Chapter 1
In the early night, while the moon was still high in the sky, nine guests walked to the entrance of the extravagant mansion, each held a letter in their hoof. The letter was identical for each pony. It was written in a beautiful calligraphy in jet black ink on aged parchment. It read: "To whom it may concern, I request your appearance at my manor at the edge of Ponyville. It is a matter of most urgent importance. Come alone. With regards, Edgar Allan Poeny". The doors to the behemoth manor swung open, and they entered single file.
The first room of the mansion was the Foyer, which contained two large staircases leading to the second floor. Two marble manticore statues adorned each side of the staircase. A mural of pegasi on the ceiling with Princess Celestia featured at the middle had been meticulously painted, it appeared as if it had been there for centuries. The entire house had an aged feeling to it. A blue unicorn in a matching cape and wizards’ hat was the first to enter. “Um, Edgar, are you in here? You said you needed me…” Trixie said with a look of awe on her face as she stared around the room. Trixie, constantly looking to prove herself, jumped at the chance when she received the letter from Edgar. A matter of most urgent importance would most certainly get her recognized. With no response she too a seat on one of the steps.
Canus Dusk, a zebra who also bears characteristics of a pegasus entered the room silently. He had no memory of his past or who he even was. He figured paying Edgar, the only pony who even seemed to know of him a visit, would yield some answers. He was followed by a small orange filly adorning a scar on her eye. She wore a black leather jacket covered in zippers and patches. Even before her encounter with her old friend, Scoots was always up for an adventure. “Am I in the right place? Looks kinda... Dank…” Scootaloo commented as she observed the manticore statue. Canus wordlessly took a seat at the bottom of the staircase.
Not long after Scootaloo entered did Ramirez, the terrorist fighting pegasus walk into the Foyer in quite a cool manner. After many secret missions given to him by the royal guard, he had become battle hardened. He promptly took a seat with the others. “So I’m not the only one who Edgar wants to see, huh?” Ramirez inquired to himself. When the next guest entered, he was barely noticed Dominic Acherontia was a changeling of few words. When he received the letter from his old friend, Dominic immediately rushed over. He was shy and nervous of his surroundings. Dom almost had an air of guilt about him. “H- hello, anyone?” Dominic said.
“Hey Dominic.” Ramirez replied. Ramirez had met Dom once before. He kept a respectful distance from him. Dom did not respond, either out of disrespect or shyness.
“Dominic! You’re here too? I didn't expect to see you when I left home.” Canus jumped up excitedly. He had met Dominic once before, and was one of his only friends, if even just an acquaintance. Dominic jumps back at Canus, startled by his sudden movement.
“Oh, hello, friend. I didn't expect much the same... You should be careful here. These things never go well…” Dominic had traumatic experiences with larges manors once before, which is why he appeared to be so weary. Tycho, another pegasus in full desert ranger gear walked into the Foyer, already speaking. “Edgar, can we get this over with? I have important things to do. Oh, so I’m not the only one then.” When Tycho received the letter asking for help, he jumped at the chance to see some action. He walked over to take a seat with the others.
The floor began to shake as the colossal Patchwork entered the scene.It’s entrance brought the entire room to a halt. Patchwork was truly a sight to behold. It sported stitches all across its body. Patch’s height was that of a beast, with a stature that dwarfs Big Macintosh. “We have come back to this realm for yet another clandestine meeting?“ Hissing and steam arose from its chest as it became slightly enraged. “This is starting to annoy us.” It said with an exasperated sigh.
Patchwork started to observe Tycho. “Ah, so the little soldier pony is here as well. Long time see we have last met, we would have preferred to keep it that way.” Patch said with a snort.
“Same to you big guy.” Tycho replied with a heavy amount of animosity. Gothic Novel entered the room with an unwavering level headedness, as if he had been through this sort of things countless times before. He sported he trademark fedora, vest, and scarf. The large manor gave him a serious case of déjà vu. Gothic showed up because he would never pass the chance to talk with a fellow writer. The pegasus did not take a seat as the others did, as he preferred to stand. ArtCraft, a longtime friend of Edgar walked in behind Gothic. ArtCraft was a bit of a scrawny stallion, he appeared to be frail and sickly. He was living proof that looks can be deceiving. The most startling aspect of him was his eyes. His eyes were always wide and his pupils were large. Ponies who talked to him could always see the horrific intentions for them in his eyes. After receiving Edgar’s letter he arrived for a chance to catch up with his old friend.
Ditzy Hooves, the twin sister of Derpy Hooves was the last to arrive as she skipped into the Foyer gleefully. She was overjoyed to see a letter from Edgar in her mailbox. She enjoyed talking about deep philosophical issues with him. “ Oh hey... am I a bit late...?” The grey pegasus with the blank flank asked. “No, your are just on time, Miss Hooves.” The voiced belonged to the grey pegasus standing atop the staircase. Edgar Allan Poeny was a stallion of great age, and his home showed that age. He had a carefully groomed mane and mustache, which was a jet black as his raven cutie mark. He was rarely seen without his tailored vest and cuffs.
Edgar began to speak as he walked down the stairs into the foyer. “Fillies and Gentlecolts, I am Edgar Allan Poeny. I bid you all welcome. If you would be so kind as to follow me to the Dining Hall.” Poeny had a presence of elegance about him. As he walked off to the Dining Hall the others followed, unprepared and unsure for what would happen next.
The Dining Hall was home to a long table with fourteen seats in the center of the room. It was set with luxurious silverware and expensive looking food. An ornate chandelier hung from the ceiling. Edgar led his guests to the hall and took a seat at the head of the table. “Please all, take a seat. Eat, drink, and be merry.” The mustachioed pony had an overly joyful tone to his voice. Each guest did as requested and took a seat at the table. All except Patchwork, who went to stand in the corner within earshot so he could hear any conversations.
As Dominic sat he muttered to himself “Please don't end like the last one, please don't end like the last one…”
You’re the only person I know here… This place looks old.” The remark came from Canus. “I- I know most of them. You can 'trust' a good majority of them... just not too much, please.” Dom said.
“I don't trust any pony ..I don't really understand trust quite yet, no offence.” Canus looked back at the other ponies. “I wonder why we are even here, seems odd.”
“Please my friends, eat! I did not cook all of this food just for you to stare at it!” Edgar said as he laughed jollily. Tycho, Ramirez, and Dominic were the only one to oblige Edgar’s request. “Good yes? Forgive me, I had to cook it myself. My servant has gone on holiday.” Edgar explained. Tycho lets out a loud belch. “My compliments to the chef!”
“How classy of you, Tycho.” Edgar said with look of disgust. “Now then, down to business. The reason I have brought you all here, is that I plan to kill you.” At the revelation, the doors in the lobby swung shut on locked. “Quite brutally, I might add.” He says with a giggle. The reactions of the guest varied greatly. Some were shocked and appalled, others barely shrugged and continue their meals. They all however, gave Edgar their undivided attention. Gothic was the first to break the silence. “I see... And why would you want to do that, Edgar?”
“Ah, that’s a very good question Gothic. You see, in my old age I have grown bored. The daily life does not tickle my fancy anymore. So I’ve decided to play a game. A game with your lives.” Edgar responded. “Haha, have fun with that. We will just go back home if you kill this body. Go ahead and kill us a second time, we could care less.” Patchwork retorted to Edgar’s threat. Edgar ignored the comment coming from the hulking beast. “Now, it may interest you to know that one of these dishes, was poisoned!” He giggled with a smug grin. “Who has been poisoned? Well you'll have to find that out yourself, won't you?”
“Oh dear…” Dom pushed away his plate, feeling suddenly very sick. All who ate began to grow a green color in the face. “Now, somewhere in the mansion is the antidote, hidden in a glass vial. The best thing is, the poison has no noticeable symptoms. Anybody who took a bite might be dying as we speak.” Edgar spoke of his plan with pride and devilish delight. “Now, as for the rest of you well… I have something extra special for you. Let's just say whoever dies of the poison will be the lucky one.”
“ I guess this kind of kills the chance for catching up, huh? Well darn.” Ditzy said with a disappointed tone. Gothic began to rub his face with his hooves. “Why can we never have any normal get-togethers?”
“Because we're a bunch of horror writers and PTSD wrecked soldiers?” Tycho responded to Gothic’s question.
“You are all now puppets, and guess who holds the strings? Now then, I shall turn you loose. Fly my playthings, fly!” The lights fizzled out for a fraction of a second and Edgar was gone.
“The bastard. He’s going to make me get blood on my best vest? Not to mention my hat... Well, if we must.” Gothic sighed heavily.
“I'd like to know what his motivation is.” Dom started to wonder. Scootaloo pulled out her knife and twirled it, speaking for the first time since she entered. “This is gonna be fun!” Gothic smiled at Scootaloo. “I like the way you think. So. Any bright ideas?”
“... How about we form a nice group and search the house one room at a time?” Dominic raised his hoof as he spoke.
“I guess I could group up.” Tycho agreed with Dom. Ditzy scratches her head and sits down. “I know too many ponies... I dunno where to go…”
“Ditzy, I'm sure you could be very helpful with me.” Trixie offered out her hoof to Ditzy.
“Yeah! I would love to come with you, Trixie!” Ditzy exclaimed as she jumped up. Gothic Novel looked around, shifty-eyed. “I'm fine with whoever, honestly. As long as you don't try to stab me in the back, no problems here.” Trixie then silently left for the kitchen. “It's too crowded in here... I can't think…” Scootaloo muttered to herself as she left the Dining Hall. “I'm going to go make sure Scootaloo doesn't get gutted by our eccentric friend.” Gothic sighed and left to follow young Scootaloo.”
Ditzy then looks up and realizes who is left in the room. “Hey wait a minute! Dommie!” The mare runs over and gives Dominic a lung crushing hug. The changeling’s breath is forced out of him as he’s hugged. “It- it's good to see you again, Ditzy.” ArtCraft coughs in an attempt to break the hug. “Should we get out of here?”
“Guys I think we should get going.” Tycho said in agreement. ArtCraft turns to face Dom, slowly guarding his neck. The two had a past encounter that ended violently. Dominic grinned. “I'm not going to bite you, Art... Though, if you wanted... I'm sure you wouldn't prefer the traditional Changeling execution.” Ditzy let out in involuntary shudder. “Ugh... Can we... not talk about death?”
“Y-Yeah...So…Truce for now?” Art held out his hoof in an offering of friendship. Stepping closer, giving Art a hellish stare, Dom smiled. “... Truce.”
“Good, so…We should probably get out of here…” Art spoke up. “So...Maybe off to the study?”
“That sounds like a nice idea, Art.” Dom took the lead as the three of them left to the Study.
