Chapters The crisp morning air whipped past, the land a blur in the pegasus eyes. Her rainbow mane flowed out behind her, a curtain of multi colored hair. Several minutes passed before she finally spotted her destination. In the distance sat a small cottage on the edge of a forest, a single chicken coop was set opposite the building. Lying on the lawn was a familiar yellow shape, her wings neatly folded behind her back. A small white rabbit sat perched on her chest. It seemed he was trying to wake her up, with somewhat limited success. The blue pegasus banked a hard left, landing softly on the lush grass.
"Hey Fluttershy! Hey, wake up!" She called, hoping a familiar voice would rouse the sleeping form of her friend.
"Huh? What? Oh, hi Rainbow Dash...Oh my, I must have dozed off in the night! I'm sorry Angel, you must be starving!"
The small white rabbit narrowed his eyes, glaring ever so slightly. This technique was a sure fire way he got what he wanted. But not today.
"Don't give me that Mr! I simply fell asleep and you can just wait!"
"Flutters? Have you been watching those Iron Will self help videos?"
"No, I don't know why I did that, guess I'm just not feeling myself..." A small trickle of laughter escaped the yellow pegasus throat, sending a slight shiver down Rainbow's back.
"Anyway...I have this friend from like waaaay back when and she wanted me to look after her hotel for animals while she went overseas. So I thought why not bring a friend... Of course I thought about the other guys first but then I remember you just love animals! So what I'm asking is...you wanna come?"
"I'd just love to Rainbow Dash, but who's going to look after the woodland creatures while I'm gone?"
"I'm sure the cutie mark crusaders would love to get some mark in zoo-keeping or whatever..."
"Well alright but it will be your fault if Scootaloo burns my house down!"
Suddenly out of nowhere, a bright pink flash shot through the trees. It flew across the ground, skidding to a sudden halt. Once the object had stopped, they instantly recognized their eccentric friend Pinkie Pie.
"Oh are you girls gonna look after an animal hotel? I would just loove to join, we could stay up late and party till the sun wakes up! I could make my famous choc-cherry ice cream, with bananas and donuts and candies and-"
"Alright! You can come, just please shut up!" Rainbow Dash let out a long drawn out sigh, regretting the sentence as soon as it escaped her lips.
"Hooray! Oh, can I bring Gummy... Pleeeeaaassseee?!"
"Fine...."
A few hours later they had arrived at the Overhoof Hotel, high up in the northern peaks of the Coltorado Rockies. The large building loomed above the trio, behind it sat a large hedge maze. Its design strangely familiar to the one Discord had tricked them into.
"Oh wow! It's so big! Hide and go seek would be great in there! Don't you agree Gummy?"
The tiny alligator simply blinked, seemingly oblivious to his masters question
"I thought so too!"
"Umm Pinkie? You do know he can't answer you right?"
"Oh believe me, he never shuts up!"
"Right... Wait where's Fluttershy?"
Behind a large thistle bush sat Fluttershy, her fear of large buildings preventing her from going any further.
Eep! Its to big, a pony could get lost in there! What if it's haunted? I just cant go in!
Rainbow Dash quickly spotted her friend, the bright yellow rump easily made out through the dark green.
"Flutters? Oh come on! Its just an old building, nothing wrong with some good old.... Rustic charm I guess? Oh wow, I sound like Rarity..."
"A-are you s-sure R-rainbow?"
"Hey, with me here it will be twenty percent cooler!"
Rainbow Dash pulled out a pair of sunglasses, trying to cheer up her terrified friend. She slipped them on and proceeded to quote the much used Horatio Mane one-liner.
"I guess you could say..... Its gonna be an Animal House."
"YAAAAAAAAY!" Shouted Fluttershy, wanting to finish off the joke with some Who.
"See its gonna be fine!"
"Yeh, what Dashie said!"
"Wait, how the heck did you get over here so fast?"
"Because I'm Pinkie!"
"Good enough reason."
After finally reassuring Fluttershy that it would be fine, they walked through the thick wooden door. The main hall was filled with souvenirs from the bison tribes of Appleloosa. A large shag carpet lay on the floor, its brown drab colors failing at spicing the place up. A small counter sat to the far right of the room, revealing a very bored looking colt. Behind him lay shelves filled with room keys, each one imprinted with a different animal footprint.
"Umm hi, I'm here to apply for the job of winter manager! My friend is a lover of animals so she will be tagging along, oh and Pinkie here will be staying with me as well."
The gray colt suddenly looked up, amazed to see customers in the middle of December. His eyes fell upon three gorgeous mares, the one with rainbow hair awaiting an answer to her question.
"Ah, you must be Rainbow Dash, Splendor Wing mentioned that you would be arriving soon. Come into my office and I can explain the job details to you, also will your yellow friend be helping you with the animals?"
"Yes, I just love every single animal... Bunnies and birdies, oh and cute widdle turtles! I myself own a small animal shelter."
"Righto! Sounds like you would fit right in!"
Slowly the two trotted into the office, telling Pinkie to stay put. But this is Pinkie were talking about!
With Gummy now gnawing softly on her pink mane, Pinkie Pie bounced into the kitchen. Many of the staff had left to enjoy the beautiful winter, leaving only a few lonely stragglers. But even they would be leaving once the snow came in. Pinkie searched high and low, looking for a reasonable sized cake tin. Once she stumbled onto the perfect one her face lit up.
"I'm gonna make the bestest *Staying here awhile* cake EVER! Woo, lets get to work!"
A large pantry stared at the pink pony, the contents devoid of any delicious flavors.
"Awww, looks like its time to bring out my Emergency Cake Maker 3000!"
"Hello Pinkie Pie, it seems we are out of tasty 'tings for your lovely cake, It seems we need something else to bake."
"Zecora? Since when do you work in a hotel? As a cook?"
"There are many 'tings you ponies don't know, Within this hotel are places where da air won't flow, even the memories stay, rarely showing dere angry faces."
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"So if i want to, I can call you on the head phone, hehe head phone!"
"Any time you need to yelp, just remember to call for help! But do not go into da Room 237, or you may go crazy with the gloom!"
"Okie dokie lokie! Use my mind thingie if i need help and don't go near the creepy room! I think I got it...now to make some ice-cream!"
While Pinkie made her delicious cherry ice-cream, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sat in the small, dimly-lit office. The small yellow light flickered as it swung slowly from side to side.
"So you wanna take the job huh? I must warn you, it gets very lonely up here once the snow sets in. Most of our winter employees never come back after one week... But don't worry, this hotel is perfectly safe!"
"Umm I was wondering if I could start writing a story here, the nice quiet winter air really helps with my writing..."
"Flutters? You're writing a story! I hope it has me in it!"
"Oh, well.... kinda. Its gonna be about our adventures as the six elements, well the adventures that are lesser known."
"Oh sweet! So... The Adventures of Fluttershy?"
"No.. Its not just about me, its about all of us. The Chronicles of Equestria."
"Sounds like one of Twilight's dusty old books..."
"A famous writer who is one of the Elements would be a great endorsement, so yes you can begin your book here!"
A loud creak came from the room above, it was quickly followed by a loud growl. The loud growl continued for a whole two minutes, a large animal was obviously hungry.
"What in Tartarus was that?" Rainbow Dash questioned the manager, glaring at his completely undeterred expression.
"Oh, that's just Sara... She's our resident panther."
"A panther? Oh my gosh that's awesome!"
"Yes we have many large fearsome animals, but also tons of smaller, cuter animals!"
"I take it you know how to feed large animals.... Fluttershy."
"Umm yes I do... I've always been good with large animals."
"Perfect! Now I think we have the basics down pat, just remember to light the furnace, feed the animals and stay indoors when the snow hits!"
"Cool! This week should be awesome, right Flutters?"
"Oh yes, it does sound fun!" Fluttershy took a long gasp of air and released a somewhat louder "Yay!"
"Alright, here's the key... See you in a weeks time, try not to go too crazy!"
Later that evening the three sat around a small table, a large quiche sat before them. The aroma of her feast washed over Rainbow Dash, making her mouth water expectantly.
"Wow Pinkie, it looks delicious!"
"All my own special recipe, Gummy helped a little to!"
"Sure... can we eat now?"
"Bon appetite, or whatever those french say!"
Fluttershy ate her meal slowly and delicately, savoring the many wondrous flavors within. Her face lit up with every bite, the raw eggs just...
"Wait is that egg?! Oh, my! I don't feel very good...." Urrrp!
"Oh jeez, Pinkie! Brace yourself, vomit is coming!"
"Sorry Fluttershy... I forgot!"
Fluttershy ran towards the bathroom, her sensitive stomach heaving every time she thought of her little chickens.
"Well, I enjoyed it Pinkie..."
"Thank you, Dashie! Now how bout some ice-cream!"
A short while later, Rainbow Dash settled into a reclined position and let out a single loud burp. The room was silent for several seconds before Pinkie Pie burst into laughter. A childish grin now plastered on her face.
"What a ripper, Dashie! I give it 9.5!"
"Hehe, thanks Pinkie!"
They heard hoofsteps returning to the kitchen, a very pale Fluttershy appeared.
"What's wrong Flutters? You see a ghost?"
Fluttershy simply shivered, a single small whimper escaped her mouth. Rainbow Dash pulled her self up and gave the shaking pegasus a hug. Her body felt cold and clammy, almost feverish.
"Flutters, your burning up! Lets get you into bed, Pinkie you mind helping me bring Fluttershy to her room?"
"On it! Umm which room is she in?"
"237."
"No! She's sleeping in 153 now!"
"Pinkie, whats wrong with the other room?"
"Zecora said it was haunted, I just wanted Fluttershy to be safe."
"Alright... Wait, Zecora works here?"
"Oh, loooong story!"
Both ponies held Fluttershy close, avoiding the stairs as much as possible. They waited for a small while, the elevators apparently very slow. Ding! Both doors opened revealing a seemingly empty carriage. As they wandered into the elevator, Pinkie spotted a strange party hat sitting on the floor. It's presence sent a single shiver down her spine.
Hehe, probably left here by some excited filly... Remember Pinkie, giggle at the ghostie!
The doors slid apart, before them lay a long hallway with rooms on either side from 100 to 160. It seemed to never end until finally they arrived outside Room 153. Fluttershy stirred slightly, her quiet voice asking a single question.
"C-could you both stay with me tonight? I'm too afraid to sleep alone in strange places!"
"Of course Flutters!"
"Th-thank you, girls!"
"Don't mention it, I'm born to keep my friends smiling!"
Fluttershy offered Pinkie a small smile, she felt guilty that her meal wasn't able to stay down.
They lay her gently down, propping a fluffy pink pillow under her head. Rainbow Dash dove into the yellow and pink bag, searching for Fluttershy's adorable soft toys. Satisfied with her find, she velcroed the bag shut. Rainbow gave a single worried look to her cute pegasus friend before she lay all the soft toys next to her.
Fluttershy smiled weakly, happy to see her little animal friends. Slowly Pinkie tucked her into bed, singing a simple lullaby about a rabbit hole and some filly named Alice. Rainbow Dash was amazed at Pinkies gentle, calm demeanor. Not for the first time she wondered if there were really two of her and they simply traded places when needed.
Once Fluttershy's gentle snores could be heard under the cover of her animals, Both Pinkie and Rainbow brought out there sleeping bags. A bright pink cotton candy bed lay beside Rainbow's Wonderbolt spread, revealing the polar opposites of the two ponies.
"Do you think she'll be alright Dashie?" Whispered Pinkie, a light delicate voice unlike her own continued. "I feel so guilty, its my fault she's like that!"
"Shhh Pinkie! It wasn't your fault at all. You watch we'll wake up bright and early and Fluttershy will be massaging a crocodile or something!"
"Yeh... Well goodnight!" The pink pony simply lay her head down, drifting to sleep almost instantly.
Rainbow stared at the two sleeping ponies and yawned deeply.
Tomorrow everything will be fine! And twenty percent cooler!
After a few minutes of humming the Wonderbolt theme song, she fell asleep. Dreams of long hallways and unseen stalkers plagued her subconscious mind. Within the darkest parts of the hotel, a seething hatred began to stir...
*Brackets are used to convey telepathy
The first rays of morning burst through the closed blinds, shrouding the room in a warm orange, glow. Pinkie Pie was the first to awaken, her hyperactivity temporarily dulled. Slowly she snuck out of the room, trying with effort not to awaken her friends. Briefly she gazed towards the end of the hallway, her mind focused on the room at the end. What did Zecora mean? Is there some scary ghostie within? My Pinkie Sense hasn't detected anything but maybe the haunting pony slumbers. Pinkie shuddered ever so slightly before turning to head towards the kitchen. Zecora was already awake, a large cauldron of broth set before her. She stirred quietly, her mind far away within its own private world.
"Oh hi Zecora, watchya brewing? Is it a potion?"
Zecora snapped her eyes open, suddenly aware of the pink pony in front of her.
"'Tis simply a little breakfast for you ponyfolk, but if you like I could add some poison joke!" The zebra gave Pinkie a sly wink, having noticed the groggy pegasus behind them.
Rainbow Dash glared at the pair, hearing only the words poison joke. "What are you up to Pinkie? No pranks this early, for the love of Celestia!"
"Who me?" Pinkie smiled innocently, trying with effort not to guffaw loudly at the thought of Rainbow Crash.
Rainbow Dash simply continued to glare, her tired mind not prepared for Pinkies assault to the senses. She shoved the pink pony away and headed to the coffee pot.
"Uggh, before we hang I need to wake up... Unless you want to taste the rainbow!" She held up her fist threateningly before falling head first onto the table, it appeared that Rainbow had fallen back to sleep.
Back within the room Fluttershy began to twist and writhe beneath the covers, her mind far gone into the realm of nightmares.
"Fluttershy....Fluttershy...." A sinister voice whispered from the shadows.
"W-who g-goes there?"
"Come play with us Fluttershy!"
"I d-don't want to p-play!" The yellow pegasus began to whimper, fear taking hold of her emotions. Before her was an empty corridor devoid of any light or discernible exits. Far at the end sat a dark oak door that seemed to expand and retract, almost as if it was breathing. Fluttershy trotted slowly towards it hoping that this nightmare would end.
The further she wandered through the hallway, the more she noticed the blood seeping from the walls and the way the corridor enclosed around her. For what seemed like an eternity she reached the end, her breath now shallow with fear. Grasping hands shot from the walls, trying to pull the pegasus towards them. Fluttershy began to scream and thrash, trying desperately to avoid the fleshy limbs around her. Suddenly the door swung open, a single blood ringed eye stared at the frightened pegasus.
"Your going to love us, everybody loves us! Love us! Love us! LOVE US!"
Fluttershy awoke with an earsplitting scream, her body seized up from the terror. The bedroom door was thrown open, a very distressed Rainbow Dash came barreling through the open door.
"Fluttershy! Are you ok? What happened?"
"I had a horrible nightmare! It was very sc-scary!"
"Flutters, you gave me a heart attack! Are you perfectly sure your alright now?"
"P-positive, as long as eggs aren't on the menu..."
"Hehe, don't worry about that, Zecora made us breakfast!"
"Oh thank Celestia!"
Fluttershy rose out of bed and stepped into her fluffy slippers, her mind quickly forgetting the horrible dream. Slowly she trotted towards the kitchen. At the end of the hall a single door shut loudly, making the timid pegasus fly up into the air.
"M-must have been the wind, it s-sure is cold in here..."
Fluttershy continued on her way, staring back every so often to make sure she was still alone. Satisfied with her findings she left the hall completely. The kitchen door was wide open, assaulting Fluttershy with the mouth-watering scent of honey-dipped pancakes.
"Oh my what a delicious smell! Angel would have loved getting pancakes."
"Hey Fluttershy! How did you sleep? I slept well! Here have a bite of my homemade recipe! Your sure to llliiikkkee it!"
"Alright Pinkie, let Flutters wake up properly before you assault her with... Umm irritable happiness?" Rainbow Dash gave a slight shrug and twirled her hoof in the air, showing Fluttershy what she thought of the pink pony.
Fluttershy simply giggled and nodded in agreement. Suddenly a large fork was shoved into her open mouth, a large chunk of pancake impaled on its tines. The taste was simply divine, the warm honey dripped onto her tongue. A very satisfied Mmm was the only word they heard as the yellow pegasus grabbed a large plate and heaped it with at least a dozen pancakes.
Rainbow Dash stood and stared at the somewhat unusual display, "Umm Flutters? I think you've got enough of em there... 'Least leave some for me."
"Mmfhmmf!"
"Wow, you must really love my pancakes Shy! I must say I'm impressed that you can eat as much as me! Your looking at the three time All You Can Sweet champion!"
Breakfast came and went, everypony was now feeling quite relaxed and ready to investigate the *guests* of the hotel. Zecora sighed heavily at the massive pile of dishes lying in the sink, today was going to be a long day.
The three ponies began their adventure on the left side of the building, each room sealed with a special magic lock. The first one they entered contained a very large tank. They stared in wonder at the large octopus that peered directly at these newcomers. Pinkie tapped rapidly on the glass, the octopus ejected a large cloud of ink as the pink pony gave him a fright.
"Umm Pinkie, I don't think he likes you..."
"Aww but his so...quirky!"
"What kind of hotel keeps octopi? Rainbow Dash, your friend seems quite the animal lover!" Chirped Fluttershy, her face slowly forming into an excited grin.
"Heh yeh, she almost rivals you in the whole animal care thing."
"It says here this little guy is Steve, oh and he loves anchovies! Way to salty... I mean eww meat..." The bright pink pony guiltily shifted her eyes and tried to look somewhat innocent.
"Wait, what? Since when do ponies eat meat?"
"I didn't say anything about meat..."
"Oookay, lets just move on!"
Slowly they wandered towards the next room, an uneasy feeling fell over them at the guttural noises emanating from the iron door. A single look of fear plastered on each of their faces in turn. Rainbow Dash took a brave step forward, a smug grin breaking through the fearful expression.
"Looks like a job for Daring Dash!" Thud! Her hoof vibrated with the impact. Pinkie Pie pushed her aside and stuck a key in the lock.
"Where the buck did you get that from?"
"Oh, my secret key stash... For key emergencies!"
"Right..."
The door swung open to reveal a large tub in the center of the room. Two golden, reptilian eyes peered out from the lip of the metal tub. A large jaw opened wide in a yawn, revealing rows of razor sharp teeth.
"Oh my what a handsome alligator you are, oh yes you are!"
Fluttershy stepped forward and began to scratch the large reptiles chin. His eyes drifted shut in animalistic pleasure. Pinkie and Dash stood with mouths agape at the amazing sight. The yellow pegasus gave her friends a sheepish smile, "Only dragons are scary, other reptiles? Not really. At least alligators aren't huge and fire-breathing..."
"Sometimes you even surprise ME! To think, I've known you all this time and I still get amazed at certain things!"
"Well somethings I like to keep secret from you..." Fluttershy gave a sly wink and continued to caress the alligators rough hide. A small notice attached to the tub revealed his name to be Al.
"This guy just loves to chomp on deer, trout, cockatrice and woah! His favorite snack is phoenix! Hmm flame grilled style..."
"Bwahaha, good one Pinkie!"
"His such a gorgeous alligator, I would keep this big guy if I could! Ooh I wonder what's in the next room!" Fluttershy gave one last pat to the now sleeping alligator before she turned away and flew over to the next room.
"Umm are you alright Flutters? You seem a bit overexcited compared to your usual self..."
"Oh don't be silly! I'm in a personal heaven, animal hotel? Yes please!"
The door before them felt icy to the touch, a fine frost misted from the gap beneath. Fluttershy wrapped a thick cloth around her hoof before pushing the door open. Frigid air burst out from the room sending an icy chill down her spine. Within sat two very confused penguins, their eyes fixed on the fish that Pinkie Pie suddenly pulled from apparent thin air.
"Here have a fish!"
"What? How? Huh?"
"Flutters don't think, just accept the Pinkie."
The yellow pegasus stood dumbfounded at the randomness of the situation. Both penguins yanked pieces of fish out of the earth pony's hoof, a giggle escaping her as the beaks tickled the sensitive padding.
"Hehe, I wonder if these animals love parties! Oh I know, lets have a Beastie Bonanza, with cake and music and..." Pinkie trailed off as her friends tuned out from her voice.
A look of annoyance passed between the two pegasi, "Perhaps its time for lunch?"
"And punch and..."
"I take that as a yes..."
A plate of daffodil and sunflower sandwiches was set on the table, Zecora nowhere to be found. Stuck to the wall was a handwritten note written in a hastily scrawled script,
Dear Ponyfolk,
A matter of importance has come up recently but i made sure to stock the fridge decently. I hope you won't be to lost without me, just remember to stay away from room 237!
Be back soon as the evening moon,
Zecora
"Does that mean I get to cook now?" Asked a somewhat preoccupied Pinkie. A strange sensation worked its way through her stomach.
"I guess, wonder what would require the help of a zebra brew?"
"Who cares, I get more time with the animals!"
"Err aren't you supposed to be element of kindness?" Rainbow Dash stuck her tongue out at her friend and tried to ignore the change in Fluttershy's demeanor. Probably just tired from those bad dreams.
"Oh I mean, I hope everything's ok... Wouldn't want anything bad to be happening in Ponyville!"
"Hey guys? I'll be back in a jiffy... The ladies room requires my attention." All they saw was a bright pink blur as Pinkie took off like a runaway train. At the end of the hall she skidded to a stop in front of their room. Her tail began to twitch as the door opened on it's own accord.
"Mr Ghostie! Show yourself... I can feel you there!"
A single unintelligible whisper reached her ears, the icy hand of death grasping Pinkies leg. Her body spasmed at the freezing touch, her tail now twitched like it had a mind of its own. She readied herself for a fight but just like that, the room became warmer and her tail dropped to her side; limp as a rag.
"Well that sure was creepy... Maybe this hotel is haunted!"
"Pinkie! Did you fall in or something?"
"Nope I'm just fine and dandy!"
"Well you better hurry, only got two sandwiches left!"
The afternoon was spent in peaceful tranquility, even Pinkie managed to sit still... relatively speaking. Fluttershy had made a new friend in an adorable little raccoon, his banded eyes firmly caught in hers. Quietly they sat together and played with a small rubber ball. On the other side of the room Rainbow Dash was reclined on a lumpy green couch, her nose firmly planted in the newest Daring Do novel. All throughout the hotel, the silence hung in the air unbroken by even the slightest sound.
Bang!
"What in the-?"
Bang! Bang!
"Err Flutters did we check the basement?"
"I don't think so..."
"Stay here, if there's danger I can handle it!"
"O-ok"
The cyan pegasus set down her book and flew to the large door leading into the dingy basement below. The banging began to settle as the light click of the locks reached whatever was in there. Rainbow Dash yanked the door open, her wings keeping her aloft and out of harms way. A strange hunched form sat crouched in the corner, its beady red eyes glaring at the newcomer.
"Hey there fella, sounds like you want some attention. Come out and show Dashie what you ar- Oh my gosh! What the heck are you?"
The creature bounded forward, the light glancing off the red jewels above his birdlike beak. Rainbow Dash hovered above it for quite some time before she realized what sat before her.
"Hey Fluttershy! Come here, his a real umm sweetheart?"
A few moments passed before the shy yellow pegasus appeared, her curiosity far exceeding her fear.
"Oh my, a bunyip... I thought they were simply an old mare's tale! Who's a cutie bunyip, oh yes you are!"
A shriek of what seemed to be happiness erupted from the creature as Fluttershy began to coo softly.
"Never thought I'd see one of these ugly critters... No offense."
The bunyip nodded slightly, his toothy grin setting Rainbow Dash on edge. Pinkie Pie came bounding down the stairs and pointed at the sign above.
Don't feed the bunyip! Ponies are his favorite!
"Flutters get away from it... He eats ponies!"
"Nonsense he wouldn't hurt a- wah!"
His teeth gnashed together in hunger, sharp claws began to extend from his paws. Rainbow Dash dove towards him and tried to drag Fluttershy out of reach. Before he could grab them both however, Pinkie Pie threw a large steak towards his open mouth. It landed with a wet plop at the bunyips feet, distracting it with the smell of meaty liquid. Silently they crept away from the beast and shut the door behind them. The locks shifted back into place as the sounds of ravenous feeding erupted from the creature beneath.
"Ok so maybe we stay away from the basement door? Why couldn't Zecora mention that?"
"Maybe she didn't know about it?"
"Yeh probably... Anyway I think I'm gonna call it a night. You want me to stay with you again Flutters?"
"If that's alright with you... I'll probably have nightmares about bunyips now!"
Rainbow Dash turned to Pinkie Pie with a questioning look, "You coming Pinkie?"
"Yep, but I think I'll just sleep on the floor thanks!" Pinkie gave a sly grin, knowing full well how Rainbow Dash felt about a certain shy pegasus.
Far away in the Everfree forest, a lone zebra saw a premonition of axes, blood and insanity. Something was not right in that hotel and Zecora prayed that Pinkie could keep whatever evil lurked at bay...
Darkness, that was all Pinkie could grasp in the shapeless world she stood within. A loud dripping echoed through the empty recesses of her unconscious mind. Her tail violently began to twitch, as if the very hair became a living being. Pinkie Pie shouted loudly into the vast emptiness,
"H-hello? Is anyone there?" Nothing but the echoed words that escaped her lips were heard in the blackness.
"Anyone there, there, there....?" The echoes trailed off into the distance, each faint word reverberating in tune with the silent voices that only now began to whisper.
"Fluttershy, Fluttershy, Stick a needle in her eye!"
"Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie, better watchout before you die!"
"Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash, Her skull better get bashed!*"
"Oh no, please don't hurt my friends! I'll do anything you want!" Pinkie's words began to stutter as tears started to form. "J-just l-leave them a-a-alone!"
"OoooOoooh! Pinkie Pie is afraid of a little ghost? My, my I can't believe we share the same mind. Their only visions Pinkie, better not let them win!"
"W-who said th-that?"
"Aww you hurt my feelings! Don't you remember your old pal, Pinkamena?" A bright burst of light sprang forth in front of Pinkie's eyes, blinding her momentarily. As the brightness faded a dark pink pony stood before her. The pony was a complete doppelganger of Pinkie, minus the scowl and straight mane that shrouded her face.
"D-did you s-sing that s-song?"
"Who me? Oh no, it was the sinister spirits that want to possess your unhinged mind! Lucky for you, I frightened them off..."
"Should I g-giggle at the gh-ghostie?"
"Laughter won't protect you from these beasties! Be wary of the one who hides behind a curtain. Her inner madness will spring forth most certain. Be wary of the images you perceive, lest you face eternal death. Wake up now, they return onc-"
Poof! The pony vanished in a cloud of red blood, replaced by two identical twin fillies.
"Come play with us Pinkie! Love us forever!"
A brief glimpse of a gore filled room with two dead girls lying in the hideous muck invaded her thoughts. The scene vanished in a single instant but even then the image would remain embedded in her mind.
Both pegasus were awoken by a bloodcurdling scream that pierced their own dreams. They turned around to see Pinkie Pie huddled in the corner, the wall behind her smeared with two single words written in what appeared to be blood;
Redrum Ydoolb
"What the hay does that mean?" Asked a very concerned Rainbow Dash, who stood shaking the pink pony awake.
"Arggghhh!!!"
"Pinkie it's just Dash, relax! It was only a dream, images can't hurt you!"
"R-rainbow?"
"Yes?"
"I really like your mane!" A thin smile appeared on Pinkie's face as she stared at the huge bush of bed-hair that stood atop Rainbow's head.
"Hey! You try waking up with great hair when your friend decides to scare the bejeezus out of you!"
"Sorry Dashie, but seriously come on... That hair is hil-hair-ous! Haha!" A loud snort burst forth from the pink pony, making her two friends stare at Pinkie in disbelief.
"But you just... Arrgh! I will never understand you Pinkie!"
"Umm you guys ready for some breakfast? I-if that's ok... I'm just starving!"
"Heh, yeh! Think we should just... Try something non-heartattack inducing!"
"So like bacon?"
"Eww Pinkie, you know we don't eat meat! Seriously what's with your sudden interest in meat?"
Breakfast was uneventful (To the relief of Rainbow Dash), well except for the whole feeding a toothless alligator bit. But alas a fresh batch of pancakes was a great way to improve a rather stressful morning. Pinkie Pie let out a loud groan, "Aww man! Now that Zecora's away we gotta do the dishes... I know! I'll use Gummy as a reptilian scourer!"
Fluttershy wandered into the dining hall and sat herself before a rather shabby typewriter, her ideas lay upon the table in a very messy pile of papers. She breathed deep and let forth a huge whoosh of air.
"Today I write, no problems and certainly no interruptions... Oh I hope they don't think I'm being rude! Oh well..."
Her hoofs began to tap lightly on the keys, her mind lost within the realm of imagination. For awhile everything seemed perfect and serene. But then the voices began to start, bearing with it the feeling of another presence. Fluttershy shivered with an icy chill, the firmly locked windows could not generate such a specific air.
"Fluttershy.... Fluttershy...."
"D-don't be scared, its just y-your mind p-playing tr-tricks, I'm alone! I'm alone! I'm alone!" Fluttershy repeated this phrase multiple times, trying desperately to ignore the whispering voice.
Slowly she turned back to her writing and gasped at the two words that stared blankly at her from the crisp white page.
Bloody Murder...
"I-is that what P-pinkie wrote? Oh my, maybe this place is haunted..."
From afar she heard the sound of the elevator opening and wondered briefly on her friends whereabouts. The sound of rushing liquid reached the yellow pegasus followed by the feeling of water washing over her hooves. Fluttershy looked down and saw that she was standing in a puddle of fresh blood. She screamed loudly as the liquid dyed her fur a dark red tinge. She began to retreat slowly backwards as the sight seemingly vanished.
"W-was that just a d-dream? B-but it felt so r-real! Maybe I just need a good rest..."
At the other end of the hotel Rainbow Dash began her daily duties, each animal had to be bathed and groomed every Wednesday. Pinkie Pie bounced along behind her, a rather scared looking alligator clinging to her hair.
"What's wrong with Gummy? He looks like he saw a ghost!"
"Oh I dunno, just this morning I noticed him shaking ever so slightly. He's only done it once before, when I discovered him alone in a small lake."
"Yeh I've never seen him so on edge... Hope the little guys ok."
"So do I, mind if we tag along?"
"Sure Pinkie!"
Quietly they wandered through the corridors, the calls of the animals muffled by the thick walls. Eventually they arrived at their destination, a large door with a massive paw symbol stood awaiting the pair. Rainbow dash pulled out the matching key and rotated the lock into place *click*
The door swung open with a loud creak revealing a rather bemused panther staring intently at these strangers. The large cat kept a close eye on the rather strange pink pony who continued to bounce in the spacious room. A small alligator sat perched on her head, his blank expression showing no sign of fear at the large and rather menacing panther.
"Hi Sara, I'm rainbow Dash and this is my good pal Pinkie. We're gonna give you a bath, please don't try to eat me!"
Rainbow Dash crept forward slightly, her eyes fixed on the panther's meaty paw. Gently she clipped a long chain to the big cats neck and gave a light tug. She strained with increasing effort as the panther simply refused to budge.
"Ugggh! Pinkie, little help please?"
"Okie Dokie Lokie!"
Pinkie crept behind the large bed and pulled a large ball of yarn from the depths of her hair.
"Here kitty kitty, Pinkies gotta surprise for you!" She threw the ball at the panther who pounced violently towards it and began a very loud purring growl. Rainbow Dash felt the chain go slack and dragged the now preoccupied cat towards the bathroom.
"Pinkie, your randomness is very handy sometimes!"
"I know! Hey don't you think Fluttershy would love to wash a panther? Ooh, ooh, ooh, I'll go get her...back in a jiff!"
Rainbow watched as the pink pony took off like a brightly colored bullet. A small trail of dust fading in the gray light.
Pinkie zoomed through the house, narrowly avoiding the hazardously placed corpse. Wait what? She continued on, oblivious to the strange images surrounding her. She saw a flash of yellow and screeched to a halt, sending Fluttershy barreling into the wall in fright.
"Arggghhh! Oh, it's just you Pinkie... Why the hell would you do that?!" Shouted the yellow pegasus, causing Pinkie to cry ever so softly.
"F-fluttershy, it was just an accident... I d-didn't mean it..."
"What a blubber baby! Oh, my I don't know why I just said that... Are you ok Pinkie?" Fluttershy extended a hoof and gave Pinkie a gentle hug.
"Yep I'm fine-a-roni! Oh, Me and Dashie are about to give a panther a bath!"
"Sounds like fu-"
Her voice was cutout as the sounds of very angry critters echoed from the hallway. A small swarm of spiders erupted from the room beside them. Tiny red gems stared up at the duo with a raging fury. Another door opened to the right, revealing a large tentacled monster with a single eye. Pinkie drew a large wooden sword out of thin air and began thrusting it towards the oncoming beasts.
"Stay back beasties, this sword can slice anything into nice fillets!"
The Cycloptapus (as Pinkie would later call it) grabbed the sword and snapped it in two. Pinkie gave a loud shout and pulled Fluttershy back toward the kitchen. As they retreated several more doors were thrown open, spilling their denizens out into the hotel. Fluttershy tried her stare technique but the animals just shrugged it off.
Pinkie pulled several knives from the countertop and hurled them towards the vicious creatures stampeding towards them. Most of her throws missed, except one that pinned a large beetle to a wall.
Both ponies embraced each other and cried silently beneath the sink. The kitchen door burst open, a large red eye stared directly at their hiding place. They held their breath as the creatures poured into the rather small kitchen and began to search. Fluttershy opened her eyes ever so slightly and sighed loudly when she saw the empty room, pristine and untouched.
"Where did they go?"
"Maybe they disappearededed, like those scary filly's in my dream!"
"I th-think this hotel is h-haunted!"
"Yeh it is, Zecora told me!"
Fluttershy gave Pinkie a grave look, her face turning cream in fear. "Oh my, I hope Dash is ok! I don't wanna see her h-hurt."
The duo burst from the kitchen and ran swiftly up both flights of stairs. As they reached the 3rd floor, the sounds of laughter trickled out from the large en suite. Pinkie and Fluttershy exchanged looks,
"How did she not notice the mob of creatures?"
Pinkie Pie shrugged and gave the pegasus a large smile. "Rainbow Dash!"
The muffled sounds of hoofs on tile could be heard through the walls. The bedroom door opened slowly, Rainbow Dash stuck her head out and called across the hallway.
"About time you two showed up! This cat is giving me all kinds of hell... I'm absolutely drenched in soap suds here... Even my wings are matted and dripping torrents!"
"You didn't hear the sounds of angry beasts?"
"No... Why?"
"Oh nevermind Dash, probably just our imaginations..."
"Well are you gonna stand there or you gonna h- What the hay! You fillies shouldn't be here! Wait wha- Th-they vanished!"
"You ok Dashie?"
"Ummm yeh, guess this isolation messes with your head..."
Rainbow Dash wandered back into the room, her heart pounding hard against her chest. She began to breathe softly and calmed her shaken nerves. Her friends followed behind her, wide eyes fixed on the cyan pegasus. Rainbow gave them a reassuring smile and gestured towards the bathroom door,
"Prepare to get wet, that Sara really loves to pounce on bubbles... Yeh, cute as a little cat... Not so much with a big cat. I think waterfall is a better description..."
Pinkie burst through the door. Giggles began to overrun the pink pony, her body lay upon the ground shaking with laughter. Fluttershy tentatively trotted forward, her eyes surveying the war zone.
Water dripped from the ceiling, the light fixture cast strange shadows through the two inch puddle of water within. Lying in the bath was a very happy looking panther, her coat shiny from the soap suds that still covered a tenth of her hindquarters. The water was only at it's lowest, the majority of it lapping against Fluttershy's hooves. Two feet of water surrounded the room, a small magic field keeping it away from the adjoining bedroom.
"Guess they have this problem a lot..."
"Yeh I think so."
Fluttershy tried to begin rinsing the panther's back but she kept trying to swat at the small rubber duck floating in the pool of water. Fluttershy sighed as her mane slowly became drenched in water, her bright pink mane plastered to her face. Pinkie jumped into the bathroom, laughing as Gummy belly-flopped into the water. The alligator grinned with sinister intent, his toothless jaw's clamping shut on the panthers tail.
"Oh no..."
Kersplash! Sara jumped high into the air, sending the rest of the water flooding out of the bathtub. Both ponies were knocked off their hooves as the wall of water rushed towards them. From the bedroom came the sound of raucous laughter, Rainbow Dash was literally rolling on the floor in a fit of pure laughter. She stopped laughing long enough to pull Fluttershy from the flooded bathroom. Pinkie Pie let out a large stream of bubbles, the water pouring slowly from her nose. She grabbed Gummy in her teeth and glared at the guilty looking alligator.
"Gummy! What did I tell you about scaring others in bathtubs? Guess somepony misses out on a juicy fish..."
Gummy's eyes pierced the pink ponies heart, he gave Pinkie the most adorable look ever seen on an alligator.
"Awwww, how can you stay angry at that?"
"Umm one thing guys, how do we get her down?" Asked Rainbow Dash, her hoof pointing to the roof.
Three pairs of eyes drifted upwards, there clinging to the ceiling in fright was Sara the panther. The large cat refused to come down, so they decided to leave the cat to her own devices. Maybe one day they'll fix the collapsed roof on the second floor...