McSugarcube Corner

It was just another beautiful day in Equestria and the young Unicorn Twilight Sparkle was studying, as was her usual habit, when her faithful number one assistant Spike came running through the front door. Twilight was startled by the commotion the young dragon caused as he slammed the door open, however, she had grown accustomed to these interruptions that so frequently occurred. The purple dragon stood there, an exhausted look on his face and his cheeks puffed up as if his mouth were full.

Twilight sighed as she looked up from her open book, closing it gently, "What is it Spike?"

The dragon did not answer, he instead began jumping around and pointing frantically at his mouth, barely opening it as he managed to get the muffled words out,

"Leffer rom Inceff Fereftia! Ifs imporranf!"

Twilight raised an eyebrow, confused but slightly amused by the little dragon's performance. After a few more seconds of his wacky dance, Spike the dragon gave a loud belch and, with a puff of green smoke, a letter with Celestia's royal seal appeared and floated to the floor. Spike patted his belly proudly and breathed deeply in relief before slumping off to his welcoming bed. Before the unicorn could even ask, the poor thing was already snoring. With another sigh and a twinkle of magic, Twilight opened the letter,

"Dear Twilight Sparkle,

Your next assignment will involve running Sugarcube Corner. Unfortunately the Cakes have run into a bit of financial trouble so I would like you and your friends to run the shop and return it to its former glory. I trust that you will please me miss Sparkle, as I have very high expectations of you and trust you will complete the task expertly,

Your loving Teacher and Mentor,

Princess Celestia"

The purple unicorn almost lept in glee. Another assignment! She could once again show her beloved teacher and princess how great she truly was. Her face lit up as she imagined the princess' delighted face as she completed the task as promptly and as 'expertly' as possible. Without a minute to lose, Twilight tossed the letter on her overflowing desk and trotted eagerly out the door to inform her friends of this new development.