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)

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 to the door, still in shock.

“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...