Everypony had assembled outside of Lightning's Mansion, eagerness building in the air as they looked up towards the large estate. He hadn't thrown a party this big before, and it infected the air with anticipation. Though the gates are sealed shut, preventing them from entering. "Come on… how much longer? " Rainbow Dash whined, hovering impatiently in the air. Applejack rolled her eyes. "Relax, sugarcube. Good things come to those who wait." Rarity adjusted her scarf, admiring the mansion's intricate architecture. "Well, I must say, Lightning certainly does have an eye for grandeur. Just look at those balconies!"
Fluttershy peeked out from behind her, nodding. "It does look… lovely."
“Lovely? It looks epic!” Pinkie Pie grinned, already picturing the party treats awaiting them inside. Shining Armor nudged Cadance, who smiled warmly at their friends. “Lightning’s really gone all out, hasn’t he?” Twilight looked up at the grand entryway, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity. “Well, let’s see what he has in store. I’m sure it’ll be a night to remember.” The big doors of the mansion creaked open soon enough, and out came Lightning, flanked by a few of his bodyguards. Striding confidently down the pathway to the gates, his eyes scanned over the crowd as his face spread into a welcoming smile. "There he is!" Twilight whispered, her eyes lighting up as she leaned and nudged Cadance. "Well, it's about time!" Rainbow Dash muttered, crossing her hooves, but she couldn't help the grin. Lightning places his hoof on the Hoofprint scanner; the gates unlock automatically, and he gives the ponies a warm nod. "Thanks for waiting, everypony," he said as the gates opened wide, "Welcome to my home. Let's make this a night to remember." With that, he stepped aside, inviting his guests into the grand halls of the mansion.
The moment they stepped in, everypony's jaws dropped.
The interior of the mansion was simply striking: tall marble pillars lined the great foyer, shining chandeliers cast a reflection of warm, gold light, and tapestries adorned the walls, each depicting scenes of epic battles and mythical creatures.
Rarity's eyes sparkled as she gasped. "Oh my stars, this place is simply divine!"
Pinkie Pie bounced up and down, craning her neck to take it all in. "Is this a mansion or a castle?!"
Twilight glowed, sipping it all in. "Lightning, this is fantastic. You really outdid yourself this time." Lightning snickered to himself, pleased. "I'm glad you all like it. This night's just getting started. But the party itself was a work of art: The tables lined with gourmet treats, from feather-light hors d'oeuvres to towering desserts almost too beautiful to be eaten, lined the hall. Crystal glasses sparkled in the light of the chandelier, and the band softly played elegant music that floated in the air and lent sophistication to the atmosphere.
Pinkie Pie's eyes widened in ravenous stare at the dessert table. "Is that a chocolate fountain?!" she squealed.
Rainbow Dash nodded in impressed agreement. "Alright, Lightning. You know how to throw a party!"
Cadance smiled, watching everypony unwind. "This might just be the best night Ponyville's ever seen."
With the celebratory actions just about to start, suddenly Lightning stepped forward to greet his guests. "Thank you all for coming! I know some of you might not know me, so let me introduce myself."
He then motioned to the guests with a beaming smile. "I'm Lightning T. Bolt, CEO of several brands you may have heard of," he said, smiling warmly. "Some of you may have heard about ThunderTech, my tech company, you know 'Think like a Storm'. We specialized in hi-tech devices and magical tech you may use every day, such as the ThunderPhone, the ThunderPad tablet, or StormBook laptops, even the eStorm desktop computers."
Rainbow Dash perked up. "Wait, that's your company? I love my ThunderPhone! It's way faster than anything else I've used."
Twilight's eyes lit up. "I knew your name sounded familiar! ThunderTech is leading the way in magical technology. I use your devices for all my research."
Lightning smiles and added, "and Lightning Luxuries as well, hence my name in it, known for our high-end fashion lines and fabrics."
“Wow, a tech mogul and a fashion icon!” Pinkie Pie bounced. “You’re, like, super cool!”
Twilight stepped closer, impressed. “Those companies, they’ve really made a mark in Equestria.”
“Absolutely!” Rarity chimed in. “Your designs are simply exquisite! I’ve used your fabric in my collections.”
Shining Armor nodded, clearly impressed. “You’re quite the entrepreneur, Lightning. No wonder you’re hosting such a grand event!”
Lightning chuckled. “I’m glad to hear you’re all fans. But tonight’s not about business, it’s about enjoying the moment and being with friends. So, let’s make this night unforgettable!”
The room buzzed with admiration as ponies whispered among themselves, impressed by Lightning’s success.
As Lightning stepped aside, Rainbow Dash, always keen to hear about the latest developments in technology, zipped up to him beaming. "So, Lightning, you wouldn't happen to have something really cool in the cooker at ThunderTech? I mean, I adore my ThunderPhone, but. well, it's just so... last season."
Lightning chuckled, catching her excitement. "Well, Dash, you know I can't give away all the secrets, but. let's just say we have something big in the works. But it's way too early to announce it. We're saving it for our T-Note presentation in a few months."
Rainbow's eyes lit up with anticipation. "Oh, come on! You can't just drop a hint like that and leave me hanging!"
Lightning shrugged, his mouth twining up into a teasing smile. "Sorry, Dash. As much as I would love to, can't tell you anything just yet. You just wait like everypony else."
Rainbow sighed loudly, smiling. "Fine, but I'm the first you tell, right?"
Lightning only laughed and shook his head. "Everypony gets a ping at the same time, Dash. You know it when you get it."
Just as Rainbow was about to answer, Rarity chimed in, her eyes sparkling. "Darling, since speaking of your fabulous ventures, I simply must ask about Lightning Luxuries. You see, I use so many of your fabrics in a lot of my designs! Your fabrics are just divine. Anything exciting new you have in collections?
Lightning beamed, clearly delighted. "As a matter of fact, yes! We've got some new high-end fabrics coming out soon. I'll make sure you get a sneak peek before they hit the market. Your work with them is always outstanding, Rarity."
Rarity glowed, already envisioning her next big fashion creation. "I can hardly wait!"
Lightning smiled, adjusting the sleek suit he wore, one from his own collection made a few weeks ago. "You see, Rarity, I have always been in awe of that special something you bring to the table with fashion. Your designs have this certain. panache that even my line can't compete with. Obviously, I create clothes, but I also dwobble.. uh- dabble in accessories, purses, bags, the whole nine yards. This suit is part of a new line I am working on."
Rarity's eyes widened in amazement as she took in his suit. "Darling, your tailoring is perfect! Absolutely flawless. Of course, I'd love to get my hooves on some of those accessories. Perhaps we can do something together one day?"
Lightning grinned. "I'd like that. Who knows? We might just take Equestria's fashion scene by storm together."
While mingling with his guests, catching snatches of laughter and snippets of chatter, Lightning took a moment to appreciate what he had done. After the enlightening conversations he had with Rainbow and Rarity, he remembered he was to get something special from upstairs for the party.
He excused himself and turned toward the stairs. But what he didn't know was that a figure remained, still out of sight, following each of his movements quietly. No pony realized when the shadowy pony slipped through the crowd since the intentions were masked by the chirping excitement of the celebration.
As he climbed the great stairs, a sense of trepidation began to grow deep inside him. He shrugged it off and began preparations for the night. Little did he know, danger was right behind his back, and the night would take a completely different turn.
Already in the room, he just grabbed what he wanted, and his mind still buzzed about the party. Just as he turned to leave, the figure blocked his path.
"Lightning," the voice whispered in low undertones that sent chills down his spine.
Before he could even react, the figure leapt at him in a manner so unexpected, wielding some heavy object. Lightning just about managed to raise a hoof before the object came down in a sickening thud. The impact sent him crashing to the ground without him having much time to even register the attack. The world around him began to blur as he succumbed to the pain, blinding and leaving his vision fading in and out.
In an instant, it was all over. The heart of Lightning was racing, then stilled, leaving him lifeless on the floor as the party wheeled on above, oblivious to the tragedy that had just unfolded.
The figure, veiled by darkness, loomed over Lightning's lifeless body , their breaths labored from the sudden surge of adrenaline. they didn't hesitate, pulling Lightning up, the weight seemingly to have vanished in their grasp.
They strode, as if with a sense of purpose, right to the hallway, turned, and looked around him to make sure nobody had seen the bleak performance. The figure reached the balcony, and for an instant, stopped, his heart beating to the rhythm of carousal noise downstairs.
Then, in a jerky manner, they toss Lightning's body over the side and sent it tumbling to the floor of the great lobby. A sickening thud cut through the laughter and music of the night like a knife. In that instant, the celebration was shattered, leaving behind only panic and confusion.
The joyful atmosphere now became a ghastly spectacle as the guests all gasped and shrieked. Twilight, the rest of the Mane 6, Cadance, and Shining Armor ran to the lifeless body of Lightning, lying on the floor as their hearts beating in fear.
"Lightning! Wake up, please!" Twilight exclaimed, nudging him with her hooves in desperation. A surge of panic enveloped her as she stared into his unseeing eyes, since he wasn't showing any reaction.
Nurse Redheart forced her way to his side through the growing crowd. "Stand back, all of you! Give him space!" she instructed sharply, kneeling beside Lightning. She felt quickly for a pulse, and her face fell into a serious expression.
"Come on, Lightning… no, don't do this!" Rainbow Dash begged, shaking, as she watched the nurse work.
But Redheart shook her head, her heart heavy with the weight of the moment. “I’m sorry… he’s gone.”
Gasps filled the air, and the reality of their situation began to sink in: a murder had just taken place, and the once joyful gathering had turned into a living hellhole.
The ponies started squabbling, hooves pointed at each other accusatorially. The festive decorations surrounding them, given the tragedy, seemed grotesque; the once-busy mansion felt like a tomb.
"We need to keep order," Shining Armor said firmly, making his voice carry above the fight, ceasing the arguments. "Everypony, please, sit down in the main hall. We need to work this out."
As the guests made their way to the grand hall, Twilight could see how much concern was engraved on each face. Every pony held an expression as confused and terrified as hers. How could something so disgusting happen at a gathering that was supposed to have been for joy?
"Twilight," Rarity whispered, her trembling voice rising. "What are we going to do? We can't just sit here!"
"We have to think," Twilight replied, her mind racing. "We have to remember everything that happened before… before…"
"Wait, hang on!" burst out Rainbow Dash. "We should start by finding out who was the last to see him alive!"
"Brilliant idea," Shining Armor agreed. "Let's break into small groups and interview each other. We have to piece together what happened."
As the group began to break up, a sense of unease settled over the air. Each and every pony knew that they were now all suspects. Familiar faces of friends were suddenly masked in suspicion.
"Let's meet back here in an hour," Twilight suggested, trying to keep her voice steady. "We'll share what we find and see if we can make sense of this."
As they ran, a million questions swirled in Twilight's mind. How could any of them really trust each other when one of them might be a killer? And why would anyone even want to kill poor Lightning?
The big mansion, its decoration nearly as rich as the party that was held there, now loomed ominously around them. The luxuriousness oppressed them, compared to the dread filling the air.
As Twilight gathered her wits, the only conclusion she could muster threw her back like a lash: Lightning had to have been dead before he fell from the balcony.
He was an alicorn, after all. if he was alive, he would've been able to fly his way out of danger, whatever it was that happened to him. The insinuation alone made her blood run cold.
"Twilight!" Rainbow's voice sliced through her reverie, snapping her back to reality. "Did you hear what I just said?"
Twilight shook her head, trying to clear the heavy feeling from it. "Sorry, Rainbow. I was just thinking… about how he didn't even have a chance."
Rarity stepped closer still, eyes wide with concern. "Do you think whoever did this… could still be here? Around us?
"We need to consider that possibility," Twilight replied, looking around at the friends, all in their own little worlds of thought as they moved through this unthinkable moment. "We need to remember everything, every little detail from tonight, and try and figure out who killed Lightning.
Let's first go over our steps," Shining said. His face was so serious. "We'll find out who had the chance and motive. If we could find just one clue, it might lead us to the truth.
Twilight nodded, a surge of determination washing over her. As they started sharing memories, she couldn't help but feel that answers were sitting in the darkness of the mansion, waiting to be found. Every suspect, every shred of information could actually hold an answer to this heinous crime. But now, whom could they trust?
"Alright, I'm going to interrogate some of the party guests," Rainbow Dash said, determination flying in her eyes. "Rarity, you want to join me? At least we can see who we can clear. If I find them, I'll beat the shit out of them."
"Absolutely!" Rarity replied, her voice steady despite the fear bubbling beneath the surface. "We ought to gather as much information as possible. Maybe someone saw or heard something that could help us."
As they split from the group, Twilight watched them go, her mind racing with thoughts of the various ponies who had been at the party. Each guest had their own story, their own alibi. If they could just uncover one piece of useful information, it might bring them closer to the truth.
"Hey, let's stick together," Shining said to Twilight, and Cadance. "We gotta keep an eye on things and make sure nopony runs off until we straighten this out."
The moment Rarity and Rainbow approached a pack of ponies they were unfamiliar with, an extensive look traversed between them as their minds steeled themselves for the task ahead.
"Excuse me, everypony," Rainbow called, in a voice as steady as she could manage. "We're gathering information about what happened. Can you tell us where you were when Lightning fell?"
A unicorn with a beautiful mane came forward. She was obviously shaken. "I was just out on the patio, talking with a couple of friends," she said, looking around nervously at the other patrons. "I didn't see anything, but I heard a thud followed by screams. I am Crystal Shine."
"Right. And who were you with?" Rarity asked, scanning the group.
"I was with Minty Leaf and Dazzle Glow," Crystal replied, nodding to two other ponies standing not far away. Minty, a light green earth pony, nodded vigorously.
"I was admiring the decorations! Aren't they nice?" Minty said in a shaking voice. "I didn't hear anything until everypony started screaming."
Dazzle, a pegasus with a shining coat, frowned. "I was getting a drink at the bar. I thought I heard a noise, but I just thought it was part of the party. It all happened so fast."
Rarity exchanged a meaningful look with Rainbow. "Did you notice anybody acting strange or leaving the party at about that time?" she pressed on.
The group shifted uncomfortably. "No, I don't think so," Dazzle replied, frowning. "But I did see a figure moving up the stairs earlier. I thought it was just one of the maids or butlers."
"Interesting," Rainbow said, scribbling down some notes. "What about you?" she asked a nearby stallion who had been standing quietly in the back.
"I'm Rusty Wrench. I was in the study, looking at some of Lightning's business awards," he said fidgeting. "I didn't even realize anything was happening until everypony screamed."
More tension settled in the mansion as they continued interrogating their guests. Every pony's story furthered another layer of intrigue onto the puzzle. Each little detail could be it, that one clue to unravel the mystery of Lightnin's death.
"All right, let's continue," said Rainbow, her resolution now hard as nails. "The sooner we find out what happened, the better."
Rarity nodded. "Indeed. There are still so many questions to answer." And with that, the two of them continued onward toward the next bunch of partygoers, prepared to unfold even more secrets in the mansion of Lightning.
Rarity nodded. "Indeed. There are yet so many questions to answer." Upstairs, Twilight, Shining Armor, and Cadance moved room by room, their eyes scanning every which way for any signs of struggle or disturbance. They approached the balcony from which Lightning had fallen, and Twilight couldn't help but feel a little chill run down her spine as she peered over the edge into the dark night below.
"It's clear he was pushed," Shining Armor muttered to himself, his keen eye scanning the ground. "But from where? And by whom?"
Cadance was distant, her gaze lost in thought. "We need to consider every angle," she said finally. "Let's split up, search the area more thoroughly. Maybe we'll find something that points us in the right direction."
It felt like they were being watched; looking back over her shoulder, Twilight glanced at an otherwise empty corridor with portrait faces painted on the walls, seeming to judge them with their dead eyes. The silence of the mansion was oppressive, the only sound the echo of their hooves as they trod through what had once been cheerful halls, now stained with the shadow of a grisly crime.
As Shining Armor approached the open door, his eyes landed on a statue that was askew from the rest in the hall, a chip in its marble base. His eyes widened in horror, the realization finally came to him. This wasn't any kind of tragic fall, somepony had used this statue to end Lightning's life.
"Guys, I think we found something!" he called out to Twilight and Cadance. They quickened their pace over, eyes wide at the sight of disheveled artwork. "This was the weapon. The murderer must have thrown Lightning over the balcony to make it appear as an accident! i can tell cause one the statue isn't align like the others, and two there's a piece of it missing," he stated as he pointed to the chipped part
The three friends exchanged gravely serious glances as the weight of it all settled upon them. This was no ordinary investigation anymore; they were now in the presence of a cold-blooded murderer who had operated right among them. The joy and cheer of the party seemed like a distant echo as the grim echoes of hooves and veiled accusations hung thick in the air.
"We must find the culprit before they can get away," Cadance said firmly. "We need to be thorough, discreet. Every pony here is a suspect until proven otherwise."
Twilight nodded, a glow appearing around her horn as she invoked a detective spell to scan the statue for any remaining magical residue. She doesn't find anything; not even a hoofprint. "We need to question every single guest, investigate their alibi, and see who might have had motive or left struggle marks. It's going to be a hard, long night, but we gotta bring justice to Lightning.
The rest dispersed to their various tasks: Applejack and Fluttershy stationing themselves outside the exits of the mansion, ensuring that no pony could slip out without being seen. Pinkie Pie bounced with restless energy beside them; gone was her usual bounce, replaced by a hard determination. "Nopony's leaving until we know who did this! ". Each pony's departure was received with a stern, unwavering stare from Applejack, and a soft, yet firm rejoinder from Fluttershy that the party was still in investigation mode. Getting deeper into the night, and the tensions rising higher, the three mares sat firm, their eyes glued to the doors, as Fluttershy looked to Applejack, the concern evident in her eyes.
"Do you think anypony here could've wanted to hurt Lightning?" she whispered low.
Applejack frowned, stroking her chin in thought. "Well, he was a mighty important pony. I reckon he had his fair share of enemies, but never thought they'd come to somethin' like this."
Pinkie Pie nodded in agreement, an unusually serious look upon her face. "Yeah, but who? And why?" She paused a moment before continuing, "Maybe he knew something he wasn't supposed to, or had something somepony else wanted really badly."
A look of mutual understanding passed between the three friends. It could be a personal vendetta, or simply a power play in high society within Equestria. They had their work cut out for them and time was ticking away.
"Let's not jump to conclusions," Applejack said, her eyes never leaving the door. "But we gotta be ready for anythin'. We're gonna find out who did this and make sure they pay for it."
Pinkie nodded, an edge of determination in her voice. "We'll keep the party guests here, no matter how much they complain," she said with a firm nod. "We can't let the murderer escape."
Fluttershy let out a deep breath, trying to will away this nauseating feeling of fear washing over her. "We're in this together," she assured. "We'll figure it out."
Applejack thinks and said, "There's somethin' fishy goin' on right under our muzzles." The three mares stood guard at the different ways out of the mansion, while the others continued to the darker corners of what had been revealed. They knew this vigil was important; one slip-up, and the killer could disappear into the night, and the mystery would remain unsolved, their hearts eternally scarred over the loss of this gentle stallion.
