//------------------------------// // Chapter One: Setup // Story: Shall we Play a Game? // by BlurredTheLines //------------------------------// “Aah, what a beautiful day” Pinkie Pie says as she rises from her bed, with a stretch. She opens a window to take in the morning light, and gives a friendly wave to a pony passing by. She then closes the window and takes a glance at the calender hanging on the wall. She gasps and says “it's today, I'd better get going!” She throws on her saddlebags and and hurries down the stairs. As she reaches the bottom of the stairs, a voice calls out to her. “Pinkie?” “Yes, Mrs. Cake?” she replies as she turned around to face her. “We're heading out on a trip today, mind the store for us while we're gone, would you?” “Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, you can count on me!” “Take care, Pinkie” Mrs. Cake says as the two walk out the door. “Okie dokie lokie” Pinkie says as she follows suit. The first stop of Pinkie's trip through Ponyville brings her to the Carousel Boutique. She knocks at the door. “Come in” a voice from inside calls. She opens the door and says “hiya, Rarity” “Pinkie Pie? What's the occasion?” she asks, a curious look on her face. “I'm holding a party and Sugarcube Corner and you all are invited!” she says, a wide grin spread across her face as she hands out an invitation. “Well,” Rarity says in response, “it has been a slow day here at the boutique, I suppose I could close early today. Very well, I shall be there.” “Yay!” Pinkie shouts as she runs out the door, her next destination in mind. Her next stop brings her to Sweet Apple Acres. “What'cha heading out here for, Pinkie?” asks Applejack as she sees her friend walking up the dirt road. “I'm having a party, and you're totally invited!” Pinkie says excitedly as she starts hopping up and down. She then hands Applejack an invitation. “Hoo boy, I sure could use a break, count me in.” Pinkie darts off toward the next house. The trip now brings her to the town library. Pinkie walks up to the door and knocks at it. “Who is it?” ask a voice from inside. “It's me Twilight,” Pinkie says as she opens the door, “and I'm inviting you to a party.” “Oh?” asked Twilight, “What's the occasion?” “You'll see...” Pinkie said teasingly, as she handed her an invitation. Twilight opened it and skimmed its contents. “Spike!” She called, “I'll be leaving this afternoon, take care of things while I'm gone.” “Can do” Spike replied from upstairs. “Now, about this party...” Twilight starts to say as she turns to face Pinkie, but she was already gone. Next on her journey, Rainbow Dash's residence. Rainbow Dash is sitting in her room, reading the latest Daring Do novel, when a paper airplane soars in from the window, landing between her and the book. There appears to be writing on it, so she sets the book down beside her and opens it, discovering the words “look outside” written on it. She peers out the window to see a waving Pinkie Pie on the ground below. She went outside and flew down to speak with her friend “What brings you out here, Pinkie?” “I'm inviting you to a party, that's what” she says, holding out an invitation. Rainbow Dash stares at the invite for a second, taking a moment to consider any prior commitments. Thinking of none, she then says “yeah, sure, I'll be there.” “Woohoo! One to go!” Pinkie says as she takes off. Her final stop is Fluttershy's cottage. Pinkie knocks at the door and asks, “Fluttershy, you home?” “Yes,” came a soft reply. “you're invited to a party at Sugarcube Corner” says Pinkie Pie, holding out an invitation. “Everyone else is gonna be there!” “That sounds like fun. Sure, I'll go” says Fluttershy. Pinkie then merrily hops on back to Sugarcube Corner. “Now Angel,” Fluttershy says, addressing her pet bunny, “you'll behave yourself while I'm gone, won't you?” Angel gives her a flat look. “Angel...” she says, an admonishing tone in her voice. Angel gave an annoyed sigh, and shook his head in agreement. And so, the group made their own separate ways to Sugarcube Corner. “Oh look, the gang's all here” says Rainbow Dash as the rest of the group approach. “Any reason you can think of that she'd throw us a party?” asked Twilight. “Who knows,” Applejack chimed in, “it is Pinkie Pie we're talkin' about.” “What Applejack said,” Rarity says, “She'll look for any reason to throw a party. Or have you forgotten the birthday party she thew for her pet alligator?” “O-or the party she threw for Gilda...?” Fluttershy added meekly. “Right...” Twilight says, “Well, let's head inside.” The room is dark, very much so. As the door closes, the room becomes pitch black. “Who shut the door?” “O-oh, sorry...” “Somepony find a lightswitch.” “Ow, who stepped on mah tail?” The lights went on. “Surprise!” yells Pinkie at the top of her lungs. The room is decorated with a myriad of colorful balloons, streamers, and a banner hangs in back that reads “Happy Anniversary”. “'Happy Anniversary'? What's that supposed to mean?” Twilight asks. “Three years ago today you first came to Ponyville, and we all became the bestest of friends.” “Aw, how thoughtful” she replies, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks. “Well, don't just stand there, it's time to party!” Pinkie says excitedly. “Who wants cupcakes?” Pinkie then brings out a tray of cupcakes. “Ooh, I'll have one!” Rainbow Dash says, grabbing one off the tray. The rest of them do so as well, and they each take a bite. “Uh, hey Pinkie? Do these cupcakes taste off to you?” Rainbow Dash says with a confused look. Pinkie blinked bewilderingly. She then takes a bite for herself. “Oh yeah, they do taste o-” she begins, but passes out before finishing her sentence, as the others had. --- They awoke to an unfamiliar location.”Where are we...?” Twilight asks wearily, the effects of whatever knocked them out still apparent. “Huh?” Rainbow Dash grunts as she regains consciousness. “All right, show yourself, whoever you are!” “I see you're awake...” A mysterious voice says, seemingly coming from outside the room. “Y'all are messing with the wrong ponies” Applejack says in a threatening manner. “You all are here to play a game.” the voice continues. “Hey! Don't ignore us!” Rainbow Dash shouts. An image magically appears on one of the walls. It depicts a wooden unicorn puppet, with odd red and white markings painted on its face. “All you have to do, is complete the games I've set for you, and you all go free.” “that's it?” Twilight asks. “Fail a challenge, and, well, there won't be another challenge to fail...” the voice continues. “An' what's that suppose'ta mean?” Applejack asks. “If you fail, you won't be heading home... ever.” The group took a collective gulp. The stakes were set high, and they knew it. “Now then, let the games begin.” The voice says, and the image disappears. “So where's the-” Twilight begins to say, but collapses, and so do the others.