Equestria Girls and The Black Cat

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 6
Chapter 5

Chapter 1

The bells of Canterlot High rang signaling the start of Spring Break. Hordes of students started happily rushing out of the front doors of the school to start their break, the last ones out were Sunset Shimmer, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and their newest friend, Twilight Sparkle. It had been some time since the Friendship Games and the seven girls were ready to have some relaxation time.

“Spring Break is finally here!” Pinkie yelled in excitement.

“What should we all do now that we have some time off?” Sunset asked for some suggestions.

“We could visit the bird sanctuary.” Fluttershy suggested.

“We’ve done that already.” Rainbow said. “I know, we could go to Cloudsdale Statium and see if any big games are happening.”

“We’ve already done that. There’s a big rodeo goin’ on at Apploosa.” Applejack suggested.

“But we’ve been there plenty of times already, darling.” Rarity said. “There is a big fashion show happening in downtown. I bet the outfits are going to look dazzling.”

“But you saw that on TV last week.” Pinkie said. “I know, how about we go to the amusement park. There will be rides, games, and candy. It’ll be so much fun!”

“I don’t know, I still haven’t quite recovered from that incident with the clowns.” Fluttershy said nervously.

“Perhaps we should all do something new this Spring Break.” Sunset suggested. The other girls believed Sunset was right and each one tried thinking of a new thing to do.

“Um, I think I have an idea.” Twilight said and the other six girls turned their attention to her. “You see-.” Then she started whispering into Sunset’s ear as the other five gathered around to hear too. As Twilight explained her idea to her new friends, smiles started forming on all their faces. Apparently, they liked this idea.

A day later, all seven girls were at the train depot. Twilight had also decided to bring her talking dog, Spike, along as well. Thousands of passangers and luggage were loaded on the trains in the depot. The girls eventually found their train and boarded. A few minutes later, the train was chugging on its way.

“Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity. Car 96, compartment F, Crystal Express. Griffonstone.” The train attendant read their passports. When he was certain they were legit, he bowed his head to them and closed their compartment door.

The girls sat in a compartment big enough to hold all seven of them and one more.

“Wow, we’re going to Griffonstone!” Sunset exclaimed with excitement.

“I know, I’ve read so much about that country and have always wanted to visit.” Twilight explained just as excited. “I can’t wait to visit their library.”

“I remember I had a friend who was from Griffonstone. I bet she’s a member of the Griffons, they’re that country’s equivalent to our Wondercolts.” Rainbow said.

“I gotta try their griffon-scones!” Pinkie said excitedly. “I hear they’re delicious!”

“And I’m quite interested in their country’s attire.” Rarity added.

“I can’t wait to meet the wildlife there.” Fluttershy said.

“I wonder if they’ll have any good-looking poodles there.” Spike said jokingly. All the girls started to laugh.

“Excuse me, ladies.” A train attendant entered the compartment. “A terrible mistake has occurred. Might you perhaps make room for this gentleman?” And in walked a tall, aristocratic-looking man who took off his hat and bowed when he saw the girls. He wore a fancy suit, scarf, and a coat draped over his left arm. He had short, straight dark hair, and he looked to be in his late 30s to early 40s.

“Do please forgive this intrusion.” The gentleman said with a humble smile and deep-sounding voice with a strong Hungarian accent. “It is not necessary to make it so important. These young women need not disturb. I can make myself quite comfortable in the passageway.”

“Oh no, we’ve got an extra seat, you’re more than welcome to share this compartment if you wish.” Rarity said giving in to her generous nature.

“Very kind of you.” The gentleman thanked her. “Thank you.” He said to the attendant who took his leave.

As the gentleman started packing his things in the overhead rack, another attendant came in with some more of the gentleman’s luggage. After a while, all the gentleman’s luggage was put in overhead racks and he payed the attendant a tip for his services before he left the compartment.

The gentleman sat in an open seat between Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack and was across from Twilight, Spike, Sunset, Rainbow, and Pinkie. For a while none of them spoke, but the gentleman did shoot Sunset a friendly and somewhat eerie smile and she returned one of her own. Then everyone’s attention was drawn to a big bag rocking on the overhead rack above Twilight, Sunset, Rainbow, and Pinkie. A moment later, the bag fell from its place, but AJ, Rainbow, and the gentleman caught before it landed on Sunset and Twilight’s heads. The bag was put back firmly in its place and the three took their seats.

“Are you okay, darling?” Rarity asked her friends.

“Were you frightened?” Fluttershy also asked.

“It is better to be frightened than to be crushed.” The gentleman said hoping to relieve the moment with humor. All girls gave little chuckles.

“By the way, my name is Rarity.” Rarity introduced herself.

“I’m Fluttershy.” Fluttershy said quietly and shyly.

“Ah’m Applejack.” Applejack introduced herself.

“Name’s Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow said proudly.

“I’m Pinkie Pie.” Pinkie said with a big smile.

“My name’s Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset said.

“And I’m Twilight Sparkle and this is my dog, Spike.” Twilight introduced herself and her pup who gave a little greeting bark.

“It is a very great pleasure. I’m Dr. Vitus Werdegast.” The gentleman introduced himself. “So you all are going to Griffonstone?”

“Yes, we’re going there for Spring Break.” Pinkie said.

“I hear it’s a very good place. I too am going very near there.”

“What for?” Rarity asked.

“I go to visit an old friend.” Dr. Werdegast answered in a rather ominous tone and turned his gaze to the car window that looked out into the dark, rainy night-covered land.

A couple hours had passed and the girls were now sleeping. Werdegast, however, was still awake. He had been staring at Sunset Shimmer the whole time. Then he gently stroked her red and yellow hair with his right hand. Then he noticed that Pinkie Pie had woken up and was giving him a weird look.

“I beg your pardon, my friend.” He said to her with a sad look on his face. “Eighteen years ago, I left a girl so like your lovely friend to go to war. It was a difficult time for our country back then. She was my wife.” A look of sympathy came over Pinkie’s face. “Have you ever heard of Kurgaal?” Pinkie shook her head no. “It is a prison below Amsk.” His face changed to a more serious and ominous expression. “Many men have gone there. Few have returned. I have returned. After fifteen years, I have returned!”

Chapter 2

It was the middle of the night, it had been quite a few hours since the train’s departure, it was raining, but now it had finally arrived at its destination. The girls had gathered their luggage and were debarking the train along with Dr. Werdegast. An enormous, muscular, and quiet man wearing a long raincoat and hat accompanied them carrying some of Werdegast’s luggage.

“Pardon me, allow me to introduce my trusted servant, Thamal.” Werdegast introduced his tall assistant. “I’m afraid he is incapable of speech so don’t expect him to say much.”

“That’s alright. Mah big brother, Big Mac, don’t talk much either.” Applejack replied.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Pinkie Pie.” Pinkie greeted Thamal and held out her hand. But the man did nothing and just continued staring at her with a serious and intimidating expression on his mustached face.

The girls, Dr. Werdegast, and Thamal stood waiting at a bus stop in the heavy rain.

“Hey, girls.” Twilight whispered to her friends. “Did any of you find anything a little off about Dr. Werdegast?”

“Well now that you mention it, he didn’t exactly sound very happy about going to meet an old friend.” Sunset Shimmer whispered back.

“Well, he did tell me how he had been tortured in a terrible prison during his soldier days and hasn’t seen his family for more than fifteen years.” Pinkie said.

“Perhaps he’s just a little tense from his memories of the war.” Applejack suggested.

“Do you think there might be a friendship problem involved in all this somehow?” Rarity asked.

“Well if there is, then I know some certain experts in friendship that might be able to solve it.” Sunset said. All the girls smiled in agreement, they knew she was talking about them. Soon enough, a bus arrived at the stop.

“Hello, where are you all off to?” the bus driver asked opening the bus doors.

“We’re all going to Griffonstone.” Rainbow Dash declared proudly and the other girls nodded in agreement.

“I’m going to Engineer Poelzig’s house.” Dr. Werdegast told the driver.

A nervous expression came across the driver’s face when he heard that. “Very well, it’s on the way to Griffonstone so you’ll be dropped off first.” With that, everyone boarded the bus and got their luggage secured. Once they were all seated the driver closed the doors and took off into the dark rainy night.

The road trip was a little shaky because the pouring rain had made the road very slippery and the loud sounds of thunder could be heard.

“It’s too bad about the rain, it makes the road very slippery.” The driver said to his passangers. “Did you know that this road was built on a huge battlefield?”

“No, really?” Twilight Sparkle asked fascinated.

“That’s right. Tens of thousands of men died here. The ravine down there was piled twelve feet with dead and wounded men. The river below was swollen red, a raging current of blood, and that hill up there were Engineer Poelzig now lives was the sight of a great fort. He built his home on its very foundation. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to build a house on a land that is practically one big graveyard.”

While some of the girls looked fascinated by the driver’s history lesson, Werdegast looked disturbed as if remembering a terrible memory. Suddenly, the bus swerved to the left off the road. The road had become so slippery that the driver had lost control of the vehicle. Fluttershy screamed as the bus went off the road, down the hill, crashed into a tree, and tipped on its right side.

After a moment, almost everyone had climbed out of the overturned vehicle. Sunset Shimmer had sustained an injury that had knocked her unconscious and was held in Thamal’s arms. The other girls were alright but shocked by the accident and very worried for their injured friend. Twilight held Spike in her arms, luckily he was alright too.

“The driver is dead.” Werdegast said after examining the driver who unfortunately didn’t survive.

“What’ll we do?” Rarity asked getting scared.

“I’m afraid we’ll all have to stay at Poelzig’s house.” Werdegast told them. And so they all grabbed what luggage they could carry and followed Werdegast up the muddy hill toward the home of the mysterious engineer, Poelzig.

They all arrived safely at the front door and Werdegast rang the door bell. A strange-looking and grouchy-faced man in a night robe answered the door.

“Engineer Poelzig?” Werdegast asked the man.

“Master Poelzig has retired.” The servant man said.

“Engineer Poelzig will be expecting me, I’m Dr. Werdegast.” Werdegast introduced himself and bowed his head. Then the servant stepped aside to let everyone in and closed the door once they had all entered.

The interior of the house was very strange. It had a very surreal design with Art Deco designs of black cats almost everywhere.

“Wow! I must say this Poelzig really has some interesting taste.” Rarity commented as she observed the interior of the house. Werdegast, however, looked uneasy about the interior decorations.

“We’ve had a terrible accident.” Werdegast told the servant in a serious tone. “Awaken Master Poelzig at once and take us somewhere were I can dress the young lady’s injuries.” So the servant led the group up a curved staircase to the next floor. “A man was killed. Telephone the authorities in Griffonstone and inform them.” He also told the servant. When they reached the next floor, they were met by a maid and where led to a bedroom where Sunset’s body was gently placed on a bed for Dr. Werdegast to work.

In a dark bedroom with very little light, in a huge king-sized bed, a young woman who looked to be around the same age as the girls lay on the left side of the bed and on the right lay a figure covered in shadow.

“Dr. Werdegast has arrived.” Said a voice over an intercom near the bed.

Hearing this, the shadowy figure rose from the bed and turned on a small light. The light created a silhouette of the mysterious figure who appeared to be a man. The silhouetted man slowly walked across the room from his bed to the door.

Inside the bedroom, Sunset lay unconscious on the bed. Her extremely worried friends were either by her side or doing whatever they could to help Dr. Werdegast with his procedure. The maid came in with a bowl of water for Werdegast to wash his hands in. It was important for doctors to always wash their hands before handling a patient. After a while of examining the red and yellow-haired girl, Werdegast put his tools down.

“Is she going to be alright?” Fluttershy asked nervously.

“There is no need to worry my dear, I’m sure after a goodnight sleep she will be quite alright.” Werdegast told her gently and confidently. This news help ease the girls’ tension a little. Werdegast took out a needle and gave Sunset one little shot to be on the safe side. Pinkie flinched at the shot, she knew how painful those were, but she was still happy that her friend was going to be okay.

Before anyone could celebrate, the bedroom door opened and there stood a tall, malevolent-looking man wearing a dark priestly robe. He looked to be in his early to mid-forties, his hair was formed into a jagged widow’s peak on his forehead, and he wore no friendly smile on his face. After entering the room, the man’s attention was immediately drawn to the sleeping red and yellow-haired girl. There was something about that girl that drew him to her. Upon seeing this stranger, the other girls’ feelings of relief were turned back to nervousness by the sight of this creepy man who gave off a commanding presence. Werdegast got to his feet and approached the man with a serious look on his face.

“It has been a long time, Hjalmar.” He greeted the man and then said with a friendly smile: “The years have been kind to you.” The man said nothing, no thank you for the compliment, nothing. “There was an accident on the road below. We are all very fortunate to be alive.” He informed the man he called Hjalmar. “These girls are going to Griffonstone. This one is slightly injured.” He referred to Sunset, then walked over to the bed and put on his dress coat on. “I took the liberty of bringing them here.”

“Of course.” Hjalmar replied emotionlessly.

“She will sleep now.” Werdegast announced. Hjalmar bowed his head to the girls and opened the door for him and Werdegast to leave. Before leaving Hjalmar took one last desirous look at Sunset before closing the door. Once both men were gone, the girls once again felt relief.

“Is it me or was that new guy just creepy?” Rainbow asked. The other girls nodded in agreement.

“He must be Engineer Poelzig.” Twilight said. “Werdegast’s friend whom he’s been eager to meet.”

“I don’t know what he sees in him but they must’ve found someway to be friends like we all have.” Rarity said.

“I don’t know, there was something that seemed a little off about their reunion.” Twilight said.

The girls decided to forgo the strange meeting and focus on their healing friend who still lay out like a light in bed.

Chapter 3

Werdegast and Hjalmar Poelzig had left the girls in the bedroom with their recovering friend and were now alone together in a dimly lit office room. Poelzig sat in his chair behind his desk while Werdegast stood in front of it talking face-to-face with him. The cordial appearance Werdegast had used when they met in front of the girls had dropped and was now speaking to Poelzig in a very angrily hostile tone.

“You sold every man in this fort to the enemy!” Werdegast accused Poelzig. “Scurried away in the night and left us to die! Is it to be wondered that you should choose this place to build your house?” He looked around at the interior of the room. “A masterpiece of construction built upon the ruins of the masterpiece of destruction. The masterpiece of murder!” Then he gave a little chuckle at the irony of the idea. Poelzig’s face still had the serious and unfriendly expression it had when he introduced himself. “The murderer of ten thousand men returns to the place of his crime! Those who died were fortunate. I was taken prisoner, to Kurgaal! Kurgaal were the soul is killed slowly! Fifteen years I rotted in the darkness, waiting! Not to kill you, to kill your soul, slowly! Where is my wife, Karen, and my daughter, Kathrine?!”

“Karen?” Poelzig asked in an emotionless tone. “What do you mean?”

“I mean you told Karen I had been killed. I found out that much in Budapest. I mean you always wanted her. In the days at Salzburg before the war, always from the first time you saw her! I mean that after you saved your own hide and left us all to die, you went to Karen, induced her to go to America with you. I traced the two of you there, and to Spain, and to South America, and finally here! Where is she?”

Poelzig rose from his chair and looked Werdegast straight in the eye. “Vitus, you are mad!”

“Where is she?” Werdegast asked again, but their heated conversation was cut short by a knocking on the door.

"Come in." Poelzig called to whoever was behind the door. The door opened to reveal the seven teenage girls, including Sunset Shimmer, who had arrived with Werdegast and Thamal. Poelzig put on a welcoming smile when he saw them.

"Sorry for any interruption." Applejack apologized.

“Are we intruding on something personal?” Fluttershy asked.

“Not at all, do come in.” Poelzig said humbly. “We were just going to have something to drink. Would any of you like to join us?”

“Just to let you know, we don’t really drink any alcoholic beverages.” Rarity said.

“No problem, what would you like?” Poelzig said understandingly.

“Ya’ll got any apple cider?” Applejack asked.

“Cider.” Poelzig said to his majordomo, the man who answered the door, and the servant left for the kitchen.

“You are looking much better, Miss Shimmer.” Werdegast said nicely to Sunset. “How are you feeling?”

“I feel fine thanks to you.” Sunset replied gratefully.

“It was very fortunate that you were a skilled doctor when we met you.” Twilight said putting Spike on the floor and wagged his tail happily.

“Yeah, if we hadn’t met you Sunset probably might not be standing here tonight.” Pinkie said with a big smile at the end of her sentence.

“It is always good to know that there are some good doctors out there in the world.” Poelzig said.

“You must be our host.” Sunset greeted Poelzig.

“At your service, my dear.” Poelzig said giving her hand a small kiss.

“This is a very interesting house you have here, Poelzig.” Rarity said examining the interior. “Has an atmosphere… kind of a…”

“Creepy?” Rainbow said jokingly trying to help finish Rarity’s train of thought.

“No, a…” Rarity said.

“Dark?” Pinkie suggested.

“No, not that, a…”

“It is indeed hard to describe.” Werdegast said. “It’s hard to describe his life – or death? It may well be an atmosphere of death.”

“That’s a grim thought.” Spike whispered but Twilight quietly shushed him.

“This place was built on the ruins of that same fort that our unfortunate friend, the driver, described so vividly.” Werdegast continued. “Poelzig commanded this fort during the last years of the war. He is perhaps sentimental about this spot.” Poelzig shot Werdegast a sly smile. “And as for the house being interesting, architectural shaped curve. It could not be otherwise. Engineer Poelzig is one of the world’s greatest architects.”

Poelzig gave a small flattered chuckle. “Dr. Werdegast is one of the world’s greatest psychiatrists.”

“Well allow me to introduce myself.” Rarity said. “I’m Rarity, one of the world’s greatest fashion designers.”

“I’m Pinkie Pie.” Pinkie introduced herself. “One of the world’s greatest party planners.”

“And I’m Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow said. “I’m just great.” Everyone laughed alittle at this boast from the rainbow-haired athlete. Then the majordomo came in with a tray of glasses of cider and handed one to each person before leaving.

“Well, to you my friends.” Werdegast said raising his glass to the girls. “To your health.” He said to Sunset. “To your fashion career.” He said to Rarity. “To your parties.” He said to Pinkie. “To you.” He said to Rainbow. “And to your lovely friendship.”

MEOW! A noise came from outside the door and in walked a cat with black fur and bright green eyes.

“Oh, you have a cat.” Fluttershy said happily to Poelzig. “I just love animals.”

Spike growled at the cat. Being a dog, he had a natural hostility toward cats. Twilight held him in her arms to make sure he wouldn’t get into to trouble. While all her friends were fawning over the cat, Twilight noticed something strange about Werdegast. His face was etched with fear and took a few steps back when he saw the creature. He looked as if he saw a hidious monster. “Doctor, is something wrong?” Twilight asked him. Werdegast dropped his glass which shattered on the floor catching everyone’s attention. Then he grabbed a letter opener from Poelzig’s desk and threw it at the creature impaling it. The animal let out a terrible shriek as it collapsed on the floor. Werdegast then convulsively buried his face in his hands as if he had been scared out of his mind. All the girls were shocked by what he just did. But what was even more disturbing was that Poelzig didn’t look at all surprised or disturbed by the fact that his friend had just killed his pet. In fact, he actually looked satisfied by his reaction. Pinkie held Fluttershy tightly in her arms as the yellow-skinned, pink-haired girl trembled, she had just seen an animal violently killed.

“Are you alright?” Sunset concernly asked coming to Werdegast’s side.

"Why did you do that?" Fluttershy asked the doctor visibly upset.

“You must be indulgent with Dr. Werdegast’s weakness.” Poelzig told her. “He is the unfortunate victim of one of the commoner phobias, but in an extreme form. He has intense and all-consuming horror of cats.”

“Remind me to keep him away from Opal.” Rarity whispered to Fluttershy who was still trembling.

“Well, ah think we’d better be getting’ some shut-eye.” Applejack told her friends feeling that the mood had changed for the worst.

“You still need to sleep in order to fully heal, Sunset.” Twilight told her friend.

“She’s quite right, you must get a goodnight’s rest.” Werdegast agreed.

“Goodnight, gentlemen.” Rarity said to the two men.

“Goodnight.” Fluttershy said still in shock.

“Nighty-night.” Pinkie waved bye to them and the seven friends retreated to their rooms. As they left, Poelzig kept an obsessive watch on Sunset as she left the room.

Chapter 4

The girls took Sunset Shimmer back up to her room and left her inside to change into her pajamas. Werdegast and Poelzig came up the stairs and met with the other six outside Sunset’s room.

“There is no need worry about your friend’s condition.” Werdegast told the girls noticing a few of them still looked a little concerned. “It is nothing serious. After a goodnight rest, she will perfectly fine in the morning.”

“Thanks again for all your help, doc.” Rainbow said to Werdegast.

“I would also like to apologize for my episode earlier… with the cat.” Werdegast apologized to the girls, especially Fluttershy who he knew loved animals and was greatly affected by his action.

“I just don’t get why some people would be afraid of cats, they can make such great pets.” Fluttershy said in a forgiving yet confused tone.

“Did any of you know that certain ancient books say that the Black Cat is the living enbodiment of Evil?” Werdegast told the girls who all had confused and surprised looks on their faces. “I read some of those books during my time in Kurgaal. And if that Evil enters into the nearest living thing, it is…”

“The Black Cat does not die.” Poelzig interupted. “Those same books, if I’m not mistaken, teach that the Black Cat is deathless. Deathless as Evil. It is the origin of the common superstition, the cat with nine lives.” The girls gave both men weird looks. “I will show you to your rooms.” Poelzig led his guests down the hallway and placed two girls in neighboring rooms; Twilight Sparkle and Spike with Fluttershy, Rarity and Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie and Applejack. Each one of the girls’ rooms had two beds. Werdegast was given a room of his own. “Goodnight, Vitus. Sleep well.” Poelzig said to his old friend who glared at him before closing the door.

Twilight and Fluttershy were getting into their pajamas. Twilight noticed Flutterhsy still looked a little upset.

“You okay Fluttershy?” Twilight asked her friend.

“Yes, it’s just…” Fluttershy replied. “I’ve never heard of such a superstition. A black cat being a symbol of Evil.”

“I know, it would appear that this whole house is filled with superstitions.”

“I hope we leave this place soon.” Spike said. “Those guys are too creepy.”

“Don’t worry, Spike.” Twilight told her dog. “We’ll be out of here and on our way to Griffonstone tomorrow.”

“She’s right.” Fluttershy said finally putting on a smile. “Now let’s get some sleep.”

In the room next to them, Rarity and Rainbow were also getting ready to hit the hay.

“So do you really think Poelzig is the greatest architect in the world?” Rainbow asked Rarity.

“Well, his work certainly speaks for itself.” Rarity replied.

“I wonder what else he could build.”

“He’d probably be the ideal man for building an asylum. I mean, the way he talks about the superstitions of the Black Cat.”

“Yeah, gave me some chills.”

In the next room, Applejack and Pinkie were dressed and just about ready to call it a night.

“Ah’ve heard some might strange things in mah life, but that thing about the Black Cat has got ta be the strangest.” AJ said.

“There’s something I don’t like about this place.” Pinkie said suspisiously. “I don’t like it one bit.”

“Maybe you could throw one of yer famous parties tomorrow.”

“I don’t know, my Pinkie Senses are tingling all over. They’re telling me that we should get out of here soon.”

“Well, maybe we should get some sleep first. Sunset needs ta rest from her accident. Perhaps it’s all that stuff Werdegast and Poelzig said about the Black Cat that’s makin’ ya nervous. Who knows, maybe you’ll feel better in the morning.”

“Okie-dokey-lokey.” Pinkie agreed uneasily as she climbed into bed.

Meanwhile that night, Poelzig was walking down a secret hallway, probably his favorite hallway, carrying and stroking what seemed to be a second black cat. In the hallway were at least six glass cases and inside the cases were taxidermies of beautiful young women, ages ranging from late teens to late twenties. As he pasted by each one, he looked upon them with admiration as if looking at a beautiful trophy. Then he looked in one room, inside it were seven empty cases much like the others. He smiled at the thought what, or who, he would eventually put inside them before leaving.

Later that same night, a knocking came at Werdegast’s door. The doctor got out of bed, put on a robe, and answered the door to find Poelzig.

“We have something to settle, Vitus.” Poelzig said.

“Where is my wife?” Werdegast asked one last time.

“Very well, Vitus. I shall take you to her.” Poelzig finally agreed and led his old friend out of his room.

He led Werdegast down the curved stairs but stopped when he came to Thamal waiting at the bottom with his arms crossed. “You will come alone, Vitus.”

“Wait here.” Werdegast told his servant who stepped back and let the men pass.

Poelzig opened a secret door hidden in a wall and led Werdegast down a spiral staircase and down the secret hallway he had walked down earlier.

“You remember this was the entrance to the gun turrets, do you?” He asked his friend.

“I can still sense death in the air.” Werdegast replied.

“There is still death in the air. It is just as much undermined today as ever.”

Werdegast knew what that meant; this place was loaded with dynamite. One wrong move and the whole place could blow sky high. Then they came to the hallway of encased women. Werdegast’s mouth dropped open with shock and disgust at the sight. Poelzig led him through the hallway until they came to an iron door. He opened the door, turned on a light, and led his old friend inside.

“And this is the old chart room for the long-range guns. The guns are gone, but the charts are still here.” Poelzig said. Indeed the guns weren’t there any more, but the huge charts still hung on the walls. Then at the end of the room stood a glass case with the preserved body of a beautiful woman who almost looked like an adult version of Sunset Shimmer. Both men stared up at lifeless woman on display.

“Now you see, Vitus.” Poelzig said. “I have cared for her tenderly and well. You will find her almost as beautiful as the day you saw her.” Werdegast stared at her with heartbroken eyes while Poelzig stared with passionate eyes as if admiring a masterpiece of art. “She died two years after the war.”

“How?” Werdegast asked on the verge of tears.

“Pneumonia. She was never very strong, you know.”

“And the child? Our daughter, Kathrine?”

“Dead.”

A tear started rolling down Werdegast’s right cheek. “And why is she like this?”

“Is she not beautiful? I wanted to have her beauty always. I loved her too, Vitus.”

“Lies!” Werdegast said painfully angry. “All lies, Hjalmar! You killed her! You killed her and I’M ABOUT TO KILL YOU!” Werdegast drew a gun from his robe and aimed it at Poelzig. But before he could shoot, he heard a noise from the doorway.

MEOW! In walked a black cat. Its eyes met with Werdegast’s and the man let out a frightened scream, dropped his weapon, and buried his face in his hands, and the cat scurried off. Poelzig knew he was powerless against his greatest fear. But rather than take the gun Werdegast had dropped and use it on him, he had other plans.

“Come Vitus, are we men or are we children?” Poelzig said as he led Werdegast out of the room, back through the hallway and back up the spiral staircase. “Of what use are these melodramatic gestures? You say your soul was killed and that you have been dead all these years. And what of me? Did we not both die here fifteen years ago? Are we any less victims of the war than those whose bodies were torn asunder? Are we not both the living dead? And now you come to me, playing at being an avenging angel – childishly thirsting for my blood. We understand each other too well. We know too much of life. We shall play a little game, Vitus. A game of death, if you like. But under any circumstances, we shall have to wait until there people have gone, until we are alone.”

Poelzig led Werdegast back to his room. “Until tomorrow.” He said bidding him goodnight.

Meanwhile, Sunset Shimmer lay comfortably in her bed until a knocking from her door woke her.

“Come in.” She said sitting up in her bed and in came her host, Hjalmar Poelzig.

“I trust you are feeling well.” He said politely.

“Yes, very much.” Sunset replied.

“I came to see if what Vitus did earlier with the cat didn’t disturb you too much.” He said taking a seat at the end of her bed.

“Don’t worry, I’m okay. I’m just surprised that he has such a phobia of cats. I was actually nervous that he might put a damper on his friendship with you.”

“Nothing has strained our relationship, my dear. You must understand that he has been through a lot. Tortured in a prison for fifteen years. Now that he is final free, he needs some time to adjust to the world.”

“I think I can partially relate to that.” Sunset said sympathetically. She remembered the days when she was a controlling bully at CHS and needed time and help to adjust to the world after her redemption.

“How so?” Poelzig asked interested.

“Oh, it’s… complicated, and you’d probably not understand or believe anything I’d have to say.” Sunset said trying to get out of having to reveal her past and magical secret.

“Try me.” Poelzig insisted.

Feeling that she owed him something for his hospitality, Sunset told Poelzig about her school life, how she turned into a she-demon, and how her friends used magic to cure her. She didn’t expect Poelzig to believe her story but he looked very understanding and fascinated by it, especially the part about her being a she-demon.

“That is very fascinating, my dear.” Poelzig said.

“Really?” Sunset said surprised. “You’re not at all weirded out by any of the strange things I told you?”

“Of course not, I rather fancy the strange and peculiar things in the world. You must admit that the design of my home is a little strange to you, is it not?”

“I guess a little. If you love strange things you should get to know my friend, Pinkie Pie.” Sunset said jokingly. Both of them chuckled at that.

“Well, I’d better be going to bed.” Poelzig said getting up and heading for the door. “Vitus says you need to rest, don’t want to deprive you of anymore sleep.”

“Goodnight, thanks.” Sunset said waving goodbye as her host left her bedroom.

Meanwhile in Werdegast’s bedroom, the doctor sat on his bed with his head in his hands. He was still in shock from the terrible news he had received about his wife and daughter and the scare from another black cat. Thamal stood in the room watching his master and feeling sympathy for him. He drew a knife from his sleeve and started for the door.

“Not yet, Thamal.” Werdegast stopped his trusty servant. “Put that away.” Thamal returned the knife from where he got it. “We will bide our time, other lives are involved. And this place is so undermined with dynamite that the slightest mistake by one of us could cause the destruction of all. Until I tell you different, you are his servant, not mine.” Thamal nodded to show that he understood.

Poelzig returned to his bedroom, which was right next to Sunset’s, connected by another door that was locked. Poelzig took off his robe and hung on a rack. Then he grabbed a book and headed toward his bed.

“What is it, Hjalmar?” asked the young girl who was at the left end of the bed. She looked a little like Sunset Shimmer, only with golden hair.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Only an accident on the road below.” He answered as he got into bed with her. He gently ran his right hand across her left cheek admiring her beauty. “I want you to stay in this room all day tomorrow, Kathrine.” The girl gave an understanding nod and fell fast asleep. “You are the very core and meaning of my life. No one shall take you from me, not even Vitus. Not even you father.” He then took the book he grabbed, opened it, and started reading it. The page he was reading said:

~~Rites of Lucifer~~

In the night, in the dark of the moon, the High Priest assembles his disciples for the sacrifice. The chosen maiden is garbed in white.

Late that night, unbeknownst to the sleeping girls, a black cat with bright green eyes sat ominously outside Sunset Shimmer's bedroom door and stared at it for a long time.

Chapter 6

Poelzig had won the game of fate against his opponent, Werdegast, for the fate of the seven girls. The girls had now been locked up in the house and were now forced parts in Poelzig’s dark plans. Werdegast, however, still had some questions that needed to be answered.

“Hjalmar, what exactly do you have planned for those girls?” Werdegast demanded to know. Poelzig took the book from last night out of his dress coat, opened it to the pages he read, and showed his old friend whose reaction was utter shock.

“Did you know, Vitus, that your patient, Sunset Shimmer, is not what she appears?” Poelzig asked intriguing the doctor. “I spoke to her last night, she confided in me some very interesting details about her past. I believe there is a being of darkness resting within that girl and I intend to reunite it with its own kind tonight.” He explained with malevolent expectation. Werdegast looked at the architect as if he were looking at a madman. He knew he had to come up with a plan to save the girls and put an end to Poelzig once and for all.

Later that afternoon, Poelzig played a Bach toccata on his great organ in the main room in the terrace to celebrate his victory. While he played his loud and echoic tune, Werdegast saw an opportunity to take the key to the girls’ rooms and snuck up the stairs.

Sunset sat locked up in her room on her bed trying to think up a plan of escape when she heard her door unlock and in walked Werdegast. She leaned back as if fearing he might hurt her.

“Child, I hope you are not afraid of me.” Werdegast said gently.

“Where are my friends?” Sunset demanded almost in hysterics. “What have you done with them?”

“I?!” Werdegast exclaimed. “Surely you don’t think…”

“It was your servant who struck them down! Where are they?”

“Shhh!” Werdegast gently shushed her, then proceeded to explain everything. “Please child, listen to me. We’re all in danger. Poelzig is a mad beast. I know, I’ve seen the proof. He took Karen, my wife, murdered her. And murdered my child, Kathrine.”

“So you’re not friends after all.” Sunset said. “Then why are you helping him?”

“I wait my time.” Werdegast assured her. “It shall be soon, very soon. Until then, I must do his bidding. That is why even my servant obeys him. Did you ever hear of Satanism, the worship of the Devil, of Evil?” Sunset nervously shook her head no. “Poelzig is the great modern priest of this ancient cult, and tonight, the dark of the moon, the rites of Lucifer are celebrated. If I’m not mistaken, he intends for you to play a part in that ritual, a very important part.” Terrified, Sunset got up from her bed and Werdegast gave her a warm and friendly embrace to keep her calm. “There child, be brave. No matter how hopeless it all seems. Be brave, it is your only chance. I must go warn the others now.” With that, Werdegast left the room and locked the door leaving Sunset only to hope for the best.

Meanwhile, down in the underground lair, Spike was still desperately trying to break out of the room he was locked in. He knew his friends were in trouble and had to get out and help them. But it was no use, the door wouldn’t budge.

“No, please open!” Spike yelled as he continued to scratch at the door. “I gotta get out of here! I gotta help Twilight and my friends!” After awhile of no success, the tired puppy stopped, walked over to the wall on the left side of the door, and rested his head against one of the large bricks that made up the wall. He was beginning to lose hope, it take a miracle to get him out. Suddenly, he felt himself nudge forward. He looked up and saw that the brick he leaned his head against was now deeper into the wall. He pressed his paw against it and it moved in a little deeper. Then he realized that brick was loose and if he could push it out of its place, it would create an exit for him to escape the room. Immediately, Spike started pushing against the brick, moving a little more each time.

Back up stairs, Werdegast had just told Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, and Rarity everything he had told Sunset and they were just as horrified as she was.

“Oh goodness!” Fluttershy exclaimed visibly terrified.

“This is the absolute worst possible thing!” Rarity declared.

“What are we going to do?” A scared Twilight asked, things were much worse than she expected.

“Like I told Sunset.” Werdegast told them. “We all have to be brave.” Then he noticed that the organ music had stopped which meant it was time for him leave before he aroused any suspicion. “Trust me, everything will be alright.” With that, he left the girls’ room and locked it. Disturbed and frightened by this new revelation, the girls felt they had no choice but to put their faith in Dr. Werdegast.

Werdegast walked down the stairs to find Poelzig at the bottom waiting for him with a suspicious look on his face and holding and stroking his black cat. The architect saw the key in his hand and held out his own hand demanding it. Werdegast was extremely uncomfortable being so close to the dark creature, but he handed the key to his old friend who then proceeded up the stairs to check on the girls.

Back upstairs, Sunset saw the door that connected her room with another unlock and open and in walked a girl about her age wearing a black night gown. She looked almost exactly like Sunset only with golden hair.

“Who are you?” The girl gently asked Sunset. “I’ve never seen you before, have I?”

“No, I don’t think you have.” Sunset answered.

“I’m Kathrine, Madame Poelzig.” The girl introduced herself.

“Kathrine?” Sunset exclaimed surprised and confused, she had the same name as Werdegast’s deceased daughter. “Not Kathrine Werdegast?”

“Yes.” Kathrine replied surprised that this girl knew her surname. “How did you know my name?”

Sunset realized she was the daughter of Werdegast. “I know your father.”

“Oh no.” Kathrine politely disagreed. “You are mistaken, my father died in prison. Poelzig married my mother. She died when I was very young.”

“And he married you?” Sunset asked trying to figure things out. “You’re his wife?”

“Yes.”

Sunset then realized everything. Poelzig had lied to Werdegast’s family about his death, married and killed his wife, and married his step-daughter. He had also lied to Werdegast himself about the death of his child. Little did the two girls know was that Poelzig was on the other side of Sunset’s bedroom door listening to their conversation and he didn’t look happy with what he was hearing.

“Kathrine, listen to me.” Sunset tried to explain. “Your father is not dead. I know, he’s here in this very house. He’s come for you.” Kathrine’s gentle smile started fading as she began to realize that what Sunset was telling her was serious, and quiet possibly the truth. “Kathrine, do you understand me? Your father has come for you!”

But then Poelzig came into the room holding his cat. Both Sunset and Kathrine had looks of fear on their faces as Poelzig gave Kathrine a murderous glare; this was the very reason he wanted her to stay in her room the entire day. He nudged his head silently telling her to go back in her room. Kathrine fearfully and obediently obeyed. Poelzig locked Sunset’s door and gave the red and yellow-haired girl a smile that promised evil as he walked into Kathrine’s room, closed the door and locked it. Sunset crept up to the door to hear what was happening in the adjoining room. But what she heard on the other side filled her with horror and sadness.

“NO, Hjalmar!” She heard Kathrine fearfully protest. “PLEASE! AAAAHHHHH!”

Sunset shed tears of sorrow as she feared the worst for Kathrine and how her real father what take the news. Inside the adjoining room, the black cat sat on a dresser and watched as its master committed his dark deed.

Chapter 5

It was morning, the sun was up and shining and the once dark house was bright. Sunset Shimmer sat up in her bed and stretched her arms. A knocking came from her door.

“Come in.” She said and in came all her friends, dressed in their casual attires.

“Good morning, Sunset!” Pinkie Pie said happily.

“How are ya doin’, sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

“You look a whole lot better.” Rarity commented.

“I am.” Sunset replied. “I feel great.”

“Dr. Werdegast’s treatment sure did the trick.” Rainbow Dash commented.

“Good morning.” Werdegast said appearing behind the girls and walked into the room. “I trust you have slept well.”

“Oh yes, very well.” Sunset replied.

“Excellent.” Werdegast said pleased.

“Pardon me.” Poelzig appeared and entered the room. He wore a very well manufactured suit. The suit was almost entirely dark colored but the large cuffs and lapels were light colored. He looked like a very fine gentleman. “I came to inquire after the health of my charming guest. I hope you are hungry, I had a great breakfast prepared for you all.”

“Oh, thank you so much, sir.” Rarity said gratefully.

“Once Sunset is ready we’ll be right down.” Pinkie assured.

As Poelzig began to leave, he stopped and cast one last passionate look at Sunset. Werdegast noticed this and turned a confused look to the red and yellow-haired girl, then he looked back at Poelzig with a very disapproving expression. He knew what his enemy thinking and he wasn’t going to stand for it. Soon enough, both men left to allow Sunset to get dressed.

At the dining table, everyone sat in their seats finish and satisfied with their meals.

“That was delicious.” Pinkie said rubbing her tummy.

“I must learn how to make that.” Rarity said.

“Well, Vitus.” Poelzig got up from his seat and said to his old friend. “I think you and I have some business to take care of.”

“Yes.” Werdegast angrily agreed and got up from his seat as well and left the dining room.

MEOW! A noise came from inside the room. Everyone turned to see a black cat licking up a bowl of milk.

“Oh, you have another black cat.” Fluttershy happily assumed.

“No, actually.” Poelzig said. “I only had one.”

“Wait, did you replace the one Werdegast killed?” Twilight asked confused.

“No.” was all Poelzig said and he left the room.

The seven girls were still confused. If he didn’t have a second black cat, and he didn’t replace the one he lost, then what does it mean? Then they remembered what he said about the Black Cat being deathless. Deathless as Evil. Soon their confusion turned to nervousness as they stared at the dark creature who stared back at them with creepy green eyes. Even Fluttershy felt uncomfortable being around the animal now. Slowly and carefully, the girls left the dining room not taking their eyes off the ominous feline.

Werdegast and Poelzig had left the dining room and were now in the living room. They stood around a small table with a chess board on top.

“Are you worried, Vitus?” Poelzig asked.

“About myself? No. The girls? Perhaps. Especially Sunset.” Werdegast replied.

“Oh, you’re interested?” Poelzig asked intrigued.

“Maybe.” Werdegast replied sternly.

“I thought so.” Poelzig said taking a seat at the small table. “Well I’m not. Only spiritually.”

“Spiritually?” Werdegast asked doubtfully.

“Tonight is the dark of the moon. We shall gather and… You’d better come, Vitus. The ceremony will interest you.”

“Don’t pretend, Hjalmar. There was nothing spiritual in your eyes when you looked at that girl. You plan to keep her here.”

“Perhaps.” Poelzig admitted stroking the black queen piece of the chess board.

“I intend to let her go.”

“Is that a challenge, Vitus?”

“Yes, if you dare to fight it out alone.”

“Do you dare play chess with me for her?”

“Yes. But not just for her, for all of them. I will even play chess for them – provided if I win, they are free to go.”

“You won’t win, Vitus.” Poelzig arrogantly declared. Werdegast took his seat at the small table across from Poelzig and they started playing their game.

Meanwhile, the girls were standing on a balcony looking out at the beautiful scenery. Lots of green trees and huge mountains in the background surrounded the hill the house was built on.

“Ta think this place was once one big battlefield.” Applejack said amazed.

“It is beautiful, but I think I’d like to go soon.” Sunset said.

“Is something the matter, dear?” Rarity asked.

“Something just doesn’t feel right.”

“Our host, Poelzig, and Dr. Werdegast have been very nice to us.” Fluttershy said.

“Yeah, and those two get along quite well.” Rainbow commented. “Friendship is a truly awesome and magical thing.”

“But that’s just it, I don’t think they’re friends.” Sunset said suspiciously.

“What are you talking about?” Rainbow asked confused. “Haven’t you seen the interations between those two?”

“I have.” Twilight said. “But you have to know how to read between the lines. During my years at Crystal Prep, I learned how to tell when people mean what they say and how to tell what they’re really saying. I happen to agree with Sunset; I don’t think Werdegast and Poelzig are really friends. In fact, I think they hate each other.”

The other girls were starting to grow a little suspicious themselves after hearing Twilight’s opinion. “Well, my Pinkie Senses are still tingling. They’re telling me something terrible is about to happen.” Pinkie added.

“Perhaps it’s all that mumbo-jumbo about the Black Cat.” Rainbow said still trying to think positively. “It’s got us all spooked.”

“You mean that black cat?” Spike said nervously pointing his paw at the closed sliding door behind them. They all turned to see the black cat from the dining room on the other side of the door staring at them ominously. All the girls felt shivers going down their spines and backed away from the door as much as they could. After a moment of staring, the dark feline walked away.

“Look at us, we’re catching the doc’s phobia of felines!” Rainbow said. “That can’t be the same cat he stabbed last night!”

“Poelzig said he didn’t have another one.” Fluttershy said nervously.

“He also said that the Black Cat was deathless.” Pinkie added.

“Girls, I really think we should leave.” Sunset told them nervously. All the girls looked at each other and had an unspoken agreement. It was time to go.

Back in the living room, Werdegast and Poelzig were still having their chess match when the girls came down to ask him if they could leave.

“Pardon us.” Fluttershy said softly and nervously. Poelzig turned his attention to the girls.

“Please don’t think we don’t appreciate your hospitality, Mr. Poelzig.” Rarity said politely. “But some of us are still quite shaken up from the accident you know and feel we need to head on to Griffonstone. If you could sent us to the bus stop, I’m sure we can find our way from there.”

“But of course.” Poelzig replied with a smile. “I shall be sorry to you go, but if you young ladies think best.” His majordomo approached the chess table and awaited his orders. “I want you to take these women to the nearest town.” He said. The majordomo headed to the garage to get the car ready. “Now you realize of course that this is against the advice of Dr. Werdegast, and you will have to assume the full responsibility.” Poelzig lied, this earned him a raised eyebrow from his chess opponent.

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll be fine.” Rainbow said confidently.

“Then we will go on with our game.” Poelzig dismissed them and resumed his game with Werdegast. Then his majordomo returned from the garage.

“I’m sorry, sir. The car is out of commission. It will take some time to repair it.” He informed his master.

“Oh, ladies.” Poelzig called to the girls. “You see, I… I use the car so seldom myself. I’m afraid you all will just have to be patient.”

“Can ah take a look at it?” AJ asked. “Ah’m pretty good at fixing things.”

“You may try if you’d like.” Poelzig gave her permission and the cowgirl headed to the garage.

“Then may I use your telephone?” Rarity asked. “I’ll telephone the hotel we’ve made reservations to and ask them to send a car.”

“Of course, of course. Take her to the telephone.” Poelzig ordered his majordomo who led her to Poelzig’s office. The other girls went up to their bedrooms to pack their things. Poelzig gave Werdegast a sly smile before resuming the game.

In the office, Rarity was having trouble with the phone; there was no ringing. She tried hitting the buttons but still got nothing. Then she took a good look at the floor and noticed that the wire had been cut. Growing more suspicious, she left the office room and started heading up the stairs to join her friends.

“Did you get the hotel?” Poelzig asked her as she started up the stairs.

“No, the phone’s dead.” Rarity said in disappointed tone as she continued up the stairs. Shortly after, Applejack appeared and was heading up the stairs. She looked just as disappointed as Rarity.

“Do you hear that, Vitus?” Poelzig said with a smug smile. “The phone is dead. Even the phone is dead.” Werdegast just glared at him.

All the girls met together in one bedroom to discuss the recent events they had witnessed.

“The phone was dead, or rather, cut to make sure no one could use it.” Rarity informed.

“Ah found the problem with the car. But what was wrong with it is something that could only had been done on purpose.” Applejack informed as well.

“Oh dear!” Fluttershy exclaimed fearfully. “What’ll we do now?”

“I guess we’ll have to go on foot.” Rainbow suggested.

Everyone knew that would be a long and hard journey, but they felt they had little choice left. “We’ll have to leave some of our baggage here in order to travel light. The main thing is to go and go quickly.” Twilight instructed them. They only gathered the things they would need, put on their coats, exitted their rooms, and started down the stairs.

Back down stairs, Werdegast and Poelzig’s chess game of fate finally came to an end.

“Check-mate. You lose, Vitus.” Poelzig triumphantly declared much to his opponent’s disappointment.

The girls reached the bottom of the stairs where they found Poelzig and Werdegast waiting for them.

“We’re leaving.” Rarity announced.

As the girls walked toward the door, they noticed that everyone in the room were watching them; Werdegast, Poelzig, the majordomo, the maid, and even the black cat. The girls’ fear began to rise and they quickened their pace. They reached the door only to find Thamal blocking their way.

“Pardon me, but we’re leavin’.” Applejack approached the tall man and told him.

“So open the door.” Rainbow also approached and demanded.

Suddenly, Thamal grabbed both girls by their throats and lifted them kicking and struggling off their feet.

“What are you doing?!” Rarity demanded fearfully, but she and Twilight were silenced when the maid put chloroform soaked napkins our their mouths at the same time.

AJ and Rainbow passed out from the lack of oxygen and Thamal released the two now unconscious girls from his grasp. Before Sunset could react, the majordomo grabbed a little box from a nearby table and knocked her out with a blow to the head. Fluttershy turned to flee, but her path was blocked by the black cat. The feline hissed viciously at her, and in her eyes it was more like a demon than an animal. She let out a shriek before fainting. The majordomo held a barking and struggling Spike by the scruff of the neck. Werdegast could only watch helplessly with pity as the innocent girls would now be forced into the horrible business he had with Poelzig.

“Take Miss Shimmer back to her room.” Poelzig instructed his servants. “Put those three in a separate room.” He referred to Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy. “And take the three rowdy ones and the mutt down to dungeon.” He referred to AJ, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Spike.

The majordomo put the angrily barking Spike in a nearby cupboard and locked it. The sounds of the pup’s barking, banging, and scratching against the wood could still be heard. Thamal carried Twilight under his right arm and Rarity over his shoulder while the maid carried Fluttershy and the majordomo carried Sunset. They placed Sunset back in her room and the other three girls in the adjacent room. Poelzig followed them up the stairs and locked the rooms. He then followed his servants back down the stairs to deal with the rest.

“I hope you won’t carry this too far, Hjalmar.” Werdegast told his old friend who just smiled at him.

The majordomo unlocked the cupboard and took out the still barking and struggling Spike. Thamal carried Rainbow Dash over his left shoulder and AJ under his right arm while the maid carried Pinkie Pie and the majordomo carried Spike. They all went down into the secret room Poelzig had taken Werdegast last night and down the spiral staircase. Spike’s angry barking echoed throughout the room.

The majordomo opened the door to an empty room and threw the purple pup inside. Spike quickly got to his feet and ran toward the door, but it closed shut before he could reach it. “No! Twilight! Rarity! Sunset!” he yelled in panic as he desperately clawed at the metal door whimpering. Things didn’t look good.

The majordomo, Thamal, and the maid came to what looked like another steel door, but there was a button on the right wall. The majordomo pressed it and revealed an opening to a rotating metal room. Thamal and the maid placed the three unconscious girls inside and left. The majordomo pressed the button again causing the room to rotate again. The exit disappeared behind a stone wall and the three girls were trapped a dark and inescapable prison.