Five Down

Date: 5/4/1007

Subject: Rainbow Dash

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Rainbow Dash was transferred out of police custody and into the Third Dungeon of Shadows and Torment the Royal Protective Facility. It is apparent that the reason for her arrest is due to a case of battery.

Date: 6/4/1007

Subject: Rainbow Dash

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Today I spoke with Rainbow Dash. She seems unfazed by her recent arrest, and indeed does not understand why she has been placed away from the public.

During the course of her incarceration, Miss Dash will undergo a series of psychiatric assessments as well as magical examinations. This will help to discover what prompted her recent assault, as well as whether other ponies are at risk.

Date: 7/4/1007

Subject: Rainbow Dash

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Miss Dash underwent her first psychiatric examination today. She claims that she remembers nothing about her 'incident', as it was described to her. Rather, she believes that she and a female griffon named Gilda merely engaged in a heartfelt discussion, reuniting a broken friendship. As it turned out, the griffon in question (a male by the name of Gordon) insisted that the two had never met.

Either Miss Dash is lying, or she has deluded herself into believing her own version of events.

Date: 8/4/1007

Subject: Rainbow Dash

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Today Princess Celestia admitted a mare by the name of Fluttershy into the Royal Protective Facility to visit the pony held there. A friend of Rainbow Dash and incidentally another bearer of one of the six Elements of Harmony, she appeared rather distraught. Apparently, she is linked to the Element of Kindness, a trait which matches her personality. She attempted to comfort Rainbow Dash in her quarters, although the gift she had brought - the contents of which are unknown to me - had failed to make it past security.

Their conversation was monitored, of course. This proved to be a boon, because during Fluttershy's visit an interesting event occurred. Rainbow Dash appears to take an adverse reaction to the name 'Gilda' (which happens to be that of the female griffon whom Gordon was mistaken for). When Fluttershy uttered this trigger word, Rainbow Dash's response was to shout expletives and flail at her visitor with her hooves. Fluttershy was escorted from the room in tears, as Miss Dash was restrained by security.

Needless to say, Princess Celestia has taken heed of my advice to disallow any visitors into the Royal Protective Facility in the near future. Unless, of course, it is necessary.

Date: 9/4/1007

Subject: Rainbow Dash

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Miss Dash was in a placid state today, a definite contrast from yesterday's behaviour. Similar to her response on the 6th and 7th, Rainbow Dash does not believe that she acted in an extremely threatening and indeed violent manner towards Miss Fluttershy. Instead, she claims that in response to Fluttershy's statement ("Seeing somepony who looked so much like Gilda must have been a real shock"), she agreed with Fluttershy yet confirmed that the two had apologised and made up "a few days ago." This is, as it so happens, the day when Miss Dash was arrested for her attack on Gordon.

Rainbow Dash is scheduled for a magiomedical examination tomorrow.

Date: 10/4/1007

Subject: Rainbow Dash

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Today, during a psychiatric assessment, Rainbow Dash admitted that she was harbouring an immense amount of hatred towards me, and that it was taking all of her willpower not to lash out. When asked for a reason, if any, she stated that it was due to the fact that I had wings. I have also learnt that Rainbow Dash has an adverse reaction to images of griffons. When presented with an image which resembles a griffon in any way, she attempted to violently destroy it. This ranged from tearing up a magiograph to smashing a figurine against the floor.

Miss Dash underwent her first magical examination today. I commented on the relative slowness of the procedure - Rainbow Dash has currently been in the Royal Protective Facility for five days already - and was informed that this was because although Princess Celestia is concerned by this odd behaviour from one of the Bearers, she shows no signs of physical damage or magical trauma. Be that as it may, I am certain that there are some changes that were not present yesterday. Her coat has lost some of its hue, I'm sure of it. And something about her neck doesn't look right. I have mentioned this to Dr. Silver Shoe, and he seems to agree with me. I hope he will look over this in the next examination.

Date: 11/4/1007

Subject: Rainbow Dash

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

The results of Miss Dash's examination have been delivered to me. Interestingly enough, both the mare's coat and cutie mark have faded, and in the past twelve hours the rate of colour loss has been phenomenal. There is also cracking around the hooves, and they seem unusually brittle. It should be noted that up until twelve hours ago this change was very gradual, and could not be noticed without constant scrutiny (which, in my case, was provided through Rainbow Dash's psychiatric assessments).

In addition to this, there is a slightly raised and discoloured band of skin around her neck, with a faint scar underneath which appears to take the shape of a lightning bolt. The overall effect is that of a necklace or medallion. When Princess Celestia was informed of this, she reacted with shock; as it turns out the deformed skin looks very similar to the Element of Loyalty. Dr. Silver Shoe is conducting another examination on a sample of skin from Rainbow Dash's neck, comparing it with a sample from beneath the disfigurement. Hair, hoof, feather, and cutie mark samples will be tested as well: in short, centres of magical concentration.

Her aggressive triggers seem to have broadened to a great extent. While before it was only griffons which set her off, and anger generated by the sight of wings, she has now taken to viciously attacking anything with wings. I now conduct her psychiatric assessments while wearing a morph band - which just goes to show how important this is to Princess Celestia now. Morph bands are not just handed out to anypony.

It may be of note that she only responds with violence towards feathered wings. Insect wings and indeed batpony wings do not generate any reaction.

Date: 11/4/1007

Subject: Applejack

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

A second pony by the name of Applejack, coincidentally both a Bearer and a close friend of Rainbow Dash, was brought to the Royal Protective Facility. Similarly to Miss Dash, she had been arrested for battery. However, while Rainbow Dash's actions merely caused bruising (the word 'merely' is relative here, as such an attack is nearly unprecedented. Violent crime and indeed crime in general is almost unheard of throughout Equestria), Applejack's attack left the victim, an unnamed male pony, hospitalised with broken bones and missing teeth. According to reports, she was restrained by a third pony, her brother, before any further damage could be done.

What is shocking, however, is that in Applejack's psychiatric assessment today she made it rather clear that she intended to beat her victim to death. The reason she gave was "he was talking about [Rainbow Dash]. Nopony talks about [Rainbow Dash]."

A magical assessment was undertaken with considerably more hast than Miss Dash's. Initial findings show the same raised and discoloured band of skin around the neck, with a scar underneath that corresponds directly to the symbol of the Element of Honesty - an apple. She has not yet shown any signs of colour loss, nor damage to the hooves. However, Dr. Silver Shoe is of the opinion that she should be placed under observation, in order to determine whether this deterioration will occur. The rest of the magiomedical team is in agreement with him.

Needless to say, Princess Celestia has commissioned several guardsponies to keep an eye on the remaining four Bearers. As of today they have yet to exhibit any abnormal behaviour.

Date: 12/4/1007

Subject: Rainbow Dash

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Dr. Silver Shoe presented me with the results of Miss Dash's second magical examination. They are rather worrying. The band of disfigured skin around her neck appears to be infused with an extremely powerful form of magic, albeit in a small amount. The worrying part is that the magic has a resonance which perfectly matches that of each of the Elements of Harmony. The magic has noticeably permeated Miss Dash's red blood cells, travelled around her body, and accumulated in areas with already magical properties. To be precise: her hooves, feathers, and cutie mark. Because the 'pathomagic' resonates at a level vastly different to her own natural magic, the telekinesis localis just above the hooves and the repulsion organs in her feathers (all of which depend on Miss Dash's natural magic) are deteriorating rapidly. Her coat and mane are affected as well, due to extreme magical corruption around her cutie mark. All other areas of the body show no sign damage caused by the magic. Miss Dash underwent three magical detox treatments today, all of which had no positive effect. If anything, they may serve to accelerate the process in the long run.

Date: 12/4/1007

Subject: Applejack

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Applejack's condition has deteriorated extremely rapidly in the last twelve hours, in the same manner as that of Rainbow Dash as recorded on the 11th. In this case, however, the decay was more severe and did in twelve hours what took eight days to occur in Miss Dash. She displays the same physical symptoms: discolouration, cracked and brittle hooves, severe damage to the telekinesis localis. She displays an extra symptom as well: that of muscle atrophy around the hind legs and pelvis. It should be noted that the damage to Applejack's hooves is far more extreme than Rainbow Dash's state; Dr. Silver Shoe hypothesises that this and the extra symptom is because Miss Applejack is an earth pony, and thus the pathomagic targets the defining characteristics of her breed. That is to say, the stronger hooves and more powerful leg muscles. Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, is a pegasus and so the pathomagic targets her wings in particular. I believe that more cases are required before any decisions can be made.

While Rainbow Dash's trigger is anything which looks or sounds like anything griffon-related, be it a name beginning with G or a feather, Applejack has but one trigger: Miss Dash. Hearing Rainbow Dash's name spoken by anypony but herself causes Applejack to attack with intent to kill. It is clear, however, that Miss Applejack is becoming rather possessive and obsessive in regards to Miss Dash.

Fluttershy attempted to visit Applejack today, but was turned away. This, of course, is for own safety.

Date: 13/4/1007

Subject: Rainbow Dash

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

It is evident that Rainbow Dash has gone insane. Her aversion to feathers has become so strong that she attempted to break her own wings earlier today. Immediately after being restrained and subsequently sedated, however, she claimed no knowledge of the event. In a brief moment of lucidity, she involved herself in a petty squabble with one of the younger doctors. As she stuck her tongue out, she suffered a violent seizure and bit straight through it. And then swallowed it, rather happily.

Her physical condition has deteriorated to the extreme. All colour has faded from her coat, mane, eyes, and tail, and her cutie mark is all but gone. She is entirely grey. Her feathers are crumbling and falling out rapidly, and the damage to her telekinesis localis is such that it is impossible for Miss Dash to pick up objects. In addition, her hooves are so painfully cracked that walking is torture. However, even if her legs were in a fit state to wall, she lacks the energy to do so. She is very lethargic.

Dr. Silver Shoe and Princess Celestia are both convinced that the Elements of Harmony are the cause of this. Judging from the obvious signs (the distorted skin around the neck being the main one), I am inclined to agree with them.

Date: 13/4/1007

Subject: Applejack

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Having reached the same state of decay as Rainbow Dash yesterday, Applejack's body now deteriorates at the same rate as the pegasus. Her coat is the same grey as that of Miss Dash's, and like Miss Dash her cutie mark has vanished almost completely. She sits in her room, constantly muttering Rainbow Dash's name. One of the younger doctors (the same one who was arguing with Rainbow Dash) suggested that we observe what would happen if we placed Rainbow Dash and Applejack in the same room. I dismissed that idea, but Dr. Silver Shoe mused that we could use a life-size doll or figurine in the shape of Rainbow Dash instead. This proved to be not such a good idea. Upon seeing the doll, Applejack rushed over to it, alternating between sobbing and tearing out chunks of the doll with her teeth.

It is rather horrifying that both Applejack and Rainbow Dash have transformed from healthy, sane ponies to broken wrecks in a matter of days. On a happier note (happiness also being relative here - nopony should have to go through this), evidence strongly suggests that only Bearers - that is, ponies who have worn or used the Elements of Harmony - are affected. This does imply that only a maximum of six seven ponies may succumb.

Date: 13/4/1007

Subject: Rarity

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

The third of the Bearers, Rarity, was brought in late this afternoon. She was apprehended when two Royal Guard ponies who were assigned to observe the Bearers spotted her haggling with a shopkeeper for an suspiciously large quantity of strong anaesthetic. Miss Rarity seemed rather cheerful, and only too happy to accompany the guardsponies to the Royal Protective Facility. It soon became clear, however, that Rarity was suffering the same loss of sanity as Applejack and Rainbow Dash. As I talked to her, she only too happily revealed that the anaesthetic was for drugging and abducting several ponies. She then assured me that this was a perfectly reasonable thing to do, as she would turn the skins into a series of fashionable hide jackets. She is now detained in the Royal Protective Facility until further notice.

Rarity will undergo the same magiomedical examination as the other two Bearers, although Dr. Silver Shoe is of the firm opinion that she will display the same physical symptoms that we have observed before. Dr. Silver Shoe also believes that the pathomagic will begin breaking down her body in short order. She already has very slight cracking around the hooves and horn, and the raised and yellowed skin around the neck is visible from a close distance.

Princess Celestia will send guardsponies in the morning to collect the remaining three Bearers, so we can discover if they will exhibit the same symptoms. In addition, the number of Royal Guards observing these three ponies has been increased.

Date: 14/4/1007

Notes on examinations of Fluttershy, Pinkamena Diane Pie, Twilight Sparkle

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Physically and mentally these three appear as healthy as they should be. No cracking, no glimpses of insanity. Nothing. I did notice several things that seemed out of the ordinary, but I later discovered that the three mares routinely displayed these traits. In addition, Dr. Silver Shoe noticed trace amounts of ingrained and possibly corrupted magic on Pinkamena Pie, particularly the resonances associated with teleportation, telepathy, and matter compression. Twilight Sparkle was also rather restless, but she informed me that she was conducting an experiment with her assistant, and she wanted to get back to it as soon as possible. The Princess informs me that Miss Sparkle can become obsessed with knowledge and anything relating to it, so that would account for her restlessness.

I requested that Princess Celestia allowed my fellow doctors and I to continue examining Pinkie Pie especially, but she refused. She also forbid us from keeping them in the Royal Protective Facility to pre-empt any homicidal or overly aggressive incidents.

Date: 14/4/1007

Subject: Rainbow Dash

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Rainbow Dash's mind is completely destroyed. She is entirely grey, with no cutie mark. Her wings are damaged from yesterday's self-harming session, and her feathers have entirely fallen out. Her tail and mane followed suit. Her hooves have crumbled away completely, revealing raw muscle and bone. She does nothing but eat, drink, and defecate. She screams all the time save when she is eating or drinking, and seems to be attempting to utter words around the stump of her tongue. She does not sleep.

On the plus side, she no longer displays any aggressive tendencies.

Something which I find incredibly odd: the band of distorted skin around her neck has changed from yellow to a metallic gold, glistening with some kind of fluid. Beneath this is a throbbing red growth in the shape of a lighting bolt. Upon comparison, a colleague of Dr. Silver Shoe informed me that the band was a precise match for the Element of Loyalty (in terms of shape and colour).

Date: 14/4/1007

Subject: Applejack

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Applejack's mind and body have wasted away to the same stage as Rainbow Dash. Her rear leg muscles have atrophied such that she can only drag herself along the ground with her front legs. Not only that, but the band of skin around her neck looks exactly like her corresponding Element. She has not stopped muttering Rainbow Dash's name under her breath.

Every scientist working on this is in agreement: anypony who has used the Elements has the potential to become affected. Sadly, Princess Celestia has decided to give the remaining three the benefit of the doubt.

Date: 14/4/1007

Subject: Rarity

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Rarity has regressed at such an extreme rate that the total atrophy is more severe than Rainbow Dash or Applejack. Not only is there hoof damage and colour loss, but her skin has cracked and crumbled away. Swathes of muscle has been exposed, and Rarity's spine is showing in places. A band of distorted skin appeared around her neck as well, rapidly taking the appearance of the Element of Generosity. While Rainbow Dash screams and Applejack mutters, Rarity giggles quietly to herself. Occasionally she softly croons the names of those who she would have skinned.

As Dr. Silver Shoe suspected, her horn broke off after the nervous membrane rotted away.

Date: 15/4/1007

Subject: Rainbow Dash

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Rainbow Dash's condition is now stable. That is to say, she has not degenerated any further.

Date: 15/4/1007

Subject: Applejack

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Applejack's condition is now stable.

Date: 15/4/1007

Subject: Rarity

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Rarity's condition is now stable.

Date: 15/4/1007

Subject: Twilight Sparkle

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

As it turns out, our assumptions about Twilight Sparkle were wrong. Horribly wrong. I realise now that I should have asked her about the nature of the experiment she was conducting with, or rather on her assistant. It is highly likely that had Fluttershy not interrupted her shortly after the three mares assessed yesterday afternoon returned from Canterlot, then the dragon involved may well have died. Indeed, Spike will never be the same again, as will Fluttershy.

Princess Celestia has finally agreed that the two remaining sane mares be placed in the Royal Protective Facility, to avoid the chance that other ponies will be injured by their actions. All six will be placed under constant surveillance (although it is unlikely that Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity will be going anywhere). The Princess has also decreed that Fluttershy shall receive the finest medical treatment that Canterlot can provide, although it is obvious that she will be ground-bound for the rest of her life. Spike, the dragon who was critically injured by Twilight Sparkle's actions, will also receive such treatment. Despite what the Princess might say, she appeared reluctant to extend the offer until I prompted her.

Twilight Sparkle displayed rage when, in response to a question, she was told that she would not be allowed to experiment further on Spike. Fluttershy, despite her shocked state, informed me that she often became agitated when knowledge was denied from her. It could be that whatever is affecting these ponies amplifies their habits to murderous extremes. If so, I dread to think what could happen if Pinkie Pie was in Ponyville when she succumbed.

Twilight Sparkle already shows the telltale signs of pathomagic-induced decay. The other two do not, although it is certain to only be a matter of time. It will be interesting to see the effects of this pathomagic on an alicorn. I have expressed the importance of an examination to Princess Celestia, but she has refused. It is possible that alicorns are immune to the more extreme effects present in Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity in the same way that alicorns are mostly unaffected by magical diseases.

If they are not, then Princess Celestia will almost certainly be affected.

Date: 15/4/1007

Subject: Pinkamena Diane Pie

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Pinkamena Diane Pie (henceforth referred to as Pinkie Pie) shows no signs of physical or mental damage. In fact, her demeanour is almost identical to that of when she was assessed on the 14th. She acts with a greater degree of nervousness, but this is probably a combination of her disposition and the current events - that is, four of her closest friends going insane. I am certain that some kind of symptom will be visible soon. However, Dr. Silver Shoe is adamant that the symptoms manifest themselves simultaneously - that is, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie cannot go insane because there is no-one for them to attack. This, admittedly, does provide an explanation for why Twilight Sparkle displayed no physical symptoms, but it is quite obviously incorrect. For one thing, Rainbow Dash's physical symptoms manifested themselves five days after she attacked Gordon the griffin. Not only that, but Twilight Sparkle showed no sign of physical damage until after she was apprehended.

Only time will tell whether anything will develop.

Date: 15/4/1007

Subject: Fluttershy

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Fluttershy, like Pinkie Pie, shows no sign of physical or mental damage (excluding the massive trauma dealt to her left wing). However, she is even more aghast at the current turn of events than Pinkie Pie. This is most likely due to the character traits she has which lead to her being chosen as the bearer of the Element of Kindness.

Date: 16/4/1007

Subject: Rainbow Dash

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Rainbow Dash's condition is stable.

Date: 16/4/1007

Subject: Applejack

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Applejack's condition is stable.

Date: 16/4/1007

Subject: Rarity

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Rarity's condition is stable.

Date: 16/4/1007

Subject: Twilight Sparkle

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Twilight Sparkle has degenerated at the same rate as Rarity, and the stress put on her system has increased the decay to a similar level. Her feathers have crumbled away, her horn rotted and fell off, her coat and cutie mark has faded away, and her hooves have shattered.

She cries, calling out Spike's name along with reassurances that she never meant him any harm.

Date: 16/4/1007

Subject: Pinkie Pie

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Pinkie Pie is now deceased, though not due to the physical effects of the pathomagic.

At half past twelve in the afternoon, Pinkie Pie escaped from her cell room. And by 'escaped', I mean that she teleported. Quite how, nopony has the faintest idea. Princess Celestia was immediately notified of this, and ten Royal Guards were dispatched to find the mare. They found her an hour and a quarter later - one hour of flying to the most likely location, and fifteen minutes to spot her. Alas, they were too late. In the very short space of time that she had, Pinkie Pie managed to round up every pony in Ponyville and proceeded to hold an enormous party in the centre of town. The reasoning behind this was presumably to cheer up the townsfolk at the sudden disappearance of a group of well-known ponies. When we found her, she was standing on a stage, giving a speech dedicated to "the best party any of you will ever go to." She was seemingly oblivious to the corpses that lined the streets. She had poisoned the food. According to the Royal Guardsponies who were at the scene, she too succumbed to the poison just before they managed to reach the stage.

Her body will be examined later today. I expect that Dr. Silver Shoe will find the tell-tale signs on Pinkie Pie. It will be interesting to see the effects of the pathomagic on a corpse. I have yet to lay eyes on her.

Date: 16/4/1007

Subject: Fluttershy

Examiner: Dr. Open Atlas, Ph.D

Princess Celestia has forbidden me or the other doctors to examine Fluttershy in any way. Instead, Fluttershy will be taking an extended audience with the Princess today.

Later, I will request if I may examine the Princess. As we now know that the pathomagic can affect alicorns, it is likely that she will develop symptoms. If she becomes insane in the same manner as the rest, then I dread to think what could happen.