Special Day, Diffrent Results
It was late at night as Twilight finished reading her book. After grabbing a book off the shelf, she put her glasses on. She sat near her desk and started to read. Her babysister knocked on the door and in came Cadence.
“Twilight. Come on, it’s time for bed,” she said, walking into Twilight’s bedroom.
“But big sis, I’m almost done with this book,” Twilight said, hugging her book in a protective manner.
"Oh my, you really do love books, huh? You must be really enjoying it, huh? I guess your growing up fast, aren’t ya?” Cadence said, giggling a little.
Twilight held the book close to her chest. Holding it like a stuffed animal. “Yeah. I love this book a lot. Can I please finish it?” she pleaded.
Cadence smiled with a small laugh. Then an idea clicked. “That’s too bad. Looks like you prefer your book over your big sister…” she fell onto Twilight’s bed, faking her own demise. “I feel myself being taken by the invisible monster. It’s alright, Twilight… Don’t worry about little old me.”
Twilight reacted instantly and dropped the book, getting onto the bed with her big sister. “No! Big sis! I’ll come to your aid!” She frantically tried to get onto the bed.
“Twilight…”
“I’m coming, big sis! J-just give me a moment. The bed is so high.”
She finally got up and held her close. Laughing as they grabbed each other. Twilight wouldn’t let go of her.
“Thank you Twilight for saving me. Your such a sweet little sister,” he said, rubbing her head.
On one hand, Twilight was happy that her sister was safe from harm. But on the other hand, she was sad she couldn't finish the book she’d been reading all day. She wanted to know more.
“I really wanted to finish that book too…”she thought as she looked at the book. “It’s okay big sis. I’ll protect you from the invisible monster.”
They grinned at each other after that small declaration. Twilight was just too happy to be around the two people she cares for the most. After a few moments of silence, Cadance spoke. “Hey Twilight, are you ready for your first Valentine's Day?” he asked.
“Huh? What’s that, big sis?” she asked, looking at the heart-shaped present.
“It’s a special day where you show your love to your friends, family and love ones,” She answered.
“Like with what you do for me, big sis?” she asked.
“Kinda, but this is a different sort of present. Your presents are filled with lots of chocolates and gifts. Anybody who’s your true love, gives you a card to show how much he or she cares for you and so he/she could have fun by spreading the love around. But if I’m being honest with you, it’s the wonderful time of the year for me. Especially when we get to eat chocolate together. It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow, handing out chocolates,” Cadance said, looking at her heart-shaped box.
“Chocolate?” Twilight asked.
“Oh, that’s right! You’ve never had chocolate before. Don’t you worry, i’ll make sure to give you some as well. It’s really good,” Cadence answered, winking at her. She patted Twilight on the head as she said, “I’ll do my best to make this day extra special for you. I’ll give you the best chocolates in the world.”
“Big sis, I want to make you something too!” Twilight yelled happily.
“Oh, don’t worry your little head about that. Now, get some rest,” Cadance said before putting Twilight to bed.
Twilight looked up at her sister as Cadance kissed her on the forehead. Then she tucked her in and turned off the light. “But even if you tell me that, I still want to. I want to make her super happy and show her how much she means to me. And to do that, I got to make the best Chocolate gift she has ever eaten! First thing tomorrow, I need to go on the internet and find out how to make it for her. But for now… I need… to fall… asleep…”
And with that final thought, she drifted off into dreamland, eager for tomorrow.
. . .
The next morning she got up super early and brushed her teeth. Then she took a show for half an hour. Afterwards, she got dressed and went for the recipe books in the kitchen cabinet. She gathered everything she needed to know about how to make chocolate. She dropped it all on the counter and looked at it.
“Now I have everything I need to make the best chocolate for her. It will be the best Valentine’s Day gift ever!” She moved everything around the kitchen, looking for any ingredient she could find. “Alright, we have the salt, powder, milk, sugar… there’s the cocoa powder and lastly the butter. Let’s get started!” She placed them in order and just stared for fifteen minutes, waiting for a miracle. However, nothing happen. “What’s going on? I got all the ingredients, but nothing’s happening. I don’t see the chocolate… Did I get it wrong?” She grabbed the bag of salt and lifted it up. “Maybe if I open everything up, it’ll mix together. I guess I should get the biggest thing out of the way first. Then I’ll-” Before she could finish, the bag ripped, spilling everywhere. It was a mess but she achieved her goal in putting it in. “At least most of it got in there.” Her mood soon changed and grew annoyed that it wasn’t going as quickly as she thought and started pacing across the kitchen. “Why isn’t this working? Where’s the chocolate?”
She left the kitchen for a moment and went to find the cookbook for the recipe she read. She placed it on the kitchen table and sat down as she open the pages. She read it and realized that for the butter, it needs to be in a pot and melted all over it. “Oh, I see why the butter wasn’t working. It needs to be melted and spread all over. Now, how do I get it on?” She moved one of the turners and as she did, it burned her hands, making her run over to the sink and cool her hands. “Owie, that hurt!” She was furious now that her hands were burnt by the stove. She glared at it as she stared at it. “You meanie! I’ll show you what burns! I won’t let you stop me from making the best chocolate for big sis!”
She started thrashing the stove as hard as she could on the ground. She was rightfully furious from burning her hand. Her parents were nearby as the destruction continued.
“What’s going on in there?” Her father asked.
“Twilight’s making chocolate. She woke me up super early and asked me how to make it. I handed her the cookbook and told her to follow the steps. I’m sure she’s fine,” Her mother said, giving a tired sigh.
After Twilight was finished beating the pan, she went back to making the chocolate. Looking over every instruction in the book, she followed it to a T. Twilight was sweating as she continued to bake. Several hours later, she finally finished and Cadence had just arrived. She came out of the kitchen, covered in chocolate, butter and batter.
“Happy Valentine’s day,” Twilight said, holding her arms out in surprise.
Cadence was shocked to see what she had gone through in the kitchen. She couldn’t even imagine how much of a mess it was for Twilight. “I’m thankful for what you’ve done but, are you okay?”
Twilight nodded. “It’s nothing. Here’s the chocolate I made just for you.”
Twilight held out the chocolate she just made for Cadance. The latter was aghast by its appearance. “Twilight, you made all this by yourself? You must’ve went through a lot to do this just for me…” She opened the bag and saw the results before her. The Chocolate was dark, burnt, and crunchy. It looked as if it were struck by lightning bolts. Nevertheless, she was happy.
“I hope this makes you happy, big sis.” Cadence was more than happy. She was incredibly pleased, seeing Twilight put in the effort to make her a gift. Even if the result was less than stellar. “I tried to make it just as perfect as you, but I don’t think it’ll be any good.”
“What? You put in so much time and effort into this! I’m sure it’ll be the best thing i’ve ever had!” She grabbed one of the pieces and took a nibble of it. She would soon regret every moment of it as she had a sick feeling settle into her tongue. The taste was indescribable. It was almost like eating a piece of charcoal mixed with the ants walking on it. “S-See, Twilight? I-It’s the best c-chocolate in the world.” Tears soon took over as she tried her best to not throw up. “I-I’m crying tears of joy as we speak!”
Twilight was surprised by her words and believed them. She was happy and decided to try her own chocolate. “Awe, really? I wanna try then!”
“W-What, Twilight! Don’t eat-”
Before she could stop her, she ate one of the pieces. She instantly felt sick the moment she took a nibble. Feeling something coming up, she speedlined to the bathroom and puked into the toilet. She continued for two and a half minutes before leaving the bathroom.
“Is this what c-chocolate really taste like? Big sis, I think i’ll pass on valentines day from now on…” Twilight said, after brushing her teeth.
“That’s because you had your own! Here, try mine!” She unwrapped a bar of chocolate and pulled a small piece. “T-Trust me! If you eat this, you’ll fall in love with Valentine's Day all over again. It’s my special Amorlicious Chocolate.”
Twilight rejected her offer upon seeing the chocolate. She thought there was nothing in the world that could ever get rid the taste she had to endure. “I-I’m fine, Big sis. I can live without it-”
“Just try it!”
She pushed a piece of her chocolate into her mouth and while Twilight was reluctant to try it, the chocolate started to melt into her mouth and the bad taste started to disappear. The new taste she had was indescribable. It was almost like being struck by Cupid. It’s nothing she’s ever experienced before. Her mouth started to water as she savored the flavor.
“A-Ah… Is this what true chocolate taste like? It’s so yummy! I’m so happy!” She was starstruck after swallowing the chocolate whole. She lit up like a firecracker when she took another look at Cadance’s chocolate. “Big sis! You were right! This is the best chocolate I ever tasted!”
Cadence attempted to be discrete and spit out the chocolate and wiping her lips. It was too much for to bear after convincing Twilight to taste her chocolate. “Y-Yea… I-I knew it would convince you, T-Twilight.” She manage to get the rest out but the taste would remain for as long as she lived. She looked over to Twilight and her face was too adorable to contain. “So adorable!”
Twilight seemed to be unaware of Cadance struggling to keep a straight face. There were so many stars twinkling in the former’s eyes that she could almost be among the Solar System. It was just a sight to behold. As that was going on, Shining Armor showed up with his own gift as well.
“Hey, what’s my Twily and dear Cadance doing in here?” he asked, happy to see them.
“Big bro! You should try big sis special chocolate! They’re so good and it’ll take away the bad taste from anything!”
Shining Armor looked at her with confusion. He must’ve thought she was pulling a prank on him. Then he turned towards Cadance, looking for an answer.
“Special chocolate?” he asked, scratching his head. He grabbed one from her hands and looked at it. He noticed it was the same chocolate he usually has ever so often. “Wait, these aren’t something she made. They must-” Cadence elbowed him right when he was about to finish his sentence. “O-Oh! Right. These are a different type of chocolate from a different world. She’s really good at it.”
“Big sis is the best!” Twilight yelled, jumping excitedly onto Cadance.
“Aw~, you're both flattering me,” Cadance said with a mild blush.
Shining Armor chuckled as he watched the two hug. He was more than ready to show his gift to Twilight now. However, Twilight’s mood soon shifted and realized she didn’t make the best gift for her dear sister. “I wish I could’ve made something as great as that… I feel like a cheapskate now…”
Cadence felt terrible upon realizing that. She knew the effort what Twilight was putting in. She picked up Twilight and hugged her. “Twilight, don’t be like that! I loved the gift you gave me!”
“Really?” Twilight asked, suddenly lighting back up again.
“Of course! It’s the thought that counts and to me, I couldn’t be any prouder than I am now,” Cadence said, holding onto Twilight. “It may have not been flawless this time, there’s always next time. All it takes is practice, practice, practice and in no time, you’ll surpass my special chocolate.”
“If you tell her that, she’ll never speak to you again.” He laughed as soon as he remembered. “Guess I’ll be on clean up duty for the next few years.”
“Do your best to make the best chocolate this world has ever seen! I believe in you,” Cadance said, going back to hugging Twilight.
Twilight held her big sister close and promised her she’ll continue to improve on her cooking skills. No matter what would come her way, she would persevere. She began her dream of surpassing Cadance’s chocolate.
“Even if I don’t make it next year, I’ll continue to improve! No matter what! Even if it takes my entire life, i’ll do it!
. . .
Seven years have passed since that day she promised herself that she surpass Cadance’s chocolate. She was walking through Canterlot High on the night of the Valentine’s Day dance. She went towards the statue and unzipped her bag. Her dear sister had left for college and hasn’t seen her in ages. She carried a box on this day, since she made her promise to Cadance.
“Happy Valentine's Day, big sis.” She walked around after school, heading to nowhere in particular as she entered the library. “You always told me how much this day meant to you. Every year, I’d always try something new and every year, it’d end in the same result. I have new friends, new teachers and and new opportunities. The only thing it’s missing now… is you.” She sat down on a bench, staring at her creation. She hasn't even tried her own chocolate since that day, fearing that it wouldn’t match her big sister’s taste and pureness. “My only regret now is that nobody tries it. Someone, anyone… please… enjoy the-”
“Yo, Twilight! I was wondering where you went. What you doing out here by yourself?”
It was Rainbow Dash, a friend she’s known for several months. She found her sitting at one of the tables. “What is it, Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked, turning towards her blue friend.
She had just left the shower after practice, so her hair was still mildly wet. But other than that, Rainbow Dash was glad to see Twilight. “I just wanted to check up on you and-” She noticed the box on Twilight’s lap. “Oh… Who’s the lucky guy, huh?”
“It’s for nobody. I made because I had nothing better to do. I really want to be alone right now,” Twilight said, before turning back to the box. “Besides, don’t you have a special someone waiting for you?”
“What, you mean Zephyr? Why do you think I’m out here and not at the dance? I already told him I had no interest in him.” She couldn’t take her eyes off the box. “I wasn’t even aware she could make chocolate…” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow when she took notice. “Hey, Twilight? If it’s for nobody in particular, mind if I have a piece?”
Twilight sighed but had no real reason to say no to her. “Sure.”
She gave her the box and she opened it. “You're the best, Twilight!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. She opened the box and what was inside blew her mind. It had chocolate in the shape of hearts. The attention to detail was on point, and it smelled like it was made in heaven. She didn’t know if she could eat it now or continue to fawn at it.“Either she’s got natural talent, or she’s been taking cooking lessons from Pinkie. Either way, this rocks!” She finally gave in and tried one.
The taste dissolved instantly and her eyes twinkled. “This is sooooo good! I think I’ve died and gone to heaven!” Rainbow Dash with her mouth turning into a waterfall.
Twilight smiled and let out a small laugh as she said that. Never before has she felt this humbled. It just showed how far she has come as a baker.
“My sister’s chocolate is a thousand times better,” She said, reaching into her bag.
“Seriously?!”
“Her chocolate was beyond words! It’s like heaven and sweets mixed together. It’s impossible to place it into any category!” Twilight boasted as she brought the chocolate out.
Rainbow Dash grabbed her bag and looked at it. She was disappointed that hers were plain and ordinary. “Shoot… I don’t have anything nearly as good as that. But it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t give you something as well.”
Twilight looked at it and recognized that shape and size. It was the same as her sister’s special candy. She was stunned to see someone else had it.
“Um… Hello? Earth to Twilight?”
“Is that…! No, it can’t be! It looks just like my sis’s special chocolate! This has to be a cruel joke!” Twilight refused to believe that it was the real deal. She rubbed her glasses to get a clearer look. “How do you have my sister’s special chocolate?!”
“This couldn’t-” Twilight quickly nabbed the chocolate out of Rainbow Dash’s hands and inspected it. “What the-”
“This can’t be real…” She looked at the back of the wrapper and saw the date. It was clear as day. “1824… This was long before she was born…” She started putting two and two together. “Hold up! So for the last seven years of attempting to replicate her taste… she’s been giving me something that was never her own to begin with?!”
Twilight just stood there, paralyzed from the shocking truth. She’d been lied to her entire childhood when she promised to surpass Cadance’s chocolate. She fell to her knees in defeat. “B-Big sis?! Why?!” she demanded.
“Twilight, don’t die on me now! I need your to continue making these every year!” Rainbow Dash shouted, shaking Twilight rapidly
“Let me wallow in shame!” Twilight demanded as she laid on the ground. She hid her eyes in shame as she faced upward. Rainbow Dash was even more dumbfounded now. “I now really hate valentine's day…!”
. . .
Elsewhere, Cadance sneezed, for some unknown reason. She suddenly got a shiver down her spine as she remembered Valentine’s Day. “Why do I feel like I tasted charcoal...?”
