Within The Mind: Errant Trigger

Chapters

Chapter One: A Week Earlier
Chapter Two: His Name Is Qray
Chapter Three: Two Demands, No Choice
Chapter Four: At A Distance
Chapter Five: A Soulless Entity
Prologue: A Day In The Life

Chapter One: A Week Earlier

Ivan finished writing up his notes, three patients today and all of them incapacitated in some way, broken in the mind as it were... this was his job and everyday it seemed to get more and more busy, yet he did not complain, for without this job he would have nothing to do, not as much as he would like anyway. He wanted nothing more than to delve into the minds of those afflicted by what some called a curse.
He knew differently.
A knock on the door followed a stallion of some size entering his room brought him out from his thoughts. “You wanted me doc?” The yellow coated brown haired stallion asked.

“Ah good!” Ivan smiled warmly. “Would you do me the favour of bringing in my next patient?”

“Of course doc!” Lemon Curry answered with a bow of his head.

As the overly large earth pony left, the doctor once more thought about all that was going on, so many here had no idea of what had actually happened, which proved exactly the need for this place, the workers here respected him too, although that was only to be expected, he did have some authority in Equestria. His office was large, warm and cosy, dark because most of his patients detested the light for their own varied reasons. His desk was oak and U shaped, his chair cushioned and comfortable with the swivel function that he loved so much, it was also very adjustable, which because of his near endless work drive was perfect for him. He shuffled the scattered papers on his desk and pushed them together into a more ordered and presentable fashion, he also produced his notebook and quill, he did so like to write by his own hoof.
Ivan paused, turning to his young student whom he had invited to join him during this day’s sessions. She was dressed entirely in a black robe, hidden completely within its folds, it was standard for their line of work nearly all of the employees who worked here who were not orderlies wore them. Unlike most he wore his hood down but then he felt that the patients would be more willing to open themselves if they could see his face. They did not however need to see his faithful student’s and the nature of their patients made it necessary for her to hide her identity. He however had no fears as to his own personal safety as he was quite capable of caring for himself. He smiled up at her as she took note of his attention, lowering her own quill waiting for his words.
“Are you ready dear?” He asked.

“Yes sir.” She answered.

“That’s my girl.” He grinned and gave her a wink, turning back to face the door.

Ivan was looking forward to this, he had done this before and always he had been left feeling satisfied, he was good with minds, especially the broken ones.
The door knocked again.
“Bring her in.” He ordered.

Lemon entered, with another orderly aiding him, both were dressed in white, both armed with a baton, which was also necessary, this visitor was extremely resistant, aggressive and vocal.
“Get your dirty hooves off me you stupid fuck muzzles!”

“Now, now.” The doctor spoke as the patient was brought in, garbed in a straight jacket which confined her forelegs. “Lets try to keep calm, we don’t need a repeat of last time.”

“Screw you!” The patient spat.

Doctor Ivan sighed, he didn’t really mind the language for he had known many languages and profanities for some reason were always the first words to be learned. “Please sit her down.” He asked of the two orderlies.

“Sure thing doc.” Lemon nodded, bring the patient to the seat.

After strapping her down to the chair, which was bolted to the ground, the orderlies made ready to leave, waiting for the doctor’s permission, which he gave with a nod. After they were gone the doctor smiled at his patient. “Let us continue where we left off shall we?”

“Why don’t you take the straps off?” She snarled.

He gave her a knowing smile. “Now that would be foolish considering what occurred the last time I did that.”

“...”
“After all you did leap for me the instant you were free, lucky for you, you only managed to break one of my orderlies’ forelegs, which wasn’t very nice but still understandable under the circumstances...”

“Buck you.” The patient stated.

“Now!” The doctor ignored her, sitting up further in his seat. “Last time we spoke we were discussing your misgivings about your internment...”

“I’m not crazy!” She burst.

“Oh yes.” He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “You definitely made proof of that the last time we met.”

“I’m here against my will!” She growled. “What did you expect!?”

He gave her a kind smile. “If you were here without reason then surely you would have attempted flight, escape if you will, yet the first thing you did was leap for my throat.”

“...”

“Surely you can see what I am saying?” Ivan asked with a raised brow.

“Go to Tartarus!” She answered... to put it mildly.

“Knowing what I know and having seen what I’ve seen I have no doubt I will.” He sighed. “However for now we are stuck with each other, so we may as well make the most of it.”

“Why don’t you take your quill and stick it up your...”

“Let’s talk about the reason for your internment shall we?” He interrupted her expertly. “Do you remember why you are here?”

“I didn’t do anything!” She raged, struggling against her bonds.

“And yet you are here.” He answered. “And yet you were found laughing manically, rolling around in a pool of blood before you were captured.”

“...” The patient frowned, uncertainty evidently written on her features.

“Look at it this way,” The doctor sighed. “you are here for a reason, if not you wouldn’t be here I can assure you, if you are innocent then spitting and swearing is not going to help you very much is it?”

“...”

“One would think you would want to prove yourself sane but instead you struggle and fight all the way, acting very aggressively without a single sign of emotional stability...” He shook his head. “You are doing little to convince me that you are anything but insane.”

“I’m not insane!” She yelled.

“Then prove it.” He responded calmly, folding his hooves upon the desk. “Speak to me Miss Dash, tell me what’s wrong.”

“I’m not crazy!” She yelled, shaking her head violently, her rainbow coloured hair ravished with lack of care and attention.

“Then work with me.” He spoke softly. “You won’t get through this if you don’t.”
Rainbow Dash growled, yet in her eyes for the first time was a slight flash of thought, she had at least begun to listen.
“I’ll tell you what.” He sighed once more, scrunching his eyes and rubbing at the bridge of his muzzle with a hoof. “Why don’t we pick this up tomorrow, you look like you need some rest, perhaps without medication for a change hmm? Does that sound appealing?”

Rainbow Dash frowned but after a moment she nodded tiredly.

“You need time to consider my words.” He continued. “So if you do not feel up to it tomorrow I won’t force you, when you are ready I will be here...” He then smiled in a kindly fashion. “Lets face it, neither of us wants you to be here, lets see if we can work together and get you out as fast as possible.”

Rainbow Dash sighed, her eyes were lined with exhaustion, her constant struggling and medical dosing to calm her violent mood swings had begun to wear her out, the idea of sleeping without the meds seemed pleasant, mainly because the drugs they gave her produced terrible nightmares.

“I know that this place can be daunting at first.” He added. “Just try to stay above it, you’re strong, you can’t deny that, you have spirit, it would be a terrible waste for you to lose that.”

“What do you want from me?” She demanded suddenly, her face locked in a frown of doubt and mistrust.

“What I want from all my patients Miss Dash.” He answered. “Results... good ones... I’m here to help you, even if you don’t see that yet.”

“...”

He pressed at the device on his desk, a small buzzing could be heard. “Just try to relax, I will get you through this, I promise you.”

“...”

The two orderlies entered once more, this time Dash did not struggle, she allowed them to remove the straps and even lead her from the room without issue.
“Sleep well.” He offered as she passed through the door.

He waited a few seconds until they were gone to drop the smile, he looked down at his notepad, already he had worked through an eighth of the pages, it had been fresh too... the trouble with his line of work was that no matter how much you learned there was always so much to take note of, he didn’t even really need them however his employer wanted to see results and what better way to do that than to show a volume of observations.
Still he had more important things to do right then.
Putting the note pad aside he turned to face his student. “And you my dear... what did you think of our patient?”

“I...” She seemed hesitant to speak.

“Say whatever you like dear.” He encouraged her with a caring smile.

“...I...” She paused, taking a deep breath. “Why her?”

“Was it too much for you?” He asked, raising a brow. “I understand that your respect for Miss Dash is quite high, seeing her like this could cause some stress.”

“For my first time...”

“I know.” He nodded. “But I felt it best to get it out of the way.”

“...”

“Is it not fascinating?” He chuckled. “She didn’t even notice you were here.”

“Yes...” She nodded.

“I told you not to worry about it.”

“Yes...” She conceded.

“Now... shall we move on, we have a few more patients to speak to today and I would like to hear your opinion of them before the day is over”
***

“Twilight Sparkle?” A voice made her flinch, she had lost concentration once more.

“I’m s...so sorry.” She apologised again, aching from head to hoof.

“It’s quite understandable my dear.” Ivan smiled, he had such an honest and open smile, it always disarmed her, made her feel safe. “What with all that happened to you I’m surprised you can speak at all.”

“...” She responded, she had no idea of what to say about that.

“So far...” He began, pausing to push that stray lock of black hair that often fell across his face back into place with a hoof. “...so far we have spoken of your feelings on all that has happened... would you like to go over that again?”

“No...” Twilight shook her head, a little too hard, causing her neck to crack audibly. She grimaced and tried to calm her near constant fast paced heart beats with light breathing.

“Good.” He nodded. “Then let’s move on, how are you feeling today?”

“Better.” She nodded.

“Better?”

“Less... shaky...”

“Yes.” He gave her a sympathetic look. “The medicines have certainly helped.”

“Yes... thank you...”

“You are very welcome.” He gave her the smile once more, easing her tension somewhat. “Though it is my hope that the surgery will eliminate the need for drugs at all, chemical solutions have never been my favourite course of action.”

“You think... it will... work?” She asked.

“Of course.” He gave her a nod. “That is why I am here.”

“I...” She paused.

“I know its difficult Twilight.” He sighed. “But I believe its time for us to speak about what happened.”

“Oh...” Her shaking increased.

“We do not have to if you are not ready...” He began.

“No!” She shook her head forcefully. “It would probably help to... to... to... talk about it.”

He ignored her stutter, which made her feel better, he seemed not to even register it, which helped to quell her embarrassment. “Very well... do you remember much about what happened?”

“Y...Y...Yes...”

“Would you care to run us through the events?” He asked, a brow raised.

She nodded, a bit disjointedly. “I was... was going home... to my... library...”

“Yes?” He motioned for her to continue, she realised she had stopped speaking.

“I ope... ope... opened my door to... dis... discover that...”

“Yes?” He motioned her forward.

“I saw a... I found a...”

“A what?”

“A... A... A...”

“Please try Twilight, I know it’s difficult.”

“A... A Book!!!” She gasped out, then looked to him.

He nodded approvingly. “Good Twilight.” He reassured her. “You’re doing very well.”

She smiled, his voice was so soft, so kindly, it reminded her of her father. “The boo... ook, was black, all bllllack.”

“Yes.” He nodded.

“It did... didn’t have a title...”

“No.”

“It...” She struggled. “I...”

He sighed. “Would you like me to take over?” He asked.

She nodded gratefully, though she wanted to say it, it was impossible for her to do so, her head would jerk involuntarily, her heart pounded without end, her body had gained a near constant nervous twitch which ran down every limb. It was probably better for all if he led her through what happened.
“Lets see.” He lifted a page from the tower of notes he had. “Upon finding it you discovered that it was indeed a book of spells as you had suspected.”

“Y...Yes!”

“Though the meaning behind the spells were completely lost on you.”

“Yes...” She whispered and began to rock herself back and forward.

“Instead of speaking with Celestia, your teacher, you instead moved to cast one of these spells.”

“Yes...” She whimpered with shame.

“Did you not even stop to consider the implications of such an action?” He asked. “Did you not even consider the possibility that it was dangerous, where this book had come from?”

“N...no...”

He shook his head sadly. “What happened when you cast the spell?”

“Sp...Sppp...Sppppp...”

“Spirits?” He supplied.

“Spirits!” She nodded. “Sss...So mmm ma... many spirits!”

“What did they do Twilight?”

“They...” She had screwed her eyes tight, struggling to force the words out. “They... en... entered... my... mind!”

“And did what?”

“Made... me see!”

“See what Twilight?”

“See... see things!” Twilight answered. “See dark... twisted things!”

“Like what?” He leaned back in his seat, stroking his chin with a hoof.

“See... Death! Pain! F... Fear!”

“Yes.” He nodded sadly. “And how did you handle that?”

“I...” She felt tears wet her straining face. “I didn’t!”

He sighed. “Do you remember what happened next?”

She nodded with another whimper.

“Can you tell me?”

“They...” She whispered, her voice now broken and weak. “They made me... do things!”

“Like what Twilight?”

Crying openly now she forced the answer out. “They... they made me hurt... poor ponies!”

He nodded. “How?”

“They made me... They made me...” She was sweating, she couldn’t help it, she also felt her bladder threatening to burst once more, her nervousness had made it weak, liable to loosen itself whenever she dwelled on the nightmares of the past month’s events.
“They made me rape!” She gave in, falling into a fit of sorrow, weeping like a little filly, she managed to keep her bladder in check though, even with the diaper she did not wish to soil herself again.

He nodded slowly. “Rape who Twilight?”

She felt pressured, she began to shake her head violently again, this time with force. “No! Nonononononono!!!”

“Tell me Twilight.”

She struggled against her own horror but inside she felt herself crumble, she did not want to face the monster inside, she did not want to acknowledge what had happened, even if it meant she would be trapped in this state forever, the shame and disgust had forced her into a state of self loathing so powerful she had to be tied up within a straightjacket to prevent her from causing harm to herself.
“No!” She screamed as the faces of her victims rose in her mind once more.
She collapsed in on herself, pulling her legs up to her stomach and pressing her face into her knees. “No more... please... I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! Please don’t hate me! It wasn’t me! It wasn’t me!!!”

“Calm yourself Twilight.” He stood, moving to stand beside her, placing a gentle hoof upon her shoulder.

She leapt in her seat, swinging her head to face him.

“Hush Twilight.” He whispered calmly, his voice firm yet comforting. “You are safe here, no one is judging you.”
Twilight’s tears continued to flow but looking into his soft blue eyes gave her pause, helping her to forget, they were so gentle, so soothing, his voice hypnotic.
“You are safe I assure you.” He repeated. “Those spirits can’t touch you here, you have my word.”

“Pinkie... Promise?” Twilight whimpered.

He smiled, “This place was designed to negate magic Twilight.” and gave her another friendly pat on the shoulder. “You won’t be summoning any cruel spirits here.”

Twilight knew this... yet she had forgotten of course, she always forgot that, the memory of her traumatic event had left her mind out of sorts, distant, broken. Yet here it was safe, she had even tried to use magic, a simple levitation spell, yet it had failed to even materialise in any form, even to light her own horn.
“Remember that Twilight.” He assured her. “I do not lie.”

“I... know.” She smiled up at him.

“I think we have done well today.” He gave to her an honest expression of respect, returning to his seat on the opposite side of the desk. “You are coming along nicely... I am sorry to pressure you.”

“It’s... okay.” She sighed, feeling tired once more, all she ever did was feel tired.

“I shall let you get some rest.” He pressed at his intercom, informing those on the other end that the session was over. “Would you like some help sleeping or do you think you can do so on your own?”

“...” She frowned. “The... dreams...”

“I understand.” He answered. The two bulky guards entered, both dressed in white, Twilight liked them, they were gentle, especially Lemon, who had treated her with respect. “I shall be sure to pop into you room during my rounds, make sure your sleep is being left undisturbed by bad dreams.”

“Th... Thank you.” She replied with gratitude.

“I am here for you Twilight.” He answered, giving her a nod. “We all are.”

Twilight smiled as she was led from the room, she was happy for his care, he was indeed a professional. He gave her hope, which was odd especially in view of the hopelessness which had drowned her very being. She was guided through the halls, paying scarce attention whatsoever to her surroundings. She only lifted her head to look upon the door that led to the red wing, the section which held the most dangerous individuals within the asylum. She knew who was there, she knew one who meant so much to her, to all her friends... so much had happened, so much confusion and pain, it never seemed to end.
Yet it had, she had been brought here, whatever had caused the disturbances had been driven off and even now was being hunted relentlessly by both Celestia and Luna, along with all their guards. They would make it all better, perhaps then Twilight would calm... return to sanity... perhaps then she might be forgiven... though she doubted that... she had done too much.

Doctor Ivan was nice even though he revealed little of himself and was near pitch black in both mane and coat. If not for his crystal clear blue eyes she would have believed him a monster like the spirits that had infested her mind... which made her commit atrocity after atrocity...
She had passed the red wing now but even so she felt as if her friend was right there beside her, for she had been there beside her for a few of the...
Atrocities...

She didn’t want to think about it, she was too tired, too afraid to even think about it... why had she been there? Why hadn’t she tried to stop Twilight? Why had she only watched with seeming interest? This Twilight wanted to know... perhaps the doctor would find the answer?
Perhaps he already knew...
***

He forced the stray lock of mane back into position, his flowing hair was in need of cutting but he barely had the time to do so, he considered the problems with being the Director of the asylum, he had decided it was best to stay exclusively within its walls until the time was right. Terror Falls they called it, the night when all of Ponyville’s inhabitants had gone insane for many differing reasons, all without warning, most without reason he corrected himself.
And yet they were here, they were trapped and he was the only one who could help them, none in Equestria had the mind to run this facility with the skill to which he directed it, which was why he had been made Director obviously. Celestia herself had begged his aid, how could he refuse?

He couldn’t... she had asked so nicely and the chance to examine such strange specimens under such a strange circumstance was almost too alluring, he had to hold himself back from biting Celestia’s hoof off as she made the offer. Yet he had managed to remain in control, the promise of such interesting patients had been almost a gift, not that he would say he was happy for their suffering, only happy to be able to help.

He turned once more to his student, who was waiting in expectation, all he did was raise a brow and she shuddered, disturbed by what she had seen. He had only just brought her here, his faithful student, it would take time for her to get used to this, to come to terms with those that had been brought to this place.
She spoke.
“She’s paranoid.”

“And then some.” He nodded. “What else?”

His student thought about it. “I also saw that she was very confused, unable to come to terms with all she has done.”

“As it is with most of them, yet she unlike most can remember the events.” He nodded again. “Please continue.”

Considering the question some more she attempted. “She’s afraid of the truth, even though she wishes to find it more than anything.”

“Indeed.” He smiled wildly. “Explain.”

“I... can’t” She admitted, lowering her head.

He shrugged. “In truth you already have, she is afraid to face what she has done but there is also an underlining reason as to her fear.” His expression and words became ominous. “She’s horrified at the idea of the joy she felt in making others suffer.”

“But her experiences broke her!?” She countered. “And she regrets everything!”

“Have you ever done anything you enjoyed at the time but felt regret for the moment it was over?” He asked.

She considered it, then nodded, lowering her head once more. “Then... she really did enjoy raping and torturing those poor mares?”

“Madness while in effect can be truly intoxicating.” He smiled, swiveling his chair to lean his hind legs upon his desk. “Giving in to those insane desires can be a gratifying and pleasurable experience, heightened entirely by the fact that the acts you are committing are considered by society to be completely disgusting or terribly evil...” He sighed almost happily yet it was touched with an odd longing which earned him a shudder from his pupil.

They sat in silence for a while, he allowed this knowledge the time it needed to sink into her mind, she needed to understand this, dealing with psychopaths took patience and honesty, in turn they would be honest with you but to speak to one without an understanding of what moved through their mind would yield no results.

For it is in that understanding that the bond is created, forging that link was paramount between doctor and patient.
“What next?” She asked finally.

“Rounds...” He sighed, he did not mind making them but it did mean that all his patients would be asleep, something he had no ability to achieve himself, it meant there was little left to do until morning came, he hated being unproductive.
“But before that we have to meet with a very special group of individuals...” His student looked up to him with questions in mind but all she received was a knowing smile.
***

“And what have you learned?”

The question was well made however he felt it too early to broach the topic this early in his report, he sighed and gave to her a critical eye, to which she remained resolute... she had an iron will this one. He moved over to the white board, listing the details of what occurred, what they knew, what he suspected, what remained a mystery, he separated them into three fields, then on another board he drew a circle, from it he created a web entangle upon which was everything once more this time set in a way that made it easier to see the pattern of events, how they escalated and how they devolved into chaos, which was represented by the frayed ends he had skilfully drawn with the ink pens.

“As you can see...” He began vibrantly, enjoying the moment as all eyes turned to him. “...it all began with Twilight and the other unicorns involved in the summoning and or releasing of various supernatural entities...” He moved to the first board. “We discovered quickly that this was more than just a meltdown of nature or an accident, somepony or something had put into motion a series of events that began Terror Falls.”

Celestia sighed, rubbing the bridge of her muzzle with a hoof. “We know this already...”

He ignored her, this was his moment. “A quiet night erupted very quickly into chaos, madness tore its way through the streets, murder, brutality, fear... all the emotions related to everything dark within our culture, the poor ponies there had no idea what was to come nor were they prepared for the tide of emotions that swam through their bodies like wildfire.” He shook his head with a smile. “Too innocent, that’s the problem with Equestria.”

“Not so innocent anymore...” Somepony muttered.

“Of course.” He conceded. “But it all needed a trigger, or a better analogy to use would be a trip mine.”

“Please Ivan...” Celestia spoke. “Move on.”

“Very well...” He sighed and moved to the next board. “We know that whoever set things in motion required numerous magic users in order to... break the gates of Tartarus as it were.” He grinned at the small gathering. “My conclusion therefore is that we are not dealing with a unicorn.”

“How can you be sure?” A tired voice asked.

“Magic requires knowledge, something our perpetrator did not have, otherwise he would have been sure to give the books he handed out in a more ordered fashion, whoever he is he did not understand what the books truly contained and instead relied on the pictures inside, which as I had discovered during my youth can be very misleading.”

“What makes you think our target is a Stallion?”

Shaking his head sadly Doctor Ivan answered. “A mare would have paid attention to more detail, the fairer sex usually do... they would have identified the books and their contents before delivering them.”

“Perhaps she isn’t that smart?”

“Oh?” he smiled. “I’m afraid our perpetrator is very smart, he knew enough to know the strongest magic users in Ponyville, not only that he somehow managed to make all non unicorns just as insane when the nightmare began.”

“Ok... so what is he?”

“A pegasus.” Ivan answered. “Probably well built, strong and fast, able to move quickly to escape detection, he has after all remained one step ahead of you, disappearing without a trace and so on...” before the question was asked he added. “He displayed a great mind for escape and evasion, which is natural in pegasi, especially when they are the prey, instinct takes over and drives them forward yet this one is able to control that instinct, to use it in a manner that gives him full control over his actions otherwise he would have made a mistake, thus pegasus, male too, old enough to understand that control and utilise it.”

Celestia rubbed her chin with a fore hoof, her expression thoughtful. “What does this change?”

“Everything.” Ivan answered. “Think about it, this pegasus not only managed to spread a wide assortment of powerful occult books throughout Ponyville but also knew that they were in fact magical in nature.”

“Sounds like a unicorn to me.” A voice commented.

“So you say.” He smiled. “Which shows you know little of your earth and pegasus brothers and sisters.”
There was a harrumph from the small crowd.

Celestia picked up where he left off. “It also suggests that there may be other forces at work.”

Ivan nodded and grinned. “Truth right there Princess.” He said with respect. “Our perpetrator most likely received help, probably from whatever being gave or led him to the books, it is a shame we do not know where they came from...”

“We are working on that now.” Celestia answered.

He nodded, he knew that already. “This pegasus is likely in his early to mid thirties, large build and very athletic, calm and collected in public but entirely different in private, most likely sadistic and cruel, when we find a suspect it would probably be good to check up on all relations and ponies he knew, the questions you should ask therefore are simple so we won’t go into them...” he paused with a frown and turned to face them. “We don’t need to go through them do we?”

There was an awkward pause. “It might help if we did.” Celestia answered without shame, he respected that.

“I’ll write something up for you.” He shrugged. “You should all read my more detailed report when you have the time anyway.” He turned back to the board. “He is smart but he had to have left clues as to his identity, at least in a shrouded way, how did he know all these unicorns? Who to select and who not, also how did he drive all the others insane? There was no trace of any chemicals, poisons or drugs in the bodies that were examined or any trace of magical involvement...” He tapped a cheek with a hoof. “And more importantly what was the purpose to this other than to watch something burn.”

“Burn?”

“A metaphor.” Ivan answered. “I believe we are dealing with a pathological sociopath with little interest in power or gain, other than amusement and the feeling of being God over his victims... no... this pegasus wanted only one thing.” The were hooked on his words, he could tell this. “To spread chaos and fear, hate and madness... death was a factor too, which is why he is psychotic and very dangerous... his intelligence is a factor you should all accept, he wants to prove he’s smarter than you, that he is better you... more importantly he wants you to fear the fact that he may try this again elsewhere.”

“Do you think that may be a possibility?” Celestia displayed doubt.

“Without question.” Ivan replied earnestly. “This was a trial run ladies and gentlecolts, little can be said to give me doubt on that fact, this was far too clumsy in my opinion to be anything but his first attempt at this sort of thing.”

“What does this mean exactly?” Celestia asked, delicate features lined with worry. “What do we do?”

He nodded, he had gained their attention, that was good. “I would ask you remove your investigators from Ponyville now.”

“I already have.” Celestia lowered her gaze.

“Good.” he nodded. “It’s far too dangerous for unprepared ponies to stumble around in the dark out there, for all we know that would just further his plan.”

“You think he’s still watching?”

“Yes.”

...

“So what do we do?”

They were asking him now, not because they wished to see if he had an idea but because they were suddenly desperate and lost in a world that gave them fear. He smiled, suddenly the power had shifted to his hooves, they had no idea of what to do and so were turning to him for any answers that he may have, even if they were flawed he was sure they would at least take his words into serious consideration.
“I need access to Ponyville.” He gave to them the answer. “I need permission to form together a small group, to go beyond the Wall and to search for the clues your investigators could not find.”

“What makes you think you can find anything?”

Ivan shrugged. “I know what I’m looking for.” Once again before they could ask a redundant question he answered. “At least in a sense.”

“A sense?”

“I am trying to understand the mind behind this.” Ivan gave in finally. “If I understand it I can stop it, or at the very least...” He paused ominously, looking directly to the crowd “... kill it.”

The reaction was odd but not unpredictable, not many balked at the idea, perhaps they did indeed understand the reality behind this nightmare. Some did not however, the less strong willed, Celestia herself seemed to understand even if she detested the idea of killing another she knew the need for it when such actions were required in order to protect her land and her people. The ranking officers of Equestria’s army, the officers of Celestia’s personal guard, they too understood and so too did the few nobles who had offered aid... yet there were always a few less experienced yet nether the less they remained silent, the choice was purely Celestia’s to make anyway.

“Is there no other option?” Celestia asked.

Ivan sighed, there was little point trying to argue with her, that would only make her defensive. “Princess...” He began with as serious and emphatic a voice as he could muster. “... there are no other options, the sane do not last long there, the spirits, the monsters, they break the mind quickly, the only option is to trust in me and allow me to deal with this... and while I do you should search all outlying areas for any structures, hidden areas, anything that might be a storehouse for more of these ticking time bombs that render entire towns insane...” He then provided her an ominous tone that drove the worry further into their hearts.
“For if it were me doing this my next target would be the very seat of Equestria itself... Canterlot.”
***

Though his student had witnessed the meeting she did not participate, not that she could add anything, she seemed more willing to learn than to express her own opinions, which worried him, a student should feel free to speak their mind while in the presence of their teacher. Truth be told she had not been with him long and even then she had been informed of his own... handicap. He respected her however, she had proved a remarkable courage and willing to accept the offer when it was made. He liked her well enough and her tenure as his student had only just begun.

Still she had been too tired after the briefing to join him on his rounds, he did so enjoy his rounds, checking on his patients, not all of course were his nothing would get done if he were the only doctor here. But those that were his he cared for, it was his duty and his right as a doctor, he wanted them to feel safe around him, to trust him, only then would he have their complete cooperation. Yet a few he knew to be hopeless causes, one of which he was headed to right now.

The howls of the mad echoed through the hallways of the asylum, the laughter, the sobs, the wails of the damaged. Too many had been interred in this hastily made facility just on the outskirts of Ponyville. Converted from an abandoned prison the site had been quickly refitted and adapted to suit their needs, it had been only a short time since what citizens of Ponyville that could be captured had lost their sanity yet the work was already underway. He had been impressed when he had arrived at this place. The condition of the asylum was surprisingly faultless considering the state in which it had been left when it had been abandoned.

He passed through the door to the red wing, using his swipe card to gain entry, the following cells were all sealed tight, thick iron doors and reinforced walls. The majority of the cells here were padded, only a few remained otherwise, the most important inhabitant however lay at the far end of the corridor, separated by some distance from the others due to her inability to leave the others alone with her words. She was cruel, manipulative and honest to a fault. What was worse was that she was able to read him almost as well as he could read her. She was clever for one so young, if not for the fact she would attempt to kill him without hesitation he would have taken her on as his student instead of the one he had now.

He liked her too, she had an odd dark charm that he found refreshing but then he was drawn to the darkest minds most. Not that he was attracted to her do not get him wrong, he was merely... intrigued. As he neared the cell he took note of its style, he had it modified himself to make it easier to converse with her, for she was too dangerous to allow ponies to be inside the same room with her without strapping her to a gurney and placing a mask around her muzzle to prevent her from biting out arteries. She had a room, a bed and suitable reading materials, she also had a few artistic materials too though none that could be used as a weapon. She was too inventive so all they could provide her was chalk and little else, though she did not need a weapon to kill.

He paused as he came to stand before her cell, the light was on, she had control of that, a touch lamp that was built into the ceiling. She had no door, not one that could be seen but there was a way in and out, accessible from the outside only.
It was Perspex that separated her from the rest of the world, trapping her in her twelve by twelve square room, furniture of which had been bolted to the ground. The Perspex was multilayered and twenty inches thick, enough to withstand quite some force, additionally her room was under constant observation by at least three massive orderlies who had great experience with similar patients in the past. There were holes in the Perspex, enough to allow her to breath for otherwise she would be sealed inside without fresh air, the holes were too small but allowed for the scent of others to pass through, a thing he had done that so she would recognise the various visitors that came to stand in front of her.

She sat at her desk, scrawling notes with chalk upon fresh paper. Her back was to him and she seemed preoccupied by something, yet as always she spoke first.
“Good morning doctor.”

“Good morning Pinkamena.”

The pink earth pony turned to face him, her eyes rimmed by darkness, half lidded in frown of near perpetual distaste and some exhaustion. Like him she rarely slept, yet even with this fact and all that had happened she however displayed open calm, as if nothing had really affected her. He knew better and to say she was broken would be wrong, that night had changed her from her usual chaotic state to a more ordered and stable form.

He had to respect that.

She was also a cannibal, which made it difficult for many to speak to her for she had a habit of explaining to the more weak minded exactly what she would do to them if she had the chance.

It amused him, he planned to have his student speak to her sometime, the result would either strengthen or weaken his pupil and he wished to see which.

Pinkamena seemed more open and willing to the idea of conversation this night, which pleased him greatly, she had gotten used to him, with grudging respect for his lack of fear and his surplus of confidence. She had also figured out his little secret, which in all honesty was no secret at all if you knew what to look for. He pulled the chair that had been set up against the wall and placed it in the center of the hall, facing the earth pony he sat down.

“I was hoping we could talk some more.” He answered her curious glance.

“Of course.” She sighed, continuing to scribble down notes and thoughts.

“How goes your manuscript?” He asked.

She nodded gently, eyes fastened on the paper before her. “It goes well, I should have the rough draft ready for you in about a week.”

“I look forward to reading it.” He replied truthfully.

“Of course you do.” She smiled without emotion.

He then added. “I will of course be happy to type it up for you, I’m sure publishers will leap at the opportunity to get their hooves on it.”

“The same that published your own I suspect.” She gave him a short sidelong glance.

“Tell me Pinkamena.” He began. “You made it your mission to study all that happened that night, you even suggested that time there had been altered.”

“You remembered that.” She was impressed, she had only said it once in passing onto a more interesting topic. She did not pause in writing as she continued, the sound of black chalk scratching paper was almost hypnotic. “Time was indeed slower that night, as if a field had enveloped the entire town, what was minutes outside had become hours inside.”

“Interesting...” He murmured tapping a hoof to a chin. “I had suspected as much, many of my patients made statements of a similar nature, almost all described that it had felt like months while they were trapped inside.”

“Now that time has returned to normal anypony can leave or enter.” She nodded gently. “If not for that wall of course.”

“That wall is all that separates us from the creatures inside.” He spoke coldly. “I am awaiting permission to pass through the gates even now.”

“Celestia took the bait I see.” Pinkamena smiled.

“Bait is a harsh word Miss Pie.” Ivan admonished. “What I intend is the only true way to discover the cause of all this madness.”

“Something you wish to stop.” Pinkamena returned with equal mire.

“Would you not stop it?” He smiled knowingly. “After all it manipulated you, did that not anger you?”

“My methods are not your own.” She replied. “I would attempt to bend it to my will, not end it.”

“Ah Pinkamena.” He clucked his tongue twice. “You and I both know that’s a lie.”

She smiled once more. “True.”

He shrugged. “In any case I will be forming a small team to join me on my mission.”

“Are you asking me to sign up?” She paused, turning to face him and raising a brow.

“I’m not that stupid Pinkamena.” He frowned. “And I would expect you to at least know that.”

“Can’t blame a girl for trying.” Pinkamena sighed.

He shook his head slowly. “I was hoping for your input.” He delivered the issue in a straight straightforward manner, Pinkamena had little patience for veiled conversation. “As you know the likely candidates most, it would be useful to have your opinion as to my choices.”

“Very well.” She returned to her work.

“I will of course be taking Twilight.” He began, eyes growing distant as their faces rose in his mind. “After I help her to calm down a bit.”

“And her spirit problem?” Pinkamena asked.

“A useful device has been supplied, a Clamp, do you know what that is?”

“Yes.” She nodded.

“As for the second I would take Applejack.” He continued. “Though a broken vessel at the moment I believe the promise of searching for her sister will give her the strength she needs to find her old self.”

“I agree with you on that account.” Pinkamena paused and looked to the ceiling of her cell. “The Apple’s are very protective of their own.”

“The third would be Rainbow Dash but I believe that would be a mistake.”

“Explain.” She seemed interested as her eyes turned to him once more.

“She is far too resilient and unwilling to cooperate, she is also very timid though she would deny it and would most likely fly apart if I were to take her back.”

Thinking about it Pinkamena could only nod. “Continue.”

“That leaves me with only one other.” Ivan sighed. “Rarity.”

“An odd choice.” Pinkamena frowned. “Especially in the face of what she has become.”

“Yet what she has become has made her stronger, resilient to the effects of madness that infects all who enter the town’s borders.”

“Only because she, like myself, has thrown herself entirely into her own insanity.” Pinkamena answered.

“I don’t see a problem with that.” He answered.

“You believe you can control her?” She raised a brow, turning a head to peer at him with a single eye. He had to admit, she had large crystal clear eyes which made it easier to read her emotions, or it would had her emotions not become as cold as ice.

“I do.”

“You know what you will have to do to get her on your side.” She was obviously testing him but he had prepared himself for this.

“Don’t you worry about that Pinkamena.” He responded, staring directly into the orb that glared at him. “I have already taken that into account.”

She continued to look at him for a moment, their eyes locked in brief challenge, yet both knew neither would give in. “Why not Fluttershy?”

“At this point and time Fluttershy is not only incapable of forming coherent thought she is proving entirely untreatable, trapped in a state of shock.”

“Yes.” Pinkamena replied, her lips touched with the slightest of cruel smiles. “It is a pity, what happened to her.”

“And yet you watched every moment of it didn’t you.” He countered. “Did it please your curiosity?”

“Goodnight doctor.” She answered, breaking eye contact and returning to her work.

Standing he smiled victoriously, she could test him all she wanted but in the end it would always end the same way, she knew nothing of his past and so did not know what buttons to press to best him.
“Goodnight Pinkamena.”
***

“Applejack.” Ivan greeted her. “And how are we feeling today?”

The earth pony looked haggard but still in a better condition from when she arrived, the once noble and strong farm girl had been reduced to a mournful wreck, little remained of the sturdy element of honesty, this poor young mare had become a shadow, a shard, broken and almost without free will, quick to plead and beg, quick to fall to her most favourite of vices.
“Good doc... considerin.” She responded tiredly. “Thank ya’ll again fer what you’re doin for me.” Turning somewhat to his student she added. “You too...”

He nodded, out of the six Applejack was one of two that recognised his student’s presence during these little sessions and even believed her there to help as well, which in a way she was. AJ however would say anything to avoid being hurt, shouted at or even threatened, terrified of her own shadow and paranoid to no end, perhaps more so than Twilight whose only fear was the voices of the spirits that had ravaged her mind without mercy. AJ had been hit hard, perhaps harder than most, the level of abuse she had suffered from one she had trusted had been great, that betrayal had rendered her desperate and without a solution, therefore judging her in anyway would break her already broken mind further.

“Are the cravings still there?” Ivan asked.

Applejack shifted uncomfortably in her seat, looking down upon the ground with shame. “Yeah...”

“Good.” He nodded, receiving a confused glance which quickly disappeared when it made contact with his eyes. “Admitting it is a sign of recovery.”

“Oh right, Ah getcha.” Applejack nodded.

“Do you have any questions?” He asked.

She hesitated giving him a brief glance, hoping to see some encouragement, he nodded. Taking a deep breath she began. “Ah’d hoped...” She flinched. “Ah was wonderin if you had heard anythin... bout Apple Bloom?”

“I see...” He replied with some sympathy. “I’m afraid not.”

“Oh...” She seemed to collapse once more into helpless depression. “...Ah understand.”

He shook his head sadly, this would only continue until word of her younger sister reached them... or until something else came up. Yet he had to persist, he had to try, “Would you be up to answering a few questions?”

She took a deep breath, then nodded.

“We have already discussed the feelings of loneliness and all that happened with Braeburn...” The name made her shudder. “What we haven’t discussed is what your sister was doing while you remained barricaded within you farm.”
Applejack frowned.
“Would you care to clear up that issue?” He suggested.

AJ however only revealed confusion, eyes flicking from space to space on the floor. Her mind raced with thoughts, sifting through memories, avoiding the more tangled and knotted areas that caused her to feel dead inside. She searched and searched yet barely any information rose. Realisation drove her mind away from the nightmares and directly to her sister, which had been an odd blur since she had been taken from her farm.
“Oh Celelstia...” Applejack murmured as the horror of this dawned on her.

“I had thought as much.” He sighed.

“What...” She began to shake, lifting her hooves to her face. “What have Ah done!?”

“Try to remain calm.” He suggested.

“Calm!?” She exploded, lifting from the seat, causing it to topple over, he had avoided this line of questioning for a good reason but now he needed to trigger this, to return this ponies strength to her, some would say it was too early but he knew better, also he needed her. “How can Ah be calm!? Mah sister is runnin around Ponyville, all scared alone an worried fer her sister and Ah...” She hesitated, eyes growing distant. “Ah... didn’t even...”

She couldn’t finish, so he did so for her. “For all you know your sister could have succumbed to madness and you did not even notice.”

“...”

“She could have been terrified, who knows what Braeburn did to her.”

“Oh Celestia...” She collapsed.

“I must ask you something.” He looked down on her in a friendly manner. “It may confuse you.”

“Ah don’t...”

“What was your sister’s reaction to the chaos outside of your farm?” He asked.

Applejack had pulled herself into a ball on the ground but as she considered his question she began to unravel. Her eyes darted from one corner of her mind to the other, seeking out the answers that she may or may not have even noticed.
“She... seemed fine...”

“Fine?”

“Ah don’t know.” She rubbed her forehead. “She was happy... like she didn’ even notice...”

“That’s odd.” He frowned.

“She... smiled, laughed, drew pictures...”

“What kind of pictures?” He asked.

“Ah...” She thought about it. “Ah don’t know...”

“I see.”

“Ah’m a terrible sister!” Applejack coiled up again.

“I won’t try to tell you otherwise.” He responded, earning a groan. “But that is beside the point, your sister needs you now more than ever, she needs you to be strong.”

“But...”

“No Applejack.” He responded coldly. “You were so busy addling your brain with alcohol that you did not even see your sister’s descent, or even acknowledge that something was wrong with her.”

“But she...”

“The fact she was calm and happy with the world around her shows me that she was indeed being affected by the curse.” He corrected. “I have little doubt she herself is mad and if my suspicions are correct she has become a predator.”

“A what!?”

He shook his head at her shock. “When nightmares strike it is the calm that consume.”

“...”

“And from what Miss Pie has told me I have little doubt she has already killed.”
Applejack’s eyes became stricken, disbelief filled her and she began to rise, expression enraged and shocked at the idea. But before she could speak he continued. “Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were all involved with Pinkamena and her actions.”

“What...?” Applejack began with a growl.

“Pinkamena would not lie about that.” He frowned at her. “Those three fillies are lost in that world right now and are no doubt up to no good, eventually it will catch up with them.”

AJ paused, considering his words, then pleaded. “What do Ah do!?”

Always they turned to him, it was a sign that they trusted him, even if it was through desperation. “There is something.” He motioned for her to take her seat, which she did, placing it back on its legs. Once sat down he continued. “I am preparing a venture to Ponyville.”

“Pardon?” She whispered, shocked once more.

“I would appreciate it if you joined me.”`

“What!?” She burst, a wildness to her eyes as panic set in. “Are y’all here ponies gone crazy!?”

He stared directly at her, showing no signs of uncertainty, eyes dark and strong. “I am very much serious.”

“But it’s a mad house out there!!!” AJ exploded, eyes wide and terrified. “You want me to go back there!? Ah’m not going anywhere near that place!!!”

“Not even to find Apple Bloom?” He raised a questioning brow.

“...” She froze, wild eyes remained fixed on his.

He smiled, eyes becoming kindly once more. “I know you want to find her... I also believe that to recover from your weakened state you need something to do, something to aim for, searching for your sister would do you good, especially with myself there to help you.”

“...”

“The fact is you need to be distracted from your weaknesses, the reason you fell to alcoholism is because you had nothing to do, nothing to work for, losing Big Macintosh and Granny Smith had only been the beginning and killing Braeburn had taken you out of yourself, leaving you with little more than bad thoughts, alcohol seemed to be the only cure but even so it didn’t last long before it made you feel worse, sick inside and ashamed, it may have blunted your memories, blinded you from the nightmares lurking outside your farm but in the end those nightmares caught up.”
She shuddered.
“And yes.” He added. “You were indeed a terrible sister.”
Applejack began to cry, pushing her face into her arms.
“Your sister deserves better.”

“You’re right.” She replied with tears. “Ah’m a terrible sister.”

“But you are all she has now.” He stood, coming to stand beside her, placing a hoof upon her shoulder and giving it a comforting pat. “Without her granny and her big brother she needs her sister now more than anything.”

She raised her head slightly to look at him with tear soaked eyes. “But Ah’m...”

“She needs you to be strong.” He continued, looking off in another direction, expression serious. “She needs you to save her, from the nightmares... from Ponyville.” His eyes fell on AJ. “From herself.”

“From herself...” AJ repeated in a whisper.

“She needs to be shown that what she has done is wrong.” He answered. “She needs to realise the impact of her actions.” He gave her a sad frown. “She needs to be cared for by somepony who will beat some sense into her.”

“...”

“And I need you to do that Applejack.” He finished. “For only you can.”

“But I’m not good enough.” AJ whispered, eyes shaky.

“You have to be.” He was adamant. “You have to be for her.”

“...”

“Otherwise...” He stood.

“Otherwise?” Applejack showed genuine concern.

“Otherwise,” He continued, eyes focusing on her face. “She may find herself dead.”

“Dead...” AJ gaped in horror.

“It’s a very real reality Miss Applejack.” Ivan nodded. “I need your help, to discover the truth and free Ponyville from its curse, in doing so we may very well save Apple Bloom and her friends.” He offered her a hoof. “But there is a way, a way for you to be sure, a way to prevent such a happening... if you work with me.”

She looked at the offered limb, it was true she was terrified of her home town now, she was a simple pony and all the creatures and magic did not hold well with her, she had barricaded her farm as best she could, shuttered all the windows and then boarded them up, set up traps and all kinds of ingenious things to protect her sister. Yet she had failed, her sister had not been protected, somehow she had fallen to the same insanity every other pony had fallen to, every moment she had thought them safe had been a lie, every moment she had kept her sister there had been a mistake...

She had decided to stay, because Sweet Apple Acres was their home, it was all they had but that had perhaps been the problem, how could she have been so blind? How could she have been so ignorant to her sister’s needs?
“I need you Applejack.” He added. “Apple Bloom needs you.”

And of course he sounded so sincere, so honest, even if warning bells rose in her mind... she wasn’t sure of anything anymore, was it her fear that made her hesitate? Was it her weak willed nature? Probably, she had been running blind now for so long she had lost the ability to tell truth from lies, reality had slipped and been replaced by confusion...
But Apple Bloom needed her... that was the truth right there before her.

Slowly she reached out a hoof, shaking and hesitant. Apple Bloom was out there, facing the nightmares AJ had been too terrified of to face, she had been through so much and she needed her big sister... for all AJ knew her little sister was terrified and alone, crying out for her sister to save her from the monsters that walked the streets, looking for their next victim and their next meal... She could imagine her sister’s tear streaked filly face, looking up at her, looking for AJ to come rescue her...
And where was she?

Hiding behind this stallion and his asylum, hoping he would solve everything... how pathetic she had become, how much she loathed herself! For the first time in a while she thought of something other than her next gulp of booze, other than the fear and the shame.

She ground her teeth together, she found the strength she had thought lost, in the form of anger.
She reached out and with her own hoof locked it with his.
He lifted her into a stand.
“Good.” He smiled. “Good.”

“Ah’ll go with you.” AJ declared, expression set in determination. “And Ah’ll find mah sister! An Ah’ll give her a right cuffin if she deserves!”

“That’s the element of Honesty that we all know and love.” He grinned.

“Thank you doc!” AJ smiled back, feeling better now than she had in what seemed a lifetime. “Whatever you need Ah’m your pony!”
***

“How...” His student whispered, shortly after, when AJ had been returned to her room. “How did you do that?”

“Honesty.” He answered, then to her confused expression. “Sometimes we have to be honest with them, no matter how cruel or brutal, sometimes we have to tell them the facts, without judgement or veiled truths.”

“I see.” She frowned. “But I thought...”

“Applejack is an honest and strong mare.” Ivan supplied. “All she needed was to be shown the truth and to be given another chance.”

“That’s impressive.” His student displayed honest admiration.

“I also hypnotised her a bit.” He added.

“...”

“Just to make her more pliable and willing to hear my words.” He answered.

She smiled, she was slowly getting used to his unusual methods. “So... Who next?”

“Well my student.” He sighed. “Now we must see to Rarity.”

His student paused. “I have not heard anything of her so far.”

“Then my dear Kara,” He chuckled. “You are in for a treat.”
***

Rarity was brought into the office, his student watched with interest as the unicorn was shown to her seat, trapped inside a straightjacket even though she appeared calm and open, friendly even. Rarity seemed completely at ease, happy to tell the truth, which surprised the student even more but what surprised her most was the cuts and the scars. Three cuts over her left eye revealing something odd to the stable looking mare. Her expression was soft, sensual, as were her eyes which stared openly at Ivan and his features, examining him.

“Good morning Miss Rarity.”

“And to you too Doctor.” Rarity nodded. “And how are you this day?”

“Acceptable.” He shrugged. “And you seem the same.”

“Thank you.”

“You have yet to meet my Student yet have you.” He motioned to her.

“Indeed I haven’t.” Rarity smiled, turning her powerful gaze onto her, eyes flowed over her body, even if hidden inside the large black robe she still felt like she was on display to this white coated pony with a purple mane. “And what is your name my dear?”

Kara looked to Ivan to save her.
“I’m afraid she isn’t allowed to say anything.” Ivan did indeed come to her rescue. “Nor can she show her face, however she is helping me in my current task.”

“And how goes that task?” Rarity asked with real interest.

“Quite well actually.” He answered.

“Well that is good to hear.” The unicorn gave a small laugh, with genuine care. “I am surprised, I did not expect it to be so.”

“I am good at my job.” He shrugged. “Any complaints so far?” He asked.

“Not really.” Rarity sighed. “Except that I cannot brush my mane, it must be in a dreadful state.”

“Not as much as you think.” He assured her. “Until I’m sure you won’t hurt yourself I’m afraid that will have to wait.”

“I understand.” Rarity sighed. “So...” She smiled suddenly bright. “What will it be today good doctor? Shall we discuss more of what happened that night or shall we speak of other things?” There was an offer in her eyes that confused Kara.

“I was wondering if you have made a decision as to my offer yet.”

“Oh yes.” Rarity nodded, her back straight and her shoulders set, Ivan’s student could not help but admire the mare’s attitude, even if there was a darker lining somewhere there. “Well... I have not really come to a decision in that regard I’m afraid.”

“Quite understandable.”

“I realise my sister may indeed need me.” Rarity added. “Do not think me totally without heart.”

“I did not.”

“But I am far and away the worst role model for her right now.”

“True.”

“As much as I miss her...” Rarity frowned. “I doubt I can be of any real help to you, I’m not much of a combatant.”

“The changelings would disagree.” He smiled.

“Oh yes.” Rarity sighed. “But that was some time ago, so much has changed I hope you understand.”

“I do.”

“And... well...” She paused, her features taking on a more fragile form. “...I don’t think I’m ready to go back yet.”

“I understand.” He murmured. “What about the others?”

“My friends?” Rarity asked, he nodded. “I hope they are doing well, I cannot say I’m not worried about them.”

Ivan leaned back in his seat. “Considering all that has happened most are doing well.”

“And Fluttershy?”

“She...” He paused. “Is not doing so well to be honest.”

“Yes.” Rarity lowered her eyes. “I take it she hasn’t spoken yet.”

“No.”

“Poor dear.” Rarity shook her head. “I hope she recovers.”

“She is still in total shock.” He added. “I have reason to believe she cannot tell reality from her own hallucinations.”

“I do hope she gets better.”

“I do too.” He gave her a penetrating stare. “So what’s stopping you?”

“Pardon?”

“From returning with me to Ponyville.”

“Ah...” Rarity looked away. “I wish it was a simple as being afraid or not caring.”

“Go on.”

Rarity looked to him, her eyes becoming warmer. “I just do not have the inclination to do so.”

“But your sister...”

“She’s probably better off without me.”

“So you say.”

“You know it to be true.”

“She is wondering around out there lost you know.” He pointed out. “Don’t you care?”

“Of course I do.” Rarity answered sincerely. “I want nothing more than to hold her once more!”

“Then go with me.”

“I...”

“Please Rarity.” He leaned forward, leaning his elbows on the desk and steepling his hooves. “I know its difficult, your... shall we say questionable desires have led you to do things that you believe are terrible and wrong...”

“Which they are.” Rarity smiled knowingly.

“But you must look past yourself to see that things are only going to get worse if we don’t do something about it.”

“I wouldn’t know what to do.” Rarity sighed. “I’m not the pony I once was, something’s wrong with me, I cannot be trusted to fight this battle.”

“I disagree.” He put forward.

“I do not.” Rarity countered with somewhat angry eyes. “I will only be a liability... do not get me wrong, I want everything to be the way it was... but that won’t happen, not with what I have done, my sister doesn’t trust me anymore and I cannot blame her, she trusted me and I let her down.”

“Yes...” He conceded.

“She won’t want to see me.” Rarity lowered her gaze. “She must think me a monster and she’s right, what I did to her... I deserve no remorse, there is no second chance for me...”

“Once more I disagree.”

“I cannot help you.” She sighed. “As much as I want to.”

“Then do.” He lowered his arms onto the desk. “Let go of this self pity and come with me to Ponyville.”

“I can’t...” She murmured.

“You can.” He growled. “You’re still Rarity, you’re still able, you have the ability to do so.”

“...”

“Rarity?”

His student watched as a change came over the unicorn, her expression became odd, as if she were falling asleep, her voice became small as she began to murmur words neither could here, the unicorn began to collapse in on herself, it was fascinating to watch but even so his student was filled with a touch of dread, she was still young, new to this line of work even though she had studied it for years, the idea of this patient exploding wildly still gave her pause for fret.
“Miss Rarity?” Ivan asked, louder this time.

“You think I can help you.” The unicorn muttered, as if she were somewhere else. “But I can’t... I’m useless... dirty... a filthy whore... mommy’s not clean anymore, mommy’s a broken toy, a waste of space, truly garbage that should be tossed without mercy...”

“Miss Rarity.” Ivan stated with some annoyance, eyes growing tired.

“Mommy’s not worth the effort or the time so why waste it on her, she’s not worth saving anyway, not this filthy, filthy little bitch!” Her words were growing louder, her eyes screwed tight, watering slightly. “I’m disgusting, I need to be punished, beaten! Thrown away!”

“Miss Rarity will you please calm down.”

“She can’t be saved... she likes it too much, likes the way it burns, likes the way it hurts...” Rarity was in full throw now, Kara had pulled away as if the unicorn were contagious. “She likes the way her skin bleeds when cut, she like the feel of the blade as it cuts her, she like the pain it causes... why waste your time? Why give her mercy?”

Ivan groaned. “For the love of all things Rarity, we don’t have the time for this.”

“Mommy’s ugly, mommy’s a disgrace... but mummy still wants’ to be loved... why won’t anyone love her?”

“I don’t understand.” His student whispered, turning to him, he gave her a shrug.

“Mommy’s just scared ok, she’s scared of being blamed even though she deserves it, even though she deserves to be ignored forever... she’s not nice... she’s not good... she throws herself around, hurts herself... but... but...”

Ivan was staring at her, studying her, he had seen this many times but still it intrigued him. His student noted that Rarity was struggling with her jacket, trying to break free without actually trying, as if she were instead attempting something else, self harm perhaps? Did the unicorn get off on self mutilation... the student looked to Rarity’s cuts again, feeling justified in her belief, there were many nicks and scratches on her face, obviously the mare loved pain, if her tirade spoke anything to the obvious.
“I just... I just...” Rarity attempted. “But I can’t... mommy can’t do anything, Sweetie hates me now... I can’t blame her, I’m so disgusting... I’m so fucked up! I can’t do anything right!”

Ivan shook his head sadly, things had been going so well...

“But... but... Mommy still cares, she still wants to help... even if she can’t.... she’s still loving, she’s still warm... she’s still alive...”

It was fascinating, at least his student thought so, Rarity displayed all the signs, all the natural signs, had this been going on before that night? Had Rarity been absorbed by self mutilation before the effects of that traumatic event? Or had it been minor, only in the forms of... erotic behaviour and kinky sex? Was this pony insane before she came here?

She was rambling, that was obvious, but even so there was a careful action to her movements, not so much as scared and worried as she would have them believe... no his student saw something else, something more, she felt amazed that it was even possible but Rarity, who was known to those who followed the stories passed around about the six elements of harmony to be a bit melodramatic... perhaps a bit more than a bit... yet here and now Rarity displayed this in a form far apart from the usual, this was an attempt, a form of attack... Rarity had become a Predator!

Her jaw dropped open as realisation struck her.

Kara had thought Rarity submissive but instead she was dominant, she was leading them through this tirade for a reason other than selfish childishness... did her teacher know this?
She looked to him, he looked back, his eyes displayed pride.
Damn it! Could he read her mind too!?

“But Mommy’s still strong right?” Rarity continued. “Mommy’s still alright...” Her head lifted eyes locking with Ivan’s, teary and large. “Mommy’s still pretty... right?”

“Yes Rarity.” He sighed. “You are still very much the beautiful pony you were before all this.”

“...” She smiled like a filly, closing her eyes and allowing the tears to flow.

“I must admire your ability to remain defiant.” He stated, earning a slight curl to rarity's lips, she was enjoying this, she had thrown an insult without actually throwing an insult, the student was indeed impressed.
Yet Ivan was anything but dissuaded. “We will speak about this again Miss Rarity.” He finished finally. “You will be going back to Ponyville with me and you will do so willingly.”

Rarity did not speak as the orderlies came, leading her out of the room as gently as possible... she might have the orderlies fooled by appearing fragile and weak but the teacher and his student knew differently, this mare was dangerous, to others as well as herself. The student suppressed a shudder as thoughts and scenarios ran across her mind, just what had Rarity done while in Ponyville during that long night? Who had she hurt? She had been brought here, without any evidence as to say she had harmed anypony but suddenly the student thought and believed otherwise.

“What did I tell you.” He grinned. “Was that something or what?”

“What was that?” She was in shock.

“I know.” He smiled. “Interesting wasn’t it?”

“I can’t believe it...” She whispered.

“You remember Pinkamena right?” He asked.

“Yes but...” His student began but broke off once more.

“Pinkamena doesn’t hide it.” He nodded. “Whereas Rarity...” He smiled and shrugged.

“I wonder what she did while she was alone out there.” His student seemed lost to the idea of it. “What level does this cruelty of hers go?”

He shrugged. “I can tell you only what I know, what is in her is not outwardly savage like Pinkamena but it is dangerous, she is manipulative and likely to harm others as she is herself, lets face it, she’s generous, with her body as she is with pain.”

“But when she was found... she just let the guards take her.” His student persisted.

“All part of her game.” He answered. “What was she to do?” He asked. “Run away? Hide? That isn’t her way, she likes it personal, upfront and she is willing to go through anything to get what she wants.”

“But what does she want?” His student asked.

“I did not know you were so interested in her motives.” He smiled. “It’s quite obvious what she wants... lust.”

“...” She blushed.

“She may appear generous with her body and mind but she is in actual fact as selfish and cruel as the hungriest of monsters.” He closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat. “Almost but not quite as dangerous as our notorious pinkamena herself.”

“I am curious as to how you will get her on your side.” His student stated, covertly watching him as she returned to her work.

He folded her fore hooves in his lap and appeared as if to be asleep, it was only moments later that he answered.
“It won’t be pretty.”
***

“Oh...” Twilight responded. “Ok...”

She still shook, he felt sorry for the poor girl, she had been through quite some trauma and had been damaged, literally by the experience. He wondered just how many of her brain cells had been fried, the nerve endings had taken a heavy toll and that was a fact... yet there was hope, all he had to do was make her see, she had to trust him, if anything she needed to believe he could help her. He could give her back her old life, perhaps a bit tarnished but then life was like that, cruel and unrelenting, at least in his experience. He wanted to give her the hope to continue, she had placed her future in his hooves and because of that it was more than a simple obligation.
It was his duty, his job, his reason for being.

“It might not be perfect but I assure you it is the best option.”

“Are...” She began, biting the words off as they left her mouth. “...you s...sure I’m... re... ready?”

He nodded, placing a hoof on her shoulder as he often did and looking into her wet rimmed wide eyes. “Twilight... at this time my opinion mean little, it is up to you to be ready or not.” He then smiled again, that blasted smile that disarmed her so... “If you are not then do not feel pressured to do so, it can wait.”

“But... I...” She seemed about to cry.

“I know.” He nodded, removing his hoof, the suggestion had been planted, she would calm a bit more now. “You want to be normal again but even with the surgery it will be a long while before you are fully recovered.”
She nodded.
“It may be too soon to ask but...” He took a deep breath. “...would you be willing to speak to Celestia?”

“Nnnnnnnnn...” She began, sheer panic leaking out of every pour.

He placed his hoof upon her shoulder once more. “It’s ok, I will explain, she will understand.”

“...hates me...” He heard her mutter.

“I believe she feels anything but hate for you right now Twilight.” He attempted to reassure her. “It is plain to me that you are not ready so do not fear, it can wait.”

“I...”

“Let’s be honest Twilight.” He sighed. “The reason I am even suggesting surgery at this point is because the drugs are not working as well as I had hoped, you are far too damaged for that so invasive is the only way forward...” He smiled sadly. “...I know it is a little scary to imagine but I assure you the best surgeon in Equestria is on the job.”

“But...” She fretted.

“Yes?” He raised a brow.

“Wha... what... about... y... you?”

He smiled, such trust, he wondered if she would still trust him knowing the truth. “Yes... I could do it myself, I am no stranger to neurosurgery...” He frowned. “But I am far from the best, it would be better to allow another and anyway...”
She looked to him with question.
“Celestia chose this surgeon especially.” He answered. “Doctor Pulse in one of the finest I have ever had the pleasure to meet, she and I trained together and she was at the top of our class, I have no doubt you are in good hoofs with her.”
Twilight still seemed unsure.
“Trust me Twilight.” He pleaded. “I would not lie to you.”

She frowned, he seemed so honest, it felt to her as if he needed her to get better, how could she deny that when she wanted it so much, she smiled at him finally, she did trust him, he was one of the most likable kindly people she had ever had the pleasure of meeting... it was such a shame that she had met him under such circumstance.

“O... Ok...”

He smiled brightly at her, giving a gentle tussle to her mane. “It will be better, you’ll see.”
***

He had watched the surgery, having already put it on the schedule he had no more patients to see that day. It was important to him to watch this, not just to make sure in his own mind that things went well but to also witness the act in person. He had not attended such for almost seven years, to say he missed it was an understatement, in his youth he had spent a lot of time under those bright lights, over the body of some poor unfortunate who needed his medical aid. He had loved every second of it, revelled in it, there was no finer moment than knowing that a patients life lay in the balance and the only one that could save them was you and you alone. He would admit that that perhaps was not the best reason to be a doctor yet it was his reason, the rush it had given him in the past had always left him feeling euphoric after every successful difficult surgery.

He wished he could go back, he wished he could change all that had happened... but if it hadn’t he wouldn’t be here now, at the frontlines of this battle against good and evil.
He smiled to himself, never had he thought he would take the neutral path, the side that stood alone, neither good or evil but something in-between, that grey area where selfish drive and honest action meant more than righteous heart or cruel nature.

And yet here he was, right in the centre of an alignment he had once ignored. He knew what it was to stand on the fence now, looking in from both sides, psychology did that, separated you from the rest of the world leaving little to be ignored, seeing all things even the grimier details both side could ignore. If done right there was no ignorance and that was what made it all the harder to act. No wonder neutrals chose to remain aloof, to act was to put one’s own sanity on the line, to risk all for no gain, yet here he was, choosing a side and wondering if it was the right one.

There was no going back, Celestia had come to him desperate and with no other options, fear had driven off all others and all that was left was him, her choice had been questionable and many had argued against it yet in the light of things her choice had been the right one, he was the only one now that could stop this. Celestia could not enter that patch of Equestria now, not without risking her sanity and as for Luna... well the reasons were obvious. And in the end they would have probably failed anyway, the risks were too great and the danger too high, better to send someone with little to lose, with nothing to lose was even better. Of course he had to have the ability, to do what even the princesses could not do... lucky for all that he did. Twilight lay unconscious on her back as Pulse finished up, there had been no complications thankfully. He expression was serene, fillylike, even with all the coverings around her head and breathing tube hanging from her mouth. It was lucky she wore her mane in such a manner as she did for it would cover the scar nicely, it would most likely fade over the years but still it did good to be able to hide such things, she was a young budding mare after all.

All they had to do now was wait, wait for Twilight to awaken and to see if all was well. Usually under such conditions a patient would have been conscious, to help map out the various areas that controlled her nervous system, however with her inability to control her movements and the possibility of another panic attack or episode it was best to rely on magic to perform the surgery, to which Pulse had proven time and time again to be more than able to do.

He stood above them, separated from the room by glass, below moved five ponies in total, each a member of Pulse’s very own team. He admired her in a lot of ways, they had even dated once, until her drive for advancement and career had made them drift apart, he did not blame her for it, he had even been proud of her, it was jus they way he was. Even so the way she would roll her shoulders and stretch her neck made him long for something more...

She removed her mask, having finished with the stitching, looking up she caught his eye. She frowned and levelled at him an expression of purest disgust.

He smiled.

She turned away and threw her mask into a nearby basket.

“It went well?” A soft yet strong voice asked from behind him.

“Yes Princess.” He answered. “You arrived just in time.”
She came to stand beside him, her face touched by shame. “I could not stand to watch...”

“I understand.” He replied softly. “She is your student... and more.” He gave her a sidelong glance, attempting to gauge her reaction.
She remained resolute... damn he admired this alicorn.
“Only time will tell now if it was a success.” He finished, returning his eyes to his patient.

“I wish...” She whispered, almost reaching out a hoof longingly. She then looked to him. “What else can you tell me about our suspect?”

Ivan nodded. “Aside from all I have revealed I can also tell you he is highly trained in martial arts and knife play, he has skill akin to the gryphon warriors and can easily navigate his way past your wall.”

“Even if he is a pegasus he cannot fly over the wall.” The Princess stated. “Magic prevents entry or escape from the sky.”

“He has other means.” Ivan countered. “He has also enlisted the aid of those still inside the wall.”

“How can you be sure of that?” She frowned.

“It’s what I would do.” Ivan smiled. “Those who are easily swayed, bribed, assured survival or better weapons upon which to defend themselves, if our perpetrator has a way in or out he could easily supply these tools to the few miscreants that dwelled in Ponyville and survived the initial slaughter.”

“I’m glad I shared the reports with you.” Celestia murmured.

“It is good you did.” He agreed. “I should also inform you that these enlisted will be unswayable, they have nothing left to lose but their lives and most likely in their minds they have already lost the fear of death or capture.”

“I see...”

“Have you considered my proposal?” He asked.

She sighed. “You ask much of me Ivan.”

“So too did you of me Princess.” He replied and in a way it was true.

They stood in silence for some time but finally she broke it, with more strength in her voice this time. “I am unsure as to whether this idea of yours is truly the only way to proceed.”

So she needed more encouragement, he could do that but as a Psychologist it was always wise to start with the dark stuff, the real meat and bones, the underlining reality that most made wait for the end, sometimes it was good to breach that wall before it became too strong.

“Let’s get one thing clear Princess.” He began, his voice becoming a touch colder. “I am no fool, the only reason you speak to me in a pleasant manner is because you need me, because there is no one else, because you wish me to be more pliable.”

She did not deny this.

“You act as you do, truthfully and honestly revealing your emotions to me simply because you wish to make me feel more welcomed into my position...” He did not look at her, not because it added more effect or because he wanted to hide the anger in his eyes. “...you do so to make me feel sympathetic towards you but I don’t... my only care is for those I have seen here.” He did not stop there. “You act openly because you know I would detect false emotions instantly, you open yourself because you know I would not have accepted your offer otherwise.”
Once more she remained silent.
“You need me.” He answered. “And when you are done with me...”

“What do you want?” She asked, cutting him off.

He gave a short laugh. “The funny thing is Princess... I know I can trust you, when you make an offer like this, what I want? We never did discuss that did we?”

“No.”

“Truth be told you have already given me everything I want.” He answered.

“Then what was the point of this?” She asked, finally turning to look at him with a somewhat angry frown.

“I wanted you to be sure that I am not an idiot.” He responded, now with no anger or any emotion at all. “All I need from you is your trust, at least until this is over.”

“Trust?” She resisted the urge to snort.

“Yes Celestia.” He turned to her, sharing a look that was once more on equal terms. “I like you, you have the strength and determination to do what is necessary.” He looked back to Twilight. “You trusted her after all, you put all of Equestria, our futures and our lives in her hooves.”

“I was right to.” She answered.

“Yes.” He nodded. “But now it’s my turn and the question remains, do you choose to send good to fight an evil you do not understand...” He spun to face her fully. “...or do you send another evil, one you know and understand already?”

She did not balk under his relentless gaze, instead she only revealed how truly taxed she was in mind body and soul. “Do I trust you?”

“You would not have placed Twilight in my hooves if you did not.” His answer was to the point.

She sighed, lowering her head. “If I agree...” She murmured. “I want your pledge that you will do this right... that you won’t betray me.”

“I do not lie Princess.” He almost growled. “If I must I will instead not speak at all.”

“So do I have it?”

“Yes Princess.” He answered, eyes like stone and all dark. “You do.”

She nodded. “Then I will relent... if you can provide for me a suitable team that I agree to.”

“That I can do.” He answered, turning to face Twilight once more, worrying as to how she would pull through. “That I can most certainly do.”

Author's Note

Chapter One is a simple introduction into the world of the asylum, as well as an explanation as to some of what happened to cause all that is happening, for those of you wondering why this was less funny than the Prologue the answer is simple, this is a serious story, the comedy will reappear but when needed most.
I didn't like this chapter so much, though I did enjoy writing it, especially the Pinkemena (Hannibal Lector) scene.
I hope LMR isn't too mad I used his Rarity character profile in this story...

Chapter Two: His Name Is Qray

Chock, Chock, Chock, Tink, Chock...
The monotonous sound of pick against stone begun to wear down his senses, over and over they beat against rock with iron tools worming their way deeper and deeper into the ground beneath the cursed town which lay above. They worked endlessly and in many cases to death, a slave labour force driven by fear to further his aims... he detested them, this was not how he had planned to spend the next few days... it had been bad enough with the perpetual night and constant effort to drive the point home that he was in charge. Crazies the lot of them and not even the useful kind, even the more intelligent ones he had employed into his service were little more to him than slaves.

He sighed and moved away, following the line of ponies who looked at him covertly with dread. He wasn’t used to being out in the open like this, even underground, he preferred things shadowy and quiet but this was anything but quiet.

It had gotten risky at one point, as Celestia’s agents moved throughout the town attempting to discover him and those that were still missing.
The creatures made it easier but even so...

He moved closer to the pony he had left in charge, a small cretin with barely any backbone, protected by two overly large stallions with less braincells combined than a baked potato, a potato of which probably had a greater ability to comprehend what was going on. He moved silently, hugging to the wall as he quietly came up behind a nervous wreck with a bluish green mane and pale purple coat.

“I want this entire area mined out in the hour!” Split yelled over the noise of work, his horn lit in a spell that amplified his annoying voice. “Any lagging and you’ll all be sorry!”

“Yes boss!” One of the enforcers nearby replied, kicking at a worker to appear more active.

“And no going soft on them!” Split snapped. “Just coz most of them are mares doesn’t mean you treat them any different!”

“Yes boss!” Another enforcer answered with less intelligence in his voice, moving over to one of the mares and kicking her as the first had done to another.

“Split.”

Split almost leapt out of skin as he felt the breath on the back of his neck, hairs standing on end he spun to face the apparition of fear. “Ah Qray!” Split shuddered, unable to look the silent observer in the eyes for more than a second. “I’m glad you arrived, we have made excellent progress!”

Qray looked at the ‘progress’ with a sneer of disbelief. “Any slower and we will be here for weeks.”

Split blanched at the complaint. “We are trying our best!” He pleaded attempting to back away.

Qray shook his head and began moving forward to remain close to the small overseer. This was anything but their best, he had seen better from children. “One would think you are trying to annoy me.”

“Not at all!” Split grimaced, raising a hoof to ward of Qray’s cold anger.

“I would hope you appreciate the fact that we have limited time to achieve our goals.” Qray muttered, forcing the Split to step back further as he stepped forward to stare unblinkingly eye to eye with the small unicorn.

“I do! I do!” Split stammered. “I’ll get them to work harder I swear.”

“Good!” Qray’s voice was a quiet snarl, his face pressed against his overseer’s. “That pleases me.”

He held Split in this position for some time, unmoving and mercilessly staring at the smaller pony with all the spite and disgust he could muster. Split’s eyes darting left and right in search of someway to escape.

Finally Qray moved away, turning his back on the whole scene with dimming interest. “I will keep an eye on your... progress.” He muttered the word with a growl.

“Yes Qray!” Split declared, thankful for having been spared.

As Qray moved he took note of one of Split’s idiot guards, he was new to the position and obviously didn’t know how things worked, which was probably why he stared Qray directly in the eyes. Qray reacted quickly, standing on his hind legs and pulling a knife from the vest of belts he wore. Qray was anything but small himself, almost on par with this redundant earth pony, he was bigger in build at least which is why when Qray drove the blade into the stallion’s chest, bypassing the ribs and striking at the lung, he easily lifted the earth pony into the air and slammed him bodily into the ground.

Qray stared his victim in the eye as it registered, that his life was forfeit and that he had somehow crossed the line. There was pain, there was fear and there was confusion, all of which Qray drank in with an expression of cold fascination. The Earth pony began to struggle but even so found it impossible, his attacker was by far the stronger and more aggressive.
Nobody came to help him either, no one would... and he could not tear his eyes away from those of the blood red pegasus with ghostly green irises who was taking his life.

He felt the knife moving through his body, biting further into flesh as it travelled along the bone and to his heart. With a final gasp he felt something in his chest explode, the pain was unbelievable but he was unable to scream, blood had already filled his throat and his mouth. Instead it splattered onto the unchanging unreadable face of his killer.

His body went numb and he choked the last of his breaths in fear of what would happen after his death...

Qray watched as the flame of life died in his victim, it wasn’t as pleasing as he thought it would be but then it rarely was these days, this kill had been born from frustration and impatience... and the fact the nameless earth pony had given him an odd look, which Qray had not liked.

He removed his blade and wiped it clean on the coat of the dead body before him, returning the blade to its sheath he left without a word.

Behind him Split yelled, the silence in the room as the workers had watched with horrified fascination had finally been recognised. “Get back to work!” He burst. “And someone get rid of that!”

Qray barely paid any attention, moving through the network of caves with little interest. They were close, he could sense that, it was here, the object of his aims, left here many years ago during the wars of magic, wings and earth.

“Its here.” Qray muttered to himself. “I know it.”

He followed the network, finally emerging into an abandoned house, one of many that led to the ancient tunnels below, he kicked open the door and moved out into the morning air. He took a deep breath before extending his powerful wings and taking to the sky.

This was not his way, he preferred to work alone... but things had changed the day he had discovered that damned ancient library, revealing clues to an ancient power that called to him like an addiction. He could feel it, sense its power, how it had been left undiscovered all this time was a mystery.

We need it! To further our plans!

Qray shook his head, shaking that alien voice from his mind, if it wasn’t bad enough that he was out of his hidden element then it was made worse by the near constant nagging of the supernatural entity he had made a bargain with. He had no illusions, this creature wanted only one thing but the promise of fun and infamy had been enough to lure Qray into the light.
He had to admit, during the initial time paradox that had washed Ponyville he had seen and done things he had always dreamed of, for that brief time he had been the conductor of terrible things and it had been glorious... but the initial hunger had begun to wear off and now he was left feeling depressed...

Only a little longer, I promise, then your name shall be remembered forever!

He rolled his eyes, yes indeed the greatest prize of them all, the capitol of Equestria... oh how he hungered to drive that city to its knees, to rend all insane there as he had here, it was perhaps his only saving grace.

The sky was gentle and calm, the sun was just below the horizon and about to break the sky into daylight. He craved to be free of this place, he hated staying in one location for too long it went against everything he had learned, everything he believed.

He sighed and landed upon the roof of a curious building shaped much like sweet confectionery, he wanted to fly away, to escape but doing so would only ruin all he had worked for. He would wait, dredge through this mess as best as possible, then he would break free. He surveyed the town, once a lively place brimming with life and joy, now a dark dank almost lifeless husk of terrible memories and horror. Every corner held moving shadows as the creatures that inhabited the night ruled the streets below. The night was theirs but the coming day had driven them to find places to hide, some would go to the areas of caves that had been blocked off from the rest, some would hide in basements and in homes, others would simply disappear only to return once the sun went down...

His eyes was drawn to the left, turning his head he saw it once more, a flicker of something not twisted or monstrous...
With a snarl he leapt from the rooftop and flew closer, only to discover nothing once again, since this started he had gotten the sense that he was being watched, every moment he was outside or alone deep underground he would catch glimpses of things white, yellow and orange... whatever was watching him was small, fast and sneaky, he would respect that if it were not for the fact its focus was on him.

He shook his head, it was time for him to leave this town and return to his own temporary residence nearby in the dangerous woodland of the Everfree Forest.
***

A darkened room, a rectangular table, a group of psychologists and psychiatrists all piled at one end of that table gathered to speak of meaningless things to help further the aims of the speaker who sat alone at the other end... who apparently ran the asylum as some would call it. Dr Stethoscope spoke with what he believed was his confident and commanding tone, he had practiced it for years in front of a mirror and had never given up in his attempt to perfect it. To his mind he was doing quite well...

Sadly that wasn’t a thought shared by those gathered who had almost fallen asleep from his monotonous driveling tone of self gratification and scathing irritability. They were discussing his proposition for alternating work loads, something many doctors did not agree on, yet beyond this was another force he had not reckoned with, one who shared the thoughts of the others however also had the guts to be petulant to an extreme.

Stethoscope was an forty six year old colt with little patience for anything but his own mind and views, which did not make him a favorite with the other doctors.

“I have something to say.” That all too familiar voice asked, driving Dr Stethoscope closer tot he edge of depression.

“What is it Ivan?” Stethoscope snarled.

Ivan ceased waving a hoof and lowered his arm. “You say that this plan is sound but I have already found a problem with it.”

Dr Stethoscope frowned. “And what is that Ivan?” He repeated, facehoofing with tired aggression.

“Yes...” Ivan’s lips twitched in a smile. “The fact that you believe all the patients in the red wing are beyond help, that is what I find flawed with your plan.”

Those gathered in the room remained silent, truth be told they too believed those in the red wing were beyond redemption. Stethoscope rolled his eyes. “Really? Care to correct me?”

Ivan shrugged. “ Not really, just wanted to point out your inadequacies.”

“My what?” Stethoscpe snapped.

“It’s simple really Steth.” Ivan sighed.

“Dr Stethoscope.” Steth corrected.

“The fact that you deem them beyond your aid is proof of your failings.” Ivan answered. “You’re willing to throw them away simply because you’re afraid of them, admit it.”

“I will admit nothing.” Stethoscope declared though many in the room had already agreed with Ivan’s statement.

“Of course you won’t Stethy...” Ivan began.

“Dr Stethoscope.” Steth corrected once more.

“...but seeing as I will it really makes your denials redundant.”

“How dare you!”

“Further more, if you are willing to just leave them locked up then perhaps you should just give them to me.” Ivan supplied, with sparkling eyes. “After all it’s not like I will be doing anything for the next few years.”

“That would be impossible...” Steth began.

“Not really.” Ivan disagreed. “All it would take is for you to sign a form, then forward that form to processing...”

“That’s not going to happen.” Steth rolled his eyes even more dramatically.

“...then get processing to send a copy to Canterlot, by mail mare if your feeling cheap, then wait a day or so for a return...”

“Moving on...” Steth shifted in his seat.

“...sign the declaration of identity and send that form to the office of information...”

“Let’s discuss the proposition for...” Stethoscope began.

“No, no.” A doctor with a pale pink mane cut in. “The office of information doesn’t deal with that kind of form...”

“Unless there’s a special circumstance.” Another doctor added.

“Yeah...” The pale pink pony conceded. “But that’s only if you follow up with a Mental Capacity sheet.”

“A CND3?”

“No that’s only for notes of physical ill health.”

“Anyway...” the pink maned pony frowned. “You would want to send the DOI to the Filing Department and get them to fill out a DEQ.”

“A Declaration of Acquittal?”

“No that’s a DOCQ, what you want is a Declaration of Exchange, that’s the patient transfer form.”

“I thought that was the Deportation of Equivalence slip...”

“That’s a DE9 you idiot.”

“I’m not an idiot you’re the idiot!”

“Enough!” Steth exploded. “We were discussing my proposal for...”

“That was rude.” The unmistakable voice of Ivan rose.

“That’s Steth for you.”

“Dr Stethoscope!” Steth burst.

“So what I need is a DE9?”

“No you need a DEQ, you get Filing to fill that one out.”

“I see.”

“Then you want to get them to forward that to Information, they’ll sort it out from there.”

“Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Will you all please be quiet!” Steth raged.

“You know we’re right here, you think he wouldn’t shout at us like that.”

“I know right.”

Steth growled dangerously.

“So I get Steth to fill out a DOI and then take that to Filing and get them to fill out the DEQ and bobs your uncle?”

“Pretty much.”

“Excellent.” Ivan slapped his hooves together. “I will send you the DOI form in an hour Steth.”

“Stethoscope...” The doctor sighed sadly, his face pressed into his hooves. “Will it get you out of my mane?”

“I guess.” Ivan shrugged. “Though I wasn’t trying to annoy you.”

“Yes you were.” Steth muttered to himself.

“Excellent.” Ivan boomed. “I shall leave you gentlemen to your business then!”

“Thank you Ivan.” Steth answered with little passion.

“And thank you for the info Dr Vascular.”

“You are very much welcome... Ivan?”

“Doctor Ivan Gared.” He answered. “I run the show with Stethy there.”

“Oh yes, Gared, I’ve heard of you, pleasure to put a face to a name!” Hooves were shook.

“Thanks once again.” Ivan moved to leave the room.

“No problem.”

“Sure wasn’t anything very interesting going on here anyway.” Somepony muttered to somepony else.

Stethoscope allowed his head to fall against the desk.
***

“Hey Doc!” The ‘on break’ Lemon grinned up at him as Ivan entered the cafeteria.

It was little more than an in and out food court, however it was large enough to hold quite a few ponies inside at once, the nature of their work however made it near impossible to remain long. Ivan nodded to the orderly and moved to get a tray. The custodian of the hall was most likely asleep till lunch so Ivan moved behind the counter and sifted through the various remains of the foodstuffs still available. After getting what he required for at least a halfway decent meal he moved to sit at the same table as Lemon. The large pony was busily munching on a hay burger held loosely in one of his giant hoofs.

“I was hoping to find you here Lemon.” Ivan began, using a knife and fork to eat his meal.

“Always am Doc.” Lemon grinned, speaking through the corner of his mouth and swallowing his mouthful.

Like Ivan, Lemon required little sleep and only did so when things were quiet, which is why the large stallion was perfect for his role here at the asylum, as well as other things. Ivan shoveled some of the poor tasting food into his mouth, swallowing quickly to alleviate the suffering the aftertaste would in inflict shortly after.

“How are things on your end?” Ivan grimaced as that said taste struck in full force anyway.

Lemon shrugged. “Same, sometimes quiet sometimes not so quiet.”

“To be expected.” Ivan murmured, then focused. “I was hoping you would be able to help me with something I have planned.”

“Anything.” Lemon nodded.

Ivan chuckled. “I intend to enter Ponyville for an expedition of sorts, I was wondering if you would like to join me?”

“Ponyville?” Lemon revealed only a temporary flash of unease at the idea, before it was washed away by curiosity. “What do you need me for?”

Ivan shrugged. “Message ferrying, heavy lifting, perhaps some arse kicking if things get dangerous.”

“I get ya.” Lemon looked down to what was left of the food on the tray he used as a plate, lost in thought. “I still don’t see why you need me.” He replied honestly.

It was true, Ivan could do most of those things for himself, he excelled in combat armed or otherwise and was quite strong as well, however there was one ability Lemon had that was of greater value than his size alone.

“I was actually hoping you would go undercover.” Ivan answered, Lemon’s eyes lifted and locked with his. “Reports from the investigators have proved that much of the remaining populace have segregated into groups, some large some small... it’s surprising how many ponies actually reside in that seemingly small town.”

Lemon nodded, eyes lifting away and becoming speculative. “Sounds interesting.”

“It will be.” Ivan nodded.

There was a moment of silence as both waited for the answer they desired, Lemon gave Ivan a sidew glance that spoke
levels.

“...?”

The unspoken question drove Ivan to chuckle. “Yes there will be danger pay.”

Lemon grinned and gave a firm nod. “I hear the demons only come out at night.”

“That is correct.” Ivan stated, lifting another sporkful of dry dead peas to his mouth.

“I’m in then.” Lemon suddenly seemed excited at the prospect. “Always wanted to see a demon, can’t wait to tell my kids!”
***

Kara frowned at her reflection in the small mirror on her wall.
She was looking more and more disheveled every day, it wasn’t that she was usually the type to focus primarily upon her looks but she did have some principles in the area. Now however her snowy white mane was a mess, her face had gained a grumpy expression and her bright silver eyes had tired bags underneath them. She sighed and grabbed her brush, she never had much track with keeping her mane or tail styled, being too unruly for that, yet she managed to at least get them both into a more suitable shape. Her white hair was still thick and luxurious, even if it did look a tangled mess. She gave up after a while, determined to get some sleep... but even as she flopped onto her mattress she knew that would be impossible, instead she settled to inspect her room... for the hundredth time.

Her robe hung on a hook set into the door, the thing wasn’t too stuffy thank Celestia but it still restricted her movements somewhat. She didn’t really like that, preferring to be able to move freely, however it was a sacrifice she was willing to make. Working with Ivan had many benefits, being his student even more so, already she had learned so much from him, more than she had ever learned in school. Psychology was indeed an interesting subject, the ability to gauge a ponies reactions through simple thought alone had already given her an insight into the minds of those around her.

Which when she thought about it probably wasn’t a great power to have as some minds she would prefer not to know...
Yet that was the curse of such power, to see all, even the dark gritty scraped out of the bottom of a sewer and then microwaved to see what moved stuff that made the mind so very... special.

Here in this hellhole the only consolation was her internship under Ivan, he was truly a genius as her father had informed her, able to achieve anything he set his mind to, even speaking to Princess Celestia herself on equal terms. Of course his history might have something to do with that.

Scratching at her waist with a hoof she reflected on what she knew of history, much of which was unpleasant, still she was intrigued only further by it. She looked down at her body, it was looking perhaps a bit thin, she hadn’t really eaten well since her arrival here, even her light grey coat was beginning to reveal the same unkempt nature as her mane did.

She sighed.

Ignoring that problem for now she focused on her studies, which were vast with a lot of details to comprehend. Her father had taught her a lot, as had the many instructors that had been hired throughout the course of her somewhat unknown but reputable childhood yet even so never had her mind been so taxed as it had under Ivan’s constant testing. It never seemed to end... never...
He was also very attractive... for an older stallion...

She blushed heavily and shoved those thoughts aside, an awkward feeling rising in her gut. Rolling onto her side she looked intently at the wall beside her bed, painted white like the majority of the walls in this stolid asylum. She wished she could escape it, already she wished to be away in Ponyville... she wondered how Ivan remained so calm and patient, being as he was, perhaps she should ask him how, as he was her teacher.
A few pointers in that area wouldn’t hurt.

She missed her home though and any hopes of returning to it in time to live out the last remaining year of her youth seemed impossible. It was high time she moved out anyway, ventured into the wide world and found her place in it... before her father did it for her. Not that she would mind that... however she wanted to do so on her own, always things had been hoofed to her on a plate and always she resented it, she didn’t feel right about it being an independent personality and all.
Perhaps that was why she got on so well with Ivan, considering his almost hostile friendly nature and mistrustful pleasant manner... his crystal blue eyes and his strong jaw... his proud nature and dense muscles...

Where in the hay did that come from!?!

Returning to lay on her back she resolved to get some sleep and not think upon such matters.
After all he was her teacher and she the student, she would only lose his respect if she reached out in that way.
***

“That’s checkmate in two moves.” Ivan stated without looking at the board he moved his final piece into play.
Twilight frowned, usually she was always the victor but this stallion did not seem to understand that. She looked for any means as to prove him wrong, however he was right, no matter how she moved now he would win. Sighing with exasperation she once more moved the pieces back to their starting positions. The board rested on a tray set before her, ivan sat on a chair beside her bed. Twilight had to admit that the doctor was indeed a good player and his friendly competitive nature seemed to only annoy her further. Had she lost her touch?

That was the main worry on her mind, she wanted to be sure that her mental faculties were undamaged but this pony wasn’t making it easy.

“Have you ever beaten Celestia?” Ivan asked, his eyes never leaving his notebook.

“Once or twice.” Twilight answered with a shrug, planning out her next strategies with a determined expression.

“Yet not often?”

“No...” Twilight answered, where was he going with this?

“I did notice,” Ivan smiled. “That while playing against her she prefers an aggressive defensive play.”

“You played chess with Celestia?” Twilight’s brow raised with surprise.

“Yes.” Ivan nodded. “I discovered quite quickly that the only way to beat her is to allow her to believe she has won, her mind is after all good and she chooses therefore not to sacrifice her pieces all to often.”

“I see.” Twilight stroked her chin.

“Next time you play her use that to your advantage.” Ivan suggested. “Force her to protect her lesser pieces until her king lies open for attack.”

Twilight considered his words as she put the game into play, moving a pawn forward. She tried to focus on Ivan’s moves as they played, seeking a similar method to his own strategy, they played in silence, slowly eating up time as Twilight mulled over every move she made. She wanted to win, to be sure, to know that she still had it in her to succeed.

It began to dawn on her, as she played, that he used his major pieces to distract her from the smaller, she watched with amazement as she realised his game plan, with a grin of satisfaction she countered his attack, cutting of all his attempts to press forward through her defences.

“Check!” Twilight declared victoriously.

Ivan lowered his book and looked at the board, he clucked his cheek twice, then he took his remaining knight and moved it back to take the pawn that threatened his king.

“Checkmate in three.”
Twilight’s face fell.
Ivan chuckled, giving her mane a gentle tussle with his hoof, avoiding the bandage that covered one half of her head. “Do not worry Twilight, it will be the end of days before someone beats me.”
Twilight sighed and nodded, not reassured.
“However if you have a desire to prove your mental faculties perhaps you would like to hear a theory of mine.”

This perked Twilight’s imagination and ears somewhat, a challenge of any kind would be welcome right then. “Alright...”

Ivan nodded and smiled. “Lets discuss Ponyville’s current status.” Twilight gave a light disheartened nod. “Now... from what we have learned most of the mental health problems around here stem from a currently unknown source.”

“Yes.”

“But as it is magical in nature, the insanity infecting so many ponies must have a powerful focal point, which is weakened once distance is placed between the infected and Ponyville, that distance of which allowed treatment to prove more successful, whereas before so close to Ponyville treatment proved fruitless...” Ivan mulled his next words carefully. “Would you not say therefore that whatever is causing this can perhaps reverse the process?”

Twilight frowned at his words... it was possible but how would one do something like that?

“In fact..." Ivan continued. "And lets take an example of simple magical theory here, that when a curse is set in place the trigger will keep it alive, until that trigger is extinguished...”

“Are you suggesting that if we remove this trigger that the madness might stop?” Twilight asked, turning to face Ivan with intrigue in her eyes.

“I am.” Ivan nodded.

“It’s possible.” Twilight frowned, looking down at her lap. “I mean... it would need study... we would also have to find the trigger.”

“I am planning a soirée into Ponyville soon.” Ivan commented. “It would be an excellent opportunity for me to test out the theory... If magic is sustaining the curse then lifting it might just help cure all the more untreatable ponies here of their crippling hallucinations.”

“It’s... plausible.” Twilight nodded.

Ivan sighed. “We would of course need an experienced magic user... perhaps someone from the Canterlot Magic Academy...”

Twilight frowned, she already knew where this was going. “You want me to go with you...”

“No.” Ivan answered flatly, causing Twilight’s ears to fall flat. “You are in no condition to be running off with me on a dangerous field expedition, you still have to recover and that isn’t going to happen if you go gallivanting into the very place all this began for you.”

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief, she hadn’t realised just how afraid of returning she had been. Since she had woken up she had focused on regaining her mental faculties and that was all she worked towards, forcing her mind away from the terrible memories that lingered on the edge of her consciousness. She didn’t even want to think about returning to that nightmare...
Yet a voice in her questioned her cowardliness.
Who else has the knowledge to do this?

“Celestia?” Twilight attempted, thinking her responses to her own subconscious.

Princess Celestia cannot risk losing her sanity and before you even suggest Princess Luna...

“I would never suggest...”She interrupted.

You were thinking it! Some element of harmony you are! What would Applejack say about that!?

Applejack... Twilight hadn’t even thought about her in some time, this revelation earned her a snort from her subconscious. She felt ashamed to admit that she had not even put the time in to think for her most beloved friend’s mental health... especially...

“How is Fluttershy?” Twilight blurted, flinching and paling as she whispered the name.

Ivan gave her a kindly smile, calming her somewhat. “She is doing well considering.”

“Has she...”

“Not yet.” Ivan answered honestly, Twilight sighed with sorrow and guilt in her heart. “You are not to blame for her sufferings Twilight, nor are you to blame for her comatose state of shock.”

“But...”

“If you are to blame for anything its not finishing your soup.” Ivan grunted, pointing a stern hoof.

Twilight looked guiltily to the nightstand beside her bed, on it was the tray with a bowl half filled by a green goopy substance. “But... it’s terrible.” She muttered.

“Terrible it may be.” Ivan agreed. “But filled with everything the pony body could possibly need.”

“I’m sorry.” Twilight lowered her head.

Ivan shrugged and gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder. “You should get some sleep, you have more recovery to make and taxing that large brain of yours will only make things worse.” Twilight nodded and settled back, lowering her pillows to lay down on her side. Ivan swiveled the tray above her so it was out of the way, she was indeed tired and could barely think any more.

“You are recovering very quickly Twilight Sparkle.” Ivan whispered as he tucked her in. “And don’t worry about your mind, it’s still as sharp as ever.”

She smiled, her eyes closed and her lazy thought’s moving to memories of her father, of whom this Stallion reminded her of so, especially with the dark grey patches against the stark black of his mane and tail.

Ivan nodded and put away the chess board and pieces, putting them into their box and leaving them on the nightstand. He left quietly, smiling to himself, so much had happened to the young unicorn and still she had the strength to ask a question he had not expected of her. She would return to her old self, sooner rather than later, and Equestria would only benefit from it.

Yet she would still need help, she wasn’t entirely recovered and nor would she be by the time he began his task in Ponyville, even so he still had time, time to help her progress even further.

At least he had put the suggestion there, after all, hadn’t she associated herself into his ‘we’ statements?

“Sleep well Twilight.” He murmured as he closed the door gently behind him, to which Twilight replied with a happy nonsensical murmur.
***

It was a bright and shiny day... except for those inside the asylum who rarely saw the light...
However for Applejack the chance to see daylight came often, being more stable than most, she would often find herself in the recreation room or the various group therapy rooms, where sunlight would be revealed through the grated windows. But for some reason Applejack wasn’t really feeling very companionable today, the agreement she had made to Ivan’s plan had left her at first feeling giddy but now she was wondering if it was the right choice...

“Ah Ponyfeathers!” Applejack muttered to herself as she was led into a room in which small circles of other mentally damaged ponies sat and talked. It wasn’t as if she didn’t care about them or their problems, she was too honest for that, she did not however care for conversation at this time. She looked about the room with a sense of lagging patience
The orderly that led her into the room guided her away from the groups however, taking her into another room, smaller and empty of any other pony. Confused she looked to her guide but he paid her no heed, she understood, he probably had his own problems and was lost in them, something she understood all to well. Finally they came to a table and she was shown to a seat, taking it Applejack frowned, the orderly moved away to stand by the door she had entered.

Applejack waited as patiently as possible, she had no idea why she was here or even what the purpose of this was... however she managed to instead enjoy the quiet and the warmth of the light that bled through the windows around her.

“Ah hello darling!”

Applejack almost flinched at the sound of that voice... though she had once respected and loved the owner things had changed, there were the rumours of course, that didn’t help, of how she had abused mentally any number of ponies that had entered her boutique during the early stages of madness, as well as that of Sweetie Belle her own sister.

Even so another part of her longed to lose herself in the friendship they once shared.

“Rarity.” Applejack nodded as the two orderlies sat the alabaster unicorn on the opposing side of the small table. AJ took in the sights and changes that she had not had the opportunity to see before... though opportunity may have been a bit strong. The scars above and below the left eye were new and they were obviously inflicted by a cat, Opal? But there were others, caused by a knife, she had seen the like before... perhaps the rumours were true?

Rarity wore a straight jacket, much to the unicorn’s obvious discomfort. “And how does one find herself today?”

Applejack found herself hesitant to answer, perhaps it was the voice with which Rarity had used, sultry and warm, or even the stare the unicorn was giving to her, one filled with lust that made Applejack shift uncomfortably. “Yeah alright Ah guess... yerself?”

“Oh just fine dear.” Rarity replied with honest delight. “Never better.”

Applejack frowned, she hadn’t expected that. “Well... that’s good ta hear Ah suppose.”

“I must say I am glad to see you again.” Rarity sighed happily. “I was beginning to believe the good doctor would never let me interact with my friends again.”

“Why wouldn’ he?” Applejack’s frown deepened.

“Oh no reason in particular.” Rarity giggled.
Lie

“What do y’all think of him Rarity?” Applejack enquired.

“Doctor Ivan?” Rarity thought about it for a moment. “He’s courteous and very kindly.”

“Yeah...” AJ agreed.

“Have you heard news of Apple Bloom?” Rarity asked. Sighing AJ shook her head, the unicorn gave her an sincere look of sympathy. “I’m sure she will turn up.”

It was how she would turn up that worried Applejack the most. “What about Sweetie Belle?” AJ put forward.

Rarity nodded. “I too wonder what has happened to my dear sister, I do worry so.”
Truth

“Ivan made me an offer ya know...” AJ began. “He’s gonna help me find mah sister... he might take ya with us, iffin ya ask.”

Rarity frowned. “He already has.”

“And?”

“And my answer was no.”

AJ frowned, this time with true shocked confusion. “Don’t you wanna find Sweetie Belle?”

“I’m afraid I cannot help her.” Rarity whispered, head lowering and eyes falling to the ground. “I’m no good for her as I am now.”
Truth... that’s mighty strange...

“What about Ponyville” Applejack attempted. “Don’t ya care about our home?”

“Of course I do.” Rarity took the defensive.

“Then y’all should come with us!” AJ shot back.

“I don’t have to if I don’t want to.” Rarity sniffed, raising her head high in a show of superiority.

AJ was left open mouthed. “What!?” She gasped.

Rarity gave her an apologetic smile. “I’m no good anymore my dear sweet Applejack, I would only get in the way... I’m damaged goods after all.”
Damaged goods? And why in hells bells do Ah get the impression she’s tellin the truth?

“We could sure use yer help Rarity.” Applejack attempted, suddenly homesick for her friends. “Ah could use yer help.”

Rarity sighed, she made to change the subject. “And what happened to you my dear, when all went to Tartarus?” AJ frowned, she didn’t really want to get into it. “I heard Braeburn paid your farm a visit.”

“You don’t mention his name ya hear!” AJ growled, a little too aggressively.

Was that a smile on Rarity’s mouth!? “I’m sorry dear, I was just curious... so much occurred that I missed much of what happened to my darling friends.”

AJ’s anger subsided. “Ah’m sorry... It was just...” She couldn’t finish the sentence.

“I understand.” Rarity nodded.

“Why don’t ya wanna find yer sister Rarity?” Applejack asked after a short silence.

Rarity frowned. “I’m tired Applejack... I think this will do for today.”

Applejack hesitated, had she gone too far? What was Rarity not telling her? What was up with all these rumours anyway!?

“Wait!” The unicorn did so, hesitating before calling out to the stallions in white clothing.
Rarity looked at her expectantly.
AJ took a deep breath. “Please Rarity... Ah have ta know...”

Rarity considered her emotional plea for a moment before relenting with a sad sigh. “I hurt her Applejack... the last thing she wants is to see me.”

“That’s nonsense.” AJ frowned. “I bet little Sweetie Belle misses y’all very much!”

Rarity sighed. “I doubt it.”

“Hey...” AJ began, hoping to quell Rarity’s sudden depression. “Ah didn’t treat Applebloom much better either, Ah was so caught up in mah own misery Ah ignored her when she needed me most.”

Rarity frowned and shook her head. “You just wouldn’t understand.”

“Maybe, maybe not.” AJ answered. “Just tell me this, do ya want to help yer sister?”

“I already...” Rarity began, with a shot of small anger.

“Ah know.” AJ waylaid the uptight unicorn with a gentle voice. “It’s just a question, nobody’s judgin you.”

Rarity sighed. “I’m not strong enough.”
Lie

Applejack frowned. “You can’t lie ta me girl.” Rarity frowned back, and then called to the orderlies. It wasn’t long till AJ was left alone to consider the strange confrontation she had just shared with one she had once trusted with her life.
***

He marched down the hall towards his office, he had so much to do today and little time to do it, still he knew he would manage it all, he had the ability and the patience to do as needed. Even so he felt some small doubt, Rarity was the biggest problem, whatever was going on inside that masochistic maniac’s skull was hidden behind a mask of polite sensibility.
After all the question still remained, why had she allowed herself to be captured?

He couldn’t see what her goal was but he knew it wouldn’t be good, Rarity was far too devious to allow herself to be detained without a personal goal of her own... As an inquisitive soul Ivan felt he would discover this desire of hers, he also knew he wouldn’t like it, especially due to the fact he needed her to ensure his own goals were recognised.

And yet he felt calm, without a doubt he knew he would deal with it, whatever it was, without failure or weakening his own position.

Perhaps he was being overconfident but still he had no real worries.

He would need to speak to Kara, he was worried that she would perhaps lose perspective during the events to come, he would need her to understand his motives and to trust him, she was after all important, he would need her skills to fix the mess that was Ponyville, he did have so little options available.

He knew Celestia would argue against his choices, her attachment to Twilight and her concern for her student was well known to him as well as everyone else. Yet Applejack would help, her decision to help would compel Celestia to consider his choices in with more thought. Rarity was the keystone however, even as messed up as she was she was the icing on the cake that was his plan.

He still had six days to see it happen.

He opened the door to his office and entered, a smile upon his face, he felt in a good mood today, a mood his student picked up on.

“Good day to you Kara.” Ivan greeted with a bright smile at her.

“Doctor.” She nodded.

“Did you sleep well?” He asked, taking his seat.

“I did thank you very much.” She nodded.

He chuckled warmly. “Ahh to be able to sleep... it must be so nice.”

Lowering her hood she raised a brow. “Still can’t sleep?”

“You will learn my dear.” He sighed. “That for many of us sleep is unavailable most nights.”

She considered the words and frowned, her stone coloured face and silver eyes curious. “Can’t you get medical assistance?”

“Urgh!” He complained physically as well as audibly.

She smiled, he was funny sometimes. “Perhaps some exercise?”

“I exercise.” He rolled his eyes. “Its not a matter of being tired, believe me I am, it’s just that I think too much, for my own good really...”

She nodded, that she could understand. “Like myself every night before an exam.”

“Exactly.” Ivan grinned at her, his soft blue eyes sparkling. “Except every night and without the awkward feeling of nervous restlessness.”

“More like eager restlessness.” She smiled.

“Hah!” He laughed. “Indeed, well worded.”

She gave him a more direct look. “Just what is your plan?”

He gave her a speculative glance, one that made her realise just how close she was to disrespect. Yet he only shrugged. “I already told you Kara, the plan, the ponies to be involved...”

Yet Kara knew there was something else, something more personal... every fiber in her being desired to know but her own position held her back, he was her teacher and more importantly he was the elder. She would have to be careful not to insult and anger him, especially with the knowledge that he was quite dangerous.

“I did not mean to overstep the issue.” Kara looked down.

“Don’t worry about it.” He answered. “Anyway, we have an hour or so to spend, which patient would you like to see most today?”

This confused her, she had yet to be given a choice in this regard nor did she expect one, however his expression revealed to her an honest question, in this she was probably being tested, in fact she had no doubt on that.

“I would like to see a patient we have yet to examine...” Kara murmured to herself, considering the options available.

“May I make a suggestion?” He smiled at her indecision, she nodded. “Make a choice between Miss Fluttershy and Miss Pie.”

Kara blanched, she wasn’t sure about meeting the crazed pink earth pony... and she knew for a fact she would get no results out of Fluttershy who had yet to even react to Ivan or any other member of the asylum staff. His eyes were bright and humorous, truth was she had only one choice to make and she didn’t really want to make it, and he of course knew her predicament, which made it worse.

However the idea of finally meeting Pinkamena Diane Pie was somewhat... interesting.

Ivan’s grin became deeper as he saw the decision form in her eyes. “You have made your choice then?”

“Yes sir.” Kara nodded.

Ivan pushed a hoof into his robes and removed his keycard, he tossed it to her and she caught it gingerly, looking up into his eyes with confusion. Ivan’s eyes were brighter than ever. “I shall see you in about half an hour then.”

Her jaw dropped, which he caught sight of as he turned and began writing some more notes. She was left in shock for a few minutes before accepting the fact that he would not be joining her. Steadying her own mind she put the keycard in her robe and lifted herself from her chair. Falling to all fours she began to move towards the door, still in shock.

“Good luck.” He spoke to her, causing her to turn and catch his eyes. He gave her a wink.

With a slow nod she left the office, her eyes wide and her face pale.
***

Standing before the heavy doors to the red wing Kara felt a moment of complete mind annihilation. What was she even doing here? What purpose did this serve? What did Ivan even want her to do? These questions filled her entire being, warring against each other for supremacy and causing her mind to become completely blank. She had her notebook, she supposed she could ask some questions and take some notes... even so would Pinkamena even speak to her? Probably not, which meant Kara would have to be creative, Ivan had sent her to this pony for a reason, he probably spoke to the mare before even sending Kara here, which meant Pinkamena would be expecting her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, attempting to slow the pounding of her heart, she wasn’t feeling very well as the idea of standing in front of such a feared individual was less than appealing now that Kara was here. Thirty guards it had taken to capture her, six she had killed and seven she had left terribly injured.

Kara had to respect that.

She took another deep breath and opened her eyes, pulling on an expression of steely resolve she pulled the swipe card from her robe and laid it over the scanner. The door opened automatically and lifting her hood over her head she stepped inside.

Immediately she felt eyes upon her, as she walked down the hallway beyond the doors she could almost hear the breathing that emerged from the cells, through the small opening on the doors. These were the dangerous ones, the ones that would most likely never recover. She had memorised all their names, in case Ivan ever decided to speak to her about them. As she neared her destination she wondered why exactly she was doing this... to please her teacher, to learn something new, to perhaps gain an understanding into the criminal psyche.

Of course those were all true but the real answer hit her like a slippery wet fish to the face, she was here simply because it was a part of her job.

She suddenly disliked her job very much.

Forcing herself to remain calm she noticed a seat opposite a brightly lit patch of the hallway, without hesitating she moved to the seat and set it in the centre of the hallway, sitting down she took another silent breath.

She faced the earth pony inside, separated only by a plastic wall with air holes to allow oxygen into the sealed room beyond. She looked finally, taking in the all that was the Element of Laughter, Pinkamena Diane Pie.

She was shorter than Kara had imagined, smaller too, less muscled... to all her imagination this monster suddenly seemed like an average pony, straight haired and collected, sitting at a desk sideways to Kara with an air of concentration and deep thought. She was writing with a small piece of charcoal upon a sheet of paper, there were many others all neatly piled into separate groups. That revealed to Kara that this pony was a lot more stable than she had at first anticipated, from what she knew of Pinkie Pie before the change such a display of pristine orderliness was a complete reversal of what would have been had this nightmare never occurred.

“Good morning Miss Pie.” Kara began.

“Little Kara.” Pinkamena nodded once, not turning to look at her. “You are late.”

Damn... she knew her name, which meant Ivan had told her, not only that he had indeed planned this out with Pinkamena... this left Kara at a great disadvantage.

“I was wondering if you would answer some questions.” Kara informed the psychopath.

Pinkamena ignored her.

“If you don’t mind of course...”

A slight smile touched the pink pony’s lips but no words flowed from them.

Kara frowned but recovered. “First I would like to ask about your change in personality.”

Nothing.

Biting her lip Kara tried a more polite approach. “If of course you do not mind Miss Pie.”

Again nothing but a similar smile to before... Kara resisted the coming groan, feeling she had no other choice she did something she had hoped she wouldn’t have to do, with a sigh she lifted a hoof and lowered her hood.

A cold clear large blue eye fastened itself upon her face, Pinkamena paused in her writing and slowly examined every inch of Kara that was visible like a hungry predator staring at its prey. Resisting a shudder Kara managed to remain still and calm during this inspection. Soon the pink pony returned her attention to her notes.

Kara felt she had at least made some progress. “Miss Pie...” Kara began.

“Why do you follow Ivan?” Pinkamena asked suddenly, her voice as cold as her gaze. “Why do you study under him?”

Swallowing her retort Kara decided to be honest. “I believe him to be a worthy and brilliant teacher...”

“No.” Pinkamena growled, casting an exasperated eye onto her. “Why do you follow him knowing what he is and what he has done?”

Kara’s shoulders sagged. “I know, it makes little sense...”

“It makes a lot of sense.” Pinkamena answered, her writing becoming more animated. “He is intelligent, creative and filled with knowledge, your attraction to him doesn’t hurt either.”

Kara managed to keep the blush from her face, she was proud of that at least.

“Yet even so I do not believe they would allow him a student under the circumstance unless there was an ulterior motive.”

“Ulterior motive?” Kara raised a brow.

“Who do you work for?” Pinkamena asked. “Celestia? The Guard? A noble?”

Kara chewed her tongue, she didn’t want to give anything away. “I know it may seem like...”

“Try to lie to me again and I will give you nothing.” Pinkamena supplied.

With another sigh Kara readjusted her answer. “I am to watch him, that is all, I am in communication with no one.”

Pinkamena raised her brows. “So your mission is to ensure he doesn’t go too far?”

“No.” Kara answered truthfully. “Just to watch him, whatever he does I am not to interfere.”

Pinkamena paused, then turned to look at her full on. The eyes the cruel psychopath delivered onto Kara almost made the saner pony flinch, yet Kara remained calm. “Interesting.” Pinkamena murmured. “So if he were to set fire to a building full of orphaned foals...?”

“He wouldn’t do that.” Kara answered.

“No.” Pinkamena smiled but there was nothing in it like humour. “But let’s say he did.”

Kara sighed. “Of course I’d try to stop him.”

“And it would be only right of you to do so.” Pinkamena nodded with satisfaction.

“Is there a point to this?” Kara asked.

Pinkamean shrugged. “You are here seeking something but you do not know what it is, until you do this conversation is rather pointless.”

“Is that why you took charge of it?” Kara smiled back.

Pinkamena’s expression became impassive. “Yes.”

Kara nodded, she had made her decision. “Do you think I should continue to learn from him.”

With a raised brow Pinkamena answered. “You could learn a lot from him, much more than you would from a school or any books you could read, he is however very dangerous, he wishes to take you to a twisted place filled with danger and madness... is it right that he should?”

Kara shrugged. “I can take care of myself.”

“But can you trust him?” Pinkamena pressed the issue.

“I believe so.” Kara answered.

“Then you already know my answer.” Pinkamena turned back to her work.

They remained in silence for a while, Kara found herself examining once more the psychotic pony’s cell, the various charcoal drawn pictures that revealed detailed images of Ponyville from varying angles displaying the pink pony skill in drawing. There were a couple of books, one of which was a cookbook which Kara believed to be of poor taste due to Pinkamena’s twisted appetite. Yet for all the madness this pony had inside her mind her room was clean, well ordered and simple. She had not even tried to make it more homely, instead attempting to keep a semblance of its sterility.

The scratching of black charcoal upon paper was almost hypnotic.

Leaning forward on her seat Kara considered her position, her world had changed quite a bit since she arrived here, since her introduction to Ivan, yet even so she felt she had not changed so greatly and to let this new world alter her would be to reveal weakness, something Pinkamena despised. Fixing resolve in her mind Kara asked a question that had been playing on her mind.

“What is it like?”

Pinkamena said nothing, only raised a brow.

“To kill I mean.” Kara added.

Pinkamena gave her another sidelong glance, this time it was filled with despite. “Such a childish question... I had not expected it of you.”

Shaking her head Kara tried again. “I mean... does it even feel good to you? Or... does it help in some way with the pain of abandonment?”

“Are you worried about losing your sanity in Ponyville?” Pinkamena enquired.

“Yes.” Kara nodded, unable at this point to hide the truth.

“Then prepare to lose your sanity.” The pink pony offered.

Kara frowned. “Then the answer is not to worry?”

“If you can achieve that then perhaps you will gain my respect.” Pinkamena supplied.

“Then I shall endeavour to do so.” Kara stood, replacing the seat against the wall. “And perhaps one day get an answer to my question.”

Pinkamena said nothing more and so Kara left, feeling oddly older and more wise.

She guessed speaking with psychopaths did that, which was probably why so many psychiatrists were belligerent and demanding, which she supposed they had a right to be, living their lives inside the minds of lunacy.
***

Now Pause... Rewind...
(generic noises of a cassette being rewound)

“Good luck.” Ivan spoke to her, causing her to turn and catch his eyes. He gave her a wink.

With a slow nod Kara left the office, her eyes wide and her face pale.

As the door close Ivan moved, quickly rising from his chair and laying an ear against the door, the retreating hoof steps echoed through and so he waited till they disappeared. Leaving his office quickly but calmly, so as not to draw attention through the security cameras, he went ahead with Operation: File Denial! Kara was a sweet girl and all however she did have one problematic quality that made it impossible for him to allow her to join him in this escapade, or even make her aware. He traversed the halls to the staff toilets, moving towards the colts door as a mare exited from the... mares. He moved slowly, waiting till she passed, then he moved quickly to the mares toilet door. Pressing a quick ear to the plastic door he listened for any noise inside...
Nothing...

He entered and quickly moved to a particular cubical, closing the door behind him he stood upon the toilet and stabbed a screwdriver into the grated shutter covering the vent. It did not take him long to remove it and set it diagonally inside, taking off his robe he set it on the toilet, locking the cubical door behind him.

Taking a deep breath and adjusted his black waistcoat, the only clothing he had only really liked wearing, finally he lifted himself into the vent, it was large enough for him to move the grate back and lean it against the opening, not perfect but good enough to not draw attention. With a frown he began to worm his way through the vents.

It was slow going but then he wasn’t a small stallion, not by any account, though he seemed average in size it was only the way he held himself, like a diseased leper huddling in a cave eating raw creatures and rasping after some precious object of some kind. He pressed on, pausing at a small ventilation grate that overlooked the cafeteria.

Lemon was gone but that was because his ‘on break’ had ended, but the cook had returned, sweaty and rotund, scratching his back with the same spatula he used to flip hay burgers...

Ivan grimaced, Lemon would bust a blood vessel if he found that out.

Shaking his head he continued, little time available to sight see he berated himself. His journey led him to the inner coil of the ventilation shaft, this would be tougher but the noise created by the network of fans would diminish the noise caused as he threw himself over the drop and clasped at the next opening with his hooves, forming a bridge across the gap. Taking a deep breath, regretted instantly due to his current location, he squirmed into the next vent and continued.

He reached his mark, he looked inside and saw only emptiness, he kicked open the vent.

Slipping down into the room he made the briefest of inspections before moving to the filing cabinet that stored the required information he desired. It was locked.
Drat...

No matter, reaching into the inside pocket of his black waistcoat he removed out a small roll, provided to him by Lemon, unfolding it he removed a small thin metal object, one he used to jam into the keyhole locking the cabinet. He removed another with his teeth and inserted that as well. He was good with lock picks, he had a lot of practice during his childhood when his father had locked his brandy away.

He tugged the still pick and the lock slid open, now unlocked Ivan began to take liberties with the cabinets contents, rifling through the various folders and finding the ones he desired.

“Gared, Ivan.” Ivan murmured, lifting the brown folder out and opening it.
It contained nearly a hoof’s width of stacked paper, all containing very detailed and personal information, however it was the notes Ivan desired to see...

“Pompous... arrogant... reckless... a danger to his patients...”Ivan clucked his tongue. “Has airs about his knowledge... doesn’t conform to set regulations nor standard medical practice...” Ivan shook his head. “Whoever this guy is he sounds like a dick...” He muttered sardonically.

He checked over a few more things inside the folder before returning it to the cabinet, he then searched for the next target of intrigue. Lifting the folder out he read the name. “Ironwood... Kara” Unsurprisingly there was little there but what he knew already, though that was unsurprising, due to the circumstances he could only acknowledge the fact that Steth’s opinion of the young girl was much the same as his opinion towards Ivan, just for association value.

He returned the folder and leafed through a few more things before closing the cabinet and locking it. He moved back to the vent but paused.

“Pompous am I Steth?” He grumbled to himself, moving over to Steth’s swivel chair and removing his screwdriver.

He was soon back inside the vent and dragging the grating back to its position, luckily it was the slotted kind and not the bolted kind, which he had checked before kicking it open, he wasn’t an idiot after all...

He paused as he heard the door to the room unlock, scooting around to peer inside he watched as Dr Stethoscope entered, closing the door behind him and sighed. With a pained expression Steth hurried to his desk, where he opened a draw and removed a tube of... Ivan couldn't’ quite make it out. The impatient pony squirted some of the tubes gelatinous content onto a hoof and with the other opened his robe.

Ivan watched with a flinch as the doctor applied the goo onto a rather sensitive area.

With a great sigh of relief Steth smiled, straightening and easing the tension in his shoulders by stretching them. Steth moved to take his seat. Ivan looked away and gently moved forward, moving slightly faster as a crash echoed behind him followed by violent swearing.

He made an alternate route back, the first now unavailable due to the blast of hot air that would make it impossible to reach across the nexus of vents without serious burns. Still this route would suffice.
Halfway back he spotted his student...

She stood outside the doors to the red wing, her face a mixture of indecision and confusion. He frowned, he had not intended for her to feel worry yet still she did, sometimes he forgot how young she was, though her mindset was already thirty forty tops, which was good for a girl her age, she was still only in her teens, late teens admittedly and from what he had learned nine days away from her birthday.

The big 2 0

He shook his head, it couldn’t be helped, he needed her away and the experience she would receive just from a minutes conversation with young Pinkamena would do her wonders. He watched patiently as fear warred against determination... finally one gained victory. Steeling herself, she used his swipe card to open the door, then she slipped inside.
With a wide proud grin Ivan continued, he would have to move fast, his agreement with Pinkamena for her to be his distraction would not last long and he needed to return to his office before his student beat him to it...

Because that would not be good.

He slipped into the mares lavatory and returned the grating to its natural play, recovering his robe he then stepped out of the cubical happy that no one had disturbed his robe nor was making use of the room to further tax his time...
He patted himself down, quickly using water from the taps at the sink to clean off the grime and dust, he didn’t bother to clean his waistcoat, it had seen far worse in its life. Satisfied he wrapped his robe about him and left.
***

Kara knocked and opened the door, her mind awash with thoughts and wonder. She had made excellent progress with Pinkamena, just getting her to talk was amazing in itself, let alone actually getting something worth while. She felt she had made a connection, though fragile, Pinkamena was interested in Kara, at least enough so that she would put up with the student’s presence.

As she made to enter a voice made her pause, she turned her head.

It was Lemon curry, the overly massive Stallion that made her step back every time just to get his entirety into her line of sight. It disturbed her that anypony could be quite so large, even her brother wasn’t as big as this guy and he was a heavyweight boxing champion. But Lemon had that playful innocence about him which made her like the stallion, an innocence that did remind her of her brother. She didn’t know much about him other than he truly respected Ivan, which she guessed she could understand.

“Sorry to bother you miss.” Lemon apologised, blushing and rubbing the back of his head with a hoof.

Kara smiled and nodded, moving away from the door to face him. “That’s alright Mister Curry.”

“Lemon, please.” His blush deepened. “I just... wanted to ask you something...”

“Please ask away mister... Lemon.” Kara nodded.

“It’s about this uhh... journey.” He began. “You know...”

Kara gave a small frown. “We shouldn’t talk about this in public.”

“Oh don’t worry.” Lemon grinned. “There’s no one around and the camera here doesn’t work.”

“Oh?” Kara raised a brow, she would have to get that fixed.

Lemon shrugged. “Well the camera's fine its just the electrics, wirings all screwed up and all.”

Kara nodded, then asked out of curiosity. “You’re accent... Trottingham right?”

“Born and raised.” He nodded proudly. “Though its a bit dark and dank for my taste.”

Kara’s smile returned, the people of Trottingham were always the first to judge their own city for being squalid polluted and chaotic. “What did you want to ask?”

Lemon chose his words quickly, he was good at that, even as Ivan tiptoed behind them with an pained expression strapped upon his face. That was another good thing about Lemon, he could keep his eyes off that which he was trying to hide, a quality that made him very useful, he could also reign in laughter from the awkward movements and silly face Ivan made to him.

“I just wanted to know... it may seem personal... what I mean is...” Always one to create as much time as possible, yet another ability of Lemon’s.

“Please just ask.” Kara sighed.

“Why are you going?” Lemon asked finally, wondering why in hell he did... what kind of question was that? Was he stupid? Ivan shot him a glare...

Kara sighed, she did not really feel like answering that question mainly due to her own doubts to her answer but Lemon would be travelling with her and perhaps it would be good to say it, to at least hammer out in her own mind the resolution to the confusion she had been feeling. “I’m not really sure myself... but I guess its because I’m curious.”

Both Ivan and Lemon paused at this, the doctor almost to the door and the orderly surprised he had actually gotten an answer. “Curious?” Lemon asked, his head falling to one side like a dog in an animal charity commercial.

Ivan also seemed interested in what she had to say, for he was still watching the back of her head with interest. Kara shrugged. “I’m not really sure...” She answered. “What about you?”

Ivan pushed open the already open door so as he could fit inside, his silent activity was impressive to Lemon who knew the door had a slight squeak. “Oh... it’s rather simple really, I’m getting danger pay.”

“Danger pay?” Kara seemed confused.

“Y’know...” He smiled awkwardly. “Extra pay for the risk of my life... got kids to feed, plus I always wanted to see a demon.”
It didn’t surprise Kara that this large handsome Stallion had children but right then that didn’t seem to register, as a frown formed deeply on her face. “Do I get danger pay?” She asked.

“I... do students even get paid?” Lemon frowned too.

“Assistant wages.” Kara nodded.

“Then I suppose so.” Lemon widened his eyes and gave a bark of laughter. “Better ask Doctor Ivan, I’m sure he’ll tell you.”

‘I’ll do that.” Kara grinned.

“Thanks for your time miss.” He nodded.

“Please call me Kara.” She smiled.

Author's Note

Slowly working the funny back in, sorry about Chapter One being a bit dry but that usually happens with Chapter One's in large books. I would like to thank anyone who actually read this chapter, truth be told I doubt any will but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop. A slow start is meaningless really, when life throws you lemons load them into a catapult and shoot them back twice as hard!
Derp...
Qray's introduction may need some work, expect it to change slightly... or a lot, or not at all, depends.
On what you ask? I do not know...

Chapter Three: Two Demands, No Choice

“Well?”

Dash looked down, a scowl upon her face, in her mind she had a lot to say, first was how much this annoyed her, to be sat down in front of this desk every two or so days and listen to pointless nonsense that meant little to her while being talked down to by this obnoxious loser with no life...

Second was the very real desire to brain him with one or two of the objects on his desk, repeatedly and without pause...
Third was her desire to just yell at him for keeping her locked up here against her will, prodding and poking at her mind like a drill that alternated between left and right rotation...

Yet even if she did give in to these desires and let it out he would only sit and listen, a brow raised and a slight smile on his muzzle. It amused him whenever she roared and struggled, making her feel less and less like a future Wonderbolt and more like a little filly at preschool being scolded for throwing paint... which only happened once... maybe twice... Gilda had been a bad influence on her.

No matter what she did he would simply cut her off eventually with a few honeyed words and a warm expression, breaking whatever strength she had gathered for her next tirade with seemingly no effort. Truth be told she hated him, more than enough to get violent if need be. What he said was true, she was aggressive and violent, why she did not know but that hardly mattered now. Yet every time she moved to act on it he would quietly tut and shake his head, causing that little filly inside of her to emerge once again. She was sure he was cheating somehow, giving her drugs or something... but she couldn’t prove it nor would he admit it, whatever he wanted he would not stop till he got it.

She would not allow that to happen!

Yet today things had changed, this new pony sat before her with tired eyes and a bedraggled appearance... this new mare had all the signs of being one of the freaks that ran this place, black robes, calm nature, easy movements. Dash immediately saw this as a reason to taunt and insult the new torturer right from the get go.

Yet she had received nothing, this mare had not even acknowledged her until she had stopped, which had startled Dash somewhat, it reminded her of her time when faced with a certain pink pony and the dark cellar beneath the Sugar Cube Corner...

Repressing a shudder Dash forced her mind to simpler thoughts, thank Celestia that the guards showed up when they did or Dash would have been cupcakes!

Now this new mare was here, her white mane straight but coiled slightly, silver impassive cold eyes staring without hesitation directly into her soul, straight backed and completely in control...
This mare acted like Pinkie Pie... the new Pinkie at least, it made Dash worry.

“Well what?” Dash demanded angrily.
The grey and white pony merely stared at her, expression unchanging and manner cold.
Dash shuddered. “Don’t expect me to apologise!”

Once more that stare.

“You’re not him you know!” Dash spat. “Don’t think you can talk to me like he does!”

“I have no intention of doing so.”

Ok perhaps it was the way she said it that made Dash flinch, looking up into the silver eyes that only reflected Dash’s face back at her. Dash would not admit it but this pony troubled her, like Ivan did but different, she was totally in control like Ivan but in a more merciless manner, part of her wanted Ivan to come back... though she would definitely not admit it.

“What do you want?” Dash asked, punctuating each word with sarcasm.

“I want you to get better Miss Dash.” The pony answered.

“There’s nothing wrong with me.” Dash replied, imitate by the impassive voice this mare used mockingly.

“Yes there is.” The mare stated.

“No there isn’t!” Dash reiterated. The mare returned to just staring at her, causing Dash to shift uncomfortably. There was something about this place, its cold walls and joyless colours... it reminded her of an even darker place she didn’t want to think of. “Alright fine! I‘m sorry!” Dash snapped unconvincingly. “Don’t let it go to your head though, I didn’t really do anything wrong.”

“You bit me.” The mare stated.

“Don’t act like you didn’t like it!” Dash smirked.

“I would very much like the idea.” The pony answered. “If the one biting had any experience as how to properly bite a pony.”

“Experience!” Dash growled and spat. “I’m the most experienced you’ve ever met!”

The mare’s lips twitched in a smile. “Hardly.” Dash frowned and snarled.
The Mare sighed and turned her attention to the notes before her. “My name is Kara.” The mare began, eyes scanning the paper quickly before moving on to another. “I am here to study you.”

Study me!? Dash fumed internally, struggling not to explode at the insult. “I’m not some experiment you can cut open and check out!” Dash returned.

It did not however have the desired effect, Kara only looked at her with amusement. “Are you sure?”

“Are you threatening me?” Dash glowered.

“How are you feeling today Miss Dash?” Kara asked, leaning forward, eyes now hungrily scanning Dash’s face for expression much in the manner she had the notes.

“None of your damn business.” Dash retorted with a snort.

“I take it you slept better.” Kara spoke, her words calm and softer. “Without the medication of course.”

“Sure.” Dash rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

“So, no nightmares then?”

“I don’t have nightmares.” Dash grinned impudently.

“Then why have you woken up crying almost every night since you arrived?” Kara asked with another of those raised brows.

Dash flinched once more. “Shut up!”

Kara sighed and shook her head. “The world is not out to get you Rainbow Dash, you need to relax.”

Dash shivered with rage. “That’s what you say.”

“Then tell me why the world is out to get you?”

“It just is.” Dash shrugged, this was getting annoying. Kara once more stared at her, forcing Dash to seek a more detailed answer. “I don’t know alright!” It was the best she could come up with under pressure.

“You are suffering from acute paranoia Miss Dash.” She answered with a kinder tone to her voice. “What you feel and what you see isn’t always the truth, right now your mind is making you take the defensive against things that are not directed towards you.”

“That’s what Ivan said.” Dash groaned, wishing she could rub her aching eyes.

“That’s because he is right.”

“Why are you here?” Dash asked with rising impatience.

Kara nodded. “Doctor Ivan believed you could use another perspective, which is probably a good idea, if perhaps you hear it enough from different ponies then you might just listen.”

“Yeah good luck with that.” Dash rolled her eyes.

“If perhaps you would prefer to speak to Twilight or even Applejack...”

“NO!” Dash exploded, surprising herself, recovering quickly Dash tried to pass her next words off as blasé as possible. “Err... no thanks, can’t be bothered to be near them let alone listen to them.”

“Twilight wishes to speak to you.” Kara put forward.

Dash frowned, didn’t Applejack as well? What was with that earth pony!? Just cause she was jealous of Dash’s awesomeness and skills...

“Applejack too has asked after you.” Kara added.

Oh... well that still changed nothing, AJ had always been jealous of Dash, Twilight too for all her magic and abilities, none could pull of a Sonic Rainboom, none could keep up with her, she was after all the greatest flyer in all of Equastria! Nobody could hang with Dash’s skills!

“Rarity...” Kara began.

“No thank you!” Dash shuddered, remembering her own moments of horror during her imprisonment at the Carousel Boutique with a sick feeling in her stomach.

Kara nodded.
This was it, she had her.
“Well then I’m sure you’d much prefer a moment or two with Miss Applejack and Miss Twilight.”

“Hah!” Dash burst. “Not a chance!”

“Then Rarity it is.” Kara replied with little mercy in her voice.

“...” Dash’s expression was one of unadulterated shock. “You... you can’t do that!”

“Yes.” Kara smiled with cruel eyes. “Yes I can.”

Dash grimaced, suddenly certain things inside her mind altered, there was perhaps a touch of desire towards speaking to two of her old friends... rather than that one specific marble unicorn. Biting her lower lip Dash surrendered, feeling pathetic and filled with a need for vengeance. “Fine... I’ll speak to the egghead and the apple sucker.”

“Wonderful!” Kara beamed. “That is truly great news.”

“I hate you.”

“I know.” Kara shrugged. “But that doesn’t really bother me, my job is to make you better, even if it means forcing you to accept certain things.”

“What things?”

Kara suddenly grinned, her cold cloak disappearing to reveal a cheeky underlining youth that matched the slightly older mare’s age. “That I’m right and you’re wrong.”

Oh She Did Not just say that! Dash’s mouth fell open as disbelief stole her.

“Oh and one last thing Miss Dash.” Kara pressed at the button that would summon the orderlies with a hoof.

“What?” Dash asked, numb with rage.

“Have a nice day.”
***

Ivan nodded with satisfaction, Kara had done well, considering her lack of willing to actually do this in the first place. Once Dash was taken away Ivan rose from his place under Kara’s desk, causing his student to leap with surprise. Internally he wondered if he should have informed her that he was there however the thought had not even entered his mind, this was just his way he supposed. She took a deep breath as she tried to recover and Ivan could do nothing but smile, she was so new to this, a psychological virgin in the heat of the power that came with it. Truly he had not cared for her display of dominance over the rainbow haired pony as it would take him hours to fix, however he had to accept she had done so with an expert's flair, if he wasn’t completely sure he would have assumed she had worked as a policemare in the bigger cities, interviewing suspects and what not, however he did know better, as well as her true origins of which did not really concern him at all.

“Well done Kara.” He nodded.

She couldn’t answer at first, trapped in a state of opening and closing her mouth, she was sure she had checked the entire room just to be sure, he had said she would be flying solo on this one... finally she answered with shock written plainly on her face. “You were there the whole time!?”

He gave her a knowing smile. “Well... one would assume so, unless I can magically trans-locate myself under tables...”

“...” Kara bit back her retort, there were rules.

“I must say you learned well from Pinkamena.” He gave her another nod. “I am proud of you.”

“Was that why you sent me to speak to her?” She asked.

He allowed himself a moment’s pause as he considered his next lie, then finally... “Yes.”

She frowned at his slow reaction time, she could also tell he was lying, she also knew he wanted her to know this. Confused she just remained sitting in his seat while he stared at her expectantly. Realising what it was he wanted she extricated herself from the large chair grabbing her notes as she did. He gave a light chuckle as they switched positions, Kara taking her own seat. She placed her notes down at her own desk and quickly read them over, there were so many and it all seemed jumbled, paper was something ponies ran out of all the time in this place. Co-ordination was a nice thought but it meant little when one was busy scribbling away trying to get all the information out of one’s head before it faded into the recesses of the mind, one just simply did not have the time to stand up move to the cabinet and get more.

“Poor miss Dash.” Ivan shook his head, falling into his seat without much decorum. “Faced with the one thing she fears most, sure it might take us back a few steps but she’ll get the point.”

Kara frowned suddenly, a question rising amongst her thoughts. “Why did you never attempt it yourself?”

Ivan nodded. “Acting cold and impassive may have its benefits in the short term but it does have a lasting damaging effect, I was trying to coax her out of her shell and I was close too, this challenge against her person will only make her recede further into her overly defensive nature.”

“Oh...” Kara blanched, realisation striking her, she had not anticipated that her actions may cause problems for Ivan and his own methods, at least not on this level. She obviously still had a lot to learn, she had thought using the Pinkamena persona was a step forward but perhaps... “I’m sorry.”

Ivan looked to her honest regret with a kind smile. “What for? You did marvelously! Exactly what I needed you to do.”

“But...?” Kara was once more confused.

Ivan sighed, she was still so young, but not as young as he had at first thought, she had this way of pleasantly surprising him in such a way that it made him care all the more for her, he had only ever had one other student like her in his entire life, they were a rare gift and one he wished to guide on its way to finding that potential bottled up inside.

“Miss Dash just needed some prodding and poking.” Ivan answered. “You did perfectly...” He paused. “How’s that bite by the way?”

“Lemon broke her off me before she drew blood.” Kara shrugged, rubbing at her left foreleg with a hoof.

“Lemon?” He asked with a knowing smile, remembering the conversation the two had shared yesterday.

“Ah... yes.” Kara smiled back awkwardly. “Mister Lemon.”

“Lemon’s a friendly guy.” Ivan gave to her. “I’m just glad you’re associating yourself with the group.”

“Yes...” Kara frowned again, she hadn’t actually done that had she...

“Kara?”

“Hmm?” Kara was brought back from her thoughts. “Yes sir?” She corrected herself.

Ivan chuckled. “Perhaps you should speak to the others, before we embark upon our journey.”

“Yes.” Kara nodded, she should.
***

“I want an Ice cream!” The loony demanded, declaring proudly his desire for frosty treats before jumping up onto the table and yelling shrilly and incoherently. The orderlies moved in quickly, grabbing the offending pony and dragging him down as he struggled. Applejack still hadn’t gotten used to the randomness of those she shared the asylum with, they were beginning to worry her. She didn’t really feel so crazy or lost anymore, in fact her need to be away was more powerful now than ever, anything to get out of this place!

Since she had accepted Ivan’s offer she had been given more leeway, allowed to roam the small areas of the facility given to some of the less crazed ponies. However it hadn’t made her feel any better. Most here were quiet and unwilling to start a conversation even less likely to respond. AJ felt lonely truly, she wanted some form of contact now that she had accepted her past, most of it anyway, she still didn’t want to talk about it much though she could, if pushed enough.
She missed her sister so much it hurt.

She sat by a window, still grated and impossible to break through, however much she wished to do so she knew she couldn’t, she wished to be away, sitting here at this table, on this plastic chair so uncomfortable it made her flanks numb. She wasn’t sure if she could wait much longer, five days were left now until they returned to that dreaded place but each day was like a year, perhaps more, she never would have thought herself able to even go back let alone desire it, yet here she was pining away for her home and more importantly Applebloom.

“Miss Applejack?”

AJ looked up to the source of her distraction, the temporary reprieve was somewhat welcome she could not deny that, even so it made her feel guilty. “Yeah?”

The robed figure had brought a seat and placed it at the opposite side of the table. AJ frowned, she recognised the mare, even though she hadn’t seen her face before but for the underside of the muzzle and the eyes. However now the silent aid of doctor Ivan had her hood down, revealing her face for all to see.
She was quite pretty too.

“My name is Kara.” The slightly older mare smiled as she sat. “I will be joining you on our... field trip.”

“Ah see...” AJ frowned, why was she here? What did she want? “How can ah help you Miss Kara?”

“Kara will do...”

“AJ or Applejack.”

Kara gave her an embarrassed grin. “Ok... Applejack, how are you feeling today?”

“Why do y’all doctors ask that right before we talk?” AJ asked with a groan.

Kara thought about it, it was an interesting question and one she never had to answer before, truth be told she had picked up the habit from Ivan. “It breaks the ice I guess.”

“Right.” AJ smiled and shook her head, these mind doctors were weird ponies. “How may ah help you today?”

Kara shrugged. “I actually came to speak to you, get to know you better.”

“Why?”

Kara frowned, she hadn’t really thought this through, she had hoped AJ would be more open rather than combative to conversation, however this pony displayed a level of doubt she had not expected. “If we are to work together it might be good to...” Kara paused, caught in an awkward shrug.

“Ah get ya.” AJ nodded. “I don’t really feel up to much but ah’ll play ball.”

“Ok, thank you.” Kara breathed a sigh of relief.

They sat for a while, each feeling uncomfortable as the silence loomed, AJ felt sorry for the young girl, perhaps she should, as she said, break the ice. “How are you feelin today?”

Kara’s eyes went distant for a moment as she felt the tables turning, she wanted to end this, to return to Ivan’s office and just treat the rest of their sortie with polite but distant discourse... however AJ was the Element of Honesty, perhaps being honest in turn would gain her this earth pony’s respect. “Out of my element to tell you the truth.”

“Oh?” AJ replied, showing small interest.

“I never thought I would actively seek out to make friends with patients...” Kara sighed. “But Ivan told me to get to know you better before we left.”

“Hah!” AJ grinned, she understood that alright. “He does do that doesn’t he.”

“Yes he does.” Kara smiled rolling her eyes. “He does it to everyone too.”

AJ nodded. “Alright, see, the ice is breaking already.”

“So it is.” Kara smiled, then popped the question, hoping to regain some control. “How do you feel about this trip of ours?”

AJ shrugged. “Just want to find mah sister, little else.”

Kara nodded. “I do hope you find her.”

“So do ah.” AJ whispered to herself.

They spoke for a short while longer, getting to know each other better, or as best as possible under the limiting circumstances, there would always be that wall, between patient and doctor, that was the way of things. Throughout the conversation though AJ got the feeling the young mare was testing her, or perhaps even testing herself, it didn’t really change anything but AJ also got the feeling that Kara was keeping something hidden, inside herself, yes she spoke only the truth but there was a secret squirreled away there, somewhere. She wondered what it was as her thoughts battled against staying focused and worrying about her sister.

Applebloom, she must be so afraid... so alone... Applejack couldn’t bare the thought of it...
***

They moved quickly, the day was theirs but it was risky to travel the streets without due care, those below remained below in their caves, working away at all hours to find whatever it was they were looking for. Yet the three who watched had a mission that kept them away from the caves, though their interest tugged at them, such inquisitive minds as theirs were.

“Dammit Scootaloo!” A yellow coated, red maned pony muttered.

“Well sooooorry!” The orange coated purple maned pegasus replied sarcastically.

“Girls!” The white and purple unicorn scolded them quietly. “You’re going to give us away!”

Both fillies looked embarrassed as they looked away from each other. The White and purple maned unicorn rolled her eyes and continued moving, skirting a corner and quickly bolting down into a side street and was quickly joined by her two more argumentative friends.

“Where are we going this time?” The orange pegasus complained.

“Ah told you we’re on a mission!” The yellow pony returned.

“Will you two be quiet!” The white unicorn shot at them, earning blushes. “And stop fighting! We’re meant to be a team!”

“Yeah...”
“...sorry.”

The white unicorn rolled her eyes once more.
They did not stop long, gaining their bearings they headed further into town, angling for the center, there were still ponies about who had not been press ganged into mining and most of them were dangerous, the risk they were taking was out of necessity only. They were going to intercept a conversation, hide nearby and listen to the whole thing. If anything it would at least provide some juicy gossip! At least, that’s what the unicorn was after, the pony and the pegasus had their own reasons, the Pegasus because she liked to envision herself an expert of espionage... yeah... and the earth pony because... well the unicorn hadn’t quite figured that out yet.

“Argh!” The pegasus released, thankfully quietly. “Quit stepping on my wing Applebloom!”

“Tuck them in when we’re sneakin around then!”

“Girls!” The unicorn spun, a tirade on her lips, she however resisted and simply held out her forehooves. “Come on!”

The two ponies frowned and scuffed at the ground with hooves.
“Sorry Sweetie...”
“...Belle...”

“I mean, really? Your going to do this now!?”

“Now you wait one minute missy!” Apple Bloom growled. “You’re one to talk with all that ‘ah’m too innocent to see blood’ thang y’all did yesterday!”

“I...”

“Yeah!” Scootaloo rose up in agreement. “You knew what we were doing yet you came with us anyway!”

“Well...”

“You’re always doin it Sweetie!” Applebloom added. “Don’t git short with us just cause we’re the ones doin it now.”

“You got short with me yesterday!” Sweetie Belle snapped. “Its not fair, you two always gang up on me!”

The two others rolled theirs eyes collectively, this statement was completely false and they were getting tired of her defensive attitude. However if they pressed any further they would probably drive her to tears.
“Yer right...”
“...sorry...”

“That’s alright.” Sweetie Belle sniffled.

“Ah’ll take the lead then.” Apple Bloom did so, moving to the head of the group, she should have known better than to walk beside Scootaloo anyway, they were sometimes a bit too competitive. The small group returned to the task of sneaking through the streets of Ponyvile, it wasn’t perfect but at least they knew it well enough now to avoid the more dangerous areas. This town had really gone to hay quickly and though the three had been a part of the madness they felt themselves completely innocent of any wrongdoing, after all the adults were all doing it why shouldn’t they? It was probably the only reason they were still alive.

They neared the small park that was their target, sadly it resided on the other side of town otherwise they would have been able to prepare better, however this mission had been dropped on them rather quickly leaving them barely any time to think, so they decided to just wing it. The open field may have proven a difficulty however they knew the place well, around the edge of the park were trees and bushes and the line reached all the way down to the buildings, they didn’t waste any time by waiting, quickly bursting across the small gap to leap amongst the leaves. Scootaloo took the high ground taking to the trees, sure she couldn’t fly but she did have some jump that was for sure, the two grounded ponies took the low route, moving slowly so as not to draw too much attention.

It was odd, what they did, not that any of them really cared anymore, the lack of other foals and fillies didn’t do anything to discourage them, which probably meant something was wrong with them though once again they didn’t really care.
They were just having way too much fun!

“We’re here!” Applebloom whispered excitedly to the others. They were near the center right at the back with the whole park on view. This was where it was going to happen, or at least nearby where it was going to happen.

“Are you sure?” Scootaloo asked wearily, hanging upside down from a branch hidden inside its leaves.

“Yes ah’m sure.” The earth pony warned from the bush below. “Now quit yer noise hole and be quiet!” Scootaloo stuck her tongue out in retribution, earning a small Sweetie Belle giggle from the bush beside Applebloom.

They waited... and waited... and waited some more, filly enthusiasm dissipating quickly, yet they somehow managed to maintain the patience to remain still, scraping the bottom of the barrel admittedly but that couldn’t be helped.
“Where is he!?” Scootaloo muttered, her hind legs growing tired from their locked position around the branch she hung from.

“Calm yer wings, he'll be here.” Applebloom sighed.

She had to admit these kinds of missions were not fun, not in light of their earlier missions such as ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders Murder Gang!’... but that was the point she guessed, her two friends weren’t quite sure of what was going on, Sweetie Belle missed her sister and Scootaloo missed Pinkamena... Applebloom had to admit that she too missed her sister but she had to remain strong, though she never claimed to be the leader of their little gang she was the one who received all the messages from... Him...

But she worried for her friends, they trusted her, they knew what they had to do and did it without hesitation yet they were worried, she could feel that in them, using that ability that ran in her family. She couldn’t always tell a lie from the truth but she could feel that something was on their minds, she wished she could reassure them but then what would she even say? She too felt that same confusion and doubt.

But... He... made sense when there was none, he spoke to them kindly, ever since Sweetie Belle had stolen that book from Rarity before the older unicorn was even aware of its existence things had been strange for them. Then that night had happened, Applebloom didn’t remember much of it, other than things had gone crazier than Timberwolves during Zap Apple season.

Yet thanks to Sweetie Belle's inquisitive nature and the cool picture of that giant creature in the book that had drawn their attention, they had somehow been saved from the chaos as the guards had charged in, many of those armoured soldiers being slaughtered as they tried to right the wrongs that had been committed, only to retreat in the face of pure insanity.

He... had hidden them from their sight, kept them safe in their clubhouse which was now their base of operations. He spoke to them through her and through her they received their missions, though Applebloom rarely remembered what was said she always knew what to do, as if the information had been ingrained upon her thoughts.
Of course there was another factor.

They had been sent by Him to watch another, a blood red pegasus almost as big as Big Mac, with wide massive sweeping wings, a mess of darker red hair for his mane and tail and weird lime green irises that were hard and cold. They didn’t like him very much, he was smart and liked to lord it over the others, it wasn’t as if he were even from Ponyville... but even so that wasn’t the worst thing.

Thump! The pegasus landed.

There he was, heavily muscled wearing a vest covered in belts with many pouches, he had three knives all set in sheaths about him, one at his chest and two at his lower back. He moved oddly too, not unlike a certain gryphon the three fillies had seen before. He was a predator, like Pinkamena but not as fun, hateful for no reason. The three fillies had grievances about how he had treated some of their friends too, the few they had trusted after the dust settled and the guards had left. Now they were alone, each contact removed one by one.

That didn’t manage to dissuade them from completing their missions though.
Cutie Mark Crusaders Espionage Specialists!

They had yet to discover their cutie marks but perhaps they could get them while saving Ponyville!
The pegasus began to pace, nearing where they waited with every moment, they silently held their breaths.

“No, no, no!” The pegasus growled. “That is not how its going to happen!”

They waited, they had seen this before, it made them confused at first but now they knew better, much like He spoke through Apple Bloom some other thing was speaking to this red stallion.

“I don’t care!” The pegasus burst. “You can buck off right now if you think I’ll do that again!”

They remained so still, tiny hearts hammering in tiny chests.

“I said no!” He raged at the sky. “Go ahead! See if I care!”
...
...
...
“No I didn’t think so!” The pegasus barked a short burst of laughter. “I’m in control here not you!” There was some more silence, they watched his face altering as emotions flickered from one side to the other. “Yes, I said I will but I won’t put myself in a situation to be caught, not again, that’s not my way!”
...
“You think you can tell me what to do!?” He snarled. “I’ve had enough of you.” He spun and began to walk away, shaking his head violently. “Arrgh get out! Get out of my head!”
...
“Fine!” He snapped. “I’ll do it, but I swear if you buck this up...”

The Pegasus sighed, he looked tired but even so he held himself ready, for any eventuality, he wasn’t one to be messed with and the three fillies knew that, they weren’t good enough to take him down no matter how they fantasised. The pegasus shook his head, too tired to complain any further, he took a deep breath and tried to relax...

He froze, eyes widening, once more he took a breath, this time through his nose, sniffing the air around him.
“Taffy...” He muttered.

Both Scootaloo and Applebloom resisted the urge to look at the bush containing Sweetie Belle with complaint. The Pegasus began to sniff faster, following the trail of the scent closer and closer to its source... he was almost upon them.
Applebloom felt her chest constrict, the tightening was painful but she could barely move, they had seen him fight, even one of the big creatures that rampaged through the town after dark, he was good they couldn’t deny that, he knew how to kill, he could also take many enemies down at once, they didn’t want to get themselves killed trying to fight this beast. She resisted the urge to run, attempting to gain control of her harsh breathing, she was sure the only thing keeping her breaths from being heard was the slight breeze that whistled through the park.

He was so close now, so close she could smell him... blood, he smelled of blood... and stone.

“Qray!” A voice called out, causing the pegasus to divert his attention. Breathing silent sighs of relief the three fillies relaxed slightly. Qray’s eyes locked in on the target, a young colt with a large scar across his face, it made the newcomer look quite ugly.

“What is it?” Qray the pegasus demanded with a terrible whisper.

“We’ve found markings... in the cave.” The colt trembled, wondering what he had done wrong.

Qray nodded and turned his head away, eyes narrowing and fastened amongst their general vicinity. He seemed lost in thought for some time, the time drifting past agonisingly slow. Finally Qray sighed. “Good...” He spun quickly and delivered an uppercut into the gut of the colt, whose breath exploded from his lungs audibly. The colt fell to the ground, clutching his gut with his fore hooves, Qray walked past him without even a look. “Stay here, you see anything you kill it, understand?”

The answer came out in a broken croak. “Yes sir...”

“Next time do not use my name in public.” Qray finished, spreading his wings and taking to the air. The three watched silently as the large pegasus disappeared from their sight, finally disappearing into the grey clouds above. The colt took deep breaths as he slowly regained his legs, which still wobbled. The colt turned to face the town, his back to them.

Applebloom looked up to Scootaloo and they shared a nod, Sweetie Belle gave a silent sigh and covered her eyes with her hooves. Applebloom pulled her tail around and removed a small blade with a hoof, Scootaloo did the same, taking hers from her purple mane.

They could take this colt without much issue, he wasn’t that big.
***

What should he say in this situation? It was a poor time to be Ivan in the world at that moment, it had finally caught up with him, delivering to him something he had been aware was going to happen but still hoped it would not. He had a plan of course, as well as a contingency plan, perhaps another for that as well. Yet now faced with it the internal struggle began, he didn’t like this, it made him feel itchy all over, his robe suddenly becoming stifling and uncomfortable. He wished he had prepared himself better for this trial, for now it was proving to be challenging to the extreme.
Steth had finally cornered him.

“Ivan!”

Drat...
Ivan did not stop walking, his speed increasing slightly just to make himself feel better, he really disliked the wiry small pony with no manners and a sickeningly lizard like personality. It didn’t help that he smelled of whiskey, too much like whiskey. The older pony caught up with him.

“Ivan we need to talk.” Steth instructed, falling in beside Ivan with his head held high and eyes looking down upon the larger stallion... which was a feat in itself Ivan admitted.

“What do you want Steth?”

“Stethoscope.” The smaller psychologist corrected in that irritating way he always did, perhaps he really was that stupid if he hadn’t realised that everypony did it on purpose just to annoy him. “I have three problems and they all seem to stem from you.”

“Do tell.” Ivan allowed his eyes to rise to the ceiling.

“First was that little stunt you pulled at the meeting.” Steth began.

Ivan sighed. “Its not like you care about those patients Steth, just let it go.”

Steth muttered something unintelligible. “Stethoscope, and for you information I have already, I meant the meeting with Princess Celestia and her assembly.”

Ivan gave a short smile and somehow managed to hide it well. “I told you where it was, it’s not my fault you missed it.”

“Yes...” Steth raised a brow. “You did didn’t you... though your location was off, other side of the asylum off, and the time you supplied to me, being an hour after the actual meeting ended.”

Ivan sighed, alright he had done that, it was funny at the time... ok scratch that it was still funny, he could imagine the colour draining from Steth’s cheeks as apoplexy took over... Ivan grinned inwardly, he wished he had of been there, perhaps he could get Lemon to find the footage from the room’s security camera...

“A simple mistake.” Ivan shrugged.

“Furthermore you failed to get my permission before making that damned suggestion to Princess Celestia.”

“Celestia seemed to understand the need for a solution.” Ivan replied. They were nearing his office and Ivan knew that Steth would demand entry to continue in further conversation of a truly boring nature, he had to come up with a plan of action quickly.

“Indeed?” Steth raised that brow again, Ivan wanted to pin it down. “Which leads me to my final point, you are meant to keep me apprised of everything you do in this asylum, I run this facility not you, everything goes through me and you should know that already.”

“I thought we were both in charge.” Ivan muttered.

“Yes...” Steth accepted with a snide expression. “But the rules are still the rules, you and I both share this post...”

“Are we sharing?” Ivan frowned.

“...but you agreed to send me detailed reports of all your actions as well as ask permission before doing anything.” Steth snorted. “And sending that student of yours to speak to Miss Pie was by far the worst move you have made.”

Ivan sighed tiredly.

“Furthermore...” Steth started again.

“I appologise.” Ivan interrupted.

“What!?”

Ivan stopped walking, forcing Steth to do the same. “You are right and I apologise.” Ivan replied honestly. “I have been lax in my work ethic and have treated you with disrespect, I shall from this moment on keep you apprised and ask permission before acting in any way.”

Steth was taken aback, he had not anticipated this, he scanned Ivan’s features for any signs of duplicity but found nothing, finally he pulled himself together, his expression returning to its natural pompous nature. “Well... yes good.”

“I shall speak to you later Doctor Stethoscope, right now I have patients to attend.” Turning Ivan removed his keys and faced the door beside him. “Have a good night.”

“Right.” Steth nodded, turning and walking back the way they had come. “I expect a report tomorrow morning.”

Ivan nodded and unlocked the door, opening it and slipping inside, once closed he leaned his back upon it, taking a deep long breath. He held it for a moment before allowing himself to breathe naturally once again. “Insufferable Jackass!” Ivan growled.

“Who! Wha...?” A grey mare rose from the bed set against the wall, her eyes disjointed and her golden mane a sleepy mess.

Ivan looked to her with a kindly smile and warmth in his voice “Nothing miss Doo, just checking in to see if you are fine, you can go back to sleep now.”

“Ok!” She smiled, her head falling limp onto the pillow and gentle snores already rumbling from her lungs.

Such a sweet girl, he chuckled quietly, leaving the room as silently as the night, even though it was day.
***

“Do you like bananas?” A random voice asked of her as she was wheeled past, she did not bother to answer, she knew better than to do that. The hallway wasn’t too packed it never was but even so the small group of mentally damaged ponies that lined it were a little disconcerting. She hadn’t gotten used to it at all because she hadn’t been confronted by it, her injuries due to massive spell failure had made it necessary to keep her close to the medical center. But now she could move more freely, if she had the strength, her legs were very shaky of course so walking was not an option right now, however she could make use of a wheelchair, which was at least some alleviation from the tedium that had overtaken her since her recovery from the surgery had begun.

Twilight did feel better, every day since the surgery had taken place, more and more of herself returned though she still found it difficult to think back on that night... also she had this nagging feeling ever since Ivan had informed her of his plan. She wasn’t well enough to travel, even with her higher level of magic bolstering the healing process.

Yet the need was there, the desire to make Princess Celestia proud, the fire to save the world from anything that threatened it. However she doubted the Princess would ever forgive her for the things she had done, even if she had not been able to control her actions. She could say that the spirits that possessed her were entirely to blame but that wasn’t true, they had only fueled her own lusts which had proven far darker than she herself could ever have known.

Part of her was glad she had lost herself to books all her life, if that was what she wanted from her lovers.

It was past midday now, she didn’t know the exact time as it was hard to pin it down without a clock nearby, though this at first worried her further she quickly remembered she had always been like that, being late for things was something Twilight did often without spike around to remind her...

Oh... spike...

She new she was beyond redemption, nopony could ever forgive her for what she had done...

“Twilight.” Her voice was soft and gentle.

The lavender unicorn looked up to the face of the sympathetic voice, silver eyes regarded her with worry. “Yes Kara?”

“You’re crying.”

Was she? Twilight lifted a hoof to her eyes and felt the wetness streaking down her face. Twilight sighed, she still had a lot of recovering to do, she would probably never be the same pony she was ever again. “I’m sorry...”

“Don’t be.” Kara whispered soothingly. “You have every right to cry.” Twilight nodded though in her heart she felt she had no right to anything at all. “I have a surprise for you.” Kara added.

“A surprise?” Twilight asked, looking forward with slight worry tingeing her heart.

“Yes.” Kara smiled but revealed nothing more.

Kara wheeled Twilight through the asylum, taking a more scenic route so Twilight could enjoy as much time outside of her room as possible. Twilight had instantly taken to the mare who shared the same age as her brother, whose words were gentle and whose eyes showed only kindness. She had learned that she was Ivan’s student and had sat in on every one of their appointments inside his office.

She recalled seeing her but never really registered her presence before, Twilight’s world at the time being bleak and painful. But now the pain was gone and all that was left was the guilt. Kara, though Twilight had only just met her, had become a friend in this cold place, away from everything she knew.

They had talked for some hours, Twilight sharing quite a bit of her past before the dreadful event, thankfully Kara never attempted to bring it up, instead keeping the conversation friendly and simple, it had been nice.
Then Kara had offered to take her out into the asylum on a walk, or a push she guessed, which Twilight had agreed to without hesitation. There were only so many times she could read the same two books and beat herself at chess before it became so tedious she couldn't bear it.

Twilight soon found herself being wheeled into an almost empty room, set with chairs and tables, but one in particular caught her eye. She gasped as she took in the sight of her friend. Applejack looked worn out and broken, sat despondently in a chair with a look of hopeless despair. Her heart went out to her, even now she wanted nothing more than to help ease the earth pony’s problems.

Kara pushed Twilight up to the table, setting her opposite Applejack before turning to leave. “Call me when you’re ready.”

With that Kara was gone, leaving the two to look at each other uneasily.

Something had to break.

“Twi...” AJ began, her voice broken.

“Applejack...”

They both began to cry and even as the two allowed their feelings to flow there was a barrier there, something holding the two back. But Twilight would have none of it, she had always been the socially awkward pony of the group, except for one of course but she would leave those thoughts alone for a little longer.

Slowly the tears receded, neither feeling shame for shedding their pain. Twilight wanted very much to hug her friend right then but her inability to move well hindered that... and Applejack seemed hesitant to reach out herself.

“Ah’m sorry...”
“I’m sorry...”

They had both spoken it at the same time, both causing the other to pause. Applejack recovered first. “Ah shouldn’t have locked myself away in mah farm... ah left you guys alone when ya needed me most.”

“No Applejack...”

“Ah was so caught up in mah own troubles ah didn’t even think about yers...”

“Applejack please...”

“Ah...” Tears and shudders ran through Applejack’s body, she found it hard to continue but she had to, she had to admit her faults to her friend and pray she be forgiven. “Ah let y’all down.”

“No Applejack.” Twilight shook her head aggressively, tears flying from her eyes. “I’m the one that failed you... the things I did... the horrible things I did to our friends...”

Applejack moved around the table and caught her friend in a hug, Twilight’s face fell into AJ’s shoulder and she began to sob, AJ stroked her mane and whispered soothingly into Twilight’s ear.

“Its alright... ah know what happened to you...” She did, Kara had told her before making this offer for reunion, the knowledge had shocked her but her opinion of Twilight did not change, Twilight was Twilight and would never have harmed anypony like that, especially Fluttershy, she had been possessed and though yes it had been her own fault Applejack couldn’t blame Twilight for making a mistake, especially in light of Applejack's own terrible decision to barricade herself away from the world and failing her own sister.

Twilight was more innocent than she was.

“You must hate me...” Twilight cried.

“Ah could never hate you Twi.” Applejack cooed. “I don’t have anythin but love fer ya.”

And Twilight cried some more, which was understandable and in some way Applejack felt renewed conviction for her choice, as Twilight wept into her shoulder she felt that strong bond begin to renew and more still her own need to care for something frail and frightened. She wasn’t Apple Bloom but then that didn’t matter, she was Twilight and she loved her akin to a sister anyway.

Twilight’s heart was close to breaking as she enveloped her forelegs around Applejack’s neck, her earth pony friend’s strong arms wrapped around her waist. The contact felt good and if anypony she trusted most with her feelings it was dependable Applejack who had never and would never let her down. She was truly grateful for her friend’s love, which filled her aching heart to the brim.
They remained thus for a long time, simply lost in a world of safety and warmth, it was something both were loathed to end but even so they slowly separated. As their eyes met Applejack gave Twilight an affectionate smile, wiping at the tears that fell down from the unicorn's eyes with a gentle hoof.

“Dry those tears girl.” Applejack murmured. “Yer not alone anymore.”

“Thank you Applejack.” Twilight felt warmth rise in her heart, that bleak darkness receding.

“We’re better together right?” Applejack grinned. “Strength in numbers an all that.”

“I’m here for you too Applejack.” Twilight returned the grin.

“Aw shucks.” Applejack chuckled. “Ya need me more than ah need you.”

“Not true.” Twilight shook her head, her old strength returning in full force. “You need me just as much as I need you.”

“Well...” Applejack rubbed the back of her head with an embarrassed hoof. “... as long as we’re both benefittin ah don’t see no harm in letting feelins out... just don’t expect me to go all girly girl.”

Twilight gave a bright trickle of laughter.
***

“Two down...” Ivan whispered to himself. “One to go...”

He walked out in the direction of one specific cell, one he didn’t really wish to visit, not because he felt trepidation, nor because he felt disgust, far from it. The truth was he knew he was walking into a battle with a major disadvantage, he had of course known this would happen, from the moment he had devised this plan of his he had known, in fact he was quite aware of the fact that this would probably make it even more difficult to get Celestia to agree.

This had always been a factor, a depressing relatively annoying factor that he had tried his best to prepare for, truth be told he was a bit of a freak when it came to over planning any given situation but then it was his way to do so, for a plan with many contingencies is less likely to fail than a plan without them. Still this was a rogue element he could not really anticipate.

Hopefully whatever it was that the lusty unicorn desired would be less than questionable, the more the demand the less likely he will be able to get away with it. Anything sexual he could deal with, of course poor Lemon would be left at the hooves of a maniac for Ivan wasn’t going to involve himself with a patient, he had done many terrible things but that was a step too far for him! Poor Lemon, he wondered if the stallion had what it took to please the unquenchable flames of desire that would assail him like a hungry predator.

Then again miss Rarity may not want anything of the sort, which would be troubling, lust he could deal with, a little alcohol stolen from Steth’s office... perhaps more than a little, and then bobs your uncle... maybe he would have to involve a little chloroform or even some slight hypnotism but even so the results would prove worth it. However if the unicorn’s desire was something else than Ivan would have to vastly improvise his current plan, which he did not like to do.

Rarity... what went through that pony’s head was anything but a mystery to Ivan and if everypony knew it would make them shudder, however he had a stronger constitution and so he was only amused. But there was a darker side to her that many missed, once more Ivan knew this too but there was little he could do to plan against it as it had not truly manifested itself yet, he needed to discover what it was that drove the pony to these desires, what had been the trigger.
Thus he would discover a means to control her.

Today would be that day.

He paused outside the door, the purple wing wasn’t exactly the red wing but the doors were more than a little armoured, too many times the patients here had attempted flight. Aggressive Dash shared this wing with the exuberant Rarity though the two would not even speak a word to the other. Rarity had cornered Dash inside her boutique, she was one of her first victims and thanks be to that that Dash had come out mostly unscathed, at least she didn’t have any scars, some ponies were not so lucky however.

Some believed that Rarity had spared Dash such cruelty due to their past friendship but Ivan knew better, Dash was just lucky, the things Rarity had done to her own sister proved that all too much. Though Ivan knew in his mind that Sweetie Belle would forgive Rarity, due to the fact that both had lived happily together even after the incident that left Sweetie Belle with a scar across her chest.

Such matters only confused things though, for Rarity was terribly conflicted out of her desire to love and to be loved, on one hand she desired pain and pleasure in massive quantities, driven by voices of her own making that made suggestions that triggered her hunger... then there was the desire to love, her old nature forcing its way through and causing her to be more gentle and understanding of other's feelings. This clash of internal wills would confound matters for him, she was a danger to all around her because of it, yet there was something that she could offer that nopony else could, even though she was a risk it was that very risk that would benefit his small group during their stay in ponyville.

She would keep them all on their hooves, as well as add to the normalcy the other two needed, though she was filled with lust she was also still Rarity and would react as such, which both Applejack and Twilight would respond to in their normal manner, this was good, it gave stability... he would just have to keep an eye on her... perhaps Kara’s eyes as well, after all his student could look after herself, he knew she had the ability.

Perhaps he should teach her a few things...
Nah, not even necessary... still, it would probably give her the excuse she needed to fight foes without blowing her cover.

Whatever Rarity wanted he would discover this now, he had little time to spare and whatever she wanted he needed time to make it possible. He knocked on the door with a hoof.

“Yes?” She called from the other side.

“Are you decent?” He asked, knowing the answer already but saying it anyway, it always did well to give a lady the respect she was expecting, it helped to build that bridge he was so fond of.

“Well of course dear.” Her voice was amused. “Do come in.”

He did so, unlocking the door and returning the keys to his robe as he entered. He closed the door behind him and lifted the handle, locking himself inside. All locks to the doors were special, they could not be opened from the inside without the key, the outside the same, the handle just made it easier for doctors to ensure it was locked after they left a patient's room.

“Good morning miss Rarity.” He greeted her, turning with a smile to look at the pony sitting upon the bed with her back leaned against the pillow.

“And to you doctor.” She smiled up at him, that dreadfully blessed warmth burning in her stomach. “I’ve been expecting you.”

“Yes I had thought you would be.”

She chuckled. “I would get up to properly greet you but we both know the rules in this situation.”

“Indeed.” He nodded. “I was the one that made them after all.”

“And it disappointed me greatly.” She sighed, feigning sorrow, leaning her head back and closing her eyes. He was sure that if it were not for the straightjacket she would have risen a hoof to her forehead dramatically. An eye popped open and she smiled a knowing smile of amusement. “So why did you come to visit me this day doctor?”

“You know why.” He answered simply, turning to rise on his hind legs and lean his back against the wall opposite her.

They locked eyes and a short battle of wills ensued, one she submitted to eventually with a bat of her eyelashes. “You want to know my price for joining you on this little escapade of yours.”

“Correct.” He folded his forelegs across his chest.

“Hmm...” Rarity considered. “I’m not sure I’m ready to speak of it.”

“I’m afraid then that we have run out of time.” He sighed, lowering his arms and motioning himself towards the door.

“Oh come now dear.” Rarity rolled her eyes heavenward. “We have plenty of time.”

“Not if you want your part of the bargain fulfilled.” He corrected, returning his forelegs to their position on his chest.

“I see.” She sighed. “Then I may as well come out with it... problem is I’m not sure if I trust you enough to share this with you.” Ivan grunted and Rarity smiled brightly. “First answer my one question and I will tell you my wish.”

Her wish huh? He wanted to snort but resisted the urge. “It all depends on the question then.”

“What is your greatest desire?” She purred.

What was that feeling inside his chest? What was it that ran in his mind? Before he had grown into something more than what he was it had always been dominance, control and most important of all manipulation. However now it was different, he had changed greatly, what was once there had altered into something else, his truest desire? That was a simple question to answer but one he didn’t really feel like answering, it was hard for one of his position to share this, his past he had to keep a secret due to the mistrust it would cause in his patients, his past of which he had only shared with a few so far... even so this new desire of his was even more dangerous, it required things of him that he was not sure he was able to do, more so it worried him for it would leave him open to the weaknesses he had always despised...

But no longer it seemed.

He let out a long sigh, allowing the tension to flow from his shoulders. Yes it would be difficult to answer but easy to speak, it was getting the first word out that would be difficult. He looked her fully in the eyes as the words flowed, those dreaded words that he had never intended to tell anyone, let alone this lust driven masochistic sadist.

“I want to love... and be loved.” He answered robotically.

Her jaw dropped, what was that he had said? What did he mean by it. Regaining control quickly she pushed forward. “Explain.”

He gave a nod, a simple movement that betrayed nothing. “I wish to find an equal or at least one who understands everything that I feel and can accept me for who I am.”

“Doesn’t everypony seek that?” Rarity frowned.

“Not in the way I do.” Ivan responded. “For with my love comes the burden of all my problems.”

“Problems?” Rarity purred, hungry for more information.

But Ivan only smiled. “Now tell me what it is you want.”

Rarity gave a small noise of disappointment, she would just have to do with what little he had supplied, perhaps she could gain more from this one during their mission. “Just so you know... I feel I can actually tell you now, I can relate to your problem.”

“Oh?”

“I want to be loved too...” Rarity sighed. “... in fact that’s all I want... to share my life with the one pony in this world that truly understands.” He raised a brow, suspicions circulating in his overactive brain. “There is only one that can, only one that can satisfy my every desire...” Rarity suddenly displayed an expression of self contempt. “...even if all I do is disgust her with my weaknesses.”

With a snap in his brain he understood, then and there it all made sense, of course the one she desired could never love her, that one didn’t even love herself, of course that one despised this white and purple unicorn, for that one despised herself too... then further realisation hit him and he felt a tired weight hit his shoulders... this would be a big problem, one he may not be able to fix.

Rarity flashed him a smile as she saw that expression cross his face, she had him now, she also knew that if he did pull this off then he would have more than earned her respect, she was willing to let that happen... if he could pull it off.

“I want her to come with us.” Rarity purred so deeply it rumbled through her chest like a saw.
“I want Pinkamena Diane Pie.”
***

Drat! Drat! Drat and double Drat!

Damn that unicorn and her childish fantasies! Damn that lusty maniac and her impossible dreams! This was all he needed as he stormed towards the red wing, causing doctors and patients alike to move out of his way as the raging cloud of thunder and lightning that was him charged wildly down the hallways. He was boiling, seething, however he remained in control, it was just difficult to hide this emotion from dominating his features. It had been going so well, all of the pieces fitting nicely together, now this nonsense...

Even if he could get Pinkamena to join them, even if he could convince her to aid him in his quest without stabbing him in the back, he had no idea how he would get this past Celestia, let alone Steth and his righteous indignation towards Ivan’s efforts. Did nopony care? Did nopony see that he was trying to save Ponyville and its broken inhabitants from further harm?
Probably not, all they saw was Ivan Gared, more a danger to others than himself.

Celestia would not agree to this, could not agree to this, even if he somehow managed to tame that twisted mind onto his side it would do nothing to change the fact that in the end it would be pointless to try!

Yet here he was, moving of his own will, even if it seemed impossible he would have to try, for it was in his nature to not give up, when life threw you lemons you beat them across life’s head until it gives you something better, like gold! Who cared about the consequences just so long as life learned its lesson... right? But no that wouldn't be good enough.

He regained enough of himself to prevent the near trampling of a tired nurse who squeaked as he appeared looming above her, turning tightly he avoided collision, but barely, he had the forethought to throw back a hasty apology. He sighed and reined in his anger, it would avail him naught should he give in to it, instead he began taking calming breaths, allowing that near impassive wall to descend across his mind. He had to remain in control, that would be a childlike mistake he would never make, for he had been old and wise the day he had been born.

Sucked to be him as a child.

He didn’t pause when he reached the red wing, instead he just swiped his card and entered, Rarity of course he had left almost immediately upon hearing her desire, locking the door securely behind him to better his mood. Now however he was walking straight into the face of something he wasn’t sure he could control... for he knew there would be a price and Pinkamena’s price would be a thousand fold that of Rarity’s.

He stopped before the Plexiglas, his expression controlled and his mind easing, yet even so it did little to stop Pinkamena from sensing it.

“I can feel the rage bursting inside you as you walked up the hall doctor.” Pinkamena gave him a half smile, laying upon her back on her bed, as she always did when she had run out of charcoal. He pulled the small cardboard box from his robe and deposited it in the slide tray, used to transport food and paper to the cell beyond the glass.

Pinkamena rolled off the bed and came to stand at the glass directly before Ivan, she had moved quickly enough so it would not have registered immediately on the mind of a normal stallion, however Ivan was anything but normal and so he hardly reacted at all..

“What is it Doctor? Something you would like to share perhaps?”

Ivan grunted. “It seems you will be going with us after all.”

“Will I now?” She smiled.

There was the moment, deeper than the one he had shared with Rarity moments ago, a battle of wills that would last long and would probably never break. However he had no time for this. “What do you want?” He asked in a voice so cold it literally dripped with malice.

She smiled darkly, this was the side of him she had wished to see, the real Ivan, the predator under the sheep’s clothing. She took a step to the side, collecting her new charcoal and taking it to her seat. She sat and removed a single stick, placing the box beside another that was empty. She began scratching at the paper and he knew she would take her time, savouring this victory.

But he also knew she had to have it, otherwise he would never get what he needed.

“Pinkamena.” He glowered.

“Yes Ivan I am well aware of your need to waste no time.” She answered. “But I am in no rush... so tell me, why the sudden change of heart.”

He rolled his eyes, his next words were emotionless to the point of being harsh. “Madam Rarity requested it.”

Pinkamena frowned, now it was Ivan’s turn to savour victory. “Rarity?”

“Yes.”

She didn’t like that, it was obvious to him, she did after all despise Rarity, probably more than the rest of her once beloved friends but for herself of course. It was double edged now, on one hand she would finally drive a nail into Ivan’s composure but she would also be adding to Rarity’s needs.

Pinkamena nodded to herself, to rescue this situation and save face she would have to alter her price. “I will go with you Ivan, I will even give my promise to you that I will follow your instructions to the letter... mostly... I will also promise you that I will resist my terrible urges and not bring harm to any but to protect myself and perhaps the others in our little group... but it will cost you dearly.”

“What do you want?” He sighed.

“That doctor... will remain my secret until the day I need it most.” Her smile was twisted. “One day I will call upon you and you will have to accept my demand.”

“Within reason.” He stated.

“Of course.” She gave a nod, her smile fading. “Thank you for your time doctor, I’m sure you’re very busy and I would hate to keep you.”

He gave a snarl and dismissed he left, this round was hers and the spoils would go to the victor eventually but that darker shade of Ivan would make her suffer someday. That promise echoed loudly even as Ivan shut that darker self away, locking the box it resided in firmly once more.

“Drat.” He muttered to himself as he left the red wing.

Author's Note

Oh boy, another less funny one but building the tension! How will Ivan get Celestia to approve of this? Find out next week... Or at least soon. No that's it, soon, just saying. Hopefully this one will catch you more than the others, as the doors finally open to reveal the secrets that lie within, just out of reach.
I appreciate the fact that no one may ever read this but I'm having too much fun to care, even the dislikes mean nothing to me now, the first day it kinda hit hard but now I don't actually care!
Once more I talk too much... write too much, till next time!

Chapter Four: At A Distance

Inevitably the time rolled by and though he had turned to options he would have never in his right mind even considered he believed there was still a chance this could all work out. He had to admit that the current events had made everything difficult, after all, it had all gone badly quite quickly.

And yet he believed he could convince Celestia to accept his proposal of allowing him to take the psychotic Pinkamena along with him on his little journey, however it would have to be handled right... right at the last minute that was, just as they were about to leave preferably. It would force the Princess to accede though he had little doubt she would be in a good mood after that, something he would be leaving entirely in Steth’s deserving hooves.

Ivan clucked his tongue twice and signed the last document, he had written well over a thousand in little under six hours, he had the time to kill and he would have spent it contemplating if nothing else. Most of it was pure garbage but some major details had been squirreled away within the vast complex of confusing words and syntax.

It would take hours of deciphering to understand just one page yet even so Ivan felt it wasn’t enough, which was why he had done so many of them, also as an added bonus he had written a few theoretical ideas in there, all completely flawed and unworkable but Ivan was sure that after the first few explosions of rage the reader would consider attempting them... and make a fool of himself in the process.

The days were getting longer for the others, he could sense this whenever he spoke to them, Applejack was biting at the bit to get back to Ponyville and find her sister, Twilight though she had still not volunteered was beginning to feel the great well of desire to do something other than sit around.

Rarity was just happy to get out of her cell while Pinkamena... well she was another matter, she obviously saw this as her chance to escape but even so she would work with them until she found a means to do so without getting caught again, which would take her some time at least.

Oh yes the days were getting longer... for some, not for him as he had discovered, the work load he had to get through before he could leave had been troubling to say the least, luckily his student was willing to take some of it upon herself, though even so he still had a lot to do himself.

They had made a night of it and now that night was over, he had finished every last necessary thing he could before creating his two thousand page mega volume of unnecessary mental misery that was sure to cause a volcano’s eruption of rage in the target reader and now Ivan had nothing left to do.

He probably should have gotten his ten minutes of sleep but then that would have left him ten minutes of work short.

Oh yes... he had finished. Remembering what he should do next he pressed the button for his intercom, the room next door served as the waiting room for his two orderlies, who were every ready to called upon. The door to his office soon opened and an orderly Ivan knew to be called Flak poked his head inside.

“Yes doctor?”

Ivan lifted the mega volume he had set in a large binder with both hooves, it was quite heavy so he could only manage a slight wave to indicate its existence. “Would you mind doing me a favour by taking and delivering this to Doctor Stethoscope? There’s a good fellow.”

The orderly shrugged and entered, he took the binder and sagged somewhat under its weight, with an oath of surprise Flak managed to make it through the door before swearing quietly though profusely. Ivan detected the slight groan from behind the door as it closed, it was obvious he knew something was up and that Ivan had sent him off as part of his plan, which when involving Steth could not be good, especially for those who delivered the message so to speak.

Don’t shoot the messenger and so forth.

It seemed his work force was getting wise to his methods, almost like a sixth sense, and now Flak’s Ivan-Sense’s were tingling. Ivan chuckled, it amused him he could not deny, his little habits were often spoken of by the employees who worked in the institute, always such conversations were filled with laughter. Ivan had become the figure of comedian to them due to his odd humour.

Yes.

Ivan turned to look at his student who had fallen asleep at her desk, Ivan shook his head and smiled, he knew how that felt. Her face rested against a half finished report and her expression was one of complete unconsciousness. He pushed her too hard he had to admit but even so he had little choice, they were at war now, a war against insanity, which was always a losing war for the sane, for the insane were willing to go places the sane could not.

Which was why he had made a team of the insane, the bonus being that they were also the Elements of Harmony which when he considered it was perhaps the best idea he had had in a long time. Chances were good when they were involved, especially due to the fact they were on his side.

“Kara.” He spoke, then shouted. “Kara!”

Kara spluttered and shot bolt upright in her seat, blinking furiously to force away the heaviness in her eyes. “Yes what!?” She burst.

“Time for bed Kara.” He answered, allowing a grin to form on his face.

“Bed?” She blushed heavily, still unable to tell the difference between dream and reality.

Ivan lifted a brow, just what had his apprentice been dreaming of? “Yes Kara, you need to get a few hours of shut down before you rejoin me later today.”

“Today?” Kara blinked some more, looking to the clock with an expression of confusion. “What time is it?” She couldn’t see very well yet.

“It’s a bright and sunny Nine AM.” Ivan announced with some voice causing Kara to wince from the noise. “And therefore time for you to get some well earned slumber.”

“I can manage without...” She attempted, almost falling back onto her desk.

“At this point I believe you will barely manage to make it to your room.” He answered rolling his eyes. “Now get yourself to bed before I have to carry you there.”

She blushed once again and sighed struggling to her hooves, though she did agree that she needed sleep the idea of him being out of her supervision for any amount of time worried her, what bothered her most was that he just never seemed to sleep and when he did it was for little more than a few minutes.

She found it difficult to keep up with him... no that word was wrong, she felt it impossible to keep up with him! Still the image of him carrying her to her room was one she could not shake... again she caught herself thinking of things she should leave well enough alone but that was a hard thing to accomplish in her dreamy state.

She moved to the door and opened it. “Sleep well Kara.” Ivan offered.

She muttered something even she had difficulty hearing properly and so left the room. As soon as she closed the door behind her she got the terrible feeling that he would be out and about as soon as she turned the corner of the hall...

Which Ivan did, almost as soon as she was beyond sight, slightly barrelling away down the hall on his latest mission.
***

Dr Stethoscope was on a high feeling that morning, sipping at his coffee and slowly coming back to reality after a somewhat decent night of sleep. It was that time in the morning when all outside noise could be ignored and his mind free of any thought. He gave a large sigh and placed the mug down on a coaster, he hated the thought of ruining his desk after all it had cost him quite a few bits.

A large sum to pay for a desk he would only need for a few more months but that was just how he was, he found it impossible to work on shoddy wood, it was oak at least or nothing for him and even then it had to be hoof carved and highly polished.

Life was somewhat on the rise, his previous place of work had been a dismal little hole in the middle of nowhere, it was obvious he had been punished unfairly during that period of his life, all his fellow doctors jealous of his expansive understanding of the pony mind.

He couldn’t help but snort at the idea of such fools having such power over him but soon that wouldn’t matter, this job would be all he needed to get the station in life he so deserved, the pay alone would enable him passage to the top, Tartarus he could buy his own Institute in Canterlot for the bits he would receive and still have enough to live richly for the rest of his life.

He looked forward to it, the big pay off that would make all the nonsense he had suffered here worth it.

He moved to take another sip of coffee but paused as a knock rattle against his door, with a sigh he called for the offending pony on the other side to enter. A rather large buffoon entered, one of the orderlies by his clothing.

Stethoscope had little time for his kind but as the younger stallion entered the doctor hesitated before telling him to leave and come back later, the young fool was carrying what appeared to be a massive binder of some kind.

“Yes?” Stethoscope demanded with tired aggression.

“Sorry to bother you so early sir.” The Stallion nodded, coming to a stand before the doctor’s desk. “But I have this for you.”

The Stallion placed the binder on the desk, it gave quite a thud and even managed to make his desk creak with the strain of its weight. “What is this!?”

The orderly shrugged. “It’s from Doctor Ivan.” He answered simply.

“Yes...” Stethoscope frowned. “...thank you for answering my question.” The sarcasm wasn’t missed but the orderly did the smart thing and remained quiet, standing awkwardly waiting to be dismissed.

Stethoscope rolled his eyes and pulled the binder around to face him, though with some effort it was very heavy. He opened it and read the first page, it was a cover letter from Ivan.

Dear Steth,
Here as promised are my reports on all the actions I have undertaken during my time here.
Signed: Ivan Gared MD

Stethoscope fumed at the sight of his name but turned to the next page anyway, what he saw there made him go cross eyed. “Why in all Equestria did he think I would want to know the various techniques he implemented in wiping his backside?” Stethoscope paused as he flipped through more pages. “What in Tartarus is all this!?” He demanded angrily of the orderly. “Is this some kind of joke!?”

“Err...” The orderly managed with a look of confusion.

Stethoscope was enraged once more, this mess before him was an entire catalogue of every moment Ivan had spent here at the asylum. Every disgusting, boring, annoying incident that the mad doctor could contrive to put to paper, it would take hours of searching to get through this mess and even then...

Stethoscope ground his teeth, once more Ivan had insulted him. “You! Whatever your name is! Go bring Ivan here now!”

“Now?” The orderly grimaced, suddenly aware of just how stupid it had been for him to accept this task without question.

Stethoscope had been about to berate the stallion further until another knock at the door made him pause. “What!?” Steth yelled at the door. It opened and entering came an awkward procession of office workers wheeling in trolleys weighed down with boxes.

Without another word the ponies began to offload their cargo, depositing the boxes with little care for how ordered Stethoscope’s room had been before they did so. The resulting chaos made Stethoscope explode. “What is this!?”

One of the office ponies froze but still managed to answer. “These are the reports you wanted to review.”

“Review?” Stethoscope frowned, he didn’t order any such thing. “What reports?”

The office pony frowned himself, confusion plainly written on his young face. “Um... all of them.”

“All of them...?” Stethoscope mumbled dumbfounded, watching the procession as further ponies entered wheeling in more boxes. The amount was staggering, so much so the stacks of boxes began to grow into large pyramids that filled out his entire room in minutes.

Steth stood trembling with unhidden rage, he left his room quickly and nearly bolted down the corridor to the Filing Department where all of the boxes would have come from. When he entered the office it was to hear laughter, which in his state he took to be directed at him.

“What is the meaning of this!?” Steth fumed at the clerk behind the main desk.

“I... uh... what?” He was obviously confused.

Stethoscope growled. “As of this moment my office is being filled to the brim with every report written since this institution’s opening! I want to know why!”

“I’ll check for you sir!” The clerk answered, checking the various papers on his desk, it took a moment and during that time Steth felt himself lose control of his left eye which had begun to twitch wildly.

“Ah, here you go!” The clerk beamed. “You ordered a review of all reports stored here.”

“I did no such thing!” Steth snapped.

“I have the order form right here sir.” The clerk shook, handing the sheet with Steth’s signature on it. “As you can see its signed and everything!”

“When did I sign this!?” Steth demanded, seeing his own signature there rattled him somewhat.

The clerk frowned at first but then brightened as he remembered. “It was brought in yesterday along with a report declaring the transfer of all Red Wing Patient’s to Doctor Ivan.”

Steth blinked.

“In fact there’s a note here for you.” The clerk gave an awkward smile. “He said you would come here and that I was to give this to you.” Steth snatched the small note from the offending clerk’s hoof, lifting it to his eyes and adjusting his glasses to read its contents.

Dear Stethy
Princess Celestia is expecting your evaluation of these Reports so Hup Twp old boy!
Also - Read what you sign before you sign it... that is just common sense.
Have fun, I know I did!
Signed: Ivan Gared MD
***

Ivan moved like a ghost through the corridors, he had a mission to accomplish and this one was perhaps the most important of them all, it was after all a part of his master plan, he had set it in motion the moment he had arrived and now it was time to add the finishing touches.

He had of course selected the patient best suited to fulfilling this role, after all she alone had the ability to see his seemingly random acts come to fruition, nopony would ever guess it was he that had done this but then that hardly mattered, all that mattered was that it happened.

It would of course have to be timed right, sadly there was no way of ensuring that at this point however if all went as planned that also would not matter.

He arrived at Rainbow Dash’s room and paused outside the door, collecting himself before entering, as he did it was to receive aggression.

“Can’t a pony get any sleep around here!?” Dash yelled at him.

He closed the door behind him, ignoring the rage seething from Dash like a supernova. “Good morning Miss Dash.”

“Morning!?” Dash growled. “Come back later if you want to visit!”

Ivan shook his head as her eyes fell on him accusingly. “I’m afraid that would be impossible, tomorrow I will be off on an adventure of sorts and I have little time to waste on you.”

Dash’s mouth fell open, she obviously had not expected him to be rude about it.

“In fact let’s get something clear shall we?” He smirked. “I came to tell you that it is, in my professional opinion, best to leave you here at the asylum indefinitely.”

“Indefi what?” Dash frowned.

“Forever.” Ivan answered. “Just thought you would want to know, considering you wanted out of this place and all.” Dash was shaking with anger, that much was obvious. “To be honest with you I’m glad to see the back of you, when I’m gone you’ll be dealing with the idiots who have no idea of how to treat you to shut you up, I’m quite sure they will therefore do everything in their power to piss you off further, perhaps even lock you in a cage somewhere dark for the rest of your miserable life.”

Dash leapt at him as best she could, weighed down by the straightjacket wrapped around her forelegs wings and chest. Ivan dodged easily shaking his head, it had taken no effort at all to set her off but then she was a hot head, part of him regretted speaking to her like this, he had been so close to fixing her.

Of course Kara had seen to that hadn’t she, causing more undue stress to the Rainbow maned pagasus with little thought as to the long term effects, now however it hardly mattered, he had already resigned to the fact that Dash would just have to sort herself out, which she would eventually.

She struggled onto her hind legs and leapt at him again, sidestepping he turned to her bed and tossed an object underneath, she wouldn’t find it until later and by then it would be the perfect time, he was sure Celestia would send the guard to watch over him and his little group and he couldn’t allow that.

He was sure Steth would not realise his spare key card had gone missing until it was too late and by then Ivan would be long gone. Dash missed his little action and so the card disappeared under the bed with no witness but Ivan.

Turning to the door he banged on it three times, entering quickly came two orderlies, one of which was Lemon whose expression revealed some discomfort at the idea of Ivan’s plan, whatever it was. Ivan had to admit the big guy wasn’t stupid, he had known Ivan long enough to know when something big was up.

The two leapt on Dash and forced her back onto her bed, quickly binding her down onto the mattress with the straps built in to subdue her. She struggled and swore all the way, kicking out as best she could and finding purchase of Lemon’s compatriot’s muzzle. With a massive sneeze the orderly frowned and with Lemon managed to secure the pony in the binds.

The two then left, Lemon shooting Ivan a glance as he did. Ivan ignored it and instead looked only to Dash as he spoke. “I’m sorry Miss Dash but when you get like this I’m afraid it’s just impossible to speak to you.”

“I’ll kill you!” She snapped.

“Perhaps after my venture we will speak again.” He gave her a hidden smile, one she snarled at with indignation. He turned and left the room, locking the door behind him. He nodded to the orderlies and sighed. “Thank you gentlecolts, your timely help was much appreciated.”

“You told us to follow you Doc.” Lemon shrugged.

“Did I?” Ivan frowned, his act almost perfect. “I suppose I did... well anyway thank you for the aid.”

“Sure thing Doc.” Lemon sighed.

“Why don’t you boys go get some lunch hmm?” Ivan offered, even though it was morning everypony in the world knew that to be code for: I will have no need of you until later, go loaf about and do your own thing. The two orderlies gave him a grin and nodded before leaving.

Ivan watched them go until they disappeared around a corner. Then his shoulders sagged, he hung his head a shook it slightly feeling the guilt hit him, he detested the idea of doing this to a patient, especially young Rainbow Dash. She had been doing so well as well but even so Ivan knew she would recover from her insanity in her own time, she had been only marginally affected by the curse.

He was sure she had never killed and that when they found her it had been all circumstantial, in fact he was quite sure the body found next to her had been killed by a mob and not by the paranoid Dash in a fit of rage.

She had the greatest chance of recovery, aside from Twilight of course who had retained her Equinity once the ghosts had left her body. Dash did have one thing over Twilight though, she had gusto.

Ivan knew what to do next, he had little choice...
***

“Good morning Miss Twilight.” Ivan greeted as he entered her room, her smile was bright as she looked up at him, she seemed to have recovered quite a in the last two days, so much so it even went beyond the realms of magic enhanced healing, though Ivan suspected something else was at work there.

“Good morning Doctor.” She returned with equal warmth to her voice, she got up from the seat she had set by the window so as to make use of the light to read a book, putting said item on the chair behind her. “What can I do for you today?”

He gave a noise of mirth, Twilight was almost herself again, which was good, her ability to walk without issue had proven the operation on her brain to be a success, though he knew it would be, he was a qualified neurosurgeon himself after all.

Though he didn’t like to brag... much... at least not in public... sometimes...

You get the point.

Anyway Ivan looked to Twilight and gave her a bright smile. “Would you like to go for a walk?”

“I would love to!” She answered immediately with great enthusiasm she was obviously getting tired of sitting around with nothing to do. “In fact I was hoping to speak to you before you left.”

“I see.” He grinned internally. He couldn’t help but pat himself on the back once again. “Well... we might as well get moving the day won’t wait for us.”

He opened the door and motioned her to go ahead, she did so quickly, happy to be away from her room. “Thank you.” She nodded as she passed.

“You are welcome my dear.” He answered, following and taking the lead as he fell in beside her. “How are you feeling today?”

“Quite well actually.” Twilight replied. “In fact better than ever.”

“That is wonderful news.” Ivan smiled once again things were going well here at least. “And how was your meeting with Miss Applejack if I may ask?”

“Better than I could have ever hoped.” Twilight sighed. “I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me.”

“I would say it was just my job...” He began, eyes twinkling. “But instead I shall say it was my pleasure.”

“I never thought I would recover from all that happened.” She continued, though he could sense the awkwardness in her words, she was still unsure of how to deal with the memories but that was only natural. “It feels like it was only yesterday that I was stuttering and panicking at every shadow that flicked past me.”

“It was only a few days ago Miss Sparkle.” Ivan pointed out. “The fact you have shown such remarkable progress is as much a surprise to me as it is to you, and it says a lot about your character.”

“Oh?” Twilight raised a brow.

“You are quite strong Twilight, your will alone has pushed you forward on the path to recovery, all I can really take credit for is helping you to see that for yourself.” He turned his head to give her a look of approval. “And you didn’t disappoint me.”

“Well...” Twilight blushed. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

He chuckled, he had gotten to know her quite well in the short time he had known her, she was a very polite young mare with an open heart both strong and vulnerable, deep inside himself a dark coil knew exactly what to say that would break her spirit in two but that was just the power of psychology.

A dark gift truth be told but one that proved ultimately useful in almost any situation.

They were passing through the med ward on their way to an area Twilight had not seen before, she was a little distracted so when he spoke she missed it. “Pardon?”

“You wanted to speak to me?” He repeated.

“Oh yes...” She frowned, unsure as how to ask. He had made it quite clear to her that he had no intention of bringing her along with him on his mission however she had come to think of nothing else, she felt the need to break free of this place, to stand with the sky above her, to be outside once more under the sun.

To save Equestria from any threat that presented itself.

He led her through strange corridors that did not have any sign of colour, she wondered what kind of patients resided here but all she saw were ponies wearing black robes with ID cards clipped to their chests. With a look of confusion she looked to him but he only he shrugged, supplying no answer to her unspoken question.

Finally however their destination became evident when he paused outside a door where stood a guard. Twilight shivered uncontrollably as she took note of the golden armoured stallion whose expression was stern as his eyes fell on Twilight.

“Don’t worry Stern she’s with me.” Ivan answered the guard’s confusion. Twilight smiled inwardly, of course the guard’s name would be Stern.

“Do you have permission to bring a patient...” He began.

But Ivan cut him off with an impatient wave. “Yes, no, does it really matter at this point Stern?” Ivan offered. “You know who she is, you know who I am, would I really bring an unstable patient here if she wasn’t ready?”

“I would prefer it if you could show me some kind of proof that...” Stern began again.

“Oh stop being such a bother would you Stern.” Ivan rolled his eyes. “We both know the Princess respects my decisions enough to let me do whatever I want.”

“Within reason.” Stern answered with a small growl.

“Exactly.” Ivan grinned. “And this isn’t that unreasonable if you think it through.”

Stern chewed on his thoughts for a while, his jaw working mechanically as he considered Ivan’s words. Twilight couldn’t help but watch this action as the two large Stallion’s stared each other out. Twilight was used to being around guards having been Celestia’s apprentice since she was a filly, even so now this tall manifestation of past memories was slightly daunting.

“If I find out...” Stern muttered.

“Find out what Stern?” Ivan sighed. “That I took a patient on a little walk without permission? Who exactly is running the show here?”

“That would be Doctor Stethoscope.” Stern answered.

“And?” Ivan asked, elongating the A.

Stern chewed once more, eyeing Ivan with suspicion. “And... you.”

“Was that so hard Stern my boy?” Ivan laughed. “And don’t worry about Steth, he’s very busy at the moment and would prefer not to be disturbed.”

Stern’s expression became more sour but he relented with a tired groan. “I will of course have to keep watch over you.”

“Of course.” Ivan gave him an understanding nod.

Stern muttered something under his breath but turned to the large doors and pulled them open. Twilight was at first worried about what lay behind the doors, she wasn’t sure exactly what Ivan had planned and for all she knew it could be to bring her before the Princess and she wasn’t sure she was anywhere near ready to face her judgement at this point and time.

Such worry was unfounded however as light exploded into the hallway, almost blinding her and causing her to lift a foreleg to cover her eyes. She released a gasp of shock and did her best to recover, even as Ivan pushed her forward through the doors.

She felt a cool wind touch her face and then her body, her senses went wild as they picked up the smells and sounds of nature. Slowly she cracked open her eyes and as the initial blur wore off she had to focus her sight through tears that suddenly rushed free from her eyes.

The world around her was more beautiful than she remembered, the sun’s golden glow washing a scene of bright green grass with its light, small brightly coloured flowers waved slightly in the gentle breeze that caressed the field they stood upon.

In the distance she could see trees, leaves swaying and waving as if welcoming her back into the real world. She smelled pollen and the sweet scent of wild flowers all of which flooded her mind with a serene emptiness she could barely understand.

She stood dumbfounded with no thought as to do anything but stand and stare at the free world surrounding her, a world she had once thought closed to her forever, a world she would admit was still trapped behind a large fence designed to keep the dangerous inside. A small part of her wanted to run, to be truly free in this wondrous field of joy that had touched her heart.

But she couldn’t, not so much as even move, she could not even fathom such an idea at this point, lost as she was in the beauty of nature ensnaring her mind whole.

“I...” She attempted but could find no words to explain her feelings.

It was unnecessary of course, Ivan understood all too well what she was feeling, he had felt it himself recently though he had retained much more control than she. He waited until she was ready to speak before doing so himself, allowing her the time to process this moment.

“Shall we walk?” He offered, throwing a quick glance to Stern who stood by the door behind them.

“Yes... please...” Twilight almost sobbed.

For a while they walked and neither spoke, Ivan allowed her the time she needed to connect to the outside world once again. It was difficult he understood, from both personal experience and that he had witnessed from patients in the past.

Being locked up had a strange effect on those inside, in the prison system they called it institutionalisation and the feeling of pressure one felt from being released after being kept holed inside for many years could have serious effects on the institutionalised.

He sensed her fear, a fear of which was understandable under the circumstances, it would take some time for her to get used to the idea of the outside world once again sadly that was something he did not have time for.

“How do you feel Twilight?” He asked.

“I don’t... really know.” She answered.

He nodded, that was to be expected, in fact anything else and he would have been worried, this at least was natural for anypony that had been through what she had been through. Her gentle nature made her quite submissive but he knew deep down inside there was a dominant personality full of strength waiting to be freed.

He needed it to be free right then.

“You are a remarkable pony Twilight.” He spoke honestly. “You have achieved so much in such a short time.”

“...”

“I am quite pleased to say that I think you have successfully recovered.” He added.

“You... think so?” She seemed surprised.

“There is little more I or anypony can do for you.” He nodded his eyes serious as he looked at her. “It’s all up to you now.”

“I...” She felt unsure.

“If you wish I can have another doctor keep an eye on you while I’m gone.” He continued impassively. “Though you don’t need it I assure you.”

“I would feel better if...” She began but hesitated.

“If?” He asked with a raised brow.

They walked side by side and yet she still had trouble meeting his eyes, she felt conflicted about what she felt she had to do, true she felt ready to tackle the troubles of her home but... was she really ready? Or was that just her desire to be free... now that she thought about it she wasn’t so sure.

“I wish you didn’t have to go.” She answered finally, embarrassed to say it out loud.

He gave her a light bump and chuckled. “Thank you for your confidence Twilight, a doctor could hope for nothing more from his patient.” She smiled glad he had taken it well. “Sadly though I must be off, this problem in Ponyville won’t go away by itself.”

Twilight nodded, feeling unsure of herself as the need to ask became prevalent in her mind. “Yes...”

“It will be hard enough as it is with such a small group to deal with it.” Ivan sighed, pressing the issue covertly through their conversation. “I’m sure Applejack and Rarity are up to it though.”

“Yes...” Twilight repeated, her initial fear of returning home welling guilt in the pit of her stomach.

“Though with Mister Curry and Pinkamena I’m sure we will do well.” He added.

“Pinkie Pie!?” Twilight almost exploded. “You’re taking her with you!?”

“Oh yes.” Ivan nodded. “I see no other option, she has done little more than react to all forms of treatment with scorn, a trip to where it all began may do her some good and anyway...” He gave her a pointed look. “If I can undo what has happened to all those unfortunates inside the asylum then it would be best for her to be close, after all proximity seems to be key to the curse, the cure may be the same.”

Twilight frowned, unsure as to his explanation. There were plenty of holes in his theory and the biggest was simply that fact the Pinkie Pie was now a psychotic pony who revelled in bloodshed. It seemed to her to be a mistake to even consider taking her along.

“As it is she will spend the rest of her life in her cell.” Ivan finished with a deep sigh. “I can’t bear to think that one of the very Elements of Harmony remain afflicted as she is.”

Ok that made some sense, Twilight had to admit, she wanted Pinkie Pie back to the way she was too, in fact since Applejack had informed her of certain things she had been more worried about Pinkie Pie than any of the others. She wished to speak to her, to tell her it was alright, that it wasn’t her fault... Twilight understood the pain of guilt all too well and believed Pinkie Pie to feel the same.

“I want to go with you.” Twilight informed him firmly.

“Oh?” Ivan responded with a blink. “And where would we be going?”

Wasn’t it obvious? She frowned. “To Ponyville.”

“I see.” He answered with little emotion and an indiscernible expression on his face.

Twilight felt worried, unsure as to how well she had handled this, had she been too brazen to ask so suddenly like that? He had after all informed her that under no circumstance would she be going with them... it was little unfair though, after all he was taking Applejack and Rarity... as well as Pinkie Pie! and they were nowhere near as recovered as she was.

She felt need to voice this issue. “I think I’m the best qualified to go, I’m better or so you say, and my expertise in magic would only be a benefit to you!”

“Hmm...” He paused to consider her words, looking off towards the asylum with squinted eyes.

Twilight pressed forward. “And like the others I know Ponyville well, very well in fact! I wouldn’t be a bother either!”

“Perhaps...” Ivan murmured. “I have received no reply to the request I sent to the Magic Academy in Canterlot for a magic trained unicorn’s assistance...” Not that he had actually sent any sort of request.

“Then you need me.” Twilight pleaded, hoping with all her heart he would say yes.

He gave a short sigh of resignation. “I doubt it would do you any good Twilight, our time in Ponyville will be anything but pleasant.”

“I’m not an idiot, Doctor Ivan.” Twilight smiled. “I know it’ll be bad but what choice do you have?”

Ivan turned on her a dark smile. “And the spirits? Are you not afraid they will return?”

Twilight frowned, it was true she had considered the possibility, in fact she wasn’t even sure she could even use magic anymore, since her surgery she had little time to practice it and was even afraid to do so, when one doubted their ability in magic it often failed and such a failure brought the risk that it would never return.

“I...”

“Well...” He gave a quick look behind him at the guard watching their every move like a hawk. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.” He pressed a fore hoof into his robe and withdrew a pencil, offering it to her with a curious expression. She reached out a hood to take it. “Not like that.” He pulled it back.

She nodded with understanding but paused in doing so, worried still by certain factors already explained. “I thought this place prevented magic from being used?”

“Only inside the walls Twilight.” He answered. “Out here you are free to use it as you will.”

The sudden idea of being able to use her magic made her fret, true she had desired nothing else for some time but... she was still afraid it wouldn’t be there anymore.

“Don’t be scared Twilight.” He offered her with a warm voice. “You can do it.”

His reassurance did much to bolster her flagging confidence, which had seemed so powerful when informing Ivan she would be going... She bent her mind to the task and focused, shutting tight her eyes with some strain. In her mind she imagined the pencil in his hoof and slowly but surely allowed the magic to flow from her being up through her horn.

Ivan watched as the pencil levitated into the air, she still had it and for that he was grateful, he did not like the idea of explaining to Celestia how her student had lost the ability to perform magic, especially now of all times.

“See.” He watched as the object enveloped in a soft pinkish purple light floated to hover between them. “Nothing to threat about.”

Twilight opened her eyes and looked to the pencil at first timidly, then with an expression of pure satisfaction. “I... did it...” She murmured, then louder. “I Did It!!!” She exploded and so too did the pencil.

After the initial shock wore off and the two had removed the small splinters of wood from their coats Ivan gave Twilight a gentle pat on the shoulder. “Well...” He clucked his tongue once. “I guess this means you get to come along... as long as we don’t have anymore explosive accidents.”

Twilight blushed. “I am sorry about that.”

“No worries young unicorn.” He chuckled. “In fact I’m glad it happened, it shows you still have your power, which I can tell you is a great relief.”

“Relief?” Twilight frowned.

“Could you imagine Celestia’s expression upon finding out that the surgery I suggested had ruined your magical abilities?”

Though the mention of her teacher’s name made her flinch she could not help but smile at his awkward grin. “I suppose it would be a bit of a doozie.”

“Doozie!?” He barked with laughter. “Oh yes, sorry princess but I broke your apprentice, anyway nice to see you again have a pleasant day.”

Twilight gave him a giggle, he had this effect on her it seemed. “Well you don’t have to worry about that now.”

“It is one worry I can put aside yes.” His smile faded suddenly and his expression became deadly serious. “Are you sure you want this? To go with me to Ponyville?”

Twilight considered it, sure the idea terrified her more than anything she had faced in the past but even so she knew Ivan would be there and so too would Applejack and... Rarity, though at that point she wasn’t sure what to think of that... especially with the added bonus of Pinkie Pie...

But she knew what she had to do and what was right, she knew that no matter how dark things got they would need her to light the way, she was after all the unofficial leader of her friends.

“Yes.” She looked up to Ivan with steady eyes and conviction in her voice. “Yes I am.”

“Capital!” Ivan grinned. “Then we must make ready, we will be away tomorrow!”

“Tomorrow?” Twilight frowned, had the time really flown by that fast.

“Indeed.” Ivan nodded. “Let’s get you back to your room shall we?”

She went silent suddenly, he could sense her loathe to do as he suggested but what choice did she have otherwise. She looked up at the guard as they passed and as the guard’s eyes moved to meet hers her head fell, she was still unable to meet his gaze.

“Thank you Stern old boy.” Ivan nodded to the guard as they entered the institute.

He felt bad for her in that regard, she must feel as if nopony would ever trust her again... but that was far from the case...How could he explain to her that the reason Stern had been so adamant about keeping an eye on them was not because of Twilight’s presence but because of his.

Ivan found himself smiling suddenly as a new thought appeared in his skull. “In that case Twilight, perhaps you would like to help me today, as Kara is taking some well deserved sleep right now I could use an aid.”

Feeling much better almost instantly the purple unicorn answered brightly. “I would love to Doctor!” Twilight beamed up at him.
***

Kara dragged herself out of bed with a groan, it was perhaps too much that she get a full night’s sleep... day’s sleep as the hour on her clock was five thirty PM... she had the horrible feeling that she had missed quite a bit that was important.

That was the problem with sleeping during the day, everypony in Equestria was up and about and she had been unconscious. It was about time for food and so her body had reacted by forcing her to open her eyes and deal with the terrible ache in her stomach.

She had to shower first, that was a given and she did so it did little to alleviate any of the stress they weighed down her upon shoulders. Tomorrow morning they would be heading out to Ponyville and she had not even prepared herself for it.

Ivan too must have sorely missed her, all the work he had to do before he left must be running him ragged, she knew the amount of paper work it had taken just to make everything ready, she had done a small portion herself and that had been exhausting.

She took the short route to Ivan’s office, she usually wouldn’t because it passed through the hall in which a certain doctor with certain untoward feelings towards her resided. Sure she didn’t really care about that pony or his misgivings for her presence but she didn’t like to cause issue, it wasn’t her way.

Still she had wasted enough time sleeping and now she had to return to her work.

As she passed by Stethoscope’s office though she found herself frozen in place, watching as a spectacle of some confusion flowed by. Several ponies were busy wheeling in large boxes on trolleys through the doors to the doctor’s office.

“More!?” A voice yelled. “How many are there!?”

She could feel the rage erupting through the doorway, something she wanted no part of, she attempted to rush by unnoticed but sadly fate had decided that was not to be.

“You!”

She froze once more with a silent groan, turning she faced Doctor Stethoscope as he shoved his way through his occupied doorway. Kara wanted nothing more than to just keep moving, to be away from this scene of which she had no doubt Ivan was the cause of.

“What is the meaning of this!?” He demanded of her.

She blinked in confusion. “Sorry?”

“Don’t play stupid!” Steth snapped. “You know what this is about!”

“I can assure you...” She began but was interrupted.

“Thousands of files, endless reports, all of which I apparently agreed to review!” He raged. “I know it was Ivan, he pretty mush admitted it with this!”

He threw at her a small piece of parchment, torn and ragged, obviously screwed into a ball multiple times and reopened only to be screwed into a ball again and thrown. Unravelling it she read the words.

My, my Ivan has been busy... She thought, resisting the urge to smile.

“I’m sorry... what has he done exactly?” Kara attempted, though it was obvious what Ivan had done she had no idea how to get out of this without getting involved without playing ignorance.

Steth ground his teeth together, the sound vibrated through the hall with the force he put into it. Through the grinding he growled his next words. “Tell Doctor Ivan that he will regret this!”

“I will be sure to pass the message along.” Kara sighed, turning to leave.

“I’m not done yet!” He snapped, forcing her to turn back.

She sighed desperately wishing to escape but seeing that hope as nothing but futile.
***

Twilight sat at Kara’s desk busily reading and taking notes of most of the knowledge gathered about the event that had struck Ponyville, there were a few omissions as Ivan believed certain things should remain unknown to her, for her own sake if nothing else.

Twilight had instantly thrown herself into her work, not only because she wished to know everything she could before taking on this venture to Ponyville but because she simply wished to do something other than sit around in her room all day.

Plus she enjoyed company.

However it was getting to that time and Ivan knew it would soon be inevitable that a certain pony would arrive slightly vexed at a certain thing that had happened after just waking up. She had probably skipped food too just to present herself to Ivan to show she was awake and ready for work.

Poor Kara, Ivan felt guilty about that but it was all a part of the plan, he needed this to happen so as to ensure everything went without any problems.

“Hey Twilight...” Ivan spoke, causing the young unicorn to pause in her work to look up at him. “Do you want to see something cool?”

“Cool?” Twilight frowned.

Ivan looked to his clock, counting the seconds. “Five... Four... Three... Two...”

The door opened and in stormed a slightly angry Kara, her eyes were dark and tired, her shoulders ridged and her movements wooden. She had obviously been through a bad time and had not come out of it on top. Twilight watched Ivan’s student as she moved to face Ivan with annoyance plain for all to see.

“Good Afternoon Kara.” Ivan greeted with a smile.

“This I believe belongs to you!” Kara stated, dropping the small ball of paper on his desk.

“Ah yes.” Ivan smiled picking it up. “This clears up any evidence Steth might have against me.”

Kara blinked, as did Twilight, though the unicorn had no idea of what was going on while Kara could guess. “Twenty three minutes he nagged at me.” Kara responded.

“And a credit to your field of study.” Ivan stood and walked around his desk to give Kara a friendly pat on the shoulder, one she received with a stony glance directed at him. “I trust you slept well.”

She raised a brow, she knew she had to be polite, she knew she had to act the part but somewhere in her mind she was sure he knew that too and was playing on it quite expertly.

“Yes.” She answered through grit teeth. “Thank you for asking.”

“Not at all.” He chuckled, that bright friendly chuckle that suddenly grated on Kara’s nerves. “I bet you are hungry, why don’t you take Twilight with you to the cafeteria to eat... whatever it is they call food there.”

Kara had not noticed the unicorn and was quite surprised to see her, in fact she was stunned to such an extent her anger faded. “Oh...”

He nodded. “Twilight has asked to go with us, given the circumstance I have accepted her request.”

His eyes said all she needed to know, his plan had worked she couldn’t deny that but what other plans did this Stallion have in motion? She considered her options and found in truth that no matter how hard she tried there was only one she could choose... “I see.”

“After you’ve gotten something to eat why don’t you both come back here and help young Twilight with her studies of the events of Terror Falls, as you spent so much time doing the same you could help bring her to speed quickly.”

Kara knew well enough to do as he said, this was a very risky point in their... his plan. She gave Twilight a smile. “I would love to.”

“And feel free to sit at my desk when you do.” Ivan grinned. “Keep my seat warm and whatnot.”

“...sure thing.” Kara responded.

“Anyhoo I must be off, early rounds today I think, better we all get an early night.” Ivan moved to the door and exited the room. “I shall see you ladies later.” He gave them a nod before closing the door behind him.

There was a moment’s silence between the two mare’s that remained inside the office, Twilight confused as to what had just happened and Kara staring deadpanned at the wall opposite her. Finally however time progressed and Twilight felt the need to speak.

“What was that all about?” Her expression one of bewilderment.

Kara shrugged and sighed. “Just Ivan being Ivan I guess... I know I’m hungry though, shall we?”
***

“Are you ready Ivan?” Pinkamena asked, a light smile on her face.

She looked at him fully, the time for their usual game long since passed on by. Their previous arrangement had become null and void and now they had to build another, this would be at first problematic but both knew what the other wanted and both knew how to deal with that.

“Oh I’m always ready.” Ivan snorted. “The only question that remains is whether or not Celestia is ready.”

“Should you have not informed her earlier of your choices as to who will be going with you?” Pinkamena’s smile became hungry. “Surely she will be angry at you for this.”

“You and I both know that the less time she has to think about it the better.” He answered with serious eyes. “The only way this will work is if she is totally unprepared.”

“It would be better if we were all going.” Pinkamena added sitting upon her bed with her hind legs crossed beneath her. “Celestia has a profound trust in us Elements.”

“And I would agree with that if it was not for the fact that Miss Shy won’t even speak to anypony and Miss Dash is better off as far away from you as possible.”

“Yes.” Pinkamena’s smile became cruel. “I will always regret not having the time to finish off our little game.”

“I doubt she would consider Destructive Surgery to be a game.” He muttered.

“But you would.” She responded bluntly.

“That was a long time ago Miss Pie.” He shook his head, this topic would only lead to conflict. “My only concern is how Celestia is going to react to you.”

“Lie to her.” Pinkamena instructed. “Tell her I’m getting better.”

“I only tell her lies I know she will believe.” He shook his head and gave her a look of supreme annoyance. “All I need you to do is act normal.”

“You mean leap around making a lot of noise and proclaiming how joyously happy I am?” Pinkamena returned his look with one of disgust.

“I wouldn’t go that far.” He grinned. “Though it confuse everypony to no end.”

“I can see the humour in it.” Pinkamena sighed. “But lets not get carried away, if you want me to act a little less like a predator I will do my best but I doubt it will work.”

“Especially with freedom so close you can taste it.” Ivan sighed.

“Now doctor.” Pinkamena scowled. “I gave you my word that I would help you.”

“Yes.” Ivan nodded. “Until the moment we succeed or fail.”

“I won’t deny I have some designs in that regard.” Pinkamena shrugged.

He rolled his eyes. “If you didn’t Miss Pie I think I would fall over dead with shock.”

“That service can be provided.” She offered.

“Yes...” He answered with resignation. “Can we please not go there, the last thing I need is an argument with you.”

“Why did you really come here Ivan?” Pinkamena frowned. “It wasn’t for my sunny disposition that’s for sure.”

Ivan shrugged, he knew why he had come here, speaking to Pinkamena was like speaking to himself in some ways, he had once been cold and cruel in heart just like her, perhaps that hadn’t really changed... then again he had felt recently regret and stirrings towards a better path... though the idea of such a thing made him grimace.

“I would like your opinion on our current list of ponies.” Ivan stated. “The one’s that will be joining us.”

“Haven’t you asked me this before?” She sighed.

“You’re an intelligent girl Miss Pie, I’m sure you can see how things have changed even if you weren’t there to see it.”

“Or hear about it.” She gave his a sidelong glance. “Not much gets to me here you know.”

“It never stopped me from knowing everything.” He answered coldly.

She nodded slowly, watching his facial movements for any sign of weakness and once more finding none. “Very well...” She closed her eyes and leaned her head back until her nose pointed up to the ceiling. “I believe we have a good chance of succeeding, as long as the factors don’t change dramatically whilst we are there.”

“And if they do?”

“Then...” Pinkamena sighed, then shrugged. “You will probably deal with it, you are the most resourceful of us after all.”

“And will you follow me Pinkamena? Even if it means you return to being simple plain Pinkie Pie?”

She considered this, honestly she doubted that would happen either way... but she did perhaps worry about the idea. Sure she was depressed and hated herself tremendously... but the power of thought she had gained due to the change had made her strong and that strength made almost all those around her afraid to even meet her eyes.

No longer did they look down on her, call her loopy or stupid, such things had proven to be a gift. She was now a presence other than one that could be ignored.

“I was anything but plain even when I was a bouncy fool.” Pinkamena answered. “So yes, I will follow you, though I will abandon you should you fail and death is imminent.”

“In that Miss Pie I would not blame you.” He supplied with a tired smile.

“I must say doctor you are either brave or insane undertaking this venture with me along for the ride.” She lay herself down on her bed, ready to sleep for the morning to come. “Now please, I need my rest.”

“Good Night Miss Pie.” He replied, leaving her to sleep.
***

Above the massive asylum facing the waning light of the sun the Princess Celesta floated with wings carrying her gently across the sky, floating on the breeze that seemed oddly subdued this high up.

Celestia sighed... she wondered if she was making the right choice trusting Ivan as she had, it was difficult to even consider what he had planned for the future but...

She had little choice anyway, she was adrift in a sea of doubt and fear and nothing was more frightening then seeing all she had done come undone in such a short amount of time. It always surprised her when so suddenly an explosion of darkness occurred when it could lay dormant for hundreds of years.

She had not been prepared for this either, it seemed even fate could be circumvented at times and ruin everything, she had been so close as well...

And Twilight... poor dear sweet Twilight how could this have befallen her? Was life so cruel as to throw a child into such dark fires? Then of course she had to admit that it was, had not she left Twilight to deal with everything since she had sent the poor mare to Ponyville with the intention of showing her what it meant to truly be loved and to love in turn.

Her hopes for the young unicorn had been squandered in an instant however and now Celestia was left worried that all the work she had done to give the unicorn the strength and courage she needed to become what she was destined to be had been destroyed.

If so then Equestria’s very future was at risk.

And then there was Ivan Gared, how dangerous was it to let him loose on so many young minds and allow him freedom to move as he pleased throughout the building... now he was to be off to Ponyville with a small group of brave ponies on a journey of almost certain death...

She had wished he would keep her in the loop but she knew he wouldn’t, he wanted her to be entirely unprepared for those he had chosen, which meant the ones he had chosen would cause her to argue against him.

He was a smart one she could not deny, she had no doubt he knew her well even though they had spoken little, she worried about it and that was enough to ruin any chance of sleep this night, not that she would have done so under the circumstance...

Luna was of course busy tracking down any outside sources that may surrender a clue as to what had happened, Celestia of course was grateful for her sister’s hard work, she had scoured the land around Ponyville with some aggression, though that was probably due to her own misgivings about her past.

Celestia understood why her sister felt so animated to help, her own sanity once having been in question... but Luna wanted to do more, more than Celestia could allow, she could not risk her own sister’s sanity by letting her venture into that cursed town.

But she could risk Ivan’s, he had little sanity to begin with which made him an ideal weapon with which to strike at this unknown opponent. Inside she felt as though she could have sent somepony else, anypony else...

Yet it had all boiled down to one thing, Ivan was a Stallion of his Word, if he said he would solve this problem in a way that Celestia would accept was the best possible solution then that is exactly what he would do.

He had agreed, nopony else would have and been honest enough to keep to their words, whatever Ivan was planning it was probably for the best... though in her heart she wondered if that was just wishful thinking.

But there was another factor, a factor she trusted without a single doubt... alright maybe a touch of doubt... that factor that had set Celestia on a path of trust and hope... that factor that had brought her to Twilight Sparkle.

She sent the sun down on its inevitable path below the horizon where it would rest while the moon took its rightful place as watcher of the night. She spread her wings and banked left, her thoughts were moody as she soared across the sky above the compound in which held the insane and nothing could cure that.

Someday this would all be but a memory... until then however she would worry and continue to do so until its end.

And the night emerged and gentle stars began to glisten in the sky, and below watching from the window of her room in the med ward Twilight caught glimpse of something in the sky, something pristine and white with a flowing wash of colours trailing behind it.

Ashamed and tired she retreated from the window, afraid that her presence there would bring the wrathful attention of a very prominent Alicorn.

Author's Note

There is a fine line between Chaos and Order... I like to think I fell over that line and into the realms of chaos ages ago... then raised an army, stormed that line/wall and took control of it with little effort, thereby turning it into a staging ground with which to invade the realm of Order and force it into a cruel dictatorship that will last an eternity...

And on a more sane note, this story so far is fast becoming the most simple I have ever written, though it will have a huge feels spike towards the end, the comedy is light and yet aggressive, the way it should be for a darker shade of Disk World Stylings.

Chapter Five: A Soulless Entity

“Keep your hooves crossed that this goes well” Ivan spoke to Kara who walked beside him as he led the small procession through the halls towards the delivery bay where waited their transport.

“Wouldn’t that make it hard to walk?” She threw back with a smile.

“Oh snap!” Applejack who walked behind Kara gave a short laugh. “She got ya there.”

“Well noticed Miss Applejack.” Ivan grinned at the blonde maned earth pony. “I see your powers of observation are still as sharp as ever.”

“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this.” Twilight added her piece, walking with head lowered beside Applejack.

“I can.” Ivan stated. “We are the only ones that can do it after all.”

“Ah’m jus looking forward to findin Apple Bloom.” Applejack displayed a look of worry. “If ah can find her that is.”

“You will Applejack.” Twilight reassured her. “You won’t be searching alone either.”

“Ah know Twi.” Applejack bumped against Twilight with a warm smile.

“I can’t wait to see how the Princess reacts.” Kara smiled up at Ivan.

“Princess Celestia?” Twilight asked with worry.

“Don’t worry Twilight.” Ivan answered her fears of meeting with her teacher. “I will handle it.”

“I meant how are you going to explain Miss Pie?” Kara corrected with some small glee.

“Pinkie Pie’s comin!?” Applejack exploded.

Ivan cast his student a sidelong glance of irritation, one of which she ignored with a smirk. “Well played Kara.” He murmured so silently only she could hear.

“Just getting even.” She responded likewise.

“Yes indeed Applejack.” Ivan nodded, speaking louder this time. “Miss Pie will be joining us.”

“Are ya crazy?” Applejack whispered at him as a group of black robed ponies walked by them.

“Some would say so yes.” He nodded. “But I have her assurance that she will behave.”

“And you believe her?” Applejack was incredulous at the news. “Is it jus me or does that sound stupid to any of y’all?”

“I believe we can trust Miss Pie with this.” Kara shrugged. “Though that doesn’t mean I’m going to turn my back on her.”

“Yer damn straight!” Applejack snorted wildly. “Ah didn’ know she’d be comin with us!”

“It hardly matters Applejack.” Ivan rolled his eyes to himself, Kara it seemed had gained a rebellious touch to her nature now they were on their way, he would have to return the favour sometime in the future. “What matters is that we get to Ponyville.”

“Ah don’ want her anywhere near mah sister!” Applejack answered.

“From what I know Pinkamena would never bring harm to her.” Ivan responded.

“He’s right Applejack.” Twilight added to her friend, hoping to calm her nerves. “Pinkie Pie looked out for them when everything was happening.”

Applejack shook her head. “An from what ah’ve heard she turned mah sister into a killer!”

“Not exactly.” Ivan put forward to close off the topic, it had gotten out of control and he didn’t like that. “Whatever the case she’s along for the ride so let’s not start any fights that we can’t win okay?”

He had directed this to Applejack who immediately shut up, she couldn’t deny that the rumors she had heard had made her think twice about provoking Pinkie Pie should she meet with her again, yet even still she couldn’t shake the feeling that Pinkie Pie would end up betraying them.

“Alright...” Applejack shrugged finally. “Ah’ll give her a chance, but as soon as she goes psycho Ah’m out!”

“Good!” Ivan grinned once more. “We’re all set then!”

Applejack pulled in close to Twilight and whispered. “Bad enough Rarity’s comin too let alone that pink sack'o mad apples.”

“I understand Applejack.” Twilight responded equally hushed. “But we have little choice... apparently.”

They finally reached the warehouse section of the institute, where waited the two wagons they were expecting. One was large and the other smaller, both were barred so as their passengers could not escape if they should feel the desire to try.

Applejack had wondered at the need for two wagons to carry them all but since the revelation of a certain pink pony joining them she understood full well the need for the extra one. At the head of each wagon were two ponies, though they wore no clothing the two patients recognized them as orderlies. Perhaps not their names but they had seen them around.

Lemon was also there, already waiting inside the larger of the barred wagons, he was dressed in a old grey T-Shirt with a ragged peak cap. They seemed to suit him, giving him the look of a common work pony.

The guise was not lost on the two patients who suddenly wandered what the overly large Stallion would be doing on this particular mission. Ivan led his troupe to stand by the wagons where he left them to converse amongst themselves. He knew what was coming and hoped the presence of Twilight would cause a certain ruler of Equestria to hesitate before speaking to them.

It was a long shot but one he knew would work.

He waited a small distance away from the others and soon the other two members of their group were brought in, the three behind him fell into silence as Rarity was brought in first, guided by two orderlies who knew Rarity well enough to keep their distance.

Her straightjacket had been removed yet she kept an air of calm serenity about her that belied her true nature. She was dangerous, there was no doubt about that but as long as she acted within the boundaries of control he would trust her enough to allow her to move freely without restriction.

“Good morning doctor!” Rarity greeted him.

“Rarity.” Ivan nodded. “How are you feeling this day?”

“Better now that I can move by myself.” She motioned her forelegs which were now free. “I must thank you for this opportunity to prove myself sane.”

“Yes.” He gave her the look he had given her before, one that obviously stated how little he believed of what she had just said. “Why don’t you go stand with the others while we wait for our pink friend.”

“I would love to!” Rarity smiled brightly, so brightly he groaned.

“Just reign in your hunger until we’re in ponyville.” He instructed as she moved past him and away from her handlers.

“Why doctor!” Rarity responded dramatically. “Whatever could you mean?”

“Yes.” He stated, he nodded to the two orderlies to leave and prepared himself for the next step, which apparently happened to be Princess Celestia. He almost groaned again but halted that, he had hoped Pinkamena would arrive before the Princess but there you go, never trust others to arrive on time.

“Princess.” He greeted her with a nod.

“Ivan.” She returned the nod. “Is this your group?”

“It is, bar another who has yet to arrive.” Ivan answered.

Celestia inspected them from a distance, she wasn’t surprised by his choices, in a way she had expected them and for that she was grateful, she knew he could handle these ponies... even so she could not help but spend a while looking covertly towards the purple unicorn hiding behind Applejack trembling with absolute fear.

“Not yet Princess.” Ivan answered. “She isn’t ready.”

“I...” Celestia began but gave up, in the end these things took time. “I understand...” She eyed Ivan suspiciously. “Are you sure that she is ready for this?”

“I wouldn’t bring her if I didn’t.” Ivan answered firmly. “Of all those I chose to go with me she’s the one most ready to handle what is to come.”

She could not help but agree for that feeling was telling her such once again, she knew she could rely on her student too, if anypony out there could fix this mess it was Twilight... though it brought her pain to put it all upon her student’s shoulders once again.

“And the other?” Celestia asked, turning her attention back to Ivan.

“As fate would have it she is here right now.” Ivan informed, motioning behind her with a hoof.

Celestia turned to greet the pony that arrived only to find herself staring at an image she had not expected. She now understood why Ivan had waited until the end to show her his group. He had been right to for even now she felt her arguments and denials rising in her chest.

Once, before all this she would have trusted this pony with all her very soul, but now...

Pinkamena was wheeled up to them, entire body strapped upright into a trolley designed to carry ponies, her forelegs were trapped in a straightjacket and the lower half of her face hidden behind a mask made to prevent her biting ponies to death. As the orderly pushing the trolley set it up to stand on its own Ivan nodded him away, the orderly walked backwards awkwardly in a half bow directed at the princess, grateful for the escape Ivan provided him.

The image of this pink pony was not one that inspired confidence in Celestia.

“Good Morning Princess Celestia, Doctor Ivan.” Pinkamena greeted them, though the way she greeted them could easily be described as chilly. Celestia resisted the urge to shiver as her eyes locked with those of the insane Pinkamena. “I trust you are both well?”

“Pinkamena.” Ivan nodded in turn, giving her the eyes that said: Don’t push it!

“I suppose this is the point where our beloved Princess here makes her decision as to whether we may leave or not.” The pink pony stated, it was not really a question so much as an observation.

“Correct.” Ivan answered calmly, though inside he wanted to growl at her.

“Then I guess I should make my case now, at least to alleviate her worries.” In the whole time she had arrived her eyes had not once left those of Celestia’s, their hungry nature causing the Princess distress and though she did not reveal anything both knew she felt it.

“Princess.” Pinkamena began. “I know I’m not the most trustworthy pony around but I assure you Ivan and myself have an agreement which I will not betray.”

“And you swear to that?” Celestia raised a brow.

“I do.” Pinkamena answered.

“Then... I guess I have no choice but to agree to this madness.” Celestia sighed.

“It’s the right choice Princess.” Ivan gave to her an apologetic smile. “She has a skill set we need to ensure our mission is successful.”

“I’m putting my faith in you Ivan.” She looked to him. “Don’t disappoint me.”

“Ah princess.” He chuckled that disarming chuckle of his. “I never disappoint.”

Celestia resisted the urge to roll her eyes and turned once more to psychotic pony. “Look after them Pinkamena.”

“I will do my best.” Pinkamena responded with a cruel smile. Celestia nodded and turned to leave, she would speak no words of encouragement today. “Oh, princess?” The pink pony called causing Celestia to pause and look back. “I love the new perfume.”

Ivan facehoofed, he could not help it, he dragged the hoof down across his face and as one eye became visible it stared at Pinkamena balefully. It wouldn’t have been so bad a thing to say if it had not been for the sarcastic hungry nature of the pink pony’s voice.

Celestia left them and Ivan managed to wait until she was gone before muttering. “Was that really necessary?”

“Would you have given up on an opportunity like that?” She returned.

He shrugged and moved behind her to push the trolley over to the wagon, where he deposited her trolley and all into the back of the wagon. He wasn’t overly gentle but then he had been pushed quite far in the last few days.

“Easy now doctor.” She answered his ministrations as he strapped her trolley down onto the floor of the smaller wagon. “I have rights as a patient and prisoner after all.”

“Yes... good luck with that.” Ivan sighed quickly removing himself from the smaller wagon and shutting the door behind him. He moved over to the small group of ponies that would travel with him, Applejack Twilight and Kara standing a pony’s distance from Rarity who had a profound expression of pure innocence.

“Alright.” Ivan began. “I’m not even going to ask what happened because by Applejack’s expression I can already tell.”

“She... she...” Applejack had to force back her anger.

“Yes, yes.” Ivan waved an impatient hoof. “She did something that was terribly confusing and uncomfortable for you and now you want me to berate her... well... I’ll do that on the road, the faster we are away the sooner we will get to Ponyville.”

This seemed to pacify Applejack somewhat, her desire to find her sister overriding any outrage she had at Rarity’s... whatever it was she had done.

“Everyone on the wagon.” Ivan instructed.

“Oh dear...” Rarity sighed as she climbed up first. “I take it we won’t be riding first class?”

“Very funny Rarity.” Ivan growled silently to himself.

“Here let me help you.” Rarity offered a hoof to Applejack.

“Y’all keep your hooves to yerself!” Applejack warned climbing aboard all the while maneuvering around Rarity as if she were infected with the plague.

“Come along now girls!” Twilight attempted. “Let’s at least try to be friends.”

“I would love nothing more.” Rarity smirked.

Applejack shuddered. “Yeah ah'll bet!”

“My little Applejack, whatever could you mean?”

“Y’all know what ah mean!”

“Girls!” Twilight complained. “Let’s not make this any more awkward than it already it is!”

Applejack sighed. “Ah’m sorry Twi, just a bit shocked is all.”

“I too apologize Twilight.” Rarity replied with a teensy bit of honesty lining the mirth. “I acted boorishly, here let me help you up.” She offered a hoof to her fellow unicorn.

“Thank you very much Rarrrrrrrrrrrrrity!!!” Twilight almost squealed, turning to her friend with a horrified look. “Did you just...!?”

“Ah told you!”

Kara looked to Ivan with an expression of tired disbelief. Ivan shrugged. “They just need to get used to each other again, it will get easier.”

“Yes...” She answered, imitating his deadpan expression quite well.

Kara climbed on board and so too did Ivan. Ivan pulled the barred door closed behind him and banged against a bar with a hoof. “Alright let’s be off then!”

Ahead wide delivery doors where opened and the orderlies driving the wagons began to pull their load through them. Ivan sat down next to Kara and frowned, something was wrong with the scene inside his cage but he couldn’t quite put a hoof on it...

“Rarity?” Ivan sighed as realization struck.

“Yes doctor?”

“Please leave poor Lemon alone.” He commanded.

“Oh very well...” She answered with a noise of disappointment. Lemon Curry threw Ivan a grateful glance, he was a married Stallion after all.
***

It was a cold miserable day in Ponyville, such had become the case in the town since he had released hell upon it. Qray wasn’t feeling quite right that morning, something was off, he couldn’t place a hoof on it at all... the workers were taking their sweet time, whatever it was that was watching him continued to do so without fear and the monsters had begun to cause problems for his work crew.

But that wasn’t the cause of this odd feeling slowly building pressure at the top of his spine, it felt as if something was coming, an instinct he had gained during his time amongst the Gryphons. No... whatever this was it wasn’t good and no amount of reassurance from his benefactor could waylay the doubt.

Qray wasn’t the sort to overly worry about anything but this was strange, he had never felt its like before, something was coming that much he could tell, whatever it was or whoever it was would only cause him problems.

They were making progress however, they had found an ancient network of tunnels amongst the known systems. These corridors were ancient, so much so the air had been stale enough to make those who entered choke. The detail and work upon the stone were not natural they had been hoof carved, the images upon the walls protected from time by a sheath of clear crystal like glass that covered every surface.

The images themselves spoke of an ancient war, one long since forgotten by all, the tunnels were indeed of the Alicorn age, when all ponies had wings horns and powerful magic.

The tunnels had been broken though, generations had passed since their making and this outpost had suffered shifts in the earth as the land moved. Earthquakes from ages ago had ruined the pathways, filling them with rubble and stone that had set them back further.

Whenever a new area was opened Qray would be one of the first to venture down it, searching for that pull that had led him to find this place. His friend wanted whatever it was that was stored here and in return Qray would get his chance to do to Canterlot what he had done to Ponyville... though on a much larger scale.

He would find the routes they needed to take, many of the tunnels would only lead to dead ends of perhaps rooms where Alicorns had slept when they had dwelled here. Whatever the ancient race of ponies had been fighting nothing here described it, all the images would show of the enemy of their ancient people was a mass of black nothingness.

Perhaps the carvings had been damaged by the shifts in tectonic plates or perhaps Qray was missing something, the voice in his head didn’t know either... he guessed he would just be left unsatisfied without an answer.

It matters little, we are here for only one thing.

“Maybe you don’t care.” Qray snarled. “But this is history beyond what we know, Equestria would go crazy for a find such as this.”

If all goes well it will regardless.

Qray nodded but he still rolled his eyes, it had no taste for time this thing in his mind, in fact it seemed only to care about one thing and even that was a mystery to Qray. He was tired of the secrets, they were beginning to wear on his patience.

He found another caved in area and groaned, he turned behind him to where his two followers waited. “Go back, get a work crew.”

They both leapt to the task though it only required one, Qray shook his head, he was surrounded by idiots. He looked to the walls while he waited, it should be dark here but it just wasn’t, the walls seemed to reflect the light wherever they had left torches, the light bouncing from wall to wall and carries quite far.

He didn’t need the light, he had the eyes of a pegasus and the dark meant little to him.

Yet it was here, at least it would drive the creatures that had emerged inside the tunnels away. It was near, he was sure of it, the chamber where it was held was only fifty meters from him, getting there would be tricky, this place was a maze and apparently for good reason.

Whatever the ancient Alicorns had been fighting it seemed apparent little could stop them, this was perhaps the only way they could buy themselves enough time to regroup should an attack have come.

He wondered what the enemy of his ancient people had been and more importantly who had won the war? Perhaps solving the mystery would answer the biggest question in Equestrian history, the one question that not even Celestia or her sister could answer.

What had happened to the Alicorns?

It doesn’t matter! The voice berated him. All that matters is the prize!

Again he found himself irritated by the true driving force behind all this, sometimes he wished for nothing more than the chance to grab it by its throat and strangle it.

Qray sighed and adjusted the belts strapped to his body, they had begun to chafe. He didn’t like to be underground, he was meant to be out amongst the clouds. His wings had begun to ache which was a sign that he needed to rest, he should go outside and fly for a while.

Yes... that would probably do him some good.
***

Lemon hummed, he didn’t stop... he had taken to carving a piece of wood with a small knife, perhaps not the smartest thing to have around a bunch of lunatics but he obviously felt confident enough to be able to keep it.

She didn’t mind the humming so much, in fact he had quite a soft sing song voice.

Ivan seemed to be thinking, in fact that was all he did during the entirety of his journey so far, no words of encouragement or even words of complaint, he was just lost in silent deep thoughts that she could not even comprehend.

That wasn’t much of a problem however, it wasn’t as if he was going out of his way to be irritating.

Applejack had leaned her back against the bars and was gently snoring, her chest slowly rising and falling with each small bump in the road they took. She seemed oblivious to the world and she doubted nothing much would rouse her from her sleep.

The snoring was annoying she couldn’t deny.

Twilight read from a book, it was such an obvious occurrence that she wondered why she hadn’t thought it would happen before, the pages of a book were just Twilight’s natural habitat, surrounded by words for nourishment and dried old parchment for shelter.

The occasional rustle of pages grated somewhat.

Kara was almost an exact duplicate of Ivan but for the occasional looks she stole of him, something was bothering the pale mare and that interested her. To think gentle Kara would hold any form of resentment towards Ivan was somewhat a shock.

The fact that Kara was secretly harboring romantic feelings for him was amusing too.

Pinkamena was behind them, laying flat looking up at the sky unblinkingly inside her own barred wagon. She was a little disappointed she hadn’t been put in the same wagon, it wasn’t as if she’d have her way with Pinkamena or anything during the pink pony’s moment of helplessness.

alright... that was a lie.

Rarity couldn’t understand why she felt so annoyed, perhaps it was a need to be back home, she desired to be amongst her things once again, her boutique, her dresses, her bathtub and her toys, especially her toys! She had been without satisfaction for some time now!

She felt constricted inside this barred wagon, on display like a caged animal...

That kind of thinking only made her feel more anxious to be out, these ponies were absolutely hopeless, none of them wanted to play or even seemed interested in the idea of playing, they all had troubles she could hardly care about and it left her to entertain herself.

Oh that was it, the reason she was so annoyed.

“This is so borrrring!” Rarity complained. “Please tell me we are almost there?”

Ivan answered, in a manner that seemed pre-recorded. “We are about halfway there yes.”

“Halfway is not near.” Rarity groaned. “Can we not at least talk? I feel like we are on our way to be executed somewhere quiet where no one will ever find our bodies!”

“And what shall we talk about Miss Rarity?” Ivan replied. “Why don’t you start the conversation.”

“Oh well if you don’t mind...” Rarity began with a sly smile.

“And keep it PG-13 for the young will you.” Ivan interrupted before Rarity could truly begin.

The white unicorn’s smile fell away somewhat. “And now you have taken the fun out of it.” She sighed. “Why are you so cruel.”

“There are children aboard this wagon Miss Rarity.” Ivan answered turning to look at her. “Not everypony here is as old as you are.”

The cruel laugh that rose from Pinkamena was all that needed to be said about that...

Well that wasn’t a good start, in fact Rarity suddenly found herself feeling a rush of fire in her mind, rage wasn’t something she often allowed to take control, usually when she did she would be so flabbergasted she would either explode with a screech or just stumble in her words.

She had to maintain control.

“Well I never!” Rarity harrumphed. “I expected better from you doctor!”

“I meant in terms of your maturity Miss Rarity.” Ivan replied.

“Well...” Rarity frowned, scanning the words in case an insult had been insinuated somewhere. “Still, choose your words more carefully next time.”

“What should we be expecting when we arrive?” Twilight asked Ivan. “At the wall I mean.”

“Exactly what you said.” Ivan shrugged. “A really big wall surrounding the entire town and three miles of field around it.”

“It amazed me that they managed to construct such a thing in such a short time.” Twilight rubbed a hoof against her chin thoughtfully.

“That you will have to bring up with the Black Guard.” Ivan sighed.

“The Black Whosits?” Applejack asked. “Are they Luna’s guard or somethin?”

“No.” Twilight shook her head. “They serve Equestria as a secret service, ensuring our safety from alien incursion.”

“Think of them as a secret police.” Ivan instructed them. “Long ago they were an inquisition that murdered and brutalized everypony until they submitted to Equestria’s rule.”

Twilight argued against that. “That’s not exactly right.”

“Isn’t it?” Ivan raised a brow. “They were once known as the Inquisition were they not?”

“Well...” Twilight’s arguments suddenly fell flat. “Yes but...” Ivan just stared at her until she sighed shrugged, she couldn’t deny he was right in that regard, even Celestia was weary of the Black Guard.

“When we arrive they will admit us entry but beyond that they will not help us.” Ivan shook his head. “Until the curse has been lifted they will not let anything out, including us.”

“So once we’re in there’s no goin back?” Applejack asked with a grimace.

“Indeed.” Ivan nodded.

The majority of the group felt uneasy about that, it wasn’t for nothing that such precautions were being taken, it meant all the rumors of Ponyville must be true.

“Don’t expect them to be friendly either, they have no understanding of society or Equine rights, they will treat us like cattle and expect us to remain silent, most likely they will just throw us into Ponyville without much ceremony.”

“They sound like terrible ponies.” Rarity responded, raising her chin in superiority at the very idea of such a thing.

“They are.” Ivan answered simply.

“But they have saved Equestria before.”Twilight attempted, feeling she should at least say something in their defense.

“Their laws are different to ours.” Ivan added. “Whatever you do, do not insult them, provoke them...” He then faced Rarity. “Or touch them!”

“Doctor I have no idea...” Rarity began.

“They will not hesitate to kill you if they perceive you to be a threat.” Ivan interrupted her. “There’s a reason nopony likes them and why both the Night and Day guard despise them, if they believe you are somehow tainted they will kill you.”

“Well...” Applejack snorted. “They sound like a bunch of...”

“Just be polite whatever you do.” Twilight broke her friend’s sentence before the farm pony swore. “They live by an ancient code similar to that of Knights.”

“But with all the cruelty of priests.” Ivan saw fit to add, Twilight threw him a worried glance, it was obvious Twilight didn’t want her friends to be afraid.

But Rarity knew to take Ivan’s warnings to heart, these Black Guard sounded as if they were made from stone, if they hated corruption then they would not like her, that she could admit to herself, she took risks true but she wasn’t stupid she wanted to get to Ponyville and at least bathe once before she died.

She was so sick of showers, so very sick of them!
***

“Ah jus think we should, that’s all.”

Should she ignore that? Her friend did sound quite worried but then again Apple Bloom was the sort to get worried at the drop of a hat, being the more responsible one. Bloom had really taken to her job within their little gang.

Scootaloo had of course grown tired of it... she had little patience these days, especially since Pinkamena had been taken away. This whole thing had gotten boring, they were taking less and less risks.

Sure Pinkamena didn’t take so many risks either but Scootaloo guessed that was a habit she had gotten from Dash. Scoots shuddered at those memories, the idea that she had once worshiped such an idiot still rankled her.

“Does it really matter?” Scootaloo complained. “We’re safe here right?”

The clubhouse had seen a lot of alterations since that night so long ago, for one thing it was literally covered in their pictures both big and small, displaying a wide range of brutality and gore. It was a little untidy and they pretty much just dumped the rubbish outside the tree house.

Sweetie Belle had given up trying to keep it clean ages ago, though she wasn’t as bad as Rarity when it came to cleanliness she still had some flaws. Now however she just lay on her cushion reading more of that book she had stolen from her sister the day it had been delivered.

“Only coz of him.” Apple Bloom shook her head, standing by the window and watching the dark clouds above. “We should ask him what to do next!”

“He always comes to us when he wants something.” Scootaloo shrugged. “Why should we bother calling him?”

“Ah jus think...”

“I know you just think.” Scootaloo snapped, fluttering her wings with annoyance causing her hammock hanging from the ceiling to swing slightly.

“Aww come on Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle spoke in that soft sweet voice of hers. “Lets not fight.”

Scootaloo had gotten annoyed with that noise too, Sweetie Belle was sometimes just a bit too sugary. “You know what?” the pegasus declared said finally, leaping from her hammock to land upon the wood flooring with a thud. “You two stay here, I’m going for a walk.”

Apple Bloom just sighed. “Don’t get yerself caught again, savin you last time was a real chore.”

“I didn’t ask for your help.” Scootaloo snapped. “I was fine by myself.”

“Was that why you were so glad to see us?” Sweetie Belle countered, she had too good a memory in Scootaloo’s opinion.

Scootaloo frowned and shook her head, leaving the clubhouse and slamming the door behind her. She was in a sour mood that was for sure, she missed Pinkamena quite a bit and found it difficult to get over the loss, in a way she felt as abandoned now as she had when her family had left her at the orphanage... and when Rainbow Dash had called her a loser and told her to get lost.

She knew Pinkamena didn’t want to go but it felt bad all the same and was something that made Scootaloo wish she had of gone with her instead of hiding like Pinkamena had told her.

She remembered the night... she remembered the moment quite well...
***

There was mayhem outside, the noise alone was enough to signify that yet it mattered little, the sky had turned black and since then the sun had not risen at all. Ponies had gone crazy everywhere and many remained in their homes barricaded and terrified, losing their minds to fear.

But not Scootaloo, all she had felt when the dark had come was hate.

‘Get lost loser!’

That is what she had said to her.

‘Your so annoying, no wonder your family dumped you the first chance they got!’

Scootaloo had wanted nothing more than to punish Rainbow Dash for that, she knew nothing yet chose to judge anyway, the heartless nature of the attack had broken Scootaloo and left her feeling dead inside... but when the tears had come she did not sob, she raged.

And taking a life she had found hope amongst her hopeless feelings, she had found her... Pinkamena had then brought her home and given her a place to stay. The Boarding Home where she had stayed had been burned down, along with everything she had owned.

Yet it was her guardian angel that had saved her...

Pinkamena tested the edge of a blade, she had many and all of them had been sharpened to such a degree that they would slice through paper placed atop it. Pinkamena had taught her so much, the pony anatomy was now so well known to her now she knew where every weak spots were on a body.

And better still she let Scootaloo help sometimes.

But not tonight even though Scootaloo wanted nothing more than to do so, she had been allowed to be present however, that much Scootaloo was grateful for. For Pinkamena’s next victim was none other than the pegasus the small filly despised most.

Rainbow Dash squirmed with panic as Pinkamena selected the blade she would use. “Have you ever wondered why they call it a hacksaw?” Pinkamena asked of Dash. “I mean you don’t hack with it... that was what I was doing with that knife.”

“You’re insane!!!” Dash choked, the pain on her wing still fresh.

“True.” Pinkamena shrugged. “Which isn’t a good thing for you is it.”

“Look... we can sort this out...” Dash pleaded, her tears washing her face. “Whatever I did wrong I’m sorry!”

“Its not what you did wrong my little Dashie.” Pinkamena sighed, moving so close her lips almost touched to those of Dash. “Its just your time.”

“But...!?”

“No buts Dashie.” Pinkamena whispered into the pegasi’s ear. “That’s just the way the world is, cruel and heartless, the way I am now and I have to say I’m much happier.”

“Oh Celestia!” Dash whined, trying her best to pull away from Pinkamena but failing miserably in the face of the metal bonds holding her to the shiny metal frame.

“Celestia doesn’t help criminal’s like you.” Pinkamena chuckled mirthlessly. “A pony who used and abandoned everypony she loved just to save herself.”

“I...” Dash began but stopped, she couldn’t lie now, not to this pony who would only hurt her more for doing so.

“Are you ready Dashie?” Pinkamena whispered to her, almost seductively. “I think its time to resume this little game of ours.”

“Please no...” Dash squeaked.

Pinkamena snorted and moved the hacksaw into position. Scootaloo licked her lips.

A massive bang distracted them, sounds of hoofsteps thumped above from the ground floor and new yells exploded into the dark night outside. “What the!?” Scootaloo frowned.

The basement door smashed open and through it charged two guards, one dressed in gold the other in midnight blue. Pinkamena reacted quickly by dropping the hacksaw and lifting a butchers knife from the small table beside her.

She threw it in one motion catching the golden armoured guard in the chest, the bat winged guard did not stop, moving quickly over his fallen comrade while dragging a large sword from his back, the blade swung wide and almost cut Pinkamena in half.

Though the blade missed her its tip caught the bond holding Dash’s left foreleg in place. Dash saw her chance to escape and shook her hoof free, she then began to undo the clamps holding her in place.

Scootaloo felt torn, on the one hand her teacher and friend Pinkamena was caught in a corner of the room attempting to defend herself with a skinning blade against a massive sword and on the other the pony she hated most was going to get away.

But she was a loyal friend unlike Dash and so she chose the right one.

She leapt to the table and picked up a knife and flapping her wings she sailed over to the corner of the room, landing on the guards back and driving her blade into his neck. The guard yelled and swore, blood exploded from his ragged wound.

Pinkamena dragged her own blade across his throat as he fell, ensuring his death and preventing him a chance of getting any sort of vengeance. Scootaloo spun to face their captive but the cyan pegasus was always bounding up the stairs to the ground floor.

“Lets get after her!” Scootaloo growled.

“No!” Pinkamena made her freeze in place, the orange filly turned to face the pink mare. Pinkamena’s expression was serious. “These two were royal guards.”

“So?” Scootaloo asked with confusion. Pinkamena gave her a withering look, one that made Scootaloo scuff at the ground with a forehoof.

“It means the barrier keeping them out of Ponyville has fallen and now they’re inside.” Pinkamena answered. “It means they are coming to take all the survivors away and now that we have both of us killed guards neither of use can claim we killed only in self defense.”

Scootaloo was a little too filled with adrenaline for all that to sink in immediately so while she waited Pinkamena took two saddlebags and began filling them with various tools and trophies. She paused at the dress and sighed, touching it with a longing that made Scootaloo frown.

She didn’t understand that... sure it was made of all the cutiemarks Pinkamena had cut from her victims but it still made her think of Rarity... and she really didn’t want to think of her after that sleepover fiasco.

Finally the penny dropped, Pinkamena had finished packing having decided to leave the dress behind. Throwing the larger of the two saddlebags over her shoulder she then picked up the belt containing a wide selection of blades including her favorite scalpel.

That meant only one thing and suddenly Scootaloo felt very cold. “We have to get out right now.” Pinkamena instructed.

They had to leave, they had made plans to do so in the event something went wrong, they had even set up a place to hide. “We can come back... right?” Scootaloo asked with some concern.

“There is a chance.” Pinkamena shrugged. “But there is a bigger chance we may never come back.”

“But your dress!” Scootaloo began, of all the trophies her teacher had that was her most prized possession.

Pinkamena sighed and placed a hoof upon the filly’s shoulder, leaning down to look Scootaloo in the eyes. “We always knew this might be a possibility, if it wasn’t the guard it would have been the monsters or a mob of angry townsfolk.”

Scootaloo frowned, she didn’t like the idea of being homeless again, in fact the very idea terrified her. But Pinkamena was right and Scootaloo wouldn’t be alone this time. The pink pony offered the filly a smaller set of saddlebags, Scootaloo put the harness over her back and felt the lump at her side, lifting the right bag slightly she saw a hunting knife there, the sheath of which had been sewn into the fabric.

She wasn’t surprised though she did feel glad, it meant Pinkamena trusted her if they should get into a confrontation of some kind.

Pinkamena was already on the move, heading to the ground floor, Scootaloo ever loyal to her teacher was close on her hooves.
***

Scootaloo shook her head to clear her thoughts, they were getting the better of her again, she began walking through the trees that surrounded the clubhouse, though they were in a secluded area there had always been the risk that they would be discovered.

But thanks to the ancient creature they had summoned nopony went near them, as if blind to the structure, she had seen ponies walk around the area without even noticing the curve to their movements, as if reality had been folded in on itself... or as Apple Bloom had said.

‘When space bends all up into a point, where yer usual stuff happens around it instead of through it, like when y’all throw a ball but the wind blows it away, you just move around it... ya see?”

Scootaloo had to get Sweetie Belle to translate most of what Apple Bloom said, since she had taken an interest in building things like houses... architecture she believed it was called, the earth pony had been borrowing more and more books from Twilight about the way things worked.

Damn that barn falling down, now Apple Bloom was the smartest of the three leaving Scootaloo to take the place of the dumbest... Sweetie Belle had even mocked her once saying she was getting more like Rainbow Dash everyday.

She had come close to hitting her then and there for that, though back then it would have been in defense of Dash, not for the insult of being compared to her. Suffice to say Sweetie Belle didn’t play around like that anymore.

Scootaloo remembered when she had moved into the clubhouse with the two, after Pinkamena had been taken... Applejack had been taken during the first raid the guards made into Ponyville. Scoots had been the second to move in though, Sweetie Belle having already taken up residence there after the whole Rarity going weird thing.

It was only fate that Scootaloo would do the same, they seemed to do everything together in the end, eat, sleep, fight and kill together... though Sweetie Belle only ever watched the killings she still helped to point out any missed evidence they left behind.

Scootalooo once more felt that feeling that was making her feel so wierd...

And once more the memory cropped up.
***

She thought it wouldn’t happen but it had, they didn’t even have time to set fire to the house, which Pinkamena had been about to do when they reached the kitchen, more guards bashed through what remained of the front door leading to the counter.

Pinkamena swore, she moved to the back door and kicked it open, motioning for Scootaloo to follow they exited through it, bolting for the streets as they did. There were cries now, of anger and insanity and of military commands. Ponies were fighting the guards savagely, those that remained in the town and walked the streets were the dangerous ones.

These were the army fighting the armoured guards now and they were doing so with everything they had, some fell, the unicorns of the guard used their magic to capture those who struggled the rest did their best to protect them.

It was hard going, the mad had survived quite a bit in the days since the madness had fallen and that had made them confident, the guard had obviously not anticipated this, there weren’t many of them and the only thing going for the guards was the fact that there weren’t many ponies left in town.

Still it gave Pinkamena and Scootaloo the time they needed to escape.

Once away from the main confusion they began to move more sneakily, thankfully that was something she was good at, Pinkamena was by far the better though, so aware of their surrounding she knew exactly when to move without much need to look.

She did have her Pinkie Senses though.

It didn’t take long to get away from the town and to the path they had discovered that led to Whitetail Wood, a rough shortcut but one they were sure was safe. Though it tired her Scootaloo was able to keep up with the pink pony, she was proud of that.

They came to a small clearing large enough for them to have a breather, Pinkamena took the time to get her bearings while Scootaloo caught her breath back, her teacher was faster even than Dash when she wanted to be.

“They were looking for me.” Pinkamena answered.

“What?” Scootaloo frowned.

Pinkamena scowled. “They immediately came to Sugar Cube corner before they made their move, my guess is they also struck five other homes too.”

“What do you...” Scootaloo paused suddenly as she caught Pinkamena’s meaning. “You think they came to rescue you?”

“We’re the Elements of Harmony.” The pink pony nodded.”We’re too important to lose, Celestia and Luna probably ordered them to secure us and get us out.”

“Wow...” Scootaloo considered it. “What about everypony else?”

“They can wait.” Pinkamena smiled. “We were the priority.”

The stood for a moment while Pinkamena thought, Scootaloo always wondered what went through the earth pony’s mind at times like these, how she thought, Scootaloo wanted to be like her so mush that she even wanted to think like her, she was the best pony after all.

“Well they certainly found me.” Pinkamena sighed.

“And Dash.” Scootaloo smirked. “That must of been a surprise.”

“They did look a little confused.” Pinkamena nodded. “It’s a shame that damned barrier collapsed so early... oh well we’ll have to get her later.” Scootaloo grinned at that, Pinkamena never let her prey go, once she had targeted someone they were dead, that was that.

“But that means we can get out right?” Scootaloo asked. “Leave this dump and go somewhere else?”

“I thought you didn’t want to leave.” Pinkamena smiled.

Scootaloo frowned and pulled a bashful expression. “Well... yeah but... its just smart to... right?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “And we have more than enough bits to see us quite far.”

“Do you think they caught Dash?” Scootaloo asked.

“They will.” Pinkamena responded. “But seeing how fast she ran when she got free they will have to catch up with her first.”
***

Scootaloo looked up at the sky, it looked like it would rain soon, she hated this weather. though she preferred it dark she was still a pegasus, clear skies were just better to look at, they felt better too. She wondered why she was so grouchy, even when she had Pinkamena around she had been bitchy to her friends but recently it had gotten worse.

She had almost given up on them twice and that was hardly fair, they were a team even if Scootaloo was more a team with Pinkamena, they were like sisters to her.

Better sisters than Rainbow Dash had been.

But then Pinkamena wasn’t like a sister... no that comparison was not at all right, she was more like the mother Scootaloo had never had, she had been caring, compassionate... often demanding and frightening... but she nurtured and reared Scootaloo and turned her into a professional killer.

That’s what mothers did right? Oh yeah sure, the Predator kind of mother, maybe a wolf or a gryphon or something. Still Scootaloo had been so grateful for everything Pinkamena had done for her, even when she scolded her or threatened her or stared at her like she was going to kill her.

That was something mothers did, that Scootaloo did know, she had seen it after all.

But why did she feel so bad? What made her feel as if her stomach were churning?
***

They made their way through the wood, they had provisions and weapons to defend themselves, if they pushed themselves they would reach Hoofington within the week, the biggest problem they faced after that was where to go from there, should they set up shop in the city or move on?

Probably not the best place to start, Scootaloo thought, so close to Ponyville it would only bring attention to them.

It would probably be better to go to Roam in Itaily, it was pretty distant and the ponies there spoke a different language, though they might even go to Hoofenheim in Germaney, that was north from Itaily... they spoke a different language there too.

So many places to go, that was a good thing though, the world was their oyster right? Go wherever they pleased and do whatever they wanted... sure they would have to play an act, pretend to be normal ponies, probably change their appearance a bit, dye their manes...

Scootaloo sighed, part of her had hoped they would stay in Ponyville together forever...

“Wait.” Pinkamena commanded.

Scootaloo frowned and looked around them, she saw nothing nor did she hear anything. “What’s wrong?” She whispered to the mare.

Pinkamena only looked up through the trees, Scootlaoo followed her line of sight but saw nothing, it was dark above and... then she saw it, a large line blocking out the small light they had from the sky. When Scootaloo looked back down she noticed Pinkamena had already begun to climb a tree.

Scootaloo followed, taking the tree beside the one Pinkamena had chosen, that was another thing the little pegasus was good at, climbing trees. Yet even so the pink pony still beat her to the top. When Scootaloo broke through the leaves above she frowned, confused as to what it was she was seeing.

It stretched outwards, swallowing the horizon and moving in a curve that circled... “It’s a wall.” The filly answered her own question.

“Yes.” Pinkamena nodded.

“Its massive.” Scootaloo blanched suddenly, realizing what this meant.

“Yes.”

“You think it surrounds the entire town?” Scootaloo asked.

“Yes.”

Scootaloo’s frown deepened, what did this mean exactly? Of course she knew what it meant, they couldn’t get out now, once more they were trapped in Ponyville. That was a bad thing, she knew that but why then did she feel oddly happy?

Ponyville was her home, this was where she belonged, she couldn’t describe why that felt so important but she knew it was, she couldn’t leave the town, not now, she needed to be here.

Confused she didn’t realize Pinkamena had begun to climb back down until the mare was halfway to the ground. The orange pegasus followed quickly, reaching the bottom and catching up with the earth pony in moments.

“What do we do?” Scootaloo asked with concern.

“Rethink our strategy.” Pinkamena responded, pushing through some shrubbery, Scootaloo had difficulty getting through and even found herself caught, she went to call out to Pinkamena before the pony got to far ahead.

“Now!”

The voice was a surprise, mainly because it was not her own, but what surprised Scootaloo most was the sudden rush of Stallions in golden armour. They meant business, they had their swords out.

Pinkamena was already on them though, pulling at two long knives from her belt and slashing them into the necks of the first two to get close. She then spun, delivering a high kick to a third with a hind leg. Scootaloo watched open mouthed, sure she had seen Pinkamena fight but it always surprised the Filly as to how good she was.

She fought like a demon, cutting their numbers down and washing the trees with their blood.

Scootaloo regained her wits enough to begin struggling with the branches that held her trapped in the brush. She wanted to help her friend, she wanted to save her.

The guard kept coming and so too did unicorns, they tried to lift the pink pony at first but received only a thrown knife in the chest for their troubles, that was the power of the Pinkie Sense. She took many of them but even so she was only one pony, they caught her eventually, three of them tackling her to the ground.

She fell so she faced the trapped Filly, who was wildly trying to break free, Pinkamena locked eyes with her student, eyes hard and cold, her lips moved silently, mouthing the word: ‘Don’t.’

Scootaloo only nodded though she wanted nothing more than to leap out and fight but she couldn’t disobey the command, Pinkamena had told her not to and she couldn’t fail her... she watched as her teacher was hogtied, legs locked in chains and large stallions standing on her to keep her on the floor.

Pinkamena was cold, her expression icy, as it had been when she was slaughtered them. She showed no weakness and had even stopped resisting, they then dragged her away. Scootaloo locked eyes with her teacher one last time for a brief moment until the pink pony disappeared in the dark out of sight, leaving Scootaloo alone once again...
***

But that wasn’t right... she had protected Scootaloo, even allowed herself to be caught to give Scootaloo the chance to escape... she hadn’t abandoned her she had saved her!

Even though she would never have believed it Pinkamena had truly cared for her, had given up her own freedom to ensure Scootaloo kept hers, she didn’t throw their relationship away as her parents and Dash had done.

Then Scootaloo felt that feeling again... Oh... She thought to herself as the answer was revealed, she now knew the reason she felt so bad...

It was guilt...
***

They all looked up at the wall as it came into sight, even Ivan who had yet to see it himself. The massive structure was taller than they could believe and its seemed to glow with an array of soft colours. It was grey in colour like stone but even from this distance it was obviously too smooth and unbroken to be just ordinary stone.

“Now that’s impressive.” Applejack nodded in appreciation. “These Black Guard know what they’re doin at least.”

“They hoard and keep secret all their magical knowledge.” Ivan explained. “Even so this must have taken a lot out of their magic users.” He smirked darkly. “And maintaining it must be agonizingly exhausting.”

“Can’t anypony help them?” Twilight asked.

“Did I not say they hoard knowledge?” Ivan answered. “They get very jealous of their secrets.”

“How do you know all this?” Rarity gave him a suspicious look.

Ivan’s answer was delivered with a cold touch. “I have run into them a few times in the past.”

“Sounds like an interestin story.” Applejack hinted, obviously interested.

“A story that can wait.” He replied. “Remember what I said, these ponies don’t like outsiders, do what they say and make no complaints.”

“Was that directed at me again doctor?” Rarity frowned at him.

“Oh yes, thank you for reminding me Miss Rarity.” Ivan grinned. “No whining either.”

The wagon came to halt just outside the wall, the orderlies must have known something because the wall displayed no sign of a door. Those inside the wagon all turned to Ivan who merely stared upwards. Following his gaze they saw something moving from above, it took a while for them to see what it was clearly.

A stone platform slowly descended towards them, it was quite large and was lowered by large steel chains bolted into each corner. Applejack felt her tension rise as she realized what was about to happen.

“We’re not goin up in that thing!” She declared. “Right?”

“Oh yes.” Ivan nodded. “It’s rather simple, safe too, no need to be alarmed.”

“Uh huh.” She frowned. “An ah’m supposed to trust the guy who brought a psychopath with us?”

Ivan grinned at her and laughed, giving her shoulder a friendly shove. When the platform touched upon the ground they took note of an odd looking young Stallion. He was a unicorn with his body near entirely hidden in the folds of a large black robe, the wide hood of which was down revealing his head. Over the robe was a mass of heavy black armour, upon which large spikes struck out from the shoulders and spine.

His coat was a pale blue, his eyes were a deep red and his mane a dark purple. He stood so still that even when the platform hit the ground and shook he did not, but that wasn’t what was strange, it was his expression.

He appeared to be dead, there was absolutely no emotion in his eyes nor his features. He just stood there as if he had been frozen with a look of absolute noncommittal upon his face. The wagons were wheeled up onto the Platform, the Orderlies then removed their harnesses and departed without another word.

The mares in Ivan’s wagon watched them go with confusion. “Its alright ladies.” Ivan reassured them with a warm smile. “This is just procedure.”

“But why?” Applejack asked. “Seems like a lot of trouble jus to get us inside.”

“They don’t like outsiders.” Ivan answered. “The only reason they’re letting us in is because we’ll be over the other side almost immediately.”

“Tell me Ivan.” Rarity gave him an expression of wonder. “What do they think of Princess Celestia?”

Ivan shrugged. “The Black Guard? They think she’s a nuisance.”

“I doubt...” Twilight began.

“Silence.” The young Black Guard warrior whispered, his voice so chilling it froze most of them to the bone. He stared at them through the bars, eyes focused mainly on Ivan. The lift surged upward but the gang took no notice, focused only on the exchange between the two.

Ivan grinned in a friendly manner at the guard but all knew that had a hidden meaning, one the unicorn stallion understood all too well. Even so the Black Guard’s face remained ultimately impassive.

“In the Black Guard's eyes...” Ivan continued. “... Celestia is only around to give the ponies of Equestria something to unite behind, like a figurehead with no real power.”

The black armoured warrior said nothing, only stared.

“They are trained to believe only their code is real.” Ivan added. “Everything else is an illusion that must be ignored, joy, sorrow, friendship, trust, truth, justice, life, family, pain... even love, they believe it a weakness, none of them have the ability to feel.”

And still no reaction from the Black Guard.

“You see, they burn their emotions away.” Ivan finished. “Now let’s hurry this contraption up shall we? Chop chop!” Ivan demanded, slapping his hooves together.

The pegasus gave a brief nod and his horn glowed slightly a light azure, the lift moved slightly faster.

“What was that about?” Applejack whispered to Kara.

“Ivan was making a point.” Kara answered. “They don’t care if you insult them so long as you don’t insult their code, such a thing is sacrilege to them.”

“What exactly is this code?” Rarity leaned towards them.

“Enough.” The warrior whispered to them, causing the two younger mares to flinch.

“I don’t know.” Kara answered Rarity’s question anyway, giving the Guard a defiant stare. Applejack shared a confused look with Rarity.

They reached the top, below them the ground was hazy, distant, even the clouds seemed lower than massive. As the reached the top of the wall they noticed it held a small fort, which was a surprise, even now they could see how thick the massive wall around Ponyville actually was, nothing would get through it, no matter how hard it tried.

There were four more black clad guards atop the wall, each stood stock still in their places awaiting any danger that would appear, if not for the colours and various casts of the various ponies they would be exact duplicates of each other.

The barred doors to the wagons popped open with a pale blue light and the prisoners stepped out, their guide nodded for them to follow and led them across the wall to the other side. Ivan took the time to get Pinkamena, wheeling her out after them.

At the opposite side of the wall was another lift exact to the first, their guide walked onto it and motioned them to follow.

As it descended they all finally looked over the town that drew such terrible feelings in their hearts. Ponyville was a distant smudge yet even so they could feel the great depression that hung over it like a diseased malice waiting to snap them up into its hungry maw.

But what lay above the town made them shudder, though it had cleared up a bit the dark mass of inky black clouds still swirled above like an angry vortex threatening to suck it all up. Its perpetual turning made most of them feel uneasy, bad memories re-emerging from the dark vaults of their minds.

“Stewardess? Oh stewardess?” The voice of Pinkamena dragged them away from their dark thoughts and directed their attention to the scene that was about to play out.

The Black Guard looked to the pink pony with the same expression he gave Ivan.

“I just wanted to let you know that I’m going to make it my mission to learn all your secrets and I would also like to take the time to say something about your flawed code.”

The guard’s eye twitched.

“Any code that denies the right to enjoy a cupcake is without a doubt the single most idiotic code on the face of Equestria.” Ivan was prepared for it when it came, which was why Pinkamena remained alive. The guard barely moved yet as he swung a foreleg upwards a long lightning shaped blade shot out from his sleeve.

Ivan wheeled Pinkamena back slightly so the blades tip did not bite into flesh, instead coming to a stop with the blade’s tips a hairs breath away from her jugular. Ivan moved again to take his place beside Pinkamena’s trolley.

“Don’t let her get to you.” Ivan offered to the guard. “It would look poorly upon your kind should you prove so easily provoked.”

“I wasn’t even trying.” The pink pony smirked, she had not even blinked as the blade had swung to kill her.

“The last thing you want is to kill one of the Elements of Harmony.” Ivan also added. “They are a crucial part in Equestria’s continued survival after all.”

“Does that mean I can say anything I like to him?” Pinkamena sounded thoughtful. “If that’s the case I have a whole dissertation prepared.”

“Believe me Miss Pie.” Ivan sighed. “They never truly believed the Elements worth very much.”

“Oh what a shame.” Pinkamena sighed, smiling through her mask. “I guess it will have to wait.”

“At least you can say you have more balls than he does.” Ivan grinned.

“They castrate themselves as well?”It seemed even the cold Pinkamena could be surprised.

“They worship the idea of sterility.” Ivan answered. “Along with emotions they burn away their sense of touch too.”

“So he’ll never know the warmth of another body?” She smirked. “That’s rather pathetic.”

“Do you think that’s really necessary Ivan?” Twilight muttered to him with a mixture of shock and anger. “You’re treading on dangerous ground here.”

“He doesn’t mind.” Ivan shrugged. “Do you, you senseless waste of life?”

The guard shook his head at that and retracted the blade, taking his usual stance without flaw, making the others feel as if the armoured warrior were a robot of some kind. The journey down seemed longer than the one going up, truth be told they had not expected Ivan to so casually throw insults after warning them not to.

It was very disconcerting.

They did reach the ground eventually and none hesitated to leap off from the platform, except Ivan who took his sweet time wheeling Pinkamena off from the stone. Once off however Ivan turned to the guard and smiled up at him. “Thank you for the ride you nutless lying murdering sack of shite.”

The guard ignored him and began the journey back up to the top of the wall.

Twilight’s breath exploded from her lungs, she had not seen this side of Ivan before and it worried her greatly, in fact her whole perception of him had changed, how could he be so rash to say such things and endanger them all, was he insane!?

“What were you thinking!?” She demanded of him.

Ivan sighed and looked up to face the rapidly ascending platform. “You wouldn’t understand Twilight...”

“Try me.” She narrowed her eyes.

He shook his head and gave to her a penetrating stare. “You were not there Twilight, you have to see what they’re capable of before you can judge me.”

“But...!!!” Twilight began but paused when Kara laid a hoof on her shoulder.

“Let it go Twilight, just this once.” Kara pleaded. “He’s right.”

“You were never in danger.” Ivan answered. “They know me well enough and I know how to speak to them.”

“Had a lot of practice?” Applejack raised a brow, discovering another clue to that interesting story he had denied her and wishing to pursue it.

“More than I would have liked.” Ivan nodded.

They stood in silence for a while, slowly it dawned on a few of them that they had stepped hoof onto dangerous ground without even thinking about it, now turning to look in the direction of their home. It wasn’t visible from this distance but they could feel it, like a dead weight in their chests.

Ivan saw this moment of doubt and worry and decided to end it right then and there. “Who wants to help me unstrap Miss Pie?” He grinned.

A new silence formed in the group, one that was a touch more uncomfortable.

Lemon Curry, who had remained silent throughout the entire journey let out a silent sigh, he too understood Ivan’s delight in insulting those creatures atop the wall, he too had seen what they did to keep their code alive.

He had seen quite a bit of it first hoof and ever since he wanted nothing more than to forget it.

But that would be impossible.

He shook his head to clear the cobwebs of fear, there wasn’t much that gave him the chills but the Black Guard was one of them, they were as Ivan had said barely alive.

“Help me with this would you Lemon?” Ivan’s voice called to him. “There’s a good chap.” Lemon nodded to himself and moved to do so, all the while keeping his mind away from the dark memories of his broken childhood. “Watch out for the catch there... oh never mind, I’d say be more careful in the future but...”

Lemon resisted the urge to throw a sarcastic expression at Ivan as he put his mouth over the cut on his right leg his carelessness had just awarded him.

“Oh and that’s one of those new elastic straps so take care... sorry I should have warned you about that earlier... just keep a hold of them... and roll around the ground groaning there’s a good chap, its sure to go numb in a moment then you can walk it off...”

Lemon tried to climb back onto his hooves, his nethers aching terribly, yet even as he tried to keep his balance he fell.

“I wouldn’t sit there if I were...”Ivan attempted but was too late. “Oh alright if you must sit in dirty puddles, I guess it makes your disguise look more authentic but... hey at least it took your mind off the pain right?”

Lemon did his best not to groan with despair, this was going to be a long day he knew it.

“Stop dawdling Lemon!” Ivan grinned with amusement. “These straps won’t undo themselves!”

Author's Note

Ah yes, and now the fun begins, now I no longer have to hold back... not that I was holding back much... or was I? Probably not... Or probably yes?

No, not really.

Or is it, yes, really?

Enough of this, bored, I hope you keep reading and continue to enjoy the story as much as I have!

Prologue: A Day In The Life

“Could one of y’all help me out please?” AJ groaned, embarrassed at having walked right into a pool of black slimy goo, which steamed and smelled truly awful. Pinkamena, without hesitation, turned and left them there, as was her way he supposed.

“What are y’all waitin for!?” AJ yelled.

“Stop drop and roll?” Ivan suggested, with a raised brow.

“Does it look like Ah’m on fire Doc?” AJ snarled, eyes squinting dangerously.

“Not really, no.” He answered honestly.

There was a short awkward silence that followed.

“What’s takin y’all so long!?” AJ demanded, breaking the moment with a burst of anger. “And what in tarnation is this stuff!?”

“You really don’t want to know.” Ivan answered. “Just thank whatever divine being you worship that Twilight’s tree library is nearby.”

“...” AJ suddenly went pale, sinking slowly deeper and deeper into the substance until only her head remained exposed.
“Its poo... ain’t it?”

“Kara.” Ivan turned to his student.

“Yes doctor?” She looked to him, her face touched by a sickly pale tint.

“Be a dear and find a long stick or something similar in length so we can tow our reckless friend here out of...” He smiled slightly with amusement. “...that poo.”

“Damn you doc!” AJ growled. “When Ah get out of this mess here yer gonna regret that!”

Kara, hiding her own smile as best she could by biting the inside of her cheek, went off in search of a stick. Ivan and AJ were left alone then, sharing the moment by looking off in differing directions.
“So...” Ivan began with a straight face. “...you come here often?”

“Buck you!”

“Such a nice day were having...”

“Seriously doc!” AJ glowered warningly. “Ah’m not the violent sort... but Ah’m beginnin to reconsider!”

“One day we will look back on this and laugh.” Ivan supplied sagely. AJ groaned, her face entering a state of numb despair.

“Will this work?” Kara returned, lifting a wound up hose pipe from around her shoulder and dumping it down onto the ground beside Ivan.

“Perfect!” Ivan grinned. “And we can use it to hose her down after we get her out!” Applejack growled dangerously in responce.

Ivan stood upon his hind legs, unravelled the hose pipe and threw one end into the large mess, it landed right where AJ could reach it and she did so hurriedly, grasping at the end while struggling to keep her face above the goop.
“Alright.” Ivan nodded. “On two...”

“Who are ya talkin to?” AJ demanded. “Yer the only one pullin, just pull it already!”

“I’m sorry that I like to add atmosphere.” Ivan paused, delaying the rescue a second longer.

“DOC!!!”

Chuckling he tugged the hose, stepping back as he did, slowly pulling AJ face first through the horrible, horrible hellish muck. “Oh...” He grinned mischievously. “You should lift your head!”
AJ rumbled a retort though the muck cut it off.

***

Twilight frowned, looking up from her microscope with confusion as a thought entered her mind... Where was that hideous smell coming from? From above she heard the front door being opened, meaning someone had come back, she hoped it wasn’t Pinkamena, the thought of being alone with her was disturbing.
“We’re home!” Ivan pronounced, earning a sigh of relief from the unicorn. “And if you are wondering the smell is coming from Applejack!” He also added.

“Seriously Doc!” AJ almost yelled. “Ah’m warnin ya fer the last time!”

Twilight frowned and walked up the stairs from her lab to the main room, when she opened the door she almost gagged to death. “What in Tartarus is that!?” She choked her eyes watering, swearing which was rare.

“I told you.” Ivan shrugged, leaving the main room and heading down into the basement. “It’s Applejack, but don’t worry, we hosed her down enough so she wouldn’t drag any into your home.”

Twilight frowned and looked to AJ, who was seething with untold anger, looking to Kara Twilight asked. “What happened?”

Kara began to speak but was overridden by Pinkamena as she entered the library, closing the door behind her. “Applejack decided to take a swim in demon muck.” She answered in her cold soulless voice, the pink pony left them, following Ivan downstairs.

“Oh gross...” Twilight coughed, feeling light headed.

“Do ya mind if Ah use yer shower?” AJ sighed.

“I think you should take a bath.” Twilight answered. “A long one! And use the soap! Lots of soap!!!”

“What is that ghastly odor?” Rarity demanded, entering the room from the one above. “Oh My Goddess Applejack!!!” Rarity
gagged, shoving her snout into the knee of her foreleg. “Did you wade through a sewer!?”

“That’s more than one sewer...” Twilight answered shakily, feeling quite dizzy and completely out of sorts.

“Alright already Ah’m goin.” AJ grumbled, moving up the stairs to the bathroom, Rarity leapt over the edge of the stairs to avoid her. “An stop with all that nonsense!” She barked.

Once AJ was gone Twilight broke her boundaries and forced herself out of the front door, taking deep breaths of fresh air into her lungs to clear them out, she found Rarity beside her doing the same.

“That was...” Rarity began with a pained expression.

“...something else.” Twilight agreed with a firm nod.

Author's Note

We reap what we sow...
Sadly my scythe (metaphor for computer) is blunt, rusty, broken and hanging on by a thread, replying may take time if at all... yet I would appreciate any feedback, good or bad so long as some thought goes into it, one worded comments are fine.
I liked this prologue, it felt right.
Problems I Had: Setting it out in a way I'm not used to, I usually format my stories like printed books, separating each bit out felt awkward...