It was a dark, cloudy, foggy day in Equestria. The wind howled, and thunder growled somewhere in the distance. In a previously abandoned mansion, one lonely figure sat writing. A candle lit up the room in a dim glow, making everything gloomy. The sound of a quill on paper permeated the air.

Dear Elements of Harmony, I cordially invite you to a dinner party at my mansion, the one on top of the hill. It will have the usual activities, and will be held tonight at six o'clock in the evening. Your showing up would bring me much pleasure. Sincerely, an admirer.

The pony licked their lips, and grinned. They sealed the letter, then sent it off, anxiously awaiting their guests arrival.

:::

In the quiet town of Ponyville, six mares were going back to their duties, after having their lunch. Each went home before doing so, however, as something told them they should. An inexplicable urge drove them to their homes, and what they found waiting at their doorsteps puzzled them greatly. A letter, wrapped like a scroll. They each read the contents. Nopony could see the others' faces, but all had looks of confusion, distress... and interest. It could be a fan, or it could be a new or returned enemy. They shrugged it off, knowing they'd find out when they got there. But the question kept nagging at them: who was the "admirer"?

Later that evening, they met outside Rarity's boutique. It was getting dark, and the wind blew at their backs. When Rarity finally came out to join them, they discussed the letters.

"Well, it could be a simple invitation, or it could be..."

"A trap set by somepony that don't like us."

They all had their opinions towards the subject, and only just remembered that they had a deadline to meet. As they made their way to the given address, they felt a strange sense of danger, telling them to turn around. They shrugged it off as a superstition, or a paranoia caused by past foes. they reached the address, and what they saw amazed them. Great, towering spires and a vast garden were most noticeable. Iron fence surrounded the outside of the garden, and the windows seemed as if they glared at them, judging them. The house loomed over them, and the moon cast an eerie gloom over the scenery. The silhouette of the house looked like a sinister creature, waiting to pounce. They proceeded to the front door, and knocked. The door knocker depicted a horrendous gargoyle, his teeth bared. After a moment, a rather sickly looking butler answered the door. "Ah, you must be the Master's guests, right this way."

They made their way through the house, and they were met with elaborate furnishings, velvet carpet, chairs and sofas. Silk curtains hung in the windows, and the moon's glow came through. They were lead through to the main parlor. They sat down, and the servant took their garments. They sat there for a few minutes, and finally heard a door open. In stepped a mysterious figure. Face adorned with a mask, making him appear to be a ghastly colt. "Good evening, Elements. I have invited you here for a dinner party of sorts. I have watched your feats, and would like to congratulate you personally. Please, follow me, dinner awaits."

:::

They followed their host, and found themselves in a luxurious dining area. Silver cutlery and glasses lined the table, and a grand feast lay before them. The glasses were filled with a transparent substance, and in it lay a pill. "Ah, I see you've found my gift. Your reputations are not the only things I have brought you here for. I have set up a test. If you can beat it, you can all go free. Fail, and you will all perish. Oh, don't try to run away, my butler has retired for the evening. Sit down, and let us enjoy our sustenance."

"How do we know we can trust you?" Rainbow Dash had skepticism in her voice.

The figure chuckled. "You will know. My aim is not to torture you, but to see what lengths you would go o to solve a criminal act." Rainbow Dash had a puzzled look, but accepted that they must go through with it. Twilight had tried to use a teleportation spell, but the counter spells were too strong. "Oh, silly me, I forgot to mention that all spells that would aid your immediate escape were countered. You must complete the tasks, and when all challenges are complete, all exits will open for you. I do suggest you hurry, when the tasks are given, as a few sacrifices will have to be made, and I don't wait for anything. Remember, not everything is as it seems, and all things end, and begin. And make sure to stay together, I've set up some... discouragements along the ay, to test your skills at combat or finding ways around it. I must leave you. Good luck."

He clapped his hooves, and everything went dark. A scream could be heard, somewhere close, followed by a crash. When the lights came back on, all they found was a small pool of crimson on the floor, and Rarity's chair, toppled over, with the mare in question nowhere in sight. A note lay on the table, at Rarity's place.

You have one hour to find this one. After such time, she will be disposed of. Happy hunting.

They were terrified. They had no idea how they would find her before the time specified. But they knew they had to start somewhere, so they split up in groups, except Rainbow Dash, who went alone. They decided that after a half hour time period, they would meet back here. Then, when all plans were made, they went off. The search had begun.

Author's Note

Before you dislike just because I may/may not have killed her, read the entire thing before rating. Open minds, please. Thank you.

So, this'll be a "figure it out before reading the author's note" type thing.

Anyway, stuff. Enjoy.