Chapter 1: A Cordial Invitation from Lord and Lady Pie

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Well, here goes nothing ;) My first real effort at an MLP fanfiction. Hope you won't be turned off by its admittedly wordy first chapter. It's not easy writing for six ponies without dragging out the introductions a bit ;P It'll start to heat up soon, I promise ;) Without further ado... I give you... *drumroll*

The Curious Case of the Party at Pie Manor

Chapter 1: A Cordial Invitation from Lord and Lady Pie

Twilight Sparkle was startled by the firm knock on the door. It was still early yet and she had only just finished cleaning up after breakfast. She couldn't help but wonder who could be visiting at this time of day.

When she opened the door, she was greeted by the sight of a uniformed mailcolt complete with a mailbag bursting with undelivered letters staring intently at the flowers hanging beside the door. He eased in to smell them curiously before locking eyes with her, a look of guilt spreading on his face. He quickly stood at attention, nervously staring into the distance before reaching into his bag and catching a black and gold envelope between his teeth, pulling it out.

"Uh, Ms. Twilight Sparkle?" He mumbled, offering the letter to her. She took it hesitantly with her magic and raised an eyebrow, looking at the flustered young pony.

"Yes, that's me," she said, examining the letter. Seeing that Twilight's attention was more focused on the letter than on himself, the colt let out a deep breath and stood at ease.

"I've been asked to personally deliver to you an invitation to the Biannual Ball at Pie Manor."

"Pie Manor?" Twilight thought out loud, now even more curious. She couldn't help picture a pink mansion filled to the ceiling with balloons and streamers, a record player in every corner of the house blasting party music. She shook away the daydream and looked back at the young mailcolt. "What's the Biannual Ball?"

"Uh, that's really all the information they gave me," he said, the look of guilt returning to his face. He straightened his bag on his shoulder and looked away again. "So now that you've gotten it I suppose I can be on my way... Mondays being busy and all..."

Twilight forced a smile, though her mind was still buzzing with questions. "Oh, of course! Thank you!"

The pony looked back at Twilight and blinked, as though waiting for something. She mumbled uncomfortably. "Um... is there anything else..?"

The mailcolt cleared his throat indicatively before blinking again. Twilight rolled her eyes and grumbled a bit. "I don't have any change..." The mailcolt breathed out frustratedly through his nostrils and turned to leave. She sighed.

"Fine... Here," she said, using her magic to pluck several flowers from the pot hanging beside her, offering them to the colt, who perked up immediately at the sight.

"Sweet, thanks!" he said, wasting no time in chomping the flowers out of the air, speaking happily with his mouth full. "I've been hungry all morning!"

With that, the young mailcolt turned and left, no doubt to deliver a multitude of letters all over Ponyville, and Twilight went back inside the house, closing the door behind her before opening the envelope, slowly letting the letter slip out from inside it.

"Oooh, what's that??" Spike said, eying the elegant letter curiously as he hurried down the stairs.

"It's an... invitation," she said, starting to read the golden print. The black paper shined brilliantly in the morning light.

"An invitation? To what??" Spike, wide-eyed, rushed over to Twilight's side and stood on the tips of his toes, nibbling unknowingly on the ends of his claws while trying to sneak a peak at the letter as she unfolded it. She glared annoyed at Spike, who chuckled innocently and took a generous step aside, before clearing her throat to read the letter aloud.

"Ehem. Dear Miss Twilight Sparkle."

"Haha, pfffff, 'Miss'..." Spike chuckled, before biting his lip after catching another glare from Twilight.

"Dear Miss Twilight Sparkle. Lord and Lady Periwinkle and Peach Pie would like to cordially invite you to the Biannual Ball, an illustrious and elegant gathering of Equestria's elite and our dearest friends, to be held this Thursday evening through Sunday at Pie Manor. You are encouraged to bring one guest, as well as any effects you may need to last you through the weekend. We will provide full course meals every morning, noon, and night, as well as individual suites for all attendees. This year's theme will be revealed at the ball itself, but please dress your best as this is a formal event. Should you be interested in attending, a train will arrive in Ponyville station at precisely nine-thirty in the morning on Thursday to take you directly to the venue.

"We hope to see you in attendance and wish you a safe journey!"

"Signed, Lord and Lady Pie."

By now, Spike's eyes were gleaming with excitement. He could hardly wait for Twilight to stop reading before bursting out ecstatically. "Wow!" he said, grinning, "the Biannual Ball! Sounds fancy, not to mention fun!!" He tried to shake himself out of it and shrugged plainly, feigning disinterest. "I mean, you know, if you're into that stuff." Twilight couldn't help but giggle.

"Wow," she said, slipping the letter back in its envelope. "It does sound fancy. I just wonder why we were even invited..."

"Isn't it obvious??" Spike piped in again. "Lord and Lady Pie... They have to be related to Pinkie!" He smiled proudly. "She probably put in a good word for us!"

"Hmm... I suppose that's possible," she said pensively, "but before we make any plans, let's see if anypony else was invited." Spike groaned.

"Awww, c'mon, Twilight! We're gonna go, right??" Twilight giggled again, smirking.

"I thought you didn't want to go," she said teasingly, pulling on her shoulderbag and slipping the invitation inside, "besides... who said you were going to be my plus one..?" With that she opened the door and trotted out confidently, still smirking. Spike hurried after her, closing the door behind him.

"Ha-ha, very funny, Twilight... But seriously, we're gonna go, right??"

----

"I can't believe we've all been invited to the Biannual Ball!!" Rarity squealed in delight as she started sewing together a new set of dresses, watching the elegant fabric through her work glasses. Apparently the other ponies had the same idea that Twilight did, and they all -- save for Pinkie Pie, who was nowhere to be found -- huddled together inside Carousel Boutique, waiting for the high society pony to shed some light on the situation.

"Um..." Twilight started, "what exactly is the Biannual Ball?" Rarity stopped working and looked at her with her mouth agape.

"What is the Biannual Ball??" Rarity's shock faded away as her eyes glossed over in fantasy. "Why, it's only the most exclusive, elegant, and elite gathering of all of Equestria's finest ponies! Anypony who's somepony will be there, and it's the only gathering in Equestria that could rival the Grand Galloping Gala in sheer glamor and clout, except that the Biannual Ball is far more exclusive and it only happens once every two years! I've always dreamed of attending, and... squee! Now I am!!" She hurried back to work, once again ignoring the group of ponies standing cluelessly around her.

"Sounds like a pretty big deal..." mumbled Twilight nervously.

As though on cue, Pinkie Pie burst into the shop, trying to catch her breath as the other five ponies looked at her, surprised.

"I. Have. Been. Looking. Everywhere for you guys!!" She rushed over and looked around. "Did you get your invitations??"

"To the ball?" Applejack said, nodding. "Yup, sounds like we all got one." Pinkie Pie perked up, hopping in place delightedly, apparently forgetting that she had just been out of breath.

"Yay!" she said, her voice bouncing with each hop. "I can't wait! This is going to be so much fun!!"

Twilight looked at Pinkie Pie curiously. "Pinkie, do you know Lord and Lady Pie?"

"Well, of course I do!" Pinkie declared, smiling brightly. "They're only my auntie and uncle! I used to love visiting my uncle Periwinkle when I was a filly. Periwinkle. Isn't that just the funniest name?? It always made me think of Peary Wrinkle, like a wrinkly pear? And then I always wondered, 'who would want to be named after a rotten fruit??' But, then again, I guess no one really gets to choose their own name... Unless they were a really smart baby or something..."

By now, the other ponies had tuned out Pinkie Pie's signature rambling.

"Aunt and uncle, huh?" Twilight said. "Well, that would explain why we were all invited..."

"Who knew Pinkie Pie had such rich and famous relatives?" Rainbow Dash added, surprised.

"I'm... still not sure about this..." Twilight mumbled hesitantly. "After what happened at the Grand Galloping Gala, I'm not sure I need another fancy party to ruin..."

"Oh my gosh!" Pinkie Pie shouted, ignoring Twilight and remembering why she got excited in the first place. "You guys finally get to come with me to the Biannual Ball! This is so exciting!! Now this will be a party to remember!"

Rarity delighted in finally having someone that was just as excited as she was. She sprung to Pinkie Pie's side and pressed her cheek against hers, looking blissfully into the distance as she spoke dreamingly.

"Won't it be, though..? Think of all of the sophisticated ponies... All of the handsome stallions and beautiful mares... All their eyes will be on us! And they will know how truly captivating six ponies from our quaint Ponyville can be..."

"Whoa, now," Applejack interrupted, stepping closer. "I'm sorry, girls, but I'ma have to side with Twilight on this one. I've never been one fer those fancy-type get-togethers, so I think I'ma sit this one out..."

"Yeah, same here," Rainbow Dash agreed. "Dressing up all fancy just to spend a few days with a bunch of uptight ponies doesn't exactly sound like a good time..."

"Um, yes..." Fluttershy peeped, barely audible. "I, um... don't do well with crowds..."

Rarity, Pinkie Pie and even Spike all stared back, heartbroken.

"You guys have to go!" Pinkie Pie begged, looking at the others. "I promise it'll be worth it!" She turned her attention to Rainbow Dash. "Every year the Wonderbolts are invited, and since the Biannual Ball is lots more exclusive than the Grand Galloping Gala was, you can have a lot more one-on-one time with them!" Rainbow couldn't help but smile longingly at the thought.

"And, Applejack," she said, turning to the blonde maned pony, "there are always tons of rich ponies there every year. If you bring some tasty samples with you, I know there are lots of ponies that would be happy to donate to Sweet Apple Acres. Just consider this a big fundraiser!" Applejack, too, perked up a bit, letting the corner of her mouth curl into a smile.

"And my uncle and auntie have tons of exotic pets for you to meet, Fluttershy. Critters that I bet you've never even seen before!" Now Fluttershy, too, looked on in subtle excitement. "Not to mention the heeeuuuuge library that's there just waiting for you, Twilight." The purple pony widened her eyes, imagining seeing it for herself.

Pinkie pleaded one last time, her eyes extra glossy in the light of the room. "Please come with me to the ball..? It would be extra special if my best friends were there... And I promise that if it doesn't turn out as amazing as you all hoped, I'll never ever ever ask you to go again." She crossed her heart with a hoof and pressed it gently against her eye. "Pinkie promise."

Twilight looked at the other ponies before looking back at Pinkie, smiling. "I think I speak for everyone when I say that... If it's that important to you, Pinkie, of course we'll all go."

"Yeah, you done convinced me!" Applejack said, smiling brightly.

"A weekend with the Wonderbolts?" Rainbow Dash said, grinning smugly. "How could I pass up an offer like that??"

"Oh my," Fluttershy said, smiling shyly as they looked at her. "New animal friends for me to meet..? Gosh, I'm so excited... I could just.. Fly to the mountaintops!" She hopped a few inches off the ground and flapped her wings, hovering for a few seconds before settling down to the ground again. Everypony in the room couldn't help but laugh; even Fluttershy giggled as her cheeks turned a rosy red.

"Yippeee!" Pinkie Pie shouted, hopping up and down again. "This is going to be awesome! I can barely wait!" Pinkie stopped in mid-hop and looked around. "Wait... If you guys are going to come, shouldn't you start getting ready? I mean, we've only got three days until we have to leave!"

"Pinkie's right!" Rarity declared, turning to her work again.

"By the way Rarity," Twilight said curiously, "what is it that you're working on so... obsessively..?"

"Why, our dresses for the ball, of course! You didn't think I was going to let you all go without a beautiful, eye-catching dress, now did you? Did you even read the invitation?"

"Well, why don't we just wear our dresses you made us for the Grand Galloping Gala?" asked Twilight.

"Those things??" Rarity said almost in disgust. "Those are so last year. We need something fresh! Something new!" She got up and began gathering her supplies, using her magic to carry bundles of fabric and stretches of thread. "Now, if you'll all be dears, I'm going to need as much time as I can get if I'm going to finish these in time."

"Okay, okay, we get the hint," Twilight said, making her way to the door. "Come on, Spike, we've got some packing and list-making to do."

"Awesome!" Spike said happily, hopping onto Twilight's back as they left.

"See you ponies soon!" Twilight called.

"I better get goin' too," said Applejack, following suit. "I better get some extra buckin' in if I'm gonna take the weekend off. See y'all soon!"

"And I'm gonna go practice my moves for when I get to show them off to the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow added before dashing out of the boutique.

"Oh goodness," Fluttershy squeaked. "I need to make sure to gather up plenty of food for my little friends to eat while I'm gone..." And with that, Fluttershy left, quiet as a mouse. An awkward silence fell upon Pinkie Pie and Rarity, the last inside the shop.

"I've already been packed for weeks!" Pinkie said proudly. "So I can spend all day helping you out!"

Rarity faked a smile and looked up, desperately searching for an excuse.

"Wh-why thank you, Pinkie! That's very sweet of you... But... Don't you have... dance... moves... to work on..? You know, for... The... inevitable dancing contest they'll have at the ball..?" Pinkie Pie widened her eyes.

"Oh my gosh!" she shouted before hopping her way to the door. "You're right! I almost forgot! Thanks for reminding me, Rarity! Sorry I couldn't help, but I know you'll do a great job even without me! See you soon!"

Everypony went on their way, trying to hide their excitement for the illustrious yet mysterious gathering that awaited them.

----

Twilight stood and glanced at the clock at the Ponyville Train Station nervously every few seconds, carrying large bags on both sides, one for her, and the other for Spike. She tried not to let her anxiety show while she waited with Spike on the platform.

"Ohhh," she said, tapping her hooves on the wooden floor nervously as the clock struck 9:29. "Where could they be??" Spike shoved his hand into a bag of potato chips he picked up from the convenience store as a travel snack and tossed a handful into his mouth, chomping on them contently.

"Beats me," he said, his voice muffled by the fragments of chips filling his mouth. "They're probably just running a bit late, Twilight. Relax a little..." Twilight tapped her hooves more.

"Relax??" she grunted anxiously, "a little late?? The train's supposed to be here in less than a minute and there's no sign of th--" Twilight was cut off by Rarity's boisterous voice, and she and Spike turned to look at the white pony as she trotted toward them, followed by a troupe of colts carrying her pink luggage obediently.

"Ah, so we're not too late!" Rarity stood beside Twilight and gave her mane a quick shake, letting her curls bounce weightlessly, before eying the colts. "Thank you, boys," she said as they set her numerous bags and cases on the platform. She batted her eyelashes. "That will be all."

"No problem, Rarity!" One said before smiling and walking off.

"Yeah, any time!" said another before walking away with the rest. Rarity let out a sigh.

"Who would've thought this would be so much work??" asked Rarity rhetorically. Twilight tried not to roll her eyes, but gave in, managing to catch herself before Rarity noticed.

"Do you... really need all of that?" Twilight asked, looking at the bags warily.

"Why of course I do!" Rarity defended. "I only took the sheer necessities!" After getting a judgmental glance from the others, she turned her snout up coyly. "What can I say? A lady deserves to be pampered."

Twilight bit her tongue to keep herself from saying any more on the subject. "So," she started casually, "do you know where the others are? The train should be getting here any second..."

"I'm afraid I don't know," said Rarity, looking around the platform as though just noticing that they were the only ones there. "Perhaps they're just running a bit late..?"

Spike smirked at Twilight in a 'told-you-so' manner as he slipped another chip into his mouth. Twilight scoffed inwardly and went back to tapping her hoof nervously.

"Hold on y'all!"

"Yeah, wait fer us!!"

The three of them turned to face the loud voices and even louder sound of thundering hoofsteps as a group of ponies hurried toward them. Applejack and Apple Bloom took the front, while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew close by. Pinkie Pie trailed behind them, hopping carelessly and happily.

They all stopped in front of Twilight, Rarity and Spike, smiling proudly while they tried to catch their breath.

"Told you we weren't gonna be late!" Rainbow Dash said confidently before settling down on the platform along with Fluttershy.

"So you're coming too, huh, Apple Bloom?" Spike asked, trying not to smile too much. He was secretly happy he wasn't going to be the only young one there.

"Sure am!" she answered delightedly. "Big sis offered her guest ticket to me, and I took it in a heartbeat!" Rarity gasped.

"B-but! I'm afraid I only made dresses for the six of us! Whatever will you wear?"

"Oh, don't worry, Rarity," Apple Bloom said passively, "AJ let me borrow one of her old dresses from when she was a filly. I'm sure it'll be plenty fancy for the party." Rarity nodded hesitantly.

"Alright... If you... say so..."

"Speaking of..." Twilight said, looking at the group. "Who did the rest of you bring as guests?"

"I didn't bring anyone," Rainbow Dash asserted. "I don't need anyone distracting me from the Wonderbolts!"

"Um... I didn't either," Fluttershy added quietly. "I just couldn't decide between all of my animal friends..."

"I brought Gummy!" Pinkie Pie said, turning her head to the side to reveal a baby alligator latched on to her mane with his toothless jaws.

"What about you, Rarity?" Twilight asked. Rarity was fussing with her mane, barely bothering to look at the others.

"Well, I did give it a fair bit of thought," she said, "but I couldn't think of anypony with whom I wanted to attend the ball, so I just reserved my extra room for all of my bags and luggage. Besides, it will make an excellent dressing room." Spike sighed inwardly in relief and smiled to himself. He knew how jealous he would've been of Rarity's date. Her eyes brightened suddenly.

"And who knows?? Maybe I'll even meet my very own Prince Charming there? This could only be destiny!..."

The others collectively rolled their eyes, each one thinking 'oh, great, here we go again,' though Rarity didn't seem to notice. She was, however, startled out of her daydream by the blaring whistle of the incoming train, heaving its way toward the platform. Even louder was the scraping of the wheels against the tracks as its brakes were engaged. Everyone on the platform perked up happily, once again filled with excitement.

"It's finally here!" Twilight said, making sure her bags were strapped tightly to her shoulders as she trotted to the nearest entrance onto the train. Rarity did the same, stepping gracefully past her bags, calling behind her.

"If you could all be so kind as to lend a hoof..? Thank you kindly..."

The others grunted a bit before slinging Rarity's bags and cases on top of their own, hauling the load to the train, but were all soon beaming with excitement again under the weight of the luggage.

"I'm so excited!" Apple Bloom said happily.

"I gotta say," Applejack replied, "I am too!

They managed to lift all of their luggage, except a particularly large case that Rarity insisted on bringing with her onboard, into the storage compartment of the train. Once the bags had been safely packed, they all hopped excitedly onto the train as invited by a uniformed usher.

"Right this way ladies," he said, grinning at the ponies. Spike huffed, annoyed, and followed Twilight. Even the train seemed bigger and more amazing than any they had ever been on, yet everywhere they looked, elegantly-clad ponies sipped wine and ate off of silver plates. It didn't take long for the Ponyville group to be humbled.

"Wow!" Pinkie Pie said ecstatically. "So many fancy ponies!"

"You can say that again," Twilight mumbled uncomfortably. The usher, picking up on their uneasiness, offered a bit of solace.

"This is the dining car," he said, smiling. "We have a full menu to choose from should you ever get hungry on the journey. It will be a long one, I'm afraid." He gestured to the back door of the car with a hoof. "The private Ponyville car is just three cars down. It should be more than large enough to accompany you all, with plenty of space to spare."

The ponies smiled at the usher and nodded their thanks before awkwardly making their way down the aisle of the crowded, noisy dining car.

"E-excuse me, miss."

"Pard'n us. Comin' through."

"Umm... If I could just, maybe... squeeze through, if it's alright..."

"Hey, watch it! I'm tryin' to walk over here!"

"Oooh! That looks yummy! Twilight! Hey, Twilight! Look at what that guy's eating! We should get some of that!!"

"Pinkie, my dear, please, not so loud... We're trying to represent Ponyville with grace and elegance, remember..?"

"Ooops, sorry!"

Two full cars and about a hundred apologies later, the ponies, as well as Spike and Gummy, were all slumped down lazily in the Ponyville car's admittedly comfortable seats. Rarity had even gone so far as to pull out her seat into a relatively large bed, sprawling herself out on it, her case comfortably next to her. The other ponies opened the curtains and looked out the windows. Just then, the train's booming whistle sounded, and they could just barely make out the shouts of the conductor.

"All aboaaaaaard!!" Several ponies hurried onto the train, though Twilight and the other ponies weren't able to recognize them. Perhaps they had just gotten off to stretch their legs. It wasn't long after that when the train shifted forward abruptly before starting to heave itself along the tracks again, the whistle blowing once more. Even Rarity sat up to look out the window with the other ponies.

"Oh my gooooossshhh!" Pinkie Pie shouted before wrapping her arms around the two ponies closest to her, which happened to be Twilight and Fluttershy. "This is so exciting!! This. Is. Going. To. Be. AWESOME!!!"

Twilight chuckled and let her, staring out the window as the train started moving. "You know what, Pinkie? I think you're right... This is going to be awesome."

The hulking train finally caught a rhythm and was flowing smoothly along the rusty tracks. Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and even Apple Bloom and Spike let their minds quietly daydream, and tried to piece together what exactly might be in store for the quaint little group from Ponyville.

Chapter 2: A Day Aboard the Elegance Express

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Here it is, the long overdue chapter 2! It's not as action packed as I'm hoping coming chapters will be, but there just might be some hints stuffed in there as to who "it" will be, so read carefully... *rubs hands together* Muahahahaha....

Chapter 2: A Day Aboard the Elegance Express

"Hey, Twilight, are we there yet..?"

Spike groaned as he hung his arms and head over the edge of the seat, letting them sway while he looked at the rest of the Ponyville car upside-down. Apple Bloom, too, was getting restless. She pressed her nose and hooves against the window every few seconds, trying to find something entertaining on the other side.

"I don't think so, Spike," Twilight said, not bothering to look up from the adventure novel she was reading. Rainbow Dash was seated next to her, muzzle buried in a similar fashion, quietly but intensely reading the final chapters of Daring-Do and the Island of Forever Night. Twilight found a good stopping place and glanced up at the fancy-looking clock at the opposite side of the car.

"It looks like we've only been traveling for about an hour, Spike," she said, turning back to her book. "I'd imagine we've still got quite a long while to go."

Spike groaned louder, squirming uncomfortably in his seat. "There's nothing to do!"

"That's why I told you to bring a book, Spike," Twilight said before gingerly turning the page. Spike rolled his eyes and sat up, resting his elbows on the table in front of him and his palms on his cheeks, grumpily reading the front cover of Twilight's book over and over again while trying to think of something to do.

The hours wore on, and Apple Bloom and Spike resorted to playing Go Fish with a rugged pack of cards Apple Bloom brought with her. Rainbow Dash and Twilight were still nose deep in their books, though Rainbow had finished Daring-Do and the Island of Forever Night and eagerly moved on to the next book in the series without a hitch. Applejack, after several restless nights of extra apple bucking, was sound asleep, snoring through her cowpony hat loosely draped over her tired eyes. Rarity was asleep as well, insisting that it was to get as much beauty sleep as she could before their arrival, while Fluttershy spent the hours staring out the window, watching the sprawling landscapes whizz by, squeaking in delight every time they happened to pass a rogue fox or flock of birds. Pinkie Pie, meanwhile, had no problem spending the time happily occupied by Gummy's tame antics.

Now, the clock quietly struck 1 o' clock, and in perfect sync, a uniformed waiter slid open the door to the Ponyville car and stepped in, carrying a tall stack of menus against his chest.

"Excuse me," he started, his voice purposeful and full of discipline. "Our kitchen has just begun serving lunch." He stepped around the car, placing a menu in front of all the ponies, even the sleeping ones without bothering to wake them up. "Unfortunately, our dining car, for the moment, is full, but you are free to order and dine in your car. We have a wide variety of choices if you're interested."

The foreign voice startled Rarity awake, and she pulled her pink sleep mask from her eyes and looked at the waiter curiously, still not fully awake. He raised an eyebrow condescendingly and rephrased his question.

"Would you be interested in some lunch, ma'am?"

Rarity's eyes widened, and her previous fatigue was gone in an instant. She scrambled out of the bed and sat beside Fluttershy hurriedly, settling in carefully as though to fool the waiter into thinking that she was there the whole time, before batting her eyelashes at him.

"Um, why yes, I would," she said. "What do you have?" The waiter sighed and looked indicatively at the menu in front of her. Her cheeks turned rosy as she slid the menu off the table and into her hooves, opening it delicately.

"Oh, ehem, yes, of course."

"Oooh, lunch??" Apple Bloom hopped excitedly off the seat and scrambled into Applejack's, nudging her awake accidentally. "I'm starvin'!"

Applejack slid her hat back into its rightful position and blinked repeatedly, letting her eyes adjust to the light before picking up the menu, studying it carefully.

"I could go for a bite ma'self," she said happily. Twilight raised a hoof politely.

"Excuse me, but can I just have a salad..?"

The waiter answered curtly. "Our special salad of the afternoon is an Eastern Meadow grass and celery strip toss with shredded carrots and a spicy olive oil and vinegar dressing."

"Oooh, yum!" Twilight said eagerly, offering him her menu. "I'll have that! Oh, and just some water to drink, please."

The waiter turned his judgmental gaze to Rainbow Dash. "And for you..?" Twilight nudged Rainbow, whose eyes were locked on her book as she grunted and nudged Twilight back, not wanting to be thrust out of the exciting world of Daring-Do. Twilight smiled meekly at the waiter.

"She'll have the same."

Spike waved his hand in the air, as though fighting for the waiter's attention.

"Hey!" he called. "I just want anything with gems!" His mouth began to water as he thought about the meal. "Big, tasty rubies and sapphires..."

The waiter nodded. "Very well."

Applejack looked at the menu warily, passing it over backwards and front, before looking at the waiter.

"Y'all got anything with apples?"

"This afternoon, we're offering an applewood roasted hay and oats platter."

Applejack smiled and passed him her menu. "That should do it!"

Apple Bloom hopped up and down in her seat. "Oooh, oooh, I want the fanciest Apple Pie ya got! And to drink..." She studied the menu carefully before finding something that piqued her interest, smiling brightly. "Some... 'Pinot Noir'! That sounds mighty fancy!" Applejack gasped slightly and yanked the menu from her Apple Bloom, shaking her head.

"No way, little, missy," she said. "Not 'til you're older..." She muttered protectively under her breath. "Maybe not even then..." She turned her attention to the waiter. "Got any... Uh, juice?"

"Juice, ma'am..?" he said hesitantly.

"Yuhuh."

"The closest thing we have to... Ehem, juice, is a sparkling cider made from naturally growing pears from the Fertile Forrest."

"Yeah, two o' those, please," Applejack said, returning Apple Bloom's menu. Apple Bloom just huffed defiantly and slumped back in her seat, pouting.

Rarity smiled coyly at the waiter. "I'll just have a side of celery and some red wine," she said, handing him her menu with her magic. "I'm trying to watch my figure..."

The waiter nodded solemnly, asking nothing further, and turned to Fluttershy.

"I'll, um, have the same..." Fluttershy peeped. "I'm... um... also trying to watch my figure..."

The waiter narrowed his eyes a bit as he nodded solemnly, finding it harder to read the timid pony than it was to read the others.

Rarity eyed Fluttershy suspiciously. "What..? That's not like you, Fluttershy... Is everything alright..?" The other ponies, too, eyed Fluttershy curiously, causing her to shrink into her seat. They could barely hear her as she mumbled her defense.

"Um... maybe it's just that... I'm a bit... n-nervous..." The ponies sighed in relief and eased their gaze.

"Nervous??" Rarity said, perking up a bit. She smiled and shook her head slightly. "Dear, you won't be able to have a good time if you're nervous! And it just so happens that I have the perfect thing for a bit of the pre-party butterflies! You'll be back to yourself in no time!"

Pinkie Pie, apparently acting on Spike's example, waved her hooves desperately in the air. "Hey, waiter!!" she shouted, "me and Gummy want a tray of a hundred cupcakes!!"

The waiter eyed Pinkie Pie curiously. "C-cupcakes..? I don't think we-"

"A HUNDRED CUPCAKES!!! WITH MILK!!"

The waiter's eyes widened and he quickly looked away, taking a short but quick step back, as though afraid she was going to lash out at him.

"Uh, y-yes, cupcakes. One hundred. And milk. Very well." He nervously turned to leave, calling behind him. "I'll have your food brought to you as soon as it has been prepared. Good day."

It wasn't long before everyone was happily eating their meals. The Apple sisters talked and giggled over the tall glasses of surprisingly delicious pear cider, while Rarity slowly dragged out eating her small plate of three celery stalks, trying to fool her rumbling stomach into believing that she was eating more than she really was, and moderated herself carefully with the wine. Pinkie Pie had ravenously gobbled down at least twenty of the red velvet and vanilla icing cupcakes in the time that Gummy had eaten half of one, while Spike savored his meal of precious gems, and Twilight ate her salad contently. Fluttershy picked at her celery, clearly dissatisfied with her choice, and sniffed at the wine every now and then, debating on whether or not to dare take even a sip. Rainbow Dash picked at her salad here and there whenever she found a good time to hop back into reality, though she wouldn't stay long before delving into her book again.

After the leftovers from their meals had been cleaned up, Rarity and Applejack peacefully drifted off back into sleep, this time joined by Rainbow Dash, whose face was still buried in her Daring-Do novel as she snored into the pages, and Pinkie Pie, who had only managed to finish sixty of the cupcakes before passing out onto her seat, snored robustly, with Gummy curled up warmly in her pink mane. Twilight was awake reading a book on etiquette, while Spike and Apple Bloom played another game of Go Fish, before getting bored and playing a game of 52 Card Pickup, much to the annoyance of Twilight. Fluttershy went back to staring placidly out the window, quiet as a mouse.

The sun had finally sunk low in the sky, and everyone in the Ponyville car was fast asleep, no doubt dreaming of the exciting weekend ahead of them. The train gracefully made its way to Pie Manor, and all was quiet...

Until...

"Ehem! Excuse me ladies, but our conductor would like me to inform you that we will be arriving at Pie Manor in approximately twenty minutes."

The ponies groggily tossed and turned in their beds and seats. Rainbow Dash sat up and yawned lazily before looking down at her book, growling angrily as she picked it up to examine the dried drool stain on the page making it curl and wrinkle. Twilight stretched her legs, shivering slightly. She noticed a peculiar weight on her back and shoulders, and turned her head slightly to try and see what it was, only to hear Spike snoring in her ear. She rolled her eyes and tried to shake him awake, only succeeding in letting him tumble onto the floor. Applejack and Applebloom yawned and stretched in their seat, while Pinkie Pie rubbed her tired face with her hooves and Fluttershy stretched her wings carefully. Rarity was the last awake, yawning loudly, trying to settle into the covers again before stopping abruptly, yanking off her sleep mask to look at the usher standing at the door.

"I'm sorry," she began in horror, "did you say... T-twenty minutes..?"

"Yes," he began, "we've just finished passing through Pristine Pastures and we're only about-"

The usher was cut off mid sentence as Rarity pressed her hooves against him, trying to shove him out of the car.

"Oh, thank you very much for the notice," she said, feigning a smile. "Now, if you'll excuse us..."

The usher opened his mouth to speak again just before she slammed the door shut, starting to pant nervously.

"What's the big deal Rarity?" Rainbow asked, sitting up, still half-asleep.

"What is the big deal?!" Rarity hurried over to her bed and unzipped her case, opening it up. "The big deal is that we only have twenty minutes to change!! We can't walk into the Biannual Ball just... Stark naked!!" Rarity proceeded to lay out the individual dresses neatly on her bed frantically while the other ponies woke themselves up. Twilight walked over to examine them further.

"Wow, Rarity," she said, smiling. "They look... Incredible..."

"Why thank you, Twilight," Rarity mumbled, exasperated, using her magic to grab a brush before dragging it through her purple mane. "It was just a little something that I threw together, nothing special..."

However, it was clear that the dresses were something special. Even in the pale light of the stars outside and the dim glow of the oil lamps in the corners of the car, the fabric and jewel accents shone brilliantly, glistening as though giving off a light of their own. The other ponies gathered round to appreciate them as well.

"Nothin' short of amazin'," Applejack said, even finding herself spellbound by the garments.

"Oh, it's nothing really," Rarity mumbled, loosening the laces of her own dress with her teeth before slipping it on gingerly, straightening out the fabric with her hoof. "Everything should be there when you're ready," she said before pulling out her makeup kit to carefully re-apply her eyeshadow.

The ponies easily found their own dresses and laid out the accessories neatly so they could tackle them one at a time, but they found it much more difficult than they imagined to put them on.

"Ouch! Fluttershy! Stop poking me with your wing!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash... It's just... Twilight keeps stepping on my hooves... I'm sure it was just an accident though..."

"Well I can't help it if Pinkie Pie keeps hogging up all the room!"

"Hehe! Gummy keeps tickling me, and I get all wiggly when I get tickly!"

"Why in the hay do we gotta change in this tiny little area anyway??"

"Because Rarity's section was the only one with a privacy curtain!"

"Well why do we need the privacy curtain ‘n the first place? I thought we had this discussion before... We don't normally wear clothes."

"Applejack, the ponies on this train are highly sophisticated and dignified. We cannot simply allow ourselves to be walked in on when we're at our most delicate!"

"Uh, if you can't tell, Rarity, this ain't exactly dignifying."

"Oh, hush. This is coming along quite nicely."

Spike and Apple Bloom sat quietly outside the tiny, closed off area of the Ponyville car, staring off into space while listening to the fussing and grumbling ponies inside. It took all of five minutes for Apple Bloom to put on her dress, which was just a simple, all pink dress, complete with poofy sleeves and a large, golden-silk lined bow. She tapped her pink high-heeled shoes against the wooden floors of the car restlessly. Spike, meanwhile, was dressed in his signature tuxedo top complete with red bow-tie, drumming his claws on the table in boredom. It didn't take long for them to resort to playing I Spy, and after Apple Bloom had successfully guessed "clock," she began looking around the car for something to spy.

"I spy... With my little eye... Somethin'..." Her voice trailed off to make way for a sudden gasp as she clambered toward the window. "Is that it..??" Apple Bloom's eyes were wide with amazement as she peered out the window, her hooves pressed firmly against it. The train was quickly making its way toward what seemed to be a massive castle, complete with a sprawling garden and grand hedge maze, much like the one in Canterlot, but far more lush with color and vibrancy, and a beautiful, marble fountain in front, spewing sapphire blue water into the night air. Everywhere ponies from all over Equestria were chatting over glasses of wine and cider, enjoying the crisp night air, being waited on by tactful, uniformed waiters in the faint glow of firefly lanterns and iron torches. Spike scurried to the window, skeptical at first, but quickly matching her stare of awe.

Applejack flung open the curtain and stepped out. Her long lashes even managed to rival Rarity's, and her bouncy, blonde curls swayed gently on the rocking train as she walked over to the window to take a look for herself.

"Wow, ain't that somethin'," she said, moving in a little closer to get a better look. Twilight stepped out and did the same, her shiny purple high-heels clacking against the floor. She blinked several times as she peered out the window, not used to wearing eyeshadow, before finally catching a good look at the scene.

"Wow..." she said. The brilliant lights from the lanterns and torches bounced off her glossy eyes. "It's even more beautiful than I thought it would be..."

"Are we finally here?!" Pinkie Pie dashed out of the makeshift changing room and pressed her snout against the window, a large smile stretching across her face. Her peppermint spiral earrings and gumdrop-shaped pendants glowed in the calm light as she stared into it. "It's even better than I remember it being!"

Fluttershy stepped gingerly out to join the others. Her pink mane was wound up in a tight, elegant bun, a single, thin blue hair stick poking its way out, perfectly matching her flowing baby-blue dress. She managed to squeeze in to steal a peak at the growing spectacle. "Oh my..."

A growl came from inside the curtain.

"Come on, Rarity, I wanna go see!!"

"Now, now, calm down, Rainbow Dash. I'm almost finished... Just let me fix your bows and we''ll be done... There! All b--" Before Rarity could even finish her sentence Rainbow shot out from behind the curtain, hovering over the other ponies to take a look. Her rainbow mane was adorned with equally colorful bows that seemed to changed their colors every time you looked at them at a different angle, and her weightless dress, black and white with thin strips of the same rainbow fabric twirling around it, swayed gently as she hovered in the air.

"Wow..." she said, clearly getting excited again. "I bet the Wonderbolts are already inside!"

Just then, the train rocked backward suddenly, the screeching sound of the brakes filling the air as it began to slow down, pulling into the large train platform standing beside the mansion, deep within its lush garden. Rarity stepped out gracefully, despite not having an audience, taking particular care as to not step on the her flowing blue and red dress as it trailed behind her, and joined the other ponies. Various rubies and sapphires adorned her dress in perfect symmetry with each other, and she even wore one large, firey ruby on one ear and an equally stunning, deep blue sapphire on the other. She pretended not to be concerned with the view from the window, but couldn't help but steal a peak from the corner of her eye, smiling.

"Why, yes," she began before looking away again. "It does look quite nice, doesn't it?"

The ponies interrupted their gawking to look at one another, stopping for the first time to admire each other in their new dresses before huddling together in a group hug, giggling excitedly. Spike pretended to gag himself with a claw and Apple Bloom giggled shyly, causing Spike to blush, tugging at the collar of his tuxedo as he looked away. The door slid open once again to reveal the uniformed usher just as the train had come to a complete stop.

"Excuse me, ladies," he started, his eyes closed while he spoke as he took a dignified stance, his chin high. "We've finally arrived at Pie Manor, and we invite you to make your way to the opening night's festivities. You're more than welcome to mingle with the other guests and enjoy the ground's magnificent gardens, as well as help yourselves to the various platters of samples and hors d'oeuvres our servers will be carrying throughout the night. We do, however, ask that you join us in the main dining hall at precisely eight o' clock this evening for the Biannual Commencement Dinner." He opened his eyes and started to speak again before locking eyes with the beautiful ponies, his gaze bouncing from pony to pony as he searched for his words, resisting the urge to wipe his brow and finding it particularly difficult to take his eyes off of Twilight, though she was more than clueless to it.

"Um... Y-yes," he started again nervously, "like I was saying please make your way onto the platform and out into the party... We will... I-I will personally take your bags to your rooms... The Ponyville suites are located..." Growing more and more flustered, he resorted to consulting his prearranged notecards, speaking plainly as he read them word for word. "... Located on the second floor of the East Wing, rooms 200 through 212. We hope you enjoy your stay at Pie Manor and have found your commute via the Elegance Express delightful and unrivaled in luxury. Th-thank you." Without an ounce of hesitation, the usher left, first forgetting to close the door behind him, before returning, mumbling an awkward apology as he slid it closed.

As soon as she was sure he was out of earshot, Rainbow Dash lost herself into a fit of giggling. "Hahaha, did you see that guy?? What was that about..?"

"I guess we done left him speechless," Applejack said, trying not to sound as proud of the fact as she was.

"If all the other ponies here are like that," Rainbow Dash said deviously, "I bet we could have them eating out of the sole of our hooves by the end of the night!"

"Now, now, Rainbow Dash," Rarity began, trying to look disciplined, "a lady would never do such a thing..." Her facade didn't last long before she squealed in delight. "But yes!! I bet we could!!!"

Rainbow Dash smirked and nudged Twilight teasingly. "He seemed to have a thing for you, though, Twi..."

Twilight looked at Rainbow in shock and confusion. "Wh-what?? Me?? What gave you that idea??"

The other ponies collectively giggled as Twilight's cheeks turned a deep shade of red. Spike had to clasp his claws over his mouth to keep his laughter muffled.

"Oh, leave the girl alone," Rarity piped in, trying to cover up the fact that she, too, was laughing. "That young colt had very good taste. I can't say I blame him."

The sounds of the other passengers onboard bustling about filled the air, and the ponies could see the fancy and elegant guests pour off the train and onto the platform, some making small talk, some stretching tiredly, most hurrying to the expansive garden. Rarity zipped up her now empty case tightly and, using her magic, extended its wheels so that it could roll effortlessly behind her, checking her mane and make-up in her reflection in the window one last time.

"Well, what do you say we go make our grand entrance..?" she said alluringly.

"Yeah!!" Pinkie Pie shouted, causing Gummy to bury himself further into her mane. "It's time to PAR-TAY!!!"

"I don't know about you gals," Applejack said, "but I'm gonna go get my hooves on some grub."

"Me too!" Apple Bloom joined in.

"Oh, and um, I'd love to take a look around the garden..." Fluttershy mumbled. "If that's okay with you all..."

"And I gotta figure out where the Wonderbolts are staying!" Rainbow declared proudly.

"I suppose my legs could use a stretch," said Twilight, still recovering from her bout of embarrassment. "What do you say we go look for that library, Spike?"

"I'm in!" Spike replied, hopping onto her back. "I just hope those waiter guys are going to be serving snacks in there..."

The ponies giggled as they all filed toward the doors, getting ready to leave the train, Rarity proudly standing in front.

"Now, if you ladies will excuse me," she said, gracefully stepping onto the platform. "My people await!!" She could almost feel the searing, judgmental looks of her friends as she turned around, smiling coyly. "I mean, our people, of course!"

Chapter 3: The Horror and the Host No-More!

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Well, here we are again! After almost a year of silence and hiatus, chapter 3 of my first and only MLP fic is finally here! Not sure if there's even any interest in this thing anymore, but I got a spurt of motivation to continue this thing and, with season 3 coming up and BronyCon looming on the horizon, I'm looking to jump back into the fandom, so I'm back for good!

I hope this chapter was worth the wait. I've decided to throw in as many guest characters into this fic as possible, and this chapter introduces quite a few (but nowhere close to all) of them, so keep an eye out. The wait is now over and the real story begins... NOW!

Chapter 3: The Horror and the Host No-More!

The Ponyville ponies were fascinated by the sheer enormity of the mansion and its grounds, even in the small amount of time that they were actually able to explore them, and were amazed that they'd managed to find each other amongst the sea of ponies gathered inside the mansion's main hall.

Twilight wasn't able to find the Grand Library as she'd hoped, but she and Spike delighted in getting a tour of Peach and Periwinkle's private historical archives detailing the history of their, and, by extension, Pinkie Pie's, family.

Pinkie gave Fluttershy her self-declared "Super Exciting Deluxe Grand Tour of Amazement" of the manor's gardens. Though they were only able to spot a couple of hummingbirds and rabbits among the groups of noisy, socializing ponies, Pinkie assured Fluttershy that all of the animals would come out again once things settled down, much to Fluttershy's relief, as being shy was something she could easily identify with.

Apple Bloom and Applejack spent their time playing tag in the massive, yet well-lit field in front of the manor's hedge maze. The nearby, uptight ponies were clearly annoyed at first, but the two Apples managed to get at least twenty other ponies to play, and it wasn't long before a crowd of curious onlookers came to watch the ponies in dresses and suits run around in the grass and spin around the fountains and statues, laughing in competitive excitement. By the time they returned to the group, their dresses had grass stains and their manes were frizzied. They could only smile cheekily as the other ponies raised an eyebrow at them.

Rarity didn't even notice. She only stood there and grumbled angrily to herself, a scowl stretching across her face and her teeth barred. Every now and then she'd turn up her nose in defiance and huff, pursing her lips. The other ponies tried to find out what was wrong, but every time they asked they were met with a stern growl.

Rainbow Dash was the last to arrive. Despite having abruptly interviewed at least a hundred of the well-mannered guests and scoured a decent fraction of the manor's massive grounds, she was unable to track down a single member of the Wonderbolts. Downtrodden, she let her heart cling on to one last glimpse of hope as an announcement rang through the mansion, carried by a mansion-wide P.A. system.

"Attention, guests!" called a gruff, firm voice. "Lord Periwinkle and Lady Peach would like to ask that everypony file into the dining hall for the Commencement Dinner, so our grand festivities may start!"

"It's about time!" shouted Pinkie Pie gleefully.

"Yeah!" added Rainbow. "I'll just have to bump into the Wonderbolts in there!"

The voice continued as the horde of ponies began to file into the dining hall neatly but assertively. "Your pre-assigned seats have been determined by the cars in which you arrived to our manor. Please make haste, but remember to be polite! And let the party... Begin!"

Happy cheers and giggles resonated through the crowd after the announcement, causing the already excited rush to intensify. Ponies from all sides were bumping into each other as they hurried into the hall.

"We better get inside before we get trampled!" Twilight declared. The other ponies eagerly agreed, and they forced themselves along with the crowd, stepping through the towering, illustrious doors and into the massive dining hall.

The ceilings were even higher than they were in the main hall, and several giant, crystal chandeliers hung, casting off a bright orange glow with the help of at least fifty candles in each one. On both sides the walls were covered in many intricate and colorful paintings of various sizes and subjects, the largest of which was a sprawling portrait of pair of elite ponies. The stallion wore a golden-rimmed monocle and sported a bushy, yet not unkempt, mustache, while the mare had a full, voluminous mane, beautiful diamond earrings and a ruby necklace. Both wore a friendly smile, and It was easy to assume that these two were the host and hostess of the ball, even if you had never seen them before. Either way, one couldn't help but look at the portrait in dignified admiration.

"Follow me, girls!"

Pinkie Pie easily spotted the table reserved for her and her friends, it being the only one with bright blue and yellow balloons and pink placemats, while most of the other guests stirred around the hall in quiet confusion. The ponies excitedly took their seats and were reminded of their renewed hunger.

"Mmmm, I'm ready for some grub!" Applejack said, looking around for a menu.

"Me too!" declared Apple Bloom.

"I'm... actually quite hungry as well," Fluttershy peeped, never fully satisfied from her light meal on the train.

"I'm starving!" Spike added, clicking his silverware together hungrily.

All around them, the fancy ponies found their seats and slowly started to settle in, surprisingly filling the enormous dining hall. Many of the guests were either tapping their hooves or squirming around in growing hunger, and all of them were beaming with excitement as the real festivities were about to begin.

"Ehem. With your dinner, red or white, ma'am?"

Twilight looked up at the uniformed servant pony standing beside her. A quill pen and sheet of paper hovered in front of him, guided by his magic while he waited for her order. She smiled sheepishly at him and looked around the table, trying to see if anyone else was confused by the question, before looking back at him.

"Heheh... Um... Red or white.. what..?"

The waiter blinked and answered curtly, still managing to remain emotionless despite his intense glare. "Wine."

Twilight's cheeks flushed as she turned away in embarrassment, pretending to straighten out the cloth napkin in front of her. "O-oh, yes, of course..." She looked back at him and tried to regain her confidence, giving him a slightly alluring bat of her eyelashes. "I'd just like some water, please." The waiter was clearly unfazed as he scribbled down Twilight's order, stepping around the table to collect the other ponies' orders. As soon as he stepped away, she sighed in relief and lost her dignified posture as she slumped down in her chair.

Every few seconds, Rainbow Dash would crane her neck as high as she could without standing up, trying to look over the myriad of ponies seated around her, looking around the crowd frantically. She had been doing this for at least fifteen minutes, and every time she would just sigh and relax into her chair again. Finally, she caught a glimpse of a fiery orange and yellow mane, sticking out through the sea of ponies filing in the hall's doors.

"Is that--??" she shouted ecstatically as she jumped onto the seat of her chair. "It is!! Spitfire!!!"

The other ponies turned curiously, searching the crowd for the famous filly. Surely enough, Spitfire emerged into the dining hall, followed by the other Wonderbolts. The other ponies couldn't help but be impressed that Rainbow Dash had even recognized her at all. She looked like a completely different pony in her fiery red dress instead of her signature baby blue uniform. Soarin' walked next to her dressed in a formal tuxedo complete with a lopsided bowtie, and the two of them offered their greetings to the ponies they passed, making their way to their designated table.

She was about to dash out in their direction before Twilight stretched out a foreleg to stop her, trying to keep her in her chair as best she could.

"You'll have plenty of time to talk to them this weekend, Rainbow," she offered, easing her leg away as Rainbow nodded glumly, trying to contain herself. The waiter grunted.

"And it looks like you've already had enough, so I'll just go ahead and put you down for some water too." Rainbow ignored him, playing with her fork and spoon glumly. Pinkie Pie insisted upon having cherry soda, despite the waiter continually asserting that that was not an option.

"Are you telling me that my uncle forgot to stock up on my favorite drink this year?!"She demanded, huffing impatiently. The waiter widened his eyes, horrified.

“Wait... You're... P-Pinkie Pie..?”

“Well, duuuhhh!!”

The waiter scribbled hurriedly onto his pad “Cherry Soda” in large letters, underlining it several times. He forced a smile and nodded as though he knew the whole time.

“Yes, why, of course you are... All the cherry soda you can drink, coming right up!”

Pinkie Pie clapped her hooves together and smiled brightly. “Yay!”

The waiter mumbled under his breath, still pretending to smile. “And, o-of course, there’ll be no need to tell your uncle about this whole misunderstanding...”

Before Pinkie Pie could answer, although it was doubtful that she'd even heard, considering she was busy playing charades with Gummy, the waiter turned his attention to Rarity, who rested her face angrily in her forelegs, her mane slightly frazzled.

"And for you, ma'am..?"

Rarity raised her head grumpily and glared at the waiter.

"I don't care what you bring me, but whatever it is, make sure you bring the whole bottle!"

After the waiter hastily scribbled down Rarity's order, the normally polite and civil pony buried her head in her forelegs again, letting them muffle her grunting and incoherent ranting. Apple Bloom and Applejack quietly ordered their own bottle of the same pear cider from the train, not wanting anyone to know how much they loved it, especially considering they were Apples. Fluttershy quietly requested a vanilla milkshake, hoping it would hold her over until dinner was served.

"Well, normally, we reserve those as a dessert option, but I suppose I can bring one out for you if you like."

"Thank you," she peeped. "A-as long as it's not a burden, of course."

"Wait, we can get milkshakes?!" Spike hopped up at the very thought of the cool, creamy beverage. "I'll take two!" This, of course, was met by a glare from Twilight. "One chocolate and one vanilla!" he added. Twilight intensified her glare.

"Spike..."

"What? I want to mix 'em! Have you ever tried it before Twilight? It's amazing! Besides, it's the Biannual Ball! We might as well live it up..."

Twilight thought about it for a second and conceded with a smile, for once admitting he was right. "Alright, Spike, but don't blame me for the inevitable stomach ache..."

Spike smirked and shrugged it off. "We've been over this before, Twilight... I just live in the moment!"

The waiter nodded with the last order and bid the ponies a brief farewell, neatly folding up the sheet and tucking it into the pocket of his blazer as he walked away. With the waiters busy sending their orders and gathering the drinks and glasses, the dining hall rang with the familiar buzz of hundreds of ponies engaged in passive, friendly conversation. All of the Ponyville Ponies happily chatted about what they'd done with their time to wander around the grounds, save for Rarity, who was still grumpily reserved. Finally, Twilight pressed her to tell them what happened.

"Rarity, if you don't mind me asking... What happened that upset you so much?"

For the first time since they reunited, Rarity tried to downplay her frustration by sitting upright and twirling her curls around her hoof, looking off into the distance.

"Oh, it was nothing you girls should be worried about... I just had an unpleasant encounter with... HIM." With the last word she set her teeth again, almost losing herself to her inward rage.

By now, all of the ponies and one dragon were listening in intently to what Rarity had to say. Before they could even ask who she was talking about, she continued, slowly growing more and more angry and dramatic.

"There I was, standing in the light of the chandelier in the grand hall, mingling as us high society ponies do, but making sure to keep my eye open for my fated beau, when I heard someone call my name! Naturally, my heart began to flutter like never before, but when I turned around... I was greeted by his smug grin."

By now, Rarity's story was leaving more questions than answers, but nopony dared to interrupt her.

"Still, I didn't lose hope. He bothered to remember my name, so perhaps he changed, right?? That's what I thought, but when he walked up to speak to me..." Her eyes began to well up with tears as she recalled the event vividly. She bit her quivering lip, trying to keep from crying. Every other pony was leaning in, similarly biting their bottom lips, impatient for the rest of the story.

"He asked me how much I would be willing to sell my earrings for!! He said they would match his new fiance's wedding dress beautifully! Can you believe it?? He even offered me a thousand bits for each one!" She scoffed tearfully. "'Prince Blueblood'. More like 'Lord Blackheart'! Am I nothing more to these ponies than a walking display??" Her eyes welled up to bursting before she finally let out a desperate, dramatic cry before burying her head in her forelegs again, letting them muffle her high pitched cries.

"I'll never find my true love!"

The other ponies looked at each other, not able to help feeling bad for the admittedly melodramatic pony. Twilight, sitting the closest to her, did the only thing she could think of and patted her back with a hoof while trying to cheer her up.

"Oh, Rarity... Of course you will... You just have to... Let it happen... You can't expect it to happen all at once..." After a pause filled only with Rarity's muffled sobbing, Twilight glared slightly at the group and motioned to the crying unicorn with a nod of her head. The rest of them took the hint and piped in their condolences.

"Twilight's right, sugar cube." Applejack offered. "You'll find your prince charmin' before you know it."

"Yeah, Rarity!" Pinkie chimed in. "Besides, love can wait, because we're here to party!"

Rainbow dash tried to sound as sympathetic as she could, despite having an incredibly hard time understanding how the unicorn could get so worked up over something some stallion did.

"I mean, you should've learned that the guy was a jerk after what happened the first time..." This was met by a collective glare from the other ponies, to which Dash shrunk in her seat and smiled cheekily, whispering a quick sorry.

Twilight once again turned to Rarity. "Besides..." she offered. "Blueblood was probably just worried you would outshine his fiance at the ball tonight..."

This was just enough to get Rarity to pick up her head again and sniffle humbly, her mascara running messily down her eyes. She was about to smile and thank the other ponies for cheering her up, but was interrupted by the waiter returning with their drink orders. He cradled two full bottles in one arm, one a bubbly red and the other a pale yellow, and a silver platter with the rest of the orders balanced upon it.

"I have one bottle of white wine for the la-"

"MIIIINE!"

Before the waiter could finish his sentence, Rarity lept up and snatched the wine bottle from his arm, hurriedly pouring some of its golden contents into a wine glass before tossing her head back with the rim of the glass against her lips, downing it quickly before burying her head in her forelegs again to cry more, hugging the bottle close to her. The other ponies rolled their eyes and shook their heads.

"She'll get over it," Rainbow Dash quipped.

The waiter, once he'd regained his balance with the tray after Rarity's attack, breathed out deeply and proceeded to serve the rest of the drink orders. Twilight calmly sipped her water, while Rainbow Dash only scoffed at hers, not quite content with the "boring" choice that was forced upon her. Fluttershy and Spike giggled with one another as they sipped their milkshakes through their straws. Pinkie Pie poured a bit of the cherry soda in the glass for Gummy before drinking her share straight out of the bottle, only stopping her binge to burp loudly, pressing a hoof against her lips shyly to mutter an "exceeeeuuuuuse me!" Rarity continued to pour herself several more glasses of the white wine, letting her sorrowful cries echo into the glass with each sip.

"Now, if you all would please take your meal selection cards out from under your placemats and indicate your choice for your supper meal, we'll get dinner started post haste. There are quills and ink in the center of the table."

Twilight slid the selection card from under her mat and studied it. Apparently, there were only two options: a "spicy sweet potato stew with minced dandelion and rose petals," or a "whole wheat pasta shell filled with three different gourmet cheeses, flavorful herbs and tomato sauce." Delighted, she unconsciously licked her lips just from reading the second option and happily checked the box beside it.

Rarity grunted and grumpily pushed her placemat aside and pulled the card toward her, barely bothering to look up as she used her magic to pull out one of the quills, dip it in the ink, and mark an X on the card, smack dab in the middle of both choices, apparently caring more about not getting ink on her hoof than how she marked the card. Once it was done, she took another sip of her wine and angrily curled up again in her chair.

Applejack and Apple Bloom chose one of each, pledging to share their meals with each other, and Pinkie Pie scribbled "Pineapple Pizza" onto her card with a box next to it before checking it, quickly flipping the card over and conspicuously shifting her gaze back and forth to see if anypony noticed as she slid the card across the table. Spike checked the box next to the stew, being a sucker for spicy food, while Fluttershy shyly marked a small X between the choices before drawing a connecting arrow to both of them. She looked timidly at the waiter.

"Um... can I please have both..?" The other ponies looked at her in surprise.

"What..?" she defended herself with a coy smile. "I've been hungry since we left... I guess I was just too nervous to eat..."

The waiter nodded, although he, too, was surprised, and used his magic to gather up the selection cards, stacking them neatly before stuffing them into his pocket. Everywhere throughout the dining hall hungry ponies were making their choices, though one particular request stood out among the monotony of the others.

"Uhh, excuse me, mister waiter..?" somepony asked, rather loudly. "... Where's the box for muffins?"

"... We do not offer muffins as a meal."

"..."

There was a long pause, much to the frustration of the waiter. Still, being the sophisticated servant he was, he had no choice but to wait it out as the pony no doubt contemplated very long and hard what the waiter could have possibly meant when he said that they didn't offer muffins as a meal. By now, this, along with all of the other conversations around them, blended together in an indistinguishable mesh of words and sounds. Most everyone in the hall was growing restless with hunger and anticipation, and it couldn't have come soon enough when a loud voice broke the anxious hum.

"Hello, everypony!" There in the very front of the dining hall stood the same formally and fashionably dressed pair of ponies from the large painting on the wall. The stallion beamed eagerly through his monocle at the crowd, wearing a large grin, while the mare managed to hide her excitement a bit better, though the bright glow from her eyes gave it away despite her reserved smile. The stallion took a step forward, a glass of wine balanced calmly on his hoof, and addressed the mass of ponies, which had almost immediately silenced in respect and excitement.

"Friends, family and fellow equestrians, I welcome you to my humble home and to the tenth ever Biannual Ball!" The silence was shattered by an uproar of cheers, whistling, and clapping. Even the ponies at the Ponyville table joined in the excited rally. Rarity was the loudest at the table, apparently hoping to drown out her sorrows with sheer volume - either that or the wine was finally starting to get to her - and nearly jumped on the table to cheer more before being restrained by Twilight. After each pony's excitement was compounded by their curiosity, they all forced themselves to calm down to once again listen to the friendly yet powerful voice of their host.

The stallion gestured toward the mare, who smiled brightly and took his side without hesitation, before he resumed his address.

"My lovely wife and I would like to first and foremost thank you for joining us this weekend. I understand that you've come from each and every corner of Equestria, which, for many of you, was a journey of hundreds of miles, and we're honored to have you with us tonight."

The stallion pretended to study the crowd carefully, scanning it with his eyes squinted.

"But, just like every year, I see some new faces! It's a shame that I haven't been able to meet each and every one of you before the festivities begin, but we'll have all weekend to get to get to know one another and no doubt become friends! But, for now, I shall merely introduce myself as Periwinkle Pie, your humble host! And this is my wife, the lovely Peach Pie." The lady bowed her head in a dignified greeting. "And we would, without further ado, like to announce something to you all..."

There must not have been any air left in the room, for everpony in the dining hall was holding their breath for the exciting announcement.

"The theme for this year's Biannual Ball is... -!"

In an instant, all of the candles on the walls and in the chandeliers were extinguished in a chilling puff of air. The smoke from the candles hung over the ponies in a thick blanket, and the dining hall was reduced to a pitch black cell. Several ponies gasped, many even sat up abruptly from their chairs, but all were gripped with an unexpected fear.

Periwinkle, though now invisible to his guests, addressed the crowd again, attempting to reassure them as their hesitant, hushed whispers grew louder.

"N-now, everypony, it was probably just a draft. We'll get this sorted out as soon as we c- ..."

Just as quickly as the candles had been snuffed out, Periwinkle's voice stopped short, and, once again, a chilling silence fell over the dining hall. By now, many of the crowd's unicorns, including Twilight Sparkle, had used their magic to generate a soft glow from their horns, piercing the darkness in several spots in the room. However, no one could be quite certain as to what was going on, but a sharp scream confirmed their worst imaginings. Peach Pie, now lit by the horns of several servant ponies who ran to her aid, backed away slowly.

Lying on the ornately patterned royal blue carpet was a thick red stain, surrounded by broken glass and a lone monocle, its owner nowhere to be seen. Peach Pie let out another blood-curdling scream before backing herself against the wall, her eyes welling up with tears as she curled herself up against it. Everypony in the massive room was gripped with the same paralyzing fear, which only grew when a shaky voice broke the silence.

"L-look!"

The room was still nearly pitch black, but all of the unicorns in the crowd pointed their horns at the spot at which the pony was gesturing. Soon, the portrait of Lord and Lady Pie was completely illuminated, revealing a sinister threat stretching across it in blood red letters.

Your dear host was just the first.
We take in order to quench our thirst.
Oh, won't this be so much fun?
We will hunt you down one by one.

A sharp chorus of screams and shouts rang through the ears of everypony in the room as almost everpony in the hall sprung themselves from their seats and toward the towering doors of the dining hall. Ponies tripped and trampled over one another toward the end of the hall, but just before the first soul could reach it, the towering doors slammed shut, echoing through the black hall through horrified silence.