Ten Little Ponies
Victory had never tasted so sweet. At this point in time, the mane six had just defeated Lord Tirek and stood as the heroes of Equestria. Now, becoming heroes of anything obviously is one of the coolest feelings, but being the heroes for what the fifth or sixth time (Jeez I lose count) of an entire kingdom obviously has its perks. Ceremonies, respect, or in this case an entire castle for a new princess (Twilight Sparkle if you weren’t already aware (It happened in the third and fourth seasons)). However, due to the overall success of the mane six, plus the fact that this would be the third time that year that called for mass celebration, Celestia decided to try something different. Most of Equestria already knew how great the mane six were so they didn’t need more recognition. Also, the parties and celebrations, although fun, were taking many work days from the already carefree and relatively easy work year. This time, the group planned to have a small dinner party for the mane six in Twilights new castle, with minimal outside invitation. So the date was set, soon the mane six, Spike, Luna and Celestia, and Princess Cadence were getting ready for the dinner party. Shining Armor could not attend since he would be busy guarding the now empty castle in Canterlot.
Although it was in a very pristine and very shiny (much to the dismay of Twilight's neighbors) castle it was a very laid back party. The main room had been set up with a few small tables for friends to sit at along with some background music playing to lighten the mood. There was a nice buffet set up in the main room for everyone which consisted of food brought by everyone since Twilight was recently a librarian of average wealth and could not afford servants. Most of the party consisted of everyone going to get food every so often and quiet mingling between the ponies despite the room being small enough for everyone to hear bits of others conversation. Although it didn’t seem like a good party, it was actually enjoyed by the partygoers and was a welcome change to their normally abnormal lives. For once, they could enjoy a quiet and peaceful evening for a change (Little did they know, the real fun was just about to start. BWAHAHAHA!, you know I’m going to stop interjecting my own thoughts, it throws off the pacing). Pinkie Pie, being the party pony she is, decided to be in charge of the aforementioned background music by being the DJ for the night. Twilight, if she had the money, would have hired Vinyl Scratch, but Pinkie was the second best DJ around and she worked for free.
“Wait I’m not getting paid!?”
(I’m just going to ignore that). Anyways, as everyone began mingling about it seems as though tension began to slowly rise between the group.
“I’m not sure that I can fully encourage this Tia.” Luna said to her sister in a hushed tone.
“Relax Luna we are at a party.” Celestia said taking another bite of the MMM cake that Pinkie brought.
"Yes, but I don't feel comfortable leaving the castle empty." Luna continued to whisper. "Our enemies might see us in our weakened state and plan an attack." Luna worried.
“You are such a worrier,” Celestia said with a slight chuckle. “Shining Armor is more than capable in taking care of the castle while we are gone.” She said taking another bite of cake.
Luna looked down nervously before speaking again. “Yes but-”
“But nothing.” Celestia said cutting her sister off. “Luna for the last time we are at a party with all of our friends and I intend on having a good time.” Celestia said getting up from the table to go put her plate away. “I suggest you do the same.”
As Celestia left Luna gave a quick glare at her sister before finding someone else to talk to. However, they were not the only two that seemed to be at odds. Sitting on the other side of the room sat Rainbow Dash and Rarity. Rainbow Dash, as she finished downing her third mug of Apple Family Cider, let out a loud burp as she slammed her mug down on the table.
“Whew, man every cider I drink just gets better and better. I gotta *burp* go get another one.” Rainbow said beginning to get up.
“Rainbow Dash stop being so uncivilized, we are at a dinner party and there is no excuse for your kind of behavior.” Rarity said in pure disgust.
“Geez Rarity calm down, I’m just having some fun.” Rainbow laughed giving Rarity a nudge on her shoulder. “Besides it’s just a party with our friends, it’s not like the Grand Galloping Gala or anything.” She continued.
Rarity sighed and rolled her eyes as she responded. “Yes but we are still in fact at a dinner party with the princesses no less so you need to be on your best behavior.” She said in an irritated tone.
“You need to be on your best behavior blah blah blah.” Rainbow Dash said imitating Rarity. “Look you’re not the boss of me so calm down.” Rainbow said getting up in Rarity’s face. “I’m going to get more cider.” Rainbow Dash said as she grabbed her mug to refill and stormed off leaving Rarity to grumble at herself.
Meanwhile sitting closest to Pinkie’s DJ setup sat Twilight and Princess Cadence. They had been talking for hours telling stories about Shining Armor, discussing childhood memories, and all in all having a enjoyable time. They would talk for a few minutes, share a laugh, then get more food as the night went on. After dessert, Cadence and Twilight continued to talk as they drank glasses of water.
“Thanks again for hosting this wonderful party Twilight.” Cadence said giving her sister-in-law a hug.
“I’m just glad everyone could make it.” Twilight said looking around at the party goers. “It wouldn’t be the same without them.”
“Well you threw a top notch party for them to attend.” Cadence said giving another compliment to Twilight.
“Thank you.” Twilight said before silently staring out over the small crowd.
Cadence, sensing this odd behavior took a moment to try to figure out what Twilight was looking at. “Twilight,” she said softly “what’s wrong?”
Twilight sat for another moment in silence. “I’m not sure, I’m just uneasy about something.”
“Uneasy about what?” Cadence asked nervously.
“I...I guess I’m just not used to this time of peace. Its almost as if it’s too good to be true.” Twilight said before noticing Cadence’s concern. “Probably just too much sugar. I’m alright.”
Cadence stared at Twilight skeptically for a moment before getting up to get more water. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Cadence asked.
“I’m fine.” Twilight assured as Cadence left. Twilight then sighed and looked back to her friends. “I hope.”
Just as everyone was deep in their conversation Spike walked into the room holding a sealed scroll. He stopped by the cider barrel, grabbed one of the empty mugs left, filled the mug with cider, and walked to the front of the room by Pinkie Pie. He motioned for Pinkie to stop playing as he cleared his throat.
“Ladies and…” He began before noticing his audience. “Me...I guess. I just wanted to to take a moment and recognize a few ponies before the night is up.” He continued as the crowd sat down and looked towards him. “First of all, thank you to Twilight for hosting tonight's party and for the princess for attending.” Spike started as there was a quiet applause. “Most of all, a round of applause to Ponyville’s finest for defeating Tirek and saving the day.” Spike said as there was cheering and loud applause.
Spike then took a drink from his cider mug and continued. “Now on my way up here I found this note with a label that said: Urgent. Read at Party, so I figured that I would read it now.”
Spike unfurled the scroll and began to look it over before reading it to the group. As his eyes moved down the paper they began to open wide. His claws began to shake and he began to sweat.
“Spike, what does it say?” Twilight said in fear.
“It...It says that o-one of us...is a murderer.” Spike stammered in fear.
The group gasped all together and began to whisper quietly.
“It says that *cough* tonight the *cough* *cough* killer will strike and- *cough* *cough*.” Spike spat out as he collapsed to the floor.
“Spike!” Twilight shouted as she rushed to his side.
Spike clutched his spilled cider mug as he looked into the bottom of it to see his fear. As the rest of the group rushed up to meet Twilight they heard Spike whisper two short words.
“Dragonsneeze Tree.” Spike coughed out before falling limp in Twilights hooves.
“No, no this can’t be happening!” Twilight shouted tears coming to her eyes as she look down at Spike. "Spike, say something!"
The rest of the group stood in shock at the scene that unfolded in front of them.
Luna quietly walked over and put her ear up to Spike’s chest. “There’s no beat.” Luna said much to everyone’s horror. “He’s dead.”
“Dragonsneeze Tree.” Rarity pondered grabbing the mug. “Wait! Didn’t you say that Spike was allergic to Dragonsneeze Tree.” She said in fear.
“Yes,” Twilight sighed in defeat “But he’s never had a reaction as bad as this” She said motioning to Spike’s body.
“Are we all forgetting that there’s a killer on the loose?!” Pinkie shouted drawing all attention back to the current situation. “Twilight don’t you have some sort of a panic button?” Pinkie asked searching frantically.
“I one installed it two days ago by the door but don’t touch it.” Twilight said now getting off the floor.
“Sorry what was that last part?” Pinkie Pie said one hoof on the button already.
Suddenly a siren sounded out of nowhere taking everyone by surprise. They covered their ears as all of the doors and windows locked shut followed by the formation of a forcefield around the castle.
“What the hay just happened?” Applejack asked as the siren stopped sounding.
“Pinkie Pie just trapped us in here for the night.” Twilight said in annoyance. “That magical force field is impenetrable and prevents all forms of magic even including immortality.” She said while staring at the Alicorns during the last bit.
“Well there’s a killer here. I say we find out who it is and teach them a lesson.” Rainbow Dash said pounding her hooves in rage.
“Calm down Rainbow Dash.” Celestia interjected. “We can’t get let ourselves get caught up in all this.”
“Celestia’s right.” Cadence agreed. “We need to shut down the force field. Twilight you installed it, what can we do?” Cadence asked hopefully.
“Nothing,” Twilight said in defeat. “Once activated the force field stays up for 12 hours. None of us are leaving until morning.”
“Great going Pinkie.” Rainbow Dash said pushing Pinkie aside.
“Don’t blame me.” Pinkie whined. “Twilight wasn’t talking fast enough.
“You know I bet you’re the killer since you locked us in here.” Rainbow said aggressively causing Fluttershy to back away slowly.
“Rainbow Dash, how dare you?!” Rarity said, completely appalled. “It was an accident. Now I think we all need to keep a deep breath and cool our heads.” Rarity said quieting down.
“Um...before that you might want to read this.” Fluttershy said returning to the group. “I found it taped to the door.” She said handing the paper to Twilight.
“It’s a poem. Ten Little Ponies?” Twilight said gawking at the title as she began to read…
Ten Little Ponies
Ten little ponies all doing just fine.
One started the panic,
and then there were nine.Nine little ponies, now not doing so great.
One died from a fright,
and then there were eight.Eight little ponies, two gone to heaven.
One was dethroned,
and then there were seven.Seven little ponies, one playing the tricks
One opened the wrong door,
and then there were six.Six little ponies, trying to stay alive.
One blamed another,
and then there were five.Five little ponies, two dead from a door.
An pony bit the dust,
and then there were four.Four little ponies, terrified as can be.
One tried to fight back,
and then there were three.Three little ponies, one tried to run.
The killer defeated,
and then there was one.
“This is too weird.” Cadence said quizzically.
“I know...Spike’s a dragon not a pony.” Pinkie added.
“No it’s weird because it's outlining things that haven't happened yet.” Rainbow Dash said completing Cadence’s thought.
“Why should we listen to some dumb poem.” Rarity said trying to hide her fear.
“Well that dumb poem just described what just happened and I don’t see anyone with a pencil, pen, or quill.” Twilight observed.
“Also look at this.” Luna said grabbing both the letter and the poem. “These two documents have the same hoof writing.”
“So the same person wrote both of them.” Fluttershy said finishing her thought.
“Exactly.” Luna said passing the two around.
“I don’t recognize this hoof writing.” Twilight said trying to identify the writer. “The pony who wrote this does not want someone tracking them down...for obvious reasons I suppose.
“So? why don’t we just start asking questions and figure out who is responsible for all this?” Rainbow said, once again looking for trouble.
“Rainbow Dash be careful, don’t make the killer mad.” Fluttershy pleaded.
“Or what? For all we know you could be the killer. We have to take action.” Rainbow Dash said boldly.
“Look y’all one of us is a blood thirsty killer and we can’t get anywhere by just arguing right?” Applejack asked.
The group nodded.
“So if we just stay in this room and not leave until morning so the killer can’t hurt anyone.” Applejack reasoned.
“Yes but then when we can leave someone gets away with murder.” Celestia concluded.
“We have to get the killer to show themselves somehow.” Rarity suggested.
“I have an idea,” Pinkie said bouncing over to a light switch. “I’ll turn off the lights and then once the killer strikes we’ll know who they are!” She said putting a hoof on the switch.
“Pinkie NO!” Shouted the group collectively.
It was too late. She turned the lights off and the entire group screamed collectively. There were fast hoofsteps heard and then in a moment silence. Pinkie turned on the light after about 30 seconds to find that the entire group had scattered throughout the castle.
“Oh this just got much more difficult.” Pinkie said shrinking back in fear.
One started the panic,
and then there were nine.