
"I agree." The other waiter said and walked off.
"Atleast they are loyal. That is a very good sign." Twilight said.
"That they are. They have helped under some of the most stressful days. And I assisted them when they needed me the most." Fun said with an proud smile.
"That is an exceedingly good sign. Now we only need a chef and a sous chef. Then we can restart the business." Twilight said.
"And a barista. They are good runners. But they can't make single cup of coffee." Fun said.
Twilight nodded. Despite his earlier hiccups in the restaurant business. He seem like a good boss. Twilight just knew that this family restaurant is going to survive just fine. With a little help of course.
"So when are you arriving tomorrow?" Fun asked.
"At four O'clock in the middle of the day. I am still just a student." Twilight said. "By the way my name is Twilight Sparkle. I forgot to introduce myself didn't I?"
"You did." Fun said smiling.
"Now that was all the tables and benches. Now we need to clear out the bar. If the tables had woodworm then the bar most likely also." Twilight said.
"Okay. Do you think that we need a new coffee machine?" Fun asked.
Twilight inspected the machine, it was a partial manual. This meant that the water was being added elsewhere, but they would have to add the ground mashed coffee beans and make their own milk frothy. It appeared to be in an excellent state. Almost brand new.
"The coffee machine is in perfect condition. No need to replace it." Twilight said.
"Good. I feared that I or the waiters might have accidentally broke it." Fun said.
"Well, let's detach it from the pipes and the electricity. Then move it into the kitchen. Fun please call the company to do a full part clean throughout the machine. I will start bundling the other things away from the bar. And start to dismount the bar entirely from the placement. I will go look for a new bar at an particular place. I know a few places." Twilight said.
"Okay. I will remove the cash register from the bar and make that phone call." Fun said as he moved to remove the cash register. Twilight meanwhile already removed the coffee machine from the bar and started to bundle all the other things that were on the bar into the kitchen. She also made sure move the white wine and rose wine into the fridge. Moving the red wine into a cupboard in the kitchen.
Fun meanwhile succeeded in removing the cash register and moving it to the office. He was making the phone call. It would seem that the company did not want to do that. "Twilight they refuse to clean it!" Fun shouted.
"Tell them that if they refuse, that the house Sparkle will sue them." Twilight shouted.
Fun spoke those exact words into the phone. Fun heard a gulp and then they agreed. Smiling, he shouted, "That did the trick!"
Twilight smiled back as she used her incredible strength to simply pull the bar out of the ground. Fun was simply staring at this incredible display of strength. He looked shocked.
Realizing that no normal pony could do this, she returned the shocked face with an sheepish grin. Before simply carrying the bar into the storage. She placed it on the ground causing the ground to slightly crack from the weight.
"How did you-?" Fun simply asked.
"I do a lot of fitness. Now anyways, I will go out and go home.... argh! I forgot that I came here to eat something. Tell you what. To show you my ability to cook, I will make you a simple and nice fried rice." Twilight offered.
"Sure. I am pretty hungry too." Fun and Twilight both walked into the kitchen.
Twilight grabbed a wok pan and a rice cooker. She turns it on and fills it with water. She then add some rice and waits for it to complete. Meanwhile she quickly chopped an assortment of vegetables. As soon as the rice is complete she let it cool down.
Meanwhile she adds some oil to the pan while also putting the flame on high. She pushes the oil left and right. To make sure the whole pan had a dose of oil. She then removed the oil and added the vegetables. Cooking them for a few moments, she adds the rice and sweet soy sauce* and stirred it very frequently. She then added an assortment of Chinese spices and she cracks an egg or two into the pan. Mixing it often with a spatula.
After a few moments, the kitchen was filled with an incredible smell. She grabs two deep plates and plated them with nice oval shaped fried rice mixture. Adding a little bit of sweet soy sauce as decor. And finally placing a softly boiled egg on top.
"It's done!" Twilight said.
Fun grabs a plate and took a bit. One moment later and he devoured the dish. It was delicious. Twilight too grabbed a plate and took some nice slow bites. She could tell that she has improved immensely. She smiles as she watches Fun devour his portion.
"Oh my Luna! It's been so long since I had a decent meal. You truly are an amazing chef!" Fun said as he praises Twilight. Twilight simply looked away with an humble blush.
"I trust you. Please help my restaurant get as good as that single dish of food." Fun said as he laid on the ground praying.
"I will do my best!" Twilight said. "Well it's getting late. I still have to go to school. Tomorrow I want you to replace the floor and walls, while I am in school. I hope that you are done as soon as I return. I will teach you about how to run a bar and kitchen. After that I will leave to go and get new benches and tables. The bar will have to wait for now."
"I understand. I will try to complete that in the allotted time. I will clean these plates. Good luck with school." Fun said.
Twilight nodded before leaving the restaurant to go home. And once she is at home, she collapses on bed. The following day she goes to school, and then she goes to fitness for an hour. After that she arrives at the restaurant.
"How far are you?" Twilight asks as soon as she entered.
"I am done. I am an handy pony. Replacing the floor and walls was no problem." Fun said with an smile.
"And I take it that you took a shower?" Twilight asked.
"Yup." Fun said.
Twilight looked at his handy work. The walls looked professionally painted and the floor looks clean. The location near the bar was also clean. She also noticed spray cans of bug repellent on the floor.
"Okay. Remove those cans of bug repellent. And get ready. I looked at the menu and have decided that the current dishes are out-dated and too hard to make with the current standard of the restaurant. I removed it all. And this is the up-coming menu." Twilight said as she showed Fun.
'The black sheep food menu.
A beet hayburger 15 bits, A beef hayburger 20 bits, Some hayfries 12 bits, A tomato soup 12 bits, A goat cheese grilled sandwich 14 bits.'
This goes on and on. Most consisted of a burger, a soup or a sandwich of any kind. Fun also noted that there were about three types of salads.
"This looks reasonable." Fun said, "Most I would probably be able to make."
"Don't. That is the job of the kitchen. Your job is to make sure everything runs properly. Your attention is not the guests, but the staff. You need to make sure everything works the way it should." Twilight said.
"I see." Fun said.
"You can also play host. If your waiters are too busy. Or assist the kitchen where ever they need you." Twilight said, "You are not in control of the kitchen. You are in control of the staff. Remember that. If a guest gives you a complement then you will have to push that complement to your staff. They enjoy it when you praise them."
"Praise them when they do good. Punish them when they fail. This is the basics of staff management. The remainder you will learn with experience." Twilight explained.
"I understand. I will try to keep that up." Fun said.
"Good, now-" Twilight started to talk about the basics of the inner workings of an kitchen. The process from ingredient to proper dish. The safety to keep a note of and the healthiness of both your staff as well as the ingredients.
Twilight then moved to the would be bar. She explained the safekeeping of wine and coffee beans. How to use the coffee machine and the upkeep cost regarding the staff.
Finally Twilight explained the upkeep and importance of cleaning and cleaning like tasks. The stuff any kitchen would need and a bar would need. The best equipment, etc.
"And that is about as far as my experience goes. Was this helpful?" Twilight asked.
"It was. Thank you." Fun said with an smile, "Now what?"
"I will go and search for some furniture. You must train your staff about the new menu and the importance of cleaning seats and tables." Twilight instructed.
"Understood. Leave it to me." Fun replied.
"Good. Now off I go." Twilight said as she walked out the back door.
'Good. Now I need to go to an old friend. He works here in Manehattan.' Twilight thought as she moved towards the industry district.
Once she had arrived, she looked around. Until she noticed an familiar shop front. Moving towards it, she looked inside. It was open. She saw some customers.
Twilight entered and was greeted with an annoyed looking receptionist.
"How can I help you?" The receptionist asked annoyed.
"Is Flour Dance currently working?" Twilight asked.
"What are you to her?" The receptionist asked.
"A friend and customer." Twilight said.
"Fine. She is currently inside the large furniture section of the store." The receptionist said.
"Thank you." Twilight said before walking off towards that location.
Once inside, she already saw a bunch of benches that looked interesting. Twilight decided to continue, however. Once she had arrived she saw the perfect bar for the restaurant. And also Flour Dance behind it. Flour appeared to be distracted.
"Can I ask you a question?" Twilight said as she approached.
"Of course-" Flour started until she saw Twilight with an innocent smile.
"Twilight, it's been awhile." She said.
"It has been awhile. I am here on business. I need your help at picking the right choice." Twilight said.
"Of course. What do you need?" Flour asked curiously.
"I need some restaurant benches that fit the family business theme. And some match tables. I also want a professional looking bar for inside it." Twilight said.
"How many benches?" Flour asked serious.
"About 25 benches. They need to be rot resistant. And disliked by most woodworms." Twilight said.
"What is the budget?" Flour asked.
"About 100 thousand bits. But I want try and keep it below 25 thousand for the benches and tables." Twilight said.
"Hm. How about these?" Flour showed some two seated benches that were of a warm color and these nice cushions on it.
"I prefer the whole seated part of the bench to be a single cushion." Twilight said as she dismisses these.
"I see. I have these." Flour points at very light looking benches.
"I prefer darker colors. The floor is made of pine and the walls are white. I would make it a nice contrast." Twilight said.
"Well how about them?" Flour asks as she shows some interesting looking bench. The lower area was a single cushion. The back was an rustic looking cushion. And the bench itself gave it a outdoorsy type look. And Twilight thought that these are perfect.
"They are perfect. I will take 25. How much is it?" Twilight asked satisfied.
"Only 10 thousand bits. I made these. They are not easy to produce." Flour said happily.
"I will pay an addition 5 thousand bits if you can make and ship these to the black sheep restaurant in less than two days." Twilight offered.
"Deal!" Flour said as she shook Twilight's hoof.
"Now about that bar. I thought that this bar is perfect. It has the right dimensions and is pleasing to look at. Not to mention it's unique." Twilight said as she points at the bar that Flour stood behind earlier.
"Well it's a bit outside your price range." Flour said nervous.
"How much is it?" Twilight asked surprised. Flour isn't normally this nervous.
"Well, 5 million bits." Flour said.
"Hm. Why is it so expensive?" Twilight asked.
"That there is made for nobility. Not some random Manehattan citizen." An very smug looking artisan said.
"That is no excuse for the price. Nobility won't just buy it because of the price." Twilight said annoyed.
"Fine. It was endorse by princess Celestia herself. She has one in her personal chambers." The artisan said.
"Is that so." Twilight said as she looks at Flour, "I need to talk to the boss. Is he in?"
"Arms? Well I think so." Flour said, "Would like to see him?"
"Yes." Twilight said. This caused Flour to walk towards the staff phone and pick it up.
"Boss it me Flour. I have an important individual that wishes to talk to you. What? No it's not an princess. Wait! It's Twilight. Okay. Understood." Flour said as she hanged up. "He is inbound."
"Twilight!" Prince Arms Keeper said as he hug Twilight from behind.
"It sure has been a while, Arms." Twilight said with an big smile.
"So what is the matter?" He asked curious.
"Remember that you said that I would get to choose my present once I made my mind up?" Twilight asked.
"You did. So what is it?" Arms asks curiously.
"I want that." Twilight points at the bar.
"Are you sure? I won't count that as your present. I will give it away for free to you." Arms said.
"Are you serious boss?! That is made for royalty not just some random pony!" The artisan shouted.
Arms slowly looked at him. His stance suggested that he was very angry. Twilight learned about stances thanks to her training. The artisan also noticed which caused him to shrink a little.
"This young lady. Has befriend lots of high classed ponies in Canterlot. She is talking to the princesses on a first name basis. And is one of the strongest unicorns in Equestria. She is Twilight Sparkle of house Sparkle and house Armor. Daughter of a famous archaeologist and a famous astrologist. She single hoofed brought change to the meat industry and recently obtain F rank in karate after she destroyed the a beginners tournament on her first attempt. And you call her a random pony!" He boomed. "She is far from random!"
Twilight eyes went wide eyed at his incredible amount of information he had on Twilight. Twilight hadn't seen him since she was younger, yet he knew this much. It would seem that Flour also didn't know those things.
"I am sorry boss. I will make my self scarce." The artisan said before hurrying off.
"Come to my office later today. I head some interesting things about your recent work ethics lately." Arms shouted.
"How did you know?" Twilight asked surprised at Arms.
"Princess Celestia has been watching both Trixie and you. She tends to talk to Trixie about your accomplishments. I am often standing next to Princess Celestia. I hear lots of things. Plus my knight are still watching you. In the hopes of preventing a second disaster." Arms said as he drooped at the last thing.
Twilight smiles, "Thanks Arms. I understand. I would also be vigilant if some pony could be a ticking time bomb. whether I like it or not, I did cause a whole lot of ponies to die." Twilight said in an understanding tone.
"Good. Now, why would you need this large bar? It doesn't fit your home." Arms said.
"I am currently helping a restaurant from going out of business. The bar they had was destroyed by woodworms. I am trying to replace it." Twilight said.
Arms smiled, "Doing another good deed eh? Which restaurant?" he asked.
"Black sheep." Twilight said.
"Oh?! You are helping a restaurant that is princess Celestia's favorite?! Nice!" Arms said with an smile.
"I did not know that. I will relay this information to Fun Chef." Twilight said.
"Good!" Arms said.
"By the way. Do you happen to know your side of the story regarding it's downfall? Fun already told me his side, yet somehow I feel like a whole bunch more happened. That he didn't know about." Twilight asked curious.
"Yes, well. From what I understand. There was whole list of problems, before Fun even became in charge of it. For starters, Fun's family was under paying the staff. There wasn't a proper break room and the like. Fun did add a proper break room, but he failed to realize that his family was under paying the staff." Arms said.
"Is that so. I will talk to him about those problems. Anything else?" Twilight said as she made a mental note.
"The family wanted that restaurant to fail. Is what I overheard Royal say to the princess after her visit. He also said that Fun was currently a disgrace to the family. Just as the name of the restaurant, he is the black sheep of the family. He can't cook, he doesn't understand economics, etc." Arms said, his tone suggested that he was not happy with those revelations.
"Good. He is starting from rock bottom. He can go only up from there. I will teach him how to cook. I will teach him the basic management skills. And I will teach him about giving staff raises and increased pay." Twilight said with an smile.
Arms smiled, "Please show his family that he can be successful if he tried properly." he said.
"Sure. Will you move the bar to the restaurant, alongside the benches and tables?" Twilight asked.
"Will do. I will see you at Black sheep, Twilight." Arms said as he started to redirect his staff to start picking the stuff up.
"Here is the money for the tables and benches." Twilight said as she hoofed over 15 thousand bits to Flour.
"Thanks for doing business, Twilight. I can't wait to see how your own restaurant will turn out." Flour said.
"Me too." Twilight said as she walked off. Exiting the furniture store, Twilight ran towards the Black Sheep restaurant.
Once Twilight had arrived, she noticed an smiling staff and a stern looking Fun talk to them about what is about to happen. They looked proud at Fun. Twilight smiled when she realized that they were waiting for him to turn the business around.
"And that is about it." Fun said, "Please take a break to let all of that soak in."
"Okay!" Both smiling waiters said before leaving towards the break room.
"Fun." Twilight said.
"Twilight your back. How did it go?" Fun asked curious.
"The bar should arrive soon. The benches and tables should arrive in a few days." Twilight said.
"Ooh! I thought you were going to wait on searching for the bar." Fun said surprised.
"I happen to have noticed a good one. While looking for the tables and benches." Twilight admitted.
"I see." Fun said happily.
"Anyways, I got some information regarding the more likely reason that your staff left." Twilight said serious.
"What is it?" Fun said as his face turned very serious.
"It would appear that your family had been under paying the staff. And the lack of a break room early on, led a lot of staff to become stressed." Twilight said.
"I see. I will look into what the average wage is for a waiter and kitchen staff. And I will change it accordingly. I will give those two waiters that have been very loyal despite the bad pay an additional raise and a bonus as thank you." Fun said as he quickly walked off to the mayoral office to ask about the average pay for each staff member.
'I guess I don't need to teach him about that. He seems surprisingly capable despite his bad reputation.' Twilight thought smiling.
"Psst!" One of the waiters said as he slowly approached Twilight.
"Hm? What is the matter?" Twilight asked.
"I just wanted to say thank you for helping us. Fun may have been a spotlight thief, but he did have many good quirks that makes him perfect to run a business." The waiter said.
"Oh like what?" Twilight asked.
"He is fast walker. He learns quickly. And he is very protective over his staff. He is not afraid to tell a high-paying guest off after the guest abuses the staff." The waiter said with an smile.
"At some point he might have realized, just how abusive his parents were with this restaurant. He began to change. Sadly at that time it was too late. The restaurant just fell apart." The waiter said saddened.
"That is good to hear." Twilight said smiling.
"When the kitchen staff started to leave. Fun realized that his parents actions are going to destroy his life. In the end he tried everything to keep even the most least experienced staff in the kitchen. They wanted to leave, because they wanted a better owner. But really it was more of them being disappointed with his family. Not him." The other waiter said.
"In fact the head chef left as last. He said to me that he hoped that this restaurant is still standing in a few years. He would not mind coming back. He just want Fun to be even better at managing the staff. He left in the hopes that he will be in fully charge of the restaurant and that he would become a proper owner of the restaurant." The waiter said, "He will come back. He hasn't entirely left. He wasn't on a fired leave. No he left due to family complications. And as such, we still have a head chef."
Twilight's eyes widen, "That is amazing news! We will still need a barista and sous chef though." Twilight said with an surprised smile.
"I know a barista that might be interested in joining the restaurant. She has a master degree in coffee and has 10 years of experience in the bar keeping business." One of the waiters said,
"Bring her here. I will discuss my terms with her." Twilight requested.
"I will." he said before leaving to go and find her.
"Hm. I know of a temporary sous chef. That might be interested in joining up. Of course I will pay her, not the restaurant. She can't stay permanently." Twilight said.
"Good. Please go and ask her then. I will make sure that the furniture group places the bar in the right place." Fun said.
"Sure. Will you give the waiters the good news?" Twilight asked.
"I will." Fun said smiling.
"Good. I will be back in a few moments." Twilight said, she looked outside, the sun was going down. Before leaving to go to her old friend in the black market within Manehattan.
Twilight walks towards the more shady part of the city. Many of these buildings belong to some of the most dangerous criminals known to Equestria. Some were even owned by Lunarium's mafia organization.
After looking around she spots a familiar door. Twilight approaches the door and knocks on it.
"Who is it?" an male voice asked.
"A customer." Twilight said cryptic.
"This is not some normal market, young lady." The male voice said.
"And I am not some ordinary customer. I am the purple beast." Twilight said with a growl, "Let me in!"
The male raised his eyebrow before taking a little look of Twilight. "Fine." he said before opening the door.
Twilight enters, her magic was ready in case of an ambush. Walking down the stairs, she stops to take a good look. She spots the potential sous-chef helping Royal Chef in the distance.
Walking closer, Twilight over hears a conversation between Royal chef and Black Chef also known as Becky.
"So how is the castle?" Becky asks Royal.
"Ugh. Boring. Without Twilight, the castle feels so empty. I miss Twilight and her antics." Royal said bored.
Becky smiles, "So you miss her? I thought you work also for the school." she said.
"Not anymore. The stallion that is normally in charge of the bullet fish had returned. I was told to leave, they didn't need me anymore." Royal said.
'Hm. I might be able to borrow both of them, then.' Twilight thought with an smile as she approaches Becky and Royal.
"Hey Becky!" Twilight shouted.
Becky turn her head towards the sound rapidly, she smiles. "Twilight! It has been awhile. How is school?" she asked.
"School is fine. I have a potential temporary job for you two." Twilight said.
"What is it?" Becky asked, Royal was still stunned at Twilight's sudden appearance in the black market. In the background a shocked Minno was also staring at Twilight.
"I am trying to save a restaurant. This restaurant has a lot of potential, it just that their head chef is away on family leave and the everyone else, left due to bad pay." Twilight explained. "I need a temporary sous-chef and head-chef."
"Is that so. How much is the pay?" Royal asked after he properly recovered.
"Considering that I am currently investing into the restaurant. The pay goes out of my pocket. I was thinking of 50 bits an hour for the sous-chef and 100 bits an hour for the head-chef." Twilight explained.
"I see." Becky and Royal said at the same time.
"I am prepared to pay for 60 times of 12 hour shifts times two. For each chef." Twilight explained.
"So sixty day of work." Becky said.
"And who are you hiring for the head-chef position?" Royal asked.
"I was thinking of you. While giving the sous-chef position to Becky." Twilight said.
"I see. Fine, I will join." Becky said.
"Are you sure? I haven't even said which restaurant." Twilight asked surprised.
"I trust you." Becky said.
"I will also join. I also trust you." Royal said.
"Okay. Please sign here." Twilight said as she grabs two contracts out of her backpack.
They both sign it and then they asked, "So which restaurant?"
Twilight smile turned into a smirk, "Well. I am going to honest. This is going to be interesting." she said.
Royal gulped, he did not like were this was going. "Well?" he asked worried.
"Black Sheep." Twilight simply said. Royal and Becky eyes went as wide as dinner plates.
"This is what you get for not reading the contract." Twilight said laughing out loud.
Becky face palmed, "Well shit." she said.
Royal also started to laugh loudly, "It has been awhile since I have seen my younger brother. I can't wait to get to work." he said.
"Well, I want you to go there as soon as I need you in the kitchen. This is the renewed menu. Read it and test the recipes yourself at home. As soon as I call you, I expect you to come without complaining." Twilight said, her leadership voice started to really shine.
"Yes, Yes. Ugh, remind me to read you contracts next time. Twi." Becky said.
"Nah." Twilight said as she walked off, smiling innocently.
"Twilight?" Minno said as she suddenly appeared in front of Twilight.
Twilight took one look at Minno before running at top speed out of the black market.
"Twilight, wait!" Minno shouted. "Ugh, get her." she added as she points at her goons.
Twilight quickly realized that she is in trouble, prepares her non-lethal combat magic. 'Taser magic should do.' She quickly thought.
As soon as the goons got close, Twilight cast an AoE** spell on the ground behind her. Tasering every goon and bystander with an amount of electricity that would stun them for atleast 5 minutes. Twilight safely ran away.
"Tch! She got away." Minno said annoyed, "I guess I will have a little chit-chat with you later."
Before Minno walks back inside the black market. She notices a decently angry looking Lulu approach her. "Minno. What was that?" Lulu asks with a growl.
"A Twilight copycat." Minno answered.
Lulu wasn't fooled, she saw Twilight's magic and was easily able to recognize it from a distance. "I will talk with father about what you just did." Lulu said angrily.
"Okay sis. Just know that Twilight entered our turf without out permission." Minno said to Lulu.
Lulu looks at Minno, "Are you sure that was truly not a copycat?" she asks with an smirk.
"I am certain. Besides she wasn't allowed to just enter the black market." She said as an angry glance at the door keeper.
"Actually she is allowed. She is on the white list as an VIP. She was placed as that by princess Celestia." The door keeper stated. "Her nickname in here is 'the purple beast'"
Minno and Lulu look surprised at the door keeper. "Is that so?" Minno asked faster than Lulu.
"It is, look!" he said as he points at the white list.
Lulu and Minno look at the list and indeed saw Twilight's name. "Well that is a surprise. Dad wanted me to track down this 'purple beast' but now I don't have to do that anymore." Lulu said.
"Why did you have to track her down?" Minno asked.
"I guess Twilight has been lost track off by the knight. The princess doesn't know where she is anymore." Lulu said.
"She is currently staying at the Black Sheep." Royal said as he approaches Lulu.
"And a fair warning to you," Becky started, "Twilight is an incredibly strong pony. Besides the karate, she has magic that rivals princess Celestia in power."
"I know. She is my best friend. No need to get all hostile and stuff." Lulu said annoyed.
"Good." Royal and Becky said before walking home.
Meanwhile Twilight had returned home. She was exhausted after running and shooting magic at the same time. It has been awhile since she did that. 'Phew. That was too close.' Twilight though as she sighed, she knew that she is going to have to talk to Minno later at school.
Twilight was about to look at the clock before she fainted of exhaustion onto her bed. She saw at a small glance that it 9 O'clock, roughly.
The following day started out as normal. She had an ordinary school day until,
"Twilight you are going to stay seated until I tell you to leave." Minno said, with a passive-aggressive voice.
Twilight gulped as she stayed seated. Twilight noticed the knights on the roof of the opposite building. They looked angry. Twilight felt alarmed, she prepared a teleport spell just in case. She hoped that it was nothing.
Then out of nowhere, Princess Celestia walks into Twilight's classroom. Twilight's eyes widen in panic. And even though she saw Trixie in the corner of her eye. Her body tensed up. Her training in karate put her body on high-alert.
"How do I owe this pleasure, Celestia?" Twilight asked, panic was shown in her voice.
"Do not worry, Twilight. I just had a few questions." Celestia said regally. Twilight trained senses said something else, they took a single look at her body and said that she was annoyed.
"What questions?" Twilight asked nervously as she totally ignored Trixie.
"I was wondering why you were avoiding my knights." Celestia asked.
"I wasn't? I have been walking around recently. No reason for concern." Twilight said.
"And why were you in the black market then?" Celestia asked calmly.
"I was going there to hire some old friends to help a dying restaurant." Twilight said.
Celestia eyebrow rose, "Which one?" she asked somewhat surprised.
"One that I heard used to be your favorite. Black Sheep." Twilight said.
Celestia and Minno look shocked at Twilight. "You are trying to save Black Sheep?!" Celestia shouted surprised.
Celestia's shout caused both Minno and Trixie to flinch. Twilight nodded without missing a beat.
"I see. This was a big misunderstanding then." Celestia said as her body finally relaxed. Twilight also lowered her magic. Removing the need to teleport.
A kind smile graced Celestia's lips, "I see. That is why both Royal and Black looked shocked. You tricked them into helping Fun. Right?" she asked.
"Yup." Twilight said with an smirk.
Celestia nodded, she looked at her knights and they immediately stood down. "I guess we didn't come here for a good enough reason. Trixie you are going to have to make an assay about the black market." Celestia said. Trixie immediately looked annoyed at Celestia.
"Sorry for ignoring you, Trixie. It's just unusual for Celestia herself to enter my classroom." Twilight said apologetic.
"I know. That is why I didn't try to get you attention while you talked to Celestia." Trixie said, smiling to her best friend.
"Good, well I have to go. The restaurant isn't going to fix itself you know." Twilight said in a bit of an hurry. She still had to go to fitness before actually going to the restaurant.
"I see. Well give me a call when it's finished. Me and Trixie will visit it." Celestia said.
"Very well." Twilight said as she quickly packed her bag and left the school.
Before Celestia left, Minno approached the duo. "My apologies for the false alarm. I truly thought that she-" Minno started before getting cut off by the princess.
"It's alright. I know it was tough. You were just surprised that Twilight came without those knights following her. I am just going to make sure that they improve their watchful eye on Twilight." Celestia said.
"Uhm. Your highness, why are you so careful with Twilight? Is she so dangerous still that you are watching her?" Trixie asked worried.
"Just in case. She needs to understand that actions bring consequences." Celestia said calmly.
"Well she is already feeling the consequences. Your highness. She hasn't forgotten." Minno said somewhat dissatisfied at Celestia's response.
"What do you mean?" Celestia asked confused.
"A few weeks ago, Twilight was explaining that she joined a fitness school to lose weight. And after hearing that she was being discriminated because of her race AND gender, I lost myself and smashed her school desk. The loud sound of the bang opened up some old wounds. Causing her to get a mental breakdown. It appears that she has been deeply traumatized by the event. She to this day can lose her emotions when she think of the disaster." Minno explained.
"How bad?" Trixie asked.
"She was sobbing and having nightmares for 5 hours straight. It took the combined effort of Coffee, Tart, Tree and Flower to calm her down. After that she appeared empty for the rest of the week. Her eyes were empty and she spoke like she was deeply depressed. A visit to an old friend fixed her mental state." Minno said, drooping a little when she remembered that she was the cause.
"Oh my Luna." Trixie said looking deeply hurt by Twilight's mental breakdown.
Celestia on the other hoof stopped thinking for a moment. She could just picture it, Twilight depressed state. Celestia felt bad. She looked at Trixie, she looked down. Celestia looked at Minno, she also looked a bit down. she sighed. 'Perhaps Shining Armor was right. She did get harmed more by it then I thought.' Celestia thought.
"She also said it took a lot of willpower, not to kill herself. And to continue on living. Even if she felt that she deserved death." Minno added.
Celestia and Trixie look in shock at her. Trixie knew what it felt like to feel depressed. But not to this extend. Celestia on the other hoof knew what it was like. No, it shocked her that a 8 year old filly could have such thoughts.
"I should have been there for her. I was powerless." Trixie said very sad.
Instead of just standing there, Celestia hugged both Trixie and Minno. Minno nearly jumped in shock at her motion, but allowed it anyways. "I am sorry. I did not know that she was that way. Perhaps prince Arms was correct. I am stepping over an boundary that I shouldn't cross." Celestia said, she used her body to allow Trixie cry a little into her fur. Minno simply took the hug with an grain of salt.
And while they are still in the middle of a emotional hug. Twilight finished her time at fitness before heading towards 'Black Sheep' and as she was arriving she noticed that the two knights that have been accompanying her for nearly 5 years suddenly broke off. Leaving Twilight alone on the street.
Twilight's eyebrow rose slightly before continuing. As soon as she had arrived at the restaurant she sees a proud Fun looking at her through the window. She saw that the benches were already in place and that the barista that the waiter told about was already cleaning some wine glasses behind the bar.
"Fun. It would seem that everything had arrived early." Twilight simply said.
"It did. And while you were gone, I heard that bartender over there. She was more than happy with the promised salary." Fun explained, while giving an humble smile.
"Good. I got us some back-up chefs. One sous-chef and one head-chef. Their contracts last for 60 days of work. During that time we need to get a permanent sous-chef and look if that head-chef is done with family business." Twilight explained.
"Who is it?" Fun asked curiously.
Twilight smirked evilly, "I got some old friends tricked into helping you." she said.
"Who?" Fun asks again, this time more nervously.
"Royal Chef as head-chef and Black Chef as sous-chef." Twilight said with an evil smile.
Fun's eyes widen as big as dinner plates. "You got big sis and older brother to help me?" he asked surprised.
"Yup." Twilight said.
"And they accepted?" He asked even more surprised.
"They signed the contract before they asked who they were assisting. Also they didn't read the contract." Twilight said.
Fun looked at Twilight, before falling over, laughing. The punched the floor while laughing. Twilight just watched him totally laugh himself into the ground.
"Gosh. That is funny. Thank you for getting them both on board." Fun said in glee.
"Now, did you properly instruct the bartender and waiters?" Twilight asked, turning very serious.
"I did." Fun stated as her voice also turned serious.
"Did you read the books I left for you on the kitchen table?" Twilight asked.
"I did. I learned a lot. It will help immensely." Fun said.
"Did you buy the ingredients for all the products on the menu?" Twilight asked.
"I outsourced it all from the local farms. Yes." He said.
"Final thing. What is your task?" Twilight asked.
"I will receive guests and assist them to their table. I will take their order to the kitchen. Then I make sure everything works as intended. The runner will bring the food and drinks after the bartender makes it. I will guide the staff where ever I am needed." Fun said like a real restaurant owner.
"Very good. Did you get in connection to the head chef before I could, or?" Twilight asked.
"No. He did say that he will come back as soon as I call him. Should I?" Fun asked.
"No wait until 2 months have passed. Then we can remove Royal and by that time I am sure that we found a new sous-chef." Twilight said.
"Good. Then let me get everyone started for this evening." Fun said.
"I will call the duo. And call some people to tell them that we are open for business." Twilight said.
"Very well. After this, are you going to stay?" Fun asked.
"No. After this, it's your turn. I have done my part. You must now make your restaurant stick. I know you can do it." Twilight said.
"Okay. See you tomorrow next time then." Fun said.
"Yes. Next time we meet, I am proper chef that even you can hire." Twilight said with an smile.
"I can't wait." Fun said before walking towards the bar to prepare everything.
Twilight walked outside and used to call Royal and Becky.
"Royal, Becky. You work days are Monday to Sunday. From 12 O'clock midday to 12 O'clock midnight. Your work day starts over 15 minutes. You are now required." Twilight said.
"Understood." Twilight heard on the other side of the scroll in unison.
Twilight then pick up the scroll that she got from Celestia, and called her.
Celestia meanwhile was still sitting in Twilight's school after hearing of her mental breakdown. She was sipping some thee inside Coffee's living room. When she got a call from Twilight.
"What is the matter, Twilight?" Celestia asked through the scroll.
"The Black Sheep will open at 8 O'clock this evening. It's open for business when ever you feel like dropping by, you can." Twilight said.
"Will I meet you there?" Celestia asked.
"You will not. My job here is done. Now it's Fun Chef's job to do the remainder of the job. I am going home." Twilight said.
"Thank you for saving the place. I can't wait to come again in the next few days." Celestia said before hanging up.
Twilight was about to walk away when she spotted the duo she met while they were leaving the Black Sheep unhappily.
"Sir?" Twilight asked as she got closer.
"Yes, Young lady?" The older stallion asked with an soft smile.
"The restaurant has reopened. I heard their management has improved with some new menu items." Twilight said as she points at the reopened restaurant.
"Thank you, miss?" The pony besides the older stallion asked.
"Twilight." Twilight said.
"Well Twilight, Thank you." The duo said before walking towards the restaurant. And entering it.
Twilight could hear Fun's voice through the door before it closed, leaving Twilight on the street.
"Now. What am I going to eat this time around?" Twilight asked herself as she once again searched the streets of Manehattan for a place to eat. Just like those days ago.
Twilight was walking to school with books in her hoofs like usual. It was an ordinary day for most ponies. Not for Twilight though. She got a call from Celestia yesterday, that put Twilight on edge.
Flashback,
Twilight was casually returning after good excise. The boss has really been pushing Twilight even harder lately. Twilight guessed that he felt that she had been eating more and exercising less, that he felt the need to remind Twilight that she held the Rank F.
Twilight was about to take a shower when Twilight's magic scroll was buzzing.
It was Celestia's scroll. Twilight looked at the date, and saw that tomorrow, Luna's banishment was going to be dissolved.
"is it nearly time?" Twilight asked Celestia through the scroll.
"It is. I won't have much time after today. Next time we meet, Luna will be next to me." Celestia said.
"I haven't found the cure yet." Twilight said.
"It will be in due time. Trixie will be living in Ponyville from tomorrow on end. And Night Armor will soon be coming back to Manehattan. He told me to tell you to go back to the penthouse on top of the skyscraper." Celestia said.
"I will. I have a lot to unpack however. I will be in the penthouse tomorrow." Twilight said.
"Very good. See you later." Celestia said before hanging up.
Twilight looked at the stars. She could see them move. Ignoring the sky, Twilight went to take a shower and then to bed.
Twilight's walk continued towards school. School itself was not very interesting. However Twilight stayed seat after Minno's final class. Minno noticed it, as she too stayed behind.
"What is it Twilight?" Minno asked worried.
"It's time." Twilight said, in a very serious tone.
"Time for what?" Minno asked confused.
"She is returning this evening." Twilight said.
It was then that Minno put two and two together. "Luna." Minno finished.
"Yes." Twilight said as she stood up and looked up through the window.
"I see. I can't wait to meet her." Minno said.
"It's time for destiny to meet her nemesis. Soon a rainbow of power will emerge and strike down those will ill feelings. The elements of harmony." Twilight explained.
"Friendship. It takes a group of six friends to awaken the stones. Only together are you one." Twilight said.
"I see. You seem to know an awful lot." Minno said surprised.
"I was destined to told the stone of friendship. However I lost that right when I caused the slum disaster. It got transferred to Trixie. A young unicorn, whose life I saved." Twilight said.
"I see." Minno drooped at the slum disaster's name.
"Everything fits. Trixie's life saved, my denial of the magic student status. Trixie's life as magic student, my change to becoming a chef. And everything in between. The puzzle is complete." Twilight said cryptically.
"It's time." Minno said.
"I am going to go and pack my bags to move back to my penthouse. I will be back tomorrow." Twilight said.
"I see. See you tomorrow." Minno said with an smile.
Twilight waved as she ran back home to quickly go to fitness before going to move back. As soon as she was home, she went to fitness.
"Hey boss. I can only stay for about an hour. I need to move my shit to my old home in Manehattan." Twilight said.
"Why are you moving back?" The boss asked surprised.
"My dad and I want to live together. That means leaving my good old apartment to go back home." Twilight explained.
"Okay. Then I am going to give you the dummy and places you in one of the rooms." The boss said.
"Thanks boss." Twilight said before moving into one of the rooms.
Twilight's fitness went as normal as usual. She went back home and packed everything in carton boxes. Twilight looked at the clock, It was soon going to be noon.
Twilight moved each every box, one at the time, in her magic back to the penthouse. She looked at her old apartment and realized that she stayed there for about a year. She was going to miss that little apartment.
It was 8 O'clock. Twilight looked at the sun. It was a solar eclipse. Before leaving the apartment fully, she had cleaned it everything. She waited and watched the horizon towards Ponyville.
It was exactly 20:30. Twilight suddenly felt a wave of magic coming from Ponyville. Twilight could feel the distinct magic of the element of friendship. She could also feel it reject her.
And then, "BOOM!" as a massive rainbow twirled into the sky, it hit the stratosphere. A spark of light came from the collision before a massive beam of rainbow colored laser slammed down onto what appeared to be the Everfree Forest. Twilight could swear she heard a "NO!" sound coming from that direction.
Then the beam of light hit the moon. Moving the moon back to the horizon where it belonged. And Twilight saw a beam of magic come from the sun. It was Celestia's magic signature.
She also felt a small wave of magic come from Trixie. The deed was done. Luna was returned. And Twilight returned to her penthouse after giving the key back to the landlord. She walked throughout the street as she hundreds of ponies stare in the direction of Ponyville.
Twilight smiled, 'You did it Trixie. You made history.' she thought as she walked back into her penthouse.
Using her magic to clean the house. She now waited for dad to return. Twilight started to read the old book that belonged to Trixie's dad. How to bake for basics by Donut Lulamoon. It explained how he taught Trixie into baking cookies and donuts.
Twilight smiled, without the burden to carry a stone of immense power. Twilight could focus on becoming a chef. Her desire to become a master chef was very high. Her desire to own her own moving cafe is also powerful.
'A cafe on the move. One that could travel from Manehattan to Ponyville. From Canterlot to the capital of the dragons. All while serving a special collection of ultra high quality products.' Twilight thought.
Twilight then heard a familiar set of hoofs come from the elevator. Twilight stood next to the door. Ready to pounced on her intended victim. 'Shining Armor' Twilight mentally locked onto.
The door handle went down, revealing Shining Armor with Night Light and Velvet Sparkle.
Twilight pounced faster than Shining was able to react.
"Big Brother!" Twilight shouted childish.
"Ouch! Twilight!" Shining said in pain. He appeared to be smiling.
"Twilight. It has been too long!" Mom said to Twilight.
"It sure has." Twilight said as she attack hugged Velvet and Night.
"How is my little sister?" Shining said after he recovered from Twilight's attack.
"I am doing fine. My grades are very high. I have become decently well known." Twilight said.
"But seriously, Ouch! Since when have you become a train?!" Shining said as he groans in pain.
"Since I do karate as my sport." Twilight said with big smile.
"Karate?! Isn't that dangerous?" Night asked worried.
"It is. Especially as I am an F ranked karate user. I have a beginners champions cup on my name." Twilight said.
"You are a beginner champion? Don't you have to obtain the intermediate champions cup also to become F ranked?" Shining asked confused.
"You have to. Unless you absolutely wreck your competition like me." Twilight said.
Shining looked shocked at Twilight, "Wow. My little sister is strong." he said somewhat shocked.
"Is that impressive?" Velvet asked confused.
"Yes. It's like a recruit winning a tournament meant for recruits on a soldier level. It's insanely hard to do that." Shining said.
"Yes. I also instant KO an S ranked fighter." Twilight said somewhat sad.
"WHAT! You beat a General ranked fighter with KO?!" Shining said, he looked beyond shocked at this revelation.
"That must have been hard." Night commented.
"No. I nearly refused my beginner cup prize. It was far too easy. I knocked the S ranked fighter out cold with a single Equestrian surplex." Twilight said as she unconsciously yawned.
Night, Velvet and Shining stood there. They looked beyond shocked.
"Well I did instantly obtain F rank and I have my next fight in 2 years. I am going to participate in the world cup instead of the F rank tournament." Twilight admitted.
"Oh My Celestia." Velvet said before fainting. Night caught her in time and laid her on the floor before fainting himself.
Shining just stood there in a state of frozen shock.
"Too much?" Twilight asked with an evil smirk.
"Twilight. If I ignore the karate training you have done. Can we go and settle Dad's stuff in the house?" Shining request.
Twilight eyes widen, "Of course. Sorry, I got caught up in teasing you guys. Please come in. I cleaned it up a little." she said in an hurry.
"By the way what was that rainbow laser thing?" Night asked as he switched topics.
"That was the elements of harmony." Twilight said.
"I see. Thus Luna has been freed." Velvet said.
"She has." Twilight said, "Which means a new page had been turned in the history books."
"It has. Twilight. It has." Night said.
"Good. Now why don't I catch you guys up on my adventures?" Twilight asked.
"Sure." Shining, Velvet and Night said in unison.
"Well after you left I-" Twilight started to recount her actions she took during her adventures of this book.
