The group walked through the door and then down stairs to find a dining room. They walked in saw the group of strange new ponies. The yellow mare with a black and yellow mane and a power-off sign cutie mark spoke to Iron Guitar. "Hey, Iron. Who do you have with you?", she asked.
"Strange new fellows, huh?", the red stallion unicorn with grey mane and a note for a cutie mark.
Iron Guitar gathered up his friends and spoke. "Everypony, meet the princess of friendship, Twilight Sparkle, and her friends, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Spike." Iron Guitar's friends weren't expecting to bring other strange ponies.
"And who are your friends?", Twilight asked.
"The yellow pegasus with the yellow and black mane is Epic V." Iron Guitar said. "And she always looks for a battle."
"How do you do?", the yellow pegasus asked.
"I'm her coltfriend, Blank Check.", the red unicorn said, introducing himself. "And I'm always looking for a job where I pay bills."
"The yellow pony with the black mane is John, a.k.a. Do You Want To Build A Universe.", Iron Guitar said. "And he always want to build his own world."
"My friends call me 'Johnny' for long.", the yellow stallion said.
"The blue pegasus with the brown mane is Dan, a.k.a. Sir Sonic HD.", Iron Guitar said. "And he always dreams about being fast."
"My friends call me Danny.", the blue pegasus said.
"The orange pony with the blue mane is The Secret Dreamer.", Iron Guitar said. "And she always wants the power to go to ponies' dreams."
"My friends call me SD.", the orange mare said.
"And the grey stallion is LaDix." Iron Guitar said. "And he's a great singer."
"My friends call me Thomas.", the grey stallion said.
"And the red unicorn is Master Max.", Iron Guitar said. "And he's the leader of the Great Legion."
"My friends just call me Max.", the other red unicorn.
"Those are strange names for ponies like you all.", Pinkie Pie said.
"Don't be rude, Pinkie.", Fluttershy said trying to defend the strange ponies. "It's because they're strange ponies doesn't mean they ARE strange."
"No no, it's ok. We do have strange names.", Johnny said.
"How long have you all lived in this mansion?", Starlight asked.
"4 years.", Blank Check said. "We made this our home."
"That's nice.", Rainbow Dash said. "Also, you know this pony, Alex Side."
"Oh yeah, we totally didn't notice he wasn't with you.", Johnny said. "Where is he?"
"He's dead.", Rainbow Dash said.
"Somepony killed him with a dart.", Apple Bloom said.
"What? That's impossible, how could that happen?", V asked.
"You know, he kind of deserved it.", Max said. Nopony like Alex, he used to insult ponies and having them to get hurt.
"How could you say that?", Thomas asked.
"I have to agree with him, he wasn't the nicest pony.", Blank Check said.
"Kind of reminds me of Trixie before she became friends with Starlight.", Twilight said. The first time when Twilight met Trixie, she was so challenging and wanting to beat her at something. And that other time, she came back and got revenge by banishing her to the Everfree Forest and keeping her friends as slaves.
"Who's Trixie?", Iron Guitar asked.
"Just some magical freak pony who always challenges Twilight to magical battles.", Applejack said.
"If you need us, me and V be at the far end of the table.", Blank Check said.
"Me and SD will be over here by the fire place.", Thomas said.
"Me and Max will be here by the bookshelf.", Iron Guitar said.
"Me and Johnny will be at the middle of the table.", Danny said.
"So, what should we do?", Fluttershy asked.
"I'll ask these ponies questions.", Spike said. "Looks like it's time for Detective Spike to be on the case." He walked over to Blank Check and V. "Hello Blank Check and Epic V."
"Hi.", Blank and V said.
"Mind if I ask you both a few questions?", Spike asked.
"That's no problem at all.", Blank Check said.
"Yeah, I wouldn't talking to a sweet little dragon like you.", V said as she patted Spike on the head.
Spike blushed. "Thanks for the complement.", he said. "Speaking of which, was there drama between Johnny and Alex?"
"I shouldn't get involved in that, now that he's dead.", Blank Check said.
"Yeah, there is something strange going around here.", V said. "I mean, this is a mansion, mansions are supposed to be strange. Not like I'm talking about rumors about this place."
"Epic V, you were pretty upset about Alex getting into anypony's business."
"Oh dear.", V said with a surprised look. "Was I?"
"Yes.", Spike said. "Why?"
"Well, it's just so insufferable.", V said with a groan. "It just happened, and he was curious about what was going on with him. He was just mad, maybe."
"Have any ideas on why would somepony kill Alex?", Spike asked.
"Well, he was grumpy at times.", V said. "You have to ask other people about that."
"I don't want to make it too hard or say something mean about a pony who wants to defend themselves." Blank Check said. But, you met him right, he doesn't get along with anypony easily."
"Well, thanks for the time, guys.", Spike said walking away from the couple.
"Any time, boy-o.", V said.
"Good luck.", Blank Check said.
Spike approached the others. "Got any ideas from them.", Starlight asked.
"Yep, this group is keeping a whole lot of secrets from each other."
"Definitely something.", Rainbow Dash said in a tough voice.
"Looks like I have to talk to Thomas and SD.", Spike said. He walked over to SD and Thomas. "Hello, Thomas and SD. Mind if I ask you a few questions."
"Sure, no problem.", SD said.
"I'm down.", Thomas said.
"Do you have any idea who would want to kill Alex?", Spike asked.
"I never had that problem before, actually.", Thomas said. "But, I know other ponies who did. I hate to say it, but, he was kind of a griefer."
"Yeah, and a douche bag.", SD said. She is lucky that Alex was still alive to hear that.
"Oh really.", Spike said. "And SD you were pretty curious about what was going on with Alex. What's wrong with that?"
"Well, he was a notorious douche bag.", SD said. "I was only curious about what's wrong with him."
"I see.", Spike said. "You know, something tells me that Johnny and Alex don't get along. What's going between those two?"
"Oh yeah, I completely forgot about that.", Thomas said. "Such a shame."
"He broke into his room and accused Johnny furiously, because he was thinking that Johnny was trying to spread rumors about him that aren't true.", SD said explaining the story. "But, he knows that he never did that."
"Does he accuse every single pony in this mansion?", Spike asked.
"Nah, he doesn't get accusive these days.", Thomas said. "Now that he's gone, no more accusing from him."
"Thanks for the answers guys.", Spike said.
"No problem.", Thomas said.
"Any time, Spikey-boy.", SD said.
Spike left the two and went up to his friends.
"Did you get anything from?", Fluttershy asked.
"Yeah, Alex was a douche bag or a griefer.", Spike said. "SD said he accused Johnny for spreading rumors about him that aren't true, even though, he didn't."
"So, Alex and Johnny don't get along very well.", Apple Bloom said.
"No they don't.", Spike said. "Alright now to ask Danny and Johnny some questions. Oh, before I do so, let me tell something to Epic V and Blank Check." Spike walked up to the couple for the second time. "Guys, Apple Bloom told me that she talked to Thomas, and he said he's curious."
"Ha. Good to know.", Blank Check said.
"That's all, guys.", Spike said. "Sorry I made this short."
"No worries, Spike.", V said.
"Thanks, Spike.", Blank Check said. He now walked over to Danny and Johnny. "Hey, Johnny. Hey, Danny."
"Hey, what's going on?", Danny said greeting the little dragon.
"Hey, Spike.", Johnny said.
"Mind if I ask you a few questions?", Spike asked.
"Sure, why not?", Johnny said.
"Yeah, I don't mind at all, really."
"So, do you have any idea why ponies are curious about why Alex Side's all moody?", Spike asked.
"We don't go into his business like everyday, but, sometimes he can get into ours.", Danny said.
"That's true, but, he was targeted by that trap that happened earlier.", Spike said. "Why would somepony do that?"
"He always brags about him being the best pony.", Danny said.
"He would never tell anypony why.", Johnny said.
"What is it that makes him the best?", Spike asked.
"We don't know, exactly.", Johnny said.
"You know, Johnny, you're always hating on Alex.", Spike said. "What's the big deal about that?"
"Well, didn't you met him?", Johnny asked. "Nopony liked him."
"Definately, he wasn't really the nicest pony.", Danny said.
"Why did you ask that?", Johnny asked.
"I talked to Thomas and SD and said that he came upon you and confronted you about spreading rumors about him that aren't true.", Spike said explaining the conversation between him, Thomas and SD.
"Oh, yeah, he did do that.", Johnny said. "He made me feel really guilty about, even though I didn't. Then, I talked to Iron Guitar to take care of the situation. Usually, Iron Guitar is really good at taking care of situations."
"Hold on, is Iron Guitar the leader of this group?", Spike asked.
"Yep, he sure is.", Danny said.
"Get out of town.", Spike said thinking that the blue Pegasus is joking.
"We're serious.", Danny said being honest.
"Alright, I believe you.", Spike said.
"Speaking of which, are you sure you talked to Thomas and SD about what happened between me and Alex?", Johnny asked.
"Yes.", Spike said. "Why?"
"You do not want to talk to Thomas too much.", Danny said. "He's like the blabber mouth."
Danny and Spike giggled, then they heard Thomas shout to them. "Hey, what did you say?!", he said.
They both gasped and Danny put a hoof to Spike's mouth. "Nothing.", he said.
"Yeah right.", Thomas said not believing the giggling two.
"What? We didn't.", Danny said trying to lie again.
Danny removed his hoof from Spike's mouth. "Whoo, that was close.", Spike said.
"Yeah, it sure was.", Danny said agreeing with the small dragon.
"Well, that's all for now.", Spike said. "See you two later."
"Thanks.", Johnny said.
"What he said.", Danny said.
Johnny: "We'll be right here if you want to come back, Spike.", Johnny said.
Spike walked and walked up to his friends.
"Did you find anything?", Applejack asked.
"Yeah.", Spike said. "For some reason, Alex likes to get into ponies' business. And Johnny told me that Iron Guitar is the leader of this group."
"Really, how long?", Apple Bloom asked.
"I don't know.", Spike said. "But, once I talk to Iron Guitar and Max, we'll know." He walked up to Max and Iron Guitar. "Greetings, IG and Max."
"Hello.", Iron Guitar said.
"What's up?", Max asked.
"I need to ask you some questions.", Spike said.
"Oh really, what do you need to know?", Max asked.
"Iron Guitar, how long have you been the leader of this group?", Spike asked.
"Five years.", Iron Guitar said. "How did you?"
"I talked to Johnny and Danny.", Spike said. "Also, I heard you're good at solving ponies' problems. Like when Alex accused of Johnny of spreading rumors about him that aren't true, even though he didn't do that. Why would he do something like that?"
"That is true, he did accuse Johnny of that.", Iron Guitar. "But, I took good care of it. Every time when Alex causes trouble, then I have to talk to him."
"And every time when he thinks somepony did something wrong to him, he's got to get upset about it.", Max said.
"Is that like one way for him?", Spike asked.
"He thinks it is.", Max asked.
"Is there anymore you want to ask us?", Iron Guitar asked curious.
"Nah.", Spike said. "That's about it. See you."
"Thanks.", Iron Guitar said.
"Ta Ta for now.", Max said.
Spike walked up to his friends.
"Hey, did you get anything from Fapster Max?", Starlight asked.
"Master Max?", Spike said correcting Starlight.
"Yeah, that's what I meant.", Starlight said. "Did you get anything from them?"
"Yeah, they told me every time when Alex thinks somepony did something wrong to him, he's got to get upset about it.", Spike said. "And every time when he causes trouble, Iron Guitar has to talk to him.
"Wow, guess there was a lot of things we never knew about Alex.", Applejack said.
"So, Alex Side was a notorious douche bag, he gets upset if he thinks somepony did something mean to him, Iron Guitar has to talk to him every time when he causes trouble.", Spike said. "But, I don't think that's about it, there's got to be something missing here."
"I think I could help you with situation.", Iron Guitar said approaching the mane group.
"How long has Alex been like he was before he got killed?", Starlight asked.
"He's been like he was for a while.", Iron Guitar said. "He thinks he's better at everything, and every time when somepony in our team did something, he has to take credit for it."
"If he's a bad pony, could he be working for somepony?", Pinkie Pie asked.
"Maybe, well-- Wait, what?", Iron Guitar said confused. He raised an eyebrow. "No, why would you ask that?"
"We met a lot of bad ponies who were in Ponyville.", Twilight added.
"Really, like who?", Iron Guitar asked.
"Well, we dealt with Trixie, Queen Chrysalis, King Sombra, and Tirek.", Applejack said.
Iron Guitar: "I don't think we know those ponies."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa.", Rainbow Dash said. "How do you not know them, didn't you live in Ponyville before you and your gang moved here."
"Me and my gang lived in a dimension before coming to this mansion.", Iron Guitar said. "There's a key that can open a portal back to that dimension where we used to live. We needed to leave that dimension, because I planned to go on an adventure, then we lost it. So, we decided to live here."
Apple Bloom remembered that she found that strange looking key on the ground before they got in. "Hey, I actually found it.", she said.
"Really, you found it?", Iron Guitar asked surprised.
Apple Bloom tried to reveal the key. "I assume you--" But Iron Guitar grabbed her arm to stop her. "No wait!", he said with a warning. "You shouldn't take that out, not while everypony's around. The murderer might want that. Everypony, take a seat around the table."
Iron Guitar and Spike sat at the left end of the table and the others sat at the other seats, the others sat at the sides of the table.
"If you guys don't know yet, there's a murderer here and whoever it is, it's after the key to our dimension where we used to live.", Iron Guitar said. Then, all of sudden, Iron Guitar's chair tipped over, part of the floor opened, and he fell into a fan. Iron Guitar's body disintegrated.
Fluttershy screamed and fainted. The lights went out, everypony panicked. "Oh no, here it goes again!", Rarity screamed.
"I can't see!", V panicked.
"V, I got you, Sweetie.", Blank Check said.
"Am I stepping on hair?", Scootaloo asked.
"Excuse me, that's my tail.", Johnny said.
"Oops. Sorry.", Scootaloo said.
"Panic! Panic! Panic! Panic! Panic!", Max exclaimed.
"Somepony get the lights!", Spike said.
A blue light flashed, there were floating glowing pumpkins. Then, they saw the suited pony with a white pumpkin head on the wall. "Greetings, ponies.", the creature said. "I am the white pumpkin. To any of you who has the dimensional key, you must bring it to me, so I don't have to kill you all." The lights turned off again. Once they turned back on, the monster disappeared.
"He killed Iron Guitar!", SD screamed.
"No! No! No! We've got to get out of here! I don't know what's going on!", Max panicked.
"I'm too cute to die!", V screamed.
"And I'm too handsome to die!", Thomas screamed.
"We got to get out of here!", Danny screamed.
"And there's no such thing as white pumpkins.", Johnny said.
"Everypony run!", Blank Check screamed.
"Everypony, calm down!", Rainbow Dash said trying to calm the group down. The others weren't listening. "They're not listening to me, Twilight."
"I know, we just need to find this white pumpkin.", Twilight said.
"And, how is it so real?", Sweetie Belle asked. "There's no such thing as white pumpkins."
"There's booby traps in this mansion!", Max exclaimed.
"There's got to be a way out of here!", Johnny screamed.
"Everypony, out the door.", Danny said. He ran to the exit door, then they heard scream from him. "AHHHHHHHHH! MANTICORE!" The ponies ran to the exit door and saw a manticore just outside the door. Danny shook and tried to reach the close button, but, he was too scared to move.
"SOMEPONY, CLOSE THE DOOR!", Twilight screamed. Spike ran for the button, and pressed it before the beast would get in.
"Danny, are you ok?", Thomas asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine.", Danny said.
"OK, something strange is literally going on.", Apple Bloom said.
"What's strange?", Sweetie Belle said. "The manticore or the pictures in that room?"
"Wait! Did you say 'pictures'?", Scootaloo asked.
The ponies walked into the room and saw pictures of Thomas, Johnny, Danny, Epic V, Blank Check, SD, Max, Iron Guitar, and Alex Side. "The pictures of Iron Guitar and Alex had red X's on them.", Starlight said.
"There are pictures... of them." ,Rarity said.
"This is so weird.", Fluttershy said.
"Should we check in that room?", Applejack said.
The ponies walked into the other room and they saw a large picture of the mane six and Spike, but, didn't include Starlight. "Wow, look at that picture.", Twilight said.
"It's us!", Pinkie Pie said.
"And I'm not included in that picture.", Starlight said.
"We shot that picture before we met you, Starlight.", Rainbow Dash said.
"And look at that one!", Scootaloo said.
Then they saw a picture of the CMC. Apple Bloom stepped away from the picture and shook with fear. Applejack stood next to her and patted her on the back. "It's alright, little sis.", she said. "Nothing bad is going to happen to you, as long as I'm here."
Rarity did the same. "Don't you worry, Sweetie.", she said. "I'll have you safe and sound with me."
Rainbow Dash was concerned about Scootaloo. "You're not scared, are you?", she asked.
"Of course not, I'm always the daring one.", Scootaloo said.
"That's nice, but, we need to figure out who that white pumpkin is.", V said.
"We know.", Spike said. "We just need to find evidence that has to do with it. And I have a plan, Scootaloo and RD, you go back to the kitchen and find something that caused that trap to happen. And it looks like it's time for me to interrogate some ponies. But, I'm only going to interrogate three of you. And I choose Johnny, Blank Check, and SD." Blank, Johnny, and SD gulped and stepped forward.
Twilight wasn't sure if she likes the idea. "Um... Spike, don't you think it's a little bit immature to interrogate ponies."
"Trust me, Twi.", Spike said. "It's just for the evidence."
"Which pony are you going to pick first?", Applejack asked.
"The first one I'm interrogating... is Blank Check.", Spike said pointing at Blank Check.
"You're accusing my coltfriend?!", V asked in a shocked way.
"V, calm down.", Twilight said trying to calm V down. "He's not accusing anypony, he just need some answers."
"And, is there any room where we can talk?", Spike asked.
"There's a library next door.", Danny said pointing at a door on the right.
"That could work.", Spike said winking at Danny.
They both walked into the library where there's books all around, seats and a fireplace. Blank took his seat. "Spike, I know there's been a lot of talk today, but I'm not a killer, I would never hurt V, I love her."
"Well, how long have you two known each other?", Spike asked.
"For a while, we done a lot of things together.", Blank Check said. "We talk, we tickle each other, we do stupid stuff, and we go out for picnics. I'll did what was make her happy, and we have keep ourselves together. Otherwise, I'll lose her."
"Well, do you know anything about poison darts?", Spike asked.
"Yes, they're deadly, they're useful, but never used one before.", Blank Check said. "Johnny told me how to make them, Then, I told Thomas and Danny how to make them as well."
"One last question: who do you think stole a key?", Spike asked.
"I don't know, maybe Alex.", Blank Check said. "He could a stealer at times. But, if I had a key, I would take V for long walks on the beach or do stuff there for the second time."
"Have you ever went to the beach?, Spike asked.
"Yeah, where there's a lot of water and sunshine.", Blank Check said. "Oh, and that one time me and Thomas buried V in the sand up to her chest."
"Sounds fun, me and my best friends did it to Twilight once.", Spike said. "And there's always water there, pretend it was a replacement."
"With what?", Blank Check asked.
"I don't know, there's sometimes eighty fillies in it at a time crapping.", Spike said.
"Then, the replacement would be poop, that doesn't look like a very accurate beach.", Blank Check said. "You know, me and SD have been competing on where to find it and who gets to use it. If you want to talk to a great competitive, I'd talk to her."
"Thanks for your time.", Spike said. "Oh, and send SD in here."
Blank got off his seat. "Your very welcome, Spike.", he said. He paused faced Spike again. "Hold on, about the beach conversation, did you say you and your friends buried Twilight in the sand once?"
"Yeah.", Spike answered. "Why?"
"How did she react?", Blank Check asked.
"Oh, we put a lot of sand on her.", Spike said. "She got so scared." He and Blank Check started laughing.
Twilight peeked her head in. "I heard that.", she said. "I wasn't scared, and that wasn't a lot of sand."
"OK, I take it back.", Spike said. "We didn't put a lot of sand on her, we only got up to her chest, and she fell asleep once we got started. That's about it, you can go."
"Alright.", Blank Check said. "Thanks again." He turned away from Spike and head out the door.
SD came in with a nervous look on her face. "I'm telling you, Spike, you got the wrong mare, honest.", she pleaded. "I would never hurt anypony. If anypony's been wronged here, it's me. And about that key, Iron Guitar uses it when we travel. Max told us somepony stole from us."
"Oh, really.", Spike said. "But, do you think that Alex is a douche bag is actually true?"
"It IS true, why would you think Alex isn't?", SD asked. "When you met him, he was yelling at you. He often doesn't get along with guests in this mansion. And Blank being so jealous of me being competitive of where the key is. I'm not a killer, you have to believe me."
"Well, do you know anything about poison darts?", Spike asked.
"Of course not, I've never seen anything like that before.", SD said.
"So, you using poisonous darts as weapons don't ring a bell?", Spike asked.
"Yep, no bell.", SD said. "And have you talked to Johnny yet? He loves using those types of weapons. And you should talk to him, he's a weaponry champion."
"Sounds nice, does he use amazing stuff?", Spike asked.
"Of course he does.", SD said.
"I bet you know who stole the key.", Spike said.
"I'm not good at accusing ponies.", SD said. "But, the two ponies I would accuse are Johnny and Blank."
"You can go now.", Spike said.
"Thanks for your time, Spike.", SD said. "And I'll send Johnny in here."
SD turned away from Spike and walked out. Johnny walked in the room with a nervous look on his face. "Spike, I'm telling you, this is crazy.", Johnny said. "Totally a misunderstanding." He took a seat.
"I don't want any lies, Johnny.", Spike said.
"Spike, listen, I maybe a weaponry champion, but, I would never kill any of my friends.", Johnny said.
"SD told me you would like to take keys from ponies.", Spike said.
"Well, keys are useful.", Johnny said. "But, I never steal it from anypony."
Spike gave Johnny a stern glare.
"Please, Spike.", Johnny pleaded. "Tell me what's on your mind."
"Do you anything about poison darts?", Spike asked.
"Nope, never seen anything like it before.", Johnny said. "You would have to talk to Blank about that, he's good about weaponry history. He can barely teach a class."
"That's cool.", Spike said. "By the way, who do you think took the key?"
"I not good knowing who stole something.", Johnny said. "Blank was the one who wanted that key and SD got pissed about it. I think he made up that story just to make everypony think we don't have it anymore."
"You're excused, Johnny.", Spike said.
"Thank you, Spike.", Johnny said. "I'm glad you said that, because this room is freaking me out." He walked out the door.
Spike stood by the fireplace, Fluttershy came in and walked up to the baby purple dragon. "Hey, Spike.", she said.
"Hey, Fluttershy.", Spike said.
"Did you really think interrogating those ponies was a great idea?", Fluttershy asked.
"It was the only way to get answers, I had to.", Spike said.
"You did a great job, Spike.", Fluttershy said.
Spike smiled. "Thank you.", he said "Now, lets go back out with the others."
They both walked out of the library. The rest of the ponies saw Spike. "Please don't tell me it's Blank Check.", V said hopefully.
"Did you figure out who's the white pumpkin?", Max asked.
"SD explained a lot of things in there.", Blank Check said.
"Blank was in there longer.", SD said.
"Everypony calm down, only I get to choose.", Spike said. "I would like to thank you all for answering my questions. So, the pony I'm suspecting... Blank Check."
Everypony gasped. "WHAT!?", V said.
"No way. No freaking way. Are you serious right now?!", Blank Check said.
"You're going to make them torture my coltfriend?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?", V said shouting at her own friends.
"If there's a prison in here, I say lock him in the library.", Pinkie Pie said.
Rarity: "PINKIE PIE!", Rarity said.
"Whoops.", Pinkie Pie said.
"I agree with that.", Thomas said.
"Guys, I can't be it.", Blank Check said. "There's got to be something else we can do."
"We're really sorry, Blank.", Danny said. "But, we can't take any chances."
Danny and his friends (except for V) walked with Blank into the library and locked him up. V was heartbroken.
"I can't believe you accused him like that!", V said as tears ran down her eyes. "You're the worst."
"V, it's not the end of the world.", Twilight said calming V down. "It's just what Spike ordered."
"I don't care what you say!", V said releasing her loud voice at Twilight. "I wish he was the white pumpkin, we would totally lock him up in a prison with a group of bears." She walked out of the room with a sad look on her face.
Rarity was shocked. "HEY! Nopony makes threats towards my little Spikey-wikey.", she said trying to defend Spike. "He would never murder anypony."
"Let it go, Rarity.", Spike said. "I did what I needed to do."
"But, why did you suspect Blank like that, Spike?", Rarity asked. "It was kind of... mean."
"I needed to make a guess.", Spike said.
"If the killer was around here, he would kill us to.", Applejack said. "We need to figure out how these traps work."
Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash ran into the room. "Girls, we found evidence.", Scootaloo said. "There was a button underneath the table, and the white pumpkin thing was an inflatable replica hanging on a rope."
"That's nice, but, how are we going to figure out the trap that triggered Alex Side?", Sweetie Belle asked.
"It must've been triggered near by.", Spike said.
"We should probably investigate that trap then.", Rainbow Dash said.
"You guys go on ahead, I'll stick with these ponies.", Sweetie Belle said.
The others (except for Blank) walked out of the library.
"You mean us?", Thomas asked.
"Sure, you all don't mind being with my little sister, do you?", Rarity asked with a grin.
"No problem.", SD said.
The others looked around the room, but, V was nowhere to be seen. "Where's V?", Danny asked.
"Outside the room on that door.", Applejack said. "She was upset about Spike suspecting Blank in front of everypony."
Danny faced the ground and sighed.
"What's wrong, Danny?", Max asked.
"It's my fault.", Danny said. "I'm the one who got V upset by putting Blank in the library by himself, I'll go talk to her and fix things up."
"We'll see you in a bit, Sweetie Belle.", Twilight said.
"OK.", Sweetie Belle said.
Spike and his friends went back into the kitchen where Alex was killed.
"Um... what are we looking for?", Fluttershy asked.
"There are too many loose ends flying around - a lot of evidence that doesn't add up.", Spike said. "We need to find concrete evidence."
"No problem, I'm looking out for it.", Fluttershy said.
Spike walked over to a group of ovens "These ovens have been busy since we got here.", Spike said. "Who needs that much food?" He walked over to a strange painting and saw eyeholes on it. "Does this painting have eyeholes?"
Twilight turned around and saw them. "Oh yeah.", Twilight said. "How did I not see them?"
"I guess somepony was using it for an inspection.", Rainbow Dash said.
"What happens if I take it off the wall?", Spike said.
"Hmm... I don't know.", Applejack said. "Try it and see what there is."
Spike took the painting off the wall and saw a passage. "A passage, let's see where it takes us.", he said.
"Spike, wait.", Twilight said. "I found a lever."
"Oh really.", Spike said. "I think that is what caused Alex to get killed."
"Pull it see what happens.", Scootaloo suggested. "But, let's make sure nopony is near that trap."
Spike pulled the lever and poison darts darted from the trap.
"Ah, so that's what happened.", Rarity said.
"You know, girls, this passage might be where the white pumpkin is getting around the mansion.", Spike said examining the passage.
"I'm with Spike on this one, let's go.", Rarity said.
Spike and the ponies walked through the whole passage, there were ladders and stairs. Then, Rainbow Dash thought about Blank Check. "I hope Blank Check is alright.", she said. "I feel really bad when I saw his own friends lock him in the library."
"Unless he is the white pumpkin.", Pinkie Pie said.
"In that case, we're all keeping everypony safe.", Fluttershy said.
"Pretty much.", Apple Bloom said.
"And I do hope we're finding what we're looking for.", Scootaloo said.
They all turned and saw a back of a painting with eyeholes.
"What do you think it is?", Starlight asked.
Rainbow Dash turned to her right and saw a lever. "No clue.", she said. "Hey look, a lever, let's pull it and see what happens."
"Rainbow, stop.", Twilight said warning the blue Pegasus. "We should touch stuff we don't know."
"Oh yeah, right.", Rainbow Dash said. "Sorry."
Spike walked to the painting and peeked his eyes through the holes.
"See anything yet?", Rarity asked.
"It's the library.", Spike said.
Spike looked around and saw Blank Check sitting on a chair. He gasped.
"What is it, What do you see?", Applejack asked.
"I see Blank locked up in there.", Spike said. "And I see more traps."
"What traps are there?", Scootaloo asked.
"A lava trap and two dart dispensers.", Spike said.
Johnny came in the library, checking on the red unicorn.
"Johnny, what are you doing here?", Blank Check asked.
"I stuck in past that small white unicorn, Sweetie Belle, I think.", Johnny said. "We need to talk."
"OK, what do you want to talk about.", Blank Check said.
"I know you pushed the button.", Johnny said. "Sweetie Belle told us everything."
"No, I would never do anything like that.", Blank Check said.
"It's ok, it was only an accident.", Johnny said. "I'm still your friend."
"Thanks for cheering me up.", Blank Check said. "And, yeah it was an accident."
Then, Spike saw glowing yellow eyes from another painting with eyeholes by the door. The glowing eyes saw Spike's eyes, then he gasped.
"Spike, what else is in there?", Twilight asked.
"The white pumpkin, he's in there.", Spike said.
"Let's go kick his butt.", Rainbow Dash said with a confident voice.
Spike punched the painting and they all ran into the library.
"Whoa!", Blank Check said. "What's going on here?"
"The white pumpkin, he's in here.", Spike said warning the two strange ponies.
"Where is he?", Johnny asked. "I don't see him."
Then, a trap door open in the fireplace, spiders came crawling out. A group of bars surrounded the door.
"What's happening in there?", Fluttershy asked behind the door.
The fireplace opened and spiders crawled in the library. "There's spiders everywhere!", Spike said. He ran to the painting where the white pumpkin was and broke it down.
"Why you little--", the White Pumpkin shouted.
Then, spiders jumped on Johnny, he screamed as the black creatures attacked him. Then, he was gone. "Johnny!", Spike screamed.
"Whadda shame.", the White Pumpkin said. "Gotta run."
The white monster ran off into the fireplace.
"You all deal with the spiders, I'm going after that monster.", Spike said. He ran into the fireplace where there was a secret passage. He ran to his left, then he took a right, then he took another left. Then, there were stairs, he ran up them and went into a pitch black room. Spike shook with fear. "Hello,... is there anypony in here?" The lights flashed on, then he saw the white pumpkin. He jumped on the creature and the pumpkin fell off the head. He looked down to look at the murderers face, it was Sweetie Belle. He gasped.
"Sweetie Belle?!", Spike said with a surprised tone.
"Spike, I'm glad you're here.", Sweetie Belle said. "That was strange wasn't it?"
"Sweetie Belle...?", Spike said.
"What?", Sweetie Belle asked.
"YOUR THE MURDERER?!", Spike asked, yelling.
"What?! No!", Sweetie Belle said. "He found me and stuffed this pumpkin on my head."
"Nice story, but, you should put it down before somepony notices.", Spike said.
Max, Thomas, Blank, V, SD, the mane seven, and the two crusaders arrived. The generous white unicorn saw her own sister holding the pumpkin with her magic.
"What's going on here?", Max asked.
Rarity saw her sister holding the mask. "Sweetie Belle?!", she said.
"You caught the white pumpkin!", Thomas yelled.
"No I didn't, the monster found my friend and stuffed the pumpkin on her head.", Spike said trying to explain.
"Please don't touch my sister, she never hurts anypony!", Rarity said trying to plead the others.
"That doesn't match up.", Danny said. "Blank, you saw those spiders kill Johnny, right?"
"Of course I did, so I can't be the white pumpkin.", Blank Check said.
"It's the facts, Spike, she pushed that button at the table.", SD said. "This all happened when your friends came here. And now Johnny's gone.
"I say we tie her up and cook her alive.", Danny said.
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!", Thomas said. "Are you saying we should eat her?"
"No, you're not doing that to my friend's sister.", Spike said.
"He's right, I am not eating no filly!", V said. "What do you think this is, we all going to be cannibals now?"
"Yeah, and Spike's friends did save me.", Blank Check said. "And most of all, I am not going to eat, Sweetie Belle."
Rarity sighed with relief. "Thank you, Blank Check, Darling.", she said hugging the red unicorn.
"No problem.", Blank Check said.
Danny sighed with frustration. "Fine, we'll let her live.", Danny said.
Sweetie Belle sighed with relief. "Thank you!", Sweetie Belle said.
Danny still glared at the little white filly. "But, we still got to do something about you.", He said.
"Like what, lock her in a closet?", Pinkie Pie asked sarcastically.
"PINKIE PIE, you're on their side now!?", Twilight yelled with shock.
"Nah, I'm just joking.", Pinkie Pie said.
"That sounds great.", Danny said.
"No, wait. I didn't mean "really" lock her in the closet.", Pinkie Pie said. "I take it back."
"Too late for that, no take backs.", Danny said. "I keeping guard of her, because I still don't trust her."
"Don't worry, Spike, I'll watch her.", Starlight said. "And you're coming with me as well, Sir Sonic."
"Call me 'Danny'.", Danny said.
"Doesn't matter what I get to call you.", Starlight said.
"Says the pony who was once a villain.", Starlight said.
"Don't remind me.", Starlight said.
"Yeah, and quiet.", Danny said. "Prisoners aren't supposed to talk."
Starlight, Sweetie Belle, and Danny walked out together. Now, Sweetie Belle's in dead meat.
"Great! Starlight and Danny have my little sister hostage, and we found a room we haven't been in yet!", Rarity yelled.
"Rarity, calm yourself, we just need to clear her name.", Apple Bloom said.
"My plan is: we interrogate them until they crack.", Spike said.
"Good one, Spike.", Scootaloo said.
Spike walked over to a couch and sat with Blank, V, SD, Max, and Thomas.
"What do you want?", V asked.
"Hey, I thought we were cool now, you were on my side earlier.", Spike said.
"True, but, I still don't trust you after you accused Blank.", V said.
"I know Spike thought I was the white pumpkin, but, Spike did save my life.", Blank Check said. "We should all trust him, he's a hero."
"Well, I don't think he is.", V said.
"V, if you're not going to trust him, then leave and stay out of this.", SD said.
"Fine!", V said. She got off the couch and left the group.
"You are innocent, Blank.", Spike said. "But, I still think you're a suspect, SD."
"Honestly now?", SD asked.
"Where were you when I was chasing the white pumpkin?", Spike asked.
"I was singing in a corner hugging my back-hooves in my face, humming to myself.", SD said. "It calms me down."
"Thanks for your time, guys.", Spike said. He got off the couch and walked over to V.
"If you got a question for me, spit it out.", V said.
"Were you suspicious about Sweetie Belle being the murderer?", Spike asked.
"Not really suspicious AS Sweetie Belle."
"Where were you when I was chasing the white pumpkin?", Spike said.
"Drinking water, I get thirsty when I'm nervous.", V said.
"Don't go anywhere.", Spike said.
"I won't.", V said
Spike turned and saw a painting of the white pumpkin. He walked over to it and broke it down. Behind the painting, there was another secret passage.
"Another passage.", Spike said. "You all stay here, I'll go myself."
"No, I like to come with you, I want to see what else that little brat has planned.", Thomas said.
Rarity's face turned red and slapped Thomas in the face. "HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY SISTER!", she yelled furiously.
"Rarity, calm down.", Twilight said.
"Calm down?", Rarity said. "My sister has been taken hostage because of that monster!"
"That's why Spike's going in there to find out the murderer is.", Fluttershy said.
"Don't worry, guys, I'll be fine.", Spike said. "I'll be back when I find evidence."
Spike started running through the passage.
Twilight watched and worried. "Be careful, Spike.", she said.
