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...